Sorry for being late... Maybe I was hoping some people would miss me... haha... Anyways, here is the new chapter. I know it quite short... But nonetheless, still an update. Enjoy^^
Disclaimer: If I happen to own Naruto, I would be very very happy… And rich=) Unfortunately, I am not. Well, except for the OCs, hehe…
CHAPTER 12
Previously…
Unknown to 'Tobi' aka Uchiha Madara, Kagura have a plan of her own as she let herself be captured and send a mysterious young girl to Konoha to look for Itachi with a special package. While Sakura and Itachi are having a hard time understanding one another.
Two hard-headed individuals mean one awful headache in the making…
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Konoha, Uchiha district
Itachi is walking a very familiar path. It was a place he knew so well. Even with his eyes closed, he can walk around this place without getting lost or bumping into anything. It has been abandoned for so many years. He forgot to ask Sakura if she happens to know his brother to come here when he was still in Konoha.
Too many memories, most of them were unpleasant ones which he caused himself especially to his little brother.
He stopped at their old home and immediately noticed a bouquet of cherry blossoms at his doorstep. Itachi smiled gently.
"All you have to do is ask. There is no need to resort to this kind of infiltration." Itachi looks behind as if waiting for someone to appear. "Sakura, I know you're here. Please show yourself."
"I already masked my chakra. How did you know it was me?" Sakura asked as she jumps from the tree beside the house and lands gracefully beside the Uchiha.
"It is simple." Itachi replied and took her hand. "I know your scent." Sakura feel embarrassed as she discreetly smelled herself while he led her inside the house.
The place where it all started.
Sakura took notice of Itachi's slight wavering. "My sister is right. He really hated himself for what had happened."She looks around to give him privacy. She knew he is still mourning for their deaths. In the middle of the room, the pink-haired Kunoichi noticed two stems of dried roses. "Sasuke must have brought it here." Sakura turned when she heard Itachi's voice.
"He is right." Itachi said as if whispering to the wind. "I am a monster." The Uchiha fell on his knees in gritted teeth. His knuckles whiten as he grips them tightly.
Sakura didn't move or said anything. She looks back to the flowers and answered softly. "Yes. He did say those words once." She paused. "He also said that he will do everything to get stronger so that he can kill you and avenge your clan. One of the reasons why he made a deal to the devil himself."
"He was your team mate, am I correct?" Itachi asks as Sakura nod her head. "He was your first love." The Kunoichi blushed slightly and Itachi smiled ruefully. "Yet, you are here with me." He noted. Carefully he picked the flower and held it gently, staring at it like something precious is in his hands.
It was painful to watch him like that. He looks so broken. Sakura sighed and kneeled beside him. "Because I chose to be here… With you." She said as she placed her hands above his. "Someone told me not to judge a person for what he or she did, but the reason behind it." Sakura didn't know if she'll tell Itachi that she already knows everything…
Flashback:
Sakura opened her sister's room where her onee-san kept a few bottles of pain killers for her headache. Kagura followed her inside while holding her head. Sakura grinned. Seems like mind reading is not as easy as it is supposed to be.
"Why can't you just turned the damned thing off?" Sakura asks.
"I must have done something naughty at that time for 'him' to give me this gift. Stupid old man," Kagura muttered absently, not hearing Sakura's question.
"Who's he?" Sakura asked again.
Kagura looked at her sister, she almost forgot her presence. The older woman smiled thoughtfully. "Our grandfather."
"Hmm…" Sakura gently tapped her fingers on her sister's bed side table. "Is he really that powerful to be able to give gifts to anyone especially that 'ability' of yours?"
"He really is. As a matter of fact, you already heard of him from our recorded history." Kagura mused.
"Really?"
"Yes. He is commonly known as the Sage of the Six Paths."
"You got to be kidding me. That guy is a legend." Sakura's expression was hilarious. She could give Tobi a run of his own money for making a very unusual face. Not that anyone can see the masked Akatsuki's expression behind his usual get up. Sakura thinks that her sister is telling crazy stories to make fun at her.
Hearing Sakura's thoughts put a wide smile at Kagura face. "You could almost read her thru her face. No wonder Itachi likes to irritate her."
Sakura looks at her sister's reaction and decided to pay no attention to her. She continues to search for that stupid medicine in pouted lips when she happens to drop a couple of files. She was about to ignore it and pick it up later when she saw Itachi's name written on one of it.
"Oh, what's this?" She thought to herself.
Kagura peek from the corner of her eyes. She forgot to hide the Uchiha's file. Maybe it was a sign. Maybe it was time for Sakura to know everything about the object of her growing affection. The older woman sighed resignedly. "Sakura?"
"What is it, big sister?"
"I always knew that fate brought the two of you together for a reason." Kagura said as if speaking to herself. She looks at her sister's bewildered expression. "If you really are willing to accept Uchiha Itachi in your life, I want you to know that he is damaged beyond repairs."
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Sakura was overwhelmed by her sister's statement; the rosette doesn't seem to make any sense at all. "If you do notice yourself," Sakura added hastily, "You are talking gibberish. And I don't understand any of it."
Ignoring Sakura's tirade, Kagura took the file and placed it in her sister's hand. "Be warned, not that I didn't told you to, once you opened and read this file, there is no turning back. Uchiha Itachi is as complicated as the labyrinth of this place. If you happen to lose your way, I cannot help you anymore." Kagura's face is serious, letting Sakura to absorb everything she said, that the choice is up to her. If what Kagura think is right, then there is still hope for these two.
Sakura looks intensely at Itachi's file. Thinking of her sister's choice of words. Her inner self seems to be out of reach. Indecision is clearly etched on her face.
Sakura breathe deeply as she opened the file. Kagura's eyes sparkled in relief. "Thank God. Nagato, you owe me big time."She thought happily to herself.
"Is this the real reason why you brought me here in your room or you are just making an excuse?" Sakura asked, doubting her sister's claim about her so called 'headache'.
"Whatever." The rosette answered instantly. "Now that I've done my part, all I need to do is wait for the outcome." Kagura thought while looking at her sister. "Hmm… I think my medicine is not here. I'll check on Konan's room. See you later." Kagura said indifferently as she went outside before leaving one last look at her sister's unmoving form. "Good luck little sister." Kagura sighed. "I do hope and pray that you'll be able to heal Itachi's wounded soul. That despite the scars, he is a gentle man who is desperately in search of some peace... And a pure and innocent love that only you can offer."
Sakura looks unbelievingly at her sisters retreating figure and sighed in surrender. She sat on her sister's bed and put Itachi's file on her lap.
"Damage beyond repairs…" Sakura thought idly. "Huh? What does she means by that?"
The truth about Uchiha Itachi. Sakura's hand trembled slightly as she read the first page.
Uchiha Itachi of Konohagakure
A talented shinobi of the Hidden Village of Leaf
Heir to the Uchiha clan
A son
A brother
A murderer
A traitor
End of flashback
"Sakura?" Itachi wave his hands in front the pink-haired, trying to get her attention. She seems to be drifting apart. He knew she is thinking of something as she was staring at intently at him. Itachi's face blanched. Lady Kagura must have told her everything. "No she wouldn't dare. She promised."
Looking at Itachi's panicked reaction; he must've figured her out. The Uchiha stood, his fists clenches tightly and started to walk away from her.
["Do something." Inner Sakura told her. "Make him stop, or you'll lose him forever." She said.]
"Please…" Sakura said.
Itachi stopped but he didn't look back.
"Please don't leave me," Sakura repeated. Tears starting to fall from her eyes. The pink-haired Kunoichi felt really bad. Her heart is breaking. She suddenly remembers the day Sasuke left Konoha.
Now she realized the pain she felt that day. She was sad because her friend decided to take a different and darker path. Severing the bonds Team 7 had created. The memories they have shared, their friendship.
Will his brother do the same and abandon her as well?
Sakura already guessed the reason behind Itachi's reluctance to stay by her side. He thought his demise is unavoidable. That it would be dangerous for her if Sasuke decided to carry on his vengeance and kill him. Knowing his brother's hatred that Itachi purposely implanted himself, Sasuke will not listen to reason and might resort to any necessary means just to kill his older brother.
Her world stops spinning as she heard the door closing. Itachi already left.
Sakura knew she couldn't blame him. Itachi's path is shrouded in uncertainty. Death seems to chase him everywhere he goes. Itachi wanted to die in Sasuke's hand. A form of atonement on his part. He may not say it, but the Uchiha blames himself for the death of his clan.
Sakura cried relentlessly.
"Oh Itachi…"
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Itachi is gritting his teeth in utter agony. Now he truly hated himself, hearing her cry because of him. It was unforgiveable.
"I shouldn't have…"
There's no point in blaming himself. The damage has already been done. If Pain learned of this, the Akatsuki leader will definitely kill him. Not that he is scared or something. Sasuke must act quickly or his little brother will lose his chance in killing him. Loving Sakura proved to be an inconvenience on some parts, having two overprotective older siblings and all that. Jumping from the proverbial frying pan to the fire itself. Such irony.
"Huh? Loving… Sakura…?"
Itachi was surprise to know this fact. So he really does love her.
"I am sorry… Sakura… It is better this way…" Itachi started to walk away. Away from the only person who gave him the reason to smile again.
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Itachi stops on his track when he felt a lot of individual chakras that surrounds him. A dozen of ANBU Root. "Hn. Danzo's puppies. He must have decided to make his move on Konoha. Fool."
"Is that…" Itachi heard one of them says.
"Uchiha Itachi"
"What is HE doing here in Konoha?"
Itachi calculated the time he will took to defeat these men without them knowing of another presence that might interests the mummy. "He must not heard of our arrival." Itachi thought. He took a step and everyone tensed.
"All of you look scared. I can never imagine how everyone became an ANBU. That man must have lost his touch. Recruiting members who got easily scared of my very presence. Such a pity." Itachi said.
Itachi was about to make a couple of seals when he felt a sudden burst of killer intent coming from inside his house. "This can't be good."
The door to his house was opened forcibly causing the edges to splinter. Sakura stood, her eyes glaring murderously with her Rinnegan activated. Itachi didn't know if her anger was directed solely at him so he steps back a little but still prepares for an offensive position in case their 'other' enemy decides to attack now that he is quite occupied.
The Uchiha was motionless as she spoke in a very calm voice.
"Someone is trying to destroy my happiness." Sakura said dangerously to herself. "One, two, three… just twelve? That old man is underestimating me. I'll show him…" The pink-haired Kunoichi wear her gloves in preparation.
"Sakura"
The Uchiha tried to call her attention but Sakura ignored him as she took another step. "I'll deal with you later Uchiha Itachi. For now, let me handle this situation. I need to think… And break something…" Sakura looks at him and smiles sweetly.
Itachi felt his insides shiver. The Sakura infront of him is Kagura's mini version. And much more scarier too. "I am so dead."
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Earlier that day
Hinata said that they are requested by Lady Tsunade to attend an emergency meeting at the Hokage tower in 30 minutes. Itachi promised 10.
Sakura and Itachi were travelling at high speed. Unlike the Fourth Hokage who travels in flashes of yellow, Itachi's version is darker. Sakura is starting to get edgy. (Authors note: Our Sakura happens to be afraid of the dark. A phobia or something… Please read earlier chapters^^)
"I said, put me down…" The pink-haired yank herself away from Itachi's grasps causing them to lose their balance and land on a different spot from their destination.
"This is…" Sakura looks around, leaving a safe distance between her and the Uchiha.
"We are still in Konoha. We must be near the southern gates." Itachi said. He looks decisively at the Kunoichi who seems to avoid his eyes. Itachi sighed. "Since my reputation is already ruined, I don't mind arriving late like Hatake Kakashi always does."
Sakura huffs in irritation.
"Sakura, please be reasonable…"
"Don't you Sakura me, you… you…" Sakura raised her hands in the air and looked angrily at Itachi.
The Uchiha didn't move while Sakura walks relentlessly around him. It may not look like it but Itachi is still struggling inside. And Sakura could see through the facade which makes her so mad with fury.
"I had enough!" She thought furiously. Before she can utter a word, an explosion was heard from Konoha's northern borders. Both look at the same direction. Sakura was about to activate her Rinnegan to see the extent of the damage and to know if there are any injured shinobis in the area. Without her noticing, Itachi created a shadow clone to bring her to safety.
"No you don't…" The Itachi clone hauled the pink-haired across his shoulders and brought her to the Hokage tower in a blink of an eye.
"Itachi, you bastard… Don't you dare leave me here…" Sakura shouted as she was handed to a surprised Naruto. Hinata was walking beside the Uzumaki, startled of their sudden appearance.
"I'll entrust her to you for the time being, Naruto-san." The Itachi clone said seriously. "Don't let her out of your sight."
"Wh-what the…?" Naruto was taken aback at the Uchiha's request. "I am well capable of protecting everyone, thank you very much." He pouted as he let Sakura down. Hinata giggled as she approached the enraged kunoichi. Sakura was fuming with anger while shooting daggers at Itachi's clone. There are no other words for Sakura's reaction; she was ready to murder someone. She is really angry.
The Itachi clone was about to dispel himself when Sakura blurted out. "You are not supposed to use your Sharingan, you moron." The infuriated kunochi crossed her arms and glared exasperatingly at the dark-haired shinobi. The clone looked back at her.
"She is right, Uchiha-san." Hinata added. "You need a couple of days or a week for your eyes to heal completely. Damaging it further will make it harder to mend." The Hyuga said in a timid voice, poking her fingers together.
The Itachi clone shrugged his shoulders dismissively. "No matter," he said smugly. "I can still fight using my other 'eyes'. Please do not worry yourself, princess. I'll be just fine."
Sakura shook her head, trying to understand Itachi's weird reasoning and sense of humor. The Uchiha chuckled as he closed the gap between them and kissed the pink-haired kunoichi on her forehead and patted her cheek softly, assuring her. He gave one last meaningful look to Naruto and a polite smile to Hinata before he dispelled himself.
The original smiled tenderly to himself as he remembers Sakura's worried expression. "You never cease to amaze me, Sakura." Itachi looked ahead and prepares himself for battle.
"It's going to be a long day… I guess."
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I hate to say this but if you don't give me enough reviews, no updates will be posted. 4 to 5 will surely motivate me… okay?
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p.s.
Naruto Manga
Yipee yey!
Itachi and Sasuke, face to face… At long last…