Author's note:
Sorry… Sorry… I know I am late… my deepest apologies… *cough*
Now that I've reread my previous chapters, I misspelled Amegakure to Amekagure… my bad^^ But since they are technically the same, I'll just leave them that… unless I decided to rewrite Petals and gave her a makeover… hohoho… Sorry about that, really… *sigh* my grammar really sucks... *another sigh*
Anyways, on with the story… Please enjoy ~, ^v
Disclaimer:
I do not own Naruto… M. Kishimoto does… I'm just a die-hard obsessed fan (to a certain extent but not too extreme *winks* yes I know… I am crazy…)
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"Talking"
"Thinking"
"Biju speaking or Jutsu"
["Talking" Mindscape]
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PETALS OF HOPE
CHAPTER 22
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A lesson without pain is meaningless. That's because no one can gain without sacrificing something. But by enduring that pain and overcoming it… He shall obtain a powerful, unmatched heart. A full metal heart… - Edward Elrich, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
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Previously…
"I'll show you what really happened that night," Kagura said, ignoring Sasuke. "Be warned though… You will feel more than what you are already experiencing right now…"
"Pain? You tell me… How about Itachi's pain? Let us be frank, Sasuke…" Kagura crouched beside the Uchiha.
"You don't really know anything at all…"
The last thing Sasuke saw was Kagura's ripple like eyes. By then, he fell into oblivion.
That day, Uchiha Sasuke's world shattered into pieces once more.
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Sakura stopped walking and listened, straining her ears to hear something. Ever since she woke up in this strange place, she feels claustrophobic.
Though it is not as dark as the Amegakure's fortress, whatever this place is, it's starting to creep her out.
"I have to get out of here…" Sakura thought worriedly. "Itachi's hurt… Sasuke must have gotten into him…" Anxiety eating her slowly, the pink haired started to chew her nails. She tried to run earlier but decided to walk instead or she will lose her stamina real fast. She must conserve her energy for later use.
Taking deep breaths, Sakura channeled enough chakra to her eyes. The sensation was instantaneous. Having a kekkei genkai has its privileges… and disadvantages, especially theirs…
Her brother, Nagato, told her once, that the Rinnegan is coveted among all elemental nations. One of the reasons why their parents hid themselves from the outside world and live anonymously as ordinary peasants among the village of the hidden Rain.
Remembering the sacrifices they made, what Nagato is trying to do thinking that she did not know a single thing… Sakura scoffed.
Her brother should have known that she is not just any other shinobi that specializes in the arts of healing. She is one of Konoha's most talented. Well, not as smart as Shikamaru, but still…
Remembering Itachi's sacrifices for Sasuke and the village of the hidden Leaf… Sakura decided it was her turn to do her part.
They aren't the only ones who can make sacrifices. With her Rinnegan, the youngest child of the Rain made a choice.
And she is going to stick by it till the end.
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Kagura was humming a tune. Tapping her foot restlessly, she waited for something to happen. To be very particular, the eldest child of the Rain is waiting for someone.
Raising one delicate brow, she tried to get a glimpse of the future. Looks like the future is getting mixed up. It is everyone's game now.
"I wonder… What path will that boy take?"
"Lady Kagura."
The rosette sighed and faced her favorite brother next to Nagato. "Hello Itachi. It's been a while…"
"Yes, it is."
Kagura screwed her face up in distaste of seeing Itachi's Sharingan. "You really have no regards for your own life, do you Itachi-kun?"
Itachi didn't react, his face… unemotional. Walking past the older woman, the Uchiha gave a slight bow in respect and continues his stride.
"Going somewhere?"
"Sakura needs me. I have to…" Itachi stopped when Kagura appeared before him, blocking his path.
"Lady Kagura, please… I have to save her… I am the only one who could…"
Making a disgruntled sound, the woman crossed her arms and glared at him. Itachi's patience is thinning. He has great respect for her, but if she continues to stay in his way, he has no choice but to…
"I already met your brother," Kagura sneered and raised one hand to wipe the blood that trickled down the Uchiha's cheek. "He is as broken as you are… Such a waste he would be if I will…"
Itachi paled considerably.
"…let you prolong his agony. You should have known better," Kagura smiled mockingly. "Besides, you are not the only one who has something hidden on his sleeves. The only difference that separates us is that I am willing to lay all my cards on the table… with no regrets…" The woman clapped Itachi on the back, whispering receptively on his ear.
"By the way, do not underestimate my sister. Sakura can perfectly take care of herself. You, on the other hand should finish your own business… Sasuke is not going to wait forever, you know…"
"Did… did you…" Itachi clenches his fists, his entire posture rigid. Lady Kagura wouldn't dare…
"Yes I did… and I don't care what you say…" Kagura smiled and walk passed the Uchiha, "This is my village and I won't let anyone ruin my home because of their selfishness and stupidity…"
The rosette stops for a minute and turns to look at Itachi. "Perhaps it is time to tell your brother the truth," Kagura's gaze softened, "He has the right to know…" Blending herself among the shadows, her voice echoed all throughout.
"Nowadays, no one cares for the past. People tend to keep moving forward… Maybe you should do the same, Itachi-kun…"
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NoNoNoNONO!
Uchiha Itachi was motionless.
It can't be…
His plan was simple, really. After all his crimes, he will let his brother kill him. And then Sasuke would be able to come back in Konoha as a hero.
But not this…
He shouldn't know the real truth about their family… why he killed everyone.
Itachi does not want Sasuke to know the skeletons in their closet. The Uchiha's rotten core.
With his resolve crumbling, Uchiha Itachi fell on his knees. Beside him, he could feel Sasuke's heartbeat.
It was breaking.
"Otouto"
"Why, Itachi…" Sasuke materializes in front of his older brother, "…why?"
The older Uchiha gritted his teeth in agony. Slowly, he stood up. Before he faced his brother, Itachi wore his usual mask.
That masks that Sakura hated so much. The mask that he wore the day he killed their clan.
"Sasuke," Itachi said as his emotionless voice rang throughout the hollow of Akatsuki's underground tunnel.
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After that fateful night, Susuke once again saw the brother he once adored. He was about to take a few steps back but he held himself. He is an Uchiha… and a proud one at that. He does not run away.
The day of the massacre doesn't count. This one is different.
He did not know if it is wise to confront his brother now, but looking at Itachi's expression, the way he controlled his emotions… Sasuke had the urge to punch his brother really hard.
But knowing Sakura and her sister… Hn.
He tried to organize his own emotions.
Dealing with someone like his father, Sasuke knew that talking is not an option. Perhaps it is time to make his brother realize that he is not that pathetic little brother that he left behind.
"Itachi, we need to talk…"
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Author's other note:
Who knew, I just received my very first criticism… Ouch… I do admit that my greatest weakness is grammar and the construction part. But I'll keep in mind the ",". Characterization, hmmm... Should I elaborate more? For the Mary Sue thingy, well, I have nothing to say though I really didn't intend my original character to be too powerful (she is not that powerful, oksu!). PoH is my first story, so mistakes and the likes are to be expected. I'm trying my hardest to improve (albeit slowly) and I don't know if I should seek the assistance of a Beta Reader to help me with my story (don't know how by the way)… Anyways, your comment is greatly appreciated.
The end is near… Yosh!
Love and peace to you all^^ Ah yes, Happy New Year!
Ja ne!