Sasuke began to question his own reasoning as he once again avoided a citizen of Konoha that was to laden down with materials to see him approaching. Initially, his decision to venture into the market place to purchase food - which the apartment was sadly lacking in - seemed a harmless enough idea. Apparently his work on the restoration project and being seen with Naruto frequently, not by his own choice, left the villagers respectful of the power he wielded but not so much frightened of him anymore. While there were few brave enough to try and engage him in conversation, most all of them at least gave a passing greeting.

He would have been happy enough had they ignored his presence all together, but that was nearly impossible unless he choose not to be detected. So he gave in to the polite manners he was raised with and would return their greetings with a simple nod of his head. Thankfully, this action had yet to make anyone think it gave them free reign to try and join him as he strolled or to strike up a conversation. Sasuke was not looking forward to the day that happened.

He by-passed the weapons shop on the corner and headed straight for the fresh produce stand a few blocks down. The streets were bustling with people, yet they all had a single purpose in mind. Shop keepers were hurriedly placing items on the shelves while their workers filled the entrance way with colorful, and often elaborate, decorations. Vendor carts were lined down the street, all of them closed for the moment but ready to open up in an instant. Shikamaru had already warned them a few days ago of the upcoming festival but Sasuke had no idea the village would go to such lengths. Not only down this particular street, but every street in Konoha was busy with the same activities. Even the people's homes were covered in lights for the night time events and flying large streamers during the day. As the ceremony began tonight, everyone was rushing to get ready for the event.

"Oi! Sasuke!"

The young Uchiha sighed and glanced over his shoulder towards the loud voice. Why was it that Naruto had the uncanny ability to find him whenever he left the safety of his quiet apartment?

Flashes of bright orange were all Sasuke could see as Naruto weaved his way around the crowd separating the two. Sasuke continued his sedate pace to the produce vendor; he knew Naruto would catch up soon. He had not spoken to the hyperactive shinobi since the previous day. Perhaps he had finally spoken to Sakura? Sasuke found himself eager to hear any information she had provided about the list of substances Shikamaru had given him.

"Teme." Naruto growled as he finally caught up to him. "I know you heard me Sasuke-teme."

The raven haired young man simply cocked an eyebrow at Naruto, causing the man's face to flush even further.

"Anyway," Naruto began, quickly changing his mood as he was happy to be about the bustling village with his friend. "What are you doing?"

"Shopping." Sasuke simply replied and began perusing the goods at the large produce stand. The shopkeeper was busy with the many other patrons so he took his time in selecting.

"Oh." Naruto looked along with Sasuke for a moment but became bored at the activity. His face brightened once again as a thought struck him. "Oh yeah, you are coming out tonight for the festival, right Sasuke?"

The Uchiha didn't bother turning around as he gave a non-committal, "Hn."

"Oh come on Sasuke! It'll be fun!" Naruto pleaded, apparently able to decipher the single syllable from his friend. "There'll be all kinds of food and games and stuff. You gotta come out!" He swept his hands out as he made his argument and inadvertently knocked some oranges from their perch atop the large pile. Naruto hurried to chase the escaping fruits, not noticing the elderly woman sitting by the building behind the stand until he nearly ran her over.

"Oh, sorry obaa-san." he said as he caught himself before he hit her thin legs.

"Eh?" she called out loudly, squinting her eyes as she peered into the young man's face. "Oh...Kushina's brat." she grumbled. "Figures."

Sasuke's disregard to the situation changed when he saw the shock register on Naruto's face. He moved closer to the pair – his curiosity peaking.

"Wha...How..." Naruto stammered, unable to voice his question in his amazement.

"Where is that hot-blooded woman anyway, hmm?" The elder continued. "She needs to teach you some more manners I'm thinking."

Naruto turned to look at his friend, eyes still wide in confusion and shock as the old woman twisted and turned in her seat – looking for someone that would not be there. Her eyes narrowed once again, and her mouth twisted in a knowing smirk as she spotted Sasuke coming up beside his friend.

" 'Shoulda known you'd be here too Uchiha. Those two always did like to do their shopping together." Sasuke's own features contorted in confusion. "Well, well...ain't you two being the good little mama's boys."

Sasuke exchanged a look with Naruto. "What are you talking about?" he asked the woman as she cackled at her own joke.

"Look at ya, looking more like her everyday. Miko-chi!" she called loudly into the surrounding crowds, the thin salt and pepper hair gathered at her neck coming loose from its bun. "Come here! I wanna tease her about her little look alike."

Naruto ignored the woman's laughter; Sasuke was now the one rigid with tension. A strange look swirled in his onyx eyes as he studied the odd woman before them.

"Where are those two anyway?" she mumbled to no one in particular. "Probably off gossiping like always." she began searching through the large pockets on the apron she wore. Over and over she rummaged through the various contents, pausing at times but never seeming to find what she wanted.

"Obaa-san." Sasuke began in a somewhat hesitant, quiet voice. She didn't respond so he swallowed past the dry lump in his throat and spoke again, this time his voice coming out strong. "Obaa-san."

"Huh? What is it?"

"This M...Miko-chi you are referring to...are you by chance speaking of Mikoto?"

The elder woman's haggard face scrunched up, one withered hand rising to rest over her eyes dramatically. "Young people these days." she grumbled. "Who else would I be talking about but your mother? Kami I need to talk to these girls...not raising these kids with any sense." She once again delved into her pockets, ignoring the rest of the world.

"Sasuke." Naruto's voice sounded thick, even to his own ears. "Mikoto is...was...your mom?"

"Aa." he answered, still staring at the woman as she dug through her pockets. "Is Kushina..."

"Yeah, yeah...she was mine."

The pair of friend's were each lost in their own thoughts for a moment; memories of their mothers brought to the surface by the woman's words.

"Obaa-san," Sasuke called the elder's attention back. "Uchiha Mikoto has been dead for many years." No emotion was betrayed by his voice as Sasuke stared unfailingly into her clouded eyes.

"Kushina has been gone for even longer than that." Naruto couldn't speak as confidently as his friend did. His voice lowered as the sad admission passed his lips.

The woman was so still as the words settled over her. Her eyes blinked once, then again and the cloud seemed to fade. "Dead?" Weathered lips parted on an old sigh, her head shook slowly. "Yes, they're dead. So long...so very young." The hands left her pockets and she held them to her body. "Most all of them are dead now."

The boys were at a loss of what to do as the old woman began muttering various things to herself. The teasing personality faded away as the years of harsh memories flooded her in an instant.

"Okaa-san!" The shopkeeper hurried to the elderly woman's side and spoke lowly to her. "I'm sorry boys." she said with a good natured smile to the two. "Forgive her if she said something weird. Her mind's not so good these days and sometimes the memories get mixed up."

Naruto recovered first and rushed to assure the woman no harm was done. Sasuke moved away from the vendor at a sedate pace, Naruto quickly following.

Could what she had said be true?

Naruto couldn't help but to think that maybe the old woman had been right. He saw Sasuke's ebony hair out of the corner of his eyes and wondered if their mother's really did come shopping together, gossip together like he saw so many of the other women of the village do. Maybe they were good friends.

That thought made him smile.

As they moved further away from the vendor Naruto briefly thought to remind Sasuke that he hadn't actually bought anything yet. One look at his friend's face closed his mouth instantly. He didn't bother breaking the silence that stretched between them; he simply continued walking by Sasuke as they strolled down the village streets, content to wait until his friend was ready to speak once more.

They were nearing the hokage tower when a familiar red head appeared in Naruto's line of sight.

"Gaara!"

The civilians around them shielded their eyes from the dirt Naruto kicked up in his haste to make it to his friend. The Kazekage turned at the loud cry, his thin lips tilting ever so slightly at the sight of the loud blond. Smiles adorned people's faces as they saw the apparent friendship between the leader of a fellow nation and their own hero.

Sasuke approached the pair slowly, his eyes wary of the powerful man he once attacked.

"Gaara, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked with a big grin.

"We received an invitation to the festival celebrating the completed reconstruction of Konoha."

"Ah, I can't believe baa-chan didn't tell me you were coming!" Naruto exclaimed. "I would've met you guys when you got here."

"The lazy ass met us." Temari said, strolling up next to her brother. She cast a quick glance to Gaara as they watched the Uchiha finally make his way to the pair.

"Oh yeah," Naruto said to Sasuke, "I know you know who Gaara is but this is Temari." No trace of hesitation or doubt crossed the blond's face as he introduced them. An understanding passed between the Suna siblings and Sasuke as they did nothing more than offer a nod of greeting to each other. The stretching silence had Naruto forcing his grin to stay in place and he desperately searched for something to say.

"Ah..." he exclaimed with a relieved look to his cerulean eyes. "Where's Kankuro?"

"He should arrive later tonight." Gaara said, turning his attention back to Naruto. "His team was just returning from a mission and needed to rest before leaving once more."

"Gaara didn't wanna wait so we left before the others." Temari added with an obvious disapproving frown. "The rest of the Kazekage's escort won't arrive until nearly a day after he's been here."

"I do not require an escort to travel such a short distance."

"A three day travel is not a short distance Gaara."

"Aww, come on Temari." Naruto interjected between the siblings with a hefty pat to Gaara's shoulder. "Gaara is strong. He can deal with anyone dumb enough to attack him." The red head's lips tilted upward once more at the blatant praise.

"That's not the point you dumb ass!"

"Oh yeah, come on Gaara. I can finally get you to try Ichiraku's now that you're here. You're gonna love it, I promise! It's the best ramen in the world!" Naruto led the stunned man away, ignoring the protests by his escort as he went on about one of his favorite subjects.

It took Sasuke a moment to realize he had been left standing in the middle of the street staring at their retreating figures. With a self-imposed anger, he turned to go back into the shopping district. Perhaps now that the distraction was gone he could finish what he left the house to do in the first place.

X x X x X x X x X x X

"Are you not going to the festival?" Itachi turned away from the window to regard his brother when he entered the room.

"I am." Sasuke reluctantly admitted. He had no burning desire to venture out into the already loud, crowded streets of Konoha but he knew Itachi wanted him to join the festivities. With the way his brother had been staring out the window all day, he was sure Itachi wished to be down on the streets as well. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option for him.

Itachi swept his eyes down his brother's attire, taking in the dark gray hakama and his black kosode. When he turned, Itachi was able to see the Uchiha symbol stitched neatly between his shoulder blades.

Itachi turned back to the window, barely concealing his smirk, to continue watching the village. The sun was nearly lowered to the horizon and the first signs of night were making themselves known. Lights began to glow brightly all across Konoha as colorful lanterns were lit by the happy villagers. Children were playing in the streets while the groups of parents kept watchful eyes over their cups of tea. Rowdy laughter could be heard coming from some shops as the sake was already taking its effect. The lively sight of the village being whole once more was a welcome sight to Itachi's world weary eyes.

A knock at the door had the Uchihas locking eyes in confusion. Sasuke looked at it dumbly for a moment before sighing in resignation. "It's probably the dobe." he muttered as he strode to the doorway.

Instead of the loud voice he expected, Itachi heard Sakura's soft tones filter into the room. "May I come in? I have a message for Itachi-san."

Itachi waited until she was fully in the apartment and Sasuke had closed the door before he ventured away from his window. His eyes roamed her figure appreciatively as he took in the soft green kimono that hugged her body. The stark white obi off set the golden tulips that decorated the silky fabric. "Good evening Sakura-san."

"Hello Itachi-san, I hope I'm not disturbing you."

His eyes warmed as he stopped just in front of the shorter woman. "Such beauty is never a disturbance Sakura-san."

The medic pinked at his words and looked away in embarrassment. He heard Sasuke snort at his praise but his brothers eyes were still on her form.

"Th-thank you Itachi-san." she murmured shyly. "I have a message from Tsunade-sama."

"How can I help the Hokage?"

"Actually she's extending an invitation to you." his ebony eyebrow quirked in confusion. "Tsunade-sama would like for you to join her on the roof of the Hokage's tower after sunset to enjoy the sights of the festival. Of course, that's only if you'd like to do so."

"Of course." he quickly agreed.

"I'll inform her right away then." she said with a smile and turned to leave.

"Sakura-san, why are you not wearing that kushi?" Itachi asked, referencing to the delicate looking comb in her hand.

"Oh...well, I was able to put my hair up but I can't seem to place this correctly." she admitted with a little embarrassment. "I was going to get Ino to put it in for me on the way to the festival."

"Why don't I help you with that?"

"Huh?"

"What?"

Sasuke and Sakura both exclaimed in confusion and shock. The elder Uchiha simply chuckled and gently took the comb from her fingers and led her to sit down. A tingle worked it's way across her head as she felt his fingers beginning to move through her rose colored locks.

Itachi admired the pitch black wood covered in red plum blossoms. "This is a very beautiful piece. Where did you come by it?" His baritone voice asked from behind her.

"I...uh, my...my mother sent it to me a few days ago." She saw Sasuke continue to stare at the pair of them with wide eyes. Of course, she couldn't blame him, she was shocked to her core herself. Forget the why's, where in the world did Itachi learn to pin up a woman's hair!

"Aa. She is still visiting her friend?"

"Umm...yeah. Her daughter is expecting her first child soon and mom doesn't think her friend is gonna be much help with the baby so they're sticking around a while longer." his fingers brushed against her ear causing her to flush in embarrassment all over again. "Itachi-san, forgive me but I'm so confused as to how you are able to do this."

"Why is that Sakura-san?"

"Oh come on, exactly how many times does the need to fix a woman's hair become a skill valuable to an Akatsuki member?"

She felt, more than she heard him lean down next to her ear. His warm breath tickled as he spoke lowly to her. "You'd be surprised at the skills that are valuable to a missing-nin." His fingers ghosted across the back of her neck. "Even one such as this."

She shot to her feet as a trail of goosebumps ran down her spine. She took large steps across the room, trying to put some distance between herself and the Uchiha she knew was smirking behind her back. "I'll inform Tsunade-sama to be expecting you." her words tumbled quickly from her mouth as she made her way to the door.

Sasuke shot his brother a probing look as he watched the petite woman hurry from their apartment. "What did you say to her?"

Itachi hid his smile as he returned to the window. "Nothing much, ototo. We were just talking about the skills men such as you and I have."

X x X x X x X x X x X x X

"There's nothing better than ramen!"

Sasuke did his best to ignore the loud outburst by his companion. Not that he could do much, other than pretend the dobe wasn't walking next to him. If he ever managed to find where Naruto bought the ridiculous orange kimono he wore, he swore to burn the establishment to the ground.

"Baka, you're gonna turn into ramen one day." Kiba drawled as he strode next to the young man, though he still kept a wary eye on Sasuke. "It's a freaking festival! Why don't you try something from one of the other vendors?"

"I'm going to." Naruto stubbornly replied. "But no matter what, they've got nothing on Ichiraku's."

Kiba snorted while Akamaru added a bark of agreement.

"Good evening Naruto-kun."

"Hey." Naruto called back to the young woman who spoke to him.

"Who was that?" Kiba asked, looking back to find the young woman watching them and giggling.

"Dunno."

"Seriously? That's like the tenth time that's happened already."

"I know. They keep looking like they want something but none of them will tell me what." Naruto said as he crossed his arms in confused contemplation.

Sasuke shook his head at the dumbfounded look the idiots next to him wore.

"Naruto!"

The group turned at Sakura's call. He could just see her arm waving above the heads of the many villagers separating them. Naruto stepped out of the street, choosing to wait by a building so she could reach them. When she stepped into view with the other female members of the once known rookie 9, he found himself fighting the need to turn a rather dull red. Though he wasn't sure if it was from Sakura or her companion.

All the girls were dressed up for the festivities in bright colored kimonos but he found his eyes drawn back to Hinata more than once. Her long blue-black hair was neatly coiled at the back of her head with elaborately painted kogai placed in the center. The light blue kimono that wrapped around her frame offset her pearlescent eyes. His gaze lingered for a moment on her abundant chest – something he'd never realized she possessed before. When his mind supplied a few choice ideas on what to do with this new found knowledge – not surprisingly all sounding like Ero-sennin – he ripped his gaze back up to her face. He was afraid the blush that extended across her ivory cheeks was matched by his own.

"G-Good afternoon Naruto-kun." she whispered shyly.

"Hey H-Hinata."

"Sakura-san, you are more beautiful than any blossom could ever hope to be tonight!" Lee practically shouted as he ran up to the group. Naruto had never been more thankful to see him in his life.

Tenten rolled her eyes at her team mate and decided to save Sakura the hassle of dealing with him. "Where's Gai-sensei, Lee? Do you think he chose not to participate in the fun tonight?"

The energetic young man, who was still in his one piece training suit much to everyone's dismay, began searching the festival furiously. "I do not see him. This is horrible. Why would sensei not be enjoying the foray into this exciting world tonight?" His eyes widened as an idea took root in his mind. "Perhaps he is training in a new secret way. Forgive me Tenten, I must find our brilliant sensei!"

She and Neji shared a sigh of relief when he dashed away into the crowds.

"I want to say that was mean but thanks Tenten-chan." Sakura said with a giggle.

"Nah, he'll find Gai-sensei soon and they'll enjoy themselves enough."

Sakura laughed with her but stopped when she finally noticed Sai hanging back, far from the rest of the group. She fought against the flow of the villagers in the street until she made it to his side. "Sai, what are you doing back here?"

His blank face studied hers. "I am observing the interactions of everyone at this festival. I have never seen one before and am curious as to it's purpose."

She frowned at that. "Okay, but why don't you join us and do that at the same time?"

"Because I am not sure if I am still needed within this particular group."

"Sai! What do you mean?"

Something seemed to flicker in his normally unreadable eyes. "With Sasuke-kun being accepted back into his old place, I am unsure if I still have a place among you."

Sakura's face fell for only a moment before irritation welled up in it's place. "Baka!" she yelled and smacked him on the arm – she omitted the use of her chakra. "Haven't Naruto and I already told you this Sai? You. Are. Not. A. Replacement!"

He rubbed the now sore area on his arm. Sakura's features softened once again and she took his hand. "Sai, you are our friend. Just because Sasuke is back or even if we met someone new, that will never change the fact that you are our friend and belong with us."

"But wha..."

"No buts Sai. You will always have a place among us. Trust me in that."

She was glad he didn't give her that fake grin of his; instead, his face relaxed from the tension he'd been holding over this matter. He didn't smile yet, but it was enough.

"Now come on, you're missing the festival." she led him back over to the group, smiling at the laughter coming from all of them.

"But I just don't get it! What's so funny about it Ino?" Naruto asked his fellow blond.

"Ridiculous." Neji muttered and covered his arms. Shikamaru and Choji – who'd joined the group in her absence – nodded in agreement.

"What's going on?" Sakura asked.

Ino grabbed her arm and pulled her aside, letting Naruto face the streets once more. "Just watch." she said between her laughter. It wasn't long before Sakura was able to see what was troubling Naruto. A group of girls – perhaps only a year or two younger than themselves – walked passed, giggling and casting glances at Naruto.

Before they could fully pass them by, they called out in unison, "Hello Naruto-kun."

"Oh dear." Sakura said in understanding.

"What? What? Do you know what's going on Sakura-chan 'cause they won't tell me!" Naruto spat out in growing irritation.

"There's no choice I guess." Ino said and looped her arm through Sakura's. "We just have to help him get the point Forehead."

Sakura pinked as she realized what her friend intended. "No way Ino!"

"Aww, come on Sakura." she said, once again giving in to a fit of giggles. "You know he'll never get it any other way. Hell, he probably won't believe it even if we tell him outright."

She warred with herself over the embarrassment of it before giving in with a deep sigh. "I guess you're right. We should help him out, and after all, we were once infected with the same disease."

Ino laughed at her friend's words. "Very true, and who better to help him out than a couple of survivors."

Sakura joined in her laughter and began to walk away from the group.

"Wait! What are you two doing?" Naruto asked.

"Just wait Naruto." Sakura called. "You'll figure it out in a minute."

He narrowed his eyes in doubt but crossed his arms and waited patiently. Sakura and Ino began walking back towards the group, displaying the same behavior as the girls that had passed them by earlier. Their arms were still linked as they cast glances at Naruto and giggled to each other. Unlike the other girls, they began walking in his direction.

"You say it." Ino whispered loudly, so that all could hear her.

"No you."

"Oh no, he's looking at us."

"What should we do?" Sakura asked in mock nervousness.

"Just come on."

They walked straight up to Naruto and, with shy glances and fidgety hands, spoke together.

"Hello Naruto-kun."

The jinchuriki stood stunned at the weird behavior by his friends and could do little more than stammer back. "H-Hi."

They giggled loudly and turned to walk away. They stopped just beyond the store's edge where they could still be seen and heard clearly.

"Kami, he spoke to us!"

"I know, I know! He was so looking at you."

"Uh-uh, he was totally looking at you."

"Oh why didn't I wear that other dress tonight? If I'd have known we be speaking to him I so would have tried to look nicer."

"You look great Ino-chan! But look at me! My hair's a totally wreck."

"No it doesn't. Your hair looks beautiful. Oh kami-sama, my heart's still beating so fast."

"I know, can't you feel me shaking. He's just so cute."

"And strong."

"I know. He saved the village all by himself." At this point the girls could hear the rest of their friends roaring with laughter but they continued on their little charade.

"The village? He saved the whole world all by himself!"

They sighed together then began giggling again. "He's just so nice." Sakura said and clasped her hands to her chest.

"I know." there was a pause before Ino once again turned to her friend. "You know who I bet he'd be even nicer to?"

"Who?"

"His girlfriend."

The girls dissolved in laughter before turning around and making their way back to their friends. Kiba was completely laying over Akamaru, his strength gone from laughing for so long. Tenten was wiping tears from her eyes and hanging off Neji's shoulders – while even he had a grin on his face.

Naruto watched the pair with unbelieving eyes. "B...But..." he stammered. His head whipped to Sasuke as if to verify what he'd just witnessed. Blue eyes locked onto the girls once more. "But that's how you used to act around the teme!"

"Uh-huh...and..." Sakura prodded, laughing at his slow realization.

"But...but that's how all his fan-girls acted!"

"Exactly Naruto-kun." Ino said with a chuckle.

"What!" Naruto exclaimed loudly, back-peddling away from the crowd and putting himself flush with the store. The group descended into laughter again, though Sakura noticed Hinata staring at the ground with what looked to be a slight pout.

"Teme..." Naruto turned pleading eyes onto his friend. "Teme, what should I do?"

Sasuke looked at Naruto for a long moment, knowing that everyone was now looking at him for his words of advice. He felt the twitch in his face and turned away before he answered.

"Run."

They howled with laughter at Naruto's panic stricken face, none of them even able to offer comfort for his plight.

Sasuke took a step away from them to ensure his face remained hidden. It wouldn't do for even the dobe to catch him with such a grin on his face.

X x X x X x X x X x X x X

The night had been a happy one with the festival being such a large success. Even from their perch atop the Hokage's tower, Tsunade and Itachi were able to see the joy in the villagers faces. She was glad now she'd invited the elder Uchiha to view the festival with her. There was no way he could be about in the festivities, but she knew he would enjoy seeing the village being so full of life once more. She knew his love and sense of duty for Konoha ran perhaps even deeper than hers did.

ANBU still remained hidden in the shadows – a duty she couldn't shirk as the Hokage – but she was able to converse with him on a number of subjects. Now, giving up her night of sake drinking in the midst of one of the more popular bars didn't seem like such a big loss.

When Naruto and his group began laughing so loudly, they immediately sought them out in the crowd and watched with amusement at their antics, though they couldn't hear what was being said. Tsunade saw Sasuke standing among them and knew Itachi would be glad to see that.

An odd flux in his chakra had Tsunade whipping her head around. "Itachi?"

A peaceful look had taken root on his face as he continued to gaze at his brother. Tsunade could do little more than watch as his flesh began withering into dust and blowing away with the light night winds.

"I didn't ruin his chances after all." she heard him say softly. When he turned to look at her she felt as if she was finally seeing the young man who once lived in this village. Gone were the worries that had long burdened his mind. His death was imminent but she felt no tinges of remorse or regret lingering about him. Nothing but pure happiness showed on his handsome face.

"I've always worried that after all I've done, he could never be happy again. I'm glad to see that's not the case."

"His friends wouldn't allow that." Tsunade said, her smile tinged in sadness.

Itachi's eyes closed slowly in acceptance of his fate but the rush of chakra that enveloped the roof made him look up once more. "Itachi." Sasuke's voice wavered as he saw the state his brother was in.

The two simply looked at each other for a long moment. There was so much Sasuke wanted to say but he found himself unable to form the words as he watched his brother's form quickly disintegrating. His footsteps were heavy but he pushed on towards Itachi's figure. Though he knew this was the undeniable fate that awaited his elder brother, he found himself taken aback when faced with the reality of it.

What should he say? What could he possibly say now to cover all the mixed feelings he had concerning the man he'd both idolized and hated with an all consuming passion.

Itachi took the decision from him as he showed Sasuke a smile full of happiness that he could never remember seeing in his entire life.

"Sasuke...thank you."

His words drifted away with the last of his corporeal body.

Sasuke stared at the place where his brother once stood, not knowing whether to hope it wasn't real or to pray for his brother's passing. Itachi had left this world in peace, his mind knew that but it was still hard to accept.

With the reality of Itachi gone from his life for good another question – one that he'd asked himself before – flashed across his emotionally confused mind.

What was he supposed to do now?

He'd never given himself the luxury of wondering what to do after he'd killed his brother when he trained so hard under the snake sannin. The moment his brother had died in front of him that question was all that was left after the knowledge that Itachi was dead settled into place.

He'd hardly given the matter thought before Madara showed up with the damning evidence of Konoha's past.

He found himself faced with the same query once again...what was he supposed to do?

A footstep towards his direction snapped the young man from his fixed stare on the last place Itachi had stood. The Hokage was slowly making her way towards him – a strange look of empathy hiding behind her light brown eyes.

"Sasuke." her soft voice washed over him and he found himself struggling to keep his blank facade in place. Her mouth opened once but she closed it quickly, swallowing whatever words of comfort she was about to speak. Her eyes drifted to the place Itachi once stood before a smile tugged the corners of her lips up. "You made him very happy Sasuke."

There was no need to ask how or even why his brother had been happy; the answer was too obvious to him even if he didn't necessarily like it.

Konoha was beginning to mean something to him again – just as Itachi wanted.

The children that were playing down the brightly lit streets, the mothers and fathers laughing watching over them while they enjoyed each others company, the shinobi taking a much needed break from the horrors of war...none of those people knew about the reasoning behind his clans massacre. They all believed, as he did his whole life, that Itachi had simply murdered them all in a fit of madness. They knew nothing about the sacrifice made for their happiness.

They knew what it had cost this time. Had witnessed it first hand as Pain had wrought destruction down upon their very heads. Yet, despite all that, they remained smiling and cheerful. They took the good with the bad and simply kept walking forward.

He could not say he had an overwhelming sense of loyalty to this place, but neither did he feel anger whenever he saw the faces of the villagers or those etched into the hokage mountain. This was what Itachi wanted after all – a peaceful village where people wanted to raise their families. A village that helped one another when they were in need. A place where people could be happy.

Itachi was gone now but Sasuke found himself loathe to disregard his brothers wishes.

And even if he was annoying as hell, maybe Naruto was still a decent rival in terms of their strength.

He still felt the Hokage's gaze on him so he offered a single nod in reply to her statement.

"I think your friends are starting to look for you." she said with a glance over the side of the tower. "Should I send them a message telling them you've gone home already?"

The Uchiha was silent for a moment, casting a last lingering look to the figure that was no longer there. "No. I'll go back to them." he finally said and turned to leave the tower once more.

His feet moved of their own will, guiding him through the crowded streets. It was all a blur to him as his mind was still trying to process the event that had once again shaken his world – an event no one would ever know of.

There was no body to bury, his name wouldn't be put on the memorial stone, and no one to mourn his passing. Very few would ever know the hardships his brother went through and even less than that would ever care. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he realized this was exactly what Itachi wanted.

He wasn't like Naruto in that he wanted everyone to acknowledge his presence. Itachi simply wanted to fade into the background once he knew his mission had been accomplished.

Well, your wish has been granted aniki.

Perhaps he should find some strong sake to indulge in. If there was a moment for it, this felt like the appropriate one.

"There you are teme!" Naruto shouted over the heads of the villagers between them. "Whatcha run off like that for?"

The urge to share the news of Itachi's death with Naruto came out of no where. It was so strong that he found his mouth opening slightly to say just that before he could catch himself. The dobe would probably make a scene or feel the need to offer words of comfort – neither of which he wanted or needed at the moment. He schooled his features once more and muttered "nothing".

At least, he thought he had hidden everything well. The searching look Sakura shot him was un-nerveing. Her emerald eyes seemed to realize he was hiding something. Jerking his gaze away from her was the only thing he could do at the moment.

Naruto accepted his answer and the group lapsed back into their loud, often playful, bantering. Sasuke found himself listening less and less to the conversations going on around him. The only thing that occupied his mind for the moment was the bright smile on Itachi's face and his 'thank you'.

He allowed the group to move ahead of him, placing much needed distance between himself and the joyous sounds around him. Perhaps that was the only reason he managed to catch the view of Sakura staring up at the hokage's tower. Her back was to her friends as she searched the darkened roof. Sasuke followed her line of sight and was able to make out Tsunade staring back down to her student over the railing. The illuminating glow cast by the lanterns allowed him to see the shake of her head.

"Sakura-san, are you okay?"

Sasuke turned back to the pinkette at Hinata's softly asked question and was immediately shocked. With her back to the group they couldn't see her but her profile was clear to him. Tear tracks trickled down her pale cheeks and she was biting her lip to hold back her cries. With deft movements, she removed a piece of cloth from her kimono and wiped away the evidence of her grief. In only a few moments, she was able to face her friends once more with a bright smile.

"I'm fine Hinata-san. Come on, the fireworks are gonna start soon." Had they been able to see her face only a moment before, they would have caught the slight hitch in her voice for what it was. As no one did, she led them all away with a smile on her face with none the wiser.

However...he saw it, he would know.

And he was grateful.

X x X x X x X x X x X

A/N:

kushi – a Japanese decorative hair comb

kogai – decorative hair sticks

A moment of silence if you please, for Itachi's passing.

Arrrgggg! I hated to write it but it had to be done! OMG, when I started this I had no idea how much even I would come to love Itachi's character. I've had so much fun with him and I so wish he could stick around but...it's just not meant to be. (in this fic anyway. I have a feeling I may need to revisit his character in my next Naruto fic...whenever that may be.)

Alright, come on guys, get me past that 300 mark for the reviews and make me a happy girl! (not that I'm not happy whenever you review 'cause I am...and I'm always grateful and happy to hear anything you have to say about my fic but...ya know what I mean right?)

Sorry, rambled a bit there.

Enjoy the chapter!

P.S.

Yeah! The fillers are gone!