O Koishii O

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Sorry for the wait...

- LC

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O Chapter Six O

Sakura groaned as she stiffly leaned back into her chair. She closed her eyes, sweeping her forearm across her eyelids to further block the light.

They had operated for 8 hours, painstakingly picking apart the growth in Itachi's heart and lungs. The chest was the most dangerous and critical area to remove, but it was just one of hundreds of masses in his body that appeared to grow and replicate. Sakura was certain that basic surgical removal would not be an option, they needed to come up with a different solution.

Sasuke's questioning from earlier had annoyed her, yet she had to agree that he was partially right in being concerned about what this growth was. It could be a disease, potentially genetic or acquired, but she had never seen anything like this before. It might be worth it to investigate the Uchiha family records, 'If they would even let me,' she scoffed.

Her thoughts trailed off into serene blankness and she found herself dosing off in her office. The room was not as large as the anbu office she shared with Shikamaru, but it was a decent size, second to the head of the hospital, Shizune. Given that Sakura performed more of the complex surgeries and was typically in the hospital when not on missions or with anbu, it made sense for her to have this space. Her books stood in ceiling high shelves on both sides, overspilling with new research, hospital logs, and patient cases.

Sakura felt herself about to succumb to sleep when a knock on the door interrupted the brief peace.

"Haruno-sensei, Itachi-san has awoken and his family is here," her intern's soft voice spoke through the door.

"Alright," Sakura groaned.

She heard her intern patter away, before dragging herself from the chair. She put on her white coat and grabbed Itachi's files, walking towards what would be a very concerned Uchiha family.

Sakura entered the hospital room and immediately felt like she was intruding. Mikoto was sitting in a chair next to a pale Itachi, who was sitting up, but not on his own as he heavily leaned back on the pillows behind him. Fugaku sat near the bed as well; although not grasping Itachi's hand like Mikoto was, he seemed more forlorn than usual. Sasuke leaned against the wall opposite the door. The two made eye contact, but both quickly looked away.

Just as Sakura greeted Mikoto and Fugaku, Tsunade entered behind her with her own set of files in hand.

"Itachi-san, how are you feeling?" Sakura asked, coming up to Itachi to run a quick diagnostic search with her chakra. Just as she suspected the masses appeared to already be creeping back into his heart.

"Better, thank you, Sakura-san." Itachi weakly nodded at Sakura. Seeing Itachi so weak seemed wrong to Sakura, she could only imagine how the rest of the family felt with him in this state.

"I'm glad to hear that," Tsunade spoke in Sakura's stead, "Clearly you owe us an explanation," she said crossing her arms.

"Itachi-san," Sakura almost mumbled, "Can you tell us what's going on?"

Itachi leaned even further back and sighed, closing his eyes as he got ready to speak. Sakura could feel the tense energy in the room as Mikoto and even Fugaku stared at their son. She dared another look towards Sasuke who looked rigid, eyes towards the ceiling. She turned away before he could catch her staring.

"It began about a year ago," Itachi started, dragging Sakura's attention back, "I noticed I lost weight and felt fatigued, but I also thought it may be because of missions catching up to me. It grew worse in the past few months."

"Coughing?" Sakura asked.

"Hai, and then the blood," Itachi said.

"I'm sure this disease has been growing and spreading much before your symptoms started," Tsunade shook her head, "I can't say coming to the hospital earlier would have helped much, since we've never seen anything like this, but at least we could have begun some research."

"Uchiha-san," Sakura started turning herself to Fugaku, "I don't know how to ask this," she started, glancing towards her mentor and then back at Fugaku, "But is there anything in your family history, or even the Uchiha records that may be similar to this."

Fugaku looked at Sakura, the usual frown lines and eye bags seemed more pronounced today she noted.

Much to Sakura's surprise he responded civilly, "I can't say I have nor am I familiar with our medical records."

Mikoto chimed in, "I would say in the past most members of the Uchiha clan died during battle," Fugaku inclined his head in agreement, "this would be the first generation without constant war."

"Oh, I see," Sakura could not hide the disappointment in her voice while she looked at Itachi's vitals to distract her.

Surprising Sakura again Fugaku jumped the gun, "You may look through the medical records," he nodded, sharing eye contact with an equally surprised Mikoto, "Sasuke can supervise."

"Thank you, Fugaku-san, you have no idea how helpful that would be," Sakura smiled softly.

She looked up towards Sasuke who was staring back at her. They did not break eye contact until Tsunade spoke, "Sakura and I need to discuss our next steps. You may stay until visiting hours are over, but Itachi does need his rest."

Sakura followed Tsunade out in the corridor and they made their way back into Shizune's office. In the time it took Sakura to close the door behind her, Tsunade had already pulled out a sake bottle and had settled in her seat. Sakura raised her eyebrows, but did not say anything, accepting the cup Tsunade had poured for her.

Like Sakura's and the Hokage's office, Shizune's office had been thoroughly placed under seals so discussions could not be heard from outsiders. Because of the state of Konoha's elders and Tsunade's general mistrust of them, these seals were checked regularly for their integrity.

"So, how'd it go?" Shizune asked while patting Ton-ton.

"I got permission to look through the Uchiha medical files," Sakura said, sipping at her sake, "Under Sasuke's supervision, so I guess it went well? Shishou?" she looked towards Tsunade.

"Ah, I would say so," Tsunade had a contemplative look on her face, "I'm going to make this a top-secret mission Sakura, I do not want anyone other than us and the head family knowing about this."

"Of course, keeping Itachi's health private is important," Sakura said.

"Not only that," Tsunade shook her head, "You will be privy to Uchiha clan's secrets, I have no doubt their medical records will be interspersed with their logs, private diaries, who knows what you will find."

Tsuande played with her now empty cup, "Fugaku is worried, there is no other reason he would say yes. Having a stranger, no less someone associated with the Senju clan is dangerous for him. If found out, you are at risk from not only the Uchiha elders who will be unhappy, but from others who want to capitalize on the information you might find."

Sakura scrunched up her face, "Who?"

Shizune answered, "Danzo, for one."

"Danzo… but I thought Fugaku-san and Danzo were working together," Sakura was now confused. She clearly remembers both Danzo and the Fugaku protesting Sasuke's team in the Hokage's office.

"I think when it comes down to it, Fugaku truly has the Uchiha clan's self interest in heart," Tsunade sighed, "Danzo on the other hand has the Uchiha's kekkei genkai in his."

"Well, we have Konoha's interests in ours," Sakura said with determination.

"Ah," Tsunade smirked, "Investing all this time and resources on Itachi will be worth it in the future."

"I have already sent out a false rumor that Itachi-san was poisoned on a mission," Shizune said, "He will keep undergoing treatment by one of us at home. Fugaku is going to announce that Itachi will be taking time off from missions for training to take over as clan head, so no one suspect his illness."

Tsunade stood up, "I'm going to leave it to you and Sasuke to decide how you want to figure this out. Remember you both will still be going on anbu missions and you will keep working in the hospital to make it seem as normal as possible. Can I rely on you?" she asked with an eyebrow raised.

Sakura had a feeling she was referring more to her tumultuous relationship with her Taichou than her actual skills, "Of course, Shishou. I won't let you down!"

oOoOoOo

Sakura emerged from the hospital much later than she had anticipated. What was meant to be a single surgery for Itachi had morphed into a day of unexpected demands – assisting with other urgent cases, poring over the charts of the newest intern, and engaging in consultations with colleagues. Her frustration and exhaustion hung heavily on her shoulders.

She wanted to treat Itachi like any other patient, but the gravity of the situation could not be ignored. She held the life of the Uchiha clan's prodigal son and future clan head in her hands.

"Haruno."

The sound of her name jolted Sakura from her weary thoughts. I really must be tired

"Taichou."

Sasuke leaned against the building; his posture relaxed and his face blank, "Meet at the compound after our mission. 11 pm."

Sakura's eyes narrowed, but she bit back any comments in return and nodded instead.

With Sasuke straightening up and shoving his hands into his pockets, he started heading toward the Uchiha district.

She must have now reached the delirious phase, because the sight of him walking away caused her to blurt out "He'll be home!"

Sasuke stopped abruptly, and Sakura could almost feel the weight of his gaze even though he had not turned around. The setting sun bathed half of his pale arm in a warm orange, much like the firelight that would envelope him from his Katon no jutsu.

"By tomorrow, he'll be home. I'll make sure of it," she said in a quieter tone.

Sasuke started walking again, but somehow Sakura felt better. It was as if a weight had lifted off her shoulders. She sighed, these Uchiha men were going to drive her mad.

oOoOoOo

Anyway, I forgot what direction I wanted to take this story in so I will be winging it from now on. I also haven't written in years and am completely aware that I have a million typos, grammar errors, and shitty style. Sorry in advance! Next chapter will have much more sasusaku obviously

I'm trying to decide if I should make Sakura or Sasuke fall first. lmk your thoughts!