Burn

"What you stay focused on will grow."
― Roy T. Bennett

Chapter Two

Never, not ever, will I admit to what I did next in the presence of my Darling. I felt terrible as it were, but the fact that I was nearly sobbing like a two year old was undignified. I wish I could say I was calm and collected, that my sass and wit shined through like a diamond ring on the newly engaged. Between you and I (and you had best not tell), I nearly wept like a fool.

I apologized to him, hiding my face in that jacket of his. I couldn't keep it together. I apologized for my attitude, for probably scaring him, for not being able to save Sasuke, and for snapping at him over trusting me. He just stroked my back, murmuring to me. He settled himself on the sofa with me situated across his lap as he just held me.

I missed him terribly.

"It's okay, Tami-chan. Ganbaru." He murmured softly over and over. He seemed just as tired as I was. I sniffled, trying to pull myself together. Really, I never acted this way. It was embarrassing.

"Darling, I- I'm sorry. You were probably so worried and I just swanned off into a near death experience and-!" I carried on, placing my hand on his masked cheek. His lone exposed eye had a small uptick in the corner. He was trying to smile. I could see in his eye how tired he really was. That slouch had found its way back into his posture and he looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders again.

"It's okay." He said again.

"No, no it's not. I can see it on you! Probably worried yourself half to death! Especially after all-" I carried on, and he placed a thumb on my lips. A real smile flickered across his mostly hidden face.

"Maa, Tami-chan. Don't read me." He told me lazily.

"And you said-" I tried but he placed his thumb against my lips again to silence me.

"Let me worry tonight. You can worry in the morning." He told me, holding his thumb there. When I tried to protest, he simply added, "no massages either. Rest."

I sat there simply soaking it in. Finally I just kissed his thumb, and his eye crinkled. At least he was pleased. I ended up moving so he could stand.

"I'll stay for the night. I can hold you - twenty seconds." He told me, his one eye dancing in amusement. I flushed. Well. I watched as he pulled off his vest and things to get ready for bed. I ended up showing him to my bathroom to help him get comfortable.

"You can wash up if you like." I offered. He thanked me by kissing my forehead and leaving to take a quick shower.

Kakashi returned not fifteen minutes later. He wore loose shorts and the undershirt he typically had on under his sweater. He was still a little damp, and his mask and headband were missing. He approached, and the two of us crawled into bed together. I tucked myself under his chin.

It took me no time at all to fall asleep.

X

Oliver hadn't played Go in years. It had been so long he nearly had forgotten the rules to the game. It was a good thing he was good at thinking on his feet. It had been lucky Sasuke had been able to get his hands on the game..

Sasuke was a quick boy, nearly as sharp as his own son Charles, but he was impatient and a little impulsive.

"Make your move." Sasuke prompted, shooting him a look. Oliver tried not to grin, not wanting to encourage the behavior. He glanced up at the boy. He made him think so much of his niece. Impulsive, aloof, but at the same time wanting approval. Sasuke was a good kid, but his pain drove him.

"Can't give an old man time to think?" Oliver gruffed jokingly.

Sasuke made a face. Oliver knew the boy was still angry he had lost the last round. Sasuke didn't take losing well.

"You're just dragging this out for no reason." He insisted.

"I'm not. I'm looking at my options." Oliver replied, going back to staring at the board.

"You don't have that many options." Sasuke insisted.

"Oh, I have many."

The boy's nose scrunched up; he clearly didn't believe the older man. Oliver couldn't help but grin. He finally played his move. Sasuke scowled as he looked over the board, moving his own piece. Before he placed it down, Oliver spoke up.

"Not there, kid." He said finally. Oliver had been playing with the idea of helping the kid out. He was clearly his niece's stray. He was sure she was worried about him. After all, the kid was smart but not smart enough not to fall into an obvious trap. Then again - it didn't sound like he had much of a choice.

"And why not?"

"You play that piece and I'll move there." Oliver said, pointing out the next steps, "knowing you, you'll hit that spot in the back and in ten moves or less - I win."

Sasuke sent Oliver a cold look, his lips pressed together but he didn't put his piece down. Instead, the boy sat back

"That's what you've been doing?" He asked, exasperated.

"Yeah. You should be too, learn to read a battlefield as good as this game." Oliver told him, "you'll need it, kid."

Sasuke made a face at the 'kid' comment, but had long since realized that Oliver didn't listen to his complaints.

"That takes time. And I don't have that." Sasuke growled softly. He played his move just as he originally intended.

"Nobody has time. You make it." Oliver told him, moving his own piece as he warned. Sasuke sent him a dark look and crossed his arms. This time the boy took longer to make his move.

"Are you better than - than Tami in reading people?" He asked suddenly.

Oliver's lips twitched.

"I taught her."

Sasuke sat back, studying him. Oliver could see the boy mulling it over, a small grin curling across his lips. Kid was planning something. Probably wanted to learn while Oliver was there. He didn't mind teaching the punk. Kid needed something in order to deal with the world. He didn't think things through.

Sasuke placed his piece and Oliver made his move immediately after. As expected, the kid bristled.

"I thought you-" Sasuke stopped and frowned. He bent down to stare at the board. He sent Oliver a look. "You took forever."

"And now I didn't."

"Why?"

"Because it unsettled you."

Sasuke sent him a dirty look and Oliver chuckled.

"It worked, didn't it?" He said, his lips quirking into a smile. Sasuke grunted and looked back at the board. He glanced up and snorted.

"I think that's pointless. Power makes things happen." He said finally, placing his piece. Oliver grunted. There was those comments again. Kid was power hungry.

"The thirst for power makes a man blind." Oliver warned, looking down at the game board. "Why do you even want power?"

"I need to bring a man to justice. What he did -." Sasuke cut himself off, his hands curling into fists against his sides. Oliver noted it, glancing up at him.

"Yeah? What did he do?"

Sasuke fell quiet. He stared at the board for a long time. Oliver didn't think that he was really thinking about the game anymore.

"He killed my entire clan. He left me alive, saying I wasn't a challenge yet." Sasuke explained.

Oliver raised his eyebrows.

"Who was that?"

"My brother."

Oliver grunted. No wonder the kid was broken like he was. Family wounds were the worst.

"So he always hated you?"

"No. He acted like.. Like a brother until…." Sasuke stopped. His gaze snapped up and glared at Oliver. He stiffened. The boy didn't mean to disclose so much.

Oliver grunted and chose not to say anything.

Sasuke chose to stay, but he didn't reveal anymore. But it made Oliver think. What the boy said didn't line up. He was betting there was more to it. He didn't want to say anything about his suspicions yet. Sasuke clearly dealt with some traumatic things. He wasn't about to say anything - yet.

X

Waking up in my Darling's arms eased quite a few of my burdens. The guilt was still there, but - I'm rather sure that would be with me for a time. I spent a lazy morning beside him. It was lovely, not having a care in the world. The cool morning made it difficult to leave the warm bed. We lay together, his hand resting on my hip as we just absorbed the simple comfort the others' presence provided. I eventually had to leave the comfort of my beloved. Before I did, however, I did try to give him a back massage. He first pretended not to hear me, then scoffed and murmured, "let me take care of you for right now, Tami-chan."

I'd get him back later. Maybe I'd find out when his birthday was. My darling deserved so much.

Eventually I forced myself from my bed. I left not too late, knowing I had to see Tsunade again. After the verbal lashing she gave me, and knowing I'd have to face Ibiki later - I was hesitant to go. My walk to the Hokakge's Office wasn't nearly as long as I had previously hoped. I entered, seeing Tsunade already at work at her desk, surrounded by stacks of papers. Shizune stood by her side as they were pouring over different reports. I gently cleared my throat to catch their attention. Tsunade's gaze snapped up. She slowly sat back. Shizune stood up straighter.

"Well, good to see you up and about." Tsunade drawled, looking at me from across her desk.

"Yes, well, I prefer not to stay down. Rather hard to keep moving and all that." I said. The tension in the room felt strung tight. I didn't like it. It bothered me. Tsunade grunted softly. She stood, adjusting her green haori and handed her papers to Shizune who stepped off to the side.

I stood a bit straighter, trying to not rock on my feet.

"The good news is, is that Gaara has already accepted your presence in the next exam meeting. Sounds like you're already doing what I asked."

"He… he said Naruto mentioned me. Not sure why he'd want me about." I answered.

Tsunade nodded, glancing over at Shizune.

"We're meeting in a couple days. I'll get you the information as soon as I can." She provided.

I tried not to fidget. I didn't really want to be around Gaara, but I had little choice in the matter. Best not argue; I felt like I was on thin ice as it were. It did mean that I'd be around an elemental powerhouse. I saw the damage Gaara did, what his siblings were capable of. I remembered what that Itachi could do. And lastly, what Kabuto actually did.

I needed to get stronger.

"Is there anything else? Forgive me, I'm rather sure Ibiki will want me to check in." I asked. Tsunade hummed, and tilted her head at me. She crossed her arms.

"Have you tested any jutsu yet?"

"No." But I would be. Soon.

"If you have any trouble, let me know. You're dismissed." Tsunade said.

I left as I came. Quickly.

Going back to work felt a little surreal. After everything- Ibiki was still in his office, going through paperwork as usual. He glanced up at me as I neared the doorway. A frown graced his lips - as usual, of course, but he also didn't look so…. Disappointed? I couldn't quite pin the emotion that I noted flickering in his eyes. He sat back and waited as I entered. He nodded to the door and I closed it.

Grand.

I felt like I was in school again, in the principal's office for one misdeed or another.

"So." Ibiki drawled, looking up at me. I didn't dare sit yet. "You tried to get the Uchiha back and almost died. I warned you."

I stiffened. He had. He warned me that I wasn't good enough for actual battle. And yet, here I was thinking about going back into the-.

"You nearly got yourself killed. Laying a genin go with you as well?" He stood up, eyeing me. "And then I heard your Uncle is here? What was your plan, Walker?"

"My plan was to talk to Sasuke. He needed me." I said defensively. What was he even trying to do? I already had this talk from Tsunade! Yes, I was reckless. I already knew that. I could have died, nearly did. I clearly wasn't strong enough. I let Sasuke slip through my fingers, Naruto left while I was out, and it seemed as if all my hard work was for naught. If he wanted to twist the knife-.

"You did better than I thought you would." He said.

I stopped. What? I looked up at him and Ibiki's lip twitched.

"We dug into Kabuto's past. He used to be one of ours, but it looked like he slipped through our system and went rogue. The files and stats we have him show he's Jounin. Probably around the same level as your old partner." He continued. He sat back down and started to move a pile of papers toward him. "You kept a Jounin at bay while trying to get Sasuke back, knowing help was coming. Didn't think you'd last that long. Glad I was wrong."

I felt the tension melt. What? He just-. I stood there gobsmacked.

"You gonna sit, or stare at me?" Ibiki asked. I sat down without a word. I couldn't…. It took me a moment to gain my bearings.

"I nearly died. And you're telling me good job." I said, staring at him.

"You did your job. You tried to keep Sasuke in the village, but failed. Although, everything else worked out well enough." He told me.

"I kept information from you." I continued. I was still in shock. I had been sure he'd chew me out, or tell me I hadn't done well enough.

"You thought you did. Anbu were placed on that girl the second she arrived. Jiraiya had his suspicions the second he saw her. Can't say I didn't hope you'd tell me but I knew you well enough to know." Ibiki said, sitting back in his chair. Truly, he looked like the cat who ate the canary.

"And you didn't- you didn't go and-" I carried on.

"We know where she is if we need her. The Hokage said to let it be for now. So anything regarding her is on standby.." Ibiki explained.

This didn't ease my fears. A crossed my arms, sitting back in the chair. I was trying to collect myself.

This didn't comfort me at all. At any point they could just take Maya and-. And do what? Dig through her mind? Go through her pain and sorrows, search her thoughts for glimpses of what could be? I didn't like it but - but what could I do at this point?

"We can't even say if everything will stay the same." I tried.

"Sasuke still left, didn't he?" Ibiki pointed out. I flinched. It was- that was my fault. My fault and that stupid pig Itachi for coming in and taunting Sasuke with the very thing he shouldn't have been after. Had it not been for Itachi, I was sure Sasuke never would have turned to Orochimaru for power. The blood seal Kakashi had forged would have held strong. But because of Itachi and him taunting a child on how he wasn't strong enough - Sasuke's will must have broken. And then - he went to Orochimaru. I wondered for a second if Orochimaru and Itachi were working together. One set up the plot, the other knocked the pieces down.

"Well." Ibiki grumbled, leaning back, "we're going to be trying to find the base Orochimaru is working out of. He knows you exist, and it sounds like he might become a problem."

I hummed, sitting back in my chair. That was a given. But what did it hadn't to do with-. I frowned.

"Let me guess, restrictions." I drawled. What were they going to do now?

"You haven't grown in any of your jutsu or strength since you took this position. You're going to need to get stronger if you want to leave the village. And I mean becoming a Jounin, strong." He said with a small grin on his lips. My mouth dropped.

What?

"Before you said either I become a ninja or find a Jounin to help." I stated, leaning forward, "I did that. You can't just-"

"That was before Orochimaru figured out who you are and what you might know. And it was before his lackey wiped the floor with you." Ibiki continued. "Kakashi-kun is strong, but he can't protect you from Orochimaru. Nor any other Jounin. And think about it, Tami-chan, if Orochimaru gets you and finds out what you know…. Who do you think he'll be after next?"

Maya.

He'd know about Maya for sure. I curled my hands into fists. I was in a difficult place. I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't a good fighter, and I wasn't able to keep my loved ones safe. I licked my lips as I mulled over what I wanted to do.

Train.

Training was the only answer.

Grand.

"Right then. Of course." I said, my head snapping up, "anything else, by the by? Change in rules? Any new coworkers I need to know of? Forgive me, but I have work to do."

I could plan later. Right now - I just needed space away from Ibiki and the mess I was in.

Ibiki just smirked. He waved his hand and dismissed me. I got up and quickly left. I needed space.

X

Maya stood in the hospital kitchens, nibbling on her bottom lip. She felt a little overwhelmed. She had fifteen minutes left on her shift. Not much left. Not much more.

Tsunade had told her to work in the kitchens to keep her busy.

"I don't want to getting into trouble while I'm busy, you hear me?" Tsunade said to her.

So Maya did what she could. Peeling potatoes, scrubbing dirty plates, cleaning utensils. Tsunade left her alone, mostly. But Maya had a feeling she wasn't really alone. Anbu. She must be followed by Anbu. She did carry some crazy secrets. Naruto's future, even his children's! Even if she really didn't watch Boruto, she knew a little bit about it. And then she knew about Root, about Itachi, what Sasuke would turn into, and the wars and-.

She almost regretted being in this world. It was seriously cool to see Tsunade as Hokage. And then even seeing Kakashi! That was crazy. They were living, breathing people! It was unreal. And then seeing Naruto and Jiraiya! Wow. She still could barely believe it.

Maya knew at some level she could potentially help with the future events. But she also knew that she could seriously mess it up. If things didn't go well, it would be all her fault. The deaths that happened in Naruto had to happen, right? In order for things to go well. In order for Naruto to save the whole ninja world, it had to happen. Tami changed things, but… but maybe it didn't hurt too much. Maybe it would be fine, as long as the boat wasn't rocked?

"Maya-chan! Go deliver this meal up to room 308." Kotoko said over her shoulder at the stovetop.

Maya jerked, and heard Mio and Hana, the other helpers, giggling to themselves. Maya grimaced. She might have messed up again. She couldn't really talk in Japanese very well yet. She had classes with Ebisu of all people. He hadn't been creepy with her (that she knew of). Since he thought Jiraiya was her dad he behaved himself.

"Yes!" Maya chirped and ran to do the task. She had to move fast.

Running up the stairs with the tray had taken her breath away. She delivered the tray to a bored nameless Shinobi.

She moved to the hall to gain her breath back. Surely she still had time.

Life was hard. Work was hard. Learning a new language in the span of weeks was hard.

'Why did I follow Oliver here?' Maya wondered. She sat back against the wall.

"I should have just stayed home." She murmured.

Yeah, it was cool to see all her favorite characters and be in Konoha but every moment she doubted herself. The fear she lived with every day that she'd do the wrong thing. Maya groaned. Maybe she'd see if Tami found a way back. Maybe Tsunade did? Then again….
Maya looked up and watched Hayate and Yugao walk by her. Yugao smiled brightly and Hayate had his hand on her back as he guided her away towards the stairs.

'How cool would it be to save them all?' She wondered.

"Maya!" A stern voice snapped. She looked up and saw Ebisu scaling up the stairs that Hayate and Yugao had gone. He must have went hunting for her when she didn't show up for class. She cringed.

"You're late to your studies! I expected the daughter of-" He stopped himself, noticing a nurse glaring at him.

That's right. He wasn't supposed to tell anyone that she was Jiraiya's daughter.

"I'm s-sorry, Ebisu-sensei." Maya stuttered, getting to her feet.

Ebisu bared down on her, his arms crossed.

"Head back home, I'll be there shortly to continue your studies." He said finally.

Maya nodded, and left quietly after telling Kotoko. They were supposed to meet every other day at 3pm when he wasn't out on a mission or training his students. She hoped he wasn't too upset with her. He tended to lecture her on the importance of time management. Maya knew that but the hospital needed her. This was Maya's new normal.

X

Work had been - well, work. I couldn't say I reveled in it, or the concerned looks from both Shinobu and Mozuku. They didn't speak to me much, simply welcoming me back.

I suppose word got around. At least it seemed to be something that worked in my favor. My attempt to get Sasuke back was seen as a good thing. No one besides my Darling, the Hokage, Ibiki and Inoichi knew about the specifics. Good. I planned to keep it that way. Not everyone needed to know.

After work, I should have gone to find where my Darling had went off to. He said something about competitions with Gai.

I shouldn't be considering what I was. I shouldn't be thinking about what I was. I wanted answers. The Uchiha home had those answers. I left work and went straight to the Uchiha home. I visited a few times while Sasuke was still there. I never went beyond the kitchen and living area. I didn't go into the bedrooms. I slipped into the Uchiha compound. It stood as a silent memorial now, in remembrance of who once lived there. I passed the little shops that once were, the Police Force building - all of it. I stopped in front of Sasuke's home. His - his old home. I licked my lips.

Unlocking the door had been simple - too simple. I snuck in. I breathed in, feeling heavy. It felt like any moment Sasuke would storm over and ask me what I thought I was doing. I headed there first after toeing off my shoes. I breathed out, and looked up the stairs. Sasuke's room. I headed there first. I just needed a moment. I don't know why I wanted to start there. But I had to. I slipped into his room, Sasuke's room. It was just as silent, just as void of life as the rest of the house.

I should have insisted he live with me.

His room was put together, as I knew he liked it. He prefered everything to be in place. His hair, his schooling, his training - all of it had been neat and tidy in his own particular way. I idly looked around, not sure what I was even there for. There weren't any family photos. Nothing with his mother or father. The family crest was opposite of his bed in the wall. I didn't find much in the room. The gift that I had given him was strangely missing. The batarangs were missing. The picture I had taken years ago of him, Naruto and I playing after a "snow day" was also missing.

I sighed - maybe we meant something more to him. I had to mean something to him - he helped save my life against Kabuto. Maybe something I taught him actually stuck.

Rooms tended to reflect the person who resided in it. The fact that Sasuke took a photo and the silly batarangs gift gave me some hope. Maybe he'd be returning? Maybe he had a plan.

I breathed out slowly. It was time to face the other rooms. I chose his parents room next. They were practically bare. Nothing really hinting about the gruesome night that took their lives. No personal effects, either. Sasuke's father seemed to be a very formal man. His mother's presence really wasn't felt in the room. Perhaps it was her who decorated the living areas and kitchen. It had a livelier feel to it.

The last room I would go into was that room for that man. Itachi. The room was locked. I had to pick the lock and make my way in. No traps, no mess, nothing. It was just a normal room. Almost as lifeless and as dull as the parents room. There was a futon in the corner, and not much else. I wondered what kind of man Itachi was. Was he the secretive type to hide treasures in the floorboards, or had he been the bloodthirsty type he tried to portray.

He made no sense.

He could have tortured Kakashi like he had Sasuke, but didn't. Why did he torture Sasuke? I wondered. Maybe Itachi was hiding something. I let out a small whistle.

No.

No illusions. Nothing hidden in the room. Maybe he was an old fashion fellow. Maybe he hid something in the walls or under the floor boards. There was only one way to find out. I started high and worked my way around the room. I tapped the wall carefully throughout the room. Nothing. Yet. I would be so cross if it turned out the room was empty. After the walls I got on my hands and knees and started on the floors. I worked slowly, gently pounding on the wood to hear any changes in the sound.

"What are you doing?" Came the one voice I didn't need to catch me.

Kakashi sat on the windowsill, looking in on me. He already had the widow open, ready to climb in.

"Checking the floorboards. What does it look like?" I said, glancing up at him. I was already in trouble, I was sure, why stop now?

"I told you to leave Itachi alone." He said, climbing in.

"That was after he caused Sasuke to leave." I said as I continued to work. I wouldn't let him stop me. Not right now.

"That was our mistake." Kakashi said, moving to stand on the floor.

"Ah, ah ah! No. No shoes, house rules." I told him, mostly teasing. He shot me a look and I sat back on my heels.

"Darling, you heard me. Sasuke never let me tramp about with shoes on. I doubt his own parents were lenient either by the state of their bedroom." I continued.

Kakashi gave me a look. One of those really long ones where he was clearly trying to see if I was serious or not. He then backed out of the window and vanished.

Not five minutes later did he walk in the room - without his sandals on.

"Investigating Itachi is dangerous, Tami-chan. You said you wouldn't." He said exasperatedly.

"I did. But I realized that man caused this. He practically forced Sasuke into Orochimaru's hands. You can't tell me that he makes sense to you." I said continuing my work.

Kakashi sighed and stuck his hands in his pockets, "what are you even-"

Thud. That was right kind of hollow sound I was looking for. I sent Kakashi a victorious grin.

"I'm right. Itachi has a little hiding spot." I said, grinning.

Kakashi sent me a sour look as he looked on. Since he didn't move to pull me away I was certain he was okay with me continuing my plot.

"What do you mean he forced Sasuke into his hands?" Kakashi asked as I started looking for a way to get the plank up. It wasn't very big. He didn't help me, but watched from the sidelines.

"Orochimaru put that vile curse on Sasuke that would feed his desire for power. You seal it, making sure to tell him that it's as strong as his will only. Then, from nowhere, Itachi shows up. He doesn't torture you, but he does so to Sasuke, taunting him about how weak he was." I explained as I went looking. Oh! There we are, that's the ticket. Found the way to get the plank of wood up. "Isn't that convenient?"

With the plank moved I reached my arm in to search the spot.

"I doubt it. Past intel has said Orochimaru is after the Uchiha clan Kekkei Genkai. Word is, he went after Itachi first." He said after a moment. I hummed. So maybe my theory was flimsy at best.

Ah! Found what I was looking for under the floorboards. Was this a book? A journal?

"You can't say it's not odd. For him to show up right after all of that Exam mess ..." I sat back on my heels as I examined the soft cover book, no, journal in my hands. Kakashi froze, looking at it curiously.

I took the moment to flip it open.

XX/04/18

Father has been upset lately. Sasuke hasn't been getting as strong as he would like. I have told him many times that Sasuke is doing well, but I think Father wants him to be as strong as I am just as fast. I've been helping train Sasuke with Shisui. My cousin thinks my brother just needs time and attention. I will do my best to help him.

Mama will be making dango tonight for after dinner. I can't wait! I can't wait for Sasuke to scrunch his nose up in distaste too. He's such a cute little brother.

I froze. That - that wasn't the writings of a madman. It wasn't the hidden loathing of a killer either.

"What is it?" Kakashi asked.

Wordlessly, I passed the book to him. I sat back on my heels and looked up at my Darling.

"That's dated a year and a half before the massacre." I said softly, "unless Itachi had a psychotic break from reality- I don't think…. This is fishy."

The villain I absolutely loathed wrote that about Sasuke. He cared just as much as -. And yet - and yet, he murdered and tortured who knows how many, including Sasuke.

"There were whispers about a coup d'etat… that Itachi killed Shisui." Kakashi murmured, "I always wondered about Itachi. He used to spend his guard duty days checking in on his brother."

I reached for the journal. He looked down at me, pausing before finally handing it over.

I started flipping through. Itachi seemed to write religiously, each page filled about his life and -. Ciphers. Suddenly, each page had random symbols and letters.

"He switched to code." I murmured, glancing up at Kakashi. My Darling tensed. I licked my lips and looked down at the pages.

"We… we should get Tsunade-sama involved." I said softly, glancing at him. This was a mess. A massacre, a possible coup d'etat and now ciphers. I had barely seen any since I arrived. Most things were sealed in fuinjutsu. Ciphers were old and outdated in the ninja world. Sometimes the Samurai used them, but even then it was rare.

Kakashi sighed and nodded. He helped me up.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?" He asked softly. He seemed sad, looking down at me.

"I can't." I replied back. Kakashi smiled weakly and placed a hand on my cheek. Some days I wondered how he put up with me.

"Then we'll go together." He said softly. We left hand in hand, him stowing the journal away in one of his many pockets.

As we went to find Tsunade, I recalled Maya talking about Itachi and Kakashi as her favorite characters. I remember thinking she was crazy for liking who I thought was insane. And yet - she had been right about Kakashi. Was she right about Itachi too?

End Chapter

Edited: Rereading the series, I found a large flaw. Tsunade originally had requested Tami work with Gaara, and then here is upset she caught his attention. After a momentarty facepalm, I went to work. I'll be editing a few other things. Thank you for being so patient with me, you guys