Play to Win (Rewrite)

by SimplyAMonster

she was playing a game, the rules, however, was a different story [Gamer Ability Unlocked] Set in Sunagakure

50. Love

A gruff voice disrupted her stride, commanding and sneeringly. "Put your hands up, nice n' slow where we can see 'em."

Tamako paused lightly, frowning as she stared at the rough rag-tag group. A few laid their katana's threatening on their shoulder and the others pointed up makeshift daggers at her. She glanced down at them, calculating the distance between them and her.

"The longer you keep us waiting, the more we get… ideas." The group of men seem to laugh together as if they were joking in a way she couldn't understand. Oh, but she understood what they wanted.

She spotted their leader, the one that has been dishing out orders. Just moments ago, she crossed the border into the River Country towards Konoha. She's heard of the outbreak of petty crime since the end of the Fourth War. People were restless, and many shinobi didn't like the idea of playing niceties.

Some people born into war just never leave.

She spotted a few crossed out Village Insignias, but she couldn't put faces to names. They must've been Chunin-level before defecting.

Her eyes roamed to the group, counting roughly six before her hand slowly rose behind her cloak. "That's right. Nice and slow. We'll be gentle, don't chu' worry your pretty face. Just need to check if you're hiding anything valuable."

He took a step closer, a grin smacked onto his face as he sheathed his blade behind his back. He met eye to eye with her, leaning down to get a better look and simpering. "Why, you look better up n' close. Why don't you let me and my boys show you something?" His breath stank and she could make out hints of food stuck between his teeth. "Haruto! C'mere and search her." He grinned nastily. "I think I'll watch first."

Another man, at least a decade her senior, approached, the same grin on his face. "Of course boss." He reached forward and froze. Face contorted in pain and fell to the ground.

Her katana was soaked in red, dripping to the ground. She angled it just enough where it wouldn't splatter on herself, she only took necessities and didn't quite bring a second cloak with her.

"You..!" The man grabbed the scuff of her cloak, his hand instantly enveloped in crystal, his body quickly following and he fell to the ground, shattering.

She turned to the remaining four.

Four.

Wherever she went, the number four seemed to follow her.

With a single wave of her finger, she summoned shackles that trapped the men in their steps. What should she do with them?

Was murder even legal anymore?

The first two were self-defense, but these men cowered under her gaze.

"Akatsuki no Tamako..!" One whispered, falling to their knees. "We apologize for the offense! We had no idea that someone like you would be roaming these parts!"

Each step she took left crystal footprints, the area seemingly growing cold as she released her chakra into the air. "I no longer hold such a name."

These men were a threat to the peace she had painstakingly fought for. They threaten to turn this hard earned peace into an era of unpredictability.

She was right, she needed to shut down such thoughts, and if her estimations were correct, she had just a few more months until criminal groups who were in hiding, would spring back to action.

With narrowed eyes, she let her crystal eat them alive, shattering it with a single pulse of chakra and erasing all presences into dust.

She turns to look at the sky, sun setting past the trees. It was getting late, she should use whatever light was left.

. . .

"Halt! Forms of identification please! Due to the influx, we are no longer accepting visitors. Please visit another day if you're here to see Naruto."

She eyed the Village guard with raised eyebrows and brought a hand to her sandy scarf that had protected her skin whilst traversing the unpredictable lands of Wind. At her reveal, both Kotetsu and Izumo blanched.

"T-tamako-san!? What are you—we didn't hear anything from the higher-ups about your visit!"

"Hello." Tamako offered a small smile on her face. "I never sent word ahead of me, my apologizes." The tips of her eyes creased as she cracked a small grin. "Would you be a dear and grant me an audience?"

"U-um." Kotetsu's face brightened. "I'll go ask Kakashi, Izumo, if you could…"

Izumo nodded at his friend then turned to the ex-Sand Shinobi. "Please write down your name and intent. Something as simple as a visit would suffice, just need everything in writing for documentation.."

Tamako easily agreed, bending slightly down to write her name and pausing at main purpose of visit. Then, with a quiet chuckle, she wrote, visiting family.

Kotetsu shunshin with an audible poof. "Kakashi is waiting for you, let us take you to him."

She hummed back, "Thank you."

Izumo gestured a little, and two other Chunin appeared, their gaze grounded at the three before mumbling profanities. "Damn those two, slacking off and showing around a pretty woman like that!"

The other Chunin roughly elbowed the other. "Shut up man! That's—" Then a little quieter. "The Hero of the Sand, Suna no Tamako."

It's been a long time since she's heard that nickname. Usually people pointed out her Akatsuki background, called her traitor, sometimes even evil. She gave them a small smile and a wave, laughing lightly when they turned bright red. "Now then, we shouldn't keep the Hokage waiting."

Kotetsu and Izumo walked two paces ahead of her, exchanging pleasantries as they went. She drew curious gazes as they made their way to the Hokage Tower, but she ignored them and pondered her next step.

Obito has sinned a lot of people, and many of them aren't too happy with his light punishment. In fact, his existence has been put on a hush-hush. Not a lot of people realized that the masked-man was Obito Uchiha, and he didn't reveal his face until the very last few hours of the war.

So safe to say, your average shinobi was in the dark.

As for the people in power, oh, they knew.

The Mizukage wasn't very happy with Konoha as Obito was the reason why the country nearly fell during the long civil war. The Raikage was furious that the leader of Akatsuki was getting off free and Tsuchikage had enough Uchiha trauma to just say lock em' up!

And that wasn't including the whole Konan fiasco.

Even Konoha's top brass wasn't so happy and it's only thanks to Naruto's clout and Kakashi's Hokage position and the fact that Obito was instrumental in sealing away Kaguya that he wasn't immediately executed. That would be something she would have to rectify. In order for peace to prosper, well, all Five Villages would have to be an agreement. An;d Obito would be an important asset.

She pushed back the door and entered the large room, eyeing the tasteful memorabilia, then at the mountains of deskwork.

Kakashi regarded her with lidded eyes, dark bags underneath and a defeated look to him. "What can I…" He cringed. "... do for you.."

Tamako huffed. "Have you considered using shadow clones to fill out your paperwork?"

His eyes widened.

"In the end, shadow clones are you. They'll make the same judgment and pass on the memory." She crossed her arms and smirked, her face pulling into a taunting one. "Don't tell me you haven't thought about that yet. How do you think Tobirama was so efficient with his Hokage duties and jutsu creations?"

Kakashi seemed to shrink in his Hokage garbs. "Right." He turned to her with renewed vigor. "So what are you doing in Konoha?" His brows raised in question as he regarded her. "I heard you're a miracle worker in Suna, so what made you abandon post and come here?"

Tamako rolled her eyes, "I didn't abandon Suna again." With a small huff, she gripped the ends of her cloaks tightly. "I'm here to see Obito." With a quick glance, she surveyed the area around her calmly. The shadows in here seemed to twitch. "He's here, isn't he? Call him down."

The Hatake seemed to groan, waving his fingers around and a shadow dropped to the ground.

"Tamako." Obito's raspy voice whispered. "What are you doing here?"

"You guys seem to almost parrot each other, how cute." She offered lightly, then her face turned serious. "It looks like Hatake put you on a tight leash called ANBU." Her head tilted, watching the two's emotions calmly. "I'm here for mostly business reasons. Not even Sasuke knows I'm here." Then she paused with hesitance. "Well, not yet at least. It'll take a few more hours until gossip has gotten around so let's make this quick."

Obito's eyes turn red, Sharingan spinning lazily with threats. "Then? You aren't one to beat the bush, not when you were under my command."

Tamako laughs lightly, a palm to her face. "No, I never was one to beat the bush. I'll say it as simply as I can." She reached forward, not flinching when the chakra of the two spiked and grabbed his wrist. "I'm here to make sure dues are met. You can't just hide behind Kakashi and Naruto for all of eternity. It's time that you start making things right."

"And you think you're someone who can make me pay them?"

She almost scoffed at his words. "No, stupid. I have emotional investment in you, a poor investment if you asked me… You good for nothing..!" Tamako raised a hand then began to lightly beat the taller man without using all of her strength. "You're lucky that my kindness precedes over the fact that you ordered Pein to string me up like some animal. And that you threaten to kill me, several times over, while I was your subordinate!"

Obito cringed.

"Not to mention the things you did to poor Itachi… and I'm not going to even mention everything else, for everyone's sake." She pouted, her fingers finally releasing the man, her palms a little sore. "I won't lie and say I had ulterior motives in saving you from Kaguya, and as much as I enjoy the peace we uphold, you of all people must understand that Kaguya was just the beginning."

Kakashi's eyes narrow, his body language quickly converting into his "Hokage" one. "What do you mean?"

"You don't think that Kaguya was the first, do you? Where did she come from? What was Hagoromo so afraid of?" She leaned forward, hands pressing against the Hokage desk with fervor. "If Kaguya was here to plant the Tree, how in the hell did she figure out all of this? Legends say the Rabbit Goddess fell from the sky and yearned to reach back to the stars. It's safe to say that Kaguya is not the first of her kind, nor will she be the last."

"This is all speculation."

Her brows rose. "Speculation is what makes us Shinobi. The Sage of Six Path's full name is Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, he just didn't make up that last name, did he." With full confidence, she leaned back from her overbearing clutch of the desk and closed her eyes. "Ōtsutsuki Clan, I bet they'll be back to finish what Kaguya started. Give or take, a decade or two."

The office was quiet, so quiet that she could hear the birds chirping from the window, the soft cries of village chatter.

A loud bang sounded from the door behind her, then a cry out. "Hey guys! Kaka-sensei—" A loud gasp. "Tamako!? I didn't know you were here!"

Naruto came running up, an exuberant smile on his face before latching onto the girl, hugging her so hard that he lifted her slightly into the air.

"H-hey Naruto." She wheezed out. "Good to see you."

He dropped her and waved. "Good morning, Kaka-sensei! Obito!"

The two waved simultaneously, already tired.

Naruto titled his head, arms crossed behind his back. "So what were you three talking about? The atmosphere seemed tense." Then, his eyes widened. "No way, is Suna trying to jail you again!? Don't worry, you can hide out here in Konoha! I'm sure that either Sasuke or Itachi will let you hide out at their place."

"No no, nothing serious like that. I'm just here on…" She trailed off, giving the blonde a small smile. "... a business trip."

Naruto pouted. "That's no fun."

Tamako sighed, "Well, such is the life of a shinobi. It's quite boring and dull after all the battles are fought."

The mouth of Naruto only seems to crease at her words. "Now that you mention it, I never got to ask you how it was like, ya know, being an Akatsuki member. Itachi's pretty quiet about it soo…" He trailed off, eyes sparkling. "Did you fight crazy strong enemies? What was Nagato like?"

"Hmmm." She trailed off. "Itachi kidnapped me and Nagato almost killed me when we first met, so I guess that's pretty exciting. Though, it kinda reminded me of the time that the Fourth Kazekage kidnapped me from my bed and threatened to kill me. As for strong opponents… well, you saw what happened with Pein or Nagato. I guess Kaguya would be the strongest but we did that together." She pondered a little more, then blinked at Naruto's semi-horrified face.

"That's…"

Even Naruto was a little speechless. Silent tears streaked past his cheeks, "That's no good! No good at all." He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her out of the office. "I'll be taking her, Kaka-sensei!" Then grinned at her. "Let's have some fun!"

"W-wait, Naruto." Tamako struggled against his iron-clad hold. "I was talking to Obito about something important. You know, we were Akatsuki buddies!"

"Beh!" Naruto stuck out his tongue. "Obito's just an old wrinkly dude who doesn't know how to have fun."

It was her turn to cry, silent tears as her feet dragged on the floor. I was in the middle of an important conversation!

. . .

"Ta-da!"

Naruto stood, his feet spread just a little and his arm opening wide open, showcasing Tamako like a zoo animal.

Both Sasuke and Itachi's eyes bulged.

"He-heh." Naruto huffed in satisfaction, a single finger wiping beneath his nose as if he had accomplished the impossible. "Well? What do you think? What do you think?"

Tamako let out a sigh, feeling her soul leaving at the exhale before saluting. "Yo."

"The hell are you doing here?"

She pouted. "That's such a lackluster reaction, Sasuke! And here I was, leaving Sunagakure to visit you!"

His brow twitched. "Seriously?"

"Seriously."

The room stood in silence.

Then a scoff. "Right. What are you here for?"

"Someone's gotta scold Obito, and it's not like Kakashi or Naruto is going to do it." She pointed at herself. "Will it be me? Probably."

Naruto stuck out his tongue. "Beh, stop talking about boring stuff! Let's all go and get Ichiraku Ramen~"

Only you, Naruto, would eat something like that so early in the morning.

With a roll to her eyes, she finally plopped onto the provided hospital chair and inched forward. "Is your… lack of arm still..?"

Sasuke shook his head. "There's no problem with it. Sakura wanted to do an overnight examination to see how compatible I am with Hashirama cells. They're in the last stage with the prosthetic arm." He seemed to frown at those words.

"Sasuke, I'll tell you as many times as it takes." Itachi leaned forward and clapped a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Please, for my sake. Take the arm. It hurts your older brother to see you struggle and relearn everything."

Ohh, so that's what it is.

She felt a sharp look from both Naruto and Itachi, and she understood the mission.

"Sasuke…" She crossed her arms and leaned back onto the chair, eyes closed. "You of all people deeply understand the sins of yourself, what your left arm has done."

He guiltily looks away and Naruto freezes at her words.

"I understand your want in ridding it, but that's not how you rid yourself of your sins. That would be the easy way."

Sasuke's head flinched, eyes springing up to meet hers. "But—"

She cut him off. "But what? Your memories, your past actions and sins. Your left arm has done harm, but with this prosthetic, you can do good. Make new memories, do good." Tamako gave him a wry grin, "Afterall, that's all we can do, is it not?"

Naruto mumbled in agreement. "That's right, that's right!" He held up his own lump of an arm. "We clashed at the Final Valley, for the last final time. Instead of a Chidori, I expect an outstretched hand instead, you hear me bastard!?"

Sasuke froze, fingers twitching before a slouch. "I get it." He turned to Tamako with an unimpressed look. "Naruto didn't kidnap you from Suna to convince me, did he?"

"He actually kidnapped me while I was having a very important conversation with Kakashi and Obito." She smacked Naruto's shoulder with a less than impressed look. "You should learn some decorum, you know!"

"Important conversation?" The two Uchiha brothers questioned in unison, their brows pinched forward with a mix of interest and concern.

Tamako hummed back. "I expect a ramp-up in criminal activities now that Akatsuki is officially disbanded and the post-war attitude is just about to end. People are getting restless, and with the S-Rank terrorist group gone, they'll be scrambling to fill that hole."

Itachi narrowed his eyes, "That's right. Back then, Akatsuki was hired with low prices and dependable results. We created a monopoly on such activities."

"Then what brings you to Konoha?" Sasuke asks for the third time, now completely serious. "Knowing you, you'll just go off and fix it yourself."

She smirks. "Why, I have a perfect S-Rank shinobi capable of traversing throughout the nations with nothing better to do." Tapping the sides of her temple, she continues without fanfare. "Kamui could help me stay in contact while I'm out and about, and Obito should clean up his

own mess anyways. It helps that he was integrated with ANBU, so he would know where all the hideouts are for reconnaissance."

"Then you just need ANBU contact to keep you updated with intelligence." Itachi finishes. "Obito-san is fast with Kamui, but he won't be able to keep you updated with all Five Village's intelligence."

"No." She responds, crossing her arms. "No he won't, but Obito will cover Konoha at the very least. I intend on setting up a major info database between all Five Great Villages, I can act as the middleman using Wood Clones interweaved with my already existing network. Though for emergencies, they can transmit whatever needs to be spread."

"You know, I never got to ask." Sasuke finally brought up a question that many, including himself, were curious about. "How exactly does your spy network… work?"

Itachi pondered for a few seconds, bringing up the only example he had. "Sasori used a hidden jutsu to wipe out memories making perfect sleeper agents, but yours is on a much grander scale…"

"It wouldn't be such a secret if everyone knew, ya know? While it spans an increasingly large area, enough for the continent, it has… a flaw that should be kept to a few." Tamako admits. "I plan on sharing it with the Kage and perhaps a few of their trusted members." Then, she shrugs with a small laugh. "Who knows, perhaps one of you will be privy to the information."

Itachi took it as a challenge. "I'll reinstate myself into ANBU."

She deadpanned back. "It's not a competition! Jeez."

"Someone has to be your Konoha contact. Obito-san can't be yours 24/7."

"That's why I said, the Kage and their trusted members, as in existing ANBU and other members of the privy."

"Just—" Sasuke sighs in a way she's never seen before. Embarrassed, resigned. "Just let him. You'll get your Obito on the job anyways."

Tamako huffs, "Yeah, I know. I just thought that Itachi would… retire I guess. Open a bakery maybe?"

The two Uchihas twitch at the idea.

Itachi was only twenty-two, still in his prime. For Shinobi, one doesn't simply retire, let alone at such a young age. Perhaps Tamako was a little too optimistic. "I understand. Then—"

Naruto grabs her before she can perform a shunshin. "Are you forgetting something?" Naruto giggles like a goblin, mischief smacked onto his face. "You're not getting away so easily..!"

. . .

"Cheers!"

Beer leaked past the rim of her cup as she smashed it against another, pooling at the ground before she chugged her fill. The barbeque in front of her sizzled as it cooked, Chouji eating them while they were piping hot was a little impressive, but she turned back to the gossip around her.

"So then? What happened then?"

"Tsunade-shishou nearly beat Kaka-sensei back to the hospital bed."

"Bahahaha!"

She turned away from the girls and glanced at the side where the guys were currently arguing over who knows what.

"No! Konoha's most beautiful spring flower of youth is most definitely Sakura-san!" Lee then began to bawl as if he had realized something horrible and terrible. "Sasuke-kun! He truly is a man of opportunity!"

Kiba snickered. "Lee, you gotta set your eyes on someone else. Anyone who's got it bad for Sakura is beat." Then he pondered. "I do gotta give it to him though. First it was Sakura, then it was that red-head girl, and now even the hot crystal chick is somewhere in the equation!"

She blanched at his words.

"Kiba!" Neji scolded the dog-boy. "Don't forget that she saved the Alliance."

Kiba grinned, his hands itching. "Yeah but have you seen her? She was cute enough back in the Chunin Exams, but now?"

Neji seems to grumble back in his seat, unable to argue or say anything back.

Tamako awkwardly finished off her glass cup and nibbled on some salted nuts. Her last get together with her peers was mostly with the entire group drunk enough to vomit. Konoha 13 was… well they were sober enough to remember.

"How about you, Tamako?"

"Eh?" She dropped the salted nut and smiled. "Um, what were you saying?"

Ino pouted, then her eyes glinted. She jolted from her seat across the table and grabbed onto the periwinkle haired girl and leaned in. "Don't worry about Forehead listening in." Her long platinum blonde hair haphazardly swung with her motions. "So..?" Ino's eyebrows seem to wiggle at her words. "Our very own model-kunoichi, you must have further exploits than just war and espionage! What exactly is your relationship with Sasuke-kun…" Ino seemed to squeal at the thought. "You two are always so close… you two have such similar aura, you know? Dark, a little brooding… and very cute!"

She pushed the blonde away and accepted another tankard from an unsuspecting hand. "It's nothing like that." Inhaling the cup before slamming it down onto the wood table, she wiped the liquid that escaped her mouth with her sleeve. "The moon would sooner fall from the sky before anything like that would start between us."

"Ehhh?" Ino slumped, her arm still around Tamako's shoulder. "Then… someone from.. Akatsuki?" She asked, a little hopeful, if not a bit disturbed. "Ah, not that there's anything wrong with uh…"

"It's fine, I get it." Tamako shrugged the girl off. "They're all weird, 'specially those stupid Zombie Duo's."

The party seemed to stop at her words, chattering died down quickly as she took another swig before she realized her mistake.

She forgot the two that killed Asuma! Quick, think of something!

"Kakazu… and Hidan." Ino supplied icily.

"I have to hand it to you guys. Killing the immortal duo is no small feat."

"Now that you mentioned it, I never got the chance to ask." Ino stared deeply. "I heard that you warned Suna that the Akatsuki was coming. Why didn't you warn us?"

Only the sizzle of the barbeque seemed to comfort her.

"If I remember correctly… Pein had assigned me to work with Deidara which halted my solo activity." She turned to Ino and lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry Ino, but my attention was split with other matters. I can't control the organization myself."

It's so easy to blame others.

"That's—"

"Ino!"

Shikamaru lazily breathes out smoke, his cigarette wafting around and making strings of smoke. "That's enough, Ino. This is a welcome party for her, not some interrogation."

"But Shikamaru!" Ino slams her hands onto the table, drinks tipping at her motion. "She could've—!"

"If she told us, then what?" A huff of smoke enters Tamako's peripheral and her eyes sting and begin to tear up. "The Fire Temple already told us, we've prepared with the knowledge we had but we still failed. Not to mention that she was being watched. If she was caught sending us intelligence." He sighed, smoke following. "We would've started the war in a much more dire situation."

His words seem to sober the party and Tamako finally puts her cup down. She should probably stop being an alcoholic when the situation presents itself.

"T-tamako-chan, please don't take offense to what Ino-chan said. Ever since the War, it's been a bit d-difficult." Hinata still stuttered her words, but she was a far cry from the girl she saw all those years ago at the Chunin Exams.

And she was still absolutely adorable.

"Make no mistake, I hated the Akatsuki. They'd kidnapped me on the road, but I guess I only have myself to blame." Tamako supplied humorlessly. "Poke a hornets nest and deal with the stings." She grumbled back into drink. Who was she kidding, only something like alcohol was going to save her from this forced get together. That damn Naruto!

"That's enough for you."

Her drink was snatched from her fingers, fly droplets landing on her hair.

"Sasuke! What the hell!" She stood up, giving him a death stare. "When did you get here?"

"Just a second ago. C'mon."

He threw the cup behind him and walked off, hand in pocket.

"That little…" She grumbled more. "I'll see you guys in a bit." She stuffed her hands into her pockets, running after the boy. It didn't take long to catch up, finding him by a bench beneath a streetlight. There were flies zooming around and past the flickering lights and she took a seat down. "What is it?"

"When do you leave?"

"Huh?" She sinks into the bench, ignoring how it seemed to sap all of her warmth. "That's what you wanted to know?" Then thinks for a little. "In two days, perhaps. Maybe a week, or a month. It depends how long it'll take to set up the network here."

Sasuke seems to twitch, out of nervousness or what, she'll never know. "See Itachi tomorrow then."

"Itachi?" She was even more confused. "For what?"

"Konoha Elders are still in position. Talks have been in a standstill since your trial."

Her eyes narrow. "I see. I'll see what I can do." Then, they lighten. "Is that all? You could've asked back there."

He scoffs, "And let everyone know? We still don't know what kind of story the public will get."

"I guess that's true." Tamako sneaks an arm around his shoulder and leans in, "It's about time we should head back inside. Don't try to sneak out of this, the more you interact with them, the more likely you'll integrate back into society."

Sasuke grumbles more but lets her drag him back. They stumble back into the private room and Tamako grins. "Now, where's the alcohol?" She plops back down to her seat, shoving Sasuke into Sakura before downs her first shot, her arm still trapping Sasuke. "Here… take a drink! Ease up, why don't you."

Sasuke easily declines, shoving the drink away. "Someone has to watch you, else you end up in a ditch."

She blew a raspberry at him, "Boring~"

And the last thing she remembered was doing shots on Ino's body.

. . .

A head splintering headache rouses her awake and a loud noise, which she discovered is her own voice, groans out. She was laying on something padded, but if she inched her fingers past it, she could feel hard tatami.

What the hell did she do last night?

A deep masculine voice stirs her mind "You're awake? It's almost noon." It was a familiar voice, one she had the greatest pleasure in speaking with.

The smell of tea filters out, nearly smoothing out her headache. "...'tachi?" She slurs, blinking frantically, trying to clear her vision. She heard the slide of a door open, the sun piercing her eyes and she groaned louder.

"Sorry about that." The wood scratched against the floor as he shut it close.

"Where..?"

"My childhood home. Sasuke and I refurnished and repaired, knocked down the rest of the town."

She yawned into her palm, rubbing her fingers into her eye to rid of sleepiness before widening her eyes. "Y-your home?"

Itachi grunted, confirming her words.

"That's a lot of free land you've got." She offered as polite as she could.

"It's a lot of space. Sasuke and I… well, we disagreed on how the land should be used."

"I'm sure you'll figure it out." She sat up from the futon, stretching her sore limbs and taking the offered cup of tea, sipping in content.

Itachi turns away, facing the door as he speaks. "You have an appointment with the Hokage in a bit, can I offer you lunch beforehand?"

Tamako paled. "You aren't gonna get creative with Amaterasu again… right?" She really didn't want a repeat like last time. Those eggs were not meant for human consumption.

There was mirth in Itachi's eyes. "No."

"Then I'll take on your offer…"

"Then change into some clothes and follow me."

Tamako glances blankly at her attire, or rather, lack of attire. She was clad in practically nothing but bandages that wrapped around her chest and an oversized shirt. "Uh. Right." Nearby, she spotted some folded clothing and quickly wrapped herself in the provided haori then shimmied on the hakama that perfectly fit her. She was a little suspicious but she shrugged it off.

She follows the taller man to the kitchen, takes a seat at the low table and greets Sasuke when he plops down. He seemed perfectly fine and she really couldn't remember what he was up to. "You look terrible."

"Jeez, thanks." Tamako grumbles back, brushing her bangs with her fingers and trying to tame her hair that seems to stick up in way's she didn't know was possible.

She's never drinking ever again. "So what happened last night?"

Sasuke spats out his water, coughing violently. "You don't remember?"

Fear iced down her veins. "R-remember what."

Then, he smirked. "I didn't know you liked to party."

Her body heats up, her face turning red. "S-so? Suna has some pretty hard party culture…"

"You taught the Hyuuga girl how to use a hookah."

T-that innocent girl?

Tamako ruffles the back of her head, her hair now sticking up more than ever. "I… I didn't take out the good stuff, right?"

Sasuke's smirk grows wider, imitating the motion of using a hookah before blowing out ash in her face. Tamako sneezes, rubbing her nose with teary eyes. "Please tell me I didn't."

"Lee sent three people to the hospital and Sakura sedated him. We left him outside and the poor sod got robbed in the middle of the night."

Okay that's a little funny.

"Neji will be avoiding you for an indefinite period."

"I-i'll head to the Hyuuga Compound and beg for forgiveness. I truly didn't mean to teach Hinata anything..!"

Sasuke waved her off, his face so uncharacteristically mirthful with humor. "It was Hinata who asked anyway." He shrugs and sips his water. "Didn't know you had it in you, really."

Every single moment leading to her current state seems to pass through her mind. Every battle, fight and dare she say, suffering echoed through her thoughts. Don't tell her… did she fuck everything up? Was it over? This is how it ends? Will Konoha 13 ever forgive her?

Sasuke snarks out low laughter at her drained face. "Hinata managed to convince Neji to try. Something about him not being brave enough too. Then you got your hands on him, asking him if the Byakugan could…" He trails off, the corners of his mouth twitching every so often "...see beneath clothes. Asked him a lot, actually."

Oh god. She asked him the questions she was dying to know about the Byakugan… not that she was ever going to ask them!

"I never saw the Hyuuga lose his composure so fast. Guess he consumed too much alcohol, he kept activating and deactivating Byakugan, and well, you were gripping onto him like your life depended on it." His eyes turned red, three-tomoe Sharingan swirling lazily as he experienced the memories like it was yesterday. "That started a fight between Neji, Naruto and Kiba. Let's just say you've wracked up a hefty bill."

Her soul began to leave her mortal body, elbow leaning on the low table as she clutched her head in frustration. "Shit. I used the good kush." Well, there goes all her money on repairs.

What was she thinking!? Clearly, she wasn't. You never mix marijuana and drinks with the percentage like sake! Cross-fading was the last thing she wanted to do in her first real sit-down impression with Konoha 13!

It's over.

She finally signed a few times, her hands glowing green as she began to cleanse her body. "Is that the worst of it?"

Sasuke snickered. "Think you awakened something in that shy Hyuuga heiress."

"And you didn't stop me! You were supposed to watch me?!"

He merely shrugs, finishing his water with a last sip. "I watched."

"Yeah clearly you watched!"

"I had my hands busy with Sakura."

"And your eyes were so free, weren't they?"

This guy recorded her with his Sharingan!

"Sasuke." Itachi finally sat down, placing down two trays with a bowl of rice, miso soup, and grilled mackerel in each. "Stop teasing her, now eat."

"Yeah Sasuke." She points her chopsticks at him. "No teasing."

Sasuke swallows his rice and raises his eyes to hers. "I wasn't teasing. Just letting her know the full scope of things."

Tamako wants to drown in her miso soup.

. . .

"Good to see you, Tamako." Kakashi offered brightly, his face seemed to sheen, body full of energy while she felt like absolute crap. "I heard that you kids had a great time last night! Got to say though, the Kage Bunshin's been working out great! Had them work overnight and woke up to no paperwork!"

Shizune took that time to walk in, carrying a mountain-load of paperwork before leaving with a cute wave and smile.

Kakashi didn't miss a beat, his smile not even cracking. "Well."

The desk cracked under the weight.

Kakashi eye-smiles.

Then the two simultaneously sighed heavily, their souls leaving their bodies.

"Let's just get this over with."

Kakashi's lidded eyes meet hers. "Unfortunately, the Council isn't so keen with you as the middle-man. I know that Gaara trusts you, as well as Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke but the Council does not."

Tamako mirrors his frown. "That's not good. How are they still in power?"

"The Elders of Konoha have been in power since the end of Nidaime's time. They've accumulated a lot of power, removing them would require a lot of manpower. We have yet to decide figures that would replace them as well."

Tamako ponders for a bit, trying to list every old-ish person she could think of, then brightens. "In Suna, the Council makes up active members of the force who are in prominent seats of power. What about the current leaders of the Yamanaka and Nara clan to start with? They are Head Intelligence of TI and Strategization respectfully. They earn the position. I also think they'll be sympathetic to the cause."

Kakashi seems to sigh. "I was thinking the same, but this will take time."

Her eyes glint. "How long?"

"At least a week of preparation, then another two or three weeks to implant."

She hums back. "So about a month." That wasn't… terrible. She could leave a Hiraishin seal in Konoha and mark the other Villages and negotiate then. The only problem was that her biggest bargaining chip was the fact that Suna and Konoha would be already benefiting from the shared network.

Without the two, Kirigakure would be less inclined, let alone Iwa. Kumo was even a bigger problem, but if she secured the other four villages, Kumo wasn't going to let itself be left behind.

Perhaps she could take this time in figuring out other problems within Konoha, the most glaring would be the Hyuuga.

"That's fine. I can wait a month, but no longer." She resigns. "I'll stay in the Village for now until you work out your inner problems." Maybe she could pick up Karin while she has the chance.

"I've already read how your network functions. I'll have Yamato come by later and format a room for you, preferably hidden, correct?"

She nods back. "The main function works with three clones. One gathers the memories, the other filters through and processes, the other releases. Since we'll be having multiple points of contact, I'll be adding a fourth clone to ensure that the network is able to connect with each other. The distance may cause a problem, but if we can install a clone at certain points around the country, it'll be…" How the hell does she explain wi-fi? "Waves that bounce off each other, relaying the information which should decrease buffering."

Her network before the war was not optimized. If her headquarters were in Wave, which is below Konoha and roughly east of Kiri, and her beetles pop in the north-east corner of Kumo, it would take roughly thirty minutes for the information to reach her clone, filter, select and send back to her, in that order.

It worked, but it was slow. With strategic points of "waves", it would lessen buffering and create a chain effect. Just like dropping a pebble into water, those waves would reach multiple points of interest and spread evenly, and at a more considerable speed.

She's already tested it by creating deep and hidden caverns in Suna, and the buffering was just a few seconds at most.

The only downside was that her real body can't directly connect with the network on a whim. She would need to sit down, concentrate to avoid being brain-fried. A scale that large, that was like connecting yourself into a NASA supercomputer. The load of information could have killed her, and she was no Yamanaka.

"The only thing Konoha needs to do is stop by the network to imbue them with chakra every six months. Like changing the batteries to a radio. I'm like a radio. But like, between all Five Villages that are privy to my network. Aren't I so nice?"

Kakashi seemed to internally roll his eyes, but he understood the merit of her network. At the current moment, the Five Great Village's way of communication was through falcons, and those took days depending on who's the sender and location.

This would trivialize it, and would keep them updated on the events around the world, like natural disasters, criminal activity and more. Her spy network was world renowned afterall. And it was only just last night that he finally found out how exactly it works. The girl was a genius, but he understood why she kept it secret. It had one major flaw: if any of the clones were killed, the network would malfunction.

Other than that, there was no down-side, besides the fact that Tamako herself wasn't affiliated with any village, and that would mean she could have access to it at any time, theoretically at least.

At that thought, Kakashi froze.

Suna had tried to reinstate the girl to their ranks after promoting her to Jounin, but to their avail, she refused, and they quietly retired her Ninja Number. All things considered, she was a civilian with Shinobi training.

She was fair game, and look at the new immigration policy he passed!

The fact that she came to Konoha first meant that she trusted the Village, right after Suna of course. Overthere, they seemed to worship her, and she in return revolutionized Suna in a way that cemented her to the books.

But she left. That meant, she wasn't looking for a permanent residence over there.

It may take a few months, possibly even a few years, but she could be… conditioned, to crave a home. Afterall, having a place to call home is the desire of all.

"What's with that nasty look on your face?" Tamako's face scrunched as if she could read his intentions. Oop, he should probably give her a neutral smile.

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking of the ways to deal with the Elders."

Her face relaxed and brightened. "Oh, that's good, that's good. This is my input, but having centralized power is important. For Inoichi and Shikaku to take the position, they'll have to retire from their clan's seat. I don't think the Hyuuga will take their rise in power too kindly if they keep both positions." Then she added with a cheeky grin. "They're just in luck that their kids are outstanding."

Kakashi agreed. Shikamaru was born a genius, there was no doubt about it. Ino on the other hand, she had a lot of growing to do. Thankfully, she had exceeded even her father in their clan jutsu. A few lessons and they should be set in taking over.

"I'll speak to them later today. I'll call you once everything is finalized, so…" He waved her off, "Off you go! Catch up with Sasuke, or whatever." As the girl turned, his vision circled to the particular symbol on the back of her haori. He figured she was just in comfortable clothing because of last night, but that got his head turning.

Maybe he wouldn't have to interfere. If he let things run its course, it just might…

"Hmm, I didn't know you were that close to Itachi."

The girl hummed in confirmation, if not confused. "Yeah, we're good friends."

Ouch.

"Close enough to share clothes?"

Now, Kakashi knew that Tamako's smaller frame would be swimming in Itachi's clothes. The fact it was tailored to fit her perfectly, that Itachi was scheming. He would help his old comrade and friend. It was the last he could do since he had failed him all those years ago. Just poke the hornet's nest, and it would all come crashing down.

Tamako made a noise of confusion, sniffing herself. "Itachi leant me clothes. No clue where he got it though…" She trailed off, turning to face Kakashi. "Hey, how'd you know I was at Itachi and Sasuke's?"

He gestured at his back. "Uchiwa."

Her face froze.

Then her eyes trailed down.

Then red.

"I-i-i was walking around like this the entire time. Through main street, past the hospital, into the Hokage Tower, up the stairs. I even greeted the desk-nin!"

He grins at her. "Ahh, young love~"

"Th-this is—that's—" Tamako cuts herself off with a shunshin.

Maybe he shouldn't have worried. It looks like Itachi has this handled.

. . .

It's over. Her social life is over.

First she messes up at the first gathering of Konoha 13, which basically comprises the most important people in the near future. She wanted to show them that she's dependable, an intellectual and kind. Not… party crazy, drunk crazy and high! Then she goes off gallivanting around with the Uchiwa on her back.

Why the hell didn't Sasuke say anything?! He was the Uchiha-crazy one, he'd sooner stab a person for insulting his clan than forgive.

Probably.

He was atoning and calming down, but that took time.

Enough about him, this was about her!

In one single day, not even twenty-four hours, she's ruined it. She can't show her face in Konoha anymore. She clapped her warm cheeks, her cool hands cooling her face down. It's embarrassing enough that the whole town knows she's wearing the symbol, now people are going to start attaching the Uchiha name to her!

Just thinking, visualizing, someone calling her Uchiha-san was enough embarrassment to dig a hole, crawl in and never leave.

She tries very hard not to attach that surname to her name, free of clans, free of expectations, traditions and—the thought of being tied down…

Don't get her wrong, the Uchiha clan is a great clan! They had hack-eyes, pretty people, and a lot of emotional baggage, but who doesn't? The biggest worry was…

Her face turned red at the thought.

Uchiha Tamako just sounded so… wrong. It felt like she was forcing herself into this mold that she didn't quite fit. Sure, she had a fair complexion, dark eyes and dark hair. She could pass off as an Uchiha if one squinted enough, but that wasn't it. A name like that…

It was almost cringe-worthy.

She shrugged off the haori and blanched at the undershirt. How did she not realize!? It was an Uchiha staple, hell, Sasuke was wearing one as well!

A high-collar shirt, black and soft. The fabric kept her warm, no doubt because of the funnel collar that trapped the heat that would usually escape via the neck.

She's stupid.

Her arms hugged her legs as she sat propped against the back of a large trunk, somewhere between Nara Land and Uchiha Land, where the Naka River was. It was cooler here, the forest shaded much of the area and the nearby river gave a soothing sound. It looked a little different from what she'd remember, but she chalked it up to the terraforming after Pein.

She was definitely not avoiding anyone. Clearly.

The last thing she wanted to do was to catch Sasuke in one of his smug moods, and don't get her started on Itachi. What the hell was he thinking?

Tamako tries to recall each and every conversation they shared. Every action, every small movement.

Then she recalls Sasuke's.

God, she's stupid.

How did she not see the signs?

Uchiha fucking Itachi taught her the Gōkakyū, Great Fireball Jutsu. She said it herself that day. That jutsu was a coming of age tradition. To signify official acceptance into the clan. She said it herself. That this jutsu would be a tradition that would someday dictate marriage, that one day little Uchiha would run around to learn it from their fathers.

That was a marriage proposal.

And she accepted it like the fool she was.

No wonder he was so panicked that day. Asking if Sasuke had taught her already. The relief in his voice.

It all adds up.

Why were Uchiha so confusing?

She groans into her arms, slamming the back of her against the trunk, over and over and—

"You should stop that, we'll be needing that brain of yours very soon."

Tamako flinched at the raspy voice, turning her head to stare at the other Uchiha. This fucking family was more trouble than it was worth. "What do you want, Obito?" Her voice is full of vice and malice. She glared at his own high-collar short he adorned.

He snickered. "I heard it from Kakashi."

She growls, "Asshole."

He takes a seat to the side of her, leaning his back against the very same trunk and gazes at the Naka River. "I think it's a good thing."

Tamako's head whips to him, shock in her eyes. "Good? I—I can't give something like that to Itachi."

"Why not?"

She opens her mouth to explain her one-hundred and one reasons why, but no sound comes out. Her wild thoughts, running crazily before she stares dead straight back at the dark forest. "I'm just not…" The voice in her mouth seems to die out, her throat constricting close. "... just not all, there, I guess."

He hums back. Silent, contemplative.

"He speaks much of you." Obito finally says. "You may not realize it, but you've changed the Uchiha fate." There's nostalgia in his eyes alongside a hint of sadness. "If it were up to me, Sasuke would be the last one left." He leaves the fact that it would be his past self. Not current.

"Cut yourself some slack, Obito. You are repenting, and your actions have been controlled by that curse on your heart. Blame Madara if you must."

He grins back, full of shame. "And yet, I did that. All of that."

"Yes you did." She agrees quietly. "That's why I want to recruit you. Help me clean up the mess your evil alter ego did."

Obito finally laughs, a dry chuckle that forms into a fit of coughs, his voice raspy all the way through. "That's why he loves you."

Her face pinches at that word.

Love.

She easily gave, but always refused.

It was easy. To love, to leave, and never expect it to be reciprocated.

She knew she loved Sasuke, he was a brother to her. Misled, found the wrong crowd. But she helped to bring him back. And he… he shows his love in a soft way. Behind closed doors, full of teases that he'll never say out loud in public. She loved him so damn much that she'll kill for him.

And he'll do the same for her.

But Itachi?

She… cared for him. She'll kill for him if necessary. But love?

She didn't know if she could be capable of something like that. Not in the way he may want.

"I don't know, Obito. It—it might be awhile until I…" Her words just seemed like they didn't want to leave her. "Until I figure myself out, I guess. He may not want to wait that long. He deserves someone who can offer him safety in both mind and body."

Obito seems to chuckle at her words, his back rippling at the motion, his wrinkled half creasing. "You underestimate him."

She shot back, "No! No, never." She signs in resignation. "Love is a dangerous word for an Uchiha." Her eyes trail back and forth, swishing to the sides as she thought. "I don't exactly… I'm not perfect. I'm not what he thinks I am."

She gave up in the war.

No, that's an understatement. She slept for years, wallowing in self-pity. Nearly let Madara have his way. To the world, she is an infallible force who kept fighting back. Who never gave up, who was as tenacious as Naruto.

She's none of those things, and they'll never know. Not when she rewinded the world to forget her failures.

She's a liar.

"Itachi is… he's not perfect either. He wasn't dealt a fair hand of cards, but yet he continued despite it all." She finishes with a self-reassured nod. "I think he'll be disappointed."

"In what? That you aren't perfect?" Obito's eyes glance at her figure. "If he isn't perfect, why should he demand such a thing from you?"

That's not what she's getting at. No one would understand.

Obito continues. "Take this from a failed villain." He muses at his own words. "It's not that you're afraid of Itachi's idea of yourself. But rather, you're afraid of your own identity."

That strikes a chord harder in her soul, harder than Hagoromo visiting her. More painful than Nagato stringing her up. Scarier than Kaguya. More horrifying than the one-hundredth rewind.

It's everything she's been denying.

What was she exactly? Her soul was torn from limbo where she rested. Her body created from a mother who abandoned her, her father unknown. Left to raise herself, to prove herself. Please look after me. She tried to earn recognition, desperately asking the Kazekage to see her, not just notice her. She had no family, no village to call home. Suna just didn't feel right.

Yes, yes. She made an oasis in the desert, because that was the last thing she could do to her motherland that never loved her fully, for her entirety.

But if she had no home, no family, no identity. Just… following the script, editing the script… what will she do now that the pages have run out? That the ink has dried, the story has been told. What was left of… her?

She spent an uncountable years dedicated to seal-work. Dedicated to science. Dedicated to the War. She knew no life outside of work.

What was to come of her? Would she cease to exist now that her place has been told? Would Hagoromo take her back to Limbo where she would rest for all of eternity, knowing but not feeling. Conscious, but not coherent.

She could feel her heart palpitate, the sound of her breaths that were deafening, hand clammy and she could just feel everythin—

"Breathe." A voice cuts through her rampant thoughts. Calm and low. She feels a breath of hot air puff at her pale cheeks, the voice asking, begging, to breathe alongside them.

In.

Out.

Her first breath is shaky, shuttering and hiccupping.

The breath doesn't leave so calmly, trembling and comes out like a cough. She feels a pull in chest, her lungs tight as if she was breathing without them. Her head hurt so much, hammering that seemed to echo.

Her heart raced faster, the pounding in her chest was so loud, relentless. Each breath she shuttered in at the request of the soft voice. But her lungs just seem to forget how to expand, her vision is all blurry and wet, going distant and distorted like she was being left behind. She chokes out one last time, she could feel her hands tremble uncontrollably, and she tries to gasp in the air like a dying fish. But no matter what she did, she couldn't.

She feels warm hands press against her cheek, holding her head upright as her teary bloodshot eyes meet dark ones. They are so soft, long lashes that just seem to mourn.

Then they turn red, red fuma shurikens twist within the orb, and her vision grows fainter. Her eyes close, body slumping over.

Black.

. . .

Itachi catches Tamako's body easily, cradling her head close to his chest as he glared up to his older cousin. His only cousin.

"Must you prod her that much?" He asks darkly. He's never forgiven Obito, not just yet. He understands the man, somewhat. Of his hardships, how he was manipulated, cursed to the heart.

It's a sad story. An Uchiha Classic.

He almost scoffs at those words.

Obito looks away in guilt. "Her mental will and strength was the strongest I knew of. I thought this conversation would be… a light one."

Itachi shakes his head. "Clearly not." He looks down at the girl in his arms. Tears pooling down her cheeks even in sleep. Then, he adds softly. "She must have been keeping everything inside."

Obito had his outlet in schemes, Sasuke had his outlet with violence, Itachi had his outlet knowing Sasuke was alive.

He does not know if she had one.

Self-sacrifice was a notion he understood well. He had undergone such acts, all for the sake of his young brother. Who was not privy to the world, the most innocent thing in the world. But to him, it would be all worth it, even if he were to sacrifice his life.

But Tamako? She did everything, squeezing herself into the equation.

He wonders if she's rested since the war.

His cousin finally speaks, "You should bring her back to rest." Obito lifts himself from the tree and glances at the clouds. "She'll be here for another month, spend it wisely, cousin." He swirls away before Itachi could ask more questions, and he's left alone beneath the shade. Girl in arms with tears he didn't know how to wipe away.

. . .

It's Sasuke that greets them at the door. Dark short hair he's recognized from anywhere, he asks, "What happened?" The paper between his hands crumple as he spots the red tear streaks. He's.. confused.

He'd only seen her cry once. When he was… lost. He's regretted it since, he's regretted many things but making her cry was up there.

Sasuke remembers the first time they met. Him in a tree, her staring up with a kind smile, doing unkind things. It was a juxtaposition that had him perpetually and utterly confused. She had a smile that Sakura would direct to him while he was looking, a smile that Iruka would give to Naruto. One that was… kind, understanding, worried.

Sasuke never judged one's appearance, but he nearly did that day. Despite what many may think, he and Naruto were… close. Even back then.

The orange-clad boy was disgustingly oversharing, to Naruto's preference in both girls and ramen, to how often he did laundry. It was not often. "She's almost as pretty as Haku! But…" Naruto's face soured. "She's all ugly inside! Rude even! She acts nice, but I get a feeling of a dirty schemer…A face like that—!" He clutches his chest. "Too cruel!"

Sasuke conflictingly agreed with his teammate. She was cruel, Sakura told him how she killed Dosu. The words she said. A rite of passage. How could one be promoted to Chunin, capable of sending their squad to death if one has never killed?

She was right, she made sense. She thought in a way he did, that to kill someone was just the next step, but did that make him weak as he was unable to kill, even at Orochimaru's claim?

The next time he saw her, he was freshly free of Konoha. She came in like a beacon, all shining with smiles that reached her eyes. Promised him information for companionship, that people like them, alone with no one else, would benefit teaming together.

Her offer was enticing, her in with Akatsuki even more so. But sometimes, he wished he had saw. The way she stumbled, how she avoided craning her back in certain ways to not aggravate her wounds. How her eyes trembled away at each mention of that cursed group's name, wincing every sentence. She was in pain, scared, alone, she was only thirteen like him.

It made sense she ran away for a year, sending him stories of what she had seen. He was mad, and jealous that she could do so. Relieved when she came back.

He saw, and ignored. All he did was take, take, take, and never gave.

Sasuke feels his Sharingan activate, his blood icy. "Who was it?"

Itachi glances up, holding her delicately like she would break if he just squeezed too hard. "The world." His brother says with conviction and weariness that has Sasuke understanding all too fast.

"Aa." He finally responds, watching his brother's figure disappear after turning into a hall.

Sasuke finally releases his tight-hold on the paper, trying to smooth it as much as possible. He would have to apologize to Sakura again.

He leaves the house, sliding the paper doors shut before ninja jumping to a nearby tree, heading towards where he knew where she would be. He easily skips past the desk-nurse and into her office.

Sakura glances up, blinking her wide green eyes. "Sasuke-kun?"

"Sakura." He steps forward and drops the pack of papers, a little wrinkled. "I read it."

The pinkette's eyes widen, her eyes bashfully at the ground before gathering her words. "W-what do you think about it?"

"It's good." He says before she could back out, he knew that nervous look of her.

"Then—!"

Sasuke nods back. "Aa. I'll donate it. The old Uchiha Police Station land, as well as half of the Uchiha legacy."

Sasuke was filthy rich, with more money he knew what to do with.

"Built it, the Children's Therapy Center. I'll fund all of it."

It was kind of her, kind of Sakura to propose such an idea despite working to the bone every night. He understood her thought process. She was surrounded by people who had losses at a young age, he knew what this clinic would do.

The people that Haruno Sakura loved, fought, and even hated… they had suffered with false outlets at such a young age.

This war, the Fourth Shinobi War, had damaged everyone. Not a single person escaped unscathed, and he too feared the mental health of the young. Whom's parents perished, family's erased.

He pondered quietly, what life would have been if such services were available all those years ago. To Kakashi, Naruto, Itachi, Tamako. What his own life would've been. Would he have been happier? Would he have stayed? If he wasn't so misguided… would everything be different?

Tears dripped down Sakura's face as she wiped them away with her white coat sleeves. He didn't know why she cried so easily, he didn't know why his face seemed wet either.

Sakura launched forward, her arms wrapping him, face tight against his chest. She held him tightly, in the same way she did all those years ago. At Wave, at the hospital.

Now.

He wrapped his arm around her, feeling the warmth and accepted it in a way only he could ever understand.

"Thank you, Sakura."

. . .

Naruto had a bigger heart he knew what to do with.

He loved so easily, so freely. As quick as it came to his mind to the memories he formed, he loved hard.

He knew so deeply that he loved Sakura. It first began as a crush.

Sakura was the only pink-haired girl and that immediately made her the apple of everyone's eye. The girls teased her so badly that it took Naruto a year to realize she had the most memorizing emerald eyes he'd ever seen.

It grew stronger as she finally began to open up, her personality, while still kind, shed its shyness and she began to become outspoken, answering Iruka-sensei's question and awing him in how smart she was.

It was a crush. And he fell for her deeply. Sakura in the Academy, Sakura during the early days of Team 7. He daydreamed about her, wanted to ask her on dates, he wanted to see her smile directed at him.

At Wave, she saved him from Zabuza's ambush, throwing herself at him and forcing the two to duck away just in time.

At Chunin Exams, he had to hear it from Sasuke that she'd pinned him to the tree and saved his sorry-ass. Of course, he slugged Sasuke afterwards while fishing, but his thoughts continued to stray.

He wasn't as stupid as people made out for him to be. Her swollen eye, so beaten up it was closed. The messy teartracks, and cut hair. But he stayed silent, letting Sasuke and Sakura have this moment to themselves.

As he grew older, and maybe just a little wiser, he started to love Sakura-chan. How could he not? She was beautiful and kind. Maybe not so kind when he was acting like a dumbass but sometimes he deserved it. She grounded him in some way.

He truly loved her, even if he knew, that Sakura was deeply in love with Sasuke.

It hurt, but he understood. He respected her feelings, and to a certain degree, he respected Sasuke as well. He was his friend, his rival, his brother.

She broke his heart.

But that didn't mean Sakura didn't love him, oh no.

He was the cornerstone to Sakura, he was the one Sakura relied on the most.

So when she asked him, shaking, crying, eyebags dark to save Sasuke who was lost in his mind, he accepted. He put on a smile and a thumbs-up like it would be fine, that he'll bring back that bastard for her, for them. He gave her what she needed, putting on a confidant face because that's what she needed. She needed him to be strong, for the both of them.

That day, he realized that Sakura would never love him romantically, but love him in her special particular way.

She cared for him, loved him deeply, but not in the same way as she did for Sasuke. Sakura loved Naruto so much, that she lied to him about his second uncontrollable Kyuubi Cloak. He had hurt her badly. That she prioritizes him over all else, and maybe at some point, she did love him in the way he wanted. But there could be nothing that would spawn of it, because that bastard Sasuke was out there, suffering, alone and the two could not bear it.

She saw the anguish in his eyes when the official order was to kill Sasuke on sight, told him that there was no more need to bring him back. Not when he has fallen. That she'll take on his burden that she had given him,

But with Naruto having such a big heart, bigger than what knew to do with, he denied. Because Sakura's love was an infectious one. He loved Sasuke, his friend, his rival, his brother. They'll take the burden together, as it always should have been.

Even now, he loved Sakura. After the war, after finally bringing back Sasuke that took five years, he still loved her. It's not so quite easy to rid of such feelings that's been festering in him, but he has already resigned to the fact that he will never get with his first ever crush.

Not many people do, but that's okay.

But those Academy feelings, those early Genin days of his youth. They just seem to fester once again, but not for Sakura…

But for a girl he'd never noticed before. Never truly noticed.

It's been in the back of his mind for a while. He was so busy with Pein, so busy with the Raikage hunting down Sasuke, so busy with Tobi telling him Village Secrets that made him all too understanding with Sasuke, too busy with Bijuu training and lastly, too busy with the war.

And now that Sasuke is home, the Akatsuki is beaten, that Obito has finally found the light and that he's practically given up on studying to become a Jounin, he finally has his thoughts to himself.

He may have had this realization after drinking too many beers with Kiba, taking shots from Tamako and edging Neji to try something new.

He loves Sakura, but he may also like Hinata. He forgot that Hinata wasn't just some shy, softspoken weirdo he thought she was when he was younger. He had grown to admire the way she never gave up, against Neji. Against her clan… against Pein. She confessed to him, said she loved him.

He had never had such raw feelings told to him before, and in a way, he knew that she accepted him from the very beginning. The thoughts of her shyness, the way she hesitantly gave him this cream after his fight with Kiba, the way Kurenai-sensei just seemed exasperated with him.

All of this… he forgot. Because he was so damn busy with everything. But tonight? It came back to him.

She was a shy girl, but seemingly after alcohol and coughing up a storm after using the hookah… she had changed. "Naruto-kun." She began.

Naruto's red face and lazy eyes glance up to her, nursing a shot he had just taken from Tamako. The other girl's face was leering, a faint blush on her face that had Lee bowing down in the corner.

" 'Wassup Hinata?" He asks, feeling Kurama burning the "poison" in him. His foggy mind clears up just a little.

The girl's face is devoid of any sorts of red he'd usually associate her with. She grabs his arm, placing it plush to her chest and leans in, her head resting on his shoulder as she sits contently with her eyes closed.

He goes red. "W-w-wah?" He says intelligently. "Hinata? A-are you okay? Do you need—"

"What the hell!?" Kiba shouts, standing up and pointing. "What the hell does an idiot like Naruto and a prude like Neji get babes all over them!?" He points at Hinata and Tamako before baring his fangs.

Hinata slowly opens her eyes, Byakugan blazing out and veins popping. "Kiba-kun, sit."

Kiba immediately sits at the sight.

Naruto has never seen Kiba shut his mouth so fast in his entire life, and he knew Kiba since he was six.

He stays still. In shock, memories flashing back of a girl who just seemed to never give up, her shyness all but erased in face of her goals.

"Awwww." Tamako's voice is high-pitched as she coos, cutting his thoughts. Both her arms are still around Neji's, holding them deathly tight as the older boy switches from being vaguely annoyed to a red face to confusion. "That's so cute. Neji-Neji, are you seeing this?"

'Neji-Neji' blinks at his nickname. His Byakugan activating and deactivating uncontrollability. "No."

Tamako pouts. "That's a shame. Is this why Hyuuga's never drink alcohol?" Her fingers gently rub over the veins that protrude on Neji's face.

Neji doesn't respond, resigning to his fate before taking another shot for the road to come. Tenten looks on worryingly, offering him a cup of water that he declines. "I'm already this far already. I have to ensure that nothing from this night is in my memory."

"Hehe." Tamako giggles, leaning in. "Don't worry, I'll give you a night that you won't forget." Instantly, Naruto immediately forgets his occupied shoulder and gruffles out a laugh at Neji's almost uncharacteristically red face.

Kiba slams the table, pointing. "That's it, I can't do this anymore!" He grabs Neji by the scruff of his collar, his entire face blazed red from the alcohol and lands a punch.

Instantly, all hell breaks loose and Naruto joins after Neji throws a Gentle Fist at his face. Was it out of spite? Probably.

. . .

She wakes up to a padded futon, soft and clean. Hard tatami to her left, just like last time. As she rouses to awake, memories slowly start flowing in.

At first, she lays there, unmoving. Her chakra as stable as she was in her sleep. She had an… existential crisis.

Well, she's always had one. Just in the back burner of her mind, black and charred for the years on end.

Judging how she's awake to similar circumstances as before, this time without alcohol staining her insides, she was at Itachi and Sasuke's place.

Now, she really didn't want to talk to those two at the moment. Matter of fact, all the Uchiha's should stay at least ten meters away from her from now on. She was getting a little tired of men, she needed a feminine touch.

The only problem?

Well, she didn't have a lot of girl friends.

She can't leave to get Karin just yet, not with her Konoha network in jeopardy because of those lousy elders, and Konan was all the way in Rain. Her only choice… was the friends she made in her welcome-party,

If she did make any.

From what Sasuke briefly told her about, Hinata seemed like a safe bet, but knowing how she treated Neji… well, he may not want Tamako anywhere near the Hyuuga Princess.

Her last memory was Ino, but that was taking body shots and she would really not want to talk to the girl anytime soon.

Tenten probably didn't like how she manhandled her teammate, so that was out too.

That left… Sakura.

She liked Sakura. The girl was strong, reliable, and very helpful with her Medical Ninjutsu.

As for Sakura liking her back? Well, there was only one way to find out.

Tamako took out a scroll she'd sealed in her wristband, unsealing an outfit that was much less identifiable than that stupid clan symbol on her back. It was a simple black romper, similar to the one she wore beforehand, which was currently MIA. It cut off at her upper arm and upper leg before shrugging on a patterned dark-blue haori. Feeling sufficiently covered, she performed a shunshin and escaped the house.

It was a little too easy finding the girl, sitting at a cafe with anmitsu in front of her. It almost choked out a laugh out of Tamako. This was how she first introduced herself to the girl. Then, she slid to the seat in front of her, waving. "Hi Sakura."

The girl blinked out of her daze, dropping her spoonful of anmitsu. "T-t-t-tamako?" She stutters out, desert now forgotten.

Tamako signals down a waiter, ordering a plate of senbei and tea before glancing back. "Yesterday was a shitshow, wasn't it?"

Sakura winced.

That's all Tamako needed. "I'm sorry for the mess I caused."

The pinkette shrugged, "It's okay. Everyone has been a little pent up, and you did remember to pay the bill before Sasuke-kun hauled you back." Then, she paused, unease on her face. "Are you…" She trails off.

"Am what?" She snapped the end of the senbei cracker in her mouth, chewing slowly.

Sakura blinks, once, twice, then hardly on the third. Her face pulls and she stares deadstraight at Tamako. "Are you in love with Sasuke?"

Tamako swallows down the wrong hole, coughing harshly and banging her chest as Sakura quickly gives her a cup of tea. She drowns it, before coughing more at the scalding temperature. She slams the cup down. "No." Then, a little firmer. "He's like a brother to me."

Sakura's face turns to understanding. "I see." Then, a grin. "So."

Tamako knew what was coming.

"You and Itachi-san then." Sakura tilts her head, giving her a knowing look.

"You and Sasuke." Tamako merely replies back, watching the girl's face turn scorching red.

"T-thats—!"

She sips her tea, now at an appropriate temperature. "Sakura." She begins, hesitantly as her eyes filter around the cafe. "How do you…" Her voice seemed to fail her again. So, she tries again. "How do you know if…" Her voice clogs in her throat, closing in and itches. Onyx eyes drift to Sakura's bright emerald ones. "What do you do…" She says slowly, carefully, as if speaking too fast would render her death. "... if someone you know likes you?"

The pinkette seems to ponder at her words, slowly. Her eyes shift around as she recalls her memory, turning to Tamako. "Well." Sakura begins. "It depends who it is." She takes a bite of her anmitsu as if chasing away bitterness. "I had a man confess to me during the war. I couldn't possibly give him what he wanted, so I turned him away. Told him I had someone else in mind."

Tamako nods back. That seemed reasonable. Then, she noticed Sakura's expression. With narrowed eyes, she silently places down a silencer seal and Sakura nods back with gratefulness, finishing off the last spoonful of her anmitsu before doubling down.

"You've… inspired me in a way. The same way that Lee, Naruto and Sasuke have." Sakura admits, folding her hands onto the table. "That's why… I trust you. Many people do in fact. Naruto, Sasuke-kun, Itachi-san, even Kaka-sensei." Her voice wavers slightly. "To answer your question… it's difficult."

Tamako leans her body towards Sakura, unblinking as she gives the girl her full attention. "How… or why?"

"Naruto's feelings for me…" She trails off, laughing slightly, but they don't reach her eyes. "I know he loves me. I… I love him too."

Tamako freezes, eyes wide.

"It's confusing. Difficult. When we were Genin, I thought it was simple. I had a crush on Sasuke-kun, and Naruto was annoying. But…" Then she laughs, it reaches her eyes as they crease. "Naruto is just… amazing. Back then, he was totally unreliable and full of the most baseless confidence, but I just ended up relying on him, you know? He saved the day during that Wave mission, and I started to realize that Naruto, again and again, when moments felt impossible that everything felt like it was over…" Sakura has a stupid smile on her face. "He pulled through, screaming and shouting the entire time. It's… inspiring. At first, I didn't know what feeling I felt towards him, but after all this time… I've grown to understand myself."

Love is confusing.

"He always asked me on dates after each mission, and I always say no. Then I'll run up to Sasuke and ask the same thing, and you already know what his answer was." Sakura laughs into her sleeve. "We were young, stupid. Naruto even more so, but even so. His dream to become Hokage, no matter what, fighting impossible enemies… isn't that dream just so beautiful?" Sakura genuinely smiles at Tamako. "I want him to achieve his dreams. He deserves it, and I'll do anything in my power for him to reach it." Then, Sakura's eyes, full of hope and love, falls short. "But I asked him for a lifetime favor. A request I felt so deeply, so selfishly. I couldn't possibly ask to be by his side. When Pein attacked, I thought it was over. Seeing Naruto come out of nowhere, I had hope. I fought beside him, but as soon as he fell. I gave up." There's tears in her eyes. "But Hinata didn't. She got up, and up, and up. No matter what, even after she died." She turns to her. "Naruto deserves someone who has loved him this entire time. Believed in him this entire time. I have no place there."

Tamako let's Sakura's words simmer in her mind. And for a moment, she understood it all.

Sakura fell in love with Naruto while being in love with Sasuke. She had only realized it after Sasuke had left.

It… made sense. Naruto was always by Sakura's side, believing in her, they were each other's closest confidant. She has admired him since Genin days, when he freed Kakashi from Zabuza, when he gave back Sasuke confidence against Orochimaru. When he saved her from Gaara.

Then… Sakura regretted giving Naruto her lifetime request because it caused him pain. She never wanted him to be in pain, never ever. Cried when he entered Kyuubi Mode against Orochimaru, his skin peeling, his body in pain. Always in pain.

Sakura nearly pulverized Sai when he insulted Naruto after all, nearly pulverized Karui after Pein as well.

"Then… at Iron."

Sakura blinks, her fingers nervously intertwining. "I told Naruto I loved him." She shuffles. "It was the truth. I really did but…" Then her head shakes. "But I also told him I had no feelings for Sasuke. It was a lie… and Naruto knew it." She covers her face. "I'm a mess. I told a boy I liked that I liked him, and he got mad at me lying. Then I got mad at him thinking I was lying about those feelings…then I tried to kill another boy I liked."

Tamako sympathizes with her. If she was in her place, she may have ended up falling for Naruto as well. But then…

She rests her hands under her chin. "Then what of Sasuke?"

Sakura deflates. "That's the problem. In the academy, I thought he was amazing. He was so talented that no one even came close. I really admired him." Then, she laughs. "I already told Ino this but… I had a really bad complex." She sighs, reminiscing about her childhood. "Ino was my first friend, the first person I ever opened up to. She told me to flaunt and have confidence… she gave me the support I really needed! So, I ended up being a little more social I guess." Sakura swirls her drink in her hand, the spoon clanging softly against the ceramic. "I was happy then, wanted to tell my little group of friends of this crush I had. And to my surprise… Sasuke-kun was the most popular kid!" She leans on her palm. "That took me by surprise. And then I heard a rumor that Ino liked him too. Ino… I really looked up to her. I adored her." She snorts. "Not that I'd tell her that to her face. But perfect cute Ino and big forehead ugly me? I was an ugly kid, inside and out. Ino saved me, but as much as I adored and loved her, well, I resented her too."

Tamako taps the table softly. "You were just kids. That's just how kids roll." She recalls her own experience. "I think I hated someone too when I was a kid. They were better than me."

Sakura laughs, "No way, someone better than you? At what?"

She shares a grin. "Now that I recall… well I don't remember." That was another life ago. "In anycase, that's a normal kid reaction. Kids are stupid like that."

Sakura huffs into her sleeve, "And stupid we are. My crush wasn't just a simple crush, it ended up growing into this competition against Ino… and I knew I would definitely lose but…!" She cracks a grin. "I wanted to compete. I wanted to stand alone and build myself. Without Ino, I just wanted to prove that I wasn't just some loser."

Tamako gives her a look. "Oh, you surely did." Without Sakura, thousands would have died in the war, there was no question about it.

"I wanted Sasuke to acknowledge me, because he acknowledges no one. If he did acknowledge me, that would mean Sasuke, who I thought was amazing, perfect and untouchable, would think I was amazing too. It's… a reassurance, I guess."

Tamako listens dutifully, because it was the only thing she could do. Sakura was undeniably understanding of her own self. She knew herself so well in a way that Tamako could never. What made her and Sakura so different? She wished she knew herself in the way Sakura did, even if she was conflicted with love.

"And then Wave happened." A dry chuckle. "Damn Wave. Perfect, invincible Sasuke was no longer perfect nor invincible. He was dead-cold at my feet. Dozens of senbon sticking out of him. It shattered my puppy adoration of him. Realized he's fallible as the rest of us." She hiccups. "I didn't want him to die. It… challenged the idea I had of Ninja. How I perceived the world. Not all sunshine and rainbows. Saving the day, coming home safe. Sasuke wasn't the answer to my confidence, I finally figured that I didn't need to be acknowledged to be perfect like Sasuke… who wasn't perfect. He was human, he could be panicked, scared, confused… that's what Orochimaru taught me." Her hands dig into her face. "Oh… why did Sasuke have to suffer… over and over and over… and why couldn't I ease this pain that I had never imagined was possible? To Protect? Aid?"

Sakura's fist clench. "And Sasuke and that cursed seal… that wasn't him. He was powerful, he was protecting me, but that wasn't him. It wasn't the Sasuke I was getting to know, not the one he would want to be, causing pain and suffering."

Tamako closes her hand on Sakura's fist. "Yes, it wasn't him. You were right… the curse seal made Sasuke into someone he would have never wanted to be."

The fist loosens at Tamako's touch. "By then… I realized that Sasuke-kun's self-preservation was incredibly low. Wave was just one incident, continuing the Chunin Exams was the second. He's stupid, stubborn and hyper-focused. I hate it."

Tamako hates those traits of him as well. He was self-destructive in ways that Tamako didn't even realize. She thought Genin Sasuke was… calculative. But with the way Sakura was speaking… Sasuke had these traits within him this entire time. Her blood runs cold at the reminder of Sasuke after Danzo.

"This world is cruel and terrifying. I couldn't let him leave the Village to face that willingly, especially with a man like Orochimaru who wanted to take his body. Sasuke was a boy, growing more and more unhinged as his failures increased. His only comparison was Naruto, who only seemed to grow and grow. If he left the Village… how will I save him? Who would watch out for his recklessness? He was crazy enough, desperate enough, felt incompetent and weak enough that Orochimaru was his answer." Sakura's hands found Tamako's, clenching them. "But you were there." Tears stream out. "Oh thank god, you were there."

And now, Tamako understands all too well. "Sakura, your love has grown to bounds further than I had imagined."

She smiles. "I keep it this close to my heart. But I think that… sometimes it's not good to keep things in your heart."

Tamako's eyes soften. "You love Sasuke."

"I do." She whispers back.

Tamako understood.

She is almost jealous of Sakura in how she developed these feelings, seemingly so easily. But it's not so easy. Sakura's own story is testament to it.

She tries to recall all of her memories, trying to feel what others may have felt for her.

Sasuke, apprehensive, curious, intrigued, trust.

Itachi, mistrust, acquaintance, friends, reliance… and somewhere in there, was love.

Sakura could almost read Tamako's face, she wore her emotions, deep emotions, on her sleeve. "It was love."

"Love?" Tamako questions back.

"He saw the love that you freely gave. The effort you made, painstakingly, at the expense of yourself. It's… it's remarkable. You're inspiring, like Naruto. It seems like you never gave up, no matter what. Always for your ideals, never turning back. He loved that part of you."

Tamako immediately protests. "It's just like you said. We keep things to our hearts. I've given up many times."

Sakura raises an eyebrow. "But did you really?" She leans in. "If you say you gave up, then what went wrong?"

Her jaw opens to respond, ready to tell her she gave up during the war, slept for years. Nearly gave the enemy what they wanted. Then, freezes. She couldn't say such things without seeming crazy, because to this timeline, she has done no such thing.

And then it hits her. Everytime she gave up, she somehow managed to come back. Fighting, screaming, crying, shouting. All of the millions of tries and do's. What she's achieved in this permanent final timeline… was the amalgamation of all and more.

She feels a soft brush on her cheeks. "You act like Naruto, but deep down…" Sakura wipes Tamako's running tears. "You're just like Sasuke-kun." Sakura called Sasuke… stupid, stubborn, hyper focused. Self-destructive.

She was self-destructive. No, rather, she did self-destruct. Multiple times.

Inside, she's upset to be called such terms. But Sakura wasn't wrong.

Sakura wipes away her tears with the back of her sleeve.

"How… how did you figure that out?"

Sakura gives her a knowing look. "I have the two most dramatic people in the world as teammates." She said it as if it answered all of her questions.

"Then, you said all of that to…"

The pinkette nods. "You looked deeply troubled. I heard from Sasuke-kun that you only listen and give yourself to people, and never to yourself."

She was caught in her trap.

But Tamako felt as if hundreds of worries that used to weigh her shoulders, vanish. As if she had no more troubles, worries, what-ifs and the not, gone. She didn't even realize she had such weight on her, didn't realize that such things were… worries to begin with. Before she knew it, she was a pivotal person, not just from action. She was… inspirational. Loved, cared for. She just, hadn't thought it was right for her. Thought she was a liar.

Suddenly, she has a new appreciation for Sakura.

"You should open that Children's Therapy Clinic." She blurts out.

Sakura blinks. "You heard of it?"

Tamako nods back. "I know everything… well, somethings." Then, she smiles. "I think you just had your first successful patient." She stands up suddenly, Sakura quickly follows as if she was afraid Tamako would run away. No, she was done running away. When they reach the streets, the sun overhanging, she turns to the pinkette and hugs her tightly.

"I think I understand now. About… myself, among other things." She places both her palms on the girl's shoulder and grins. "And I think I get what you're coming from. Your love, my love." She cups her hands to her chest. "Love is never easy, whether it's giving or receiving." Her hand squeezes. "Sakura, I think you should tell Naruto what you told me." She quickly continues when she spots Sakura's mouth moving to protest. "Tell him what you thought of him during his Genin days. Tell him that you'll be his biggest supporter of his dreams, just like you told me. Tell him that you truly did love him, and tell him why you will not pursue him, just as you told me. Tell him that he deserves someone who loves him unrelentingly." She pauses for a moment. "Your love for Naruto is pushed down because of your respect for Hinata and for your love for Sasuke. You are kind, Sakura. You could never live with yourself if you'd done such a thing, but even so, not everyone gets what they desire. Not everyone get's their first love, first crush. You've hurt Naruto, and Naruto's hurt you, but it's time to finish it once and for all. It's bittersweet, but such is life. The two of you deserve closure."

Sakura's mouth tightens, her eyes glinting with resolve. "For him, for me. For the both of us."

Tamako agrees softly. "For the two of you."

"Thank you." They spoke in unison, unflinching, turning around and marching off in different directions.

As she walks down the street, there's a smile on her face. And secretly, she knew Sakura had one too.

It was time to tie loose ends, once and for all. No more running around the question, keeping things to one's own heart. It's not healthy.

She approaches the grand lone house, empty fields as far as the eye could see. The sliding door is just in front of her, so she knocks politely. Waiting.

The sound of footsteps pat against the ground, gaining speed once the individual recognized her chakra signature and the door slid open.

Her dark eyes meet his. "Itachi, can we talk?"

. . .

He was worried.

Her signature disappeared from the house nearly three hours ago, and he couldn't locate her anywhere in the village. She was suppressing her chakra, she didn't want to be found.

If Tamako didn't want to be found, then no one could. So he waited.

Sat neatly by the kitchen, sipping on his tea as the clock behind him ticked. And ticked.

He threw a kunai at the clock.

Silence.

Then, the smallest knock.

Itachi springs up and walks to the door, then feels the chakra. It's unique in a way that's hard to describe. Sharp, but not prickly. Clean like water, but earthy like morning dew.

He runs over, his fingers finding the notch and slides it open, his eyes meeting her's. They're dark like his, almond shaped with long lashes. She looks… content. As if her worries and outbreak had never happened. He spots tear tracks but doesn't address them.

"Itachi, can we talk?"

He stills, then a nod. "Please, come in."

Itachi brings her to the same table he served her breakfast. They sit down, and share a pot of tea. The aroma calms his nerves, just slightly. Was he about to hear rejection?

He feels a small pang in his heart at the notion.

Tamako sips, calmly placing down the cup and stares deep in his eyes.

He can't help but to stare back. Memorized by its shape. It suited her face, as many would call the girl a classic beauty. These eyes had seen it all, and he wanted to know the secrets they held.

"Use Tsukuyomi."

He blinks. "Excuse me?"

She nods back. "It'll take too long to explain it. It's better if you saw."

He nods slowly, his eyes turning red before switching to his Mangekyou. There, he maintained eye contact before plunging the two into his infamous technique. He hadn't had the time to use the technique on a real enemy due to them having the Rinnegan, so this was the first in many, many months. He was curious about what the elusive girl had to say.

She looked around, the landscape he chose was the old hideout in Wave. They sat on the coffee table, the same pot of tea resting on the back burner. Bringing the cup to her lips, she breathed in deeply at the aroma. It was her favorite one. Sighing with relief, she finally sips it, taking in the taste, it felt real.

"As always, your genjutsu is second to none."

Itachi nods back, "Thank you." He masks his nervousness behind a stoic mask. "What was it that you wanted to talk about?"

Tamako glances up, forming a few signs before pondering. "I just wonder…" Her chakra flashes within his world and slowly, the world fades, warps and swirls. The Wave Hideout disappears from view, moving, growing before all was black, except the table they sat on, a hot pot of tea in front of them.

"Amazing." He breathes. Despite being the caster, she had wrenched out control, forcefully but soft enough to not break the Genjutsu. Only someone with a deep understanding of both chakra and their mind could do something like this.

The black instantly warped into a vast plain of grass and poppies, soft rolling hills but he could spot from the distance, a dark looming storm of clouds. They thundered away like it was a distant memory, but he couldn't tell if the storm had passed, or it was approaching.

Then he spots it.

Underneath a willow tree, beneath its shade rested two people.

One, recognized was the girl herself. But, she was beside him. The other, was a cross legged floating omnipotence man he recognized from the war. The Sage of Sixth Paths.

"You are Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki." Memory Tamako states. "You can talk to me normally."

His Tamako sighs, eyes closed as she sips her tea.

"That is correct." Hagoromo's voice echoes with omnipotence. "I captured your soul as it floated aimlessly in the vast sea and granted you a bit of my chakra." The God floats down gently, his legs touching the ground as he leans on the grass. Fingers, gripping and snapping a nearby poppy as his fingers rotates the flower between them. "It seems that I've chosen the right one."

Itachi lets these words sink in. Captured soul. His head turns to her. "You were one with Pure Lands?"

Her face pulls. "No." She settles the cup back to the table and glances up. "Worse. Limbo. Conscious but not coherent. Seeing, but not knowing."

"Then, did you create [System] ?" The word that the other Tamako says is filtered. A word he couldn't quite comprehend. He says the world under his breath but couldn't quite replicate it.

"No. As a foreign soul, you had no precognition or loyalty within this world."

Itachi understands now. Tamako was not a soul from this world, but rather a different dimension. It made sense why she was chosen. There would be no bias within her actions, a pure slate. A child to be molded by the world.

It's cruel.

"But that meant you were not adjusted with chakra, you couldn't fully absorb it into your soul." Hagromo finger glides to Tamako's forehead, gently sliding into the middle. "Therefore my chakra was absorbed into your Yin, creating the [System] you know of."

Yin Release was the amalgamation of spiritual energy, capable of creating form out of nothingness.

He glances back at Tamako, her brows furrowed as she comprehends the words of Hagoromo. "So then, I created the [System] ?"

"Yes in a way. I am all-knowing, and my chakra is too. The [System] that you had created is fueled with my knowledge, what the system perceives is not just your imagination, but an understanding of the world."

Itachi understands now, more than ever.

"Your knowledge comes from Hagoromo. That is why you know all."

Tamako slowly nods. "In a way, yes that's correct." She turns away. "I told you that I used crystal to see the events of the past, but that is incorrect." Her bangs cover her eyes as she shuffles her head. "I had always known. Always, forever."

"How much of your chakra did you give me?" Tamako speaks, face furrowed. "I've reloaded thousands of times, changing the timeline permanently."

He stills at the memory's words. The vocabulary used by the memory is a little strange, but it was comprehensive enough to form an educated guess. "You've lived this life before." Then a pause. "No. You've re-experienced events many times… were you trying to achieve perfection?"

"I've lost count." Tamako laughs dryly. "I've fought Madara for decades."

His mouth thins at her words. Decades. "How long." He asks.

Decades of experience, with no one else to remember. Shouldering the responsibility alone. Seeing the end that no one would remember. Over and over. He feels a pang in his heart, so deep and so painful.

How long was she alone for?

Tamako ponders his words, the memory frozen, the grass no longer pillowing across. Clouds cease to move, the smell of poppies halting. "I've accumulated perhaps a century. Maybe less, maybe more." The ceramic cup clashes to the table as she places it down. "I've truly lost count. Seal work, medicine work… it all blends in. Before the war, I knew exactly how long. Three decades. After the war…" She trails off, sighing. "Who knows. Perhaps my mind doesn't remember to protect myself."

He could hear the anguish in her voice, but there was a deep sense of understanding in her. He couldn't possibly understand how she could understand her circumstances. It wasn't fair. Not right.

The scene resumes, the two figures moving. "And that is why I am here. The [System] can no longer support the changing timeline, you've exhausted my chakra."

"Then give me more. You're giving Naruto and Sasuke chakra, so give me more."

"It's not so simple, child."

"He stopped letting me restart the timeline." She says. "I had no choice in each reload, so this was both a blessing and curse. I had one last chance to get it perfectly." She smiles. "I was free."

"Let me see it." Itachi insisted. "Let me experience all that you've experienced."

Her brows raise. "That could mean nearly one-hundred years of experience. Tsukiyomi only lasts for three days."

He shakes his head. "I've created a Tsukiyomi that lasted for eighty years at thirteen."

Tamako understands. "Are you sure?" Her voice is hesitant. She would be showing him all of her failures. Her darkest moments, her depression, anxiety, and fear. How she gave up, despaired.

Perhaps Tamako had shown him this single memory to scare him off. That the image that he's loved of her, was just the amalgamation of all her failures to create the ideal version. But she underestimates how he feels. Matter of fact, the discovery had only meant his feelings had deepened. She had to withstand decades to face enemies for her ideal. Unrelenting even after falling to despair. Never giving up. Full of love despite it all.

That was beautiful.

"Yes."

She ponders for a moment, then a sigh. "As you wish."

The memory fizzes out, and Itachi finds himself in a quaint rundown building. The walls radiate heat and he can feel sand in his sandals, warm. The air is dry in a way Konoha never is. He breathes in, smells in antiseptic and blood.

Then, a cry. A baby's cry, soft.

"Tamako." A woman's voice said, soft and tired. Her hair was slicked back with sweat, nearly the same shade as the name she spoke. "Her name is Tamako." She brought the child close to her cheeks, eyes clothing with fatigue.

This was the beginning of it all.

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Author Note:

hi everyone!

and so we have itachi's true feelings! our OC hadn't seen the signs because she didn't think it would even be possible... that's what trauma does to you :)
will they come together? will our OC respond to such feelings? is our OC capable of such feelings? find out in the next chapter!

remember friends, love comes in many forms! please love yourself

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lot's of background on Naruto and Sakura's feelings. this is the way i interpreted their relationship from act1 (genin days), ive even reread the manga for it.

quick rant below, skip if not interested!

i've abhorred the way kishimoto handled the relationships in blank period and into boruto. there is so much unspoken feelings that never get addressed. naruto and sakura are incredibly close throughout shippuden to the point that sai (who doesnt even understand relationships) points out how close they are. yamato does the same, so where the hell did it all go?

also please remember,,, this is a fanfiction. everything here written is just my interpretation that fits into the story. i'm not say this is fact, this is all fiction. hence, fanfiction.