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Forget Me Then, Remember Me Now

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Chapter 10

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"Sasori, Deidara" Itachi called the two men over.

"What is it, captain?" spoke Sasori, mocking his title, Itachi only waved his childish antics aside.

"You used to work with a man named Hidan, do you know where he is now?" Itachi asked Deidara seeing as he was the only one listening to him, Sasori had the attitude of a teenager.

"Hidan?! No, we worked a few mercenary jobs for Suna but he split soon after, he had a weird religion, he said he always needed time away in the mountains. If you need him just land me in Suna, I'll get in touch with his old contacts and track him in no time." said Deidara with a confident smirk, "let me take Gaara, he can track the sands of Suna; I'd get lost alone."

"Take Gaara and send a carrier hawk to me when you find him in the Fire Country's first post off south shores, do it fast and take boat, we passed Suna not too long ago." said Itachi nodding to Deidara. Sasori lazily walked away, taking over kitchen duties for Deidara. Though no one would have the urge to fill their stomachs tonight.

"I'll do as you ordered, right away." said Deidara calling for Gaara as he prepared a row boat.

Itachi turned heading toward the place him and Jiraiya stood just minutes ago. He had many transactions with Hidan after he ran from Konoha. The man was foul with words but be was a practical man, logical even. He does things in ways that differ from a normal person's point of view but when he gets it done the results are fitting. He supposed it was all due to his odd religion and god, the only thing he hated about the man (other than his foul mouth) was how hard it was to get in contact with him, Hidan could never be found unless he wanted to be. That was good though, if Sakura was placed with Hidan and Hidan was smart enough to tell no one, then Sakura would be safe from everything. Itachi only hoped Deidara and Gaara could find Hidan before they reached Konoha, after that things would get rowdy. He sighed as he realized he was worrying too much over Sakura's safety rather than planning a way of subduing the long over due rebellion of the Uchihas. He could easily kill Danzo, make an assassination the key to peace, but the elders would blame it on the Uchiha clan- killing the elders would be tricky and cause turmoil in Konoha and he didn't want all the innocent Uchihas' blood spilled; however little there was. He mentally shook his head as he closed his eyes. He needed to deal with what he was feeling, he needed to deal with Sakura; only then could he focus on the matters at hand.

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Sakura had been sitting on the bed running over ever possible outcome of the actions that were to come of her. She thought of how mad Asuma would be, which only made her cringe. She then thought of seeing her father again, which made her heart flutter. She then hoped to see Kakashi soon, tell him how much she missed him and ask him if he had been adequate in taking care of himself. She wondered if Kurenai was dealing with her pregnancy well and if she'd picked a name yet. But most of the time she tried to find the words to say to Itachi so that he wouldn't simply dump her in Konoha and sail away from her life forever. It was pathetic, she knew, but she couldn't help it. Itachi was someone she'd waited her whole life for, she was undeniably in love with the man. From his quiet and charismatic disposition to that warm heart that secretly resided within that icy facade, she couldn't deny herself any of it. She had only spent a good few weeks with him, most of those consisted of her sitting on his bed in his cabin and watching him work away at his desk. The room they shared in the tavern had her warm and happy in his embrace, it opened her eyes to a feeling of self fulfillment , like she was finally whole. She supposed she should have just come to terms with the fact that her feelings were one sided...again.

"Sakura" Itachi said her name with softness and she had been too busy thinking to notice, he walked in looking at her with conflict in his eyes. She looked back but couldn't find the anger she had earlier. Thinking that these were the last few days she'd see him only saddened her. And so she looked at him with sad eyes, questioning his future actions with silent words.

"Itachi, please, don't leave me like this." it almost sounded like a whimper from Sakura and it sounded so weak she hated it but at least she wasn't begging miserably for him to keep her like some lost puppy, that wasn't where this was going.

"Tell me why you are taking me home so suddenly." said Sakura with a little more authority, her eyes showed green irises of determination, she was going to get an answer out of him, one way or another.

"Sakura, if I could have my way with you..." Itachi decided not to continue his sentence. The intemsity in his voice was enough to make Sakura gasp; she looked at him with those wide doe like eyes as she listened to him.

"As much as I had liked to keep you out of this I can't: you won't be going to Konoha after all, I need you safe. And Konoha won't be safe in the coming days, I'm not going to tell you anything specific so don't bother questioning. All you need to know is that Konoha is currently in danger of being over thrown." said Itachi as he saw her face consort into a horrified expression.

"But what of my family? My father, Asuma...Oh my! Kurenai and the baby!" she said as she stood pacing back and forth as numerous possibilities filled her head, Itachi waited calmly until she finished; he had already expected this of her she cared far too much for far too many people. She gasped suddenly and turned to Itachi, her face still in horror.

"Is the Anbu going to be fighting this? Is it very dangerous? Oh, Kakashi could get hurt..." said Sakura as tears started to form at the corner of her eyes.

"Genma too..." she said as she looked down.

"I'm sure many of the Konoha officials are aware of this, I'll be there to take care of the problem personally as well." said Itachi, Sakura's head snapped up at that and she shook her head vehemently.

"No! You're in the Bingo Books, you can't just waltz in there hoping to stop whatever god awful things are going to take place!" said Sakura, worry for him was evident in her eyes.

"I don't plan on simply waltzing in and playing the role of a peacemaker Sakura." Itachi smiled, finding humor in her naïve thinking. The imagery of it was enough to have even Sakura cracking a smile despite her worry frazzled mind. There was a silence and Sakura sighed deeply getting Itachi's attention back to those divine green irises.

"You... you said you needed me safe." said Sakura looking at him with realization; he, on the other hand, had dreaded this moment.

"Why is that Itachi?" Sakura asked, smiling knowingly. Sakura could inwardly sigh in relief. Her heart had just overcome the storm of a century, she felt silly for getting worked up over such a simple matter. She knew he had to have felt something for her, however small, it would grow with time, Sakura would make sure it did. Hearing him say such a simple and general phrase made her heart swell with comfort. She didn't need his unending speech of how much she meant to him... at least not right now, all she needed was the small hint of affection he held for her. Something to get her by.

"I'm not going to explain it to you, woman." he growled, looking away from the intensity of the emerald orbs she possessed. However soft she had made him; he was still an Uchiha.

"Itachi, I don't need to hear it now, not now, at this very moment, no." said Sakura trying to emphasize her words well.

"In due time." Itachi stated, he would only speak of it when he wanted and how he wanted; the power hungry Uchiha way. Sakura nodded at him, a seriousness taking over her. She was taking this rather maturely; he noted. A maturity she had hidden, one that Itachi knew was underneath that girlish facade of hers all along, one he had been trying to fish out of her. He couldn't blame her for being childish and care free, after all she was shielded from the war, and all the monstrosity that came with it. He almost couldn't believe how fast their time together had gone; yes, most days it was simply him working out his documents and her oggling him, but simply enjoying each other's company was enough. He liked that: a time spent together without having the need to touch each other in intimate ways in order to enjoy one another; neither did they have to speak as Uchiha's naturally had a hard time with talking. She could sit on his bed for hours simply looking at him, and he could watch her- secretly, when she was too entranced to notice- as she made numerous faces at him, and by god, how he loved them. Now, however, her serious facial expression almost made him crave that childish look she always had on with the ridiculously giddy smile, at least at this very moment when he was walking into a battle he might not return from.

"Where do you plan on placing me Itachi?" Sakura asked, she was trying to be understanding, Itachi simply wanted her safe, but she hated being thrown around places while something horrible was happening in such close proximity to her family and where Itachi was going to end up...

"I had someone find Hidan, he should keep you safe when he finds the circumstances we're under." said Itachi, Sakura looked surprised.

"You'll never find him, if he doesn't want to be found-"

"Then he won't be found. Yes, I know, which hinders us a bit but Deidara and Gaara will find him and when they tell him of you he'll be sure to help keep you safe."confirmed Itachi, as he looked at her with his decadent, chocolate brown eyes. They were so gentle and promising, she felt warm inside; felt the stirring in her stomach as she always got when looking at him, she tried to stay focused, mentally shaking away her thoughts of him.

"I honestly don't want to go sacrificing bunnies at the alter of Jashin again, it is that time of year." Sakura said glumly, not happy she'll be spending her time with Hidan somewhere far away from civilization. Sakura remembered how nice a boy Hidan had been before finding Jashin... hadn't been long. Sakura sighed as she remembered the disturbed man's obsession with his ritual sacrifices. Sure, it was only three straight days every year but he went all out in those days plus he grew that foul language when he converted himself... She couldn't deny she was a bit happy to think of seeing her long lost, older step brother. It had been so long since he left, it didn't help he was like a ghost either...Did he still remember his innocent little sister?

"Are you going to come back for me when it's all over?" asked Sakura as she stared at him hopefully. He couldn't find the the strength to look her in the eye this time around, he couldn't make any promises and he couldn't lie to her; it felt wrong at this point.

"If I'm allowed, I will." he answered truthfully, chances were he wasn't going to come out alive and if he did he'd probably be thrown into Konoha prison, or attend an old fashioned lynching for his 'crimes'.

"Come back to me in one piece Itachi." whispered Sakura as she walked over to nuzzle her face into his broad, muscled chest, inhaling him into her senses.

She felt his equally muscled arms wrap around her and squeeze, blissfully she smiled a sad smile, one that sang of goodbyes. He squeezed hard against her softness, hoping to become one with her in some way. Haruno Sakura had bewitched the rogue Uchiha with every inch of her clumsy, childish and sympathetic self. He couldn't honestly believe he could admit that to himself. He couldn't deny her anything, not even himself.

He hadn't expected this and it seemed out of place, it didn't seem right to have someone like her in his life and experience emotions like these in it, not at a time like this. He let her go and motioned for her to sleep, not looking back to make sure she rested he left to be alone with his thoughts. She felt him distance himself once more and couldn't bring herself to do a thing about it. This was who he was, a lone wolf, being with someone probably wasn't something he had thought seriously of. She turned her head only slightly to look at the old wooden door and closed her eyes; a pained expression on her face. She wasn't going to cry, she wasn't going to throw a tantrum, she'd let it be, because for once she has laid everything to rest and would have no regrets-well maybe just one; Sakura looked toward the empty bed.

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Sakura had taken a short nap; waking up with spittle coming down the corner of her mouth was a usual when napping on the ship, she couldn't understand why but she slept like a baby on board. She patted her hair back into place, smiling as she ran her hands through the blissfully short tendrils of blush pink, reminiscing of how she came to have such hair. A knock sounded at her door soon after cutting her in the middle of her stroll down memory lane.

"Itachi?" she called, although she knew it couldn't have been him nor Ino; they both would have barged through the door, although the difference in the gracefulness each would have was monumental.

"Sorry little miss, but Itachi would be my apprentice." said a gruff, older voice. Sakura jumped up at once, she started fixing herself as if she was about to present herself in front of her significant other's father.

"Oh yes, do come in" said Sakura in the sweetest voice she could muster. She sat in the loose chair beside the table used to eat and drink on. She sat with her legs together angled to the side with her hands folded neatly in her lap, though the civilian clothing only made this position look a bit awkward... Jiraiya stepped in and Sakura was a bit surprised. This man looked grizzly! Intimidating was what she found him at first, but after she saw his face she felt a little more comfortable. His face was actually a bit more childish than the rest of him and he had a mischievous smile with equally as mischievous looking eyes. She smiled at him and she motioned for him to sit down across from her.

"I've heard much about you Haruno Sakura." said Jiraiya as he smiled politely at her.

"Oh, only good things I hope." said Sakura as she gave smile of humor.

"Yes of course, it seems you put a lasting impression on that Uchiha brat- the older one." said Jiraiya, looking at her intently. Sakura's heart skipped a beat at that, it was one thing to have the older Uchiha's feelings hinted toward her, another to hear it from another. Like having that lasting memory of a childhood crush; having your friends tell you if he's looking at you, talking about you, appreciating you. She couldn't force down the silly smile that crossed her face and so she had to bow her head so that she could hide it-even a bit- and reserve some of her pride. It wasn't lost on Jiraiya.

"Ah, young love." said Jiraiya in a voice that spoke of dreams.

"Oh please, don't be silly." said Sakura, damning the short hair from hiding those-no doubt- reddened cheeks of hers.

"Itachi, he's..." Jiraiya started but stopped, unsure how to continue. Sakura looked to him intently, awaiting his words.

"He's a bit hard to understand at first, well I suppose the only good advice I could give you about him is to know that not everything is always as it seems, not with him." said Jiraiya, laughing heartily at Sakura's confused expression.

"Not everything is as it seems, huh?" said Sakura as she thought intently on the words, looking down at her hands. The simple phrase fit him actually; in an oddly accurate way she simply could not explain.

"I suppose you'll understand it in due time." said Jiraiya as he smiled knowingly at the young – so very young- girl in front of him. He couldn't stop himself from thinking how odd and out of place she must have looked within the Uchiha's embrace. She had no place in Itachi's heart, at least not one that fit her quite as well as he'd want. But maybe it wasn't his place to pry on the issue. Maybe he didn't quite know the insides and outs of his student as much as he thought he did, maybe this was one of the key factors that changed a man like him, revived him from his tiresome life. Every breathe for the older Uchiha must have been so burdensome, to have such a weight on his shoulders, such a responsibility. How could this small fragile girl possibly help him carry such a weight, such responsibilities? Maybe it was the sheer impossibilities of their relationship that made it such a strong bond? Jiraiya mentally shook his head from his cryptic thoughts and returned to the pink haired angel in front of him.

"You're a Haruno correct? I knew your father long ago." said Jiraiya. Sakura looked surprised.

"Yes, did you? He isn't in very good health as of late, he was getting better before I left but..." Sakura looked away, unable to harbor the guilt any longer. To not know if your father is even still alive or not was so shameful to a little orphan girl who was taken in and given everything she ever wanted.

"Your father is strong, he used to be the Hokage, you know?" said Jiraiya as he smiled at her.

"I've heard, though he doesn't quite like to speak of his time as such." said Sakura, smiling despite herself.

"He was once a...well his wife was a Namikaze." said Jiraiya, stopping himself from letting too much of vital information to escape his lips. Speaking of Minato, Jiraiya had to go check on that foxy little runt up on deck, gods knew he hadn't seen the little kit in ages.

"I didn't know mother for long, but I loved her." said Sakura, she cried no more upon her mother's death but instead smiled upon her memory.

"Good woman she was, strong, spirited, as fiery as her red hair." said Jiraiya chuckling upon the memory of her.

"Jiraiya-sempai, my brother calls for you." called Sasuke's voice through the thin wooden door of the cabin, making Sakura jump in her chair from the surprise. His voice was so soft compared to his brother's, Sakura couldn't help but take note of that.

"Brat, who does he think he is, summoning his master." said Jiraiya, as he stood trembling with irritation. He saluted a quick goodbye to Sakura, in a hurry to give Itachi a piece of his mind, no doubt. And so Sakura was left to herself once more, Itachi had gone so far as make his younger brother send for Jiraiya than coming himself- unable to meet her eyes yet, most probably.

Sakura sighed, wondering what she was going to do now. If she was to go back home she already decided to avoid Asuma's wishes for her and start on with her own ambitions in life. It was the part of Itachi's place in her life that she wasn't quite sure about.

Would she ever be able to fill it again; the hole he'd leave?

She tried to have hopeful thoughts of him staying within that life of hers, that future of hers. She knew better, however, and if she'd learned anything from Asuma's constant lectures it was to not deny the inevitable- although with him it was always referring to marriage and settling down as a good house woman. Sakura couldn't help but laugh at the many memories of such.

Memories, yes, that was probably all she'd have left of him.

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"Where's that kit?" said Jiraiya after he finished lecturing the oblivious older Uchiha of the respect he deserved.

"The one your dear friend abandoned?" inquired Itachi dryly. His mind was elsewhere at the moment, of course that much was obvious, which was probably why he hadn't quipped up some harsher remarks. Gods knew Uchihas were famous for scarring peoples' souls with their limited yet refined vocabulary.

"He's talking to the Sakura's female servant." said Itachi.

"Now, for the reason I called you..." Itachi said, almost hesitantly. Jiraiya looked at him seriously, raising one brow, motioning for him to continue.

"That spy of yours, can he get us any transaction of the Hokage's? I need to know what his plans are, I can't go in flying blind." said Itachi.

"That's a serious task you're asking of. This might cost my informant certain death. As much as Sai annoys me, he isn't deserving of such." said Jiraiya speaking seriously, almost regretfully, probably because he knew Itachi's request was required and he'd have to risk his informant's life, whether he wanted to or not.

"I'll simply need the ones transferred through Danzo and Sound. I have my Informant, Kisame for the Mist, who has agreed to deny refuge for any remaining Uchihas after the purge for such ends. He was Thorough Jiraiya, he has thought of any and all circumstances and possible results. Danzo's transactions between the Sound has been elusive however. I feel he might bring in other villages into an internal rebellion and with that much more bloodshed." said Itachi.

"It's enough just calling it a purge." said Jiraiya, angered with this man- this demon.

When we set foot in fire country I'll contact Sai, but Itachi, Sound is-"

"Orochimaru's territory, I know, whatever has him working with Danzo can only mean blood and tears for all of Konoha." Itachi cut off, remembering the retched snake.

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"How many days have we been traveling now?" asked Deidara, annoyed with Gaara's impeccable stamina, the man didn't even question their monotonous journey. After getting information of Hidan's whereabouts he immediately got to walking there. They had already made their way out of Suna and were currently making their way along the mountainous region of the unnamed country. Annoying as it was he had to hand it to Gaara, he was quite the tracker, even better than Sai with his old Root training. Although he supposed most of that was thanks to his...persuasive ways with people.

"10" Gaara replied, not realizing Deidara had only meant to whine about the traveling through his question.

"10?! Do you think Itachi has reached Konoha yet?" asked Deidara, wondering how his Captain was doing.

"I don't have the answer to that, although I'm sure if he hasn't then he will soon." said Gaara plainly as he made his way up the jagged terrain.

"How do you plan on finding Hidan, searching the mountains will take too long." said Gaara, actually considering searching the hundreds of miles of mountains they were heading toward.

"I used to be within the same hunter nin organization as him, I'll find him." said Deidara smirking victoriously as he quickened his speed to get ahead of Gaara.

"You should probably start fallowing me now, these mountains are my place of expertise." said Deidara, noting- with disappointment- how Gaara simply nodded with understanding and looked on. Where was the big bomb exploding? The huge fireworks that worked their way out of Gaara as the anger and annoyance he felt? Deidara moved on glumly, he loved when people burst out with raw emotions, it was an explosion of all that was human. He was just happy to set off human art (as he liked to call it) or maybe it was simply him being a dramatics fanatic. Sasori always exploded when Deidara provoked him and it was always so easy too, god how he missed teasing the irritable teen...

"Deidara..." Gaara stopped his friend as he motioned toward the ground. There were a few droplets of red, probably not enough to catch any normal man's eye but enough to catch his. It could have been from anything really but Deidara knew that if you followed a trail of blood long enough you'd find Hidan, one way or another. And if they didn't then it would be onto traveling the entire country as Gaara had insinuated. They walked on as the trail grew bigger and smaller and spontaneously disappeared and reappeared, it would have been unnerving to anyone- Deidara was sure- but not to Gaara, which simply irritated the blonde. Gaara was probably one of his least favorite people, so unemotional and dead inside, it was almost sad, really.

"The path is narrowing, we'll be hitting a clearing soon, we can rest and drink there." said Gaara, attentive as always.

When they did reach the clearing there was blood everywhere, which suggested there was a huge fight, more blood than any animal Deidara knew of, no, this was definitely human, definitely man. And this was definitely done by none other than Hidan, something this messy had to have been his doing. He reached for his water, the sight and smell was too strong and hideous to make him want to consider his appetite at the moment. Deidara tried to think of a way to come at Hidan. They had been hunter nins before and although well acquainted it had been a while and Hidan wasn't exactly known to be the approachable one. He supposed he could tell Hidan that Itachi wanted his assistance with something or simple tell the man they had his sister, not much would be exchanged before Hidan tore his head off. Hidan was fast and killed with no hesitation, say the wrong thing; you're out, say nothing at all to benefit him; you're out. Deidara sighed, he would just have to take his chances, besides he had Gaara, and the man wasn't to be taken lightly either.

"There's movement ahead." said Gaara with a low voice as he stalked over to Deidara, his face showed his focus and concentration strained to its greatest quality. He stayed still and Deidara almost thought some other wordily nature had frozen everything before Deidara's sight. Not a single bird chirped and not a single tree limb danced in the wind.

"You seem to be lost"

It had been the first thing Deidara had heard and he couldn't put a face to those words, not physically anyway, the face was already outlined in his mind though.

"I was hoping you could spare a minute for an old acquaintance" said Deidara, still not seeing a face. Gaara's posture relaxed though, which told him Gaara knew who was speaking and where that person currently stood.

"Deidara? You've hid well these years, but do you know what your bounty is in the Bingo Book now in days?" said Hidan, finally exiting from behind the foliage. He was soaked in blood, although he had a clean cloak on- at the very least. He had his signature scythe strapped on to his back, the cables of it stuck out from behind the blockade his muscled body provided. He smiled at Deidara wickedly and held up the horrid book Deidara despised so much at the moment.

"Luckily, I'm in my fasting days for Jashin, I'm forbidden from doing any good for another few days. And turning in a criminal like yourself would be doing good now, wouldn't it?" said Hidan, laughing after seeing the dumb founded look on Deidara's face. If he was prohibited from good then the blood couldn't have been from bingo book criminals, Deidara didn't wait to ponder the origins of all the blood, it would only make him sicker. Gaara had frowned but said nothing, he obviously found Hidan's character to be a bit peculiar.

"I'm guessing you were looking for me, why else would you be this far into the mountains." said Hidan as he put the booklet away, tucked safely into the pocket of his billowing cloak.

"No good deeds for a few days, huh? Well I think you might have to break that fast a little sooner than expected." said Deidara. Hidan looked offended then angry, god knew he took Jashin very seriously.

"What did you say?" asked Hidan, his words were a low growl and his eyes were lit like angry flames dancing within hell's limits.

"It's your sister Hidan. Konoha is in danger, not the safest place for a little girl." said Deidara, trying to right his wrong. Hidan immediately perked up at the mention of his little step sister.

"That's odd, I recently got word from a Haruno servant that Sakura had disappeared, you wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you Deidara?" asked Hidan. He stepping forward and suddenly Deidara was too well aware of the blood that was hidden beneath the cloak Hidan wore and every step closer brought that foul smell deeper into his nostrils.

"A friend helped her find her way home again but then we got news of Konoha being in danger and things got very complicated." Deidara lied, trying not to let his Captain's name slip.

"Where is she now?" asked Hidan, looking over at Gaara who had watched their interaction with attentive eyes and a defensive posture.

"Lady Sakura is currently aboard a ship sailing to Fire Country we were to send notice after finding you." said Gaara.

"I have a place on the edge of Fire Country, it's ways away from Konoha, we'll be well enough there." said Hidan, his demeanor had changed, and it was suddenly his sworn duty to get over there as soon as he could. He walked on passed Deidara and Gaara, motioning for both to follow.

"The village at the bottom of the mountains has carrier pigeons. They are not as fast as Hawks but they'll do. I'll slaughter the village, then we're free to use the Fire pigeon to our liking." said Hidan methodically, and maybe even a bit sadistically as well. Deidara stopped, looking over to an equally displeased Gaara.

"Or we could simply ask to use the Fire Country carrier, I'm sure the small village could spare the pigeon for a day or two." said Deidara. Hidan stopped as well and looked over his shoulder, glancing at the feminine blonde figure and snorted, he was as female as he looked. He muttered a quick 'pansy' under his breathe and continued walking.

"I suppose we can do that too." Hidan finished, almost glumly.

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"Itachi! A message for you." yelled Naruto as he raced over to his captain with a pigeon and note in hand. Itachi worked at the small piece of paper quickly, rereading everything until he had it engraved in his memory. They had been waiting at the nearest Fire Country messenger post for quite a while now. They had finally arrived just 2 days ago and everyone got settled into a low key inn that Jiraiya knew of and trusted. He had given out word for his Root informant while importing weaponry from his other trusted contacts in Fire Country. Many of which-not to Itachi's surprise- were older, big breasted women. Sakura had been quiet- for the most part- and calm- at best- waiting for word on her step brother.

Itachi massaged his temples, he hadn't slept for almost a week now, giving into short naps wherever he could lay his head. He couldn't sleep next to Sakura in that small Inn room she so vehemently insisted on sharing with him. Simply thinking about her warm body next to his cold one made shivers run up his spine, there were times he thought of throwing control to hell and taking her right then and there- in which she didn't seem to oppose much now in days. He couldn't though, to take her and then leave her like that, even if there was a chance he would get out of this alive and well, he simply couldn't risk it. She deserved to be with a man who had no blood on his hands and no heaviness on his soul; though he was an Uchiha and had been regarded as cold- for the most part- he understood that people didn't deserve such pain. And so the only relief he could find for the constant raging hormones was to let it out in angry bouts of frustration, even so much as walking in front of him rewarded the crew with hand to hand combat and a broken arm- at best. The crew was so damn loyal to him though, that the only one he ever really fought- and severely hurt- was Sasori and on a few occasions Jiraiya, in which he would sometimes find himself in pain afterward. Although Sasuke was being saucy lately Itachi still couldn't find it in his heart to hurt him. He challenged Sasuke to a sword fight just for show once so that his crew didn't feel like they were being treated unfairly but he held back on Sasuke. It was only after that did he realize just how much weaker Sasuke was than him, maybe he had been too easy on the little runt...Or maybe Sasuke simply hadn't been designed for a life like Itachi's from the start. He was still so young, Itachi could never ignore nor look the other way on that fact.

He looked over toward the setting sun, it would take only half a day to meet Hidan at the coordinates he gave, he'd send the female servant of hers with her. They wouldn't need an escort, this side of the country was empty save for a few of Jiraiya's contacts and trusted acquaintances. Hidan wouldn't be there for another day as well. One day, one very last day to see her face beam at the site of him entering that room which was so small it was silly. He sighed, trying not to think about it, maybe he'd simply avoid her for that one day, it would be easier for the both of them if he did so, or maybe he'd give in. He shook his head, failing miserably at trying to fool himself. There wasn't even one day he didn't think of her... much less not want to see her. He could have put it off. He could have let her stay by his side for a little longer seeing as it would take a while before anything really moved in this unorthodox battle. But then he would give into temptation, he knew he would. Now, while the wound was still fresh he would let her go and have it heal quicker that way. He had never thought in his entire life that he'd crave so much to let it all go and settle down with Sakura, hell, with anyone.

He threw the forgotten pigeon back into flight and walked back inside the small inn- honestly though as much of a man he was, he simply couldn't take having any more huge breasts nuzzled into his face- dare he say... he was not a fan of their size.

"Tachi!" Sakura yelled giddily as she ran over to him.

"Did you know about my nanny Tsunade? I can't believe she used to be one of the Legendary Sannin! I mean I thought they were just a legend! Oh, and Jiraiya is too, my that man is so knowledgeable as well. Itachi did you know, did you?"Sakura's mouth raced on as she looked at her estranged lover.

"Yes, I did, he could never shut up about her." said Itachi, he couldn't help smile at her jubilant ranting. Sakura stopped before she could continue summarizing her learnings when she saw his smile.

"I missed that smile." said Sakura, suddenly looking melancholy. Itachi immediately had the smile drop from his lips and instead formed a thin line with them.

"I've been busy Sakura, it is a time of unrest." said Itachi.

"Well, it seems Sasuke has much more time for me, he's helped me keep busy all this time and you were nowhere to found. It's almost like you were avoiding me." said Sakura, as her voice gradually softened into a whisper, almost as if she didn't want him to hear the last of her sentence. Itachi only seemed to focus on the tidbit about his brother keeping her busy... it didn't bode well in mind. She did have a childhood crush on the man...boy. Yes, Sasuke was still a boy, no man resided in the pale and thin chiseled form of his little brother, still so youthful and carefree, still so bloody lovable. He grew irritated as he thought about how well Sasuke had grown up, he already knew many women- old and young- found him irresistible. Hell! He even encountered a few male fans of his.

"And what is it Sasuke kept you busy with?" asked Itachi as he looked around for the little nuisance, his voice unconsciously sounded pompous- although he gave no mind to it.

"Why Itachi! Are you..." Sakura thought twice before finishing her sentence. Gods knew, if she finished it he probably wouldn't talk to her for whatever little time they had left together.

"Well this and that I suppose..." said Sakura, trying to put the man at ease again. Little did she know her short, broad answer ended up stirring a suspicion in Itachi.

"This and that?" his voice was low and almost a feral growl as he emphasized every word. Usually he wasn't this irritable but with recent events and...her, it was hard not to be.

"Well what can I say? The man has time for me." said Sakura both frustrated and excited with his reaction. She didn't think she ever had anyone be jealous over her, it was a new feeling, one Sakura didn't complain about.

"Does he now?" asked Itachi as he lifted his eyebrow. A moment later he was gone and Sakura was left thinking that maybe she had taken it too far.

"Sasuke!" Itachi called. He finally found him at the table playing Sugoroku- or as Sasuke loved to call it; snakes and ladders. Itachi smiled cynically as his brother looked up innocently with a smile on his face- he was obviously winning. Yes, there it was, like hitting two birds with one stone, he had found Sasuke as well as a punishable blunder on his little brother's part, at least he decided so, and he was captain... that was his right.

"Playing games Sasuke? Up now, I'll need to teach you the severity of a time like this." said Itachi seriously. He wasn't bubbling in joy, not at all, that would be sadistic in every way; and yet...

"Are you serious brother? I didn't mean to make a mockery, I just-"

"Come now." interrupted Itachi, before he decided to resign from his earlier scheme due to the complete and utter cute naivety that was his brother. Sasuke followed close behind, head held low as they went outside, the entire crew crowded out as well.

It was over in a matter of minutes, really. A few blows, a few blocks; the dirt running amuck beneath their feet as they exchanged kicks. Itachi only needed one window of weakness in order to dislocate Sasuke's shoulder and break a single rib, he had to admit it was a bit cruel. He was acting like the older brother, slapping his little brother over the head for playing with his precious thing. Although in this scenario it was much more brutal... He walked over to the boy who despite the pain Itachi had caused, still looked in awe at his older brother. Itachi noted how well he contained his pain, he didn't even groan as Itachi kneeled in front of him and set his shoulder back in place with a single jerk. It brought pride to Itachi's eyes as he smiled fondly at his little brother.

"I was a bit harsh, perhaps you should take to bed for the rest of the weak, until your rib heals?" said Itachi as he walked away, passing a wide eyed pinkette on his way back inside.

...

..

.

"Itachi!" Sakura whined for the hundreth time.

"I suppose Sasuke will be too busy to spend any time with you, such a pity." said Itachi, for the fiftieth time.

"Oh stop it already! That was too cruel!" sakura said, though she had a smile on her face.

"But you did it because you were jealous weren't you?" said Sakura as she laughed at the sour face he made, well, as sour as an Uchiha's face could get anyway.

"How much longer until I leave?" asked Sakura, it had been bugging her all day, on one hand she didn't want to know on the other she wanted to be prepared.

"Tomorrow." Itachi answered. Sakura gasped, that was so soon, and he was just telling her this now!

"So I was right, you were going to avoid me until the very last second, weren't you?" asked Sakura, annoyed at his behavior as of late.

"Find it in you to understand." Itachi commanded somberly as he looked at her with pain in his eyes. She could understand- only because she loved him enough to do as he did as well. Still, she held him in contempt for it.

"Itachi, if tonight is our last night then I beg of you-"

"No" Itachi answered her unfinished question without hesitation. He was firm with his answer as well. He knew what she wanted, what she asked for, but he wouldn't let himself accept it.

"Itachi this is just as much my decision as it is yours!" said Sakura anxiously, this was their last night...

"Please, grant me this final request" said Sakura as she looked at him, pleading with her eyes and enticing with her lips as they grew closer to his own.

He didn't pull back as her lips finally met his and her eyes fluttered to a close. He deepened the kiss, exploring her as he would have, had he the time to. She pulled her delicate fingers around the band that held his hair from falling gracefully over him and undid it. His silken strands fell around them and she felt it brush against her pale face, creating a serene tickle against her pink cheeks. She played her fingers, entrancingly, through the strands that the most ethereal of beings had weaved. She felt his hands encase her, his palms were on her hips, squeezing gently in order to melt her into him. His lips felt cold, his hands felt cold, but she was so exceptionally warmed by him, it was beyond her comprehension. But just as the warmth was starting to fill her belly and the fluttering within began to quicken, it was gone.

"For now, I'll leave you this, anything else would be indecent of me, that is not how I want to be remembered by you." said Itachi softly as he caressed her cheek. She didn't argue with that, she was happy with the simplicity of the bliss she experienced, momentarily with him. Anymore and- she contemplated- she would have probably swum too close to the deep end. It was enough, and maybe even more than enough. For her, it was right. Despite wanting to completely give herself to him, she realized she didn't have to do it physically. She was his the moment she stepped on his ship. She suddenly felt the longing for the rocking wood and the lullaby the water sang and the warm body that had slept so close to hers. The warmth she might and most likely won't get to feel ever again, not a warmth quite like his anyway.

He picked her up, much like a groom did his bride and walked the five steps it took to the bed, laying her down gently and doing the same himself. He held her close and looked her in the eye, as did she into his, and soon both succumbed to the coming slumber that was inevitable upon the new moon.

"I beg of you, come back to me." she whispered, she tried to fight sleep, though she was so very tired, her eyes could not open again.

"Sleep, little one." said Itachi, his eyes open; he did not need nor want an ounce of sleep at the present. He was content watching her eyes flutter in her slumber, feeling the rhythmic wave like patterns of her breathing and listening to her soft breathes, inhaling and exhaling. He was content, dare he say... happy, with this.

"Ah, Hatake, you have finally arrived." said Danzo in an almost impatient voice.

"I didn't realize I was late, Hokage." said Kakashi as he bowed his head in apology and greeting. Brushing the rain he had run in from his clothing, it was expected, after all, dark clouds had followed Konoha for days, it was just a matter of time- and that time had come. He couldn't help but take a second to look at the beautiful scenery outside the tower's window, not a single stone left dry from the coming storm's rain.

"We have recently gained some new information. It wasn't at all vital to us but I think it would reward you greatly for your efforts on the mission I have given you." said Danzo, his voice sounded as if he was containing himself. Kakashi wasn't sure, afterall, Danzo was never an open book.

It was only then did he notice who Danzo was reffering to when he said 'we'. It was a Root operative Kakashi encountered many times on the field. Kiba Inuzuka, he was from a prominent but rather quiet

clan. The clan that didn't make too much fuss about their status or abilities, which- if Kakashi was not mistaken- were primarily tracking. They were very good in their field and they were clan members who affiliated their dogs as family and partners. Kakashi couldn't argue that, there were more than a few times his childhood mutts helped him out of trouble. Pakkun was an old and ugly pug now, but Kakashi used the dog as help in the lines of battle many times. Kakashi mentally shook away his thoughts and looked over to the massive, white furball sitting by the Inuzuka's feet; he had no idea how he had missed that upon entrance, he needed to intensify his training, he was Anbu after all, he couldn't have slip ups like this- on the battle field or elsewhere.

"What would that be, Hokage?" asked Kakashi as he looked on at Danzo.

"We know where your lost sister is- or rather who has her." said Danzo proudly, his tone carried sadistical notes.

Kakashi's eyes widened if only for a second and he was gripped with panic, he could feel his heart tighten and he felt nausea overcome him. Who had her? Had someone taken her hostage? Was she hurt?

"Who?"

The word was the only comprehendable and composed sound that could come out of Kakashi, he pushed everything back down as he hung onto the answer to the one worded question. The rain seemed to stop its monotonous motion outside the wide windows, the sound of water having pelted the glass was now a deafening quiet. The answer was not at all pleasant. It was as if it was curled around his throat, choking him. He tried to recall his Anbu training, tried to remain cool as the turbulent waves of despair crashed against the walls of his heart, he had to grit his teeth from the force of it all. His dear Sakura, his dear little sister with him of all the scum in the world. No, it couldn't be right, the Hokage was playing with him, the diabolical little bastard was toying with him.

"Uchiha, Itachi?" Kakashi repeated just to be completely sure. He stared at Danzo as he nodded, seriously.

"I must say Hatake, you are quite the amazing Anbu, you have just heard news of your sister- the unsavory kind as well – and yet you compose yourself so well. Tell me are you still wearing your Anbu mask or are you simply, sincerely taking this lightly?" asked Danzo, reveling in the inner turmoil he was causing his young Anbu- no doubt. Kakashi stretched the hands at his sides, forming fists as he squeezed them closed tightly, taking back thoughts of punching Danzo, punching that disgusting smile right off his disfigured, empty face. He closed his eyes in mock contemplation. He was still Anbu and Danzo was still the Hokage. He was still just a Knight in this chess game and Danzo was still the almighty King.

"I've been trained as Anbu, it would be unsightly of me to react in any other way than I am now." said Kakashi, in his often robotic voice. Danzo seemed pleased with his answer, Kakashi had won his place in Danzo's game- however twisted it was.

"You know him, I assume?" said Danzo, he needed no answer, he knew very well, he had eyes and ears everywhere after all.

"Yes, the entire Haruno family used to reside within the Villa I currently live in, we moved shortly

after ..." Kakashi finished, not wanting to go on. Not wanting to remember the best friend whom betrayed him and the village.

"After the murders Itachi committed" finished Danzo.

"Soon, Kakashi, soon I will need you to continue to phase 2 of your mission and soon- I'm sure- you'll be reunited with your darling little sister." said Danzo.

Kakashi silently thanked the gods Danzo had not tainted his sister's name with his lips, if Danzo had said her name- if Kakashi heard such a beautiful name come from such a hideous monster's mouth he would have gone insane. He would've pulled out his simple katana and slit Danzo's neck- Anbu or not- and the Inuzuka brat would not be fast enough to do a thing about it! He would do the same to every damn Uchiha he could find until he found the one he was looking for. The bastard would never see him coming, Kakashi wouldn't make it as painless for him though, not him. He bowed and left the Hokage tower without waiting for a dismissal. If he stayed any longer, if he let his mind run...

He needed to keep himself busy, keep himself from thinking about useless things that he could not do. Keep himself from chasing the ends of the world for her again, keeping her captor in mind this time...

When he returned to his villa he was fueled with a determination to complete this mission in a fast and accurate manner. Every little thing he saw was written in the snake skin journal. It was only now that he sat down to look through his writing, when the rain started to pour so hard outside that he could not see a thing through his window. It was a rather odd record. It wasn't all that odd that the Uchiha Force had more people out on missions than there were actual missions to go on. From the records Danzo gave him many of the Uchiha shinobi had requested they partake in no more missions for the time being, yet why were they leaving Konoha's gates and in shinobi gear? It wasn't odd, per say, as the other things he noted. Constant whispering, constant paranoia, the Uchiha compound seemed to be on the constant move day and night. They closed their doors to anyone beyond the Uchiha family, entire days now, no one knew what was going on from within, after all every clan had its own customs and traditions and from what was noted on yet another parcel from Danzo; the Uchiha was under ceremonial reconstruction for an upcoming Uchiha festival, the Uchiha Fan Festival. That was completely wrong, Kakashi noted, seeing as all clan festival were open to all of Konoha- to keep Konoha civilians happy- and was always in the beginning of summer. Kakashi had been to a few, and he knew the time for the festivals, they were so close to Sakura's birthday after all. Itachi had taken Sakura to a few while Kakashi had to be away on missions- when he had barely begun his training as a ninja. Kakashi gritted his teeth, his hands balled into tight fists again, he couldn't think about things like that, to think he had trusted Itachi then with his poor, naïve little sister... All in all- Kakashi concluded as he calmed down- things were very odd in the Uchiha compound, all the small oddities added up to scheming souls. He could tell- something wicked was brewing within the Uchiha walls.

...

..

.

"Sakura, wake up." whispered Itachi within Sakura's delicate ear. Still holding her as she slept. The sun was coming up and he- grudgingly- noted that they'd have to start leaving soon... That she'd have to start leaving soon.

"Just a few more minutes." Sakura snaswered though her eyes were wide open, clinging to his warm body, not wanting to leave this moment.

"We must start leaving." said Itachi, untangling his hands from her warm body; as cold air shot at him for committing such a sinful act. He stood from the bed and dressed himself in warmer clothes- a long sleeved turtle neck and typical anbu vest he still had from his younger years along with his black slacks. His turtleneck still fit him snugly, emphasizing on his muscles. He finished with putting his katana back to rest on his hip and let Sakura wear his signature cape to keep her warm. She smiled at him, grateful for the added warmth. Today was colder than she remembered it to be...

"Come, I'll walk you half way, but first get your servant." said Itachi as he packed her a bag with a few complimentary things. When they were finally ready- with Ino in tow- they set out. Not a word was spoken, too scared to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. So Sakura simply wrapped her arm around Itachi's and rested her face on it, feigning shivers so he could not push her away. And so they walked- every step closer to being apart...

She had spent hours awake this morning in his embrace hoping to memorize it; engrave it in her memory all the while worrying.

Wishing to Kami she was not simply carving a ghost into her mind and hoping she was not trying to carve a ghost in her heart.

...

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