65: Vain

Since even before the reign of the Rabbit Princess, too much blood had already been spilled. Dreams dead, lives wasted.

To simply give up now would render everything in vain.

Itachi was well-aware that this decision was bleakfully optimistic — and it really was — but it was a worthy goal he could busy himself since he was essentially immortal and (would become) purposeless.

66: Deserve

A blink, and his focus shifted from the accusing letters of 'Shinobi' to the girl wearing it.

The girl — who has an unanswered question, a simple word that Itachi often asked himself.

Why?

And he would answer it, wholly, honestly, regardless of his anxiety and training against sharing secrets.

She deserved it.

66: Courage

One deep breath, unneeded by his lungs but craved by his mind.

Then Uchiha Itachi spoke, his fear covered by quiet and steady words that he poured on top of Haruno Sakura's head.

"The Uchiha and Senju had been in war for centuries, but it all changed when two boys from each clan…"

~ Mwuahahahaha. Sorry for disappearing for so long, but Real Life takes precedence. Also, more bad news! This will be the final chapter before I enter another long... pause. Not hiatus. Even though they're the same thing.

I have to write a couple of chapters before I start uploading again, so yesh. I apologize for leaving you hanging. :)

~ Reviews motivate the author. I actually contemplated not uploading this, but you can actually thanks Esparia for this short chapter; she's quite persistent motivating. :D