Blindfolded

Blindfolded

Chapter Information:
Genre: romance/angst
Inspired: Three Days Grace - Time of Dying; Muse - Time is Running Out

LORE:

touka koukan - equivalent trade, inspired by Full Metal Alchemist

Madara - I wanted to give the Uchihas a house god: Usually every big clans have their own god, so I thought it's normal, that the Uchihas have one, too. When I first heard of the name Madara I thought 'oh that will be a perfect name.' Since then the Madara plot became pretty complicated in the manga, but I ask you to forget about Kishimoto's Madara when you read about mine.

Kojiki - also known in English as the Records of Ancient Matters, is the oldest surviving book in Japan. Everything I wrote about Kojiki is a fact.

Author's note:
Itachi will mention that Sasuke was considered to be weak by Uchiha standards. There is a reason for that, which will be explained in later chapters.

The lyrics that you see below is Goo Goo Dolls - Iris. Independent of whatever it originally meant, it fits this chapter perfectly.
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Chapter 7
Lost

I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight

And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

Sakura sighed as she knocked on Ino's door holding the most beautiful kimono she had ever worn. The girls rented it for her while she was away on the mission, knowing she didn't have a kimono of her own. Finally Ino opened the door in haste.

“Come in!” she said and disappeared again. Sakura entered, took off her shoes and went after her friend.

“Why in such a hurry? The wedding is in the afternoon.”

Ino waved her hand impatiently. “Have you taken a shower yet? If not, you know where the bathroom is.”

Sakura trudged off with a grumpy pout. Ino stopped for a moment, halting the eyeliner in her hand and smiled.

By the time Sakura came back, Ino had finished her make-up and was adjusting her undergarments. Sakura blinked.

“Ino you behave like you're the bride. Take it easy! This day is not about us, and even if we appear in the magazines it'll be purely accidental.”

“You're wrong! Maybe it's not my marriage but I want to look good for Chouji. Sakura..” Ino started, her voice lost its initial sharpness, “you haven't had a man in years. You became like an iceberg, cold and unapproachable. You live to work, and even if somebody appears in your life, he holds your interest only as long as you don't find something to criticize in him. Nobody is perfect enough for you when -”

“You're unfair.” Sakura said sourly and slumped down in front of the mirror. “I'm still young so I can afford to be choosy. Why not? If nobody is good enough... it's not my fault.” she added in a barren voice, but her eyes were tired rather than arrogant. Ino stepped towards her.

“I just want to help you. I wish you could be happy.” she said kindly. Sakura pressed her lips together. Me, too.

They proceeded slowly with the preparations, even though they helped each other with their kimonos. Fastening the obi was a nightmare for the two kunoichi, who had probably worn kimono half dozen times in their life. Thus Sakura was standing with arms wide apart, lost in thoughts, whilst Ino fiddled about with her kimono.

“Ino?” she asked hesitatingly.

“Hm?”

“You're in love with Chouji, right?”

“Of course!”

“But you loved Sasuke, too. Right?”

“Yes.”

“What you felt for Sasuke.. that was love, right?”

Ino stopped and a nostalgic smile appeared on her face. “Maybe. But what I feel for Chouji is completely different.”

“Different? But then-”

“-how could both of them be love? You just feel it, Sakura. What I felt for Sasuke was like a tsunami. Passionate, unpredictable and devastating. When I saw him I thought I'd faint. I was head over heels in love with him when -let's face it- I didn't know him much. I could have done anything to get him.

What I feel for Chouji is completely different. It's like a calm lake. It doesn't clamour, it doesn't tear through dams but it's deep and strong as if it was part of me. A long time ago, when I didn't see Sasuke for a few days I felt I'd die. Now if Chouji goes on mission I feel peace because he doesn't have to be with me to feel him.” Ino said with a smile and Sakura continued the thread of thought.

“And when he hugs you everything becomes perfect.. as if it was always supposed to be like that, you and him together.”

Ino's eyes kindled. “Exactly! And even his imperfections seem beautiful in my eyes.” Here she grunted. “Well you can imagine. Chouji is full of flaws, but actually he can be so cute, I could never stay angry with him.. Oh I love him so much!” she giggled while absent-mindedly smoothing the folds of Sakura's kimono. Then she suddenly stopped as if she had just comprehended Sakura's words, and slowly looked up at her friend, who watched her with a far-away look on her face. Slowly Sakura's lips turned to sad smile.

“Because you want only him, right? You cannot imagine how your life could be without him again. When you imagine.. a world where he is not with you, all you can see is emptiness.”

“Sakura...” Ino said and straightened up.

For a time they just stood like that, with an understanding smile on their faces, they just held each other's hands and didn't say anything. Finally Ino couldn't hold it back.

“Who??!” she screamed excitedly. Sakura only shook her head.

“I can’t tell, sorry.”

Hearing that Ino froze. “Kami, please tell me that it's not Chouji!” Ino's shocked face made Sakura laugh aloud.

“No-no, don't worry.”

“It's not Neji either, right?” Ino asked anxiously. Sakura shook her head.

“No, it's not Neji either. He doesn't have a girlfriend, as far as I know..” she added and made such a questioning face that Ino laughed -but then spoke up seriously.

“I guess you have your reasons why you won't reveal him... but if you change your mind I ought to be the first one..!”

“Sure thing.” Sakura smiled and reached for the brush. Their hairdo was still left.

After all Ino was right, because by the time they were ready, it was time to leave for the wedding. When they reached the main gate of the Shinto shrine Naruto and the others were already waiting for them, and they proceeded together. When they finally arrived at the shrine, the road led them to the spring-water.

“Why do we have to wash our hands and mouth each time?” Naruto asked in a bored manner.

“You don't know? But that's the most romantic story in the whole of shinto mythology!” Ino exclaimed.

“Depends on how you look at it.” Sakura mumbled. Ino just shrugged.

“Naruto, you at least know that two celestial beings created the lands, Izanami and Izanagi, right? But then Izanami died when she gave birth to the God of Fire. Izanagi couldn't bear the thought of loosing his wife, so he went after her to the Underworld. Unfortunately by the time he found his wife, she was kind of rotten already and so.. he ran away as fast he could. When he finally got out of that tainted land all he wanted was a nice, cold bath. That came to be the cleansing ceremony, which we practice every time we step into the shrine.”

Listening to Ino's words Sakura nodded.

“It's also interesting that three gods were born during Izanagi's bath; two when he was washing his eyes, and one fell out of this nose. There three are Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi and Susano-o the god of the sun, the moon and the storm.”

Naruto frowned. “That reminds me of a someone.. Uchiha Itachi.” he spat the words with such a venom, that the others shivered. “His attacks are called Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu, too. Would there be a third one I wonder?”

The atmosphere froze at the mentioning of Itachi's name. For a while nobody spoke, lost in their own thoughts. Sakura looked at her friends irritably.. they already behaved like Sasuke was dead! Her eyebrows knit in contemplation; Naruto's words were ringing in her ear. Would it be possible, that the Mangekyou had another deadly attack?

“Not necessarily.” she said suddenly. “Susano-o was a particular figure in the mythologies, an addition to the divine pantheon. His name was added only when the tales of the gods were recorded in the first chronicle, the Kojiki.”

“They created a fake god?” Naruto's mouth was hanging loose.

“Or at least fake family line. They did it for political reasons. The Kojiki was written by the Yamato clan, who descended themselves from Amaterasu. But there were clans who didn't want to acknowledge their power, like those of the Izumo province - who on the other hand descended themselves from Susano-o. Thus in order to win them over, the Yamato court made Susano-o to be Amaterasu's little brother, raising the Izumo clans as one of the most influential - after them of course. You can say they were bribed.” Sakura grinned.

“Aahh.. you know so much, Sakura-chan!” Naruto said with rapt attention.

“Everybody knows that, Naruto!” Sakura retorted, then turned to be thoughtful. “What I really want to know is rather, where Madara comes from.”

“Madara?”

“Yes.. you may not know his name Naruto, because there is no one left in Konoha who worships him but.. Uchihas descended themselves from Madara. I know it because.. well..” Sakura blushed, “I wanted to know more about Sasuke, so I made little investigations..”

“Hm,” Naruto looked surprised. “I didn't know they had their own god.”

“No wonder Sasuke was always so high and mighty, huh?” Ino added.

“Don't talk about Sasuke like he is already dead!” Sakura said angrily, but then shook her head. “Sorry Ino. I guess Sasuke is still a touchy subject for me.”

“We have to bring him back somehow..” Naruto spoke up suddenly, his hands clenched into fists. “.. and make him a believer. No god should be left alone like that.”

The girls looked at him pitying. Both of them knew that while Naruto said 'god', he meant friend.

“I wonder..” Sakura mused, “would a god die, if no one worshiped him anymore?”

“Oh!” Ino cried out, “Maybe that's why Itachi killed his clan!” Ino straightened the hem of her coat to look like Itachi, knit her eyebrows and deepened her voice to imitate the famous Akatsuki killer. “God, I have just one wish. I never want to be ordered to find Tora-chan again. Any kind of mission is fine, any! Just not that damned cat again! By the way.. if you don't grand my wish, you'll die.”

“Ino!” Sakura cried out scandalized.

“Okay-okay.. I just wanted to lighten the mood.. we're going to attend a marriage, for heaven's sake..”

“You consider that a joke?!”

“Well.. a morbid one, for sure..”

Finally they found their place in the shrine and waited for the bride and the groom to arrive, surrounded by the priests and mikos.

When Neji and Hinata entered the chamber, an amazed silence welcomed them. Neji's hair was let out, falling from his shoulders like an onyx cascade. This forehead was covered with an elegant, black strap, and the dark kimono emphasized his wide shoulders giving him a royal appearance. Sakura had never seen him so elegant and powerful before. Hinata was astonishing as well in the brilliant white kimono with pearl-white embroidery. Sakura was sure that such a kimono was worth half of Konoha, and had been guarded for centuries as a precious relic in the Hyuuga clan's store houses. The make-up that Hinata wore combined with the white hood made her almost otherworldly, like a graceful, fragile fairy. They were beautiful together.

Then the priest stood up and hit the taiko drum, whose deep voice quavered through the ancient timbers of the shrine, like a deep heartbeat. The air became thick and palpable; not uncomfortable just strange, almost unworldly. A strange anticipation descended into the air; as if everything was waiting for the priest to start his strange, droning prayer-song. When the chanting began Sakura was enticed by the hypnotic, deep voice. Although she couldn't make out the words, they sounded distant and inviting, stroking her face slowly drifting away, like a divine sigh. Sakura watched as this otherworldly vision took the others under it's power, who were standing with a smile and a faraway look on their face. But the reverie shattered when the priest ended the prayer and turned towards the altar in order to offer rice to the kamis.

Then the most important ritual, the san-san-kudo came. A miko stepped in front of Neji and Hinata with a tiny sake cup in hand, which the priest filled for the third time: two times with empty movements, and then filled it fully for the third time. First Neji drank; just as the priest, he drank it for the third time. Then the priest poured again and this time Hinata continued the ritual. She was elegant and gentle, as if every moment was divine. A different miko came with a larger cup then, and the ritual went on until they finished the third cup as well. This was the three times three, the way of the nine, which as an odd number, was supposed to bring luck to the couple.

When they finished Neji and Hinata stood up and went to the altar, where they read their marriage pledge from the divine scroll. Then both of them offered a branch from the divine sakaki tree in order to ask the gods' favour. Bowing deeply two times, they clasped their hands two times then bowed again as the ritual demanded. Everybody was watching them quietly; the marriage ceremony was practically over, only one thing was left: leaving the shrine. Then Neji suddenly grabbed Hinata's hand, pulled her towards him and kissed her passionately. As if that had given a sign, the ice broke and everybody began cheering. The guests clapped their hands happily, only the mikos watched horrified as the cheerful crowd that had completely forgotten about the priest, led the newlyweds out of the shrine and towards the Hyuuga part of the town.

With that, a huge feast and party had started on the Hyuuga grounds. Appropiate warmth and lighting were provided of course, it was winter time after all; but by the time it was getting cold, most of the guests were fueled by alcohol anyway. Everybody was present at the party, except for those unlucky ninjas, who had their watch that night. Concerning sake, the tone was set by Tsunade of course, but even Hiashi drank for the newly weds. It was probably midnight when Sakura left the party; although it was great fun, it had thoroughly drained her energy. She was heading towards the back garden, when she bumped into something that moaned painfully.

“Oh I'm sorry um.. Temari-san.” Sakura turned back for a moment, still a bit clumsy from the sake, towards the woman, who was laying on the ground, watching the stars maybe. Then Sakura couldn't have taken more than three steps when she almost fell again.

“Uh.. sorry Shikamaru.” she looked down perplexed, then shrugged. Finally she climbed onto the rooftop above the garden, where she could get a perfect view over the party. As she took one careful step after the other, the lights outlined a figure sitting not far from her.

“Kakashi” she greeted the jounin as she hopped next to him. He looked at her, and smiled in recognition. Sakura pulled out the bottle of sake that she had kept under her coat, and offered it to Kakashi.

“Just a bit, Sakura.”

“Sure.” Sakura breathed and let him take the bottle from her hand, watching him closely as he flipped the cork out with one hand and was about to drink. Then suddenly a big hand blocked her vision, and by the time she realized what was going on, Kakashi handed the bottle back to her.

“Sensei, you never change.” Sakura laughed out, and took a swing as well. They sat in that carefree, easy-going atmosphere until the party was over.

.oOo.

It was a cold, damp winter night when Itachi found himself back in the scene of the crime, the beginning of his nightmares; in the inner shrine of the Uchiha clan. He didn't wear the heavy Akatsuki coat this time, nor the band or the ring; he was just Itachi now, a young man, a ghost. He came because he had to come, because he wanted to remember, he wanted to atone..

..For the blood of everyone he had killed. For everyone’s sin, whom he absolved. Because sinful they were, all of them. Being born an Uchiha, that was their sin, that was their grave; and they pledged that fate here, in this chamber, in the secret inner shrine of the clan, which every one of them visited once.

Except Sasuke.

Since Sasuke was so weak by Uchiha standards, their father had decided to wait a few more years for the initiation ceremony. For Uchiha Fugaku that meant total humiliation; for Sasuke that meant survival.

Because Itachi couldn't have spared him had Sasuke touched the Uchiha heirloom, the out-stretched iron hand. Had he opened his mind to that whispering voice, the sanctified bond that would have made him the acknowledged member of the clan. But Sasuke hadn't, thus only the two of them remained, whose hands weren't gripped by the iron fingers: The killer and the witness.

Itachi looked around the dusty room. He recalled that day clearly even now after so many years; when at the age of six he had entered this room for the first time. His father straightened proudly, his relatives nodded approvingly. Previously at home he asked his mother what would happen, why would everybody come, what would that ceremony mean, but she had only smiled and didn't answer. Now Itachi knew that she couldn't answer, she herself didn't have the knowledge to share. Probably those questions arose in her as well when she was a child, but the answer was always the same: Tradition. As long as the Uchiha clan had existed so too had the initiation ceremony. It had to be done.

Slowly approaching the statue you lower yourself onto your knee. From the altar you pick up the dagger with slow, ritual movements, and draw it out of its shelter with your left hand. Looking at your right palm, you make a swift cut precisely along the life-line. The blood trickles from the wound accumulating in the cup of your palm like an offering, like a sacrificing gift. Slowly you bring your hand forward toward the iron hand and grab it. The bond is sealed.

This is how it must have been done. He did everything exactly as he was told. The wound should have been closed when he touched the statue. The blood should have been vaporized on the cold surface of the iron. Yet nothing happened as it should have. The moment he touched the rigid iron fingers the statue repelled him, preventing him from ever becoming a full-pledged member of the clan.

He regained consciousness later; he was lying on the floor a few meters away from the statue, his palm throbbing, his head tormented by a headache. Slowly he looked up at the people surrounding him, his family; he looked up and saw the horror and repulsion on their faces. Some of them were even worse; they looked at him with dread and fear. Later on he realized, that they were the ones who knew about the prophecies.

..when the blood rejects his own,
the damned is to be born,
who will destroy his clan,
but will spare a life again..


Then suddenly a hand reached out and helped him up in his dazed state. It was his father, who then hugged him protectively and together they left the chamber quietly. Since the ritual was unsuccessful Itachi had lost the trust of his clan; in their eyes he became an outsider: Uchiha by blood, but not by rights. But his father always stood by him when it was needed, his father always believed in him. His dear, beloved parents! When he learnt the true nature of the prophecy he knew he could not save them.

Thus Itachi became the damned. Who has to kill those who love him, by his own hand.

As he was walking on the frayed tatami, Itachi ran his eyes over the spacious chamber. One thing was still beyond him.. why did the statue refuse him? It didn't make any sense. How on earth could the iron hand see in a six year old child, that he would cause the fall of his clan? That day twenty years ago had decided everything.

Had it not been for the statue, he wouldn't have been suspected.

Wouldn't have been feared.

Wouldn't have been spied on.

But his clan betrayed him, and their betrayal gained him the Mangekyou.

Thus Itachi became the anathema. Who has to kill those whom he loves the most.

He didn't have a choice, he knows that now: he has to play his role or thousands and thousands will die. That became his burden since the Mangekyou was his.

Itachi halted suddenly, his Sharingan eyes lost their focus for a moment. The prophecy echoed in his mind.. oh he understood now..

The hand didn't refuse him.. no.. now he saw it clearly.

It chose him.

Thus Itachi became the chosen one. Who undertakes the pain and the blood.

.oOo.

Sakura didn't know exactly how late it was when she finally arrived home, but tired as she was she didn't care much. With half-lidded eyes she entered the bedroom and wasn't even surprised when somebody shut the door after her.

“Did you have fun?”

Sakura stopped, her eyes looked at the open window with an ironic glint, but she didn't turn back. Her jaw became stiff and she felt her blood boiling. Proudly and brave from sake, she threw back her head and answered.

“Awfully. I hoped you'd be there and I'd spot you in the crowd, but wait a bit.. I don't even know your face, how foolish of me!”

“You're drunk.”

Sakura laughed aloud and whirled around.

“You'd have drank too, had you been there. Oh, I forgot.. there is no need for a ticket collector in a marriage ceremony!”

Itachi kept his unwavering gaze on Sakura, as if he was searching for something. Sakura returned his look tensely; the man's eyes were so intense that she felt him penetrating her heart. She tried to move, to fold her hands protectively, but her body didn't obey her. Then something changed in the air and a soft smile flickered across Itachi's face.

“Did you miss me?”

Sakura breathed a sigh of relief. With hesitating movements she leaned over her lover's chest.

“Awfully.”

Closing her eyes Sakura listened to his heartbeat; it was so calming somehow. Probably because she had seen so much death, that the steady pulse of life under her touch filled her with a sense of security. Serenity embraced them, and Sakura had already forgotten her anger. Then the man sneaked his arm around her, raising her.

“You look tired.” Itachi whispered into Sakura's ear, who shivered as the hot air tickled her sensitive skin.

“Awfully” she sighed. Actually she was so sleepy, that she could barely think straight.

“Then sleep.” Itachi answered while lowering her to the bed. Sakura's eyes suddenly shot open.

“Never! I'd hate myself for it tomorrow.. hug me..” she murmured and raised her arms. Itachi lowered himself next to her and circled her from behind. Purring, Sakura snuggled closer to his warm body and let his fingers caress her belly. Heaven. When they were together everything seemed so harmonic, so amazing and carefree.. this was a strange new feeling that every moment she treasured in her heart. She never wanted this night to end.

“I love you” she whispered with a happy smile. Itachi's eyes widened.

Murderer!

His fingers slowly loosened his hold on Sakura, suddenly he felt himself weighed down to the bed.

Murderer!

He heard Sakura's breathing slowing down, and his becoming more and more ragged and anxious. As if facing what he had done for the first time, his muscles suddenly tensed, his eyes widened even more. He didn't have the right..

..he had taken something very precious from Sakura.

.oOo.

The sun shone brilliantly on the cold, hard winter lands. It didn't snow for a long time, and without the snow the dark soil and naked trees made the land look desolate. The clouds were slowly shoaling in the sky, the wind was unmoving. Everything was quiet, so depressingly silent; even the usual noises of the forest died out in the empty noontime. And there, leaning against a tree was Itachi, waiting diligently. His fingers were hooked leisurely into his pockets, his emotionless face turned towards the sky.

Soon.

He didn't stay with Sakura for long, he left earlier than usual. He left because he had decided finally, because he had realized finally and cursed himself as he moved deeper into the forest that embraced Konoha with heavy, dull steps. Sakura.. his desire for acceptance blinded him and he had ignored the ancient law; that everything comes with a price, you cannot get anything without giving something in return. How ignorant he was! He didn't even see, that every day when he quietly left Sakura's room, he took something very precious from her. Her freedom.

He didn't have the right!

Touka koukan: Equivalent trade. All along he hadn't realized, that with every decision, when trying to grab his own freedom like a drowning man, he took Sakura's, who payed with her soul in his place. But Itachi's fate was the way of violence; whatever bond they may share, when the time comes he wouldn't be able to save her from himself. From what he had to become. Duty is above everything else. And time is running out.. Soon he had to leave for the capital of Sound to meet Yamaji. But before he left.. he wanted to..

How foolish! .. to hope, that she will see the heart under the inhuman mask of a murderer.

..how foolish.. yet..

His hands clenched into fists when he recognised a ninja's presence not far from him. This was exactly what he was waiting for.

.oOo.

Sakura was about to start classifying that day's blood samples when somebody knocked, and Kakashi's head appeared by the window.

“Yo, Sakura.”

“Kakashi-sensei! What is it?” Sakura asked in surprise.

“Mission.” the jounin answered while flinging the window open, then gestured Sakura to follow him. “Uchiha Itachi was seen alone fifteen minutes ago in the forest five kilometers away from Konoha's North-West gate. We were ordered to hunt him down.”

Sakura didn't need to be told twice, she ripped the lab coat off and jumped out the window after Kakashi. Another ANBU was waiting for them; they greeted each other and as fast as they could they set off. In a few minutes they reached the city walls and threw themselves into the scrub that covered the land around the North-West gate of the city. Another time they would have gone around this densely covered place of bushes and thorns, but they were pressed for time. Sakura pressed her lips together as the small branches, as if they were blades, scratched crimson lines on her skin; this scrub that proved to be such a good defense against intrusions now slowed them down painfully. As they tried to proceed slowly Kakashi turned to his ex-student.

“Don't forget Sakura, this is Uchiha Itachi we're hunting. Don't look into his eyes under any condition!” he warned her with a serious, deep voice and Sakura nodded anxiously. Another time she'd have snapped at Kakashi for trying to lecture her, but not now.. She knew very well how maddeningly dangerous Uchiha Itachi was; no precaution was too much when fighting against him!

The scrub became scarce, and Sakura narrowed her eyes trying to estimate how far they were from the gray forest that lay in front of them. They could move faster now, and soon they were running again. Sakura's heart was beating faster, and not just from the strain of keeping pace with the two ANBU; finally there was a chance to dispense justice to Uchiha Itachi with their own hands! ..But would the three of them be enough? She looked at her partners and her eyes locked with Kakashi. She didn't have to guess what he was thinking about; this was more than a mission for both of them; this was a personal matter.


“I won't rush.” Sakura promised quietly as they approached the edge of the forest. Kakashi halted, pulling out his compass and the map, then turned to the other ANBU and started consulting. Sakura impatiently began pacing while she was waiting for them. She didn't realized earlier how forcefully she had clenched her fists.. her nails printed her anxiety onto her palm. Even swallowing was difficult now, she felt her heart throbbing in her throat ready to jump out any time. She startled when a crow croaked not far above from her, and she looked at it angrily. The crow turned his head sideways, and his big, black eye gazed down at her hungrily. Sakura's eyes widened and a shiver run along her spine; but the moment seemed to break when she felt Kakashi's hand of her shoulder.

“First we'll reach the place he was last seen; we'll meet the other searching parties there” the jounin said in a calm tone.

“Is Naruto here as well?” Sakura asked nervously. They looked at each other. Kakashi nodded.

“With Yamato and Neji. He cannot ask for better protection” he replied and added. “Concentrate on the mission from now on.”

But that was to be easier said than done. As they proceeded deeper into the surly forest, a strange antsy feeling gripped Sakura slowly into it's power. As if the branches were closing above her head not wanting to let the cold, winter shine through. That caused the shadows to thicken, painting eerie masks onto the gnarled trunks of the old trees. Sakura jerked her head to the side when she saw the shadows move from the corner of her eyes; but the same view welcomed her as everywhere else: unfriendly vast still. Even though the wind was quiet, the naked branches weighed down by dry silence, kept slowly bending forward, as if they wanted to squeeze closer to her. Sakura's eyes flitted to and fro among the dark trunks as they ran, and soon she found herself leading their group, passing by her partners. The adrenaline throbbed in her eardrum and urged her to run faster and deeper into the dead forest.

I'll be lost! a voice screamed inside, but she couldn't stop, fear took control over her legs and drove her blindly forward. Her lips were dry, she felt she'd suffocate in this air heavy with anticipation. Mortal fear weakened her limbs, and in the end she felt she could hardly crawl forward. At every rustle she was anxiously looking for an enemy, at every little movement her heart was in her throat. Suddenly she saw something in the crown of the trees. Sakura's head shot up and she had to bite her tongue to prevent a scream from escaping. Above her head, on the branches, a flock of crows were sitting quietly, scrutinizing her with their big, onyx eyes, like a predator watching his prey. Sakura's leg gave out under her and she collapsed onto the ground. With shaking hands she covered her head protectively, and with teary eyes she stared at the ground by her legs. She couldn't take it anymore, this feeling as they kept looking at her! Sakura averted her gaze from the ground up again at the hated crows, ready for-

They were gone. No crow could be seen above her head. Only the naked trees swaying wildly at the topmost branches as a gentle breeze caressed her skin.

“Genjustu..” Sakura whispered and in that moment, she felt it. The thin chakra thread that wriggled back towards the depth of the forest. She had to grab it!

“Kakashi-sensei! We have to reach the center of the genjutsu!” She yelled and got onto her feet hurriedly. Sakura was convinced that if they lost the thread, they would be lost forever. Breathlessly she ran forward, because the chakra was so faint that even Sakura had difficulties following it. Sometimes the thread vanished just to appear a little farther away, as if the light that had filtered in through the branches glittered on it. Sakura felt gratitude that Kakashi trusted her so much, following her without any question. Probably she was the only one in their team that could use chakra so precisely that she was able to feel that chakra thread while it was leading them deeper and deeper into the forest.

She had long ago lost the sense of orientation, but it didn't matter; only one thing mattered: To reach the owner of the chakra, Uchiha Itachi... and they were getting really close now. Sakura evaded a branch at the last second, and it drew a long, bleeding line on her cheek. But she didn't stop, because the chakra thread rolled from stone to stone so lightly, passing trees and bushes that it almost faded into the nature. While Sakura persistently followed it she didn't even notice that the view had changed gradually; the trees were strained into twisted poses, as if they had been tormented; a soft mist crawled out under their trunks and slowly covered the ground. When Sakura finally stopped the sky was grey above the crowns of the trees.

Breathing hard, she took a step forward, then another until a small clearing came into sight, and among the ring of the trees in the heart of the glade, with a kunai in hand, stood the murderer.

“Kakashi-sensei..” Sakura began nervously and turned back towards her teammates. But as soon as she looked at the jounins, the genjutsu was lifted with a soft pop showing Sakura the cruel, cold truth; she was alone with Uchiha Itachi.

She whirled around and took a defensive stance. Although she didn't know why Itachi broke his own genjutsu, she definitely wouldn't thank him for that! Now that her head was clear, she tried to think over what had happened.. What a fearful genjutsu master this man was! In the trance of the genjutsu he had made her believe that she realized that she was trapped in a genjutsu, and that the only way to break out from it was to find him!

Looking at him, Itachi still didn't move, or step forward, didn't say a word either. Sakura allowed herself a cynical half-grin. So be it, at least she'd have the advantage of the initial attack! Maybe she'd die today, but she would show Itachi the strength of the apprentice of Tsunade! She started preparing for the fight, and the feeling of her chakra flowing to her hands with frantic speed gave her more confidence. Just one hit - that was all she needed - just one hit and she would shatter Uchiha Itachi's bones into pieces!

The seconds wore on almost torturously slowly as Sakura kept her eyes on the man's hands and prepared for the attack. Finally in a crazy moment her legs dashed out, and as fast as she could Sakura ran towards Itachi. Before she reached him, her eyes registered that Itachi's hand had let go of the kunai and it plummeted into the ground, he then put his body weight on one leg, waiting. In the last moment she also realized, that maybe it was a bad idea to attack by force like that, but it was too late - she had already launched her attack.

In a fraction of a second her enemy moved out of the way of her hit and with his left hand he grabbed Sakura's wrist. Then with the other he sized her neck so fast that her brain could register his movement only when she felt the deadly pressure on her throat. The hand smashed her to a tree, and Sakura had to close her eyes not to let them betray her pain. Strong fingers gripped her neck, never wavering. Sakura cursed herself for her weakness, because she didn't dare to reach up for Itachi's wrist.. because yes, she still feared death and she knew, that one wrong move and he would crush her windpipe. The hand's deadly grip suddenly loosened, and Sakura took a rattled breath. Then she felt those fingers that promised death just a second ago, now gently stroking her skin where they had left angry, red marks. Slowly caressing, like a lover's tender touch..

Sakura's eyes shot open and their eyes met. This was the first time she'd seen Itachi, and he took her breath away. His Sharingan was so beautiful yet so cruel, that she couldn't turn her head away. Sakura just stood numbly, watching mesmerized as he began to lean closer. Unconsciously her gaze dropped, and her eyes widened when she saw a faint smile playing on his lips. They were so close to each other that Sakura could feel his soft breathing on her lips. Her heart was beating so madly, that she was sure she'd faint any moment. Itachi suddenly halted and glanced at her one more time, then stepped back; and with that, he was gone. At the same moment Kakashi broke into the clearing from the other direction and threw himself after Itachi. He was followed by the other ANBU as well, who impatiently gestured Sakura to follow them. She did so, drawing strength from the presence of her teammates. They ran for who knows how long when they gave up finally; Itachi had vanished without a trace.. but at least nobody had died.

.oOo.

“How could you have lost me?” She shook her fists angrily. Kakashi was sitting in front of her, with an apologizing smile on his face.

“You said it was emergency Sakura” he protested. Sakura's eyes flared up.

“How could it be an emergency” she shrieked, “plunging into the forest alone?”

“Well.. you said that..” Kakashi started.

“..that..?” Sakura demanded.

“..that you had to pee urgently. What could we have done? Say no?”

Sakura's jaw fell, she just stared at her ex-teacher, then a laugh escaped her lips.

“It's scary to think about it but.. Uchiha Itachi has a sense of humor.” she said amazed, but then fell silent uncomfortably. A strange feeling, almost like anguish, took over her when she thought about him; so she tried to sweep out the memories of the last hours from her mind.

Kakashi suggested she go home and take a rest, but Sakura rather wanted to go back to the hospital. She couldn't pinpoint the exact reason why she felt dread, and why she wanted to be anywhere else than at home. Had she sat down and thought about what had happened maybe she could have found the answer, maybe she could have realized why she felt such a restless anguish, why she felt as if her throat was being gripped still.. But she hadn't the slightest intention of thinking about such things; and with childish stubbornness she believed, that what she didn't recognize, wouldn't exist.

But as the hours passed and it became dark outside, the feeling started to resurface. She tried to relax her jaw, because she caught herself gritting her teeth from time to time. She also tried to terrorize her fingers not to fidget in their anxiety, but she was unable to control her limbs as the anguish took over her body. Sometimes her mind strayed towards the man whom she branded as taboo. Sometimes an inner voice whispered disturbing thoughts to her, but she didn't want to face them.

Not even when she was heading home, fingering an item in her pocket. As if her mind had split into two; one part of her wished everything would stay as it was, in comfortable ignorance, in sweet happiness. The other part of her demanded to do it, to learn what she must. Her fingers grabbed the item in her pocket.

It was late at night when she entered her flat with a deep sigh. Everything was silent in the small flat, just as she had left it. But Sakura knew that this was only the appearance; she knew that somebody was waiting for her in one of the dark rooms. Her hands reluctantly took off her coat, then she began walking towards the bedroom. But half way she halted and looked back at her coat. One part of her wished that nothing would change. The other rampaged to turn back. Finally she went back to her coat and with clumsy movements she took out something from one of the pockets. For a long time she just stood there, staring at the candle in her hand. She was afraid.

As she slowly began to walk towards the bedroom again, her fear grew more and more. It cannot be, it cannot be, she chanted as her hand moved hesitatingly towards the handle. Quietly, she stepped into the dark room. As every night, the window of the bedroom was wide open and the wane moon softly outlined a sleeping person's figure on the bed. Sakura couldn't breath, her heart was beating so loudly in her chest, that she was sure the sound would wake the man. With shaking hands she lit the candle.. it cannot be.. and with slow, soft steps she approached the bed. Anybody.. just not him! With every step more and more parts of the room took shape, until the light touched the man's face.

“No..” Sakura whispered painfully as the candle illuminated the sleeping man. By the light, Uchiha Itachi was much more good-looking than she ever thought Kisame to be.. his sharp features fit so well with his long hair, that was spread around him on the pillow. How many nights she stroked those long, black curls.. how many nights she gave herself to a cruel murderer..

Her hand shook again and Itachi's eyes slowly opened. However this time it was not warm, black eyes that looked back at her, but the Sharingan, the cold, cruel weapon. Sakura moaned painfully when she comprehended what that meant, what that all meant. Itachi's eyes didn't let go of hers, not even when he slowly reached up and with one hand he crushed the little flame of the candle. And then he was on her.

In the moment darkness enveloped them Itachi pulled her to him and kissed her passionately and so full of desire, that Sakura unconsciously yielded to him. In the dark her body slid against his with familiarity, her fingers found their way automatically on his chest. The familiar smell of him made her senses reel again, filled her heart with love-

“Sakura..” Itachi breathed to her lips. “Don't come after me.”

Itachi saw the anger flaring up in Sakura's eyes, but he didn't let her talk. He tried to sound emotionless, but his voice betrayed his inner fight.

“Refuse every mission that concerns the Akatsuki. Don't stand up against me” he said, stroking her neck one more time. Then his warm touch drew back and finally vanished. Sakura was left alone.

A heartbreaking scream shattered the night.
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Thus Part II ends.