Blindfolded

Blindfolded

Chapter information:
Genre: adventure/fantasy/drama
Author's note: Now I know that Kozuka is a family name in Japan, at the time I've chosen it, I didn't know.. I thought it's a first name. But since I like the name so much I'll leave it
;) In this chapter I'll write names in Japanese-style order: family name first.

Chapter 9
The Gattodanto

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

Yamaji Kozuka began chanting the prophecy hoping he could find something he hadn't paid attention to before. It had already been thirty years since he discovered the scroll of the prophecy on one of the shelves in the Kozenji temple. Thirty years.. and he still couldn't decipher every line of it.

..when friend betrays friend.. yes-yes, he already knew what that verse was about, and that fact, by the way, was just another proof how much more successful he was in deciphering the prophecy, than the real monks throughout the centuries.

But right now Yamaji needed more recent references, so he kept chanting the verses. And that, again, was just another demonstation of how he outwitted the monks. They tried to hinder him by not letting him copy the prophecy that consisted of hunderds of verses, so he learnt them all by heart!

..who will take upon the blood and pain.. right, that was already in the past, Yamaji thought. Then as he went on, line after line, he thought about Itachi, the Choosen One according to the prophecy - and the number one source of his problems. Itachi didn't let himself be influenced easily, and even after so many years he still didn't trust him - which would have been quite reasonable of course, had so much not been at stake.

In addition there was that particular verse...

But he must be betrayed,
in order to be saved,
by whom he trusts the best,
when the moon turns to red..

Up til now Yamaji was convinced that that verse was about him.. after all who else could it have been about?! Itachi didn't have connections outside the Akatsuki.. yes.. well that was what Yamaji assumed until yesterday night. Since then, things had changed quite a bit.

“Good morning.” Sakura greeted him from behind, and Yamaji turned towards her and nodded in response.

“Where are the others?” the kunoichi asked while looking around.

“Who knows. It seems we are the only ones in a hurry.” Yamaji remarked dryly, just when the loud thumping of heavy steps coming from upstairs reached his ears. Soon a man appeared by the stairs wearing a thick coat and a large hat and carrying a strange weapon on his back.

“Cyclops! Where is the boss?” Sakura asked instead of a greeting, and hoisted the backpack on her back. It weighed heavily on her shoulders now. She had spent her morning stocking up everything she would need for her journey.

“Isou-sama? He won't come.” The man answered as if this was the most natural thing in the world. “He's a fine gentleman, not used to such a sludgy journey.”

Hearing that Yamaji grinned inside, and Sakura muttered a not-so-lady-like remark, while Cyclops politely turned his deaf ear towards her - after all everybody had the right to mutter remarks without being disturbed, if they wanted to.

Indeed, Cyclops was such an understanding man. What a treasure, he was told when he was a boy, such a rarity. And this was true, because people died like flies when they stepped into the life with a capital L, where the wolves of society were already waiting for them with wide-opened arms (and mouth). However Tougou Numagori bravely (but still with his understanding self) threw himself among the wolves, and survived. In exchange the wolves, to show their appreciation for his unlimited tolerance and kindness, gave him the most important tasks. After all somebody had to wash the dirty nappies too.

Thus he became the tutor and the he-nanny of the young Daimyo-to-be, but on occasion when the Daimyo was in need of a trustworthy man, he became his eyes and mouth. Or his messenger.

The small group stepped out of the inn and the busy milling of the city surrounded them. The early-dawn mist was already furling away, and the imposing roofs of the noble palaces became visible as they towered over the city. However the frost still covered the streets, hiding the otherwise colorful tiles behind its whiteness. People were carrying sacks and buckets as they went to work, paying no attention as a monk, a ninja and a giant-like man manoeuvred amongst them towards the city gate.

“We haven't discussed which road to take.” Sakura looked back at the tall man. In the sunshine he looked even stranger as his slightly wavy hair covered one of his eyes. But before he could have said anything the monk answered.

“We'll take the Gattodanto.”

His words was followed by silence. Numarogi shivered, as if the frosty breath of the word ruffled the fine hairs on his neck. Sakura looked at him questioningly, but he only turned his head away. Finally he yielded to the silent pressure and reluctantly answered.

“It's not a road we mortals should take. Had it not been for Yamaji-sama, I would never dare to set a foot on that road alone.”

“What?” Sakura's eyes widened, then she shook her head. Get yourself together Sakura! Anybody can be called Yamaji. One of the most common names, remember? This was the first time she heard the monk's family name, but honestly she couldn't imagine him to have anything to do with the Daimyo of Honey. This man looked so monkish after all! Seemingly knowledgable and wise, a bit outspoken but always polite, just like how a monk should be. Her keen senses didn't detect any harmful intent from him either, actually Sakura felt an instinctive respect towards him.

“It's not a surprise you haven't heard about the Gattodanto before.” The monk answered, misunderstanding Sakura's bewilderment. “Gattodanto is the road of Inari's messengers, the kitsunes. People are afraid of it, only monks take it nowadays. I don't expect to be followed on that road, whoever is after us.”

“I hope we can get out alive..” Numagori prayed.

“It's not that dreadful” the monk said in a good mood. “But we'll reach it soon, then you can see it with your own eyes.”

Although he said 'soon', the sun was already passing through the western sky when they finally got their first glimpse of the road of the gattodans, which was running below them in the frosty valley towards the Land of Sound like some kind of sparkling, glamorous ribbon. As if it was a stream, the road sparkled up here and there as the setting sun's rose-colored rays shone on it.

“What gives out such a light?” Sakura asked curiously.

“The gattodans, of course” the monk answered and pointed forward. A few moments later Sakura sighted a red wooden gate materializing among the trees with two white, waist-high stone altars on each side. “Those altars are called gattodans.” he added.

“They're shining.” Numagori said in amazement and watched how the soft pink light of the gattodans colored the frosty canopy above.

“That's what their name indicates: shining altars. Gattodanto is the road of the shining altars.” Yamaji nodded. When they reached the gate the Gattodanto unfolded itself before their eyes; a long path marked by gattodans on each side as far as their eye could see. Sakura watched mesmerized how the light twinkled on the surface of the liquid that was on the top of the altars. She stepped closer to one to examine it carefully.

“They gather and reflect the light of the moon in order to illuminate the road. They are the most beautiful around this time, when the moon is already visible, yet the sun hasn't gone down. Now they shine with as many colors as the sunset.”

“But how...?” Sakura asked in awe.

“Who knows? The kitsunes like to keep their secrets to themselves.” Yamaji answered mystically. Finally they set off again, the hoar-frost crunching softly underfoot as they marched forward. It was cold, but somehow they didn't feel it; maybe the lights of the gattodans tamed the wild winter, or maybe the icy wind didn't reach them because of the trees.

The forest closed around them and Sakura's steps became heavier with each passing altar. Anguish crept out of its prison where she had suppressed it, whispering things she did not want to face. What am I doing here? The cruel, dreadful feeling of regret closed its hand over her heart and squeezed it tightly. Sakura dropped her head. Before she left Konoha she thought that she had considered her options carefully, but she wasn't so sure anymore that it was such a good idea to come after Itachi.

But at least I'm still in control, she thought.

..in control of your own heart, Sakura..

Sakura shook her head furiously, and as she glanced up, a small, colorful pile of stones next to the road caught her attention.

“What are those?” she looked back at the monk and pointed at the stones. Halting next to one of the piles the monk bent down carefully and picked a couple of stones up, holding them in his hand. The stones were smooth and perfectly oval, as if they were soap.

“Sorrow-stones” he said. “Nobody knows how they were created or how it is possible that they can absorb human emotions. Monks often come here to become purified by them.”

Sakura looked at the clouded stones and reached out to take one from the monk. In size and weight it was no different from any other normal stone.

“That white stone hasn't been used yet.” the monk said pointing at the stone in Sakura's hand, then he raised the one he was holding.

“The black color, such as this one here, means that the user was mourning. But there are several other colors as well. Blue is from sadness, green is from jealously, then let me see.. yellow is from envy, crimson is from anger.. as you can see there is a wide spectrum of emotions we humans want to free ourselves from.” the monk said while putting back the stone. Then he straightened up.

“Why don't you keep the one you're holding. Who knows, maybe one day it'll become useful, when you want to get rid of an emotion for once and for all.”

Sakura nodded and followed the monk in daze, didn't even look where they were going, only staring at the white stone in her hand.

Sunset soon turned to dusk, and the light of the gattodans changed as well. As they lit the white trees from below with their silvery-blue light the forest seemed almost magical, as if it was in the Moon kingdom from the fairy tales. From the white branches of the weeping willows long, wispy icicles were hanging like the frozen tears of the trees; and the old spider webs from last autumn were still hanging between them. The webs were covered by glittering snow crystals, looking like fine jewels that sparkled up like a myriad of tiny diamonds in the light of the gattodans.

“Where do we set the camp?” Numagori asked, breaking the silence.

“Anywhere.” Yamaji replied. “We won't find accomodation here. However we will reach Sound in three days.”

“In that case..” Sakura began as she took off her backpack, “this place is as good as any.”

She couldn't wait till everybody retired for the night and she could be alone with her thoughts. When she made sure, that everybody was sleeping, she crouched down by a gattodan a bit farther from the camp, and took out the stone from her inner pocket. For a long while she just watched her fingers stroke its cold, white surface and remembered Itachi. The thought suddenly flared up, oh how she hated him! The man who ruined her life from the beginning! She despised him more than anybody else! The cruel murderer who could only bring pain and suffering!

Sakura's eyes widened when she realized just how much Itachi had been shadowing her life. Everything that happened was because of him! First he took away her first love, because although he didn't murder Sasuke on that horrible night, he killed his heart, tearing out all emotions except the desire for revenge. That's how Sasuke, the dream of her life, became a never-ending nightmare. But then, just when she thought she can love again, everything collapsed. And for what? Why did Itachi play with her? Just to take her heart away and wear it around his neck as another trophy?!

She gripped the stone harder. Everything happened because of him! In one way or another Itachi had determined her life so far. But now.. now she was given a choice finally... no, not a choice, but a chance! A chance to break out of this vicious circle and put things right. Sakura bit her lower lip. Probably if she hadn't felt this longing for him, she would be able to see things more clearly. She could go home and live her life as if nothing had happened.. maybe that was the best choice. Then she wouldn't feel this maddening clash between her heart and her mind, and both of them could fight against the evil reunited again.

Yes, she would do it. As the monk said she would purify herself and would forget about Itachi! She looked down at the stone in her hand, which began to glow. Yes.. tearing out.. every heartbeat that was for him, every sigh that left her lips because of him! She watched as the stone sparked up like a ruby, then its color softened and deepened, swirled and pulsated, surrounded by a golden glitter. Vivid pictures of their memories together flowed into Sakura's mind about his touch, which was surprisingly warm and gentle.. as much as it pained her to admit she missed his presence, as if a piece of her soul was torn out, which was now yearning for its missing part.

Sakura watched with shining eyes as the stone sparked up, and her heart sank. She knew it was for the best, but suddenly it became harder to let go of the memories of him and the mountain, their adventures and the late-night visits.. those late-night visits... But he was Uchiha Itachi, the murderer! She forced herself to give away everything.. except for one memory, the one dearest to her. It wouldn't matter, Sakura reasoned, one memory wouldn't make a difference. That one she just couldn't bear the thought of losing. It happened one night, when the moonlight gently gleamed in the man's eyes revealing his desire, his vulnerability as he slowly reached out and pulled her to him. Maybe she fell in love with him in that very moment, maybe that's why she cherished that memory above all the others. Sakura watched sadly as the stone came to life and filled up with rich colors that were swirling, sparkling and pulsating under her touch. Tears gathered in her eyes.

“How beautiful..” she whispered in a broken voice. “..How pure..”

Her fingers caressed the stone gently feeling the soft warmth under her touch. The warmth of her heart..

“It's not your fault, heart, that you love.” her voice faltered and another teardrop found its way down her cheek. Her hands shook slightly. “It's not your fault that you suffer-” another sob left her lips when the stone shone up even brightly. “It's not your fault.. it was never your fault..” she whispered. “Your love was pure..”

She wept while the emptiness slowly crept into her soul eating away the warmth and leaving only cold numbness in its wake. Tearing out her heart..

..heart..

Tearing out her love, there will be no more, no more. No more warmth, no more hope. Just silence and death and emptiness.

..it's not your fault, that you love..

No more warmth, no more hope.

The stone trembled in her hand, “Your love was the most beautiful thing I've ever felt... !”

In that moment the stone shattered and her hand dropped down in remorse. Silence enveloped her, she could only hear the mad throbbing of her heart. Then that quietened down as well.

“I couldn't do it after all” she laughed out bitterly. Yet she felt relieved somehow. Loving him hurt, it hurt so much.. but for a moment when she felt the emptiness taking over her, it was more frightening than anything she had ever felt. She just couldn't give up the hope..

With a deep sigh she pulled her knees up to herself and looked up at the night sky. Hope of the fools..

.oOo.

The door opened quietly and a dark figure stepped inside. He didn't pause or look around, just kept going through the chamber with resigned solitude cutting his way forward, leaving stifled agony in his wake. By the time he reached the counter the inn hushed down in anticipation.

“Did you accommodate a monk called Yamaji?” a deep voice asked from under the hat. The innkeeper didn't spare him a glance, he was busy arranging papers and bills. Frowning he asked in a pompous voice.

“Yamaji Kozuka? Yes, but he left after one night” he said digging into a pile of scrolls. When he finally found the one he was looking for, he took his specs and clipped them onto his nose.

“He left a message for.. let me see.. Mr. Vampire, but if you're no-” the words stuck in the bartender's throat as he looked up at the newcomer for the first time. “Yes, you must be him. Then ahem.. here you are, your letter.. sir” he stuttered and slid the scroll into the stranger's hand.

.oOo.

The pale moon was still hovering low in the sky when the first heralds of the daybreak appeared in the eastern horizon. Sakura began packing; she couldn't wait to set off again to look for Itachi once she reached Sound. Her heart began to race at the thought, remembering the last time she saw him. What would Uchiha Itachi do when they met again, she wondered. But the real question was, she pursed her lips, what would Haruno Sakura do? As she was considering her chances Numagori stepped behind her and made a sweeping gesture towards the road.

“I always believed that the lights of the Gattodanto were otherworldly creatures, which could bewitch those who look at them. Grandmother told me once, that she knew of a man who went in and never came out.”

By now Yamaji reached them as well, ready to leave, but upon hearing Numagori's words he waved his hand dismissively.

“Why would he come out on the same part of the road that he went in? I'm sure he's living happily somewhere in the Land of Sound. There is nothing here, Numagori. Just us, and the witness-lights of the past ages.”

“When the kitsunes were walking among us?” Sakura butted in curiously.

“When the gods were walking among us, dear Sakura.” Yamaji corrected her. “The kitsunes are still here, although not as great in number as they were once.”

Sakura and Numagori looked at the monk with wide, sparkling eyes.

“Have you ever met a kitsune, Yamaji-sama?” The tall man asked excitedly.

Yamaji smiled and glanced at Sakura who was looking back at him with curious, innocent eyes. A plan began to take shape in his head about how he could turn her to his side against Itachi when the time came. Yamaji knew, that he could never win her trust, but that didn't mean that he couldn't convince her to do.. certain things for him. In that respect Sakura was just like Itachi; a person blinded by her faith in her own intelligence. For such people kind words had only a reverse effect; making them just even more mistrustful. However Yamaji knew that he could yield such people into total submission once he proved the superiority of his judgement over theirs.

Therefore Yamaji decided to share such information with Sakura that he would never mention in different circumstances. Sakura had to understand how insignificant and ignorant she was in this game against fate. In a struggle where every decision could cost thousands of lives would she dare to undertake the responsibility when there was somebody else who could make choices with much more confidence and ease? Itachi didn't dare, that's why he put up with Yamaji, and the Daimyo was sure that in the end Sakura would make the same decision. The best outcome was their common interest after all.

“To tell the truth a meeting a kitsune moved me to the path of monk hood.” he said and smiled humbly.

“Did you get that badge from a kitsune as well?” Sakura asked and pointed to the medal that had a fox graved into. The monk looked down at his necklace and a nostalgic smile appeared on his face.

“Equivalent trade - that is engraved on its other side” he said as he took the medal between his fingers and twirled it gently. “Because I had something that she wanted back; but everything comes with a price, she knew that, too. Thus she promised to grant one wish in exchange.. I need hardly say I couldn't resist her offer...”

“What did you wish for?” Sakura asked curiously.

“Knowledge. I told her to grant me knowledge that would raise me above everybody.” Yamaji said seriously, then his eyes became playful again as he raised his medal. “Thereupon she gave me this; then she told me to go to the temple of the kitsunes. ..because there I'd find what I was looking for - and with that she simply vanished!” Yamaji said over-dramatically.

..That man was a monk of the Kozenji temple..

Sakura nearly tripped, and only with wide arm gestures, as if she wanted to fly away, could she stop. She heard Itachi's voice so clearly, that for a moment she thought he was standing right behind her.

“I guess nobody could gain knowledge instead of you.” Numagori laughed in the background. But for Sakura his voice sounded far away; her eyes were staring into space, seeing only memories from the past.

“You see Numagori, that's absolutely true.” Yamaji smiled cheerfully as they were walking forward.

..I had to escort this man, and then kill him..

Suddenly Sakura's throat became parched, her hands grabbed the hem of her cloak tightly. Madness.. this was madness..

..But I couldn't do it, which he most likely knew very well..

When the recognition slapped her, her breath hitched and her hand covered her mouth in shock.

..Uchiha Itachi accomplished dozens of A-class missions and failed only one..

“Sakura-san? Are you all right?” Numagori put a hand on her shoulder. Despite the cold Sakura felt as an icy sweat-drop run down her face. Slowly raising her head she stared at the monk, who looked back at her with unreadable eyes; yet there was an authoritative, deep confidence in their depth. Sakura was about to say something when she felt a slight quiver, a quiet whisper from afar.

“Somebody is coming” she said as her hands clenched into fists. Damn it! Sakura tried to get herself together but something seemed to cloud her mind; she still felt Yamaji's gaze fixed on her back, almost as if he could read her thoughts. Hastily Sakura threw down her backpack and tightened the cloak around herself not to be disturbed by it during the fight..

“Cyclops step back and cover for me if you must. Whoever comes, he's fast.”

“How do you know?” Yamaji asked with interest, while he carefully stepped between Numagori and Sakura. The kunoichi glanced at him, then turned away and took a few steps towards where she was expecting the enemy.

“I covered the road with a net of my chakra a mile behind and ahead of us. Unless he can grow wings I'll know exactly where he is” she said through gritted teeth, then knelt and put her hands on the frozen soil - as she had done on the first day when she crossed the gate of the Gattodanto.

“Where are you?” she whispered as she closed her eyes and tried to imagine the chakra threads running along the road invisibly. She felt the enemy's heartbeat, the noise of his trampling as the frosty leaves cracked under his weight. A chakra thread quivered by each of his steps in small waves, as if a stone was thrown into a still pond. Sakura felt her mind's eye getting close to the intruder while she was pulling back her chakra. Yes, soon she would see him-

“He's here!” Sakura gasped incredulously. How could anybody be that fast?! She pulled out her kunai in a fraction of a moment, when suddenly her eyes widened, her whole body froze.

The man came into sight as quietly as a whisper of the wind, but when he saw Sakura he stopped suddenly. Their eyes met and Sakura tensed up visibly, gripping the kunai tighter in her hands. The man closed his eyes and slowly reached up to remove the wide straw hat that shadowed his face. He didn't move, just stood in the same spot where he stepped out of the trees, looking at them with an unreadable expression.

“Oh Itachi!” Yamaji greeted him with a wide grin. “I was afraid we'd miss each other” he said in a good mood, and took a step forward. “And look! I've even found two new bodyguards!”

Sakura watched as Itachi's eyes travelled from Yamaji to her. She was about to comment on Yamaji's words, when she felt the cold touch of iron on her throat.

“But now that you're here I don't need them anymore, do I? Let's get rid of one, at least!” Yamaji said while his penetrating gaze fixed on Itachi looking for any sign, any small movement that would betray him. Seemingly, however, Itachi wasn't affected by this turn of events, he was just standing like a statue and returned Yamaji's gaze..

Hearing that, Sakura snorted. How on Earth could Yamaji possibly think that he could hurt her with that toy? Had it not been for the treaty of blood, she would have torn his tongue out by now. She was about to free herself roughly from his hold, when she noticed in irritation that Yamaji pushed the knife stronger to her throat.

“I would look out for my head if I were you, my dear. This is a chakra-slicing knife, if you make a wrong move I'll cut your throat and not even your little tricks could help you this time. This stands for you too Numagori! Stay where you are!” shouted Yamaji's confident, authorative voice.

Sakura's eyes widened. She had never heard of chakra-slicing weapons, but she could imagine just what they do. It's just bluff! cried out a little, aggressive voice in her encouraging to fight, but she forced herself to remain motionless. What if it wasn't a bluff? The thought made her nauseous. He is just an old man! Kill him! her primal instincts spurred her on, but instead she just bit her tongue. Yes, Yamaji seemed like an old man.. but he was a man whom Itachi recognised as a leader. One wrong move against him and Itachi would..

The cold sweat gave her goose bumps as she estimated her chances. She glanced up at Itachi, but he was just standing motionless gazing at Yamaji. At first glance he looked unaffected; yet there was an unyielding pride in the depths of his eyes telling Yamaji; you won't manipulate me! Sakura swallowed. Would Itachi abandon her just to prove that? Suddenly her eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat. What was she thinking?! Itachi was never on her side! As if she had been slapped, a soft sound of pain left her lips. Hearing the noise Itachi glanced at her. Yamaji's eyes flashed.

“But it would be a great loss for such a beautiful, kind lady to die. What do you say, Itachi?” He continued his provocation, voice dripping with sarcasm. “You always detested meaningless deaths after all.”

Yamaji watched in satisfaction as Itachi's eyes narrowed. He almost heard the walls of his self-control cracking. But Yamaji hadn’t finished yet; Itachi would pay his punishment for trying to keep a secret from him.

“I have an offer” he continued shrewdly. “I'll let her live if you cut off her fingers. We cannot let her go as long as she's a danger to us, can we. Come now do it, or she will die!”

Sakura glanced up at Itachi's motionless form, and as if her body remembered the last time she faced him, her hands began to tremble and her stomach clenched painfully from nervousness. Sakura's eyes widened when she realized that she was looking straight into his Sharingan, which slowly turned from cold crimson to blazing fire. It was terrifying.

Itachi slowly raised his hand.

One small, almost invisible movement of his wrist and a kunai appeared in his hand. Sakura's chakra surged to her arms in order to prepare to break free, but in that very moment Itachi's kunai launched towards them and before Sakura had time to think, her arm shot up and stopped the kunai in the air.

Itachi's eyes widened in surprise, and Sakura's arm dropped in defeat when she realized what had happened.

“See Itachi, this is how a loyal bodyguard should behave.” Yamaji laughed out and Sakura closed her eyes. Itachi's kunai had flown so far from her face, that she had to stretch her arm in order to stop it. She knew from the moment Itachi released the kunai, that it was not a threat to her. Since it was not meant for her..

Yamaji must have realized it, too because a satisfied grin appeared on his face. The kunai was meant as a warning to Yamaji but as such, he knew it was an empty threat. The kunai would have flown a safe distance from Yamaji's face, but the treaty of blood kicked in and mobilized Sakura's protective instincts to reach up and stop the weapon before it got close to the monk behind her.

“On the second thought, I think I'll keep her.” Yamaji spoke up again, then that annoying little grin appeared on his face again. “No offence, but you’ve become quite rusty, Itachi. It seems I need someone to watch my back should your hand slip again.”

Sakura gritted her teeth. Yamaji was moving up on her who-to-kill-before-I-die list faster than the speed of light. But the monk wasn't finished yet, and before he stepped away he spoke to her quietly.

“I'm really sorry my dear, but I had to know what Itachi felt for you. If that makes the situation any better, I had no intention of hurting you” he whispered, then left to talk to Numagori as well.

Sakura was just standing on the same spot, staring at the kunai in her hand. She couldn't decide whether she wanted to break down or explode at the moment. Itachi approached her and extended his arm to take the kunai out of hers, but before he could reach his weapon Sakura hid it under her cloak with one swift movement, looking at him defiantly.

Itachi's eyes bore into hers sharply, it was unnerving. With a frown Sakura opened her mouth to say something, but Itachi cut her off.

“Not now.” He glanced at Yamaji, who was still talking to Numagori. “Later” he added and with that he turned and walked away until his dark frame was swallowed by the forest.