"I hardly see you anymore."
Itachi gritted his teeth and turned around to face his girlfriend. "I've had a lot of missions lately, Kaori."
Kaori crossed her arms. "You've been spending a lot of time with that Suna girl."
"She was appointed my partner," he said. It was only half a lie. She was his partner because he kept requesting it. They were a good team and he enjoyed her company. She was getting better at performing the fireball jutsu as well.
"You've been spending time with her outside of missions as well," Kaori accused, "I've seen you at Yakiniku."
"Were you following me, Kaori? I thought you were done with me. Didn't you say so yourself?"
Kaori bit her lip. "That was when you were still a suspect. The charges were dropped. We can start over now."
Itachi shook his head. What had he ever seen in this girl? When he first met her, she had been fun and spontaneous. She was pretty.
She was also selfish and utterly devoted to the Uchiha.
"No, we can't," he answered her, "it's over between us."
"It's because of her, isn't it?" Kaori spat, "it's because of Taryn. What does she have that I don't? She barely knows you."
"It has nothing to do with her," Itachi said emotionless.
"I don't believe you."
Itachi sighed. He'd had enough of her whining. "Believe what you want, Kaori. You always do anyway. I don't have time for you."
"What happened to you, Itachi? She's changed you. And you didn't attend the meeting last night either. You haven't been attending for weeks."
"I have other things to do," Itachi said. He eyed the hawk that was circling above his head and was glad for the reprieve. "Goodbye, Kaori."
He didn't dare look back. No matter what had happened between them, he had loved her once.
***
Taryn made her way towards the training grounds. She shifted her shoulders, not used to the weight that was added to her back. She didn't usually carry such large weapons. Her fan was far too heavy and was normally stored in a scroll.
When she passed the KIA Stone, she saw Kakashi standing there, quietly staring at the monument. She watched him for a while before walking up to him.
He looked up at her approach and took in her outfit. "Going on a mission?"
"Just training," Taryn answered.
Kakashi nodded and eyed the hilts that rose up above her shoulders. "I didn't know you used swords."
Taryn shrugged. "I don't, but my sensei always said that even though you could favor a certain weapon, you should at least have basic knowledge of other weapons. You never know when you might have to use them."
"He sounds like a wise man."
Taryn shrugged again. "I suppose."
Kakashi glanced at the swords on the girl's back. "Twin swords. Quite ambitious."
She smiled. "I like to aim high."
Kakashi looked at her puzzled. "Not many here can use twin swords though."
"Itachi can," Taryn noted casually.
Kakashi eyed her amused. "Itachi huh."
"What of it?" Taryn asked.
"Nothing."
"Right."
"So," Kakashi commented casually, "you're meeting up with him then?" Taryn crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. Kakashi sighed. "You've been spending a lot of time together."
"And your point is?"
Kakashi shook his head. "Of all the people you could be friends with."
"We understand each other," Taryn bit at him.
"I didn't mean anything by it."
"Yes you did." She shifted the swords on her back, "I'm off. See you later." She turned to leave, but was cut off by a shinobi that appeared in front of her.
The man grinned at her. "Ah good, you're here too. Saves me time."
"Asuma," Kakashi acknowledged the man, "what brings you here so early?"
"I was about to find you two to go on a mission with me and Lance."
"A mission?" Taryn asked.
"What kind of mission?" Kakashi asked curiously.
"There's been trouble with Grass," Asuma explained to them, "Danzou-sama wants to dispatch a team to investigate. We are to leave immediately."
"Danzou?" Taryn questioned.
Asuma shrugged. "He is in the council and the mission has the Hokage's approval. Come. I'll brief you along the way. We need to pick up Lance."
"I'm supposed to meet Itachi at the training grounds," Taryn said, "I'll meet you at the gate."
"Sorry, can't do," Asuma said, "we'll send someone to give him a message, but we have to leave now."
Taryn glanced at Kakashi, who shrugged. "You heard him. Let's go."
***
"There is no other option," Danzou paced up and down in front of a kneeling Itachi, "we have tried negotiating, but they would not listen."
"I'm sorry, my boy," Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Itachi, "we would not ask this of you if there was still hope to overthrow the rebellion. I know the burden we put on you."
Itachi looked down. "I am the one that is sorry. It grieves me that my clan would take such action. I will do what is necessary."
"You understand that we can spare no one," Danzou said, "every man, woman and child. Even Sasuke."
Itachi's head snapped up. "He is innocent. He knows nothing. I've made sure of it."
"If we let him live, he'll ask questions. We can't allow retaliation. You know this, Itachi."
"I'll make sure it doesn't happen."
"You can't guarantee anything like that," Danzou said coldly.
"I'll find a way."
"It has been decided," Danzou held firm, "you accepted this mission, Itachi. You knew what it might come to."
"Danzou," Sarutobi kindly interrupted.
"No Hiruzen," Danzou cut him off, "you know this needs to be done. We can't have sentiments now." He paused. "Which leads to the next issue. Your involvement with Taryn of Suna."
"We've talked about this," the Hokage said in a warning tone.
"She sees too much," Danzou countered.
"My lord Danzou," Itachi spoke up, "Taryn is not an Uchiha. She has nothing to do with the rebellion."
"She is too familiar with you. She will ask questions."
"I'm certain we can divert her," Sarutobi said calmly.
"It is not enough."
"With all respect," Itachi said, "banished or not, she is still the Kazekage's daughter."
"Accidents happen," Danzou shrugged, "some missions are dangerous. Even the Kazekage will acknowledge that." He looked at Itachi. "Take care of it."
"She won't distract me from my mission," Itachi said calmly.
"You have one week," Danzou continued, dismissing Itachi's comment.
"I really am sorry, Itachi," the Hokage said sadly.
***
"You could have mentioned we had to escort a group of merchants as well," Taryn said annoyed.
Asuma shook his head. "It's just to the next town over. We'll head for Grass next."
"There will be a bonus for the extra effort," Lance said.
"Don't worry, Taryn," Asuma grinned, "Itachi will wait."
Taryn rolled her eyes and brushed past him.
"Don't tease her," Kakashi told his friend.
Asuma patted his shoulder. "No need to baby her, Kakashi. It's just a friendly jest." He smiled. "It's not a secret they've been spending a lot of time together."
"She can use a friend," Kakashi commented, staring at the girl's back. Though he would prefer for it to be someone other than the Uchiha prodigy.
Asuma's face turned serious and he sighed. "Then be her friend."
***
"Itachi, a word with you."
Itachi looked at the man in the shadows and stiffened. "Lord Danzou," he muttered submissively. He followed the man into a side room and kneeled on the floor.
"I know you understand the urgency of your mission," Danzou paced the room.
"I already pledged my loyalty," Itachi answered.
"You want your little brother to be spared."
Itachi lifted his head slowly. He didn't dare hope. Danzou had refused before when he had pleaded for Sasuke. There had to be a catch.
Danzou smiled when he noticed the hopeful look on the boy's face. He had him now. "I have thought about it," Danzou said slowly, "and you are right. He is just a child. I might be able to save him, make sure he lives, assuming he knows nothing as you said."
"I swear he is innocent."
Danzou nodded. "I believe you. And I will make a deal with you. I'll keep Sasuke safe... in exchange of Taryn of Suna."
Itachi stared at him. "My lord..."
"Surely one girl can't outweigh the life of your little brother? Sasuke is innocent, but that girl is a distraction and she'll cause trouble. All of this will have been for nothing. So it's your choice. What will it be?"
Itachi swallowed and bowed his head. "As you wish."
***
"I'm fine," Lance protected, leaning heavily on Kakashi's shoulder. He hissed in pain when he put his foot down.
"That leg needs looking after," Taryn pointed.
"You're not fine," Asuma chimed in, "you're lucky it's not worse."
Itachi looked up at the sound of the voices. So she had returned from the mission? He was surprised at the sigh that escaped his mouth. After the talk with Danzou, he had been worried she would not come back.
As if she sensed his presence, Taryn's head turned towards him and she lifted her hand in a wave, offering a small smile. No matter how much he'd like to, he couldn't bring himself to answering the gesture.
He turned away towards the edge of the village.
He had known she would follow. She seemed to instinctively know when something was bothering him, even if she would not ask. He liked that about her.
He nodded when she fell in stride with him.
They walked all the way to Final Valley. It was silent for a long time and Itachi could feel Taryn's concerned eyes on him. She would ask nothing. He knew her well enough for that.
"Nice view from here," she commented, "I've been here a while now, but I've never noticed that."
Itachi smiled at her concealed attempt to distract him. "Yeah," he said.
"Almost as beautiful as Suna."
The comment had been soft and he had almost missed it. "Do you miss it?" he asked, more to himself than to her.
"Every day," she whispered and she closed her eyes.
Itachi studied her quietly. It was clear that she was homesick and he wondered if that feeling would ever disappear. To know you would never see your home again.
He averted his eyes. She knew what it was like to make hard choices, to put someone else's life over her own. She was strong.
He wondered if he'd possess that same strength when the time had come.
"But I know I made the right decision," she continued as if to answer his thoughts, "and I don't regret it." She smiled at him and he knew then that he couldn't involve her in his mess. Every day she stayed in Konoha would be a danger and he didn't want to think about what the council would do to her after he had left.
There was only one thing he could do.
"Thank you," he said.
She eyed him confused. "What for?"
He kept quiet.
"Itachi."
"We should head back," he said before she could say anything else. "I have a mission tomorrow."
She eyed him carefully, but after a moment she nodded. "Okay."
He nodded too and walked back towards the village. He wished there was something he could say, but he was afraid of what he would reveal if he did. This could be the last time they'd meet. He wished it could last. These past few weeks she had been his closest friend.
He took a deep breath.
In a few days he wouldn't have even that.
***
He kneeled in the center of the room. "Lord Hokage."
The Hokage nodded at him. "Stand up, Itachi. There is no need for formalities now." They were alone in the office and the boy was already carrying a heavy burden. "What is on your mind?"
"Danzou-sama agreed to spare Sasuke," Itachi said, "if I agree to take out Taryn."
Sarutobi nodded. "I thought it might come to that." He sighed. "What have you decided?"
"I'd like to save them both," Itachi said, "but I need your word that no actions will be taken against either of them."
Sarutobi considered the boy in front of him. No. Not a boy. A boy would not be able to make such decisions. He waited for Itachi to continue.
"Sasuke is innocent. He knows nothing of his clan's betrayal."
"But he might take action when he is older," Sarutobi said, "he'll ask questions."
"Let him wonder," Itachi said, "don't tell him anything. The Uchiha's betrayal is known only to the Uchiha and the council. He will never need to know the truth."
Sarutobi nodded. "What about Taryn?"
Itachi's eyes saddened for a moment. "She is not an Uchiha. She does not need to die."
"You and I both know she will seek answers. If she stays here, she'll know what you did. She knows you too well."
"I cannot kill her," Itachi said, "but I can make sure she won't interfere."
Sarutobi studied him carefully and nodded. "Very well. I trust you."
"And in turn you will keep Sasuke safe. No one will harm him."
"No one in this village," Sarutobi nodded, "I do not control the entire world. He'll grow up in ignorance, but it will hurt him, Itachi."
"I'd rather have him hate me then see him get corrupted by the Uchiha's machinations. Just let him live."
Sarutobi nodded. "You have my word."
"Thank you," Itachi said. He bowed and left the office. Sasuke's safety was secured. Now all that was left was Taryn.
He sighed. He knew what he had to do. The only way to keep her safe was letting her go.
"Forgive me, Taryn," he muttered.
He would have to force her out of Konoha.
---
As promised a new part for Crow's Feathers. Dedicated to RulerOfCats who wrote an amazing fanfic We're All Made Of Stardust. If you haven't already read it, go do it now.
Don't forget about checking out Clash of the Brats. It is a story I wrote with Amaterasu and features Taryn and her students and Amaterasu's characters from her story Beauty is the Beast. the stroy is set in the Naruto world. A sequel is already in the making XD
Please check it out. It would mean a lot to us and we'd love some feedback.