Waves - 2

After ensuring that Obito had truly left, I, Tazuna, and Naruto—with the help of Naruto's clones—transported Itachi, Haku, and Zabuza to Tazuna's home. Though Tazuna was hesitant at first about hosting the notorious Demon of the Mist, I managed to convince him with assurances of safety.

Once we arrived at Tazuna's house, my priority was to tend to Itachi. I created a shadow clone to stay with Sasuke and began working on Itachi's injuries. As I focused on his chakra pathways, I couldn't shake off the feeling of concern for him. Memories of his terminal illness resurfaced, reminding me of the severity of his condition. I directed my chakra to his lungs, feeling the inflammation and the scar tissue that had formed over time. My heart ached as I worked to stabilize his condition, knowing this was only a temporary fix.

As I healed him, Itachi's face was scrunched in pain, but he remained silent, his eyes squeezed shut. I gently placed my hands on his chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath. When his eyes fluttered open, I could see the exhaustion etched on his features. His gaze met mine, and there was a flicker of gratitude in his eyes.

"Thank you, Sakura-chan," he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, trying to mask the tears that threatened to spill. "Just focus on resting. I'll take care of everything else."

---

Later, as I was about to discuss the situation with Tazuna, I found Itachi awake but looking weary. I approached him, and with a hint of nervousness, I said, "I have a plan for the upcoming days. We need to ensure the safety of the village and continue your treatment."

Itachi's gaze softened as he looked at me. "You've done so much already. I appreciate it."

The room was quiet, save for the soft sounds of the village outside. I could feel my heart racing as I realized how close I had become to Itachi during this ordeal.

---

### Chapter: The Land of Waves - A Night of Healing

The tranquil evening settled over the Land of Waves as night fell. Tazuna's house was quiet, with the only sounds being the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of the river. The atmosphere inside was peaceful, but I felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

I made my way to Itachi's room, carrying a vial of the healing potion I had obtained from the dungeon. The potion glowed with a soft, ethereal light, promising potent healing. I had been eager to test its effects, knowing it could help with Itachi's recovery. As I approached the door, my heart raced slightly, and I took a deep breath to steady myself.

When I entered the room, I was met with the sight of Itachi resting on the bed, his shirt removed, revealing the scars that marked his battles. My breath caught at the sight, my cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and concern.

Itachi looked up from his resting position as I approached, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of curiosity and appreciation. "Sakura-chan, you didn't have to come here again."

I managed a smile, though my cheeks were flushed. "I wanted to make sure you're okay and to check on your treatment."

I set the vial down on the bedside table and prepared the potion. The liquid inside shimmered with a faint, ethereal glow. I could feel the weight of Itachi's gaze on me as I worked. My hands trembled slightly as I poured a small amount of the potion into my palm.

"It's a special healing potion," I explained as I began applying it to his chest. "It should help with the inflammation and any damage to your lungs."

Itachi winced slightly as the potion made contact, but his expression remained calm. The potion's warm sensation seemed to seep into his skin, and I could feel its healing energy working through him. My fingers brushed against his skin, and every touch was charged with a mix of electricity and intimacy. The warmth from his body contrasted sharply with the cool night air.

"I've never used a potion like this before," I said awkwardly, trying to break the tension. "It feels... strange, but I'm hopeful it will help."

Itachi's lips quirked into a small, amused smile. "It's working. I can feel the difference."

As I continued to apply the potion, my hands lingered a bit longer than necessary. I leaned closer, the proximity making my heart race. Itachi's steady heartbeat under my fingertips created an unexpected intimacy, and I found myself lost in the moment.

When I finished applying the potion, I looked up to find Itachi gazing at me with an intensity that made my breath hitch. "You're very dedicated, Sakura-chan. I've never had someone care for me like this."

I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of embarrassment and affection. "I just want to make sure you're alright. You mean a lot to me, and I... I want to help you heal."

There was a brief silence as Itachi reached out and gently took my hand in his. The contact sent a shiver down my spine, and I could see the vulnerability in his eyes. "Thank you. For everything."

I met his gaze, and in that moment, there was a shared understanding between us. Itachi's eyes held a depth of emotion that he rarely showed, and it made my heart ache. I could sense an unspoken bond forming between us.

"I... I care about you, Itachi," I admitted softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "More than I realized."

Itachi's eyes softened, and he gave a slight nod. "I care about you too, Sakura-chan."

The room was filled with a charged silence as we looked at each other, the distance between us seeming to shrink. The connection we shared was palpable, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as though time had stopped. The night air seemed to hold its breath as we allowed ourselves to fully embrace the emotional closeness.

I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure. "You should get some rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow."

Itachi nodded, a small, reassuring smile on his face. "Alright. Good night, Sakura-chan."

"Good night, Itachi," I replied, my voice tender as I turned to leave. As I walked out of the room, I could still feel the warmth of his touch and the unspoken promise of the bond we had forged. The night seemed to hold a newfound promise, and I knew that our connection had deepened in ways neither of us fully understood yet.

---

As days passed, I continued to balance my duties—healing Itachi, setting up the clinic, and training Sasuke. One evening, while I was busy attending to patients, Itachi approached me quietly.

"Sakura-chan, there's something I wanted to say," he began, his voice steady but with a hint of hesitation.

I looked up, wiping my hands on a towel. "What is it, Itachi?"

He paused, searching for the right words. "I'm grateful for everything you've done. It's more than I can express. I know I'm not the easiest person to be around, but you've been there when I needed it most."

I felt a lump in my throat and nodded, unable to find the right words. The sincerity in his voice and the gratitude in his eyes made my heart swell.

"Just promise me you'll keep taking care of yourself," I said softly, my voice trembling slightly.

Itachi's lips curved into a small, appreciative smile. "I promise."

---

Three days later, the bridge was completed. The villagers named it 'Cherry Blossom Bridge' in honor of my contribution, and cherry blossoms were planted around it, adding a touch of beauty to the landscape.

As I stood there, looking at the completed bridge, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. It was a testament to our efforts and the bonds we had forged along the way.