Back To Konoha

After submitting the mission report, I requested a meeting with Itachi and Shisui for something important. With no more missions until the Chunin Exams, we scheduled our meeting for the next day.

Zabuza and Haku were handed over to Torture and Interrogation (T&I). Team 7 then made our way to the Uchiha compound, where Mikoto-obaasan had prepared a full meal for us. The warmth and comfort of the meal were a welcome distraction from the gravity of the discussions that awaited us.

The following day, I, Shisui, and Itachi were squeezed into Shisui's room. The atmosphere was heavy, and I decided to be direct about the issue at hand.

"There is something wrong with your eyes," I began, trying to keep my voice steady despite the anxiety I felt.

Itachi gave a slight nod, signaling me to continue.

"The day Itachi-senpai fought Zabuza, he was bleeding from his eyes. I noticed there was chakra blocking his optical nerve. If this continues, he could go blind," I explained, my eyes darting between Itachi and Shisui. "I understand this might be some kind of clan secret that you can't share with me, but both of your eyes are different from the rest of the Uchiha's. This difference is causing you both considerable pain. As someone training to be a medic, I want both of you to come to me for regular checkups after training with those eyes or after missions. Even if it's in the middle of the night, you both will come to me. Promise? Please promise me this one thing. I won't even tell anyone else. Please."

My voice cracked, revealing the desperation I felt.

"Hn," Itachi replied, his expression unreadable.

"Aww... Is my cute little kohai worried for her senpai and sensei?" Shisui teased, his tone light, but his actions were anything but.

Before I could respond, Shisui playfully lunged at me, his larger frame almost overwhelming. "Ni-san... lungs... breathe... air... die…"

"Oops!" Shisui quickly pulled back, realizing his overgrown man-child antics might have been too much.

I took a moment to catch my breath, my cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and exasperation. Despite the light-heartedness, I could see the genuine concern in their eyes. The playful banter served as a brief respite from the serious nature of our discussion.

"Promise me," I repeated, my tone more earnest. "It's important."

Both Itachi and Shisui nodded, a sense of resolve in their expressions. "We promise," Shisui said, his voice now serious.

As I left their room, I felt a weight lifted, knowing that I had done everything I could to ensure their well-being. The night was calm, but the promise of future challenges lingered in my mind. The bond we shared had strengthened, and I knew that whatever lay ahead, we would face it together.

---

That night, after a long day of work and the emotional discussion with Itachi and Shisui, I was in my room, sorting through some medical notes. The quiet was soothing, and the dim light from a single lantern created a serene atmosphere.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door. Startled, I called out, "Come in."

To my surprise, Itachi entered, his presence filling the room with a subtle intensity. He looked around, taking in the sight of the medical supplies and organized notes. His gaze then landed on me.

"I thought I'd check in," Itachi said, his voice steady but with an underlying warmth. "How are you doing?"

I was momentarily caught off guard, but I managed to smile. "I'm fine, just catching up on some work. What about you?"

Itachi took a few steps closer, and the space between us seemed to shrink. "I wanted to thank you again for everything today. It means a lot."

As he moved closer, I could see that he was still in his training attire, his shirt slightly disheveled. The room seemed to grow warmer with his proximity. I noticed the faint scars on his chest, evidence of his struggles and battles.

"It's nothing, really," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm just doing what I can to help."

Itachi's gaze softened as he approached me, his eyes filled with gratitude and something more. "You've been more than just helpful. You've been a source of strength."

I felt my cheeks flush at his words. "I'm glad I could be there for you."

As he reached the desk where I was working, his hand brushed mine briefly. The touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I looked up to see him gazing at me with an intense, almost contemplative expression.

"I've been thinking about what you said," Itachi continued softly. "And I realized that your concern goes beyond just being a medic. You care deeply."

The room seemed to hold its breath as we stood there, the distance between us now barely existent. The warmth of his presence and the sincerity in his eyes created a palpable connection.

"I do care," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "More than I realized."

Itachi's lips curved into a small, genuine smile. "I care about you too, Sakura-chan."

The moment hung in the air, charged with unspoken emotions and newfound understanding. The quiet of the night enveloped us, and for a brief, fleeting moment, the world outside seemed to disappear.

As Itachi prepared to leave, he paused at the door and turned back to me. "Good night, Sakura-chan."

"Good night, Itachi," I replied, watching as he walked out of the room.

The door closed behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The night felt different now, imbued with a sense of closeness and connection. The bond between us had grown stronger, and I knew that whatever the future held, we would face it together, with a newfound understanding and affection.