Chapter 15

Itachi knew it was going to be a beautiful day as he washed his face with cold water in the bathroom. For when he woke up, immediately looking at the weather and feeling the wind hitting his face, he remembered this day back in the previous timeline. Yesterday after sundown... As Itachi pondered on the castle-kikyo, he felt a slight inspiration from the cold breeze even then. Afterward, he walked off in the direction of the house and fell asleep. Now he dressed in a dark blue vest and began to go outside, for the walk would make him confident that Itachi could still prevent the sad fate of this world. The vest didn't have a Chunin uniform, it was more like a light jacket, he wore it not because he was cold... He wore it not because he was cold, but just to feel a slight cool comfort.

Walking down the street of Konoha, he still notices the faces of grateful people looking at him with a pure smile. And some still don't believe it, but in time they will be able to see that he really did it for Konoha... Itachi himself turned towards a dango diner. After all, without food for thought, all thoughts seem dry. And with dango, the protagonist-hero would definitely feel at ease, while ceasing to feel... Like a former assassin who was in the Akatsuki organizations.

-I'll have two dango please," Itachi began politely, looking at the vendor.

-It's good to see you again, hero of Konoha," the same vendor as yesterday continued. Itachi paid him for his favorite dish, but the vendor refused the cash with a sly smile, replying, "I'll give you these chopsticks, but on the condition that you don't slip me money for free food again.

He said this smiling in all 32-tooths, and Itachi grinned and took both sticks for free. He began to eat the first stick and kept the second one on his other hand. The vendor was just closing up, he was on a long lunch break. And then Itachi turned away to see Sakura, she was walking down the main street first, with the purpose of To take a nice walk in the sunny weather. She turns to the side of the dango shop for sweets, but realizing that it's closed, her face changes to a sadder shade... But as she gets closer, she notices an extremely familiar face. Someone in a dark blue vest, turning in her direction. It wasn't hard for the pink-haired girl to realize it was Itachi.

-Hello Sakura," Itachi began with a slight smile. Sakura saw him and smiled positively, as she had once seen Sasuke....

-Hello Itachi-san," she replied happily, and hugged him. Itachi responded by ruffling her pink hair.

-It's good to see you Sakura," he said with a smile. He guessed that since Sakura was walking towards the dango shop, it wasn't hard to understand that she wanted to eat some of the sweet stuff as well. Slowly pulling away from her embrace, Itachi offered, "Do you want a dango? I bought the last one, and now I have it in my left hand.

-Thank you Itachi-san,‖ she takes the stick with the stuffed balls, and gobbles smiling at the pleasure of the assorted sweets nestled inside the contents.

Later, they were walking together on the main street of Konoha, Itachi feeling more and more like he was in his favorite book he had read back in paradise. The plot was much the same, even before he knew what Sasuke had become or would become..... Itachi had an idea of what it would be like... Sometimes he thought he wanted a little sister instead. After reading, he felt a lot of things. And even thought that will be, it is only in the next life ... But now he realized that much is possible and even that seems impossible. Itachi was even happy to go out with her. Feeling more positive they walked straight, down the straight street of Konoha. Young Sakura herself was dressed, wearing a small red sweater, with the symbol of her own clan. The weather was quite perfect, a clear blue background in the sky, without a single cloud... Sakura continued with a smile as she ate:

-Mmm, delicious dango," she said as she licked her fingers, probably craving sweets for the day.

-I'm glad you liked it. And thanks for letting me do something to please you," Itachi said with a smile.

-You're the main hero who saved Konoha from possible destruction," Itachi said with a concerned look as he listened to her continue. Even in my first year, you're the one everyone talks about.

-Seriously?", Itachi replied with a feigned look of surprise and a furrowed brow, smiling slightly as he did so.

-Of course!" the pink-haired friend replied cheerfully, nodding affirmatively. Sakura added, "Even I myself, when I first heard it during the gathering at night, when the third Hokage-sama had gathered everyone and told everyone. I started spreading those rumors myself.

-You know how I saved Konoha, don't you? You know exactly how I saved Konoha?" Itachi asked, "And exactly what I did to do it..." he finished a little sadly.

-I don't know much, but the main thing is when the third one walked into our office during our freshman year. He told us all that there was a bad man who had red eyes that could control the Nine-Tails. And he wanted to attack Konoha, but you defeated him... And you even saved Sasuke and that's why you're considered a hero," Itachi heard the rest of the story and smiled with his left lip. That she realized the truth about Sasuke wasn't quite as it really was. Sakura continued, "Also, the third Hokage said that we will only know the full story when we graduate from the academy. And that we would respect you even more.

-Really... - Itachi was relieved that the Third Hokage had made the right decision, because if he had told them the truth, their psychology might have changed. They would have decided that killing a relative or someone in the clan was the right thing to do. But it would be better for them to grow up and realize things for themselves, when their understanding would be developed in the right way. Itachi looked at Sakura and added, "The Third Hokage always knew how to surprise. After all, he once canceled the clan council meeting and postponed it to the next day, for my sake, and showed me how to properly use taijutsu, and throw kunai on trajectories. And even gave me some valuable advice... He was a great teacher to me.

-The Third Hokage, he's like a grandfather to me," Sakura smiled, and as she continued to walk alongside Itachi on the same level, down the street of Konoha, and past the stores, she felt like talking about herself too.... - I remember it was a sad day when my friend Ino and I lost a chamomile flower... But the Third Hokage quickly found it, and came up to us and handed it to her. And we responded with a smile, and he ruffled our hair, then went to Inoichi-san about the meeting.

-Heh, the third Hokage once told me a similar story about a girl with a friend, and now it's clear that it was you and Ino," Itachi replied, looking at her with a slight smile, and then he noticed her smile, although he knew that the third Hokage meant Sakura. They saw an ice cream store and Itachi remembered that she still wanted sweets and without thinking for a long time offered her, - Look Sakura, it's an ice cream store, let's go buy your favorite chocolate one, - she took his hands and together they went to the shop and bought two chocolate ones.

They walked along the main street for a few hours, talking about her progress. The fact that she could throw two kunayas in a trajectory, and even that she was the best in her class. Sakura bragged about her accomplishments, which Itachi thought was very nice... And they began to walk along the lake of Konoha, and continued to talk about the academy.

-...And when in front of all the students in the training field, I showed how to throw one kunai at a time, so that one would hit the other and hit the target. After that, even Iruka-sensei was surprised by my talent, and all thanks to you," she finished with her eyes closed, arms folded across her chest, and a proud smile on her face.

-Huh... I always knew your potential was unlimited, but I thought you said you wanted to become an irienin, didn't you? I remember you saying that back when I was looking after you, when your father asked me to," Itachi said, adjusting his collar.

-I want to be a ninja medic, but I also want to be a strong Kunoichi. I want to be able to protect the people I care about, and your skills are definitely in my arsenal.... Thank you Itachi-san, and by the way I even surpassed Sasuke in chakra control and shuriken throwing, because earlier he was considered the best, but now the best is me," finished the pink-haired girl with a sly and joyful smile, and her last phrase made the tall brunet change his face into a smile.

-Well done... I'm glad you have talent," Itachi said with a slight smile and a calm voice, which made Sakura blush slightly, from the praise of Konoha's savior himself. Itachi also continued, -By the way... Where's your inner-version, did you manage to get rid of it?

-Unfortunately, no..." she started in a sad tone, and then fixing her pink strands, she continued, "I am in full control of my body now, but I sometimes hear strange voices and doubts in my head, negative and even emotional.... I haven't told anyone about it, they think that this side of me doesn't exist, as if I'm constantly indoctrinating myself.

-Have you ever thought that maybe it's true?" she shifts her gaze to Itachi and starts to listen with slight surprise, "For example, imagine that your body is a pit, an empty lake," after saying that, the protagonist shifts his gaze to the lake, Konoha, and pulls Sakura with him to show something and adds, "and your mind is the lake that fills the pit-body. It can't have both lakes in it... Only one," sitting down on his knee by the grass near the lake, Itachi slowly touches the edge of the lake with his fingers. Then a wave begins and Sakura sat on one knee as well, listening to his wise words carefully. Following that, both of them shifted their gaze to the calm wave in the water, -that's the wave when you think about something calmly, -then when Itachi hit the water hard with his fingers, a strong wave started in all directions, -and that's when you feel like you're many, and like you have.... More than one mind, but you shouldn't pay attention to the side effects, look better at the main thing... That there's only one Sakura in you, and that's you. And I'm sure you created the inner version to protect yourself from doubt, fear, and even the ridicule of others. So when you use your anger, you feel like a completely different person. I guess over time you got used to it and believing it all, it actually became true. You created this version, and you're probably the only one who can suppress it, it's up to you," Itachi finished speaking and poked both of his fingers to her forehead. And she frowned slightly this time, shifting her gaze to a smile. The two stood up from the edge of the river, and continued walking along Lake Konoha.

They walked for a long time, through the main street, through Ichiraku ramen, and through the training field where Team 7 would train with Kakashi. As for taking away the two bells, they were even near the academies and Sakura once sat behind the swing where Naruto would sit 5 years after finishing the academies.... He would fail on his first attempt at using clones and then retake it, but for the time being, Sakura was sitting on that swing. Itachi even rocked her at times, until the sunset.... For all this time, she was enjoying spending time with him, because she felt that since the protagonist was wasting time on her, she was special.... Well, she is. And the fact that he every time say that he does not doubt what she will become strong in the future. She in turn now, from all these words only shines that someone believes in her... And they also discussed about their favorite colors, Itachi's was dark blue and Sakura's was red. And he gave her tips on how to hold three or four kunai at once, in each finger. He also told her that it only took time, and that she didn't have to be overly persistent. Experience comes only with time, and knowing how to use what you have is a greater strength than having a power that you have no idea how to use. Now they were walking near the castle-kikyo, and Itachi looked at the castle and thought about a lot of things, and Sakura, noticing his beautiful gaze, decided to start:

-Itachi-san, why do you spend a lot of time near the castle-kikyo?" the young pink-haired companion asked with a curious look.

-Konoha, back in the days of the second Hokage, wanted to build a 100-story castle. And its foundations were planned to be built in the same way as 'Castle Mugenjo'," Itachi replied, admiring the castle-kikyo. He continued with a pensive look, "Mugenjo was a big castle and it was also called Dusk Castle.

Itachi knew that Orochimaru had already taken over the castle a couple years ago, even before he started creating the second timeline.... With the help of his men from the village of sound, he had managed to exterminate many of the people there. And he also made it so that it could easily float through the sky, bound by eight huge chains on the ground. After all, he had long studied what natural-earth energy could easily support even the 100-story Mugenjo Castle. What makes it float in the sky, and also Itachi had been informed that, in one he would attack Konoha with the help of this dusky castle. Now, Itachi looked at Sakura's curious emerald eyes and continued the story she wanted to hear:

-But they decided to keep it that way. Since it was already the tallest building in Konoha... And they even decided to add both wings to make it comfortable to gaze at the stars. This mysterious, dark castle help motivate me in my main goal, that's why it became my favorite place... - Itachi finished, relieved that he told someone.... Sakura, sensing this, smiled sincerely as well. Itachi, noticing her interest, added, "And this place helps me understand a lot of things. Like understanding space, studying time and the stars that float in it. It's like I see a universe that gives me answers, and it helps me. I've realized a lot of things since I've been here, most of all about time itself and my main goal....

-And what is your goal Itachi-san?" asked Sakura out of curiosity, and Itachi replied telling her the truth... But without details

-My goal... To make the world a better place, and not one of bloodshed or revolution... but rather that the world be a better place than it is now. And in the future. If there is a threat, I will stop it, just as I saved Konoha recently... Even if no one recognizes that it was me, I don't care about other things as much as I care about fame or becoming a legend. My interests are centered more in the opposite, just the purity of this world, and peace for many people...

The sunset was already almost down, the fading blue dawn visible in the sky. The two travelers had already walked towards the main street of Konoha, and the castle-kikyo was no longer visible behind them. After listening to Itachi's speech, Sakura realized a lot of things today. About how Itachi himself was not like other people at all... Some people want to be strong, not to maintain the balance of the village. But only to be respected and feared, that's their goal. And some are willing to sacrifice all their comrades to save their own lives. And others just want to be popular, even become Hokage just to have fame and vanity. Sakura looking at Itachi, seeing a whole different level of Shinobi that is different from all the others. And she also smiled sincerely that he had revealed his purpose to her. Or rather a part of it for now... And suddenly, her instinct of sissy tenderness kicked in, and she hugged him sharply, with a smile. Itachi, not expecting it, also added a smile, while lightly ruffling her pink hairs and adding:

-Sakura, what are you doing? Shinobi aren't supposed to show emotion," the protagonist began, with a slight smile. He said it with a little sarcasm.

-And I don't care!, I want it and I show it!" she said resentfully, and then smiled sharply again without letting go of the hug. Itachi crouched down on one knee and hugged her too. In that moment he felt like he had even more positivity, that she needed him, and everything was almost like in that book of his... Trailing off, he noticed that her hands were suddenly cool. They had probably been cold for a long time, Itachi assumed. Though she hadn't noticed it herself...

-Sakura, are you cold?" she immediately folded her arms across her chest and began to shiver from the light frost. Itachi with a slight smile, while not thinking for a long time, took off his dark blue vest and threw it over her. All he had left was a pure=black t-shirt. Rubbing her head lightly, he added," Don't be afraid for me..... I certainly won't get cold, and I don't feel like myself in it at all. I'm more drawn to feeling the comfort-wind," he finished with the same smile. Sakura took it and quickly put it on, immediately feeling the warmth of Itachi's clothes.

-Thank you-" her quiet reply was like a light breeze. I guess she's too tired, Itachi thought and said:

-Sakura it's getting dark, let me take you home," she agreed with a nod. She took his hand, and he was pleased with the cool wind that blew across his face as if to tickle him. Evoking bliss as well, for frost was also his power, since it was part of the Darkness... Itachi, just thinking about his main goal, decided to ask how he was doing, his current goal had no time.... - Sakura, is Sasuke still going to the academy?" Itachi asked, wondering if he was following his chronology properly, or if he had decided to become a Nukenin early....

-Itachi smiled at her words and continued to listen to Sakura, "I don't even understand why a lot of girls run after him. I might have been one of those fools too, if it wasn't for your words about controlling emotions and loving those who love you is much more pleasant. And not such arrogant ones," Sakura finished her speech, remembering Sasuke resentfully, Itachi in turn realized that he had changed a lot of things in the second timeline. At this point, he could have used a sharingan to make Sakura believe that she loved Sasuke, so that everything would remain as it was in the previous timeline. But on the other hand, he decided that he wouldn't do that, because she had suffered many times.... And even though he's taking a risk, he won't let her go through it again, and the third one once said that he would change not only the future, but also the history....

-We're here Sakura, this is your house," they stopped in the center of the main street. And the pink-haired girl returned the vest to Itachi, adding "Thank you for a wonderful day" and after those words with a smile, she was already walking towards the house.

Itachi wasn't in a hurry to get home, but rather he wanted to linger, so he went to the castle-kikyo. Itachi had heard that it had been built during the Second Hokage's reign, so that it would be the epicenter for all the feudal lords and advisors of Konoha. It was also to be a refuge, but since it wasn't built like Mugenjo, it was still considered high in Konoha. It still wasn't that big though, which is why it was made into a secret weapons storage facility.... Many different things are stored there, like the second Hokage's blade, and the third Hokage's spare orb. Also Uchiha Madara's armor, along with his guitar. And there was also a scythe that belonged to Sasuke Sarutobi. And there was also that scroll of the Uzumaki clan... The one that can paralyze anyone inside it, the one who opened it can decide who to paralyze. Exactly whoever is inside the scroll's 10-meter radius field. As Itachi thought about it, he had already reached the top of the castle, and thought he had had a very good day. Though he hadn't told the exact truth about his goal, it was better to keep all the details to himself, it was safer for his close friends around him. And for a great life, he allowed the thought, thinking that maybe Kami had given him all of this. What he wanted was starting to come true, and especially Sakura... Who is like the beautiful little sister he had dreamed of in his other life, but it turned out to be possible in this one. Assuming the word God, he also thought that, Paine back in the first timeline had considered himself a God... Itachi even then looked at him as a man who had a broken soul and wanted to take the easy way out by helping Obito carry out Madara's plan... And he also realized that Kami God is the one who has the will infinitely, and the one who can watch over everyone. Every atom on earth knowing absolutely everything. And even Kaguya can be defeated with just a thought..... But the living universe he represents is even stronger and even wiser. Itachi also realized that as long as he was in the second timeline, he would have to face Paine sooner or later.

While the protagonist was thinking about all this, he had already reached the castle-kikyo, and sitting behind its porch, looking at the many stars that shimmered with their lights, he next took out of the scroll of his dark cloak and put it on, and the dark blue vest, he had time to fold into a scroll after seeing Sakura off....

As he put on his black cloak he continued to think that this was the calm before the storm.... But he was glad to have this thought, because he knows what awaits Konoha in the near and near future.... And this time, he will personally defend it.