Shades of Grey

Chapter 60

It was long after dark before the trio finally stopped for a few hours rest. Kisame rummaged around his pack and found enough protein bas for each of them. Naturally, it was not the sort of meal that the big man preferred but there would be no fire tonight. From here on out they were in stealth mode and they would have to forgo the creature comforts until their mission was complete.

The Mist nin passed the sparse meal to Itachi who took it with a nod. Sakura did not reach for hers when he held it out, but after one look from the Uchiha she compliantly took it. As soon as they were done, they laid out their bedrolls. They would need no guard tonight. Anyone who stumbled upon three such powerful shinobi whose nerves were so tightly wound would be dead before they made it within a hundred yards. Kisame glanced at his partners and saw that Itachi had already closed his eyes, Sakura however lay there staring at the stars.

"Sleep you need your rest." The Uchiha spoke without opening his eyes.

He watched as the kunoichi did just that. Damn, Kisame almost shuddered. He knew that they were after the zombie brothers, but it was his partners that were giving him the shivers. He knew damn good and well that they were not telepathic but several times through the day he had witnessed them communicate with no more than a look passed between them. Itachi would give her a glance and bam they were adjusting their course in perfect sync. It was the kind of unspoken language that took years to build. He and Itachi had of course been working together long enough to perfect the art. Itachi and Sakura though seemed to have a natural connection, a bond if you will, that allowed them to understand the other with little to no words. If they kept this up, he was going to start referring to them as the creepy kids. Finally, he turned over to get some sleep for himself. They had a hell of a road ahead of them and would need to be at their top strength if they wanted any hope to survive.

Before the sun could fully rise Kisame, Itachi, and Sakura had already begun their journey again. The large man noticed that the Uchiha did not scold the kunoichi for declining breakfast but let her settle with a couple of her soldier pills again. He guessed Itachi would be satisfied with her having just one meal a day. For now, at least that was alright with the large blue man; he was eager to get this leg of their journey over with. Today they would cross into Fire. He knew they would stick as close to the border as they could to avoid patrolling ANBU squads. Finally, they left their camp with no signs that they had ever been there.

It was around noon when the trio entered Fire. After giving nothing more than a glance Itachi fell back and allowed Sakura to take the lead.

"What is up with that?" Kisame asked once the Uchiha was running at his side.

"Sakura's ANBU days are much more recent than mine." Itachi told him. "She will be more familiar with their current routes and schedules."

"And you know that because she blinked at you are something?" The large man sighed.

"It is only logical." The Uchiha replied.

"I hope the kid hurries up and comes around." Kisame gave a nostalgic smile. "It is strange not hearing her ramble just to annoy you."

"Hn." Itachi did not say it but he agreed. He knew that this was Sakura's way of protecting herself and giving her wounds time to heal, but he missed her pointless drabbles. He had already vowed that he would stand by her side no matter if she came fully back to them or not. After all people change, but his devotion to her would not. However, he owned nothing that he would not trade to see her smile again.