Shades of Grey

Chapter 68

"How much for this katana?" Itachi questioned holding out a sword with a plan black sheath and hilt.

Aesthetically it did not hold great appeal, but there was something beautiful in its simplicity. More importantly the blade was as razor sharp as it was strong, and the weapon was perfectly balanced.

"That is one of the most expensive katanas in the shop." The old man behind the counter told him. "It is a fine blade."

"Indeed." Itachi agreed. "Your craftmanship is flawless. Inlay this symbol in each side of the hilt and this one on its base. I would like sakura blossoms etched onto the blade. Finish within the hour and I will pay you double its cost."

"Double?" The old man's eyes widened. "I will have it done in thirty minutes."

Itachi paid the man and left to join his comrades. When he spotted Sakura Kisame had rejoined her and her eyes found his through the crowd. How he longed for the time when her nod would have been a breathtaking smile; no matter Itachi was a patient man.

"We shall get you more clothes while we are here." Itachi told her as he made it to her side.

"I don't need any." She argued.

"Kid I only bought you one set." Kisame pointed out hoping that maybe she would get herself something she liked.

"Fine." The kunoichi sighed and Itachi did not miss the way she fingered the end of his cloak's sleeves.

"You may keep it." He assured her as they made their way down the street. "I located a shinobi supply shop for once we are done."

"Good." Kisame grinned. "I could use a few things for Samehada."

Once they had purchased enough clothing that Itachi was satisfied they made their way to the shinobi supply shop. When they entered Itachi inclined his head at the old man who was still working on completing his order. The team headed into the isles to gather any items that they might need. Itachi followed Sakura down one that was lined with kunai, shuriken, and senbon.

"How effective is poison against Kakuzu and Hidan" She enquired.

"I am afraid that I do not know." Itachi admitted.

"No matter." Sakura shrugged as she gathered an assortment of all three weapons. She had some of her poison left in a spare scroll at the partners home and she would use some just in case.

Itachi followed her to the back wall that was heavily laden with items for medical kits. He watched her pause and read the back of several bottles of soldier pills before making her selection.

"Will they be as effective as yours?" The Uchiha asked her.

"No, but if I increase the dose, they will be fine." She assured him as they headed to the front of the store where the katanas were displayed.

"I just finished your order sir." The old man smiled when they reached the counter.

Itachi took the blade before passing it to the kunoichi.

"You had this made for me?" Sakura questioned lifting a brow. It was a finely made weapon and she did not miss the Uchiha crest on each side of the hilt. Then she caught sight of the design at the base of the katana, Itachi's mangekyo sharingan. She could not stop her hand from trembling when the Uchiha's wrapped around her own drawing enough of the blade so that she could see the petals etched upon it. This was far more personal than the blade that Sasuke had given her. It was not just a Uchiha design, it was an Itachi Uchiha design, it was a them design. Sakura knew well what it meant for a Uchiha to give such a gift to a woman. "It is an exquisite katana."