Two is Better Than One

A Thousand Questions

"Is it hard to be back in the village that hated you for so long?"

I asked.

The Uchiha put down his papers in slight annoyance and finally looked at me for the first time in hours. He had a tight smile, obviously not trying to be rude but it was getting harder with every question I asked. I knew it was annoying to be bombarded with questions, but Itachi did not talk to anyone. He fulfilled his role as a trainer and teacher at the academy, but as soon as his job was done he locked himself up in his office and went straight home when he was done. No friends, not even his brother Sasuke came to visit often. Maybe he preferred it that way, but that's not the type of person I am. Everyone deserves somebody to talk to, even if its annoying. Which, granted, I was. Besides, if he was going to work with me he had to talk to me. Simple as that.

"At first, yes it was. However, I don't really care how I am perceived. I did my duty as a shinobi and that is that"

Was all he said.

Well, that's a start. "I'm glad you're back home, Itachi. I know that it must have been hard while you were gone, but the village is much safer with you here."

My awful attempt to make him more comfortable caused a fleeting twinkle in his eye. His expression did not change however. Maybe I imagined it, but it made me feel better. Like I was actually making progress with the elusive ninja. I've worked with him for 6 months now and this was the first time he's talked to me. Or anyone for that matter. The only time he has ever addressed me or even acknowledged me was in the classroom to help demonstrate his teachings. Mainly how the Uchiha sharingan is used and how to counter it.

"Are you ready for sparring tomorrow? The kids seem super excited that the great Itachi Uchiha and Yohei Sukanawa are teaching"

I smiled.

"Hmm? Oh, sure. Who is this Sukanawa you speak of?"

He asked, actually looking up at me from his papers.

"...that's me. Im Sukanawa"

I muttered, completely awestruck at what I just heard.

Did he not know my name? After 6 months as his teaching partner? Seeing my dumbfounded expression broke Itachi's uninterested expression and for the first time I've ever seen, he cracked a smile. A smile? The room seemed to brighten into a lively afternoon glow when he smiled, it was truly a beautiful sight. No wonder women fawned over him. His smile softened his features, and for a moment he was no longer the brooding, damaged renowned ninja. He was...almost human.

"How...h-how on earth do you not know my name? We've been partners for six months?"

I stuttered, still flabbergasted by his ignorance.

"I never had to learn it, you immediately look at me the minute I open my mouth"

He said, trying to hide another smile creeping on his lips.

Who was this guy? Never speaks to me for 6 months and now he's smiling and making jokes? No way is this real. Was I under his genjutsu? It didn't feel like it. I've been under his genjutsu enough to know when I am. Right?

"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that," I said brushing off his comment, "but yes, my name is Yohei Sukanawa."

"Yohei... such an odd name. Thank you, Yohei. Ill remember it from now on"

Itachi said, filing away his papers and standing up.

Leaving already? This was our first conversation! I didn't want it to end already! I stood up from my chair with full intent to follow him but he nodded his goodbye to me and was gone in an instant. I didn't even see where he went, he was just gone. I leaned out of the doorway to look down the hall, but he was nowhere in sight.

Did all of that really happen? Did Itachi Uchiha actually talk to me? A fleeting feeling of joy and triumph washed over me. I did it.

And I'm going to do it again.