Chapter Two - One Day Previous

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//I know Itachi isn't as strong it high in ranks in the show. But this is a fan fiction. I'll try to stick to the story as much as I can though. ^.^//

I awoke, dripping with sweat and breathing heavily - yet another night mare.
I leapt out of bed and pulled open my curtains. The sun was just rising, I could see the red glow shimmering along the horizon of the village.
I decide to go take a shower, to wake myself up and snap myself out of this panicked state.
After my shower, I threw on my ninja gear and made some breakfast. By then the sun was fully up and was illuminating the entire village with its light. I sat at my table, staring out the window as I ate my toast. The scratching at the back of my mind was getting ever so hard to ignore, but I kept fighting it off, I was never in the mood to listen.

I noticed the ring on my finger, and I smile at the remembrance of Itachi.

Sticking the remainder of the toast in my mouth, I grab my keys and my bag and head out. Like I said before, I hate venturing out to the village but I have something I want to do.

I kept to back alleys, avoiding any real social contact. I made my way to Itachi's house. He didn't live far from me considering we lived in the same estate.
I found Itachi's place and knocked. A young woman answered the door, holding a small baby in her arms.
"Hello there Sierra, you here for Itachi?" She asks, rocking the child.
"Yes, thanks." I reply, looking down at the boy. She smiles.
"He looks innocent - but he's a pain! Itachi was such a quiet child. Sasuke's not a thing like him." She laughs and turns. "Itachi - door!" She disappears from sight and a few moments later Itachi appears.
"Hey. Fancy some training?" I ask.
"Sure, give me a moment." He leaves for a few minutes then returns, in his usual gear carrying a small basket, and signals for me to follow.

We walk in silence. I don't get as much bother from citizens when I'm with Itachi, they must respect him in some way. I don't know. But from the ones I do get, Itachi scowls at them and they shut up.

We reach a large green area after awhile of walking.
"So," I begin, dumping my bag on the grass. "What's in the basket?" He turns around to me smiling.
"Lunch." He says. I giggle. Such a good guy.

We train for a while, before I Peter out. He's so much stronger than me - and I haven't even awoken my sharingan yet. I may be a Jōnin but that makes no difference. His strength is something else. He decided it would be a good chance for a break, and lunch. So he sets up a red and white sheet on the floor and lays out selections of delicious looking foods.
"You really went all out, Hmm?" I said, as he gestured for me to sit. I do.
"Of course. It must all be perfect." He says, with a small smile, and a glint of determination.

We sit and eat for awhile when he finally speaks.
"I'm off duty tomorrow night."
"Huh?" I say, suspiciously.
"I'm off duty. Kushina, the Hokage's wife and Jinchūriki is giving birth tomorrow night. Most of ANBU will be guarding the chosen place for her." He looks blankly into the distance. Not phased by the fact he just told me top secret information. How come I didn't know that? We're both the same ranks.
"Why are you -"
"Do it then." He interrupts, un-phased.
"But, how do you-"
"I know you. And I know you've wanted to for while. It's my duty to stop you, and I will. But only if I catch you." I stare at him, slack-jawed. He continues to eat, as if he hasn't said anything. Staring, as if watching...
"Do not speak of it from here on." He picks up a slice of bread. "Eat." He says, smiling. I take the bread, still in shock. "Hurry up, we've got training to do." He smiles.

We train for a while more. I manage to perfect my fireball and Phoenix flame jutsu as courtesy of Itachi, and he shows my his skill with shurikens. I watch, feeling immense amounts of jealousy. Darn, why can't I do that.

We say our goodbyes and part ways.
"We'll meet again." He says, as he turns away to walk home.
I stay at the hill for awhile longer, cherishing the sunset. I think of Itachi, the training, the picnic, the ring. I think, in all the world, Itachi is my one friend, and I'm giving him up...
But I must. He's supporting me, he knows my pain. I asked if he'd come with me. But he spoke of his love for the village, and how someone had to be there to look after Sasuke. I chuckled at that.

I make my way home as the last of the sun creeps back into the horizon.

Unlocking the door, I walk into my house and make a pot of ramen.

I once again think of the day and its contents. A small spark of regret flickers for a second, as the thought of leaving behind the village I spent my entire life protecting and working for behind.

"It'll be interesting to see how this pans out." A voice growls out from the back of my head. "Let's hope to don't mess it up..." It fades away - laughing. I shake my head. What a pain.

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