Vision of Truth II: Shield and Sharingan (Naruto)

The Struggle for Truth

Chapter 22: The Struggle for Truth

Itachi insisted I spend a day resting even though I felt fine after a good night's sleep. It was not too bad, actually. He was more openly concerned and caring towards me because we were away from the Akatsuki. We spent time talking and reading and writing together.

We arrived at the base the following evening. The other members appeared to be waiting for us and instantly crowded us. "You're back!" Kisame said. "How did it go?"

"We accomplished our mission," Itachi said, forcing a path through the group.

"Why did it take so long, hmm?" Deidara asked. "I thought it was an easy mission."

"It was, but there were... complications."

"Katsumi is hurt!" Tobi said, pointing to a piece of bandage that stuck out from under my shirt.

"Nice going, Itachi," Hidan said. "How did you let that happen?"

"You were supposed to protect her," Deidara snapped before looking at me with worried. "Are you alright?"

"Hey, he did his best," Kiku said.

"I - I'm fine," I said. The sudden attention, especially after a long mission, made me uncomfortable. Deidara's eyes flashed with realization.

"Hey, everyone, back off," he said. "Give her some space."

"That means you too, Blondie," Hidan said before leaving with the others.

"No, that's alright," I said, grabbing Deidara's arm to stop him from leaving.

Itachi glanced at us. "I'll report in," he said. "You can stay here."

"Thanks."

"What happened?" Deidara asked once we were alone (aside from Kiku).

"I got in the way of someone trying to attack Itachi."

Deidara frowned. "He couldn't handle it on his own?"

"Well, maybe, but that's not the point. We were on a mission together, and I had to protect him, you know?"

Deidara averted his gaze. "I see."

I frowned, wondering at his reaction. "Hey, he saved me too. I was poisoned, and he traveled up a mountain to get me the antidote."

Deidara looked at me with conflicting emotions. "That's good. I'm glad you're alright."

"And it helped us bond. That's the point of all this, isn't it?" I held up my wrist with the bracelet. "We'll be able to break the curse."

"Then you'll be free." Deidara grimaced. "I just wish he wasn't necessary."

Before I could require as to what he meant, Itachi returned and said, "We are finished. We can rest now."

I smiled at him. "Alright. I'll see you later, Deidara."

"Right," Deidara muttered.

I was too tired to look too deeply into his behavior and was happy to return to my own bed. I slept soundly that night, next to Itachi once again. In the morning, he did not allow me to train. Apparently I needed one more day of rest, but I thought he was being overprotective. The proof of him caring for me was enough for me to let it slide this time.

We spent a good part of the day together, not saying much or doing anything in particular but enjoying the other's presence. He was back to concealing his emotions even from me, but it felt different now that I knew they were there. And maybe it was my imagination, but I thought I felt something from the bracelet every now and then.