❁𝐈𝐙𝐔𝐌𝐈'𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘- 𝘈 𝘕𝘌𝘞 𝘉𝘓𝘖𝘚𝘚𝘖𝘔 𝘖𝘍 𝘏𝘖𝘗𝘌 ✔︎

Chapter 2

Shikamaru and Kakashi remain in the Hokage office, discussing the information relayed by team eight.

Shino, Kiba, and Hinata are standing there, processing everything. "There were so many women and children... all killed in cells..." Hinata says she is trying not to let her emotions get the better of her.

"Two days out there. It felt like hell. The bandits were extremely strong, but we caught many of them. We are confident that the number of enemies in the area has significantly decreased. You will need skilled shinobi to take out the enemies! We require Naruto!" Kiba exclaimed.

He was quickly cut off as Kakashi raised his hand, "Naruto is on a different S-ranked mission. Even Sasuke is unable to attend due to his current activities. I can not send a large group either because it will just draw more attention..." Kakashi explained.

Shikamaru turned to Team Eight, who appeared exhausted from the mission.

"I know who you can get, but I am not sure how their relationship is currently. But we do not have time to negotiate on their terms; we need their power, and they are strong enough together to defeat these enemies," Shikamaru stated.

Kakashi nodded and said, "Very well then. Team eight, you have been dismissed. Excellent job on your mission. Take a few days off to give your bodies and minds a break after everything you have been through."

"Right!" they all exclaimed as they left the office.

Kakashi turned to Shikamaru. "Itachi and Izumi Uchiha. They are the only ones qualified for this mission, so we must send them!" Shikamaru spoke.

Kakashi sighed, "We do not understand their terms. Do you truly believe this will be a good idea? Kakashi inquired as he opened the ninja book and reviewed Itachi and Izumi's missions. "They're the only option..." Shikamaru elaborated.

"Fine, summon them both," Kakashi said, as Shikamaru exited the office.

This mission was extremely difficult, and Shikamaru was correct. Itachi and Izumi were the only ones capable of completing it.

The door opened, and Izumi entered, ready for whatever Kakashi had planned for her.

"You summoned—" Before Izumi could finish her sentence, the door opened again, and Itachi entered, wide-eyed, to see Izumi.

They both stared at each other with intense tension and awkwardness.

Itachi closed the door and approached Kakashi.

"Listen carefully, you two. Set your differences aside and complete this mission. It is an A-ranked mission, and you two are the only ones who can complete it," Kakashi stated.

Izumi stared at him intently as she fidgeted with her fingers.

"You are heading to the Curtain village. The Capital of the Land of Silence. Your goal is to defeat the criminals and learn what is going on in the cells." Their eyes widened at the mission.

They both nodded in agreement and set out to prepare for their mission.

This was an excellent opportunity for Izumi to approach Itachi.

This mission was ideal for them.

—

They both made it to the village gates and immediately took off. It would take two days to reach the village, and they would need to make plans once they arrived.

As night fell, they both camped out and sat in silence by the fireplace.

Izumi finally broke her silence after a year. "Are you avoiding me?" Izumi inquired, feeling hurt.

Itachi looked up at her, taken aback.

"No? I will never do that..." He replied.

"So... why have we been silent for a year?" she asked, cutting up stick pieces and throwing them into the fire.

Itachi stayed silent.

Izumi sighed at his awkward silence: "You are hurting me, Itachi. Please, let's go back to how we once were!" Izumi pleaded.

Itachi shook his head. "That is impossible, Izumi. I am not the person you once knew. I am different; I am not cut out for you," he said coldly.

Her lips trembled, but she held back her tears. Izumi took a deep breath as she attempted to reason with him. "Okay, let us talk about our plan then. Once we arrive, I can play a victim and collect information. You can hide in the shadows and try to locate the enemy—"

Itachi abruptly cut her off: "No way! That is extremely dangerous! I can transform, while you can hide. I am not going to risk your life."

Izumi glared at Itachi. Itachi seemed to be making sure she did not do anything. "Do you doubt my strength? I mean, I am not much of a fighter, but I can still be of great assistance!"

"I never said that, and I do not want you to be hurt, that is all..." Itachi mumbled. Silence filled the air. Only the crackling of the fire could be heard, but neither one chose to speak for the rest of the night.

Why was Itachi so willing to keep Izumi safe?