soft iceberg

9. itachi

Team 7 - consisting of Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi - was engaged in intense training at a training ground. The air was filled with the sound of their training, their voices and the clashing of their weapons as they sparred and practiced their skills.

Team 7 had already returned to their regular training routine, but izuki was still absent. The absence of their teammate was noticeable, leaving a gap in the usual dynamics and energy of the group.

Naruto was the first to address the absence, his voice brimming with curiosity and concern "Hey, where's izuki? He hasn't shown up for training for a month ."

Sasuke, ever aloof, spoke up from the side, his voice dispassionate.
"He's probably slacking off again. Typical."

Sakura chimed in, her tone a mix of worry and annoyance.

Sakura: "It's unlike him to be away for so long. I hope he's okay."
Kakashi, leaned against a nearby tree, his expression unreadable beneath his mask.

Kakashi: "It's true that he's been missing for a long time. I'll look into it. In the meantime, continue your training."

Team 7 nodded in response, and soon enough, their focus returned to their individual training exercises. However, the absence of their teammate lingered in the air, a constant reminder of the empty space where izuki should be.

As time passed, the days turned into weeks, and still, there were no signs of izuki. Team 7 continued their training, but the absence of their teammate hung over them like a cloud. They couldn't help but wonder about his whereabouts and worry for his well-being.

~izuki pov

Izuki was lying on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. He hadn't left his room for days, let alone show up for training. The thought of facing his team and Kakashi, knowing the truth behind his prolonged absence, made him nauseous.

His body felt heavy, and his mind was in a constant whirlwind of thoughts. Memories of the past and fear of the future blended together, creating a storm of emotions that threatened to consume him.

The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn shut, casting shadows across the walls. It was as if the outside world didn't exist, only this suffocating space where he was trapped with his thoughts.

The silence was deafening, broken only by his ragged breathing. He had lost track of time, the days blending into one another in a blurred haze. The only thing that provided some relief was the occasional sound of rain against the windowpane, a soothing background noise that somehow grounded him in reality.

Izuki's butler entered the room, his voice breaking the silence "Excuse me, sir. It seems that Kakashi wants to meet you at the ramen shop." Izuki shifted on the bed, the thought of facing Kakashi filling him with dread and anxiety.

He contemplated making up an excuse, anything to avoid the confrontation that he knew was inevitable. But deep down, he knew he couldn't keep avoiding this forever. He had to face Kakashi and his team sooner or later.

~~~~~

Izuki sat at a secluded table in the corner of the ramen shop, his heart racing. He fidgeted with the napkin on the table, twisting it around his fingers anxiously. The thought of Kakashi's arrival filled him with dread, and he couldn't help but wonder what his sensei wanted to talk about.

Izuki's gaze drifted to the entrance of the ramen shop, his eyes fixing on the two figures he noticed earlier. The sight of the black cloaks and the red clouds sent a wave of fear through him. He recognized them instantly - members of the infamous criminal organization, Akatsuki.