Paths of Divergence

Moving Forward

Chapter 11

-Moving Forward

Crisp morning sunshine breaches the windows of the dimly lit apartment, shining directly on the young boy's face. He tosses and turns in his sleep just as the light pans from his chest to his eyes, causing them to open. Shizake glances around with hazy vision, trying to fight the sleepiness. Blinking a couple of times, everything becomes crystal clear as he stares up at the white ceiling. Events from yesterday play in his mind, repeating like a never-ending slide show. That feeling, the one from last night bubbles deep in his gut, festering at the cold insides. The Uchiha stares confusedly at the ceiling, attempting to comprehend the unknown feeling. A sense of easiness washes over him, hugging him like a warm blanket. Momentarily he is able to forget all that hatred that chars away at his scarred heart. He then rolls on his left side, a picture frame on his nightstand being the first thing he sees.

Instantly, that serenity  is shot down,  replaced by the deep rage that has a never-ending source of power. Shizake looks upon each and every face on the photo, a family portrait of his mother and father as well as Sasuke's family. The face of everyone except Itachi, Sasuke, and himself seem to crack. Shizake blinks a couple of times unsure of what just happened. Must still be delirious.

The boy swings his feet out of bed, placing them on the cold hardwood floor. Cold just like his heart. Although, last night was a reminder that something else still exists. Sakura... how did you make me feel that way? Shizake shakes it off, drowning the thought in the darkness of hatred.

I have to meet with Azumi today... I need to learn more about Itachi. If it's even him they've found. They wouldn't be able to mistake that Akatsuki robe though. Hmm...Akatsuki. I should find out more about that now that I'm in the position I am. Can't get too close though... they are S rank criminals after all. First things first, I need to go meet with Tsunade and debrief yesterday's mission.

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Nitatchi stands outside of the Hokage building, donning his raven mask. He hugs his cloak close to his body, protecting himself from the freezing temperature. A small figure lands before him, her soft strawberry blonde hair bobbing downwards as she comes to land.

"Hello Toshi," Nitatchi calmly says.

"Goodmorning, Shozen. Hm... usually Shizake is here before me," She replies.

"You're right about that... he must be running late or something."

"Perhaps..."

Fifteen minutes goes by before the captain lands, donning a brand new dragon mask. He walks up to the building, placing his back to the wall and leaning on it. He too hugs his cloak close to his body, fighting to keep himself warm. Toshi and Nitatchi stare at him from behind their masks, wondering what took him so long.

"Had to stop by the armory and get me a new mask and armor set," Shizake tiredly says.

The last to show as usual is Shītto, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, guilty of his tardiness.

The four of them look at one another before nodding and walking up the stairs, heading up to the Hokage's office. Toshi and Shītto take lead, leaving the other two in tow behind them. Nitatchi turns his head to look at Shizake, nudging him with an elbow.

"Hey pal... how'd things go last night?" The Hyuga teases, grinning widely behind his mask.

"Tch...you little...it was fine. Things went fine." Shizake replies, flustered.

Nitatchi chuckles, "Don't worry, I won't tell a soul."

"What are you laughing about Shozen?" Toshi curiously asks as the squad continues up the building.