The Path of a Shinobi (Reader x various)

Sealed Barrier

Those softening charcoal eyes only lasted a second until he returned to his stoic demeanor. Those eyes had turned into his regular bright, red Sharingan.

"I've been expecting you two." He stood across from us keeping his stern gaze on you and Naruto. Naruto could only growl at the sight of seeing him again. Itachi raised his hand and made a hand sign which alarmed Kakashi Sensei.

"Don't make eye contact with him!" Everyone suddenly had their eyes casted on the ground, unfortunately you were already casted in his genjutsu the moment you made eye contact with him from the start.

Turning around, everyone seemed to slowly fade away like an illusion. You were now left alone. The only one in your presence was Itachi. "So what exactly are you doing here? Not that it's bad seeing you again...but just not under these circumstances." You asked with your hands on your hips.

"Is it wrong of me to want to see you again?" His face was gentle and had a more serene and clam expression. His posture and attitude changed when you were around him. He knew he didn't have to hide his true self behind some facade.

"Huh?" He chuckled at your surprised expression but interrupted you once you were about to open your mouth to reply.

"I was ordered to stop you and your team." His voice still held that calm attitude of his yet he was stern.

"Can't you just make it simple for us by letting us go rescue Gaara?" He shook his head and you let out a sigh at his response.

"That won't be necessary anymore..." It took you a few seconds to realize what he meant and your eyes had widened a bit as you took a step back from him. You casted your eyes on the ground and avoided eye contact with him for a few seconds.

"That can't be true. There still has to be a way...you said you'd help me." You were pacing back and forth until Itachi placed his hand ontop of your head causing you to halt. You looked up into his eyes and gave him your full attention as he was about to speak.

"I am. I said I wouldn't let harm befall you. You'll be putting yourself at risk by going off to face them and I wouldn't like that happening. My orders from our leader was to prevent you and the others from stopping us in the tailed beast extraction."

"So if your leader ordered you to kill me then you would?!" Your eyebrows were furrowed as you sternly stared at him. Time was precious at the moment and it wouldn't help to dwell any longer. You were happy to see Itachi but not at a time like this when the Akatsuki were involved. You ran your hand through your (h/c) hair and started to regret your words. "...I-I'm sorry for my outburst... I just want to go help save my friend."

He held some sympathy in his eyes. He didn't want to see such a saddened look on your pretty face. "I have an idea."

"What is it?"

"I'll release this genjutsu and once I do, make up a plan with your team to attack me. Surely Kakashi would suspect something if I were lenient on all of you. I'll be sure to not make it too difficult on you all. And you don't have to worry about hurting me, you'll soon see." You were unsure but found it to be the best suitable idea for now and decided not to waste anymore time.

"Sorry we didn't get a chance to talk much or enjoy each other's company. Maybe next time." You went on your tip toes and poked his forehead. You gave him a sheepish smile while he was stunned by your action. You didn't know the true meaning behind the forehead poke, but you assumed it was a symbol of apology, seeing as how you saw Itachi do that to Sasuke whenever he was preoccupied.

He gave you one last smile before releasing the genjutsu. You awoke on the ground with Sakura and Lady Chiyo guarding you. "(Y/n) you're awake!" Naruto peered over his shoulder with a relieved smile. Kakashi Sensei was already beginning to attack Itachi in a hand to hand combat. You signaled Naruto over and whispered," I've got a plan." You filled him in on the details and he gave you a thumbs up, ready to take action.