The Jashinist's Son (Naruto Fanfic)

Chapter 9: A Selfish Promise

Takeo didn't sleep in the hours since they set up camp. Instead he had been holding Temari close, wordlessly comforting her through their mutual distress. And the Leaf shinobi had the tact to leave them be until Temari pulled herself together, and urged the group to keep moving. Nobody argued as they took off. And conversation wasn't made until all but Kakashi were handed food pills from Takeo.

"Now, now, the food pills are only for emergencies." Kakashi scolded the group. There was no way he didn't hear his former ward scoff from in front of the leaf shinobi, as he and Temari took up the lead followed by the remaining members of team seven and their sensei. Kakashi sighed but turned his attention to his students who may listen, noting how Sakura held the food pill in her hand. "Girls of your age especially need to be careful not to eat too many-"

Though it seemed Sakura didn't share his concern, biting down on the food pill and pushed forwards to run beside Naruto. It wasn't that Sakura detested her sensei, but it was clear she held some reservations about the man after speaking to Takeo the day prior.

"Naruto, you've met him before, haven't you? Itachi Uchiha," she supplemented the name given his initial confusion. Her gaze was set forwards, taking note of how Takeo tensed. "And he's after you. I didn't just train over these past two and a a half years. I got into Master Tsunade's library and did outside investigations the best I could. And now... what was bothering me finally makes sense now! The person Sasuke wants to kill is his own older brother Itachi Uchiha, right? A member of the Akatsuki."

Sakura could see the wheels turning in Naruto's head as he stared at Takeo's cloaked back. Years ago they were aware of the connection between Takeo and Itachi Uchiha, but it didn't make it any easier to vocalise. And it certainly didn't help that Takeo clearly cared for the Uchiha. Though, no one could blame him, Itachi saved his life.

Sakura sighed, shaking her head. There was more to discuss before they arrived in Suna. More thoughts that had plagued her over the last two and a half years, concerning their rogue teammate. "That's why Sasuke is with Orochimaru in an attempt to obtain power. But Orochimaru is after Sasuke's body, right?" Sakura asked rhetorically, clearly not needing a response. "And we only have six months left! And Orochimaru used to be a member of the Akatsuki. Basically what I wanted to say, is the closer we get to the Akatsuki, the closer we are able to get information about Orochimaru. If that's so, in the end we'll eventually get closer to Sasuke."

There was a pregnant pause. One which caused Temari to mutter something incoherent to Takeo, who just shook his head. "It's always been about Sasuke, Temari. We both knew that."

Kakashi didn't try deny the assumption, addressing his students. "And since Sasuke wants to kill Itachi, it's safe to assume we may cross paths with him sooner rather than later." He sighed, looking towards Takeo who had gone rigid. "We just have to hope we get to Itachi before Sasuke tries anything."

Takeo scoffed, unamused. "Sasuke couldn't kill Itachi even if he tried. And Itachi isn't a bad person," he defended, sending a glare back at the Leaf shinobi. "I don't care what you think you know about him. Itachi Uchiha is a better person than his past actions make him out to be."

"He slaughtered his entire clan, Takeo." Kakashi reasoned, picking up his pace to run beside Takeo, who clearly didn't appreciate his opinion or proximity, given his scowl. "I understand you might feel the need to defend him after he saved you... but he isn't a good person. You don't owe him anything. And before you ask, yes, I did know him for a short period of time."