Nice.

I like the way no questions are answered, and that it sticks strictly to cannon. The fact that there is no romance is a major plus.

You write well.
I liked the story. Especially the last bit, and all the desciptions.
They were vivid...

I'm so glad to have come across this! What a gem!
Your characterizations are lovely. You seem to understand them so well.

On Kakashi first:

I especially liked his speculation throughout the story, on the events that happened and those that didn't and could have. It seems to him that no matter what changed at any given time, things would have ultimately ended up the same--and that is neither completely reassuring nor is it exactly disheartening:

"Too many possibilities again. Obito lives. Fate gives Kakashi his friend- at least, on loan- until the Uchiha massacre. It hurts worse and longer this time. And Obito is mourned by plain old Kakashi, not Sharingan Kakashi of a thousand jutsu. He dies a year or two later in any one of the situations when his Sharingan would have saved him."

That being said, your explanation for Kakashi's development of the Mangekyou works. It surfaces after he has finished with examining all the other possibilities in life's course, all the circumstances; he realizes he has to accept this reality where the people he loved died.

"Everyone close to me is already dead."

You did a great job at showing how Kakashi closes himself off from others, outwardly embracing the shinobi lifestyle wholeheartedly while inwardly having to convince himself that it's his duty. This is especially striking in his flashback in chapter 4 where he dissociates himself from the situation very easily to keep his composure while Sakura suffers. But even then there is the guilty aferthought: "Perhaps he had done it too well."

As for Itachi:

In chapter three, Kakashi reflects, "Even without his memories, Itachi was still Itachi Uchiha," and you did wonderfully in handling that. The instincts natural to his character are still there: he is extremely observant, mapping out his surroundings in detail although blind; and he is equally analytical, putting the pieces together with little difficulty.

And he immediately realizes he is a threat. Of course, anyone in his situation would, but it's the way he deals with it. He senses it, takes it in stride, accepts it. Calmly. Even without knowing anything about his own life, he remains unsurprised or fearful or confused that he is most likely a murderer. It's so perfect.

In the end, I'm glad that you interwove these two characters' stories without really developing any kind of relationship because, as you said, it's too late in canon and at the point where this fic stands. But I think there was a mutual understanding throughout as they simply existed together, not knowing what would happen first: if Itachi would regain his memory or Kakashi would receive the order to kill.

In addition, your attention to detail throughout is beautiful. What comes to mind specifically is the scene where Itachi remembers Shisui's death--the imagery is so vivid that it intensifies the horror of it, although by the end of the flashback it almost feels like it didn't happen. Very surreal.

I know I'm forgetting things that I wanted to mention, but here's the bulk of it anyway. Thank you for writing this!

Thank you for this!
The bittersweet melancholy, the slow pace, the careful portrayal of characters defined more clearly with every chapter, and the anticipation of the conflict...
It left me with a strange feel of coming across something very unique, a glimpse into mystery we have almost no access to in the original story.

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

*has been put past coherent speech*

...8D

This story is written superbly. Itachi and Kakashi were portrayed so well I don't have words to describe it.

You have some of the most beautiful writing I've ever read, and I love your plot and characterizations. The timing is particularilly supurb--there's a half-step of hesitation before each relevation that hints at a surprise, and evokes even more emotion. I did almost quit reading early on becaue I don't have the patience to keep reading if I don't get a basic idea of what's going on--I've read too many fanfics that start out good and then fall apart to keep reading if I'm not addicted after the first two or three chapters. I only kept reading this time because it had been reccomended so highly. That said, I'm very glad I did, becuase it was a gorgeous, elegant, powerful story. Thank you very much for taking the time to write it and for sharing it with all of us.

That was the best chapter yet. Although this story was shorter than any I've read (well, maybe not but still), it was still really good. The description was amazing and the glimpse into Itachi's mind was so impacting. Also, a bit of explanation on how Kakashi might have obtained the Mangekyou Sharingan. Good job on this story and I look forward to reading more of your stuff.

And so he figures out that he killed them all. I did know that he would eventually figure it out and not particular be too distraught over the fact. After all, as he said before 'why mourn those he couldn't remember?' That's the type of thinking that makes Itachi who he is. The one person within the Naruto world too difficult to understand. He massacred his family and yet doesn't like to fight, only defending when necessary and not causing too much commotion. I'll look forward to the last chapter.

It was a bit short but still well written. The pause that Kakashi made when Itachi asked if anyone would mourn for him was significant since the fact that he feels that everyone important to him has died. That's not to say that he cares for no one else but after Obito's death he seems to detach himself from everyone around him. It's a bit sad.

This was another beautifully delivered chapter. Kakashi's memory of the Uchiha Massacre was very interesting to read. The fact that Itachi was able to slaughter the very people that policed a village of ninja is very chilling. It gives an insight into how strong he really was. Well done.

The last chapter I can read for the moment. The best one yet. I have to say that I officially love this story. You have a knack for addicting a reader, so please keep it up.

You're writing Itachi beautifully. Good job. I enjoy this story a bit too much then I should, really. I'll look forward to reading more.

That small conversation was kind of ironic especially since Itachi is the one solely responsible for their deaths. This was another slow, yet amazing chapter.

I forgot to mention that I thought Sakura and Kakashi's part was well written. There seemed a forcefulness in their actions, as if they had passed through something that neither wanted to speak of and yet it was the only thing they wanted to say. Then her last words to him make you realize that perhaps she lost something back there in the darkness and horror.

Also, this chapter was good as well. Although it was only Kakashi leading Itachi out of the hospital , it was still well written. The way you describe things make me shiver as I see the images manifest in my mind. You have a gift. I look forward to reading more.