Naruto (c) Masashi Kishimoto

Howl, 7 Days to the wolves, where will we be when they come? 7 days to the poison and a place in heaven. Time drawing near as they come to take us! — Nightwish

Stars glittered in the velvet black sky. Occasionally a cloud would drift by, but the wind would usher it along, not wanting to deny mortals the majestic beauty of a diamond studded night sky.

The Hyuga compound was silent as normal as this house, but the still sleepy silence didn’t bother the young shinobi as he carefully picked his way through the Hyuga gardens. He reached the window, where his destination lied. Glancing around swiftly, he gathered chakra to his feet before scaling the building’s side, which was an easy enough task in and of itself, now, getting into the room, was another matter, entirely.

Grabbing hold of the ledge, the blonde shinobi slipped a kunai between the twin windows, unlocking the simple hatch on the other side. Chuckling to himself, he sheathed his kunai, before hopping into the room, and making his way over to the futon.

Hinata jumped awake when a hand fell over her mouth. Her silvery eyes shown in the darkness as she met bright cobalt eyes. Naruto placed a finger to his lips. Hinata nodded her head in understanding and felt Naruto remove his hand from her face. She fought to keep the blush down, but ended up failing. Naruto squatted by her side. “Hinata,” he said softly.

“Hmmm?” she rubbed one eye as she sat up.

“I’m leaving,” he whispered. Hinata dropped her arm, back stiffening in complete surprise.

“Wh-why?” she stuttered.

“Why isn’t important now,” he grabbed her upper arms. Hinata felt like fainting at the physical contact. “What is important is your answer to my question,” Naruto whispered.

“M-my an-answer? Wh-why?” Hinata muttered, her heart fluttering with anxious excitement.

“I need to leave Konoha for a while,” Naruto paused upon hearing soft footsteps. When the footsteps passed on, he continued, “I rather not say why, but I want you to come with me Hinata.”

“What?” Hinata looked at him in surprise. “Why?” Hinata cocked her head in cutely in her puzzlement. Naruto mumbled something. “What was that?” she looked at him, her silver eyes luminous in the shadows of the room.

“Your precious to me and I want to keep you safe. So…will you come?” he asked.

"Will we…be betraying the village?” Hinata asked.

“Of course not! Granny Tsunade even knows about this!” Naruto grinned. “In fact she was the one that suggested it!” Hinata smiled at Naruto’s sincerity. “So, will ya come?”

Hinata looked back at the door then at Naruto. She nodded her head curtly, “Yes.” The Hyuga heiress stood up. “Uh…stand over there,” she pointed to a corner. “Turn around and no peeking!” she informed him.

Naruto chuckled. “Who do you take me for? Jiraiya?” but did has he was told anyways. Hinata swiftly got dress. Tying her Leaf headband around her neck, strapping her kunai thigh holster to her thigh and slipping on her shoes and pack. She looked at Naruto.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Hinata said softly, only to noticed that Naruto had jumped out of the window. Hinata looked down at the awaiting blonde.

“Jump!” he said. “I’ll catch you.”

Hinata smiled, wrote a quick note to her father, before jumping into Naruto’s arms.

Naruto caught her. She looked into his blue eyes and blushed. Tenderly, Naruto placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. Hinata nearly fainted, but manage only a deep blush.

The two made it out of the Hyuga compound easily. They walked the streets of the village, which seemed eerily different at night. More than once Hinata jumped, Byakugan activated, only to fine the culprit was an equally scared mouse. Naruto took a left, and before Hinata knew it, they were facing the entrance to the Uchiha compound.

“N-Naruto-kun,” Hinata grabbed his arm, fingers digging into his limb. “Wh-why d-do we have to go down here?” Hinata squeaked. She didn’t like the miasma that clung to the landscape. It reeked of hatred, betrayal and death. A ghastly wind blew, causing a nearly split Uchiha fan to sway in the eerie wind on over rusted hinges. The two teens jumped, drawing closer together. “Wh-why are we going down here?” Hinata whispered again.

“Sasuke,” Naruto whispered, thinking briefly of his misguided friend. “Sasuke showed me a short cut out of the village that was in the Uchiha compound. Only problem is that the exit is hidden with chakra. That’s where your Byakugan comes in,” he grinned. Hinata gave a small smile back at him, as Naruto grabbed her hand. “But we have to be fast,” he whispered.

“Why?” Hinata looked at him.

“The ghosts of Uchihas still linger here…or at least that’s what Sasuke told me,” he shrugged. Hinata narrowed her eyes, Byakugan activated.

“Ready!” she squeezed Naruto’s hand.

Naruto ran down the street. The miasma grew thicker and colder the deeper they went into the compound and if they listened closely enough, they could hear a young Sasuke’s screams of agony. Hinata saw the chakra before Naruto. “Left!” she shouted. Naruto turned let, running down the street. Splatters of dried blood glowed eerily in the starlight. Hinata shivered, wondering how someone could do this to his own family. It would be liked Neji killing the entire Hyuga clan. Hinata shook, her head, not wanting to think about that. “Right!” she called out, Naruto turned right and soon they were at Sasuke’s old house. To her left there was the chakra hiding the secret door, but there was also a strong chakra signature in the second story of the house. Narrowing her eyes she focused on the figure. He was tall, and appeared to be familiar with the house. Suddenly, he turned towards Hinata. She let out a small gasp, Byakugan deactivating. Naruto pulled her close to his chest as they hid against a building.

The mysterious stranger walked out of the house. His back was towards them, but Naruto could se the Akatsuki cloak that hung on his shoulders. At first Naruto thought it was Itachi, but the man’s chakra signature felt much more…sinister. Almost like Gaara’s before he learned to love. Apparently, Hinata felt the evilness of this man’s chakra, for she drew in a sharp gasp, causing Naruto to clap a hand over her mouth. It was too late; the man heard the gasp and turned. The Hyuga heiress and the knucklehead ninja both froze on seeing the orange swirl mask. So…this was Tobi, whom Pervy Sage was talking about, Naruto vaguely wondered what Tobi was doing in Konoha and the Uchiha district more importantly.

Tobi began to walk towards them, a kunai glinting just at the edge of his Akatsuki sleeve. Naruto gulped drawing a shuriken, he could feel Hinata shaking. Calmly, despite his own fear, he tossed the shuriken. It clattered somewhere in the alleyway. Tobi spun around, kunai flying. Hinata and Naruto swiftly made their getaway to the back of the mansion.

When Tobi looked back at the spot he noticed that the two were missing. Sighing and fearing someone may have heard the noise he poofed away.

Naruto gulped. “I think he’s gone,” he whispered.

“Wh-who was that?” Hinata asked, casting silver eyes upon Naruto.

“Tobi of the Akatsuki. Pervy Sage told me about him. He may not look dangerous but he is,” Naruto gulped. “All Akatsuki are dangerous for that matter.” He looked at her with a warm smile. “How about that exit and lets get out of here before he comes back, huh?”

Hinata nodded, leading Naruto to the exit. He opened it and they walked through the gate and out of the village. They glanced back briefly at Konohagakure. Naruto grabbed Hinata’s hand. “Hinata,” he whispered softly. She looked at him. “Everything will be okay, I promise,” he said. Hinata nodded. “Let’s go,” he said, Hinata followed him into the gloomy darkness.

Sakura groaned, the fog was so thick. Thicker than pea soup and she hated it. The mini-Tsunade also hated whiny princesses and she just finished a mission dealing with a whiny princess from Water Country and now was passing dangerously close to Kirigakure. Sakura wasn’t sure if Mist and Leaf were on good terms, and frankly she didn’t want to find out the hard way if they weren’t. “I wonder how Mist-nin deal with this constant fog?” she growled, wondering why she went on this mission in the first place. Well, she did have Shizune to keep her company, until Shizune was called back to Konoha, half way through the mission. So, it was just her, her super strength, and this damn fog.

Sakura shivered, the cold was ruining her nice daydream of a nice sunny beach. Free of fog and stupid pointless missions. Sakura sighed again, her lungs freezing with the cold dank air she took in.

Suddenly, she heard a moan and the sound of a battle. Thinking it was some helpless traveler attacked by bandits, Sakura grabbed a few kunai and shuriken before running towards the battle. She saw three ninja engaged in a heated battled with three Mist-nin. One was a red head with glasses, the other was a white haired boy with a ridiculously large sword, and the third was some demon like monster. To Sakura’s surprise the three ninja seemed to be holding their own against the trio of Mist-nin. She heard the sound of flapping wings behind her and the chirping of a thousand birds. She jumped to the side, in the nick of time to see a hideous winged monster slam a chidori into one of the Mist-nin. The Mist ninja screamed, before dying. His comrade swiftly launched seven kunai into the winged monster. The red head kunoichi screamed, and Sakura slammed her fist into the ground, sending a tremor through the earth; rocks jutting out at odd angles. This sent the last remaining Mist ninja flying, the demon and the shinobi swordsman having dealt with the other one.

Sakura smirked before running over to the wounded man. She found her path blocked by the red head kunoichi. “Who are you powder-puff?” she asked.

Sakura sniffed. “I’m a Leaf medic-nin. Let me help your friend and then I’ll be on my way,” Sakura said. The kunoichi sniffed, pushing her glasses up on her nose.

"There is no way I’m letting a leaf bitch, touch my boyfriend!” the kunoichi said.

“Listen bitch!” Sakura snarled. “You move or I’ll make you move!”

“Eh, Karin, I suggest you let the Leaflet take a look at Sasuke,” the white haired shinobi said. The kunoichi, called Karin, narrowed her eyes.

Sakura froze. Sasuke was that winged monster…but how…why? Sakura thought, the scared love struck twelve-year-old girl came flooding back. Sakura shook her head. “Listen Karin, Sasuke is dying. Last time I fought Mist-nin, they had poison tipped weapons. Those kunai could very well have been laced with poison,” Sakura sighed through her nose, looking like an angry bull. “Now, if you don’t let me treat Sasuke, he’s going to die. Now move or I’ll make you move!” Sakura growled. Karin opened her mouth to argue back, but the white haired ninja cleared his throat.

“I suggest you let her take a look at him, Karin. Look what she did to the ground. Just think of that only one bones,” the white haired ninja shuddered. “Besides Sasuke doesn’t want to die until he he’s killed that bastard,” the ninja added.

“Shut up Suigetsu!” Karin shouted. Suigetsu flinched slightly. “Fine,” Karin turned her attention back to Sakura. “Heal him then be on your way,” Karin said.

Sakura ran forwards, kneeling in the mud besides Sasuke’s body. He moaned. “Okay, heal Sasuke, leave and next time you meet him you can beat him to a bloody pulp!” Sakura muttered to herself. Or we can heal him now, cut his balls off and then leave! Inner Sakura chimed. Sakura smirked; she actually liked that idea, but shook her head. There will be other times to get her revenge on the wayward Uchiha.

Sakura looked at the wounds and grimaced. This was far beyond quick field work. “Where’s your camp?” Sakura asked.

“Can you heal him or not?” Karin shrieked.

“This is way beyond simple field work. Where is your camp!?” Sakura shouted. Karin was about to speak when Suigetsu stepped in.

“This way,” he said, scooping up the unconscious Uchiha. Sakura fell in step behind Suigetsu; Karin was seething behind her, while the fourth member of the group made up the rear. Sasuke moaned and Sakura suppressed the urge to hold Sasuke’s hand.

“If you let Sasuke-kun die, powder-puff, I will kill you!” Karin seethed. Sakura snapped her head at the comment.

“Listen here, bitch! I don’t know what Sasuke sees in you, but I know more about that man, and have gone through hell because of him than you ever will in a life time! Plus my skills rival that of our Hokage and she trained me! So, I’m not about to let Sasuke die! And if I hear one more selfish demand from you I will bash your skull in!” Sakura said. Suigetsu laughed.

“Ha-ha! Karin got served by the Leaflet!” Suigetsu looked back at the fuming red head.

“Can it, Suigetsu! As soon as we get back to camp I’m pounding you into the ground!” Karin growled. Suigetsu stopped laughing, snapping his head forwards, grumbling in disappointment. Sakura looked at Suigetsu.

“Who’s the silent one?” Sakura asked, jerking her head to the last member.

“Oh, he’s Jugo,” Suigetsu said.

“Oh,” Sakura blinked.

“I would stay away from him. He’s creepy,” Suigetsu said. Sakura nodded. “But I like you Leaflet, not many can hold their own against Karin,” Suigetsu looked at Sakura.

“I…thanks,” Sakura said, a small blush creeping up on her pale cheeks.

“Don’t mention it,” Suigetsu gave Sakura a toothy grin. Sakura suppressed a shiver, wishing she was back in Konoha. Sasuke gave a small painful moan.

“Move it!” Sakura shouted, worrying about her patient.

“Yes, ma’am,” Suigetsu said.

Shikamaru tweaked his neck. “This is so troublesome,” Shikamaru looked at Ino and Sai. Since Sakura was on a mission and Naruto was currently on a mission at the time this mission was assigned, he was stuck with Sai, Ino and Kakashi.

“Well, at least were back,” Ino said, cracking her back. “When are Naruto and Sakura coming back?” Ino looked at Shikamaru.

“How should I know,” the Nara grumbled. Ino looked at Sai.

“Sai, whatcha doing?” Ino asked, hands on her knees.

“Drawing,” Sai said softly. Ino frowned.

“Is it for me?” Ino asked. Sai looked up at her, his face was blank.

“No,” he said calmly.

“Hmph!” Ino turned away, blonde ponytail swinging.

“You have no tack do you?” Shikamaru asked. Sai shrugged. “You are really troublesome, you know that,” Shikamaru muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I know that, so what?” Sai said.

“Shikamaru, don’t bother, Naruto has been trying for months,” Kakashi said.

“Where have you been!?” Ino shouted hotly.

“Musing,” Kakashi shrugged.

“Liar,” Sai muttered.

“Can it!” Ino barked. Sai blinked at her confused.

“You are very beautiful,” Sai said coolly.

“Really?” Ino’s anger was momentarily forgotten. Sai just blinked at her. “Well?” she asked.

“Yes,” Sai nodded and went back to his drawings. Ino squealed, hugging Sai.

“Heh, well Sai,” Shikamaru folded his arms over his chest. “You may be a tackless dolt, but you sure know how to handle a woman,” Shikamaru said.

“You may not know much about Sai, Shikamaru, but he’s also able to evoke a woman’s scorn too,” Kakashi said.

“Eh, well, he’s a tackless dolt,” Shikamaru shrugged.

The trio walked into the village, and as soon as they entered Shizune came running up to them. “Kakashi!” she shouted.

“Shizune, you know it’s only at night—” but Kakashi was cut off by the Hokage’s assistant.

“No, it’s not that! It’s Naruto!” Shizune looked panic-stricken.

“Naruto was on a mission with Jiraiya,” Kakashi said calmly.

“Naruto came back three days ago, Jiraiya went on another mission,” Shizune rolled her eyes.

“But why are you asking about Naruto then?” Kakashi asked.

“That’s the thing! Naruto is missing! He’s gone! And Hyuga Hinata is missing as well!” Shizune said.

“What? Both Naruto and Hinata?” Kakashi blinked.

“Yes, Lady Tsunade already sent Neji, Lee, and Tenten to find them,” Shizune said. “Guy couldn’t because he pulled a muscle in his groin,” Shizune rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, Neji is a jounin anyways.”

“Hey, lazy bum,” a familiar voice said. Shikamaru closed his eyes.

“Ah, geez, Suna sure works fast,” Shikamaru said. Temari smirked, before hugging Shikamaru.

“Where’s Gaara?” Ino asked.

“He and Kankuro are being briefed by your Hokage,” Temari said.

“And you came to greet me, huh?” Shikamaru asked.

“Yep,” Temari smiled.

“Well, we better get going. I’m sure the Hokage wants to talk to us as well,” Shikamaru sighed. “So troublesome, a mission right after we finish the last one.”

“My question is how did Naruto and Hinata leave the village without using the main gate or scaling the walls?” Kakashi said.

“We asked ourselves that question too. Anko found a secret exit in the Uchiha compound,” Shizune said.

“How did Naruto know about a secret exit in the Uchiha compound?” Ino asked.

“Sasuke was a member of the Uchiha clan. His father was head of the police force. I’m sure Uchiha Fugaku showed Itachi and Sasuke some of the secret passages. And I’m sure Sasuke showed Naruto a few of them,” Shikamaru paused. “They were friends once,” he added. The group continued on towards the Hokage’s tower in silence.

“Temari,” Gaara’s soft voice broke the sad silence.

“Hmmm?” Temari and the four Leaf nin turned towards Gaara and Kankoru.

“Kankuro and I are going back to Suna. The Hokage wants you to stay with Konoha, and work with Shikamaru,” Gaara said.

“Okay,” Temari smiled.

“Go get her Shika!” Ino grinned, elbowing her friend.

“Ino!” Shikamaru groaned, pushing Ino away. She lost her balance and fell into Sai, who easily caught her.

“Looks like you have a little crush yourself,” Temari teased. Ino blushed.

“Don’t make me hit you with a 16-hit combo!” Ino threatened. Temari growled, her hand going to her fan.

“Ladies, please!” Kakashi stepped between the two fuming women. “Let’s calmly make are way to the Hokage’s Tower,” the masked jounin said.

“Okay,” Ino said, glaring at Temari. Temari just shrugged, before walking off with the others.

The cool stale air was tasteless, and if one must describe this stale lifeless air, it would be of blood and death. The glowing Rin’negan eyes stared at those blood red eyes of the Sharingan. The two men could hear each other breathing, the room was so silent. “We have gotten wind that Uzumaki Naruto has left Konoha,” Pein said softly. Itachi blinked those red Sharingan eyes of his. “If we lose him, we won’t be able to capture all nine bijuu. And you know that isn’t plausible, right?” Pein asked.

“Correct,” the Uchiha said.

“I have an assignment for you, Itachi,” Pein said. “You are to return to Konoha, find someone that is able to track people, and find Uzumaki Naruto, understand?” Pein looked at the Uchiha.

“Yes, will Kisame be accompanying me?” Itachi asked.

“No,” Pein shook his head. “Hoshigaki Kisame is on a mission with Zetsu. But I’m sure you can handle this simple task by yourself, right?”

“Correct,” Itachi whispered.

“Very well,” Pein said.

The chirping of birds was oddly loud in Itachi’s ears. That was to be expected, being in a dank dark cave. He was grateful for Pein had finally assigned him a mission. Looking up into the clear blue sky, he gave a sad rueful smile. It had been a nice day too, when he killed his clan. Sighing, he ran his fingers through his black hair. He always felt guilty staring at the Gates of Konohagakure. Pulling his rice patty hat over his eyes, he canceled the telltale Sharingan, before slipping into a large crowd and entering the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

Itachi looked at Konoha. He was impressed with how the new Hokage took care of his former village. His heart suddenly panged with guilt. Everywhere he looked brought back memories of a happier time, a time before he killed his clan and destroyed his little brother. He walked passed the Uchiha compound; he paused looking at the once thriving clan section, remembering when he would give piggy-back rides to Sasuke, eating sweet cakes with his little brother at the Uchiha bakery. The missing-nin looked away, wiping a wayward tear from his eye.

He hated remembering those happy times, yet they did some good for his weary heart. He shook his head, walking away. He soon came upon his destination. It was Konoha’s Veterinary Hospital, inside the Inuzuka compound. Hiding behind a tree, the Uchiha watched as Inuzuka Hana fed the dogs at the kennel. Sighing, he looked away. She too, brought back memories he rather forget.

Hana growled. “Why don’t you face me like a real shinobi?” Hana snarled. Itachi looked at her with emotionless black eyes, then he looked at her three ash grey dogs.

“Hn,” was all he said. “Go home and play fetch with your pups,” the Uchiha heir replied.

“Oh,” Hana blinked a snarl on her lips. “I get it! You are afraid to be beaten by a girl! Well, just because the Inuzuka doesn’t have some fancy kekkei genkai or a fancy dojutsu doesn’t mean we aren’t fierce! At least I face my opponents like a real shinobi! And I’m not just some aloof copy-eye freak!” Hana shouted. Itachi turned, a slight smile on his lips and laughter bubbling in his onyx eyes.

“Copy-eye freak? Is that the best you can come up with? My name is Itachi,” he smirked before turning and walking off. “I hope tomorrow you will have come up with some better insults by then,” he shouted, he looked over his shoulder a smile on his lips. “Inuzuka Hana,” he smiled. Hana stood still, blinking in surprise as she watched that Uchiha fan on his back disappear over the crest of the hill.

“Why Hana,” Itachi whispered. “Do you still hold power over me?” he wondered. He shook his head, knowing it was best for him to strike at night. Revealing himself during the day was too risky. “Tonight then,” he whispered softly, a small smile playing on his lips.

Night fell upon the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Itachi moved like a shade, jumping from shadow to shadow. Just moving about Konoha at night brought back memories of that bloody night. He suppressed a shudder, and was about to head towards the Inuzuka compound when he changed direction and headed towards the Uchiha compound instead.

The unholy miasma was heavy in this area of Konoha, and Itachi understood why the Uchiha section was abandoned and why Sasuke refused to move into it again, if he even planned on doing it at all. Itachi shivered, the echoes of the massacre ringing in his ears, most prominent were his brother’s nightmarish screams as he was trapped in Tsukuyomi.

Itachi easily found the shrine to his family. He silently read the names of the Uchihas he killed, his heart clenching with guilt. He traced the names of his parents. “Sasuke,” he whispered. “Please, find it in your heart to one day forgive me,” he turned and walked off, leaving the hellish miasma behind him.

Itachi entered the Inuzuka compound, and the scent of dog hit him full force. He groaned, trying to hide his scent and suppress his chakra. The latter was easier done than the former. With shade like stealth he slipped between shadows, avoiding the sleeping, yet ever watchful, hounds of Inuzuka. Finally, he reached the mansion were the head family dwelled. He smiled slightly upon remembering the time he first stayed there. He jumped to the roof, activated his Sharingan and calmly made his way to his destination.

Hana moaned as she slowly woke up. She hated going to the bathroom in the dead of night; it made her feel like a stranger in her own home. She got out of bed, hissing slightly at the coolness of the floor. The Haimaru Sankyoudai didn’t even twitch an ear, so lost in their dreams. Hana smiled, before freezing as an all too familiar scent filled her nose, a scent she hadn’t smelled in years. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the gloomy darkness. “Itachi,” she whispered, dangerously soft.

“Hana,” his warm breath tickled and coated the little hairs on the back of her neck. It sent shivers and chills racing up and down her spine. She remembered clearly the night he left as if it happened only yesterday.

Hana jerked awake upon smelling death. The pungent order was familiar to all animals and the Haimaru Sankyoudai whined anxiously. Hana gave them a sharp look, silencing them. Her window opened and in came Uchiha Itachi.

“Itachi!” Hana squeaked, surprised to see him.

“Sorry…so sorry…” Itachi muttered as Hana raced towards her boyfriend. She grabbed him by his upper arms. He lowered his head, black bangs hiding his face.

“Itachi…what happened? What are you babbling about?” Hana asked, fear freezing her gut and clenching her heart.

“All…dead…following…following orders…no choice…so sorry,” he muttered, tears falling from his eyes.

“Who? Who’s dead? What orders? Itachi what’s going on? What are you talking about?” Hana gulped. “Itachi, you aren’t making any sense! You’re scaring me!” Tears welling up in her own eyes.

“Dead…all dead…” Itachi muttered.

“Please, Itachi, tell me what’s going on,” Hana begged.

“All dead…parents…everyone…following orders…no choice…dead…all dead…but Sasuke…spared Sasuke…all dead…following orders…so sorry…” Itachi looked at her, a trembling smile on his face. “Hana, please forgive me,” he whispered.

“Itachi,” she blinked her teary eyes.

“I have to go,” he looked at her before pressing his lips against hers. Hana gave into the kiss. The Uchiha pulled away first.

“Itachi…” Hana whispered, fearing the worse.

“Hana promise me that you’ll always love me?” Itachi asked softly, cupping her face with his calloused hands. Hana could see the black splatters of blood in the moonlight, which speckled his pale skin.

“I promise Itachi,” Hana said. He smiled his black eyes bright for once that night.

“Good…” he whispered. “I have to go,” he kissed her again, but before he could disappear from her life forever, she grabbed his hand. Reflexively the Uchiha gave her fingers a comforting squeeze.

“Promise me Itachi,” Hana gulped. “That you will never forget me,” she asked.

“I promise,” he whispered, not looking at her. He pulled his hand free from her grasp and vanished into the night.

“I need you,” he whispered. Hana’s heart skipped a beat. Did he really need her? Was his heart truly aching like her heart was? Longing for, yearning for something she was forbidden to have?

“Itachi…” Hana whispered softly. She couldn’t move and wouldn’t turn around and look into those Uchiha eyes of his. “I haven’t forgotten the promise…the one we made…on that night. Do you remember the promise?” Hana asked. The Uchiha was silent for a few moments before he spoke.

“I need your help Hana,” Itachi mumbled. Hana felt her heart almost break. Itachi buried his face into her loose brown hair, drinking in her scent. He mumbled something, his lips brushing the skin on her neck.

“What?” Hana asked.

“I need you help in locating someone.”

And so ends, chapter one. Before you go asking for updates, I have a few things to say.

To all those people that remember me from my Avatar days, do not bother me about updating Avatar stories. I’m done writing for Avatar. Sorry, but that’s my choice.

To the new Naruto readers, I humbling request your forgiveness about the OOC-ness of Sai, Suigetsu and Karin. (I would say Jugo, but the guy didn’t talk much in this chapter at all). I would greatly like it if you would give me some tips and pointers on keeping Sai, Suigetsu and Karin in character.

Yes, I know the truth about Itachi. This is before he dies, but still…I will justify my reasonings for writing Itachi the way I did at a later date.

I update when I can, not when you want me to. DO NOT give me a review saying update. Give me something I can work with, tips and pointers, something you liked about the chapter or just total randomness (I will expect reviews say: Tobi is a good boy!). My goal is to give you quality reading material not crap turned out in a few minutes. With that being said, it’ll take me a while to write out a chapter and post it.

Also, all chapter titles of this story are songs, with the course line before the start of the chapter and the name of the band. I suggest you listen to the song (the name of the chapter) on loop while you read the chapters.

This is a SasuSaku/ItaHana fic, with NaruHina, LeeTen, ShikaTema, SaiIno, SuiKa and KakaShizu thrown in as side dishes. I love drama, so there will be suggestions of SasuKa and SuiSaku and ShikaIno; cause if I make the pairings happen too quickly the story loses its charm, yet I need a way to keep me interested in writing it. Plus, its pretty fun messing with people. Also don’t insult me for my choice of ships. I had enough of shipping wars to last me a lifetime or two. I do enjoy various ships in the Naruto fandom.

So, with that being said, please enjoy this story, I worked hard on it and more chapters will come. R’n’R!

DJ