Sasuke

When I came to, I immediately realized I was in a genjutsu. Whoever was responsible for it placed me years in the past when I was still a young child in Iruka sensei's class. Looking around, all I could see was him teaching, Naruto bored, pretending to listen while I wrote down notes for both of us, Sakura talking my ear off while I pretended to listen to her, and Hinata, who was writing a letter that had my name on it.

What got my attention however was her crumbling the paper up midway and starting over again with a nervous look on her face.

Hm

Naturally, I wanted to lean in closer to get a closer look at what she was writing but I didn't feel the need to. The letter she had given me was fine just the way it was and I didn't need to see the rough drafts from any of the others.

Just seeing how hard she worked is enough for me

The next vision wasn't mine but one of her's. She and her friends were all gathered together at a fence, the only one who wasn't there was Naruto. I wasn't sure what was going on or why I was seeing this until my name was brought up. "Did you guys here? Sasuke apparently joined the Akatsuki". Kiba said.

"I know it's awful, part of me was hoping Naruto would be able to get him to come home". Ion said teary-eyed. "Why are any of you surprised? Sasuke has never acted like our friend. He always thought of us as nuisances and kept to himself every chance he got". Shino said.

"Dont talk as if you knew him! You have no idea what Sasuke is like"! Sakura yelled. "Naruto and I are his teammates not any of you". "You being his teammate means there's no way you can see him for the man he really is. You and Naruto are always hellbent on defending him no matter what he does". Kiba said.

"And you all are always so quick to judge him thinking you know him when you don't. Naruto and I are the ones that trained and went on missions with him. Were the ones that got to know him none of you".

While arguing amongst themselves none of them realized Hinata walking off. Knowing she couldn't see me I followed her and was taken aback to see she had made her way to what was left of the Uchiha estate.

I'm surprised they didn't get rid of it completely

"They're all wrong. They all act like they know you but they don't. They're quick to label you a criminal but they don't even take a second to stop and wonder why it is you joined the Akatsuki. I can only think it has something to do with Itachi, Whether or not you chose to forgive him I don't know but I hope you have.

It's not good for you Sasuke, it's not good for either of you. That kind of hatred will only end up destroying the both of you and I'd hate to see that happen. Your both good people, I truly believe that. You and Itachi will be ok, the two of you will be able to fix your relationship".

Hinata.......

I tried to reach for her but was teleported into another memory. A deep sadness overtook me as I watched myself and Itachi talk for the last time. "Why? Why are you doing this now"? I asked trying my best not to cry. I had been the one to kill him yes but that was a decision I regretted more and more after I started to learn bits and pieces of the truth.

He smiled at me gently. "Because I was a coward that didn't tell you anything when I had the chance. Sasuke, everything I have ever done has always been to protect and keep you safe, yes I inflicted pain upon you but I had to if I wanted you to grow up hating me and that's exactly what happened".

"You could've taken me with you, your all I had left". He gently cupped my cheek. "I know and a part of me did want to take you along with me but I had to think about what was best for you. If I had taken you they would have marked you as missing but that mark would soon turn to criminal once they learned that I still had you and was a part of the Akatsuki.

At least in Konoha you still had the opportunity to make your own family"."What family? Everyone there hates me and rightfully so, im just like you brother. I've hurt innocent people as well, neither of our hands are clean". "You only became like that because of me and what I did to you but it's not too late for you too, you have friends whereas I didn't. Lean on them, let them share in some of your pain, and let go.

Holding onto that much hatred will do nothing but bring you to your downfall, There is still light inside of you. You don't see it but it is there, you'll just need a little help to bring it out". "Don't do that, don't talk as if you're leaving again". "I would want nothing more than to be able to stay with you and rebuild our bond but you know just as well as I do that Edo Tensei can't remain permanent"

"This isn't fair". "I know but remember this, no matter what you choose to do in life from this day forward I will love you. It doesn't matter if you never choose to forgive me, you will always be my precious little brother". My eyes widened as his body started to glow. On instinct, I reached out for him but within seconds his body was no longer there.

"Itachi". I whispered.

"Sasuke". My breath hitched hearing her voice call out to me.

Is she one of the people you were referring to aniki

"How did you know I was here....."? "I felt your chakra and sensed that you were in danger". She gently placed her hand on my shoulder. "Sasuke". I don't know what overcame me, all I knew was that within seconds I was in her arms hugging her tight while she tried her best to comfort me.

While away from the village you and I developed our friendship but I was still shocked to see you come to my aid instead of going to the front lines where everyone was

I blinked my eyes and was surprised once more. I was in the forest and immediately made my way behind a tree to listen to Hinata and Itachi's conversation. I knew neither of them could see me but still felt the need to do so. "I'm surprised you called me out here if anyone I thought I'd be Naruto".

"Naruto and my brother are indeed friends but I'd feel much more comfortable with leaving my brother in the hands of the woman that loves him". "How do you-". "The letter when you both were kids, the way you looked at him when no one watching". "Sasuke's right, you do know a lot".

"And as I suspected if it involves Sasuke you'll come running right away, I take comfort in that". "Itachi". "I need to be honest with you Hinata, I don't have much time left. When I was younger I developed Leukemia and it's finally catching up with me". She looked at him shocked while I stood there shocked.

"Besides my Akatsuki partner your the only one that knows. I'm only telling you this so I can make sure my brother has someone that will continue to look out for him. You can say no but im hoping you won't".

"I'd do anything for Sasuke, I love him too much to let him suffer alone. Your brother will be safe with me Itachi, don't worry". "Thank you, Hinata". He smiled.

Good, it's not just me

Word Count: 1355