Chapter 2: Chapter One
"Shizuru...is that... you?"
(Flashback❣️)
"Don't go. You promised not to leave my side."
A lone tear slipped from my eyes as I raised my trembling hand to touch his left cheek. His dark charcoal eyes that once held no emotions were looking at me in extreme fear.
I bit my lower lip to keep myself from breaking down as I forced a smile. Seeing him this vulnerable breaks my heart so much that I wish I could hug him and tell him that everything is going to be alright.
"I'm sorry.",I choked in tears unable to hold it in. "I don't think I can keep my words."
Sasuke grabbed my hand tightly in desperation and hung his head, his hair covering his eyes.
"Please."
(End❣️)
My heart twinged in pain as I recalled the time we said goodbye to each other.I parted my mouth to say something when Sakura appeared beside him, making me stop.
"Sasuke-kun, are you okay?",she asked in worry grabbing his arm.
I lowered my gaze and smiled painfully. That's right. This is the reality. I have already done my part, there is no reason for me to linger in this world any longer because I don't have a place here anymore.
Sakura who finally noticed my presence turned to me and her eyes widened in shock when she recognized who I was.
"N-No way...Shizuru?"
I looked at the two of them and smiled wistfully. They really do look good together. Sakura was always there for Sasuke and she never stopped loving him. I am sure that Sasuke has also fallen in love with her. They truly deserve each other.
With that thought in mind, I activated my jutsu and created a blizzard, blurring their vision and slowing down their movement. I have to get out of here, any more second and I'll break down before them. Before Sasuke could counter my jutsu, I glanced at him and mouthed a few words stopping him. Grabbing that chance, I glanced at him for the last time before escaping. As soon as I arrived at the eastern part of the forest, my knees gave in as I collapsed in pain, crying out my heartache.
Ever since that day, I never went back to Konoha again. I do not think I can face Sasuke again. Besides, I can't just go back and waltz to the village without knowing how I even came back to life. I need to know how and why I am here again.
To be honest, I don't remember anything after passing away. I even thought that I would return back to the real world but when I regained consciousness, I was lying down under the cherry blossom with the lake beside me reflecting the full moon. All the wounds that I got from the battle disappeared and I was only left with a small scar on my lower left abdomen. From what I remember, it was the place where Kaguya stabbed me.
Sighing heavily, I tucked in a portion of my hair behind my ear before pulling out the tenth medicinal herb I found, placing it on the small basket beside me.
"I thought he might have been mistaken but to think that it would actually be true. What is a dead person doing here, collecting herbs?"
I stilled recognizing the voice and quickly turned around. Standing a few feet behind me was Itachi Uchiha. Just like his little brother, he was also wearing a black overall coat. Is black the Uchiha's family color?
"Itachi-san!",I exclaimed standing up in surprise.
He tilted his head and smiled. "Long time no see Shizuru."
I grinned and ran giving him a tight hug. Itachi hugged me back and ruffled my hair like a kid, making me chuckle as I pulled away.
I can't believe he still looks the same. He is still handsome and young as ever. Like his usual style, his black medium length hair was tied in a low pony tail. Seriously, it's like he hasn't grown older.
"How did you find me?"
"I heard from Ameri that this place used to be your hideout."
Ameri was a rogue ninja whom I saved during a mission years ago. Ever since then, she has been serving me like her master. She was a skilled medical ninja and back then, she has been helping me treat Itachi in secret.
Despite Itachi's notorious reputation, she didn't question my decisions and quietly followed my orders.She really was the most dependable and trustworthy friend that I know.
"Are you still in contact with Ameri? How is she?",I asked in excitement.
"She is doing fine. We are actually living together."
"I see. You are living toge---",I paused and looked at him wide-eyed. "WHAT?!"
Itachi casually shrugged his shoulders and grinned. "Anyways, where is your exact hideout?"
For a moment, I gave him a look of disbelief with his nonchalant behavior. I wanted to ask him more questions but I don't think I can get answers from him. Sighing in defeat, I picked up the basket of herbs and motioned him to follow me.
"So, this is where you are staying?",he asked while eyeing at the old and ramshackle cabin in interest.
"Yes. It has been so long since I used this place so it is in poor shape. It is not bad as it seems, you know."
Itachi glanced at me for a second before looking back at the cabin. "Shizuru, one strong wind will immediately knock this house down to the ground."
I didn't say anything and simply breathed a sigh knowing he was right.
"Shizuru, you said that you can't remember how you came back to life right?"
I turned to Itachi and nodded in wonder. Why is he asking me this again? I already filled him in about my situation when we were on our way here.
He furrowed his eyebrows as if in deep thought while I watched him, waiting for his remark. After awhile, he looked at me and smiled.
"How about you stay with us for the meantime? We will help you figure out what happened to you.",he offered all of a sudden.
"Eh? But..."
Itachi sighed and gently tapped my head. "It's okay to receive help from others as well, Shizuru. You don't have to do everything on your own. Besides, I want to return the favor for saving my life and my relationship with Sasuke. More importantly...",he trailed and gave me a serious look. "I don't want to miss the opportunity again to thank you."
I paused for a second and looked at him with tears in my eyes. Itachi chuckled and placed his arm on my shoulder.
"C'mon, Ameri must be already waiting for us."
------- * * * ---------
We were on our way to their house when I noticed Itachi looking at me in amusement making me frown in wonder.
"What is it? You've had that expression for awhile now."
Itachi simply tilted his head and smiled. "Well, when Sasuke told us you were alive, I was worried thinking that he might have lost it. To think that he was actually telling the truth."
I stopped walking and looked at him in surprise. "Sasuke went to see you?"
"He barged in late in the evening while we were eating.",he replied and touched his chin in thought. "I think that was four days ago."
Four days ago? That was the day that I met him. He must have went straight ahead to Itachi after seeing me.
"As you know, it is very difficult to fool someone who bears the sharingan with an illusion. Sasuke who has clear and sharp observation skills don't fall for such tricks but when he told me that he saw you alive and breathing, for a moment I thought he lost his mind."
"Eh? Why would you think that?",I laughed and continued walking.
Itachi suddenly became quiet so I stopped again and was about to ask him if there was something wrong when I caught him looking at me seriously.
"Itachi-san, is there something wrong?"
"Shizuru, you may not be aware of this but your death has deeply affected him. That is why even with his extraordinary skills, it wasn't impossible for him to fall prey to illusions."
"To Sasuke, your existence was that valuable."
(❣️)
"No way! You are actually giving me your arm guard?"
Sasuke didn't say anything and simply sat down under the tree while I followed him with my eyes, still in disbelief. I looked at the black arm guard on my hand and smiled.
I quickly sat down beside him while grinning from ear to ear. "Back then, I took your arm warmer but now you are willingly giving me your arm guard..."
Just then, the smile on my lips died down when I realized something ominous making me turn to him in anxiety.
"No way! Are you giving me this because you are saying goodbye?! You are, aren't you!"
"What are you talking about?",he asked lazily while I pursed my lips.
"You don't usually do this. Why are you suddenly giving me your arm guard? What's your motive?",I inquired in suspicion.
Sasuke simply sighed and closed his eyes before leaning on my shoulder making me flinch in surprise.
"Eh? Sasuke---"
"Shut up. You are too noisy. Let me sleep for awhile.",he grumbled before dozing off leaving me in a state of bliss and surprise.
Letting out a soft sigh, I glanced at Sasuke who was already sleeping peacefully and smiled in content, as I watched the warm afternoon breeze gently caress his black locks. I glanced at the arm guard on my lap and used it on my left arm while grinning like a love sick idiot.
After putting it on, I raised my left hand and stared at the black arm guard in admiration. I am definitely going to treasure this forever. With that thought in mind, I also leaned on Sasuke and closed my eyes.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone