Chapter 40

"That's fucking hilarious!", laughed Anko as she smack her knees multiple times infront of the wood style user. "You were attacked? And those bitches died?!"

Tenzou couldn't bare the urge to facepalm as he listen to Anko who couldn't do anything but, laugh. She abruptly stopped when she shoved her fist in her mouth. Frankly she doesn't care who died as long as she's alive, that's all that matters.

"You done?"

She nodded, massaging her jaw a little. "So what did you call me here for?"

She picked a dango stick, chewing into one, blinking her eyes at the male before her.

"Can you assess this seal?"

Anko bit into another dango as she observe the red piece of wood on the table. Small but readable kanji written on the other side.

She picked up the piece, flicking her tounge before dropping it.

"And why the hell would you come to me? I'm not a fuinjutsu specialist."

"That person's chakra was completely invisible. No one even noticed that he passed through the barriers. Perhaps it could have been because of his oni mask.", his eyes drooped halfway thinking about his previous encounter. "And his skills are superb."

The woman raised an eyebrow before sighing. "I get it dude. But, why me? Look, I'm the last person you would confront about this."

Tenzou clasped his hands, interwining his fingers as he rest his chin on his thumbs.

"Orochimaru."

Lightning striked Anko like a thunderstorm as her fingers shaked a little.

"Shut the fuck up. Don't even get started talking about that bastard."

His brown eyes looked even more serious at the terrified Anko who subconsciously placed her hand on her neck. "The seals were similar to the documents found on his laboratory where he had been researching about the Uzumaki Clan."

She laid her back against the chair, fingers tapping on the table. "I get it. So, probably one of Orochimaru's henchmen did it." She threw her hands in the air, trying to look even more sarcastic.

"No. One of us."

"Don't fuck with me. You serious?"

Tenzou nodded before looking down. Closing his eyes in the process of remembering the gaze of wrath and resentment he received that day. Anko rested her chin on her knuckles, interested and troubled.

"Perhaps we should recheck chunins and jonins in our village...?", she asked, a little bit unsure.

"A single traitor could bring the whole village down.", he whispered.

Her eyes narrowed at Tenzou who looked extremely bothered and uneasy. "Jeez. So you came to me to assess this fucking seal so, I can narrow down the suspects to find our very sweet and kind comrade."

He rubbed the back of his head forcing a fake smile.

"You know Orochimaru better than me and you can easily pinpoint what type of people he would manipulate.", he tilted his head a little to the side, quickly dodging the stick that was thrown at his face. "So, any guess?"

He watched her lips curl into a smirk, thinking of something rather someone amusing.

"Anko-san?"

She leisurely watched the lizard wiggle out of the wooden stick that attached its tail against the wall. "I can only know of a very interesting little one. That damn purple maggot."

"Purple...maggot...?", he trailed off.

Her eyes shot open, intrigued as she shiver in delight, her tounge licking the corners of her lips. "Don't check the jounins...neither the chunins..."

Tenzou creased his eyebrows in confusion. "You mean the civilians?"

Anko erupted to fits of laughter she slap her palm on her forehead.

On the other side of the village, in a particular run down apartment, a certain blonde stood against the wall. His vision turning circles and hazy as his nails claw themselves against the wooden plank behind him.

He stood frozen, unable to comprehend what was currently happening. It never even appeared on his dreams yet, and reality was already ahead of him.

Soft lips continue to crash against his own, his heart racing in complete madness that he doesn't even realize why he was getting weaker by each second that passes. He close-shut his eyes tighter, feeling the cold hands cupping his warm cheeks.

A muffled groan was trapped inside his presumed to be a sensual kiss. His mind was a jumble of words, he doesn't understand yet he wanted to live in the moment.

Lhexi's mysterious eyes were cold, menacing, greedy and dark as she continue to suck out the boy's chakra. She purposely made the boy her personal refilling station, considering the unbelievable and unfair life energy he has compared to what she currently have.

She watched with emotionless eyes, not feeling anything, not even a bit of regret. She used Naruto's love and adoration to her own advantage, fooling him into believing she had the same feelings. Perhaps, she already lost her sanity and have fallen halfway from grace to be able to trick someone she used to love before.

Not the kind of love between a man and a woman. Probably, a love for a friend or a brother or some sort, hell she doesn't even know now.

His tanned skin began turning pale, blue veins slowly turning visible on his skin. He was closed to passing out yet he didn't resisted. Lhexi didn't stop although she already stole more than enough of what she actually needed.

Her eyes widened in shock at the evil energy that traveled down her body. She pulled herself away from him as she step back, the back of her palm on her mouth.

Naruto was probably too distracted and hypnotized he didn't hear what Lhexi cursed beneath her breath.

"Damn fox."

She ignored the boy who dropped to the ground unconscious, instead lifted the bottom of her black sleeves, removing the bloody bandages on her stomach to find her wound gone, not even a scar left.

She combed through her hair as she boredly blinked her eyes on the fallen figure. She heaved a yawn before leaving his apartment after laying the boy down on his bed.

Her steps were heavy yet they were soundless like feathers. Her hands were stuffed in her pockets as she stared down on the floor, leaving Naruto's viscinity to bump into a person she twitched her eyes at.

It didn't go by unnoticed by the silver haired man who frowned at her, not like she knows what kind of expression he has under his mask.

He observed her, she was a mess, just from her appearance. Her long hair was not how it usually looked when she had it cleanly tied up, instead it was sprawled all over around her, reaching her waist, her clothes looked like she didn't even given a thought about what she was gonna wear. His nose scrunched up at the smell of blood lingering around her.

She grumbly bowed lightly before walking pass him.

"Lhexi."

Kakashi sighed before trudging towards her after she completely ignored his call.

"Lhexi, I need to talk to you--"

Placing his hand on the girl's shoulder, he was stiffed when his arm got smacked away in split second. And in that moment, Kakashi's eyes widened after seeing her menacing purple eyes glow golden for a brief moment.

"Sorry sensei, there's a lot of things going in my head right now. Probably next time...?", Lhexi tried to smile but, eventually failed.

Kakashi's thought however were thinking about what went on with her eyes. He presumed it was a delusion, he hoped it truly was.

He gave a brief nod and the girl's expression turned to a frown as she walk away.

'Her chakra...it's larger than usual...am I imagining things?'

He stared at the light bruise forming on his wrist before looking at the back of the girl who disappeared through the crowd. He sighed once again, giving a tired look at his kouhai who emerged from the darkness.

"What brings you here, Tenzou?"

"How about some tea first?"

Lhexi was silent the whole time she walked around the streets, her eyes catching a familiar shop. Her gaze were locked at the white flowers displayed behind the glass windows.

The atmosphere was solemn, tragic, empty, and depressed. Nothing new.

She looked down, walking past the shop, not taking a good look at the old man who passed by her. The sound of the bottom of a cane hitting the ground stopped.

"Why aren't you going inside?", the grave and low voice made her stopped on her feet. "Shouldn't you be buying flowers now for your dead friend?"

The girl's ears twitched in irritation as he emphasize the word and cursed herself for the luck. "I don't see that's any of your business."

Danzo continued to face the other side of the road as he raise an eyebrow. "Seems like killing that old fool made you pay quite the price."

Her eyes widened and fully turned her heels around, her fingers itching towards the small sword hidden under her sleeves.

"I won't do that if I were you.", he warned, his voice unfazed.

She abruptly stopped, her shoulders tensed after finally noticing the few high ranked ninja watching her every move.

"What the hell do you want?", she hissed.

The elder raised his chin a bit. "Follow me."

She stood on the ground, unmoving watching Danzo move away at a turtle pace nontheless quietly followed.

Kyuuji sat on the window sill watching the blue sky as he held a shiny object on his hand. He unclasped his hand and stared at the golden daffodil hair ornament.

He stroked it with care, the sky becoming bloody, the full moon getting closer. His eyes that long lost the light in them slowly loomed darker than before.

He rested the back of his head against the window, closing his eyes, hoping that another nightmare won't visit him tonight yet it was the only way for him to see his beloved once again.

"Asuna-hime..."

Sasuke's POV

I silently watched the half moon illuminate a tiny bit of light enough to tenderly lit up the clouds. Resting my chin on my arms that are crossed on top of the railings, my eyes traveled to the dimmed balcony right across mine.

It was as if no one lived there for a while. Half-closing my eyes, I thought about checking upon that loser who haven't showed up for days eversince the funeral.

Just what the hell is she doing?

Although, it would have been more unusual if she show up the next day after Itsuki just died. From what I can remember, they were really close enough to hold hands in public. A grumble escaped my lips getting reminded of how happy she looked whenever they are together.

I sighed. There's no point in getting jealous because of a dead guy.

But, right now, she's not still grieving, is she?

"Argh...", my hand covered my mouth, still wondering whether I should visit her or not. A little peek would be enough, considering I haven't seen her for almost a week.

What the fuck is she doing to me?

I haven't contemplated such a trivial matter like this since that time when I was younger whether to choose tomatoe soup or tomatoe juice.

Turning away I made my way back to my room, closing the glass doors before throwing myself on the bed. I stared at the ceiling for a few minutes before placing my arm over my eyes.

She's a distraction. I need to distance myself from her as much as possible until this unfamiliar emotions stirring up inside me fade away.

That's what I thought and yet, I found myself on her terrace, leaning on the glass doors. To my dismay, the curtains were blocking my view. As soon as the white curtains danced lightly to the breeze, I took a quick glance to the buried figure cuddling with the bed underneath the sheets.

This should be more than enough.

Yet again, my body acted on its own. I gently knocked several times on the door however, there was no response. Frowning a bit to her lack of attention, I tried to open the glass doors hoping they were unlocked.

Surprisingly, I found them locked unproperly. It was easy to twitch it up a little bit, enough for my hand to pass through the small gap before opening it from inside.

I quietly entered her room, my footsteps lighter than feathers. Slowly approaching her, I was being careful not to wake her up from her deep slumber.

Arriving just next to her, my eyes widened at her peaceful dozing form. Her body rested on her side, facing my direction, as her arms sprawled near her chest that was slowly rising and contracting. She was sleeping quite serene and tranquil.

"She's like a baby...", I whispered lowly in the air.

I sat on the small spot beside her, watching her like an interesting movie. My fingertips traced down her cheeks, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, giving me a better look of her features.

Her long thick lashes fluttered softly as soon as I felt her delicate skin against my calloused fingers. My heart skipped a bit when I saw her alluring lips curve up into a smile responding to my faint touch, I wordlessly saved the picture to the back of my head.

Heat travelled to my cheeks when she slightly moved closer to my warm touch. My hand now fully cupping her left cheek. I noticed something unusual when my palm touched her pale skin. She was cold.

Cold as ice.

I could hear my heart drumming loudly in my chest in anxiety at the thought that she had bitten the dust, thankfully she shifted a little earlier, reassuring me.

Her body inched closer to mine subconsciously as if I was a campfire in the middle of a snow desert. She relaxed to my touch even leaning forward to my hand with a silent breath. I rested my chin on my knuckle observing her slightest movements with a small twitch on the corner of my mouth.

I was probably enthralled by her beauty inside out.

My eyes got heavy, my body immediately responding to get some sleep. This was a rare occasion for me who had always got a hard time falling asleep to suddenly feel drowsy.

Before I knew it, I got myself too comfortable I unknowingly lied down next to her, my hand resting on her waist. Our faces merely inches apart. A mysterious sweet and delicate fragrance comforted my nerves quickly sending me off to sleep. If I just realized I was gonna sleep next to her, I should have atleast shut the gap between us.

And for the first time in my life ever since that night, a nightmare didn't visit me, instead I had a dream about my parents including that man, it was filled with happy memories of my childhood I have long forgotten when I was free of vengeanance and hatred.

I wondered why I felt so happy to see my older brother smile at me fondly and why did I wanted to see it again?

"Morning~"

That was the first thing I've heard this morning as her mysterious violet eyes bore through my soul.

"What the--"

I blinked my eyes wondering if I was still in a dream only to realize that I have fallen asleep next to her. I faced the ceiling before smacking my face, a grumble escaping my lips then I heard her giggle.

"Just what kind of demon possessed you last night that you boldly barge into my apartment then slept beside me, hmm? Sasuke?"

I peeked through the gap between my fingers finding her staring at me amused. Looking away, I quickly sat up trying to ignore her as much as possible.

She shifted on her bed yawning and stretching her arms above her head. "Stay here for a little bit, I'll cook us some breakfast."

"No, there's no need for that. I'll get going now.", I stood up wondering why my face was heating up. Trudging towards her balcony.

"Ehh...That's a shame...I guess I'll have to eat curry and probably some tomatoe soup by myself.", she purposely said it out loud making me stop on my tracks.

Sighing, I turned around to see her giggling like a school girl. For some reason, I was playfully infuriated and irritated at how she could easily bent me.

Several thuds enchoed inside the kitchen as I watch her rapidly slice carrots into equal squares precisely.

"Ah-Sasuke, can you peel the potatoes for me please?"

I nodded and quietly worked in my station, stealing glances every now and then. She gives me instructions before laughing in a corner whenever I make a drastic mistake.

"Sasuke, can you come here for a second?"

I stood beside her as she held the saucer for me to taste the curry. Grabbing her wrist gently, I directed her hand to me as I took a sip from it.

"How is it?"

I gave it a thought for a few seconds before replying. "Good. Probably add a little more salt."

"Okay, salt, I got it."

Reluctantly letting go of her hand, I stuffed my hands into my pocket as she tell me to prepare the table so we can quickly eat.

I hit the palms of my hands together looking up to see Lhexi doing the same, muttering a thanks. "Itadakimasu/Itadakimasu..!"

We silently ate together, enjoying the quiet atmosphere. I don't particularly hate clamorous mood however, it gets on my temper sometimes if it gets a little too loud. I want a tranquil and gentle moment either alone or with someone who wouldn't make me feel lonely even without saying anything.

I looked up from my plate finding her enjoying a slice of apple pie she recently baked with her so called secret recipe. She noticed my apparent stare and tilted her head, adorably I must say.

"Is there something on my face?", she asked.

"Yeah.", I reached my hand to her face, dragging my thumb to the corner of her lips, wiping the white spot before bringing it towards my mouth, licking it off with my tongue.

Her expression didn't disappoint me, and I smirked at her red puffed cheeks.

How bad I wanted to squeeze them...

She looks away and chugs down a glass of water like she has been traveling the desert for days.

"So, was it fun?", she asked all of a sudden. "Cooking and stuff, you know..."

"Hn."

"You enjoyed it?", her eyes scream enthusiasm.

"Hn.", I bite down on the apple pie, my eyes widening in shock at the taste. It was crunchy on the surface and soft on the inside. It was sweet but balanced and it's something someone will find day after day the moment they get a taste.

Just what else can't she do?

I guess I'll have to come back again tomorrow.

Days continued to pass by. And by the looks of it, I found myself in her apartment every single day. I got used to staying in her place that I already had my clothes and my toothbrush stored in here.

We've gotten closer, I guess.

Closer than I've expected that I consider her one of the most important people in my life.

"Tired already?", I heard her ask as I approach her.

I just finished training after all we don't have any missions recently, with the hokage's seat being absent.

Now that I think about it, who's gonna be the next hokage?

"Probably.", I sat next to her, beside the tree where we used to meet.

She handed me a water bottle and I immediately took a gulp. I looked to the side to see her eyes trailing down on the book.

"You're reading again."

"There's nothing to do anyways.", she smiled as her focus never left the book. "And, I've got a new work now. I've gotta read as much as I can, before it gets busier."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, by the way. Can you teach me the chidori?"

I leaned my back against the trunk and I sighed before motioning her to come closer. Her eyes lit up and shifted herself to my angle. She inclined her body towards me, her face getting closer.

Thinking about it for a few moments, I just had the sudden urge to tease her a little.

"Don't wanna."

She pushed her lips, lightly pouting, giving me a playful glare.

"Stingy."

"If you had the sharingan, Kakashi would have taught it to you."

I stood up, dusting my clothes a little.

"Then just give me some tips or something.", I heard her drop the books on the grass, standing up behind me.

"Not gonna happen.", I replied walking away.

"Just once I promise!"

Her footsteps gained, getting closer. Turning around, I stared at her face reminding me of a child who couldn't get what she wanted. It was probably subconscious when I outstretched my hand towards her.

I gave her a light poke on her forehead as my lips curve up into a genuine smile.

"Probably next time."

Her eyes visibly widened, her pale cheeks turning rosy red, staring agape in surprised and wonder. Her palm traced to the spot I tapped her, caressing it a little.

She looked at me, her purple orbs dilating before responding in a gentle voice. "Promise me, kay?"

I hid my hands in my pockets, nodding in return.

However, that day never came.

Her whole body trembled in fear and pain. The man infront of her grabbing her by her neck, pulling her up against the wall to his eye level.

I badly wanted to help her if my body would just move on its own accord.

"Sasuke.", his voice was dark and horrifyingly unbearable to my ears.

Just hearing him call my name reminded me of the day he massacred our clan.

"You're weak. That's why you will lose everything precious to you. You are destined to be alone from the start."

His deep red eyes turned into a different pattern. I realized, he was gonna kill her at that moment.

"Stop...Lhexi..."

My breathing was unstable as I try to get up with my broken leg.

"You lack enough hatred to kill me. I'll give you a little reminder, my dear little brother."

"STOP!"

The moment he bore his eyes through her, her agonizing screams filled my ears. I watched and watched, those mere three seconds lasting like forever.

I wasn't strong enough to protect her.

Not like I was strong to begin with.

Her body shaked furiously, her fingernails scratching his arm, unable to get away.

That was when I snapped as my eyes burned. I heared a loud screech from behind me, the ground trembled and cracked before everything went black.

A/N

First of all!

I apologize for not updating.

And here he is!

Uchiha Itachi, the fandom's favourite.

I wanted to clarify something why Lhexi is in Sasuke's place, because I believed that Itachi was definitely written to be evil at first.

Then probably, Kishimoto just wanted to know what would happen if Itachi's actually good.

He never actually did anything that was beneficial to Konoha in Part 1, when he was first introduced. Dude just placed Kakashi under Tsukuyomi without knowing if he could withstand it, and he was actually planning to kill (Asuma, Kurenai and Kakashi) if Guy didn't showed up.

Yo, if he just wanted to let Danzo know he was still alive and keep his dirty hand away from Sasuke, he wouldn't have to place Kakashi under a painful trauma.

He should have just showed himself up then went on his merry way. That's enough to let Danzo know he still breathing.

And he wasn't even denying Kisame to cut off Naruto's limbs. If he was truly on Konoha's side (*fuck Konoha*), he could have disagreed with Kisame's idea. You don't want a jinchuuriki to be crippled, if you're working for the best interests of the village.

And Sasuke.

Don't even get me started with him.

Guys, if he truly loved his little brother, he didn't have to brutally beat the crap out of him. He literally broke his wrist! And kicked him so bad, he threw up blood.

Itachi, you were once an Anbu, you know how to disable Sasuke without hurting him in the process.

And in the worst case, he placed Sasuke under a painful and stressful trauma by making him watch his clan get killed over 500 000 times.

And I repeat FIVE HUNDRED TIMES!!!

Y'ALL KNOW HOW HUGE THAT IS?!

I'm surprised, Sasuke's still alive after that.

So, I want to portray Itachi as a good person from his very first scene.

You don't wanna hurt yo little brother right?

That's why Lhexi is perfect to be a part of Itachi's entrance.

*rolls the red carpet*

He doesn't want to hurt Sasuke physically, so he gotta hurt somebody else precious to his otouto to actually raise Sasuke's hatred.

I don't hate Itachi, just letting you guys know he was meant to be evil at first.

Don't lie to me you don't hate him when he first appeared.

*sings Mama I'm in love with a criminal~*

And Lhexi's character is all over the place.

I don't like her to be honest.

You don't want a person like her to be in your life.

She be using people like puppets.

*Sasori-sama please tie me up~!*

Am I high?