Naruto: North and South

“Everyone experiences things differently. From my perspective, I want to know why you gave me the ‘good person’ card, and how you perceive the potential future of this… relationship. Sakura, if we have an open and honest conversation, it might lead to a different outcome. Whether it leans toward you accepting my confession, or toward me still receiving the ‘good person’ card, there’s a huge difference between the two—and the impact on both of us would be significant. So if we stay only at a superficial level, we won’t solve the current issue. Based on my experience, brushing things aside only makes the situation worse. If we don’t address the root problem, it only deteriorates further, and thus—”

“Enough, enough! What exactly are you trying to ask?”

Sakura cut him off decisively. If she listened any longer, she would get completely lost in his convoluted logic. She chose a simpler approach.

“Speak human language! Keep it simple—don’t cram so much nonsense in there!”

Itachi blinked and rephrased his question plainly.

“I want to know… what don’t you like about me?”

“I don’t dislike you at all. It’s just hard to take it to that level. Besides, your little brother screwed me over big time. I already decided never to touch an Uchiha in my life. And honestly, I only see you as a friend!”

Itachi felt stabbed in the heart. The problem with Uchihas could be solved easily, but the “friend” problem? That was a nightmare. What had he done recently to be classified in Sakura’s friend zone? Not even a backup plan for her!

“Sakura…”

Itachi felt like crying quietly.

“Hmm?”

“Am I really that bad in your eyes… not even worth a backup?”

Sakura paused, then replied earnestly, “…Hey, don’t say that. I don’t keep backups. Feelings aren’t calculated—they’re just what they are. You’re a good person, Itachi. You’ll meet someone better eventually. Right now, I think we’re fine as we are.”

Good person card… times two.

Itachi felt genuinely wounded. He silently cursed that every tomato Sasuke ever ate would be sour. Ah well, he thought, there’s still plenty of time. This mission is dangerous, but survival isn’t impossible. Chasing someone you like isn’t a one-step process. I’ll ask Deidara later how he managed it.

“Fine. If you think this is fine for now, we’ll keep it this way. But remember, I like you, Sakura. I’ll work to break out of this ‘friend zone.’”

She didn’t know what to say, so she picked up another fruit and continued eating quietly. The silence didn’t last long before Itachi shifted topics.

“Sakura, can you look after Kiki while I’m gone?”

It wasn’t the cat-sitting that was important—it was that he was leaving. The day after Pain made his decision, Itachi finally expressed his own answer. Sakura paused mid-bite but then acted normally. She glanced at Mumu, curled up with Kiki on the single sofa, realizing she was about to disappoint Mumu’s trust.

“No, I’m busy,” Sakura said.

The point wasn’t refusal or being busy—Itachi understood the real meaning. After a moment of silence, he replied perfectly.

“You were at the battle with Urashiki. Sakura, you were helpless, completely unable to help, and even caused trouble—so—”

“I’m a medical ninja. The battlefield isn’t where I belong. Only after the battle is my real field,” Sakura said, her emerald eyes locking on his crimson ones.

“Itachi, don’t use genjutsu on me, don’t brainwash me. This is my choice. You’ve made your decision, and I’ve made mine. I admit I can’t help in your battles, but that doesn’t mean I’m worthless. So, Itachi, please respect me.”

Itachi wasn’t like Sasuke. He didn’t treat girls as accessories, nor would he ignore their effort and dedication. When Sakura mentioned respect, the thought of using genjutsu vanished. Yes, genjutsu could spare Sakura from a massive crisis—but afterward, her forgiveness could never be fully regained.

“I understand.”

Itachi deactivated his Sharingan, then smiled gently, like flowing water.

“Sakura, I’ll protect you with my life.”

Normally, Sakura would be moved to tears by this warmth, her affection skyrocketing, perhaps even confessing love in return. The room would feel heavy with romantic tension, names would be whispered, hearts beating faster, and the air thick with the smell of new love.

But…

“Don’t. Don’t you dare take a hit for me. I have the Strength of a Hundred Seal. As long as nothing crazy happens, you should protect yourself first.”

Itachi silently vowed that if he ever had a daughter, he would dress her beautifully and never let her become a medical ninja.

Sakura couldn’t understand his feelings. Half-eating her fruit, she glanced at Mumu, a small smile mixed with apology.

“Sorry, Mumu. I’m going. Later, I’ll ask Kakashi-sensei to look after you.”

“No need,” Mumu said, changing position to tease Kiki. “Shukaku will come too. I don’t trust him. Even though we’ve lost most of our power, maybe we can still help.”

“Really? You don’t mind? Eh… Deidara is coming too?”

“Yeah, him and that puppet.”

“Wow… everyone’s going?”

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