∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗
Until Next Time

───────

The last time they had seen each other was when he told her the truth.

But what's new is that Nanami wore a pine green-colored vest with the Konoha hitai-ate wrapped around her forehead, along with the sword on her back. Itachi assumes that she achieved at becoming a Jōnin. He also detects that she is carrying a bento box in her hand. "How'd you find me?" Itachi asked with a muddled voice. Nanami begins to stride over to him in the breathtaking forest. "I was taking a break from my hectic work, and I sensed another chakra energy. That's how I found you." She gives him a response.

Itachi doesn't smile when people encounter him because he hides his emotions. But now, he feels one etched across his face. He's glad to see Nanami. "It could've been someone else, you know. In a worst-case scenario, my reflexes would've gone out of hand." Itachi touches on humor for the first time in so long. "Well, I'm happy that you did not slay my face." Nanami lets out a bubbly laugh. The two then sat down together and took in the soothing atmosphere.

They were quiet for about a minute until Itachi starts to speak. "I see that you are a Jōnin. I remember those ANBU members that would put me down just because I was younger than them. They were Jōnins, but I don't find age to be an issue." He shifts his head to look into Nanami's dreamy lilac eyes. She was listening to him. "Congratulations, Nanami." Itachi kindly praises her. The girl can feel her face blushing and sudden shyness. She received praises from loved ones but, Itachi was different. He has a charm to it.

"I never thought a rogue would give me such kind words." Nanami looks at Itachi with twinkle eyes. There's a glint of mischief in them. "Arigatou." She thanked him happily, and older Uchiha grins as well. "And you're right. There is no limit to becoming a shinobi." Nanami agreed with his statement. Back in her hometown, she mastered mystical ice jutsus and had a passion for her dream to come true. It all happened at fours-year-old. Nanami was about to become a proud shinobi of the Land of Snow successfully, but her family wanted to move out and start a new life in Konoha. Even though she didn't accept the opportunity, she is happy that her best friend is still part of her life.

"I also got something for you." The lilac eye girl opens the bento box to grab two tricolor dangos—Itachi's face beams. He never felt this happy. "I made them this time." Nanami gives him his favorite sweet treat. The man takes it and gratefully thank her. He takes the first bite; the sugary coat savors his mouth. "This might sound silly, but Sasuke doesn't like sweets," Itachi tells her. "Really?!" Nanami grows surprised. The Uchiha nods in response, "His favorite foods are origini and tomatoes. When we went to a bakery one time, he put on a disdainful face at first sight." He let out an amused chuckle. "I find it hilarious that Misa loves sweets, but Sasuke does not. More like he hates them." Nanami happily laughs out loud.

Furthermore, she can see it now. Itachi does love Sasuke with his whole heart despite the anguish moments that he committed. She wonders if there are some incredible stories from their brotherhood. After finishing the sweet treat, Itachi then spoke in a melancholy voice. "I used to have moments like this. Up until the curse of hatred enters my life." Nanami looks at him, all confused. "Curse of hatred?" She has no clue what that is.

Itachi explains to help her understand the phrase. "It's the counterpart from the will of fire. The Uchiha clan are devoted to love our people and build friendships. However, the Sharingan activates negatively by consuming the darkness once the user experiences losing someone precious to them." He ends his explanation. Curiosity is floating in Nanami's head. She begins to move herself to face the Uchiha entirely. "Can you show me your Sharingan?" The abrupt question made him bewildered.

No one has ever asked him that before. He thought about it and shortly complied by revealing his sinister-like eyes. Nanami's initial reaction wasn't fearful like most people; more like a look of interest. The black tomoes are crowning the red—Uchiha's signature Dōjutsu Kekkei Genkai. They locked eyes and escape from reality.

When it got broken away, Itachi starts to admit something that he hid for a while. "I've used the Sharingan's power for many years now, and my health has gotten worse." After Nanami hears about his unstable condition, Itachi knew right away that he has to tell her the reason. "I am suffering from a terminal illness. I don't know if there is a proper treatment, but I have been taking medication. The symptoms wear off but not for long." Itachi deactivates the Sharingan. He can trace the sympathy in Nanami's expression. She remains speechless for about a minute.

Itachi could read her expression that is a mix of stunned and sentimental. Beckons a hand to hold her fragile ones. She raises her head to find a soft grin written on his handsome face. "I'll be fine, Nanami. As of right now, I am looking for a cure. But I also wish to meet Sasuke again in a peaceful environment." Itachi reassured the beautiful young woman. Shortly enough, she replies to him placidly, "I hope you get better and fulfill your wish to get to see your otouto." Itachi grows fond of her support.

He was about to thank her, but she cuts him off. "If that happens, I want to see you more than a short period." Nanami sends a glorious, content smile. With no verbal response, Itachi nods his head as a sincere answer. To express that he too wants to spend more time with her. He doesn't remember having regular interaction with a person that isn't afraid to go up to him.

Then they parted ways until another encounter comes.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

Somewhere in a secluded place, Misa feels like her body isn't going to move for eternity. She had the idea of sparring with Sasuke to show off more of her skills. However, it was not a good idea because she gets competitive and is too stubborn to take a break. Misa pants heavily while the sound of footsteps comes closer to her. "No resting means you can't move forward. I don't know if you realize that." Sasuke looks down and gives his tired lover a sly smirk. "It's not fair! You have more stamina than me!" Misa huffs. She makes a pout that was both super adorable and upset.

Sasuke's sly smirk changes to a warm smile. He beckons his hand for Misa. Still, with the grumpy pout, she accepts his kind offer and stands right back up. She sighs, "It's because of how small I am." Her pink eyes scan the petite frame. Misa was always the smallest, yet her friends would say that she is the fastest. Sasuke can read in her facial expressions that she is insecure about her appearance. "No, you're fine." He speaks bluntly but was being honest.

Misa looks up at him with a small beam in her gaze. Sasuke ruffles her ebony head that caused her face to burn crimson. "You can take down an enemy that isn't half of your size, and hell, you even managed to fight against me. Look, what I'm trying to say is, you're already perfect." The Uchiha tries to give her some praise so that she feels confident about her overall image.

Obsidian and rosy pink eyes lock together, indicating their affection and compassion.

Sasuke hears Misa giggle like it was the most elegant sound he ever heard. She removes his brawny hand off of her head and gently kisses his knuckle. Their way of showing their love is different. Sasuke keeps it simple with words and a bit of touch, while Misa doesn't mind showing it with kisses and hugs. To think that she used to be shy whenever she sees him is pretty amusing that she is grown more into the relationship.

"Arigatou, for the motivation and not letting my insecurity take over." Misa thanks the Uchiha. "I also catch that you did learn from my philosophy last night." She delivers Sasuke a wit look. "I guess I did." He shrugs his shoulders. Misa laughs and knows very well through the sarcasm that he did acknowledge.

Furthermore, she wanted to continue with their training session. The Akiyama mainly demonstrated her ice and floral abilities because they are her signature techniques. She inherited the ice from her mother and the floral from her father—a unique yet impressive combination with a hint of Tsunade's strength and Kakashi's determination.

Misa's closed eyes detect Sasuke's rapid movements. He is indeed quick on his feet, but she immediately knows where his hits are aiming for—the distance of his fist to her face was only inches away. She smirks; her body scatters away instant. Sasuke gasps when she dodged it and comes right behind him. Misa cries out and flings a punch straight to his head. However, the Uchiha's Sharingan allows him to retaliate before getting attacked. He caught her fist in a rough grip.

"Your sensory and speed improved. Keep it up." Sasuke tells her. Misa appreciates the comment, but it doesn't stop her from hitting back. She uses her other fist to punch him in the gut to let go and kick him directly in the chest. Sasuke's feet skid backward, and he stops himself from going further. "Hyōton: Samui Kōri Hari!" Misa sends multiple icicle senbons. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" The raven bursts flames from his mouth to melt the flying ice. Once the fire descends in thin air, Misa has disappeared. Sasuke becomes quizzical. He looks around the area and senses a twinge of chakra energy. For a split second, he feels a sudden, painful hit from the back.

Sasuke gets knocked to the ground. He turns his head sideways; in the corner of his eye, he can see Misa was the one. A smile draws onto his lips.

"I did it!" The ebony-haired girl cheers by jumping her feet off of the dirt. Sasuke watches her do her celebration. But she eventually comes back to lend him a hand.

"Uchiha Sasuke lost to a girl!"

While walking back to the hideout, Misa still hasn't gotten over Sasuke's 'lost' and her nonstop bragging. "Are you done?" The raven asked. She chuckles, "Why? Does it bother you?" The girl nudges his arm. Sasuke wasn't annoyed because he knows that she would be upset throughout the training if she doesn't have a chance to defeat him. So he gave her some praises, and she gained confidence.

"A little." He teases her with a straight face.

"Lies." She laughs merrily.

A smirk gets drawn onto his face. Misa knows him so well. The girl makes a squeak when he pulls her to his chest and his arms wrapped around her petite figure. Her face blooms when he leans forward until their foreheads touch. Sasuke speaks, "That's one of the few times you've shown me such power after three years. I'm proud of you." His tone of voice was considerate, and it made her heart flutter. Misa's blushing cheeks perked by a mirthful smile. "You're too kind, but I appreciate that." She thanked him.

But all of a sudden, Misa's smile drops. Sasuke becomes concerned. "What's wrong?" He asked her. She paused for a couple of seconds before telling him. The Uchiha's eyes widened when her facial expression becomes gloomy. "I hope you remember the promise." Misa looks at him with a crestfallen look. The promise that Sasuke vowed to; have her return home. She feels his face buries into her silky hair. "I do remember." He murmured. "Will this be the end?" Asking once more.

Her dainty hands crept behind his muscular back to hold on. "No, it will not be the very end because we'll find each other again." She assured Sasuke. The boy moves his face from her dark locks and rests his forehead on hers. Their gaze is deeply connected. "You'll forever remain in my heart. Wherever you are, Misa." Sasuke smiles, but tears are falling from his love's eyes. He wipes away her tears with his soft lips. The raven prays that this devasting world will not tarnish their happiness.

"Ehhh, you're leaving tomorrow?"

Suigetsu asked Misa. It's currently eight at night, and she decided to visit her somewhat nonexistent friend for the last time. "Yeah, sadly." The Akiyama has on a solemn smile. She is picturing that Suigetsu is pouting like an upset child.

"Hmph. I thought you would stay longer until I show you my human form. I guess there will not be another time." He assumes in a blue tone, almost like he is shrugging his shoulders. "I'll remember the sound of your voice if we ever meet again. Sasuke-kun might free you if it happens." The girl tried to cheer him up, which did work instantly.

"You're right, but I hope he does it quickly." Suigetsu scoffed. Misa let out a sweet-sounding laugh because of his snarky behavior.

After one last talk, she says goodbye to Suigetsu.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

A brand new day has arrived.

It's been one month and two weeks since Misa left Konoha. For some reason, it didn't felt like that. It felt longer for them since they haven't physically seen each other after the hiatus. As another promise by Sasuke, he wants to make this moment unforgettable. The shinobi world wouldn't believe someone like the cold and stern Uchiha can make promises for a girl. Well, she is not just any other girl to him. Intelligent, brave, and pure defines Misa.

After cleaning herself up and packing her tactical gears, she is ready. Sasuke waits for her from outside. Misa takes a deep breath and walks out of the room where she enters the hallway that still gives her chills down her spine. Suddenly, she stops and stumbles upon Orochimaru, standing by the wall with his arms crossed. "I heard that you are leaving today." His guttural voice spoke. The Sannin gives a brief look at her appearance and is correct. "Yes, I am. I hope I wasn't a nuisance during that whole month." Misa kept her posture assertive as possible, showing no fear.

Orochimaru puts on his signature nefarious smile. "No, you weren't, and I am speaking the truth. I have never seen him express carefree behavior before. It's because he is consumed with revenge that it makes him less communicative. Almost as if he lost his old self." The snake Sannin tells Misa his perspective on how Sasuke usually acts when she isn't around him. Including her friends and sensei. Nothing but loneliness.

She takes more steps forward and stands in front of Orochimaru. "I'm glad that Sasuke-kun gets to be happy. I thought it would be forbidden for him because I don't expect the opposite from you, Orochimaru." Misa's words didn't need to take long for the older shinobi to understand. "The world sees me as their enemy. You're one of them." Orochimaru raises his reptile-like eyes at her. "I might sound like the most complex person that you have ever met, but there is a slight possibility that Sasuke will trust me." He stated in total certainty.

Misa furrowed her brows, "What makes you think that?" She inquired. Orochimaru speaks, "If I can't grant my fate to the world, there is no reason for me to keep doing it. Besides, I am predicting that in the future, we will suffer from the greatest calamity or, in other words, a war." The Sannin finished his explanation and began to leave out of Misa's sight. Just right when he passes by her, she halts him.

"I don't know if I can trust you, but I can agree that if the shinobi world grows into despair, there will not be any peace." Misa ended it there and left the hideout. Orochimaru looks over his shoulder as her silhouette reaches to the bright light of the opening.

Sasuke hears footsteps coming his way and sees Misa with a dull face. "Did something happen back there?" He asked a bit disquieted. She sighs, "I was discussing with your master about you having reliance on him. I didn't want to start an argument even though I only settled it by agreeing with one statement. Calamity can erase all of the positivity." Misa stares into his onyx eyes. It took a second for Sasuke to respond. He cups her doll-like face into his hands, "If it happens, my protection will be there. Plus, Orochimaru has to face me first." His earnest response has his dark orbs looking deeply into her.

The ebony-haired girl lifts both of her hands to have them over Sasuke's. "You're always trying to keep me safe. I should do it for you as well." She conveys her statement. The raven fell awestruck. He also realizes that it's another essential expression of love. Sasuke grins while talking, "If I ever get myself in a situation, I would believe you'll come for me. So, let's protect each other." He tells Misa. Without hesitation, she nodded her head. It becomes an official oath.

Soon the lovers venture off to a nearby town.

Out of all places to eat, they went for a ramen shop because, surprisingly, Sasuke wanted a bowl of soup. He dislikes showing his love for ramen all because of one person who he dares not to say the name. Misa was shocked that he ordered miso tomato ramen, and it's a rare combination. "Tomatoes is one of my favorite food." Sasuke gives out straightforwardly with no shame.

Their waiter lays out the bowls in front of them. Misa rips apart the wooden chopsticks, "I'll be brutally honest, I don't like tomatoes." She looks him, and his eyes widened owlishly. Misa starts laughing her heart out. For the first time, she sees Sasuke so staggered. It was also nostalgic when they were once young and fresh out of the Ninja Academy.

After getting served a delicious meal, the couple does more exploring in the small town. There wasn't a lot to see, but it still counts as a home for the people. They visited some local shops, and some children's innocent minds thought that Misa was a princess traveling outside of the palace. The overall experience was wholesome and delightful. As evening hits, the sunset makes its presence.

The Uchiha and Akiyama walked hand-in-hand into the wilderness, where it leads a pathway to Konoha. While striding their feet, they can hear the pleasant sound of nature and gravitate to the warm atmosphere. Sasuke sees his love is glowing like the sunset. So captivating that he could get lost from her beauty. He also wanted Misa to do something since this is their last moment together.

"Misa, can you sing for me?" Sasuke grabs her attention with the question.

"Of course." She answered in short. When thinking of a song, it clicked in her head. "This song is called Blue Bird." Misa now has nature listen to her melodic singing.

As you awake, from deepest dream
Into this world, you've never seen
I know you'll spread your wing and take
Off to the sky

You say if you could fly
You'd never want to come back down
That you'd only have eyes
For that, for that, blue, blue sky

The bird symbolizes a person who woke up from a dream but unfortunately wants to leave that dream and runs away with no regrets. Sasuke is beginning to believe that these songs are all about him and his life. Misa only knows the downside of him. He wonders if there will be one where the message changes. As the enchanting musical ends, they are close to Konoha. They stopped before going any further and take in this very moment.

"Well, this is it," Sasuke said, holding Misa's hand tighter. "Yes." Her voice cracked. She couldn't hold back a waterfall of tears. The beauty feels herself get wrapped into a tender embrace. She returns it and holds onto Sasuke for her dear life. His breath is close to her ear, "Like you said yesterday, this is not the end for us, and we'll find each other." The raven has to leave her again. However, he finally got the chance to tell Misa the most powerful words.