#itachi centric

[soleberlandieri]

La pazienza dell'acqua

Cos’è che ti tiene sveglio la notte, Obito? Non è l’incessante ticchettio della pioggia di questo maledetto posto, lo trovi quasi superfluo mentre s’insinua attraverso il sottile velo del sonno per fondersi con l’affanno dei sogni, ne sei talmente assuefatto da non sentirlo neanche più; finisce per essere familiare, combinato con le cellule di chi vive lì. Fa da costante sottofondo agli occhi di Rin, spalancati, sempre uguali. Lei ti guarda, non sono cambiati, ancora così grandi e con l'invitante colore nocciola. Cosa c’è di diverso, allora? Cosa manca nell’attimo che precede l’innaturale dilatarsi delle pupille? Hai sempre creduto nell’anima, un giorno la ritroverai e la riconoscerai tra mille.

Le lacrime di Kakashi che si dispera sulla tua falsa tomba hanno il suono di quelle gocce insistenti, scavano il tuo nome sotto un perenne cielo grigio. La bugia che sta lentamente uccidendo il tuo amico ha scheggiato la lapide, la persistente acqua del dolore la erode.

No, non sono le magagne del passato a farti sobbalzare nel cuore delle tue notti tormentate, vero, Obito? Non puoi neanche scaricare la responsabilità sui tuoni, in questo dannato villaggio finiscono tutti per farci l’abitudine.

È un dito che spinge e gratta dentro il tuo stomaco. Un’immagine che resta indefinita dietro gli occhi di Rin e sotto le lacrime di Kakashi. Non affiora mai in superficie, non la decifri, ma sai che è lì.

Un tuono più forte, neanche troppo eccessivo come intensità sonora, è solo diverso. Non romba, nessuna bassa frequenza fa vibrare le finestre, a far trasalire Obito è una scudisciata simile a una frusta.

Non capisce se era già sveglio, è arduo pescare proprio la risposta che serve nella matassa di incubi e rimorsi. Obito si preme le mani sulla faccia, la metà destra adesso è insensibile, come sempre quando non impegnata a infliggergli fitte a caso e senza motivo. Ansima con il cuore a mille e il petto compresso in una morsa, si arrotola tra le lenzuola intrise di sgradevole sudore freddo. Merita la sferzata appena sentita, ne prenderebbe altre mille dritte nel cervello se servisse a cancellare i suoi sbagli, se potesse restituire vita e sorrisi a tutte le persone che non può più vedere e a quelle a cui sta rovinando l’esistenza.

Senza togliersi le mani dal viso, si rigira a pancia sotto, affonda la testa che scoppia nel cuscino nel vano tentativo di placare quel tarlo che adesso lo tormenta anche di giorno. Quel baco che gli succhia il rispetto verso se stesso senza neanche avere la decenza di farsi vedere in faccia. Da quando ha iniziato a farsi scrupoli nei confronti della feccia che ha deciso di sfruttare?

Il dubbio lo rode, gli irrompe in testa senza permesso togliendo valore a Rin, mina i piani per cui è sempre vissuto, fa impallidire il vuoto a cui è stato condannato. Tenta di riempirlo, di farglielo accettare per andare avanti in una vita differente. Scava come quella dannata acqua, gli sfila il terreno da sotto i piedi un granello per volta in un sadico stillicidio. Gli si introduce subdolo nella mente bisbigliando che per camminare a testa alta è sempre necessario calpestare e perdere qualcuno. Ma è un inganno. Obito non ha più nessuno, è solo al mondo, ogni affetto in cui credeva è stato tradito e strappato.

Un genjutsu lanciatogli da Itachi? Probabile. Deve stare allerta, il suo sharingan menomato potrebbe non riuscire a competere con quello di Itachi.

La sua sofferenza non può essere invalidata da una stupida remora senza fondamento. Mantenere inamovibile l’astio verso chi lo ha reso un vegetale emotivo, e l’ostinato egoismo nel perseguire i suoi obiettivi sono le uniche vie per continuare ad avere riguardo del dolore patito.

Obito sa di non essere nato così, che quel bambino sorridente e fiducioso è rimasto sepolto da una valanga di tormento e ripudio. Ecco, i responsabili dovranno pagare. Senza sconti.

Impedendosi di cadere in ulteriori indugi, Obito si alza, iniziare la giornata è un dovere verso se stesso. Un altro passo verso la meta.

Si avvicina alla finestra, nonostante sia sveglio da circa un quarto d’ora, il tetro bagliore al di là del vetro non è cambiato. Grigio, stessa intensità, non si scorge niente attraverso i fiacchi rivoli di pioggia che tracciano contorti ghirigori sulla superficie. Impossibile intuire che ore sono dall’inclinazione della luce, ad Amegakure non sale mai oltre quel livello di fiochezza. Obito è nudo, il calore emanato del suo corpo appanna gli angoli. Sospira lasciando perdere la finestra, non ci sarebbe comunque niente da vedere a parte strade deserte e quei maledetti tubi, le curve a cui sono costretti per assecondare qualunque struttura li rendono ancora più brutti.

I tubi sono un materiale.

Tutto è costituito di tubi. Le pareti, i tetti, le strade, le scalinate, persino quelle che pretendono di essere statue o decorazioni.

Non si sfugge dalle gocce che sussurrano: ti vedo, so dove sei.

Il gocciolare del lavandino è discorde da quello proveniente dal tetto. La pioggia rotola nei tubi con un vago suono di pietruzze, attraversa le profondità dei muri per andare a dissolversi sottoterra.

Obito ignora entrambi mentre si occupa dell'orbita vuota. È essenziale una scrupolosa pulizia due volte al giorno: la sera per rimuovere i detriti della giornata inaspriti dall’uso perenne della maschera, la mattina per eliminare le lacrime rapprese. Le mani tremano, il sudore gli stilla dal mento seguendo i binari delle cicatrici ormai indurite.

Inutile procedere. Obito sbuffa, scaraventa con rabbia spugna e sapone nel lavandino, desidera solo ficcarsi sotto una doccia fredda.

L’acqua gelida gli mozza il respiro, le ombre di Rin e Kakashi gli scivolano lungo la pelle, la ragnatela di incubi allenta un poco le maglie. Ma qualcosa rimane lì, ostinato come una macchia di sangue. Non va via, è senza forma, non ha nome.

Obito soffoca, sbatte più volte la fronte sulle piastrelle, poi la lascia lì. Vorrebbe gridare di essere lasciato in pace. Prega, chiunque sia, di smetterla di guastargli gli obiettivi, di comprendere la sua sete di giustizia per il troppo male ingiustamente subito. Però, non riesce a spiccicare niente di assennato a parte un informe verso gutturale.

Sta a Obito non lasciarsi abbindolare dal venefico serpente che vorrebbe nutrirsi della sua anima, che andasse a pasteggiare con uno qualsiasi dei pusillanime che infestano il mondo.

Risoluto, balza fuori dalla doccia e si asciuga.

Non serve guardasi allo specchio per infagottarsi nella condanna quotidiana, ormai Obito conosce ogni pezzo a memoria e ha anche imparato a indossare tutto velocemente. Esala il primo respiro ovattato dalla maschera. Che lo spettacolo abbia inizio.

Tu conosci il motivo per cui oggi eviti accuratamente il corridoio su cui si affacciano le stanze dei sottoposti? Sì che lo sai, Obito.

Il covo di Amegakure può accogliere una sola squadra per volta, e cioè due componenti. È di stanza qui il gruppo che ha bisogno di nuovi equipaggiamenti, di sostituire quelli danneggiati o per l’urgente cura di ferite o problemi di salute. Si fermano, di solito, solo una notte. Non si sono ancora svegliati o si stanno preparando per iniziare le mansioni del giorno.

Scivoli di soppiatto, arranchi furtivo nella penombra. Lo conosci, sai che soffre d’insonnia almeno quanto te. Schivare quel tratto di corridoio abusando del Kamui sarebbe inutile, finiresti intercettato, ormai individua il tuo chakra a menadito, quasi sprigionasse un cattivo odore. Lo sharingan con cui vorrebbe friggerti il cervello è opera tua, aveva solo otto anni quando lo hai costretto a guardare il corpo dilaniato del suo amico che pendeva dalla tua mano.

Ti vergogni, vero? Far sbloccare un tale potere a un bambino così piccolo equivale a rovinargli la vita e tu lo sapevi. Eppure lo hai fatto, mostro. In nome del tuo egoismo. Volevi solo che quella dannata rivolta avesse luogo e hai calpestato cadaveri senza neanche guardarli in faccia.

Che fai, sei pentito? Si sta per caso affacciando il dubbio che tu abbia sbagliato?

Vai dritto convinto che solo il tuo dolore valga, pretendi la comprensione altrui e trucidi chi non ti soddisfa o si azzarda a difendere le proprie ragioni.

Ma tu comprendi lui? Ci hai mai provato, almeno?

Vedi quanta sofferenza sta sopportando?

Quando aveva tredici anni ti ha fatto infradiciare l'interno della maschera di lacrime un paio di volte, su, ammettilo. Non lo credevi capace di spingersi così a fondo nelle tenebre. Lo hai costretto tu, lurido verme.

Tredici anni e già il dolore lo aveva slabbrato, masticato, risputato e lasciato lì come spazzatura. Già possedeva quel mangekyou sharingan da cui ami svignartela, eppure lo hai visto ammazzarsi per contrastare la follia da te fomentata.

Tu metti il tuo dolore davanti a tutto il mondo.

Lui mette tutto il mondo davanti a se stesso.

Vorresti essere come lui, confessalo. Ammiri e invidi la sua capacità di non perdere di vista il bene malgrado le offese subite. Sei geloso e adori la bontà della sua anima che sopravvive a dispetto di odio e ingiurie vomitategli addosso dal mondo intero.

E, riconoscilo, la tua viltà ti impedirà sempre di buttare nel cesso la tua vita per ideali più grandi di te come, invece, ha fatto lui.

Siete simili, ma uguali no. Non succederà mai.

Sei tu a non essere alla sua altezza.

Per fortuna la maschera cela il sospiro di sollievo una volta giunto sano e salvo nella sala delle riunioni di Pain.

Le ombre si allungano dagli angoli bui per smangiarsi tutta la stanza, l’illuminazione è affidata all’unica finestra stretta e incupita dal meteo all’esterno. Obito apprezza solo la sagoma di Pain, occupa già il suo posto, tiene le mani intrecciate sul tavolo. Non servono parole o gesti per diffondere la spessa tensione, la cappa impenetrabile fa arrestare un istante i passi di Obito. Lo sharingan attivo è solo una proforma, non ci sarà nessun combattimento o reciproco furto di informazioni carpite dritte dalla mente.

Obito oltrepassa silenzioso la soglia per posizionarsi di fronte a Pain. Appena si siede, una porta mimetizzata dalla penombra si apre sulla parete di fondo. Come se avesse percepito il lieve scricchiolio della massiccia sedia di legno, Konan fa il suo ingresso trasportando una risma di fogli. Uno sprazzo di luce, sgusciato tra una nuvola e l’altra, guizza sui capelli blu della donna. Ma è un colore freddo, perciò non smorza l’atmosfera fosca. Quando perdono tempo in questi muti giochi di chiaroscuri e smorte tonalità è in ballo qualcosa di grosso, Obito ne avverte il peso nell’aria.

Konan si accosta alle spalle di Pain scampando ancora alle tenebre che avvolgono tutto il resto, cerca rapida tra i documenti e ne estrae quello che serve con sapienti gesti delle dita. Prima di tornarsene da dove è venuta senza proferire parola, non risparmia a Obito un'occhiata torva.

Tra loro non corre buon sangue dal giorno in cui Obito ha portato Itachi ad Amegakure. Attualmente il membro più giovane di Akatsuki, allora era poco più di un bambino. Konan conosce le innumerevoli colpe di Obito, questo l’ha spinta ad adottare un atteggiamento materno nei confronti di Itachi. In fin dei conti è una donna costretta a ritrovarsi davanti il cadavere del suo amato ogni giorno, non ha potuto realizzare il desiderio di maternità, sa di essere la causa della rovina di se stessa e dei propri cari. Obito non si ritiene così disumano da non riconoscere una persona non più intera psicologicamente. È tollerante e le concede piet��. Per ora.

Pain finge di maneggiare i fogli che ha davanti, però non ne pesca nemmeno uno e lo sguardo rimane fermo su Obito.

Lo sharingan lampeggia sotto la maschera per fotografare gli sprazzi di carta casualmente emersi, per qualche attimo, dalla pila. Obito raddrizza, con la mente, i pochi scampoli di immagini registrate, applica una specie di zoom per poter leggere le parole memorizzare qua e là.

Grave scompenso cardiaco. Da usare come palliativo. Dato riservato.

Qualcuno è molto malato.

“Naruto è solo con Jiraiya lontano da Konoha” Pain esordisce senza preamboli “Non possiamo farci scappare il momento di vulnerabilità.”

“Nessuno dei due è da sottovalutare” Obito frena a stento la proposta di occuparsene personalmente, indovina l’intenzione di Pain di affidare la cattura dell’Enneacoda alla squadra migliore, ovvero Itachi e Kisame. I due sono lì, ci hanno trascorso la notte. E, poco fa, Konan ha elargito quei documenti colmi di condanne a morte. Però, la certezza che siano rientrati a causa della salute di uno dei due non c’è, i fogli potrebbero riguardare chiunque, Obito non ha letto nomi. Al rinnegan non sfugge niente, Pain si è accorto dello sbirciare di Obito nell’attimo esatto in cui lo ha fatto “Cosa li ha spinti ad allontanarsi?”

“Il Terzo Hokage è morto” Pain continua monocorde, la voce sembra uscire per magia dal suo fantoccio prediletto “È stato Orochimaru, è riuscito a infiltrarsi grazie al corpo sottratto al Quarto Kazekage. Naruto e Jiraiya sono sulle tracce di Tsunade, è lei la candidata a Quinto Hokage.”

L’acqua rotola senza sosta nei tubi di cui sono infarcite le pareti. Scava e scava.

“Orochimaru potrebbe trasformarsi in un’atroce spina nel fianco, Pain. Non scordarti cosa è successo il poco che è stato con noi, punta sempre a Itachi o a chiunque possegga lo sharingan. Potrebbe attaccare alche altri se può far fruttare il loro corpo” sebbene Obito giri intorno all’argomento, è palese dove voglia arrivare. Spedire un malato terminale contro Naruto, Jiraiya e, eventualmente, Orochimaru equivale a inviarlo al mattatoio. Forse Pain non vede l’ora di liberarsi del sottoposto difettoso per avere l'opportunità di sostituirlo. Con Sasuke, magari. Esca perfetta, Naruto lo verrebbe a cercare cadendo dritto nella trappola.

Sì, le intenzioni di Pain sono chiare. Obito ha un groppo in gola che gli mozza il respiro, il cuore gli martella fino in testa.

Tuttavia, non sa chi è nominato nei documenti, si appiglia disperato all’evanescente scappatoia per non soccombere al panico.

“Non più. Sarutobi ha usato il Sigillo del Diavolo impedendo a Orochimaru l’uso delle braccia” Pain si china leggermente in avanti, un movimento impercettibile, studiato, quanto basta per fare emergere il viso impassibile e traforato di piercing dal buio “Orochimaru ha tentato di estorcere cure alla stessa Tsunade dietro la minaccia di un nuovo attacco a Konoha, ma lei ha desistito appena saputo che diventerà Hokage.”

L’acqua erode con infinita pazienza, non importa la durezza della roccia e quanto dovrà aspettare, alla fine la spunta.

Lo stesso fa il tarlo nel cuore di Obito.

“Non preoccuparti, Itachi e Kisame se la caveranno egregiamente” dopo aver letto il pensiero di Obito come attraverso un involucro di vetro, Pain si riadagia sullo schienale rituffandosi nelle ombre. Resta lì, immobile, Obito intuisce che si muoverà solo dopo averlo visto uscire.

“Riferirò le direttive alla squadra personalmente, subito” Obito si affretta ad alzarsi, teme di sentire altro o che Pain, vedendolo indugiare, cambi idea. Potrebbe aggrapparsi al pretesto di dover proteggere l'identità farlocca, meglio scongiurare che gli salti il grillo di appellarsi alla massima priorità“Mi conoscono entrambi. Kisame ha chiara la mia faccia dal giorno del reclutamento. Mentre Itachi…”

Si sa.

Di cosa hai urgenza di sincerarti, Obito? Perché hai iniziato praticamente a correre appena uscito da quel cubo di tenebre? Eppure, tu lo hai visto il suo viso segnato dalla sofferenza. Hai toccato con mano i sogni infranti di un tredicenne che ha perso l’unico amico mai avuto; lo hai costretto, senza pensarci due volte, a cancellare il futuro del fratello minore che tanto amava. Nonostante tu ti sia straziato le dita con le schegge del suo cuore, hai voltato la testa dall’altra parte pur di non ammettere che non sei l’unico a esserti forgiato nel dolore.

Non hai l’esclusiva di niente, Obito. Molto più di quello che pensi vi accomuna.

Una volta qualcuno non ha detto che a governare la vita non sono gli eventi, ma piuttosto la reazione di chi li subisce?

“Dannazione, mai un momento di pace” Kisame borbotta agganciandosi Samehada all’enorme fascia di cuoio. La sua mole intimorirebbe chiunque persino da seduto, Obito non può esimersi dal sobbalzare ogni qualvolta lo guardi in piedi.

Ma non è l’aspetto minaccioso di Kisame a trasformargli il sangue in un fiume di ghiaccio. Un proiettile lo raggiunge al cuore appena si avvede che i due non hanno chiesto nuove forniture o sostituito quelle vecchie.

Il cinturone di Kisame è leggermente logoro, così come le scarpe di entrambi. Le divise sono intatte e pulite, però il lieve scolorimento dei materiali ne tradisce l’età.

Non hanno armi aggiuntive.

Nessuno ha ferite fasciate.

Obito cerca spasmodico i segni dei suoi timori sul corpo di Itachi. È più pallido, i segni sugli occhi più marcati. Obito ne è stregato ancora, senza rimedio.

Però non ha letto il suo nome da nessuna parte, si chiede se questa supposizione sia sufficiente nella sua disperata arrampicata di specchi.

Itachi non spiccica parola, Obito sa che tra qualche ora partirà per la missione senza fargli sentire la sua voce. I due Uchiha sono entrambi taciturni e questo non può essere che positivo. La maschera mimetizza il deglutire difficoltoso, il serrarsi dei denti, l’impaccio che Itachi genera in Obito con la sua sola presenza.

Itachi non è cambiato di una virgola. Inespressivo, diligentemente infagottato nel mantello con la faccia nascosta da colletto e capelli. Si premura che solo lo sguardo non sia dissimulato da niente. Saldo, deciso. Nonostante l’eterno grido di dolore, mette in soggezione Obito persino adesso che non è acceso dallo sharingan.

Itachi intimidisce chi sa di aver sbagliato; resta dignitoso senza mai superare il labile confine con la strafottenza.

Obito non potrebbe mai restare impassibile come il ragazzo che ha davanti. Il dualismo dei sentimenti prorompe imperioso: odio, disprezzo, invidia per quello che Obito non riesce a gestire pur essendo più anziano di lui. Ammirazione che lascia il posto a prepotente complesso di inferiorità. Rimorsi che traboccano costringendolo a ponderare il senso di responsabilità verso quel bambino che ha deliberatamente sepolto lì.

Obito grida il suo dolore.

Itachi ingolla la sofferenza mettendo al primo posto il suo dovere di shinobi senza mai concedersi il minimo cedimento.

A Obito manca il respiro quando realizza che deve essersi ammalato per questo. Il corpo magro di Itachi è squassato da emozioni annichilite, schiacciato da quell'indicibile dolore che ha deciso di trasportare da solo. Come è possibile sopravvivere senza mai condividere sofferenza e lacrime? In che modo si può andare avanti privi di abbracci, carezze e amore? Quanto si può durare non potendo cedere qualche fetta della grossa torta dei rincrescimenti?

È inammissibile. E infatti Itachi sta morendo, basta mentire.

Il mento della maschera sta per tracimare, non è la stessa acqua che scroscia dal cielo, questa è amara, salata e impaziente. Obito è fortunato, Itachi e Kisame gli fanno la grazia di andarsene prima che l’acqua traditrice faccia capolino prendendosi, impellente, il suo posto nel mondo.

Certo che ricordi quando lo hai portato qui, Obito. Non camminava neanche con le sue gambe. Quel giorno il rammarico per averlo costretto a morire troppo presto ti ustionava ogni cellula, ma la tua sciocca paura di mancare di rispetto a te stesso ti ha messo i paraocchi per farti procedere come un toro furioso e senza cervello.

Ora ti nascondi dietro il senso di responsabilità che senti nei suoi confronti, giusto? Lo stai usando come pretesto per mascherare altro? Qualcosa che, temi, possa farti apparire debole?

In fondo sei un campione di maschere, identità rubate, pseudonimi e mero apparire.

Cosa ne pensa il vero Obito, invece?

Fissi il suo corpo agile e perfetto protetto vigliaccamente dalla maschera, le sue gambe slanciate i fianchi stretti ti irretiscono, non è mai stato robusto e dotato di una forza fisica prorompente. Allontani dalla tua coscienza, con ogni mezzo possibile, gli sforzi che fai per non sfiorargli i lucidi capelli di seta. Lo immagini elegante persino nella danza letale dei suoi innumerevoli delitti.

Ma non sei attratto solo da questo, vero?

È il marciume che divora le vostre anime. Lo schifo che avete in comune, l'orrore e il sangue innocente che insudicia le vostre mani. Proprio questo ti lascia di stucco, Obito. Potreste comprendevi a vicenda se non foste separati da un muro di orgoglio.

Tu lo innalzi, Obito.

Tu ti barrichi dietro il pretesto dell'incompatibilità. Non siete differenti, Obito. Dillo che ti senti da meno e basta.

Lui, con il disprezzo verso la vita, ci è nato. Però, al contrario di te, sa metterlo a frutto per non perdere il controllo, trasforma il dolore in determinazione per realizzare i suoi obiettivi.

E ci riesce, Obito.

L’autentico te già bussava frenetico per farsi ascoltare quando lo hai recuperato a pezzi da quel tetto, una massa informe arrotolata su se stessa, si era annidato lassù a piangere ancora imbrattato del sangue dei suoi cari.

Così si piange, Obito, quando nessuno sente o vede. Non gridandolo ai quattro venti sotto la luna.

Hai pensato di essere sull’orlo dell’infarto mentre sbrogliavi le sue membra, sembrava un pezzo di carta appena pescato dalla spazzatura, talmente anestetizzato dal dolore che non gliene fregava niente d’essere stato scoperto.

Hai notato il cambiamento, da quella notte Itachi ha imparato a non emettere suoni, a vivere senza esistere. Lo hai tenuto d’occhio mentre gli scaldavi il sakè nel lurido covo muffoso in cui ti rimpiattavi dopo i tuoi loschi incontri con Danzo. Verificavi, ogni pochi secondi, che fosse sempre accasciato al tavolo corroso dai tarli e che respirasse ancora.

Ti sei premurato di lenirgli la sofferenza come potevi. Neghi ancora l’evidenza, Obito?

Hai scelto di non parlare e non guardarlo imboccando la strada verso Amegakure, sarebbe stato letale per te il viso di uno zombie condannato a respirare, mangiare, avere il cuore che batte nonostante fosse già morto. Hai trattenuto il fiato pur di continuare a captare i suoi lievi passi dietro di te, intanto la faccia ti marciva sotto la maschera fradicia di lacrime.

Quando quella lunga notte è terminata, lui ha avuto un cedimento, l’unico che abbia mai esternato. Un nuovo giorno era sorto ma voi sareste rimasti per sempre a dibattervi nella vostra ragnatela di oscurità. È stata dura per lui rendersi conto che nuovi giorni e futuro non gli appartenevano più.

Gli hai sostenuto busto e testa mentre vomitava il poco che aveva nello stomaco, l’ultimo pasto consumato insieme a i genitori, gli hai impedito di stramazzare per terra. Hai ripulito il suo viso svenuto dal sangue rappreso usando un brandello strappato alla tua veste, in quel momento ti sei sentito libero.

Libero di non mettere una maschera anche sui sentimenti dal momento che lui era gelido e privo di sensi. Niente idee sconvenienti, la sua bellezza non ti ha incantato subito in modo inopportuno. Non avresti permesso che un tredicenne affogasse nel suo vomito senza intervenire, tutto lì. E, sì, una morsa ha stritolato il tuo cuore perché hai contribuito a spezzargli la vita.

La fredda acqua della borraccia sul viso non è bastata a farlo riprendere, è rimasto immobile e bianco come uno straccio. Una bambola fatta a pezzi, lo specchio del deserto che aveva dentro. Un mondo morto, incenerito senza rimedio.

Ti sei alzato in piedi, issandoti in braccio il suo corpo inerme. Hai percorso il paio di chilometri che restavano più velocemente possibile; capendo il suo bisogno di cure, non ti sei mai concesso il lusso di rallentare il passo nonostante il suo corpo pesasse tra le tue braccia.

Non puoi aver dimenticato il freddo che ti ha morso le ossa, non è arrivato dal cielo fumoso e dalla pioggia incessante, bensì dal corpo che stringevi tra le braccia. Gli ultimi metri sono stati i più ardui, hai intuito che stavi seppellendo un ragazzo all'inferno.

Bugiardo con te stesso fino in fondo, non hai mai confessato la pugnalata che ti ha trafitto scorgendo la fumata della fornace in cui Pain forgia gli anelli. Per fare quello di Itachi, ha bruciato tutti i suoi effetti personali, compresa l’uniforme con cui è arrivato lì indossata con tante speranze.

E, diamine, riconosci lo strazio che hai provato vendendo gli ultimi brandelli dei suoi sogni andare in fumo.

Chissà per quale astruso motivo l’ingresso di quel maledetto covo è modellato a forma di faccia, forse perché finisce per inghiottire le anime di chiunque si inabissi nella sua bocca. Obito lo nota dal giorno in cui ha portato lì Itachi. Ricalca proprio la loro realtà.

Preferisce infradiciarsi fino al midollo seduto sulla punta della lingua con una gamba penzoloni, piuttosto che stare dentro e rischiare di incrociare Konan e Pain. Gli occhi gialli di quella donna lo squadrano con disprezzo a ogni casuale incontro, Obito è urtato dal suo affettato atteggiamento materno, non è necessario ricordargli la sua disumanità ogni istante. È stufo di essere paziente e mandare giù rospi.

Lui non è uguale a Itachi.

Kisame va a nozze con l’acqua, ci scivola fluido attraverso quasi fuso con essa. È a suo agio nell’umido, può muoversi rapido, le sue possenti ossa da mezzo squalo non scricchiolano e non rischia malanni. Itachi, accanto a lui, è l’immagine di un misero fagotto.

Transitano ora sotto Obito sospeso nell’aria grigia, sa che non guarderanno su e neanche si volteranno indietro.

Nonostante Itachi sia ermetico nello stringere legami e, dopo Sasuke e Shisui non abbia più aperto il cuore a nessuno, a Obito non sfugge l’affinità che ha con Kisame. È l’unica squadra affiatata, Kisame è disposto a smussare il suo rude carattere solo per Itachi. Indulge sull’atteggiamento da automa di Itachi indispensabile per poter sopravvivere al dolore. Kisame capisce la macchina in cui Itachi si è trasformato per portare a termine gli obiettivi. D’altronde, a Itachi non resta altro. Ha solo diciannove anni e già aspetta la morte considerandola una liberazione, Kisame lo rispetta senza bisogno che Itachi chieda niente.

Una stilettata di acredine lacera, improvvisa, la pelle di Obito.

Perché Itachi non vede? Per quale motivo non gli è chiaro il prodigarsi di Obito in seguito alla responsabilità nata dopo quella notte?

Obito non ha mai avuto intenzione di abbandonarlo, è sempre lì, disponibile ad ascoltare eventuali suoi sfoghi. Pronto ad alleviargli, come può, sofferenza e malanni.

Ma Obito riceve in cambio solo disprezzo.

Sotto la freddezza, Itachi è ancora vivo, il rapporto con Kisame ne è la prova.

Lo sharingan si attiva senza volerlo, spesso basta una forte emozione per metterlo in allerta. L’acqua ha scavato la sua roccia fino in fondo, ora Obito è pronto a guardare in faccia il putrido tarlo che disseppellisce le sue zone più oscure.

[tora-the-cat]

doomed by the narrative except it's doomed to always be right cause your author thinks you're smart. even if they're wrong. And it would actually make a better/more sensical story if you were wrong at least SOME times.

[uchiwife]

pairing : itachi uchiha x sakura haruno

[No Uchiha Massacre]

cw: hospital, arguing, mention of an injury, mention of poison. Some implied feelings(sort of) ANGST.

wc: 1,248

a/n : English is not my mother tongue, so please excuse me for any mistakes I might commit in it. ꒱࿐♡ ˚.*ೃ

Part2 , Part 3

“Where do you think you're going?!”

Sakura's voice snapped, glaring at another of what she called "difficult patients." The man didn't seem fazed by the medic-nin's irritation, instead, he was finishing putting on his second sandal. He had been here far too long for his taste. Four days, sure, but it was already four days too long.

“Home.”

She clenched her jaw. Hell no! He'd just had surgery a few days ago, there's no way he's leaving now.

“No.”

“What do you mean 'no'?”

“You can't leave, Itachi. I didn't give you permission to do so. You're coming out of a pretty heavy operation. You need to rest.”

Itachi narrowed his eyes, a wave of displeasure washing over him.

“I'm fine. And I have some business that can't wait.”

“If you mean missions, I've cancelled them.”

“You what?”

If he was displeased at first, now he was downright annoyed. He didn't understand the point of occupying a bed he no longer needed. He was feeling better, so as far as he's concerned, he could leave.

“You heard me.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Don't give me that look.”

Itachi closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath.

“Sakura, you had no right to do that. It's not your decision to make. I appreciate your concern, but it is not necessary. It's up to me to say whether or not I can handle a mission.”

“Like hell I can't! I'm the one who had to fix the damage done to your body, so I assure you that I'm in a very good position to make that kind of decision. Besides, Shishou agrees with me.”

“You have already discussed this with Hokage-sama?”

She shrugged as Itachi took a step forward, heading for the door. Too bad for him, Sakura blocked his way.

“What do you think you're doing!?”

“I'll go talk to the Hokage. Now step aside.”

“She won't agree with you on this, Itachi. She trusts my judgment and if I tell her you need to be taken off the mission roster, you will be.”

“What right do you have—”

She cut him off ;

“In my capacity as a doctor. I outrank you in the chain of command when we are within these walls. Deal with it.”

Sakura probably had a secret death wish, how else could she explain addressing one of the most feared ninjas in the village like that? Fuck, feared even in several nations! But she couldn't let him leave the hospital. He had almost not made it. Of course, she had managed to save him, but, the amount of poison found in his chakra system was nothing to sneeze at. She could see that he was irritated. She knew him well by now and normally she wouldn't have been so insolent with him, but, as she had said, she was the boss in this hospital. En plus, his father would be sure to ostracize her if anything happened to his precious and talented older son.

“This is ridiculous.”

Stubborn as he is, Itachi wasn't going to let it happen. That's why he was determined to go and discuss it with the Hokage. He respected orders, Itachi submitted to Tsunade Senju's authority because it was his duty as a Loyal Shinobi of Konoha, but that wasn't going to stop him from using his persuasive skills on the woman. He had done it before, and he's still alive to talk about it, isn't he? He had dodged the cup of Sake she had once thrown at him, he could very well do the same with her stapler. His decision made, Itachi headed for the door once again.

“Ita—”

“For God's sake, stop it! You are really annoying me.”

The words had come out of his mouth without him realizing it. He was exasperated and the days spent in that hospital bed plus the rest were getting on his nerves.

Sakura gasped, forgetting even what she was going to say, caught off guard by his outburst. A long silence ensued.

Those words again...

Always these words.

It stung.

It hurt. A lot.

She felt the familiar sting of tears at the corners of her eyes. An ironic smile tugged at her lips. Apparently, it ran in the family. She remembered all those times when she was younger, Sasuke had said those same words to her. It had always hurt her a little, but this was worse. Because Itachi was not unaware of how Sakura had been treated by his little brother. He even intervened once. Of course, as Sasuke had grown up, he had eventually apologized, in his own weird way, sure, but he had apologized. She had forgiven him. Because that's what she does : She forgives. She had her heart on her sleeve.

It doesn't mean that she forgets, but she cares about Sasuke and that time was already long gone. She knew why Sasuke had been so hard on her, he had explained the reasons, the pressure he felt to live up to his father's expectations, the pressure he put on himself to be as good as his brother. He had simply vented his frustration where he could. It wasn't fair, but she was the one who took the brunt of it. And she understood, really. But Itachi, what was his excuse? She’d talked to him about it. They had talked about it in private. She had told him about that part of her life, as silly as it might seem to others to feel hurt by mere words, but he had understood. He had even apologized for his brother's attitude and assured her that she was far from annoying or weak.

She thought he, more than anyone else, understood the weight of those particular words. Apparently, they were just empty words. She should have known better. Never trust what a man says when he's lost in pleasure and between your legs. Serves her right.

Foolish little girl.

The silence stretched, but Sakura refused to show even a hint of weakness. She would not cry. She took a breath and grabbed the clipboard on the small table and scribbled down some instructions and a prescription and then signed the discharge form, which stated that he was being discharged against medical advice. She then handed him the paper with a blank look.

“As you wish then, Uchiha-san.”

Itachi's eyes widened slightly, surprised to hear his last name, by the change in her demeanor. And he knew. He just knew. He had fucked up.

"Sakur-" he tried to reach out to her, but she shied away, cutting him off with that cold, professional tone. So impersonal compared to earlier.

“Please, leave. I still have patients to attend to. I wish you a speedy recovery.”

He sighed. He knew better than to insist. This was not the right time. He took his discharge and walked to the door. He paused, his hand on the doorknob.

“I'll see you later.” He said softly and it almost sounded like a question.

The only thing Itachi could see was her back. There was no indication that she had heard him, and if she had, she didn't acknowledge him.

When the door finally shut and she no longer felt the ANBU captain's chakra nearby, she let a choked sob echo through the empty room.

Maybe it was true what they say: words hurt more than blows. And the Uchihas really knew how to hurt her.

[theheirofthesharingan]

I finally finished my first ever Naruto fic. To anyone interested, please give it a read.

Summary:

He was Sasuke's best friend, his hero, his brother, his mother, his father, his soulmate, his life's only goal, and his worst enemy. Now, Itachi is only a wounded memory, tucked in the recesses of his heart, throbbing with a pain that has no end and no healing. Sasuke lost a brother he once hated without knowing the truth, and now he loves the brother he doesn't know. The love of his brother is gone away with him for ever, leaving Sasuke in a world flourishing on his blood. Even if he wants to, Sasuke can't bring himself to be a part of it. He knew it the moment he awakened his Mangekyo Sharingan, signifying the crimson-coloured world before him as though it was stained with Itachi's blood.

He is an Uchiha, an Avenger, a son, a budding Konoha Shinobi, but most of all, he is Itachi's little brother. His only bond. His only comfort.

(the warning section has apparently changed - so please be warned).

Link

[cartoonrival]

literally no one on this stupid planet understands itachi. what is wrong with you all

[mixelation]

I like your takes on Itachi. As somebody who never really sought out Itachi centric fics, do you have any recommendations? (Aside from your deidara X Itachi time travel, I already fell in love with that one after I accidentally came across it)

Hmm I feel like I always recommend the same ten or so fics no matter what people have asked, but here goes.

If you like the mood of "Itachi is a 'good guy' but still an asshole," try:

The Legend of God's Eyes series by Loudest_Voice - AU where Itachi finds an alternative-but-still-brutal solution to the Uchiha coup. The result is that he stays in Konoha, albeit disowned by his family. He eventually become's Team 7's sensei. Incomplete and hasn't been updated since 2019.

Yet, Mad I am Not by Erisah_Mae - Canon Itachi wakes up in an AU where the Uchiha massacre never happened and he's a medium-achieving chunin. He just has to deal with this, but everyone else has to deal with him. Complete, but I will give the warning that the last couple lines really flip the story on its head in a way that many readers didn't like (iirc the writer planned a sequel that never got written).

Other Itachi fics:

Daybreak by  DigitalTart - Sequel fic to a sort of fix-it AU where Mikoto prevents the Uchiha massacre. You do not have to read the previous fic (One Small Kindness), although I would also recommend it because it is a good read. Also "Itachi as Team 7's sensei," but this Itachi is MUCH kinder. Incomplete and hasn't been updated in years.

Kabu series by Tozette - My new obsession. Itachi wakes up after his fight with Sasuke in a rural village. He stays. There's a cat. Very slice-of-life. Ongoing.

[wolfgiselle]

I love this fic!

Young Sasuke Uchiha becomes a social justice warrior, this somehow leading to: his clan not being massacred and succeeding in their coup, the Hyuga branch family being freed and having their own coup, and Naruto gaining a supportive best friend and parental figure.

[stu-dyingstudent]

Sakura Haruno fic recs: romance-centric

I, like many others, definitely enjoy a a good romance every so often. All of these recs are going to have the romantic development of the characters as the forefront of the story, so just because the fic includes a ship doesn't mean it will go on the list. That means, many of them might feel more on the slice of life side of the spectrum, but that's not the case for all!!

There is going to be a mix of ships here so if you're interested in one in specific then use the search feature!

Started: 2024.08.28

Last Updated: 2024.09.28

note: feel free to check out my master list which has a bunch of Sakura Haruno fic recs (all organized)!

----

To Build a Home - RedPowder || ao3 || E || kakasaku || canon divergence || ongoing

Sakura and Kakashi are assigned a mission that will change the path of their lives forever.

Kakashi and Sakura are forced to marry on orders from the village and I know that description sounds dumb, but trust me when I say this fic is gold. I've always had a hard time with kakasaku fics because I feel the whole teacher/student thing gets swept under the rug too easily, but that's not the case here. Their past relationship from team 7 is a glaring shadow over their marriage and the guilt over the whole situation weighs heavy on Kakashi. This mission isn't easy for either of them and it takes a lot of pull and tug to ensure things don't completely blow up. To Build a Home is probably one of my favorite takes on this ship as the portrayal feels realistic and the character feel accurate to themselves. Just give it a go!

.

Approaching Sun - ANerdInAllHerGlory || ffn || T || sasusaku || blank period || ongoing

After 2 years, Sasuke returns to the village where friends anxiously await him. Still troubled by the mysteries of Kaguya and his personal guilt, Sasuke is split between friends and his journey. Troubled by rising casualties and international dependence on her abilities, Sakura is torn between her love for Sasuke and her duty to her village.

Approaching Sun is probably one of the most realistic depictions of Sasuke and Sakura's relationship that I have read. This takes place during the blank period and references the novels, so it feels like an actual possibility of what went down. As much as I love them, I have a hard time believing that their relationship was smooth sailing and so I think this is an interesting take.

.

The Fool - thekatthatbarks || ao3 || T || shikasaku || blank period || complete

Ino kicked at a pebble on the ground, her arms folded across her chest. “How long?” Shikamaru sighed and pulled the cigarette away from his lips. “The war." It was a lie somewhat. He’d liked her since they were kids but had simply ignored the budding crush expecting it to fade over time. It hadn’t and by the time the war came around, he accepted he would always carry it despite his increasing efforts to drop it. He’d tried drowning it in the river, burning it in a fire, covering it up with something else. But it was all to no avail. It stuck with him, always apart of him. “Have you ever told anyone? Chouji? Her?” "No."

I actually really like Shikamaru and Sakura as a pairing (or just working together in general); however, I haven't read much of them. The Fool was a great post-war read where with some meddling (curtesy of Ino) we get to watch the progression of their relationship into something more than friends.

.

Nightmare in Red - Sariasprincy || ao3 || M || itasaku || non-massacre AU || complete

Haruno Sakura used to think the eyes were the windows to the soul, but after witnessing the horrors of the Sharingan firsthand, she's convinced they are the doors. It was pure chance that led Sakura to the discovery of the disease eating through Uchiha Itachi's lungs and now that she's aware, she knows she cannot just turn a blind eye. But how is she to treat the very man who tortured her while at the same time keep her nightmares from consuming her? That she doesn't know, but she knows she has to try, even if it nearly kills her in the end.

Itachi unintentionally captures Sakura in his mangekyou after being rolled into the hospital for her to heal. While Sakura tries to work through the impacts of the genjutsu she continues to work with him in an effort to cure him of the disease infecting his body. I actually really liked how the whole thing played out. Itachi's sickness was sort of a mystery in the original series and so I found it rather interesting to see what was done in regards to it. Anyway, I love their interactions and Shisui is (like always) a great character as well.

.

Blind - ObsidianSickle || ffn || sasusaku || T || canon divergent || complete

It was almost time, Orochimaru was going to take his body as a vessel. He hated being used...he refused to be used. With that thought, he took the kunai in his hand and slashed across his eyes.

I won't lie, Sakura is pretty weak in Blind and the whole thing is super cheesy, but it's still an enjoyable read.

.

Ghosts - ElegiesforShiva || ffn || sausaku || M || blank period || incomplete

In love and loss, it often comes back to family, and Team 7 had always been fated, hadn't they? Deny it as she may, Sakura finds her heart strung to them with an uncanny reverence and the weight of their ghosts. Sakura-centric. Heavy, heavy angst. Slow burn Sasusaku. Canon pairings. Lots of friendship feels. Eventual (consensual) lemon.

Ghosts is a pretty dark read where basically everyone is suffering. Sasuke and Sakura in specific have an especially hard time coping with their individual struggles yet they find comfort in each other. Check TWs before going in

.

Home is Where the Heart is - DeepPoeticGirl || ffn || sasusaku || T || blank period || complete

And with every moment together, they get just a little closer, a little more comfortable with each other. Fall a little more in love. Post-war. Pre-epilogue.

This fic is actually adorable! Taking place during the black period we get to see how Sasuke and Sakura's relationship slowly progresses. If you've always wondered what their travels were like then definitely check this one out.

.

In Times of Peace - SouthSideStory || ffn || sasusaku || M || blank period || canon divergent || complete

The war is over, and like Konoha, Team 7 has rebuilt itself from the ground up. Everything has changed, but Sasuke and Sakura remain much the same. Eleven years, she thinks, is a long time to be in love.

Sakura and Sasuke have like a secret relationship going on. Also, Sakura as a jonin sensei is so good!! I really wish that someone from the original cast actually went down that route, but whatever.

.

Labyrinthine - FM_White || ao3 || itasaku || M || canon divergence || complete

ItaSaku (Post Uchiha Massacre) AU: Some things are destined to be. It just takes a couple of tries to get there.ItaSaku. Light KakaSaku.

I actually really liked how this was done as team 7 is still a family, Sasuke didn't lose his mind, Itachi picked a much more respectable path imo, and the characters are all adults.

.

Only a Crush by Gingersoup || ao3 || kakasaku || M || canon divergent || complete

It was supposed to be an easy, fun night out. She never intended to wake up in her sensei's bed, half-naked and with no memory of what happened the night before! As she tries to unravel the mystery of that night, something sinister is growing beyond the walls of the Leaf Village... and what was only a crush spirals wildly out of control.

Sakura is unwillingly thrust into the world of illegal drugs, trafficking, and sex all while coming to terms with her new feelings regarding her former sensei. I typically don't like kakasaku, but I think this work is done tastefully well. The characters are both adults and the immorality of the relationship is not ignored, so be prepared for a lot of "we can't," "this is wrong," etc.. Anyway, Sakura is an absolute powerhouse and I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between all of the different characters and villages!

.

Dreaming's End - thepiedsniper || ao3 || T || kakasaku || canon divergence || complete

Sakura didn't avoid the Infinite Tsukuyomi with the others, and all the events that happened afterward were simply the product of her dream-state. When Sakura finally wakes up from years spent in her personal "paradise," she must to learn how to start again. Kakashi is there to help her. ~*~ (TWs for genjutsu-related unreality)

Basically, imagine the entirety of Boruto was Sakura's dream in Infinite Tsukuyomi. When Sakura manages to breakout during the war she's left to deal with serious ramifications of the life she just lived. She finds herself constantly questioning what's real and Kakashi tries to help her through it.

.

Mamihlapinatapai - FM_White || ao3 || E || itasaku || canon divergence || ongoing

Mamihlapinatapai・Yagan. (n.) a look shared by two people, each wishing that the other would initiate something they both desire, but which neither wants to begin In which Sakura tries her hardest to raise one hell of a rambunctious baby by herself, Sasuke is searching for something unknown, and Itachi is the uncle.

In another life where Itachi doesn't end up dying and instead tries his best to help Sakura raise his niece in Sasuke's absence. It's my head canon that everyone came together to help with Sarada just like they did for Kuranai, and so Mamihlapinatapi satisfies that thought for me. I like how Sasuke was criticized in this since as much as I understand the necessity of what he's doing, I also find it completely unfair to his wife and daughter. Itachi and Sakura form a great bond and it's all very domestic and just super fluffy all around, which I love.

.

Louder than Words - SouthSideStory || ao3 || T || sasusaku || non-massacre AU || complete

Sakura hasn’t uttered a single word since the day her family died, but Sasuke is determined to hear her, one way or another. (No Uchiha massacre AU.)

Sakura gets taken in by the Uchiha family after Fugaku finds her on a mission. She's been mute ever since, but that doesn't stop her and Sasuke from forming a close bond.

.

Snake Bound - shefalls || ao3 || E || sasusaku || canon divergence || complete

"You... took me with you." "That's what I said." "To Orochimaru. You took me with you, to Orochimaru." Sasuke nodded curtly and shoved the medical kit a little more insistently into her hands. Sakura accepted, and prayed to every known god that Orochimaru would ignore her existence. She should've known the gods don't listen. Now only on AO3. Sequel up.

What if Sasuke took Sakura with him like she asked? Snake Bound explores that idea and it's honestly a very uncomfortable read. Their relationship is based off of the isolation and dependency their new situation puts them in. All they really have is each other and the new bond that brings is not a healthy one.

.

Armour-Sleeved Single Hit - thatdamnuchiha || ao3 || T || madasaku || time travel AU || one-shot complete

Sasuke always told Sakura she was weak. Even after she trained with Tsunade for years he only had eyes for Naruto whom he considered strong. She would forever be invisible to him no matter how many mountains she toppled.Being a member of Team Seven despite Sasuke’s refusal to acknowledge her meant she got herself into her fair share of sticky situations. Getting stuck a hundred odd years in the past had to take the cake though.But she was just a weak little girl and compared to the shinobi of old she’d be ridiculously pathetic. Sasuke had said she was weak to him – a modern day shinobi who hadn’t been forced into battle after battle like they did in the Warring Clans Era. Obviously she’d be nothing more than a spec of dirt in the eyes of the Founders.

Sakura manages to find herself in founding-era Konoha! While trying to prove that medical ninja are capable fighters she unknowingly gains the affection of Madara Uchiha. After all, the Uchiha find beauty in strength. Super cute read!

.

Always You - alex-halcyon || ffn || T || kakasaku || age swap AU || complete

[AU. Age-swap] Kakashi x Sakura. From academy days to the third shinobi war and beyond, Kakashi and Sakura grow up and fall in love.

Basically, Sakura takes Rin's place on the old team 7. The progression between the character is quite interesting as it definitely isn't smooth sailing for Kakashi and Sakura. However, even through everything they find themselves drifting towards each other. Pretty cute imo.

.

interim - stannide || ao3 || T || sasusaku || blank period || one-shot complete

Sasuke lives with Sakura in the weeks after the war.

Interim is such a wholesome read where Sasuke and Sakura rekindle their former relationship. Super fluffy

.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Tozette || ao3 || T || sasusaku || blank period || one-shot complete

Sasuke is actually eighteen the first time he looks at Sakura and realises abruptly that he wants her.

I think we all know by now that Sasuke has always been attracted to strength, power, so why not when it comes to romance? Essentially, one day on a mission, Sasuke discovers he has a strength kink. Watching him continuously get flustered throughout the fic because of his admiration towards Sakura's strength is so entertaining. Really fun read

.

the problem with how time works - MurderMittens || ao3 || E || kakasaku || generation swap AU || complete

"I don't remember you being this uncomfortable when Kakashi was nine and had a crush on you," Ino pointed out neutrally. "You thought it was flattering before." She moved to pour more wine into their glasses as Sakura exhaled sharply out of her nostrils. "Obviously! It was fucking cute when he was a kid! But now he's..." she trailed off, gesticulating feebly. Ino, taking pity on her, finished the sentence: "Now he's a stone cold hottie who looks and sounds like he'd murder the ever-loving shit out of your vagina."

Sakura and Kakashi's generations swap place and boy is it entertaining. With Naruto as his sensei, of course Kakashi has met Sakura. Now that she's back in the village after years, Kakashi decides to try his best to win her over.

.

on still water - summersirius || ao3 || T || shisaku || canon divergence || complete

and sometimes, there are days without rain. —shisui/sakura

I'm actually devastated that the author decided to not pursue the plot line after about chapter 15 (it was so good too), but On Still Water is great nonetheless. Some really cute Shisui x Sakura moments

.

never let 'em know your next move - MirrorImage003 || ao3 || T || itasaku || non-massacre AU || one-shot complete

six times itachi is surprised by sakura, and the one time he's surprised by his mother.

Sort of drabble style moments between Itachi and Sakura and it's honestly adorable.

.

Hatsukoi - sparklyfaerie || ao3 || sasusaku || gen || non-massacre AU || complete

Sasuke leans away as the girl turns to him, and his mother doesn't need to be any closer to guess as to the expression on his face. The girl's body language changes in an instant, and Mikoto recognizes the posture of a little girl in love. It's kind of adorable.

Probably one of the cutest sasusaku fics I have read as Hatsukoi follows them from genin to marriage! It's told in multiple perspectives and it's full of tooth rotting fluff. You get to watch the slow progression of their relationship over time and how they grow even closer in Naruto's absence. Definitely read is you want something light!

.

(oh, you'll probably go to heaven) please don't hang your head & cry - SafelyCapricious || ao3 || T || itasaku || time travel AU || one-shot complete

There’s no such thing as a good death. But Sakura faces her death without any regrets. Her dying is keeping her precious people safe — and that’s all she can ask for. So she dies with a smile, taking thousands of enemies with her. She wakes up and falls off the branch she’s laying on.

More of a pre-ship than anything actually romantic, so maybe this isn't the best for this list lmao.

----

Send me some recs if you have any to share! I'm generally fine with any ship as long as the story is good :)

[oh-no-its-bird]

recently, i've started to see things where tobirama is reincarnated as sakura or is sakura's "inner", which is really interesting. could i get your take on this?

Unfortunatley I don't actually know much ab Sakura's inner! I learned naruto lore via fanfiction (never actually touched any canon media, oops) and have only actually read like 3 Sakura centric ones, I straight up didn't even know Sakura had a multiple personality(?) thing going for her till a few months ago (and boy wasn't that a surprise)

I think Tobirama being reincarnated as her could be p fun!! But also I think I'd be more interested in telling a story where he just straight up reincarnated as someone not existing in canon, if only bc then he could also interact WITH Sakura instead of just being her

I find that a lot of stories that try to give Sakura agency just kind of toss her entire character out the window and start from scratch, which is fun and valid! But it's more fun for me to make direct, uncomfortable eyecontact w canon her and find increasingly stupid or chaotic ways to fast track that whole "character development" thing or at least find ways to explain why she's Like That(tm)

So yeah I don't have toooo much interest in Tobirama reincarnating as specifically Sakura or her inner, but I could be into a story where he just reincarnates in proximity to her and then see how they bounce off of eachother. Maybe as a sibling? That could be cool

If he's born a girl we can zap em with the trans beam on top of the body dismorphia of suddenly being a whole child, that could be interesting. The blatant sexism of naruto canon could also make for an interesting plotline if we want to actually get into that

I kind of like the idea of him not actually remembering his previous life, at least not in full. Maybe he has weird dreams sometimes, maybe he looks at photos of the Nidaime and gets weird feelings of dejavu.

I suddenly have a very specific mental image of him getting a scar on his cheek, where one of his tattoos used to be, and just staring in a mirror afterwards at this super weird feeling of dejavu mixed w a sensation of it not being right mixed w just general body dismorphia and aw fuck why does he feel like he's both a little more right and further from himself than he's ever been?

Anyways would he be born younger or older than Sakura? Older brother him is just super overprotective, often suffering from nightmares of sensing as Sakura and some unnamed "other sibling" of his dies. It could also mean he can interact with Itachi actually, maybe they can be emotionally stunted baby genius friends or smthn

But younger sibling him could make for a surprisingly compelling parallel with Sakura and Hashirama! Especially w how Sakura later goes on to train with Tsunade n stuff

Part of me wants to say he's still names Tobirama for simplicitys sake, he can just be named after the Nidaime or smthn. But also that feels a bit cheap even if it is easier, so at least for now we'll name him Tora

Him and cat Tora can square off for name rights idk

Tora speaking oddly formally for a civilian, and having the kind of respect for your elders that come from being a second son in an elder run clan in ancient Japan. He has an awful time trying to form emotional attachments with people, including but especially his parents, who for some reason never really felt like his

But also him having a super easy time being attached to his new little sister Sakura, who he refuses to see anything bad happen to ever

So Tora and Sakura's parents being like suuper traditional, which is why Sakura is Like That when it comes to boys (she's constantly being told she needs to find a man to take care of her) Tora acts as a good figure and role model in her life, so while she's still interested in romance like canon she isn't AS boy crazy and can do a bit of thinking for herself.

And then we can get some fun conflict between Tora and his parents, who unfortunatley don't get the whole trans thing and constantly insist he needs to either drop the shinobi thing and find a husband, or if he does keep going at the shinobi thing, use it to find a husband there then drop it

Yeah he's not doing either of those things.

(they find out he's friends w the Uchiha clan heir and immediatley get weird about it, all glowing with pride that he's "attracting such good potential husbands" n stuff (Tora is PISSED))

Anyways Tora being just alarmingly good at literally any jutsu Tobirama invented. Like, ALARMINGLY good. He has that first life muscle memory, which unfortunatley is NOT a valid alibi and he's about to get his ass beat for seeming to have reverse engineered secret jutsus he shouldn't be able to know.

It isn't HIS fault that just glancing at the flying thunder god technique that one time was apparently enough for him to instinctively understand how to use it!!! Maybe this "Tobirama" guy should have just been better at making his jutsu harder to understand, this is clearly not his fault

He manages to help avoid the Uchiha massacre by being friends with Itachi, the two of them both graduating early and at the same ages, joining the same team and then ANBU together and so on.

Tora being really strong and graduating early and all that only further motivating Sakura to be a super strong shinobi, just like her big brother! Maybe she and Sasuke can even bond or have met earlier through Itachi and Tora's friendship.

Sakura and Sasuke childhood friends agreeing to try and graduate early together just like their older siblings. Not really into sasusaku but Ill say Sakura can keep her crush on him but be actually normal about it via exposure plus maybe some boy advice from Tora (he's a shinobi, so if you really want to charm him, you'll have to beat him first)

She can maybe lose it with time (and exposure to him being a dumb cringe fail kid w his brother still around) and maybe go kiss Ino idk

Anyways, Tora and Itachi friendship. Shisui is also there!! (Love that guy)

They're dynamic is just emotionally suppressed bastard (thinks hes better than you) + emotionally suppressed bastard (knows hes better than you) + upbeat guy smiling at you as he holds a gun to your head

Shisui and Tora take turns driving the car as Itachi sits in the back seat peacefully eating some applesauce (he's just happy to be here)

They're gonna blow up the hokage tower for the good of the people 👍

They're on an ANBU team w Kakashi and Tenzo and forget about going grey, they're gonna make Kakashi's hair straight up fall out from the stress

Maybe Tora can move out of his parents house the first chance he gets, and then whatever place he manages to find can be a little safe place for Itachi. Itachi accidentally ends up almost moving in w him as things at home get worse and worse w the coup. He just stays over more and more and doesn't want to return home

Circling back to the "Tora instinctivley knows how to navigate Tobirama's seals/techniques" the most terrifying point of the story is when he sees Naruto's jinchuriki seal and realizes he knows how to mess with it

Uh oh!! Shouldn't have that information!!

Anyways take some doodles

(Danzo is "that jackass who won't let me look at the nidaime's old research" and Tora has a GRUDGE.)

[itachi-uchiha-week]

『ITACHI WEEK DECEMBER 2024』

We've got an announcement to make!

As it appears, Tumblr hasn't been home to any Itachi Weeks in recent years. Ever the loyal Itachi fans, we are here to change that. If you are interested in joining, please consider sharing this post around so we can find more Itachi fans.

WHAT is "Itachi Week"?

"Itachi Week" is a one-week-long event in appreciation of Itachi Uchiha from Naruto. You can submit fanfics, fan art, or other creative projects to share with fellow fans. Simply post your entry to your own blog and we will reblog it to @itachi-uchiha-week. While it is optional, we recommend following this blog to stay updated! Each day has been assigned a specific prompt, though they are intended as inspiration, not as instructions.

WHEN is Itachi Week?

While it is uncommon and character celebration weeks are usually held at the time of their birthdays, Itachi Week 2024 will be held this Winter from December 23rd to December 29th. Consider it a belated Itachi Week. However, under ideal circumstances, we might also hold this event biannually in the future.

HOW can you participate?

All Itachi fans are welcome to participate! No sign-ups required. Certain accounts may be blocked by @itachi-uchiha-week due to abusive or otherwise transgressive behavior and are not eligible to participate. Please refer to our rules for that. The event is Tumblr-centric, meaning that all entries must either be posted or linked to Tumblr. We use the #itachiweek2024 tag but submissions should also tag us with @itachi-uchiha-week to ensure submissions don't get lost. Submitted entries will be reblogged to this account.

Check out our PROMPTS and RULES & GUIDES.

| About | Prompts | Rules&Guides |

[comikadraws]

Hi. Sorry if this was asked before but do you have any favourite Itachi fanfics?

Didn't get asked about this before!

It's been a while since the last time that I hunted down Itachi fics on Ao3 (last time was probably last year). Most of these fics are also very Sasuke-centric (sometimes even more Sasuke- than Itachi-centric) because I am a sucker for the hurt/comfort between them.

Multi-Chapter Fics

The Everlasting Love by theheirofthesharingan Itachi survives his battle with Sasuke and ends up in his little brother's care. That doesn't erase all of the hardships the brothers have suffered through, however, and struggle to heal their relationship. (Sasuke is the protagonist) Rating: Suitable for Teens, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Self-Harm, Suicide Attempt Status: Ongoing at 10 chapters, 77k words

In The Dancing Of Fire, In The Curve Of Old Bones by PrinceoOfUchiha Tobirama, returns to life just shortly after the Uchiha Massacre. Back in the world of the living, he resumes being an asshole until he witnesses the nightmare that Konoha has become during his absence. He ends up parenting a young traumatized Sasuke and begins rectifying his and his successor's mistakes, eventually returning Itachi to the village. (Tobirama is the protagonist) Rating: Suitable for Teens, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: No major warnings Status: Ongoing at 64 chapters, 163k words

With Friends Like These by RecklessWriter A 19-year-old Sasuke returns back in time, ending up in his Genin body. Itachi, of course, is terribly confused when his little brother shows up, asking to join the Akatsuki. (Sasuke is the protagonist) Rating: Suitable for Teens, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: Character Death Status: Completed at 4 chapters, 53k words

Words At Twenty Paces by RecklessWriter Itachi returns to life 5 years after the war through unknown means. Now back together, Sasuke and Itachi struggle to communicate their love, accidentally hurting each other. (Itachi and Sasuke are the protagonists) Rating: Suitable for Teens, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: Suicidal Ideations Status: Ongoing at 6 chapters, 35k words

With Eyes Painted Red (The Storm Blows Up) by Reckless Writer In a no-massacre AU, 14-year-old Sasuke has been captured on a mission. Itachi recovers Sasuke, who has been tortured and traumatized, and Itachi becomes slightly overprotective in the aftermath. (Itachi is the protagonist) Rating: Suitable for Teens, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: No major warnings Status: Ongoing at 3 chapters, 22k words

loyal to a cruel fault by vaguelyfriendlyreptile Sasuke dies as a Genin, leaving Itachi mourning for him and without a reason to live. Kakashi realizes that Itachi truly did care for Sasuke and takes him in for a short while. (Kakashi and Itachi are the protagonists) Rating: Suitable for Teens, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: Suicide Status: Completed at 3 chapters, 15k words

Uchiha Undone by Jlynn105 Sasuke and Itachi return to back before the Uchiha Massacre in their old child-bodies. Neither of them is aware that the other has traveled back in time with him at the beginning. Itachi is doing his best to stop the massacre, meanwhile, Sasuke is doing his best to hate Itachi. (Itachi and Sasuke are the protagonists) Rating: Suitable for General Audiences, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: Patricide Status: Completed at 31 chapters, 47k words

One Shots

i'll always be there for you by RecklessWriter Pre-time skip Sasuke nearly drowns in a frozen lake, only to be saved by Itachi. Sasuke catches hypothermia and gets all loopy while Itachi tries to keep him warm. (Itachi is the protagonist) Rating: Suitable for Teens, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: No major warnings Length: 5.5k words

A Certain Slant of Light by misoneism Itachi survives his battle with Sasuke, though not for long. Although the Hokage learns the truth about Itachi, the former Akatsuki insists it remains a secret. He spends the remainder of his life in a Leaf prison cell until death eventually comes to claim him. (Itachi is the protagonist) Rating: Suitable for General Audiences, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: Major Character Death Length: 5.5k words

Suggestions by Other Itachi Fans

Celestial Bodies and Parallax by Oceanbreeze7 Recommendation by entitize Another AU in which Itachi lives. Rating: Suitable for Teen Audiences, Platonic Relationships Content warnings: Graphic depictions of violence Status: Series, Completed at 12 chapters, 236k words

Honorable Mentions

Unbreakable Ties by theheirofthesharingan A particularly tragic retelling of Sasuke's grief, following the death of his brother and the revelation of the truth behind his actions. Over the course of the story, he searches for the last remnants of his brother in the world. Itachi is... dead. But he's still very important to the fic :')

Several planned fics by theheirofthesharingan Call me a leaker, but she's got SEVERAL fics planned after the conclusion of "The Everlasting Love". Trust me bro.

Fire of a Different Sort by PrinceOfUchiha A fic in which Itachi's Mangekyo ability allows him to see the ghosts of the past Hokage. Can they help him in preventing the coup of the Uchiha clan? The fic is still in its very early stages, so I didn't really know yet whether to include it in the list or not.

Left Behind by Ailar In a no-massacre AU, Sasuke passed away as a young child. Little did his mourning family know, he had actually been abducted and brainwashed by Orochimaru. Now, years later, Itachi finds out his beloved little brother is still alive. This fic has, unfortunately, been deleted. The author explained they are planning to rewrite it, likely after the conclusion of their current ongoing Sasuke- and Itachi-focused fic "Balcony".

[tozettastone]

would deidera be stronger than tobirama or madara?? cause he's rlly strong for a shinobi in the canon timeline but would he be stronger than those two...

addition to my last question!! - personally i think the average modern day (canon era) shinobi is stronger than people in the warring states, cause they have better healthcare, food supplies or education or smthn. since there's cooperation between a greater group of people, wouldn't they be stronger in comparison?? personally i think deidera could definitely take madara/tobirama in a fight

I think if you were answering this realistically... Well, the analogous question for us now is something like "are people under modern conditions generally healthier than people in the 19th century?" for example, and there are two answers because it depends on how you generalise.

One, yes, people in English speaking countries are certainly healthier, because of all the things you mentioned, like healthcare, technology, nutrition, etc. (Maybe there are some countries where this isn't true? but it's true of Australia and the UK and I think I've read it about the USA too, so I've gone with 'English speaking' here. What do I know?)

Two, no they're not, because people who would have died get to live instead. Infant mortality has plummeted and chronic illnesses and disabilities that routinely used to kill people are now treatable but result in a greater number of chronically ill and disabled people in our society, which does lower the overall "health" of people, if you choose to measure it that way. (This is not a value judgement. I'm one of the people who'd have been dead.)

So it depends on what and how you measure.

But anyway, in canon Deidara appears to be able-bodied (despite loSING BOTH ARMS?) and relatively well, except in the way all the antagonists are unwell. I think, therefore, if we were to talk about the Naruto setting like we talk about the real world, then you'd be right: Deidara would be well educated, using newfangled ninjutsu and evolved methods of warfare, well fed, vaccinated, etc etc. Deidara could wipe the floor with these guys from like a hundred years ago. Like, have you seen how big people born in 2000 are, compared to their great grandparents? Jeez.

But I think within the actual scope of the canon setting of Naruto... Deidara probably would not beat Madara.

Because Naruto is a story and is therefore beholden to all the elements of the story. This includes the expectations we develop about characters over time, right?

So we know that Madara is acknowledged as one of the most powerful shinobi in history. Even without his Hashirama cells, I think he would have to give the protagonists some trouble because of that.

And then, well, Madara is imbued with myth and significance to the narrative that Deidara lacks so it would not make very good sense for Deidara to win, given he is essentially a bit villain to Madara's big bad energy.

Aside from these points, Deidara also appears somehow destined to get fucked up and frustrated by every sharingan he encounters:

Itachi genjutsus him into submission

Kakashi vanishes his elbow from reality

Tobi is... Tobi...

By the time he meets Sasuke, Deidara is so frantic and overwhelmed that he starts shovelling handfuls of clay into his mouth and blows himself up

So... that doesn't bode well for a fight against Madara either.

For these reasons, I do not think Deidara would win in the canon Naruto setting.

However, I think if you wanted to believably write a fic where Deidara wins, that would be totally doable! He has plenty of skills you could use to justify his win. I just don't think that it makes sense within the scope of the general narrative we get from canon. The themes and concepts don't line up right. You'd just have to be doing something else, like writing a Deidara centric story, or trying to make it a "realistic" take on ninja-hood or something, you know?

[lifeafterartsch00l]

🍥Sns fic recs🍅

*If you know these authors on Tumblr, please tag them! ❤️😊*

Oxigen's overrated by TheMidnightSong

I love love love “Sasuke returns to Konoha” fics. Ive probably read like 200 of them and i would love to read 200 more. I 🍽️ it up!

Shout out to the latest chapter in this sweet & spicy fic! So well paced. They are so into each other. Hot enough to fry an egg on. Nominating for a smut award 👑 (Im making it a thing).

*Still thinking about chapter*

…what were we talking about again?

“Chapters: 9/?

Rating: Mature

Relationships: Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

Characters: Uzumaki Naruto, Tsunade (Naruto), Gaara (Naruto), Dai-nana-han | Team 7 Ensemble (Naruto), Uchiha Sasuke, Kyuubi | Nine-tails | Kurama, Haruno Sakura, Ninjas of Konohagakure, Konoha 11 Ensemble (Naruto)

Additional Tags: Post-War, Post-Canon, Post-Canon Fix-It, Fix-It, Ending Fix, Uchiha Sasuke-centric, POV Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Sasuke Returns to Konoha, Uzumaki Naruto is in Love with Uchiha Sasuke, Boys In Love, Slow Burn, Slow Romance, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Idiots in Love, Falling In Love, sasuke actually wants to become better, One-Sided Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura Needs a Hug, Eventual Smut, Post-Chapter 699 (Naruto), Canon Compliant, Canon Universe, Blank Period (Naruto), Drugs Made Them Do It, Drug Use, Drunk Sex, Getting Together, After Party, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, sasuke never went to jail, Uzumaki Naruto is Bad at Feelings, naruto is actually super in love, But he doesn't know how to handle it

Summary: After the war, Kakashi, the now Sixth Hokage, sees necessary for Sasuke to continue his recovery with Naruto, and puts him in charge of this task. At first, Sasuke has no problem with the idea, but he begins to notice strange behaviors in his friend, things that make him doubt about the relationship”

Detox (20 years together series) by wedonotsow

Dark, kinky modern au. A wonderful writer, authentic-feeling experiences ❤️ Bittersweet with happy ending. 🖤🌶️ also Naruto owns a restaurant in this one and I like to imagine him like Carmie from the Bear 😂 yes chef 😉

“Chapters: 10/10

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Relationships: Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke & Uzumaki Naruto, Naruto - Relationship

Characters: Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Hatake Kakashi, Karin (Naruto)

Additional Tags: Drug Use, Hurt/Comfort, Rehabilitation, True Love, Rough Sex, Pain, Drug Addiction, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Established Relationship, Recovery, Love, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Face Slapping, references to bloodplay, Anal Sex, Healthy Relationships, Angst with a Happy Ending, Shibari, Domestic Fluff

Series: Part 2 of 20 years together AU

Summary: Naruto thought that he'd experienced it all. After 20 years of enmeshed history and 10 years in a committed relationship, they had endured death, betrayal, violence, and even jail; but always inexplicably tied in solid foundation of unconditional love.

Nothing could break them. Naruto had been sure of it. That is: until Sasuke was forced into rehab for a drug addition he had been hiding. To overcome these latest demons they must confront the deepest, darkest parts of themselves. Even the stuff that really, really hurts.

Good thing they are so used to enduring pain”

Let the world burn by newtaste

I like to think this fic is like Bridgerton with teeth. Very sexy and smart with class struggle & character development. The romance is so well done 🔥💙

“Rating: Mature

Relationships: Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto, Nara Shikamaru/Temari

Characters: Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Nara Shikamaru, Uchiha Itachi, Haruno Sakura, Hyuuga Hinata, Hyuuga Neji, Sai (Naruto), Gaara (Naruto), Yamanaka Ino, Temari (Naruto), Hatake Kakashi, Deidara (Naruto), Sarutobi Konohamaru

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Historical, Slow Burn, Yaoi, Enemies to Lovers, Inspired by Bridgerton (TV), Uchiha Sasuke-centric, Period-Typical Homophobia, Hurt/Comfort, First Time, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: Uchiha Sasuke is one of the most eligible bachelors in Konoha, looking for a successful marriage. He is an elitist, a conservative duke who hates people who do not abide by the rules of society.

Uzumaki Naruto is a rebel, a mere commoner, who plans to revolutionize the system that favours only the rich.

When they accidentally meet at the spring ball, none of them suspects their beliefs would be shaken to their core.

The story takes place sometime in the middle of the nineteenth century, in a European setting, during the industrial revolution. Slow burn”

[throwawaybog]

anyone got kakashi centric fic recs?

bamf!kakashi, competent kakashi (cause the man is a genius and i love it oh my GOD) is what im interested in, and it could be anything from canon compliant to canon divergence, minato's team 7, kakashi's team 7. kakashi's anbu days--kakashi's genin days, hatake stuff, kakashi&naruto stuff kakashi&sakura stuff, kakashi&sasuke stuff, kakashi and his ninken--anything!

just not kakashi/sakura please!

and truth be told im not much of a fan on iruka/kakashi, i much prefer kakashi/gai or kakashi/obito. or kakashi/zabuza or kakashi/itachi or kakashi/yams or kakashi/rin or kakashi/shikaku or--well. you get the idea. as long as its not kakashi/his students--but considering kakashi/iruka is a rlly popular ship and features in a lot of kakashi & naruto fics, feel free to rec those too then.

thank you!!!!

EDIT: i see ppl reblogging so ill put the fics that have been recc'd to me here for easier viewing.

@frieria suggested Ourliazo's fics heroes (and other morbid jokes) which is a "really unique take on the time travel premise, featuring a very ruthless bamf Kakashi and Sakumo running after his murder baby" as well as the kakashi ex machina series also by ourliazo.

these are some pulled from my bookmarks:

the A**hole series by crybabyenligne in which kakashi is bamf, a missing nin, and an asshole.

port in a storm, oh blue by fencesit, a oneshot, missing nin kks, and features kakashi/kisame, from kisame's pov

be my love, be my end by andogynousclintbarton, a kakagai fic, MCD, missing nin kakashi is confronted by gai, who has come to put a stop to him

a dog and a shark series by cloudycats. ongoing. kakashi wakes up partnered to kisame in a universe where he committed the uchicha masacre. he copes.

first snow by zombie_honeymoon. kakashi/shisui, marriage hunt, established relationship, oneshot

never count on me by cherlita, a fic that has utterly CONSUMED me. its incomplete, but my god the premise. kiri-born, isobu jinchuuriki kakashi switches place with rokudaime kakashi.

ashes to ashes by megawallflower, in which dai is dead, gai is missing, kakashi has accepted the solo mission to retrieve him, dead or alive

kamui blues universe by butter_peanut, obkk, kakashi and obito escalating from kamui penpals to kamui roommates to more

[cocoacat323]

Naruto Fic Recs

Since so many people liked my svsss rec list I thought I might do one for Naruto, warning all of these are either sasuke-kakashi centric so if you don't like that I recommend you don't read this! Anywho!

heroes come back Summary: Sasuke Uchiha is reborn as Timothy Drake

With Friends Like These Summary:

“I’m from the future—seven years in the future.” There’s a long, drawn-out silence. Itachi’s face is unreadable as he stares at Sasuke. “You’re what?” he finally says.

Sasuke travels back in time to stop the war. He infiltrates the Akatsuki in order to kill them - he doesn't expect to take a page out of Naruto's book and befriend them instead.

CCG Public Enemy No 1 Summary: Kakashi had a single red-and-black eye for more than half his life. Now, he has two.

twist 'verse Summary: Team Seven, in all its iterations, gets fucked over by whatever cosmic powers yet again and time travels/reincarnates/possesses bodies of the Founders. (Note: This is a series not a fic, but I thoroughly enjoyed it so it's making the list anyway.)

Frayed Truths 'verse Summary:

"What are you saying?" Kakashi demands, distress turning his tone harsh. "That you don't know when he'll wake up?" "I'm saying I don't know if he will."

When Itachi uses the Tsukuyomi on his brother that day in the hallway, he miscalculates. In the aftermath, Sakura and Naruto struggle with what it means to be a team and Kakashi sits by the bedside of a boy that might never wake.

A single misstep, and everything changes.

[NOW UNDERGOING EDITING]

(Note: This is also a series and not a fic, I'm sorry about that, but once again it's very good. The series itself has no summary so I went with the summary for the first fic in the series.)

How a Young Heart Really Feels Summary: It was absolutely the most devastating thing to ever happen to him in his six years of life. He knew Uchiha were supposed to love too deeply, but this was ridiculous! He was just a kid, for god's sake! He didn't want to be in love!

Or: Sasuke gets a crush and it messes with best laid plans.

Misrecognition Summary: During the fight on top of the hospital after Itachi's tsukuyomi Sasuke sees Naruto's rasengan and decides that was the final nail to hammer home his weakness, how he would never be able to become stronger than his brother. He was a loser, destined to fail, destined to die. So he might as well die now.

Sasuke tries to use Naruto's rasengan as a means to an end. Friend-killer Kakashi watches this.

Restore My Faith Summary: Sasuke was consumed with hatred because his family was killed. His entire family, not a single person left alive except him and their killer. It was enough to drive someone insane, or into the arms of the first maniac promising him enough power for revenge.

Instead Sasuke finds a little baby Uchiha on a meaningless mission and leaves Konoha for a vastly different reason. (Note: Very literally my favorite fic in the world, of you were to read any fic on this list I beg that it is this one.)

Never Trust Your Rinnegan (Tales of Sasuke's Travels) Summary: "Sasuke isn't in the Elemental Nations.

None of the Elemental Nations have buildings quite like this, people quite like this. Sure, Ame is weird, but this is really pushing it. These people don't have Chakra signatures, they shouldn’t be alive.

The Rinnegan has never teleported him somewhere he hasn’t already gone."

OR: Sasuke is transported to the world of BNHA and has a very hard time trying to get out.

Road to Nowhere Summary: Hitoshi knows there's something wrong with himself before he's even old enough to have a sense of self. He looks at his reflection and knows that the infant looking back at him isn't what he should be seeing.

His dreams are a maelstrom of grief and fear, his mind overwhelmed with a lifetime of emotions his brain isn't developed enough to comprehend. There's an ingrained instinct blaring that everything is wrong wrong wrong.

--

In which Hatake Kakashi is reincarnated as Shinsou Hitoshi, and he wants nothing to do with this world's so-called "heroes."

A step to the left (and right off the cliff) Summary: Team Seven starts off on a different foot and Sasuke's canonical journey to get stronger goes off the rails a bit. It all works out though. Probably.

[lavender-long-stories]

I know I just got done with a pile of Halloween one-shots but last year I did a series of 12 One-Shots of Christmas last year and plan to do something like it again. As I don't normally do prompts, requests, or commissions, I like to use these one-shots to do some requests that have been asked of me throughout the year.

Request can be for a dynamic, trope, pairing, vibes, etc. It doesn't have to be concrete, tho it may help.

Requests do not need to be Christmas-themed but will likely be written in a winter setting.

Requests can be a bonus chapter on a completed story. (I have done holiday chapters for What He Left Behind and Lavender Umbrellas in the past.)

Any winter-themed scenarios are appreciated.

When requesting, please keep in mind what I write. I write mostly fluff/angst, slice-of-life, non-smut Hinata-centric rare-pair content. So, I believe it is obvious that I will not be writing NaruHina smut on request. (There are plenty of lovely writers who will.)

All stories will have a happy ending. 🔪

Requests can be made in the comment section of this post, in a DM, in an ASK, or on Discord if you are on a server with me.

Requests that do not make it to the series will remain on my request list for next year or the next time I write a pile of one-shots (SasuHina month, for example)

For those who are curious about what I have written in the past, here is a link to last year's holiday one-shots, and here is a link to my usual work.

Pairing I have done for easy reference: Hinata/Sasuke, Hinata/Itachi, Kisame/Hinata, Gaara/Hinata, Hinata/Shikamaru, Hidan/Hinata, Hinata/Ino, Hinata/Sasori, Hinata/Lee, Fugaku&Hinata (platonic fluff)

Pairings I will be doing in the near future: Choji/Hinata. Deidara/Hinata, Kankuro/Hinata