Disclaimer: Guess what, I don't own Naruto. Shocker, right?
I was writing the next chapter for my other fic, Changing Fate, and suddenly this idea popped into my head. A sort of story revolving around Itachi, and the events surrounding his entry into and career in the group, Akatsuki. I have big plans for this story, even moreso than my other, so after the canon-related events, I aim to add a plethora of plot and action.
Other than that, I hope you enjoy it!
Moonlight shone down upon the village of Konoha, its luminance intense enough to simulate a second twilight across the streets. A single figure strolled throughout the alleys, eventually reaching a large complex of buildings. Emblazoned upon the gateway was a paper fan, the crimson and white hues dimly visible in the night.
Walking under the arch, the shadowy form continued on, passing the abodes of slumbering denizens. Soon, he reached the block's end, an all too familiar locale. To his right lay adorned another painted fan, though cracked along with the unfixed wall. The radiance reflecting from the figure's face revealed repulsion as distant eyes drifted away.
Arriving at the sliding door, the male pressed it open, entering the dark room. Crossing through the foyer and kitchen, he exited into the park-like interior of the home. Steps creaked against the wooden walkway to the left, gradually approaching nearer. The source exposed itself to be a young boy, confusion within his jet black eyes.
"Nii-san, why are you out so late?" the smaller male questioned curiously.
"It's nothing to worry about; I couldn't sleep so I took a stroll about the village," the other replied. "Shouldn't you be in bed also, Sasuke?"
Sasuke pried on, "I guess, but I was just worried about you, nii-san. Things between you and otou-san have been tense lately, and –"
"Don't worry; I can take care of myself fine." The speaker noticed the doubtfulness still remaining in his younger brother's eyes. "How about tomorrow, we have that shuriken training session you've been craving so badly."
"Really? Alright, then I better get some rest; I'll be sure to impress you, nii-san!" With those last words of excitement, Sasuke chased back to his quarters with a purpose, leaving his brother.
The one known as Uchiha Itachi resumed his journey through his home, soon pausing at another screened door. Opening it, the familiar setting of his bedroom came into view. Not bothering to dress down, Itachi dropped onto his thin mattress, gazing at the smooth ceiling.
Uchiha, what an accursed clan.
Apathy and resentment were the only two feelings remaining in his disposition towards his hierarchy. All of them were self-righteous fools; they took in stride their noble status, placing ties with and protection of Konoha before welfare of the clan members. He knew better, though.
Months ago, Itachi had stumbled across the terrible truth within the Uchiha shrine. Beneath one of the loose tiles lay a trapdoor, hidden in hopes of erasing the past. Traveling down the tunnel had proved to be a fairly simple task. At the end, though, lay the bona fide reality, contradictory of every last noble ideal withstanding in his reasoning.
In fact, his clan, previous to the establishment of Konohagakure, carried no valiant purpose whatsoever; the scroll had revealed that much of the scathing truth. Even more shockingly, however, lay described the bloodlust that Uchiha was founded upon. Once reputed as the Scourge of the Fire, clan members shared an unquenchable lust for power, no matter what the cost. They terrorized civilians and shinobi alike to achieve superiority, methods of torture beyond no other. Katon jutsu, trademark of every Uchiha ninja, had been a principal derivative of this pain. Scorch marks, more often then not, plagued the unfortunate victims who had the luck of encountering one of the cold-blooded killers.
Most horrifying in the scroll, though, lay the purpose of the kekkai genkai bestowed upon the Uchiha name, the Sharingan. Itachi had read in uncharacteristic horror of the unimaginable origins and purpose of the infamous döjutsu.
Withdrawing from his thoughts, the sullen shinobi caught eyes with those of his loathsome father, or rather his picture. Slowly rising, Itachi trudged over to the frame's position upon the wall. Solemnity radiated from the captured eyes of Fugaku, his father, along with the arrogant superiority he aired. Disgust – that was the only feeling remaining towards the vain man.
The Uchiha name; it's all that matters to him. The troubled nin glared at the firm hand gripping his shoulder in the photo. A pawn, that's all he ever intended me to be. All of them, they see me as the link to the rest of the village, the 'pipe' as tou-san would say.
Itachi subconsciously traced his hardened fingers along the wooden desk below. Pale skin grazed against hard porcelain, awakening the Uchiha from reflection. Dropping his gaze revealed the digits pressed against an animal mask, hollowly returning the stare.
ANBU, hn. The focal point of my showcased life to this worthless clan; the same words are replayed over and over, as to constantly reiterate the 'importance' of this tribe to Konoha. Uchiha Itachi – Graduated from the Academy at age seven; Mastered Sharingan at eight; Chünin by ten; and then of course, ANBU almost a year ago, at age thirteen.
Raising his view back at the photograph, the collected shinobi shifted his gaze from the stern male to his mother, Mikoto. Her smile, the only genuine trait in the entire piece, portrayed a love of her kin, one unshared by the rest. Itachi, despite his hatred of the majority of the clan, felt a shallow form of pity towards the woman. Naivety, he presumed, had clouded her judgment when the chance of marrying into the wretched, noble family had arisen.
He followed her slender arms down into the embrace of the smaller male. The picture had caught his squirming beneath the woman's limbs, creating an awkward position. Sasuke, the only remaining untainted piece in this conspiring puzzle of deception.
However, Itachi realized, that could quickly change. Sasuke had recently acquired the ability to perform Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu, thus being recognized by the clan hierarchy. Only a matter of weeks before the Uchiha brainwashing would eliminate his selfreliance. Only by chance did I release myself from the deception.
Retreating his focus from the contemptuous portrait, senses suddenly alerted the nin to soft footsteps beyond the screen. Wrenching a kunai out of its case, Itachi armed himself as the outside shadow approached.
Door sliding ajar, a monstrous figure stepped through, clearly an intruder to the complex, let alone the entirety of Konohagakure. Black shifting to crimson-hued eyes, Itachi instantly charged at the other, intent on silencing the invader indefinitely. Just before the kunai reached its fatal mark, a series of olive-tinted vines swiftly immobilized the aggressor to a standstill.
"Is that how all Uchiha greet their guests?" the plant-consumed ninja taunted. He slacked the vice grip of the attack, causing Itachi's arms into a lax state.
"Hn, it's just you, Zetsu-san," he dully replied, withdrawing the kunai. "Why are you here in this hell?"
"Always straight to the point, in your apathetic way," the one known as Zetsu responded. "Before I get to the purpose of this visit, I must implore you to quench my curiosity. Did you kill him?"
"Yes, the blood of Uchiha Shisui lies on my hands," Itachi remarked. "Yet framing it as a suicide did not fold out according to plan."
"So, are you now in possession of that döjutsu, Itachi-san?"
Advancing towards his mattress, an air of indifference surrounded the interrogated shinobi. "Whether I have obtained it or not is none of your concern," Itachi retorted, taking a seat.
"Ah, but it does," the other hinted sinisterly, "Our leader is highly interested in this Mangekyö Sharingan of the Uchiha clan. If you have failed in acquiring those eyes, then your admission into Akatsuki negates." Zetsu observed the Uchiha, clearly ignoring his warnings, before adding, "It would be a shame to kill you."
The dark-haired nin defiantly stared down the hybrid shinobi, irritated by his careless threats. "Don't underestimate the power of this monstrous clan, especially one who has fulfilled its true purpose," his eyes shone crimson, three tomoe rapidly spiraling around each pupil. "What was inscribed on the scroll came to pass."
"Of course, Itachi-san. He, along with the entire organization, will be greatly pleased to see your acclaimed ability." The speaker shifted his head, taking in the glowing night sky above. Pale moonlight radiated down upon his plant-like features, an eerie aura enveloping his persona.
"Hmm, the full moon arrives tomorrow; the date of your test has finally approached." Zetsu waited for the Uchiha's response, but only silence greeted the male. "Are you clear on the task at hand?"
"Hn." Annoyance laced in his words, the offended shinobi replied, "You're chiding is uncalled for; killing in cold blood is not such an outlandish idea. If that is your only mission for visiting at this hour, then leave."
"You insult me; I know perfectly well of your heartlessness. Rather, my purpose for this occasion regards the aftermath of this task," his words finally drew the attention of the disinterested other. "As soon as you're completed, one of our elite will linger around the gates of Konoha. Pursuit by this village's ANBU squad is inevitable, but it should serve as a minor nuisance. Nothing you'd be unable to handle of course, being the captain of said squad."
Itachi spun the unsheathed metallic weapon around his finger as in habit, but then abruptly released it. The kunai surged past the Akatsuki member into the glass frame residing on the wall. Glass cracked around where sharp metal had punctured the face of his detested father.
"I understand; now, leave," the malicious Uchiha ordered, murderous intent embracing each word.
"As you wish, Itachi-san," Zetsu reconciled. "Remember, conduct this according to plan; all of them must be slaughtered." Catching another deadly stare, the misshapen shinobi receded, disappearing into the silent night.
Tomoe reverting back to singular pupils, the male shoved the wooden screen shut, force quivering the entire barrier. Instinctive footsteps led him back to the bed, once again collapsing upon the comfortable mattress. One last time, Itachi recalled the past thirteen years of his turbulent life.
Deception reaches its finale tomorrow. Unlike their pretenses, I won't forsake the true meaning of horrendous Uchiha just for position. The nin slowly relaxed his eyes, desperately requiring slumber in order for the imminent peril.
Tomorrow…
Dawn rose upon the resting, pale body of Uchiha Itachi. Red tinted light grazed his features, warmth causing him to awaken. Slowly stretching, he slipped out of yesterday's outfit then donned one of his slate-colored tunics. Picking up a slightly tarnished sword, one designated to his person signifying placement in ANBU, he exited the silent room.
Marching along the wooden walkway, he tensely past his father. The two viciously locked eyes momentarily before continuing on their separate ways. Itachi briefly walked on, shortly entering the vacated kitchen. Taking a seat, he initiated the process of polishing the dirtied weapon in his possession. I wouldn't want my appearance to be anything other than the superior Uchiha way, especially in this situation.
Halfway through cleansing the heavy metal, the anxious male caught glimpse of Sasuke. "Nii-san, we're still going to finally have our shuriken practice, right?" he expectantly questioned.
Itachi glanced down at the slightly shining sword before returning eye contact with his brother. "Not today, Sasuke, I am very busy," he answered, forged sympathy hinted in his tone.
"But, nii-san, you always say we'll practice tomorrow, but it never comes," the other pouted, disappointed. He watched as Itachi gestured his hand, beckoning for the child to approach. Sasuke rushed towards the person, greeted by a rough tap to the forehead.
Why is he smiling? The grin of his younger brother protruded throughout his psyche. "I'm sorry, Sasuke; maybe another time," he falsely assured. With that, the male turned his attention back to his blade as Sasuke exited the household. Sounds of pounding footsteps echoed away as the oblivious, young Uchiha journeyed to the Academy.
Moments later the shinobi dropped the ragged cloth, completing the menial task. Birds chirped melodically from a nearby tree, their melody creating a calm atmosphere as it enveloped the chamber.
Ah, the calm before the storm. Shimmering in his palms rested steel, reflecting the countenance of its wielder. Gripping the handle, Itachi slowly sheathed the weapon into its unadorned mantle. Strapping it against his back, the Uchiha glided out of his residence into the complex's boulevards.
Soon.
Dusk approached, golden skies glimmering across Konohagakure. Throughout the Uchiha complex, businesses wounded up their activity, preparing for the day's end. High above waited a malicious shadow, eyeing the world below. The slight scraping of metal against the roof echoed around the lonely form.
He watched as the blood-red heavenly body sank behind the horizon, creating a slightly demonic twilight. Tinged red, too, laid the moon, raising across the sky and reflecting the light of the crimson sun.
The hour of reckoning has finally arrived. Diving off the elevated structure, the elusive form suddenly landed among the scuttling shop keeps, sword also dazzling in the red glow. He turned around, looking individually at each surprised clan member.
"Itachi-kun, is that you? Why on earth do you have –" the curious vendor never finished his phrase, sliced in half by the cold blade of Itachi. Sword in hand, the shinobi thrashed through the other three surprised victims. Screams resonated throughout the area, resulting in the appearance of several armed shinobi bearing the Uchiha crest.
"You dare betray our clan like this, Itachi?!" bellowed one of the rough faced nin. Pulling out multiple shuriken, he hastily slung the missiles at the rogue. Sharingan activated, the target swiftly evaded each before plunging his already bloody sword into the aggressor. Slashing through muscle, he quickly massacred with ease the remainder before hitting the dirt.
Rotating to his left, Itachi sensed another squadron of the avengers congregating on his position. Forming hand seals at an impossible speed, the cold Uchiha summoned chakra into his lungs. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" he shouted, spewing fire onto the approaching attackers. Painful moans escaped from the inferno, immediately incinerating the would-be retaliators.
Continuing on the rampage, the disturbed shinobi slaughterd an increasing number of the accursed clansmen. Among his victims included Uchiha Teyaki and Uchiha Uruchi, his aunt and uncle, those who looked upon him as an item, rather than an actual person.
Pausing, Itachi surveyed the handiwork of his effort. Bodies of the fallen Uchiha hierarchy sprawled throughout the once bustling streets. Hypocrisy has almost been eradicated.
Pleased, the ninja walked down the silent avenues, travelling a familiar path. Reaching a mahogany screen, metal greeted wood, shredding it to bits. Stepping through, he spotted a male and female, surprised at the intrusion.
"Otou-san; Okaa-san; please, sit down," maliciously sneered Itachi.
Bloodied heavens faded into hushed night, the pale full moon shimmering radiance upon the earth. On a tower above, the light equally blended with the pale skin of the sentinel. Scouting the vicinity, a small male dashed into the deathbed, alerting the watcher's attention. Instinctively, the guard brought fingers to his chest, disappearing in a shift of light smoke.
Within the chambers of the once magnificent complex, Uchiha Itachi continued his torture upon the hated Fugaku and pitiful Mikoto.
"These eyes, they've opened you both to the truth; the horrid lies of Uchiha end today," he scolded, eyes morphing into a normal state. Abruptly, a shock of information entered his intellect, a smirk rising to his visage.
"Ah, Sasuke comes," he calmly declared. "I would have enjoyed playing with you two longer, but the time has come. Be grateful that both of your shameful lives will be cut short by one deserving of this accursed gift." Metal ascended above his exhausted parents, unable to break the ties bounding them. Sharply crashing the sword down, Itachi heard his mother scream briefly, before collapsing to the bloodied ground.
Within seconds, the entrance to the room burst open, revealing the anxious person of Sasuke. Jaw literally dropping, the young Uchiha panicked at the horrifying sight. "Tou-san!? Kaa-san?!?"
Within the shadows, the murderer watched the eyes of his smaller brother lock on his image. Stepping into the light, the dark-haired shinobi entered the pale glow of the moon, causing the other to enter further in his shock.
"Nii-san! Who did this?! Why are they…" A dawning of realization crossed the countenance of Sasuke. "Why, nii-san! How could you?!" Rage consumed him resulting in a blind charge towards the unfeeling male. However, midway through his rush a knee struck his stomach, releasing a strained gasp. Sasuke sorrowfully gazed at his maimed parents before glancing up at Itachi, watching the eyes of his brother close. Reopening slowly, they revealed black shuriken-like shapes surrounding each pupil. Stepping back in fear, the boy fled, hastening out of the room.
His cowardice is pathetic.
Pounding down the blood-spattered streets, Uchiha Sasuke ran for his life, desperate to escape his murderous brother. Looking back, there was no trace of the heartless man in pursuit, resulting in a gradual stop. Adjusting his view back front, he froze in terror at the display of the looming figure.
Itachi stared down, locking eyes with the petrified individual. Succeeding in gaining the desired contact, the Sharingan user instantaneously summoned chakra to his glowering eyes. "Mangekyö Sharingan."
World morphing around the two, a crimson moon emerged into a distorted, ginger sky. All objects in the vicinity, including the Uchiha brothers, changed into shadows. Sasuke shuddered in horror as he witnessed the events of his entire clan being slaughtered before him. "Why are you showing me this?!" he anguished, trying to erase the image from his mind.
"You will see the death of our clan for the next twenty-four hours, as punishment for your cowardice," Itachi sentenced. Continued screams of agony plagued the heavy air until the torturous jutsu finally came to an end. The area around them relapsed back to the jet black night, moonlight still shining upon the duo.
"Why did you do this, nii-san?" he cried, tears streaming down his pale face.
"To test my ability," the cold nin replied indifferently.
"Just to test your ability?! You killed our entire clan, just for that!" Barely seconds passed by before a forceful blow struck the boy's back, collapsing his body into the paved stone.
"Please don't kill me…" Sasuke panted, struggling on all fours to regain his composure.
"Foolish little brother, you aren't even worth killing," Itachi reprimanded the emotionally scarred boy. "That döjutsu; its source comes from these eyes – the Mangekyö Sharingan. Its immense power, however, comes with a price. You must murder your best friend."
"Shisui…" the other softly replied.
Hn, he's realized the truth. A slight trace of remorse entered his being, recalling his thoughts from the night before. The only untainted piece…Perhaps…
"Located within the Uchiha shrine, under the cracked tile, the truth lies in wait. If I am correct, you have the ability to obtain the true purpose of Uchiha."
Sensing the hatred radiated from the slowly fainting boy, the male resumed his montage, "If you wish to kill me, hate me, despise me, and live on in such an unsightly way. Do not come before me without possessing these eyes; your efforts will be naught."
Losing consciousness, the younger Uchiha passed out, harsh words still presumably ringing in his mind. Taking one last inspection of the gruesome carnage, Itachi jolted away from the Uchiha complex. Step after step, traditions, history, bonds; all viewable corruptions erased from his person.
In the distance, the massive gates of Konoha towered above the rest of the village. Greenery rapidly drew nearer as he quickened his pace. There haven't been any signs of pursuit yet; their screams weren't loud enough to alert ANBU.
Immediately before departing, the shinobi came to a slow stop. Stripping his headband and pulling out a sharp kunai, he dug the point of the weapon into the plate's metal. A deep scratch gashed through the admirable symbol of Konoha. Farewell.
Passing underneath the stone gateway, Itachi sped into the outer forests. Leaves and branches scratching across his fair skin, a small clearing materialized in his vision. Water speedily flowed between jagged rocks, disappearing into the trees further ahead.
Parked upon one of the serrated stones, a shrouded figure acknowledged the appearance of the flustered, pale shinobi. A brittle, straw hat concealed his features, along with a black cloak adorned with multiple red clouds.
As the Uchiha approached, the shadow rose, tossing aside the headwear. Blond hair swooned out, covering the male's left eye, but restricted by a ponytail. Curiously studying the dark shinobi, a smug grin traversed his expression.
"Uchiha Itachi, hmm. I'm not impressed."
Chapter 1 - Fin. A little slow, as this chapter needed to be mostly canon due to the Uchiha massacre. However, I'll be entering my own timeline of events from this chapter on, including correcting a plothole or two that occurs in the manga. Other than that, pour in those reviews, feedback is always appreciated.