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Pale fingers snaked their way up young flesh; guiding the blade in the boy's hand. Yellow eyes remained unblinking; taking in the sight before them. A table sat in front of them, another young man strapped and shirtless upon it; blindfolded and sightless to all but darkness.
"You must press harder Sasuke," hissed Orochimaru; his tongue wetting the shell of the Uchiha's ear. "The skin will only break if you want it to; you must want to see blood and inflict pain."
Sasuke's hand was shaking in his master's grip. The blade he held reflecting light from the single bulb that hung above his head. "What does this have to do with obtaining power? I don't see how torturing som…"
"You'll do as I say boy," Orochimaru interrupted, quickly but calmly. "You came to me; wanting power and revenge." The snake's unoccupied arm came around and cupped his apprentice's chin. "If you wish to kill your brother, you must first learn how to look at death in the face." The Sannin uncurled himself from Sasuke and went to the other side of the table; removing the blindfold from it's occupant. "Begin."
Sasuke kept his eyes on the boy's heaving chest, not wanting to see the terror in his eyes. I have to do this; it's the only way. Sasuke brought the scalpel down slowly towards the boy's right arm; placing it gently within the dip of the elbow; arm facing upwards. I'm sorry.
Sasuke did as instructed and pressed down hard on the knife; watching as blood seeped from the broken skin. The boy on the table began to thrash around; limbs straining against the ropes that bound him. Sasuke was almost glad for the gag in the boy's mouth, so that he did not hear his screams. That thought sickened him.
"The first cut is always the hardest," said Orochimaru. "Keep at it and you may find that it becomes fun."
Closing his eyes, Sasuke retracted his hand; the sickness churning in his stomach. "I can't do it anymore; I won't."
The slits in the snake-man's eyes narrowed. "You refuse? How do you expect to kill your brother if you're this weak against a stranger?"
"No!" he screamed. "I can kill Itachi, but I won't become him. Just keep your promise and teach me your power."
Orochimaru calmed himself and smiled; taking the knife from Sasuke's hand. "Fine, but remember this: mercy is for the weak."
Sasuke watched as Orochimaru plunged the knife into the boy's neck; blood pouring as he gasped for breath. Itachi, I promise; yours is the only life I'll take. I hope.
The snake-man laughed as Sasuke swallowed the bile in his throat.