My Epiphany

(A sudden realization of the truth)

By Darks

Summary: Father/son relationship of Kakashi and Sasuke. Itachi's back for Sasuke. Kakashi will do anything to keep Sasuke safe, even if it means his life. Kaskashi forces Sasuke to move into his house with him to save him from his own flesh and blood...

A/N: Hey guys, how are you doing? This is an AU story, where Itachi is not dead yet. It is two years in the future. Can someone please tell me Itachi's partner's name? You know the one that looks like a shark? THANKS!

Chapter 1: The Origin

I didn't know how I was going to tell him. Tell Sasuke. How was I going to tell him his brother is back? Who knows what that would do to Sasuke's physical condition...Not to mention his mental state.

I know Sasuke pretty well; sure, I am his teacher, after all. But when it came to Itachi...All truth banishes from Sasuke's mind, and is replaced by anger. He will get himself killed. But, I'm not the type to hide things from people.

It was Tsunade (Did I spell that right? Sorry if I didn't) who spotted Itachi in the Village Hidden in the Leaves when she went to go for a night walk. She found him near Sasuke's house, just observing his brother from the window, who was sleeping. Tsunade, knowing it would be unwise to go against him since even I, the great Kaskashi had troubles with him. So, she threw can, just to startle him and get him aware someone was watching him. Then he ran off, knowing someone was watching him. After all, he is an s-ranked criminal in Hidden in the Leaves. But she knew he would be back.

"Are you sure?" I asked her, with worry in my voice.

Oh, Sasuke, please don't know this information yet...

"Of course, Kaskashi, I saw him with my own eyes." Tsunade told me.

We were in her office in a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Birds were chirping outside Tsunade's office, and warmth of the sun poured into the office.

"Does Sasuke know?" I asked with worry, rubbing my face with my left hand in frustration.

"Of course not! You are the first one to know this. I told you first, since you are the one closest and in charge of our little Sasuke. God knows what Sasuke would do if he knew his brother was in Hidden in the Leaves!"

"It's obvious Itachi's after his little brother," continued Tsunade, "I caught him watching his brother sleep. It looked he was going to kidnap him at any moment."

I chewed on this thought, my eyes closed; I leaned back on my chair, and wrapped my arms around myself.

"Are you falling asleep on me, Kakashi?" asked Tsunade, upset.

"No. I'm thinking," I said, deep in thought.

Then it hit me. Sasuke needs protection. Believe it or not, Sasuke is very sensitive, even though he does not seem like it. He's most likely the most sensitive of the whole Team Seven. He needs someone to be there for him, to make sure he doesn't get hurt.

"Tsunade?" I said, my eyes still closed.

"What is it, Kakashi?"

"As long as Sasuke's safety is at risk, I am going to suggest that I, Kakashi, look after Sasuke. Let him come to come house, under my care."

"But we both know Sasuke won't go along with this, especially with no reason! "

"We'll tell him I want to do more training with him. Nothing about Itachi. I'll be his guardian. And if he doesn't...I guess we will have to use force."

"Kakashi, to force your own student to live with you...You sound like you're going to rape him!"

They both laughed at Tsunade's joke.

Then Tsunade got serious again, her brown eyes narrowing as she said: "how can we guarantee his safety? I mean, not even you yourself couldn't even match against Itachi.

"True," I admitted, "but I got stronger the past two years. I love that kid like a son, Tsunade. I will protect him with my life. Please, Tsunade. Please, I'm begging you. I am the best candidate, you said it yourself, Sasuke is closest to me. I have a feeling he will be most comfortable living with me. "

Then was the starring contest. When Tsunade saw how serious I was in my eyes...I mean, in my one eye, she sighed.

"Fine. Sasuke will be in your care. But if you let anything happen to that kid..." She warned.

"My life's on the line, too, Tsunade, don't worry – his life is my life."

Origin – The beginning, the start.