((Disclaimer: I Don't Own Naruto or Any Character Related to the Series))

A/N: I was basically playing with a lot of "what if" ideas in my head and finally decided to write them down. This is a Sasuke fanfic with different histories of certain main characters hence an AU (alternate universe). For that reason I encourage you to read, enjoy and review (and don't complain about inconsistencies with the ongoing series).

Chapter 1 – Dark Ambitions

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

Suddenly a large flaming orb raced across the lake causing steam to rise up in its wake. At the bank of the lake, Sasuke was kneeled over in exhaustion from using the technique. For the past three days he had been here training to better himself, unable to understand why the ANBU didn't accept him. Despite his age, the young Uchiha believed his skills were enough to join the elite task force. He also believed joining Konoha's ANBU would get him closer to the revenge he desired. That was all a memory now.

Sasuke's confidence led him to refuse being placed on a genin squad after graduation. Because of this his entire graduating class was assigned to jonin leaders without him. Sasuke however didn't care. The rage inside him was driving him forward on a path that didn't require teammates or friends. At times he considered if he even needed the Leaf Village at all. But outside of his vengeful path the young shinobi wanted something more. Sasuke wished to revive the Uchiha name and restore his clan notoriety by becoming Hokage.

Sasuke prepared to go back to the village when Izumo and Kotetsu dropped in behind him. Sasuke ignored their presence and walked on ahead as the two scoped him out.

"Hey kid, are you Sasuke Uchiha," Izumo called, stalling Sasuke who remained quiet.

"Hey kid, did you hear him," Kotetsu spoke up grabbing his arm. Sasuke looked over his shoulder into Kotetsu's eyes and in an instance his sharingan activated unnerving the chunin. "So this is the Uchiha's sharingan."

"Kotetsu," Izumo yelled, snapping his partner out of his trance. Sasuke's sharingan faded as Izumo presented him with a letter addressed from the Hokage. "We were sent here to deliver this to you."

Sasuke grunted, taking the letter and walking off. Izumo checked on his partner who was still slightly uneasy. That was the first time he had witnessed the sharingan up close but what startled him more was Sasuke's intent. For a brief moment, Kotetsu felt as if he was going to die. As the Uchiha vanished from their sight Izumo was quick to begin laughing.

"I can't believe you were bitched by a genin," he taunted, provoking Kotetsu to punch him.

"I didn't see you doing anything punk."

Sasuke made his way to the top of the Hokage's residence per his request. The Third was already there waiting on him while gazing out upon the village. The letter didn't tell him much but he assumed it was related to his current status as a genin. Since he wasn't assigned a squad and couldn't join Black Ops he was stuck at a crossroads. Genin weren't allowed on solo missions outside of the village and most missions within the village were D-rank or lower, all of which he refused to accept.

"Sasuke Uchiha… I've been informed you weren't accepted into the ANBU's ranks. Do you know why?" the Third asked him as the young shinobi walked beside him to which he only shrugged his shoulders. "It's because you lack teamwork. Just like genin squads, the ANBU rely on their teammates to effectively complete mission. If one were to stray from the team acting selfishly the mission fails and Konoha suffers for it."

"What I have to do… others wouldn't understand," Sasuke returned, attempting to excuse his actions.

"You're right," he agreed, recalling the night his Uchiha Clan was murdered. That day Sasuke vowed to avenge his family and clan as the last of the Uchiha by killing the one responsible. Sarutobi took it upon himself to help Sasuke achieve this goal out of guilt. However a part of him believed Sasuke could abolish this hatred.

"Then help me; reverse the ANBU's decision," he demanded.

"I won't do that because it was me who told the ANBU to reject your admission."

"What the hell!" Sasuke yelled outraged, spontaneously activating his sharingan. "How dare you rob me-"

"Rob you of what? Your life," he interrupted. "The ANBU are an elite guard that protects the Leaf Village and serve the Hokage yet you can't seem to do either. And have you've forgotten what that man did. You've only recently graduated from the Ninja Academy as a genin and you want to confront the man who killed your entire clan."

"…" Sasuke was speechless as the Hokage removed his hat and stared down at the village.

"The people in this village remember the Uchiha massacre as only that, 'a massacre.' If you were to avenge your clan by distancing yourself away from the people in this village the Uchiha would only be recognized as heartless murders that attack their own kind. But restoring the Uchiha's glory within Konoha will require you to be acknowledged by your peers, older and younger."

"Once I become Hokage…" he paused looking over the Third's hat down to the village. He always thought that restoring the Uchiha name was a secondary task to his vengeance. Yet the Third Hokage knew different. His vengeance meant sacrifice his clan's restoration; at the same time the reverse also held true. It was a conflict of interest that one day he'd have to face.

"Third Hokage, I'm here," a woman called bowing down behind them, prompting Sarutobi to wear his hat.

"Who is that…?" Sasuke thought not recognizing the relatively young shinobi before them.

Sarutobi coughed, "Ah yes, Anko… you're early."

Her face dramatically blanked out then returned to normal as she laughed it off, "What? I suppose I am a little early. I guess that means you haven't told him yet."

"No, I haven't…" he shared as Sasuke became irritated by the secret conversation.

"Who in the hell are you…?"

"Why you little brat, who in the hell do you think you are," Anko shouted, straightening her hand to call down a kunai from her sleeve.

"Sasuke Uchiha…" the Hokage interrupted them, "meet your jonin squad leader… Anko Mitarashi…"

A/N: So that was the set up to what I hopes becomes a good fanfic. Leave reviews if you like it and I'll write more.