I write this to keep myself sane. It has come to my knowledge that the end is soon approaching. For me that is. I will soon be faced with a death that I am willing myself to accept. It is unlikely that this will take place today or tomorrow, but it is bound to happen sooner than most would hope.

I once dreamed of a fulfilled life. I wanted to grow to become stronger than my father, to lead and to protect the future generations. I grew up in a world of which no child should be subjected to.

Many praised my maturity, but I see it as a curse. At the age of seven I witnessed my brethren succumb to death on the battle field. These memories have haunted and hardened me, so perhaps that lead me to the situation of which I am currently faced with.

I believe that children should have the right to remain pure. They know nothing of the rights and the wrongs of this world. I wish to protect this innocence. The right of which I was robbed.

I made it my duty to protect my kid brother from this fate, and now I feel I have failed him. I love my dear Sasuke, which is why I could not bear allowing the elders to punish him for the affairs of our clan. This is a painful task that I must preform, but I would do it a hundred times over for his sake. I only hope that some day he will understand and find it in his heart to forgive me for this deed that I will preform.

Tonight I will take the lives of those who are dear to me. I will massacre my mother, father, and lover, as well as the rest of my clan. I will carry the burden and stain my hands with their blood for the sake of this village and my dear younger brother.

This will be a challenge like no others I have faced. Their screams and the pained faces will not taunt me as badly as I know Sasuke's will. My biggest fear has always been allowing myself to let him down. Yet here I am, preparing to do just that.

Duty awaits me, so I feel that this letter must come to an end. I would like to finish this by asking for a few request. I have always known that my brother will grow to be strong. I pray that he will not let this tragedy forever hinder him. I wish for Sasuke to find love and companionship in those around him. He has always been the antisocial type, so hopefully he will grow out of this and allow love into his heart. Lastly, I wish for him to hate me. I know this is quite selfish, but I wish for him to save all of his anger, pain, and fears for me. This is my last request as his older brother. I want to teach him to become stronger, and I can't help but want to suffer for the crimes I will commit.

May my family, friends, and dearly beloved brother find peace.

-Itachi Uchiha