PLEASE READ: If you have not read Daybreak then this probably won't make much sense. Sorry about that...
First big thank you to CrazyBitchWithAKunai for helping me think up this title and beta-ing this chapter, and of course to those who read Daybreak. Seriously after I finish this I promise I will go back and correct all the mistakes in there.
Spoilers: No spoilers past episode 200/manga chapter 457 (roughly). Yeah... Still haven't got round to starting the manga yet...
Pairings: Apart from PeinKonan and AsumaKurenai I'm going to leave the pairings completely open to interpretation again. So if you squint a certain way you may see a pairing you like.
Rating: Same as Daybreak, only rated for violence and language. Also there will be more character deaths... Because I'm heartless like that.
Chapter updates: Sadly they will be nowhere near as fast as they were when I was writing Daybreak... The only reason they came out so quickly was because it was summer and my friends were all on holiday... But I'll try and update once a week :)
Summary:
"Kakashi knew this day would come. He had hoped, feared and waited for five long years… Now the moment has finally arrived… And with every agonising second it's slowly dissolving into a nightmare."
Five years has passed since the tower has fallen. Five blissful years of peace and democracy. Until… Mysterious deaths begin to occur across the city. Kakashi, now enrolled in the police force, is placed within the investigation team. As Kakashi delves further into the bizarre cases a pattern emerges in the killings. Majors across the city are being targeted and ruthlessly assassinated.
Only Kakashi and the former Akatsuki members can find out the truth behind the murders and stop the city from falling into chaos. But when they discover who is behind the murders it will shake the very foundations of their friendship.
Soon the friends will be forced into making a heart breaking decision. Whatever they choose, whether they like it or not, the fate of the city will rest once more in the palms of their hands
Hope you like the chapter and any constructive criticism is welcome!
Chapter 1: The Beginning of Blindness
"Initially the city was first founded by Senju Hashirama. Countries were at war and the land was being torn apart. This lasted for decades until Hashirama rose up from seemingly nowhere, and after a battle against Uchiha Madara peace was finally made."
"Uchiha Madara?" Naruto calls out from the back of the classroom. "Does that mean Uchiha Itachi is related to him?"
The history teacher, Umino Iruka, pulls a slightly pained face at Naruto's interruption. "Yes Itachi is a descendant of Uchiha Madara but," he says loudly as students begin to mutter amongst themselves. "The Uchiha family were well respected in the city, after all, Madara and Hashirama set up the city together. The Uchihas' founded the police force."
Naruto's face falls slightly when he hears the word 'were'. Itachi is now the only remaining member of the Uchiha family left in the city. He stares blankly at his notes as Iruka continues to narrate the city's history. Even after five years Naruto's still asking why his best friend, Sasuke, left without a word or even a single backward glance.
"Senju Hashirama's brother, Senju Tobirama, was next to lead the city. During his time the city still maintained its links with the outside countries, as neutrality was then established across the land. Tobirama encouraged trade links."
Bored now, Naruto gazes around the room until he spots a head of pink hair two rows in front of him. A devious grin flashes across his face and Naruto flicks to a new page in his exercise book and scrawls Sakura-chan! Want to go on a date with me? Laughing to himself Naruto rips the note out and starts to fold it into a paper aeroplane.
"Because that'll work," a voice mutters. Naruto tilts his head to the left to see vaguely amused gleam in Gaara's eyes. Naruto flashes a grin in a reply and as soon as Iruka's back is turned he lobs the aeroplane in Sakura's direction. It swoops lazily and hits Shikamaru in the back of his head instead. Shikamaru doesn't even bother raising his head from his desk.
"It was only when Danzo came into power that the city lost its links to the outside world as the city had become entirely self-sufficient. No one knows what the land is like outside now or even how to get out," Iruka tells the class as he turns around. Then he spots Naruto who's standing up with his second aeroplane. "NARUTO!" He screams. Naruto grins sheepishly while the class wakes up from their stupor and laughs.
Just as Iruka's face transforms into an alarming shade of puce the bell rings. Naruto laughs, grabs his stuff and yells "see ya' Iruka-sensei!" And sprints out of the room.
"Ha ha did you see Iruka-sensei's face?" Naruto laughs as Gaara joins him outside. Gaara shakes his head at Naruto, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly and he says, "You are so going to get a detention on Monday."
Naruto shrugs it off with a smile and asks "want to come to Ichiraku's tonight? Jiraiya and Kakashi probably will come too."
"Got work to do," Gaara says in an apologetic tone and Naruto rolls his eyes. "How's the case going for Kakashi anyway?"
Naruto's face darkens slightly and he answers "not sure. Kakashi's being pretty vague about it. You know what he can be like but…" The unfinished sentence hangs uneasily. A group of Year 7s rush past laughing, breaking the silence. A small boy accidentally whacks his bag against Gaara's knees as he runs after his friends. "Sor-…" The apology dies away as the boy stares up at Gaara in horror. "I-I… I'm r-really sorry. I didn't mean to! I swear!" The boy cries as he trembles with fear. Gaara opens his mouth and the boy gives a frightened yelp and sprints after his friends. Gaara watches the boy recede into the distance with a gloomy look in his eye.
Naruto touches his friend's shoulder briefly and says, "don't worry about it." Even though Naruto's year was the last to be modified the divide between majors and minors is still present. Eyes. Both Naruto and Gaara can feel them everywhere. Boring into them wherever they go. The unspoken fear of majors hasn't changed. If anything it's grown. Those with genetic modifications only serve as a reminder of Orochimaru. It's hardest for the majors with obvious changes to their bodies. At least for Naruto and Gaara they can hide in obscurity when they're out in the city. But school is another matter. Since Naruto's year was the last there're no majors below Year 11. It's school where Naruto and Gaara feel the eyes the most. They walk in silence until Gaara voices finally, "why are you going to Ichiraku's anyway tonight? Aren't we going there for your birthday tomorrow?"
Naruto's face breaks out into the Uzumaki trademark grin as if that's all he needs to reply.
Kakashi's late. Again. But this time… It's on purpose. His footfalls sound unnaturally loud. The regulation police flak jacket feel heavier than usual and he can't even swallow. Murders are very uncommon in the city. Maybe it's because peace was so welcome after Orochimaru and Danzo that the citizens avoid crime. Kakashi's not sure. In any case, even though Kakashi joined the force last year he's had to deal with the serious crimes. It's because even the criminals are frightened of the majors' genetic powers. But… despite all that... Kakashi rubs his covered eye. Murder number three this month. First Gekko Hayate. Found dead with his neck mysteriously broken. Next was Hayate's girlfriend Uzuki Yugao. Impaled by several metal poles. At first the murders seemed connected but now...
Kakashi flashes his badge and ducks under the police tape. He slips on a pair of latex gloves as he enters the house. "You're late Kakashi," Yamato says as Kakashi approaches him.
"Sorry, I… got lost…" Kakashi sighs, feeling too numb to even invent an imaginative excuse. Yamato rolls his eyes and leads Kakashi down the hallway. Immediately the sick cloying scent of blood hits him and Kakashi's glad he's wearing a mask. Kakashi glances at the deep gashes on the walls. As they enter the living room Kakashi sees the furniture has been upturned and dried blood decorates the walls. Right in the middle of the room, lying down is-
"Saurtobi Asuma," Yamato says.
"I know," Kakashi says softly. He bends down to examine the body. Several puncture wounds inflict Asuma's body; three in the chest and his left leg has been broken, contorted into a bizarre angle. Kakashi stares into the glassy eyes and studies the expression. It's almost as if Asuma had expected to die.
"You knew him?" Yamato asks. "He gave us information about Orochimaru five years ago," Kakashi sighs and he feels impossibly tired. Like the Sannin during the resistance against Danzo, Akatsuki had gained a near celebrity status for saving the city against the snake.
"Neighbours said they heard a lot of noise last night," Yamato tells Kakashi. "But by the time they managed to break in... It was too late. Genma has already gone to find Asuma's fiancée…" He flicks through his notebook. "Yuhi Kurenai."
"Hey Yamato! Kakashi! Come and look at this!" Kotetsu calls from adjoining dining room. They head over to join Kotetsu as Izumo photographs the scene. Kakashi's mouth suddenly becomes dry.
"What do you think it is?" Izumo asks.
"Must be some kind of symbol…" Yamato frowns. "Its drawn in blood…" Kakashi stares at the symbol in horror. It's a circle with a triangle at the centre. Blood starts to roar inside his head and Kakashi's mind reels. Calm down he tells himself firmly.
"Izumo could you send me the photo of this as soon as possible?" Kakashi says and his voice shakes slightly.
"What's wrong? Do you know something?" Yamato asks.
"I need to make some calls," Kakashi says avoiding the question. He heads outside and leaves the crime scene. Breathing a large amount of calming air he drags his phone out and dials the number.
It only takes two purrs of the dial tone until, "hello?"
"Deidara," Kakashi says.
"Kakashi!" Deidara says cheerfully. "How're you? How's the case going?"
"That's what I called you about," Kakashi says quickly. "I can't talk here. We need to meet. Bring Sasori, Itachi and Kisame. You know where to meet."
"What's this about?" Deidara asks.
Kakashi pauses for a moment before saying, "it's about them."
Itachi is not and never has been a religious man. But as he sits in the hot hospital waiting room he starts to wonder if this is penance for his sins. "Uchiha Itachi?" A smiling nurse calls out. Expressionless Itachi stands up. "Tsunade-sama is in the second room on the left," she tells him. Itachi nods and heads to the room.
Tsunade gives Itachi a smile that doesn't quite meet her eyes as he enters. "Itachi," she says and gestures for him to sit down on a chair next to her desk.
"Bad new I take it?" Itachi says, his voice only showing the barest hint of resignation. He'd been expecting it.
Tsunade sighs, "I'm sorry… The results came back… The sharingan is blinding you." Briefly Itachi closes his eyes. That Itachi has always known. But what he wants to know is how long he has. When Itachi opens his eyes Tsunade continues "the test results show that every time you use your sharingan the mutation puts an unnatural strain on your eyes. The more you use your powers the more your eyesight will deteriorate."
Good thing I don't need to use the sharingan during peace time, Itachi thinks. Tsunade then adds, "I'd give you at the most four complete exhaustions of you sharingan before you turn blind."
"Thank you Tsunade-sama," Itachi says with impeccable Uchiha manners as he stands. His eyes feel dry and tired behind his contact lenses.
Just as Itachi turns, his hand resting on the door handle, Tsunade calls out "are you going to tell them Itachi?" For a moment Itachi pauses, listening to the comforting sound of his breathing.
"It is not necessary," Itachi finally replies and he exits the room. As Itachi leaves the hospital his phone buzzes in his jacket pocket. Pulling it out he says "hello?"
"Hey Itachi," Kisame says. "How was the appointment?"
A small twinge of guilt springs inside Itachi. Kisame knows that Itachi's eyesight has deteriorated but not how much. All Kisame knows is that Itachi needed to get reading glasses last year and contact lenses the year before that. He has no idea that sharingan is the cause of it. "Fine," is all Itachi answers.
"Good," Kisame says. "I got a call from Deidara a few minutes ago. Kakashi's calling a meeting at seven in the usual place. It's about them."
"Details?"
"Don't know but Deidara suspects it's connected to those murders Kakashi's been working on."
"I'll see you there," Itachi hangs up. Sighing, with his impaired vision Itachi glances up at the dull sky and thinks I hope that when you come back…you'll be stronger…Sasuke…
The usual place for the former Akatsuki members is of course the Mastermind Room in the old base. However, because the place sparks too many unwanted memories they only meet there in emergencies and because there hasn't been an emergency in five years…
"Wow this place has changed," Kisame exclaims, grinning at the walls with a nostalgic look. He whips off the cloth that had been covering the table, coughing as an explosion of dust attacks him. Itachi doesn't bother commenting as he examines the plastic covered walls.
"Wonder how late Kakashi will be," Deidara says from the other side if the room. He grins as a look of annoyance flashes across Sasori's face. Despite the jokes Deidara feels anxious. They all do. Five years is a very long time. No citizen has ventured outside the city and returned in decades.
Suddenly Deidara tenses as he hears footsteps approaching. "Sorry," Kakashi says as he enters. He's still wearing his police uniform and in one hand he's clutching a brown envelope. No excuse and only three minutes late. Things must be serious.
"What's happened?" Kisame asks and the friends gather around the table.
"There's been another murder," Kakashi says. The other four stare. Slowly Kakashi opens the envelope and he pulls out four large glossy photographs. One by one he lays them out on the table. Deidara's breath catches in his throat. The first two photos are of the body of a dead man. Sarutobi Asuma. It's bizarre to see how different someone looks in death. Then, Deidara's eyes fall upon the other two photos. The room becomes deathly still.
"W-what…How?" Deidara splutters.
"That's a Jashinist ritual alright," Kisame mutters the thing everyone had been afraid to admit.
"You're… not suggesting… Hidan did this?" Deidara bursts out angrily.
"Face it Deidara," Sasori says softly. "How many people do you know who have the power to survive the ritual? And for that matter how many Jashinists do we even know?"
Deidara shakes his head violently. He knows exactly how sadistic Hidan used to be, and it's true that Hidan never hesitated to kill. But… Asuma helped them.
"Deidara," Kakashi addresses him. "I need all the information you have on Hidan's abilities… Kakuzu too. You've known them for the longest."
Anger shoots through Deidara. "You can't just jump to conclusion, un," he says. "And what has Kakuzu got to do with it?"
"If Hidan's back Kakuzu will be too… As well as Pein, Zetsu and…" Kakashi trails off with a sad glint in his eye.
"Pein was looking for a solution for peace," Sasori interjects. "The others went to help him so Hidan wouldn't just murder someone. Even if it was part of his religion."
"I don't want to believe it either," Kakashi admits softly. He reaches up and peels away his mask. As always Deidara's taken aback at how young Kakashi looks. With his mask on Kakashi looks nearly thirty. With it off he could easily be mistaken for eighteen. Kakashi had told Deidara once that the only reason he now wears his mask is when he's working. The hidden face gives him an advantage when interrogating people and it intimidates criminals. With his mask off Kakashi gets that welcome anonymity that all majors desire, since only those closest to him have seen his real face. Right now though, all Deidara sees is how incredibly tired Kakashi looks.
"The other two people who were murdered… They were both majors weren't they?" Everyone turns as Itachi speaks up for the first time.
"Now you mention it…" Kakashi says slowly as it dawns on him. "Yes they were. Yamato also told me that a major was reported missing yesterday too."
"Majors are being… targeted?" Kisame says.
Deidara's head starts to pound. His mind refuses to believe it. Majors being targeted? That he can understand. Everyone fears and hates majors. But… his old friends are the culprits? Impossible. Majors who opposed Orochimaru always stuck together, and when the snake fell from power it brought them closer. Deidara can only think of one thing. It can't be true. It just can't.
"I… don't get it…" Kisame mutters. It seems none of them do as they fall silent, deep in thought.
"Thanks for the help anyway," Kakashi says and he scoops up the photos, slipping them back inside the envelope. Numb, Deidara nods. The meeting over dread settles over the ex-Akatsuki members as they exit the Mastermind Room, leaving through different tunnels.
"You don't think it's true do you?" Deidara asks Sasori as they walk back to their flat. Sasori doesn't answer and Deidara can tell he's thinking the same the same thing. For the first time, in five years, Deidara and Sasori begin to hope that their friends haven't returned to the city.