Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Okay, I've rewritten this chapter to the expense of updating my fifteenth chapter. Please forgive me. This was done on a constant request of Winni… I mean, Aknut. I know it's been a bit slow this week, but I've done many things.
I collected my report book the second time, I've finished Death Note the manga, I've fainted after stabbing my foot with two pins, pulling it out, and seeing my own blood, I've had a sleepover which consisted of unconciously hugging two friends, being peeled off, while I was totally asleep, I've been painfully injured by ice (skating), and I got scared watching the lamest show in the Universe.
Enjoy the Chapter.
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Chapter One Treachery
Itachi sat on the side of the main temple of the Nakano Shrine, shadowed by trees and walls, away from view. Opposite him, wax was splattered on the wall, and pieces of his candleholder was on the floor. He had hurled it at least two hours ago, but the anger within the Uchiha still burned.
Itachi ducked his head, clearing the last of his thoughts. Standing up, he then walked away from the Shrine, his fury unsated from the meeting…
… The Uchihas had always disliked Itachi. He was still a genin, but about three years ago, when he first started, he was already at Chuunin level. They called him a bootlicker, or one with the potential to be a criminal. But Itachi had known the truth from the beginnng. They were afraid of his power, knowing that he would surpass them all and have the ability to wipe them of in one shot. Yes, that must be it.
So it was no surprise that Itachi had waited in his room, which faced the gates of the Nakano Shrine, and watched for the last Uchihas to enter before he would go in.
It was traditional for the ones to call for a meeting to bear torches, this time, it was the three Uchihas, Yuuhi, Inabi, and Tekka. Itachi felt anger burn within at the sight of them. He took in their swaggers and the smirks on their faces. They were always the first to question him whenever a crime had possible connections to the Sharingan, which was almost major crime, it seemed.
Itachi followed behind silently, shifting with the wind, his footsteps lost on all ears. He lifted the seventh tatami mat with one hand, his other holding a lit candleholder. Then voices reached his ears as he was lowering himself down.
"… heard from Yashiro that he saw Fugaku talking privately to Hyuuga Hizashi. If Hizashi is the head of the Chuunin Exam this year, what do you think they were talking about?" Tekka "asked", waiting for the obvious answer.
"Fugaku was persuading Hizashi to let his son pass this year? Never knew he had that in him," Inabi said.
Yuuhi chuckled and said, "Are you sure 'never'?"
For some strange but obvious reason, the three Uchihas laughed, their laughter echoeing through the passageway and ringing in Itachi's head.
What Shisui said was true. Those who can't measure their own capacity are truly weak, Itachi thought. Still, he sat on the tatami mats beside the hole, wondering if what Yuuhi and the others had concluded was true. Had his father really done such a thing?
A sudden burst of murmurings below ground woke Itachi from his reverie, and the nine-year old ran quickly but silently through the passageway. Itachi waited at the door, listening through the crack that had been left open. He could see Uchihas talking, which was not like how his father would usually keep the peace. Fugaku himself seemed to be in confusion with himself.
Fugaku asked, "Are you trying to ruin this clan? We can't stage a rebellion! We're the peace keepers, the weapon of Konoha!"
"Exactly, Fugaku-san, exactly. We are the peace keepers. We are the weapon of Konoha. We are this powerful, so how hard will it be to take over Hidden Leaf, Fugaku-san?" Yuuhi said silkily. "Will having an entire village to the Uchihas be a great honour? The largest and most powerful village, controlled by us?"
"And what is the point?" Fugaku asked gravely.
"Do you not see this village rotting. We might have won the past three Ninja World Wars, but over time, this village is still getting complacent, weakening. And technology! The Council still doesn't want to upgrade this village. Currently, we are second last in terms of technology. With advancement in this aspect, the other villages can overpower us easily! But, we Uchihas can liberate Konoha. We will become the first, perhaps trade with the Outer Realm too. Then, we can liberate the entire Ninja Realm (World) by dominating it," Tekka said, changing tack immediately, his voice silky and persuasive.
"Fugaku, you've always worked hard to prove that the Uchihas are not inferior to the Hyuugas, that the Sharingan is not some payoff of the Byakugan. And I agree, we can easily oppose them with our current state…"
Itachi listened as fear stirred in his stomach. He turned to his father, knowing he would do something.
"So this is for the honour of our clan?" Fugaku asked.
No! Itachi thought desperately, his father couldn't give in for this!
"Yes," Yuuhi replied, victory was his. If not, Fugaku, you know I'll definitely call for a vote to have you overthrown. Knowing you, you won't give up your position as clan head so easily.
But I'll have it one day.
"Very well. I say yes to this action," Fugaku said in defeat.
What?! Itachi screamed in his thoughts. He fled from the door as if a devil were within, the pounding as the Uchihas stomped on the ground in tribal unison matching his heartbeat…
"Father," Itachi said to the night's air. "What Yuuhi said is true. But I'll pass the Chuunin Exams without your help. Hizashi-san will never have to lift his finger. I will not become a Chuunin through your dirty hands. And I will never allow you to do such a thing to Sasuke."
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"Aniki? What's wrong?"
"Nothing… really," Itachi replied. Forcing a smile, Itachi took the small kunais from Sasuke's hands and walked to the middle of the target field. "I'll show you once only, Sasuke. I've got my Chuunin Exam tomorrow. I have to sleep early today."
Closing his eyes in deep concentration, flashes of where each target board was appeared in Itachi's photographic memory. Almost immediately, he knew how to hit each target dead centre.
Sasuke watched in awe as his brother seemed to disappear, then reappear fifty feet from the ground. Once Itachi reached the apex of his jump, he twisted down. Sasuke watched as he twisted and spun, seeing only flashes of sparks as kunais deflected from each other, his brother's hands in a blur of motion. Itachi landed on the ground, as fast as he had jumped.
Sasuke ran up to his brother, seeing the mesmerizing three pinned Sharingan for a moment before it changed back to onyx. "Aniki, that was amazing! You've hit bulls eye on every single board! Even Shisui couldn't do it until he was twelve! Father said so!"
Itachi poked Sasuke playfully on the forehead. "Baka. He didn't have the Sharingan until then, remember?"
Sasuke tackled Itachi into the ground and the brother's rolled in the grass, laughing merrily as they traded mild insults.
Itachi allowed himself to be pinned as Sasuke sat on him. "Shall we go? Father said he wanted us… fifteen minutes ago."
I know. But I don't want to see him. Itachi feigned ignorance. "Oh yeah… yeah, yeah. Let's go then."
They collected the kunais and shurikens from the boards and floor and put it in a small gray bag, which Sasuke slung across his back proudly. Then he jumped onto Itachi's back and said, "Run!"
Itachi started off in a quick stride, and they passed downtown quickly, fan girls doing various bimbotic things which would have shamed any man. Hawkers and other commonfolk said their greetings to the Uchihas, offering a variety of street food. Ninjas from other clans glared at the brothers before glaring at another clan.
They were about a street to the Uchiha mansion when Sasuke said to Itachi, "Aniki, Father's the chief of the Konoha Police Corps, right? So is that why the Uchiha embelm is on the Chinese star, because the chief is an Uchiha?"
Uchiha, Uchiha, Uchiha! They're everywhere! This name I bear just won't leave me alone. Then Itachi answered, "No. Generations back, there was no Konoha Police Corps, just the Uchihas who took it upon themselves to be the peacekeepers of Konoha. Therefore, the Uchiha fan will always be part of the KPC symbol."
"So that means anyone can join KPC now?"
"Only elite ninjas can become a policeman here."
"Amazing, that means that Father is a powerful ninja, I always thought he was! Aniki, do you want to become a cop one day."
"No," Itachi replied a bit too strongly. "It's not my style."
"Responsibility takes over style, Itachi. I hope that you'll be able to fufill your duty as an Uchiha."
Sasuke turned his head and hopped off Itachi's back. "Good afternoon, father."
Fugaku spared Sasuke a dimnishing glance before turning to Itachi. "Both of you are late. I requested you to be back twenty minutes ago. There are important things that I must discuss with both of you."
Sasuke stared at his sandals. Both of us? Or only Aniki, Father? You never see me.
Itachi stared back at his father with cold indifference. "Let's go then. Time seems to be so precious, doesn't it."
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Fugaku looked at Sasuke. The boy looked up expentantly. Then the moment passed. Fugaku was looking back at Itachi. "So, your Chuunin Exam starts tomorrow."
Sasuke turned away. His fist tightened around his pants. I knew it. For the past hour, all you've talked to is Aniki. Itachi this, Itachi that. Why can't it be Sasuke, even if its only once?
"Yes, and what of it?" Itachi glanced away, as if the conversation was a waste of his time.
"It's your only priority now. Shisui passed on his first Chuunin test. You have to pass too, and perform even better than that boy. I know that he's your friend, Itachi, but as my heir, the other Uchihas will talk if you fail."
"So, your status will always be better than being a friend? A moral person?" Itachi asked.
Fugaku seemed confused for a moment, then grim features set over his face.
"You weren't at the meeting yesterday, Itachi," Fugaku said slowly.
"No, not in front of you. But I was there! I heard everything, about what the Uchihas want," Itachi said contemptously.
Sasuke looked quizically at Itachi. What did that mean?
"Our line has been the head family for generations now, Itachi. I acted fast so that I, and you, will stay as the chiefs for the days to come. Whatever that we will be doing will follow my orders. The Uchihas will rise to greater heights."
Are we doing a charity event to raise funds? Anikii said something about being moral. So he wants Father to take part in the charity event with the other Uchihas? Er… Father thinks that this will shame the family name? I don't see why, Sasuke thought to himself.
"Even at the expanse of your position, Father, you have to do what's right. This way, you'll bring our family honour. I'm leaving. Chew on it… Father," Itachi said, ending the conversation. He stood up and bowed, but his black eyes never left Fugaku, then he left. Sasuke stood up hastily, bowed deeply and turned to follow his brother. He was just so hurt and disappointed. Wasn't he Fugaku's son too? Why was Itachi the only one Fugaku saw?
"Sasuke, train hard," Fugaku said. Sasuke turned around quickly. "You just might reach your brother one day."
Sasuke spun around and ran off.
Fugaku stared after his second son's retreating figure, thinking that Itachi had told Sasuke what had happened and Sasuke was disappointed in him. But Itachi was too much. Sasuke was too young to comprehend anything. But he had been sure that Itachi would understand, too.
Fugaku sat crosslegged, thinking. Itachi's words to him had already leaked from his mind.
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Itachi sat under the maple tree, red and yellow leaves scattered about. He threw the kunai up, caught it, then threw it again. The cycle continued as he looked at how the metal spun, anticipating its movement. A crunch of cripsy leaves alerted Itachi, and the boy stopped his game, setting the kunai on the ground beside him.
Shisui walked up to Itachi and waved. Itachi smiled back. Sasuke was a good companion, but being with Shisui was like having a true responsive friend. Shisui sat beside Itachi, taking up the kunai. "Your father again?"
"Yes. You weren't at the meeting yesterday because you were doing a mission, right? Then I'll fill you in. The Uchihas are planning a rebellion. And my Father agreed. He thinks that he can control them after some time, but I know he won't take much action. He's passive when it comes to preserving his position as clan head."
"Being clan head means a lot, you have all Uchihas reporting to you. You aren't the one being ordered about, taking a minor role in things with a person on the top knowing everything that's going on."
"Shisui!"
"Yes, but that's the truth. But he really shouldn't. He can't do things he can't do. The Uchihas don't know either they think they're so great. Konoha can't be defeated that easily. Our most powerful ninja is only A ranked. No S ranked ninjas, let alone U ranked."
"But that's not the point. I'm talking about morals here, Shisui," Itachi said broodily.
But Shisui countered, "This is the point, Itachi. Listen. These Uchihas don't measure their capacity at all. It's because of their lack that they're so useless, so weak. They won't be able to measure the capacity of others, because their so blind. You understand don't you?"
"Yeah, I do," Itachi said, thinking back to the night before. Shisui was probably talking about how the Uchiha men thought that they were so great that they could purify the world. Once again, Shisui hit the mark. Itachi smiled. Then he saw that Shisui was drawing something on the dirt with the kunai.
It started out as a Level Three Sharingan, then the commas thickened and lengthed, connecting with the end of the pupil, before it broke past the pupil in long, thin spikes. Shisui drew it masterfully, as if he had been designing it for a long time, his eyes holding admiration for it, dark ambition behind those pupils. Itachi recoiled as the black eyes glowed red.
"What's that?" Itachi asked, gesturing at the sketch.
"I won't be tied down, Itachi. I'll exceed my capacity," Shisui said, his lips curving into a nasty grin. "This will be the mark that I'll dominate one day, it'll be the mark that represents me and my ideals, it'll be the mark that shows that I've exceeded my capacity."
"Thanks a lot, Shisui, I'll be going now."
"No prob, Itachi," Shisui said and smiled. You're too gullible for a ninja so good, Itachi. I know you thought that I was talking about 'not to be tied down by what the Uchihas think as liberators'. Anyway, I've completed Step Four of my plan. Now for step five, the most important part. If not, all of it will go to waste.
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Fire Country is split into many villages. The biggest is the Hidden Leaf Village, its capital. The other parts were covered by dense forests, large lakes, ports, and pockets of land where commonfolk made a humble living and a few ninja were scattered about.
Kasuikan was one such village, just next to Lightning Country. It was manned by two ninja but mostly commoners. Criminals often used it to illegally immigrate from the Rai to the Leaf, or the Leaf to the Rai at random. But missing nin rarely came by as it wasn't financially attractive enough.
After the mission in Sand Country, Shisui had taken eight months leave. All was going according to his plan. He had gained Yuuhi's trust and used the man to rally the other Uchihas, and had destabilised Uchiha Fugaku's postion as clan leader On the outside, it was Yuuhi taking action, but on the inside, Shisui was the brains of the matter. They were all his chess pieces, easily moved. There were only a few more steps to checkmate.
That is how powerful I am. I alone have the strength to manipulate these unworthy vermin. The rooks of my board.
It had not been easy, but he had found out after many weeks at the Uchiha Archives that their advanced bloodlimit was extremely versatile. It had the ability to evolve from level one to two to three, become the Mangekyou, and could easily be used by others, as proven by Hatake Kakashi with Obito's eye.
So he had wondered, could the Sharingan and another advanced bloodlimit be within one body?
It could. There were ten such cases, where Uchihas had eloped and married some other man. But of the ten cases, there were only two babies that lived, and were still living to this day.
Shisui had visited the Hidden Mist first, to find that the baby was a thirty year old, older than him, and was half blind due to deformations. He only had a level one Sharingan and could control ice by a fraction. Shisui had been disappointed, but it had proven his theory.
So he was here in Kasuikan, hoping that the Uchiha woman that had married that Rai user had borne a useful baby that would be his ticket to the Akatsuki along with his plans for the Uchiha clan.
His first hope was that the baby was still young, in an orphanage as both parents had died. Entering the orphan home, Shisui lined up behind ten people. Judging by the men's clothing and language, they were probably gangsters or street scum planning to take in some followers or thieves. Legal and cheaper than slave trade. The females were probably prostitutes or fake geishas looking for cute tweeties. Shisui frowned. Hopefully his target hadn't been signed to some idiot.
The queue soon narrowed down to him. "Is there anyone here with the house name Aikawa?"
Apparently, the portly kunoichi had never done a single training ever since she was posted here. Even the head protector was trying to unwrap from her large head. Also, she wanted to give some lip. "Who are you? And are you related to the mentioned orphan?"
"In a way, woman," Shisui replied coolly. To think that filth would question power. The woman flipped through the crumpled pages of the large hand book, a stubby forefinger fingering each name on the list. Ten pages went, twenty, finally thirty. Shisui was in such anticipation that his patience was in shreds. Finally, the meaty finger halted at a page. The ink was slightly faded, but the name was clear nevertheless. Kazuya Aikawa. "You wanted this boy?"
"Yes. Immediately," he ordered, caring not to add 'filth'. As the woman disappeared from her desk, Shisui looked at the statistics. It was a boy only four years old, to his relief. He could still mould the kid to his colour.
Then the boy came. A bit skinny and short, with black spiky hair falling over his eyes or standing in strands. But Shisui liked the eyes the most. Curious, frightened, but hardened, unlike the sheltered pimps back in Konoha.
Procedures down, Shisui let the boy follow him back to the inn, where he locked the door and looked down, savouring the moment. He had planned for two years, saved all his savings so that he could train the mixed descendent into the ultimate weapon that would do his every bidding. With such a prize, the Akatsuki would welcome him and they would be the ultimate team, the most powerful beings on the planet. Finally, creating the shinobi he wanted that would measure his capacity for him had come.
Shisui looked down, his lips stretched into a crazed smile. All the boy had to do now was to obey him.
" Aikawa Kazuya, I am about to propose to you a life that you will dedicate to me. I will train you to be one of the best shinobis that ever lived. But if you don't want to, I will kill you right now."
Those wide onyx eyes widened in shock and fear. Shisui thought he saw it flash crimson, and those tiny hands sparkle with electricity for a moment. His grin widened. Then the boy's answer came. "I want to live."
Shisui smiled his widest ever. You have obeyed me. "Very good. You are mine to use now, Aikawa Kazuya."
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Three years later.
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Itachi was stood on the landing in the shadows, watching Shisui and Yuuhi walk past, engrossed in conversation. What was Shisui doing with Yuuhi? Itachi was confused. Shisui had disappeared for long periods of time over these three years, only popping in for a few days, no longer than a week. This had been his best friend's longest yet. Two months.
Will the rebellion start now? Are they planning to kill father and us? Shisui, what are you doing and what is your stance? Where've you been, gathering supporters for the rebellion or what? I don't know you anymore, Shisui, Itachi thought, his eyes betraying his hurt while his face was a cold mask. He observed Shisui and Yuuhi carefully, reading their lips.
"Today is the day then?" Yuuhi asked.
"Yes, gather all except them at the Uchiha Onsen," Shisui replied. His face looked irritated, as if Yuuhi had asked him that question a million times.
"What do I do?"
"Yuuhi-san, I've said this lots of times already. Don't make me repeat myself. Plan A and Plan B. Leave it all to me. Just keep this in mind: You'll be clan head soon enough," Shisui said. Itachi saw the smirk on Shisui's face.
Suddenly, Sasuke slid down the banister and popped down at his feet.
"Aniki! You promised to teach me some cool moves today! Don't go back on your word again!" Sasuke shouted excitedly.
"Later, ototo, be queit! I'm doing something now!" Itachi hissed angrily.
"Man! Aniki, don't do this to me!" Sasuke shouted. Itachi saw Shisui look over at their house and he turned away quickly. He bent down to be level with Sasuke and said, "Hey, hey, shh. I promise to do it tomorrow, okay? After all, your lunch break is ending soon. You have to be at school. There won't be much for us to do."
Sasuke shoved his feet into his sandals and stormed away for the Academy.
Itachi sighed and went to the kitchen.
"Ah, Itachi, I was just about to call you. Congratulations. A year into Chuunin you were promoted to ANBU. Now, two years later, your outstanding record has promoted you to ANBU captain, beating even Hatake Kakashi's record! You've done well."
"Thank you, Father," Itachi replied, forcing a smile. "But, it's been thirty six months, I've approached you thirty times. Thirty times you rejected me. But behold! All official Uchiha meetings have stopped. No one really listens to you any more. They conduct secret meetings on their own. Look, even our clan status have dropped. Sandaime-Hokage suspects us. We are in danger. Anyday those people can come and kill us."
"Those people are your fellow clan members, Itachi. Don't use that tone with me. And everything is under control. I have a few people reporting to me."
"Unreliable information."
"Won't you listen, ANBU captain? Please, just shut up."
Itachi closed his mouth. He tilted his head at his mother who was attending the dishes.
Whispering so that only Fugaku could hear, Itachi said rudely, "So you'll throw away our lives, including yours? To throw the Uchihas and Konoha into jeopardy? To become the first Uchiha clan head who led us to our downfall? Is this your vision of 'carrying the line'"?
Fugaku could not find the words to answer. Itachi smoothed his shirt and said loudly. "I'm leaving. Chew on it… Father."
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Shisui hid a smile as he glanced at Itachi. He did owe Sasuke a favour now… for his incompetent ignorance. Exposing his very own brother.
Shisui chuckled softly. Yuuhi looked at him questioningly, but Shisui bade no answer.
The Uchiha Spring was relaxing. It was well run by Uchiha Fuhirro, with the best outdoor onsen in Hidden Leaf Village. This was unknown to most, since the Uchihas kept to themselves. Another reason why it was such a good location for a Uchiha-Rebel meeting was because of its underground rooms. Soundproof, hidden, perfectly simonized with a huge hot tub.
Stripping themselves naked, the Uchiha males stepped into the tub and talked. Finally, the last of Uchihas were present, including Uchiha Shisui. He stood out because of his flaming orange hair, which was a pigment defect from birth. Nonetheless, it made him feel detached from these filthy men that he was forced to bathe with in order to complete his plan.
"Elders. Brothers. We have a final move to make before the Uchiha invasion. We have contracted ronin and missing nin from many places. The army we now have is enough to conquer Konoha."
The Uchihas looked intently at Shisui, who smirked. "For now, let us celebrate for our hard work! Soak here, soak now, soak in victory that is ours to take."
Uchihas decades older than he cheered. Shisui smirked contemptly at them, and yet they took it for a grin. No doubt unworthy idiots. Expendable. At my disposal. No ninja should let up before the mission is completed. Basic shinobi sense.
Once again, these idiots fail to measure their capacity. At least I can… for them… for now.
Shisui's grin widened as time passed. At a sleight of hand, he swallowed a drug. Let yourselves fall at the heat of this water, o mighty elders.
Finally, four hours of soaking, relaxation, and talking, the Uchiha men became drowsy, delirious, but too weak to get from the pool. Shisui took another pill before taking out a smoke bomb he had been hiding. With a flick of his wrist, Shisui allowed the bomb to explode, drugging the Uchihas he had called his family.
Then, Shisui spoke. "Great elders. Let this meeting officially commence. Now that we have enjoyed ourselves, allow me to speak. Uchiha Hiro has and will be against our plans. He is a coward. He will not lead us. He will stop us. We have to eliminate him and his family."
The Uchihas nodded doppily.
"So, are you with me?"
"Yes!"
"Are you with me to kill Uchiha Hiro?"
"Yes!"
"To kill Uchiha Hiro, his wife, and children?"
"Yes!"
"Will you back away?"
"Never!"
"Very well, let us begin then."
Shisui rubbed his hands in anticipation. These mugheads were far too stupid. A simple dope and they were at his control. He was right to call them vermin, stupid minions.
It would be his right to finish off Itachi, who trusted him oh so deeply. Shisui smiled.
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Kazuya wiped himself down, then looked at his back in the mirror. His fingers traced the seal, his cold eyes trailing down in disgust. If only he had rejected Shisui-sama's offer. Death was so much better than what he'd been through for the past years.
Shisui-sama had told him to bid his time as the plan was being completed. But if the plan failed, which Shisui-sama had highly doubted, Kazuya was to go in and save him.
Shisui-sama had not said anything, but Kazuya perfectly understood the hidden meaning. Shisui-sama did not want to fail. If Kazuya rescued him, then it would be a debt repaid, part of his attachment to Shisui-sama would fall. And Shisui-sama's plan would fail. Shisui-sama had rescued him, it was a life. Kazuya rescues him, and it would be a life for a life. He could be free.
Kazuya turned away. Not of the curse though. He would never be free of that. At least he knew who had made him a slave to Shisui-sama. Shisui-sama had talked of the man a lot, shown him a picture. Shisui-sama had been urged to break his own capacity because of that man.
Kazuya tightened his fingers over his back. He would kill that man.
The level three Sharingan flared. The reflected image on the pupil was…
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Mikoto slapped her husband, hurt welled in her navy eyes, a blue so dark that appeared black. "I'm so disappointed in you! I thought you would be the one to always do the right thing, on the right track, the good leader of the Uchihas!"
"That's a bit out of line, Mikoto," Fugaku said, trying to sate the fiery tiger he had once believed to be a woman. The tiger slapped him again.
"It's not, Fugaku. You know what? I'm taking Itachi and Sasuke to my parents house until you know what to do."
Mikoto stormed out of the kitchen, slamming the door for the first time. She yelled like a banshee, then raced up the steps, ordering her two sons to pack. She softened up to Sasuke, who was young. She folded his clothes and stuffed them into his pack. Sasuke ran for his toothbrush and slid it into the empty slot in his kunai pouch, tied the pouch, and placed it on top of his clothes. Mikoto smiled and ruffled Sasuke's black spikes. She bent down and kissed her son's forehead. She hugged him and whispered into his ear. "We're leaving, only temporarily, Sasuke. We'll come back."
"Yes… mom."
Mikoto went to Itachi's room. He seemed more eager to leave. A backpack was slung over his shoulder, a weapon's pouch attached to it. A katana was sheathed and in his hands. "I'm ready to leave, Mother."
"Okay, let's go."
Sasuke followed his brother and mother out of the house, wondering why they were leaving Father. Father had not said anything, not even to Itachi. He just sat there, chewing his food methodically, not glancing at them as they left. How can he be so cold? was the last thing Sasuke thought before he stepped away from the porch.
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Yuuhi and a group of Uchihas arrived at the Uchiha mansion, lying in the central of the Uchiha district. They beared no torches, not a flicker of light. Instead, they wore standard issue jounin vests. Personal vendetta or not, this was a service to konoha.
Getting rid of Hiro was like liberating the Uchihas to change konoha for the better; to reach their goal. All in all, there were fifteen of them, ranked as the most powerful. Split into three groups of five, one wriggled through the grass of the back yard, another stealthily scaled the walls at the East Wing, and another climbed over the tall gates of the front door.
Surrounding the compound, the men took their positions and drew out their speciality weapons, The first group waited for the second to spread out and cover them before heading in, walking up walls into windows, picklocking the main doors.
The bamboo pipe hit steadily on the rock, water trickling into its base. As it filled, it flipped down, emptying, before continuing the cycle.
Meanwhile, Fugaku was unaware of the treachery occuring outside of his house. His thoughts were more concentrated on how his wife and children had abandoned him. He was slowly beginning to understand what he had did wrong. I know I've done wrong. I should have apologised.
Yuuhi led the four men to the master bedroom. They made no sound, the door opening without a whisper. Yuuhi crept up behind Fugaku…
How do I apologise? I'm sorry Itachi, Mikoto… Sasuke. I need to apologise to Sasuke the most. I have been… a bad father to you both. I should go now, when things can still be salvaged…
Fugaku let out a sharp groan as his hair was grabbed and his head yanked backwards. He felt a warm breath on his neck. Then Yuuhi's voice sounded, "Fugaku, I'm here for you. We're here for you. We've decided that you are treacherous and unreliable, unfit to be the Uchiha clan head. I see your wife and kids have left you to us? Don't worry, we'll appease them good, then we'll go to them. Don't struggle. We have you surrounded. You won't escape, you'll know they'll die dying."
Fugaku grunted and grabbed Yuuhi's hand by the wrist. Yuuhi yelled as Fugaku's Iron Grip took hold. Then Tekka rushed forward and yanked Fugaku's arm out of its socket. The clan head screamed and fell. His face met with the butt of a kunai, and he was ripped backwards.
Then the other four Uchihas closed him, slicing his arms with kunai, laughing as they beat him to the ground. Nothing fatal. Nothing too drastic. They needed to keep him as alive and as well as they could, so that the others could enjoy tearing him apart. It would be a savage celebration.
Once they had their fun, they kicked the regal man out of his room and down the staircase. Fugaku screamed in pain, feeling his bones cracking as he gazed helplessly forward, his mouth foaming gruesomely.
Helpless and alone, the former clan head was dragged across the front yard and tied to the punsishment frame.
Yuuhi put a hand on the wood and looked at Fugaku. "Upon this frame has many a man died, judged and punished by you, Fugaku. Today, you are punished for not doing your duty as our clan head. I, representing the rest of the clan, condemn you."
Anari took up his favourite chain whip, whirled it above his head, before cracking it on Fugaku's flesh. His chakra made the chain become red hot, and it branded Fugaku with each lash. Fugaku let out screams until he could scream no more. He begged for his life, struggling against his bonds against the punishment frame that they would let him be free.
His clan, who had lost their respect for him many months ago, laughed spitefully at the beaten man, who had been turned into a disfigured manikin.
Fugaku felt blood dribble from his mouth, his heart thumping against his broken ribs. He was hurt, but still felt very alive. He wished that he had not trained so hard for the past three decades of his ninja occupation. Then he might have died long ago.
The fire within his Uchiha heart was dimnished within that hour.
Fugaku felt like it was forever, but he knew it was not, as the dark night was illuminated by the pale sheen of early morning.
Shisui watched on as Yuuhi finally drew his battle cleaver, held it high above his head, smirked at Fugaku, before bringing the sword down across Fugaku's chest.
Guts spilled and blood splashed across the air like the work of an Abstract Expressionist.
A red dawn had appeared.
Shisui scratched a non existent stubble thoughtfully. He was standing behind many excited men, all who were driven by bloodlust. He was disgusted at their stupidity, which was filth in his opinion, but they were useful for one of his final actions. Itachi not being at home was all part of his plan.
From the beginning, he had known what sort of man Uchiha Fugaku was. An old school, but stubborn person who treasured his position as clan head more than his morals. It was as with the current Sasuke. They had both been driven to please their father in their want to be acknowledged.
As Itachi was different, he would have been angered by his father's actions. Therefore, the boy would definitely leave home one day, Shisui had known.
Maybe Mikoto and Sasuke not being at home was another plus side. Shisui would kill them before his eyes, strip Itachi of nothing even further, let the man know that he was powerless.
"Shisui, what's the next course of action?" Yuuhi asked Shisui, grinning while his face and clothes were splattered with blood. Shisui drew back from the piece of living "filth".
"We go to the Uchiha brothers, of course. Twenty men are to be led by Yuuhi and Tekka to Mikoto's family house and slaughter all of them, the rest will stay here while we plan for the rebellion," Shisui addressed the Uchihas.
In the end, thirty-five men went, but Shisui was pleased. Itachi could take care of them for him. Meanwhile, the remaining Uchihas had rushed to the Nakano Shrine, screaming war cries and bloodlust, which was unlike them, but like their victorious mood.
Shisui was left alone on the front yard of the Uchiha Mansion, as usual. I will always be alone, for no one can touch me. Kazuya may wait for me, but I am essentially alone. I have the capcity to be.
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Author's Notes: Yay, on Aknut's request, I've rewritten the first chapter, hope that you've enjoyed it. This chapter is shorter than the original, but I've made things clearer, like how Itachi felt, defined Sasuke more, and what Shisui thinks. If you didn't get it (which would be my fault), Shisui is a thinking genius. He plots and plans. It wasn't shown that much in the original, but I've been inspired by Death Note's Yagami Raito (Light).
Hope you've enjoyed this chapter! To those waiting for the fifteenth chapter, it'll take a bit longer, sorry.
Please review! A critique, a nice word, anything you want to know or don't get. I appreciate them all, I dance like a gigolo, and laugh like a hyena.
If you preferred the original, or want part of it to be in this, tell me how and I'll consider it. I just want to improve my writing.
