Sapphire09: A little bit earlier than I intended... but anyway, hope you'll enjoy !! .

Warning : SPOILER !! Around chapter 397 to 402. I don't remember the exact chapter, but I'm sure it's around that.


xXxSPICAxXx
by Sapphire09


The Abominable Truth

"The truth about Uchiha Itachi and the reason behind the Uchiha Massacre."

Sasuke's eyes widened. "Truth?"

Everyone then turn their eyes on him.

"What are you talking about?" Sasuke growled. Tsunade then lower her head, her bangs covering her eyes.

"Itachi has become a sacrifice, that had it's origins in the past," she said.

"Sacrifice? What sacrifice? The one that become sacrifices were my family! He killed them, just to measure his power!! Now you tell me that the sacrifice is Itachi?! DON'T GIVE ME THAT CRAP!" Sasuke yelled.

"Hokage-sama, I don't usually agree with a traitor, but yeah. I also think that how come he becomes the sacrifice?" Kiba said then. Some other also nodded.

"That is why you have to hear me first. This is going to be a long story, but it's all true," Tsunade said. She scans around the room and notice that Sasuke is glaring at her.

"However, I don't have any proof. So, it's all up to you, to believe me or not," she said again, more likely towards Sasuke. He just stands there in silent anger. "Alright then, tell me," he said at last.

Tsunade than relax on her chair and began the story.

"More than 80 years ago, the world is still engulfed in a never-ending state of war. Countries fought to gain power and expand their territory. At those times, ninjas were nothing but individual clans acting as armed militia. Each clan was hired to fight for a country.

"And, among the numerous clans, two were feared as the strongest. They were my grandfather's clan, the Senju clan, and…," she pauses as she glances towards Sasuke, "…and the Uchiha clan."

Tsunade then continue, "Those two clans were like rivals. If one country hires the Uchihas, their enemy will hire the Senju. It's always been like that. They were rivals. One day, the Senju clan asked for a truce with the Uchiha clan, and they agreed. Both clans were exhausted from the endless fighting. They have reached their limits. At that time, the only one that opposed the truce was Uchiha Madara, leader of the Uchiha clan.

"It was inevitable. However, without support, the only thing he could do was agree. Shortly thereafter, the alliance between the Senju and the Uchiha made a pact with the Fire Country Daimyo, and the first ninja village was formed.

"Things would have been peaceful, but there was a dispute over who would be Hokage. In the end, the one that got the title is Senju Hashirama, my grandfather, also the leader of the Senju clan.

"Once Hashirama become the Shodaime Hokage, it soon became clear that the Uchiha clan were losing their supremacy. Madara was the only one amongst the clan that decided to oppose my grandfather. He then left the village.

"Bent on revenge, he then challenged Konohagakure. The battle takes place at the place that we know now as the Valley of the End. Despite that he have the Nine-tails on his back and call, he still defeated by the Shodaime."

Sasuke flinched a bit at the irony... However, he keeps it to himself and continue listening.

"After that battle, everyone presume that he's dead. However, now we know that is not true. He was still alive, without anybody knowing. Well, at least until we founded his body recently."

Everyone have a look of disbelief on their faces. That is a hard thing to believe. Sakura then speak up, "Tsunade-shishou, what did Konoha do to the Uchiha after that fight? They can't just let them be, since the one that attacked, was their own leader."

"Yes, they did do something. To ensure that another Madara never came to be, the Nidaime then gave the Uchiha the position of Konoha Military Police, supposedly as a sign of trust. But, when I look back to the past reports, from when Konoha Military Force was formed until it was disbanded I then realized, it was really just to distance them from the governing of the village," Tsunade continued. Every eye in the room widened.

"We… we never knew that," Ino said. "Of course. The only one that knows is only Koharu, Homura, Danzo, and me. I'm not supposed to know, but my own grandfather told me that before he died. Those three never knew that I know," Tsunade said.

"Then, what is the relations between this and Itachi?" Sasuke said demandingly. At least, he understands why Konoha doesn't trust his clan fully. And he thinks it is logical. The one he has to blame is Madara himself. If only he just went into the flow and tried to prove that they are trustworthy, maybe his clan will gain more trust and maybe they will gain more supremacy. Thank goodness he died.

Tsunade then open the scroll and do some hand seals. A blue glass orb then appears from the scroll.

"What is that, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi asked. The others also stare at it with curiosity. It looks like a blue glass ball that has the size of a tennis ball. They can see through the glass and it seems foggy inside it. But, what makes them curious, that the fog looks alive. It moves around inside the sphere. What makes them even more curious, the fog and the color reminds them of chakra.

"I found this at my desk two weeks ago, sealed in this scroll with the most complicated seal. Jiraiya managed to unseal it three days ago, and we're very shocked to see the content. It's hard to explain, so why don't I just show you?" Tsunade said as she pours her chakra to the sphere.

After she gives enough chakra, it floating and glowing brightly. They close their eyes because the light is too bright. When they feel that the glow have died out, they opened their eyes. They were surprised to see that they were in the meeting room, with Koharu, Homura, and Danzo, and even more surprised to see the Sandaime Hokage came in to the room.

"What you see right now is not real. It's no more than … an illusion. But, what happens right now is truly happened in the past. This … genjutsu is only to visualize it to us," Tsunade said again.

"It is. The source is from that blue crystal ball," Neji said after he activates his Byakuugan and points to the floating sphere. They all then relaxed for a bit, though they still have curiosity of what is that blue sphere.

"What is it you want to discuss?" They can hear the Sandaime's voice then. For Asuma and other Jounins, it's a bit overwhelming. Tsunade already used the blue sphere before, with Jiraiya, after he manages to unseal the scroll, so she already knows what or who to expect. For the others, it's a little bit creepy, but also overwhelming, to see and hear someone that they know for a fact, dead.

"Sarutobi, I'm sure you still remember about Kyuubi's attack few years ago," Koharu said. "This scene takes place around three years after the Kyuubi's attack," Tsunade said.

"How did you know?" Sasuke asked. "I already watch this before. Believe me, I know what will happen or who will comes out later," she said.

"Of course I do. What about it?"

"Sarutobi, ever you think that the Uchiha maybe behind that incident?" Homura said.

"Uchiha? Just what is that old wrinkled meat bag talking about?" Kiba asked. Similar question also ran through the other's head, even. But, Tsunade just put a finger near her lips, motioning them to be silent.

"Just why did you think it like that?"

"Sarutobi, did you remember the fight between the Shodaime Hokage and Uchiha Madara? At that time, Madara have the aid of the Kyuubi. Madara can control the Kyuubi. We also know that the Uchiha's powers are the only thing that can control Kyuubi."

"What are you trying to say, Koharu?" Sarutobi asked.

"What they're trying to say is there's possibility that the Uchiha was behind that incident," Danzou said. "They might be plotting a rebellion."

"Do you have any proof?" Sarutobi asked. "No, not yet. But, the possibilities are there. They should be guarded by the ANBU." Danzo insisted.

"Sarutobi-sensei was the only one to voice any dissent about what Danzo has suggested, but his advisors and Danzo refused to listen to him. After that, the Uchiha were closely guarded by ANBU. They were forced to live in a corner of the village and basically segregated from the rest of the population," Tsunade explained. They then watch where the meeting is over. Sarutobi massage his forehead with his fingers. He then stares into the ceiling.

"Naruto, I thought I already told you to not eavesdrop," Sarutobi said suddenly. One of the ceiling tiles removed and 3 years old Naruto appeared from the hole.

"Sorry, ji-chan. I just can't help it. It's in my blood," Naruto said as he jumped and landed right in front of Sandaime.

"Tsunade-shishou, is that …Naruto?" Sakura asked. Her eyes begin to get teary.

"Yeah, I guess so," Tsunade said, her heads down. "But…that means Naruto knew about the whole thing, didn't he?" Neji said.

"But, if he knows, how come he never told… me anything? It's my family that we're talking about here!" Sasuke said. "Sasuke, there's a reason to it. Just watch and you'll know," Tsunade said again.

"I don't think that Uchiha was behind that incident," Naruto said. All of the people in the room turn back their attention the conversation.

"What makes you think that, Naruto? You have heard everything, so you must have heard that Uchiha do have power to control Kyuubi," Sarutobi asked, amused.

"Well, as far as I have heard from your 'secret meeting', the only Uchiha that has the power to control Kyuubi in the history is only Uchiha Ma… Mara…something. So, since he was dead, who else can?" Naruto said childishly as he starts on hopping on the couch.

"Nice logic, Naruto. However, just because the only known Uchiha that can control Kyuubi was only Madara (oh yeah! That's the name!)…how can you say that no one in clan can do it?" Sarutobi asked again as he holds Naruto and put him on his lap. Naruto then stops bouncing and start playing on Sandaime's hat.

"I'm just a kid. Anyway, I don't believe in easy power. There's no way Madara can gain the level of his sharingan just by enough training. There must be some price to pay to gain that sharingan. Besides, I don't really think that the Kyuubi came to Konoha to destroy the village, anyway," he said again. Sarutobi then raised an eyebrow at his last statement.

"Really? Then, in your opinion, why did Kyuubi came to Konoha, then?"

"I don't know. Maybe it was lost?" he childishly said again. Many raised eyebrow from the spectators.

"Lost?"

"Yeah, lost. Maybe it was lost and wanted to ask for direction. Since maybe it knew where Konoha village was close from wherever it was, so it wanted to ask for directions in Konoha. But then you guys panicked and thought that it wanted to destroy Konoha and attack it. Because you attack it, it attacked back. And then the destruction happened. Do you have any cheesecake here?" he said. He then hops down and start to investigate the room, looking for any cake.

"To tell you the truth, it may seem quite funny and childish at the same time. But, you have to remember that Naruto was still 3 years old at that time. To make such opinion, even to know such secret, to make a prediction and beliefs that is close to the truth, is quite unusual. Three years old kid doesn't usually think like he did. They tend to believe whatever that were said to them, and start to make their own opinion at five (A/n: I don't know if it is true or not. I just made it up. The point is that Naruto is smart here).

"Even so, it's Kyuubi that we're talking about. Even in your age, you must all think that monsters were evil. I have to say that Naruto that we see here were different than Naruto that we knew," Tsunade said as she watch little Naruto trying to find his cake.

"Why are we suddenly talks about Naruto? Where is he anyway?" Sasuke asked in curiosity and a little annoyed. He was there because they told him that they knew whatever 'truth' about Itachi-bastard.

"Hahahaha. Nice analysis, Naruto. And, no, I don't have any. By the way, I need to meet Itachi concerning that last meeting, Naruto. So… can you…"

"Neji, you haven't told him yet?" Tsunade asked. "No. I didn't want to accidentally attack him just because I can't control myself," Neji replied. "Told me what?" Sasuke asked suspiciously.

"Ask him to meet you at the Hokage's office? Sure!" Naruto cut short before he dashed out from the room. "I actually going to say that can he be with Iruka for the time being…," Sarutobi mutters. The scene then changed back to the Hokage's office

"Eh? Is it done?" Kiba said in confusion, cutting the last conversation. "No, it isn't," Tsunade said. Her words then proofed by Sandaime walking in with a 13 years old Itachi. Sasuke is a little bit startled (and furious) to see the young Itachi, the one he has loved, until the day he killed the clan.

He then watches Sandaime pass through Kiba, Neji, and Tsunade on his way to the desk. Itachi is still standing near the door, before Sandaime motioned him to stand in front of him. He also passes through whomever on his way.

"It's quite freaky to see them pass through us like that," Ino said.

"Itachi-kun, I suppose you got it, am I right?"

Itachi didn't answer. He just nodded slightly. If one would care to take a closer look, they'll see that both of their faces held sadness and full of remorse.

"The Uchiha clan is plotting a coup d'état, to take over the village," Itachi said in emotionless voice. "Their plan will take place in 90 days from now, exactly at the Kyuubi's festival. They also planned on killing Naruto." Itachi's statement make all eyes, except Tsunade's, widened.

"What? The Uchiha clan planned a coup d'état?" Tenten said in shock, just like everyone.

"Konoha higher-ups have their suspicion, so they planted a spy inside the clan," Tsunade trailed off. He then glanced towards Sasuke's shocked face. "And that spy was your brother, Uchiha Itachi."

"He… was a spy?" Sasuke said full of shock. The others also shocked, very shocked. Tsunade then continue again, and everyone begins to ignore the genjutsu scene that is happening around them.

"Though you were part of the Uchiha, you were kept in the dark. You were too young at that time," Tsunade said. "Your father, Uchiha Fugaku, was the ringleader behind the coup d'état." Sasuke's shock doubled then.

"Itachi entered ANBU on your father's orders, to be a spy. But, the opposite happens. Itachi gave the village info on Uchiha. He was what we would call a 'double agent'," Tsunade continue. Sasuke's hand then formed into a fist.

"The village elders then gave him a secret mission, that is the annihilation of the Uchiha clan," someone said. Jiraiya then suddenly appeared near Tsunade. Everyone then gasped, whether from shock of Jiraiya's sudden appearance or because of the news. "Sandaime already tried to reach a truce with the Uchiha…," Jiraiya then continue. No one even bother to ask why he suddenly appeared.

"…but time pressed on, and he failed," Jiraiya said as he put his attention to the genjutsu scene. When he does, the others also put their attention. The scene already changed and they all in somewhere unfamiliar. They see a kneeling blood-covered Itachi, solemn Sandaime, and shaking little Naruto.

"Shishui have his suspicions. He encounters me last night, just when I will attend the family meeting," Itachi said, his head is bowing. His hands are shaking slightly. "He knows everything. He has been keeping a close eye on me. He told me that the Uchiha will ignore the truce and attack in few days. He knows that I'm a spy," Itachi said, head still bowing.

"We then fight. I… didn't mean to kill him. I only going to wound him, or make him unconscious, and then I'll leave him to you. … He… I know he could've dodged my last attack… I give him an opening," Itachi's voice getting shakier and shakier on every word he said. Sandaime look at him in sympathy, and put his hand on his shoulder.

"He… He was my best friend…," Itachi said as drips of tears slowly falls to the ground. Sandaime then squeeze his shoulder in attempt to calm him down. Naruto is standing nearby in silent. His eyes held sympathy towards Itachi.

"He… was like an older brother to me…" Itachi said again. Sasuke never see his brother's weak side, until now. He was shocked. He then can feel his tears threatened to spill out.

"He knew nothing about Shishui's dying message. That note really is Shishui's own handwriting. It seems that Shishui is actually on Itachi's side. Itachi has tried to make the family realize that the clan is still a part of Konoha. But, he didn't have enough time. The massacre then happens," Jiraiya continued. Sasuke then falls on his knees.

"It was his duty. Killing the whole clan and leaving the village in dishonor. It was all part of his duty, and he fulfilled it. Except for one mistake…," Jiraiya trailed. Sasuke then look up to him. The others also look at him.

"He was unable…," Jiraiya continues as he lock his eyes to Sasuke, "…to kill his own little brother."


Sapphire09: I know.. It's short... Too short. And mostly around the things I'm sure you already know. Anyway, I'm not expecting reviews, but it's still nice if you tell me how this story is.

If you're confused, the one in italics is the scene that is visualized. I kinda take the idea from FFX-FFX2 sphere thingies, but the sphere in this story were played by adding chakra to it and the sphere visualize it in 3D. About why Jiraiya appeared all suddenly... figured he'll be the one that also knows about it, since he was the one that unseal the scroll. He also have a part in upcoming chapter...

sidenotes : by the way, Namikaze Uzumaki Minami won't be updated until I know how to put the idea that is in my mind into words....