The Return of Itachi

Summary: Exactly as the title says. Someone finds Itachi's remains and start experimenting. It all ends in Itachi coming back to life and he's about to take the shinobi world by the storm. At least Sasuke will be happy, especially when his nii-san starts playing matchmaker.

''Shut up, you weird Sasuke stalker!'' An albino boy yelled at a redhead girl his own age as they and two other boys calmly walked down a road that led through the forest one nice sunny afternoon. ''You make me sick just by looking at you, Karin!''

''What did you just say, fish boy?!'' The teenage girl, Karin, yelled indignantly, her levels of anger rising by the second as she argued with the pale, white haired boy with purple eyes and unnaturally sharp teeth. ''I dare you to say it again, Suigetsu!''

''Gladly, bitch!'' And they just started arguing louder, so loudly that their observer wondered how they hadn't alerted every ninja in the world that Uchiha Sasuke, the last of his prestigious clan and missing ninja, was right under their noses. For the dark haired boy of the group, obviously their leader, was none other than Sasuke and the observer knew this was probably his best chance to snatch him up.

Hoshigaki Kisame made sure to repress his chakra as much as he could as he watched the group of four that have just recently joined Akatsuki. He didn't know the extend of his late partner's little brother's abilities but he was not going to underestimate the boy. He had made that mistake with Itachi-san, once upon a time, and he had been left gawking like an idiot after seeing the Uchiha fight for the first time. He had no intentions of looking like a fool for the second time in front of an Uchiha.

Besides, what he was here to do was probably not something the last Uchiha would agree with, as Kisame planned on dragging the boy back to his home village, as Itachi-san would have wanted. And Kisame knew that Sasuke had no plans of returning to Konoha, rather he wanted to destroy it to avenge Itachi-san's many sacrifices and hardships over the years. While Kisame would just love to join him in on that, he knew that it wouldn't make Itachi-san happy if he did.

And the last thing Kisame wanted to do was to disappoint or upset Itachi. Even in death.

Kisame and Itach have been partners since the younger was fourteen, a year after he had first joined Akatsuki. Kisame hadn't believed that this boy standing before him was the one feared by all of his generation, the greatest shinobi Konohagakura had, apparently, produced since the Yondaime Hokage. That is, as he had said before, until he saw the Uchiha fight. It still took him a long time for him to get used to the idea that, despite how young and fragile Itachi appeared on the surface, he didn't need Kisame's protection. Itachi was an unmatched genius with greater skill and intelligence that Kisame doubted anyone had ever had. He was also the kindest soul Kisame had ever encountered, but people often overlooked that as all they saw was the Clan Killer.

What they also failed to notice was that Itachi-san was also the most damaged, especially by what he had done. By leaving his little brother behind to hate and resent him for the only way he could save the then eight year old boy.

Oh, yes. Kisame knew about the truth behind the massacre of the Uchiha Clan. A clan of over fifty members of all ages slaughtered in one night by one individual. The only survivor was Uchiha Sasuke, the youngest member of the main house and the little brother of the murderer. That what everyone knew. What no one but a select few knew was that the massacre was an order and that his exile from the village was signed and announced before the first Uchiha fell. What no one knew is that the Uchiha Clan had been planing a coup against the Hokage and that a war was brewing. What no one knew was that it was the only way Sasuke - and through the two of them the centuries old Uchiha Clan - could survive. What no one realized was that his little brother's hatred was nearly enough to break the strong man Itachi was.

But Itachi-san was used to the pressure, Kisame knew that. Being the genius he was, a lot was expected from him from a very young age. Most would stumble under it, but Itachi-san was completely unaware of it until he learned of the planning of the coupe. He had said that he had never felt that pressure and Kisame had the impression that the raven was so good that there was no need for him to feel the pressure. He met and exceeded expectations as easily as he breathed and with how focused he had been in his training and studies, he had never noticed them until his father stated that with Itachi at his side, he could deal with both the rest of the clan and the Council.

Kisame often wondered if that was actually what made the decision for Itachi-san, other than his desire to keep Sasuke safe.

The elder Uchiha brother never talked about that aspect of the true story behind the massacre, so Kisame didn't pry. He respected his partner too much to force a conversation that would make Itachi-san uncomfortable. That, and he didn't want his mind tattered in pieces if the raven haired teen decided Kisame was too bothersome to keep around. Besides, Kisame kind of, sort of didn't want Itachi suffering as much as he was already, because he might have an infatuation with him. But that's not the point!

It was, however, one of the reasons why he had set off on this self appointed mission to drag Sasuke back to Konoha. Itachi had always wanted his brother to become a hero, to change the Uchiha Clan's bloody reputation, yet he had become a criminal and Itachi had blamed himself. Kisame knew that the last thing he could do for his deceased partner would be to make Sasuke live out Itachi's legacy by protecting his home village. Now, he could easily kidnap Sasuke; the tricky part was getting him to willingly protect and fight for Konoha after everything Itachi went through. Kisame knew telling him stories of his brother will only fuel the flame of hatred currently burning in the last Uchiha's soul, so he knew that he will have to employ a more subtle approach. Which was going to be hard, as Kisame wasn't the type of person for scheming and manipulation and Sasuke was bound to be as smart as Itachi.

So Kisame had decided to risk it all and place everything on the one card he knew to be a sensitive subject to the teen in hopes of somehow convincing him to at least think about going home. He wasn't even sure how he would bring up the topic and that had made him doubt the approach, until he realized where the group were heading. They were going back to his own home country, towards the Land of the Waves, where he knew Zabuza had perished three years ago during the finishing stages of the construction of the newest and most magnificent bridge his home country had ever had the honor of having. He also knew that that bridge was a big tourist attraction and that most wondered why it was named after a food topping. He also knew that Sasuke's ex team had went there for a mission three years ago, too.

Kisame was glad that he had found a subtle way to bring up the much needed topic into the conversation when he finally reveals himself to the group.

"Say, Sasuke, why exactly are we going back there again?" Suigetsu asked, bringing Kisame out of his thoughts and memories and back into the here and now. "I mean, sure, we needed to so I could get Zabuza-senpai's sword last time, but I don't see the need to now."

"As far as you're concerned, Suigetsu, we're going there because Sasuke," the name was sighed dreamily and Kisame curled his lips in disgust he was sure the above mentioned raven was feeling at the dramatic way the girl said Sasuke's name. Really, the Uchiha and their fangirls. "Said we're going."

"Actually, I'm a bit curious, too." The biggest teen in their group, the one with the orange hair, added and the girl pouted at being outnumbered. Usually Juugo kept silent and Karin took that as her support in defending Sasuke from Suigetsu's annoying questions. Not that the Uchiha needed any protection what so ever, just that she was an obsessive fangirl who wanted to be noticed and regarded as useful by the handsome boy. "That is, if you don't mind." Juugo finished politely and Kisame resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He found overly polite people boring, except if it was Itachi-san because politeness just added to his already infinite charms.

Sasuke darted his black eyes to his companions and Kisame wondered if he should forget trying to manipulate the boy into going back to Konoha willingly or just throw him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes when he saw those dark eyes. Now, call his stalker-ish all you want but Kisame had stared into his partner's eyes for seven years and he could tell them apart from any other eyes in the world. It would seem that Sasuke had problems with his own eyes and had taken Itachi's to restore his eye sight. Itachi was probably happy that he was now a part of Sasuke's strength but Kisame wasn't. He had actually had plans of stealing Itachi's body and giving his deceased partner a funeral worthy of him, instead of allowing Tobi to do with it as he pleased. It would seem that he was too late and that the tinkering with the body had begun, although Sasuke was probably the only one who deserved his brother's eyes. Not in the sense that he had somehow earned them but because that's what Itachi would have wanted.

"Today is the anniversary of Zabuza's and Haku's death. I wanted to pay respects to them now that we have the free time and I wasn't going to show up in front of his grave without his sword." Everyone blinked at his answer before Suigetsu scowled fiercely and went to grab the handle of his sword but Sasuke's next words stopped him. "You'll keep the sword. I just want it to be there for the hour or so we will be there. A sign of respect, if you wish."

"Did you meet this guy, Sasuke?" Karin asked as the trees around them started being fewer and fewer, obviously approaching the shores and the sea. It won't be long now, maybe a couple of minutes, before they reach the water. "Did you know him?"

"Hn, I fought him as a genin." The raven haired boy replied in a bland tone of voice. "It was my first mission outside of Konoha. We were to escort and guard a bridge builder from Konoha to the Land of the Waves. It was supposed to be an easy C-class mission but it ended up being S-class and Zabuza and Haku were one of our opponents."

The group was gawking at the pale boy, probably because this was the longest they have ever heard Sasuke speak since they met him. Kisame wasn't surprised. Uchihas were like that. They don't speak nearly as often as other, more normal people do but when they do, it's either short and to the point or long and either pointed or cryptic. His first conversation with Itachi was highly philosophical and Kisame doubted he would ever forget it. Not that he'd forget any of their conversations but that, once again, wasn't the point.

"So why do you suddenly feel the need to go back there and pay your respects?" The last part of the question sounded ironic as Suigetsu said it but Sasuke never answered the question and soon enough, the bridge was in sight. Suigetsu let out a whistle as the other two members of Team Taka marveled at the beauty of the construction. "Wow, just as impressive as the last time, but somehow ... more, I guess." The albino said with a big grin that showed off his sharp teeth and with a twinkle in his purple eyes. "The Great Naruto Bridge, huh. Still don't get the name, though."

"Yeah. Who would name such a beautiful bridge after a ramen topping?" Karin, for the first time ever, agreed with Suigetsu and Juuge had to agree, as well. It was so well kept and obviously treasured and cared for that it was clear it was a big deal to the people here. The tall boy turned towards Sasuke to ask him about his mission from three years ago when he noticed the absent look in his eyes and the small, almost invisible smile on his face that wrenched and tugged at Juugo's heart. It was almost heartbreaking, that sad yet happy smile full of memories Sasuke will never share with them and it was probably the most emotion Sasuke has ever shown in their presence that didn't involve hatred, impatience or anger. In fact, it looked almost wistful and with such an expression on his young face, Kisame could almost understand Itachi's unconditional love for his little brother.

Kisame decided it might as well be the best time to have this little confrontation done and over with, so he stealthily jumped out of his hiding and landed noiselessly behind the group. They were so taken in by the bridge that they didn't notice him until he spoke up. "I agree. Such a shame for such a magnificent structure that represents these people's hope and freedom. What a waste."

In a flash, Sasuke wiped around, Sharingan already blazing and Kusanagi drawn in a second. Suigetsu followed swiftly by drawing the Kubikiribocho and glaring at the blue shark man. Kisame grinned at them and the other two prepared for a fight, too, but the elder made no move to draw his Samehada. Suigetsu, as it suited his nature quite nicely, was the first to speak up. "What are you doing here, bastard? Finally come to your senses and are to hand over that sword of yours? I always knew you were a smart man, Kisame-senpai."

Kisame chuckled, unintentionally sounding sinister and mocking. It just seemed to rail the teens up a bit more. He studied their black robes with the red clouds and shook his head. "I see you guys got mixed up with the wrong crowd. So disappointing for the future generations."

"State your business," Sasuke commanded coldly and the glare on his face once again reminded Kisame of Itachi. Then again, those were his eyes and the two brothers had a very close resemblance towards each other. Kisame shook those thoughts off before he really started comparing the two and lost focus as to why he was here.

"I just wanted to have a chat with you. Imagine my surprise when I saw you here of all places."

Those dark eyes narrowed further but it was Juugo who spoke up next. "You were following us." It was a statement and not a question and Karin looked bewildered for a moment.

"But how didn't I notice his presence?" The redhead muttered to herself. "I'm sure I would have sensed him!"

"Not with the Semahade you wouldn't." Suigetsu said in a growl. "It can absorb chakra on contact and as its wielder, he can temporarily transfer most of his chakra into it so he could fully hide his presence. Then he can take all that chakra back and fight as if he had never hid it away."

"Oh? You really do know a lot about our swords. The swords of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist." Kisame commented happily, rather impressed. Suigetsu puffed up his chest in pride but everyone ignored his as the Uchiha spoke again.

"What would you want to talk about with us?"

Kisame shrugged, knowing it would annoy the boy. "More specifically, I want to talk to you." The Uchiha just arched a black eyebrow and Kisame knew it meant for him to go on. "About returning to Konohagakure."

The glare was immediate. "Then fuck off."

"Now, now. Don't be so hasty. There's no need for such foul words when the conversation hasn't even started yet." The blue man said with a tsk. "Just hear me out before you tell me to leave."

"No."

Kisame sighed. He knew Sasuke would be difficult but he had never expected him to be this difficult. Or stubborn for that matter. "Just listen." When he saw that Sasuke had opened his mouth to once again tell him to shove it, Kisame used the advantage of his chatty personality to speak faster than the unsocial Uchiha. "It's about Itachi-san." Sasuke's mouth slammed shut with a loud smack of teeth that had his team wincing in sympathy. If possible, the glare turned colder and more dangerous.

"What about my nii-san?"

'Oh, so now it's "nii-san". Couldn't he have said it to Itachi-san while he was still alive? It would have meant the world to him!' Kisame couldn't help but fume for a second before calming down and looking seriously at Sasuke. "I heard you joined the Akatsuki so you would have revenge on Konoha for all he went through."

"Yes and I started with Danzo and don't plan on stopping any time soon until every last one of them pays for the suffering they have brought upon the both of us." Was the immediate reply with a cold, dangerous sounding growl in the teenager's voice.

Kisame wasn't scared. He had seen Itachi-san looking and heard him sounding scarier even without the glare and the growl. Although he would acknowledge that the last Uchiha had mastered the infamous Uchiha Death Glare quite well. "Do you honestly think Itachi-san would want you to do that? To seek vengeance against the village he had sacrificed almost as much for as he had for you in order to protect you and it?" He saw the raven haired young man flinch and he knew he was going right about this. "Would he really want you to waste your life and vengeance and hate? I'm sure Itachi-san wouldn't want you to be so lonely."

"Sasuke isn't alone! He has us with him always!" Karin interjected while Kisame noted the tightening of Sasuke's grip on his katana. Something in what he had said had hit a nerve and he had to wonder at what. It would seem that he will have to dig around a bit more to get more of a reaction out of him.

"Being alone and being lonely are two very different things." Kisame calmly stated as he glanced at the redhead. "I imagine that, as an Uchiha, Sasuke hasn't been ever without adoring fans at his heels, yet he was still lonely. There was no connection, no bonds between him and them."

"I don't need bonds," the genius growled out, his glare becoming sharper, his eyes almost angry slits as he frowned at the shark man. "I severed any I have formed when I left Konoha."

Kisame couldn't help but rise an eyebrow at this. "Oh? All your bonds? Even with that blond you ran kilometers for three years ago when you learned Itachi-san and I were targeting him?"

Those red eyes widened for a second and Kisame knew he had the Uchiha snared. But they he was glaring again not a second later and the oldest participant of this conversation was beginning to wonder just how mulishly stubborn this guy was. "I ran all that way because I heard Itachi was there and wanted to fight him."

"Right, so you were just craving ramen and that's why you shouted out for narutos when you first arrived at the scene." The Mist missing ninja said with an eye roll, enjoying the flare of pink that stretched across the usually stoic boy's cheeks. "I may not be a genius or the sharpest kunai in the pouch, but I'm not stupid, brat. Isn't he still chasing after you? Something tells me those bonds aren't quite as severed as you would like to think they are."

"He's an idiot still clinging to something that has been long gone for three years already." The other retorted but Kisame had him cornered.

"So you were smiling at this bridge's name like an idiot with a crush for some other reason than it being named after your friend? Sorry, my bad, then." He said with a grin and something unbelievable happened. Uchiha Sasuke's jaw dropped to the ground at the (very accurate) observation, his cheeks slowly turning as red as the tomatoes he loved so much.

There was a long stretch of awkward silence before Suigetsu broke it with a rather incredulous voice befitting the stupidity of his question. "Wait, someone would actually name their kid after a ramen topping?!"

"Yeah. Uzumaki Naruto, the hero of that village on the other side of the bridge, little Sasuke-chan's ex teammate and best friend." Kisame said with a smirk and Team Taka turned to look at their suddenly very flustered leader.

"S-shut up! What does that usuratonkachi have anything to do with this conversation, anyway?!"

Kisame grinned wider. "You didn't deny him being your best friend~!" He all but singsonged and the Uchiha started sputtering uncharacteristically. "And he has a lot to do with it. Why don't you just let him drag you back home?"

"Because I have no home to belong to." The reply came in a cold voice, Sasuke sobering up in a second.

Kisame waved him off. "Sure you do. That blondie's been chasing and searching for you for three years and a lot of other Konoha shinobi have followed after him. It'll be a rough transition but I'm sure you'll be welcomed back soon after you actually return of your of free will."

"The Hokage-"

"Isn't the same one that ordered Itachi to do it and I'm sure she'll be ... more understanding since you have your best friend on your side. I've heard she's quite fond of him."

"I still don't have a home to return to." Sasuke countered with a frown but there was no more fight in his voice. "All of my family is dead, including Itachi. I have tried, several times in fact, to kill my former teammates and fellow Leaf shinobi. I've left my village and killed Danzo, who had been Hokage, no matter how briefly. I have tried to kill Naruto, so who would accept me back?"

"Naruto-kun, as Itachi-san called him." Kisame said right off the bat and Sasuke's head snapped up. "Itachi-san once had an interesting conversation with your blondie about Konoha and you and what he would do. Itachi-san had already taken a liking to him since he was your first friend but his answer got Itachi-san to like him even more. The proof of that is that Itachi-san has hidden one special crow inside the kid as a measure against you, should you decide to attack Konoha. It's supposed to subtly suggest for you to protect Konoha or something along those lines; I don't really understand it. But as you can see, Itachi-san didn't want you to fight against Konoha or seek revenge. I think it's time you actually fulfilled his will, Sasuke. I think he deserves that much."

The Uchiha dejectedly lowered his head, his fists white and trembling from how hard he was clenching them.

Time for the killing blow.

"Besides, don't you think you owe it to your friend, too?" Sasuke's head snapped up again so fast Kisame wondered how he didn't get a whiplash from it. "I'm sure 'Naruto-kun' would be very happy to have you back, and after all you've undoubtedly put him through, I think you owe him some happy, carefree times."

There was a long stretch of silence that was finally broken by the sound of Sasuke's sigh and the sliding of the Kusanage back into its sheathe. Team Taka turned to look towards their leader, who had turned around to stare at a spot somewhere on the middle of the Great Naruto Bridge. If someone were to kneel by the point where his gaze was fixed, they would find several puncture holes and scratches the size of needles, the only imperfection on the bridge that no one had fixed due to not noticing it. Those little indents meant nothing to anyone else, but to Sasuke and a certain blond loudmouth ninja, they might as well mean the world to them.

"Sasuke?" Karin asked tentatively and with a sigh, the mentioned boy turned around to look at the redhead. She and the two boys he had been traveling with for a few months now were looking at him expectantly and he saw that whatever his decision may be, they were going to follow him through it.

He finally looked over at his brother's Akatsuki partner and locked eyes with him. For a moment, they just stared at each other, acknowledging that both have had an important place in Itachi's life and that each held some of the older Uchiha's story in their hands and hearts. Maybe together, they could tell the whole story so Itachi's memory won't ever fade.

But they could do that later.

For now ...

"Let's go, then."

Kisame grinned and Team Taka smiled.

For now they had a not so long journey in front of them and a lot of apologies to prepare.