Chapter 10
Week Seventeen
Kakashi sat there in the bar with Tenzo, Asuma and Gai. It had been six weeks since Sasuke had left Konoha, a month since Kakashi had found out he was safe with his brother. Kakashi was glad that Sasuke wasn't being hurt anymore, but he still wasn't comfortable with the idea of him being around so many criminals. There wasn't anything he could do about it. Even though Sasuke's name had been cleared he knew Sasuke wouldn't come back. Not after finding out the truth about the death of his family. He could never trust or feel safe in Konoha again. Not that Kakashi blamed him, he was having a harder time with it himself.
"Naruto is very willing and eager to learn." Tenzo said.
"I saw him coming out of the library with a bunch of history books the other day. He's been different in the past couple of weeks." Asuma said.
"He's always been interested in getting stronger. Sasuke being in the ANBU pushed him to work harder. It's not a bad thing." Kakashi said.
"He wants to learn how to use the nine tails' chakra. The Third is trying to find Jiraiya." Tenzo said.
"Why the sudden interest in the nine tails?" Gai asked.
"When I asked, he said he needed to be able to control it so it wouldn't come out again without his knowledge. I think he's lying." Tenzo answered.
"Why?" Kakashi asked.
"His personality has changed. He's more serious and focused. It's like he knows something bad is going to happen and he's getting ready for it. There's a fire under him now that he didn't have."
"Why the interest in the books? Naruto has never been one for reading or doing research, so why the interest in history?" Gai asked.
"No idea. I don't even know what history he is looking at. I asked what he was doing, but he started to run and said he had to get home and get started." Asuma answered.
"Could he know something? I don't see how he could know something we don't, but could he?" Gai asked.
"Know what though?" Asuma asked.
"He's probably just looking into the nine tails. It was only a matter of time before he got interested in it." Kakashi said.
"It's possible. Shikamaru told me he saw Naruto coming out of the Uchiha Compound with books and scrolls. Shikamaru asked what he was doing and Naruto said he was in the Compound so he could read in private in the sun." Asuma said.
"The Compound would have information on the nine tails." Gai said.
"Was he bringing the scrolls and books in or out of the Compound?" Tenzo asked.
"No idea." Asuma answered.
"We need to keep an eye on him. If he is up to something we need to know right away. He could just be interested in learning all he can about the nine tails and didn't want anyone to know. Keep in mind most don't know he has it in him. It's natural for him to be hiding it from Shikamaru and hiding away in the Compound. No one would look for him there and no one goes there." Kakashi said.
"I think that is exactly it. I think with what happened to Sasuke, he wants to grow and get control over the nine tails. The one time it did come out was when he thought Sasuke was dead. It's logical that after what happened recently he would want to ensure that doesn't happen again. I do still think he's hiding something though." Tenzo said.
"I'll keep an eye out on him, but I'm sure that's it." Asuma said.
"Has anyone heard anything on Sasuke? Do we even know where he is?" Gai asked.
"No. He's out there somewhere." Kakashi said. He knew he could trust them with the truth, but he couldn't release that information currently.
"He's smart and strong he'll be fine." Tenzo said.
"Orochimaru is still out there. How do we know he didn't grab Sasuke?" Gai asked.
"I have my hounds watching the Sound. Sasuke's not there. His chakra has never been around the area even. Wherever he is, Orochimaru doesn't have him." Kakashi said confidently. He knew where Sasuke was, but this way he could offer some comfort to his friends.
"Good. Hopefully he is safe and can be happy wherever he is." Gai said.
"We'll see him again one day. He'll recover from what happened to him and he'll be back ready to be a ninja again." Asuma said with confidence.
"We will see him again. He'll be stronger than ever." Kakashi said as he knew that for a fact. Itachi would make sure of it.
"The next generation will be stronger than all of us. We might just see peace in our time." Tenzo said warmly.
"I hope so." Kakashi said back.
This world had seen enough death and destruction in it. Kakashi's hope for the future was that they would find peace for all the children within the world.
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Itachi and Kisame shot up in bed when they heard a scream coming from Sasuke's room. They immediately were out of bed and running into Sasuke's room ready for anything. Sasuke was sitting up in bed breathing heavy and shaking. It was clear that no one was in here, Sasuke had a nightmare. Itachi went over to the bed and sat down in front of Sasuke as Kisame let out a breath.
"It's ok Ototo."
"His hands. I can feel them. I need them off, I just want them off. I didn't want it, I didn't want it." Sasuke said as tears started to go down his cheeks.
Itachi pulled Sasuke into his arms as he spoke. "His hands aren't on you. It's only mine Ototo. He can't hurt you anymore, you're safe here."
Kisame turned and headed out. He closed the door to give the brothers some privacy. This was something Sasuke needed Itachi for and he didn't want to invade their privacy together, not with something like this. Kisame saw that Sasori was running towards him as he would have heard the scream. Kisame put his hand up as he spoke.
"It was a nightmare. Itachi has him."
Sasori stopped running and spoke. "Fuck I thought something was wrong with the twins or he was being attacked."
"Nightmares were bound to start happening. The hormone must be completely out of his system now."
"Fuckers need to be killed." Sasori said as he turned and headed back to his room.
Kisame gave a nod in agreement as he headed back into Itachi's room. He doubted Itachi would be back in it tonight, but if he was Kisame would be there for him.
Itachi continued to hold onto Sasuke as he cried. Everything in him was screaming for blood from the bastards that did this to his brother. He was going to make them pay for every mark on him, for every time they touched him. He wasn't going to hold back. It was ten minutes before Sasuke calmed back down. Sasuke pulled back and Itachi went and wiped his cheeks.
"Sorry." Sasuke immediately said.
"Don't ever apologize for crying or being afraid. You went through something horrible, you have every right to be upset, scared, angry or hurt. I'm here for you no matter what Ototo."
"I'm so confused. I didn't want it, but my body did. How is that possible? My body said it felt good, I can still remember how it felt good at times, but my mind didn't want to be touched. Why did my body do that?"
"Because of the hormones affecting your mind and your judgement. Your body took over when your mind couldn't process the thought. Your mind shut off and let your body feel, but now that the hormones are leaving your system you are able to now process what happened to you and see it for what it truly is. And as hard as it is, it's a good thing that you can still remember it feeling good, because one day you will be ready to be with someone again in a sexual way. At least you'll remember it can feel good and not have to fear it hurting. The only difference will be your mind will want it too and then it will feel amazing."
"The things I let him do, let them do. He drugged me. I didn't remember, but he drugged the water that first time when we were dating, supposed to be dating. He put it in the water, said it was a natural aphrodisiac. I was high. I don't know what he gave me, but I was high. We were at the cottage and he had this sixteen year old girl tied up on the bed. Said it was my surprise. I don't even remember the whole night." Sasuke said as a few tears went down his cheeks.
"They will pay for what they have done to you. I promise you little brother. They will know pain before death. We will get through this together. We won't let them break you. We won't let them take away from the miracles that are growing inside of you. They lost, you won. I'm not going to lose you to memories. We will deal with them one by one as they come up together. You are not alone in this fight Ototo and you never will be."
"Will you stay with me tonight?"
"I'm not going anywhere. Let's lay down, your body needs rest."
Sasuke gave a small nod as he went and laid down on his left side like he was supposed to. Itachi came up behind him and wrapped his arms around him, placing one on Sasuke's belly.
"I'm not going to let anyone hurt the three of you. I promise." Itachi said.
"I love you."
Itachi kissed the side of Sasuke's head as he spoke. "I love you."
Itachi ran his thumb over Sasuke's belly to try and give some comfort to Sasuke. Sasuke curled up into Itachi's chest and closed his eyes. Trying to just focus on the fact that he was safe in Itachi's arms.
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It was early that morning when Tobi walked into Pains throne room. Pain was alone and Tobi didn't sense Konan anywhere so she was still sleeping. He went over to Pain and he dropped all falseness from his voice.
"You seem to be getting close to Sasuke." Tobi said in a hard voice.
"No more than anyone else. He's a valuable asset."
"He's a pregnant twelve year old boy. Hardly an asset."
"You are not thinking about long term. He will be the reason why Itachi stays with us. Sasuke will train and get stronger. They both will be able to transfer their eyes making them even more powerful. Sasuke is the key to all of that. And when those twins grow up they will be loyal to us as well. You should be pleased to have more of your family here."
"They are nothing to me. Itachi is loyal to Sasuke, if Sasuke does not wish to be here they won't be here. Itachi's will and determination is connected to Sasuke and the love he has for him. Sasuke is too risky to have around. You need to get rid of him and those experiments. Their death will push Itachi past his breaking point and he will embrace the darkness that lives in his soul."
"There is no darkness in his soul. Without Sasuke and the twins he will die. He will stop fighting the disease and allow it to consume him. You're being foolish."
"All Uchiha have a darkness in them. They are born with it. With the death of his precious brother and those abominations the darkness will consume him and the Curse of Hatred will take over. He will get Sasuke's eyes and turn his hatred towards the world. We get him to believe Konoha killed them and he will destroy the village. With the village destroyed we can capture the nine tails boy and keep him held here until we are ready. I don't care how you do it, just get it done." Tobi ordered.
"I won't. Sasuke and the twins stay here and they will not be touched." Pain said with an edge to his voice.
"I am in charge here Pain, not you." Tobi snapped.
"You might be in charge, but you are not the strongest. I could crush you with little effort. I am not going to eliminate an asset and lose another. Itachi won't have hatred for Konoha. He'll die from a broken heart long before the anger would hit him. The Curse of Hatred might exist, but Itachi wouldn't have it. Sasuke is more likely to get it."
"Sasuke is weak. Itachi is the one that holds the strength and power in him. He is the Uchiha that needed to survive for my plan to be successful. If I had known he left his brother alive, I would have gone back and killed him. He is Itachi's weakness and he needs to be eliminated."
"He is Itachi's strength. He's already agreed to getting the eye transplant. He's no longer being reckless on missions. His love for his brother and his nephews will give him greater strength. Itachi will only get stronger and his loyalty will grow with Sasuke being safe here. Sasuke is weak now, but with training over the next three years he will be just as powerful, if not more."
"He won't be. Itachi is the chosen one. They have to die in order for him to succumb to the hatred. Sasuke is too much of a risk. He could sway Itachi to go against us and the plan. You want peace do you not?"
"You know I do, but I will not obtain it by murdering an innocent boy and his unborn children." Pain said with strength in his voice.
"Those are not children. They are experiments. They are an abomination to the Uchiha name. You are getting too close to him. Having meals together down there like we're all some family. You have conversations with him, deep meaningful ones. You are letting him cloud your judgement."
"They are children regardless of how they are brought into this world. I will not let harm come to any of them. Sasuke and those children are under my protection and that is a protection that not even you stand a chance against. You might have started this plan, but I am the one that holds the power here Madara. You can't beat me, no one can. They are to be left alone, those are the orders or you will die trying. Sasuke is our greatest asset, you are just too blind to see it. My getting close to him is to ensure he will be here for when the time comes. He will see things my way and help us achieve that peace. You can either accept that or you will die never seeing peace."
"You're a fool. You are letting your emotions cloud your judgement. He will be the end of us all." Tobi warned as he took off.
Pain didn't know why Tobi was so bothered by Sasuke being here. Even if that made Itachi weaker by his standards, having another Uchiha would only help the organization in terms of missions and with the final plan. From what Pain had been told Sasuke was powerful, he had a great deal of potential in him just waiting to be unlocked. He needed training with powerful people to teach him, something he had never had before with having no family. Sasuke was a prodigy and he would soak up everything that was taught to him. He would be incredibly powerful within three years. Pain wasn't going to let any harm come to Sasuke or those children. He had given his word and not only that he was starting to like the boy. He enjoyed their talks. He even was starting to like the meals together. The others had warmed up to it as well, even offering to cook the next meal together. Sasuke was bringing them closer and that could only mean success for the organization. Pain was going to take added precautions from now on. He wasn't going to give Tobi a chance at getting to Sasuke.
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Just after eight that morning Konan walked into Pain's throne room at the peak of the tower. She could immediately tell something was bothering him.
"What's wrong?"
"I had a visit earlier from Madara. He's demanding that I kill Sasuke and make it look like Konoha did it."
"What? Nagato you can't. That boy has been through enough and he is pregnant with the twins. You can't hurt him." Konan said with an edge to her voice. A tone that told Pain she would fight him on this the whole way.
"I told him no. That if he tried anything I would kill him. He released information though out of his anger."
"What information?"
"He said Itachi is the chosen one."
"Chosen one for what?" Konan asked confused.
"I don't know. He let that slip, he wasn't going to let anymore slip. I argued that Sasuke and the twins would make Itachi stronger. That they were a valuable asset to the organization. He said that Sasuke was Itachi's weakness and the abominations needed to be killed. With their death Itachi would be filled with hatred towards Konoha and succumb to something called the Curse of Hatred. Itachi would then Destroy Konoha."
"Itachi isn't the hatred type. He would be angry, but he would target those responsible for Sasuke's death, not an entire village. And if he lost the three of them he would die. He kill the one responsible and then give up. He's been able to survive this long with the disease because of the medicine and sheer willpower. Without Sasuke he would give up."
"I told him that. He wasn't pleased when he left. I'm going to have Deva Pain watching over Sasuke even inside. He'll keep to the shadows and I will inform Itachi and Kisame about this. They don't need to know all of it, but they need to be aware of the threat."
"He feels threatened by Sasuke. You don't give a kill order on a twelve year old boy unless you feel threatened by him."
"Sasuke holds no power against someone like Madara. He's no threat to his plan."
"He is though. You never leave this room unless to sleep, even then you fall asleep in the walker. In the time Sasuke has been here you have been spending time down with the others. You are walking more. You are having deep conversations with Sasuke. You have him followed when he leaves. You eat dinner with everyone a couple times a week. Sasuke has a positive influence on you, that connection is a threat to him and his plan. He thinks Sasuke could get you to change your mind."
"If he is worried about me changing my mind, then there must be another way to obtain peace besides his plan." Pain said slowly.
"And logic would dictate that his plan has another agenda that he's not telling you about. Something that hinges on the ten tails being reconstructed. We need to do some research and see what we can discover about the ten tails. And what Itachi being the chosen one could mean."
"Grab Itachi and Kisame. They are the only ones we can trust with this currently."
"They don't know Tobi is Madara."
"They know. Itachi knew when he joined and he told Kisame about a year ago."
"And you are ok with it?"
"Kisame and Itachi are in love. I accepted that there would be information traded between the two of them. If it had become a problem I could have handled it. Currently, it works on our favor."
"I'll be right back."
Konan made her way down the stairs and headed for the kitchen. She didn't know if they would be awake yet, but she figured she would start there. She walked in and saw that Sasuke was sitting at the island eating breakfast with Kisame and Itachi drinking coffee. She noticed that they all looked tired already.
"Rough night?" Konan asked.
"My fault." Sasuke said.
"The nightmares have started. It was ok though, we got through it." Itachi said and he made a point of looking at Sasuke. He was tired yes, but he could nap later. Itachi cared more about Sasuke being ok than himself.
"Pain wants to see you both." Konan said with a nod to Itachi and Kisame.
"Are you ok to be alone?" Itachi asked Sasuke.
"The little one won't be alone." Deva Path said as he came out of the shadows.
"When he talks, is that Pain talking or does he have his own brain functions and personality?" Sasuke asked.
"It's Pain. He is controlling it through the black receivers that look like piercings." Itachi answered as he got up.
"Can he talk and move with me while he is talking with you?"
"Yes." Deva Path answered.
"Doesn't that get confusing?" Sasuke asked.
"In the beginning, but now I'm used to it."
"We'll be back shortly." Itachi said.
Sasuke just gave a nod and the three of them headed out. Deva Path stood off to the side to give Sasuke some space, but he was ready for anything. Sasuke took this time to observe this version of Pain. He was still a little unsure of how this whole thing worked, but it seemed like each Path was a different part that made up Pain. Sasuke had only really met this one though, so he couldn't say for certain that was how this worked. Sasuke did know this one was Pain's favorite as it was his dead best friend. He couldn't help, but think how painful it must be to see his friend, but know he can't really talk to him.
"Isn't it hard on you? To see your best friend, but he's not really there with you. I know you did this to honor him and keep his memory alive, but it has to be painful for you."
"Some days I wish he could talk to me again, when things get bad or I'm in need of his advice. It was harder in the beginning. Now it feels like he is always with me. Like a spirit that travels with me. It's a comfort to have him around, even if all I can do is look at him. He started this organization to bring peace and it will be his face that Amegakure sees when that happens. Maybe then he will rest in peace."
"What makes you think he's not already?"
"I don't know if he is or is not. The afterlife is not something that I hold answers to. I hope he is at peace. I will make sure his memory and his sacrifice is not in vain."
"Did he want you to go about obtaining peace in this way? Through destruction?"
"No he didn't. He believed in fighting battles and stopping the evil in the world. He always said you take it one fight at a time, one victory at a time until there is nothing left to fight. He wouldn't approve."
"Then why do it?"
"There are a lot of things I've done that he wouldn't approve. At least this one will end with peace."
"It'll end with destruction and more war. And I think part of you knows that, but you are too far in the darkness to remember what the sunlight feels like. You've done a lot of bad things. I don't know about them, but you don't reach your level and hold the level of respect and fear that you do by being a boy scout. All you chose to see are the bad things and they justify it for you. You are bad because you've done bad things. It's simple logic. The only problem is the world doesn't work in black and white, its made up of millions of different shades of grey." Sasuke started as he went and brought his dishes into the kitchen. "You are someone the people consider to be a God. A God can be vengeful, hold wrath at people that go against him. But Gods can also be forgiving, kind hearted, giving, a protector. You accept yourself as a God, but you don't fully accept what goes with it because in your mind that doesn't fit with the image you see in the mirror."
"And what image do you see when you look at me?"
"When I'm looking at the real you, I see a man filled with pain from a hard life. I see a man with darkness in his heart, a darkness that could swallow him whole and take half the world with him. But you know what else I see? I see a man that cares deeply for his friends. You would die to protect Konan because you love her. You care about these people. You care about people all over, people you haven't even met. You care about the future and the next children that come with it. You are a man that puts the darkness against the light in you. You believe you can't be both, so you must just be the darkness. But you are both parts, even when you try not to be. You are a good man and I know that you will do the right thing in the end. I believe in you Nagato and I'm not the only one." Sasuke said warmly.
"I'm not a hero." Deva Path with a softer tone to his voice.
"No, you're better. You're an anti-hero. You're the one that gets to show up when they are the most in need and surprise everyone. Just because you aren't a boy scout doesn't mean you can't be good. You chose to be evil, to play a role. You can choose when you switch roles."
"Which one do you consider your brother to be?"
"Anti-hero all the way. He understands that sometimes you have to do hard things in order to keep people safe. But he does those things for the good of the people in the world. Killing the Clan was a necessary evil in preventing a war. Killing the Council was necessary so they don't continue to come after me and get the twins that leads to an Uchiha army. But he still went against his wishes and wants to keep the Third alive because it was better at the time than killing him. The world needs anti-heroes in it. People that are willing to make the hard decisions, to do the hard thing for the greater good. Their heart makes them an anti-hero instead of a villian. You don't have the heart of a villian. Regardless of what arguments you could make, the eyes don't lie."
"You are not what I expected little one. You may be too smart for your own good right now."
"You are probably right about that." Sasuke said as he went to head out.
"Where are you going?"
"The library. I call it Heaven." Sasuke said with a smirk.
Deva Path followed behind Sasuke as he walked down the halls.
"You're coming?" Sasuke asked slightly confused.
"I am."
"You keep watch when I leave the Tower, you've never kept watch of me in the tower. A new threat has come up, one within the organization and one you are taking serious for you to have someone watching me. You're talking to Itachi and Kisame about it right now. Are you going to tell me who I should be avoiding?"
"I can only give you a name. Anything more and it would put you in danger."
"Name works for me."
"Tobi."
"I avoid him anyways. I don't like how he feels."
"How does he feel?"
Pain knew that Uchihas were sensitive to chakra. They often were able to pick up different traits in a person's chakra.
"He's fake. Everything about him is a lie. He's hiding a secret. He's dangerous and powerful. His chakra feels like how Danzo felt. It puts you on edge and you know you can't trust him. Why would he target me though?"
Sasuke already suspected why, but Pain didn't know that he knew what the real story was.
"I can't tell you right now. It's safer for you to be watched over. I'll stick to the shadows normally and be there in case something happens. Tobi isn't stronger than I am and he won't risk my anger. You are still safe, this is an added precaution. You won't notice me most of the time."
"Will it be this version or the other ones?"
"This one."
"Ok."
"That's it? No further questions or concerns?"
"Asking questions will result in you telling me you can't answer, as it would put me in greater danger. And any concerns I have are the same as always. I trust you. I barely know you and I shouldn't trust you, but I do. I feel connected to you. I don't know if that is because you share blood with Naruto or some other reason that I'm not aware of, but I know you'll keep me safe. I'm not going to worry about it or stress over it. That would put the twins at risk and nothing is worth that threat. I have your protection, Konan's, Itachi's and Kisame's protection. I'll let the adults in this situation handle it and focus on getting through these next months. It's all I care about right now."
"That's all you should care about."
Sasuke walked into the library and headed over to the section he was looking for. Deva Path disappeared into the shadows to watch over Sasuke, but still give him the privacy he was looking for.
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Itachi, Kisame and Konan walked into the throne room. Once they were in front of Pain, he didn't even wait for questions.
"You are aware of who Tobi really is. I am not going to tolerate either one of you playing stupid. The situation is far too serious."
"What happened?" Itachi asked all business.
"Madara ordered me to have Sasuke and the twins killed."
Pain could instantly see the anger and fear that went through Itachi. Pain could tell he was already trying to figure out a plan on how to get Sasuke out of here without being caught or followed.
"Is that why you are with him now?" Kisame asked ready to strike Pain down himself if he had to.
"Deva is protecting him. I told Madara that I wouldn't and if he tried anything I would kill him. For now he is complying, but he won't always. I would never hurt him or the twins Itachi."
"How can I trust that? You will protect them now, but if your plan is put at risk, what then? If Madara threatens to leave and you miss out on your chance at peace, will he be important than?" Itachi said back.
"I believe your brother holds the fate of the world. It's in his eyes, it's in his spirit, it's in his mind and it's in his heart. I feel a connection with him. I can't explain it, but it was instant the second I saw him. Even if Madara chooses to leave, Sasuke and the twins will always have my protection. His plan might only bring pain and not peace to this world."
"Then you will always have my loyalty. What did Madara say?" Itachi said more calmly now.
"He told me that Sasuke and the abominations needed to be eliminated. He advised me to make it appear as Konoha was responsible. He believes the loss of them would push you over the edge and the Curse of Hatred would take ahold of you. He believes you would destroy Konoha and we could take the nine tails' host in the process. He referred to you as the chosen one. Does any of that sound familiar to you?" Pain explained.
"No. He's never said any of that to me before." Itachi answered.
"What is the Curse of Hatred?" Kisame asked.
"He said it was something that was inside all Uchihas. That with Sasuke and the twins dead it would consume Itachi into pure hatred. Even when I argued that he wouldn't destroy Konoha, but instead target those responsible. That hatred isn't something that lies in his heart, he was dismissive. Said Itachi was the chosen one and was vital in his plan. He let it slip out of anger. He's never told me anything about Itachi being the chosen one or vital to his plan." Pain answered.
"I suggested that Madara's plan is not the one he has released to us. He has an ulterior motive, something that Sasuke has threatened. He is against Sasuke getting close to Pain." Konan added.
"He doesn't want Sasuke influencing him. That means you are vital to his plan. Sasuke is a threat to both of us in his eyes." Itachi said.
"What could you both be vital to though? We seal the tail beasts into the statue. We bring forth the ten tails, that's it." Kisame said.
"Only I can bring forth the statue with my eyes. Maybe Itachi's Sharingan is meant to control it." Pain suggested.
"Madara eyes are reported to be the strongest in history for Uchiha. He wouldn't need my eyes for that. He controlled the nine tails with his Sharingan. Maybe it's blood, he needs more than just his for some seal." Itachi suggested.
"What do we know about the ten tails?" Kisame asked.
"Not enough. We only know the basics, that the ten tails was broken down into the tail beasts and given an area of the world to guard. Over time they were sealed away in hosts as villages were built. We need more information on it. We need information on this Curse of Hatred and what Itachi could be the chosen one for." Konan said.
"Anything that has to do with the Uchiha would be back in Konoha at the hidden temple." Itachi said.
"Assuming Sasuke hasn't moved them over the years. He knows where it is doesn't he?" Kisame asked.
"I showed it to him when he was six. He wasn't supposed to know about it, but I snuck him in one night and showed him the hidden room within the hidden room." Itachi said as he realised what he could have just done.
"What was in it?" Pain asked.
"It was full of books and scrolls about the Clan's history, techniques, kinjutsus, everything the Clan had that needed to be protected and kept hidden." Itachi answered.
"Well there is no way a prodigy with hyper focus didn't read any of those things." Kisame said.
"Is there any way we can get those books and scrolls?" Konan asked.
"If Sasuke hasn't moved them." Itachi let out a sigh before he spoke again. "You should bring Sasuke up here."
"He will wonder why Tobi would have this knowledge of the Uchiha." Konan said.
"Unless he already knows." Pain said as he could see it in Itachi.
"He knows about Madara and the plan." Itachi admitted.
"Why would you tell him? That puts him in danger. If Madara discovered that Sasuke knew the truth about everything he would push harder to have him killed. He's in no position to handle that level of information." Pain said clearly not happy with Itachi.
"Sasuke knowing information is not dangerous to him. It's more dangerous for him not to know and go seek it out. His mind has always been interesting in learning, in puzzles. Most can ignore an unfinished puzzle, he can't. If he knew then he would be protected by not looking for the pieces. He understands how dangerous this situation is."
"He's a smart kid and he's not going to risk the twins for anything. He also thinks that Tobi is lying about being Madara." Kisame said.
"Why does he think that?" Pain asked more interested in that than Sasuke knowing the truth.
"Sasuke has always had strong senses. He's good at reading chakra and remembering how they feel and attaching that feeling to the right person. Tobi feels familiar to him. I explained that he was there the night the Clan was killed, but Sasuke is confident that that's not where he felt it. He doesn't know where he's felt it, but doesn't believe Tobi is Madara." Itachi explained.
"Madara could have watched Sasuke." Konan suggested as she looked at Pain.
"He wouldn't have felt him. Sasuke can't sense any of us approaching him he wouldn't have been able to sense Madara." Pain said.
"That leaves him having to be around Madara or he was around someone that was around Madara enough to have chakra left on them." Konan said.
"Sasuke is on his way up. I don't like him being apart of this, not in his current condition or after he gives birth, He's nowhere near trained enough." Pain said.
"I don't like it anymore than you do, but Sasuke is aware of the risks. He knows he can't be involved. He's not being reckless. He's letting us handle this until he is in a position where he could help." Itachi said.
"We need to minimize the threat Sasuke holds to Madara somehow." Konan suggested.
"How though?" Kisame asked.
The door to the room opened and Sasuke walked towards them. He could tell something was going on, something more than what Pain had just told him.
"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked.
"You are aware of Madara." Pain said clearly not impressed.
"I'm sorry." Sasuke said for lying to him just now.
"This is very dangerous little one. Madara has threatened your life, the life of those unborn twins. He sees you as a threat against myself and Itachi. He wants you dead to push your brother over the edge. No more secrets. I can't protect you from potential threats if I am not aware of what you are doing. It cannot happen any longer."
"I promise. Why does he want to push Itachi over the edge?"
"He wants Itachi to succumb to the Curse of Hatred. With your death Madara believes Itachi will destroy Konoha and that will provide us with the opportunity to capture the nine tails. He referred to Itachi as the chosen one. Have you ever heard of anything like that or read about anything regarding the Curse of Hatred?" Pain asked.
"No. I've read a few scrolls from the hidden temple, but I've never had the chance to read through everything. There is over a hundred books and scrolls in that room."
"Are they still there?" Konan asked.
"Some of them. I have about thirty of them."
"At your apartment?" Itachi asked.
"Here."
"How did you do that? When did you do that?" Itachi asked slightly annoyed that Sasuke had taken the risk.
"I asked Naruto to send me the books and scrolls bit by bit each week. I pick them up at the post office every Friday. He sends ten a week so it's not too heavy for me to lift."
"Why Sasuke? Why?" Itachi asked now very annoyed.
"I haven't read them. I've got them hidden in my room. I figured after I gave birth then I would start to read them. I wanted Naruto to send them though so they weren't left unprotected. They could be what we need to determine if Tobi is Madara or not and if Tobi felt threatened he could have gone in and destroyed the proof. They are safer here. He would never expect it."
"That is a fair argument." Kisame said.
"We need those books and scrolls that are remaining." Konan said.
"We need to be careful. You carrying a box every Friday is dangerous. Tobi could be watching and he would know they are coming from Konoha. He can't know what you are getting or that they come from the nine tails. That would make him feel more threatened." Pain said.
"What if it wasn't just books. There is a whole Compound of photo albums and momentums. We get Naruto to pack bigger boxes. He puts more books and scrolls in them and overtop he puts photo albums in it or other books to hide what is in the boxes. I can start picking them up with Sasuke to carry them. If Madara goes through Sasuke's room, he will only find family momentos." Itachi said.
"Where do we hide the books and scrolls though?" Kisame asked.
"I have them hidden under some loose floorboards under my bed. There is a little compartment, it looked like Sasori had used it to store parts in it." Sasuke said.
"Leave them there. That is the best place for them. Keep the other boxes in your closet, as you buy things for the twins place them there too." Pain said.
"We can get Aunt May to place some in boxes when we buy something there. He won't go through all of the boxes if he sees that most are just nothing important." Itachi said.
"How are we gonna read em if they are in Sasuke's room?" Kisame asked.
"No one is reading them yet. Not until the twins are born. We need to act as if nothing has changed. The only way to lessen the threat against Sasuke is by playing along. We still go after the tail beasts. We stick to the plan. For as long as we have to. Once we get all of the information we can plan accordingly." Pain ordered.
"We need more information on the ten tails still." Konan said.
"Naruto is looking into that too, but I don't know if he'll be able to find anything." Sasuke answered.
"What else has Naruto said?" Konan asked.
"He's being trained by Tenzo right now to be able to use the nine tails' chakra. The Third has sent out a squad to find Jiyara, he's a Sannin, to train Naruto fully on it. He wants to be ready for whatever we need him for." Sasuke answered.
"Jiyara trained Pain." Itachi said.
"I hate him, but he is the only one that can train a tail beast as strong as the nine tails. We might need Naruto in the end. See what he can discover in Konoha about the ten tails. He's being trained, it's the perfect opportunity for him to ask all about the tail beasts." Pain said.
"I'll put it in this week's letter."
"We go on as if nothing has changed. He can't suspect anything. Deva Path will continue to watch over Sasuke. If Madara approaches either of you and starts talking about the plan, act as if you agree with it. If Madara believes that Sasuke is on our side and that is keeping Itachi on our side, then he will feel less threatened by his influence." Pain ordered.
"We can play the part." Itachi said confidently.
"You three need to get back downstairs before someone notices you missing." Konan said.
The three of them gave a nod and made their way out of the room. They headed back down the stairs and Sasuke guided them to the library so they could have some privacy.
"I'm sorry Niisan, I know you didn't want me involved in any of this."
"It's not your fault. I told you the truth and you didn't ask to be pregnant. Besides, you being here could be what stops Pain from destroying this world. We can figure this out. This mission is still as dangerous as it's always been."
"We'll keep you safe kid. You just gotta be smart." Kisame said.
"I will be, I won't take any risks. I'll get started on Naruto's letter so it can go out."
"We'll hang here for a bit and let the others think we've been here the whole time." Kisame said.
Sasuke went over to one of the stands that had paper, pencils and pens on it. He grabbed what he needed before he headed over to one of the couches and started to write. Kisame and Itachi sat down on another couch next to each other. They were going to be keeping Sasuke in their sights whenever they could. Before there was the possibility of a threat, now they had a real one and they were not going to let anything happen to Sasuke or the twins. Not while they were both still breathing.
Week Eighteen
It was just after midnight and Sasuke was woken up by a weird sensation. He couldn't explain what had happened, but something had woken him up. Sasuke felt movement in his stomach. Sasuke couldn't help but smile as he felt a solid kick. He quickly got up and ran out of his room and went into Itachi's room. He spoke as he got onto the middle of the bed.
"Wake up, wake up, wake up."
Itachi and Kisame were awake and ready to fight. Sasuke grabbed each of their hands and placed them where he felt the kicks from the twins.
"What's wrong? Do you need chakra?" Itachi asked concerned.
"Wait for it." Sasuke said.
"What are we." Kisame started, but stopped once he felt the kick.
Sasuke smile got even bigger and Kisame and Itachi joined him.
"Holy shit." Kisame said amazed. He had never felt anything like this before.
"They're kicking." Itachi said with pure love in his voice.
"They just started. It woke me up. They're kicking Niisan." Sasuke said with a chuckle.
"It's amazing kid." Kisame said warmly.
"Their kicks are strong. That's a good sign. They are only going to move more now." Itachi said.
"I'm sorry for waking you up, but I was so excited and I wanted you to feel it."
"It's all good kid. Anytime you need one of us don't even hesitate to come in." Kisame said.
"We're half way now." Itachi said warmly.
"Just need to make to thirty-eight weeks." Sasuke said.
"We'll get there no matter what." Kisame said confidently.
The twins stopped moving and they both removed their hands.
"Well now that I've woken you both up, I'll get out of here and let you go back to sleep." Sasuke said as he moved off the bed.
"Are you ok? You've been sleeping a lot in the past week." Itachi said.
"I'm fine, just a tired week. I'll be back to normal in a couple of days. You don't have worry about me. These babies are fine."
"Ok. But tomorrow we need to get you out of the room. Maybe go to the baby store if you are feeling up to it and get some stuff for them." Itachi said hoping that would encourage Sasuke to get outside again.
"We can even hit the chocolate shop." Kisame offered as he could tell what Itachi was trying to do.
"Ya maybe after breakfast. I tend to get more tired around the afternoon."
"We can go right after breakfast. Get some sleep Ototo."
"Good night guys." Sasuke said as he headed out of the room and went back to his room to get some sleep.
"Man, that was amazing to feel. To actually feel the little kicks. He's got little babies in there. I know we've seen the ultrasounds and heard the heartbeats, but to actually feel them move." Kisame said completely amazed.
"I know. I'm so happy for him. Twenty more weeks and they'll be here with us."
Kisame rolled over on top of Itachi with a smirk on his face. "Makes me wish I could impregnant you. Maybe we should try."
"Maybe we should. Fill my ass with your cum." Itachi said playfully back.
"I'm not feeling very tired anymore." Kisame said as he went and removed Itachi's boxers.
"Me either. Fuck me until you have nothing left."
"With pleasure."
They both knew they would be tired come morning, but neither one of them cared about that at all.
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That afternoon Kakashi was sitting in his living room trying to read one of his favorite books. His mind was distracted though. He kept thinking about Sasuke and what could be happening with him. He wondered if he was alright and being looked after. If he was safe while Itachi wasn't around. Had he been forced to join the organization and was being sent out on missions with some unknown partner? Kakashi felt like he was going insane with the unknowns constantly flooding his mind. He wanted answers, but he knew he was never going to get them. Itachi hadn't sent him any information on Sasuke since he had been here over five weeks ago. Kakashi had no idea what to do at this point. Naruto was off training with Tenzo and soon to be Jiraiya. Sakura was filling in on other squads now because their team was basically gone. Kakashi had even gone back to doing solo missions once again. He never thought he would miss having a Genin squad. He had been so used to operating on his own that when he did have to work with others, children at that, he had no interest in it. But when he found out he would be taking on Minato's son and an Uchiha, he couldn't turn the opportunity down. He would give them one chance and see what happened. Now he felt like he failed his old Sensei and let Obito down as well. Sasuke and Obito were cousins, Kakashi owed it to Obito to at least look out for his last relative, but he had failed there as well. Now he felt incomplete without his students. And he missed Sasuke, he missed him a lot. He missed talking to him and sparring with him. He hated that Sasuke was so boring to train with him learning so quickly, but he did enjoy trying to come up with a new challenge for the boy. Plus watching Sasuke train brought on a strong sense of pride. He was someone that Kakashi could mold and watch grow. Someone that people would know he was responsible for creating. Sasuke had a strong future ahead of him and now Kakashi had no idea if Sasuke was even continuing on or not. He just wished he could know how he was doing.
Kakashi was brought out of his thoughts when Pakkun jumped into his window. Kakashi had his hounds out searching all over for any traces of the Hunters. Kakashi knew they wouldn't be returning, but he could hunt them down and kill them himself. Sometimes Kakashi thought that was the only thing keeping him going. There had been many times Kakashi thought about going to Amegakure and demanding to see Sasuke, but he knew he would never get past its defences. Amegakure was famous for its defences, not even the most skilled shinobi have been able to breach its defences and survive. All were detected right away. It was rumoured that the rain could sense when an outsider dared to step foot within the village. Kakashi thought that was silly, but the rumor had even the most experienced ninja avoiding the area completely. It was a good thing for Amegakure as that village had been destroyed countless times from war. They had been suffering from many decades with the endless wars that used to plague the world. At least now the people within the village were safe, even if an notorious S-Class criminal organization ran the village.
"We got something Boss." Pakkun said.
"Who did you find?"
"The Bear. He's three days from here along the border of the Land of Whirlpools. He's hiding out there."
Kakashi got up from the couch as he spoke. "Good work. Do you have a specific location?"
"I got him locked. Shiba is keeping watch. The others haven't found anything yet. We think they divided up and went all over the world to make it harder to track any of them or track them back to each other. We'll find em though Boss, they won't get away with what they have done to the Pup."
"I know we will. I have to inform the Third of my leave. I'll meet you at the gate in twenty minutes."
"I'll be ready."
Pakkun went and jumped back out the window. Kakashi closed it and locked it before he went and grabbed his gear. He didn't care if the Third would agree to this or not, he was going to kill this man. Kakashi didn't think the Third would care, he wasn't set for a mission so there was no reason why he couldn't leave to eliminate this threat. He was going to do right by Sasuke this time around and make sure that none of them could ever lay a hand on him again. With his gear ready Kakashi headed out now more determined than ever.
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Tobi walked into the cave entrance of an underground entrance for the Sound. He was not impressed that Pain had refused to allow any harm to come to Sasuke. He needed Sasuke out of the way so he could push Itachi to the edge. Itachi was the chosen one. He was the reincarnation of Indra, Tobi could feel it in his bones. He needed Pain and Itachi not just on his side, but completely loyal to him no matter what was asked of them. He would complete his plan and ensure that his view of the world was the one that everyone had. He needed to do something about Sasuke. He needed Itachi's complete focus on missions and getting ready for his part in all of this. He was only three years away now from finally completing his dream, he was not going to lose everything to some child.
Tobi made his way through and headed straight to where he knew the other person would be. He walked right into the room and saw that Orochimaru and Kabuto were together waiting for him.
"You said you would leave a body for the others to find. They won't believe you are dead until they have proof." Tobi said dropping any positive attitude from his voice.
"We have one done and are placing it out tonight to be discovered. How is the Uchiha and my babies?" Orochimaru demanded.
"Fine, for now. How are the clones coming?"
"I just started working on them. It's a lot of data to sort through. Even with someone's cells like Zetsu has." Kabuto spoke.
"Why the need for such a large army?" Orochimaru asked.
"None of your concern. You are alive because you are useful to me. The second you stop being useful or think you can outsmart me is when you will be killed. Get to work on processing more Zetsus. I need an army large enough to take on all of the Great Nations."
"Yes with this plan of yours. We have three years you said though, so in the meantime when will I have Sasuke and the babies?" Orochimaru pressed again.
"When you start showing results and you stay in line. One wrong move and I'll kill Sasuke and those abominations. The next time I come here you better have something to show me." Tobi demanded before he turned and headed out.
"Why don't we just kill him?" Kabuto asked once they were alone again.
"Because he is our way back to Sasuke and the twins. I want those babies. I want to be able to produce more, an endless amount. Learning to clone Zetsu works in our favor. Once we know how to grow a clone we can do the same from Sasuke. We could have thousands of Uchiha at our disposal. Once we have Sasuke and the twins back I'll kill him and he will no longer be a problem. Everyone will believe I'm dead and they will have no reason to come looking for either of us. It's perfect. Get to work on the clones Kabuto we don't have much time." Orochimaru said before he headed out of the room.
Orochimaru couldn't help, but smirk at the thought of being able to have Sasuke in his bed soon. He would have Sasuke, the twins and all the DNA he needed to create more Uchiha. Soon he would be unstoppable and this world will bow down to him. He would rule this world with Sasuke by his side. His perfect weapon and play toy. Orochimaru ran his tongue over his lips at just the images his mind created of the things he could do to Sasuke. How he would look at his mercy and he would see it in real life soon enough. Sasuke belonged to him and he was not going to let him get away.
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