Hello everyone!
Here you have chapter 9!
I am sorry for the long wait, but my computed crashed, along with the half-finished chapter, notes about the story and data I'd scraped together. To say it mildly, I had a breakdown, crying and shouting while nearly throwing the computer in the wall. After that I kind of collapsed, at least in my mind and couldn't write anymore. It took a month before I dragged myself to the computer again and forced myself to start writing again. It was like muddling my way through syrup or glue, not very fun.
If the chapter doesn't keep the standard at the other once then I can only apologize and promise to try harder on the next one. It was very hard to write this one, after being inactive for while I became a little rusty.
Damn, beginning to evolve to a pretty long rant but anyway. I have started university, joy, and that opened up a whole new can of things to do. Everything is new and it's confusing as hell. Though I love to write, my school stuff will be done first.
Just a warning, this chapter it totally unbeta'd, excuse me for any spelling or grammar mistake. I'm currently searching for a new Beta if anyone is interested.
Now finally I am finished this little rant of mine, enjoy the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Naruto. Though I would, of course, not mind if I did.
Two broken souls heals together
Remember, if you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns!
Chapter 9
"Normal speech"
'Thinking'
"Snake speech"
"Fawkes"
Previously: Harry didn't have the heart to say that the boys were probably a match in hell, rather than in heaven like they thought it was. Instead he smiled and nodded in agreement, offered at the same time a drink.
It was a late dark night, around midnight when Itachi arrived to the compound. As he sprinted forward, silent like a shadow, barely seen at all with his black Anbu outfit, he tried to suppress fresh memories that he'd acquired just a couple of weeks prior. The screams from his victims never left him, but he could suppress them until he could deal with it. Preferably alone somewhere in the forest, hidden by the large trees surrounding the village; there he could cry and rage without anyone seeing his moment of weakness.
After an undercover mission that lasted three long weeks in the Land of Snow, he was more than a little tired from the long journey back to the compound*. So when he arrived in the dead of the night, he'd simply snuck into the house directly through the window to his own room. He would greet his family in the morning and report to his father about the mission- as was customary when he was gone for a longer period of time. He didn´t particularly care that he would certainly get a strict scolding from his father for not informing him immediately.
It wasn't a check-up on his health that his father wanted- no, he wanted the report about the mission before the Hokage did, simply because he could. The Head of the Uchiha clan didn't hide the contempt he held for the Hokage and took every chance to rebel against him. He would never outright declare it, but the whole clan was aware of it anyway. The man even subtly bragged about Itachi to Sarutobi, how his son was a genius and obedient to his betters. In the same sentence mocking the Hokage about his own son who'd rebelled and fled the village to become one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, a group that protected the Land of Fire's daimyo.
Itachi had long ago given up on satisfying his father's desires, being his sire's personal and perfect weapon was something the young ninja couldn´t bear to be anymore. However, he still tried to pretend to be the perfect heir to the clan, and thus he was forced to do all kinds of horrible sins in the name of the Uchiha clan. When he'd graduated from the academy at the age of six he'd endeavoured to prove himself, to become someone his father could be proud of and appreciate.
It all changed when his little brother was born. Suddenly everything else seemed so meaningless in comparison to his dear Otouto. Sasuke was such a happy and cheerful child, always giggling and smiling at everyone. It almost melted his hardened heart and soul when he first laid his eyes on the babe, securely tucked in his mother's arms.
For a whole year until he celebrated his ninth birthday, his brother was his everything. Any moment he could spare he'd spend with his baby brother. For twelve months Itachi could ignore his father's disapproving stares when he failed at grasping a new jutsu at the first try, the harsh scolding he would receive when he couldn't perform perfectly to the last detail. And worst of all, the beatings he got when his father was incredibly angry at him or anyone else the village, usually the Hokage, which he got the brunt of.
A week after the celebration of Sasuke's first birthday, Itachi was unceremoniously called into his father's office. There was nothing unusual with it, he was frequently asked to report to his father but somehow Itachi got a foreboding feeling this time around.
After giving a curt nod to the messenger, a stern-faced classic male Uchiha in his early twenties who was more than likely a member of the Konoha Military Police, he set off towards his father's office. Unable to shake off the feeling of something not quite right, he steeled himself as he arrived at his destination. After a short burst of chakra to announce his arrival, he entered after receiving a barked permission for entry from what he recognized as his father's voice.
Itachi would later thank himself for listening to his instincts and prepared himself for bad news before entering. What he'd been asked- or rather been ordered- to do from his father, shock him to the core more than anything else that had been asked of him. Apparently the clan leader and the council thought that Itachi was becoming weak and soft and the reason why…his beloved little brother. Fugaku curtly informed his eldest son to stop spending time with his brother and instead focus on his training to become the perfect heir and pride of the Uchiha clan.
Ice coursed through Itachi's veins at his father's voice. He was practically commanded to stay away from the only human being that he loved, the reason he still was reasonably sane and not falling apart. His brother, whom he cherished more than life itself, was someone Itachi never could give up on. For the first time in Itachi's short life, despite everything he had gone through, he felt pure and unadulterated hate towards another human being.
Fugaku had unknowingly created a monster with that command. An enemy to the Uchiha clan more vicious than anything he'd ever seen; a monster that would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Even at the age of nine, Itachi's mask hiding his emotions was perfect when the moment called for it. He still had slip-ups, but only when he felt particularly spiteful or happy. He was very thankful for that same mask before he even stepped into the office.
Itachi took the instructions and new rules in silence, betraying nothing of his feelings to his father. Itachi mentally cursed the man to eternal misery and death.
Promising himself to protect his brother from the shadows and spend time with the child when no one was around to watch, Itachi endured the whole meeting without his mask slipping even once. He fought hard against his chakra, it wanted to rage and destroy everything in sight.
The years slowly went by and Sasuke grew from a baby to a toddler and further to a young boy. Itachi used his cunning mind to get a moment or two alone with his brother when he could. When he couldn't be with the child he would watch over him from the shadows, especially whenever he ventured outside the Uchiha compound and into the village. The young child grew to love and idolize his elder brother- despite the small amount of time they spent together- and craved being with him.
It hurt Itachi to reject his brother whenever they would meet where other people were around. The young boy only wanted to spend time with his beloved sibling, but Itachi couldn't risk it. If any of the other Uchiha mentioned to his father that he was seen with his brother, then he was surely get punished and sent somewhere he couldn't even protect his Otouto from afar.
Despite his fiercely uttered promise to always love and care for his younger sibling, Itachi could feel himself going numb. The little time spent with Sasuke was no longer enough for his shattered soul. He felt like an outsider in his own body, just watching the events happening. At the age of twelve, Itachi had almost given up on getting revenge on his father and the Uchiha clan.
He simply couldn't care anymore, but small surges of affections for his brother still managed to seep through his deeply buried heart, telling him that he hadn´t become a emotionless weapon just yet. He clung tightly to his feelings for his brother, but without seeing any hope that could change his life, he begun to succumb to his father and the council's demands.
Then he came, like an angel from the sky, similar to the tales his mother used to read to him when he was very small- before his father forbade it because it was making him soft.
He'd been four years old at the time.
He could almost imagine how he could´ve turned out if not for him, Potter Harry. He would have become cold and emotionless, the perfect weapon for the clan to use at their will. What scared Itachi the most was the thought about how his beloved brother would've fared without him. But now he had the motivation to continue, all because of the strange green-eyed man that happened to run into him on the roof top after a horrible day where he'd been beaten into the ground by his father. If he ever met the man again, Itachi swore he'd repay him for his deeds. The elder man really had no idea of just how much he had helped Itachi and the village that day.
The young but brilliant mind which had previously begun to gradually go insane because of the immense expectation and heavy duty from his family and clan was slowly beginning to mend itself. It became stronger, and was burning brighter than ever for revenge.
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Konoha, a year later (after meeting Harry)
Without warning, thirteen-year old Itachi was woken from his sleep, body remaining still from his training, feeling like he had only just closed his eyes before awakening. Momentarily confused by what had woken him up, he searched the room with his enhanced senses. With closed eyes he mimicked sleep, registering a slight shuffling and the sound of his door gently opening. Tensing his right hand on a kunai, he was ready to defend himself from what he knew was a remarkably weak and unskilled ninja. The sounds were loud enough to wake a skilled genin, at least. He relaxed as he recognized his little brother's chakra approaching.
Deciding to continue feigning sleep, Itachi anticipated whatever his Otouto was going to do. Itachi could easily hear his brother's venture through his room towards the bed. He briefly wondered how the younger boy knew he was home again when a loud gasp broke the relative silence. Unable to stay blind anymore the older boy opened his eyes and gazed at the star-stricken five years old who was incapable of remaining silent any longer.
"Nii-san! You're back!" Sasuke possibly squealed as he moved to pounce on his beloved elder brother.
Itachi caught the smaller boy with the practiced ease of long experience. Hugging the child closer he inhaled Sasuke's unique scent. The smell of jasmine and tree bark, probably from the tree-climbing that the boy had done, was something Itachi had become accustomed to and considered as coming home at last.
"God morning, Otouto." Itachi mumbled contently into the child's hair. He briefly tightened his arms around the boy before moving away to watch Sasuke's face. "I trust you have been well while I have been away?"
"Of course, Nii-san. I've missed you loads! You've been gone for a pretty long time. It isn't the same without you here." The child whispered the last as he gazed adoringly at the elder boy.
"I see. Nothing of significance has happened while I was away, I suppose?" Itachi asked more for something to say than wanting to know what his arrogant clan was up to. He'd read underneath his baby brother's words and knew that the child had once again feared that he would not get home alive. It happened every time he was away for more than two weeks. He couldn't really blame the child for worrying either, almost all his mission was A-ranked or higher. When a mission had a rank over B then the ninja couldn't disclose the information to a civilian without the Hokage's permission, thus he could say nothing to alleviate his brother's worry.
When the child got a pensive expression on his face, which he often acquired when he was upset or confused by something, Itachi's interest was piqued.
Sasuke twiddled with his hands and looked down for a moment before speaking. "I…ohm…I-I heard father speak with some of the older members of the council a couple of days ago. I didn't mean to spy or eavesdrop but I couldn't stop, I promise!" The child burst out and looked pleadingly at his older brother.
Itachi sighed as he stroked his otouto's hair off of his face. "You are not in any trouble from overhearing a conversation. They would have spoken in a different location should they have wanted it to be a secret. Now, what did you hear little brother?"
Sasuke now suitably guaranteed that he would not be punished for eavesdropping, quickly began to speak again. "Father was speaking about the Hokage, how he was turning really old and was no longer fit to rule. It made no sense to me because like everyone knows the Hokage is getting old. But anyways, one of the council members, I don't know what his name was again, informed father that the 'weapon' was still lost but everything was ready for it when it was found, and it could be unleashed immediately. It was only matter of time now. What is only matter of time Nii-san?"
Unknown to Sasuke, Itachi's mind was running at high speed. He had heard rumours that spoke no good of his clan, but to actually hear it from Sasuke confirmed them. From what he understood, the whole clan was in on the coup, except for him, the civilians and the younger children around Sasuke's age.
His clan was so full of pride that they couldn't see how they were tearing themselves apart. One of his Anbu squad leaders had once informed the rest of the team of what he thought about pride. Itachi knew that it had been directed towards him as an insult but he had listened anyway. 'Pride is tasteless, sizeless, and colorless but it's the hardest thing to swallow. Do not let pride stand in your way of surviving.'
Itachi had now no doubt that his clan was up to something that spelled danger for the Hokage and probably for the rest of Konoha as well. But what could a thirteen-year old do against a whole clan of sharingan users? He may be unnaturally strong and smart, probably on par with his Anbu captain, but even he couldn't take on the whole clan alone. He really didn't want to fight them either. Despite hating the clan with every fiber of his soul, he couldn't hurt or kill innocent children. They had done nothing except be born into the clan.
He was dimly aware of the child in his lap still chattering about what he had been occupied with while Itachi had been gone. He nodded in the right places and made a noise in the back of his throat sometimes to agree with something Sasuke had said. In Itachi's mind a small war was taking place. 'Should he warn the Hokage about the possibility of treason from the Uchiha clan? Would the Hokage even believe him of telling the truth in the first place? Should he wait to gather more information before acting in any way?'
All these questions and more flew around in his head making him hesitant to act. He was terrified of making the wrong decision. On one hand, he would betray his clan and family. On the other hand, he would betray his village and home. Either way he would have to turn his back on one of them; there was no neutral ground. There was only one thing he was hundred percent certain of and that was his beloved baby brother. No matter what, he would always protect and care for him. He had to figure out what was the right thing to do and guard his Otouto at the same time. Itachi could already feel the headache building.
It wasn't like he wanted to protect the clan in any way. He only loved Sasuke, but by disclosing the information about the coup to the Hokage he was condemning everyone in the clan to possible death. Itachi didn't know if he could be the bearer of death to the children and civilians in the clan who certainly weren't in the know from being considered the weak part of the clan.
Suddenly noticing the lack of chatter, Itachi turned his attention to his now silent brother. The elder boy was slightly startled to notice the calculating gaze his little brother was watching him with. He knew that his brother was smart, and while not a genius like himself, the child was probably the smartest kid in his age group at the very least. So when Sasuke spoke his thoughts, Itachi shouldn't have been that surprised.
"There's something wrong with the clan, isn't there nii-san?" The question was spoken in such a serious and mature tone that Itachi had to remind himself that it was his brother that was speaking to him, not an adult.
"I'm sure that is not . . ." Itachi trailed off as he contemplated the many possible options, leaving the sentence hanging, 'your concern' left unsaid. He really didn't want Sasuke involved with clan politics, but did he have any choice in that regard? The thirteen-year old pondered informing his brother of the possibility of a scheduled coup against the village and Hokage. Could he really disclose the information to his innocent, beloved brother? How would his brother react? With hatred, surprise, denial, or protests? The child was still so young and innocent despite being remarkably clever. Would he even understand the consequences of siding with either of the two factions?
Would Sasuke understand that by siding with the clan he would ultimately betray the village and become a traitor to those outside the walls surrounding the compound? Or by siding with the Hokage and the village would make him a traitor by the clan, a turncoat to his own blood?
Deciding nothing could be done this late at night- or early morning, depending how you looked at it, Itachi choose to contemplate for a few days before making a decision.
"Otouto, you need to go to bed and get some sleep. I'm sure there is nothing wrong with the clan, you probably played it up more than necessary." Itachi tried to reassure his brother. He wasn't entirely sure if he succeeded or not.
Sasuke eyed him suspiciously, as if aware that Itachi was withholding information, but said nothing about it. "Okay" he said instead in a slightly sullen voice.
"Shall I bring you back to bed, Sasuke, and sit with you until you are back to sleep then?" The elder boy asked, giving the boy the chance to ask for his help, but the child silently stood beside his bed hesitantly, silently. "What is it, little brother?"
After a brief moment of hesitation the younger child seemed to gather courage before speaking up. "Can I sleep with you nii-san? Please!" The child pleaded with unbearable cute eyes, making Itachi give in immediately with a nod.
At the boy's happy expression Itachi gathered his precious little one into his arms and pulled him into a tight embrace. He settled the two of them onto the bed with his arms circled around the boy. Itachi could feel the breath of the younger one on his neck as he counted silently inside his own mind. The young ninja knew he would not get any more sleep tonight no matter how tired he still was. Sleeping with someone was always a struggle for him, especially on the missions which sometimes required them to sleep in small tents in pairs. More often than not, he would stay awake all night, though he was a master at hiding any sign of him being tired the morning after.
So one could imagine his surprise when he felt his eyes become heavy with sleep and his body relax more than it had done for over three weeks. No more than a few minutes later he was soundly asleep with his little brother tightly and securely cocooned in his arms.
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Itachi had been right about his earlier assumption of receiving a scolding from his father for not reporting immediately upon his arrival. Luckily, no beating took place, but a scheduled training session with his father was planned for right after lunch, which he wasn't looking forward to. Itachi had observed Sasuke with interest during his father's subtle scolding at the breakfast table, the child had narrowed his eyes and looked at the two older men with suspicion in his eyes.
Itachi knew his mother understood all the hidden threats in his father's words towards her eldest son, but Sasuke was still too young to sense the meaning underneath. He could not help but resent his mother deep inside his mind for not speaking up or defending him. Itachi quickly smashed the thought before it could fester, as he usually did when he started to think about how harsh his family treated him, excepting Sasuke. But it seemed the child was starting to open his eyes a bit to the world around him.
Many children only see what's in front of them, which often make them as innocent as sheep. Seldom do they tell lies or cheat, nor do they seek for hidden meanings in words, but apparently Sasuke had recently started to discover that the world wasn't such a happy place as he had previously thought. Itachi wondered what had happened to open his baby brother's eyes.
No, he took that back. If he knew, he'd probably do something illegal to seek revenge should any human have hurt his baby brother.
Refocusing on his father's rant, not that his father would ever admit to ranting, he managed to catch the final sentence the older Uchiha delivered with a deep frown on his face.
"Next time, remember to do as I say. Sleeping is no excuse for disobeying a direct order. Understood, Itachi?" Fugaku asked as he observed his eldest son with cold eyes. He was satisfied when the boy nodded in agreement, never noticing Itachi hadn't been listening at all.
"Honey," Mikoto, Itachi's mother gently cut in, a small smile on her lips. Obviously she was trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere and change the subject. "I heard from one of the council's wives yesterday that Danzo-san has come down with a severe illness. Apparently, his body is breaking down from the inside and the medics don't seem to be able to do anything for him. The rumors are spreading wildly though, probably from someone who has sold the information. It won't be long before the entire village knows about it. Do you think we should investigate this?"
Fugaku looked thoughtful for a moment before he skillfully masked his emotions. "Perhaps we should. The attacker could become a threat to the clan if he is allowed to roam free."
Mikoto nodded in agreement and began to suggest different plans with which to proceed. Meanwhile, Itachi decided to excuse himself from the table, and when he got a sharp nod of permission from his father he exited the kitchen. He swiftly made his way towards his room to take care of his dirty clothes. Almost all of them were covered in dirt and many of them in blood. It would take some time to get them clean again, blood was notoriously hard to get out of clothes. He of all people should know.
But before he reached his room he could hear soft tapping footsteps from behind him. He already knew that it was Sasuke who was following him. Sighing, he decided that his soiled clothes would have to wait for a few more hours. No way he would take them out and let his innocent brother lay his eyes on them, especially those that were covered in blood.
Deciding to be a little mischievous, Itachi pretended not to notice his brother approaching him.
Sure enough, when Sasuke detected that his brother didn't seem to be aware of him he tried to walk even more silently and carefully. Quickly and stealthy for a five-year old, he snuck upon his brother, intent on catching him off-guard of once. Deciding he was within reach, barely able to contain his giggle, he gathered some strength in his legs and prepared to jump. Just as he left the floor, hand out stretched towards his brother's back, did the older boy turn around. With excellent timing Itachi caught the child in his armpits, leaving the shocked boy hanging in the air.
Getting over his shock, Sasuke started to giggle slightly and then pouted cutely at being caught. Itachi sported a small amused smirk as he carried the child towards his room, all while the boy whined about being unfair or something similar.
"Nii-san! So unfair, it's like you have eyes in the back of your head, or something." Sasuke wiggled in his brother's grip. "I'm sure you're cheating somehow!" he'd burst out when he didn't get a reaction besides a wider smirk.
"Now, now, little brother. What kind of ninja would I be if I revealed my skills and secrets?" Itachi couldn't help but tease, the smirk on the older boy's face becoming, if possible, even wider.
The younger boy didn't dignify that with an answer, only pouted and looked away. Itachi let out a soft chuckle, quite amused by the child's reaction. Should he tell the boy that he'd looked quite similar to a chipmunk with his cheeks puffed up like that? Nah, the whining and following tantrum wouldn't be worth it.
Despite the awful morning, the rest of the day was spent- in Itachi's opinion- peacefully. Right after dinner, Itachi managed to sneak away with his brother to spend some time teaching him some basic taijutsu, Uchiha style of course. Sasuke, overjoyed by the prospect with spending time with his beloved elder brother and the opportunity to learn some "cool" moves, could barely stand still while the older Uchiha tried to instruct him how to stand correctly. The lesson lasted for three hours before Itachi called it for the day. The younger boy didn't even have the energy to protest as he was slung over Itachi's shoulders like a sack of potatoes.
Itachi spent the following week searching for information and spending quality time with his brother. He was slowly building up a good amount of solid facts that he could present to the Hokage, should the situation arise. Itachi wouldn't be assigned another mission for another week at the earliest because of the long and rather harsh mission he'd just recently finished. Something he was quite grateful for. He needed some time to gather his thoughts and really think through his options, which really wasn't that many but difficult to decide on anyway.
He knew he'd do the right thing in the end but what would it cost him? He needed to secure his brother's safety and health first above all else. Whatever would happen would not involve or affect Sasuke. He wouldn't suffer for what his foolish clan planned.
Itachi didn't care what transpired to himself but he knew that if anything happened to him Sasuke would be devastated. The ideal plan would be that they left the village and sent a message with a bird about the coup. In that way they would stay safe from the village's rage and be together at the same time. But where would they go? The Sharingan was a bloodline many other hidden villages envied and wanted for themselves. Many would also kill the Uchiha to obtain their eyes to expose their weaknesses. People who wanted the sharingan eyes for themselves were everywhere, even in Konoha, and Itachi couldn't risk the chance of any of the other villages obtaining the bloodline.
Even after two weeks, Itachi still hadn't figured out a plan yet. Had it only been himself on the run he'd certainly managed as a rouge ninja, but not with his baby brother at his side. He was very strong and clever despite his young age, but the dangers outside without the protection of a village were too great for him to deal with protecting his own life as well as his brother's.
No matter how much time he spent searching for a solution, none seemed to come to him. Itachi was highly frustrated with his lack of results and was becoming increasingly worried about what his clan was up to. In the last few days everyone seemed to be in an impossibly good mood while many looked smugly at each other from time to time, like they shared a great secret. Even Sasuke had remarked on it one night when the subject had come up in some way. It made Itachi twitchy and paranoid. If he was right, then his time was running out very fast.
What should he do?
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Itachi approached the Hokage's tower with heavy calculated steps. His face was set in a firm frown, making it look years older than he really was. In the pouch securely tied to his right leg was a scroll with every little bit of information Itachi had gathered written down and ready to be presented to the Hokage. He still didn't have a plan for himself or Sasuke, but he couldn't hold the evidence hidden any longer. He would just have to believe in his own abilities to protect Sasuke.
No matter what happened, his beloved brother would survive, stay healthy, and most importantly, stay safe. If anyone as much as touched a hair on his beloved brother's head they would receive…an unpleasant surprise.
For once, being the heir to the Uchiha clan come in handy as he was granted entrance immediately to the Hokage's office. The elder man greeted him with a gentle puff of his ever present pipe and a kind smile, a smile that Itachi didn't feel like he deserved. Especially now when the fate of hundreds of people rested on his shoulders, be they innocent or not. He felt rather sick when he let himself contemplate what would become of the clan or the village people if the clan's plans were made into reality.
Itachi felt a little surprised at his rather intense feelings towards the whole thing. He'd always stayed distanced to the horrible things he went through at every mission. His training with his father and countless other tutors saw to it that he lacked any feelings of pity or remorse for his targets. It didn't, however, remove the guilt of killing someone. It was pounded into his brain when he was a child that showing emotions was considered a weakness, one that could get you killed.
Itachi returned the silent greeting with a deep bow and then straightened his back to face the Hokage again. He stood like a soldier waiting for his orders.
"Ah, Itachi-kun. What is it that you want of me on this fine morning?" Sarutobi enquired with neutral look.
"Hokage-sama, I have come to disclosure information of vital importance." Itachi hesitated for a brief moment then continued. "This is information only for your ears, Hokage-sama."
Sarutobi's entire body language changed to a more serious one, showing a bit of the dangerous shinobi he still was despite his age. He measured the young man with a severe gaze for moment before giving a small nod. "I see. Give me a moment then, please."
The Hokage openly gestured for his Anbu guard to leave the room, knowing better then to try to hide it from the young boy standing before him. The child was a genius, after all, and already a member of Anbu. He then reached under his desk to active a couple of seals whose sole propose was to soundproof the entire room and destroy any spy devices, most likely owned by some in the council. It always amused the Hokage when he remembered that the fools honestly believed that he wasn't aware of them. As if.
"So, Itachi-kun, what information do you have for me?" The elderly man could clearly see the young boy's hesitation and that he appeared to be both confused and conflicted with himself. If not for the rather intense emotions the boy before him displayed, it was the fact that he could so easily read the Uchiha heir that set the Hokage on edge. Anything that could ruffle the young genius that much must be a very major and perhaps dangerous thing indeed.
After a few seconds of heavy silence, Itachi began to speak again. "Hokage-sama, as I am sure you have noticed, there have been several rumors concerning the Uchiha clan, which all have been started in the past couple years. Rumors about anger, jealousy, and most important, betrayal." The young ninja paused for a moment to let his Hokage absorb the rather revealing statement.
Itachi then continued in an emotionless voice after getting a grave nod from a stone-faced Hokage. "Just a year ago I started to notice things which caught my attention. Whispers about the Uzumaki child started, mostly about his sudden disappearance. My clan has neither openly hated nor supported him, instead, they rather pretended the child didn't exist, which is why it was strange for them to start speaking about him."
"I originally wondered if the clan had something to with the child's disappearance, but soon I noticed that many seemed agitated because of it. Obviously they had nothing to do with it. I subtly started to investigate and listened in on many interesting conversation, but none of which I could use as any proof of my suspicions. Outside of my own training and mission little time could I use to collect information but what I did gather was enough for me to come to inform you, Hokage-sama. To inform you about the possibility of betrayal by the Uchiha clan's towards you and the village." Itachi finished quietly, his piercing gaze focused on the other, waiting for a reaction of any kind.
As expected of the Hokage, he showed almost no reaction outwards but on the inside it was rather different. Of course he wasn't blind nor deaf towards the countless rumors circling the Uchiha clan. He'd even sent his own spies to check it out, but nothing had come of it. It was almost impossible for outsiders to infiltrate the clan, only another Uchiha could, which clearly spoke for itself. The majority was only loyal to the clan, few sought careers that led them outside the Uchiha walls, except for the ninja. Very few of those who choose the shinobi career entered Anbu, Hunter, or Torture and Interrogation squads. Most were satisfied with being members of the Military Police Corps.
Then there was Itachi, genius and the Uchiha heir, so different yet so alike the rest of the clan. Itachi was the pinnacle of the Uchiha ninja, the one who everyone looked up to and feared at the same time. Cold and emotionless on the outside, yet warm and loving on the inside. He was a therapist's walking dream case. But what made Itachi stand out from the Uchiha clan was his love for the village and his brother. Itachi was someone the Hokage could trust with his life, and he did. Which was the reason he took the young man's words so seriously.
If Itachi said the clan was prepared to betray him and the village, then Sarutobi trusted him to speak the truth.
"Do you have any proof at all, Itachi?" He murmured with a downcast gaze, eyes fastened on a paper pertaining about a new law, something about forbidding to sell a book, Icha Icha, a book one of his old students wrote, he noted with disinterest.
"No, I have no concrete evidence. I feel I won't be able to gather any at the moment either. Despite the rather obvious talk about it, other proof would be hard to collect." Itachi spoke honestly. "I fear what the village will become if the plan was set in motion. It's also my belief that the Uzumaki child is somehow in danger from my clan. I believe they want to use him as a weapon of some kind."
"As the child's location is unknown, he will be safe for the moment. If he is still alive that is. If I may ask, Hokage-sama, do you know where the child is?" Itachi asked, a little hesitant. Almost everyone important in the villages knew of the feelings the Hokage held for the child, Itachi included. If the child was indeed gone, then he would rouse painful emotions in the elder man.
He'd perhaps expected a solemn or even sad expression to pass on the Hokage's face. He certainly didn't expect the leader of the Konoha to suddenly sport a small, undeniably mischievous, smile and a twinkle blink in his eyes.
"Ah, you do not have to worry about the child, Itachi. He is safe and certainly out of reach for anyone in Konoha." Sarutobi said, puffing on his pipe a few times. "I know that you realize what this will result in. You did a brave and loyal thing to bring this to my attention. You will be rewarded for your work. If you-"
Itachi interrupted abruptly before the Hokage could continue. "Hokage-sama, the only thing I wish for is the guarantee for safety for me and my brother. My brother is innocent and I do not want him involved."
Sarutobi blinked in surprise before letting a soft smile drift onto his face. "Fair enough," the elder man conceded. "When the time comes I will do my best to protect you and your brother."
Itachi smiled for the first time since the conversation started. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. I appreciate it."
The elder man only smiled in response. He was happy that Itachi had someone he loved and cared for. He'd once met young Sasuke when the child only was a couple of years old. It had been refreshing to see such a lively and happy child despite the cold environment he'd been raised in.
"You do realize that I won't be able to act immediately on this information alone? I'd also prefer that neither you or young Sasuke can be connected to whatever will happen. This is, of course, to protect the two of you." Sarutobi said a thoughtful expression on his face.
Itachi nodded gravely. As he still hadn't figured out how he would be able to keep himself and his brother out of it and safe, he'd have to trust his Hokage to solve it. At least until he came up with a plan of his own.
The two of them discussed further on the subject, delving further into the information Itachi had collected. Nothing was decided, but Itachi had done all he could do at the time. After an hour they broke up, mostly because the Hokage had several meeting he needed to attend to.
Before Itachi could reach the door and exit the office, the Hokage offered one last piece of advice and warning.
"You know what happens to traitors, Itachi. It would be for the best if neither you and Sasuke are snywhere near Konoha when the time comes."
Itachi shivered slightly at the ominous tone before exiting the room, without looking back even once.
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Konoha, a year and four months (after meeting Harry)
Four months had now gone by since Itachi informed the Hokage. He felt constantly on guard, even more so when around his brother, his protective emotions going on red alert. Itachi frequently came up with new plans to protect his brother and himself but as fast as the ideas came to him, was as fast he discarded them.
In the meantime the atmosphere had become almost unbearable within the Uchiha clan. It felt like everyone was waiting for something to happen and when it didn't, it made them anxious and nervous.
Courtesy of the Hokage, Itachi had only gotten short missions which rarely took him outside the borders of the Fire country. Because of this, Itachi spent more time in the village and especially in the Uchiha compound. It gave him more time to spy and glean important information which was what they sorely needed.
It was also becoming clear that Fugaku was eyeing Itachi suspiciously from time to time, but the younger Uchiha couldn't say why. Itachi was an expert at spying and didn't think that his father knew what he was doing. Sure, his father was a top-notch shinobi, but that was several years ago, before he took up the mantel as the Head of the Uchiha clan. Even if he trained his skills to prevent them from becoming rusty, the lack of mission affected his instinct and ability to react to the situation. Simply said, Fugaku was not as good as he was in his youth.
Still, Itachi tried to become even more cautious, it wouldn't do if his father figured out what he was doing after all.
Then there was the matter with his brother. How did he prepare his young brother for what was coming? Would Sasuke see Itachi's actions as a betrayal to himself and the clan? After all, in some way or another, the child would lose his family, his mother and father, because his own brother had tattled on them.
So Itachi started an agonizing slow revealing act, dropping hints here and there, intentionally slippinginformation about the coup and other things to make the child open his eyes to what was happening. In the two first months it seemed that Sasuke was oblivious to it all, but as Itachi continued, he noticed that Sasuke began to pause at times when he'd deliberately slipped. Itachi hoped his brother was starting to understand or at least noticed Itachi's strange behavior, because their time was running short.
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It was a bright and early morning with chirping birds in the trees, when something changed in the Uchiha clan. Itachi noticed it immediately when he came home around midday from a mission. The anxious and nervous atmosphere that had settled like a dark cloud over the clan from before had mysteriously disappeared. Instead could Itachi see cheerfully and celebrating peoples everywhere, both civilians and shinobi. Only the younger generation seemed to be confused by the sudden change, but didn't question it, too happy that everyone seemed to be cheerful and the gloomy atmosphere from before gone.
It made Itachi's nerves and guard raise itself like a cat's fur and tail ready to attack. His first instinct was to inform the Hokage, but it would look strange if he immediately left as he'd just arrived home from his mission. Just as he was about to panic, reason slammed into him. What was he afraid of? He and Hokage had gone through every possible situation they could think of. Itachi took a deep breath and at the same masterfully controlled his emotions to calm down and begun to think rationally.
Whatever would happen, his brother would be safe. He'd put his life on the line to protect him. He always would. Now, he'd somehow needed to figure out how to obtain the new information which caused everyone to change. He was certain it couldn't be any good.
He arrived at the house, greeted his parents with a bow and then escaped into his room. He began packing all necessary things for a trip outside the village, but this time packing for much more than he used too. When he'd filled two large backpacks with clothes, weapons and other important objects he sealed them into a scroll. Next he snuck into his brother's room, packed everything that was useful and most of the boy's clothes, and sealed all of it into another scroll.
Itachi had a feeling that something would happen, and soon. He refused to be taken of guard, so he tried to prepare for everything he could think of. Deeming that he'd stayed enough time inside the Uchiha residence without seeming suspicious if he was seen leaving the house, he silently and carefully exited the house through his room's window.
The window had a view of the forest with no other houses between. It was perfect for him when he needed to slip away for a while without anyone seeing him. He wondered what his father would say if he knew that his own son used the window like a common thief in the night. Itachi snorted faintly at his thoughts as he turned and went to the window, pushing it wide open.
It didn't take long before he arrived to the Hokage's tower. He decided to take the fast way in, meaning he jumped and ran up the outer wall that turned against the mountain, making the shadow cling to it. It was very useful for any ninja wanting to be discreet when wanting to talk or report to the Hokage. Reaching the window the office, Itachi flared his chakra in a complicated manner, one only Anbu learned to do. When he sensed a flare of chakra from his Hokage in response, he opened and entered the window.
After politely and respectfully greeting his leader, Itachi got the Hokage up-to-date of the recent development in the Uchiha clan. The elder man was understandingly concerned and worried about the change. He promised to speed up the strategies and plans which he and several other high ranking shinobi had created. Because the Uchiha clan was involved only those in high positions and a select few could know what was happening. If it leaked out to the public, the Hokage didn't even want to consider the chaos that would ensue.
"Itachi, perhaps it's time for you and Sasuke to leave the village for a while. I would've liked to send the both of you immediately but I fear it will raise too much attention, considering that you just recently came home from a mission." Sarutobi said.
"I understand, Hokage-sama." Itachi agreed, a blank mask on his face, covering any emotions he felt.
"I want you to go back home and prepare your brother. You have my permission to tell young Sasuke the truth if you feel that he can handle it. No matter what transpires, Itachi, know that I am behind you." Sarutobi spoke with compassion in his voice, sad that young children such as Itachi and Sasuke should suffer for the acts of the adults.
"Hai, Hokage-sama." Itachi saluted then departed from the office. He planned on confronting his brother before anything else. The child needed to be told, Itachi only hoped that Sasuke could take it.
Arriving five minutes later at the house, Itachi immediately searched for his brother. He found him in the library reading a book about How-To-Build-Your-Own-Traps. Sasuke looked up when he heard the door opening and smiled when he spotted his brother.
"Nii-san! You're home!" The five-year old squealed with happy, shining eyes.
"Otouto." Itachi murmured in response, a slight almost unnoticed smile on his lips that disappeared as he continued. "I have something I need to tell you."
"What is it, nii-san?" Sasuke asked, feeling something wasn't right with his brother, but unable to put his finger on what it was.
"Not here. Come, we will talk in another location." Itachi said while guiding his brother out of the library and through the rest of the house. He continued outside and into the forest, the perfect place for a private talk where no one could spy them, at least not without Itachi knowing.
Itachi stopped when he arrived to a secluded clearing, surrounded by the large, overgrown trees Konoha was especially famous for. He knew from experience that no one came here because he used the same very spot when he wanted to practice his more devastating and dangerous techniques in secret.
He turned to face his brother once again, pondering how he should break the news, gently or bluntly? Was there even a gentle way of doing it? 'Probably not', Itachi thought with a sad sigh. 'Why me?' he whined inwards, not that he would never admit whining to anyone, he would rather dig his own grave.
By now Sasuke had started to look at him with odd expression, probably wondering why he hadn't said anything in five minutes of just standing there. Taking a deep breath and gathering courage he didn't knew he had Itachi finally spoke.
"Sasuke, I-," Itachi began hesitatingly, in a voice very unlike his normal confident and strong one. "Our family, mother and father, they-, the clan is planning to betray the Hokage, right now, at this moment.
Oh, a cliffhanger, naughty little me! But seriously, I had to quit writing sometime this century. It just went on and on! And honestly, I felt like that you people have waited a long enough for this chapter, it just didn't feel right if I prolonged it anymore. So there you have it, the ninth chapter!
*Please notice that Itachi all the times refer his home as 'the house'. He has no love for his family, except for Sasuke of course, and don´t consider the house his family lives in as his home. Mostly from the moment his father had ordered him to stay away from his baby brother.
So what do you think of Itachi and Sasuke? Hard to get them into their right character, but I think I did a pretty good job. Oh, and a there was even a little about Danzo, perhaps there will be a little about him in the next chapter, who knows?
Well that's for this time! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter despite the lack of Harry and Naruto, I missed them anyway! We will probably not see them before chapter 11 or so.
Next chapter: Escape
Seeya'
Tigersissi