Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand i'm back. Please don't kill me. I hope everyone had an awesome christmas and new year. I've completed the first draft of my my original work/novel. Now it's time to edit and revise for the next ten drafts before finding a publisher! Thank you all for your patience i hope you enjoy this chapter :)
Takeshi stood in front of his mother, tall and proud. He had tied his new sakabato above his katana and even moved his twin ninjataos upside-down so they didn't stick awkwardly above the cloak. Said cloak was resting heavily on his shoulders but that wouldn't last for long. He would grow into it and his body would adapt to the weight. One night when she and Kenji were lying in bed she had asked him about it. And he told her that not only was it symbolic of holding in the darkness of the school, it also conditioned the body. Since Kenji's father had not conditioned his body he no longer practiced Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu because if his body could not sustain the force and power it required. If he tried it would kill him.
Sakura grew to respect that. She had watched her son train since his childhood and knew of the strain that the school inflicted upon the body. But with that ridiculously heavy cloak now around his shoulders, he would be just fine. And now he was standing before her waiting for her approval.
"My son," she reached for him, his head now resting on her shoulder, "I'm so proud of you."
He breathed a sigh of relief and held her tightly, "It's all for you Okaa-san."
She pulled him back to stare into his eyes, "No. This, everything you have done was because you wanted it. You wanted to learn and to master it so you did. Everything from now on, you do it because you want to. Do you understand?"
"Hai."
"Good because your evaluation isn't over yet. Unless you'd like to have lunch first?"
He smirked at her, "Are you going to start my Magenkyo training?"
She smirked back folding her arms, "Only if you desire."
He took a quick glance at the crowd as they all watched him closely. He spied his father and some other Uchihas at the end of the group. A little more couldn't hurt. He looked back at his mother, "I accept."
"Then let's go back into the center of the field and we can see if you can kick my ass."
He chuckled before turning around to follow her. His master stopped him briefly, "Show them what you are really capable of."
"I intend to."
With a final clap he pushed his apprentice forward to face his mother. Takeshi grumbled slightly to himself making his master chuckle.
Kenji took Sakura's spot next to her two teammates. He could feel the Hokage's eyes on him.
"Yes?" Kenji asked with a small smirk.
"You are one of the biggest guys I have ever seen." Naruto stated in a slightly awed tone.
Kenji felt like he was being appraised by a toddler. He chuckled, "Yes that cloak really does wonders to hide the physique." Kenji stretched his arms out admiring his muscles. He was still vain but not as much as when he was a youth.
"I'll say…sheesh."
o0o
Takeshi took his place a few feet away facing his mother. He lifted his hand to take off his cloak but she advised against it.
"You'll have to get used to wearing it now, starting today." Her reasoning was logical and hopefully it wouldn't slow him down too much during their spar.
"For starters tell me everything you know about your bloodline."
He fought a smirk knowing that she asked this in order to prove to watching Uchihas that he knew everything about his bloodline. Also to probably prove that his mother wasn't incompetent when training him.
"Sharingan, literal meaning the eye that reflects or copy wheel eye," he glanced at watching crowd before refocusing back at her, "One of the most coveted bloodlines in the world found only in the Uchiha clan and their direct descendants. Uchihas were one of the founding clans along with the Senju to create Konohagakure. It is also considered one of the three great eye techniques along with the Byakugan and the Rinnegan. The eye itself gives different colors to chakras which enables the user to differentiate between them. It also grants the user immense clarity of perception mainly to differ between a genjutsu and different forms of chakra. It picks up subtle movements like lip reading or finger twitches allowing the user to easily see or read what is being said or the attack that is coming. The more tomoe the eyes have, the more advanced the eye and the easier it is to track movements of fast moving objects. While the eye progresses it is important for one's mind to be able to keep up and process the information at a rapid pace in order to react accordingly."
"And copying?" Sakura asked when her son stopped to take a breath.
"It is the sharingan's most well-known ability. The eye can copy any technique unless it is a kekkei genkai. Our eyes allow us to memorize ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu with perfect or as close to perfect accuracy as one can manage. Modification is encouraged." His lips twitched at his comment making Sakura smirk in response. She knew how much her son liked to improvise to keep people on their toes. He reminded her slightly of Naruto in that way.
"A very thorough recollection of all my teachings to you. I expect nothing less. Now we will begin your training in your advanced eye technique. Do you remember what it's called?"
He nodded, "The Magenkyo sharingan."
"Hai. First we will discuss the basics and the theory behind the technique before we try it. Are you ready?"
"Hai."
"The Magenkyo is a technique forced upon by the clan when they experience a traumatic event or great loss. It has often been theorized that the Magenkyo only manifests if you kill your closest friend. Obviously by this event it has been proven wrong considering I'm not dead." Takeshi nodded in understanding. "The Nidaime had his own theory for the reason the Uchiha awaken the technique. I tend to agree with him considering my own experiences with members of the clan. The Nidaime called the sharingan the eye that reflects the heart. He said, and I paraphrase, that members of the Uchiha clan are a clan that feels and loves deeply. You wouldn't know it looking at them considering they have perfected the art of stoicism."
Naruto started laughing at her explanation making Sasuke elbow him in the side. But the Hokage wasn't the only one snickering.
"I believe that it is a failsafe in order to protect themselves from the intensity of their feelings; because in order to use and perfect the most potent techniques of the eye one must also dive into darkness. Darkness is a part of every human being, but what separates evil from good is how we choose to use our darkness. So tell me, at the point that you thought I was dead what did you feel?"
Takeshi took a deep breath before answering, "Pain, anger, grief. They told me to leave you there and to join them. If I didn't to get you help immediately I would've tortured them for days before finally killing them. But my pain didn't hit high until I felt your heart stop for the first time. It felt as if a part of myself had died with you. But I knew you'd be angry if I just gave up so I shocked you like you taught me, and you were back. I've never ran as fast in my entire life than I had that day. I was surprised I didn't collapse from exhaustion when I finally reached Konoha."
Sakura could feel her tears springing into her eyes but she didn't let them fall. She could feel the anguish in her son's words but didn't comment on them. He was trying to be strong in front of everyone but at the same time he couldn't help but express himself. She loved her baby boy.
"What you're feeling right now is the first step to delve into your darkness. That pain, anguish, and anger breeds terrible vengeance. You said yourself, that if I wasn't in dire need of attention you would've tortured them for days. You couldn't because of my condition and you also knew that if you left them alive that they would follow us. Do you still feel that vengeance?"
He shook his head, "I took my vengeance with the destruction of Root. They were the ones who ruined your and my life. I feel relieved now."
"Good," she nodded, "But now I want you to feel everything again. In order to use these techniques you will need those emotions. Leave the vengeance out of it, I want to see you use anger, grief, pain, and everything else you felt when you thought I died. Feel it and channel it into your eyes."
Takeshi closed his eyes and lifted his hands up in a tiger seal by his nose to concentrate. He drew up those memories and all the chaotic feelings that raced through his mind. He remembered seeing red the moment that the senbon pierced her skin. The battle cry filled with fear and anger and ultimately the sweet taste of-
"Leave vengeance out of it Takeshi!" Sakura ordered as she watched his face harden, "You control your emotions, they do not control you. Focus! Chaos has no place in this training!"
He opened his eyes and stared hard at his mother. She was not the object of his hatred; he told himself that as he focused on the emotion in general. He doesn't hate her he just hates in general right now.
"Good! Now we will start with the ultimate defense Susano'o. You inadvertently called upon it the other night you will do so again but this time do it on purpose. Defend yourself!"
Sakura sprinted towards him, her fist channeling her chakra into her hand. Takeshi's instinct had him dodging on reflex just as Sakura split the ground with her punch.
"I said defend yourself, not to dodge!" She turned her fierce gaze on him again, "You will use the technique. Focus your chakra and release your Susano'o."
He growled and planted himself firmly on the ground as she ran at him again. He knew it would hurt and he knew that the only way to lessen the sting of this punch would be activate his ultimate defense. Locking eyes with her Takeshi thought hard on his hatred. But it just didn't come. At the last minute Sakura lessened the severity launching her son only a few feet instead of a mile. His pretty face wouldn't be too bruised after the fact.
"Should we resume this another day?" She asked kneeling next to him. "Things like this don't normally take that long for you to figure out."
He propped himself up on his elbows, "No I don't want to stop but the method…focusing on my hatred…it's not working. I don't know how to explain it but that's not working for me."
"Hmmm, that interesting considering it's the typical response for generations. What's your theory? How did you activate it the first time?"
Takeshi thought back to that night and the destruction of Root. "I was angry…mostly at Danzo and the organization. But at that moment my anger wasn't important my protectiveness of took over. They wanted to stop you from killing him. It was too important for you to stop, for me and more so for you. I couldn't let them interfere."
Sakura pondered for a moment then nodded and stood offering her hand, "Then do it again. Protect me Takeshi. If you don't protect me I'll die."
His gaze hardened at her words.
"Protect me Take-kun." He turned around to see his mother standing behind him. He quickly looked back to where she should be standing, was standing a moment ago, and instead he saw a man he knew to be dead. He was tall, barrel chested, greasy brown hair that clung to his menacing face. The man slowly drew a thick sword from his back giving Takeshi a chilling smile.
"If it isn't the little Uchiha once again. Come back for seconds?" He sneered bringing his blade up to his mouth. Takeshi grimaced as his tongue ran down the steel. "Or do I get to taste your mother's blood once again."
"No," he grit between his teeth, "You're dead."
"Protect me Takeshi…please!" Sakura's voice grew more frantic behind him.
"He can't be alive!"
"Oh you're wrong on that account little Uchiha. She missed and I've been waiting for this moment for years!" The large man took a step forward.
"Takeshi! Takeshi please!"
Immediately he was thrust into a memory.
xXxXx
His mother was injured and she was crying. He remembered her telling him to not give into people's baiting. He wasn't too sure what that meant but it was obviously important. After that she packed up everything they had and they left their hotel. His little arms held on tight around her neck and they flew through the air at a rapid pace.
She cursed in his ear before picking up the pace again. After a minute he could hear voices catching up to them. They were being followed and that meant they were probably bad guys. He didn't know what kind of mission his mother just finished, she didn't tell him any details. He was still too young according to her to know about everything. But this seemed kind of important.
He opened his eyes staring hard into the darkness behind his mother's back when he saw a glint.
"Kaa-san…I think they're close," he told her.
"I know baby boy. I'm hurrying," she sounded frantic, "I promise they won't hurt you ok?"
He nodded never taking his eyes off the darkness behind her. The glint came back followed by more. That meant there was more than one person after them.
A loud shriek had Takeshi squirming in his mother's arms as all of a sudden they plummeted to the ground. Sakura rolled so that she took the brunt of the hit gasping in pain as they rolled to a stop. Loud laughter became more apparent as his head stopped spinning.
"Who would've thought this bitch was telling the truth." A very big man with a very big sword looked down at Takeshi. He shivered at his creepy smile burying his face in Sakura's chest.
"Don't hurt him. Please, he's all I have left," his mother begged. He could hear her tears in her voice. "He's innocent."
The big man peered down, "You know he looks a bit familiar. Reminds me of someone I had a run in with many years ago. What was that brat's name?" He scratched his chin, "Ah that's right that little Uchiha brat Itachi. You wouldn't happen to be a scorned lover of his would you?"
"I don't know who you're talking about," Sakura answered in a very unsteady voice.
He laughed again lifting his large blade onto his shoulder, "I think you're a bad liar. What happened? Did he kick you out when you got pregnant with his bastard?"
"You don't know what you're talking about! You're wrong!"
"Hmmmm…even so you owe me and I'll take it any way I can get it."
In an instant Takeshi was sailing through the air before hitting a tall tree branch. His little fingers tried to grasp at the branch but he wasn't quick enough and he fell onto his back. He sat up slowly his head fuzzy again from his fall. His mother's piercing scream broke him out of his haze and he gazed in horror when he saw the man's large blade severing his mother's leg.
xXxXx
"What are you going to do now little Uchiha? Are you going to sit on the sidelines again, screaming like the weak little girl that you are?"
"You're not real!" Takeshi screamed. He didn't even really acknowledge the building chakra inside his body.
He tsked, "This isn't a genjutsu. I'm as real as you are."
"Lies!"
"Takeshi!" Sakura pleaded.
"Fine if you won't believe me, I'll show you how real I am!"
"NOOOOOOOOO!" Takeshi yelled eyes widening.
Sakura began screaming at the same time the man lunged. Dark green chakra sprung from his body instantly developing into a skeleton and then into armor. The Susano'o samurai drew his long sword and he was mildly surprised to see black flames dancing along the blade. But that didn't matter. All that mattered at this moment was killing that man who wanted to hurt his mother. He had to watch last time and Takeshi would be damned if he would let it happen again.
The sword hit the target at a rapid speed driving the assailant into the ground. Takeshi gaze lay singularly focused on the man. He had to be dead now, if he wasn't already before. Slowly withdrawing the sword he watched as the man changed into his mother and then melted into water.
Water clone? Kaa-san used a water clone and turned it into him.
The green shield disintegrated slowly as the situation set over him. A strained calm entered his mind knowing that he passed the test. He was able to bring out the Susano'o but at what cost.
Once the shield was gone the Sakura figure standing behind him also disintegrated into water. Looking to the right he saw his mother standing there with a blank expression.
"Why him?" He asked looking right into her eyes. "Out of everyone we've encountered…why him?"
"Because he was there when I was at my most vulnerable and you were there to witness it the horror done to me; too young to do anything other than watch. Your sharingan wasn't activated yet and I was still a wallowing mass of misery, injured at the time of his pursuit. Because of what happened that night you changed and I changed. It was the only time I let you witness the horror of shinobi life at such a young age. You were sheltered after that, well…as sheltered as I could get you under the circumstances."
He nodded in understanding, "He really is dead though right?"
Sakura gave him a sympathetic smile, "Hai baby boy, remember I shoved my hand through his heart."
Yes he remembered that. That bastard had bent down to collect her leg as collateral when his mother grabbed him, flipped him over, and plunged her chakra laden hand right through his chest. He could still remember the shock of the situation. But his men fled afterward not even bothering to deal with the crazy woman with one leg who just killed their boss. Takeshi had hurried over and brought the severed portion of her leg so she could reattach it. Even now he still shivered and his hands clenched in remembrance of hauling her legs as fast as he could before she completely bled out.
"You need to let those emotions consume you," Sakura turned her lecture voice back on, "Before you felt them but it was inhibited by the fact that I was your opponent. You can feel hatred and anger but you can't feel those emotions towards me. So you were already set up to fail. To use the higher eye you must allow the emotion to almost overwhelm you. But make sure you can come back. Remember who you're angry at and why. Once the opponent is defeated…let it go. Calm your mind and calm your aching heart. Only then will you be truly powerful."
"Hai Okaa-san." Takeshi unclenched his hands and bowed respectfully to her.
"Right," she clapped her hands, "I'm starving and you're going to need a good lunch and then a nap."
He smirked as he walked towards where his master and his mother's former teammates stood. He passed today and everyone got to see just how strong he was. Respect and fear would probably be the new emotions people would feel around him. And that he could deal with, and even thrive in.
o0o
Kami-sama…what in the ever living hell did I just witness?! Itachi thought as Sakura and Takeshi walk off the field together. Mirdori's hand was clutched tightly to his arm and he just knew she was thinking the exact same thing. That man…that genjutsu…who the fuck was that?! He threatened his wife and child and if Sakura hadn't stated that she killed him Itachi would definitely leave this village to go in search of him. The amount of pain and anger his son exhibited broke his already shattered heart. He had not been there to protect his family. He was a failure once again. Midori could sense his melancholy and gently rubbed his arm to try and give him some modicum of comfort.
Shisui caught Itachi's gaze and with a quick flick on his head Itachi noticed that the entire clan that showed up to watch was all thinking the exact same thing.
One: Takeshi was an exceptional shinobi, with power to surpass even the Hokage. Two: What in the ever living hell did that genjutsu-ed man do to his family that would cause such a powerful shinobi to react as thus. And three: What was going to happen now?
Itachi would be a fool not to consider that last question. After everything that has happened this afternoon it was completely clear that one or more of the elders, his father included, was going to try something…undermining. They need to save face considering the public and damning way Sakura and Takeshi were forced out of the village. But it didn't matter what they had planned or talked about, at the end of the day Itachi was clan head and his word was law.
"Otou-san?" Hama pulled on his shirt sleeve to get his attention.
"Hai Hama-chan?"
"That's…is he really my brother?"
He closed his eyes and nodded once. "Hai, Takeshi-san over there is your brother."
"He's strong."
"Hai," Itachi watched as Takeshi went to get approval from his kenjutsu master, "yes he is."
Midori turned her head and watched as Fugaku spoke with some of the other elders of the clan. From the looks on their faces something bad was brewing and Itachi was going to bear the brunt of it. They needed to be prepared for what was going to happen and show a united front for the whole clan. Nothing spoke weakness like a divided Head Family.
"We're going to need to put out a few fires soon Itachi," she whispered in his ear, "The elders are already forming a statement to present to you."
He nodded, "I know. After today it was going to be inevitable."
"Whatever you decide I'm with you one hundred percent."
Itachi smiled slightly and gripped both of her hands, "Thank you Midori."
They both turned their gazes back to Sakura and Takeshi. It pained his heart to see the love of his life wrapped in the arms of another man. The kenjutsu master had pulled her into a tight hug and his ridiculously muscular arms were dwarfing her petite frame. She looked very comfortable being there. It was definitely familiar and almost intimate. Midori's soft caress spoke of her gentle support knowing that the scene was so obviously hurtful. They continued to watch the conversation across the field and the group started to depart with a promise of a hearty lunch. The master slung his arm around Sakura's shoulders which made Itachi cringe internally. And then he smirked as Sakura rebuked Takeshi's lack of manners and thus made him offer his arm to black haired girl he didn't recognize. The girl seemed to blush in equal parts embarrassment and excitement. His gaze flickered to the brunette standing near who he recognized at Tenten.
The girl must be her daughter. Itachi concluded. They did look strikingly similar.
He was just about to turn and leave with his family when Midori stopped him. "Hama-chan!"
He followed her gaze and watched as his eldest daughter approached his eldest son.
o0o
Sakura and Takeshi leisurely strolled over to their group again, the events of the training still weighing heavily on them. Sakura spied Naruto and Sasuke's heads together as they cast furtive glances at the gathered Uchiha clan. She would deal with that drama later. Right now was a time to celebrate her son's success.
Kenji approached them first gripping Takeshi firmly on the shoulders. "Everything alright upstairs?"
Takeshi nodded, "It was just alarming…seeing him again."
One of Kenji's hands cup the back of his head. "No more fear. What we've just witnessed should abolish all feelings of inadequacy. The only way to go-"
"Is up." Takeshi finished with a smile.
Kenji laughed. "Seems my work here is done. You are growing into a fine man."
"Thank you master." He bowed respectfully.
"Now you, woman," Kenji engulfed Sakura in a bear hug, "I'm hungry and need some food. Feed me."
Sakura smacked his chest with an amused expression. "I seem to recall that you were perfectly capable of taking care of yourself. What did you tell me once…" she put a finger to her lip coyly, "It would be a cold day in hell before I became completely dependent on a woman."
Kenji, Takeshi, and Sakura all chuckled.
"Takeshi-san!"
He turned his attention and was surprised to see Tai Lee standing there next to her mother. "Tai Lee?"
She bowed quickly then shot him an electric smile. "You were absolutely fabulous today. I am in complete awe of you and your amazing shinobi skills. I know you've turned me down before but that was back when you were Panther and I can't help myself but I have to ask again." Her face suddenly turned serious. Tai Lee stood at attention with her arms fisted tightly at her sides. "Takeshi-san I would like to formally ask you to teach me kenjutsu. Please be my instructor!" She bowed again, freezing at a perfect ninety degree angle.
He sighed, "Tai Lee…"
"How many times have you asked him little one?" Kenji interrupted slinging his arm around Sakura.
Tai Lee's cheeks turned a dark pink and she shot up; her brown eyes wide taking in Kenji's monstrous form, "Uhhh…enough?"
Sakura snickered and Kenji smirked. "You have no other master?"
She shook her head, "I know I can learn it if I were able to find a teacher. I've learned a variety of other weapons and am very proficient in all of them. This is the only area that seems to evade me."
Kenji popped Takeshi upside the head. "Take some pity on this poor girl and teach her the way of the sword."
Takeshi sighed and finally relented. "Fine. Tomorrow Tai Lee meet me at my apartment at ten. We will begin then."
She began to squeal as her hands covered her mouth. "THANK YOU! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you! You won't regret it I swear! I'll be the best student you ever had!"
"Tai Lee," Tenten spoke up cutting off her daughter's soon-to-be-ridiculous tirade, "He knows darling."
"So Tenten, we talked about lunch." Sakura started walking with Kenji by her side.
"Hai, I was thinking BBQ." Tenten replied.
"Mmmmm," Sakura nodded, "Sounds perfect. And Takeshi don't even think about being rude and not escorting Tai Lee to lunch!"
Tai Lee jumped at Sakura's sharp tone her cheeks tinted to a dark red. Takeshi, however, suppressed an aggravated sigh and offered his arm to the small girl. The group was just beginning to depart when a young woman approached them.
"Taakeshi-san?" She bowed slightly not taking her eyes off of the boy.
Takeshi nodded taking in the small brunette, "Can I help you?"
The girl gulped. "My name is Uch…uh…Hama. I just wanted to meet you and say hello. You are very strong and it's an honor to have you in the village…to uh…help defend it."
Takeshi quirked an eyebrow then eyed the girl with a more critical eye. Something seemed familiar about her. "I'll be frank Hama-san, wasn't it?"
She nodded.
"While I'm in this village I'm not a Konoha shinobi. This village has yet to earn my respect or trust. If I fight it will be of my own choice and not the orders of another man. I appreciate your gesture. Good day." Without another word he lead Tai Lee away from the training area. Once they were a little ways away he turned to Lee and asked, "Did you know that girl?"
Tai Lee nodded. "Hai. We were in the same academy class growing up."
"What's her surname?"
Tai Lee met his piercing gaze, "Uchiha."
o0o
Sakura watched the two leave and eyed the brunette girl. Hama she said her name was and before that she almost said her surname. Her emerald yes scrutinized the girl taking in her angular features and dark eyes, the formality of her speech, and typical nonchalant features…no doubt in her mind. Hama was an Uchiha.
Peering around Kenji's massive arm and torso Sakura quickly scanned the group. Once her eyes landed on Itachi and his new wife it all clicked. They had probably sent their daughter up to try and make good with her son! But then again…they both looked shocked and slightly worried about her proximity to Takeshi and herself, so maybe not. It was very uncharacteristic to see such an emotion on Itachi's face. No, she concluded, Hama had acted on her own and if she knew who she was talking to then that took guts; guts that Sakura could definitely admire.
With that thought she started to imagine: what if she hadn't left the village and stayed married to Itachi? Would Hama have been her child? Would they have had more children? Sakura decided to picture the girl with her pink hair or maybe a dark purple, considering Uchiha genes were very dominant. Her father had purple hair so that gene was definitely in her blood. Maybe Hama would've had Sakura's green eyes, or would she have kept her father's dark onyx. Thinking this wasn't going to help anything so she shook her head to clear her thoughts on the matter. Her heart though still ached with that familiar pain of loss. She had to push it away, like she always did, but this time it seemed harder to do so.
Risking a glance over at Itachi and his wife again she caught his gaze. He was staring at her. She quickly looked away as Kenji began escorting her from the premises. Her stomach started fluttering and her heart skipped a beat which made Sakura curse herself. How could he still affect her after all these years?
They didn't have to wait long before the elders were all congregated at Itachi's home wanting to speak to him about the display of power this afternoon. His children were, thankfully, in bed and Midori showed the men to the tea room. They all sat with practiced ease leaving both ends of the table reserved for Itachi and his wife.
The Uchiha Head was currently in his study steeling himself for the upcoming conversation. It was going to be rough conversation and the only saving grace on volume would be the lateness of the hour with his sleeping children. He had to stand his ground. Takeshi wasn't a member of the Uchiha Clan. Yes he contains an active sharingan but considering he and Sakura were not married and there is no birth certificate stating he is the father. The evidence is obviously written on his son's face but the paperwork does not exist to verify it. Itachi knew what they wanted and he wasn't about to let those elders have it. He would protect his family this time, the way he failed to do sixteen years ago.
Slowly he walked towards the door and slid it open. Midori was just walking down the hall to knock.
"They are all seated. Tea is served." She stated.
He nodded. "Let's get this over with."
They entered together, Midori first followed by her husband. He shut the rice papered door firmly before taking his position at the head of the table.
"The hour is late," he began in a monotonous voice, "I hope the urgency of this meeting is warranted."
"We believe it is." One of the elders to his left stated while the rest nodded.
"Then speak and please be mindful that my children are asleep upstairs."
"We will be delicate Itachi-san." Fugaku intoned then sipped his tea.
Itachi nodded and poured himself some tea. "Then proceed."
"The matter we wish to bring to your attention is that concerning your son Takeshi. His power and use of the sharingan is exemplary, second to none. Such power cannot be allowed to walk alone in this day and age. He needs to be integrated into the clan and assume his rightful place as your heir. You need to approach him, inform him of his birthright, and then integrate him into the clan. He has already won the clan's respect from the incredible display this afternoon so respect will be easily attained from within. We would like to see him here learning his new duties by the end of the week." There was a small pause. "Is this agreeable to you?"
Midori fought hard to keep the appalled look off of her face. The audacity that these men just spoke with! Did they have no concern for Itachi's feelings on the matter?! She knew that answer right after she thought it. Of course they didn't, again all they care about are appearances. Seeing such a powerful member of their own clan being a free agent has obviously rattled them to the point that they were resorting to extraneous measures once again.
Midori was surprised at the way Itachi heled himself. If it weren't for the telltale hardening of his eyes she would think that the entire statement had not bothered him. His outward appearance depicted a nonchalant approach and he partook of his tea. And only because she had spent the last sixteen years with him could she tell that he was about to lose his temper.
This is not the time to act irrationally. Itachi thought to himself after the elders had finished their obviously rehearsed spiel. He finished his tea as calmly as he could, his hands didn't even shake in his anger as he set his tea cup down and straightened his posture.
"You all agree to this course of action?" He asked in a hushed tone. Any louder and he would be breaking his own clause of not waking his children.
They all nodded and Itachi thought it was a little odd that Fugaku's nod came a few seconds afterward. He would have to address that later but for now he would let it go.
"If that is you view and opinion then I will have to decline it." He raised a hand when two elders began to object. "Takeshi is under no such obligation to become a member of this clan. If I recall correctly, this clan denounced him and his mother on the day of his birth. With such a denouncement there was no official birth certificate created to signify his birth in Konohagakure or that his parents are Sakura and myself. The only claim to the Uchiha clan that the boy possesses his that of his obvious bloodline, even then it could be argued that he was simply the result of a tryst and Sakura adopted him. Takeshi is a free agent and has been since his birth. Any type of coercion on him or Sakura will be seen as a hostile move against them and not condone by myself or this clan. Am I quite clear?"
The tension in the room was thick and Itachi knew it wouldn't take long before the arguments arose.
"This is absurd! You cannot possibly hold such views when the child holds such a striking resemblance to your person!" An elder to his right exclaimed.
"Mind your volume, Youdai-san." Itachi warned hardening his gaze. "And if I recall with perfect clarity it was you, all of you, who condemned the boy because of the way he looked! I will not allow you to make another claim to ownership because of the same factor. My answer stands. Takeshi is a free agent and is not to be bothered, harassed, or cajoled into joining this clan. If he ever choses to do so then it will be of his own volition. Am I understood?"
"Itachi-"
"I have nothing more to say on this matter. Am I understood?"
They turned their attention to Midori who was watching with rapt attention. "Midori-sama we implore you to sway your husband's opinion."
"Unfortunately your pleas fall on deaf ears," she replied steadily, "The only reason I am currently married to Itachi is because of the actions of this council. You did not take the time to even gather any evidence or to even see the child for yourselves, you all acted on rumors and gossip when a simple paternity test could've disproved the outrageous claim. You all are to blame for this current situation. I will not help you try to fix it in such a despicable manner. I am in full agreement with Itachi and his decisions on the matter. Your input has been noted and declined by the both of us."
The tension increased once more and the silence grew heavy after her declaration. It was taking everything in her to remain calm and poised and not to fall or show any weakness under their scrutinizing gazes. Once they turned back to their head she slowly let out the breath she had been holding.
Itachi was proud of her and he wasn't ashamed to let that show for the moment. But this conversation was obviously at its end. He wanted to turn in after the day he'd had.
"I believe we've given you our position and as such we have nothing further to discuss. Have a pleasant rest of the evening." Itachi stood signaling the rest of the room to do so. Then he escorted them out of his home and locked the door behind them. Midori was just putting the tea cups in the sink to wash when he entered.
"They will leave them alone," she stated filling the sink with water, "Sakura's display in the compound a few days ago was enough to warn them off of a…violent approach. It was probably the main reason why they wanted you to confront them tonight."
"Probably," he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Your declaration was the last nail in the coffin. I was very proud of you for your words."
"Oh, it was nerve wracking to be sure. I've had more confrontations in this last month than I've had since becoming your wife. It's very unsettling."
He smirked, "Nonetheless…it is greatly appreciated."
She turned and smiled at him. "I'm behind you one hundred percent Itachi. I always knew that when this day came it would not be easy. I was prepared for the poor handling of this clan would have over your son. I just can't help but wonder if they would be pressing the same suit if his skills weren't so exemplary."
"I've had the same thought. And I can only come to the conclusion that they probably wouldn't not. They would have probably viewed him the same as they do the orphans in our clan; easily ignored and forgotten in all but name. Even then he wouldn't have the name and would be regarded even less. Yes, the only reason the elders are causing such a fuss is because Takeshi is talented, so very talented that any shinobi village would want to harness his skills.
Midori finished washing the cups and placed them on the drying mat. "Come Itachi, it's late."
He nodded to her and followed her up the small staircase to their bedroom.
Yeah i know...it's short but i wanted it up sooner rather than later. Forgive the errors, i didn't edit it like i usually do because i wanted to post :) Please leave a review!