Warning: OC and serious screw up of original canon/timeline. NonCanon. Tiny Itachi. Actually emotional Fugaku. The overused cliché of soulsearching/rebirth with a twist! Language. Blood and Violence. Expected Character death.

A/N: Sorry for the wait! Here's the next chapter. Enjoy! – DustyRabbit

.oOo.

Chapter 14

.oOo.

He was shaking like a leaf, despite the burn in his muscles. A chill, deep-rooted, had set in his bones and he wasn't sure how to get rid of it. It was like staring a great beast straight in its menecing eyes, unable to fight and impossible to back away from. All he wanted was to flee until his heart couldn't keep up with the thunderous pace anymore.

His hands trembled and he took the brief moment he was soaring through the trees to clench them. Forcing the involuntary movements to stop.

It was ridiculous. This was nothing he hadn't seen before. The previous night was not the first time he saw a fellow shinobi get killed. Neither was it the shell-shocked stupor he had experienced the first time around. A lingering feeling of inadequacy. Guilty thoughts that said he should have done more. Should have acted. Prevented. Taken his team-mate's place...

No. This time he was alone.

Or, at least, that was how it felt.

His eyes slid towards the fast moving form of his current squadleader. But Uchiha Fugaku had no comforting words to offer him. Just that same grim expression that had claimed its place on his aged face after the blast. And his uncle had aged, no matter how impossible it seemed to be able to accelerate the physiological process of aging by simply being exposed to something life-changing.

Yet the truth stared back at him from over burdened shoulders every ten minutes like a hollowed out mask, leeched dry of energy: The thinly pressed lips. The lines, which had only deepened further once they had finished gathering what little pieces were left behind of their fallen squad member.

Only when his uncle's bleeding red sharingans glowered into the dark of the surrounding wood did something other than his apathetic expression show on Fugaku's face. Grim resignation, a hint of deeply buried regret which would soon be drowned out by razor sharp, refined anger. The kind that bubbled beneath the surface and only dragged its dangerous claws through the still surface when Fugaku thought nobody else was looking.

Feet landed on a too thin branch, a stupid miscalculation, which sent Shisui crashing down through the lower ones. His arms reached frantically for something to hold onto, since his chakra was pushing it and he could already feel his control shake and fade into nothing.

The sudden jerk to a stop was more disorienting than the sudden up-side down world view that met him.

"Easy there, Shisui." He felt blood rush into his pale face, the pressure inside his head building similarly to the tight hold of the arm wrapped around his waist.

Another foot dangled limply in front of his face.

"Shisui?"

"I-I'm fine," he shot back quickly. Feeling embarrassment wash over him for having burdened his squad once again. They were already having a hard enough time making good time getting back to the village. He didn't need to add to it with his own two fumbling feet.

Atsurou didn't seem to take his attempt at reassurance seriously though and gave a sharp, high-pitched whistle before slowly walking down the tree trunk. Shisui landed on the woodland floor with a gentle plop and almost immediately his legs started to prickle as if stung by hundreds of needles. Soldier pills only worked so well, after all. In the end, even if his individual chakra reserves were momentarily replenished with corresponding synthetic substitutes, there was still his physical limitations to adhere to.

A pained grimace sneaked onto his face.

Apparently, running almost non-stop for nearly a day without rest was enough to make his body protest. Stimulants or not.

Fugaku backtracked to them just in time as Atsurou lowered his unconscious younger brother pff his back to the ground.

"Report."

A long breath was the sole indication of how quickly Atsurou's annoyance was growing. Though, personally, Shisui was more annoyed to note how Atsurou barely showed any signs of being winded, despite carrying a fully grown man for miles.

"The kid needs rest."

Shisui bristled, but couldn't help but shrink back a bit once Fugaku's heavy gaze landed on him.

Normally, Shisui prided himself for being able to stand straight underneath his uncle's penetrating stare. They had very similar eyes, after all. Fugaku and Itachi. Though the latter was always adamant that Shisui was simply imagining it.

There was a similar degree of depth to them, however, which only reaffirmed Shisui's opinion.

And now those scrutinizing eyes were directed at him, with all of their dismantling intensity. As if Fugaku was trying to slowly pick him appart. Solve the mystery without having to resort to actually asking.

"Is that true, Shisui?"

The youngest Uchiha in the group turned his gaze down to his hands, which were gripping his trembling legs.

Uchiha Fugaku might willingly overlook details every once in a while, but he was in no way unobservant. He knew he had been pushing it with his team recently. Forced their pace, in some kind of desperate attempt to win time. To gain an advantage on something he knew was unavoidable.

He had failed their mission. Lost their target and sacrificed two of their team members in the process. Fugaku had failed them as their squadleader and now he was driving the last of them into the ground on some wild goose chase because of something as fickle as revenge.

To save face and regain his honor.

Fugaku ignored the stinging burn of his pride.

"Fine. We'll stop for an hour."

Shisui released the breath he didn't know he was holding. Some of the heightening tension leaving his frame.

Yet, unconsciously, he found himself keeping track of the agitated Uchiha Head as he stalked the freshly designated camp area. Atsurou gave him a weak sideways grin of acknowledgement, very uncharacteristic of the normally serious man, before bending down to check on Keishi's broken leg. The wounded Uchiha didn't even try to hide his cursing under his breath about Fugaku's rude treatment of fellow shinobi, and rightfully so, after Fugaku dumped him unceremoniously to the ground. His vehement hissing made even Shisui's legs ache in sympathy.

Trying to distract himself from listening in on the pained rambles and small argument that broke out between the two, Shisui shook out the last of the water left in his canteen. Enjoying the soothing touch it gave his parched throat.

Then a callused palm was pressed against his forehead and Shisui found another water canteen shoved into his hand. "Drink. You'll need to fill your reserves enough to last another few hours. I don't plan on stopping before dawn."

The young chuunin shivered, trying not to show his nerves and how uncomfortable the close proximity with the stoic clan leader made him. Then, as if it had never been there in the first place, the cool hand moved off his skin without another word.

Shisui blinked, but said nothing.

Seconds later, as if on afterthought, Fugaku lowered himself down on the ground to lean his back against the tree trunk beside him. Dark eyes fixed onto the distant trees that marked the treeline. Seeming to soak in the last few beems of light pouring in between the leaves, heralding the oncoming night.

"Heartless," came a sleepy, low grumble from Keishi. But Fugaku acted like he didn't hear him. Not answering the taunt.

Shisui found it odd, how calm the man acted.

Ever since the mission went haywire, Shisui expected some kind of reaction from his uncle. For Fugaku to, at the very least, vent a bit of his frustration with them. They were all in the same boat and nobody here would judge him for it. After all, they had been there when it happened. They had seen it.

There had been nothing the Uchiha leader could have done to prevent it. It had been too sudden. Too unexpected.

But he didn't show anything outwardly.

Instead Fugaku kept quiet. Gaze unwavering as he surveiled the trees. And it struck Shisui that perhaps it was all because of them. Because someone needed to be the strong one. A leader that keep the squad together..

Soon, the two of them were the only ones not attempting a quick catnap. Atsurou lay down beside his brother. His strong back up against Keishi's good leg. The cool of the evening settled in around them and instictively, Shisui found himself leaning a bit in his Uncle's direction.

He shivered.

But they didn't touch.

Their tense shoulders set inches apart as if a invisible wall had come between them. He could feel the faint heat radiating off Fugaku. But Shisui didn't dare press any closer, because that mask of his was up again. The one that hid all the nasty emotions and left him as unreadable as stone.

Dangerous.

His breath slowed down further. Afraid that the sound of his breathing would catch the interest of the lurking predators in the wild around them. In him.

But the elder Uchiha's gaze didn't shift. Fugaku's hand wrapped protectively around the dark leather satchel that hung at his waist. His dark eyes untouched by the gruesome knowledge of what lay within.

Shisui closed his eyes, trying to physically 'unsee' what he knew was there.

There was no point in lingering on it.

Shisui couldn't do or say anything to make it all better. And knowing the man, Fugaku wouldn't accept his attempts either. He was too proud for it. Too stubborn.

So he let his uncle be. Left him to sort out his morbid thoughts in peace.

A lone man, battling an internal war Shisui could only one day hope to fathom.

.oOo.

"It's not going to work," Kushina complained. Headstrong as always.

"Of course, it won't." Jiraiya countered, messing with some of the wares he had gotten. "To attempt a genjutsu of that caliber, which would keep for days at a time would be foolish. Even with your innate Uzumaki reserves. But if we only tweak the bits that are needed.."

Mikoto watched in equal horror as Jiraiya pulled out one of those horrid hair dyes that could be bought at the specialized weapon shops around Konoha, a product mainly used for longterm infiltration missions. She had not seen one for years. The stuff had perfect coverage, but left much to be desired in the way of haircare. Mikoto had only used the formula once during her genin years, thankfully, as it had taken her years to regrow and restore her hair back to normal. Ninja only ever used it on infiltration missions where there was high risk of capture and the need of a perfect cover overruled all other options.

The scepticism and outright rejection on their faces must have been what drew the last strawfor him, because Jiraiya slammed the container down with a jarring force. Rocking the kitchen table in the process.

"Do you want to look like an Uchiha or not?"

Mikoto paled, hearing the exact words. For although she had expressed her willingness to cooperate with whatever plan the Toad Sage came up with regarding Kushina, she had not expected that.

Itachi sent them a curious look from where he sat on a spread out blanket entertaining two infants, one cleary more determined to investigate the other. Thankfully Shima-san, the elder toad that had been taking care of Naruto-chan so far, kept a watchful eye on them.

"Uchiha?" They parroted. Jiraiya rolled his eyes skywards.

"Yes, Uchiha. Dark headed, good genetics and with complimentary five foot poles up their asses. That kind of Uchiha."

"Jiraiya-san..."

"It's so perfect, no one will expect it!" He announced, but his victorious smile faded a bit as something of importance struck him. "Though, how you will fit in with that depressive lot.."

He stopped. Suddenly very wary of the way Kushina's fist clenched.

"Right," he coughed, hiding the twitch of his lip.

"Jiraiya," Kushina shot him a look that clearly questioned his sanity. "Unless you've actually been in a hole in the ground for the last.. what is it? Ten years?"

Mikoto rolled her eyes.

"You would know I've been quite the frequent guest at the Uchiha compound these last few months. The guards and staff are so used to it, they can sense my chakra approaching before I even enter the compound. How do you think turning up looking like some Uchiha wannabe is going to work out? Hm?"

The white-haired man released a huge sigh. One that set Mikoto on edge. The Sennin was a big idiot most of the time, but there was no arguing the fact that Jiraiya had been named one of the Sannin and spymaster of Konoha for a reason. And although most Uchiha questioned his intellect at times, there had to be some truth behind his renown.

"That is why I'm telling you we need this!" He shook the bottle containing the dye.

"Jiraiya-san," Mikoto started. "I know you don't hold the hightest opinion of my clan. But I can assure you, we're not blind."

A snort resounded from Itachi, but all adults ignored it. Jiraiya huffed, crossing his strong arms.

"Which is why Kushina and the boy will leave with me first."

The world suddenly stopped around her.

"Eh? Why? Why should I?"

"Kushina, we have to logical."

"How is it logic? I can't leave! We've sacrificed everything for this village. Minato sacrificed everything-!"

"I'm not saying-"

"But you're implying, you sly-" Kushina stopped abruptly, blinking as she registered the hand wrapped tight around hers. She looked up at Mikoto, but the Uchiha wouldn't look her in the eyes. Face turned down, Mikoto was trembling so faintly one would have missed it if you didn't focus on the vibrations propagating down through her hand.

"Don't go."

Blue eyes grew large.

Jiraiya groaned, "Oh, come on!"

"Mikoto.."

"Please.." A shaky breath. It felt like her the foundations of her world was crumbling around her. "Don't."

"She can't stay here, Mikoto-san." Jiraiya underlined. "They can't."

Kushina moved closer, pressing Mikoto close by wrapping her free arm around her. It was the first time since that sensitive period back when Sasuke-chan was born that she saw her friend like this. The way her whole being wavered, lingering on the edge between sanity and something more sinister. As if she was breaking. Too fragile to even touch.

It made Kushina wish she could take her away. Wrap her up and never let go. Because if she did..

Jiraiya narrowed his eyes. His posture becoming more commanding by the second. "We have to go. Even if, by some chance, the village forgets about what happened. That man..." He paused and Kushina realized that he was collecting himself, reigning in on the killing intent that poured off him in waves. It was a distinct switch from the normally jovial sage. "That man won't leave it off like this. There is nothing more dangerous than a man with a purpose."

Kushina flinced. The pain in her abdomen almost ghost-like as she remembered. The way it burned. The mind-searing pain as the kyuubi tore itself out of her. Broke loose and left her behind broken and bleeding.

It's fine. It'll all be alright. It's over now..

"He'll come for Naruto," Jiraiya's grave words struck hard. "He won't give up that easily. The kyuubi is weak now and so is it's vessel."

Kushina spun around, anger boiling up to the surface. "Jiraiya!"

"It's true and you know it." The Sage moved closer, head tilted in the direction of the newborn, no more than a few days old and still so oblivious of the world and fate he'd been born into. "He'll be an easy target for anyone wanting power. Because that is how he and many others will think of Naruto. As a means to an end. A tool. You've seen it, Kushina. You've lived that life. Do you really want that for your son?"

Itachi's hand paused where it was holding back Sasuke from poking Naruto's eye out. It seemed impossible. For something so small and frail to be dangerous. To contain such an alarming force that he could bring a whole village to his knees in a single heartbeat.

But he had seen it. Seen the horrendous effects of it.

Every villager becomes family. Brothers and sisters. People to protect. Itachi's eyes grew darker. Could he weigh one life over hundreds of others? But weren't all equally important?

Small fingers grasped his larger one. Infinite blue eyes staring at him with such clarity he had never seen before. An innocence that didn't fit with what was sheltered within the babe.

Family...

Itachi slid his gaze a bit to his left and resisted the smile that threatened to curl when Sasuke wrapped his arms around his and took said appendage hostage.

Family above all else.

"Then.. What do you want me to do? Run away?" Kushina breathed, even if she alrady knew the answer.

"Come with me," the Toad Sage explained. "Let Konoha cool down a bit. Things need to fall in place. Konoha needs to find a way to cope and regain its senses."

"But-"

"All I ask for is time, Kushina," he rumbled. "To forget. To help you train. To allow you to reclaim your life and start a new one. A life worthy of Minato's legacy. One he would have wanted you to have. A life where the little one doesn't have to watch his back constantly, afraid of when the next attempt at his life will succeed."

Allow me to keep my promise to Minato.

Kushina's eyes watered. Her face straining. But all it took was one look. One gaze over towards the blanket covered in children. Her bundle of sunny blonde held protectively in Itachi's arms.

It hurt. Knowing that only by leaving everything behind could she save that which was precious to her.

To Minato.

She couldn't let him down. Although it tore at her to even think of leaving the last traces of chakra she had left of him. In the end it was all a ghost. Kushina was chasing after his memory. An imprint he had left behind which held so much links to her. To their short life together. Some painful ones, yes. But also those she couldn't seem to let go of. Memories she knew would slowly start to fade the longer she was separated from them.

But in the end it was just memories. Something that could never be restored to life.

Only made vivid in her mind, where his face was still as clear as the light of day. Enclosed deep down in her heart, where thoughts of Minato still kept her warm.

Naruto.

The sole piece she had left of him.

She couldn't let anyone take him from her.

Never.

Mikoto felt her heart splinter as Kushina tugged her hand free. The forced distance she put between them only made her intensions clear.

"What do I need to do?"

Her eyes burned but Mikoto bit down the rising sting in her chest. Kushina was leaving. Her sole, true friend was leaving her behind and she knew that when the redhead decided on something, Mikoto would be powerless to stop it.

The rejection hurt even more than the obvious cold shoulder Kushina gave her. She wouldn't even glance at her. As if doing so would cause her to carefully drawn resolve to waver.

Kushina's words stung. But so too did the voice of reason that echoed inside Mikoto's head. Could she be so selfish? To keep Kushina by her side despite knowing that in doing so she would risk more than just her friendship? She would endanger lives just because she didn't want to face it all alone...

"Tell me. What can I do to keep Naruto safe?" Kushina's voice echoed like a distant rain, come to wash everything clean.

Because that was what it came down to, wasn't it?

They needed an opportunity to start over with a clean slate. A new beginning, away from Konoha.

Away from her.

In the end, Mikoto never was strong enough when it truly mattered.

To be continued...