Akito Uchiha.
Disclaimer :I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 25.
Walking slowly through the packed street his head held high and his black eyes crackling with a smile, Akito couldn't help it but to sing some marry tune under his breath.
There was some sprint in his steps and in general he was in a good mood.
Many would wonder what could elevate the usually darker boy so but Akito wouldn't tell them.. Not even for all the riches of the world.
As he walked singing he thought of the meeting he just had with the Yamanaka patriarch.
Inoichi sent him a message through Ino to come to his residence as fast as possible as the blonde had something important to discuss with him.
His mind was working hard trying to come up with a reason for why would he be called to the head of intelligence.. Maybe some new mission?
But as he arrived to the house he was greeted by the blonde mind reader himself and was asked to follow to the office.
Once there, the older shinobi closed the door behind them and made sure the window was closed as well before beckoning the Uchiha to sit down.
Now Akito was really intrigued but he calmed his expression and showed nothing.
They set there for several moments silently looking at each other until the older man finally spoke.
"Do you know why I asked you to come?" the blonde asked, his face devoid of any humor.
Akito rolled his eyes "I do not.. However I really hope it has nothing to do with my stunt with Uzumaki.. The hokage already called me and I have to be there in an hour... My gut tells me it has to do with that.. So I really hope you aren't about to talk to me about it" he said.
A short laugh left Inoichis mouth "Oh no.. I didn't call you here for this.. Although today morning in the clans heads meeting the others were kinda angry" he chuckled "Nah scratch that.. They were livid and you just had to see the face of hokage when he saw Naruto walking around in a shirt with the Uchiha sigil on it"
Akito snorted at the image "I can only imagine.. However I don't really get what got you guys so worked up.. If you wanted him you should have approached him long ago" he asked honestly curious.
Inoichi sighed "We couldn't" was his answer and before Akito could ask him to clarify he already went into an explanation "It's not an actual law.. But the clans agreed not to recruit the jinjuriki as to not disturb the status quo and balance between the clans.. After all having the jinjuriki as part of your clan is a lot of power which I guess is the reason you recruited him in " he paused looking at the boy.
Akito nodded "Partially.. However I saw him as somone with much potential and as such we both got something out of it.. He got the backing of a powerful clan while I got the influence that comes of it.. Not to mention the power to send such a powerful individual on my own missions "
Inoichi nodded "Sensible.. In any case the point is that they decided to let it slide as you did not know about the agreement and considering your clan's current situation it wasn't really a problem" he finished and relaxed into his chair before a smile appeared on his face "I am more curious to hear how young Sauske took to it.. I heard from Ino that they aren't in the most friendly of relationships.. Although as part of the same team they will hopefully build some sort of working relationship at least"
The Uchiha smiled in amusement "Actually.. His was quite the lackluster.. I actually expected some real resistance but the guy basically shrugged and told me he doesn't care as long as the boy wouldn't be any trouble.." he chuckled.
A look of surprise appeared on the blonde's face "That's.. Quite surprising to say the least.. He must have a lot of confidence in you.."
Akito just shrugged in response.
The Yamanaka sighed before looking intently into the black orbs of the assassin "However" he said "Coming back to the topic of why I called you here.." unconsciously he straightened himself before continuing "Do you remember our conversation just before the meeting about the hokage and clans?" he asked.
Akito snorted "Of course I do.. Now Inoichi sama.. Please cut to the chase alright? As I said my time is limited" he huffed.
The older man smirked "Very well.. I did as you asked me back then and went undercover to learn the truth about the civilians as you called it" he sighed and interlocked his fingers "What I learned was disturbing and quite the shock.. I guess what I am trying to say is that you... Are correct" he closed his eyes "And thus I belive our decision was a mistake" he finished, opening his eyes to what he expected to be a very happy boy only to be met with a blank face.
Akito set there, no emotion displayed on his features "And?" he asked raising his eyebrow.
Inoichi spluttered "What do you mean and?" he asked annoyance creeping to his voice his eyes narrowing.
Akito sighed "Why are you telling me this? I know that already... What was the point of telling me about something I knew already?" he answered his eyes locking on the other man.
The Yamanaka's eyes widened "If you don't care" he hissed "Than why the hell did you want me to know about it!" now it was anger that was present in his voice.. He really didn't get the guy at all!
A smirk appeared on Akitos face "Let me clarify myself.. My question was.. What are you going to do about it? What is it that you plan to do to strengthen the village again?" he asked getting up.
"What are you going to do about it?! What was the point of you learning about it?!" his hand striked the table.
Inoichi recoiled.. That was not what he was expecting.. At all. He never saw the young Uchiha getting so emotional and expressive.
However at the same time a tick mark appeared on his temple..
"Do you really think I am an idiot Uchiha?!" he asked, now truly angry "Do you really believe I was going to do nothing about it?" he huffed "And how about you?!" he exclaimed pointing his finger at the black haired boy "What plan did you come up with? Ah Genius?!" he asked darkly.
To his surprise, instead of retaliating the boy in front of him simply bowed "I am sorry Inoichi sama.. It was rude of me.. However I did come up with a plan.. The first stage of which just ended successfully" he smiled.
Inoichi halted and thought for a moment before looking at the boy in a new light "You actually build your plan upon me agreeing with you? That's clever and stupid at the same time" he couldn't help himself but burst out laughing.
Akito shrugged again "I knew the truth so there was no reason to believe you won't find it... Now I will go into the full plan later.. However right now we need to change the outlook of the other clan.. Which unfortunately I can't do" he said "Being one of the only two who voted against and all" he smiled humorlesly "And that's where you come into the picture.. I knew I could trust you and I knew you will at least look for what I said. So I decided to show you the truth and now you can show the others" he smiled.
"However.. It will be better if the hokage won't know about it.. But I trust you can find a way to do it without him noticing" he finished.
Inoichi frowned "Akito" he said slowly "I understand that you are being careful.. But is it really necessary to hide it from the hokage? Won't it be easier to show him the truth as well?" he asked.
Slowly getting up from his chair , Akito started to pace back and forth.
"In any other circumstance you would have been right.. However I am afraid that that's won't work here... And all because of my heritage" he said sadly.
At the look of confusion on the older man's face Akito elaborated.
"As you are of course aware of the hokage is training me personally.. However what you might not know is the reason for it." he said sighed "You see when I first met him the hokage confused me with Madara.. Which is of course understandable considering I look more than just a bit like him. However as much as he tried to change it he constantly continued to view me as Madara.. Guilted by this he decided to train me.. However the problem is he is afraid.. Of me" he said.
Inoichi snorted "You're quite full of yourself thinking the professor is scared of you.. Have you already forgotten how easily he crushed you?" he asked his eyebrow rising.
Akito shook his head "I will explain myself better.. He isn't afraid of me Uchiha Akito... No he is afraid of Uchiha Akito the grandson of Madara. He is afraid of what I represent.. Not me like myself. He is constantly afraid I'll go in my grandfather's steps and try to snatching power.. As such my latest act would ring so many bells in his mind.. So no matter what.. If I'll do something like this he will see it as nothing more as a power grab. " Akito sighed.
" Don't get me wrong.. This is a very straight thinking.. And in his place I would do the same.. However it doesn't change the fact that he will interfere.. I also belive he will try to distance himself from me.. So if I'll betray the village he won't find it difficult to end me.. He doesn't want to become attached so it won't end like Orochimaru "he finished.
The Yamanaka closed his eyes and for a long moment said nothing, instead focusing on what he just heard.
Finally, after a long moment of silence he opened his eyes and looked into the boy's "Very well Akito" he said "I see your point and I'll see how to tell it to the others.. Unfortunately it will take time as to not alert the hokage" he finished.
Akito bowed to the man "Thank you Yamanaka sama.. Let's work together for a stronger Konoha"
Inoichi nodded "I will keep you informed with my progress.." he said.
Akito nodded and turned around to walk out before he turned to the blonde "Inoichi sama" he said quietly "Thank you" and then he left leaving an open mouthed mind reader.
And so now he walked toward the hokage's tower, a smile on his face.
It was only when he was facing the tower that he scowled his features before walking in, uncertainty in his heart.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hiruzen Sarutobi was seating behind his desk, his eyes closed and his pipe in his hand on the table his other hand massaged his temple.
He knew that in a few minutes the Uchiha will enter his room, and he will be confronted with those features that he never managed to associate with the boy alone.
A sigh escaped his throat... He was honestly confused and unsure as to what he should be doing.
He really believed that the boy wasn't his grandfather.. But on the other hand his last action...
Closing his eyes tighter he steeled himself.. He will talk to the boy and see what exactly were he plans.
He opened his eyes just as somone knocked softly on the door.
"Enter" he said and nodded to himself as he saw the black haired boy entering slowly.
"You wished to see me Hokage sama" Akito bowed.
Hiruzen nodded, his hand moving to his goaty "Indeed Akito" he replied "Please sit down" the leader motioned to the chair in front of him.
Sitting slowly the Uchiha stayed silent, tentatively waiting for the man to speak.
"Do you know why have I called you here today boy?" the hokage asked, his voice cold as steel.
"I can imagine sir.. Does it have to do with me recruiting Uzumaki?" he asked with respect but no fear in his voice.
The wizened man narrowed his eyes "Indeed Akito.. I called you here to hear what you have to say for yourself. The Jinchuriki is an asset of the village and taking him under a clan banner is not appreciated" he said sternly, his fingers drumming on the table.
The Uchiha shrugged "With all due respect Hokage sama" he started, his voice serious "I've done something that was within my rights and I see no need to give any reason sir. Not to mention that you know my reasons" he said his back firm his voice confident.
Hiruzen gritt his teeth as the image of Madara flashed once again in front of his eyes "So you admit it" he stated "You admit that you took him as a way to strengthen your clan?".
Akito smiled "Indeed" he replied curtly.
The hokage sighed "There is nothing I can do about it.. It is your right. However should the boy be abused I will interfere with the power granted to me by your pears" he said.
The assassin nodded "Of course hokage sama.. Was that all?" he asked.
The hokage set there, with eyes frowned and eyebrows arched. He knew now that this was the best course of action.. He couldn't let anything stand in his way to defend the village.
"Yes Akito" he stated finally "I wanted to tell you your training is complete.. You are a very talented individual and there is nothing more I can do to help you now it's time for you to find your own way " he said.
Akito wasn't surprised, instead a small smirk appeared on his face but within him he felt his heart ache. He knew it would come.. He had a feeling that it would end that way.. But it was one thing to think about it and vastly different to actually see it happen .
He knew it was crap. And he knew the hokage knew it was a lie and that the reason for his dismissal was quite different.
But they both preferred to play it that way.. It was easier to pretend everything was alright between the two of them.
Akito bowed his head "Thank you Hokage sama" he said with a smile "Your tutalage was precious to me and I shall treasure it forever" he bowed deeply.
Without another word the old leader looked down to some document in clear dismissal.
Akito bowed one last time before walking out the tension between the two clear in the air. And for the first time in a long time the Uchiha felt as if something.. A part of him was torn out.. Forever.
End of chapter 25.