On average it takes approximately ten minutes for a person to come to a conclusion and make a decision. However this does not take into account the different types of decisions. Some are mundane and have no consequence. Others have the fate of the known world hanging in the balance, it taking one slip of thought or indiscretion to tip the already fragile scales.

Those types of decisions can take days if not longer. But then, what if that carefully selected choice turned out to be the wrong one? It then turns into a matter of 'what if?'. That game is a dangerous one. What if? The sheer amount of variables exceeds the number that existed initially; that is why it is so dangerous - the possibilities are endless.

Itachi had already weighed his options many a time before; however that didn't stop him from cogitating further, deliberating the variables in the equation. Some of the participants in his equations were a must. Reina for example was one of these components. He had to find out if she was safe and well; otherwise what was the point of the journey? Sasuke was also a fixed variable. Itachi was going to make sure his brother did not suffer any more than he already had. He was young and the heartache he had already endured was just cruel.

The variable that caused him the most conflict was Izanami. The death goddess had weighed heavy on his mind ever since he awoke from the transition. As promised he had been returned to the living world and in his own body thankfully. His body, unlike his previous one, did not ache with illness and his eyesight was not hindered by shadowy smears like it had been before the indenture.

So far Izanami had been true to her word.

That factor put him both at ease and on edge. She was playing them. Not just him but Sasuke too. The deity was a shrewd one; she understood humans better than anyone having studied them for countless millennia. They were mere pawns in her game- and her body was the prize.

How would Reina react when she learned that his life came at a cost? That in order for him to remain he had to deliver a deity's earthly remains and not just any deity. Izanami was one of THE deities, one of the original kami to have walked the lands.

It hurt his head to think.

Once again Itachi was conflicted. Once again he was caught in a battle of morals. He knew that deep down the right thing to do would be to find Izanami's body and destroy it. A death deity, especially one as capricious as Izanami had no place amongst men- there was enough evil in the world as it was. He pitied her, he truly did. She, like everyone else had fallen victim to death's cold touch. But she was obviously no longer the woman that she once was. Her heart, if she still possessed it, had turned as hard as her steely eyes. He wished he could bring Izanami the small piece of happiness that she deserved and that he could return her to her former self.

He just didn't know where to start. And even if he did he knew he would be as troubled as he was now.

Sasuke was agitated on the other hand. Outwardly he seemed fine, the epitome of stoniness. The only indication of his temperament was the clockwork rhythm of his jaw tightening then relaxing before tightening once again. If he could have things his way he would lay waste to the village before them - like the traitors deserved. But he couldn't. Deep down he knew he could, it probably wouldn't take much, but at the back of his mind Reina's words were repeating on him. A cruel smile slithered onto his lips at the thought. The entire village, especially the council, all sat on edge and walking on eggshells because he was nothing but civil when he should be reducing everything to ashes.

"If you walk in with that smile on your face they'll presume Orochimaru has returned."

Broken from his destructive thoughts Sasuke stared at Itachi. Itachi was never usually one for sarcasm, but the look in his eyes was not that of amusement, it was a discerning look - a warning. It was not a threat per se, it was however an indication that should he go against his words Itachi would not be happy.

"At least I'll have walked inside, instead of sitting out here like a dog with its tail between its legs."

The same look remained on his face.

Sasuke rolled his dark orbs, huffing under his breath as he adjusted his position against the tree. He had lost track how long they had been waiting outside the village gates. The trees and greenery had provided some respite from the burning summer sun; the occasional breeze drifted through the dense wood, catching the tepid skin of his neck.

Like his brother, Sasuke knew how to be patient. He had waited so many years to exact his revenge, a mere few days should be a synch. But things were different this time around. This time around they were on a time limit; for Itachi, working by deadlines was second nature. Yet the deadline was indefinite this time; there would be no extensions or grace period. If they failed- that was it.

A shrill caw rang through the air. The sound was accompanied by the soft flutter of wings; gracefully, a coal black raven glided through the trees before settling on Itachi's extended arm. The bird perched on his wrist, hopping about a little to steady itself. Cawing louder the raven shuck out its feathers, continuing to cry until Itachi ran his finger down the length of its spine. The bird, now satisfied with the attention it received, pecked somewhat affectionately at his fingers; Itachi allowed his lips to twist into a minute smile, giving the bird the attention it deserved.

"So? What's it said?" Sasuke asked bluntly, cutting the bird's reward short. The raven cawed loudly in objection when Itachi stopped fussing it; he turned his gaze to Sasuke after moving the bird to his shoulder carefully.

"We have company."

"You know, when I heard the rumours of your return I can't say I believed them. But seeing you here, now, alive? You're a sight for a sore eye Itachi." The one and only Copy Cat Ninja stood in the forest clearing, his pack dogs circled around him. Kakashi's stance was lax. Beneath the safety of his mask a glimmer of a smile could be seen.

"It's good to see you again Kakashi-san." Itachi's small smile had widened; the raven left his shoulder, landing on the nearest pack dog who remained completely unfazed by the animal's presence. Sasuke watched slightly in awe when the pair embraced, the gesture oozing affection and mutual respect; the years of conflict melting away instantly. Kakashi held Itachi at arm's length taking in the younger male's appearance.

"Considering you were recently pronounced dead? You're not looking half bad." Kakashi mused out loud, a lopsided smile creeping onto his masked face. Itachi too smiled although his smile was somewhat forlorn.

If only he knew the half of it.

"Shall we then? Tsunade is waiting for you both." Kakashi patted Itachi on the shoulder turning his singular dark eye towards Sasuke. Itachi nodded silently, he too watching his brother. Sasuke quirked a brow in a standoffish manner, his bravado now back in place.

"What?" Sasuke muttered. Kakashi scratched the back of his head, a low chuckle escaping from beneath his mask.

"Well, the thing is, technically you're still a wanted felon. The truth about Itachi is out and the last we heard you were on a mission to destroy the village so...Can you see my dilemma?"

Sasuke suppressed the urge to swear, instead he opted for a snarl, that being the less colourful and significantly less violent of the two options.

"Good choice. Now...if you would, please."

•••

When Tsunade walked into work that day she knew she had various tasks that needed completing. Some were minor bits of paperwork: stamp this, sign that - the usual, mundane kind of work. Other tasks needed a little more attention. Things like: Did the village have enough able-bodied shinobi to go to war should the occasion arise? Would their farmers have enough crops to ration if the village was lay siege to?

All of it made her head hurt and she hadn't even touched her sake [yet].

All that, plus the incessant heat; it went without saying that she wasn't in the best of moods. The small electric fan on her desk did nothing but blow warm air at her and the open window merely allowed the entire insect world to enter her office at their own leisure.

She was in a foul mood.

It was mid-afternoon and Tsunade made a personal decision. Given that she hadn't stopped all morning, she deemed it perfectly acceptable to have a small tipple. After all it was well deserved in her eyes. In a single day's work she had signed so many documents that the side of her hand was completely covered in ink. Her smudged skin was the result of approximately thirty mission approval slips, twenty-five team transfers and handful of ANBU reports.

So the sake was definitely earned.

The last thing she expected that day was to have two and a half Uchiha sat on the other side of her desk. Despite his reputation Tsunade found that Itachi Uchiha was of an amicable disposition. His brother however. Sasuke on the other hand was exactly how she remembered - a snot nose brat with an ego complex.

Tsunade outlined the rim of her sake cup, her manicured nail scathing the porcelain somewhat tenderly. Occasionally a laugh of disbelief would pass her lips, the gesture short-lived before she downed another cup of sake. In spite of the urgency that burned in his stomach Itachi did not press the Hokage. He allowed her to digest everything he had told her - it was a banquet of information after all.

Sasuke remained tethered, his wrists bound by a thin string of chakra. With the small nod of Tsunade's hand Kakashi left his post at the door and diffused the chakra until the only thing left was the aching muscle memory where his wrists had contracted and resisted the bindings. It didn't take long until it was just the three of them, Kakashi having taken his leave.

The mood of the room suddenly changed. Tsunade's laugh had long dispersed into the warm, summer air, leaving a conflicted expression painted on her delicate features. Her eyes darkened. The browns of her irises held a multitude of worries and unspoken words. But the few words she did speak, the pair didn't expect to hear.

"I'm so sorry Itachi. For everything. All this time..." Disbelief laced her tone, as if it was the first time she was hearing the information. "I wish things could have been different - I know that's the cliché thing to say but, I mean it. You didn't deserve the hand you were dealt."

She stared into the pool of sake in her cup. She of all people knew how cruel fate could be; how it cared for no one and handed misfortune out freely rather than seldom. Taking a moment to still her thoughts Tsunade sipped the sake before draining the contents entirely. Placing the cup back down Tsunade turned her attention to Sasuke, clasping her hands together in a contemplative manner.

"Right, then. The question now is how do I deal with you."

•••

The entire village was once again alight with scandal. All's it took was one person to ignite the reaction that soon erupted into a full frenzy. The village seemed to vibrate with the chunnering, it now more like a swarm of locust rather than a village. The catalyst had been someone sighting Sasuke in chains. The trio had been discreet, taking back paths and checking around corners - but that didn't stop people from talking.

From the quiet rural paths, news of the brothers' return spread to the heart of the village. Older generations voiced their disgust and fear whilst younger ones questioned the scale of the commotion. It was clear that the civilian half of the community remained shadowed from the truth of massacre; they still believing it was a lust for power that had driven Itachi.

Those who were informed of the real reason the event took place were solemn. Itachi was their comrade, their brother in arms - and they betrayed him. They were fooled by the guise and eagerly allowed themselves to be spoon-fed lies. They should have known better. They should have known he was under orders, that the evil aura he emitted was merely a facade.

Kakashi was one of the solemn. He had known Itachi his entire life and yet he too gobbled the lies without questioning their validity. He felt like the true traitor. He betrayed his friend. He couldn't even keep Sasuke safe in his absence. There was often a time when Sasuke had been difficult to handle, which inwardly Kakashi admitted was the majority of the time, he wondered what would Itachi do? Although he imagined that should he have poked Sasuke in the forehead, Sasuke would not have taken the gesture lightly. In fact he probably would have attempted to chidori him to the next village.

He could only imagine how Sasuke was feeling. To find out that your brother, your best friend, the person who had died by your hand, was alive? The guilt would be unbearable. Before his thoughts could wander to Rin, Kakashi broke his line of consciousness, shaking himself from his cogitation. He paused to compose himself; a soft sigh passed his lips, the sound muffled by the fabric of his mask. He brushed his hair back, the silver locks bouncing back immediately. When a voice broke his solitude Kakashi opened his eye, surprised at who stood before him.

"Is it true?"

The person was none other than Tomo Hitori. Kakashi smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

"Konbanwa Tomo-sama how are y~"

"Forget the cordialities Kakashi. Is it true?" Tomo's tone was sharper this time. Despite her short stature Tomo was a fearsome woman. Usually she was a warm individual, Kakashi seldom saw her upset yet there was an urgency in her eyes that unnerved him. Showing no indication that he was familiar with what she was asking Kakashi attempted to laugh the matter off only to find himself face to face with the Hitori Elder. "Kami help me Kakashi, if you don't answer my question I'll beat that damn mask right off your face." Tomo held onto Kakashi's jacket; on closer inspection Kakashi noted that the look in her eyes was not of violence but of desperation.

"Tomo-sama…you need to be more specific. I can't help if I don't know what it is you're asking about." Kakashi's tone was soft. It wasn't patronising, it was the tone one would use to coo a cornered animal. Tomo's eyes searched his, beneath the lenses of her glasses Kakashi could see the confliction that dwelled in her soul, it was a feeling he was all too familiar with. The lines of Tomo's lips hardened before she spoke.

"Is it true that Itachi Uchiha is alive and here in the village?"

His stomach dropped.

"Tomo-sama I'm not at leisure to disclo~"

"Cut the crap Kakashi and take me to him. Right now." Tomo ordered abruptly. Kakashi blinked, his face visibly blank beneath his mask. Tomo was not one to beat around the bush. He debated saying no to the elder, he deeming it the safer option to play dumb where the matter was concerned.

"I don't know where he is." Lies. He knew. Obviously he knew; and from the look in her eyes Kakashi knew that Tomo knew too. The next thing he knew Tomo had hold of his ear, pinching the lobe between her fingers as she pulled him down to eye level.

"Kakashi Hatake, you take me to that boy right now – do you hear me? Right now!" Within a matter of seconds Tomo Hitori had reduced him to a scolded child, reprimanding him in the middle of the street like a naughty school boy. Taken back by her sudden movements Kakashi winced, ignoring the people passing by who whispered and pointed at the scene in amusement. If Iruka saw him now he would be a dead man. The Great Copy-Cat Ninja, Kakashi Hatake, reduced to a cringing mess – he would never live it down.

It didn't take long before the corridors of the Hokage Residence were filled with pleas and panic. Kakashi had long given up attempting to dissuade the Hitori Leader, he merely followed in her footsteps as she stormed towards Tsunade's office. His stomach churned at the thought of the two fiery women arguing. Yet underneath all the commotion Kakashi was curious about the reason behind Tomo's desperation. The Hitori and Uchiha were always amicable with one another; there was a rumour from year's back that a small fire in the Uchiha complex was caused by none other than Fugaku Uchiha himself - all because he had lost a game of Go to Hidekazu Hitori.

But this. This was something completely different. The desperation in Tomo's eyes belonged on a different scale. This was not simply a matter of curiosity or for old time's sake; Tomo was on a mission to seek out Itachi Uchiha. The only connection Kakashi could think of that could currently link the clans was Reina. Kakashi questioned whether Tomo knew the truth about Itachi; did she know he was under orders? Or did she think that he was responsible for the state Reina was found? Did Tomo think Itachi had been the one who hurt her? All those questions were whirling around Kakashi's head – and it unnerved him even more.

The sound of Tsunade shouting sent pangs of terror throughout Kakashi's body. He presumed the worst. Dashing into the office at arms Kakashi was not prepared for what he saw. The protests had vanished from the air and all that remained was silence. It was clear to everyone in the room that they were not prepared for Tomo's arrival. Kakashi stood in the doorway, his mouth agape as he took in the sight before him.

There, locked in vice like embrace stood Tomo and Itachi.