Chapter 25: Our Secrets

Sasuke

Smog blankets the area, blotting out any sunlight. He holds in his breath before he can suck in the mix of smoke and fire, Deidara's wild laughter echoing out above.

"I'll draw you two out to fight me one way or another! I can't stand by on anyone ignoring the power of my art!"

He plans to drown them out in this sea of gray and black, Itachi motioning to him through patches of clearness.

It's evident from his expression they'll have to kill him.

'This man is an expert in bomb making and any type of explosive. Whatever tactic we use, we'll need to be careful we don't lose a limb ourselves in the process.' Sasuke considers.

Itachi has known him longer though, even worked with him side by side on some small assignments. He knows Itachi has picked up on any weaknesses the man has no matter how small or insignificant they could be.

"We'll make him kill himself." Itachi directs when Sasuke lands onto his same tree branch.

Sasuke narrows his eyes in response, Itachi going on at his expression.

"The thing you must know about Deidara is that he is very vain, discounting his art is seen as the highest insult in his eyes. The best way to end this fight quickly is take advantage of that fatal flaw, force him into using the bomb that lies within him that he sees as the ultimate description of his power and art." Itachi explains.

"And how will we escape being encompassed by the aftermath of such an explosion?" Sasuke questions dryly.

Already this sounds worse than the ideas Naruto used to come up with off the top of his head, risky and very potentially deadly.

Something of a smile crosses Itachi's face then despite the clear danger they're in. "I won't let him harm you little brother."

Right; that doesn't make him feel better.

A rain of white fleas and bugs begin to patter the treetops and leaves above them, Sasuke launching out a series of senbon to stop there detonating. It doesn't matter how much Deidara believes he or Itachi have 'disrespected' his art by not recognizing it, he refuses to let him be an obstacle in Itachi's turning point now for returning back to the village.

"Let me handle this Itachi. He doesn't know the extent of my abilities as much as he does with you." Sasuke determines, not waiting for his answer as he launches himself into the air becoming visible to Deidara's view.

"It's about time, hmm! I was beginning to think maybe you two were already in mangled pieces without the fun truly starting!" He chuckles, licking his lips.

He'll enjoy splattering his blood and skin all over the fields for miles.

Sasuke has no response for him, only watching for his next move carefully as he adjusts his position atop the canopy of the forests.

His clay dragon spits out a cluster of bombs towards him, allowing his hidden shadow snakes to protect him as a shield.

He watches through new billows of smoke as his blue eyes narrow into slits, chewing furiously at his clay from all his mouths.

'I'll use my strongest explosive: C4. That will wipe that smirk off his face.' Deidara grins before spewing out a perfect replica of his likeness to attack straight for him. He's long trained his left eye to no longer fall to the illusions of the sharp crimson of the sharingan he and his brother share, snickering.

It will be their downfall, underestimating him like this.

And just as Sasuke moves in to pierce said figure with a chidori to fall into his trap does Itachi attack Deidara from behind, stopping the mix of homing bombs and another clay clone from enveloping Sasuke. He cuts through his dragon sending him tumbling to land, barrage of detonators firing off around him breaking said creature apart.

'Damn it all, why are none of my attacks tearing them to pieces?!'

The equal coldness of their gazes burns into his mind, they will never acknowledge his work or skill despite his efforts.

Exhaustion latches at him with all his chakra nearly gone, scowling as Itachi lands himself beside him looking no worse for wear than when this fight started.

"This battle is over; you've lost."

Fury consumes him then, devouring what is left of his reason and judgment.

He pushes his body to a standing position, releasing the mouth upon his chest. This will be his greatest art, the one that will finally get the two Uchiha to be in awe of his power.

His suicide bomb will go on for miles; inescapable. It will leave a crater and his mark upon this earth forever...

A mad cackle escapes his lips at the flicker of surprise in Itachi's gaze. "You should be honored! You and your brother will be the first to bear witness to the true magnitude of my art!"

And clenching his teeth, Itachi glances back towards Sasuke only to see him already preparing to move them to safety as a giant serpent encases them. He voices something to him he's unable to hear before the scorching heat of the blast shrouds them.

-X-

Future

"I know what your Father is."

Eiji hisses it loudly behind her back, making sure that she's heard him before she can turn the corner out of the marketplace.

'I hope he doesn't expect me to react to such a thing.' Sarada muses, pursing her lips to hide the beginnings of a scowl.

Reacting would only further the taunts of him and his brother Touma, the duo had wanted to make it known she was the daughter of a monster who came from a long line of other horrible people as soon as they had heard her clan's name during personal introductions in class a week ago.

Uchiha.

The name alone made many civilian and even shinobi alike pause in conversation at times, shadows gathering over their eyes of haunting memories when they looked into her onyx orbs. All the grisly and horrifying acts her clan had committed ages ago had not been forgotten and people like Eiji and Touma Akiyama would make sure she knew it.

'But I never saw anything in the history books I managed to find that makes Papa in particular out to be the horrible criminal they describe. I know he had to kill people, but they were the rogue and dangerous shinobi that could've ended up destroying the village and their own families for that matter.' Sarada determines, sighing at feeling a familiar pang squeezing at her chest.

Papa wouldn't be back in the village for at least another week...

His monthly visits back to the Village when by far too fast, questions lingering the air the older she became.

What happened to cause the Uchiha massacre so many years ago? What exactly is this curse of hatred?

When is this mission of his going to be over?

She knew he wouldn't give her the answers she wanted even if she spoke them aloud (perhaps he and Mama were too afraid of what her reaction would be), but she did know someone who would.

And with that in mind she went along the scenic route through the park, pausing at catching sight of Lord Seventh in the park with his family.

The cherry blossoms were in full bloom now, sprinkling the pavements in pinks and whites as warm sunlight filtered in through the trees making them shine. It's rare to see Boruto so willingly spend time around his Father especially after hearing all his supposed complaining of Hokage duties and lack of time management back at the Academy. But none of that is visible in his expression as he happily accepts a cup of ramen he gives him.

In spite of his past protests, something has indeed changed in Boruto and even Himawari's attitudes and behaviors, a knowing of various events...

She catches snippets of their conversation, halting at realizing what they're talking about.

"So, how did your history report go Boruto?" Hinata asks.

Boruto briefly twists his attention away from the snacks and drinks she's laying out, shrugging before grinning. "Good! I'm pretty sure I'll make an A you know. We changed the past though, right? Like all those games and training we used to do with smaller Papa and Mama. I never brought that point up in my paper."

Himawari brightened, sitting up eagerly. "You should have! It might've gotten you extra credit!"

Naruto shakes his head, Hinata meeting his gaze. Boruto mentioning the past would've just lead to more confusion and questions...

But this meant all their memories of the past weren't completely forgotten, their recollections came and went just as much as their own it seemed.

'The past? What do they mean?' Sarada wondered.

It wasn't the first time she had heard Boruto mention such a thing usually to himself when he was deep in thought. She had asked him about his references to his family history and her own after his presentation though he had refused to answer her, in on whatever secrets his parents were keeping as well especially regarding his change in mind around his Dad to seeming to know more about her own Father's past than even she knew.

And the twinge in her chest digs further at hearing his loud laugh echo out at seeing Naruto burn his tongue drinking his own cup too fast making Hinata quickly pass him some water. Mama would take off all of next week from taking shifts at the hospital when Papa arrived she told herself once more, they already planned to check out the new science museum and visit the beach at least once.

But beneath all of those happy moments to come she is reminded again of Uchiha family secrets that have been buried to time, meant to be forever lost...

Swallowing, she picks up her pace before Boruto can witness her.

'Ah, I hope Uncle's in right now. I didn't even call to check before coming!' Sarada realizes just before she can knock on his door, bemoaning her forgetfulness under her breath.

Perhaps she should just leave things alone for now, she can always force Papa to give her answers no matter how uncomfortable he becomes by cornering him as soon as he gets home! Mama could insist too she had a right to know with how many individuals still wanted the Sharingan, how many still became frightened at the thought of her eyes going a crimson red...

To her luck though, the door clicks open before she can hesitate any further, Itachi coming into view.

A smile graces his lips melting away all worry and ache, gesturing for her to come in.

"What brings my favorite niece by?" He questions earning him a soft snort in return.

"I'm your only niece Uncle Itachi!" Sarada gripes before affectionately curling into his hug. He smells of pine and mint, of the greenery of the forests he often takes her to for training or just to talk.

Itachi merely shrugs, grin widening in teasing. "Well, you don't know that for sure! Your Mom and Dad could still bring you a little sister or brother. Sasuke used to say he wanted the Uchiha clan to regain back it's former recognition; the only way to do that is to produce more offspring."

Sarada squirms in response, feeling her cheeks grow hot in desperate need for a change of topic. Well, that certainly couldn't happen if he was always away from Mama on missions, could it?! He discounted himself as well, as if it was only up to Papa and Mama if such a thing were going to happen.

He asks if she wants anything to eat or drink, shaking her head as she gestures to the patio.

A cool breeze washes over them as they rest along the wooden steps. Uncle's house is perhaps the only place she goes to within the Uchiha district besides her own, the only house not torn down and renovated erasing marks of the past...

"I have a question, well actually multiple questions Uncle." Sarada breathes out once he's settled beside her.

Itachi quirks a brow, but nods at her to go on.

He must know where this is leading, what she desires to ask him as she turns to look at him fully.

Everything about days long gone, the changes that were made that brought them to this now.

"Tell me about Papa in the past! About everything from the massacre to this curse that befalls all Uchiha eventually."

-X-

Kakashi

"So...?" Asuma repeats himself, tapping his fingers impatiently against the mahogany of the table.

He won't let him leave without answers, even paying for his serving of lunch at Yakiniku Q in spite of him saying there was no need.

He sighs, peering down at the selection of meats and vegetables simmering on the grill to the beads of droplets sliding down their drinks. The light breakfast he had of coffee and toast swirls faster in his stomach, warning him he has no appetite.

Would Asuma even believe him?

"You know if this were Gai or anyone else I bet they would be tearing into this meal by now." Asuma notes at his lack of movement.

Kakashi shrugs, letting Asuma go on as his expression becomes serious.

"I'm assuming you've heard the rumors too, right? And I don't mean the ones regarding our students and their efforts when the chunin exams had been interrupted once more by this Akatsuki group. I'm sure they'll all be promoted in spite of not being able to take part in their official matches with how they prevented further damage and took on their top associates. I'm referring to the gossip that with Lady Tsunade's passing there is talk from her advisors and higher ups for you to take up the mantle as Sixth Hokage." He brings up pointedly.

The small bit of beef and water he's managed down turn to acid, burning him from the inside.

"That's...That's news to me." Kakashi manages after he's able to find his voice without breaking into a fit of coughs.

Asuma chuckles at his grim expression, tossing back his sake.

"What? Would you rather it be Gai or some random shinobi with no field experience? Despite what you may think of yourself, you're the best person for the job." He counters.

The thought of Gai ordering mandatory youth programs or exercises to do first thing in the morning brings a small grin to his face, if only because nobody would follow such a ridiculous practice besides his student Lee.

"Anyways, what's it going to take to get answers out of you? When you said to Kakuzu that this all 'could've gone very different' your voice and expression became so hollow. Dark. What happened in the before?"

And Kakashi straightens then, there's no point in dancing around the subject any longer only riling Asuma's curiosity even further.

"You died. In Naruto and Hinata's future counterparts original timeline Hidan killed you using that binding technique with his circle." He responds.

A mix of expressions crosses Asuma's face then and he wishes he hadn't said it so bluntly as if his feelings didn't matter.

There is horror, surprise, fear, and finally relief in his eyes, tension fading from the air.

"...I see why you and Gai kept it from me for so long." Asuma mutters, glancing back down to his plate.

When Naruto and Hinata's older selves had first arrived, he had been one of the most vocal ones to not believe anything they had to say without proper proof, and yet everything they stated that would come to pass had occurred or at least had been altered to stop certain events from even happening at all.

Kakashi nods, shutting his eyes to think.

'How much should I say?'

"Although I've heard each of your students complain about you at one point or another, they each took it very hard when you had died and got revenge. Naruto's older self didn't share much on the afterwards from that point except for example Shikamaru picked up smoking every now and then." He mentions.

Asuma blinks, he stopped smoking months ago now with his last day having been right before Kurenai had officially announced her pregnancy during a get together with all of their old classmates signaling to the village they were truly a couple.

However nobody seemed shocked by such news, Ino even pointing out that the children who visited the Yamanaka flower shop knew they were item from seeing them around the markets on their off days.

"Hopefully he doesn't pick up on such a bad habit with this change. He used to say my smoking too close to him would burn out his eyes or suffocate him." Asuma chuckled, reminded of the lazy afternoons they spent playing shogi.

He should take him up on his offer to have another rematch, one he'll probably lose again...

'All of Team 10 was in on this except for me. Just how long have they known about this possibly?'

Days? Weeks? Years? Naruto and Hinata's future selves had long since gone back to their original timeline after all. They've been carrying the burden of this secret for ages hoping he wouldn't find out too soon.

Asuma looks fully back at Kakashi then, there's so much more he wants to ask though he spits out the first thing that comes to mind.

"Is Kurenai and I's child safe? Heh, I've taken to referring to the baby as our 'King' even though we don't know if it's a boy or girl yet. Don't tell me their gender yet if you do know; I want that to stay a surprise!" He relates.

"You're in luck since I don't know that answer." Kakashi smiles.

Asuma nods, signaling for their waiter to return with the bill. Kakashi might've hardly eaten, but he got what he wanted out of this meal.

Answers.

"Thank you." He mentions just as he and Kakashi are about to part ways outside the restaurant.

'I didn't do anything, it was our students that did all the work.' Kakashi wants to say, but he knows what Asuma is thinking all the same.

It is a gratitude that he has chance to watch his son or daughter grow up.

-X-

Hinata

"Forehead, you're supposed to be still resting at home! I'm not going to let you become a patient yourself no matter how much you want to get back into clinicals!" Ino scolds, about to push Sakura back out the door at seeing her trademark pink hair come into view.

Because just looking into her oldest friend's emerald eyes she can tell she is still hurting, still in the throws of sadness at knowing Lady Tsunade will no longer be around to lecture her or just casually chat over topics in her office...

Those days are just precious memories now.

Sakura tacks on a sheepish grin for the pair at their skeptical looks, holding her hands up in surrender. "Hold on Pig! I received word from one of Sasuke's messenger hawks to come in. I didn't come in to work as you can see."

Her clothes are her simple civilian attire, no scrubs in sight.

Hinata shifts her attention away looking at the patients scheduled for various exams, frown crossing her face before she can help it.

"Did the message explain why he wanted you to meet him here specifically?" She questions.

Sakura shakes her head, turning her attention towards the recovery wing. "I don't know, but he said it was urgent."

'Urgent? From what Naruto had said Sasuke had gone off in search for Itachi, perhaps he found him?'

Sakura must assume the same, interest piqued on what exactly is about to happen as her stare goes down the halls.

"Well in that case, let me help you look a bit more presentable! I can't believe you would walk out of your house looking so pale." Ino tsks, gesturing for Sakura to follow her to the back rooms.

Sakura gives her a mock scowl in return, letting her drag her away. "What's wrong with how I look?"

Hinata giggles at the their antics, it'd been awhile since they'd all met up just to check in on each other. Sakura the last time she had saw her really did look pale, bags under her eyes from a mix of stress, tears, and lack of sleep to visible knots and frizz in her hair.

Just as they click the door closed behind her does she sense she's being watched, turning back to glance around the hall.

The shadow a figure lights the walls to the left, Hinata narrowing her eyes at taking in their attire. It looks to be a man, his scrubs are the navy blue color of employees who work only on the observation and emergency care units though when this is intermediate care wing.

'Is that...blood?' She wonders at the specks of red splashed against the ends of his lab coat.

Lilac orbs follow the man, frown deepening realizing where exactly he's heading.

Itachi's room.

She swings a quick glance around the unit before going after him, drawing a kunai from her pocket.

"Can I help you?" Hinata asks politely just as he reaches the handle for the door. She glances at his ID card, name coming to memory from an orientation breakfast they held just days ago when they introduced all their newest residents and fellows.

'Dr. Nishikawa? He's one of the residents that just started his rotation at this hospital. He wouldn't have started his clinicals on this unit so early into his program.' Hinata knows.

Her stomach drops, what had this man done with the real one?

She doesn't give him a chance to respond, plunging the kunai forward through his hand.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" He cries in shock and it's then his facade falls, wide sharp teeth and pale skin becoming visible.

Zetsu.

"You're a part of the Zetsu army. What business do you have with the Uchiha clan?" She keeps her voice low, measured.

A grin slides across his face, healing the puncture to his hand as if no damage had been done at all.

His sly smirk widens, calm despite being cornered like this. "Nothing for you a lowly Hyuga to worry about."

The smell of fire invades her nostrils before Hinata can jab into him once more turning to see a trial of black fire leading right up to the Zetsu's legs.

"If you don't want to give us answers we can just burn you alive instead." Sasuke decides.

'He's not immune to pain.' Hinata notes as he begins to writhe and twist unable to put out the flames.

They watch as the path of obsidian fire dances up his legs towards his torso, imminent in soon searing him until only cinders remain.

"What on earth was that thing?" Sakura abruptly questions behind them, jade orbs narrowing at what is left of the Zetsu in disgust. She glances back to Sasuke, pointing between this eyes.

"Stop straining yourself. You'll cause permanent damage using the sharingan so often like this." She scolds him lightly.

He still won't tell her how exactly he's been training himself to use his eyes for longer periods of time now, how he's been hurting himself perhaps mentally and physically just to get stronger...

"I had to get rid of it, so many of them have been roaming around trying to spy for information. More importantly, I wanted you take a look at Itachi to see how he's progressing." Sasuke states, brushing off her concern and gesturing for her to follow him.

Hinata lingers back, studying the ashen body of the Zetsu. She'd need to inform Naruto of this incident once she returned back to his apartment, hoping these small moments of stealing away training brought him closer to sensing their killing intent. He really did look like Dr. Nishikawa if not for the spots of blood giving him away...

'Just how many of them are already walking among us?'

-X-

Naruto

"More shinobi and civilian will die before you or any of your clones are able to reach them. You should be prepared to handle that." Kurama warns him.

"I don't need to be consistently reminded! I just want to focus on weeding this Zetsu out no matter how they try to disguise themselves. The one thing they'll never be able to hide is their hostility, their desire to kill and incite hatred among the nations." Naruto replies.

Once he and Kurama perfected working together, the tide would turn in their favor.

They were on the cusp of war now, both he and Hinata had doubts they would be able to stop it at this point.

His mind is clouded, trying to ignore the beginnings of a headache throbbing at the back of his head.

A knock at the door interrupts him, blinking as he glances to the entrance. Pervy Sage maybe? But he had gone to Mount Myoboku for solitary training a few days ago.

And Hinata would just let herself in with her own set of keys...

It turns out it's her Father at the entry, Hiashi peering him up and down making him wonder if he there are visible stains to plain white T or orange sweatpants when he unlocks the door.

'This is awkward! I don't think I've ever been alone around Hiashi without Hinata nearby.' Naruto considers, letting him inside quickly to not be rude.

"Is Hinata here?" Hiashi asks as soon as he steps inside, pearl orbs wander around his apartment before following him into the kitchen. Hanabi had said Naruto's place was filled to brim with trash and piles of laundry in every corner, however that must've been an exaggeration at seeing how clean the area is.

Or maybe Hinata just helped him make the place nicer.

Naruto shakes his head, putting on a kettle to boil. He has no idea what Hiashi likes to drink (certainly not ramen!), hoping green tea will be sufficient enough. "Ah, not yet, but she should be home shortly. She's been volunteering and taking on some extra shifts at the hospital since well...Granny's passing." He trails off, swallowing at knots starting to form in his throat.

Hiashi nods, gaze softening in understanding. "Yes, my apologies again on your lost."

A silence falls over them, Naruto pouring out two cups for them each before joining him at the table.

"These Zetsu, how much do you and Hinata know about them?" He questions after taking a sip of his tea.

Naruto paused, thinking the question over. "Enough to know that before Obito died an army of them was created, that they can morph together and alter their appearances drastically to match that of any friend or foe."

The tea singes his tongue, mulling over the layers behind such an inquiry.

And then Neji flashes to mind, stomach tilting.

"Is Neji okay?! Did one them try to trap him or-" He stopped himself at Hiashi's puzzled look, his lips setting into a frown.

'Shit.' Naruto panics, he's said so much now in just becoming so alarmed like this.

But he can't stand the idea of Neji dying. His future self never described the how, however his expression was grim enough that he must've gotten been right there when it happened, watched him die being unable to help...

"Neji is fine, my visit here isn't regarding him." Hiashi states, looking up at him fully away his reflection in his cup.

A small grin crosses his face at Naruto's audible sigh of relief. He saw the pieces of why his eldest daughter was so enamored with this boy before him, his caring and stubborn attitude to prove others wrong about him. To bring about a peace to the village and nations not yet ever seen before.

He feels his hands begin to tremble, resting them into his lap to stay out of sight.

Though he can't hide the grave expression he knows is marking his face, azure eyes sharpening to hear what he has to say next.

"Actually this concerning Hinata's old bodyguard Ko; I haven't received official word yet, however I believe his assigned team sent to scope out the forests to the southeast may have been ambushed by these Zetsu."

-x-

Happy Easter! The future section of this chapter is based upon a comment I saw while scrolling through Naruto videos on Youtube awhile back. One commenter had pointed out that got me thinking that nobody in at least Boruto's timeline seems to hold a grudge against the Uchiha clan or Sarada in this case.

Even though in this story Sasuke never went down a dark path, the other members of his clan committed serious crimes or acts that aren't forgotten (like Itachi no matter his reasons). Wondering what you guys think as well! Do you like Sarada or Boruto more? I lean towards Sarada if only because her motivations interest me slightly more.

Hope everyone is still saying safe with each passing day. I'm finishing up most of the suggestions friends and family have given me for shows or games; what all have you been doing for entertainment?

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!