Dr1zzy- thank you for the support! (Imagine Gai nice guy pose)
A month after the last chapter
A lot has changed for the young protagonist, he hasn't left Konoha in a month thanks to team Ro being put on Hokage duty. But Kakashi didn't have to that luckily, he's been training the young Uchiha prodigy. Not that he hasn't taken a liken to the boy but in all reality there wasn't much training Kakashi would tell him something and then demonstrate and if Itachi didn't get it in the first try he was sure to get it in the second. Itachi had made a lot of progress with water jutsu already almost on par with Kakashi. His strength training was rough for lack of a better term but definitely paying off. He hit with much more force now just ask Kakashi's bruised forearm.
Kakashi was not only teaching Itachi but also doing some training himself, he managed to get the two wind jutsu down Hiruzen showed him. Although not perfected he was definitely proficient with them. But he had decided he would wait for Asuma to return before he would go any further with Wind jutsu. He had recently talked to third regarding Itachi, he said the boy would be ready by the end of the month. To think an 11 year old going to join the ANBU truly a crazy feat.
Kakashi was also very relieved he could use both eyes without problems. He hadn't noticed because of the constant drain on his chakra from the Sharingan but his reserves were high, not Uzumaki level high but definitely close. He assumed he could make 20 shadow clones and still be able to go afterwards which is no small feat.
His pup was doing well he had gained a new friend over the last month, a boy named Sasuke. He didn't say much but Naruto didn't mind he was just glad to have someone to play with. Itachi had been hanging out quite a lot at the Hatake home, he said that his parents had been arguing a lot recently because of clan issues and he didn't want to involve Sasuke in them. Kakashi understood so he accepted them in with open arms any time they wanted to stop by. The more the merrier in his eyes. Which by the way is why he had moved back into his family home.
With all the people coming in and out it would just be easier to have a larger home. He did keep his apartment though, he figured when Naruto was of age he'd let the boy use it considering it was rather nice. Not to mention Kakashi wasn't exactly hurting for money. Who would have thought taking A and S-ranked missions monthly would be so lucrative. He also figured Naruto would appreciate having a big backyard to play in once he was a bit older. It was a shock for Ayame she didn't know much about Kakashi's father so when he showed her the house she wondered why he ever bothered getting an apartment. But one rough conversation later she understood.
Speaking of Ayame she has been rather happy Kakashi has been home lately. Teuchi even hired a new employee so she could have more time off. She was sad to here Kakashi would be taking missions again next month but she figured best to live in the present and not dwell on the future. Ayame also took an almost immediate liking to Itachi claiming him to be her favorite of Kakashi's friends. She's even tried to set him up on a few dates but he keeps declining much to her dismay.
Itachi had been having conversations with the Hokage recently about the clan meetings telling him how they feel slighted, and are becoming uneasy. Hiruzen was worried rightfully so, but wondered if there was more to it than just being slighted, he wondered if someone was instigating such foolish thoughts. He told Itachi to just keep his eyes open and let him now how things progress for now.
Hiruzen has also been showing Kakashi a few things here and there about the job. Not that he would take it any time soon but it never hurt to get some experience before hand. He had also contacted Jiraiya recently to see if he had heard anything on either of his former teammates unfortunately that was a negative.
Tenzo and Anko have went on a few dates since we left off, and are now officially a couple. Tenzo couldn't be happier, actually scratch that if she would quit calling him Woody than he could but he figured he could put up with that. He had also been put on Hokage duty so he was stuck in the village as well but he didn't exactly like it as much as his Sempai but he was grateful to hear it would just be for another month.
The Hokage was currently in a council meeting something he thoroughly hated. The topic for this particular meeting, was none other than the local blonde jinchuriki. Danzo was trying to get the boy under his rule, Hiruzen was no fool though he made sure to shut down every attempt. "Danzo enough you will not get Naruto, he is under the care of the head of the ANBU the boy will be trained properly now I don't want to hear another word about it. The next person to mention Naruto as Demon, will be executed on the spot understood?" Hiruzen said while leaking killing intent making nearly all the civilians faint. "Meeting over you all may leave. Danzo stay i would like a word." Hiruzen stated as everyone left but Danzo.
"What can I do for you?" Danzo stated to his old rival. "I know we don't see eye to eye on a lot of things old friend but I will not budge on Naruto's upbringing I recommend you let it go." Hiruzen said with a glare. "Of course Hokage-sama" Danzo said half sarcastically. "As a matter of fact yes. I know you've been speaking with Fugaku privately I would also recommend you drop that as well, if I so much as think you are plotting against me I'll end you. Dismissed." Hiruzen spat.
Somewhere deep within the roots of Konoha
How much does that old fool know? I'm so close to achieving my goals he will not tarnish them a second time that I can promise. But alas it appears I'll have to move my plans forward. "Bring me Tourne." Danzo said aloud.
Hatake residence
"Honey I'm home got Itachi and Sasuke with me." Kakashi said greeting the brown haired girl. "Oh good I just finished some lunch wash up you two and I'll have a couple plates set up." Ayame said taking Sasuke from Itachi. "You heard the lady let's get cleaned up a bit." Kakashi said putting a hand on the pre teens shoulder. "Sempai there is something I'd like to discuss with you." Itachi said evenly. "Okay I'll have Ayame take the boys in the play room after we eat." Kakashi said.
"Thank you for lunch Ayame it was delicious as usual." Itachi said getting a smile from the girl. "Don't worry about it you know you have a place here if you ever need it right?" Ayame said forcefully seeing the boys internal debates lately. "I appreciate it very much." Itachi said softly. "Ayame-Chan could you take Sasuke and Naruto to the play room for a bit?" Kakashi asked getting a nod back. "So what's on your mind?" Kakashi asked getting straight to the point.
"Sempai this is not too leave the two of us, you can't even tell Hokage-sama." Itachi said. "Understood now spill." Kakashi said know the boy was going through a lot at the moment. "It's the Uchiha there very unhappy with the treatment they have received lately. I've told Lord third as much, but what I haven't mentioned is Father has been meeting with Danzo recently I feel very uneasy." Itachi said with a frown. "Is this what your parents have been fighting about?" Kakashi asked getting a nod in return.
"I've missed a few of the clan meeting looking after Sasuke but I can tell you with certainty if it isn't addressed soon they will act." Itachi said in a whisper. "I see and the Hokage isn't willing to act on it right now?" Kakashi asked. "I respect Hokage-sama very much but I'm afraid if he doesn't step in soon we are going to have a civil war sooner rather than later. Objectively speaking I think there are two possible solutions." Itachi stated. "Let me hear them." Kakashi said evenly.
"Option number one we kill Danzo thus alleviating a lot of the tension between the village and the clan. Option number two my least favorite of the two, we kill father and then mother would take over as clan head considering she is the rightful heir. My father is a stubborn man but I hope if we were to get rid of Danzo he would be able to see clearly." Itachi said sadly. "I see you've put a good amount of thought in this. I have a couple questions but I suppose the most important is would you be able to kill your father?" Kakashi asked looking into the kids eyes. "Sempai no child wants to ever kill there father but given the circumstances yes I would. There is only one person I value over the village and that person is not my father." Itachi said with conviction.
"I've heard your thoughts and under the circumstances I would like you to continue to tail your father if he is still meeting with Danzo by the time your ANBU I will bring the matter to the Hokage and we will act accordingly." Kakashi said. "I understand thank you Sempai. I'm not really great at this kind of thing but I can't thank you enough for giving me and Sasuke another family." Itachi said with an ever so rare smile these days. "What can I say you are pretty much pack now and pack never turns on pack." Kakashi said with a smile. I would say an eye smile but he doesn't have to cover his left eye any longer.
Sarutobi residence 10:30pm
"Hokage-sama I'm sorry to intrude but I have an urgent matter. I'd like for you to summon Jiraiya back to village by the end of the month. I can't tell you the reason which I understand sounds suspicious but I promise I will inform you of the reasons before any actions have been taken." Hokage said with rock hard determination. "Kakashi what's the meaning of this? What could possibly be going on that you would need the help of a Sannin?" Hiruzen asked with a raised brow. "Hokage respectfully I can't tell you just yet. I've been in the ANBU for two years now sir I have never once questioned an order or turned down a mission sir I just ask that you trust me on this matter and I promise to explain everything by the end of the month." Kakashi said respectfully. "I don't like this Kakashi but given your track record I will allow it, Jiraiya will be back by the end of the month now get out of here I have some reading to do." Hiruzen said pulling out an all to familiar orange book.
3 weeks later
"What's up brat I don't take kindly to being summoned by someone less than half my age." Jiraiya said appearing before Kakashi and Itachi at the training grounds. "Hai sorry lord Jiraiya but could we speak about this at my home I would like to make sure no one overhears anything." Kakashi said getting the sage to raise a brow.
"So you're going after Danzo huh?" Jiraiya mussed running through everything Kakashi and Itachi just told him. "Hai Jiraiya-sama I'm sorry to burden you with my clans troubles but I didn't know who to turn to." Itachi said bowing respectfully. "And you planned to deal with him your self? Listen kid not to sound like a critic but Danzo has been considered for two different Hokage spots what makes you think you could take him on solo?" Jiraiya asked truly curious. "I'd like to step in here if I may. I've personally been training him for the past month with all do respect Lord Jiraiya but the kid is no pushover plus he has a trump card." Kakashi said gesturing for Itachi to show the MS. "Impressive sensei told me about it but I was skeptical, I'll talk to sensei myself and explain things. But while I agree you two have thought things through pretty well I think this will only succeed if you kill them both." Jiraiya said.
"I'll deal with Danzo you two will take Fugaku. This isn't up for discussion now if you will excuse me I have a lot of explaining to do." Jiraiya said vanishing. "Well that went better than expected." Kakashi said trying to lighten the mood. "Kakashi I want to take lead against my father, not that I doubt your skill but it's my responsibility." Itachi said staring at his captain. "That's fine but if things get sketchy I'm stepping in got it?" Kakashi said receiving a nod. "Ok I want you to bring your mother and Sasuke to my house the night it goes down I will have Tenzo and Gai stay with them and Ayame and Naruto. I trust those two with my life they will protect them with all they got." Kakashi said.
Hokage's office
"Sensei it seems we have a lot to talk about. Still got that sake in the drawer?" Jiraiya asked getting a sigh from the older man before getting two cups out and pouring. "ANBU go get some dinner I'll signal you all back when I'm ready." The old man said seeing the people leave immediately. "Alright let me hear it." Hiruzen said taking a swig. "The Uchiha are planning a civil war sir while it's still early in the process Fugaku and Danzo are trying to rally there forces daily the more time we let this go on the worse it will get." Jiraiya said downing his glass and pouring another. "Dammit Danzo why must you always go behind my back! I don't like this Jiraiya why didn't Itachi tell me everything?" Hiruzen asked clearly angry. "With all do respect sensei you often turn a blind eye to those close to you, can you blame the boy for being uptight about the information? We've come up with a sound plan. Kakashi and the brat will handle Fugaku and I'll deal with Danzo, I've suspected him for being in bed with a certain snake and I'd like to find out what information he has." Jiraiya said nursing his second glass.
"Fine but I'm going with you to speak to Danzo, although he may not seem it he truly cares for the village and I have to know why he has gone mad for power." Hiruzen said leaving no room for argument. "I'll find where Danzo spends most of his time and we will strike then." Jiraiya said finishing off the second glass before leaving his sensei to his thoughts.
What the hell were you thinking Danzo. I viewed you as a brother and you go and spit on all the things I've worked my ass off to build. Alas that's just how it is I suppose damn it I'm too old for this fucking job. Minato what would you have done, I doubt things would have even escalated this far had you still been around. Guess there is no beating around the bush any longer Danzo prepare yourself because I don't plan on going easy on you old friend.
Two days later Hokage office11:00pm
We come into view of four high class shinobi discussing battle plans it didn't take very long for Jiraiya to figure out where Root HQ was he didn't run the best spy network in the world for nothing right? Hiruzen had on his battle Gi something he was hoping he wouldn't have to put back on for the remainder of his life but alas being the Hokage wasn't always peachy. Kakashi had just got done talking to his student/little brother he didn't like the fact Itachi wanted to be the one to end his fathers life, but Itachi wouldn't relent in the end Kakashi just agreed seeing that the boy wouldn't budge.
Meanwhile at the Hatake home
Mikoto was chatting with Ayame trying to ease her mind from what her son had told her only an hour before. While she didn't object to what Itachi had told her she still loved her husband deeply despite the fact the he went down the wrong road. She has tried for the past several months to reason with the man but he just wouldn't budge and for that she knew it would be his downfall. On the other side she was glad to finally meet her godson, it wasn't well known but her and Kushina were very close. But when they died Fugaku forbid her from going to see him. She was very relieved when she had heard that Kakashi took the boy in, and for that she vowed she would always make sure the Uchiha had the ANBU captains back and his family to boot.
Tenzo was with them inside the house per his captains orders, Gai was outside of the house watching from a rather tall tree making sure to confront anyone who had no businesses being near the house. Both Ninja were a bit on edge because Kakashi wasn't exactly willing to tell them much. Ayame also noticed the tension with Kakashi and Itachi lately but Kakashi told her it would be dealt with tonight, she was glad for that but was curious why he told her to stay at his house tonight. Not that she didn't stay over every once in a while it was different than being told to stay. She was definitely nervous but she pushed it to the side best she could she needed to be strong for Naruto so he wouldn't be worried.
Fugaku's home 11:45pm
"So you've chosen the village huh? And to bring that scum into our home how low have you fallen Itachi." Fugaku said basically spitting out the last part. "That's laughable calling Sempai scum he's twice the man you could ever hope to be I don't see what mother ever saw in you." Itachi retorted instantly. "Hmph don't worry about that she will be dealt with very soon that I can promise you. What you didn't think I had people tailing her?" Fugaku said with a grin. "You son of a bitch if anyone even breaths in Naruto's direction you will beg Kami for death when I'm through with you." Kakashi screamed.
"Enough with words are you ready to die Fugaku?" Itachi spat out. Before unsheathing his blade. Before most could even blink the sound of Itachi's tanto and Fugaku's kunai meet in a clash of dominance. Unfortunately for the younger Uchiha he wasn't a match in terms of physical strength so he relented jumping back to create some space. "To think the prodigal son would have been a traitor." Fugaku stated before going to close the distance. Right as he went to throw a punch with devastating force he was meet with 3 shuriken to the back almost instantly it caused a poof of smoke.
"A bit ironic that the man staging a coup is the one calling me a traitor no?" Itachi asked before locating the man and charging directly at him. Before Itachi could react Fugaku grabbed his arm pulling him close. Before Fugaku could realize what was happening he saw a smirk on itachis face before suddenly he exploded in his grasp. Fugaku jumped as soon as he saw the smirk but it was to late to avoid the full explosion if he had to guess he'd say his wrist was broken from the blast along with his leg aching terribly. I have to end this quick my wrist is shot and my leg isn't much better off for that matter. "It's a pity really you've spent so much of your life trying to be admired or feared by everyone only to die by the hands of your own son. Don't worry though I'll make sure no one remembers who you were especially Sasuke he won't even remember your name by the time he joins the academy." Itachi said trying to throw him off his game.
The battle was escalating quickly they were lucky to have put the rest of the clan under genjutsu or they would be attacking a lot of attention. Fugaku just released a Phoenix flower jutsu only for Itachi to counter with a water wall. Fugaku was quickly realizing he was outmatched, he was getting desperate he swiftly threw four smoke bombs down to try to regroup but to no avail. Just as he thought he was in the clear he was cut off by Kakashi giving him an axe kick to help him back to the ground. "Now die SCUM" Itachi screamed before he used Kamui taking his head clean off.
"Aghhhhh"Itachi and Kakashi screamed both clutching an eye. For Itachi it was his right but for Kakashi it was his left the eye Itachi gave him. Shortly after both fell asleep from the pain.
Root HQ
"Tell Danzo I'm here to speak with him and cut the shit I know he's here." Hiruzen said to the man guarding the door. The man just gave a nod and signaled for the Hokage to follow. "Hiruzen to what do I owe the pleasure?" Danzo said gesturing for his men to leave. "I don't appreciate you keeping things from me Danzo I ordered you to dispose of Root!" Hiruzen spat. "You are to soft you damn fool you always have been! I've only been doing what's necessary to make sure the leaf remains on top." Danzo replied. "At what fucking cost Danzo? I've dug into your operation here, 17 missing kids from the orphanage that's low even for you!" Hiruzen shouted to his old friend.
"It's obvious we will never see eye to eye Hiruzen words will get us no further it's time to settle this." Danzo said taking off his robe showing his deformed arm. "Dear Kami Danzo what have you done?" Hiruzen asked. "You like my little upgrade hear? You can thank your beloved student for this arm." Danzo said with a grin. Before anymore words were exchanged the two charged at each other with full intent of killing there oldest friend. Kunai meet Kunai with Hiruzen quickly getting the upper hand. Danzo realized he was losing the bout and hopped back making a few hand signs before calling out "Wind Release:Great breakthrough" releasing a devastating gust of wind. But to Hiruzens credit they don't call him the professor for nothing quickly realizing the hand signs he counter with his own jutsu. "Fire Release: Phoenix Flower" making multiple fireballs shooting them towards Danzo. Much to Danzo's displeasure the fireballs quickly grew in size thanks to the wind jutsu, seeing no other way around it he substituted with a nearby log.
"Not bad I figured you had been slacking off all this time." Danzo said. "As if the Hokage has to be strong enough protect the village, but I suppose you wouldn't know anything about being a Hokage." Hiruzen said getting a rise from Danzo. Hiruzen was waiting for Danzo to retort but instead he was meet with more hand seals "Wind Release: Drilling air bullet" Danzo said firing off three devastating blasts of wind. Hiruzen shot off a few hand signs of his own before saying "Fire Release: Fire breath" before exhaling a large flame that only grew bigger thanks to the wind jutsu. Left with no other options Danzo quickly said "Wood Release: Wooden dome." Suddenly his arm shot off a bunch of wood enclosing him much to his relief.
Dammit he has already pushed me to using wood release if I had to guess I'd say I maybe have a quarter of my chakra left. Well it seems I don't really have a win factor here but I may be able to take the damn fool with me. Danzo thought before releasing his jutsu. "You disgust me Danzo, the man who's beliefs you are stomping over at the moment is none other than the one you are relying on to keep you in this fight." Hiruzen said. "How about we end this once in for all?" Danzo asked with a smirk.
The two older shinobi rushed at each other with every intention of this being the final blow. Hiruzen quickly managed to disappear from Danzo's view suddenly impaling the man in the spine with a Kunai. "It seems you've bested me again cough.. cough.. I guess you truly are better than me." Danzo said before grabbing a hold of Hiruzen's arm catching the man off guard. "What's the meaning of this Danzo?" Hiruzen asked before his pupil came and cut Danzo's arm clean off with a Kunai. "Sensei we have to leave now that's the four symbol sealing technique anything within the radiance will be sealed into his corpse when he dies." Jiraiya said as the two swiftly took off.
"Sensei head to your office I'm going to check up on the brats I'll be there shortly." Jiraiya said before taking off. It didn't take him very long to appear in the Uchiha district, the first thing the sage noticed was the house was destroyed. After giving it a quick look he decided they weren't there so he followed the trail arriving shortly after leaving the house. "Hey brats wake up this isn't any place to take a nap." Jiraiya said before doing an E-ranked water jutsu to wake them up.
Hokage's office 1:30am
"Hokage-sama I can't thank you enough for what you've done for my clan. How can I ever repay you?" Itachi asked. "Just do as you have been Itachi you are a splendid shinobi that alone is payment enough." Hiruzen said with a warm smile. "Hey brat you ever thought about getting into the spy businesses?" Jiraiya asked Itachi curiously. "Not exactly sir but if you think I'd be good at it I wouldn't mind learning." Itachi said respectfully. "Let Kakashi run you around for a while and if he thinks your up for it I'll let you tag along with me." Jiraiya said. "Hai." Itachi replied. "Alright well I think we have had enough action for one night head home everyone that's an order. I'll contact you all later in the week." Hiruzen said dismissing the group.
Hatake residence 2:00am
"Kakashi, Itachi you guys are ok!" Ayame said in the loudest whisper she could muster before hugging the two boys. "Of course Ayame-Chan you didn't think I'd let little Itachi-Kun get hurt did you?" Kakashi said before receiving two slaps to the back of his head from Ayame and Itachi respectfully. "Itachi your mother is your room with Sasuke, I'm pretty sure she's still awake if you would like to talk to her. I'm going to make Kakashi grab a shower so we won't bother you." Ayame said giving the boy hug telling from the dried tears he had a rough night. "Thank you Ayame." Itachi whispered.
A few minutes later Ayame ushered Kakashi to the bathroom telling him she wouldn't sleep next to a pile of sweat. (And yes I mean sleep there are not at point in there relationship to do more than make out) meanwhile Itachi slowly opened his bedroom door (it's actually the guest room but it's dubbed Itachi's room from how much time he's spent there.) "can we talk?" Itachi whispered gaining a nod from his mother as she carefully got up and made her way to the living room.
Before Itachi could say anything his mother grabbed him tightly in her arms. "I'm so sorry baby I love you no matter what." She said softly. At that moment Itachi's rugged facade disappeared now he was just a hurt eleven year old boy crying in his mother's arms. He thought she would hate him he didn't know how she would react, but those words she spoke to him and eased all the guilt he had been holding onto him. "Listen to these words carefully Itachi, there is not one thing on this entire planet that I will ever love more than you two boys. That will never change I'm just sorry I couldn't shoulder the burden myself." She said running her hands through his hair as he was laying in her lap. It didn't take long for the boy to cry himself to sleep that night in his mother's embrace.
Next morning
"Kakashi-San thank you very much for helping my clan and more importantly my son so much. It's been ridiculous how the clan has treated you in the past, but I promise you with everything I hold dear from this day on you have the full backing of the Uchiha clan same goes for your family." Mikoto said. "Thank you very much. But it was my pleasure to be honest with you, I view Itachi as a little brother I never got you did a very good job raising your son Ma'am." Kakashi said respectfully. "Thank you for the praise but Itachi has always been a kind soul I can't take much credit. Unfortunately we have to head home or what's left of it. Don't be a stranger I want to see my Godson more got it?" Mikoto asked in a demanding tone. "Hai!" Kakashi responded nervously.
A/N Hey guys hope you enjoyed the chapter, finally starting to see some action! I know the fight with Fugaku might have seemed a little lack luster but in truth not much is know of his abilities and to be completely honest I don't think he poses much of a threat to Itachi with Kamui at his disposal. Now I'm updating this fairly quick in relation to the last chapter no one has voted for what they would like Naruto's affinities to be so that is still up in air. But I guess that's about it peace.