It was finally over.
Itachi Uchiha managed to trap Kabuto in Izanami, giving him ample time to fully put a Genjutsu on the twisted Sage in order to release the Edo Tensei.
If he were being completely honest with himself, Itachi wasn't truly mad at Kabuto. They were both victims of circumstance. They both struggled with who they were as a person and tried to better themselves by becoming perfect.
His body started to glow a faint white hue that grew stronger by the second. Already, He felt his strength leaving him and his legs beginning to wobble. This was it. He would return to the pure land once again and for good. He would reunite with Shisui, His parents, and maybe even Kisame. Over the years, he unintentionally developed a friendship with the Akatsuki member. There were times that he genuinely made him laugh. It somewhat hurt him a little that he never told him about his true intentions.
Turning around, The Uchiha looked at his little brother. He had so much regrets. He wished he could have more time with Sasuke, to tell him how wrong he was and he was sorry for everything he put him through. He knew however, that his time remaining in the living world was about to run out.
Slowly, Itachi walked over to his little brother, stumbling with every third to fourth step while extending his right arm.
"There is... still time." Itachi muttered before letting out a slight cough. Sasuke flinched a little as Itachi grew closer. "The night I left you... I did everything Danzo and Tobi... told you I did." He finished. Sasuke's eyes grew wide at the revelation. Deep down, he knew what Itachi had done. However, a small, minuscule part of the young Uchiha didn't want to believe the two men's words. However, before he could process those words, His older brother began speaking.
"I have... always lied to you.. and asked for your forgiveness while keeping you at distance." Itachi continued. He felt more of his strength leave him as the Edo Tensei was near its release.
"If I had only come to you from the start... Look straight into your eyes and tell you the truth... then I wouldn't have to stand before you as a failure." Itachi coughed out. Sasuke flinched as his older brother drew closer to him, his shoulders tense as Itachi smiled peacefully. Slowly, Itachi let his hands rest on Sasuke's shoulders, the muscles slightly relaxing as he continued to smile.
"You don't ever have to forgive me. Whatever you do from here on out..." Itachi spoke softly as he rested his forehead on his little brothers. Although Sasuke tried to hide it, the older Uchiha smiled softly as he saw the tears threatening to escape from his eyes.
"No matter what, I will always love you."
And with that, the Edo Tensei was broken.
Itachi felt his soul leave the body, rising into the air and beginning to go back into the pure land. He watched as Sasuke closed his eyes, a singe tear rolling his cheek before wiping it away.
Itachi smiled one last time at his little brother. Although Sasuke told him repeatedly that he wouldn't forgive Konoha after what they did to him, Itachi knew that deep down, Sasuke would make the right choice. He trusted the future of not only the Uchiha Clan, but the future of all Shinobi to his little brother. And with a certain blonde ninja from Konoha, he knew that Sasuke would be okay.
'I leave the rest to you, Naruto.'
And with that, Itachi Uchiha finally passed away from the Elemental Nations.
(X)
A cold yet soothing breeze passed in the air. A type of breeze that would gently caress the soulupon contact.
Slowly, Itachi heard the noise of birds faintly singing in the sky. Reluctantly, he opened his eyes, the sight of a pure blue sky greeted him.
Slowly, The Uchiha sat up and looked around his surroundings. The sight of an endless green field, far as the eye can see was the only thing he was able to see no matter which direction he looked.
"So... this is the pure land." He muttered under his breath. Patting himself down, he felt the feeling of his old ANBU against his skin with all his weapons missing.
Looking back up and around the area, Itachi didn't know how to feel about being here. On one hand, he was happy that he was able to join Shisui and his family. However, a part of him felt like he didn't belong here. He had killed not only the woman he loved, Izumi, but had killed his parents as well and the rest of his clan save for Sasuke. He had killed countless Shinobi and Innocent people for the Akatsuki and labeled himself forever as the "villain" of Konoha. The sad part was, that a small part of him actually believed it. He had done horrible, unspeakable things to innocent civilians, but forced his little brother, Sasuke, to go down a dark path. His only hope was that Naruto could succeed in the place he couldn't.
Taking a deep breath, Itachi picked himself off the ground and began to walk without a clear destination.
As the minutes pass by, Itachi kept walking. The cold breeze passing by his body as he continued his walk. He didn't feel tired at all, most likely due to the effects of being in the pure land. If anything, he felt at peace, as if he could walk for days without end.
After what felt like several hours, Itachi noticed a small hill in the distance. On top of the hill, was a large tree with a figure standing underneath its shade.
Curiosity got the better of the Uchiha as he walked over to the tree, the image getting sharper and more detailed as he drew closer.
Finally close, Itachi stopped walking as he reached the large tree.
In front of him, stood a man dressed in white robes with black accents. A large, black metal staff was held in his right hand while his left was nestled gently against his stomach.
"I've been expecting you, Young Uchiha." The man spoke in an elderly yet kind tone. Itachi slightly tensed as the man called out to him. Slowly and yet with grace, the man turned around with a smile. The Prodigy found himself staring into the purple eyes of the Rinnegan. Embedded in the mans forehead, was a Red Rinnegan.
This man, no, this god, was the Legendary Sage of the Six Paths.
"Lord Sage. It's an honour to meet you." Itachi greeted with a kneel. This was the god that was responsible for not only shaping the Elemental Nations into what it was, but he, along with Hashirama Senju, were the leading examples of what Shinobi should be.
A gentle laugh greeted the Uchiha's ear as The old Sage laughed while heartedly.
"Please. Raise your head child, and call me Hagaromo." The Sage commanded gently. Itachi slowly picked himself off the ground, looking into Hagaromo's eyes. As much as he tried, the Uchiha couldn't get a single read on the Sage. Not just Shinobi, but Uchiha's as well were exceptionally trained in reading people. However, although looking like a wise old man, Itachi couldn't read Hagaromo at all.
"Tell me something, Young Uchiha, how do you feel about being here?" Hagaromo asked as he turned around, his gaze looking back out into the wide open space as Itachi stood behind him.
"I don't know, sir. A part of me feels like I should be here... while another part doesn't." Itachi replied honestly. Hagaromo nodded stoically before tapping his staff on the grass. The scene suddenly shifted, warping around as if they were trapped in a genjutsu.
When the shifting stopped, Itachi noticed something that made his heart stop.
They were back in the Uchiha compound.
Memories, both good and bad, plagued his mind as he looked upon the large gates that led inside. He remembered each day he and Shisui would walk home together after the academy. The days after his ANBU training as he walked home tired.
"I can tell why you are here." Hagaromo spoke beside him as they continued to look around the area. The sounds of footsteps against gravel greeted his ears as he turned around. What greeted his eyes made him stare in shock.
Walking up the path, was himself. On his back, was a younger version of his little brother, Sasuke.
"Itachi, that was so fun. Would you train with me again some time?" The voice of young Sasuke caused his heart to freeze. He couldn't remember the time a smile so big was on his little brothers face. He watched as his younger self released a chuckle as they continued to walk home.
"Sure, but I have an important mission coming up soon and starting tomorrow, you'll be starting the Ninja Academy." Young Itachi replied as they reached the main door of the compound.
"That's okay. As long as you can spend some time with me once and a while." Sasuke replied as he and Itachi walked through the doors going inside.
"We are flesh and blood. No matter what, I will always be there for you. Even if that means I'm an obstacle for you to overcome." Young Itachi spoke before turning out of sight of Itachi and Hagaromo.
" I remember this day. This is when I took Sasuke out to train his Kunai throwing. He was upset that I didn't teach him the new Jutsu I promised." Itachi allowed a small smile grace his lips at the memory. Sasuke was so innocent and eager to learn any and all types of Ninjutsu at the time.
Hagaromo silently tapped his staff on the ground, causing the scenery to change once again. When the effect cleared, Itachi froze. The sun setting in the sky as two people were standing near a cliff. The sounds of rushing water greeted his ears as himself and a blind Shisui came into view.
"You're really the only friend I can trust. Protect the village, and the Uchiha Clan as well." The sound of Shisui's voice made the situation even worse. He would never forget this day. The day Danzo showed the full extent of his corruption.
The day of Shisui's death.
He watched in silence as Shisui gave him his left eye, explaining that he would give him the Mangekyo Sharingan. Even still, Itachi felt the fear and resolve inside of his best friends voice as he explained how he was ready for his death.
"You must always remain calm. A worried expression doesn't suit your face at all, my friend. That isn't Itachi Uchiha at all." Shisui spoke with a smile as he gently rested his hand on The younger version of Itachi.
" I will continue to carry on your will... for the Uchiha." Young Itachi spoke with sadness in his voice.
"For now on, you maybe forced to walk down a long, dark path. One that is filled with pain and suffering. I'm sorry... that I won't be able to follow you on the rest of your journey. Still, I hope you don't falter on your path, and keep moving forward as a Leaf Ninja. I believe in you. That is why I am able to ask you to carry on my will... and the Mangekyo." Shisui spoke calmly before letting go of his friends shoulders and turning around to face the cliff.
A strong feeling of regret and pain filled Itachi's chest as he and his younger self watched Shisui fall to his death. He watched in silence as his younger self's eye mutated and turn into the Mangekyo, signifying Shisui's passing.
Hagaromo silently tapped his staff once again, causing the scene to change and the image of his younger self to wash away into the wind. When the effect ended, the place he was in made his entire heart stop.
In front of him, sat his mother and father. The room was dark and the outside area was silent.
Slowly, the door opened and Young Itachi walked through the door, his Katana dripping in blood as he looked upon his parents.
"Father." Young Itachi spoke as he entered the room.
"I don't want a death match... with my own son." His father spoke softly.
"Father... mother... please... I just..." Young Itachi spoke as his hand trembled.
"We already know, my son." His mother calmed him down. She felt her sons breathing slightly tremble while her husband sighed.
"Itachi... promise me... that you will look after Sasuke." His father asked.
"I will." Young Itachi replied.
Meanwhile, Itachi felt tears well in his eyes as he watched silently, the pain that he so desperately buried began to resurface as he watched his younger self struggle to raise his sword.
Itachi closed his eyes, tears rolling down his face as he heard the sound of flesh being skewered and loud thuds of bodies hitting the wooden floor.
As he opened his eyes, he was back in the field with Hagaromo standing in front of him.
"Why... why are you showing me this?" Itachi asked the Sage. Although he told Sasuke the truth behind his actions, it didn't help him escape the incredible amount of guilt that festered in him over the years.
"You believe that you don't belong here. That the place of the Pure Land should not welcome you after what you have done. However, what you don't know, is that you managed to succeed in one thing." The wise Sage replied before tapping his staff once again, allowing the scenery to change.
Now, they were in the Valley of the End, watching as a pink haired girl, Sakura Haruno, heal Naruto and his little brother.
"After your passing, Madara Uchiha was defeated and Kaguya Otsutsuki, my mother, was resealed. Afterwards, the Reincarnation of Indra, Sasuke Uchiha, had his final fight with the reincarnation of Ashura, Naruto Uzumaki. With time, Naruto managed to successfully beat Sasuke and convinced him to forgive the Village of Konohagakure." Hagaromo continued as the duo watched the young adults talk amongst themselves.
Itachi watched as Sasuke showed a true, small smile as Naruto did something stupid. He didn't see the hate or anger that was constantly on his younger brothers face. The sounds of Hagaromo's staff being tapped on the ground made the scene change once again, replacing it with an area he knew all too well. It was the same place he and Sasuke had their final fight when he was alive.
Looking around the area, his eyes widened in disbelief when two people stood at the same rock Sasuke had his back pressed against too, now painted with a Uchiha Clan symbol and a gravestone dedicated to him.
The first was a tall man, wearing a pitch black cloak and a grey, long sleeved shirt underneath. It was accompanied by black pants that were held up by a purple belt and a black, fingerless glove on his right hand.
The second was a younger girl that was no older than eleven. She had pitch black hair and black eyes, similar to that of his younger brother. She wore a red sleeveless Qipao with the symbol of the Uchiha Clan displayed proudly on her back. It was accompanied by a pair of lilac coloured shorts, dark purple thigh high stockings and black Shinobi sandals.
"The Reincarnation of Indra , had eventually settled down and married Sakura Haruno. Years later, your niece, Sarada Uchiha, was born." Hagaromo spoke as stood beside Itachi. Said Uchiha was shocked beyond words. However, his shock was quickly replaced with pride. If Sasuke married that Kunoichi from Konoha, then it meant that Naruto managed to make him forgive the village.
"This is his gravestone?" Sarada Asked her father as gently rubbed her fingers against the small rock dedicated to her uncle Itachi.
Sasuke nodded, a slight breeze making his dark hair sway in the wind while Sarada stood back on her feet.
"What was he like?" Sarada asked her father as she turned her gaze to him.
Itachi watched Sasuke release a small breath before collecting his thoughts, likely managing to choose his words carefully before speaking to his daughter.
"Your uncle..." Sasuke began while looking down at his brothers gravestone. "... was a great man. And a strong Shinobi... He sacrificed everything to make sure the village was safe, and so I could live." Sasuke replied.
"He sounds like a great Shinobi too... How did he die?" Sarada pressed. Sasuke remained silent for a few moments as he looked at his brothers gravestone.
"I killed him."He admitted. Sarada jumped at her fathers admittance of killing her uncle. Seeing the curiosity and fear in her eyes, Sasuke elaborated.
"When I was younger... I was consumed with hate and anger towards him... and eventually the world itself... I never saw the bigger picture... you see, Your uncle killed the entire Uchiha Clan, leaving just me left. I was lucky... that your godfather saved me from myself." Sasuke finished.
"I see... the Uchiha Clans past is nothing but blood and pain... isn't it?" Sarada whimpered. She had heard stories about what happened in the fourth Shinobi war, that Obito Uchiha and Madara Uchiha, her ancestors, were responsible for so much bloodshed.
"That maybe so..." Sasuke replied before he turned around and knelt in front of his daughter. "... but the future is up to you now. Never let hate and anger consume you, Sarada. Make your own path. Don't become what I was, all those years ago." Sasuke finished as he looked into her daughters eyes.
Sarada slightly flinched from hearing her fathers words. There was so much resolve and yet... a hint worry in his voice that caught her off guard.
Balling her fists, the young Kunoichi took a deep breath and spoke.
"I will become the next Hokage... and make our family proud." Sarada replied with conviction in her voice. Sasuke smiled softly at her answer that reminded him of himself when he was little.
Slowly, he raised his hand and tapped his fingers on her Shinobi Headband, mirroring the same technique Itachi did to him all those years ago.
"I know you can do it, my daughter. And whenever you need help... I'll always be there for you." Sasuke replied with a smile.
Itachi watched in silence. A feeling of pride and a weight lifting off his shoulders as an image of himself and a younger Sasuke quickly replaced the scene. Naruto managed to get Sasuke to forgive not only the village, but himself. Deep down, the older Uchiha felt a small bit of pride at seeing his younger brother, now a man, and wasn't the person he was when he was younger.
"While questionable, your actions managed to let the Reincarnation of Indra and Ashura to finally break the cycle of hate and fighting. Now, he is one of Konohagakure's strongest warriors, only being surpassed by the Reincarnation of Ashura, Naruto Uzumaki." Hagaromo began to speak as he tapped his staff on the ground, returning them to the fields and underneath the tree.
"I see." Itachi replied. Hagaromo began to a short yet deep breath as he turned to the young Uchiha.
"You have every right to be in the pure land, Itachi. Your actions helped save not only your younger brother, but eventually the world itself." The Wise Sage continued.
"It doesn't feel like it, lord Sage." Itachi replied. He was happy that Sasuke managed to find love and forgiveness, but that didn't excuse what he has done to people.
"One often meets their destiny on the road they take to avoid it, young Uchiha. Anyone, if they are truly remorseful, can be forgiven and given a second chance. You have every right to be in the pure land." Hagaromo laughed heartedly. Itachi stayed silent, the words of the Wise Sage resonating with himself as a breeze passed by his body.
'Could I truly be forgiven?... do I deserve a second chance?' The Uchiha thought to himself. A short sigh escaped Hagaromo's mouth and brought Itachi out of his thoughts.
"... however, you don't belong here just yet." Hagaromo continued. The Uchiha looked back towards him, curiosity and confusion evident in his eyes as he looked at Hagaromo.
"You have sacrificed so much for the Village of Konohagakure. You lost your friends, you lost your family, and you lost the woman you love. All you have ever known is pain. You never experienced the life you desired." Hagaromo continued to elaborate before tapping his staff once again, changing the scenery to show a still image of Shisui's death, Izumi's death, the death of his parents, and later, himself dying and releasing the Edo Tensei.
"Each and every image you see, is what pains you inside. You never got to experience the life of what you wanted." Hagaromo tapped his staff on the ground once again. The scene shifted to reveal a kitchen. What made Itachi freeze was who was inside.
He saw a much older version of himself, sitting at the dinner table with Izumi washing the dishes. On the other side of the table was a little girl that had his facial structure and Izumi's eyes.
He watched as the little girl bounced happily in her seat, making the apparition of himself smile and Izumi giggle as she wiped the counter down.
Hagaromo tapped his staff one last time and returned them to the field.
"I am offering you, a second chance at life, Young Uchiha. Not in the Elemental Nations, but in a separate Universe. You may do what you wish when you arrive there." Hagaromo continued.
Hearing those words made Itachi widen his eyes. The legendary Sage of the Six Paths had offered him something that sounded almost impossible. He knew that travelling to alternate dimensions was possible due to the Rinnegan. However, going to an alternate universe was something he couldn't even imagine.
"Why... why me?" Itachi asked the Sage. Hagaromo smiled gently as his white coat swayed gently in the wind.
"To live the life you so desired of course. To let go of your guilt and pain. To fully forgive yourself." Hagaromo replied.
"But what if I can't let it go? What if the pain never goes away?" Itachi argued. What he had done to his family was irredeemable. He was happy that his little brother had found love, but that didn't excuse the fact he was a failure.
"It can, if you are willing to guide it, nurture it, to believe in it and yourself that you can be redeemed." Hagaromo replied with a smile. Itachi remained silent as he watched Hagaromo look out into the fields. The wise Sage looked over to his right and gently tapped his staff on the ground, allowing an inky black portal to appear with an unknown destination.
Slowly, the wise Sage turned around and looked at the Uchiha with a smile. Raising his staff, he gently pressed the metal end against Itachi's forehead.
Itachi felt a strong pulse of chakra enter his body, resonating deep within his eyes, as if he were activating the Sharingan for the first time.
"Consider that a "thank you" gift, for what you have done for me and your brother, Sasuke. Now go, Live your life the way you wanted." Hagaromo said with a smile as he walked away from the portal and eventually faded from view.
Itachi remained silent, processing everything that the wise Sage told him before he left. It was true that he never wanted to kill his friends and family, that he wanted to have a family with Izumi and watch Sasuke grow into the man he was today. However, he felt himself hold back as he looked at his bare hands.
'Do I deserve this?' The Uchiha thought to himself as he continued to stare at his open palms.
'A worried look doesn't suit you at all. Always remain calm my friend. That is who Itachi Uchiha truly is!'
'I will always love you, my son.'
'You truly are a kind and gentle boy.'
'Thank you, Big brother.'
Slowly, Itachi felt his resolve well In his chest. Shisui, Izumi, Sasuke, and his parents, would all want him to try.
Deep down, beneath his guilt, Itachi felt his resolve fester and grow stronger with each second. There was one thing the Uchiha wanted to do. It was the one thing he could only do now.
Atone for his sins.
Nodding to himself, Itachi looked around the fields one last time before walking through the portal and out of sight.
(X)
(New York City, USA, 1987)
Itachi slowly opened his eyes, the feeling cold and liquid was against his cheek as he pushed himself off the ground.
Looking around the area, The Uchiha noticed that he was in an alleyway. Several dumpsters littered the area and rats scurried around the pavement.
Picking himself off the ground, Itachi noticed that it was in the middle of the night. The moon shined brightly in the sky as continued to look around the area.
Hearing loud noises coming to his right, Itachi turned and walked over to the end of the opening. What greeted him made him shocked.
Loud, horseless metal carriages roamed the street with people walking each and every way. Around him, were buildings as far as the eye could see, promoting various drinks and food the Shinobi had no knowledge of.
The people wore clothing that seemed so bizarre to him. Girls would walk around him dressed in very short shorts that would leave their assets hanging out for the world to see while men would wear a form of hat on their head or t-shirts of what he could guess were musicians.
Looking around, Itachi noticed the several odd stares he was receiving from the passerby's due to his ANBU uniform.
The Uchiha, not wanting to draw attention to himself, looked around the area and noticed a small clothing shop still open with several articles of clothing being held outside. Noticing that the clerk was busy with a customer, Itachi walked across the street and expertly took a black sweater off of a hanger.
Slipping the article of clothing over his body. Itachi zipped up the hoodie and slipped the hood itself over his head, concealing his identity.
Looking around one last time, Itachi turned and walked away, disappearing in the cloud and eventually out of sight.
BACK! Okay so, first off. I wanna say Thanks to The people who let me know where I could of improved on. I APOLOGIZE for what I didwrong in the first iteration of this series. I plan to take this one step of the way , I promise you.
The pairing is still ItachixArtemis though!