Midnight

That night, Itachi brought his futon into Sasuke's room. "Do you mind?"

"No," Sasuke said. He was resting on his stomach as he read a book. The brothers often took turns sharing each other's rooms as sleeping quarters. They spent an enormous amount of time reading books on shinobi tactics and culture that Itachi smuggled from his various missions, and so they would often read together and exchange ideas throughout the night.

Sasuke just could not bring himself to focus on ninja tools from the land of iron. It was the perfect text to read, but his mind swam with worry after worry. So he found himself staring at the pages, hoping the words would eventually make sense, but they never did.

Itachi pulled his futon next to Sasuke's. He sat down, cross-legged. "Come here."

Sasuke shook his head and waved him off. "I'm not a baby anymore."

"You're not," Itachi said, but he still gestured to his lap. "I just don't know how else to calm you down."

Sasuke huffed. "I said I'm not a baby."

At this, Itachi grabbed Sasuke by his sides and scooted him over. Sasuke tried to pull away before Itachi plopped him right onto his lap and began massaging Sasuke's scalp. "If you're not a baby, then we can talk too."

Sasuke leaned into Itachi and eased his tense muscles. In truth, there was a lot weighing him down and secretly he was grateful his brother was annoyingly observant. It made things easier. "I asked father earlier to let me be part of your team, and he called my request childish."

"And yet he let you join us since Izumi is now taking a new post," Itachi said. That sudden announcement had struck Itachi as odd, and the way Izumi avoided them after the ceremony was even stranger. Their plans and strategies they had worked out for weeks were now for naught. Everything would have to return to the drawing board, and Itachi wasn't sure Shisui and himself had enough of the bases covered to ensure their plans went without major consequence.

"Did you say something to father about me joining?"

Itachi twirled a lock of Sasuke's hair. "I didn't today. I had mentioned your involvement when it had been brought to my attention that I was to be nominated. Either way, he's changed his mind."

"I should be happy about it… it's what I wanted, but…"

Itachi sighed. "You wanted his approval."

"Right," Sasuke said. He knew Itachi hated the very fact that Sasuke was so motivated by his father's praise and expectations. If it were up to Itachi, he'd have forced Fugaku to praise Sasuke to the ends of the earth just to get it out of his brother's system. "And I need to prove to him that he's not wrong in choosing me."

"His approval isn't everything, Sasuke. It's good you have a goal, and you're going to do well regardless. Just keep your head high and do your best."

"Yeah…" Sasuke tilted his head up to look at Itachi, a slight grin tugging his lips. "The exams are in Konoha, right? What do you remember about that village?"

Sasuke knew Konoha was a touchy subject, but Itachi always told him stories that made the place sound like a dream. Food was plentiful and tasty, there were huge gates that protected the shelter. Homes had electricity even before they had gotten them, and the Hokage had their faces carved on the stone cliffsides. That part, Sasuke thought, was the most peculiar. He could have cackled at the thought of their father's face up on the cliff since he was a leader. The very notion was ludicrous.

Itachi told him it was the Hokage's spirit watching over the village, protecting them. It seemed to make Itachi feel secure, so Sasuke considered it to be the truth. Maybe they needed their father's face on their own cliffside.

Itachi had been five when the Uchiha clan abandoned the village. It was in the middle of the night under a full moon. His mother had awakened him, with Sasuke crying in her arms. They were told to leave. Itachi grabbed what little he could, taking measures to grab Sasuke's favorite dinosaur plush and a few books of interest for himself. His mother chastised him—only bring the essentials.

When he told her they were essential, she had thrown the book out, but the dinosaur stayed much to her chagrin.

To ask him what he remembered from the village—he remembered war outside its borders. He remembered feeling safe when he was within the gates. He saw happy families, ninja who protected everyone as if it were their sworn duty beyond the Hokage's orders. He remembered a softer side of his father before the ninetails attack. A father who expressed with a smile at how proud he was of Itachi and how excited he was to be Sasuke's father.

He had named Sasuke after the Third Hokage's father, even. To think of his father then versus now left Itachi extremely uncomfortable. He shoved the thought away in an instant.

"It's not such a bad place, not in the way the elders speak about it." He stopped playing with Sasuke's hair and leaned his back against the wall, bringing Sasuke a bit closer. "It's filled with people from many clans unlike here where everyone is from the same bloodline."

"I've never been outside our village."

"That's not true," Itachi said. "There have been at least two instances where I have taken you out of this village." The last time he had taken Sasuke, he had never intended to return. It had been Shisui who dragged him back carrying a one-year-old Sasuke in his frail arms.

"Well, I don't remember."

"It's probably for the best. That being said, there will be lots of interesting experiences to be had in Konoha. There should be some time to try local cuisine."

"You just want to try the desserts," Sasuke said with an amused huff.

Itachi raised an eyebrow, a look of pure aghast on his face. "Excuse me?"

Sasuke looked up at Itachi and chuckled. "The look of surprise on your face was enough."

Itachi shoved Sasuke to his own futon, receiving a yelp from the boy in between their fits of laughter. "You're impossible, Sasuke. Go to bed."

. . .

Itachi listened to Sasuke's even breaths. He stared up at the ceiling, unable to drift off in peace. He heard the clock's hand inch closer second by second, hour by hour—the crickets chirped outside, and then he heard a soft rustle towards his room.

He sat up from his bed and rose, careful to not wake Sasuke, and approached the window. Sure enough, Shisui was peering into his room and unaware that Itachi was not there.

"Over here," Itachi whispered.

Shisui snapped his head to the side, about to jump from the wall and flee at the disturbance before he saw Itachi. His usual goofy self was a stoic, serious one that matched Itachi's feelings as well.

"Get your hair in a ponytail and meet me at our spot."

Shisui flickered away, leaving Itachi to roll his eyes and also ponder the grimness in his best friend's tone. Clearly, the matter was not only up for Itachi's worry but had earned the honor of Shisui's as well.

Once at the furthest edge of their territory, Shisui revealed himself from the shadows. "We need to talk about tonight."

"Yes, we do," Itachi said. He leaned against a tree while Shisui stood in front of him.

"First off, the assassination of a spy was unexpected, but that's beside the point. When did Fugaku have time to speak with Izumi, and why wouldn't he send someone else? We have other Uchiha capable too."

"Do you think he specifically requested her?"

"That vile Orochimaru has been waiting for an Uchiha to experiment with. I just spent months ferrying him between the lands. He's obsessed with our Sharingan, you and I both know that. The question is, what did Fugaku gain in exchange for her that we can't provide ourselves?"

Itachi considered the potential political wager. In exchange for an Uchiha, what could Fugaku want that required such a sacrifice? "A larger military presence? Guaranteed assurance of an alliance should anything go south with Konoha or the Land of Fire as a whole?"

"That's what I'm fearing. I think they're planning an attack on Konoha, and if that's the case, this is very bad."

Shisui and Itachi shook their heads. This was not good news at all if the Uchiha were planning to strike with aid.

"The Uchiha and Orochimaru have their own beliefs regarding why they feel Konoha has wronged them."

"It will be an all-out war, with you and I probably playing pivotal roles as inside-nin for the clan."

Itachi bit his lip. Shisui was right—they had originally drafted plans with Izumi on spying on Konoha from within. Understanding the shinobi village's differences since the Uchiha were last there would be a crucial focus for them. But now Izumi was out of the picture and Sasuke would be taking her place.

Sure they were well-aware of being spies, and Itachi had since abhorred the idea of stoking any more fire between Konoha and their clan, which resulted in Fugaku's harsh reprimand many nights ago. But now Fugaku has gone and added Sasuke into the fray, and from what Itachi can gather, he does not intend to make the same mistake in sharing the Uchiha's true intentions with Sasuke until after the fact.

The thought of Sasuke being within the village as the inevitable conflict emerged terrified Itachi to no end. For all it was worth, Sasuke was an innocent; completely unaware of the sinister larger picture Fugaku envisioned using Madara's name as his authority to declare war.

Whenever the conflict happened, Itachi prayed he would be near Sasuke to get him out as safely as possible. "What do you propose we do?"

Shisui shook his head. "We're going to have to be convincing. If we show any doubt prior to departure, we will be removed from the team. Not that they can find suitable replacements. Fugaku suspects you, Itachi, and that's why Sasuke's involved."

"That's—"

"He's confided in me, Itachi, that he's worried you're still too loyal to your childish views of Konoha. He said no matter what, that I would be tasked with dealing with you should you cross the line."

"You're not speaking from hypotheticals at all then, are you? He's told you all this."

"Yes. He's enlisted Sasuke to ensure your compliance. He's given me the order to threaten Sasuke's life if it means you will carry out your responsibilities."

Itachi exhaled sharply. He had long since stopped addressing Fugaku as his father for the very reason of his disregard for Sasuke's life time and time again. He prioritized the strong, and no matter what, no matter how hard Sasuke climbed or proved himself, he was still seen as weaker than Itachi.

But Itachi viewed that differently. His brother excelled where he could not. His brother was kind, pure, able to be dyed any color—he was full of so much promise and potential that once he felt ready to wield his own destiny in his hands, he could accomplish anything he set his mind to. Itachi didn't have to worry about Sasuke's own path, but he did have to worry about the demons who threatened to cut it short.

Shisui held his hand out. "I promise you, Itachi. I will never betray you. You and Sasuke are like brothers to me. We're going to find a way out of this conflict for Konoha and the Uchiha peacefully, and who knows, maybe someday we can go back without being branded as traitors."

Itachi took his hand. "Until that day."

. . .

The rain was unrelenting and made an autumn afternoon feel like the emergence of winter arrived early. Shisui was chilled to the bones as he hopped from tree to tree in search of Lord Fugaku's sons.

Having disappeared three days ago, the village was in a panic as raiders proclaimed to have no idea where the heirs were. Fugaku had taken desperate measures and revealed his mangekyou—terrorizing everyone in his path with might.

Shisui had been part of the team to track Itachi and Sasuke down. He had expected to find Itachi tied to the back of a horse, chained up, or even his corpse, but what he saw was even more peculiar and unexpected.

Walking slowly, half-barefoot, and in a soaked cloak was none other than Itachi. He trudged through the mud, through the brambles, through the forest in the direction Shisui knew was toward Konoha.

"Don't tell me," Shisui muttered to himself. Itachi was intending on trekking all the way back to the village that just a few months ago sent an army of shinobi that assaulted their settlement?

"Itachi! What are you doing?!"

Itachi, his newly awakened Sharingan flaring, turned to Shisui. "Sasuke and I are going back home." All Itachi could think about was Sasuke. Sasuke's safety. Sasuke arrived at that village where within the walls everything was okay. Where there was plenty of food, water, and shelter, and perhaps a family that would take him in if they wouldn't take Itachi.

Shisui knew Itachi was delirious. In his right mind, if he were not terrified, he would think about procuring sustenance, reading and rereading what few books they had, and aiding the clan in rebuilding settlements. He would not walk toward a village that deemed him and his brother enemy number one for belonging to a clan of traitors no matter how much he missed it.

"They'll kill you, Itachi, and then Sasuke will either be killed, tortured, or experimented on. If word got out then Lord Fugaku would issue war. Everyone dies if that's the case. We don't have the manpower or resources to fight back."

"I don't care… It's worth the chance." Itachi would gladly die if it meant Sasuke would be safe. This world has become a hell that he saw no way out. His father had been right, this was the world Itachi was born into. He was damned sure if anyone could change it, it was the bundle in his arms that reminded him that life had meaning.

Sasuke started to wail, to which Itachi began to shake him gently to ease his discomfort. He chastised himself for thinking such wildly dark thoughts. It must have disturbed his baby brother, that, or the shouting between Shisui and himself. "It's okay Sasuke. Everything's okay."

Shisui stood in front of Itachi, and at that moment he saw those brilliant red eyes stained in tears the rain was only now washing away. Itachi looked as if he had not slept in the three days since he had been proclaimed missing. The tattered cloak swallowed his scrawny body, revealing just how desperate the situation truly was for Itachi. At this rate, he may only have hours before his body gave out.

"You're not going to even make it back to the village. Do you have any idea how far you are?"

"I'll find a way."

Concern marred Shisui's face. "Itachi, you're a smart kid. I know you're hungry and dehydrated. What about Sasuke? How long's it been since he had a meal? He can't even eat normal food yet."

Shisui approached Itachi who didn't even have the energy to fend him off. He struggled slightly, but Shisui remained firm and pulled him and Sasuke into an embrace. "You can hate me for this forever, but I need you to listen."

Itachi remained still as Sasuke cried on in the rain.

"It's tough, I get it. I lost my mother and father when we left the village. I'm scared too. I'm hungry and thirsty, and this rain should probably be collected," Shisui said, tears threatening to engulf his own eyes. "So many people are dead and there's hardly any food, and everyone is on edge from the raiders. It's a miracle you made it this far unscathed. But Itachi, what's done is done. We need to make do with what we have. If not for yourself, or for me, then for Sasuke."

Itachi stood there. His Sharingan slowly faded away into exhausted black eyes. Like Sasuke, who cried out, Itachi began to wail in Shisui's arms. All the pain and agony a child at the tender age of six should not have to experience came flooding out. It was at that moment, as Shisui held onto Itachi, that he would never let him suffer like this again.

So when they returned home, Shisui concocted a tale that Itachi and Sasuke had been kidnapped by a raider and Shisui dispatched them. They never spoke of that day again, but since then Itachi looked up to Shisui like the big brother he desperately needed, and when their eyes met, he knew Shisui would always have his back, and in turn, Sasuke's.

That's all Itachi could ever want, village or no village be damned. All the same, Itachi still longed for Konoha—the village he only ever knew as home when at least part of the world felt hopeful.

. . .

Mikoto prepared breakfast for her husband and children. The harvest of rice had been well this year, so every morning her family was able to enjoy a warm porridge with their vegetable soup. For Fugaku, he had a slice of pork belly added to his as a courtesy for his accomplishments in the clan as their leader.

Mikoto chopped the cabbage into small, equally sized pieces. This was Itachi's favorite, although she wondered if that was because it was usually the only meal they had always eaten for so long. Her sons' palettes were rather simplistic, which brought her a degree of sadness, but it helped them survive.

Today was the day her sons would be leaving for the Chunin exams. She had prepared the meals for the journey, simple onigiri with nori that had been traded with neighboring lands.

Fugaku entered the kitchen and sat at the table. She provided him with tea and his meal. "Thank you."

"Of course," she said. "I hope they will be alright."

"You worry too much. They will have the full protection provided by Yashiro and Shisui. They're not weak either."

"I know, dear. It's still an endeavor that must go without a hitch."

"Aa," Fugaku agreed. He sipped his tea, enjoying the warmth. It was the simple things, he reminded himself, that was worth the sacrifice.

Itachi walked down the stairs, dressed in his mission gear. His large rucksack was slung across his body. Without a word, he sat a seat apart from Fugaku while Mikoto placed his meal before him. He nodded his appreciation before eating some rice.

Sasuke emerged moments later in a hurry. He sat down in the seat between Fugaku and Itachi. "Good morning!"

"Morning Sasuke," Mikoto greeted. "Are you ready for today?"

"Sure am!" Sasuke nodded.

Fugaku crossed his arms. "Remember you two, you are representing the Uchiha clan and our future. Any failure will not be tolerated."

"Understood, father," Sasuke said.

Itachi only slurped his broth.

As if not hearing Sasuke, Fugaku persisted. He steeled his look onto Itachi. "Do I make myself clear?"

Itachi's knuckles were white with the grip he had on his bowl. His face remained impassive. "Understood."

"Good. When you make it to the final round, I will be attending. Do be sure to follow Yashiro's instructions. When Yashiro is not there, Shisui's orders must be carried out." Fugaku rose and headed to the door. He draped his jacket onto his shoulder. "Know your responsibilities and understand the consequences of any action that does not align with the greater good for the clan. That is all."

Sasuke raised his bowl, having eaten all his rice. "May I have seconds?"

Mikoto shook her head. "Honey, we have only enough in the clan for one bowl per meal. I am using the rest for your journey."

Itachi slid over his bowl of rice. "Here."

Sasuke turned to him, big, curious eyes. "You need to eat too Big brother?"

Itachi smiled. "I haven't much an appetite in the morning. Don't let it go to waste."

Knowing it was a lie and feeling guilty for forcing Itachi to give up his rice, he sadly accepted it. He ate slowly, embarrassingly, and felt silly.

Mikoto could only bite her lip and hide her sadness.

Once Sasuke finished eating, Itachi rose from the table and headed to the doorway to put on his shoes. Sasuke followed suit, buckling on his sandals to ensure they fitted properly. They had been issued new sandals and clothing for the journey to look their best before Konoha. The Uchiha did not want any rumors of the reality of their living arrangements. For all Konoha knew, they were living like the Fire Daimyo.

"We'll be off," Itachi said and bowed in respect to his mother.

"Please do take care of each other. There's a lot on your shoulders, but so long as you stay focused, you should be fine. When you return as Chunin, you will have made worth all the sacrifices we've endured."

"Right. We will do our best, mother."

Mikoto brought her hand to brush against Itachi's cheek. She approached his ear and whispered, "Try not to tip the boat too much. Keep your head low and follow-through, and when you come back we can address your concerns with your father."

Itachi closed his eyes. "Yes, Mother. Thank you."

She pulled back and smiled. "And you Sasuke! Don't give your brother such a hard time. You both need to shine! Eat well, make sure you get enough sleep, and be sure to share watch. Trust in each other."

"Okay, Mom!" Mikoto planted a kiss on Sasuke's forehead. "Your father and I are proud of both of you. So do your best!"

Mikoto waved them off as they left their home to meet Shisui and Yashiro at the gate. Sasuke fiddled with the helm of his chokuto, adjusting it to fit him best. He was still getting used to the mighty kusanagi, and was beyond excited to get to train with it more before they made their way to Konoha.

"Big brother, what did mother tell you?"

"Just to look out for you. You know how she worries."

"Everyone seems to worry about me. Like I'm destined to fail."

Itachi stopped at a clearing to take note of the directions. The main route had been blocked for construction and the other route had a building that collapsed. They would have to take another route.

"Big brother…"

"If anyone is going to worry about you, it's mother and me. That doesn't change no matter how strong you get or whether or not you're going to fail."

Sasuke puffed his cheeks. "Then I'm going to worry about you. No matter if you're stronger than me."

"That's not—"

But that was enough to earn a genuine laugh from Sasuke. Itachi truly loved his brother's joy. If words could bring out that light, then Itachi would say anything over and over again to elevate Sasuke's spirit. He didn't want to make Sasuke over-confident, but his brother was deserving of a boost.

Sasuke grabbed Itachi's sleeve and dragged him down the road. "If we hurry, we might have some time to try a cafe or two, hm? I owe you a snack!"

"Sasuke! Slow down! A few seconds does not make an hour!"

But Sasuke didn't listen. In his speed, he had let go of Itachi and was in a hurry to stop. Before him, he saw Shisui and Yashiro, but he did not have enough time to move out of the way.

Sasuke's head hit a collared vest belonging to none other than his appointed sensei, Uchiha Yashiro. The older man always had his eyes squinted and brows furrowed. However, this time he was clearly displeased.

"Uchiha Sasuke! Show some respect, hm?"

"S-Sorry Yashiro."

Yashiro grabbed Sasuke by the collar of his shirt. "Boy, do not think lightly of the responsibility you have to this clan. Pay attention."

By then, Itachi ran to catch up to the group. Yashiro laying his hands on Sasuke brought out a vengeful rage that Shisui hoped wouldn't evolve further than a glare.

Yashiro let Sasuke down, who hurriedly pushed behind Itachi.

"No! Stand before me. We are not having this meek attitude. You will stand and accept your punishment with dignity. It's time you learn your lesson."

Itachi stood in front of Sasuke, poised for confrontation. "What punishment do you think you're going to give?"

Yashiro growled. "I have explicit instructions to whip this boy into shape, fit for a shinobi from our village. If he cannot behave with dignity, then I will beat it into him."

"You will do no such thing." Malice coated every word Itachi said.

"Lord Fugaku has also given me express permission to deal with you as well, brat."

"H-Hey, perhaps we have gotten onto the wrong foot? Sasuke, apologize to Yashiro-sensei, and Itachi, ease up. I'm sure," Shisui looked to Yashiro, "That we can let it slide just this once. If it happens again, then clearly the message wasn't understood."

Itachi and Yashiro continued to glare, waiting for the other to budge. Neither one was going to stand down so easily. Itachi would not forgive this slight on his brother, and Yashiro was determined to follow through on his orders for the clan he loved more than anything.

It was Sasuke who lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Yashiro-Sensei."

Yashiro huffed, turning away and breaking the menacing stare between him and Itachi. "Just because you're Lord Fugaku's sons does not mean you are exempt. He has made it clear he wants you to both be treated as we all are."

Itachi shuffled Sasuke over to his side furthest away from Yashiro. His glare and frown did not let up a bit. Washed in Itachi's protective presence, Sasuke let out a sigh of relief.

They began to head out from the gates of Uchihagakure on their journey to Konoha. Shisui brushed up against Itachi and gave him a look that said it all: "You're not helping."