Warnings: mentioned of character death and violence, and lots of dialogue
Please enjoy!
'That brat, interrupting my important research. I swear it's like you don't seem to understand the importance of it!' Jiraiya thought in irritation, making his way to the Hokage tower. It's been two days since the toad sannin received a messenger toad from Minato asking him to come to the village immediately.
After finally arriving at the Hokage tower, the toad sage entered by using the window instead of the door. He expected his former student to politely request him to use the door like everyone else, as usual. However, the Toad Sage was not expecting to find said student sleeping on a few pieces of his paperwork that was scattered among his desk. Next to three other large stacks of paperwork wait to be done, on the left corner of his desk while a picture of his genin team, a small bottle of aspirin, and an empty teacup on the right corner.
Jiraiya strolled up to the Hokage's desk, and pick up and examined the half-empty pill bottle. Then shifted his gaze to the photograph in the picture frame, and at the sight of the silver-haired child, the toad sage remembered that tomorrow is that day. The sannin sighed, knowing that Minato will be a depressed mood today, and won't be in his office tomorrow. That was when the Toad Sage felt the presence of the Anbu guard in the room. However, there was only one guard instead of the usual two that are tasked with watching over the Hokage.
"So, you're the only one here? Where's the other Anbu that's supposed to be on shift?" Jiraiya asked, looking at the false ceiling panel that concealed the crawlspace that the Anbu agent was hiding in.
The moment of silence passed before the Anbu agent wearing a cat mask appeared knelt in front of the Hokage's desk, before standing to and turning his attention to the Toad Sage. Then gave a short polite bow before taking off his painted porcelain cat mask.
"Shisui has been tasked with escorting one of our spies to the rendezvous point, which Obito Uchiha has secured." Tenzo explained with a small smile, knowing that Jiraiya already knows all the Fourth Hokage's Anbu guards.
"I see. What about him?" Jiraiya asked, looking down at Minato's sleeping head that laid in folded arms on top of some paperwork.
"Lady Kushina invited this team over for dinner last night again," Tenzo simply explained, sending a sympathetic glance to the exhausted Hokage.
"Ah," Jiraiya retorted in a knowing tone, remembering when he joined team dinners and the massive migraines that came with it. Since the three loudest people in the entire village were sitting around the same table. Then added with a smirk, "I wonder if the neighbors sent in another complained again."
Tenzo gave a light chuckle before asking in a more serious tone, "Lord Jiraiya, I have a question for you?"
"What is it?" Jiraiya questioned, wondering why the Anbu agent in front of him looks so worried.
"Ever since I've been reassigned to the Hokage's Anbu, I've noticed that Lord Fourth acts differently around this time every year. I don't mean to pry, but I'm just concerned," Tenzo explained with a slightly concerned expression.
Jiraiya closed his eyes as he lets out a considering hum, before opening his eyes and asking with a small grin."Tell me, Tenzo, how long have you been under Minato's command?"
"About ten years, sir," Tenzo replied, taken back a little from the random question. But noticed the sudden solemn look in the Toad Sage's usually cheerful expression.
"Ten years already," Jiraiya repeated, still amazed at how much the Tenzo has improved since the day he was put under Minato's command at age fourteen. The toad sannin then added, "well, I guess I can tell you about it, but you mustn't tell Minato. It's a very painful subject for him."
"Understood, sir," Tenzo replied with a nodded.
Jiraiya grabbed the small picture frame that Minato always kept on his desk. Then handed it to Tenzo, who immediately recognized two of the three kids as Obito and Rin in the team picture as well as the Fourth Hokage standing behind in a jonin uniform. However, the boy standing on Minato's left with the silver hair was someone that Tenzo has never seen before. At first glance, the Anbu thought the boy look annoyed in the photo, but after growing up in Danzo's foundation faction for so long, Tenzo could see that the boy's dark eyes where just as blank and lifeless as his once were before working under the Hokage.
"This boy I've never met someone looking like him before, who is he?" Tenzo asked the toad sage as he pointed to the silver-haired boy in the photo.
"His name is Kakashi Hatake, have you heard of that thing before?" Jiraiya questioned watching the young man's expression.
"Yes," Tenzo confirmed with a short nod. Then added, "Lord Danzo mentioned that he wants to recruit him into the foundation. However, he was already put on to a team with two other genin."
"That's right, he was assigned to Minato's team," Jiraiya confirmed, with a single nod of his own.
"His eyes remind me of the eyes I saw when I was in Root," Tenzo commented. 'Just like how mine used to be...' the wood-style user mentally added, as he gave the photo back to Jiraiya.
"Doesn't surprise me, Kakashi... had a difficult childhood," Jiraiya replied, making an almost wincing sound, as he puts the picture frame back in its proper place.
At that moment, Minato opened his blue eyes sleepily. After blinking a couple of times, the Fourth Hokage noticed his Sensei standing in front of his desk. Then immediately sat up in his chair as he asked in embarrassment, "oh, Jiraiya-sensei, how long have you've been here?"
"About five minutes," Jiraiya answered, deciding to take it easy on the Namikaze since he knows what day tomorrow is.
"Oh, I see, sorry about that. I was just-" Minato started before Jiraiya stopped him with the raise of a hand.
"Don't worry about it kiddo, it's all good," Jiraiya spoke calmly after his former student stopped rambling. Then asked, "you why did you have me come back here? Does it have something to do with little spy's visit?"
Minato gave his Sensei a small apologetic smile, as his tired blue eyes tried to hide his true emotions. Jiraiya could easily see just how exhausted his former student really was. Not just by the dark under-eye marks, but by the solemn expression that he is trying to cover, with a fake smile. The concerned Toad Sannin already mentally concluded that he is going to get Minato out of the office and get some fresh air to help clear his mind.
"Yes. I called you here because there's some important information I need help requiring." Minato asked the spymaster, trusting his Sensei's skills at intel gathering.
"Sure. I'll see what I can do," Jiraiya answered, still not knowing what kind of information he will be gathering.
"Perfect, thank you," Minato exclaimed with an almost real smile. "Oh, Jiraiya-sensei I want you to come with me, I'm going to be speaking with agent weasel shortly, and he might know where you need to go to start your search." The Namikaze added cheerfully, before grabbing a paper tag out his desk with a seal painted on it. Then turned to the unmasked Anbu and kindly ordered, "Tenzo, could you please stay here incase if something urgent comes up. If my presence is required, just put a small amount of your chakra into the seal, so it will alert me to come back here."
"Yes, Lord Fourth," Tenzo replied with a slight bow, as he puts on his Anbu mask. Then watched as Minato and Jiraiya walk out of the office, knowing that the Fourth Hokage was going to go see their visiting Anbu agent. Then Tenzo takes one more quick glance at the team photo on the desk before leaving to stand guard at the door.
The village was busy, like any other late morning weekday. Shop doors opened, for any potential customer passing by, restaurants and food stand filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma. Children running, playing along the streets, as shinobi and civilians alike carry on with their daily business. Some of these people gave a slight incline of their heads or short bow when crossing paths with the Fourth Hokage and Toad Sage.
Jiraiya continued to walk alongside his once student and now leader, down the main road through the village. Once the crowded streets dwindled to nearly empty streets, the Toad Sannin then shifted his gaze to the Namikaze and quietly asked, "so, what is this information that you need?"
Minato's tired blue eyes turned sharp as he scanned the area around them, before placing a hand on his Sensei's shoulder, and teleported away. Before to reappear on one of the paths near the training fields near the village outskirts. Only then did the Yellow Flash answer, Jiraiya's question, "two days ago, a mysterious shinobi wearing a wolf mask saved three of our jonin level shinobi from an ambush orchestrated by the Hidden Stone Village. However, in my own search, I saw no records of a missing or rogue shinobi matching their description and skill set."
"This shinobi must be quite skilled for you to call me," Jiraiya retorted with a slight hum of suspicion in his voice.
"They killed thirty-five Anbu from the stone village," Minato added in a deadpan tone. While handing Jiraiya a scroll that contained a copy of Genma's mission report, and a drawing of the wolf mask.
That caught Jiraiya's attention. "Hmm, impressive," he hummed, understanding his student's concern. Knowing that Anbu from the hidden stone village are crafty and are extremely deadly when fighting against a team of them. That's when they're in teams small teams four, five at most, not a small army of thirty-five of highly skilled shinobi. "Why do you want me to get information about them?" Jiraiya asked, already having a good idea of what the answer is.
"I want to make sure this shinobi is not a threat to the village," the Fourth Hokage replied as they continued walking along the dirt path.
"But you said this shinobi saved of our jonin level shinobi. So why do you think they're a threat?" Jiraiya questioned, curious about the Yellow Flash's reasoning.
While facing forward, the Fourth Hokage's eyes drifted down to the dirt path. But not to see where he was going, but thinking about the information he learned two days ago. After silently thinking for a moment, Minato answered with, "to be honest, I don't really know. I just want to know who's behind the mask, and why they went out of their way to save Genma, Guy, and Ebisu."
Silence remained between the two for a few long minutes. Jiraiya could see why the Namikaze might be a little on edge. Since when a missing-nin or rouge shinobi make themselves known, it usually means that they want something or are planning something. Especially after the nine tails incident. When a mysterious cloaked shinobi that wasn't from any known shinobi village, attacked Kushina after she had just given birth to Naruto. Plus, from what Minato and Kushina told him, the thing was not even human.
According to Minato and Kushina's reports, the thing that attacked them was some sort of humanoid creature. That was half black and half white with short mossy green hair, wearing a black cloak. The black half had other no facial features besides a round dull yellow eye, while the white half has an actual face, but its eye was closed. That was until, Kushina saw it open it's closed eye revealing a Mangekyō Sharingan, while it tried to pull out the nine-tailed fox that was sealed inside her. Luckily, Minato was able to intervene before the thing could unseal the demon fox. However, the humanoid creature was able to retrieve half of the demon fox from Kushina, then unleashed it on to the Hidden Leaf Village. When the nine-tailed fox was finally temporarily restrained. Minato used almost all his remaining chakra to create eight trigrams seal on his newborn son to seal away the freed half-demon fox.
Jiraiya remembered how he was barely able to reseal the seal on Kushina. While Tsunade had to activate her hundred healings technique within the mark on her forehead to transfer large amounts of chakra to both Kushina and Minato to save them. After Kushina and Naruto's seals were checked and secured, Minato and Jiraiya went to get help from Fugaku Uchiha. To find out that the Mangekyō Sharingan that the creature possessed had the exact same pattern as Madara Uchiha's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. After that, they spent a whole year of searching and tracking for the black and white creature, but it disappeared completely, without a trace. Even to this day, no one has been able to find it, and it been almost thirteen years since that day.
"Are you thinking of recruiting this shinobi?" Jiraiya asked as a half-hearted joke, but his curiosity towards this mysterious wolf masked shinobi is starting to grow.
"Right now? No," Minato answered seriously, not seeing the humor in his Sensei's question. Before elaborating, "there are too many factors to consider that decision, for now. However, a shinobi with strength like that won't go unnoticed for long. It's only a matter of time until other villages will seek this shinobi out."
"Hm," Jiraiya hummed in agreement. "How your head?" He asked trying to keep the conversation going, and to make sure his blonde student is actually alright.
"Kushina invited Obito and Rin for dinner two nights in a row," Minato replied with a small smile. Then with a low chuckle, the Namikaze added as his smile turned solemn, "my head is still pounding, but not as bad as it was yesterday. Guess I'm used to it, huh?"
"How many complaints have you gotten?" Jiraiya questioned, after letting out an amused huff.
"Four, so far." Minato sighed out as they continued walking out to the end of the village borders.
Jiraiya let out a laugh as he added, "at least it's less than last time!"
"Yeah... I know it's just her way of grieving. To care for those who are suffering from grief, whether it be the same or not." Minato replied as all amusement left his face for a moment showing just how exhausted he really was before replacing his mental mask again. Hiding his pain from his former Sensei.
"It's been sixteen years since then, Minato." Jiraiya softly spoke, knowing that this is an extremely touchy subject for the Namikaze. Then added in an understanding tone, "I understand the pain of losing a student, and the hole it can leave in one's heart, but you have to accept what happened and move on."
"Are you telling me to forget about Kakashi, Jiraiya-sensei?" The infamous Yellow Flash questioned in an icy tone as he stopped walking, which made Jiraiya stop and turned towards him. He gazed at the toad sage next to him, with sharp eyes that narrowed dangerously, a silent warning for the Toad Sage to be careful with what he says next.
"No," Jiraiya firmly answered, unaffected by Minato's silent threat. Then explained in the same tone, "I'm telling you to forgive yourself for what happened. It was not your fault for what happened to Kakashi. That was war, and people died, in war."
Minato's eyebrows drew up as his blue eyes widened, looking up at his Sensei as his mouth cracked opened as if he was a lost for words. Before his mouth closed, and eyes narrowing and slow shifting back down to the dirt under their feet. Then those blonde eyebrows frowned as his eyes clenched shut, and face wrinkled in anguish as his teeth bared. As if he was silently sneering at the emotions that are causing him so much pain.
After a long moment to keep his emotions in check, the Fourth Hokage spoke in a low and careful tone, "I understand." Then before Jiraiya could say anything, Minato quickly added, "I don't what to talk this anymore... come on, there's someone waiting for us." Then started walking ahead of the Toad Sage, not looking back to see Jiraiya's pained expression.
In a small clearing in the forest at the edge of Konoha's border, was a group of three Uchiha. The oldest Uchiha was wearing the standard jonin uniform, while the second oldest was dressed in his Anbu uniform. Unlike, for the youngest Uchiha, who was wearing a black cloak with a red cloud on it, as he held his bamboo hat in his hand.
When Minato and Jiraiya arrived at the clearing, they saw Obito and Shisui laughing at whatever story Itachi was talking about. From what Jiraiya could gather, the story was about how a rouge kunoichi was terribly flirting with him at a tavern he and his Akatsuki partner were in the Land of Rivers. Overall, Jiraiya and Minato were relieved to see the eighteen-year-old Uchiha looking healthy. Considering he's been spying on the Akatsuki for the hidden leaf village for about five years now. When the group noticed their presence, Obito and Shisui quickly dismissed themselves, so they can go get Itachi's visitors.
"Hello Itachi, sorry for interrupting your story. I'm glad to see you looking well, how are you doing?" Minato spoke in a cheerful yet apologetic tone, as he and Jiraiya stood before the young Uchiha.
"Hello, Lord Fourth, Master Jiraiya," Itachi greeted, with a short bow. Then added smoothly with a small sympathetic grin, "I am doing as well as one can be on long-term missions like these. No one has caught on to my true purpose yet."
Minato nodded, glad for all things considered. However, he still hated that Itachi had to be the one task with this mission. Even though the Uchiha clan's oldest heir has the best skill set for this mission, and Itachi knows this, that's why he volunteered for the mission. Itachi became a rouge shinobi after he "attempted" to assassinate the Fourth Hokage. Then after two years of creating a reputation for himself as a rogue shinobi while secretly passing progress reports to Minato about any interesting information he gets on the Akatsuki. These secret reports continued even after a female member of the Akatsuki requested that Itachi should join the organization to help them achieve true peace.
"Good. Could you answer a few questions for me while Obito and Shisui bring the others?" Minato questioned, deciding to get straight to the point.
"Of course, Lord Fourth. What would you like to know?" Itachi asked, as his dark eyes remained on his family's friend.
"Have you ever heard of a shinobi wearing a wolf mask with red markings on it? They're a shinobi that has a lightning jutsu that creates purple lightning." The Namikaze questioned, silently hoping that Itachi has some information on this mysterious shinobi.
"You mean the Wolf?" Itachi answered with a question of his own.
"Is that what they're going by?" Jiraiya asked, with an eyebrow raised as he entered the conversation.
"Yes sir," Itachi replied with a small nod to the Toad Sage. Before added, "since no one's ever seen his face, everyone just calls him by the mask he wears. His strength is quite well known within the missing-nin communities, and some civilian community as well."
"How do you know they're a man?" Jiraiya asked inwardly feeling a bit stupid about his question, but Minato has not informed him of this Wolf person's gender.
"By his voice, and body type. But I guess there's a possibility of them being a woman using a transformation jutsu to be a man." Itachi answered calmly but doubted that was the case.
"Do you think he is a threat to the village?" Minato asked in a more serious tone.
Itachi looked down for a moment in thought, then answered, "from what rumors I've heard, I don't think he would ever go as far as attacking a village. It's not in his character, but he is strong."
"Yeah, we found that out when he killed thirty-five Hidden Stone Anbu, singlehandedly," Jiraiya retorted. After seeing a lack of shock, surprise, or even concern in Uchiha's expression, Jiraiya asked, "do you really think this Wolf person is strong enough to attack, or maybe defeat the village?"
Itachi was silent for a long moment, which had Minato and Jiraiya more concerned. Then the Uchiha spoke in a concern tone, "Lord Fourth, Master Jiraiya. Please do not underestimate this shinobi."
"Why what do you know about him?" Minato questioned, not wanting another nine tails incident happening again.
"From what I heard, the Wolf rarely takes assassination missions, mostly accepting escort missions. He doesn't ask for more than what the pay is, and to the missing-nin and civilian communities, he's known as a trustworthy missing-nin." The young Uchiha explained what he's heard since he has never seen or met the Wolf.
"A trustworthy missing-nin. Huh, now I've heard everything," Jiraiya joked humorlessly, but doesn't doubt Itachi's words. Knowing that the young Uchiha in front of him isn't of type of person to make jokes about these kinds of matters, or just in general, the Toad Sage doesn't really know for certain.
Itachi's lips slightly curved upwards. Before adding, "there one more thing about him that I know, and that is that he is very protective of children, or at least refuses to harm children. A few months ago, Kakazu was in one of the missing-nin hideouts in the land of keys and said that he saw a client asking the Wolf to assassinate a target for them. The target was a child. Instead of assassinating the target, he killed the client instead."
"Anything else you've heard about?" Minato asked, now wanting to find out more about the Wolf shinobi.
"There's also a rumor going around that he has single-handedly killed an army of five hundred shinobi," Itachi added but didn't fully believe it. He guessed that there could've been a real battle, but figured the five hundred shinobi army defeated by one man was just an exaggeration.
"What?" Minato and Jiraiya both asked, and judging by the looks on their faces, Itachi can tell that they're thinking the same.
"Apparently, he's a one-man army. Personally, I find it hard to believe. However, if there is any truth to this rumor, then it's possible that this shinobi fought in the third shinobi war, or fought in a battle during one the uprisings in some country's civil war." Itachi elaborated, knowing that Minato and Jiraiya both know about the Civil Wars that several countries have been or are still going through right now.
"Is there more? Like what village he's from? Or rank?" Jiraiya questioned needing all the information he can get so he can find somewhere to start searching.
"There has been no information on rank, or Village," Itachi replied with a small shake of his head. Then added, "however, the Akatsuki has been looking for him. For what I don't know yet, but if I had to guess it's either to recruit him or kill him."
"Has there been any confrontation yet?" Jiraiya questioned, hoping this shinobi hasn't joined the Akatsuki.
"Yes..." Itachi paused, almost as if he was unsure of how to answer. Then explained in an even tone, "he declined the offer to join the organization and tried to leave. When they tried to persuade the Wolf to join, he ended up killing one of the lower members of the Akatsuki. Before injuring one of the organization's stronger members."
"Who did he injure?" Minato asked, now guessing this shinobi is around A rank, maybe a borderline S rank at most.
Itachi let out a soft sigh as he answered evenly, "Sasori of the red sand, by putting a shallow cut on the seal that conceals his heart and chakra. Almost killing him and breaking a large number of his puppets."
"You're kidding," Jiraiya spoke, almost in disbelief, as the Namikaze had a similar expression on his face.
"No, sir," the spy replied flatly, shaking his head again. Then explained, "he then killed Sasori's partner, when they started boasting about how they were one of the higher-ups in the human-trafficking ring, before joining the Akatsuki. Then the Wolf almost killed Sasori after he attempted to detain him with his puppets. After that, the Wolf walked away and disappeared."
"When and where did this fight happen?" Jiraiya asked, thinking it would be a good start to getting more information on this Wolf shinobi.
"Somewhere between the Land of Wind and Land of Earth. It was about two weeks ago," Itachi answered.
"How's the Akatsuki taking the loss of two of its members?" Minato questioned, knowing a little bit about their organization's plan.
"Sasori is still recovering, and they didn't care about the other guy. From what I can tell, none of them were surprised that he died, and frankly, I'm not all that surprised either," Itachi explained in his usual bored tone. Then continued, "the Akatsuki has been getting enough job requests to where we have to split up our two-man teams. To fill the openings, and ensure the missions are completed on time. That's why I was only able to visit today. Since Kisame and I have been tasked with separate missions, however, I must leave at the end of the hour to not cause any suspicion."
"I understand," Minato replied calmly, taking in all the information that has been presented to him. Then asks, "what's the Akatsuki's plans for right now?"
"Here's a scroll of their plans and missions the next three months," the young spy answered, as he pulled a scroll out of his Akatsuki cloak, giving it to the Fourth Hokage. Then added, "there's also a list of potential candidates for the Akatsuki to recruit into the organization, Wolf is also on that list."
"Thank you for your hard work, Itachi," Minato replied with sincerity in his tone and a kind smile on his face.
"I'm glad to have helped, Lord Fourth," Itachi answered with another small respectable bow to the blonde Hokage.
"However, I have some new orders for you, and this order must be fulfilled," Minato spoke in a stern tone, making him sound like the Hokage that he was.
"What are your orders, Sir?" Itachi asked firmly, standing straighter, waiting for his Hokage's orders.
"Come. Back. Alive." The Fourth Hokage ordered in a stern tone, a tone he only uses when he has to be a serious, no-nonsense leader of Konoha.
Jiraiya smirked from where he stands, arms nonchalantly crossed over his chest. The last time the Toad Sage heard his student speak like this was when Danzo Shimura challenged Minato's authority as Hokage. He still remembers how the Namikaze was able to shut up the leader of the village's hawk faction, as well as remove him from the seat of power in the village.
However, Danzo is still the clan head of the Shimura clan, which comes with some power in the village's court system, but it's a huge step down from having a seat of the village council. Then to make things even better, Minato put Hiruzen, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Fugaku on the council along with the two remaining elders. Jiraiya knew it was a way to fix the power struggle within the Uchiha clan as well as a way of putting more people on the Hokage's council that Minato trusted. However, Jiraiya personally thought it was Minato's way of giving Danzo the middle finger, and the Toad Sage loved it all the same.
Itachi's onyx eyes widened, as the look of shock was evident on his face. His jaw went slack, parting his lips slightly in surprise as his dark gaze locked on to the Namikaze bright blue eyes. Jiraiya didn't like how the young Uchiha how so surprised with being ordered to come home alive, not as someone in a body bag labeled 'Rogue Shinobi'.
"I do not want you to sacrifice yourself for your Undercover mission. I am ordering you to come back to the village. To come home if and when staying in the Akatsuki is too dangerous. You are not allowed to die as a rouge shinobi, for you are Itachi of the Hidden Leaf Village. And when you come home, you will be welcomed," Minato finished, with a confident look on his face. This was something the Namikaze would not take no for an answer. Suddenly, the Fourth Hokage could sense several familiar chakra signatures coming their way, and knew it was time to wrap things up.
Itachi lowered his head, eyes drifted close as his lips pulled into a small but sincere smile. Then softly spoke in a slightly shaky voice, "of course, sir... Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Minato's smile grew as his expression softened as he looked at the young Uchiha that he's known since he was a small child. Then placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder and cheerfully added, "now it's time for you to see your visitors."
Before Itachi could question the Fourth Hokage's words, he felt the presence of Shisui and Obito along with three other familiar chakra signatures. He turned quickly to see those chakra signatures that he longed to be with, in the form of his father, mother, and his precious little brother. The moment their eyes met, Sasuke bolted for Itachi. While the Uchiha spy kneeled on the grass arms outstretched as Sasuke's arms wrapped around his big brother's neck, hugging Itachi tightly. While Sasuke buried his face into Itachi's shoulder, Jiraiya and Minato started making their way to the village to give the Uchiha family some privacy. But not before seeing a genuine smile on Itachi's face, for what they bet was the first time in five years as he held his little brother tightly in his arms.
When the Fourth Hokage and Toad Sage were about to leave when Fugaku stops Minato. Deciding that his presence wasn't needed, Jiraiya dismissed himself telling Minato he'll talk to him later. Minato turned to face his friend, the head of the Uchiha clan while a bit further away can see Mikoto hugging Itachi. He could faintly hear the kunoichi commenting on how her son is about her height as they stood together, and Itachi's arms wrapped his mother's waist slightly shook as they tightened. While his head rested against Mikoto's shoulder, as she has one arm wrapped around Itachi's shoulders, hand clenching onto the Akatsuki's cloak, and the other hand slowly stroking her oldest son's raven hair.
"Thank you for informing us about Itachi's visit, and for letting us see him," Fugaku spoke gratitude heavy his usually stoic voice. While slightly bowing his head towards the Fourth Hokage.
"Of course! I just wished I found out about Itachi's arrival sooner, so Izumi could have been here, too." The Namikaze replied cheerfully like it was the most obvious thing to do because to Minato it was.
The proud Uchiha clan head straightened up, before letting out an understanding "hm." Then held up a small envelope for the Yellow Flash to see as he added, "don't worry. One of her ninja cats summonings delivered a letter for Itachi this morning she understands the situation."
Minato nodded, knowing that there was not much he could do given the amount of time he provided. Since he only received word about Itachi's visit yesterday evening, when he was just about to leave his office. Izumi was still on a mission and wasn't due back until next week. It was unfortunate since she is one of the few people that know about Itachi's mission. The only people who know about this mission is Itachi's family, friends, a few handpicked jonin and Anbu, the village's council, and the village's clan heads. The Namikaze inwardly knowing that there are quite a few people that know about Itachi's assignment, but it was the only way to ensure Itachi would be excepted into the village after his mission is over.
"You must be proud of your son," Minato spoke to break the silence. While he and Fugaku watched Sasuke talk about his team and live around the village, as Obito and Shisui filled in the details that Sasuke left out.
"I am," Fugaku confirmed in his usual stoic tone as he watches Itachi interacting with the others. Minato smiled then took his leave to let the clan head see his eldest son. Then once Fugaku is standing alone, in a softer tone, he added, "but I also fear for him."
Obito and Shisui watched as their cousin and clan heir promised his parents that he will be careful, and do everything in his power to come home alive. He and Shisui already had their time catching up with Itachi, so the Jonin-sensei and the Anbu agent stood a respectable distance from the group letting Itachi get to focus on his family. After the hour passed, and Itachi gave everyone his farewell. Not before Mikoto gave her eldest son one last hug, as Fugaku stood behind her arms crossed over his chest as he looked at Itachi with a proud smile with a single nod. After giving Sasuke a hug goodbye, Itachi tapped his fore and middle finger on Sasuke's forehead telling him, his usual excuse for leaving.
Shisui leaves with Itachi to safely escort him out of the village. Soon after, Fugaku leaves saying that he needs to get back to the Uchiha police force headquarters. Mikoto moved to follow her husband but noticed that Sasuke remained unmoving staring in the direction Itachi and Shisui left. Before she could say anything, Obito stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I'll watch over him, and bring him back to the compound when he's ready," Obito spoke softly to his worried aunt.
Mikoto's eyes shifted to her youngest son, who was still standing in the same place. Then looked at Obito with a grateful expression as she answers, "thank you, Obito."
The Jonin-sensei chuckles and rubs the back of his head, as he adds, "well, I am his sensei after all."
Mikoto answers with a light chuckle, before leaving to catch up with Fugaku. Now that they were alone, Obito steadily walks over and stands next to Sasuke. Both of them stood in silence.
"Obito-sensei?" Sasuke asked quietly, breaking the silence surrounding them.
"Yes, Sasuke?" Obito replied, giving his little cousin, and student time to get his thoughts together.
"Why is Itachi doing this?" Sasuke asked, with his head lowered, hiding his expression from his older cousin and sensei.
Obito was quiet for a moment, not knowing how to word his answer. Knowing it was important for Sasuke to have an answer, Obito decided to answer with, "it's something that Itachi feels like he has to do."
"I think, I understand," Sasuke answered in a calm but neutral tone. He thinks he kind of understands why his big brother is doing this but doesn't know for sure. He still misses being with Itachi, but Sasuke does know one thing. He wants to be like his big brother, a true shinobi.
"Come on, Sasuke. Let's go home," Obito spoke with unusual calmness, as he gently ruffles his student's raven hair.
Sasuke almost flinches at the unexpected touch but remained unmoving. Then gave a short nod, and a tired, "okay."
A/N: Hello everyone! This chapter was a lot longer than I expected. Sorry for any grammar errors, and taking so long to finish this chapter. I've been insanely busy between work and college and life in general. Plus, I'm trying to finish up Alone No More by the end of this school year. This story is not being abandoned, I'm just slow to update on it, so please don't worry. Overall, I hope this chapter reaches your expectations! Leave a comment on what you think about the chapter, what you think will happen next, and leave a favorite if you like the chapter. Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter, and I hope you are looking forward to the next update. Thanks again, and I hope you all have an amazing day!
