XXII: New Endeavors

Itachi sat in one of the out of the way briefing rooms in the Hokage Residence, away from prying eyes and listening ears. With him were Shisui and the Hokage.

"Has the situation with your clan calmed down?" the village leader asked.

Itachi glanced over at the wall. "Before we begin; Danzo, are you there?!" There was no response.

"Have no fear, Itachi," the Hokage said. "I've made sure that Danzo has no involvement with this particular issue."

"That's good to hear, sir," Itachi replied.

"And to answer your question, Lord Hokage," Shisui spoke. "Yes, it seems that after the recent incident support for a coup has died down within the clan."

The Hokage nodded slowly, taking a pull from his pipe. "Excellent. I can only hope that the sacrifices it took to get here will be worthwhile. But that is not the primary reason for your being here. We need to get you two started on your investigation. Itachi, you told me that the masked Madara claimed to be behind the Nine-Tails attack, correct?"

"Yes, that is what Tekka told me under genjutsu," Itachi confirmed. "It seems that is the best place to start."

"What can we investigate?" Shisui asked. "We're talking about events that happened years ago."

The Hokage took a deep breath, laying his pipe down on his lap. "There are certain details about that night that are not known to the general public. I will share them with you two, but you must never tell anyone else."

"Understood, my Lord," Itachi responded.

"The first mystery, one that has stuck with me for all these years, was how slow Minato was to get to the battlefield," the Hokage began. "A shinobi with his prodigious speed should have been among the first on the scene, even if he had been preoccupied at the time or if news of the attack had been slow to get to him."

"Unless a highly skilled enemy held him up," Itachi commented. "Someone like a Madara Uchiha."

The Hokage nodded. "The theory certainly fits."

Shisui held his hand to his chin in thought. "Except, where would such a battle have taken place?"

"We never found anything to suggest that a battle between shinobi happened that night," the Third replied. "However, shortly after he became Hokage, Minato set up a number of safe houses in the outlying areas surrounding the village so that he could teleport to them in emergency situations. He never shared their locations, not with me, the ANBU, or even his own personal guards."

"That creates an opening then," Shisui said. "Lord Fourth could have fled to one of these safe houses only for the enemy to pursue and engage him there. Since no one would know where to look, we wouldn't find out. Though, how could the enemy have known to pursue him there in the first place?"

"The chances of that do seem slim," Itachi commented. "However, we can't rule it out. I think one of our main goals should be to find these safe houses and see if any evidence is to be found."

Shisui nodded. "I agree. It will take some time to search that large an area, but it is a lead."

"I do have one other concern, Lord Hokage," Itachi continued. "If you'd allow me to ask."

"Go ahead," the Hokage replied.

"Where did the fox come from?" the Uchiha asked. "As far as I'm aware, Madara used it to battle the First Hokage early on the village's history, then it just disappears until it pops up one day, attacks the village, and gets sealed by the Fourth. Where could it have gone? Furthermore, couldn't Madara, assuming he survived, have taken back control of the Nine-Tails at any time? Why wait so long?"

The Hokage stayed silent for a moment, looking back and forth between the two Uchiha before speaking. "Very well, I will tell you. However, before I do, understand that this is a matter of the utmost secrecy. Even more so than what we've already discussed. This is a state secret of the highest level, dating back almost to the founding of the Hidden Leaf itself."

Itachi swallowed in anticipation. "We understand."

"The Nine-Tails didn't just disappear after Madara's defeat," the Third said. "It was sealed away."

"By the First Hokage?" Shisui asked.

The Third shook his head. "No, by his wife, Mito. She was an expert in sealing jutsu, one of the best this village has ever seen, and she sealed the Nine-Tails within herself to become its first Jinchuriki. The village has controlled the Nine-Tails ever since, though we kept it secret and never sought to use it as a weapon, as other villages experimented with."

Itachi and Shisui exchanged surprised looks. "Wow," the former said. "That would explain why Madara couldn't have used the fox."

The Hokage nodded. "Yes, that is the reason. Lady Mito passed on many years ago, but before she died she arranged for the tailed beast's transfer to a new host, a young girl from her clan who possessed a rare ability that made her exceptionally well suited to keeping the Nine-Tails' power in check."

"Who was this girl?" Shisui asked.

"She was, as fate would have it, someone who would also marry a Hokage," the Third answered. "In this case it was Kushina Uzamaki, Minato's wife."

Itachi's jaw dropped, uncertain what to make of this information. He glanced over at Shisui, himself wide eyed in surprise.

"So then," Itachi began, still trying to process. "Was she still the Jinchuriki the night that..."

"She was," the Hokage interrupted. "And she was pregnant."

If Itachi's jaw could have dropped lower, it would of. Since it couldn't, his stunned silence was the only evidence of his deepening sense of shock.

Shisui seemed to recover faster. "What's the significance of her being pregnant?"

"Pregnancies in female Jinchuriki are more strenuous than normal," the Hokage answered. "The body already spends a significant amount of energy maintaining the seal on the Tailed Beast and the effort that is taken to nurture a child in the womb makes it even more difficult. This has the effect of lengthening the pregnancy and, more importantly, makes the seal progressively weaker as it goes along. For that reason Kushina's pregnancy was considered to be top secret."

Itachi let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. "So, Madara could have taken advantage of a compromised seal to unleash the Nine-Tails and take control of it."

"Yes," the Hokage replied. "Not that an outside force would have been necessary, there had been a chance that the demon fox would break out on its own. We took many precautions against that, but the possibility had always existed. The only thing we were more sure of was that we had kept Kushina's pregnancy secret. But if someone as powerful as Madara had somehow discovered it, he could of easily overcome our defenses and broken Kushina's seal. My wife had been overseeing the birth and the location was being monitored by a team of the most trusted ANBU. We had assumed that they were the fox's first victims, but perhaps they had fallen to a more human foe."

"Wow," Itachi said, cradling his face in his hands. "Except...Uzamaki. Naruto is her son? Their son?"

The Hokage nodded solemnly.

"But his heritage is a secret because of the fact that Kushina's pregnancy was itself secret," Shisui surmised.

"Correct," the Hokage confirmed. "Had the birth gone as planned they would have lived happily as a family, but after the tragedy it was decided that maintaining that secrecy was the safer option."

"Was the Nine-Tails being sealed in Naruto a matter of convenience?" Itachi asked. "Simply on account of being a newborn that was close at hand."

The Hokage shook his head. "Given Minato's abilities and personality, he never would of had such a concern. This was perhaps the thing that puzzled me the most about that night. Why did Minato and Kushina opt to seal the Nine-Tails in their son? They would not have done so without a compelling reason."

"Perhaps fighting someone as strong as Madara could have led Lord Fourth to conclude that the village would need the Nine-Tails' power to combat them," Itachi proposed.

"I have been thinking that as well," the Hokage stated.

"The theory really does fit," Shisui said. "Still, we should search those safe houses for evidence."

Itachi nodded. "Yeah, we should mobilize a force to do it."

"No," the Hokage interrupted. "As I said earlier, everything we've said here stays between us."

"That will slow the process down dramatically," Itachi replied. "But we shall see it through however we must."

"You misunderstand," the Hokage said. "I do not mean for you two alone to handle this. I have already sent for trusted allies who are already in the know. They've been traveling for quite some time, but once they return I'll be looking for them to work with you."

"That's understandable," Shisui commented.

"Might we add a few more people?" Itachi asked.

The Hokage paused for a moment, considering the proposal. "I might consider a candidate or two if you suggest them. But I must stress the need for secrecy, keep this information between as few people as possible."

Itachi nodded, filing the information away in his mind. In the meanwhile he had a great deal to consider.


Walking through the halls of his home, Itachi mulled things over in his mind. For the moment he and Shisui were on standby while the Hokage's allies gathered. Itachi himself was considering if there was anyone that he wanted to bring into the fold. He was distracted from his thoughts when his mother came in through the front door. It was strange, Itachi thought, to see her not in a dress and apron, but in shinobi uniform with a flak jacket and an armband bearing the symbol of the Military Police Force.

"Itachi," Mikoto said as she was taking off her sandals. "How was your day?"

"Fine," the young Clan Head replied. "Had a meeting with the Hokage earlier."

"What about?" Mikoto asked.

"I'm afraid I can't say," Itachi responded.

Mikoto nodded. "I see."

"But forget that," Itachi said. "How was your first day on the job?"

"Bit of culture shock, coming back after not being active for so long," Mikoto answered. "But I'm adjusting, and I think this will work out well." She stepped past Itachi, headed for the kitchen. "Now, would you like anything to eat? I could probably whip up something quick."

Itachi followed her. "No, I don't think so."

"OK," Mikoto replied. "I'll just make something for myself then."

Itachi nodded, his mind silently returning to his thoughts from before Mikoto returned home. He a made half turn towards the door, but stopped when something occurred to him. "Mother, you are around the same age as the Fourth Hokage, correct?"

Mikoto looked over her shoulder at Itachi, an eyebrow raised. "Where's this coming from?"

"Just humor me, Mother," Itachi replied.

"Fine," Mikoto said, reaching into a cabinet. "Yes, he and I were in the Academy at around the same time. Can't say I knew him all that well though, he graduated a few years early and we ran in different social circles. I was close friends with his eventual wife though."

"Kushina?" Itachi asked.

Mikoto came to a stand still, holding a box of produce in her hand. She slowly turned to Itachi. "How do you know that name?"

"It's not like it was some secret," Itachi returned.

"No, but I wouldn't expect younger generations to know that," Mikoto replied. "No more than I'd expect someone my age to know who the First Hokage's wife was."

Mother and son stood there for a while, staring at each other.

"Itachi," Mikoto began, putting the box down and leaning against the counter. "What are you angling for? You are not one to ask questions on a lark."

"I'd heard an interesting story about the Fourth from an older colleague that I didn't quite believe," Itachi replied. "I thought if I could learn more about his background and personality that it might shed some light on the matter."

Mikoto stared at her elder son, clearly not believing him. Itachi stared back, uncertain where to proceed from here. Both were distracted by the sound of the front door opening.

Sasuke came running into the kitchen, still wearing his sandals. "Mother, can I have some money? I want to go the senbei shop."

Mikoto was taken aback by the scene. "OK, Sasuke. But what are you so excited about?"

"Naruto's here to come try it out!" Sasuke exclaimed.

"Where is Naruto?" Itachi asked.

Sasuke pointed towards the front door. "He's waiting outside."

Itachi and Mikoto exchanged glances before following Sasuke. They made their way out to the front door and opened it to find Naruto standing outside.

"Um, hi," Naruto said, offering a weak wave of his hand.

"You don't have to be so awkward," Sasuke said, walking over to his friend.

"What?! I've never been to friend's house!" Naruto exclaimed. "I don't know what to do!"

Mikoto began giggling, getting progressively louder and louder until that giggle graduated into a full blown laugh.

"What's so funny, lady?!" Naruto asked

"Hey, loser, that's my mother your talking too," Sasuke warned.

"Oh, right" Naruto replied. "Sorry...um...Mrs. Uchiha."

Mikoto regained control of herself. "I'm sorry, you just reminded me of...someone I used to know."

"Um..." Naruto began, clearly uncertain of what to do in this circumstance.

"Mother, how about I go ahead and take them to the senbei shop," Itachi interjected. "I'll pay for them."

"OK, Itachi, go ahead," Mikoto said.

"Let's go then," Sasuke stated, turning on his heels and walking towards the street.

Naruto followed after the younger Uchiha. "Bet it's not going to be better than Ichiraku."

"Just try it," Sasuke replied.

Itachi smiled and shook his head as he walked after the pair. He heard his mother sigh and whisper to herself as he stepped away.

"Maybe you were right about them after all, old friend."

Itachi glanced back at her but she was already closing the door. He chose to push that out of his mind for the moment and continue accompanying the younger boys. The senbei shop was only a short distance away, around a couple of corners and near the entrance to the Uchiha compound.

"Here we are," Itachi said to Naruto as they came up to the store.

"This doesn't seem like much," the Uzamaki commented. "It's just a corner store."

"And Ichiraku's just a food stall!" Sasuke exclaimed.

"Yeah, but the ramen is incredible," Nartuto replied.

Sasuke threw his arms in the air, clearly exasperated. "Then how about you wait until you've tried the food here!"

"Fine, fine," Naruto said with a grin. After a second's hesitation Sasuke returned the expression.

Itachi shook his head and chuckled, the boys too caught up in their conversation to notice him.

"Well, what do we have here?" someone from inside the shop asked. Out stepped Teyaki, the store owner. "Hello Sasuke, Itachi. This a friend of yours?"

Sasuke nodded. "Yes, this is Naruto. I brought him here to try some of your famous senbei."

"Naruto?" the store owner asked, taken aback for a split second. "I see, so you were the one that got kidnapped."

"You heard about that, mister?" Naruto asked.

"Yes," Teyaki answered. "I'm deeply ashamed that the perpetrators were of the Uchiha clan."

"Don't worry about it," Naruto said with a grin. "It's not like you did it yourself or anything."

Teyaki smiled. "I see you're a good-natured kid, makes you a good match for little Sasuke. Very well, I'll let you have two free senbei. One as a sample, one as an apology on the behalf of the Uchiha Clan!"

"Awesome!" Naruto exclaimed as he and Sasuke followed Teyaki into the store.

Left alone on the street, Itachi watched the trio go. "I guess they didn't need me to give them money after all." He turned towards the compound entrance to see a pair of figures walking through it. "Oh, Shisui, Izumi, hello."

"Oh, Itachi," Shisui replied. "What're you doing out here?"

Itachi jabbed his thumb at the senbei shop. "Sasuke brought a friend to check out the shop here. I told them I'd come with them."

"A friend?" Shisui asked. "Who might that be?"

Before Itachi had a chance to answer the door to the store opened, Naruto walking out of with a box of senbei, each of the little rice crackers covered in a different flavor of sugary coating.

"I thought Teyaki said he was giving you two free senbei," Itachi said. "How did you get that many?"

Naruto grinned. "Yeah, he said two, but once we actually got in there he started to give me more and more." He took a bite out of a senbei.

Looking through the store window, Itachi could see Teyaki being yelled at by his wife, no doubt for giving away so much free food.

"So you're Naruto," Shisui said, approaching the young Uzamaki. "We've met before, though you were unconscious the last time."

"What do you mean by that?" Naruto asked.

"I was on the team that saved you from the kidnappers," Shisui explained.

"Oh, well, thank you!" Naruto replied.

The pair continued talking as Izumi sidled up next to Itachi.

"That's him?" she asked. "The one who..."

"Yes," Itachi answered before she could complete the sentence.

Izumi watched Naruto, a hint of disdain on her expression. "How long before he leaves?"

Itachi pulled the young kunoichi aside. "You don't have to be so contemptful of him, you know. He isn't the fox."

"I know," Izumi replied, looking guilty. "But I look at him and I think of the Nine-Tails, think of it killing my father."

"It wasn't his fault," Itachi said.

"I know," Izumi repeated.

Sasuke suddenly appeared next to the pair, tugging on Izumi's sleeve. "Do you hate Naruto too?" he asked, shooting a glare at the kunoichi.

"What? No!" Izumi responded. "I barely know the kid."

"Good," Sasuke said before turning and walking back to join Naruto and Shisui.

A silent moment followed before Itachi let out a chuckle. "I'm sorry, it seems that Sasuke has become rather protective of Naruto."

"I guess I understand that," Izumi replied.

"By the way," Itachi said. "What were you doing with Shisui?"

"Oh, I asked him to help me file a transfer request," Izumi said. "I want to join the regular forces."

"I see," Itachi replied, glancing over at Shisui, who was smiling and bantering back and forth with Naruto. "That's good to hear."

"Well, um, it's getting late," Izumi commented. "My mom is probably waiting for me."

"Yeah, you're right," Itachi replied. "We should probably finish up for the day."

Izumi nodded and began walking further into the compound. "See you later then."

"Alright," Itachi called out, walking over to join the trio of Shisui, Sasuke, and Naruto. "I think it's time for everyone to head home for the day."

"Ah, come on," Naruto replied before taking a bite out of another senbei.

"No, Itachi's right," Shisui said. "You kids still have homework to do and school and training tomorrow, right?"

"I guess," Naruto responded.

"But," Sasuke said, glancing back and forth between the two older Uchiha. "I don't want Naruto to go home alone."

"Is that all?" Shisui asked. "Don't worry, Sasuke. I'll make sure he gets home safe."

"Don't I get a say in this?" Naruto questioned.

Shisui turned to the young Uzamaki. "How about I help you for your next big exam? Whenever you need it."

Naruto paused, thinking about the proposal, though he didn't seem particularly enthused by it. "Fine," he said, smiling and holding out a fist.

Shisui bumped fists with Naruto before leading him out of the Uchiha compound.

"You ready to go, Sasuke?" Itachi asked.

Sasuke stood silent for a moment, watching Naruto and Shisui disappear from sight before turning around. "Yeah."

Itachi observed his younger brother as they made their way home. It was obvious how much Sasuke had latched on to Naruto after the kidnapping and their father's death. To see him care for someone else that much was, on its own, a positive sign to Itachi. But he could also tell that Sasuke might end up going too far with it and take some extreme action as a result. Itachi took a deep breath. Dealing with the coup had been daunting, but it had also been a singular goal. The trials of the coming weeks felt as if they were pulling Itachi in multiple and possibly even opposite directions.