Naruto: A Red Eye Hidden by Shadow

by Tatanka4Life

On the fateful night of the Uchiha Massacre, a girl of Uchiha and Nara blood is spared and left with no memories of her past. Now she must walk on the path left by her family to help her build a new future for herself. Her path will be hard, full of struggles and pain, but as long as she has her friends and family at her side she will keep forging ahead, even if it was a drag.

134. Chapter 133: The Trinity

Chapter 133

The Trinity: Together Always, No Matter What!

Along abandoned streets she walked beneath a fathomless canvas of black, through which iron-colored clouds ran like vast flowing rivers and streams. The sky was a dense void of black and cold iron. A void absent of stars playfully twinkling and shimmering together like happy children giggling as they played their games.

The pale glow of the full moon cast a silhouette against the curtain of iron. It was fighting to break through. Struggling to cast light into the abyss, to shine light upon the world beneath it.

Here and there, glowing like rays of pale and cold sunlight through tiny pockets and openings in the iron curtain, the moon illuminated a few of the roads. But not many. Not many.

She walked along the abandoned streets without a cane, searching. Always searching. Directionless in her pursuit. It'd been this way as long as she could remember. Searching, following this path or maybe that one in hopes it was the right road—the path with the proper destination at its end.

She didn't even know what that destination looked like. She had never seen a picture of it, nor had anyone described it in vivid detail, coloring in the lines they drew with magnificent colors she could only dream of. But she hoped that when she reached it, she would know it by seeing it. She hoped at the end of the road, when she reached her destination, she would know in her heart of hearts that she finally arrived.

That this was it. This was where she was meant to be. And that place, no matter how far away it was, no matter how rough the journey, would fill her with relief. It would greet her with a warm hug and whisper in a reassuring voice,

"It's all okay now. You've made it. It's time for you to rest."

She hadn't arrived yet, that much she knew. The road was long, so very long, intersecting with other similarly interminable roads leading to unknown and unexplored destinations.

She was locked in a sprawling maze of empty streets, some lit by street lamps, some dark as the abyss, others glowing in dim, pale moonlight.

Where was she going? Which road led the right way? What was she pursing?

"Haya."

The voice stopped her. Familiar. Warm. Paired with a smile that brightened her world. She looked around frantically in search of the source, spinning in place. Desperation set her heart on a sprint.

Where? Where? Where? Which road?

Where was he?

"Haya."

She bolted down a moonlit road, arms pumping at her sides, dirt crunching beneath her sandals. Even in the moonlight the glow of her crimson and lavender orbs could be seen. They darted side to side, searching, searching, searching.

The voice was here. It was calling to her. If she could reach it, if she could find it in this maze, maybe…

"Haya."

She skid to a halt in the center of an intersection, sandals grating harshly against the dirt. A thin veil of dust was scattered into the air, inadvertently casting a shroud around her. It did not impede her vision.

Left, straight, right, she searched and listened for the voice, heart racing. Chest rising and falling with every heavy, frantic breath.

Which way? Which way?

"Haya."

She lifted her head and spun around like a startled horse, then tore off after the voice. She followed it through moonlit streets, streets shrouded in darkness, fully lit streets. Anywhere, everywhere. No matter how long the street or how tired and heavy her legs grew, she followed.

It called to her. It guided her out of the darkness when she lost her way.

"Haya."

At another intersection she stopped. Sweat poured profusely down her face, soaking her back, chest, arms and legs. Her hair was damp and disheveled. She was out of breath, sucking in oxygen in such a way you would think she narrowly drowned a moment ago. The hot sting of tears welling in her eyes generated a fog in her vision.

Again she began to frantically spin around. Crimson and lavender orbs flicked around rapidly.

"I'm here!" she called back, out of breath while spinning around. She was growing dizzy. "I'm here! Just… Tell me where you are! I can't… I can't see you. I don't…"

She stepped back while turning. Her heel collided against a solid rock; the sudden obstructing force may as well have been a small bull goring her legs out from beneath her.

Solid ground vanished, if only for a moment, replaced by a feeling of falling. Then it was back. She ate a face full of dirt, air crashing out of her lungs with the sudden, sharp aches pulsing through her chest and head.

Gravel was mixed into the dirt, she learned. Upon its harsh, stony razors her fragile flesh was torn apart and bruised. Her knees, elbows and the palms of her hands were scraped open; the pain burned and the wounds bled in tiny beads of crimson. Small stones decorated her flesh, sticking to them as if loosely glued on.

Her vision blurred. She sniffled, bracing her hands on the cold dirt and gravel road which made her knees and hands burn, and her body quivered and shook. Tears, warm as a summer stream and as salty as the ocean, streamed down her cheeks, dripping off her chin and from her eyes to the harsh and cold ground beneath her.

"I don't know where to go," she sobbed. "I just want to go home."

At that moment, warm, golden ethereal light illuminated a sphere over the cold and dark dirt, surrounding the sobbing girl so she was at the epicenter of its radiance.

Eyes glistening and cheeks streaked with tears, she lifted her head to see a grain of light floating before her like a firefly. It descended slowly, leveling with her vision.

"Is…that you…"

The light zipped off without warning. Down a street of total darkness.

Scrambling to her feet, the girl with tears streaming from her eyes ran after the light. She tripped again, nearly crashing face first into the dirt and gravel again. But she caught herself on her hands and toes and flung herself upright hastily, gracelessly, to chase the light.

The new scrapes and burning pain was easily ignored.

As she approached and passed the street lamps they flickered on, illuminating the road ahead and behind her. Above the iron clouds began to part, allowing the pale glow of moonlight to cast its light on the earth again, revealing the fathomless sky of stars twinkling and shimmering joyfully as they watched her run.

Shooting stars zipped across the sky, their tails glimmering in unimaginable shades of blues, purples, reds and greens long after they vanished, painting new streams of light over the dark, abyssal canvas.

The girl was left in awe, but she kept running, kept chasing the grain of light. For she finally understood.

I won't give up, she declared through tears, arms pumping at her sides. No matter where you go, no matter how far ahead of me you are, I won't give up. I'll keep running until I catch you!

The grain of light pulsed. It began to grow, encompassing the whole street.

Beneath a sky of shimmering and twinkling stars, its canvas painted in vibrant shades of glimmering blues, purples, reds and greens, on a street illuminated by the pale moonlight of the full moon and glowing street lamps, she ran into the all encompassing light. Through it. Kept running even when the light was blinding.

There was a feeling of warmness that swarmed her body, embraced her. And in return she embraced it as tightly as she could, running deeper into the light with tears pouring from her eyes.

I'll catch up. I promise. And I'll tell you everything when I get there! Everything. Just… Please… Wait for me.

The crunch of the dirt road beneath her feet faded, and with it her sandals too seemed to vanish. Gentle blades of grass greeted the soles off her feet.

The warm light evaporated for an open field. Sitting at the center was him.

"Shisui!"

He turned to see her, smiling brightly, warmly, as he always did when he saw her.

"Haya, there you are!"

She dove into his arms.

---

Amari awoke on her side. She awoke inside her room, the desk and collection of her pictures, the action figure of All Might, Haku's crystalized flower and Kaito's cage all the proof necessary to know she was no longer dreaming.

A light rain pattered against her window. There was a distant rumble of thunder far beyond her silent room, far away from her rapidly beating heart and its unpleasant pulsing.

The rain was cold, doubtlessly. Not at all like the hot tears on her face and staining her pillowcase. Not at all like the furnace burning inside her body covering her in a thick layer of perspiration.

It'd only been a dream. Or it started out like one. From a dream it had become a wish, a hope, a yearning she would never be rid of. And then a memory from her past life which stoked a light of inspiration to navigate the present circumstances.

The memory, like the light in the dream, had guided her to the answer she was searching for. Or the beginning of an answer, she supposed. But she would think more on it in the morning. For tonight…

Amari threw open the cocoon of heat wrapped around her, grabbed her extra pillow and hugged it tightly against her body, burying her tear streaked face into it. She sniffled as her body shivered and quaked

Tonight she was just a normal, grieving girl.

---

It was raining when Sasuke awoke. He sat up in his bed, blinking away sleep and rubbing his hand over his face, where he found his room veiled in a dull shade of dreary grey.

He glanced wearily to his window, to the streaks of raindrops streaming down the glass in the shape of tears, like the glass itself was crying over the poor weather. Then beyond to the dense curtain of clouds draped across the sky, their color ranging from rich pewter to fresh coal.

Gentle thunder cascaded along the sky. Then grew louder suddenly, rocking and rumbling through his room so heavily that he almost expected to find Naruto on the roof dropping bowling balls to announce his return.

Sasuke didn't flinch. He ran his right hand through his messy hair, stopping the motion at the back of his skull while shutting his eyes and inhaling a long, chest expanding breath. His exhale was longer, somewhere between relief and drowsiness.

The pain is gone, he thought, lowering his arm. He glanced at the rain-streaked window again. But recovery was always just the beginning. The real challenges are ahead. War, the Foundation, the Akatsuki, Orochimaru, rebuilding the Uchiha Clan, that man claiming to be Madara Uchiha, saving Itachi and Aimi…

Another low rumble of thunder thrummed through the walls. The storm was a solid reminder of one truth: The world was awake and alive at all hours, and it waited and catered to no one. And neither would their enemies.

We need to figure out our next move.

Sasuke left his bed on that thought.

---

Standing beneath his dark-blue umbrella, Sasuke rapped his knuckles on the door of the Yūhi household. He knew the hour was early. He knew the weather wasn't any more favorable than it was when he initially left his bed, especially for walking through the Village; the roads were soaked, there were puddles of standing water both large and small, and the rain was adamant in its refusal to let up.

But he also knew Amari was an early riser and, like him, was restless over their circumstances. With the Lord Hiashi and Hyūga Clan situation behind them, and with it the Uchiha Clan matters temporarily settled, their eyes were drawn to the next objective:

How do we prepare for our enemies? For war against the Stone and our war against the Foundation?

How did they hit the ground running? How did they not only catch up to where they left off, but smash away their past limitations? How did they continue to grow when, as Amari put it, Team Seven was on track to split apart in the very near future?

How did they achieve their goals without falling prey to the Foundation, Orochimaru or the Masked Man's dark intentions?

How did they advance when their superiors would seek to protect them from their shared enemies? When they would seek to shelter them from all forms of danger until, inevitably, protection would become imprisonment, and thus turn the Masked Man into a living, breathing oracle?

Many questions lay at his wet and cold feet. Answers were difficult. Complicated. Impatience was just as much their enemy as Orochimaru and the Foundation were. The Masked Man imparted his "warnings" onto Amari specifically to fuel their impatience, to make them see his patterns where they may or may not actually exist, obscuring their otherwise clear vision.

But Sasuke, despite feeling restless on such a cold and wet morning, was calm. Anxiety lacked a foothold in his heart, it slipped off him and, when it took on the form of darkness, found itself burned away by the flickering flames of his Will.

There was no reason to be afraid or anxious, no reason to blindly run off on an impatient whim.

We'll be all right. We'll be ready.

He believed that wholeheartedly. Believed in her wholeheartedly. She would lead them down the correct path, and when she stumbled or faced adversity, he'd be there at her side to pick her up, brush her off and tease the stubborn self-proclaimed Queen. Then they would crush whoever or whatever obstructed their path.

He lifted his hand and rapped his knuckles against the door once, twice and then a thir—

The deadbolt clicked open abruptly, the knob turned and the door opened gently. On the other side was the self-proclaimed queen herself, dressed down in a two-sizes too big fuchsia top and black shorts.

The pendent of her Clan crest's lay gently beneath her clavicle against the fair skin exposed by the over-sized top, displayed without fear just like the scar through her left eye and the netting of scars which tattooed her left arm. Her purple bandana was wrapped securely around her right wrist.

Instantly Sasuke noticed her bloodshot eyes.

She'd been crying.

"Sorry to make you wait," Amari apologized with a soft smile. "I was in the laundry room."

"It's no problem."

She shivered when a cold draft blew past him, brushing up against her and sweeping into her otherwise warm home.

"Here, come in out of the rain and cold," she said, stepping aside and gesturing for him to enter.

Inside with his umbrella shut and his sandals off, the Uchiha boy dried his calves and feet off with the towel Amari brought him, brushing the specks of mud and dirt sticking so he wouldn't track it across the floor. When he finished he followed his fellow Uchiha deeper into her heated home.

Admittedly, it was strange not to hear her every other step echoed by the thump of a cane.

"Did you have breakfast?" she asked.

"Yeah. What about you?"

"A little while ago. Before I started laundry."

He looked towards the kitchen and the stairs, looking and listening for any sign of Kurenai. He didn't hear the Genjutsu Master humming soothingly in the kitchen or hear her quiet footfalls upstairs. Her red eyes did not peer around a wall or a corner to greet him with a smile, nor did her kind voice call from another room to welcome him into her home as if it was his own.

The low hum of the dryer and the tumble of the garments within was all he heard. When Amari noticed she explained it easily,

"Mom had a few errands to run. Shopping for both of us."

"In this weather?"

"The weapon tool shops aren't as busy in the early morning. Or on cold rainy days like this. I haven't had the permission to go shopping to replenish my tools from our last mission. Apparently, according to Mr. Anbu himself, Uncle Shikaku warned him if I did buy ninja tools, I would likely go train with them."

"Heh," Sasuke chuckled. "He knows us both too well."

"I knowww. It's such a drag sometimes," she groaned harmlessly.

Sasuke chuckled.

In the living room they sat together on the couch. Amari crossed her legs and hugged a small pillow against her chest.

"What's on your mind, Sasuke? You didn't stop by to keep me from climbing the walls with chakra, did you?"

"Yes," he drawled. "Kurenai-sensei and I have conspired together to save the walls from such a catastrophe."

"Mutiny, Sasuke?" She sighed dramatically. "How troublesome."

Her dramatics broke off for giggles. He snorted, then chuckled along with her. It didn't change her bloodshot eyes. Didn't wipe away the tears she already shed. But her giggle was sincere, her smile the antithesis to the cold rain, and the light in her eyes too bright for even the curtain of clouds to shut out.

Thunder cascaded across the sky again. The walls trembled slightly. The hum of the dryer was strangely soothing, he found.

"How are you feeling?" Sasuke asked after a short silence.

"I'm okay right now. But… I woke up crying this morning." She hugged the pillow a little tighter. "I dreamed about Shisui. It was so vivid, Sasuke. It was…almost enough to forget he was gone."

Sasuke hummed once, nodding slightly. The feeling was familiar. Understood. In the immediate aftermath of the Massacre he suffered from similar dreams. And intense nightmares from which he awoke in a icy sweat, panting, gasping. On the verge of screaming out in agony.

Sometimes he still had those dreams. Sometimes, but not often.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be," she dismissed his apology gently. "It's not your fault. And this is part of the grieving process. I'll be okay. In time."

"Take as much as you need," he said. He looked down at his lap, at his hands. "Honestly, I don't know if I've ever let myself grieve. I don't think I know how to. I felt the pain of loss. The severing of a bond I never thought could be severed. I cried as a child for the loss of my parents, for what I saw as Itachi's senseless betrayal and slaughter of our parents and clansmen. But then…it was just hatred. That's all I had. All I allowed myself to feel.

"When I think about it, though… It's like I've been running this whole time. Running on a path I believed I knew the destination of, never once knowing the signs were misleading me the whole time. But now that I know the truth, now that my vision is clear… That wound is still raw. The pain is still there. It never left. I just buried it and ran. And now it is festering with an infection I don't know how to heal. Like a bundle of pus waiting to burst."

"You're allowed to grieve, Sasuke. You don't have to wait."

"I know," he admitted hesitantly. "Or I know that now. But…"

He was afraid of it. He was afraid to let down those walls and let himself feel the grief and pain in its overwhelming and heartbreaking entirety. He was afraid to just be the weak little boy who had his entire world turned upside down.

Weakness, that's what he associated his own grieving with.

It was strange. When he saw Amari grieve and embrace it, he didn't see weakness in her. He saw strength. To him, she wielded courage and resilience far beyond his own to embrace it and all the pain it came with.

But when he flipped it on himself, when he considered finally grieving…

"I still have questions I need answers to," Sasuke said at length. "I need to talk to Itachi and Aimi. I need Itachi to be honest with me for once. After that…"

Maybe. Maybe when he finally had his answers, when he finally could see his big brother again and have a real conversation with him, maybe then he could grieve.

Maybe then it would be okay.

"You'll get your chance to talk to Itachi one on one," Amari reassured. "We'll reach them."

He believed her.

"I think I have an idea on what we should do to achieve our goals," she brought their conversation back to its original purpose. "My dream, it became an old memory and sparked inspiration. So even though it hurt, it wasn't all bad."

"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Any thoughts?" Amari asked. "I'd like to hear what you have to say before I tell you my idea."

"Hmm," Sasuke sighed, looking off to a window on the opposite side of the room, where he could see the light drizzle pattering on the street. "We don't have a lot of options. To even say we have options is a stretch. Both of us have targets on our backs, from within the Leaf and from enemies outside of it. Our superiors will want to keep us close, protected.

"Because we are of the Uchiha Clan, and because collectively we wield three Sharingan and one Byakugan—not to mention your Mangekyō Sharingan, and mine if I can remember how to activate it—that complicates our situation further. Especially with a war ahead.

"They'll want to protect us as much as they want to prevent our eyes from falling into the hands of the Stone or Orochimaru. Our eyes are weapons, and unlike most kekkei genkai, it can be stolen from us. We'll start seeing fewer high-ranked missions or missions that require us to travel across the continent.

"Worsening that, there's the potential threat of the Foundation leader making his move while we're away on a mission. He could send assassins who endanger our comrades, or leak our identities and our locations to the enemy. We're surrounded on all sides by danger. And because of that we're a danger to our comrades.

"If these are the thoughts I've had, then I can imagine Shikaku and Atsuko have already considered those. And more.

"The safe option would to be restrict us in and around the Village. By keeping us from taking on dangerous missions, the Foundation leader and the Stone don't have as many opportunities to strike.

"Conversely, they know that is exactly what Madara told you would happen. He's another complication. If it were only Orochimaru or the Stone, we wouldn't have nearly as many potential restrictions. There would be workarounds. But with him…" Sasuke shook his head. "I can't see any way they allow us out of the Village without strict guards like Kakashi-sensei or Atsuko at our sides at all times.

"It's all to protect us. I get it. But we'll be coddled. The Leaf will become a cage. A lavish prison where we'll watch our comrades go to war and fight while we are forced to stay behind. Their abilities will advance. They'll suffer in the war. And we'll be stuck watching from the sidelines. Helpless. Uselessly sitting on our hands because of these enemies targeting us."

"We could always go rogue and ask Orochimaru to train us. I'm sure he'd love to have us around," Amari deadpanned.

"Heh," Sasuke chuckled. "Very funny."

"You're right on all of that," Amari said after a thoughtful pause. "I'm sure our superiors have all considered it, too. This delicate and tedious balancing act they've been forced into by our enemies can't be easy. But they'll make the decision that is best for our safety and that of the Leaf's.

"Likewise, we need to make the decision that is best for us—our goals, our growth and our safety. One that allows us to be protected, but not coddled. One that doesn't turn Madara into an oracle and doesn't allow the Foundation to, as you put it, leak our identities and our location to our enemies."

"What do you have in mind?" asked Sasuke, meeting her gaze.

"My memory of Shisui… Let me show you it. I think it will help you understand my plan better."

"All right," he nodded.

Her right eye flashed red. And he fell into the past.

---

Beneath the sunny spring sky, in an open glade where the blades of grass swayed beneath the breeze, Shisui was bent forward, clutching at his knees, breathing heavily, almost greedily, to fulfill his body's requisition for more oxygen.

Sweat soaked him from head to toe. In fact, he could almost pinpoint and visualize every individual glistening bead of perspiration gliding down his shins, along the back of his calves, on the underside of his forearms, and slithering down his cheeks to drip off his jaw, tickling the skin and, unfortunately, burning his eyes when it invaded the delicate organ.

He blinked and squeezed his left eye shut in a mild grimace, wiping it against the damp shoulder sleeve of his shirt. It didn't do much, but it was worth a shot.

A gentle breeze whistled through the glade, over the leaves, bending blades of grass in its wake. It ruffled his damp shirt, snuck up beneath it and teased his sweaty and warm body with its gentle touch. It was cool against his skin. And absolutely relieving in his condition.

With a light chuckle between heavy breaths, Shisui lifted his crimson gaze to his sparring partner, who had found himself lying on his back but a moment ago. Now he sat with his right leg bent close to prop up his arm, panting; the sun seemed to gleam and glare off his skin, slick with sweat, how it might gleam and glare off the blade of a katana.

"Heh, looks like I win this round, Itachi," Shisui said, smiling despite being at a loss of breath.

Itachi puffed out an exhausted chuckle. He met the older teen's Sharingan with his own. And then smiled.

"Looks that way."

The crimson from Itachi's eyes, like an incandescent blade sunk into ice cold water, cooled into onyx. Shisui's eyes followed.

"You and Aimi have grown considerably over the last few years," Shisui continued more seriously. "People often overestimate the depth of their abilities. Especially in our Clan. But you and Aimi possess wells of potential. Despite your youth, you've surpassed many of our Clansmen and fellow Leaf shinobi already."

Rising to his full height, Shisui placed his hands on his hips and lifted his gaze to the sky. It was a clear day. A gorgeous day by all accounts. The sky was a bright and joyful shade of blue, the birds they hadn't scared off were chirping from the trees and he saw a few butterflies—one orange with leopard-like prints on in its wings and the other an iridescent blue with black edges—fluttering around.

Exhaling a breath, he looked back at Itachi, who watched him with a curious expression. Like a little brother waiting to hear what wisdom his older brother had to pass down.

Shisui stared at him in silence for a brief moment, eyes drawn to the grey flak jacket, the black high collared shirt, the metal arm guards and gloves. He couldn't see it physically, but he could see the red swirl tattoo on his left shoulder in his mind's eye.

That tattoo and the gear, they were symbols of the Anbu Black Ops. It was their uniform. All Itachi was missing at the moment was the porcelain mask crafted into the shape of some animal or another.

Seeing him attired in the Anbu gear brought forth a memory from their shared childhood. He recalled the time when he, Itachi and Aimi, while on a three-day training exercise, first encountered the Foundation's Anbu. The Foundation had been pursuing a member of the Leaf Anbu when their pursuit and battle led them to the three Uchiha.

That was their first encounter with the Foundation. Their first battle against shinobi who physically attired themselves as allies, and yet raised a blade against—poisoned—a comrade. Back then they'd only been kids, and for that reason the Foundation agents underestimated them.

It led to their inevitable and complete defeat.

Now they were older. Now that tattoo adorned all three of their shoulder's. Now they were guardians who protected the Leaf from the shadows.

"You haven't reached it yet," he said suddenly. "Neither of you have."

"Reached what?" Itachi asked, visibly confused.

"Your full potential. It's the reason I asked you to spar with me today. And why I asked Aimi a few days ago. I needed to see how much you've grown. I needed to see it and feel it with my own eyes and body."

He took a moment to breathe, then continued.

"You're both incredible, there's no doubt about that. Timing, reaction speed, visual prowess, technique, strategy; you are leagues above your peers, and you've only begun to tap into the wells of potential at your disposal. Truly, I can't wait to see how far you two go. However, you and Aimi have both set limitations on yourselves."

"Limitations?"

"Yes. This is going to sound arrogant, but one of those limitations is me."

Itachi's response was identical to Aimi's, funnily enough. He furrowed his brow and flattened his lips in a frown, a silent ask for further elaboration.

Shisui took another breath, heart finally beginning to find its natural rhythm.

"Your admiration for me is holding you both back. Don't take it the wrong way, I cherish you and Aimi. Truly. You guys are a little brother and sister to me. And I'm humbled by your admiration and faith in me."

He lifted his hand, turned it over and looked at his palm. If a bond could have mass, if it could be physically held and clutched tightly in his hands, then that's what he had felt in their spar. It's what he could feel even now as his heart relaxed and his warm, sweaty body cooled off.

"You've always held your feelings close to your chest, Itachi. You hide them well behind fortified walls; it's how you protect your kind and gentle heart from the darkness and cruelty in our world.

"Outside of our small circle, there aren't many who know how you truly feel inside. About them. About this world we inhabit. They don't know what you dream of, what your goals are or the passion you possess. Some haven't earned the right to know it. Some haven't tried to understand. Others you keep at arms distance to protect them.

"But I can feel the emotions in your fists and jutsus. I can see your heart clearly. Yours, and Aimi's." He clenched his hand into a fist. "Our bond is deep. Deeper than sharing the same Clan. For you two I'd willingly give my life if it meant protecting you and your future."

"Shisui…"

"Likewise, I know you two would do the same for me and each other. That isn't a limitation. This connection of ours gives us an intangible strength. Our bond empowers us. Pushes us past our limits to protect what we hold dear."

"Then… How am I limiting myself by admiring you?"

Shisui lowered his hand and stared directly at his friend.

"Your dream, it's to become Hokage, right? You seek to bring peace to our world?"

Itachi was taken aback by the sudden question. Never before had he mentioned his dream to anyone, not even to Shisui or Aimi—the people he trusted the most, who's precious bond, friendship, brotherhood and affection he held protectively behind his fortified walls like a child hugging their favorite stuff animal as they slept.

He had never told them his dream. He hid that, too, behind his walls. It was an S-rank, classified secret, one which he was uncertain he could ever reveal.

At his reaction, Shisui smiled, shut his eyes and chuckled. "What's with that look on your face? Come on, Itachi. How long have we known each other?" He dispensed his amused expression for a serious one. "The duty of a Hokage is different from what we do in the Anbu. It requires more than genius talent and unrivaled strength.

"Despite popular belief, strength alone doesn't make an individual ready to lead, nor does prodigious talent prepare you to shoulder the burden a Hokage must. A shinobi of unrivaled strength may be ineffective at leading because they know only how to rely on themselves. A genius may lack the resolve to lead and decide under pressure.

"A shinobi who is powerful or a genius—or both—may lack compassion for the shinobi under their command, or see them as nameless weapons to throw at enemies in an effort to achieve victory, no matter the cost. They may not know how to navigate an era of peace, or how to negotiate amicably.

"Other qualities are necessary to be Hokage. It isn't enough to be powerful or to be called a genius," he said with a shake of his head. "And a Hokage isn't elected simply because they seek the title. They aren't chosen because they desire the seat and its power. Those who seek to be Hokage to be revered, respected or acknowledged by others will never become Hokage. It's the person who is acknowledged by everyone—Villagers and shinobi alike—who becomes the Hokage. Remember that, Itachi."

"I will."

"As of now, there are no Uchiha who have ever held the title of Hokage. But that may change soon. There are discussions of Pops taking on the mantle of the Fifth Hokage."

Itachi's eyes widened. Surprise and joy flashed over his face like fireworks flashing in the night sky.

Shisui had felt it, too.

"That's wonderful news!" Itachi responded. "I can think of no one who is better suited to be the Hokage."

"I agree. Wise, patient, honorable, his Will of Fire burns bright and he shares your dream of finding a path towards peace for this world. Should he be confirmed, we may even bridge the divide between the Leaf and the Uchiha. In time. But this isn't about Pops," Shisui said with a shake of his head. "It's about you.

"If you hope to become Hokage, you can't be limited by your admiration for me. When we spar, there's a part of you that fights as if defeat is a forgone conclusion. You see me as an unscalable barrier. A wall that cannot be climbed, a goal that cannot be surpassed. You've placed me on a pedestal you believe is far out of your reach. You're holding yourself back."

"That's not true…"

"It is, Itachi."

The lowering of his eyes proved the truth of his statement.

"I get it. I've been there, too, you know," Shisui said. "I've been raised by one of the strongest and wisest Uchiha our Clan has ever known. One of my ancestors is none other than Kagami Uchiha, and he is one among other ancestors of prestige and strength I share a lineage with.

"Knowing that, I held myself back. They were walls I couldn't see myself ever scaling. Shadows I would never escape." He exhaled a chuckle. "Pops called me out on it a long time ago. He helped broaden my perspective and excel. Something his father never did, apparently.

"It's one of the reasons I always encourage Haya to surpass me. It isn't just because I know she can and will; she'll be amazing when she's older, I can feel it. What I don't want is for Haya to ever think of me as an obstacle or a shadow she has to live in. I don't want her to live thinking she will always stand behind me. What I want most is for Haya to one day stand side by side with me, and then run off ahead to achieve her dreams.

"The same goes for you and Aimi. I'm not a wall, Itachi. I may be Shisui of Teleportation. But you are Itachi Uchiha of the Leaf—future Hokage."

Itachi raised his eyes and found Shisui staring directly at him, his countenance devoid of his usual levity. The subject was too important to talk about it casually.

"You may have grown considerably, but you can go so much further than this. You aren't even close to reaching your full potential yet."

"Shisui…"

"Surpass me, Itachi," Shisui commanded. "Become a man and shinobi worthy of the title of Hokage."

Because I believe you can achieve your dream. I believe Aimi can, too. But the two of you will only ever achieve it if you go beyond your current level. Beyond me. Don't make me a shackle or a wall. That isn't what a brother is for.

Itachi's expression was full of uncertainty. He glanced away.

Could he do it? It was the question he seemed to be asking himself. Surpass the brother he admired, who he believed in wholeheartedly to lead them through the dark times ahead? Who he believed could save the Uchiha Clan and one day take the mantle as Hokage?

A battle took place in his eyes. Blades sang through the air, bodies crumpled and fell over the battlefield, and though the war was short—little more than a blink—it was bloody.

The sudden felling of uncertainty at the hands of steely determination ended the war. The unscalable wall came crumbling down.

Itachi dipped his chin in a sharp nod.

"All right. I will."

It was Shisui's turn to nod. "Good. Consider me your rival then."

"Huh? Wait…"

"You're not the only one aiming for Hokage, you know," he grinned. "I said you have to surpass me. I didn't say I'd make it easy for you."

Itachi exhaled a short chuckle. "I suppose I have my work cut out for me." He allowed a small smirk to tug onto his face. "But I won't lose, Shisui."

"You do remember you're the one sitting in the grass right now, right?" teased the older teen.

"This time. Next time, however, it will be you. And it will be in front of Haya. That's a promise."

Shisui recoiled slightly in mock horror. "You wouldn't!"

"Hmph." Itachi's smirk was downright sadistic. "Wouldn't I?"

"How cruel," he gasped. "But, you know, two of us can play this game. Does Sasuke know his awesome Big Brother, who is way too strong to lose, has lost the last two spars against me?"

Itachi narrowed his eyes. It was quite threatening. And amusing.

"You wouldn't."

"Wouldn't I?" Shisui grinned.

They held each other's gaze for a silent moment. Then fell into hearty laughter as brothers were meant to.

Shisui reached his index and middle finger out to his best friend, who reciprocated the gesture and completed the Seal of Reconciliation.

At that moment, he saw a flash of movement in his peripherals—a blur, really. It was followed abruptly by a voice.

"Now, my little sweet! Get him while he's vulnerable!"

Shisui had just enough time to turn his head, a bewildered expression on his face. He glimpsed the head of blue hair first, then felt Itachi's fingers squeeze tighter around his, holding him in place, leaving him vulnerable to the surprise attack.

A moment later he was greeted by the the force of the small body tackling itself into his abdomen and side.

"Whoaaaaa!"

Shisui of Teleportation, one of the fastest shinobi in the whole Leaf, crashed unceremoniously, gracelessly, onto his opposite side and shoulder, too slow to evade the group effort that toppled him.

He was left in a mild daze, blinking. He stared at the forest of grass, the blades bending in the breeze seeming so much larger from his new perspective of the world. The additional weight of a small body lay over his torso.

The sound of giggles woke him up. A grin unconsciously formed on his face. He turned onto his back and looked down at his attacker, who adjusted with him to lie belly first on his stomach and chest.

Haya smiled widely up at him.

"I got you, Shisui!" she managed to get out between giggles.

"You sure did." He poked her in the forehead. "But you did overlook one detail, Haya."

Immediately she understood. She was a smart girl, after all. However, before she could leap off him and flee for the hills, far, far away from danger, he assaulted his precious little cousin with tickles.

"Now I've got you!" he declared triumphantly.

"Noooooo!" she squealed in horror and laughter.

"The tables have turned, little sis! Your eagerness has left you wide open!"

"Shisuiiiiii! Mercccccy!"

"Never!"

"Shisuiiiiiiii!" whined Haya.

The whine broke off for a yelp which transformed into giggles and squeals and further pleas for mercy. Shisui did not relent his ferocious assault of tickles, instead intensifying them in a crushing counter to her ambush.

Aimi and Itachi watched on with affectionate smiles. There were few scenes equally as precious to behold, in their experience, as watching Shisui and Haya together.

The kunoichi knelt down next to Itachi. With her palms glowing green she began to apply Medical Ninjutsu to his sore and tired body.

By the end of it, Haya was lying in his lap, grasping onto his wrists and fingers with her small and petite fingers while gasping for air between giggles, sides aching after the torture she endured.

Shisui snickered along with her, savoring the warmth of her laughter and her smile, certain there was neither a gem, a mineral or a resource more precious in the world.

"Shisui!" she pleaded through giggles.

"Yes?" he replied, grinning.

"Stoopppp!"

"You attacked me first. I'm only defending myself."

"Shisuiiii!"

"Hmm. Tell me, Haya, who is the strongest Uchiha in all of the Leaf?"

"Papa is!"

"Hey! You were supposed to say me!"

Itachi snorted. Aimi shoulders shook as a velvety laugh broke from her lips.

"But it's true! Papa is the strongest!"

"Okay, fine. I set myself up for that one," Shisui admitted. He broke his hand free and poked her in the belly. "But that wasn't the answer I wanted! Now you must pay your penance!"

"Nooo! That isn't fair!" Haya giggled and squirmed in his lap. "I told the truth!"

"You did. But fairness isn't a part of this game. So let's try this again. Who is the fastest shinobi in all of the Leaf?"

"You are!"

"And who is your favorite cousin?"

"You areeeee!"

"And how do you ask nicely for the tickling to stop?"

"Please stop!"

"Please stop what?"

"Please stop tickling meeeee!"

"Okay, okay," he smiled. "I'll stop. But only because you asked nicely."

Keeping his word, he didn't press on in his assault. Haya gasped for air, giggles bubbling out of her as she lay her forearm over her forehead. She looked up at him, onyx eyes glistening with tears and a big smile on her lips.

"Troublesome boy."

Shisui snickered.

"That he is, my little sweet. That he is. But we love him all the more for it," Aimi said while approaching.

"Maybe."

"Maybe?" Shisui gasped dramatically. "Oh, Haya, you wound me!"

His little cousin poked him in the stomach, smiling. "That's what you get for tickling me."

Aimi kneeled beside Shisui. While she applied rudimentary Medical Ninjutsu to soothe the soreness of his fatigued and lightly bruised body, Haya explained what she and Aimi were doing prior to their premeditated ambush. Aimi had taken her for a walk outside of the Uchiha District to, in his cousin's words, heaven itself.

An ice cream shop.

She rambled on adorably from his lap about the sweets, describing the many flavors the shop boasted, and how they didn't just offer sprinkles, but they offered cookies to be added to the ice cream. She rambled excitedly, making grand gestures, all while the three Uchiha fondly listened to her fascination with sweets.

She thanked Aimi repeatedly for spoiling her.

"How could I resist spoiling you?" Aimi asked with a warm smile. "Who else would teach me the value of properly mixing flavors? Or revel with me in the joy of sweet treats? Shisui doesn't have your sweet tooth."

"No one has Haya's insatiable sweet tooth," countered Shisui. "Not you or even Mama Nara."

"True. Then there is 'Tachi, who prefers to eat his in silence." Aimi leaned in closer to Haya, lowering her voice into a secretive whisper. "And he's stolen my sweets before when he thought I wasn't looking."

"No!" gasped Haya.

"Yes! Can you believe it?"

"How cruel! Sweets are sacred!"

"I know! He's a thief. A sweet thief! What do you have to say for yourself, 'Tachi?"

All three of them looked at the stunned boy, who was rendered speechless by the sudden accusation. Aimi's eyes danced with mirth. Haya squinted her eyes to mock a glare. Shisui, ever the best friend, grinned from ear to ear.

"Yeah, Itachi? What do you have to say in your defense for such a steep and immoral crime? Stealing sweets? From Aimi of all people? How selfish."

"But I didn't—"

"I caught your hand in the cookie jar, 'Tachi."

"…You said I could have one."

"Did I?" Aimi played innocent. "Oh, I must've forgotten. Perhaps then you are a sweet thief for another reason."

"Uh-oh. Haya, cover your ears. This might turn into a grown-up conversation."

The blood struck Itachi's and Aimi's face with equal intensity. Itachi went wide eyed, sucking in a breath then forgetting to breathe entirely. His eyes flicked from Aimi, to Shisui, to Haya, the latter of the trio staring blankly at them, blinking with doe-eyed innocence. Then his gaze flicked back through them.

Aimi, narrowing her eyes, did not hesitate to punch Shisui in his shoulder.

"Ow! Hey!" he snickered. "Aren't you supposed to be healing me?"

"When I tell your mother of this…" Aimi warned. Threatened, really.

Shisui considered the threat. Then shrugged, grinning.

"Worth it. I mean, look at those adorable blushes on your faces," he cooed.

Shisui vanished from his spot in the grass. Within a blink he reappeared on his feet, safely out of range of the fist that sought to pummel him straight into the core of the earth.

Haya was securely held in his arms, all the more confused by the situation, but pleased she wasn't the one on the receiving end of her troublesome cousin's teasing.

"Awww, you're blushing more!" Shisui did not relent. "Quick, Haya! Take a mental snapshot of this moment! We have to take this evidence straight to Mama Nara."

"Aren't you worried she might punish you instead?" Haya asked curiously.

"No," he grinned devilishly. "Aimi thought using Mama Nara as a threat would be her trump card. She let eagerness cloud her judgement; it led her in the wrong direction. Not that I'm complaining. Here," he said, setting her down before kneeling beside her. "Get on my back and hold on tight. We're going on a super fun and incredibly important mission together."

Too excited by the prospect of going on a fun mission together, Haya ceased to care what the details were or why they were important. What did it matter when they were going on a mission together!

She hopped onto his back with an enthusiastic cheer.

"Yay! Let's do it, Big Brother!"

"All right!" He rose to his full height. Looking to her head propped on his shoulder, he smiled warmly at her. "Now, Haya, this mission of ours is a delivery mission. In our possession is critical information. No matter what, it must reach Mama Nara's hands."

"Critical information?" Haya leaned in conspicuously. "What kind?" she asked in a curious whisper.

Itachi and Aimi could sense the danger. Their hairs stood on end, like lightning was crackling through the air, preparing to strike them at a moment's notice. They both rose slowly, afraid any sudden move would cause him to spring an attack or dash off.

He wouldn't. Not yet.

It wouldn't be fun if they didn't understand the stakes at hand.

"Shisui…" Itachi's voice was full of worry and warning.

"Let's not do anything rash," Aimi placated.

"It's a very dangerous kind of information," he replied in a similar whisper. He pretended to look left and right, then tilted his head closer. "It's blackmail of the highest degree. Top secret. For Mama Nara's eyes only."

"Romantic blackmail?" Haya asked, beginning to giggle.

"Very romantic blackmail."

"Then we must bring it straight to Mama."

"Shisui, you wouldn't—"

The sight of crimson flushing away onyx and his wide grin silenced any doubt in Itachi. He all but gulped down his words.

"Sorry, Itachi. But it's for your own good."

"Shi- Shisui, you can't!"

"This is important for your relationship. You'll both thank me one day, I promise."

"Shisui, please don't involve—"

"Let's go, Haya!" he cut off Aimi's desperate plea with a gleeful shout, pumping a fist into the air.

Haya pumped her small fist into the air.

"Let's go, Shisui!"

The pair of cousin's vanished on the spot, the mad giggles of Haya echoing their every step as they flickered out of the glade, through trees and, eventually, over rooftops. Trailing them were two very flustered and very desperate teenagers calling after their troublesome best friend.

The warmth of Haya's laughter and her cheering kept Shisui going, kept a smile on his face and laughter bubbling out of him.

In that moment, with his best friends chasing him and Haya on his back, nothing else seemed to matter. All that mattered was them, their happiness, their bond.

This is what it should always be like, Shisui thought. This feeling I have when all of us are together… This is how I know I'm home. When I'm with Haya and our parents, and when I'm with you two and Sasuke, I feel at peace. I'm happy. My Will of Fire burns brighter because of this bond of ours. And even though you two are pretty embarrassed right now, he smiled, I know you feel the same way.

Itachi slid into view in front of him. Aimi approached behind. Haya giggled and squealed.

"End of the line, Shisui," Itachi declared firmly.

"I'm not done yet, Itachi! Hold on tight, Haya."

He felt her arms and legs squeeze tighter into his body.

Body Flickering again, he witnessed in acute detail Itachi recoil like he turned a corner in the Village to see a bull charging straight at him. Likewise, Itachi saw him suddenly burst ahead in a flash of speed, visible only to those with the Sharingan, before he turned the very last step into a bounding leap.

Itachi's chin titled up, his wide eyes raising to see the pair of cousin's vaulting straight over his head. For a brief moment, while Shisui was upside down, their Sharingan eyes met. He winked and smirked at his disoriented best friend.

He flipped through and landed on his feet, where he found Aimi directly in front of him within arms reach. He was not deterred or surprised; with the aid of his Sharingan, he saw her move into position while he was flipping, likely believing he was too distracted to notice.

Chakra already channeling through his body, he Body Flickered, whirling around the kunoichi with a graceful spin and dashing off towards the edge of the roof.

As he leaped across the buildings, Haya whooped and cheered excitedly.

"That was awesome!"

Shisui shut his eyes for a moment while they flew, unable to contain his smile.

There's nothing I'd love more than for moments like these to last forever. I know eventually there will be another mission. Eventually you two will become Anbu Captains with your own squads. Haya will grow up into a kunoichi who doesn't need me to protect her. She'll get taller. Stronger. Blaze a trail that only she can. And our paths will take us on into adulthood towards the unknown future. That's why…

"You think that was awesome? I'm just getting started! Itachi, Aimi, you better get ready!" he called over his shoulder. "Because I'm about to go full blast!"

I'll make the most of these moments! And no matter where our paths take us or how they diverge, this bond we share will never be broken! It'll live on through each of us, serving as a light no amount of darkness will ever snuff out. I'll always be with you guys. I'll always have your backs. And Haya…

"Ready, Haya?"

She held on tighter and nodded.

"As long as you're with me, I'll always be ready for anything!"

"Funny," he grinned warmly. "I was going to say the same about you."

Haya nuzzled against him, blushing. "Hehe! Then let's go home and complete our important mission!"

"As you command, oh wise blue-haired dragon!"

True to his word, Shisui dashed off at full speed, leaping across buildings, flipping and spinning through the air and evading his friends. Crows involved themselves at Itachi's command, cawing and torpedoing through the air, only to then be countered by the Crows summoned by Shisui.

The flocks joined the playful game. Aimi utilized the distractions to cut him off and attempt Paralysis Jutsus to capture him.

Nothing stopped him. He pressed on, Haya giggling and cheering the whole time.

You won't ever be alone, Haya, he promised. I'm always going to be with you. No matter what. So walk tall on your path. Surpass me! I know you can do it. Pops and Mama Nara do, too. You're destined to change our Clan and this world. I truly believe that. You're going to bring so much light to this world. You've already brought light into all of ours. I hope you know that.

Halfway home he found himself surrounded on three sides by two Itachi's and Aimi. Everyone except Haya was breathing heavily.

"It's not over yet," he panted. "This critical information will reach Mama Nara."

"Yeah!" Haya poked her tongue out at the pair.

Before Itachi or Aimi could form a retort, too out of breath, all of their bodies—with an exception to Haya—seized up. Their eyes widened, control of their bodies stolen and bound beneath a Paralysis Jutsu. Shisui didn't panic; he recognized the familiar technique instantly.

Their bodies, against their wills, spun in place to face their captor. The woman, long black hair pulled back in a high ponytail and attired in a sleeveless blue kimono-styled blouse tied shut by a black sash and black shinobi pants, leaned in the shadows against the support strut of a nearby water tower.

The swirl tattoo of the Anbu was displayed on her left shoulder.

Without warning the Crow Clone of Itachi dispersed into a small flock, which flew into the sky. Whether they were fleeing in terror or leaving them to their just fate, no one would ever truly know.

"What is this about critical information?" drawled the Nara Matriarch.

"Mama!" beamed Haya, waving from his back.

Miyako Nara's smile was only matched in its warmness by the sun. A thin black tendril extended off the shadow restraining the Body Flicker User, wrapping around her daughter's midsection and reeling her gently into her mother's waiting arms.

"Hello, my little shadow," Miyako nuzzling the tip of her nose against her daughter's temple. Haya giggled and nuzzled her back. "You wouldn't happen to know why the Crows of the Leaf and three troublesome teenagers are leaping across the rooftops chasing one another, would you?"

The trio grimaced. They hadn't considered their little game would draw the attention of someone like Miyako Nara, who likely had learned it from Atsuko or potentially a member of the Anbu or another Hokage Guard.

Can't say I regret it.

It was all in the name of fun. Surely she wouldn't punish them for being kids.

Hopefully.

"I'm not really sure," Haya admitted. "It didn't make a lot of sense to me."

Itachi and Aimi sighed imperceptibly in relief.

"But Shisui said he had very romantic blackmail about Itachi and Aimi," she added.

The smile on the Mistress of Shadow's lips caused Itachi and Aimi to shudder involuntarily. Shisui winced on their behalf, fighting against a smile.

Oh yes, his mother's unique sense of humor was infamous. His friends had heard his stories. And they laughed at his pain and embarrassment. Today, though, today it would be him who would get the last laugh.

Shisui concealed his joy at torturing his best friends behind a neutral expression.

"Did he now?" Miyako looked directly at him. "Is romantic blackmail the cause of your chase? Such blackmail is invaluable, as you know, Shisui."

"Yep," he answered. Oh, he was well aware of the power of any blackmail in her hands. He wouldn't be here otherwise. "You see, what Itachi and Aimi—

"Lady Miyako, Shisui is—" Itachi tried to intercede politely.

For his interruption, a cocoon of Shadows leapt from the ground and wrapped tightly around his body. Eyes wide as an owls, Itachi snapped his jaw shut.

Miyako tilted her head playfully to look at the young man, smiling with the sadistic charm she was infamous for.

"Please do not interrupt my son, Itachi. It's quite rude. And I simply must know what this romantic secret is."

"Ri- right. My- My apologies," Itachi apologized.

"Unless you'd like to tell me yourself."

Itachi's cheeks tinted pink. He said nothing.

Miyako turned her head to look at Aimi, smirking like the cruel and amazing woman she was.

"Would you like to tell me instead, Aimi? Truly, we wouldn't want it to be blackmail, would we? I care a great deal for you and Itachi. Shisui considers you as siblings, and Kiyoshi and I see you as extended family. You two are like another daughter and son to us.

"So, tell me, is your relationship healthy? Are boundaries understood? Is this secret…dangerous, hm?" She was smiling wickedly. "Is it salacious? Could it topple the entire Uchiha Clan?"

"No- no! Of course not, Lady Miyako!" Aimi pleaded to be believed. "Our… It's healthy, I promise."

"Hmm. Then that could only mean this secret Shisui has obtained is of the intimate nature, yes? Please, if so, do refrain from detail. I wouldn't want Haya to be corrupted by the exploits of youthful and hormonal teenagers."

Shisui snorted and bit his inner cheek to keep from laughing. Aimi and Itachi had gone from humbled by her genuine affection for them to utterly mortified by her prying within a matter of seconds.

All of the blood in Aimi's body had rushed to her face, it seemed. He was almost certain he could see steam rising off her. Shisui made mental note to tease her later about it; he'd never seen her stumped and rendered speechless before.

Without a response from either, Miyako sighed quite dramatically. And quite exaggeratedly.

"Blackmail it is, then. Shisui, what is this secret they are withholding from me?"

If they could have moved their heads, he knew Itachi and Aimi would've looked his way to plea with their eyes to keep his mouth firmly shut. But they were restrained. They couldn't look at him and plea for his silence. They couldn't barter or beg for mercy.

What else could he do? His hands were tied. He couldn't very well lie to his mother. What kind of son would that make him?

"Well, Mama Nara, I'm afraid to tell you that Aimi has called Itachi a sweet thief," he spoke gravely, as if delivering a mission report.

"Mm. Truly, Itachi? Sweets are sacred."

"See! I told you!" Haya jumped in.

Miyako tapped her in the forehead. "Now, now, don't interrupt, Haya. Yelling, even when you're right, is rude. And troublesome."

"Sorry."

"Now then, Shisui, please continue."

"We thought at first it was because he stole cookies from a cookie jar, but he swears Aimi gave him permission to have one. It was then she informed us that, perhaps, he is known as a sweet thief for another reason."

Shutting his eyes to maintain a straight face—it was growing difficult—he continued in his grave tone,

"I fear they're growing up too fast, Mama Nara. I think they need the talk."

When he opened his eyes, his mother's eyes were no longer on them. They were locked on the couple, dancing with mirth and glee. Sadistic mirth and glee.

The looks on Itachi's and Aimi's faces unequivocally stated that, no, they did not want the talk. Please merciful god, their faces said for them, anything but that.

Their mortification was palpable. And absolutely glorious.

Beneath the eyes of Miyako Nara, however, their pleas went unheard. Beneath her eyes they both appeared nothing like the trained killers they were. They had become children, innocent and embarrassed.

Miyako's lips suddenly split into a grin.

"Yes, I see what you mean. I believe they also need a talk." She dipped her head, settling the matter once and for all. "Itachi, Aimi, you are to report to our home. Immediately. We will discuss your recent behavior there. Do not make me come find you."

She glanced back to her son.

"Shisui, Atsuko has something she would like to discuss. Privately."

He nodded, sensing the serious nature of the matter. "I'll summon her immediately."

"What about me, Mama?"

"You, my little shadow, will come home with me. Do not worry, Shisui will join us soon."

Releasing the trio from her Shadow, the Mistress of Shadows sauntered gracefully over to Shisui. Her fingers jabbed him in the forehead, beneath his headband.

"Don't stir any more trouble. The Crows of the Leaf tend to set shinobi on alert."

"Right. Sorry about that."

"I apologize as well," Itachi spoke up, bowing his head. "I summoned them first."

"You're both forgiven." The Nara Matriarch shrugged. "You're supposed to act out when you are young. Savor moments like these, all of you. Life flies by. Especially as a shinobi. The darkness will always be there. It's up to each of us to find light in life."

She smiled and bounced Haya. "Like this little sweet fiend of mine. Three bowls of ice cream, all to herself."

Haya gasped in horror. "Ho- how did you know!"

"Nothing escapes my sight, my little shadow." Haya buried her face into her mother's neck, embarrassed. "Anyway, do not be in a hurry to become adults. Savor these moments. Enjoy yourselves. Adulthood is a drag."

They shared chuckles and smiles.

"All right." The Nara Matriarch turned on her heel. "Itachi, Aimi, come with me. Shisui, I expect you home as soon as you finish speaking to Atsuko. No detours, young man."

"Got it." He looked to his two best friends, and grinned. "Have fun," he snickered.

They both glowered at him and followed after Miyako.

Shisui watched them leap from the rooftop, then looked up towards the Hokage faces.

The darkness will always be there. But we'll keep our eyes on it, vigilantly. We'll protect the Leaf from the shadows. And one day, Itachi, I want to see your face up there.

Until then, I'll protect all of you and the Leaf, no matter what it takes.

On that thought, Shisui of Teleportation vanished from the rooftop.

---

The genjutsu lasted less than a moment in reality. Had someone peeked through the rain streaked windows into the warm, cozy living space of the Yūhi household they wouldn't have known what caused the stoic Sasuke to suddenly need to lean forward on his knees. They wouldn't have understood why he threaded his fingers into his hair, hiding his face and emotions from sight.

They wouldn't understand why Amari suddenly rose with tears streaming down her face, leaving the room to retrieve tissues.

For the world the genjutsu passed within a moment. Unseen. Not even the ghost of a memory or an echo touched the real world. The rain pattered against the windows, the thunder rolled over the slate sky, and the world kept spinning.

People walked the streets beneath their umbrellas, ate at restaurants, worked, lamenting the poor weather, never knowing the tumultuous emotions experienced by the two Uchiha.

Because it was only a blink. An invisible, intangible second to the real world.

But for them… For Sasuke, he had lived and watched the experience as if it was occurring right before his eyes. It hadn't passed in a blink. It wasn't an intangible second the world didn't know of.

It was real.

The emotions Shisui felt, that Amari felt, even their thoughts, he experienced it all as if they were his own. In a way they were his own now.

Joy. Love. Faith. Trust. Brotherhood. The Will of Fire. Shisui had felt it all so strongly. So purely. Untainted by the darkness and storm that had rapidly approached them. And Itachi…

Sasuke squeezed his eyes shut tightly. He grimaced.

How much had he actually known about his big brother?

Too little. Not enough. He was practically a stranger.

Even before the massacre Itachi was like…a big shadow he couldn't overcome. He was a genius—the pride and joy of the Clan. Flawless. And he… He couldn't match Itachi step for step. He always seemed to be so far behind no matter how hard he tried. But now…

How did it happen? How did it come to be that Itachi was never comfortable enough to lower his walls around his own parents? Around him?

He remembered his father once saying that he struggled to understand what went on in Itachi's head despite him being his son. Was it because he didn't try to understand? Was he too busy with the potential coup to consider Itachi's feelings or his dreams?

Or did Itachi believe their father hadn't earned the right to know? Not when their ideals and goals were no longer aligned.

Why did it seem he only ever saw glimpses of his real big brother in the memories of others? Why couldn't he be himself at home?

Why did Itachi have to keep him at arms distance?

I never even knew you wanted to become Hokage…

Did Father even know that? Did Mother?

The memory showed him more of Itachi than he'd ever seen. Hopes, dreams, emotions of true joy and love. Embarrassment that was as sincere and as genuine as his laughter.

Sasuke couldn't remember ever hearing his brother laugh like that. Or smile the way he did with Aimi, Shisui and Amari. And when he heard Amari's father was to become Hokage, it was like all the wars had ended and peace was negotiated across the entire shinobi world.

He'd never seen joy like that in Itachi.

He wished he had.

Worst of all, it was just as vivid as Amari said it would be. For the duration of the memory Itachi, Aimi and Shisui were all in reach. Alive. Untouched and untainted by the darkness that consumed all of their lives. He could almost reach out and touch them…

Like the memory he recalled after the Recovery Mission, though, no matter how far he stretched, no matter how much he begged and pleaded, that life was out of reach.

No one was home. Their family home was empty now. Itachi and Aimi were gone, forced to walk in darkness where such pure joy, love and laughter was fractured. Pieces were missing. Loved ones were gone. And they, like Sasuke and Amari, couldn't get them back.

Sasuke heard Amari blow her nose from the bathroom. When she finally returned she settled down gingerly on the couch, hugging the pillow even tighter than before as she sniffled.

Sasuke dropped his hands into his lap and stared at the floor.

"Sorry," she apologized. "It's…a lot."

"Don't apologize," he replied softly. "It was…a good memory. Of a better time. You've shown me more of Itachi than he ever did. I appreciate it. I feel like I'm finally learning about my big brother."

He glanced to his clan-sister. Her bloodshot eyes glistened. The tip of her nose was red.

"Are you all right?"

It was a stupid question. The answer was as obvious as the attention grabbing orange Naruto wore. It was written on her grieving face, it shimmered in her glistening eyes and announced itself with every sniffle.

He wished he had a more thoughtful question, but he didn't. All he had was the one, stupid as it was. It was all he knew how to ask.

"…I miss him."

"Me too."

He chewed on his thoughts in the pregnant silence that followed.

"Your mother…" he began gently.

"If you learned anything, please don't tell me," she said. "I…I can't see her. I can feel…echoes of our bond. In the moment it's like I can see her, hear her. I could feel her arms holding me…" Amari's grip tightened around the pillow. "But all that remains after it is over is this…painful feeling in my chest. This echo of our bond that tells me I've forgotten someone very important, but I can't recall their name, face or voice."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

"How can you learn if you don't ask?" she replied quietly. "If you didn't…I'd just hold it all in again. I'd hide it all if I could. But…honesty is the only way we can move forward together. The only way we can protect each other from the liars who seek to manipulate us."

He nodded silently. Then said,

"You share her sense of humor."

Despite the heaviness of the situation, Amari broke into a giggle. Weak, but sincere.

"Should we warn the others?"

"They'll learn. Like Temari and Shikamaru did."

"True," she giggled.

Sasuke chuckled softly, then looked across the room. He considered the memory and all he'd seen in it.

It was a lot, just as Amari said. It left him with more questions. And a painful feeling in his chest that wondered things he knew he shouldn't, like if there was anything they could've done to stop it had their families only brought them in instead of trying to shelter them. Like how different life would be had the coup been averted and the Foundation stopped early.

He wondered. And felt pain for it. Because he knew the truth.

Everything would be different.

But in the pain was insight they desperately needed to prevent another tragedy from occurring, and in the process destroy what had caused the terrible chain of events that brought them to this present moment.

The terrible chain of events that left them scarred and traumatized, bearing grief and holes in their hearts from the loved ones they lost.

"So, the Anbu, huh?" he asked at length.

"Yes."

"I honestly didn't expect that."

Amari glanced at him warily. "Do you disapprove?"

"No." He shook his head. "The Anbu Black Ops will challenge us. Only the best of the best can survive and excel in its ranks. Also, given our relation to and our history with Itachi, Aimi and Shisui, we'll have to fight to prove ourselves. It'll be the only way they see us as individuals instead of Itachi's little brother and Shisui's cousin."

"True," Amari replied, nodding slightly. "But entering the Anbu will be for more than just challenging our skills. Their identities and their missions are top secret. Our movements will be hidden from everyone except the likes of Lady Tsunade, and doubtlessly Uncle Shikaku and Kakashi-sensei.

"Through the Anbu we'll be able to take on important and, let's face it, extremely dangerous missions. That grants us the ability to build our reputations and extend our influence among the shinobi within the Anbu. We'll build trust with them and have more potential allies in our corner."

He hadn't thought of that. But he nodded along, seeing the thought she put into the move, and where she was going with it.

"We'll be able to move in secret," he said. "Assuming Orochimaru has no spies in the Anbu, he'll never know where we'll be or when we leave the walls of the Leaf for missions."

"Right. Even the Masked Man might find it more difficult to track us," she explained. "The missions will be dangerous. We'll be working from the shadows, from inside the darkness which can corrupt us if we aren't careful. But Shisui was in the Anbu. He walked in those shadows and his eyes guided him through the darkness. And he was never corrupted by it.

"He wasn't corrupted because he had Itachi, Aimi, me and our parents. He had lights in his life. Just like we do. We have each other and our friends. We have Kakashi-sensei, my mom, my uncle and Atsuko to ground and guide us. We'll be all right."

"Missions are always dangerous," Sasuke agreed. "That's just the life of a shinobi. As for the darkness, it's just as you said, we'll be all right. We can see clearer now than we ever have before."

"Exactly," she nodded again. "I think it'll be tough to convince Kakashi-sensei, Uncle Shikaku, Lady Tsunade, Atsuko and my mom to allow us to enter the Anbu. The danger is real, as is the darkness. Still, they cannot deny the validity of my points. This is the right path. This is how we reach the future we envision."

Hearing her say it, he believed it. Wholeheartedly.

"Also," she began, voice lowering, "if the Foundation is a Black Ops Unit that shields itself underneath the Leaf in darkness itself, our eyes will guide us through the shadows to find them. From the shadows of the Anbu we can begin investigating their existence so that, one day, when the proper time comes, we can burn it to the ground. I won't even leave ashes behind."

Sasuke nodded sharply. "Sounds good to me."

He'd come here in search for answers. In the end, he found them. And more.

As the rain pattered on the window and thunder rolled across the sky, Sasuke leaned back on the couch and relaxed.

Anbu, huh? We'll be following in Itachi's, Aimi's and Shisui's footsteps.

The Uchiha boy nodded to himself.

Yeah. He could work with that.

---

The rainfall lasted until late afternoon. But although the storm ceased its showers over the Village, the grey gloom, like thick velvet curtains drawn over a window, hung heavily across the sky, stubbornly blocking out the sunlight.

The chill lingered in the air. The occasional thunder was heard rumbling off in the distance, out beyond the defensive walls enclosing the Leaf, where the storm settled over small towns and larger outposts.

The light drip-drip-drip of excess water dripping from the roofs and awnings of homes and businesses, off the wooden frames and scaffolding of construction sites, drizzling and gliding along the sharp contours of the Great Stone Faces like beads of sweat or glistening tears onto the wet roads below could be heard from the main gate to the Hokage's Tower and all along the secured walls and guard towers where shinobi, ever vigilant, watched the surrounding landscape for threats.

Outside of the Leaf, forced to take shelter in a rural little town several miles from the walls, was Jiraiya's team. They escaped the rain before it could waylay them, but only just. Their first shelter was a small restaurant, inside of which they found a few young children sitting at a warm hearth. The heat was blessing against their cold flesh. And the warm lunch a godsend.

While they ate they monitored the weather. The rain didn't let up. It poured and poured while the odd flash of lightning illuminated the sky. Then, when their meals were finished and it became clear the storm was squatting on top of them, they asked for directions to the nearest inn and dashed off through the rain for shelter.

It wasn't far. All they really had to do was cross the street. Yet the cold rain pelted their bodies, soaking them to the bone within seconds.

They brought the rain in with them, but that didn't seem to bother or irritate the inn owner. The elderly woman scolded them for getting caught in the storm, demanded to know if they were trying to catch their death out there, all while ushering them in.

After their lodgings were settled, the inn owner, with no preamble, snatched Sakura and Mimi by the wrists. She dragged them, and by extension Aoko, down the hall towards their room, commanding the two males to stay put before calling for her assistant to bring some robes.

For the next half hour Mimi, Sakura and Aoko were transformed from trained killers into the inn owner's troublesome grandchildren and pup. They were ordered to take warm showers and gifted soft, cotton robes to wear when they finished.

And all throughout they were scolded by the inn owner for their reckless behavior, who waited outside of the bathroom while they showered one at a time. For they should've known better, as shinobi and as intelligent girls, than to ignore the clear signs of an impending storm, especially while recovering from injuries!

When they were dry and attired in their robes, the inn owner took their clothes to do their laundry, shaking her head in disapproval of the two kunoichi. Mimi couldn't help but rub the back of her neck bashfully. Sakura twiddled her fingers together. Aoko whined.

Next on the chopping block were Naruto and Jiraiya. The experience, for the trio anyways, was far more amusing. Especially because the inn owner recognized Jiraiya from a previous visit.

Naruto was first in the shower. Meanwhile Jiraiya poked his index fingers together while the smaller, older woman reprimanded him like he was her own child acting out in public.

They settled into their room afterwards. There they waited for their clothes to be dried, and for the storm to finally pass over.

Neither happened as quickly as they would have liked. Their clothes were returned first, but even then the rain and thunder ceased to let up for even a moment, trapping them inside the inn for the rest of the evening.

It wasn't until the next morning they set off once again along the saturated roads. With the absence of delays they arrived at the gates of the Leaf Village before noon.

It was the moment they'd all been waiting for. After a long, emotionally exhausting mission they were finally home. No longer would they need to fear the sudden appearance of Orochimaru or the Masked Man. Finally they could exhale a sigh of relief.

Mimi didn't exhale. She wanted to. Hoped the walls would grant her the feeling of safety and security.

There was nothing. Nothing except the sight of reconstruction from an Invasion that penetrated their walls. And the knowledge that somewhere within the shadows, enemies who masqueraded as allies were lurking, waiting. Watching.

The walls were no longer invincible shields that kept all the darkness out. They were fallible, fractured, and capable of failing all over again. Worse, the darkness was no longer an enemy entity trying to penetrate their walls.

It was inside the Leaf with them. Unseen by the general populace. By even shinobi.

Safety, huh? Mimi thought grimly as they strolled towards the Hokage Tower.

How naïve. It was almost laughable.

Tsunade was at her desk when they arrived, handling paperwork with the aid of Shizune. It looked exhausting.

However, paperwork screeched to a halt immediately for their mission debriefing. Overall, it was a relatively quick affair; the report Jiraiya sent ahead had done the heavy lifting for them.

Though their initial mission failed, they were sent on their way for check-ups at the hospital with a congratulations. The real targets of their mission escaped, of course, but according to Tsunade the removal of Arashi and the remnants of the Sound Village had eliminated an inevitable threat on their border before it had time to gain strength.

Additionally, everyone returned home safely, so, in the Hokage's words, it was a successful mission.

Mimi didn't bother to argue. There were other matters she needed to take care of, questions that needed answers. And there was only one place she was going to get them.

---

"Hit me, Sasuke."

"Are you sure?"

"Just do it, troublesome boy."

"All right. You asked for it."

Sharingan activated, Amari observed Sasuke's movements in acute detail. Every slight gesture was discernible. The micro-expressions that curled the corner of his lip up at her command, only to relax into neutrality, was clear to the kunoichi. His eyes shut, then opened, blinking in slow motion to her eyes. She could see his individual eyelashes.

His hair shifted with his body movement, and she noticed his hair was growing longer. The front bangs framing his face brushed along his collarbone, the back was almost all shoulder length, growing longer day by day, week by week. And he was in no hurry to cut it.

She saw the muscles in his forearms move, which in turn moved the tendons in his fingers. In a flash, without warning, Sasuke made his move. His hand shot forward. Amari tensed up, heart stopping, and—

The peaceful quiet was disturbed by the loud, dramatic slap of the paper card against the stone bench.

"Queen of diamonds," Sasuke said, smirking. "In addition to your four and three of spades and seven of clubs, that gives you a total of twenty-four. You bust."

"Of all the stupid luck…" Amari groaned, slumping back in defeat against the armrest of the bench. "That's eleven games in a row!"

"Kurenai-sensei was right. When it comes to gambling in card games, you are strictly forbidden from them. Advisors orders."

"What a pain."

Sasuke snorted. He picked up the cards dealt, both her accursed set and his winning total of eighteen, and placed them into the deck again, shuffling them around in preparation for another round.

Deactivating her Sharingan, the kunoichi rested her head back to look up at the blue sky. It was crystal clear, as if the storm the other day had swept through and cleaned the sky, refreshing the blue so it could appear a little brighter.

Even the temperature was warmer by comparison, situated on the threshold where the air had a bit of a nip to it even when seated in the sun. But it was nothing a long sleeve couldn't combat.

Somewhere in the trees adjacent to the bench, off the quiet and currently unoccupied paved road, the light thump-thump-thump of a woodpecker carried to her ears. Stopping, briefly. Then it let off a high-pitched series of chirps that rolled into one another. She heard it begin pecking again a moment later.

High in the sky she noted a messenger bird flying in the direction of the coop.

I wonder where Kaito is in his journey, Amari pondered.

It was unlikely he had reached the Mist yet. It was only four days ago when Kakashi had delivered his letter and Lady Tsunade's, so the flight was far from over. But she couldn't help but wonder about it, and feel nervous.

How would Lady Tsunade's letter be received? Would the alliance pull through? How would their shared past of bloodshed effect the conversations?

Could Lady Tsunade and Lady Mei find common ground? Would there be ridiculous demands made by either side? Would old warmongers get in the way?

How would the present circumstances of their Villages effect the power balance in the alliance?

Was peace possible?

Would their alliance be the spark to ignite the war with the Stone?

How would the Cloud react?

Was she being too hopeful?

Amari shut her eyes and exhaled deeply through her nose.

All I can do is write to Haku. Whatever else happens between the Hokage and Mizukage isn't in my hands. I can't stamp my feet and make demands from either of them. They have more to consider—trade, economics, the health and safety of their people, and so much more. And, in the end, we all want a fair deal.

No leader—no good one's, anyway—want their people to suffer. No one wants to get the raw end of a deal. No one wants to be treated as unequal partners in an alliance, watching from the sidelines as one Nation rises while they fall apart.

It was a complicated situation. One made all the more complicated by the past conflicts and the unresolved quarrels and hatred it left behind.

Amari hoped the two Kage's would find a path forward. Until then, she would keep to her path, which at the moment meant facing her terrible luck in another game of twenty-one.

In the midst of Sasuke dealing out their cards—her first up card was a two of all things—the sound of sandals clapping lightly against the paved road drew her attention around. Her clan-brother paused, shifting slightly to peer around her towards the source of movement.

Approaching them was Mimi, still attired in her mission gear with her right arm held in a sling made from bandages. Aoko was cradled in her hands, also bearing bandages around her furry body.

"Whoa, Mimi," Amari rose quickly from the bench and rushed to her side. "Are you all right?"

"You look like hell," Sasuke said tactfully.

"You should see all the other guys," Mimi grinned.

"Heh."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Amari was no medical expert, but she'd been in and out of the hospital enough to recognize serious injuries. Which probably said something bad about her.

"Whatever cut through your flak jacket did serious damage to your shoulder. And the mesh of your long sleeve is singed. You haven't even been to the hospital yet. And Aoko is all bandaged up, too."

Aoko barked.

"Yeah, yeah. You were right," Mimi replied to her companion. "Guess we're lucky I didn't go see Tenten. She'd have dragged us straight there, no questions asked."

"I can still drag you there, if you like," said Amari, smiling slightly.

To be considered more lenient and less frightening than Tenten in Mimi's eyes was amusing, to say the least. The pains of being a little sister, she supposed.

Mimi chuckled but shook her head. "I'll go straight there after we talk."

"It couldn't wait until after the doctors checked you over?"

"No," she shook her head again. And her countenance shifted, the mask dropping to reveal a grim and burdened kunoichi. "It was too important to wait."

"Okay. But at least sit down. Here, I can stand for a bit."

"And without a cane to boot," Mimi commented while allowing the younger girl to guide her to the bench.

"Finally," she sighed. "Learning to walk again was a huge drag. It took forever, too."

Mimi sat on the bench and settled Aoko in her lap. She glanced at the cards.

"Couldn't play this indoors?"

"I was going stir crazy," Amari admitted. "Yesterday was a gloomy and sad day. And despite our recovery we still haven't been cleared to train yet."

"This was the only thing we haven't done," said Sasuke. He placed down two more cards, Amari's face up and his face down. She now had a ten and a two. "Skipping rocks across a stream, walking the Village, talking about the future and the Uchiha Clan, shogi… Cards was all we had left to keep us from going insane."

"How's it going?"

"Eleven times."

"Huh?"

Sasuke smirked. "She's lost eleven times in a row."

"Ouch," Mimi snickered.

Amari slumped in depression. "It isn't my fault. I inherited it from my Mama."

"Hit or stay?" Sasuke asked.

"Hit."

He placed down another card. It was a king.

"Make that twelve," she grumbled. Sighing, she continued, "Anyway, what's up? I don't want to delay you from the hospital too long, otherwise Hana, your Aunt Tsume or Tenten might kill me."

Probably all three, starting with Hana and the Haimaru Brothers, and likely ending with scariest of them all:

Tenten.

"Can you summon Atsuko?" asked Mimi.

Amaru furrowed her brow. "You're the second person to ask me that today. The first was Master Jiraiya."

The Inuzuka nodded. Clearly she expected as much.

"I figured he sent his Shadow Clone off to find you. He mention anything?"

"Just that he needed to ask her questions regarding Intel acquired on your mission. It wasn't my place to ask questions. Atsuko left with him."

Amari pursed her lips. Something serious was going on. Nothing that required Atsuko's network of spies and information, and brought not only Master Jiraiya straight to her, but Mimi as well, would be small.

Something small wouldn't need Atsuko's direct attention. It wouldn't burden Mimi's wounded shoulders. It wouldn't reveal how little she had slept lately; Mimi wouldn't have dark circles under her eyes and look emotionally drained if it was insignificant.

Sasuke, she noticed, had stopped shuffling, sensing the suspicious situation at their feet.

Amari's eyes were drawn to Mim's injuries again. She examined the gouge in her flak jacket—a sword was responsible, undoubtedly. The singes on the right sleeve of her long-sleeved mesh top could only be a Fire Nature jutsu of some kind; an explosion would've damaged more of her clothes.

The cut through her glove and along the back of her hand, Aoko's serious injuries, the tears in her clothes and the signs of damage from small debris…

The Nara narrowed her eyes. Her conclusion was absolute.

"Your mission… Your team was targeting Orochimaru and Kasai in the Sound Village, weren't you?"

Not an accusation or a question. Merely a rhetorical statement she didn't truly need confirmation on. Mimi gave it anyway, nodding her head. Sasuke furrowed his brow.

"Yeah. We were. Didn't work out as planned, though."

"Meaning?" Sasuke asked.

"Meaning Kasai and Orochimaru weren't there. Orochimaru had someone—a guy named Arashi—posing as him. And that obsessive maniac left behind a Wood Clone we ended up fighting. He's the one who did this," she gestured to her shoulder, "to me. I would've had Ryu's Byakugan and his life in exchange if he was real. Sorry about that."

"Naruto and Sakura, are they all right, too?" she ignored the apology.

"Goofball is the picture of health. Sakura had a few injuries, but nothing life threatening. They're getting checked out at the hospital now."

"Then that's all that matters to me. Knowing you guys made it back, alive, is more important to me than Kasai. Don't…" Amari clenched her hands into fists. "Don't sacrifice your body or your life to kill him, Mimi. Please.

"I can't ask you not to fight him. I can't ask you to leave him to me. None of you would listen anyway. I can't ask it anyway because he'll do everything in his power to kill you all if he gets the chance. But… I don't want to lose any of you over Ryu's eye or Kasai's life." She shook her head. "That isn't what I want. That's the farthest thing from what I want."

She couldn't bear the thought of Kasai stealing them from her, too. They were meant to live long lives. Happy lives without the darkness and scars her path had in store.

"And none of us want you to be burdened by his sins," Mimi replied softly. "But you'll carry every murder he commits on your conscious. You'll blame yourself for everything he does, even these injuries I have. And, at this point, all it seems we'll be able to do is watch and offer condolences and platitudes that won't fix anything. While you suffer inside. You'll brush it off like you are now. Tell us our lives and safety are more important to you—"

"They are!"

"And I will never doubt that." Mimi lowered her eyes to the road. "But in your heart you'll take responsibility for him and his actions every step of the way. He'll keep causing you pain. That's all he wants to do. It's all he lives for. Your war. The war of Senju and Uchiha. The twisted gift you two inherited from Hashirama and Madara."

Amari recoiled at the statement, taking a slight step back.

"You, the great-great bastard granddaughter of Madara Uchiha, and me the great-great bastard grandson of Hashirama Senju. This is our destiny! This is their gift to us!"

Kasai… He had told them his skewed version of the truth. He raved about their ancestors and their so-called destiny, didn't he?

Sasuke raised his eyebrows. They'd only ever spoken of Madara in private conversations. To hear that name from Mimi…

"That's why I'm sorry," Mimi didn't acknowledge their shock. "I went on the mission—all of us did—to rid you of your burden. And in the end… All I did was add to it."

No, Amari wanted to say. You haven't. You've taken the burden onto your shoulders instead. Because Kasai has done something horrible in the Land of Sound. Something you can't bear to tell me. So you've taken responsibility, just as I do, for his actions in the hopes it will keep my shoulders lighter.

You're suffering inside. In my place. And all I can do is offer condolences and platitudes that won't fix anything.

This was another example of Kasai's monstrous nature. He sought to twist the world to match his skewed vision. In the process he afflicted all those he encountered with misery.

On instinct Amari stepped forward and knelt in front of Mimi. She reached her hands forward and clasped them around the Inuzuka's uninjured left hand, holding them warmly while looking up into her sapphire eyes.

"I appreciate what all of you were trying to do. In your position, I would've done the same for all the people I hold precious. If only to alleviate their burden a little. But you haven't added to my burden, Mimi.

"I won't deny that what you said is true. I will always take responsibility for Kasai and his actions. I'll tell myself if I had just let Ryu go, if I had seen clearly back then, the world would never know his name. He would be dead, and I'd still have Ryu. People would never have had to suffer at his hands.

"I'll always wonder how many lives I may have saved if I had just aimed my power fractions closer to him and chanced severe burns at the Valley of the End."

Because that was all it would've taken to end him. Fractions closer and his internal organs would've been fried, melted, or worse; there would've been nothing to salvage.

She shook her head to shake off the dark, regret filled thought.

"But I didn't. And so he will continue to inflict misery on this world of ours. It's all he is capable of. He will kill hundreds. Thousands, maybe. Who can say?

"However, I won't let him obscure my path. You can't let his twisted nature obscure yours either, Mimi. He is who he is—a monster. A man-child who craves attention and acknowledgment. He wants us to spend our waking and sleeping hours thinking about him. He wants us to suffer and hate him. He wants us to obsess over him. We can't give him that power over us."

"The Jester of the Senju is a real gluten for attention, huh?" Mimi muttered half-heartedly.

Amari blinked. Then tilted her head to the side, smiling.

"Jester of the Senju?" she repeated.

"It's what he is. All he's missing is a funny hat to go with that makeover you gave him. Gotta say, though, he didn't like the name. Pissed him off pretty badly."

"I can imagine."

"Fits him perfectly," Sasuke chuckled lowly. "The poor Jester of the Senju, a man-child who craves the attention of the world. Maybe we should use Atsuko's network to spread the word. Get posters hung around the major towns, outposts and Villages. Let the world see him for what he truly is."

Aoko barked in agreement. Mimi snorted, then exhaled a soft chuckle. Amari smiled and shook her head.

Amusing as that would be, I know exactly how he would react to it.

Entire towns would be wiped off the map. All while he cruelly grinned and laughed at their suffering, claiming it was all her fault for his actions.

And it would be. It already was.

"We can't move forward if we're always looking backwards, cursing ourselves for mistakes we made," Amari said after a brief pause. "It'd be easy to get lost in the darkness. To focus solely on my hatred for him. But I can't. The path ahead of me—ahead of us—" she gestured to Sasuke, "requires our vision to be clear. And, truly, for the first time in my life I can see my path forward with perfect clarity.

"Kasai is one threat of many. Killing him will only end one long and old chapter of my life. But there's an entire future ahead of us. A future full of danger, and suffering. Yet also full of hope and love and opportunity. We," she gestured to herself, Mimi and Sasuke collectively, "have the power to shape that future. We are all Guardians, each in our own ways.

"So please, don't lose heart. Whatever darkness we face, we'll face it together and burn it all away. Okay?"

For a moment, Mimi answered her with silence. But then her hand squeezed Amari's.

"I hear ya."

"I'll always have your back, Mimi. No matter what."

"And I'll always have yours. And Broody's, if he asks nicely."

"How nice," Sasuke drawled.

Amari giggled. Standing up, she created a Shadow Clone and, together, moved closer to her friends.

"Here, we can talk privately with Atsuko back home. I'll transfer us there with the Flying Raijin."

A bemused expression crossed Mimi's face. "You have one of those Seals at your house?"

"Yeah. If there's ever an emergency, like another Invasion, and I don't have my gear, I can teleport home, grab it and join the fight properly. I'm also thinking about setting them up around the Leaf in other locations for evacuation purposes. I want to set one up in the hospital, too, for emergency use only. But I haven't gotten the courage to ask Lady Tsunade about it yet."

"Good plan," complimented the Inuzuka.

"Thank you. Anyway, give me a moment. It takes some focus."

The two Amari's wrapped their arms around Mimi and Sasuke, shut their eyes and created the Seal of Confrontation. In her mind's eye she could see the door to her home, and through it the living room where the Flying Raijin technique formula waited, hidden on the underside of a shogi piece seemingly left out on the living room table.

Opening the door, the kunoichi walked through.

In a violet flash the group vanished nearly simultaneously.

---

Gathered inside of the Yūhi household, after summoning Atsuko, who had suspected the eventual occurrence after her conversation with Jiraiya and Tsunade, the two Uchiha listened intently to Mimi recount her experiences with Kasai and her encounter with the Masked Man.

They started out seated on the couches in the otherwise empty home; Kurenai was overseeing Team Eight's training. By the end Amari was on her feet, arms crossed in discomfort over her stomach as she paced like a leopard looking for a way out of a cage, considering the new information the Inuzuka provided.

Sasuke wore a severe frown. Atsuko maintained thoughtful silence, perched on the top of the couch.

Mimi sat almost entirely still. Her only movements were the rise and fall of her chest, her left hand threading into Aoko's fur and the occasional blink.

The mask she wore was nearly impenetrable. But the conflict of emotions and the cause of her recent sleepless nights was plain to see for the two Uchiha and the Crow. She looked ready to crash, or breakdown into tears.

"He's setting the stage," Amari found her words first. "All of us here have parts in the theater production he's constructed."

"It's like you said," Sasuke said. "The three of us possess the power to shape the future. Clearly he can see that. He wants to direct our strength towards his goals. Deep down, though," he eyed Amari seriously, "I think he fears what you're capable of the most. Just like all the other old warmongers. Remember what he said before?"

"How could I forget?" Amari stopped pacing. She flattened her lips together. "I'm beginning to bloom. My power is increasing. My influence is growing. I am a threat to their archaic systems. I am raw power, no different than the Amenominakanushi."

Sasuke nodded. "Exactly. Your influence over our generation is unmatched. In fact, it goes beyond the walls of the Leaf now. It stretches to the Mist through your bond with Haku, and to the Sand through your bond with Hikari. Your parents, Itachi, Aimi and Shisui, they all believed you were going to change the Uchiha Clan and the world itself.

"Madara wants the power of your eyes, true, but its your Will and spirit he's after. That's what I believe."

"Mm. I suspect that is at least one reason for his interest in Young Haya," Atsuko concurred. "However, to what end, I wonder? What is his ultimate goal? And why has he decided to use you four to achieve it?"

Those were the most unnerving questions of them all.

"From my experience," Amari started slowly, "it's the world and the Village System he seeks to change. Were we to believe he is truly Madara Uchiha, to take him at his word, then it's clear he believes what he and Lord First set out to do has ultimately failed and must be changed."

She began to pace again.

"If we believe he is Madara Uchiha, his ultimate goal remains the same: Create a world, a system, that is absent of or prevents the tragedies of young children being slain in war. As his brothers were. He wants a world, or a system, that doesn't tear families apart.

"That's why he uses our shared history of tragedy when he talks to us. He's building empathy. He wants us to believe he means us no harm and that he wants what's best for us and the world."

She stopped. Ran a hand through her hair. Bit her lip in troubled thought. Then spoke.

"But I don't understand how he plans to change it. Or how he plans to use us to achieve that end. And I don't trust his intentions. What he says sounds right. When he speaks you can sense the hints of truth in his words. You can easily believe him. You want to believe him."

Mimi nodded. "Yeah. It's exactly like that. But, deep in your heart, you can just…feel something is off. Something big. It's like sitting in the dark with the feeling of a cold knife against your throat. Except after he leaves and the lights come on you realize you're the one who's holding it there."

It was Amari's turn to nod. "Yes. He knows what buttons to press. What words to say. But even though they sound right, there's something inherently wrong with them. And yet… Even though I know he seeks to manipulate me—us—his words affect me. They burrow deep in my heart. Make me question myself and the Leaf elders. My trust in those outside of our circle of trust is thin. Very thin."

"All the more reason to keep our vision clear," Sasuke said. "And to start moving forward."

Amari hummed in agreement. Then glanced to Atsuko, perched on the couch beside her clan-brother.

"Atsuko, how much of what he told Mimi was true?"

"Hmm." The Crow made a troubled sound. "I fear his knowledge of Madara Uchiha's history is unparalleled. Truthfully, were I not innately suspicious of his identity I would believe he is Madara. I fear a part of my heart does believe against my better instincts. Few even know Madara had siblings. I can't imagine anyone outside of the Crows, Madara himself, and perhaps the Foundation leader, knowing Izuna by name. Yet here we are."

"So, it was all true?" Sasuke asked. "The Stone and the Second Hokage, they collaborated to kill Madara's wife and kidnap his child?"

"The assassination—murder—of Yua Uchiha and desecration of her corpse was tirelessly investigated by my predecessors. It was the perfect crime. Too perfect."

"The desecration…" Amari sucked in a breath. "They stole her eyes and his child!"

"They did," Atsuko confirmed solemnly. "As the Masked Man said, Madara demanded action. Retaliation. War was declared upon him, his family, and through them the whole Leaf. For what else could it be called?

"The Stone shinobi murdered his wife, who was a loyal and beloved shinobi of the Leaf, and desecrated her body to acquire her kekkei genkai. Not only this, they kidnapped his child. What else could it be called except a declaration of war?"

Amari didn't have an answer. In his position, she couldn't say her reaction would be any different. Or any less volatile.

"What happened?" Mimi asked.

"Madara did what any parent would do: He forfeited his fractured heart and soul to reclaim what was stolen from him, no matter the cost." Atsuko's voice fell to a grim tone. "Of all that is forgotten of Madara, what he did to the Stone will never be lost. They will always remember. The shinobi responsible for the murder and kidnapping returned home heroes. However…"

The Head of the Crows looked directly at Amari when she spoke next. Her black eyes penetrated straight to her core. The kunoichi swallowed roughly.

"The Third Tsuchikage will never forget what your bloodline is capable of. He will never forget the rage and the hatred he witnessed. He will never forget the humiliation and shame Madara inflicted upon him, his predecessor and the pride of the Stone Village. He will never forget the torture and slaughter of those personally responsible."

"Slaughter?" Amari repeated, almost too quiet to be heard. As if she might call Madara's wrath upon her home just by asking.

"There are no other words appropriate for what Madara did that night," answered the Crow. "In a single night, the Stone Village and its shinobi were decimated by Madara. He showed them why his name and the feeling of terror are intimately intertwined, and they all learned. Yes, they learned explicitly what true terror feels like, and the gripping sense of frail mortality and weakness it is joined with. They witnessed the power he commanded, and were left in awe. They were left broken and afraid.

"Shinobi who were too weak or defenseless were left alive, but only after he shattered their Will's. The Second Tsuchikage and his student—the Third Tsuchikage—were defeated and tortured with genjutsu to learn where Yua's eyes and his daughter were taken. He also acquired the names of the shinobi personally responsible."

"How did they die?"

"Screaming."

The one word answer was somehow more terrifying without details.

"How did he humiliate them?" Sasuke wanted to know.

"After he reclaimed Yua's eyes and his daughter, Madara returned to the Second Tsuchikage and his student. Rather than slay them where they stood, in front of his daughter no less, he left them on their hands and knees, bent before his feet and his child before the whole Village.

"Killing them would be a waste. The Second Tsuchikage was meant to be strongest the Stone had to offer, and he and his student had fallen; if Madara forced them to fall in line in subjugation, the whole Stone would surely follow.

"But first he made them apologize to his daughter. When they initially refused, their pride getting the better of them, he utilized genjutsu to coerce the apology from their lips. It was only after their foreheads were pressing harshly against the earth, and his foot rested on the head of the Second Tsuchikage as he and his student repeated their apologies, that he was satisfied."

Sasuke hummed lowly, impressed. Amari couldn't blame her great-great grandfather.

In his position, with his power, she couldn't say she wouldn't do the same thing for her child and lost lover.

"After the repeated apologies," Atsuko continued, "he demanded their unconditional surrender. For their indefensible crime, the Stone was to serve the Leaf from that day forward. And should they not express their defeat and servitude to the Leaf, he would return and kill them both. And he would continue to kill the following Tsuchikage's until he found the one soul to agree.

"However, his quarrel with Hashirama came between him and his promise. The Stone were quite fortunate in that respect."

"That's…heavy," the Nara said. The incident as a whole, and the burden of her bloodline. "What about my great-grandmother? She survived and clearly had a family. I wouldn't be here otherwise."

"To recount the life of your great-grandmother will take considerable time, and there is still more to Madara's story we must discuss."

"More?"

"As I said at the Valley of the End, the fall of Madara Uchiha is one of the greatest tragedies of this world. It is a story that this world has forgotten. It is a story that needs to be told in its entirety in order to prepare you for the Masked Man."

Atsuko shook her head. "However, unfortunately, it will have to wait. There is much I must investigate in regards to the Foundation and Mimi's parents. Rest assured, Young Haya, that we will discuss it in time. Knowledge of your ancestor and lineage will only empower you."

"Okay, but…"

She chewed on her lip. Her great-great grandfather was intimidating without a doubt. But his story, according to Atsuko, was a tragedy. The Stone's role in the tale was clear, but there was another…

Was it okay to ask, though? It almost felt traitorous.

"How does the Second Hokage factor into this?" Amari asked. Truth was the only way forward, no matter how uncomfortable it was. "Is it true he played a part in great-great grandma Yua's murder? Or is it only speculation?"

"It is an unfortunate truth, Young Haya," replied the Head of the Crows. "In truth, there are many, many lines I could draw from the current state of the Uchiha Clan directly to the Second Hokage."

Atsuko lowered her beak. "It is also true that his teachings were passed on to the Foundation leader, the Elders, and even the Third Hokage to an extent. Hokage's are meant to be leaders. They are meant to protect all members of the Leaf, regardless of Clan or personal history.

"But, in the end, all Kage's are only human, as you humans say. They are flawed individuals who will never be perfect. A Kage may possess extraordinary power, intelligence or hail from a respected Clan. But power, intelligence and status alone does not make a decent leader. Or a decent person.

"All the Hokage's have possessed flaws. The First was powerful but naïve. The Second was strong-willed but cold and uncompromising. The Third was wise but indecisive and weak as a leader. The Fourth was the best of the Leaf, but he died too young. The Fifth is," Atsuko hummed, amused, "well, you children know her strengths and flaws quite well."

"What about my parents?" Mimi asked abruptly. "Were they… Were they murdered by the Foundation?"

"That I cannot say with certainty," Atsuko replied. "However, it does match the Foundation leader's previous acts. If I find anything, you will be the first I will tell, Mimi. I promise you. And should it be true, fear not, for the Foundation will no longer go unpunished. In time the key to destroy them will become available, and when it does, they, too, will die. And they will do so screaming."

"Damn right," the Inuzuka replied. Then caught Amari's eyes. "But what is your plan? You said earlier you could see your path with clarity. What are you two gonna do given your situation?"

There was the question she'd been avoiding around anyone except Sasuke. She hadn't figured out how to approach the subject with Kakashi or her uncle yet, let alone Atsuko and her mother.

Would they argue against it? Tell her absolutely not and bar them from Anbu? Would they understand?

"Given our situation," Amari began slowly. Then stopped. She sighed. "Guess there's no other real way to say it. We're going into the Anbu."

Mimi was unable to conceal her shock. You would've thought she said they were going to leave for the Hero World, train for a few years and return when they finished fighting the war against the Villains.

Atsuko tilted her head to the side, curious and surprised by the sudden declaration. Before the Head of the Crows could give her opinion, the Nara's mouth followed Midoriya's example and began to ramble quickly.

"It's the only real choice I can see. I know it'll be dangerous and that we'll be walking in darkness, but my Mama, Shisui, Itachi and Aimi all walked the path of the Anbu. Right? They all kept their hearts. So, that's what we'll do. We'll walk in the shadows as nameless shinobi, acquiring the strength we need to prepare ourselves for the threats ahead. We'll protect the Leaf and each other from the shadows, guided by our eyes and Wills."

Silence followed immediately after. She almost felt tempted to start speaking and over-explaining her plan. Fortunately, Atsuko decided to take her silent hesitation as an opening to express her opinion.

"I see," said the Crow. "If that is what you have decided, then that is what we will do."

Amari felt her heart stop. She was also certain someone nearly knocked her over with how off-balance she felt.

"You…aren't going to tell me no?" she asked hesitantly.

"I would like to discuss the decision in detail later," Atsuko replied. "However, your hearts are true and the decision has its merits. I can also see that you and Sasuke both understand the burden and dangers that the Anbu will entail.

"It will not be an easy path, I warn you. Nevertheless, if this is the path your eyes have led you to, then I will do everything within my power to guide and protect you on it. "

"Count us in, too," Mimi said. Aoko barked in agreement.

"I can't ask you to," Amari dismissed the idea with a shake of her head. "You have Team Guy. If you came with us, you'd have to leave them behind. Our team is splitting up because of our circumstances. But yours doesn't have to."

"Yeah, don't bother arguing," the Inuzuka brushed off her argument. "You're both stuck with us. Who else is going to take care of you two when you inevitably get hurt again? Gotta keep my eyes on you little runts."

"Mimi…"

"The Masked Man is after me, too," she interceded seriously. "The Foundation may be as well. Who knows when either will make their next move. To keep me safe, Team Guy safe, Lady Tsunade might pull us off serious missions that take us across the continent. I'll be sheltered, just like you guys are. There's a whole lot a medic-nin can be ordered to do in the Village. It'll be long shifts at the hospital with little to no combat."

The Inuzuka shook her head, frowning, dissatisfied by the entire idea of being taken out of the field.

"That's not gonna work for me," she stated firmly. "I need to keep building my strength, and taking on missions so we can stop the Stone, the Akatsuki, the Foundation and the Masked Man.

"The way I see it, if Aoko and I are with you two, then they can create an Anbu unit comprised solely of us and a Captain. Think about it: Your eyes, our enhanced senses, hell we have Fire, Earth, Lightning and Water ninjutsu between the three of us, not to mention our collective skill in taijutsu, your genjutsu abilities and my Medical Ninjutsu. We'd be the force of reckoning the old warmongers all fear."

"When you break it down like that…" Sasuke trailed off.

The idea was good. Really good.

"Besides, the Hokage and your uncle can pick a Captain they trust to train and watch over us, like that guy you call Mr. Anbu. They have us under constant surveillance, and we get to keep moving forward. Everyone wins."

The validity of her point was impossible to deny. More impossible than the one she had tried to craft.

"Are you sure, Mimi?" Amari asked softly. "We'll be treading through darkness the whole way."

"With you blazing a trail, I don't think it'll be all that dark."

The Nara had to shut her eyes. The absolute faith Mimi held in her…

"Besides," the Inuzuka added, "Shisui, Itachi and Aimi stuck together, right? We'll keep the tradition up. We'll be the new Trinity." Aoko barked. "Plus one."

"I wouldn't bother trying to talk her out of it." Sasuke smirked. "You know how stubborn the Inuzuka Clan can be."

Mimi shot a wicked grin at the Uchiha boy. "Not nearly as hardheaded as the Uchiha Clan. You know what they're like, getting themselves impaled to land the killing blow, running off to fight age old enemies on their own and getting burnt and cut up in the process"

"Heh. You better take a look in the mirror because you've done the same thing."

"What can I say?" The Inuzuka didn't lose her grin. "You two looked like you were having such a good time, I couldn't help but dive right in and see what the fuss was all about. It's been a real party."

Sasuke snorted.

"Your companionship on this journey would be invaluable, Mimi," Atsuko said.

"Hear that, Amari? Invaluable."

"I suppose the decision is made then," Amari chuckled. "But I'm telling Tenten it was your idea."

"Now that's just downright cruel," Mimi sank into the couch.

Aoko barked.

Wide sapphire eyes snapped to the ninken. "Hey, you little traitor, who's side are you on!"

Amari giggled at the expense of her sister. Deep down, though, she felt a sense of relief for a change.

We finally have direction. With Mimi and Aoko at our side… Yes, we can do this. We'll stick together on this path of ours, no matter what. Just like Shisui, Itachi and Aimi did. I'll blaze my trail straight to them. I'll trust in my eyes to lead me to the future I seek to build.

In the Yūhi household a new team was formed, bound by a bond stronger than mere blood ties. It was a shared bond of pain, empathy and loss. A bond reinforced by trust and respect, sharpened by faith and certainty, and sheathed in the flames of the Will of Fire.

With their sights set on a clear goal, they took what time they had left to relax and prepare for their first steps towards the future.

Together, they knew, they would become a force the old warmongers of the world would learn to fear.

For they were a Trinity.

Plus one.