Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
Isao Gin; Thanks very much! Good times will be coming, I promise~ And thanks!
JhotoLoraxius; Canon will begin very soon, it wont be long now with what happens at the end of this chapter.
ramirezhuizar00; Thanks for the suggestion!
beenjammin0421; Thanks! Yeah, he might be on the road to recovery, but he's not fully healed yet, the note helped, but he still really misses his elder brother. The future right now for him is uncertain, but he knows that Shisui would want him to keep going, something he's trying to respect. I've got some missions coming up for Ryouta and the Genin team is going to consist of him, Haku and Karin.
Kuroh Yatogami; Thanks! Yeah, he could have that~
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, it was, but it will begin picking up rather soon with happier times. He is going through quite a bit of emotions. And yeah, with the help of those around him, he's going to do his best to carry on and move forward. It was, Fugaku can understand that right now, being as he is, isn't going to be helpful, and wishes to try and change that. He did yeah, he couldn't see Itachi doing that to Shisui. He is recovering, he isn't fully there yet, but with his friends, he's trying his best.
Bowzer15; Yeah, quite heart pulling huh.
MDM11; They could learn that. It would suit Hinata to have that yeah~ Yakumo could do. Tenten learning under them would be nice. Naruko could do. Satsuki will unlock it eventually, it might change on how its unlocked. Izumi definitely will do. Orochimaru could do that. He could learn under Hiruzen and thanks for the harem suggestions!
Dharak23; Yeah, it was a bit like that huh? He should've been. It will affect something's going forward. Thanks very much!
Silver crow; Thanks! He's trying to recover yeah~ No, Hiruzen wont let him get away with it. His ability is going to be quite fun to play around with. It was hard for Ryou yeah. He is aware, he just doesn't know the trigger, being quite young, but he'll soon figure out how to use them. Itachi is aware he has it, he just doesn't want it getting around. Izumi knows something's going on. He knows Itachi isn't responsible. That's all Mikoto could do. Ryouta very much appreciated Satsuki being there yeah. Hiruzen did, he didn't want to pressure Ryou and allow him a little time to get his head around it all. Danzo definitely was worried about what Ryou was going to reveal. Fugaku's feelings shall become more apparent in these next few chapters. He did yeah, he showed he believes in Itachi. Yeah, we learned a bit more there, and it would be Ryouta's again now that Shisui's gone. Izumi is quite enlightened, she doesn't blindly believe things without some kind of evidence to back it up. Quite emotional. Yeah, he isn't falling into the Curse of Hatred, and as you said, he isn't about to forgive who did this to Shisui, but he'll never lose who he is as a person. Fugaku could do. The massacre...it's going to be quite the ride, is all I can say. Maybe Hiruzen could grant some land. He could offer them some homes. He'll be using a weapon along with Taijutsu skills~ I've got some cool plans for the Chunin exams~ I'm sure Ryouta would before it got that far. He'll have some cool Fire Releases. Those are pretty cool. Yeah, it might be a while for that, but there will be romantic moments and things going on between that time. Maybe he could be~ You never know, he could've been her Sensei. She did have the abilities on par with what would be expected of a Hokage level person. We'll have to wait and see what happens with that, if he does or doesn't come back that way. Ryouta will have a unique understanding on Itachi, due to him witnessing how cut up he was about Shisui's death. Yeah she might do. They could be. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 1; Thanks very much! It's definitely going to be different to Kamui, we might see it in action rather soon~ The colour, I was thinking either white or silver. It could be different yeah~ We've seen different coloured Rinnegan so I don't see why it can't be a different colour. That's a good colour for it to be. Any of those powers would be pretty cool~ Thanks for the image of the Rinnegan ideas! They're pretty cool! I looked up the power, and it is pretty cool. Spiral Rinnegan design looks awesome. The blade like things do make it look good. No worries, I found it. True Rinnegan sounds cool.
prbenjamin; That's a cool power, thanks for sharing!
Andrew123456; Yeah, I've thought about it before, not sure if it could be pulled off or not.
Guest 2; It could become like that yeah~ Yeah, the eyes are like that. Turning into it would be a pretty awesome power.
War Sage; Thanks! Glad you liked the note~ He could use that. Fugaku does suspect it, he just doesn't want to bring it up right now. That's a good question, we might get the answer to that one day~ How he might've handled it if he was in a position like Shisui was, or how he would've tried to support Shisui and Itachi or something. It might give them one yeah~ He will yeah. He could tell Jiraiya about it. The elders...we'll see what they're doing this chapter. That was covered up so the Uchiha don't have an even bigger reason to attack, Itachi said so when he came to see Ryouta, they'd have to keep what happened to themselves, the same for Izumi. Most people assume he was unconscious due to the shock of the situation, which is partly true. He will be able to perform the afterimage clones, and one day be able to produce the same, if not more than Shisui. Definitely seems like there's a connection there. Itachi might offer some insight to it. He could learn a thing or two from Kakashi. He'll be able to do some crazy stuff with the Sharingan as the story goes on. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Skull Flame; Hiruzen is yeah~ The Uchiha are going through quite a bit.
Brainstorm Sorcerer; It was yeah, lighter times will soon be coming. He did yeah, Hiruzen shut that down. Fugaku's trying at least. Yeah, seems like there's a moon theme going on~ He isn't fully recovered yet, he's still got his grief deep down, but he's trying his best, and is going to attempt to move forward. That's a good question, a question Ryouta doesn't know the answer to just yet. We will get more information told about them and maybe even some cameo's from them somehow, either flashbacks, or other ways~ There will be, he's set a few things up for Ryouta, which will help him as he grows and matures and becomes stronger. The order for Tobi will be explained in the future, there will be hints before it will be revealed fully. I've got some ideas for clothes, and some great suggestions by a few people. Ryou will learn some Wind Release. Fugaku does suspect Ryouta has it. He'll be physically capable in the future, and be able to use his strength to break an enemy if he puts his power into it. A race, or even fight between them speedsters would be cool. Yeah, he wont know for a little while yet. I've got his eyes set yeah, the powers they'll have might be surprising, but they'll offer a good deal of versatility. His raw power, he'd be able to eventually have feats around Naruko's at the end of the manga. He will be able to use Yasaka Magatama yeah. Maybe Shisui's will could be projected through the Susanoo. Yeah, I thought it was a bit too similiar to that, and with that power one day, Ryou will be able to replicate a reflect like power. It will be a Space Time technique he'd use. With his ocular power, he'd be able to have a unique way of fighting Tobi's Kamui. That would be a cool power yeah~ He will create some cool Jutsu. That's a cool design. This next chapter...it depends on how you feel about certain people.
Guest 3; Thanks! Glad you liked it! He would eventually master it yeah. He could gain a cloak. Yeah, I don't see why it couldn't be permanent thing. That would be pretty cool for powers using the cloak like that. Probably snakes yeah. Haha, no worries at all~ He will have some nice moments with them as the chapters go. Those Shinobi clothing looks pretty cool to me! Even if not, the Anbu outfits pretty nice. I was able to find the one you described. They were enough for me to find it, thanks for the suggestions! No, don't worry about that at all~ Ren's outfit would be pretty interesting.
Cloud4012; Thanks very much!
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Itachi's choice!
A few months had flown by since Shisui's sad departure, Ryouta was...dealing. It wasn't a case where anyone could say that he was back to his usual self, but he was beginning to at least get to a place that he'd be okay.
For the time begin, he attended classes some of the time, some of the time he was excused.
It had been a rather traumatic experience for him, but he always caught up with the work when it was necessary.
Itachi also had noticed that Ryouta was trying to move on.
But right now, he couldn't simply think of that, as his Father was speaking about the clan and the coup, the coup that could endanger so many lives. Itachi hadn't been to a clan meeting in a good while, ever since Shisui had been killed, but this one, Fugaku practically demanded that he would come to the meeting.
"...In two weeks, from this date, we shall be going ahead with the coup."
The air was silent within the meeting hall.
Mikoto didn't look happy with this decision.
In fact, she looked as if she was against it.
Itachi held similar feelings on the matter.
But to the other Uchiha, they believed that he was somehow a traitor, that whatever he said it was for Konoha, and not for them, and while they were right, Itachi was a boy that cared immensely for his clan.
Even if they had gone down a dark path.
"Itachi, I'll have to ask for your support also. Your position within the Anbu is going to be vital if we're to carry out our plans."
Itachi didn't say anything.
He simply lowered his head, something Mikoto noticed.
She was worried for her son, and her husband.
The clan meeting continued, and she kept her eyes on her eldest son. Seeing that he wasn't speaking or when he did it was very subdued. She knew her son better than maybe even Itachi would give her credit for, and she could tell there were many things that weighed heavily on his mind.
Once the meeting had finished, Itachi respectfully stood, and began moving away from the area.
Mikoto began to follow her son, but soon saw that he had a cold demeanour, and was finding it difficult to approach.
"Itachi..."
Itachi stopped, turning to his Mother when they were halfway down the long set of stairs that led out of the clans meeting shrine.
"Yes?"
"Is there...something going on Itachi? Lately, you've been..."
Mikoto spoke with an empathetic tone, but Itachi brushed her off.
"I'm fine, Mother. Please don't worry about me."
Mikoto pursed her lips.
"That's the thing...I am worried about you, Itachi. I know the way the clan is going is something that a good kind child like you wouldn't agree with...even I have my doubts...but, I also want to support my husband..."
Even though she said that, Mikoto seemed even reluctant to do that.
She didn't want to cause any problems or harm, but she was stuck with what was going on as well.
"I...worry for the future of Satsuki, and Ryou. They are...nice and innocent children, if Father continues...what will become of them?"
"This is for the future of the Uchiha..."
"Is this going to bring Uchiha happiness? Or will it only prove the fears the others in this village have about Uchiha?"
Mikoto stayed silent.
She honestly believed what Itachi was saying definitely was true.
But she didn't know how she was going to proceed.
Itachi then turned, and began walking away.
Mikoto desperately wanted to help her son.
She didn't want him to have to suffer.
But she also didn't want Uchiha to suffer either.
Her own feelings were hard to discern for her.
She was loyal to both clan and her child...
As that was going on, Ryouta was currently training by himself, and was practising some Fire Release and shooting it off into the water before him. Using that, he was able to create steam and it grew more and more out of the water.
He also was training with his eyes, trying to use the Sharingan for longer period of time.
He knew Tobi would be back one day, he hadn't shown himself for a while...and neither had Sugaru.
He was going to make sure that he was prepared anyway that he could do.
As he was doing so, he saw that there was a young woman running towards him at high speeds.
He recognized her, remembering her from a while back.
It was the young woman known as Anko, the woman that he had met when he was with Karin back in the Forest of Death, when he entered to make sure she was safe.
But when she got close, two Anbu's jumped down before her, and stuck their swords towards her.
The two were personal guards for Ryouta, people the Hokage personally trusted to make sure the boy was safe and sound, from any kind of threat.
She looked dazzled for a few moments, as Ryouta noticed something slithering on the ground.
It was a snake.
A little reddish snake making its way towards him.
"Hey there, watch were you point the damn swords!"
Anko growled out with annoyance.
"You aren't authorized to be near this boy."
One of the Anbu said, a young woman with long purple hair.
Ryouta looked on, before bending down towards the snake.
Anko grimaced, and said "Hey kid, that snakes deadly..." but when she saw something...surprising.
The snake coiled itself around Ryouta's arm, but wasn't harming him.
It slithered up his arm, and rested near his face.
Ryouta smiled at the sight.
"Hello there, little guy~"
Anko looked mildly surprised by what she was seeing.
"...So, it isn't attacking him..."
"Why is there a poisonous snake around this child?"
The woman Anbu asked, Anko gave a small smirk.
"It got out, I'm putting it back, that's all. Though it seems that the kid can handle it himself."
Anko brushed the swords to the side, and went over towards Ryouta.
She looked at the snake, which seemed to be entranced by the eyes of Ryouta's.
"It's rare to find someone that isn't afraid of these little guys."
"Snakes aren't that bad, I quite like them."
He revealed, something that made Anko laugh.
"Me too~" She grinned, as she overlooked the boys appearance. "Say, you're that kid I met aren't you? Back in my forest. The one whos brother..." Anko recalled what had happened, and stopped herself. "...eh, right, sorry kid, I didn't mean..."
Ryouta shook his head.
"It's okay..."
Anko looked on awkwardly for a few moments, not sure what she should say.
"Yeah...well, it looks like that snake likes you huh~?"
"Hehe...yes, it seems so~"
Anko showed a grin, as she allowed her hand to run through her hair.
"Sorry to cut it short, but the old man would kill me if this snake stays out any longer. Poisonous and deadly, it ain't great for it to escape around the village, been chasing it for ten minutes, fast little thing." Anko apologized, and gently took the snake off of Ryouta. "Though, if you wanna come and visit the little guy, maybe that would be fine."
Ryouta tilted his neck, before nodding kindly.
"Thank you. That would be nice."
Anko smirked, pulling closer.
"By the way, the fire you used...quite nice. I like a guy that can bring the destruction~"
Anko showed a playful wink, before jumping away.
Ryouta continued to watch for a few moments, before going back to his training, thinking about Anko's offer...snakes, it was definitely something he had thought much about...but he did quite like them.
The next day, early in the morning, Itachi had to explain about what his clan was going to do next. With Hiruzen sat there, listening to what was being said, with his two advisors, one male called Homura, and one female called Koharu.
Both having a cold demeanour, they didn't have much emotion on their faces.
Homura and Koharu were people that Itachi didn't particularly like, knowing they usually favoured Danzo over Hiruzen's way of doing things.
Even when it was revealed about some 'rogue' Root members, they still sided with Danzo and believed he didn't have any involvement, making Itachi question if they were blindly loyal, or chose to look the other way for the 'good' of the village. They didn't even agree with Hiruzen disbanding Root either, but didn't have much choice since Hiruzen decided it be as such.
Itachi explained everything that was going on, and Hiruzen looked unsure of what to even think.
He didn't like how far it had gotten.
The fact the Uchiha were this angry, with Shisui's death which they also didn't believe was a simple suicide and while they tried to keep Roots involvement out of what happened to Ryouta from the Uchiha, knowing Uchiha would only increase their hate of the village, it seemed Uchiha still had enough reason to be angry.
It was clear that Uchiha were going to do something dangerous, and he'd have to act fast if he wanted to avoid the worst case scenario.
"In two weeks...things really have progressed. I'll also...do something about this."
Hiruzen began, when one of the elders, Homura spoke up.
"Uchiha have been a problem for a while now Hiruzen."
"Yes, but there is a path to peace. I know that there is."
Hiruzen tried to silence Homura, knowing that the man was more militant in his actions and would side with Danzo.
"Still...if Danzo was here, then he'd be against this."
"Danzo is not here for that reason, Koharu. I want to resolve this peacefully, I do not wish to resolve this with bloodshed."
Hiruzen told the old woman, while Itachi remained bowed.
"Hokage-sama, what should I do?"
"I'll be thinking of ways to stop this coup, and I'll even speak to Fugaku Uchiha myself, if it comes down to it. The Uchiha are valuable allies, enough blood has been spilled for the time being. Itachi-kun, please keep your head down and make sure you aren't discovered."
Itachi nodded.
But deep down, he had a few things that were...causing him to have conflicting feelings.
He knew Uchiha had to be stopped.
But he didn't want them to suffer.
But as a Ninja, he knew that it would lead to a situation where only a few choices remained.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Itachi bowed his head, and left the area.
Hiruzen had a troubled heart, and wanted to make it end peacefully.
For people like Ryouta, for Satsuki, for Izumi.
For those who were innocent, he was going to have to try and make sure they didn't suffer.
Homura and Koharu though had other ideas, and weren't as thrilled about Hiruzen's path to peace, believing in Danzo's thoughts on the matter, and decided to go and speak to Danzo about what was going on...
Meanwhile, Ryouta sat within class, and stayed silent as the other students were laughing together, or doing other things together.
Ryouta kept to himself, remembering how Shisui would want him to carry on, so that's what he was doing.
Though he did have to admit that even with this amount of time having passed with Shisui's passing, Ryouta was still finding it difficult for being in the class. Not that he found it hard in the tasks, but trying to concentrate when his mind would drift back to Shisui and what happened that night, was hard to not think about.
Naruko herself kept looking towards Ryouta, and saw him being mostly quiet.
It was odd to her, she didn't know what to say, she didn't know much of what to feel when something like this had happened, she hadn't lost anyone like Ryouta had, and she wished that she could do something, say something...
"Aaah~" Karin smiled out, as she looked at a package she got. "It seems that Shizune-san hasn't forgotten me~"
Haku looked intrigued by what she said, and cocked her head.
"Shizune...san? Who is that?"
"Someone that helped me come here. She sometimes sends me packages back here, things like different things she's collected. And letters, it's really nice. The woman on the other hand...she really is a handful."
"The...woman?"
Karin nods at Haku, and went to explain about how she called Tsunade the woman when Naruko hops onto Karin's desk, staring intently at the package. Karin looks up at the hyperactive blonde, and sees that she's staring down at her with a curious expression on her face.
"W-What is it?"
"I didn't know you had someone!"
Naruko's loud voice caused Karin to awkwardly smile.
"I do...sort of. I mean, they helped me out and all...that's it really. For whatever reason, she doesn't like to be here...but, Shizune-sans nicer than that woman...honestly, I don't know what goes on in her mind at all."
Naruko tilted her head side to side several times, while Karin playfully laughed. But in a nice way rather than a mean way, something that Ryouta thought was nice, that they were getting along rather well despite being rather different people.
"So, so! Is this Shizune strong?!"
"I...I think so...I'm not actually sure. I think she's a Jonin."
Karin confessed, she truly didn't know much about the ranks of Tsunade, or Shizune.
Haku leaned forward with an intrigued expression.
"Karin-san, you also came to this village before me, didn't you?"
"Yes...that's right, I was brought here."
"Have you settled in well?"
"Think so, people are nice, and I haven't really met anyone that wasn't."
Karin confessed, Haku gained a soft smile while Naruko just listened in, she was happy that they didn't exclude her, and talked with her. Even Hinata soon came over, and began talking with the trio, enjoying their time together.
Ryouta's eyes cast out of the window, staring into the sky, something that Satsuki noticed.
"Something wrong?"
"Oh...no, I'm alright."
"You sure?"
Satsuki asked once more, but Ryouta gave her a smile.
It wasn't the smile that she wished to see.
But it was still a smile nonetheless, and she was glad to see it coming on his face.
"Yes...I'm alright, taking it...one day at a time..."
Though it was difficult for him, Ryouta was trying to face life and take it on.
"Yeah, that's the best way to..."
As Satsuki went to grab his hand, Ino came walking over with a boxed lunch.
Satsuki scowled when Ino placed it onto the table before him.
"Here Ryou-kun! I made this for you!"
Ryouta smiled, but Satsuki scowled.
"It's fine, I already made Ryou a lunch."
Ino this time scowled.
"That's fine, he can have two."
"He might not want two."
Satsuki said it while giving a hard stare for the young girl.
Ino's face fell into a deeper scowl, as did Satsuki's own.
As they did that, Sakura meekly came in from the right hand side, and offered her own lunch.
"H-Here…I also made this...Ryouta-kun..."
Satsuki's eyebrow twitched when Sakura did that.
"Ah, thank you, Sakura-san. That's really kind of you."
Ino was happy, and also slightly annoyed that Sakura had swept in and did that while Satsuki had occupied her time.
While they stared at one another, Ryouta looked on and couldn't help but feel...as if this was normal.
It felt nice to be in a regular situation again and not have to worry about the heavy stuff.
Even for a little while, Ryouta felt some peace within the class.
Walking home together that day, Ryouta and Satsuki casually held one another's hands as they did so. Ever since Shisui's death, Satsuki had decided to do this, and Ryouta didn't have any objections, it felt good that someone would want to be beside him like this.
Ryouta looked up, and though he couldn't see them, he knew two people were following him.
"So they follow you now huh?"
"Hokage-sama said that I'd have...some Anbu guards in case something happened. People...that he trusts."
Satsuki gave a thankful nod.
"Don't want anything to happen to you, so I'm glad."
Ryouta was also.
For now, he changed the subject.
"Satsuki-chan, I'm going to be training with Izumi-chan soon. Want to train with us?"
"In medical stuff? That isn't my thing."
"I don't know...it's really useful, I'm learning more...about how to control my chakra. If nothing...it helps with that."
Satsuki tilted her head to the left.
"Is that so? Maybe I could… but, I'm not sure I'd be good with medical stuff."
"I'm not sure I'll be good either, but Izumi-chan really is. And she said that it would be good if I knew some first aid and to be able to help people that way, even if it is only until someone with more skill can arrive and help out."
Ryouta's words caused Satsuki to smile.
She could see that he was beginning to feel a little better.
Before, he wouldn't have talked this much after Shisui died.
Slowly, but surely...he definitely was beginning to recover.
"Ooh my, look dear~ It seems that Satsuki-chan and Ryouta-kun are going to become a couple~"
An older woman spoke up, with an older man walking out of his shop as he did so.
Seeing the two holding hands, the married couple cooed.
"Yes, it does seem like that~ They're so cute together~"
Ryouta noticed that Satsuki was moving her neck away from the married couple.
Uruchi and her husband Teyaki chortled at the sight of the two children together.
"A-Auntie...Uncle..."
Ryouta's small face began to turn red, he wasn't used to things such as they were talking about.
Teyaki took a loaf of bread, and tossed it towards Ryouta, who caught it with one hand.
"You must've been busy at the Academy today. It's on the house."
"Hehe, if you keep giving me free bread, you might go out of business."
Ryouta murmured with a slight smile.
Teyaki waved his hand side to side.
"Don't worry about that, I've got my own customers that keep me going. Please, it's on the house."
Ryouta smiled thankfully.
"Thank you Uncle."
Ryouta bowed, and moved away with Satsuki.
"Honestly...saying things like that..."
Satsuki began, drawing Ryouta's attention.
"Sometime on your mind Satsuki-chan?"
Satsuki shook her head several times.
"N-No...nothing at all."
"Are you sure?"
Satsuki just nods without voicing her thoughts.
Ryouta tilted his neck at Satsuki, deciding to believe her for the moment and continued walking together with her.
As they walked together, Ryouta saw that Fugaku was walking close.
He didn't really know what Fugaku was going to say, he had actively tried to stay away from Fugaku, he didn't feel the need to speak with Fugaku and Fugaku surprised him when he didn't say anything or do anything.
Ryouta even found out about Fugaku paying for the house Ryouta lived in, everything needed to keep the house going.
It...was very surprising.
He couldn't figure out what Fugaku was trying to do.
But he was thankful all the same.
"D-Dad...why are you here?"
Fugaku had a mostly stoic expression, but his eyes landed upon Ryouta.
Neither said anything for the moment, and just stared at one another.
"Ryouta Uchiha-kun, can we have a conversation in private?"
"...I guess."
Ryouta didn't know what Fugaku wanted.
Even Satsuki was worried, her Father never called for Ryouta like this.
"Don't worry Satsuki-chan, I'm okay to speak to your Dad."
"You sure? After everything that's happened..."
"Yeah...it's alright."
Ryouta gave her a kind smile, and began walking off together with Fugaku.
Moving towards a large body of water that was within the Compound of Uchiha, Fugaku dismissed those who were around so they could be alone together.
"Can those Anbu hear us?"
Fugaku asked, Ryouta looked back before shaking his head.
"No, they said they'd keep their distance and let me have privacy, but they'd come within a second if I needed it."
"Good, then..."
As he was going to speak, Ryouta spoke up first.
"Fugaku-san...before you begin, I have to thank you...for taking care of the money for my house...but I am surprised..."
Fugaku looked out towards the large body of water, his eyes flashing with the Sharingan briefly.
"Ryouta, you don't have to thank me. I...I can understand the dark time that you had during this period, losing your elder brother. I haven't had the opportunity to express my sorrow for you losing such a person."
"...Thank you, sir..."
"You're wondering...why am I being so nice now? When I was...when I acted rather rudely in the past to you?"
"Yes...the thought crossed my mind."
Ryouta admitted.
He didn't know what Fugaku was thinking about at that moment.
"It's because...we share something now. I lost...I have lost a lot in my life. Your parents...they were precious and dear to me. Your Mother, Father...they were people I trusted with my life, that I came to when I didn't have all of the answers."
"...I felt like that with Shi-chan."
"Yes...for what happened to you, is something that shouldn't have." Fugaku's eyes turned back towards Ryouta, and stared at his eyes more so than Ryouta wished that he would do. "Your eyes..."
Ryouta didn't want to speak about it.
He couldn't.
Though he presumed that Fugaku was aware he had the Mangekyou Sharingan, Fugaku wasn't an idiot, though he was curious as to what Fugaku would do with the information about his eyes.
However, what Fugaku said next surprised him.
"Surpass Shisui."
"...I'm sorry?"
"Shisui Uchiha, he was a very talented, and gifted member of the clan, that is true. You, have the capacity to surpass him."
"...You always used to say that I was a useless Uchiha..."
Ryouta genuinely was confused by Fugaku and didn't know what he was thinking about.
Fugaku held an air of calm around him as he spoke directly to the boy.
"I wish to see your progress, I believe in your capabilities. My actions in the past...don't reflect what I feel deep inside." Fugaku took out what seemed to be a scroll, and tossed it towards Ryouta. "Fire Release, it's natural for the Uchiha to have that kind of elemental affinity, and you are no different. Those Fire Release written within that scroll, are advanced Fire Releases, and some of the basic ones also. But basic, doesn't have to mean weak either. Even a weak Jutsu can cause destruction if used in the right hand."
Ryouta took out the scroll, and saw the Fire Releases written down, and how hard it would be to perform.
Ryouta could even see how dangerous the techniques would be if used incorrectly.
And as Fugaku said, he also saw some that were easier to perform.
Ryouta went to speak, when Fugaku began walking away.
Fugaku didn't even turn back before he disappeared around a corner.
"He...truly is hard to understand..."
Murmuring to himself, Ryouta was no closer to understanding Fugaku.
He presumed it was because Fugaku had understood that his treatment of Ryouta wasn't great.
Perhaps it was because Fugaku wished for Ryouta to live up to the potential Shisui had.
Even when getting praised, it still felt...weird.
Like it was slightly off.
Ryouta looked down at the scroll, before clutching it in his hands, and walked off also.
Danzo, sat within his private chamber, couldn't believe that Hiruzen had done what he did.
Even these months later, he was angry.
He couldn't get the eyes of Shisui, he couldn't get his hands on Ryouta, and if anything happened to him now…
Then he knew there wouldn't be anything he could do about that.
Sugaru had gone, so he had lost a good member.
He also lost a number of them to Shisui, even Ryouta managed to take some out.
Hiruzen had officially disbanded Root, and had forced Danzo to shut down operations...
Though Danzo was glad that he had some loyal followers who kept operations up in secret from Hiruzen.
"Damn that Hiruzen...he's even trying to bargain with the Uchiha..."
Koharu and Homura had told Danzo of the current situation behind Hiruzen's back, and now he was aware of what might happen.
Though he didn't care for either of them, he found them rather useless most of the time.
But in this instance, he was glad that these two had decided to follow his path and way of doing things over than Hiruzen's.
He knew Hiruzen would choose the path of peace…
Danzo on the other hand didn't choose that path.
"...If Uchiha are to continue on...but, I cannot do so myself...Hiruzen will know if I tip my hand into this...that's why, there's only one choice left. If Hiruzen isn't going to do anything to resolve this, then I'll have to do this myself, and there's one person that will do as I say..."
Danzo knew what he was supposed to do next.
He stood up, and he began making his way towards a certain someone.
He had to do what was necessary for the future of the village he desired to be what he saw would be the best.
Even though Danzo knew it was going to lead to a number of deaths...he knew that it would have to be the case where they ended up being deceased, that's the only thing that he could do for the moment.
Later on in the evening, Izumi and Ryouta were together within the house, and Izumi was showing Ryouta more medical knowledge. Ever since Shisui's demise, and he was able to recover at least a little, he was beginning to learn Medical Ninjutsu.
Izumi was showing him the Mystical Palm Jutsu, something that Ryouta could see she was rather skilled with. He was even using his Sharingan to copy it as perfectly as he could. But he could see that it took delicate chakra control, and being able to use it wasn't easy. Even with his Sharingan, it seemed the control over his chakra wasn't to the precision that Izumi's was, where she could use her healing quickly, at least quicker than most who was learning it at her age, she seemed to be a natural when it came to healing.
"And that's how it is Ryou-kun. Using this method, you can even make chakra scalpels. I'm trying to use them in ways for combat. With the Sharingan and my own chakra control...the people training me seem to think that it is possible for them to do it."
"That would be good for you Izumi-chan."
"Yes, and with you learning it also...I'm sure that it will be good too! At least, I think that Ninja's should know the basics. Even if they're not going to be full on Medical Ninja's, you know what I mean?"
Ryouta certainly did know what she meant.
"Yes...you know Izumi-chan...the night Shi-chan...died...he saved my life."
Izumi smiled gently.
She was glad that he was being a little more open.
"Is that so?"
"Yes...I was bleeding and injured...really bad...but when I woke up...my injuries...had been bandaged...even though Shi-chan had been poisoned...he was still trying to...he was still trying to help me..."
Izumi smiled at the sight before her.
"That was Shisui-kun for you. He always did his best for everyone..."
"That's why...I will too Izumi-chan."
Izumi giggled sweetly.
"I know, you'll become a very strong and kind..."
As she spoke, she thought about Itachi, and that caused her to feel worry.
Months had gone by, and she knew something within him had changed.
Something about him told her that there was something going on.
Whether it was with the Uchiha, with him personally…
She didn't know.
He didn't even really allow her to get close anymore.
He would be distant.
Something she wished that he wasn't, as she wanted to help him with whatever problems that he had.
"Izumi-chan, is something wrong?"
"A-Ah...well...erm...n-no...not really..."
"Itachi-kun hasn't been...around lately, has he?"
Izumi hung her head.
"...No, he hasn't."
She wished it wasn't the case.
But Itachi was spending more and more time away.
She wondered if it was because of Shisui and how he felt about Shisui.
"Is there...something going on?"
"I wish I knew sweetie...I wish I knew..."
"Should we...go and capture him? So...he can tell us?"
Izumi giggled at the small joke Ryouta gave.
"Hehe, yeah, we'll go and tie him up so he'll tell us what's going on~"
Despite her upbeat attitude, Ryouta could see that Izumi truly was worried.
"...I'm sure he's...like me Izumi-chan. Itachi-kun...is getting...a lot of horrible...things thrown...at him lately...the clan have been acting...mean...and they believe that...he killed Shi-chan...no matter what I or he says..."
Ryouta let out a frustrated sigh.
He had tried to defend Itachi but the Uchiha were narrow minded.
They wouldn't listen to reason.
It was exactly the same case as when they did it with him, and how they had spoken to him.
Though it seemed that for the most part, they had shifted their feelings on Itachi.
"Yes...that is true. The clan have been going through changes ever since..."
"...Ever since...what?"
Izumi giggled awkwardly.
"Ooh nothing~"
"Izumi-chan...it's okay to...be worried about Itachi-kun. I'm...also worried about him. Ever since...Shi-chan died...he's been different."
Izumi knew he was speaking the truth.
Something within Itachi had changed, and neither knew what it was.
"That's certainly true, he's been different since then...but, don't worry about Itachi-kun, I'm sure that he'll one day eventually come through it and be back to the usual Itachi-kun that we know and love~"
"You love him... don't you Izumi-chan?"
Izumi blushed a bright red, shaking her head side to side.
"T-That's...w-well, I mean...hehehe..."
Izumi became embarrassed, but Ryouta adopted a soft smile.
"I...think you make...a good couple...Izumi-chan..."
"Ryou-kun..."
"I think...Itachi-kun needs...someone like you...to help him. Shi-chan told me once...that Itachi-kun finds it difficult...to speak about his feelings...but, with you Izumi-chan...I feel as if he's more open...and you'd be able to...help him out."
Izumi hoped that it would be the case.
At least, she wanted to try and help him out.
"A-Anyway! We should really be getting back to work!"
"...Yes, that's right, lets get to work."
Izumi could see that there was conflicting things within Ryouta, and the same could be said about Izumi also. Pushing down their own thoughts and feelings, they continued to work together, and train, learn and do what was necessary for the moment.
The next day, Itachi was surprised when he had been called out privately by Danzo. He didn't like Danzo, he knew what he had done to Shisui, and how he had attacked Ryouta, but he had to make sure he didn't do anything to him.
At least not yet.
He fought down his angered feelings, and stood within a forest.
Surrounding them was a sea of trees.
There was nothing around them at all, no Ninja that could ambush them, Itachi had made that didn't happen.
"Danzo...sama, I have to...ask why you wished to meet me privately?"
It was difficult to keep his anger down.
Seeing Danzo's face, Itachi wanted to finish him off…
But then he thought of Ryouta, and felt like perhaps it would be his right to make Danzo pay.
Since Danzo is the reason Ryouta had been left without a brother…
He had to think like that otherwise he'd end up taking this old man's life.
"Yes...this is about the Uchiha clan. I've been hearing the words of your clan recently, and what happened with Hiruzen among other things...it's time for this to be settled, Itachi. The Uchiha clan wont be reasoned with anymore."
"That..."
Itachi tried to disagree, but Danzo was resolute in his feelings.
"It has to be this way. Either Uchiha will die quietly, or they will die loudly, and those children shall be dragged into it."
Itachi tightened his hand.
Itachi was becoming increasingly concerned for the well being of the Uchiha clan. With Shisui's death, it had set the Uchiha back a little while, since Shisui was someone that they had to admit would have been a huge asset.
But now, it was...it was becoming increasingly more likely that Fugaku was going to be going for the coup to take place. Itachi was running out of ideas on what he should do, and how he should handle this situation.
"Those children..."
"Will be killed, if their coup goes ahead." Danzo spoke disgusting words that made Itachi wish to take him out. "Not just this village, but the entire world could be thrown into chaos. If any other villages recognize that there's disagreements within Konoha, then they could take advantage and try to kill us while Uchiha use that opportunity to wipe us out also."
Itachi didn't want to believe Danzo.
But even he as a young teen recognized there was a chance that it could end up like that.
"What do you propose we do?"
Danzo, with his lone eye showing, allowed a cold expression to appear on his face.
"The Uchiha need to be wiped out."
Itachi gave a grim expression.
He was trying hard to fight it off, and be stoic…
But to kill the clan that he knew Shisui loved.
The clan that he was birthed into.
"That's a request that I cannot simply decide upon, on a whim."
"It's a very serious decision, but one I hope you make quickly. Do your loyalties lie with Uchiha, or do they lie with the village?"
"...That's...asking me such a question is..."
"Life isn't fair, Itachi. You should realize that. The clan have gone too far, and they aren't going to be able to make you choose anything other than what I've offered. If you do, then your sister, and Ryouta Uchiha shall be spared."
"…"
Itachi was surprised that Danzo wanted Ryouta to live.
He presumed he said Satsuki, knowing that Itachi cared for her immensely.
But Ryouta…
"Is he...after Ryou's eyes as well?"
Itachi thought.
He believed that it would be a case like that.
Danzo's lone eye focused sharply onto the eyes of Itachi, dancing between them.
"Give me your answer within two days, Uchiha will not wait much longer than that."
Itachi thought it was rather cold for Danzo to say that.
But that was who Danzo was.
Itachi also knew from his own thoughts that he'd have to make a decision.
The clan...or Satsuki and Ryouta.
He even thought about Izumi...and how she wasn't mentioned.
The girl that he had come to have romantic feelings for…
The girl that he would even go as far to say that he had perhaps even loved in many senses of the word…
Not only her, but his own parents, his Mother, and Father, and while not agreeing with everything his Father had done until now…
Later on, Itachi was contemplating what Danzo had said to him...
Could he really do it?
Could he end the clan that he loved?
Did he even have a choice?
Standing at the cliff side that Shisui had taken his own life after being exposed to the poison of Sugaru, Itachi's feelings were becoming increasingly more suppressed, he couldn't unleash what was truly deep inside of him.
Fortunately, there was someone that did understand what he was going through, and that person happened to come up behind him.
"...I didn't expect you'd be here also."
Ryouta's voice carried over to his ears.
Itachi glanced back at him, and though he wasn't the best at doing it, he offered him a small smile, barely detectable, but it was there.
"So how come you're here?"
"It's...been three months today since Shi-chan died. I came here...to think about Shi-chan..."
"...Yes, it has been that long, hasn't it?"
"You didn't forget though."
Ryouta noted, Itachi shook his head.
"No, I didn't."
"Is that why you're here also?"
Itachi shook his head.
"No, it's for another reason. I realize this might sound...ridiculous, but I was hoping being here, Shisui might be able to guide me..."
"Guide you?"
"...Yes, I'm at a conflict right now."
Ryouta furrowed his brows, trying to work Itachi out.
It was increasingly hard to do so.
Itachi would keep to himself, and wouldn't speak about anything regarding his feelings.
Shisui always was able to read Itachi.
But for Ryouta, it was harder, but he at least knew something was amiss, Itachi usually didn't have conflicting emotions as far as he was aware of anyway.
"It's Uchiha, isn't it?"
Itachi's face didn't change.
He didn't want to give anything away that could tarnish Uchiha more than it had been within Ryouta's mind, knowing Shisui would want the same thing.
"Uchiha are just fine for the moment."
"But...something's going on, isn't it?"
Itachi shook his head once more.
"You don't have to worry about that."
"Izumi-chan's worried...you haven't really spoken to her in months...or rather, when you do, you don't speak much to her."
Itachi lowered his eyebrows.
"Yes...I'll have to make it up to her."
"Please do...because it isn't just Izumi-chan...we're all concerned Itachi-kun."
Itachi was touched when he said that.
"...You don't have to worry about me, I'm okay."
Ryouta's mouth pursed ever so slightly.
"...I'm not Shi-chan, but maybe I could help you? Itachi-kun...we both lost him that night...and I...I don't want to lose you either. So please...don't pull away from those...who care about you. Shi-chan...would say the same."
Itachi appreciated the kindness Ryouta was trying to offer.
But he knew he couldn't involve Ryouta in the situation.
"Thank you...you truly are a kind child...and you're right...Shisui would say something like that..."
Itachi trailed off, thinking about Shisui.
He wondered what he'd do in this situation.
He remembered how he had to also make tough decisions.
But to kill his own clan…
He didn't know if Shisui would forgive him for doing that.
But at the same time, remembered Shisui telling him about having a hard road ahead now.
"Then let...let someone close. If not me...then someone else...your Mom, Dad...Satsuki-chan, or Izumi-chan. I've heard...people saying terrible things about you...like they did me...how they treated me horribly, and now you...if it wasn't for Shi-chan then it would've been too much..."
"Thank you for the concern, but I'm really okay. They can say what they like, we both know what happened that night."
It wasn't something others could know, Ryouta had been sworn to not tell anyone, the same for Izumi.
"...I know what Sugaru did yes. And Tobi...he hasn't come back..."
Itachi also was surprised that Tobi hadn't come back.
As far as he knew anyway.
"It seems to be the case. Anyway, maybe it would be best if we left here for the time being. It wont do either of us good. Despite it being this long...I know that it still is difficult for you."
"As it is for you...Itachi-kun."
"Yes...anyway, let us return back to the Compound."
Though Itachi said that, Ryouta felt as if there was something more to it.
Something about the way Itachi was...he knew there was something going on inside of his mind.
As that was going on, Izumi sat within the living room of now Ryouta's home, just reading one of her medical journals and was engrossed in what was going on, when she heard a sound of what seemed to be whistling.
She thought maybe it could have been Ryouta, so she called out.
"Ryou-kun, are you home?"
It wouldn't be odd for him to be back, but she didn't get any kind of answer.
The sun blazed outside, streaming through the windows, and she didn't believe it would be some kind of attack.
But to remain cautious, she took out a kunai, and began making her way to the door.
"Ryou-kun, if you're there...come out..."
She didn't believe Ryouta would play a prank on her.
Not after what had happened…
But something about this wasn't right.
However, before she got to the door, she saw that someone had walked through it.
Not by opening it, but as if they were a ghost, and had moved through the wall.
"Aaah!"
Izumi cried, and jumped back.
Her hand began to shake as the man, who called himself Tobi stared directly into her eyes, with his lone one.
She felt an intensity that she hadn't felt before.
She felt a worrying feeling overcome her.
Tobi was dangerous.
She had heard he could phase through attacks, so she didn't know what she was going to do against him.
"W-What do you want?"
She tried to be brave.
But under the gaze of Tobi, she did feel as if her insides were cold.
Tobi's demeanour showed that he could do anything.
Kill, or make a light hearted joke.
It was that perplexing that she didn't know what was going to happen with Tobi.
"Not surprised?"
"I...I heard what you did to Shisui-kun!"
Tobi tilted his neck.
"I did no such thing."
"You...were there that night, you tried to take Ryou-kun and you caused him harm...you're the reason Shisui-kun is dead."
Tobi began laughing, it was so odd and eerie that Izumi felt as if she was going to pass out from the sudden intense atmosphere that happened to be around them at that moment in time.
"That's not how it went down. I had no involvement in his death. The one that did was Sugaru."
"...But you tried to take Ryou-kun. You can't deny that."
"I'm not denying it. I did try and take him."
"Then...what do you want now? Because you wont get him. Even if...you do anything with me, he'll be safe from you."
Tobi continued to chortle.
That along was causing her to feel worry.
"Izumi Uchiha, it seems that you have been active these past few months. Taking care of our precious Ryouta-kun. It's so lovely, you've become something of a big sister to him ever since Shisui died."
Izumi began to panic.
The darkened male voice was giving her the creeps.
She found him rather terrifying, and she went to scream…
But Tobi stopped her with his raised hand.
"If you want Ryouta-kun to live, you shall listen to me."
Izumi closed her mouth.
She nodded slowly, the words not finding their way out of her mouth.
"Good, then I've learned of some knowledge to do with your boyfriend."
"...Itachi-kun?"
Izumi became confused.
She thought that this was about Ryouta, not Itachi.
Tobi continued, not caring for the confusion on Izumi's face.
"That's right, I think it's time for you to speak to Itachi Uchiha."
"But why?"
Izumi demanded.
She knew this was the Tobi that Ryouta had spoken about.
But she didn't know what he wanted.
What Itachi had to do with anything that was going on.
"Trust me, you'll want to talk to him. If you want to survive, and keep your little brother figure alive, you'll want to speak to him."
"...You're threatening to kill me? Or Ryou-kun?"
Tobi shook his head.
"No my dear girl...Itachi will kill you if you don't follow my advice. And Ryou...well, we'll see what happens with him. Itachi...is planning to kill all Uchiha."
Izumi placed a hand over her heart.
Itachi...was going to kill her?
All of the Uchiha?
She couldn't see him doing that under any circumstances unless…
His hand was forced.
"...Why are you doing this? Why are you telling me?"
"Isn't it obvious? For Ryouta-kun of course. That boy...he's got to be protected, and made the strongest."
Izumi furrowed her eyebrows.
For some reason...she believed he genuinely wanted Ryouta to survive whatever it was that might happen.
What agenda he had, Izumi wasn't sure.
But she did know was that there had been something going on with Itachi, and now Tobi was saying it…
She couldn't trust Tobi, but she didn't want be caught by surprise either.
She had to speak to Itachi.
She then saw that Tobi was moving away from her.
She didn't say anything as he stuck his body half way through the door.
"I'd find him sooner rather than later, Izumi. You don't have long left."
Izumi felt shaken to the core.
Even though he didn't attack…
She felt scared on what could be happening.
For herself, for Ryouta, and for Itachi.
Whatever was going on, Izumi knew she'd have to speak to Itachi.
Hours later, Ryouta and Itachi came back together. Izumi had kept the meeting with Tobi to herself, not wanting to cause panic until she knew the truth. What Itachi was doing, and why Tobi was obsessed with Ryouta.
Ryouta seemed to be tired, so he had gone to bed, leaving the pair alone together.
Itachi, remembering the words of Ryouta, wanted to speak to Izumi and...try anything to make her feel better.
"I need to talk to you outside Itachi-kun."
Izumi said without her usual cheerfulness.
Something had happened, he could see she was rattled.
"Izumi..."
"Away from...anyone that could hear. I need to speak to you."
Itachi furrowed his brows, and left the house together with her.
So Ryouta, nor anyone else could hear.
They stayed close to the house, so they could keep an eye on Ryouta.
Izumi stood awkwardly with Itachi, her faith had been shaken.
She didn't want to believe Tobi.
But she couldn't deny that there was something off.
Ever since Shisui died, Itachi had changed.
He just wasn't the same.
The same could be said about Ryouta.
But there was something more to Itachi than Ryouta…
Something was weighing on his mind, and as time went on, Izumi knew it was eating away at him.
And now with Tobi's words...it fell into place.
That maybe Itachi had been considering killing the Uchiha.
For reasons, she didn't know.
"Izumi...what's going on? Has something happened?"
Itachi tried to connect with her.
But what she said next caught him off guard.
"...Itachi-kun, are you planning...to kill Uchiha?"
Itachi stiffened.
How did she even know that?
The thought ran through Itachi's mind as she stared at him, clearly shaken by what she had just said.
"Why would you..."
"I had a visit today...from Tobi."
Itachi's face fell.
He turned a ghostly white colour.
"...Tobi came here?"
"Yes...he told me, about you...about how you're...going to kill Uchiha...tell me he's lying...please tell me he's lying..."
Izumi tried to keep it together, but in the end her voice turned more and more scared, and worried.
Itachi didn't know what to say.
It was the truth.
But it made him question how Tobi knew about it.
When Itachi didn't speak, Izumi placed a hand over her mouth, and pulled backwards, away from Itachi.
"I don't get...why are you going to do that? Sure, Uchiha have been...they have been..."
"It's...not a choice I want to make, Izumi. It's a choice...I have to face. Uchiha...they're planning to do a coup..."
"A-A coup..."
Izumi hadn't really ever been involved in that side of the clan.
She wasn't truly aware of the coup, so hearing it was a surprise.
"Yes...a coup. Let me start...at the beginning."
Itachi knew that Izumi would keep the secret.
And if Tobi was involved, then she deserved to know.
So that's what he did.
He told her, everything that had happened.
She went through many emotions.
She was scared.
She was worried.
She also however, understood.
All of the actions of Uchiha, what was going on…
"...And now, that's lead me here. Danzo...he's said that I should either kill Uchiha, and spare Ryou and Satsuki...or, they would die with Konoha retaliating against us, and they'd be caught in the crossfire."
"Ooh God..."
"It's...I have been...so torn...I don't know what to do. I only received this news hours ago...and I only have a day or so to reply...I don't want to kill the clan...it's the clan that we are apart of...the clan Shisui loved...the clan Ryou and Satsuki are growing up in...I don't want them to have to suffer anymore..."
"...And you'd have to kill me too."
Izumi murmured, Itachi closed his eyes and didn't reply.
He didn't want to do anything to Izumi.
He found it the most difficult thing in the world to even try.
He cared for her.
He wanted to protect her.
"Izumi..."
"I...I understand...the Uchiha doing all of this...it could stain the next...generation. Ryou-kun...Satsuki-chan..."
"I don't want to harm you Izumi. You're...important to me."
He admitted, the most emotions she had seen in a good long time from him.
He had avoided her for a good while now, and she knew now why that was.
"...Itachi-kun, I'm so...sorry that you're...involved in this...this horrible...decision. And Danzo...that little bastard..."
"I hate him also. I hate...everything about that man. He truly is the darkness of Ninja..."
"It's a lose lose situation...either do it and kill everyone...or don't do it and risk them all dying anyway...and your sister...and Ryou-kun..."
"Exactly...I'd lose either way."
Izumi couldn't fathom what Itachi was going to do.
"...What about Hokage-sama? Can't he..."
"...I wish that it could be solved peacefully, I think the time for talking is over. My Father...he is adamant about this...and Danzo wouldn't accept it either. I don't...care what Danzo thinks, but he has so much power in this village, Hokage-sama is..."
"I want to punch that old bastard..." Izumi wished she could. For the moment though, she held onto his hand and looked him in the eye. "Itachi-kun, I don't know what's right...but all I do know is that...I want Ryou-kun to live...is it selfish that I want that? My Mom...she also is...going to die...isn't she?"
"...I'm sorry."
Izumi tried to stop the tears coming to her eyes.
She didn't want to lose her Mother, or Ryouta.
She loved them both.
But she also knew what her Mother would say.
How she'd want to do what she thought was right.
Though Izumi had to admit that she knew she didn't really have much say in it one way or the other.
She couldn't change anything at all.
"...To answer your other question...of course it isn't selfish to want him to live. I...also promised Shisui that he would live...I'd do anything to help make sure that he lived..."
Izumi couldn't hold back her tears anymore, and she ended shedding a few tears.
"...Then that's all I want Itachi-kun. Even if...even if you...have to...have to...kill me...then if he...su-survived then...i-it would...b-be okay..."
Itachi couldn't take it.
He turned his eyes away from her, hiding the fresh tears that were beginning to come out.
Even though he was able to control his emotions quite well, this was a situation where he just couldn't.
Izumi hugged her upper body, and looked down at the ground.
"...Itachi-kun…you know...I really...enjoyed the time...we had together...even if it...wasn't for...all of my life...the time...we had together...was amazing...and I know...you are a good person...never forget it...even if...you do this...you're such...a good person..."
Itachi bit his lower lip, trying to stop his emotions coming out of his mouth.
He just...couldn't anymore.
He wanted to say that this wasn't happening.
Izumi moved forward, attempting to get close, when Itachi pulled away and moved a good distance away, so she didn't see him in a state of weakness.
The thought of killing Izumi, caused immense guilt, and sadness to bubble up within him...
Meanwhile, Ryouta had come down the stairs to get a drink.
He looked around, but saw Izumi wasn't there, so he popped his head out of the door and called out.
"Hello, Anbu-sans...do you know where Izumi-chan's gone?"
One of the Anbu flashed down, and looked down at the boy.
Ryouta saw the woman's purple hair flowing behind her.
"She walked away several minutes ago with Itachi Uchiha. Shall we go and find her?"
"Oh no, if she's with Itachi-kun, she's probably having a heart to heart...best leave them alone. However...erm, are you guys hungry?"
"We don't require food."
The woman replied.
"But you guys haven't eaten all day, right?" The Anbu woman shook her head. "That's not good, you have to keep your strength up."
"Wait-"
Before she could deny it, he ran back into the house.
A few minutes later, he gave back out, with a tray of sandwiches, and different drinks.
He handed it towards her, and he smiled innocently towards her.
"Even you Anbu have to eat. Please don't worry, and enjoy~"
"Ah well...thank you very much."
Ryouta smiled, then turned and went back inside, but not before saying "When you're finished, let me know so I can wash them, thank you~" and then disappeared inside.
Upon going back inside, Ryouta sat on the couch, and began reading a book.
However, the door then went so he walked towards it, and opened it, revealing Satsuki.
"Satsuki-chan, are you..." As he spoke, she walked inside, and grabbed his hand. "...okay?"
"Yeah...my Mom and Dad...they're busy...and I don't know where big brother is..."
"Izumi-chan and Itachi-kun are talking somewhere."
"Oh right..."
"So, want to stay here?"
Satsuki shrugged "I suppose.", and moved to the couch with Ryouta.
Her head laid on his shoulder, as he looked towards her.
"Ryou...are you okay?"
"Yes...I'm getting...to a place...maybe I could be okay..."
Satsuki smiled.
"That's good..."
Satsuki hugged Ryouta, who did the same thing, he was glad for her company.
She had been quite the supportive figure for him, ever since Shisui had died.
Without her...he knew it would've been so much more difficult.
Even months later, she was there for him, and that meant the world to him.
Back with Itachi and Izumi, the pair hadn't spoken for a number of minutes, both trying to get their heads wrapped around what had been said.
But that changed when Itachi felt eyes on them.
"Show yourself immediately."
Itachi demanded, Izumi confused.
Izumi looked around for him, as Itachi withdrew a kunai.
"Now, now, what's with the tears?"
Izumi stiffened.
They both turned to see Tobi stood there.
Itachi swiftly put himself between Izumi and Tobi, with Tobi's lone eye going towards Izumi.
"It isn't nice, making a girl cry Itachi."
"...What are you doing here?"
Itachi suppressed the urge to growl it out, knowing he'd have to keep his wits about it.
"I've come to see how my favourite pair are." Izumi and Itachi didn't look amused at all. "Judging by your expressions, I presumed you have had a conversation. Izumi, did you learn what you needed to from Itachi?"
"...Yes."
She whispered, Tobi smiled from under his mask.
"Then it's time to get down to business."
Itachi furrowed his brows.
"What do you want?"
"Killing Uchiha, that would be a hard task, even for you Itachi. That's why I thought that we should have a conversation. One where Izumi there gets to live as well as Ryou and Satsuki."
"...Why do you care if Izumi lives or dies? What do you get out of her being alive?"
Izumi even had to question that, and was glad Itachi asked that.
Tobi chortled.
"I get a number of things from her being alive. But that's my business. Do you want her to survive Itachi? I know you care for her, even if your face tries to hide it so well."
It wasn't even a question, if Izumi could stay alive...
"...Of course I want her to survive. But if she did...Danzo would..."
"Danzo...you let me deal with Danzo. You get the best of it, don't you? You let your little sister live, your girlfriend, and Ryou. All you have to do is bring your girlfriend with you, after you leave Konoha."
Itachi didn't understand.
Why did he want Izumi?
What could he gain from her?
"...I can't-"
"Will you leave Ryou-kun alone if I went with you?"
Izumi demanded, Itachi looked baffled, but Izumi kept her composed face on.
"Hmmm, for the time being, yes I would."
"You'd not...interfere in his life at all?"
"No, I'd leave him alone."
Izumi looked towards Itachi, who didn't look like he wanted to agree with this.
Himself, he was prepared to live a life where he couldn't be accepted, and carry the burdens of Uchiha on his shoulders.
He didn't want that for Izumi.
"Then...I'll go, do whatever you want...please just don't hurt him..."
"I'll only agree if she's made to have been kidnapped by myself. Then...one day she can return to the village."
Itachi interrupted, with Izumi muttering "Itachi-kun..." but Itachi knew what he was doing.
He wanted to make sure Izumi one day had the chance to come back to Konoha, and this is the only way that she could do so. If he kidnapped her, and forced her to do his bidding in the eyes of the public, then she wouldn't be a monster in the eyes of the village, unlike how he was going to be.
Tobi inclined his neck.
"Agreed. Follow me, to Akatsuki, become members, I could use two strong members, Izumi, your medical skills will be rather useful in Akatsuki, and Itachi...your talent speaks for itself."
Itachi didn't like Tobi in the slightest, but if he could do any good within this Akatsuki, and he could have Izumi spared as well as making sure she could return to the village...while he didn't trust Tobi for a second, he had to think of their future.
"Then I agree also. If you leave Konoha, Satsuki, and Ryou alone."
"I agree with your terms Itachi. Lets destroy Uchiha, together."
It was a deal from hell.
But it was the only thing either could do to make sure those they loved survived.
For Satsuki….
For Ryouta…
For Izumi...
For Konoha…
Itachi would take on this horrible task, and become the villain to protect those precious to him.
End chapter!
So this chapter showed a bit about what's to come, Itachi's feelings and the decisions he's going to have to make, and showing Ryouta attempting to move forward with his life, though still finds something's difficult, Hiruzen taking precautions and having him guarded by some trusted Anbu members. Izumi also has been concerned about Itachi, and by the end, thanks to the efforts of Tobi, she's been brought into this situation. Why Tobi wants to do this, shall be revealed later down the line. And now, with the agreement, the next chapter...yeah, we'll be getting to the Massacre, we'll see how that turns out, and what Hiruzen's going to do to do Danzo for this.
Speaking of, there's a question I've received recently, and that's about the Sensei of Ryouta, Haku and Karin. I've thought about it a for a little while now, which would be the best, and I've narrowed it down to two.
Yamato.
Anko.
I thought Ryouta could learn from either of them, the same for Haku and Karin, but I'm not sure which to go with, so I thought I'd put it up for a vote!
So yeah, if you'd like to vote on that, then please do!
Until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko,