25 of September….This day will be forever marked in the calendar. It will be the day which brought a new era in Hi no Kuni – only the following years could tell if the change was for the better or not. When the last floor of the Hokage Tower crumbled to pieces and heavily crushed onto the ground, everyone new that massive changes will be made the following days.
September 23rd
Shisui and Itachi hardly go out to eat, they do however enjoy sharing a bottle of sake once in a while. They sat as far as they could from other people, somewhere in the corner, at a table of only two. The light is dim but strong enough to make their sake cups visible. Someone seeing them sitting in such a secluded place would think that they are making plans to take over the world. But they can hardly think of subjects to chat over. Their minds are preoccupied with what will happen in two days time – when the clan will finally make their move. It would be one thing if Fugaku and Kagami thought of a war with only the village leader but their plan is to make blood pools all over the streets. Killing the innocent – will that really wipe the humiliation they feel about their lack of influence inside the village? Itachi cannot understand why his father feels like the clan should have more to say over the entire village. At the end of the day, if they can decide over their clan and have the freedom to solve their problems without other people interfering, why do they need more? The village is led by Yondaime and he often asks for advices from other clan leaders – so their opinion is being heard. But the clan does not believe in best options; they only believe in their own ideas. Envy, frustration and greed are only a few of the negative feelings clouding the clan's reasoning. The problem is that attack is only going to make matters worse.
"So, are things going well with your girl?" Itachi asked trying to find something else to think about. Lately, he often finds himself trying to escape reality only not to think about the pressing matters. If he starts thinking he feels the need to take action and the last thing he wants is to turn against the clan he loves more than anything. On the other hand, Sakura is not part of their clan so Shisui probably has more to worry about than Itachi. He shouldn't have asked.
Shisui finished his sake and stared at the white bottom of his cup. "I can hardly call her mine," he said regretting he had to leave her in Sunagakure without finding out the truth she was hiding. But he couldn't use his Sharingan on her. His clan's actions are a constant reminder that his need to be in control is not something healthy. Thanks to his clan he is more aware of how toxic his thoughts are. A sick mind is hard to control but at least he is aware of it.
"If you have to put a leash on her then there is no point," Itachi stated as he also finished his drink. He didn't want to point it out but with all the madness caused by his clan he wants to prevent his cousin from causing another commotion. Actions are better than words but he cannot tell Shisui how to show his feelings. On the other hand, if Shisui does not change at least only one person will be sacrificed – which is an improvement compared to the coup d'etat.
"Deep…" Shisui agreed not actually thinking about it. Itachi should mind his own business because he does not know what he goes through. "Itachi, there are more pressing matters."
"Your issue has a solution, ours does not."
Shisui looked around the room. Very soon most of the people there will be dead. They have no idea what is about to happen in only two days. The clan will eventually be stopped but there will be many casualties. Uchiha clan can freely move around the village so it will take a while for the alarm to go off. Even after the other shinobi are aware of an invasion, his clan will easily blend in and look for chances to kill. Once the village does realize, what will happen to the clan? Uchiha clan might be powerful but right now the village has many skilled shinobi in other clans. It will be a bloody operation.
A few table away, Shisui noticed Jiraya and Kakashi chatting over their meals. He could not help but notice Jiraya's long locks covering his wide back. And as if that view held the answer to all his problems, Shisui turned to his cousin. "Go home. The village is our home but the clan is our identity. I will pay the drinks."
Itachi was slightly confused as of to why he was suddenly sent home but he did not ask anything. He grabbed his jacket and left without delay. If he cannot trust Shisui, then who can he trust?
Shisui stared at the two men with patience. He does not want to be hasty in any way. Is he thinking the right thing? If he makes a move now, will he be able to find a less bloody outcome? Is he about to do something stupid? This is just something that crossed his mind as he stared at the two. What if he will be seen as a traitor by his clan? Shisui took a deep breath and got up. But what if Sakura will be hurt?
He quietly walked to the table of the two men and considered his first words. In worst case, he and his clan will sleep in prison starting tonight.
September 24th - 9:30 AM
"To be honest, we were aware of a possible coup d'etat," Yondaime said as he watched Shisui in the eyes. Minato is very calm despite knowing that a war will start within the village – it wouldn't be the first war happening these days. "I am however surprised of your duality."
Shisui, who did not even flinch as he heard the leader's words, looked behind the Kage, at the village. He told Kakashi and Jiraiya about the coup d'etat without a proper thought. He himself is surprised by his duality – all these years he was a faithful warrior for both his clan and the village. The clan never once doubted the orders coming from the village and the fights always had a commune purpose. Or so he believed. This time, he had to chose a side but at the same time, to protect everyone. The village is finally quiet and peaceful – he does not want to disrupt this peace.
"When will it happen?" The door opened and Jiraiya and Kakashi entered just in time to hear the most important information which Shisui did not share.
"I am in no position to say this, however I have some conditions to be met before I give you all the details." He is surrounded, that is for sure. The two men were not called there just to hear extra information. Yondaime really cannot trust him. Is it because he is an Uchiha? Or is it because he came only last minute to admit to the coup d'etat? It is disappointing to realize that he lost all the trust in a flash. He was once the most trusted shinobi in the village and he had the power to propose solutions but now all he has left is a resentful look from the Kage and an uncertain future. He lost everything just like that… How can his loyalty be doubted when he still came clean? No, how could they trust him when he is even making conditions to save some traitors?
"You are right when you say you are in no condition to ask for anything," Jiraiya hissed not believing his ears. "Shisui, I am truly disappointed by you."
"You give me too much credit – I am only a mere human, just like all of the people out there," he replied fixing the buildings. The village is beautiful: people are cheerful, hardworking and they keep everything clean. The buildings were build with responsibility and they are in great shape to offer shelter in case of an emergency. But shinobi always find a way inside. "Itachi will take over the clan, however we will change the way things are done. No, he will change the ways, I will take responsibility for the coup d'etat so I want him to avoid going to prison." That was his condition – even inside his clan there are people who deep down know that an attack will not solve the real problems. "He will need help from the village but it is time you take responsibility for all the frustration building up within my people." He did not mean to go this far and say that to the man he always took orders from but today he feel stronger than ever. Mentally speaking he is prepared to face all the consequences in place of his cousin if this will help his people – he does not want anyone to struggle with resent and uncertainty. "A war inside the walls of our village will not bring anyone anything and I am aware that I am stepping my boundaries, however I could not find any other way to spare everyone."
Kakashi knows better than anyone that such an act will bring Shisui great misery in the future but he is grateful to some extend. Sasuke was his student – he does not want to see his student going down the wrong path. There is still time to stop all the madness and find solutions so that nobody else suffers from this.
Harsh words came from a subordinate – even Minato cannot help but admit to himself that his actions were not the best ones. Wrong decisions were made – he could not properly explain things and thought that if his subordinates know less it will be much better than having the whole picture. His son's generation was never prepared to face a war but they one day found themselves with the order to win a battle they knew little about. Very few explanations were given and the elders acted as they did during his time – they had no compassion for children who despite everything did all they could. His ears heard the way Koharu solved mistakes done by the younger generation but he decided to ignore it – it was important to win the war. At this point he cannot help but ask himself where has he lost his ninja way and his ambitions for Hi no Kuni.
September 25th – 8:30 PM
There was a meeting going on before the coup d'etat. The last details were being transmitted to the shinobi selected for the battle. Fugaku picked only the most skilled and loyal men to throw the village in despair and fear while he and Kagami wait for the right moment to ambush the Kage. The plan itself is flowless – they have been preparing for this day for over 10 years and they raised their children to help them accomplish their objectives. Finally a new era will start for the clan and they will have true peace. They will close the borders to the country and seclude themselves from the bad influences coming from outside. They will live only for themselves and with no worry of what others might think – they will make the rules and show everybody their way of peace.
That was the plan but before Fugaku could finish his sentence, two hands grabbed him from behind. One hand holding a kunai beneath his chin and the other one was secured over his shoulder. Nobody saw that one coming and they could not not even react when the Yellow Flash captured their leader before he could give the orders. Fugaku himself was so surprised that he did not even blink when he felt the cold sharp metal pressed over his neck.
Shisui remained motionless when Yondaime appeared out of thin air. He did his duty, all the information he knew was given to the 3 men in exchange for Itachi's freedom. He also told them that Itachi is not part of the plan and that his cousin has no idea of what Shisui is up to. Yondaime is not a predictable man and he is very hard to read so Shisui was not surprised nor did he expect to get any thanks for the information. No, the man did not even seem to consider the terms when he told Shisui he can leave. The last thing Shisui expected was to be sent home as if nothing happened. He did not even get a promise that his conditions will be met but he doubted the village could name an outside leader for the clan - Itachi is their best option. The man left and spent the night at home and the next day with his father and waited for something to happen - but nothing happened; not until now. Shisui even thought that maybe they will wait for the clan to move and then have a reason to execute everybody - he is glad to hear that that is not the case. However, he has no reasons to be assured because they might still be executed.
"Don't, Sasuke," he heard Fugaku's voice resonate through his thoughts. Brought back to the current situation, Shisui looked around the room to locate his least favorite cousin. Sasuke was on his feet, sharingan activated, and ready to attack the intruder who was about to hurt his father. "We won't move an inch," he assured the kage but it was also an order for his people.
Minato was not worried at all and the moment he heard his prisoner talk he felt the urge to slit his throat. But he remained calm, trying to remember that Fugaku was once a dear friend of his. He should have noticed the changes in his behavior. "I don't recommend moving. The building is surrounded by very skilled shinobi."
It is annoying that word came out and that so many shinobi know how the Uchiha clan is now a true threat to peace. Ironically, the clan also wanted to bring peace and for that, they really believed that blood had to be shed. Shisui clenched his fist with the urge to throw a punch but he tried to remain calm. He cannot let the frustration building up to cause a scene. Sure, they can fight now but they are outnumbered and they are bound to die. He is confused as of why he feels the urge to fight the village and protect his clan's reputation. It was he who betrayed his clan in the first place...
Before anyone could say anything there was an explosion heard coming from afar. Everyone was distracted by it and looked aimlessly around the room trying to discover the source of the sound.
Later, after all the men in the room were arrested, they found out that the Hokage Tower was crushed.
Two days later
Cuffed and with his chakra sealed, Shisui sat on a metallic chair and faced Ibiki. Both of them hid away any kind of emotions as they stared at each other. Ibiki never thought that he will live the day to interrogate one of the most trusted shinobi of the village. Or better said, ex-trusted shinobi as Shisui was stripped of his rank.
"Angry?" Ibiki asked as he relaxed in his chair. When he was called back to the village he thought that new orders were to be given regarding Suna. It never crossed his mind that something that big happened while he was away. He can interrogate anyone but can he really make Shisui speak? The man is a living legend and an exceptional example of what a shinobi should be like. Small things such as physical pain or mental torture are not going to work on him.
For a matter of fact yes, Shisui is very annoyed at the moment. He should've asked for death for himself. How is he supposed to live from now on if he has nothing left? His clan... no, his parents sentenced him to such a life. What was all the crap about clan coming first as they have the best interest for its people? Many bad thoughts are going through his head when he is alone in his cell. For him the clan did come first and he really believed that he picked the best option for the children of the clan, so why does he feel so unsatisfied? He did the right thing and yet he has nothing right now. He no longer feels like a god but like a useless mortal, struggling with feelings which should not haunt him. Was he always so easy to be fucked up or is this something that happened during the war? Where is his lucidity? Why does he feel like a disgusting human just because he does not feel chakra pouring through his veins? Shisui hardly suppressed the urge to clench his fists and show Ibiki an opportunity to tale advantage. "How is my clan?" he asked instead of playing Ibiki's game.
"Your father, Fugaku and all the people arrested that night are in prison. They are all being interrogated." He has no reason not to answer the boy. Ibiki knows that Uchihas are very sensitive to strong emotions; maybe he will touch a sensitive spot.
Shisui absently nodded. That was expected to happen. "Who is coordinating the clan now?"
Ibiki shifted his position and rested elbows on the metallic table. He crossed his fingers over the table and leaned in to be closer to his pray. Best way to make someone speak is to make them feel cornered. Invading personal space is one of the many ways to put pressure on somebody. "Itachi and Kakashi are in charge of relaxing the tension."
Shisui nodded and looked at his cuffs. It was his plan to save Itachi so why does he feel so jealous right now? Why does he harbor so many negative thoughts when the decision was his? He could've saved himself instead of Itachi and yet he decided to sacrifice his freedom for a clan that will never appreciate it. A failed coup d'etat brings embarrassment to his clan. They did not even get to make a move and they were caught.
Ibiki relaxed his tensed shoulders and gave back the personal space of the prisoner. He is taking it too seriously and nearly missed the point of everything. Shisui gave all the details about the coup d'etat so he shouldn't stress over it. "I am aware you were the one who informed our Kage about the attack. I have no doubts that you will answer all of my questions."
Hearing those words made Shisui smile. He could not remain emotionless anymore. "What do you want to know?" Right, he created his own weakness anyway.
"For how long have you known about this?" Ibiki started his interrogation with more confidence than when he walked inside the room.
As Shisui proceeded to answer the questions coming from Ibiki, he realized something very important. He knew so little about the coup d'etat - he was informed only after the war and all he knew was the day and the hour everything will start. Over the years his parents never once left the impression that they dislike the village but, at the same time, they never once encouraged him to strive for the village. The clan always came first and he was trained by his father to be proud of the blood rushing through his veins. His pride and trust in his clan brought the misery he is feeling now.
"Was it worth it?" Ibiki sighed disappointed by how easily Shisui was manipulated by his clan. He was so faithful that he missed the really important things and when he had to pick he tried to protect his clan and his cousin. Without his clan he is a lost man.
However Shisui did not answer the question. He does not know if it was worth it or not. The way he is feeling right now is indicating him that it was not worth sacrificing his freedom. He should've picked the things saving his ass and reputation and not the best things for others. His pride cannot stand being cuffed like a mere criminal. All those years of training to surpass stupid and useless emotions were for nothing. He cannot forgive the way his clan made him feel but at the same time he cannot forgive himself for not doing more for his clan. His clan is his identity and without it he does not know who he can be. So many contradicting feelings... One thing is sure: he was happiest when he followed the orders coming from the village. "I did not consider it," he lied trying to protect his pride. He is a prisoner but he will not lose his pride.
One week later
Sakura took small steps down the hall. Prison brings back many bad memories but today she is not there because she did something bad. No, today she was finally allowed to visit him. She was in Suna when Shikamaru told she heard that he was imprisoned and labeled a traitor. She and Ibiki came home together but she was never requested to assist him. Because she could not bear it anymore, she came clean to Naruto about her feelings for Shisui and begged him to help her get a free pass to visit him. Naruto was already devastated knowing about Sasuke so when he heard that Sakura had a relationship with an older man (and an Uchiha on top of it) he nearly cried in front of her. Despite that, he did help her get inside.
Finding the cell she was looking for, Sakura stopped before the bars and stared at the man resting on the bed. He did not even flinch when he heard her footsteps stopping before his cell. His cell is secured by three cemented walls and limited by a line of iron bars. It kind of reminds her of her cell.
Sakura bit her lower lip and tried calling him but he voice was powerless and it was more of a whisper. "Senpai?"
He did hear her voice though and propped himself up, resting on his elbows for support. The last thing he ever wanted was to have Sakura see him in that condition. Their eyes locked and all the negative thoughts he was harboring for the past days took a rest and fell silent. Shisui got up and walked closer to the bars to have a better look at her. She looks tired and worried. He stretched his arm through the bars and brushed her cheek with his fingers. He swears he lived such a moment before, when she was the prisoner and he was a free man. What can he say to her?
Sakura cupped his fingers with hers and leaned her face over them. She finds it hard not to cry but she must stay strong and composed. She chewed on her lower lip trying to come up with something to tell him.
"What time is it?" he asked wanting to hear her voice.
"It is night..." she whispered trying to remain strong. She's never seen him look so tired and powerless as he does now. The man she knew had the world in his palm and he could move mountains with his intelligence. "Thank you," she whispered again.
"First person ever thanking a criminal," he joked not finding her words suitable for the situation.
Sakura shook her head not agreeing with him. "My mother is pregnant and she is safe thanks to your decision."
Simple words such as those are enough to melt away his dark thoughts. "I tried to control you so don't thank me," he admitted. Probably she knew that he tried to have control over her thoughts and actions but she never said anything. She allowed him to take advantage of her because unlike him, she resented the village and wished she also were part of a clan. If only she knew that having a clan does not bring any joy or safety. He was used by both parties for their own good and at the end he was left with nothing. The clan gave him his identity but robbed him of his freedom. For Sakura a clan might be the free pass she needs for a better job and more security. Hopefully she will realize that a clan is what ruined him.
Sakura shook her head not agreeing with him. "I needed you to survive the war," she also admitted. He was the human touch she needed in order to survive.
"You are strong, you can do more than you can imagine." The real challenge will be for him to get over her. He does not want to share her with anyone but he cannot robe her of her future.
She never heard him praise her so she felt shy. The Shisui she knew was never kind to her. She did however hear him say he is disappointed in her. Sakura looked down with burning cheeks. It all started as a physical relationship and it naturally become more than she ever wanted. She does not need a confession from him to know that he feels something for her as well. Without doubt it will be hard for both of them but she will not let that event get in her way. "I will wait for you," she promised. "Got nothing but time..."
"It is not going to be easy with me and with the reputation I got now it will be even harder." He was never a rational man when it came to her so she is better off without him.
"I think both of us needs to finally make a decision without regretting afterwards. For me, being with you will be the best thing ever."
Shisui rested his forehead over the iron bars to cool his head. "Associating yourself with my clan will make it even worse for you..." It annoys and pains him to say such things out loud but this is the reality. He cannot hide it. His cousin will bring back the lost glory of the clan but he, as a prisoner, shall never escape the wounds caused by his elders.
"Senpai..." Sakura started biting her lips. "I knew about the coup d'etat from Shikamaru - this is what I was hiding back then in Suna... But most of the villagers and shinobi do not know of this incident."
Shisui looked at her with big eyes. "What do you mean?" he gaped surprised.
Sakura nodded. "Yes, word was never spread in the village so very few people know of this. Probably only a few ANBU and the intelligence department know since they were involved in this case. Yondaime involved very few people and created a diversion by destroying the Hokage Tower. He also..." she took a moment to catch her breath, "resigned from his position as Hokage and in the following year Kakashi-sensei will take most of his responsibilities and be named the new Kage of Hi no Kuni." There is pride on her face as she spoke about her former teacher. "In the end...he did a good thing...Yondaime..." But he did many unforgivable things as well. Once Kakashi takes over the role as Kage, she hopes the world will fall in peace.
Shisui was too surprised to say anything. He just focused on her lips not trusting the words he was hearing. But her lips did not transmit a different message but he couldn't help but have doubts. Is she talking about their Kage? Why would Yondaime go to such an extend for his clan when he did not even flinch when telling everyone to go die in the war? "H-how do you know this?" he asked finding hard to believe her words.
"Everyone knows about his resignation..." she started confused as of why he doubts her. "And I was summoned by the Kage and asked to keep everything a secret. He heard from Shikamaru that I also got access to information about the coup d'etat..." She suddenly blushed remembering how cornered she felt knowing that so many higher ups know about them. She could not look Kakashi in the eyes after that... "I am sorry. I promised it will be a secret but people found out..." She is not embarrassed about her relationship with an older man but she feels bad for Shisui who kept on destroying his reputation with all the events happening. She wanted to protect him.
Shisui sighed feeling less murderous thinking about the past few days. So it was not for nothing - all the years of service were not completely ignored. His fingers pierced through her locks and rested on the back of her neck, making her look up. He leaned in a pressed kiss, their cheeks cooling over the metal bars. "When I get out of here we are getting married."
Sakura shyly looked away. "But before that...let's talk…"
