EPILOGUE


The cell was dark, damp, and cold. Two shinobi stood guard past the three-level barrier that separated Yashagoro from the outside world. There were no windows in this small room and the air was stagnant and musty. There were no others on this level of the prison, and he'd never seen anyone being transported in or out. His only indication that time passed were the meals that he received. He assumed that they were daily considering before each box of unseasoned and cold ramen.

Today's meal marked the 549th.

Occasionally, Yashagoro had nightmares about the day he was defeated. Not the humiliation of the loss, but rather, the way it had been done. He'd been arrogant, underestimating both Sasuke Uchiha's ability to maintain his emotions under pressure and his arsenal of jutsu. Stupidly, he had let his guard down, believing that because he had managed to defeat the Hokage that his subordinate would be of no issue, especially not alone. He had been wrong.

He didn't believe that a man who prized his clan's visual prowess over anything else would sacrifice his eye to ensure a quick victory nor had Yashagoro believed that a genjutsu would be his undoing. And yet, it had been. He had been trapped in a time loop, reliving his loud and brash taunting of Sasuke and the moment the man replaced Yashagoro's sword with himself and the lavender nightmare of the Rinnegan.

In this loop, he was given one command.

Release the Edo Tensei, Sasuke's haunting voice said, echoing in his head with every restart of the loop. It'd taken Yashagoro nearly one thousand times to realize the absurdity and the futility of his efforts. This conclusion extended itself even to his overarching goal and purpose.

He'd joined Yashin so many years ago trying to get vengeance on Kirigakure for their destruction of his clan, only to later realize within Sasuke's genjutsu that those memories he had of growing up a Yuki were false. He had never had a true family. The closest he'd had to a father was the man who'd created him. Later, he wanted to bring chaos and war to the world simply because he was bored, a plan that had been recycled from another one of his donors, Orochimaru. Then when that had failed, he wanted to sow discord and inflict pain on the Uchiha, trying to honor Yashin's desires.

But none of it had been what he wanted. He had never even been aware of what he actually desired. Nothing he'd done or tried to accomplish had been something he was invested in happening. He was purposeless.

Kabuto had created him to be the perfect shinobi, a combination of a variety of powerful clans who could adapt to any situation. But, Yashagoro had always felt like he was nothing. It was this emptiness that drove him. The futility of his existence constantly gnawed away at him and perhaps, that was why he wanted to fulfill so many different plans and goals?

Regardless, he'd failed.

For the entirety of his prison sentence, he'd only been visited once. The Hokage had arrived a few days after his unconscious body had been transported back to Konoha. He had several ANBU Black Ops accompanying him. The blonde man had been particularly icy to him, something that seemed to strike his subordinates as out of character. In no few words, he pronounced that Yashagoro would stay in this cell for the remaining days he had left in this world. Considering he had Uzumaki clan DNA, the Hokage presumed that it'd be a long time and probably after his own death. He then marked him with a special seal on his chest and Yashagoro remembered his words very clearly.

"If you ever consider escaping, know that there is no place you'll go that I won't find you. You'll be back in here before you have a chance to breathe fresh air."

Since then, Yashagoro had been alone, and he imagined that this would be his existence until his life faded away. He dipped his chopsticks into the ramen, swirled them around, and slurped the cold noodles. He turned his gaze to the wall and marked the 549th day.

He suspected that maybe he'd wait till the 600th day before he tested his own mortality.


Takuma rounded on Hajime faster than the Hyuga could react, passing by his guard so quickly that the pale-eyed man was on his heels trying to defend himself. Honami Uzumaki and Shogo Kazuma watched from the sidelines. The red-haired kunoichi couldn't help but admire how Takuma moved. It reminded her of their training days as genin and how much she'd missed him.

It had taken him a while to get back into the swing of things and for everyone to accept him again. Honami herself hadn't been able to believe her eyes and hugging Takuma after he'd been dead for five years and a violent ghoul under Yashagoro's control was euphoric.

The next eighteen months had been hard, though. Takuma took a fair bit longer to re-acclimate to both being alive and being a shinobi. The Hokage had made sure that he be given time away from combat and village duties in order to be brought into the fold. Her father also assigned her to stick close to him and make sure he was comfortable.

Something he said with a wide grin and wink.

It'd taken a few weeks before her old friend was acting like himself albeit more aloof and withdrawn. They had renewed their burgeoning relationship after Takuma had a few months acclimating to life. It had been almost triggering kissing him again, knowing that the first time that they had, he'd thrown himself from a window afterward. Honami had wanted to ask Takuma what it had been like to die. She hoped to dig deep into his psyche when he was relaxed after one of their cathartic sexual encounters. But no time ever seemed to be right.

It'd only be right when he chose it.

"It seemed to be dark for a long time," Takuma said one day when they were sitting on the pier. "Death felt like a deep sleep and the jutsu that brought me back felt like the sun shining through the blinds into my face."

"Did you regret it?" Honami ventured, almost afraid to even ask the question that'd been burning in her mind. "Dying?"

Takuma pondered for a moment, staring out over the water before he said, "No. I would've preferred to have stayed dead. My father's apology was enough. My soul was satisfied." He let out a small, bitter laugh. "But, Sasuke Uchiha never really considered what his children wanted, even in death."

"Maybe, he was trying to give you what you needed instead," Honami answered, touching Takuma's hand. "Maybe you needed a second chance to be what you were meant to be. Maybe, your story wasn't finished."

Takuma seemed to let that point sink then nodded. "Maybe it's not."

Now, here he was having a "friendly" sparring match with Hajime. To Honami, it was just Takuma proving to himself that he was better than the boy that beat. For Hajime, Honami knew that it was a way to make amends.

As tough and cold as he'd appeared to be, Hajime was sensitive and kindhearted. He had been utterly broken when Takuma's suicide was made public knowledge, and he blamed himself for it. While training on the Hyuga estate, Honami would see him alone engaging in brutal combat exercises. Initially, she thought he was just pushing himself to be stronger than she was. But, it had been a sort of punishment.

He was getting punished now and as hard as he tried, Hajime couldn't stop Takuma from blitzing him from all sides. Just because his Byakugan could see all around him didn't mean his body was fast enough to react. Takuma weaved past Hajime's defense, ducking underneath a strike meant to attack his chest. The Uchiha swirled on his pivot foot and extended his leg.

His heel stopped just short of Hajime's face with enough force that a gust of wind blew his hair back. Honami saw Takuma smirk as he stood up straight and the two half-bowed to each other.

"You're getting faster," Hajime remarked.

"Wish I could say the same to you," Takuma retorted. Honami watched Hajime take the jab with practiced patience and dignity. As he walked away, the Uchiha asked, "Same time next week?"

Hajime smirked. "Sure."


"So, I think you all are smart enough to know how ice-breakers work," Konohamaru said with a smile. "Your name, favorite thing to do, and why you want to be a shinobi." He pointed to the first boy sitting in front of him.

The boy's sleepy brown eyes blinked, and he sighed softly. "My name is Tetsuya Senpuku. My favorite thing to do is to watch clouds pass by and think about how they got up there. I want to be a shinobi because it seems like a cool thing to do," he said.

Konohamaru chuckled. "I guess it kinda is," he replied. He pointed to the next person, this time a girl.

She flipped her hair and sat up straight, smiling. "My name is Sayuri Barasono. My favorite thing to do is brush my luxurious hair then stare into the mirror."

"Sounds horrifying," Tetsuya quipped.

Sayuri turned red and balled her fist. "Quiet, weirdo!" she screamed before she cleared her throat and continued talking in her normal, delicate tone of voice. "I want to become known as the most beautiful kunoichi the world has ever seen and I think I'm well on my way."

Sheesh, I can already tell she's going to be a damn handful, Konohamaru thought. He turned to the last girl and paused. "How about you?"

The pink-haired girl leaned forward, resting her hand on her chin. Her green eyes looked intently at Konohamaru. "My name is Hikari Uchiha. I like reading through old scrolls about different jutsu and the history of our village." She looked up at the sky and smiled, sadly. "I want to become a shinobi to honor my papa's memory and because, I'm going to be the strongest Uchiha in history," she said.

Konohamaru nodded. He'd read through Hikari's file and talked to her mother. Hikari was at the very top of her class with scores higher than her uncle Itachi and the Fourth Hokage. Her abnormally prodigious intellect was matched by her abilities in combat. Sakura told him that she'd created some variant of the Chidori along with a variety of other jutsu. She was mature, efficient, and a genius. She would be his star pupil, so long as he could help her work through her traumas.

As much as she put on a confident and happy face, Hikari had witnessed too many traumatic events including an assassination attempt on her life and her brother then father dying. While it seemed to pale in comparison to what her predecessors had gone through, each person was affected differently. And trauma often made people do dangerous things. Her ambition to be the strongest Uchiha would be filled with detours and caveats. But, if he could keep her grounded and help her mental state, Konohamaru knew that Hikari could be the best of her generation.

And maybe, he thought with a smirk. She'll be the Hokage one day too.


Naruto flipped through the files on his desk, nodding at the notes. The last remnants of Yashin's conspirators had finally been rounded up and those who wouldn't surrender, killed. It was a dark end to a dark chapter in the shinobi world but it had been necessary. Sighing, he looked up at the group of masked shinobi in his office.

"Anything else to report?"

"No, my lord," the squad leader in an owl mask replied. Naruto nodded.

"You're dismissed," he said. "Except for you, Captain Sosei." The rest of the ANBU disappeared in puffs of smoke while Sosei remained bent on one knee. Naruto sighed. "You can relax."

The Uchiha stood up straight and took off his mask and for a brief moment, he too closely resembled his father for Naruto's liking. After settling back into the village, Sosei had returned his former role within the ANBU Black Ops. Due to his five years of experience tracking Yashin and Yashagoro's agents, Naruto had promoted him to the level of captain.

Watching Sosei at work was eerily similar to watching Sasuke in his youth. They had been young men trying to bridge generational gaps and bring healing to the world. Now, only Naruto was left.

"Did any of them give you a hard time?" Naruto asked, leaning back in his chair.

Sosei scoffed. "Not really. Apparently, my reputation preceded me. Most of them immediately surrendered including two of the leaders. The one that didn't, well..." He half-shrugged. "I made sure his followers did what was best for them."

"Good," Naruto said. "I suppose I'll send some clones to their cells to mark them before the day's over." He put away the new prisoner files in a messy pile that he was sure Shikamaru would come through and organize later.

"I guess now that is all over, things will be pretty quiet," Sosei said.

Smiling, Naruto said, "Hopefully so. There'll be a Kage Summit at some point in the future, I'm sure. I'll need you there."

"An Uchiha at a Kage Summit usually means war is coming," Sosei said dryly.

Naruto laughed at this. "I don't think that will be the case this time. Like you said, your reputation has preceded you. People all over the world know your name. In fact, they're starting to put your name close to your father and uncle in terms of power."

"I'm flattered," Sosei replied. "Although, I don't know if that comparison is warranted."

Humility, Naruto thought. Perhaps the comparisons to Itachi and Sasuke weren't too far off. Naruto wondered how badly it would reflect on the village if were to engage in a friendly sparring match with one of his officers. Shikamaru would have a damn fit. "I think it is. You're a fine shinobi and it's been a pleasure to watch you grow into the young man you are now. I know that your parents would be proud of you."

Those words seemed to make Sosei pause. He gulped what may have been his emotions and dipped his head. "Thank you. That means more than you know."

Naruto smiled. "You're relieved of your duties today. Go home and rest. Oh, and please, tell Aori and the baby I said 'hi'."


Kichiro took a moment of silence in front of the Memorial Stone. The only noise was the rustling of the leaves as a gust of wind blew through the trees. Setsuka Hozuki's name had been ordered for carving once the Hokage had been aware of the losses taken in their first attempt to capture Yashagoro and Kichiro had visited every weekend to pay his respects. Most times, Sosei would come with him but being an ANBU captain and a new father made him busy. It wasn't like he didn't have other company.

"You okay?" Kataki asked, putting a hand on Kichiro's shoulder. He turned and smiled at him.

"Yeah. I just miss her a lot," he replied.

"Me too. Nobody could make you not feel as weird about yourself like her," Kataki joked. Kichiro nodded and chuckled. Setsuka had always been the odd one out of the group, possessing an odd mixture of abilities from her father and what she'd learned from Sosei's mother. She would always seem to know where everyone was if she'd smelled their chakra before. Kichiro just wished that ability had been enough to save her.

Kichiro put some roses at the base of the stone and said a silent prayer. He had another grave to visit, but that would wait until later on in the day. He ran a finger underneath Kataki's chin then clasped his neck, gently pulling him into a kiss.

"I love you," Kichiro said. Kataki smiled through it and kissed him back.

"I love you too, Shitchiro," he teased.

"Idiot," Kichiro muttered.

Confessing his love for Kataki had been stressful and given the circumstances, Kichiro thought they would be the last words his teammate heard before he died. Thankfully, it hadn't been and after things had been settled with Yashagoro, there had been ample time to grow closer and explore their romance.

Kataki had been a bitter rival in their Academy days for reasons Kichiro would go on to recognize as common in ninja villages. Old-blood clans and their members were lauded for their kekkai genkai and those that'd laid the foundation for them. Meanwhile, young shinobi who were trying hard to do well in their classes while also balancing a civilian life were overlooked. Kataki had been one such boy and it wasn't until they'd been on the same team that Kichiro realized that. That didn't stop him from seeing Kataki as rude and disrespectful, but it provided enough context that Kichiro could deal with it. Eventually, that led to empathy which turned into love.

"Are you still going to Sosei's house later?" Kataki asked.

"Yeah," Kichiro replied. "You can come with me, y'know? Sosei said it was fine."

Kataki made a hissing sound as he sucked air between his teeth. "Nah, I think I'm okay. Your brother scares me."

This made Kichiro laugh. "He just wants to talk to you." At least, that's what Sosei said he wanted. He'd been particularly protective of his siblings following their father's death. He made sure that Takuma was living comfortably, and he visited him often. He personally trained Hikari whenever he had free time, and he was heavily invested in Kichiro's love life. It was extremely father-like so when he told the family that he and Aori were expecting a baby, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. When the infant was born, it was beautiful to see Sosei immediately soften up.

"Yeah, I remember Sasuke Uchiha just wanted to talk to me too," Kataki retorted. "That shit scared the fuck out of me. Imagine being eight years old and the damn boogeyman shows up to your classroom."

"You did insult my family," Kichiro said.

"I know. And I never did again. All that to say, Sosei definitely scares me. He reminds me too much of your father, for better or for worse," Kataki said. He then bit his lips and shrugged. "But, I know how important it is that we have that talk so I'll come."

Kichiro smiled. These were the things that made him love Kataki.

When they woke from their nap hours later, the sun had already started descending past the horizon. Konoha's lamplights were shining, replacing the luminance of the sun. Kichiro got dressed, despite Kataki's teasing touches of his back and chest. Kataki followed and the two walked out the door and into town.

Sosei and Aori lived close to where the Uchiha clan originally lived, a remote location away from the hustle and bustle of central Konoha. It was within the same district as their old home by the lake and Kichiro had considered potentially moving there too when he got more money to renovate a building.

When Kichiro knocked on the door, he was surprised to see that Takuma answered it. His brother's face lightened up when he saw him and the two dapped each other's hands.

"You look well-rested," Takuma said jokingly. Kichiro blushed and Kataki frowned, embarrassed. Takuma moved out of the way and the three men entered Sosei's house. Everyone was already inside. Honami sat on the couch and Takuma went back to rest next to her. Sosei and Sakura were in the kitchen, cooking together while Hikari snuck a dumpling out of the rack. Aori stood by the back window, cooing softly as she rocked her baby in her arms.

Kichiro could smell the salmon, pork, rice, and seaweed being cooked. He took in a deep breath and basked in the scent. His stomach was growling now, almost as of it was triggered by the smell. Memories of his father preparing onigiri for them flooded his mind. It was some of the few times Sasuke's tender side seemed to shine through his otherwise intense exterior.

Sosei put the food on the table. Onigiri, dumplings, salted cod, and salmon with katsukare as another large dish was spread elegantly over the wooden top. The family knelt at the table, save for Sosei who poured sake in everyone's glasses except for Hikari.

They raised their drinks and Sakura spoke, saying, "In honor of what would have been Sasuke's 43rd birthday and for the new addition to our family, Kyo Uchiha, let's drink."

"Kampai!" everyone said as they began to down their drinks.

As everyone ate, laughed, and traded stories, Kichiro observed.

Takuma, though part of him had been lost in his resurrection, was happy and becoming more accustomed to life with Honami at his side.

Hikari was growing up quickly, and he was eager to hear about her first shinobi mission.

His mother, though she'd been saddened by Sasuke's passing, was continuing to live her life and serve the village as best she could.

Sosei, Aori, and their son Kyo were helping to rebuild the Uchiha clan, just as their father would've wished.

And Kichiro after years of not knowing who he was and reckoning with the trauma of his childhood, was finally happy. He didn't know how long there would be peace or if he'd be asked to put himself on the line for his village again, but for now, Kichiro had one thought.

I love this peaceful life.


The End.