AN: Thank you once again 'Lilempress1995' for your review.
Chapter 7: Wrath Of An Uchiha (Part-II)
Mizuki Akage, what a disgusting man. More shocking was the fact that the Uchihas who prided themselves on having a keen eye when it comes to judging a person's character never suspected this man to be so sick in the head. How could they not sense anything off of that man? Yes, Mizuki's background was spotless but when personally interacting with him, why no one felt anything suspicious? Was he that good at hiding his true color? Or were the Uchihas senses becoming dull? To say that the Uchiha family was feeling enraged was the understatement of the century. Not only did they want to kill that deranged man in the most painful way possible but they felt angry at themselves as well for letting something so horrible happen to little Sasuke. It shouldn't have happened. Sweet little Sasuke shouldn't have had to experience something like that.
Every member of the Uchiha family wanted Mizuki's blood. They were thirsty for it. But nowhere near as much as Itachi wanted it. How dare that bastard hurt his little brother! Itachi would definitely make him pay. The things that were going through Itachi's head; no eleven-year-old should be capable of thinking them. But then again, Itachi's mind was never normal, to begin with. Like others, the boy too felt angry at himself for never noticing anything suspicious about this Mizuki. So much for being a prodigy. After this incident though, as Itachi looked back, he did remember this man looking at Sasuke from afar a couple of times. But at that time, Itachi only thought he was looking out for his brother. Besides, Sasuke was an extremely cute-looking kid. There was hardly anyone who didn't look at him. Who knew instead of concern, that sick pervert possessed dirty thoughts about little Sasuke? Yes, Itachi would definitely make him pay.
"Your father called from the hospital Itachi," Madara said to his nephew. He and Itachi were done with interrogating all the staff members at the Amaterasu mansion. Actually, through this investigation did they find out about Mizuki. Madara had even involved officer Ibiki from the Konoha intelligence bureau. Ibiki was the best when it came to extracting information from someone.
After all the interrogation, it was proven that Mizuki who went missing immediately after the assault, had acted alone and all on his own. No other servant or maid was his accomplice. Still, Madara had insisted on firing all the current staff members and hiring new ones. Especially the nursemaid. After all, it was her responsibility to look after Sasuke. If only she had gone to check up on him after Sasuke went to bed, then such horror could've been avoided. However, Itachi didn't condone this judgment. Well, not all of it anyway. He didn't think it was fair to punish all the staff members for a crime they didn't commit. Although he did agree on firing the nursemaid. She was clearly incompetent to protect his little brother.
"Sasuke has woken up and he's asking for you," Madara informed Itachi who nodded his head and inwardly sighed in relief. Every passing second in the past twelve hours had been hell for Itachi. He was worried sick for his baby brother.
"I must leave then. Will you come with me uncle?" Itachi asked.
"I'll go visit Sasuke later. Obito gave me a call earlier. We need more men in the search party. That bastard must not leave Konoha." Madara's voice was dead cold as he spoke of that soon-to-be dead bastard. 'No one gets away after messing with an Uchiha'. Madara was still bitter about not finding the culprit who made an attempt on Itachi's life. He would be damned if he let this sick bastard get away too. The reputation of the Uchihas was at stake. More than that someone dared to harm his family. It was as unforgivable as it was intolerable.
"I completely agree," said Itachi. However, he wasn't that worried about that man leaving Konoha. Because no matter where in this world that man ran to and hid, Itachi would find him out. But still, it'd be better to find him sooner rather than later. For Itachi's sanity's sake.
"I'll go and be with Sasuke for now but uncle, you must let me know as soon as you get any information," said Itachi and he was dead serious about it. That bastard Mizuki was his prey.
"Trust me Itachi, I'll be the last person to get in between you and your revenge. Don't forget I've got a younger brother too. I know better than anyone, that after what happened, you're entitled to have your revenge. Your father and mother however might have a problem with you being involved in this" warned Madara. Itachi knew his uncle wasn't wrong. No matter how much of a prodigy he was, Itachi was still only an eleven-year-old boy. And his parents were protective of him like any other parent would be of their child. They wouldn't want Itachi involved in the revenge business. Especially his mother Mikoto.
"They will but they can't stop me," said Itachi with determination.
Looking at Itachi now, Madara remembered his own younger self. He used to be just like Itachi. Madara too was a prodigy in the Uchiha family. He wasn't able to start a company at twenty and then turn that into one of the most powerful business empires for no reason. Madara had a gut feeling that Itachi would exceed even him. The kid was a rare gem. And because Itachi reminded Madara so much of himself, the man had big plans for Itachi in the near future. But that was a concern for later. Much later. Right now, their focus was entirely on revenge.
"Very well then, Zetsu will drive you to the hospital," said Madara. The mentioned person appeared before them. Zetsu was Madara's bodyguard, chauffeur, errand boy, spy, etc., etc. Madara simply needed to utter a command and Zetsu would fulfill it.
"Thank you, uncle," said Itachi and with that, he left with Zetsu.
It took half an hour for Itachi to arrive at the hospital. He was about to turn a corner after walking down a long corridor when Itachi saw doctor Tsunade speaking with his parents outside Sasuke's room. Instead of making his presence known, Itachi stood hidden to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Thank goodness that he wasn't conscious at all during the assault. Had he been awake, his mental scars would've been far worse than his physical ones. Right now, he's just confused about what had happened to him. I'd suggest not to tell him the truth" advised doctor Tsunade.
"Did he tell you anything Tsunade-sama?" Mikoto asked.
"He wouldn't say anything to us." She said worriedly. Mikoto could still feel the bones inside her body shaking. This whole situation was like a terrifying nightmare. Someone had sexually abused her little boy. He could've easily killed Sasuke too. The mere thought of it caused a nasty twist in Mikoto's stomach. The worst thing was, this evildoing had happened in their very home. Inside their safe heaven. How would she ever feel safe in that house anymore with her sons?
"It was difficult to make him talk but from what little he told me, I understand that he wanted to go to some party because you had taken his brother there and not him. A security guard of your mansion offered to take him there. And he also gave him chocolate to eat and said if he didn't eat it then he won't take him to that party. Obviously, the chocolate contained the drugs that had knocked out Sasuke" explained doctor Tsunade.
"Once he's recovered, do teach the kid not to trust a stranger again. Even though that man was someone working for you, he was still a stranger to Sasuke. And teach him about good touch and bad touch too. I hope something like this never happens to the kid again but… better safe than be sorry."
"Yes Tsunade-sama, you're absolutely right. In fact, we're considering enrolling both Itachi and Sasuke into martial arts classes."
"That's a good idea" agreed Tsunade. After all the best protection was self-protection.
"What about his physical injuries Tsunade-sama?" asked Fugaku. The man was no less worried than his wife. And damn he wanted to rip that bastard Mizuki apart limb from limb.
"He'd have difficulties speaking for a week or two. There was no penetration, so no internal rectum injuries. Though he'd be a little uncomfortable there for a day or two because that man had definitely tried to penetrate him. Sasuke said there was a little pain in his penis as well but it should go away soon. If it doesn't, I'll prescribe a different medicine for it. The bruises will heal and the scars will fade away with time. Thankfully none of them was too serious. But use the ointment I've prescribed for faster healing." As a doctor, Tsunade knew the situation could've been far worse. Sasuke's injuries could've been far worse. So, she was glad that the boy wasn't damaged beyond repair. After all, it seemed only yesterday to Tsunade when she witnessed an infant Sasuke fighting death and claiming his own life.
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama, for all your help," said Fugaku very sincerely. And he did truly mean it.
"No need to thank me. I only did my job. Take very good care of Sasuke. And if there's any problem, contact me immediately," said Tsunade. Afterward, she left to go see her other patients. Once doctor Tsunade was gone, Itachi turned around the corner and walked up to his parents.
"Father. Mother." Itachi addressed them calmly.
"Oh, thank goodness Itachi you're here. Sasuke's been asking for you. He wouldn't eat anything until he sees you" said Mikoto as she heaved out a sigh of relief.
"Don't worry mother, I'll take care of Sasuke," said Itachi. But he said it more seriously than needed to be said. Itachi stepped forward to enter the room Sasuke was in but he stopped and looked at his father.
"Father, please don't see this as my insolence but from now on, I won't go to any party Sasuke can't come to," Itachi stated firmly. His voice was strong and left no room for argument.
"Itachi!" Fugaku gasped out in surprise. But then he realized that his elder son had heard what Tsunade said about Sasuke wanting to go to the party because Itachi went there without him.
"Son, you don't have to-" Fugaku began to speak and he'd have said that Itachi didn't need to make any sacrifice on behalf of Sasuke. That they'd be extra careful next time and never let anything like this ever happen again. But before he could say any of that, his wife stopped him.
"Fugaku." Mikoto gave him a look that said he needed to shut up.
"Itachi, go to your brother." She sent her firstborn to take care of her other son. Once Itachi was out of earshot, Fugaku spoke up again.
"Mikoto, why did you stop me?" He asked with confusion.
"Because it'd have been pointless. This is Itachi. The boy gave up eating one of his favorite foods because when Sasuke ate it after watching Itachi, it made him cry because it was too spicy for him. He's the boy who threw out all the DVDs of horror movies because Sasuke accidentally watched one and got really scared and had nightmares. Even though Itachi himself quite enjoys watching them. There are countless other instances where Itachi gave up one thing or another just for his little brother. Because he loves him, it was all worth it for Itachi. He doesn't see them as sacrifices. It'd be pointless to try and convince him otherwise." After Mikoto's explanation, Fugaku could only sigh heavily.
"Seeing them, I wish I had a brother of my own. Perhaps then I'd have understood my sons better." He admitted regretfully. Mikoto gave him a sympathetic smile.
"You should go home and freshen up dear." She said.
"No, I-" Fugaku began to object but Mikoto interrupted him.
"You also need to help the others find that man. I want him punished Fugaku." Mikoto said with underlying rage in her voice. At that moment, Fugaku was reminded that Mikoto has Uchiha blood flowing through her veins and that she was indeed Madara and Izuna's sister. Fugaku could only look into her eyes for a moment and then nodded his head.
"Give me a call if you need me for anything." With that being said, Fugaku left the hospital.
Mikoto on the other hand entered the room her sons were in. She was prepared to witness Itachi feeding Sasuke and Sasuke eating the food without any complaint. And that was exactly what was happening. Despite all the pain and discomfort, Sasuke was smiling and looked very happy. And Itachi was happy to see his brother smile. Whatever, anger and vengeance Itachi Uchiha was feeling inwardly for that sorry excuse for a human being called Mizuki, they were carefully hidden from his precious little brother. Mikoto smiled at her sons. She wished from the bottom of her heart that their bond never breaks.
Obito Uchiha entered the surveillance room. Many people were working in that room currently. Obito approached the one with white hair and a mask on his face. The guy had mismatched eyes. He also had a long vertical scar over one of his eyes.
"Kakashi, do we have all the grounds covered?" Obito asked.
"Yes. We have men at the airport, every train station, bus stand, and ship port. If this man tries to leave Konoha, we'd know." Kakashi assured confidently.
"What if he uses disguise?" Obito asked.
"You can only disguise your appearance, not your scent. Each team at every location has one of my trained dogs with them" said Kakashi.
"And what if he doesn't try to leave Konoha?" Obito asked anxiously.
"He would and even if he doesn't then that's even better for us. Izuna-sama and Madara-sama will find him in no time if he stays inside the city for long. No matter where he may be hiding right now." Unfortunately, hearing Kakashi's explanation did nothing to calm down Obito's restlessness. He was getting impatient to catch his man.
"I ah… I think I'll go look into the places this man had a record of going to again. Just to be sure. You never know where you could find an important clue." said Obito, making Kakashi glance at him from the corner of his eyes.
"Obito, you need to relax," said Kakashi, sighing out heavily and looking hopelessly at his friend.
"You getting all worked up isn't gonna get us to this man any faster," Kakashi said being the practical guy he was. Obito sighed out heavily too.
"I know. I just don't want that fucker to get away somehow." He said.
"No one does. And he won't. Just focus on the task at hand now Obito" said Kakashi and the Uchiha nodded his head obediently.
Obito wasn't someone who was very close with Itachi or Sasuke. Not like Shishui was. There were many reasons for this distance. For one, Obito was way older than Itachi. He was always busy with the company. Not to mention, most of the time he stayed out of Konoha. In fact, after Sasuke's birth, the boy got to meet him again when he was two years old. Obito had business in the land of Mist during that time. Even after that, Obito rarely got to meet his cousins. Despite the distance between them, Obito did have a bond with his cousins. With all three of them, meaning Shishui, Itachi, and Sasuke. Besides, it wasn't like they never spent any time together at all. The Uchiha family goes on plenty of vacations each year. It was like a tradition for them. And the purpose was to spend some quality time with all the family members.
Also, Obito was a very charismatic person. Because of that, he had plenty of friends. And his personality was the reason he could get along well with his cousins even after a long period of absence. Speaking of Obito's friends, his closest friends were Kakashi and a girl named Rin. Kakashi's public profession was that of a police officer at the Konoha police station. He solved some not too important crimes and trained a few newbie police officers. But he had a secret profession. Kakashi worked for Madara or rather Sharingan Corp. Assassination, Intel gathering, spying, and many many other things were Kakashi's specialties. Though truth to be told, Kakashi was far more loyal to Obito than he was to Madara. In fact, it was because of Obito that he was working for Sharingan Corp in the first place.
Obito's other closest friend and love interest was Rin. She worked at Sannin Medical Center under doctor Tsunade. This trio was very closely bonded. In fact, truth to be told, Obito was closer to them than he was with his cousins. It wouldn't be wrong to say that the fact that Obito was adopted had also forced that invisible distance between him and the Uchiha members. Not that anyone ever reminds him of that nor treated him any differently. This distance was completely enforced by Obito. He was the one who could never forget in his heart that he wasn't really born into the family. That he was a part of this family simply because of Madara's wish to take him in. Obito sometimes envied Itachi and Shishui for they had a bond, he would never have with either of them. And little Sasuke was too little. That boy only had one strong bond and that was with his older brother Itachi.
Although to be honest, Obito found little Sasuke quite amusing. There was one time when all the family members were gathering at a family holiday weekend. Little Sasuke had come up to Obito and asked him 'whose side he was on? His or Shisui's?'. Obito had answered 'Yours' (Sasuke's) even without knowing what it was about. Then little Sasuke had demanded that he (Obito) fight Shisui on his behalf, since he (Sasuke) was too little to do it himself because apparently Shisui- the brother stealer was trying to steal Itachi from him. Other times Shisui had only borrowed his brother. But this time he threatened to do the unthinkable. The truth was Shisui was only teasing Sasuke since it was so easy to rile him up about Itachi. And also, because he had nothing better to do. Yeah, Obito had a good laugh that day watching Sasuke's childish antics to keep Shisui away from his brother Itachi. In fact, it was the first time Obito had enjoyed a family gathering so much.
And to think that someone would be monstrous enough to do something so disgusting as molesting a kid like Sasuke or any kid for that matter. That was why Obito wanted to make sure that bastard would have no way to escape his already doomed fate. No way at all. If he must, he'd search every nook and cranny of Konoha to dig up that monster. 'Mizuki Akage will pay for his sin'. Obito would make sure of that.
Undoubtedly Sasuke Uchiha was precious and most important to his big brother Itachi. But one way or another being the littlest Uchiha he was important to every member of the family. Or perhaps it was just Sasuke himself and it had nothing to do with him being the youngest Uchiha. Perhaps there was just something about Sasuke that made people around him want to cherish him. The boy could have people wrapped around his fingers in no time. But no one was more entranced with him than Itachi. And that's why, for the first time instead of running away, Itachi would embrace his darkness. He'd shred blood and take revenge. Itachi Uchiha was ready to make yet another sacrifice. The sacrifice of his innocence. But that was alright. After all, it was for Sasuke. It was all for his precious little brother.