AN: Thank you Chinweoa for your review. I'd really appreciate more responses. Thank you!

Chapter 8: Wrath Of An Uchiha (Part-III)

It had already been a week since Sasuke was discharged from the hospital. He was recovering nicely. Sasuke was told that the security guard had the intention of committing robbery in their home and that's why he was given a chocolate to eat which knocked him out immediately. The explanation behind his sore throat was that the guard had tried to strangle him. Fortunately, Fugaku and Mikoto had returned home earlier than expected. Then When Itachi went to check up on Sasuke, he had caught the culprit in red hand, trying to kill Sasuke. Itachi immediately got into action and saved his little brother. All the commotion in Sasuke's bedroom had alerted everyone else in the mansion. Long story short, not only Sasuke was saved but a robbery was prevented as well. And the culprit was behind the bars now. Serving his punishment for attempted robbery and murder. Well, that was the story told to Sasuke anyway. The kid was also taught never to trust any stranger ever again. Itachi had made him promise that. And in return, Itachi had promised never to leave Sasuke behind as he did.

Itachi was Sasuke's hero. The person he admired the most. It was basically common knowledge. But after hearing that Itachi had saved him from getting killed, Sasuke's devotion to his brother increased ten folds. Sasuke was literary fangirling over his brother lately. And consequently, it made Itachi feel guiltier than before because he really saved no one. He was busy playing the perfect prodigy when Sasuke was getting molested by a sick pervert. Hell Itachi wasn't even present when the unthinkable was happening to Sasuke. He was no hero. If anything, Itachi felt like the biggest failure as an older brother. Also, the fact that the bastard Mizuki was still roaming around free made Itachi feel worse. But the boy couldn't let his little brother know of his feelings or his torment. He couldn't let him know the truth. Hence, Itachi did what he could do and played along with Sasuke's idolizing.

However, this time it wasn't only Itachi who was hiding his feelings from Sasuke. This time, Sasuke too was concealing his own feelings from his brother. Even though outwardly, Sasuke was just being himself but, in his heart, the boy was feeling terribly guilty. Guilty for what happened. No, what he allowed to happen. Despite the fact that no one had scolded Sasuke, in fact, it was quite the opposite; everyone was treating him as if he was a fragile glass doll. But that did nothing to free him from his guilt. Sasuke truly believed it was completely his fault that everyone had to go through so much trouble. What if that guard had succeeded in robbing them? What if he was killed? If only Sasuke hadn't wished to go to that party so much. If only he hadn't let that guard inside his bedroom. He was supposed to be a smart kid. How could he be so stupid? Honestly, Sasuke couldn't be more ashamed of himself. When Itachi made him promise never to trust a stranger again, Sasuke had made a promise to himself as well. He'd never be so careless again and cause his family so much trouble. He needed to grow up. After all, Sasuke wanted to be just like his big brother. If it was Itachi, that guard could have never fooled him.

"Nii-san your hair has grown longer," said Sasuke as he carefully massaged his brother's scalp. It was still uncomfortable for Sasuke to talk but not as bad as before.

Both brothers were enjoying a quiet evening together in their beautiful garden. Itachi was sitting on the grass and Sasuke was standing on his knees right behind his brother and giving him a nice head massage. Sasuke was really doing a good job of it. Itachi had his eyes closed and he really wanted to fall asleep; it felt so relaxing. Not to mention he could barely keep himself from letting out a moan. It was nice having those little fingers gently massage his scalp after a long tiring day at school.

Nowadays, Sasuke had taken to taking care of his big brother instead of demanding Itachi's care like before. It was little things but Sasuke was clearly trying to appease his brother since now Itachi was not only his big brother but his savior as well. Lately, Sasuke would ask Itachi if he was tired or if he needed to rest after coming back from school before asking his brother to spend some time with him. Whereas before Itachi couldn't walk through the door without having Sasuke jump on him and demand that he played with him. Itachi however didn't know how to feel about this.

"Do you think I should cut it otouto?" Itachi asked his little brother. His eyes were still closed.

"No, don't!" Sasuke exclaimed loudly but then immediately turned red for his sudden outburst. It was just that Sasuke loved his brother's hair, just like he loved everything else about Itachi. And he really thought long hair looked good on his nii-san. But Sasuke didn't wanna be selfish, in case his brother didn't want to have long hair.

"I mean, I like your hair long but you can cut it if you want to nii-san. I'll like it either way." Sasuke said with utmost enthusiasm. However, Itachi didn't like the response. Day by day, Sasuke was becoming more of a fan than his little brother. And Itachi wanted a little brother, not a fan. He already had plenty of those. It was high time Itachi did something about Sasuke's new behavior which he couldn't deny anymore that he didn't appreciate at all.

"Do you love me, Sasuke?" Itachi asked all of a sudden. His voice was very serious. Sasuke was taken aback a bit hearing that tone of voice but he answered quickly.

"Of course, nii-san. I love you the most." He replied very sincerely. Itachi turned around his upper body and looked at Sasuke. He looked straight into his little brother's eyes which looked very confused at the moment.

"If that is the truth then don't stop being yourself. Don't stop expressing to me what you truly think or feel. Don't stop demanding my attention. Don't stop being selfish with me. In short, don't stop being my little brother. Can you do that for me Sasuke?" Itachi knew it was hypocritical of him to demand Sasuke be himself and hide nothing from his big brother when Itachi himself hides so much from Sasuke. But the older Uchiha was selfish like that. He knew Sasuke like the back of his own hand and Itachi wanted to keep it like that. Always. He just couldn't have it otherwise. Sasuke on the other hand understood clearly what Itachi was saying to him. What he didn't get was why Itachi was saying it? Sasuke thought his brother would appreciate him being considerate and not be a spoiled brat anymore.

"But nii-san I don't want to be a bother to you," said Sasuke with a small voice. For some unknown reason, he was feeling very embarrassed. And the proof was evident on his face. Both Sasuke's cheeks were sporting very bright blushes.

"You will never be a bother to me otouto. That is as long as you behave like my little brother." Itachi flicked two fingers on Sasuke's forehead lightly as he said that. It made Sasuke blush even more if that was even possible. But then the kid smiled widely and threw himself in his big brother's arms.

"Alright, nii-san." Sasuke giggled and snuggled with Itachi. After a moment or two, Sasuke became still. He looked up to gaze right into his brother's beautiful eyes.

"Hey, big brother," said Sasuke but very shyly.

"Yes, otouto" responded Itachi.

"Don't cut your hair." The six-year-old commanded. Itachi smiled hearing that and said-

"As you wish little brother."

Both brothers were still gazing into each other's eyes and smiling happily when Itachi received a text on his phone. It broke the moment between them which was sad and displeased both brothers. But what was done was done. Itachi took out his phone and read the text. And as soon as he did, his face immediately darkened. Because it was a text from his uncle Madara and it said-

'We found him.'

Itachi looked down at his little brother who had his head titled with a confused look on his face. And he looked so utterly cute. Itachi didn't want to leave his otouto but unfortunately, he had to go.

"Sorry, Sasuke but I must go somewhere right away. I'll see you at dinner okay. I promise." Even though Sasuke visibly became upset hearing that, but he nodded his head.

"Fine but can I sleep with you tonight nii-san?" Sasuke asked hopefully.

"Alright, you can sleep in my room tonight," said Itachi smiling at his little brother who exclaimed aloud with joy.

"Yay!"

Madara sent Zetsu to pick up Itachi from the mansion. Itachi was then taken to a house that was a secret property of the Uchihas. Meaning the house wasn't legally under their name but they still owned it. There were plenty of other properties like this. Many a time the Uchihas had to do questionable things for one reason or another. These illegal properties came in handy for those questionable activities. Anyway, Itachi was led inside the house by Zetsu. As soon as they stepped through the door, Itachi was greeted by his uncle.

"Your wait is over Itachi," Madara told his nephew with a smirk on his face. It was clear that he couldn't wait to see what Itachi would do to take his revenge.

"Would you believe; that bastard was actually hiding in one of our factories. He knew we would be looking all over Konoha for him but not our own premises. If not for Kakashi and Obito, it'd have taken longer to find him." The two mentioned were also in the house. Itachi looked at them.

"You have my thanks Kakashi-san, Obito nii-san." He said. Then Itachi looked back at Madara.

"You didn't inform my father yet, uncle." He stated without any doubt.

"Well, I did promise you your revenge. Your father would've tried to stop you. I'll let him know once you're done doing whatever you wish to do. Or do you wish me to inform him right away?" Madara asked leaving the choice up to Itachi if he wanted Fugaku to interfere in his revenge or not.

"No, let him be unaware of it for now. And thank you for everything you did uncle," said Itachi. His words were polite but his expression and voice were as impassive as ever. As if the boy felt nothing.

"So, what do you wish to do Itachi?" Madara asked sounding very interested.

"You'll see." Was Itachi's only reply.

"I want you to take me to this man and then leave us alone," Itachi said, no he demanded. And he expected his demand to be met.

"I don't think that's a good idea" quipped Kakashi, feeling the need to interject here.

"You shouldn't be alone with him." He added.

"Why is that?" Itachi asked looking at Kakashi.

"Because we believe he is a very dangerous man Itachi," said Obito to his cousin. But Itachi failed to understand their concern here.

"But he's tied up right now, isn't he?" Itachi said. So why was it a big deal for him to be alone with this man? Itachi really didn't get it.

"Yes, he is but still someone should be there with you when you deal with this man. Just to be safe" said Kakashi.

"I agree," said Obito supporting his friend's suggestion. Instead of agreeing or disagreeing with them, Itachi asked-

"What did you learn about this man?"

"Well, I obviously did some digging of this man's past," said Kakashi.

"Mizuki Akage is originally from Konoha but he left here when he was very young and lived in different places in different countries before coming back to the capital. And every place this man had lived in before people have died. Whether in a terrible accident or mysteriously murdered. But not once did he get caught because most of the time, he never even had any interaction with the victims. And the other times he had; those interactions were nothing suspicious for the investigating police officers to list him as a suspect. And the fact that police from one country couldn't possibly know of a local crime in another country also helped this man. Otherwise, like me, someone would've noticed Mizuki's presence in every single one of those freak accidents and unsolved murders."

"I believe this is also the reason he was able to keep a clean record for so long even after committing so many crimes. Mizuki never repeated crime in the same area. And he never stayed in the same place for long. But despite all his cleverness and caution, every time he got away with committing a crime, it only made him bolder, I guess. That's why he dared to go after Sasuke the first chance he got even after knowing exactly how powerful the Uchihas are. And obviously, the guy is sick in the head. I highly doubt he feels fear like a normal person." Kakashi finished his explanation. Itachi heard everything he said very carefully. However, that did not change his mind.

"I appreciate your concern Kakashi-san but I still wish to be left alone with this man," Itachi said firmly. The tone of his voice alone announced loud and clear that he wouldn't be changing his mind about this. Kakashi still wanted to argue. He knew that Itachi was more mature than a boy of his age should be and that he was a prodigy but still…. looking at Itachi, all Kakashi saw was an eleven-year-old boy. And he didn't want this boy to face a psycho like Mizuki.

"Let him do whatever he wants Kakashi." Came from Madara and that ended any argument that Kakashi might've begun. Obito gave him an apologetic look. He understood Kakashi's concern and agreed with him as well. But at this point, there was nothing they could do really. Itachi was determined and Madara was supporting him. So yeah.

"Don't worry Kakashi. We'll be right outside the door and if anything happens, we'll rush in." Obito assured his friend. Soon they were leading Itachi to the room they kept Mizuki tied up. Once there, Itachi turned to face Kakashi and Obito.

"Thank you." That was all he said, before stepping inside the room and closing the door behind him.

"I'm not liking this one bit," said Kakashi.

"Me neither," said Obito. But all they could do was wait.

Inside the room, Itachi's eyes landed on the man immediately. Mizuki was tied up to a chair with shackles. There was no way for him to move at all. There was a piece of duct tape over his mouth and a blindfold covering his eyes. Despite the rage Itachi was feeling inside, he didn't attack the man immediately. Instead, Itachi calmly walked over to him. He peeled away the duct tape and removed the blindfold. Mizuki groaned and rapidly blinked his eyes as the light hit them suddenly after hours of nothing but darkness. Once his sight adjusted to the light, Mizuki looked up and saw Itachi.

"Hello, Itachi-sama. I didn't expect to see you here." The man spoke without an ounce of fear in his voice. He really was crazy in the head. How come this man stayed around them for over a year and no one realized how sick he was?

"Oh, and how is Sasuke?" Mizuki asked so casually, and shamelessly- it was unbelievable. Itachi balled his fists. It was getting really hard to control himself.

"Sasuke? You dare say my brother's name so casually in front of me after what you did. Do you not fear death Mizuki?" Itachi asked. His voice was so cold, that it should have frozen the running blood in that man's body.

"And who's gonna kill me, you? Itachi-sama." Mizuki laughed out loud like a maniac. Clearly, he was mocking Itachi.

"Is that how you show your gratitude huh?"

"I could've killed your little brother but I left him alive. You should thank me, not threaten me you arrogant brat." Mizuki spat at Itachi. If it wasn't obvious before, it was crystal clear now that this guy was suffering from some kind of mental illness. However, that wouldn't earn him any pity from the prodigal son of the Uchiha family.

"So, why didn't you kill him?" Itachi asked. It took a lot out of him to ask such a question but he had to know.

"Why? I was just feeling merciful, I guess. Sasuke. He's such a beautiful boy" said Mizuki but Itachi didn't believe him. He kept staring at the man with the coldest gaze ever. After a moment, Mizuki cracked and blurted out the real reason.

"Also, I want another chance to taste his delicious skin. You see Itachi-sama usually I'm satisfied tasting someone once but Sasuke (a loud sigh) he's special. I've never had anyone like him before. So innocent, so pure, and so very mouth-watering. He's the ultimate forbidden fruit. How could I not want to devour him again? And the next time I'll make sure to keep him awake." At that moment, only Itachi knew how much self-control it was taking him not to slit that man's throat open right then and there.

"Well, it's a good thing then you will never go anywhere near my brother again," said Itachi very calmly. Like the calm before a deadly storm.

"Oh, please Itachi-sama. You can't really expect me to take you seriously. You aren't a killer. You don't have it in you to kill someone" said Mizuki with arrogance and confidence. Oh, how wrong he was!

"I never said I'm going to kill you Mizuki," said Itachi. His voice was still very calm.

"I'm just going to hurt you. Very badly."

Meanwhile, outside the door, Obito and Kakashi were talking to each other. "What do you think Itachi would do to him?" Kakashi asked out of curiosity.

It was already decided that this man Mizuki was not gonna leave this house alive. But everyone was pretty much certain that it would either be Madara or Fugaku (once he was informed) who would kill this man. No one was even considering Itachi taking a life. He was too young to do it. To have it in him to take someone's life. No matter how evil this Mizuki person was. Itachi may try but, in the end, he wouldn't be able to pull it off. Or that's what everyone thought anyway.

"What's the worst thing an eleven-year-old could do anyway? He'd probably just beat the shit out of that bastard" said Obito. But no sooner than he finished saying that, both he and Kakashi heard a loud bloodcurdling scream.

"It's Mizuki," said Kakashi. He and Obito burst inside the room without wasting a single second. But the sight that greeted them, shocked them both into oblivion. Neither could move for a while and simply stood speechless and wide-eyed while Mizuki kept screaming his lungs out.

"Did he really-?" Obito began to ask when he found his voice again.

"Yeah, he did," said Kakashi. But what exactly did Itachi do?

"He literary ripped his balls off."

"With bare hands" added Obito. Still sounding very much shocked. Many would agree that's even worse than death.

Itachi turned to look at them and unknowingly both of them flinched a little bit. The boy was still looking impassive. As if he hadn't just castrated a man. A very evil man. Something that must be mentioned here. Itachi walked up to Kakashi and Obito.

"How long would it take for him to die if we leave him like this?" He asked very calmly. Itachi's hands were covered in blood. And there was a splash of blood on his clothes as well. Now either Itachi was really very good at hiding his emotions or he was secretly a psychopath for behaving so calmly and normal after what he just did. No one understood that normally Itachi could've never done something like this. But this man, this sick sick man had hurt Sasuke. And there was nothing Itachi wouldn't do when it was about his precious otouto.

"Not very long, I'd say," said Kakashi.

"Good, I promised Sasuke I'd be back home before dinner." Saying that Itachi gracefully walked out of the room. He didn't stop to see if Kakashi and Obito followed him out or not. Or if they stayed behind in the room. Neither of them was gonna help Mizuki or show him any mercy by ending his suffering early. And that was what Itachi cared about. Mizuki experiencing excruciating pain. And in his last moments, feel fear along with pain. The man was so devoid of any fear earlier but that changed very quickly when Itachi delivered him his punishment.

True to Kakashi's words, it hadn't taken very long for Mizuki to die or be as good as dead. Once he passed out and the screaming stopped, Madara had ordered Zetsu to bury the guy in a suitable unsuspecting place where no one would ever find him. To say that Itachi was able to impress Madara was an understatement. Madara always knew his nephew was special but now he was absolutely certain of it. Itachi proved that he wasn't only just brains but he had balls too. Ahem, no one was comfortable thinking of balls that day, not even Madara.

"Your father won't be happy to hear about this," said Madara. He had to inform Fugaku about Mizuki and that he was already dead. And also, about Itachi having a hand in it. He couldn't have hidden it even if he wanted to. Fugaku would learn about this sooner or later anyway. So there really was no point in trying to keep it a secret.

"I think he'd be displeased with you first uncle, for letting me get involved in this," said Itachi with a shrug of his shoulders. Madara rolled his eyes at his nephew for stating the obvious.

"Then I guess we should both be prepared for a long and hard scolding from both your parents," said Madara, sighing out dramatically. Itachi didn't say anything back to that. But Madara understood that the boy was already prepared to face his parents with the consequences of his actions. He'd accept any punishment given to him as well. But Mikoto and Fugaku would most likely simply ground Itachi for a while. They'd definitely be more mad at Madara. But the man couldn't bring himself to regret his decision of letting Itachi have his revenge. That boy was a true Uchiha heir. One who wouldn't let anyone mess with his little brother and get away with it.

That night Sasuke was cuddling close to Itachi. He had his arms wrapped around his brother and his face buried in the hollow of the elder's neck. Itachi too was holding his little brother close to him. Sasuke's cheeks were coloring pink but they weren't visible to Itachi thanks to the darkness in the room.

"Sleep Sasuke, it's getting late," said Itachi to his little brother.

"Nii-san." Sasuke spoke up but didn't say more.

"Yes?" Itachi probed.

"Do you love me too?" The six-year-old asked.

"You asked me today if I loved you and I said I loved you the most but you didn't say anything back to me." Itachi couldn't help but smile knowing that his little brother was pouting right now. He wished he could see his face at that moment.

"You know I love you the most too otouto" said Itachi as he ran his fingers through Sasuke's soft hair.

"Just because I know it that doesn't mean you don't have to say it too nii-san" said Sasuke, blushing more deeply. Itachi laughed this time.

"Alright, I'll say it whenever you need to hear it." The elder brother promised, holding the younger a little more closely.

"You're the best, nii-san" exclaimed Sasuke giggling a little and feeling very happy.

"I'm not the best. But there is nothing I won't do for you otouto." Itachi didn't say it out loud but it was the truest thing about Itachi Uchiha. That for his precious little brother, he really could and would do anything. Anything at all.