Chapter 12: What Have I Done? (Part-II)

Itachi Uchiha got kidnapped in broad daylight. Was he being stalked without anyone noticing it? Did the kidnappers acted as soon as they got an opportunity? Or was it just pure rotten luck that the day the abduction was planned, Itachi had decided to take a walk? There were many questions without answers, along with one irrefutable and dangerous truth that Itachi was now in enemy's hands. Thankfully, the driver had immediately informed his senior about the kidnapping and the news reached Madara in no time.

Actions were immediately taken and no one was going to rest until Itachi was rescued. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to be very easy since the kidnappers were able to cross the city border and drove towards a remote unknown area. The van had created quite a chaos and left damages on its way. All the security cameras within the road were able to capture the van. It was as if the kidnappers didn't care about being seen. As if they wanted the Uchihas to know that they were getting away with their prodigy as a hostage. They were mocking the Uchihas. Challenging them. It also worked in their favor that as soon as the van crossed the city limits, it was able to vanish since there were no more security cameras. Everything was planned. This secluded area was chosen for this very reason that the kidnappers would be able to disappear from anyone's sight. Making it difficult for the Uchihas to find Itachi.

The kidnappers looked like some regular thugs. It was highly unlikely that they came up with the entire plan. Someone else was behind all this. A genius mastermind. But who? Well Itachi would find that out soon. The Uchiha prodigy had struggled against his abductors in the beginning but not for very long. It was proving to be futile. There were too many people for Itachi to overpower. Hence fighting or struggling was pointless. Itachi decided to stay calm and assess his situation properly. He attentively listened to all their conversations in hope of finding something useful. The kidnappers were arrogant hence they felt no need to stay silent around their hostage.

At some point, Itachi's mind wondered about his family. His parents must be feeling worried sick. Uncle Madara must be doing everything he could to get Itachi back. And Sasuke? Itachi couldn't help but feel sad when thinking about Sasuke. What if he didn't get back home? Sasuke would spend the rest of his life thinking his brother didn't like him. That Itachi was ashamed of him. What if they never get a chance to make up? Itachi immediately shook his head to rid that thought. No, for Sasuke's sake, he must return. Itachi wouldn't have Sasuke hate him.

Soon the van reached an abandoned looking house. Itachi was dragged out of the van even though he was co-operating. They were gonna pay for this. Itachi silently promised to himself. Just as expected, it didn't take very long for Itachi to meet the mastermind behind all this. Unsurprisingly, the real culprit turned out to be none other than, Danzo Shimura. Itachi wasn't shocked at all since he had already guessed it was this scumbag's doing.

"Itachi Uchiha. The prodigal son of the Uchiha family. I've heard quite a lot about you. Especially about your accomplishments. Not to mention at such a young age." Though void of any expression, Danzo's eyes showed immense satisfaction. Something that Itachi didn't miss to notice. Obviously Danzo was feeling smug about getting his hands on a Uchiha.

"I believe you didn't kidnap me just so you could flatter me." Itachi said with cold emotionless voice. It didn't sit well with Danzo that the boy wasn't shivering with fear. Because given the situation he really should. After all Itachi was completely at Danzo's mercy right now. He could beat the boy into a pulp and no one would save him.

"No, I didn't. In fact you weren't even our initial target. It was your little brother who I wanted to acquire really." Hearing that Itachi glared at Danzo so dangerously that if it was really possible then Danzo would've caught fire right away.

"Don't you dare lay a figure on my brother!" Itachi growled out in rage. Not caring at all that he was in no position to make any threats.

"Relax. Now that I have you, I don't need to go after your brother." Danzo said calmly. So calmly as if he was talking about the weather.

"You will do just fine Itachi. In fact you'll do better for what I have in mind."

"After all the Uchiha family wouldn't want to lose their prodigal heir. Truth to be told, I only thought of kidnapping your brother because I thought it would be easier to capture him than you. But you just walked right into my trap, didn't you? Walking on the streets all alone; seemingly lost in your own thoughts. So please accept my thanks." Itachi only glared at Danzo but otherwise kept quiet. He wanted to hear this man speak. He wanted to find out what was going on in his head.

"Now, let's get down to business, shall we." Danzo began.

'Yes, let's' thought Itachi.

"I'm aware that your uncle Madara has acquired some evidences about my not very legal dealings. Evidences that could get me into a lot of trouble. What I want is very simple. I want those evidences in exchange of your life." Itachi had seen it coming.

Obviously Danzo would demand this, when those information and evidences about his illegal business could literary destroy him overnight. But the real question was, how did he find out about it? Because only the people Madara absolutely trusted knew about their secret investigation. Did Shisui somehow made a mistake and left any trace behind while sniffing around Danzo's business? No, that was unlike Shisui. He wouldn't be so sloppy as to leave any trace behind that could lead back to him. So was there a spy among the group? There had to be. But who? Everyone was trustworthy. They needed to figure it out as soon as possible. But of course, first Itachi needed to find out a way to free himself from Danzo's clutches.

"You think my uncle is just gonna bend to your demand?" Itachi questioned. Madara may do as Danzo asked for now in order to save Itachi but he would be sure to get back at Danzo for this later. And his wrath would be the worst thing that happened to Danzo.

"Well, there's only one way to find out." Saying that Danzo pulled out his phone and dialed a number. As it ringed, he gave the phone over to Itachi.

"Say hello to your uncle for me."

It was as obvious as the Sun rising from the East and setting in the West that Danzo had no intention of actually freeing Itachi even after getting those evidences. He wouldn't kill the boy, no. Itachi was to be his assurance that Madara wouldn't be able to come after him. Keeping the boy close would be like hiding himself behind a shield from Madara and the other Uchihas as well. Even if Madara became crazy enough to forsake his nephew's life just to get back at Danzo, the cunning man was sure that the other Uchihas wouldn't let him do anything. Especially Itachi's mother Mikoto. Fugaku wouldn't yield either. The boy was his pride after all. Yes, this was a fight the Uchihas were bound to lose. Or that was what Danzo thought anyway.

The Amaterasu mansion was in total chaos. A number of Uchihas were present there along with other people who worked for the Uchihas. The only exception was Sasuke. Any other time Sasuke would've felt something was wrong with his big brother had he not been so angry with him at the time being. Not to mention, since he was hanging out with Naruto, the younger Uchiha was totally unaware of the things happening back at home. Fugaku and Mikoto also thought it best not to let Sasuke know anything about Itachi's kidnapping. Despite a fight going on between the brothers, hearing such news was bound to devastate Sasuke. Not to mention, Fugaku and Mikoto needed to focus on rescuing Itachi at the moment, therefore it was better to keep Sasuke in the dark. A screaming and crying Sasuke wasn't something anyone wanted to deal with given the situation.

"All set. If Danzo calls again, we are ready to track down his cell location" informed Kakashi.

"But Danzo won't call again. You can be sure of that." Madara was certain. Danzo was too clever to make a fetal mistake like that.

"I don't care if you have to do exactly what he says. I just want my baby boy back." Mikoto shouted out while crying hard. Tears were flowing nonstop from her eyes. The only thing Fugaku could do was hold her tight. He too was willing to do anything to get their first born back but he also understood that even doing everything Danzo was asking them to do wouldn't bring Itachi back.

"We will bring Itachi back sister. You have our word" said Izuna with utmost compassion in his voice. He was very worried about the boy. Everyone was. Izuna had rushed back home as soon as he heard of the terrible news.

"And for that we can't do what Danzo says. Handing over the evidences will mean losing Itachi forever" said Madara. People could accuse him of caring more about destroying Danzo than rescuing his nephew but really, Madara was only being practical here. He knew how people like Danzo worked. Even if every bit of those evidences were destroyed, that man still wouldn't be satisfied. He would do anything to keep an upper hand on the Uchihas. And he would achieve that by keeping Itachi a hostage for the rest of his life if needed.

"What is your plan uncle?" Shisui asked since he himself was feeling lost.

Outwardly the boy appeared to be keeping a cool head but really he was not only feeling scared for his beloved cousin but feeling guilty as well. Shisui was blaming himself for Itachi's kidnapping. Only if he hadn't let Itachi get involved in the secret investigation on Danzo. He should've kept his cousin away from something so dangerous. Shisui obviously had no idea that it had nothing to do with Itachi's involvement with the investigation. Because if not Itachi, then little Sasuke would have been the target who truly had nothing to do with anything. But since Shisui was unaware of this fact, he felt terribly guilty and swore to himself that he'd bring Itachi back home no matter what he had to do for it. Also like Itachi, Shisui too wondered how in the hell Danzo learned about those evidences in the first place. Because Madara was yet to make any move against Danzo with those evidences as his weapon. Once Itachi was safely back home, this issue was something they needed to thoroughly investigate as soon as possible.

"We'll send someone with fake evidences. I highly doubt Danzo will bring Itachi there even though he has said it'll be an exchange. Itachi for evidences. But what we'll find there is an ambush." Madara spoke with utmost certainty. As if he had traveled in the future somehow and witnessed that happening.

"That much is obvious." Kakashi agreed with Madara about that.

"Danzo's men will take those fake evidences back to Danzo or at least to another third party. But sooner or later those evidences will reach him. And when they do, we'll get to Danzo as well." Madara explained.

"You mean to put tracking device in those evidences." Izuna inquired and he immediately lacked confidence in this plan.

"But what if Danzo's men find out the tracking device before they could reach Danzo. Or suspect that the evidences weren't the real ones. We shouldn't underestimate anyone here brother." Izuna immediately saw many problems with this plan. And he didn't hesitate to voice them.

"Besides, even if we do get to Danzo, it doesn't guarantee that we'll get to Itachi as well. He could be keeping Itachi somewhere far away from himself."

"I highly doubt that" said Madara.

"Danzo is using Itachi as his shield. He won't keep Itachi very far from himself."

"Hmm, you've a point" said Izuna thoughtfully.

"And as for the tracking device, no one will find it. You can trust me on that" said Madara with a smirk. Izuna narrowed his eyes a little at his older brother.

"Brother, just what have you really planned?" He asked not liking the gleam in Madara's eyes which usually meant, he was about to do something crazy.

Just as Izuna had suspected, Madara's plan was indeed crazy. However, it was the only plan that could free Itachi from Danzo's clutches. It got worse when Shisui insisted that he go to the exchange point and the boy did not take no for an answer. Even Madara became hesitant when Shisui involved himself like this. After all he was his nephew too. Madara initially intended to send one of his employees to this exchange; but Shisui was very persistent about getting his way. Izuna had tried again and again to change Shisui's mind. Don't get him wrong. Izuna wanted Itachi back home safe and sound just as much as everyone else. But letting Shisui put his life in danger wasn't something Izuna could easily go along with. Even Fugaku and Mikoto tried to change Shisui's mind but the boy was completely determined. For Shisui, it was his fault that Itachi got into danger. So he should be the one to rescue him.

A non-detectable transmitter was implanted into Shisui. Madara knew, as soon as Danzo would hear about Shisui being there at the exchange point, he would order his men to not only grab the evidences but Shisui as well. Having two Uchiha heirs under lock and key would undoubtedly give Danzo immense power over the Uchihas. Danzo's greed was exactly what Shisui and Madara were counting on. At the moment of departure, Izuna approached his son.

"Shisui, I didn't want you to put yourself in such danger but I can see that your mind is made. Just promise that you'll come back alive. That goes for the both of you." Meaning Itachi as well. Uchihas naturally hid their emotions. But Izuna couldn't at that moment. Worry was evident all over his face. After all Shisui was his one and only son.

"I promise dad. Itachi and I will be back before you know it." Shisui assured his father even though inwardly he really didn't feel as confident as he sounded. Izuna understood that but still nodded his head with a smile.

"I'm proud of you son." He said for the courage his son was showing. Before Shisui could leave, someone else also approached him. And it was none other than the distraught mother herself.

"Shisui, you've always been like a son to me. What you're doing for Itachi... I don't know how to thank you..." Mikoto could barely say it before she started crying again. Her sobs became harder than before as she wrapped her arms around Shisui and embraced him tightly.

'No, I don't deserve your thanks aunt Mikoto. After all, I'm responsible for what happened to Itachi.' Shisui thought to himself miserably but he couldn't say it out loud. So instead he only said-

"I'll bring him back aunt Mikoto. I promise." With that Shisui left to go get his cousin/brother Itachi and bring him back home to his family.

Unaware of what was happening in Amaterasu mansion, Sasuke Uchiha was playing video games with Naruto. And he was kind of having a good time actually. Naruto, even though normally an idiot but eventually managed to cajole Sasuke into telling him what was wrong. Why he suddenly invited Naruto to skip school with him and also play video games at his house? Once Naruto learned everything he invited Sasuke to stay over the night which Sasuke gladly accepted. The later he faced his brother again, the better.

Naruto on the other hand thought that sibling squabbling was fun and didn't hesitate to voice his opinion.

"Ah, I wish I had a brother too who I could fight with." The blonde had wishfully said. Being an only child was no fun.

Sasuke obviously didn't agree with Naruto about fighting with your brother being a fun activity. Staying mad at Itachi wasn't giving Sasuke any enjoyment. In fact, it was only hurting him more. However, Sasuke didn't bother arguing with the blonde either. What mattered was that he was having a good, no scratch that a decent time with Naruto instead of staying locked up in his room, and pretending that Itachi didn't exist. Not to mention suffering over it as well. Hanging out with Naruto turned out to be a good idea after all. Who would've ever thought such a day would come. Sasuke certainly didn't. He'd also never say it out loud to anyone but getting along with Naruto was surprisingly easy. The kid was too dumb to possess any complicated thoughts. Perhaps one day, Sasuke could actually be friends with this dobe. Obviously the Uchiha was unaware of the fact that Naruto already considered him his friend.

Suddenly, the house phone went off and Naruto's mother Kushina picked it up. Then after talking with the person on the phone, she yelled for Naruto.

"Naruto, pick up the phone. It's your friend Shikamaru." Hearing that Naruto paused the game and received the call on the cordless handset in his room.

"Hey Shikamaru what's up?" Naruto asked in his usual bright and cheerful voice.

"That's what I'm wondering. Why are there people hiding around your house and seem to be keeping an eye." What Shikamaru said surprised and confused Naruto to no limits. Shikamaru lived just on the opposite side of the road. Therefore he could clearly see Naruto's house from his bedroom window.

"What are you talking about Shikamaru? Why would anyone keep an eye on my house?" Hearing Naruto say that, Sasuke got curious and he carefully looked out the window. True to Shikamaru's info, there were men surrounding the house. They were trying to stay hidden but clearly weren't putting too much effort into it. Their objective seemed to be of guarding something. Or rather someone.

"Do you see anyone Sasuke?" Naruto asked as he walked up to the other boy.

"Yeah, I see them. And I know who they are" said Sasuke which confused poor Naruto even more.

"Really, who?" The blonde questioned.

"They are bodyguards working for our family. See him-" Sasuke pointed towards a man to show Naruto.

"He is also our driver. He drives Itachi and I to school and back home." Sasuke explained but it didn't clear Naruto's confusion at all.

"But what are they doing here?" The blonde asked.

"Well, that's exactly what I intend to find out." Sasuke spoke like a man on the mission as he walked out of Naruto's room.

Sasuke had a hunch, or should say hope that Itachi had sent them to make sure he (Sasuke) was okay. Maybe it was his brother's way of showing how much he cared and worried about Sasuke. And perhaps somewhere nearby, Itachi himself was keeping an eye on Sasuke to make sure that he was safe. Patiently waiting for his little brother's anger to melt away and finally forgive him. Obviously Sasuke wasn't just gonna go running to him. Neither he was gonna make it easy for Itachi to get his forgiveness. But he wouldn't be too hard on his beloved nii-san either. After all Sasuke just wanted his big brother to understand how important his attention was to him. And how much it hurt when Itachi ignored him for something else. Therefore as soon as Itachi learned his lesson, and Sasuke really hoped that he had; everything would go back to normal. The way things were before. They would be brothers again and love each other very much; and be very happy together.

Alas, Sasuke's trail of thoughts broke when he got close to the driver slash bodyguard and overheard his conversation with the other man he was talking with.

"I'm so lucky to be still alive man" said the driver.

"As soon as I saw Itachi-sama getting kidnapped, I thought the Uchihas were gonna blame the entire thing on me. I even thought about running away. But then again, there is nowhere I could go where they wouldn't find me."

"No, you did the right thing not running away. It'd have made you look guilty. Besides, Itachi-sama's abduction was no way your fault" said the other man.

"How is it not? He said he wanted to walk to Izuna-sama's mansion and I just let him. I should've at least walked right behind him and not just follow him in the car" said the driver regrettably.

"I don't think he'd have let you follow him like that. Clearly he wanted some time to himself. But what was the reason for Itachi-sama to wish to be alone anyway. The kidnappers got him so easily. It was so unlike him." The other man asked curiously to which the driver only sighed out heavily.

"Because of Sasuke-sama." He replied. Given that the driver was in the same car with Itachi and Sasuke when he dropped them off to school in the morning, he had a pretty clear idea of what had happened. Why Itachi was so sad and why he wanted to take a walk abandoning the safety of the car.

"Sasuke-sama is mad at Itachi-sama for some reason. Because of that Itachi-sama was quite sad. I think he wanted to take a walk to feel better perhaps. Who knew danger was lurking just around the corner and waiting to snatch him away."

"Itachi-sama really loves his little brother, doesn't he?" Asked the other bodyguard but it was more like a statement since this fact was so obvious and well known.

"Of course he does. And I'm sure Sasuke-sama loves him just as much. That's why for his sake I hope Itachi-sama is rescued unharmed. Otherwise, the kid will break beyond repair. Especially if he finds out Itachi-sama got kidnapped because of him." Both the driver and the other bodyguard suddenly heard a loud gasp. They looked around and it took only a second to spot Sasuke standing right there with Naruto standing right behind him. From the look on Sasuke's face, it was obvious that he had heard everything. The driver and the other guard looked at each other uneasily. Fearing Sasuke's reaction. But the boy was too shocked to react at that moment.

"Sasuke-sama. Please go back inside the house. It's not safe for you outside." The other guard found the courage to speak up but Sasuke didn't move at all. He remained frozen.

"Sasuke." Naruto whispered out worriedly. He put a hand on Sasuke's shoulder which seemed to have finally snapped the Uchiha out of his paralyzed state. As soon as Sasuke overcame the shock, the first thing he did was scream out loud.

"NII-SAN!" And then the boy started to run. At least he tried to run away but the bodyguards stopped him. They couldn't allow Sasuke to run around crazily given the circumstance. There was no telling where the enemies were and where were they hiding. They could be keeping an eye on Sasuke at this very moment. Waiting for the kid to make a reckless move. Madara would have their heads if anything was to happen to Sasuke as well.

The youngest Uchiha struggled against his captors with all his might. How dare they stop him from going to Itachi! Sasuke knew no matter where his nii-san was he would be able to find him. He just needed to follow his instincts. And so Sasuke struggled with everything he got. But unfortunately one little boy against several professionally trained and well built bodyguards, was by no means a fair fight. Naruto on the other hand was stuck between wanting to help Sasuke and wanting to help those poor bodyguards trying to calm down the said boy. Because they were after all only doing their job. And their job obviously was to keep Sasuke safe. Naruto didn't want his newly acquired friend to get into any danger. But he couldn't bear to watch Sasuke scream and struggle while crying his eyes out either. Fortunately for Naruto, he didn't need to make a decision as one of the guards said-

"I've informed Kakashi-san of the situation. He has asked us to bring Sasuke-sama home." As was the order, they put a struggling Sasuke inside a car. One of the bodyguards, bowed to Naruto as they prepared to take their leave.

"Thank you Naruto-sama for providing your hospitality to our young master. We are deeply ashamed for all the troubles we have caused you. Please accept our humble apology." The guard said politely and completely professionally. As if he had practiced saying these words over and over again.

"Yeah, um, don't mention it" said Naruto with unsure tone of voice.

"Just take care of Sasuke, you know."

"Of course Naruto-sama. You are very kind." Saying that the bodyguard bowed once again and abruptly left. Naruto stood outside for a while. Hoping that everything would be alright for Sasuke.

Speaking of whom, even in the car, Sasuke tried his best to escape. But all the struggling and fighting wore him down pretty fast. He became exhausted. Not to mention, the fear that was engulfing his heart that something terrible might happen to his big brother Itachi. That he might never see him again. And the chilling and biting guilt that was filling up his mind; for he was responsible for his beloved brother getting into such life threatening danger. All these intense emotions were too much for little Sasuke to handle. Hence, half way towards Amaterasu mansion, the boy lost his consciousness and he fell into an abyss of darkness. However, not before whispering the most important name to him.

"Itachi."