Ino opened the door to Itachi's room, she squeezed my hand then let go, moving to tend to Itachi. He smiled and was going to greet me but my eyes were focused solely on the dark haired idiot sitting beside his brother drinking another damned tomato juice. Without wasting a second more, I grabbed hold of Sasuke's collar and slammed him into the wall. He slumped, not even putting up a fight in his exhausted state, but he was looking at me with pure annoyance.
"You selfish asshole, are you shitting me! You compromised everything for vengeance." I pushed him harder into the wall, snarling in anger and disbelief and utter exasperation. "Oh my god, I'm friends with an idiot, you are such a prick, a selfish, shitty, stupid, asshole. I should fucking break both of your arms right now you asshole. Did you really think it was a good idea to tell motherfucking DANZO SHIMURA your brother was home so he would attack during surgery? I got stabbed, Itachi almost died multiple times, you put so many lives at risk including your own. Do you think things through or are you so childish your vengeance for the sake of your clan would blind you and make you so stupid. Huh, how the hell did you plan on stopping Danzo if he attacked when you were under anesthesia, you'd feel like a fucking idiot if you singlehandedly took out the rest of the Uchiha clan in one fail swoop because you can't control your emotions. You selfish, ignorant, blind, little shit."
I slammed my fist into the wall right beside his face, it stung but it was the only thing keeping me sane enough not to slam my fist right into his stupid face. Itachi looked at the scene, his eyes were uncovered and working better than ever, he didn't question it yet knowing I'd tell him everything soon. His mind was still extremely fuzzy and he barely made out any of what I was shouting at his bother but he knew I was mad and it would be better to stay out of it. Ino on the other hand understood everything and pieced together why I was so pissed with them, I didn't have the chance to be mad before the surgery but now that it's over…it made sense. Hell, Ino was just as pissed and if she didn't think I would take care of it she would end up punching her old flame right in his too straight nose.
"Hn. It was worth it, I would do anything to catch that bastard and give him what he deserves…no matter the cost." There was something dangerous in the way Sasuke spoke, he was back to being an angry and aggressive pre-teen that I hadn't seen in a while. In a second that boy was gone and Sasuke was right in front of me, eyes lidded and heavy.
"You goddamned imbecile, not only did you risk your life, you risked everyone else's were you really that willing to let Itachi die?" Sasuke's dark eyes flashed with anger at my accusation but I pressed on. He was so stupid, did he and Tsunade really think that would be a good idea? They are so unbelievably lucky everything went the way it did, if Jiraiya had gotten pulled away a minute earlier or I got stabbed any closer to my spine, or a stray Kunai managed to hit somebody, it would have been a fail in epic portions. As a medic I promised to protect those I'm saving and not endanger them but that is the exact opposite thing Tsunade and Sasuke planned out together.
"He wouldn't have died." It was lowly spoken but there was a fierce truth behind his words, I was confused, what the hell is going on. Did the entire world lose it's fucking mind over the weekend?
"Oh yeah, what the fuck else would have happened if one thing went wrong." I growled, my hand punching the wall again to not hit him, Sasuke didn't even flinch, his stare unwavering.
"You would still be there to save him." I blinked in surprise and then I was even more pissed with him thinking I'm some kind of immortal or something that can't get hurt.
"It's like talking to a brick wall! You are so damn dense. I could have died as well and if I die guess what idiot, Itachi would have died too!" I'd be less mad about my life being at risk if I was able to fight back, I was worthless to fight and I had to keep not one but two unconscious people alive.
"You wouldn't have died." He spoke so certain, I swear I'm surrounded by idiots.
"Do you not know how stabbing people works?" I hissed, why the hell is he being such a hardheaded idiot.
"Hn. You wouldn't have died…" He trailed off and somebody finished the rest for him, their hand wrapping around my arm to still me from moving.
"I was there to protect you the whole time." My head snapped back to the newest figure to enter the room and glared at the cold, bored eyes looking back. Sasori was oh so pleased with himself at the timing, getting a rise out of me was a fun pastime for him I guess. "I can't have you die before our deal is over so just stop being so hotheaded and calm down." Sasori effortlessly forced me to let go of Sasuke's shirt and the Uchiha just slumped back down, smirking like an asshole. I was so unbelievably thankful for the help Sasori gave me. Without him I would have never been able to do even half of the surgery right, and he protected my life the whole time. I even told him so multiple times before the surgery as well as in my slightly inebriated state, I already had my plans to repay him. However, never did I think Sasori and Sasuke would be in cohorts with something like this, granted we found out right beforehand but now I'm assuming Sasori knew as soon as Sasuke learned his role in the surgery.
"Fuck you both." I snapped at the two but made no abrupt movements so Sasori released me from his hold.
"Hn. What time?" I glared at his prideful expression and my fist shot out, slamming right into the side of his face, throwing him back into the wall, small cracks spidering out from the impact. Sasuke groaned, that amplified his headache from the blood loss and he felt dizzy from the hit that was sure to leave a nasty bruise. Ino snickered, both from Sasuke's cheeky retort used solely for the purpose of pissing me off and me sucker punching him.
"As confusing as this is, please refrain from punching Sasuke-kun in my presence." Sasuke smirked arrogantly, he thought he won, "Take it outside."
"Aniki!" Sasuke's smirk dropped and he looked a Itachi in betrayal, I looked dangerously at him. I get the want to take out Danzo, the bastard deserves death for everything he has caused but I can't get on board with the way Tsunade and Sasuek decided to catch him. The whole point of Sasuke joining ROOT was to take care of the issue of getting evidence on Danzo, if it was going to amount to so little, I don't think we would have put him through that torment of working under the man responsible for the massacre of his clan when he stopped Shisui from solving the problem.
"You're lucky I have things to do and am not going to thoroughly kick your ass for almost making my surgery a failure. Though, I'm not the one you have to worry about, Naru was pretty pissed with Tsunade-sama earlier, I wonder how he's going to feel about his so called best friend putting the lives of his teammates at risk for some half-cocked vengeance." Sasuke got up from his indentation and wrapped an arm around me, I wanted to punch him again but he tightened his hold. Sasori wasn't going to step in this time.
"Hn. I'm sorry, I won't scare you again. Who knew the freak was such a crybaby." I stifled a laugh and finally hugged him back, I was mad, he was reckless, but I forgave him. I guess, I shouldn't have expected anything less, but if he did it again I would murder him…Tsunade too if she agreed to another one of his ridiculous, anger induced ideas. At least, Danzo is in custody and me getting stabbed wasn't for naught.
"Duckbutt, Naru is still going to kick your ass." I mumbled before turning to Itachi. I strolled to his side and gave a quick scan of his insides. Everything seemed to be in order…his body was obviously weak but it was functioning and his chakra pathways were no longer having to fight every moment so they were moving at a calm and peaceful pace through his body. His eyes looked less cloudy and there was an obvious light that hadn't been there, like he was less burdened with his existence. The deep bags under his eyes were there but not as prominent, his skin had a healthy flush, and he no longer seemed to struggle with each breath.
"How are you feeling, be honest? Any concerns, pain, does something feel off, is your eyesight better?" I eased his body forward and rested his head in my lap so I could brush out the knots forming in his sleek hair. He sighed contentedly as my fingers grazed against his scalp.
"Hn. It's hard to process thoughts and words sometimes, other than a headache I feel relatively fine." He reached up to touch at his eyes, confused. "My eyesight, it is perfect. Why?"
"It's normal for your brain to be foggy after a such an intense surgery, as long as it gets better in the next few days it is nothing to worry about. You're on morpheme right now so as long as there is no pressing pain, everything is healing well…as for your eyes…" I looked to Sasuke, he would be the best to explain this situation.
"Hn. I gave them permission to switch my eyes with yours. It was a gamble, possibly one or both of us going blind or both of us gaining the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan." Sasuke let his eyes bleed into red and the pattern changed to one much more intricate than his old Mangekyo pattern. Itachi blinked, taking a bit of time to process everything, his brows furrowed and eyes unblinking as they looked at Sasuke's blazing Sharingan. Once he seemed to process everything, he gave me a knowing look and a soft smile to Sasuke.
"Thank you little brother, truly in am in your debt. But please, next time do not take the chance of harming yourself to do anything for me. I would have gladly given you my eyes without the need for yours in replacement. Just being alive would have been enough." Sasuke was shell shocked, no matter what Itachi was always so kind and humble, though he saw himself as selfish, Itachi was selfless. Itachi sat up a bit, giving me better room to start plaiting his hair. He opened his arms and Sasuke, like a small child, rushed into them. Kneeling on the ground and collapsing into his big brother's arms, his alive big brother's arms. Itachi looked over Sasuke's mop of hair to Sasori and gave him a polite nod. "Thank you Sasori-san, I know I would not be here if it weren't for your diligence and calm head during everything." Sasori's eyes narrowed at Itachi, looking over his peaceful expression in an unreadable look.
"Don't be mushy brat, it doesn't suit you." He huffed towards the younger man, he harbored no ill feeling towards Itachi but didn't want his gratitude either. If Itachi were do have died, his body would be Sasori's, that reason was why Sasori believed he didn't deserve any thanks from the rehabilitating Shinobi. The redhead turned and walked out of the room, Ino following behind him, and I stifled a laugh at how put out he looked after being thanked for doing something good for once. Almost right after Sasori left, Shisui and Kisame came into the room. The former was sporting a dark bruise on his eye and had a cotton patch over what was probably freshly mended skin from being cut. Kisame looked fresh as day, no cuts or bruises whatsoever.
When they both saw with their own eyes that Itachi was up and breathing on his own, relief flooded their expressions, Kisame's more guarded and muted than Shisui's but it was obvious his two closest friends were happy he was alive and well.
"Hello Shisui-kun, Kisame-san." Shisui bounded over and took the left over room on Itachi's bed, looking over Itachi for any signs of injury, grinning brightly as he saw nothing.
"Damn Imouto, you're a goddess, truly! 'Tachi you look so much better!" Shisui was going to pull on Itachi's hair but I stopped him before he could mess up the partially finished fishtail braid.
"Yes little Orokamono, you are truly an impressive medic." He turned to Itachi and let his sharp teeth stretch into a feral yet happy grin. "Good to see you look less like shit, I can't say the same for your mini you, he looks like death." A large blue hand idly gestured to Sasuke who gave him a half hearted glare, still too caught up in Itachi rubbing his head to get angry. "Who punched you in the face?" Sasuke briefly looked at me.
"Hn." Kisame snickered at the knowledge. I laughed at Sasuke's expense, he looked terrible and for once I was glad he looked and felt like shit. Shisui whole heartedly agreed with Kisame's statement, telling 'Sasu-chan how he was going to lose his pretty boy standing if he kept looking like that.'
"Are you feelin' better Tachi-chan? We were really worried when you were comatose." Shisui wrapped an arm Itachi and I, his hand reaching just far enough to ruffle Sasuke's hair. His smile now was less forced, the crinkle in his eyes a bit less strained than it was yesterday, he felt the relief of Itachi living possibly more than the rest of us. Shisui was the undeclared parent of the odd little family. Though he wasn't always seen as the most responsible, he was when need be and took everything to heart, so knowing Itachi was alive and he could finally take care of him, that his closest friend was truly ok, it was a major relief.
"Aa, I feel much better." For the first time, it wasn't a lie. Itachi didn't have to pretend he felt fine just for the sake of keeping to himself and feeling like he deserved being sick, he truly felt better in all shapes and forms.
"What does your recovery look like? I don't know if I can handle anybody lesser to be my teammate, though I might have more fun if I'm with someone who lets loose every once in a while." All eyes shifted to me in looking for an answer.
"He may be cleared from disease now but after all the damage to his system, there was only so much that could heal even with using my seal. His heart is still fragile from how many times it failed and his body still has to find a unity to function at the level he was before so I'd say a month and a half give or take if rehabilitation goes well." Kisame let out a low whistle, in shinobi terms, a month of recovery is long especially now that medical ninjutsu can be so freely utilized and if I didn't use the seal to heal him as well, it would have been at least double that.
"Sounds good enough. You really are a lucky bastard to be alive huh." Kisame slid a box out of his pocket and handed it to Itachi. One look inside it was filled with Tri-colored dango…his favorite. "See you later Itachi." Shisui saw the dango and he formed an unspoken bond of friendship with Kisame. Itachi was always making Kisame didn't go over his head with reckless battles but yet Kisame was older and when it came down to it he would protect Itachi. Shisui felt the same and when he realized the shark man was really a good friend for Itachi while he was gone, it solidified his resolve to befriend the untrusting ex-kiri nin.
"Bye Kisame-san. Thank you for the Dango." That was as good as Itachi giving Kisame a giant hug, the gesture was small but for Itachi it was the best thing he could have gotten from Kisame. For somebody so blood thirsty and wild, the dango was so kind and a perfect symbol of their friendship. Kisame cared and was as loyal as they came if you were deserving and Itachi was.
"Bye Kisame-sempai."
"Bye little Orokamono." The door shut and after a bit of time with just the four of us I got up to let them have their time together, I was going to pick Hanabi up from the academy and take her to the new tea house that had opened up.
"Tachi, stick this leaf to your palm and tell me how it feels." I activated my Byakugan to watch how his body worked when he used his chakra for more than just sustaining his life force. With ease he molded his chakra and the leaf stuck to his palm. There was no strain on his chakra, the only problem was how his heart beat slightly off rhythm when his chakra started moving against the natural flow. That was bad and it happened with just the small manipulation of chakra and if he did something on a larger scale like a fire jutsu, it was worrying. That had to be fixed before he could even think to start training again.
"It feels as easy as it did the first time. Is this necessary, I can do more?" Itachi was a patient person but this was annoying, he felt useless and weak. He wanted to be strong to be there to fight with his brother and Kisame, to protect the village and fight towards the new age of peace he believed would come about once the final members of the Akatsuki were no longer a threat.
"You can't do more, your heart needs more time to strengthen itself before going any further. Just be happy you can even mold chakra as perfectly as you can already, that makes this easier. We have to focus more on your muscle rehabilitation and circulatory system healing than fixing your chakra that was damaged." I poked right at his heart and his stern face relaxed in understanding.
"Hn." I sat Itachi against the tree and let my chakra flow into him, his body fought for a second then let me in with more ease than ever before and I focused on healing the scar tissue on his heart as he constantly moved a leaf around his body with his chakra. If we did this enough, he should be fine to start training with his heart healthy enough to not beat erratically when molding chakra.
Formal summons for former members of Squad 7 under Jonin Sensei Kakashi Hatake: Hinata Hyuga, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sasuke Uchiha. Go to the TI building, room 104 at 14:00.
Sasuke Naruto and I were there before Tsunade and none of us knew what the hell the summons was for.
"Hey, Hanabi wants you both to come over for dinner tonight. Kakashi, Kakuzu, Shisui, Ino, Suigetsu, and Itachi are coming too, can you come? She's making your favorites and has been so excited to see everyone again."
"Hn, sure."
"Hell yeah! Hanabi-chan's Ramen is second only to Old Man Ichiraku." I smiled happily, Hanabi is my pride and joy. I love her so much, her heart is so big and loving and she wanted to have my team over, plus it gave her an excuse to invite Kakuzu and make him teach her more. Apparently he has picked her up from school twice now.
"Why are we here Grandma Tsunade?" Tsunade scowled at the unflattering nickname that she just couldn't shake. Naruto was too hardheaded to change his mind once it was made and him using nicknames was no exception to that.
"Hn." None of us really knew the reason for being summoned to the TI building, it was rare we were called here for anything good-like having your mind invaded to see f you're a traitor- and being here now was weird…though I'm guessing it has something to do with Danzo since he's being held in the most high security cell of this god forsaken place.
"Sasuke Uchiha, you were a member of Root for over 2 years and we need you to identify if those we have apprehended are indeed Root members." Sasuke still had a bruise on his face but there were a few more piled on top of it. Naruto was also wearing a nice few cuts and bruises himself, they really did end up 'sparring' yesterday. Even after clearly beating the shit out one another in the most non-hateful way possible, Sasuke didn't seem to hold that anger inside of him like he did yesterday. Something Naruto said to him (something he punched into him with many fists of brass knuckles) made Sasuke calmer, more controlled. It was nice to see him less recklessly angry without hate swirling in him again, being in root under Danzo for so long had made him angry but Naruto worked his magic, paring that with Itachi and Shisui living, and Danzo finally being caught and ready to be tried for his crimes… Sasuke was more in control of himself than ever. He just felt..lighter. Thank god because I don't know how much more of idiotic brooding, angry at the world Sasuke I could take."Hn. Most were always in masks but I have their chakra's memorized well enough." Sasuke and I haven't had any time to talk about Root, both of us being undercover and me being home for less than a full week while also being extremely busy made it impossible to talk. Same with Naruto, we all missed one another and have had no time to truly talk about any of what we've missed with the other. Being here with them, even if we were all older and had different things going on, we were still team 7.
"Good…As for Hinata, I believe we have found the Root member Sai you warned us of. Paper white skin, black hair, and a smile so lifeless it's unnerving." Sasuke raised an inquisitive brow, he seemed to know exactly who we were talking about. Hmm, Sasuke mentioned he had a teammate and the amount of pride Danzo put into Sai, I think I would like to bet all my money on the idea that Sai is Sasuke's un-named partner. If that is actually true, I think I might die laughing at how fate seems to work out.
"And you Naruto, last time you were kept out of the loop you busted into my office like an idiot and lost your temper over something you had no knowledge on… so you're here so you don't have to ask me any more questions and disrupt my job." Naruto didn't even look the least bit sheepish. Sasuke and I were both bemused at the knowledge, I could just envision the blonde wearing his gaudy orange and green civilian clothes he puts on after training and wreaking havoc in her office. He shot a half-hearted glare to Tsunade and Sasuke then shrugged, he knew he was right and if they'd not leave him out of things he'd have no reason to barge in her office and demand information. And if Teme wasn't such a Teme, he'd have no reason to beat the emo out of him.
"Humph, well maybe if you and Sasuke-Teme didn't make such insane decisions without including me I wouldn't 'a had to dattebayo." Tsunade sighed deeply and bit her tongue from calling him a brat.
"Ibiki-san will take you to identify those held captive. Start with the black haired one." Ibiki was as tall and scarred as always, at a large 196 centimeters, he was taller than everyone in the room and would even make someone tall like Zabuza look short. The only people even close to his height are Kisame and Kakuzu. His face was straight and even that was enough to intimidate Naruto who paled at the towering man, looking down at him.
"Lets go." Ibiki led us through a maze of hallways until we reached a set of more high security cells. The air was frigid, the silence was eery, and everything felt muffled. The chakra barriers and obvious suppressant seals were scrawled everywhere and right on the foreheads of some of the prisoners we passed by. Ibiki stopped us outside a cell and after a few seals, the door opened and the chakra barrier ceased so we could enter. The person was sitting with his head down, not seeming to be bothered by his predicament. He looked up and I stopped, it really was him. Sai smiled so empty, it didn't look real in the slightest. It was creepy how blank his smile was, it was like a doll.
"Hello Traitor….I see you've brought…friends. Nice to meet you." His voice was soft and light but also monotonous and Sasuke scowled the more Sai talked. I snorted in amusement at the nickname, leave it to Sai to call Sasuke a traitor in both timelines for two completely different reasons.
"Who is this jerk off huh Teme?" Naruto asked, pointing right at the still smiling Sai, who now tilted his head like a puppy. Sasuke scowled at Sai, annoyed with his presence.
"Oh, I have no name. I am but one of the many branches of Root…" Sai looked Naruto up and down, his eyes lingering on his pants before smiling blankly again. "Dickless." Ibiki looked thoroughly amused at Naruto's face reddening in anger. I covered my mouth and stifled a laugh, this was golden.
"I didn't ask you dattebayo! Besides I'm not dickless! Tell him teme!" Naruto snapped haughtily, trying to get Sasuke to confirm he was a male. Sasuke's face tinted pink and he scowled in annoyance at both of them. He swatted Naruto in the head and sent a harsh look to Sai.
"Hn. He was my partner in Root. An emotionless loser who doesn't have any concept of social interaction." Naruto and I both looked at Sasuke in surprise, coming from the most socially awkward of the three of us, him saying something like that was just…wrong."Then he really is your pasty carbon copy! Man, having two socially inept people on one team must be a blast." Naruto nodded sagely, staring between Sasuke and Sai with such intensity, trying to find the resemblance.
"Hmm, he does kinda look like you Teme. Just give him your stupid hair and you could be brothers."
"Hn. Not even close dobe." If Sasuke had any less control over his blank face, he would have looked extremely offended at the claims we made between he and Sai.
"As it stands, the harlot is right. I do believe we have relatively similar facial structures." Sai smiled towards me finally, seeing if I liked the nickname. I was not expecting that to be my nickname and I couldn't help but laugh. It was so horribly hilarious. Of all things I've been called, a hoe was not one of them. Sasuke smirked towards me, finding this as entertaining as I found his nickname.
"Eeh? You bastard! Don't call Hina-chan a harlot, where the hell did you get an idea like that?!" Naruto stomped forward but Ibiki gripped his shoulder, preventing him from attacking the partially defenseless Root member. Sai cocked his head at the reaction from Naruto, looking confused on why he would stick up for me and be more mad about a nickname than I was.
"Oh, was that rude Traitor?" Sai directed his innocent confusion to Sasuke but didn't wait for an answer, instead turning to address me. His eyes brazenly staring at my chest. "I apologize for the misunderstanding, I just assumed that based off a book's description of a Harlot, a women with a chest your size must be one." For somebody who doesn't have any semblance of how actual social interaction, besides the top socially perfect Sasuke, that deduction I guess isn't the worst. If he tried to learn about people by books that mentioned harlots or the like, his estimation was relatively ok…but still so wrong because just gah! That's not how life really works in Shinobi villages, maybe as a civilian. But also, I'm wearing sweats for god sake, nothing sexy about that. Naruto and Sasuke both looked directly at my chest and then looked away. I crossed my hands over my chest, trying to diminish the size. I draw attention with many things but having my chest draw that much was embarrassing.
"Uh…It's fine but I'm not a…harlot…my name is Hinata Hyuga, Jounin of Konohagakure."
"Have you thought about changing your profession, I'm sure you'd fair well. Men seem to talk a lot about boobs and by standard of other women in root, yours seem to be above average." Oh. My. God. I squawked in surprise. This time Sasuke was the one to ready himself to attack, with a sneer he readied himself but was stopped when I was gasping for breath, laughing. If literally anyone else had said that to me I might never come out of my room ever again…after reaching 15 and the annoyance of pervy men finally started counting me as a woman comments even more lewd than this were not that uncommon… but the bland way Sai said it…no real perverse thoughts behind his statement, it was so unbelievably embarrassing for me I had to laugh. Sai apparently had never had anyone laugh at him before and he was baffled.
"You…Hina-chan…How do you think this guy is funny! He…He called you a-a Harlot! And talked about your…things 'ttebayo!" Naruto was normally so blunt but he was tongue tied on how to say everything with out embarrassing himself and it was pure gold making me laugh even harder. I haven't really laughed like this in a long time, Sai wasn't even that funny but my chest just felt so light at the moment I couldn't stop the laughter from bubbling past my lips.
"His face never…aha…it never changed…he was so…haha…serious." I caught my breath, a small smile still playing on my face as I made eye contact with the dark void of Sai's ebony eyes. "I like you…but this whole no named business has to go so…your name is now Sai." I paused for dramatic effect before announcing his name and his smile dropped from his face, an unreadable emotion flickering through his vacant eyes.
"Sai? I…I have a name?" He spoke, not to anyone in particular, just testing the words out to see if it was real. Naruto Nodded vehemently at the name, saying how it was cool even if Sai was a jerk. Sasuke also seemed to be alright with the name, after being teammates for two years they have to have some sense of comfort and trust with one another…even if neither know it yet. It's how I feel about Suigetsu…and though it is on thin ice right now, Obito as well.
"You do now." He was pensive for a minute before giving a curt nod and letting the blank smile bloom on his face once again."Thank you…I like the name Sai. I think I will keep it. I expect Danzo-sama is going to be executed so I have no reason to not have a name." There wasn't even the hint of sadness that his superior, one who basically raised him was going to die. It was sad. Danzo really fucked with all of these kids, someone should shove a sword up his needle dick sometime soon…I would but gotta keep up my appearance as heiress and doing that is definitely worse than anything else I've done and would reflect badly on how leveled in temperament the clan is supposed to show. My… everything else…is already pushing the mold, killing an elder is pushing the limits to one even I'm slightly afraid to make. I cant change the clan politics if I have no say or respect within the clan walls.
"Why would you name a prisoner?" Ibiki curtly spoke up, one brow raised up…hiding underneath his bandana. He wasn't angry…just intrigued on why I found it necessary. He was interrogating even without tying, he just liked to know things…everything about each and every person he comes across so he does what he can to know. You don't get to be the head of TI without curiosity and trying to discover how each and every persons mind works, how they talk and act, what makes them tick, how to make them spill every secret with just a bit of prompting.
"Because…he deserves a name. Look, he's not that much older than any of us and it's not his fault Danzo is a bastard that abducts children and makes them robots."
"He's a prisoner to be used to incriminate Shimura and then after he gives us the information to track down the rest of the Root, he'll meet his end like the others." Even Naruto looked appalled at that statement.
"No Way! That is so twisted, you can't just kill somebody after you use them like that. It is just plain wrong dattebayo. They are people, not toys, not tools, living people and that bastard Danzo made them seem like less. Sai didn't even have a name, you can't kill them before they even have a chance at living. I won't stand for it." Naruto growled and stood in front of Sai protectively, his aura emanating from every pore, it was a stand of defiance and character, a stand for what is right versus what is standard protocol. Without a second thought, Sasuke and I stood beside Naruto, both supporting him. Sai looked between the three of us, getting more and more confused at why we were sticking up for him when he was so certain he was going to die.
"With all due respect Morino-san, that is such a small-minded and shitty way of thinking. I think each Root that is captured should be given a psych evaluation and that should be the factor in determining if they are fit to become Shinobi for Konoha. It shouldn't be decided based off of something most of them had little to no control over. If the point of the village is to be strong, having people with such unique skill-sets working under the Hokage for the betterment of Konoha instead of under a power hungry dick, it would be beneficial for everyone."
"Hn. I agree with the freak and dobe. Sai is annoying but he is strong and never fails a mission. He would be a good asset and teammate to keep around for the future of Konohagakure. Most of them didn't know anything but Danzo's orders so they shouldn't be blamed for what he brain washed them into doing for him."
"Orders are orders, little upstarts like you three aren't going to change the councils decision to execute them even if you are from prominent clans." It wasn't meant to be aggressive, it was just a very accurate statement…if it was for any team that wasn't our team.
"Hn." Ah, I forgot how weird it is when my teammates think the same thing as me without us having to say a word.
I crossed my arms nodding at Sasuke's statement before elaborating for those who don't speak Uchiha. "Watch us. It's two clan head children and Naru versus a bunch of old people on their death bed…even assholes like them have no chance against Naruto, the boy could talk a person in our out of anything without trying."
"Yeah! I'll make them see what's right 'ttebayo. I have to be good at this stuff if I'm going to be Hokage right Hina-chan?" Naruto's cerulean eyes were practically glowing with passion, god help anyone who tried to stand in his way on this matter.
"Right." I gave him a sharp nod of agreement. One thing we discussed of him being Hokage was he needed to be proficient in the workings of politics to be Hokage and when we combined actual knowledge with his ability to talk people into anything, he was groomed and ready to kick ass. Surprisingly, Kakashi and Zabuza were the most versed in politics and they taught us everything we needed to know to survive in the fucked up system. For people who seemed to thrive on pissing off people in higher power than them, they were very good at helping us understand the politics of the civilian council and the council of elders.
Sai looked between the three of us, his eyes analyzing everything the best he could to figure out something. There was just so much feeling being shown by us, even Sasuke looked less restrained than usual, he was trying to understand. "You three are very fond of one another, you seem to be more than common teammates. Why?"
"We're a family. I trust Hina-chan and Sasuke-teme with my life, we have a bond that is more than just being on Team 7 'ttebayo. We're family." Naruto wrapped his arms around us and Sasuke didn't even try to move away from the strong grip the blonde sunshine had on us. He was scowling, but the tender look in his eyes betrayed the harsh look on his face. He felt the same as Naruto did, we were family.
"Hmm." Sai was pensive, studying intensely, seeming to rack his brain for mentions of bonds and family. "If I am not executed, I would like to understand more about these bonds."
"Sounds good, Team 7 can actually have seven members now!"
"There are only 5…who else are you adding?" Sasuke looked sceptic and I grinned.
"Suiegtsu of course, he is my teammate as well and I think he would work well in our team. He's like a less intimidating but more trigger happy Zabuza." If they were to clash blades, I don't know who would win. Normally I would say Zabuza but after fighting alongside Suigetsu, he truly is a prodigious swordsman that with a bit more time might even make it to Kisame's level.
"Cool!"
"Hn."
"Sai, you have a seal preventing you from talking about Danzo like Sasuke right?" He nodded, sticking out h9s tongue so we could see the black markings on the surface. I activated my Byakugan and studied the flow, the seal was directly linked to the left frontal lobe in the small area that controls speech, it was pushing chakra constantly to that area preventing Sai from being able to talk about whatever Danzo programmed him to not be able to say. It was not an overly complex seal, but it was very effective. The only issue with removing it is the possible damage if it is not done by an expert in both chakra and sealing…lucky for Sai, Naruto and I together can hopefully fix it. "How'd you feel about having the seal removed and testifying against Danzo?"
" I don't particularly like or dislike Danzo, but you are more interesting and I would be able to see more about these bonds if I testified…correct?" There was a smirk on my face, Danzo is going down.
"Yes…Naru, think you can disable the seal while I make sure you don't fuck up the chakra receptors in his brain?" Naruto grinned foxily and pulled out a brush and black ink.
"This is easy 'ttebayo, who do you think I am." Sai leaned back and let his tongue hang out of his mouth. Naruto kneeled before Sai and studied the seal, adding chakra to see how it would react and I let him know how each flare affected the brain. After a bit of studying, Naruto re-wrote the seal, testing things while I kept him from frying Sai's brain. After a bit of time, he found a way to disable the connection of the seal with doing something I couldn't even begin to comprehend. Naruto-loudly-announced he was done and I gave him a high-five. Sasuke looked relieved, probably because he could finally get the seal off of him. Ibiki stepped forward to question Sai, using his height and glower as an intimidation tactic.
"Tell me, what was your mission given by Danzo."
"My mission was to kill the Hokage, Itachi Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha and anyone else who stood in my way. I was unsuccessful and detained by Shisui Uchiha."
"What was the reason for this assassination attempt?" I shivered, Ibiki's voice was so scary…like commanding and intense and just made you want to spill your secrets before he murdered you just by talking. Sai didn't even blink, he was not intimidated in the slightest by Ibiki, dude has balls of steel.
"Danzo-sama said that the Hokage was attempting a power move that would endanger the village and was no longer fit for her position and that he would be the one to take it upon her death." Ahh, we should expect nothing less from a power hungry, psycho war-hawk. Ibiki's overwhelmingly intense presence didn't fade but the scary-ness did, he was probably very pleased at the 'confession' this type of ammo, especially if we can have multiple ROOT agents agree, will be the downfall of Danzo…and this time it won't be illegally done by Sasuke.
We left Sai's room and checked up on the rest of the imprisoned ROOT members, a few were extremely hostile but many of them were just blank, like they were robots awaiting orders…or people who have accepted their death. It was so cruel to see how fucked up Danzo made his agents. Sasuke was the most tense of us, he knew these people and was forced to be like them even if only for a few years. Each person we met with, as long as they were willing, Naruto removed their seals and we had about 4 people willing to give their testimonies against Danzo.
I was anxious, too much to just sit idly by and wait. I went to the center of the compound to train, working on some basic taijutsu moves by hitting a stump in the ground. It splintered after each kick and with no chakra fueling the attacks I could feel the wood bruising my shins but the slight sting felt good. Today was Danzo's trial, it was very under wraps and few were aloud to enter, as far as I know I'm not welcomed.
The clan heads all get to go of course and each get a body guard, Tsunade of course will be there and Naruto is acting as her guard…the lucky bastard. The elders of the village and the civilian council will also be in attendance. Shisui as clan head will be there but he is also giving a testimony so his vote is nullified. Father has not left yet but I know he will be leaving soon enough. I rotated my hips and spun on the ball of my right foot, sending a harsh kick to the upper tier of the training post. My shin tingled at the hit but I ignored it, sliding in and sending an open palmed strike right to the center of the post. I was going in for another strike but a pale hand stopped mine and forcefully pinned me to the ground. I spit the dirt from my mouth and grinned back at my attacker.
"Hello Nii-san." He smiled amicably back, releasing me and giving me a hand up.
"Hello Hinata-hime, you need to work on sensing your surroundings even when stressed. I should not have been able to counter you so easily." I frowned, he was right, I needed to work on being able to sense better without my Byakugan.
"Yeah yeah, what's up?"
"I need your aid. As it stands, your father is not seen as mentally stable enough to act as clan head after his encounter with Orochimaru. Because of that, I am still the acting clan head in public situations such as the Danzo Shimura trial. Knowing that his trial against the Uchiha and the Village is what is making you stressed, I would like to invite you to act as my guard during the event." My father not being in attendance because of Orochimaru was surprising but I guess it shouldn't be. Danzo will do anything to clear his name and if he is able to get a clan head out of his trial, especially one who has fervently refused any offers to have the Hyuga in ROOT, he would hope he could convince the new head to join his side. Too bad for him, Neji is not an idiot and no way would he join a side against Naruto or me when it came down to someone as sick and twisted as Danzo, no flowery words or promises would be able to sway Neji.
"You know I love you right?"
"Yes, you have mentioned it before."
Neji was dressed in our clan robes, the vibrant Hyuga clan symbol presented proudly on the back and the left breastplate of the white and muted purple robes. There were no weapons on his person, he didn't look ready to fight but ready to have a council. I was dressed the opposite, I was ready for battle, to fight to protect my clans (temporary) leader. Since I had returned to the village I hadn't had time to put on my ninja attire, I was normally in my civilian clothes or doctor scrubs so I felt more myself being dressed in the outfit Konan and I put together. I guess now is as time as any to debut my kick-ass look. I had kunai and senbon strapped to my thigh, as well as other weapons hidden throughout in case things got messy and I had to fight.
I had no doubts that today was going to be a shit-show of the highest caliber, trying to condemn a tyrant like Danzo, no matter how much shit we had on him, was bound to get messy especially with the high esteemed he was held by the civilians and elders. We were escorted to a room I didn't even know existed, just one of the many secrets held from those not in the highest positions of power. The room was large yet not overly so, the chairs were arranged in a circle, the four in the directly facing a raised platform were just a bit more extravagant than the others, those were saved for the Noble clans. Shibi Aburame with his guard Shino and Chouza Akimichi with Genma as his guard were already in their respected seats as noble clan members. Shisui was not in his seat for the Uchiha clan, most likely unable to take his seat if he is giving a testimony as well. Neji took his place, sitting like the prince he was, and I stood behind him, giving a wave to Shino who inclined his head in greeting. Man, the got so freaking tall.
Shikaku, with a bored Shikamaru acting as his guard, was lazing in his chair beside Chouza. Shikamaru sighed and rolled his eyes at me, clearly not wanting to be here though knowing it would be good for his learning of the in's and out's as future clan head. Inoichi, with Ibiki as his guard, was to Shikaku's right, the three elder Ino-Shika-Cho members talking to one another like the old friends they were. Tsume walked in after Neji and I, taking her seat with her companion Kuromaru as her guard. She grinned wolfishly at me and I returned it with fervor, I loved her so much. She was like the cool aunt and whenever Kiba and I hung out she gave me extra food at dinner. Asuma was there with a cigarette in his mouth, representing his respected clan and having Raido as his guard.
There was a seat marked with the Hatake clan symbol, though Kakashi is the last, he is still part of a clan until he (or if he choses to have children…though unlikely) dies. I truly hope if Kakashi shows up he has Gai as his mandatory guard, I haven't the magnificent beast yet and I want him to smother me in a hug and inflict the cringey sparkling sunset genjutsu he powers with his influx of emotions. Kayane Hōki, the leader of the clan that made their ranks after escaping Suna years back, was in her seat as well, looking Poised and elegant yet conflicted in her eyes. She had a guard who looked just like the male version of her, a brother perhaps.
The raised platform had one large throne, two slightly smaller ones on either side, and the two more normal seats along each side. Tsunade was sitting on the throne, Naruto dressed in a black battle kimono top, and gaudy, tight, orange pants. He grinned and gave me a thumbs up on my new clothing, I smiled back and stuck out my tongue. Behind her Koharu and Homura were both in their seats beside Tsunade, their faces wrinkly and volatile as always. In the center of the circle there was flooring that looked displaced, it seemed more like a trap door than anything else. Mebuki Haruno was sitting with Agari Kaisen on the side of Koharu while Chisue Kagetsu and Sango Mitarashi were on the side of Homura.
Each council member had a Shinobi guarding them, the only one I knew by name was Ebisu. Anko wasn't with her distant civilian relative, they never saw eye to eye after Orochimaru and she'd stab him before she'd go out of her way to save his life. Even sharing a last name, she was an orphan and did not consider herself part of the merchant clan. The civilian council men and women were straight faced, though there was a definite distain in each of their eyes as they looked over the Shinobi clans.
I flinched when Mebuki Haruno's cold eyes met mine. Flashbacks of pain and suffering came up but I shoved them down impressively fast. As much as Sakura hurt me, I know losing her daughter had to have been hard and she blamed me for her death. hell, I blamed myself for her death, if I hadn't taken her spot perhaps she wouldn't have gone wild with love and grown into the strong (though annoying) girl she did in Shippuden. Today was not the time to let my demons rise, I would have to wait until the world wasn't in chaos to face all the shit I'd caused living in a place I didn't belong.
Tsunade had her hands crossed over her mouth, her brown eyes narrowed at Kakashi's seat in annoyance. He was the only one not here and after waiting for a bit, it was grating on everyone's nerves. She flicked her wrist and a brown haired ANBU with a mask that was eerily familiar appeared at her side. She whispered in his ear and he flashed away without even a trace of his chakra remaining in the flashy smoke Jounin so loved to leave. A brief moment of silence…were Naruto and I totally were not trying to hide the amusement of Kakashi's predictable behavior…went by and then the ANBU returned. He was standing in the center of the room with a lazy looking Kakashi and a crying Gai.
"Hatake." He didn't even flinch at her tone, instead smiling infuriatingly calm towards the Hokage.
"My apologies, I was helping a poor little dog who got stuck in a tree running from a feral cat." He spoke like his reasoning was so normal and he was bettering society with his act. I missed these unbelievable lies Kakashi makes just to grate on peoples nerves. The anger emanating from all those on the panel of judges dissipated to bafflement with Gai loudly slinking to his knees.
"I am so sorry my fair maidenA, Lady Hokage. My eternal rival told me the meeting started later, for my unyouthful behavior I will travel the Hokage Monument 500 times with just my pink finger!" The tense atmosphere of the impending trial was gone for a moment at the sorrow filled background Gai created with his tears. Those who weren't used to Gai flinched back and I covered my mouth in a snicker. Even Neji looked highly amused as his Sensei's actions.
"Just go to your seat, both of you." Kakashi was dragged by Gai and they took their positions. Now that everyone was present, Tsunade clapped her hands and the room went silent for her to talk. When she wanted to, her presence was as powerful as her fists and though we were strained in our relationship right now, she's still my mentor and I would protect her.
"We are gathered here today for the judgment of a prominent member of Konohagakure. This is the trial and judgement of Danzo Shimura. You have all given consent to being apart of this judgement: the Clan heads of our most prominent clans, the elders of the village, the leaders of the civilian council, and I the Godaime Hokage. The only exempt clan is that of the Uchiha, none of the remaining members are part of the judgement in part of them being on the prosecution team. Speak now if you are incapable of being unbiased and have a conflict of interest during this trial." The room was dead silent and a slightly cruel gleam entered her eyes as she sat back. "Good." Tsunade pressed a button and the panel in the floor opened and Danzo was raised from the floor.
The war hawk looked like shit. He was kneeling, his hands bound and held by chakra draining chains on either side of him. There was a seal right on his covered forehead, one definitely done by Jiraiya himself keeping all of Danzo's chakra and possible hidden seals at bay. His face was pale and held the most malicious look directed towards Tsunade, it was so cold. Even those who knew Danzo looked slightly shocked at the dangerous and feral look the smug yet put together bastard normally wore. Shikaku sat up a bit straighter and Shibi's eyes gleamed in a recognition and disdain. Neji was impartial, he never had the misfortune of meeting Danzo, he stayed away from the Hyuga knowing the clan would never let the Byakugan in anyone else's hands.
"We all gather here for the trial of Danzo Shimura, judgement will be withheld until all evidence is on the table. He is under trial for the suspicion of Treason, being a bystander in the Kyuubi attack as well as Orochimaru's invasion, the cause of the Uchiha Clan Massacre, defaming a prized Shinobi and forcing him to turn rogue, the attempted murder of Shisui Uchiha, defacing the dead bodies of the Uchiha in order to obtain their Sharingan for your own power, the attempted murder of the Hokage, the attempted murder of Sasuke Uchiha, the attempted murder of the heiress of the Hyuga clan, and the attempted murder of the heiress of the Yamanaka clan. All of these he has pleaded not guilty." Neji's eyes narrowed just slightly at the mention of my name, this was going to be interesting.
"Hokage-dono how have you come up with so many baseless accusations for Danzo, he has put his life on the line many times over for the sake of this village." Koharu spoke up first, her voice filled with disbelief and masked anger. Homura adjusted his glasses, also looking at Tsunade for answers on why his teammate was chained like a dog. Tsunade's lips curled into a sardonic smile.
"Just wait and see." She flared her chakra and the door opened. The slew of unmasked ROOT members Naruto had unsealed walked in followed by Sasuke and Shisui. Danzo's eyes hardened when his former soldiers walked in, not even sparing him a glance. They all took their spots waiting to gibe their testimony. "Ino-chan please enter." Ino walked in, her head held high and dressed for battle. I did not know she was coming to this, what the hell. "Ino Yamanaka with the aid of Ibiki Morino has gone through the memories of each person going to be put on the stand today. As it stands, she also will act as a lie detector and swore under oath to not allow any lies to pass through this trial."
"The Yamanaka child is nothing but a child." Koharu spoke up once more, her face pale. This amount of possible ammo against their beloved teammate was definitely bad for him.
"She is a trusted Tokubetsu Jounin of this village. Age does not matter as much as skill does it not?"
"Yes Hokage-dono." Ino made her way down to Danzo, her eyes glowed for a second and her chakra flared as she pressed a hand on Danzo's shoulder, connecting her to his central system to see if he is lying or not.
"We will begin with the accusations of treason by being a bystander in the Kyuubi attack as well as Orochimaru's invasion. Danzo Shimura, explain why during both attacks there were no evidence of your ROOT members, may of which were skilled enough to have prevented many losses to the standing by during the village is not only cause of many civilian death, it also puts you as a factor in the death of both the Sandaime and Yondaime Hokage. It is not unknown that you fought for position of for Sandaime, Yondaime, and Godaime Hokage saying often that you were better suited than us softhearted Hokage. It is not far off that you might have wanted the position bad enough to let the village fall so you could rebuild it from the ashes in your image especially with the other Hokage dead. What say you?"
"ROOT is not a large faction, all of the non-trainees were sent out on missions during each attack."
"Truth."
"Though, I cannot deny my disdain for the Hokage's this village has elected, I have never purposely had my hand in the Hokage who have fallen." His wording was off just slightly, he made sure to tell the truth but there was something about it, something hidden like he avoided answering something with overly specific wording. He didn't talk about the fall of the village part, just saying he didn't cause the death of those already dead. No doubt, others picked up on it as well.
"Truth." Danzo smirked at the relieved expression on his teammates faces and the frustrated look of Shisui.
"If the village were to fall would you be accepting of that." Danzo glared, not wanting to be asked that.
"Yes. If the village were to fall it is because it is weak and led by those who are weak. I would rebuild the village and make it strong so it would not fall again. I would fight to the death for the village."
"Truth." Ino hesitated but acknowledged he was not lying. Damn, this dude knew how to make things sound so much less evil and more for the common good than I thought. That didn't take away from him being willing to let the village fall though and that was something that even made the civilian council glare, they were the weakest during the invasion and if the village fell, they'd be the first to die. That made them more susceptible to join the side against Danzo, Tsunade is good at what she does. Though, that wasn't enough to get him condemned to anything.
"That is enough for now. Next we will be discussing your the attempted murder of the Hokage, the attempted murder of Sasuke Uchiha, the attempted murder of the heiress of the Hyuga clan, and the attempted murder of the heiress of the Yamanaka clan. How do you plead to these claims?"
"Not guilty, I never attempted your deaths." Nope you just ordered your brainwashed underlings to do it.
"True." Tsunade didn't look disgruntled in the slightest, in fact she laughed. Danzo grit his teeth.
"Right, let me rephrase that. Danzo Shimura you never personally attempted murder of the Hokage, Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyuga, and Ino Yamanaka but you did send out the order to take me, and anyone else who stood in the way, during an intensive surgery two days before now, a surgery in which Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyuga, and Ino Yamanaka were in attendance. In fact, Hinata Hyuga and Sasuke Uchiha were both in the hospital from the aftermath of your attack." Danzo had no response and Tsunade was not ready to let him talk, many were still disbelieving of these claims. "I would like to call the ROOT members willing to testify to the stand. Step forward."
6 ROOT members stepped forward. Sai was among them smiling as weird as ever and I'm sure he has some quip at the tip of his tongue to spout off. Maybe he'll make another dick joke to Naruto.
"If you wouldn't mind, recount the mission of ROOT. Your memories have already been checked so Ino will clarify if true or not." The woman stepped forward first and told of being recruited into root and killing her teammate. Next person spoke of the missions they were tasked and how they were emotionless for the basis of Danzo's wishes. The next spoke of meeting with Orochimaru, that definitely got some more people wary of Danzo. Many muttered of how cruel he was but even his bloody mist training was not anything he could be executed for. Finally Sai spoke.
"Two days ago at 01:47 in the morning, Danzo ordered us to kill the Hokage because she disbanded ROOT and he wanted her dead before the public found out. He gave us the information of her being in surgery and told us to kill anyone and everyone in the room so there were no witnesses. We were apprehended by different Shinobi stationed as guards and failed our mission of killing the Hokage. I stabbed Hinata Hyuga once in the back before being apprehended by Shisui Uchiha." So he's the asshole who stabbed me. Danzo's face hardened once more, he looked like he was getting closer and closer to losing his shit. That evil look was now back and he was glowering at Sai who just smiled back.
"They are all telling the truth." Naruto growled and Sasuke's face pinched in a scowl, though he looked equally as pleased that Danzo was getting more and more angry. Shikamaru and Neji both looked pissed and all of the clan heads were now at rapt attention. The room lowered in temperature except for Tsunade who looked smug as hell.
"Sasuke speak."
"I was undercover as a ROOT agent for over 2 years and Danzo was difficult to catch doing anything slightly Treasonous." His voice was low, cold, and detached though his disdain when he spit out Danzo's name was blatantly obvious.
"True." Homura and Koharu relaxed a bit, others looked confused once more, Sasuke seemed to be going against everything just spoken. Though, the smirk on Sasuke's face spoke volumes.
"And pray tell, why did you ask to join ROOT?"
"I planned on killing Danzo and destroying everything he worked so hard for, his reputation included." Sasuke glowered, his voice no longer cold and now was filled with a fury, a vengeance so hate filled in a way only Sasuke could do. His eyes were burning into Danzo, even still coal black they seemed to glow red with hatred.
"True." A few were ready to speak up, obviously put out by Sasuke's vengeful statement but Tsunade silenced them with a look.
"Why?"
"Danzo Shimura is the reason Itachi killed my entire clan." Ino's blue eyes widened and she pressed a hand to Sasuke, who was more than willing to let them know he wasn't lying.
"True." Everyone in the room was shocked, it showed in varying degrees but it was definitely not a peaceful reaction to learning that Itachi didn't just up and murder everyone, though the parameters of why was still unknown to most. All eyes turned to Danzo, demanding an explanation. Another flare of Tsunade's chakra and Itachi walked in. He was still barely able to mould chakra so he was not in fighting condition but the sickly pallor of his skin was long gone and his eyes were finally bright and could see perfectly again.
He raked his calm eyes over everyone, stopping and narrowing at Danzo just barely. The room silenced at his appearance, Itachi commanded people to watch him no matter how sweet or young he was. It was only yesterday Tsunade announced his return and hopefully tonight she would announce his (and the rest of the Akatsuki if they prove their loyalty on the mission they are on right now in finding ROOT members and destroying all outside contacts Danzo had) mission and how he was always a loyal ninja.
"Itachi Uchiha. Please recount the mission given to you on the night of the Uchiha Massacre." Ino easily grabbed his hand, having worked to save his life and rehabilitate him she was now fond of the kind and stoic nature of the prodigy.
"My clan was planning a Coup D'etat of the village after the scrutiny and exile our clan was given. That would have caused a civil war and brought the village to it's knees so o a secret mission ordered by Danzo and Danzo alone, I was to kill my clan. I had to trade my life for Sasuke's, I was to go rogue as long as I was not required to kill Sasuke with the rest of the clan. Danzo promised if I did not comply and allowed the Coup to happen, Sasuke would be the first to die so in order to protect my precious little brother and the rest of the village, I executed a mass murder of my clan." Itachi spoke calmly, his eyes unseeing as he forced himself to relive the night he destroyed his family. There were saddened and disbelieving glances sent towards him as he talked, it was too far-fetched to be a lie.
"True." In less than 5 minutes of talking, Itachi had changed the peoples opinion on him, I could see the gleam in regarding the young man as a hero. He took such a burden to protect his brother and the village, Itachi was truly loyal to a fault and with that he earned the respect of everyone in the room. Many eyes looked even further down on Danzo, scrutinizing the man for putting such a heavy burden on such a young boy, threatening his brother just to get what he wanted. Homura stood up from his chair, getting everyone's attention.
"Although I agree that Uchiha-san was given a heavy burden and should be welcomed back to the village, this is still no reason to hold a trial for Danzo-sama. He stopped the village from falling from the inside out by stopping the Coup D'etat with the fallen Uchiha clan. It is harsh but he took the hard road for the sake of the village." Murmurs of begrudging agreement flittered through the ranks and Danzo smirked. Tsunade returned it levelly.
"That would be true; however, there was another option that did not require bloodshed. One that Danzo knew about and blatantly sabotaged so that he was able to acquire the eyes of the Uchiha clan for his own benefit." Neji flinched, his forehead itching with the seal. Even being marked with the seal, he knew how despicable it was to steal the eyes of a clan to gain their powers. As wrong as it was, the seal in the aspect of rendering the eyes useless made sense. "Shisui Uchiha, come to the stand."
Shisui walked forward with a smooth grace, his face hardened as he stared out at Danzo. With practiced ease that came from obsessively rehearsing what he was going to say, Shisui began talking, his voice echoing throughout the room.
"Before Itachi was sent to kill my-our clan, I was the one given the mission to stop the Coup under the orders of Hiruzen Sarutobi. When I activated my Mangekyo Sharingan, I had unlocked a special jutsu called the Kotoamatsukami. It was possible to only be activated once in a normal lifespan and it gave me the ability to sway the minds of any person in my vicinity. I had planned on using it to change the will of the Uchiha so they would no longer want to do the Coup and would actively work on finding peace within the village. The day I was going to use it, Danzo and his ROOT at the time attacked, stealing one of my eyes. That night I gave Itachi the other for safe keeping and jumped to my death only to be saved. I woke up after being comatose and the massacre had already happened."
"Truth."
"And where is your eye that Danzo stole now?"
"Behind his wrappings. He implanted it into himself."
"Truth."
"The bandages around his arm are also hiding the eyes of my clan, my family that he stole from their graves." Sasuke spoke up, it was more of a hiss as he grabbed Ino's hand to prove his truth. Ino gasped horrified.
"T-truth."
'Neji Hyuga, confirm this statement." Neji activated his Byakugan and looked over Danzo.
"He has chakra being rerouted to different parts of his body, though it cant be activated there are definitely foreign eyes implanted into his arm and one in his eye socket behind the bandages." Danzo growled.
"I'm doing this for the sake of the village, when I am the most powerful Hokage nobody can stand up against Konohagakure."
"We've heard enough from you." Tsunade snapped. "Now that everything is out in the open, it is time to decide your fate. Mebuki Haruno, Agari Kaisen, Chisue Kagetsu, and Sango Mitarashi what say you?" The briefly discussed and Mebuki took the lead to speak.
"We find Danzo Shimura guilty on all charges and condemn him to life in prison." She spoke calmly and Danzo shot a harsh, withering look to her.
"Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane what are your decisions?" Tsunade looked between the two, waiting for the crap to spew.
"Danzo-sama is not guilty on all charges, he did what was expected to keep the village safe from harm." Homura spoke, his glasses glinting as he gave Danzo a nod.
"Danzo-sama is guilty on the charge of defacing the graves of the Uchiha and the attempted murder of the Hokage and should be condemned to losing the Sharingan he has attained and his spot on the council." At least one of his friends isn't a total idiot.
"Kayane Hōki what say you?" The woman stood proudly representing her clan with poise and elegance of a trained warrior.
"Danzo Shimura is guilty on the charge of defacing the graves of the Uchiha and the attempted murder of the Hokage and should be condemned to losing the Sharingan by any means the remaining Uchiha deem appropriate and his spot on the council shall be forfeited."
"Kakashi Hatake what say you?" Kakashi stood up, a stormy gray eye observing Danzo with contempt before smiling up at Tsunade.
"Danzo Shimura is guilty on all accounts of course and as punishment…Maa Sasuke-kun and his family get to decide what happens to the old man, anything we think of will surely not be as interesting as what they could plan for him." Only he could make the impending execution of Danzo sound like them choosing where to eat dinner. Kakashi gave a nod to Sasuke, getting one back from his student. With leisure, Kakashi sat back down, pulling out his book to read.
"Tsume Inuzuka what say you."
"The ass is guilty on all charges and is condemned to death by whatever means the Uchiha kids deem fitting."
"Shibi Aburame what say you?"
"Danzo Shimura is guilty on all charges and should be condemned to losing the Sharingan by any means the remaining Uchiha deem appropriate put in prison for the remainder of his life." His voice was deep, extremely so and though he did not speak often, when he did it made people listen.
"Neji Hyuga what say you?" Neji placed his hands together and sat up straighter, talking with poise and grace.
"Danzo Shimura is guilty on all accounts and is condemned to execution by fire, burning him to ash."
"Chouza Akimichi what say you?"
"Danzo Shimura is guilty on all charges and should be condemned to losing the Sharingan by any means the remaining Uchiha deem appropriate put in prison for the remainder of his life."
"Shikaku Nara what say you?"
"Hmm, Danzo Shimura is guilty on all charges, his fate is to be decided by the Uchiha clan."
"Inoichi Yamanaka what say you?"
"Danzo Shimura is guilty on all charges, his fate is to be decided by the Uchiha clan." Tsunade clapped her hands.
"This meeting is coming to an end. The fate of Danzo is overwhelming left to the Uchiha clan, you three get to decide his fate." Sasuke moved faster than I had ever seen him move. In the blink of an eye he was standing beside Danzo, his sword drawn and covered in blood. Danzo's arm dropped to the floor in a bloody mass and the man let out a wail of pain.
"You fucking brats you'll regret this. This dammed village will fall and I hope you live to watch the ones you love-" Sasuke shut up the speech as he beheaded Danzo, the blood spraying the crowd. Someone threw up, probably one of the civilians. Sasuke was bathed in blood, the glistening red splashed on his pale face, making the glow of his Sharingan that much more intimidating. With ease, Sasuke shoved his hand into Danzo's eye and pulled out Shisui's Sharingan, tossing it up to the curly haired Uchiha.
Sasuke was smiling, it wasn't a nice one. His lips were pulled back menacingly as he smiled down at the corpse, forever savoring the moment of his sword slicing through Danzo's body. Naruto looked away the scene but even the pure hearted boy couldn't find it in himself to feel bad for the war hawk.
"Maa, that was anti-climatic, I expected something more melodramatic from you Sasuke-kun." Kakashi was the first to speak after the execution, smiling like he didn't have blood dripping down his face.
"I'll remember that for next time." Sasuke's voice was strained, his eyes flickered through so many emotions as he realized what had happened. Itachi was by his side soon, his arm around his brother and whispering to go home and clean up. Sasuke nodded, his eyes still staring at the mutated arm in his hand. Shisui grabbed both of them and with no words exchanged, they created fireballs and burned his body to ash. I could feel the heat and smell the burned flesh from my spot, it was horrible and I cringed, wanting to cover my nose at the stench but deciding against it in respect for their send-off of Danzo. After a bow and a thank you from Shisui, Itachi was still muttering to an in-shock Sasuke, he flashed them home.
"You are all dismissed, go home and thank you for your actions as the leaders of this village." We all bowed and left, nobody really wanting to speak to one another after the heaviness from all the secrets were spilled today.