Today is Jess' Birthday! Yay! So I'm updating. To be fair I was going to update Fissures of Thirteen (since I have a new chapter and it's the story I know people read, but I'm waiting for a bit). Anyway I've had the worst time with technology right now, and tech support costs so much for a computer, but I won't bother you with the details.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Chapter 3

Sasuke

"Boys, take a break for a bit. I need to go check on something," Orochimaru says.

"What?" I ask as we put down our practice swords. I've been here for a few days. They have to find a place for me after… and I suppose it's better than alternatives.

"You two did well so far, but you're both distracted, and I have to check on something as I said."

I look at Sakumo. He knows Orochimaru better than I do so he probably knows what's going on, but he probably wouldn't tell me. Obito probably would, but he's not around. Where has he even been?

Not that I really care.

Orochimaru leaves the room, as coal eyes turn to look at me. "You want to know what's going on, don't you?"

"I couldn't care less."

"Yeah, yeah," the younger boy scoffs. "And I'm a jellyfish."

"You sure you're not?" Naruto asks from the other side of the room. He had been training with Jiraiya, but the man had left a while ago leaving Naruto with some books to study. Some "special training" or something.

"Sakumo isn't a Jellyfish," Rin says. "He's not squishy enough."

"He's squishy," Naruto replies.

I sigh walking over to the side of the room and placing the practice sword in its place. "I don't care if he's squishy or not."

"Take a joke," Naruto scoffs getting up.

"I have no time to joke around." It's true. I only have one goal, and I need to complete it.

"You mean what's gone on a few weeks ago."

I tense at the mention. Do they know about it?

"Even if no one told us there is a lot of running around, and people talk, not to mention how they look at you," Naruto says. "I pay attention to people, I'm not that stupid."

"A whole clan murdered in one night."

"Shut up!"

"Don't yell at Sakumo."

"Listen, don't talk about it like you understand."

"Maybe not, but you don't talk to us like we don't know anything. We know more than you think we do."

"I don't care what you know," I tell them walking out of the dojo. Who do they think they are talking about the Uchiha like they know what it's like.

I walk through the I shouldn't stay here anymore. Maybe it's wrong for me to go back on their kindness, but…

"I don't understand why it happened though…"

I stop for a bit outside a door. That was Obito.

"You got worked up again," Orochimaru says.

"I don't get it. I can't do it when I want to, but…"

"Don't rush things. You are still young. You can't rush things."

"Okay, but will he be okay? I mean…"

"You should have come gotten me, Obito, but he should be alright. His body heals really easily. Then again it's not a good sign, his mind is clearly very broken."

"I didn't have time. I just had to do something. I mean he…"

"I can see the blood, Obito, you don't need to tell me what happened. Just relax, alright."

"First Momma and now he wants to leave me too?"

"It's more complicated than that."

"Did Momma die because she's an Uchiha."

I was about to walk away, but I freeze in my tracks. What?

"Obito."

"But if that's why Momma died why not us too? I mean… and then… what about him? I mean he's an Uchiha so why-?"

I don't want to hear the end. It can't be! Part of me tells me to leave, but the part that wins out wants to rush in there so that is exactly what I do breaking the younger boy off.

"Sasuke!"

I don't listen as I jump at the person. I vaguely register that he looks nothing like Itachi before I land… right through them. "What?"

Orochimaru pulls me off. "Calm yourself."

"What the hell is going on?!"

"You really shouldn't listen in to conversations you know."

"I don't care! Let go of me!"

"Listen to me, child. Perhaps you'd learn things if you weren't caught up in your own thoughts and your own opinions. You think you have the right of it, but you don't listen."

"I don't want to listen!"

"Then don't ask for questions, now shut up, I'm trying to rest. So if you don't shut up I will shut you up."

I freeze a bit at the deep voice.

"Obito, don't scare him too much."

"Sorry, force of habit. You'd think I wouldn't be so used to it after only a decade or less. Now can you all leave, I don't want to be bothered by people right now. I can't decide who's more annoying."

"I thought we were getting along," Obito… okay, this is confusing. Why do they have the same name? Well… he says.

"You're alright, but Sasuke is yelling and it's giving me a headache."

"How do you know who I am?"

He opens an eye revealing a Sharingan. "I know everything."

"No you don't, I told him."

"You're a brat. Who really cares, you're so worked up because of the Uchiha clan. You want to know how I can be alive if I'm an Uchiha, how I wasn't caught up in the massacre. You want answers because right now you're too confused to put the pieces together, so you desperately want someone to tell you the answers."

How does he know anything I'm thinking? I mean I guess I do want to know, but he's getting on my nerves acting like he knows everything.

"If you want to know the truths all you need to do is look within yourself and see the answers with your own eyes."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Figure it out," he says looking away. "I'm not talking to you."

"I'm leaving."

"Sasuke, wait," the younger Obito says.

"Go away. I don't want to talk to you," I snap.

"Don't get upset with him," Orochimaru says.

"You're all just getting in the way!" I snap slamming the door. Maybe I should be happy to know I have a family, but I can't be with them.

I storm to the room I was lent. Whoever he is… I hate him too.

Obito

"Was that really wise?"

"He has to learn. I'm not babying him even if he is my third cousin. If he wants answers then he has to use his head instead of assuming everything."

"Fair enough."

I look at the Sannin and the kid. "What? Why are you both still here?"

"This is my home," the kid says sticking his tongue out.

"Brat, I meant this room."

"Why don't you run along, Obito," Orochimaru says.

"But Aunty!"

"No buts. Go and tell the other three. I suppose that'll have Naruto running to talk to Sasuke, but it's better than too many questions. I want to talk to this Obito privately."

"Yes Aunty," Obito says before leaving the room.

Orochimaru looks around before looking at me.

"Don't think I'm going to tell you anything."

"You tried killing yourself."

"And if I did? What's it to you? I'm your enemy, aren't I? You should want me to kill myself. It would make your job simpler."

"I don't want anyone to kill themselves in that manner. Or had you forgotten that Sakumo was my friend once."

"Then why didn't you stop him?" I know that's harsh, but I'm not in the mood to play games with him right now.

"I was on a mission. By the time I got there it was already too late," he replies sitting in a chair. The amount of honesty was a bit surprising, but I hope he doesn't think that means I'll be giving him any.

"Where're my mask and clothes?"

"Why, so you can run off? I don't think so."

"What are you going to do, interrogate me? I don't need a seal to keep quiet. I won't tell you anything I don't want you to know."

"Perhaps not, and Kakashi wouldn't forgive us for trying drastic measures. Though you're not making any friends acting like that."

"I don't want friends. I want to be left alone. And really if that's how easy it is to provoke that kid then he's only going to get swayed by any story he's told."

"His mind is fragile right now, as yourself clearly is as well."

"My mind is not fragile. Don't compare me to a child. Patronizing me doesn't really make a good case why I should tell you anything."

"You're not? Then please explain to me why you were having a mental breakdown that caused you to near literally rip your heart out. I'm not saying you're weak-minded, I'm just saying-"

"My mind is broken. I know what you told Obito. It was just a fit, I'm over it at this point. Now I'm thinking perfectly."

That isn't really true. Actually, they last a lot longer than this. Then again I've never been able to kill myself so Zetsu just usually leave me to what I'm doing until I fully calm down. Few have thought to disturb me when the stupid parts of my mind think that they're important."

"What kind of idiot do you take me for?" he scoffs. "You know I can give you some medicine if you tell me more information."

"I'm not taking your stupid drugs. I can handle my body and mind. I've done it for years, I have no need for your help."

"You used to be such a sweet and helpful boy, don't you remember? Something happened to you. I would assume it has to do with whoever attached those cells to you. Then again whoever did it must have had extensive knowledge of Hashirama's cells. They're dangerous at the best of times. You could have easily died. Then, of course, there is the fact that only the Sharingan can control the Kyuubi, and I have it on good authority that it didn't just "happen" and now the Uchiha clan are all wiped out, but of course even a skilled ninja like Itachi couldn't do it all alone, and then you come along killing a woman who few even knew was an Uchiha, and claiming you were Madara. Claiming your Madara is a big thing to say. Of course, the name itself instills fear into anyone who hears it, but you have to have something to back it up. Of course, everyone knows Madara should have died a century ago, but fear makes people not question it. But then again why claim the name of such a shinobi?"

"Madara is my great grandfather if you want to know. And Izuna is Sasuke and Itachi's. Those kids are directly related to Madara as well. If you know so much about it I'm surprised you couldn't see the family resemblance."

"You claimed his name just because he's your ancestor?"

"I'm not giving you answers, but if you must know it's as simple as it makes people fear me. It's a name everyone knows, so it's just easy. I'd be more worried about Sasuke right now. His Curse of Hatred burns in his blood."

"We're hoping Naruto can help calm that fire within him. I'm sure he'll have questions now."

"Good, because he's a fool running down a path that is set for him, and if he wants to follow then he's only going to come against a wall at some point, and have to try another path."

"Are you speaking from experience?"

"Are you ever going to stop?"

"Well, I suppose the question is what are you planning now? I suppose you could go back to your plan, but then again we do have influences. Sure we don't have proof, but at the same time, you don't either in some ways. You know that people listen to Jiraiya, and Kakashi's name is well known as well."

"What are you trying to say?"

"That your little game as Madara isn't really going to work."

"That's fine; I don't need it. It doesn't matter if people think I'm Madara or not. I've done what I needed with that name for now."

"Obito listen, if you keep up with this you'll hurt Kakashi. I know deep down you still care about him. I know you say you don't, but you don't want him hurt. Him or his children. It's why you killed her in the nicest way you could think of. I must commend you for making an auditory genjutsu that would penetrate her sleeping mind by working with the frequency of her brain."

"Uchiha are supposed to be good at genjutsu aren't we? I just used what I learned. As for what I care about. It's really not that important to me. I just didn't see the point in making a fuss about things."

He looks at the side table where the cup with the name printed on it sits with some water still in it. "Then why did you have an identity crisis."

"Are you always this insufferable?"

"Yes."

I turn on my side wincing a tiny bit at the pain, but I don't care. I close my eyes not looking at the Sannin.

"Are you sulking."

"I don't sulk."

"Then what do you call that?"

"I'm trying to give you a hint. I don't want your help, and I don't need it either."

"Do what you want, Obito, but it's clear you don't really want this."

"Whatever."

"You were once such a bright child."

I laugh a cold sound that doesn't sound like it's even coming from me. "That child you speak of died nine years ago."

"After that mission?"

"After Rin died," I say not sure why I admitted it to him. It's not like it matters. He knows she died. That's not giving anything away.

Silence fills the room, but I know he hasn't left. I'm not sure how long we sit there in silence. It almost makes me angry, but I'm tired after the events of the past few hours so I close my eyes.

And drift into a restless sleep.

Itachi

I frown looking over the village. It's been awhile since I… no we wiped out our whole clan. I feel really bad. I can't believe a did that, but… I had to. I know Sasuke doesn't understand, but he doesn't need to understand.

I know I'm taking a risk, but I can't risk him finding out the truth. I can't risk him knowing what Mother, Father and the others were actually planning. He's too young, and the village can't know about our disgrace. Sasuke has to become the hero. He has to restore the honour of our clan.

In return, I'll protect Konoha from the shadows. It's my job after all. I need to make sure it's kept safe at all cost. Even if that means becoming an enemy.

That being said something isn't right… After all, I wasn't alone in destroying the clan. I had help from another, and he was supposed to meet me.

Yet he hasn't come back. He said he had something to attend to and he left, but he hasn't returned yet. How am I supposed to join this organization of his if he's not around to bring me there?

Not that I want to. I'd much rather avoid being a criminal, but it's important. I'm the only one who can do it.

I feel one of my crows land on my hand and I look at the blackbird stroking the glossy feathers. This was the right meeting place. "What's going on? Why do I feel uneasy?"

The only reply the crow gives is a loud squawk. I sigh a bit not sure what I expected from it. Only some summons talk, and that's rare. Even some animals that come from the special summoning places don't talk, and these were really just a normal flock of crows that I took care of. They're not that special, or old enough to have learned the human speech.

If I go down there I might run into people I don't want to. Lord Third promised to keep the passwords the same so I can still enter the village when I needed to. I'm grateful for his trust.

I've cloaked the area in genjutsu so I won't be found, but I know that's not what's keeping my partner in destruction. No, there was more to this than what I knew. I already know something wasn't right. He said he was Madara Uchiha, but he should have died years ago.

That's one reason I want to join this group. So I can hopefully find out the true identity of this person.

I need to find out what he wants and what his motives are. I need to play his game for now.

Another crow lands on my shoulder and I look at it. Besides, I have a backup if something goes wrong with Sasuke. I know it's wrong, but… I may have to.

I look into the sky a the sun starts to set. Maybe under the cover of dark, I can slip in without anyone noticing. That way I can go into the village and search this person out.

Would he be stupid enough to have gotten caught? No, that can't be it, so what could he be after? What does Konoha have? He certainly can't be thinking of doing anything too big?

Maybe the Uchiha stone tablet? But if he's Madara shouldn't he already know what that says? Unless he's trying to check it again for something? Maybe the Uchiha clan held some other secret that he wanted beyond just revenge? Was he gathering the Sharingan from the dead?

I suppose he could be, but I'd think the bodies have already been taken away by now so there wouldn't be a way to get at them. Then again no one else sensed him but me so I suppose it's possible.

Thick clouds roll in as the moon starts to come out. That'll be perfect. I can hide in the cover of darkness. There's no use just asking myself what could be going on. I need answers.

I hide as I walk towards the gate. The amount of guards is slightly irregular. I assume that even though they want to have the higher security they also can't afford to spare too many people. First the Kyuubi attack and now the Uchiha massacre. Konoha has taken a great tole. I just hope her enemies don't try to take advantage of it.

I'm not sure how I could protect Konoha if anyone tried to attack right now. Especially with the fourth Hokage dead. That was a big blow against the village. Both morally and militarily. Everyone loved the Fourth; he was also one of the strongest.

In some ways, I'm glad I don't have to choose between my clan and village anymore, but I can't say if the choice I made is the right one or not. All I know is that I made it, and there is no going back. I have to live with it, with my sin.

And let Sasuke erase the sin of the Uchiha. Not mine, but the Uchiha. That way no one needs to know of what Konoha and the Uchiha planned. It can just be a case of power, and that's all.

I just hope he won't actually kill his best friend to get the mangekyou. It's not fully needed, but I never told him that.

Then again he's too sweet at heart. Even if he wants to act tough he's too kind to kill anyone for power like that. Especially not at the beginning.

I move through the streets. The streets I'd once called home, and now called me a traitor. I'm sure even people who loved me would now turn and say how bad I was. People are just really easily swayed like that. It's rather unfortunate, but I suppose I have given them a reason.

I go to the compound walking through the old houses that I knew so well. It's closed off, but I don't really care. I go to the shrine and then to my family home. The bodies have been move, and things have been fixed up, but I'm sure no one will be returning here. I doubt Sasuke would want to live in the same compound as all his family died.

I hope I wasn't too hard on him with the Tsukiyomi. I know it can be really rough for those who don't have a Sharingan of their own. I needed to be rough with him, but I hope he'll be alright.

Of course, he will. He's my adorable little brother. He will be okay. He will live on.

Now comes another issue. How am I supposed to find Madara? I sigh a bit closing my eyes.

One of my crows pecks me lightly and I look up at her. She flies around in a circle and I nod.

I follow her to a house I knew pretty well. This was Kakashi's place. Would he just accept me? He said I was welcome but after this night… No, I best not draw attention to myself.

I go to the window my crow indicated. Luckily for me, it's on the ground floor. I manage to climb in after a while.

The room is pitch black. I blink waiting for my eyes to adjust.

"Itachi? Is that you?"

"How did you know?"

"Your chakra of course. What is it?"

"I wondered where you got off to. We were supposed to meet a week ago. What are you doing in here?"

"Something came up. I'll give you the information so you can go to the hideout and I'll meet you there."

"What came up?"

"You should not worry. Your little brother isn't in any harm. I'm not going to tell him our little secret so stop worrying so much. I'm going to keep my end of the agreement as long as you complete yours as well."

I will," I say. "But I don't see why you're here."

"It's none of your business," he snaps. His eyes must be used to the dark as he writes something down, and tosses something at me. My muscle memory reacts catching the scroll. "That's the information to our hideout. Just show it to them and they'll know. We'll talk more there."

"Fine," I say turning to leave.

As I turn the moon comes out from behind the clouds casting an eerie glow across the room. Casting the bed and its occupant in its glow.

I stare at the figure. The scars and age make it harder to tell, but I recognize that look. "You're-"

I'm cut off when he moves swiftly and I feel a finger press against my forehead.

Preview

Obito

"The same thing as Sauske really, don't hurt those kids."

He never asked anything for himself. It was selfless, but that won't really help him in the long run. I had no intention of killing those kids. They're interesting after all.

"Fine, I won't hurt them."

"No, I want you to protect them, and Sasuke."

"Are you stupid?"