So if it isn't hectic enough raising two kids and trying to figure out an ending I fractured my arm and haven't been able to use it for close to 3 weeks... I've finally recovered enough to use my hand without hurting my arm. At first I could barely turn my hand right and left without getting shooting pains and it's such a pain in the ass to type with one hand! Anyway, sorry it took so long, this is most of what I've got written. I think there will be 2 more chapters after this one and thank you to all the people who've been so patient waiting for this. Your reviews make me feel really good ^_^ I hope you like this one!
"There was one other thing…" Nagato said, staring intently at the Uchiha towering above him.
"What?" Itachi asked.
"I can't be completely sure about this, because I only heard it in passing, after I found out he was your dad; I thought I heard her say, "They're our children. We must stick to the plan."" Nagato revealed.
"She looked so familiar to me. I remember seeing her as a child in the months preceding Sasuke's birth, and every once and a while I caught a glance of her around the city. I remember people telling my mother that she was lucky she kept her figure after having two children, and the doctor in particular finding it odd her hips didn't reflect her child birth. My father took this as an insult and the doctor never repeated his concerns to anyone for fear of his life. I didn't forget it though. Seeing her again after all this time brought back all those old memories, and doubts. If Madara was my father, then it would make sense that this woman was my mother. We were meant to be tools. I never thought about it before which seems odd to me now, but Madara would undoubtedly only pick a woman who was powerful and whom he respected to bear his children," Itachi said.
"Please Itachi… I've told you everything I can remember. Please… Please kill me… I can't live knowing I was helping the person that helped aid in the killing of Konan and Yahiko," Nagato said.
"Wasn't there anything else you wanted in life?" Itachi asked.
"What do you mean?" Nagato asked.
"There must have been something else you wanted when you were still Nagato, before you had to become Pein," Itachi said.
"I wanted to change the world… I wanted to stop all the wars and keep the people around me from dying. I wanted to see a world where peace reigned. That's what we all wanted…" Nagato said softly. He seemed pretty out of it, and Itachi could tell he was crying again, even looking at the floor.
"I'll make a deal with you Nagato," Itachi offered.
"What is it?"
"I believe this day will be one that changes history. I have been named as Tsunade's successor. Kakashi has been put in charge temporarily while I lead a mission to destroy the statue housing the tailed beasts. Give me a chance to prove to you that we can bring peace to this world. Accompany us on the mission and help us. I promise that if you still feel this way in a few weeks, I will do as you've asked," Itachi offered. He wondered to himself if this was supposed to happen. Would he really be able to save Nagato? His mother had said Pein was supposed to die, essentially of a broken heart.
"I… I suppose there's nothing else I can do right? It'll have to wait until I'm a little better. That woman, Shizune, she managed to heal me enough to keep me alive but I'm going to be disabled. I won't really be able to fight anymore after this. I can't use my technique either because it will cause too much strain on my body and send me into a coma. I can only use limited amounts of chakra because Naruto's attack closed off the flow of a lot of major channels. I may only be able to summon the statue. I don't know what other use I can be…" Nagato said.
"I'm sure that something good will come out of all this," Itachi assured him. Kakashi took over temporarily for Tsunade until Itachi was able to do so. A week and a half later he had to leave Sakura to meet with the other Kages and discuss the terms of the everlasting treaty. He was reunited with his children, as Gaara had brought them along. Mitsuki had never looked so happy, and she cried when she saw her father, clinging to him. He hugged her in return, tightly, like he would never let her go.
"I missed you," she said.
"I missed you too baby," he whispered. "I have to have a meeting and then we'll go home and see your mom alright?" She nodded and waited patiently while the meeting commenced. Gaara readily agreed to the terms having been so close to Konoha already. There would be no more wars, no more fighting. Those trained as shinobi would be allowed to continue to do so if they wished, if for nothing more than to pass on the traditions of their family. All shinobi currently trained would instead become a police force, cleaning up their cities and borders to rid them of criminals and missing nin. They would still hold the Chunin exams and as proposed by the Raikage, would hold yearly tournaments as a test of strength but there would be no more killing. They would all work together to rid the countries of those still loyal to Orochimaru. Itachi commanded a lot of respect, and though he sensed the Tsuchikage still held some ill will he relented.
Itachi made sure to address any and all issues with him in private to make sure their agreement stuck. They discussed trade and resources, which would also be shared and at a much more affordable price. Then the issue of Nagato, Kisame, and Naruto came up. Itachi said he planned to let Naruto take his place, to follow after the Yondaime as he always wished, because in the years that would pass upon rebuilding the trust and acting out their stipulations he knew Naruto would be mature enough to handle the responsibilities. The other two were a much more delicate issue.
Itachi argued that Kisame had a lust for battle, and was turned away by his country like the rest of the seven swordsmen, which had at the time been run by the former Mizukage, whom he also found out was Madara in disguise. He said that this was to manipulate the shark man into doing his bidding because he had no real reason to disband and banish the group. He said that Kisame would be a huge asset in hunting down and disposing of remaining threats. The current Mizukage would be allowed to request him to come back to her country if she so desired, as he had fulfilled his agreement with Konoha. He was sure he could convince Kisame to comply as they had been close for many years now and that was acceptable.
As for Nagato, they weren't willing to be so forgiving. Itachi again argued for him. He told them the state the man was in, and that he was really no threat at all now. He told them about how he had been manipulated and used. He told them that Nagato wished only for peace and if that meant doing the horrible things he had done to achieve it that was alright. He said it was not so different from what he had done as a teenager to save his village from his family. He felt particularly close to Nagato in this way, and he knew the man was suffering. He asked that they give him a chance, that he could still run the hidden Rain village and he would work closely with Konoha in order to achieve that vision of peace. The other Kages requested they be able to discuss it in private and he left them to it while spending time with his girls just outside the meeting hall.
"Daddy?" Mitsuki asked.
"Yes baby?" Itachi asked.
"Is Uncle Sasuke ok?" she asked.
"He's fine Mitsuki. He's a little upset, but he'll be ok in time," he assured her.
"Are you ok?" she asked. He smiled at her and nodded.
"I'll always be fine with you by my side. Are you gonna be a big girl and help daddy run Konoha?" he asked. She smiled brightly and nodded.
"Grandma and grandpa are gone now?" she asked, looking a little sad. Itachi was shocked by this question. He nodded and held her with his free arm. Misaki looked up at him curiously.
"How did you know that?" Itachi asked.
"In my dream. I wasn't worried anymore after my dream," she answered. His mother had been right, Mitsuki had developed the technique and he wondered if it would be this strong in all his children.
"No one can know about that. It's a secret," Itachi said.
"I know. I won't tell," Mitsuki said, snuggling against him. They summoned Itachi back in after a short while to discuss their concerns. They wanted to be sure Nagato posed no threat, and requested that they be able to have doctors of their own examine the damage caused by Naruto's attack and make sure it could not be fixed. Itachi agreed to their request and addressed their concerns in a satisfactory way. The meeting went on well into the night and just when Itachi was about to postpone the proceedings the Tsuchikage requested to speak with him alone.
The other Kages requested the same thing, but said they would take their private matters up with him in the morning. He sat with Misaki bundled in her small carrier asleep and Mitsuki wide awake on his lap. The short old man stared at her and she stared back at him.
"How old is this child? Do you think she should be sitting up here listening to all of this?" the Tsuchikage asked.
"She is almost 19 months old. I don't have a problem with her being here. She'll be able to say she sat here while we discussed a treaty that will bring peace to our land. If you have a problem with that I can have Gaara take her out of the room," Itachi said.
"I don't mind; I just thought you might not want her to hear some of the things I have to say," he said.
"Do you want to stay?" Itachi asked Mitsuki. Even as young as she was, she knew so much already. Perhaps it was in part because of the ability passed down from her grandmother; No, from at least two grandparents, they hadn't yet discovered the truth about Sakura's real parents.
"Yes," Mitsuki said. The Tsuchikage looked a little chagrined, but decided to continue.
"After all the hatred held between our countries in particular, why would you agree to this treaty? It doesn't make sense. It feels like this is a trap, so you may build up your forces and control us. Why would your country suddenly agree to open itself up and share as though we're all equals? After the wars that we've had, after all the people that have died, what are you really seeking?" he asked.
"What has happened in the past, we cannot change. We are equals. We all have our faults, but what is it we all really want? Please tell me if you disagree with me, but I don't think anyone wants to see their loved ones, their comrades and innocent people die right before them. I almost forced my fiancée to raise our children alone. I can't imagine now, after she convinced me there was another way, making such a choice. These children are the reason I wake up each morning. The desire to protect them and see them safe is greater than anything else I've ever felt, more than my attachment to my village and my desire for peace. I would kill for them no matter the consequence. I'm sure there are people you feel the same way for, children or grandchildren, other family or those you've taught, those that follow your leadership in a desire for something more.
I know that in the past our countries have been at war with one another, but each side fought so we could know true peace. There will always be a desire to control those you're afraid of, those that pose a threat to you, that's what my father was trying to do. He knew one day my brother and I would be able to defeat him and he tried to draw us to his side to prevent that from happening. From some of the things Nagato revealed to me, I believe that Mikoto Uchiha was not my mother, and the woman who came at the end of our battle with my father was my birth mother. Even now I couldn't tell you his true intentions, I was never able to figure them out.
If we sign this treaty, then we no longer have to fear each other. We no longer need to try and conquer those we feel may threaten us because the threat will be gone. I desire this peace, so that my daughter will never have to face the bloodshed and death I have known. I want them to grow up in a world where they don't have to worry that someone will use them against me or worry that any day the tensions between countries will turn into war. I cannot force you to agree, nor can I force you to sign the treaty, but I feel between us it would be the most beneficial. If anyone violates the treaty, the other countries agree to join with those that have been attacked and thus it balances the power. No one will be in charge of everything, we will all share the responsibilities of this treaty and we will meet monthly to discuss our progress and issues and make amendments where they may be necessary," Itachi explained.
"I see," the older man replied. He saw the look Itachi gave Mitsuki, one of complete adoration. He had long since lost his children to this life, and he didn't wish to lose the grandchildren he still had for the same reasons. He felt his eyes water but quickly hid it. He nodded to himself and thought things over. "You're using her aren't you?" the man said, sure now why he wanted her to stay.
"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about," Itachi said, the same peaceful aura about him as he looked at his daughter.
"You wanted me to see that you're being honest with me. You knew that I wouldn't take you at your word. Now you've given me the proof that you're telling the truth. I can see it in your eyes and I can feel it all around you. Your desires for the future are genuine," he finally relented. Mitsuki smiled at him and he was put even more at ease. Itachi took meetings with the rest of them the next day and they worked out all the details before signing the treaty. The still had to meet with the leaders of the smaller countries, but that would take time, and he still had another mission.
When he returned, he found that Ibiki had his team undoing Danzo's seals on the ROOT members and Kakashi had him come immediately to the hospital. He panicked at first, because he had been expecting Sakura to meet him at the gates. Kakashi assured him that she was waiting for him there, and she was fine. They entered the room and much to his shock, there sat a girl who was supposed to be dead.
"I want to see Nagato!" she demanded, struggling against her binding. Itachi put Mitsuki down and Misaki in Sakura's arms. She let him put a kiss on her temple before letting him deal with the issue at hand.
"Konan, please calm down," Itachi said. She looked up at him and stilled.
"Did you really kill him?" she asked. They hadn't worked out all the details of what had happened, but the story was that Itachi had killed Madara after Sasuke pretended to be on his side. Itachi nodded his head. "Please let me see Nagato. He needs to know I'm still alive or-"
"We had already made an agreement that he would assist in destroying the King of Hell statue and until we saw how he felt from there he would be kept alive. I'll bring him here, but in return I need information from you. I can't imagine you've been very forthcoming," Itachi said.
"I'll tell you whatever I can. Please, just let me see him," she pleaded. He undid her binding and she didn't try to run. He motioned for Kakashi to retrieve Nagato, who was still in recovery himself under lock and key with the interrogators. He had everyone else disperse, promising Sakura he would be home as soon as he could be. She smiled and nodded, understanding things were going to be hectic for a while. She took Mitsuki and Misaki home, where she found Sasuke waiting for her.
"I think you made the right choice to help us. I'm hoping our countries will be able to work together in bringing peace to the land and making sure it stays that way. I knew there had to be something worth living for, even after you felt like everything was taken away. I hope this enforces that decision," Itachi said. Nagato stared at him.
"What could you have for me in a hospital that will make my being alive more bearable?" Nagato asked in a defeated way. He knew he had promised to help Itachi, but he had every intention of forcing him to hold up his end of the bargain afterward.
"The only thing that could," Itachi said, leading him in. Nagato felt dizzy and fell to the floor when he saw her. He shook his head as she joined him. She touched his face and smiled with tears in her eyes.
"Is it really you?" Nagato asked, squeezing her tightly. She nodded and let out a sob of happiness.
"I was worried about you," she said. She pulled back and looked at him, and he noted how sickly she looked. She was very thin and far paler than she usually was. She looked like she was having a hard time adjusting to the light and there were bruises on her wrists. There were dark marks around her eyes to signify she hadn't been sleeping.
"I thought you were dead! What's going on? You look ill! What happened to you?" Nagato asked.
"All I know is that Danzo captured me, and then he revealed himself as Madara Uchiha. He told me I was going to be his bargaining chip if you should ever betray him. He used to tell me what you were doing for him… He had ROOT agents watch over me and kept me locked away. He made sure I was too weak to use chakra and to run away but he forced me to exercise and eat so I didn't die. All these years I've been hidden here waiting to see you again," she explained.
"Konan… I'm so sorry! I-"
"There's nothing for you to be sorry for. You couldn't have known, and if you had I know you would have come for me. All that matters now is that we're together again," she said.
"Madara told me Danzo had ROOT torture and rape you until you were of no more use to him and then had you murdered. I was trying to avenge you. I-"
"I was pressed for information, but I wasn't really tortured. I was never touched sexually, and obviously I'm not dead. I'll tell you everything later, but for now I-" Konan began. She was interrupted by Nagato's lips on hers. Itachi went outside to give them their privacy. He knew they would work with him, and neither of them were going to flee.
Sasuke picked up Mitsuki who was overjoyed to see him. He helped Sakura into her apartment where she laid Misaki down. She started to make some food and poured some juice for all of them.
"Did you get to talk to Itachi yet?" Sasuke asked.
"No, it's still just business with him. He'll be back here as soon as he can be," Sakura said.
"When do you think things are going to change between Karin and I?" Sasuke asked.
"I guess that's really up to you. When you feel ready to open up it's going to be with her. Perhaps she'd like it if you asked her to lunch one of these days when you're not busy. I figure that Nagato is going to need another week in recovery before he's strong enough to travel and he'll have just barely enough chakra to summon the statue so you've got some time before you two go off and leave me again," Sakura joked.
"I guess you're right. I should probably do that. I came by to see if you needed anything," Sasuke said.
"Anything like what?" Sakura asked.
"Something from the market? Help with the kids? I haven't been able to come by since helping with reconstructing the village and I know you've been busy at the hospital," Sasuke offered.
"You want to go with Uncle Sasuke to the market to pick up some groceries?" Sakura asked her child. Mitsuki smiled brightly and nodded. "Here, I'll write a list. We've got pretty much nothing to eat, and it would be nice if I could take a nap before chasing after my little ones," Sakura added, writing up a list and handing him some money.
"I'll be sure she gets some lunch while we're out and I'll pick up something for you too. You look like you haven't eaten in a while," Sasuke commented. Sakura was thankful for the chance to rest. She collapsed into her bed, which tonight would have Itachi in it. She snuggled into her soft pillow, slipping under the cool sheets.
Sasuke took Mitsuki to eat and then they wandered around the market. He indulged her when she pointed at some toys and candies because he had to spoil her when he had care of her. He smiled looking at her, knowing she would never have to face to pain and hatred he had felt, never have to see someone she loved die in battle, or receive word they had died on a mission. She would always be able to have that bright light inside her, setting her apart from all her peers, siblings, and cousins. He could just tell that about her, maybe it was his mother's gift. He laughed thinking he was going to have four kids of his own, but at least they would purify the name Uchiha from its dark, haunted past. His niece was so advanced for her age he often forgot she wasn't even 2 yet.
In that moment he felt sad, thinking of what his mother and father had done for them. They had endured almost a century of never ending pain so no one else would ever have to, so their children would finally be at peace with each other. He still couldn't believe the things he might have done to Sakura. He was still ashamed that he had threatened her the way he had after his suspicions of how she felt for Itachi. He had always known there was something about Sakura, something special. She had almost convinced him to stay that day he left, and he might have if he'd let her continue. Mitsuki came over and took his hand in her tiny hand and pet the back of his hand with her other.
"Ok?" she asked. Sasuke kneeled down and hugged the small girl tightly to his body. "Visit mom and dad?" she asked. He nodded, knowing she meant her grandparents. They went to the memorial where Kakashi stood. Mitsuki could see the older man was hurting as well.
"Don't worry Mitsuki," Sasuke said, sitting in the grass. She sat on his lap, still looking at Kakashi. "You will never have to experience loss the way we have. You will live in a time of peace and die of old age with all your siblings and cousins, and friends," he added. Kakashi turned around then and smiled behind his mask at the little girl.
"Sasuke is right. Your dad really did have the power to change things, and it's all thanks to your mom," he said. She smiled and leaned back against her uncle. "I didn't expect to see you here mourning," Kakashi said, as though it were a normal topic of discussion. Sasuke figured he must be suspicious.
"He was still my father, and if Itachi's hunch is correct, that woman was my real mother. He acted strangely as he was dying, saying he loved us. He wasn't the evil man everyone knew him to be. I don't know how to feel… I don't know what his intentions were and now I never will. I know I was the center of his plans for revenge, but in the end he died crying and smiling and spouting words of pride… I felt I should pay my respects. They were my parents and they deserve at least that," Sasuke said.
"Rin has a blood sample from that woman you know. Your brother had her take it after Nagato and him talked about her. Maybe he's afraid to know the truth, but he does intend to find out eventually," Kakashi said.
"Nagato said her name was Mimoto Koumu," Sasuke said. Something clicked in Kakashi instantly.
"Are you sure that was her name?" Kakashi asked. Sasuke nodded slowly. "The majority of the Mimoto clan was supposed to have died out almost 70 years ago. They were imbued with three very special techniques. One was the ability to see the future, one was to stop their aging and the other was to bring back the dead, or near dead. Your brother and I were sent on a mission when word that three of that line were said to still be alive. We found one couple after weeks of tracking to prevent our enemies from repeating past offenses," Kakashi began.
"Past offenses?" Sasuke asked. Kakashi looked at Mitsuki and the Uchiha covered her ears.
"When the Mimoto clan first formed, they stayed hidden and secretive. No one knew their abilities until one of the daughters of the head of the clan used the power to heal a dying ninja. Word spread quickly and another clan overtook their camp. This was all before the villages were formed and there was constant war. The head family managed to escape and it was said all the other members were captured and tortured. They were forced to use the ability until they themselves died, they were forced to reproduce and they were raped, and forced the men to rape their women to keep the bloodline going but it didn't last. They all died and when word got around that one family had gotten away they went searching for them. They passed on of their own accord, leaving just one heir, Mimoto Koumu," Kakashi continued.
"How could she be my mother then? I mean…"
"Think of their abilities. When Itachi told your… Fugaku about the mission, he said that your ancestor had spared her life in their times of war, because she was an oracle. It was a well guarded secret, because the Uchiha knew she was still around and might one day use her presence for their benefit. It wasn't until the healing ability was used by a young man that questions arose. Apparently a few others had managed to escape with the Mimoto head's warning. Time passed and those few survivors chose to live as normal people, bearing children of their own. That left only two of that line, and they married. We were to find them as quickly as possible. We never located Koumu but the other two…"
"We found them right before they sacrificed themselves for their daughter…" Itachi said.
"Daddy!" Mitsuki said hopping up out of Sasuke's grip.
"What happened?" Sasuke asked.
"I had totally forgotten about it until now. When Nagato mentioned Mimoto… I knew there was something important I had to remember. Her mother had already willed her life force into her. Her father had been waiting for us to descend upon them, fearing what they would do if we knew the truth. They didn't think we'd hurt their child, so they were willing to die for her to be safe. They didn't want to be used, and they didn't want their daughter to be a bargaining chip in extorting their abilities," Itachi said. Sasuke was starting to understand.
"We explained that we were instructed to bring them to Konoha so that they would be safe from harm. We were both still young then, even as skilled as we were, it must have been for that reason we were sent. They would trust children more than they would trust adults, the Sandaime must have figured. We introduced ourselves and he looked at your brother for a long time before he smiled and nodded," Kakashi said.
"You are Uchiha Itachi huh? I didn't think you'd meet her so soon," the man said.
"Excuse me?" Itachi asked.
"My wife and I, you obviously know about our bloodline abilities. She had a dream that you would come to know our daughter. It was a very vague vision but your name came up several times. We know she'll be safe with you. I cannot allow her to be put in danger, and so I must will what's left of my life to her and pass on to be with my wife. Please don't tell her. I don't want her to know where she comes from. I'm sure someone in Konoha will take her in, and in the future she will be a great asset to your village as a medic because such powers course through our veins," he explained.
"I still don't understand," Itachi said.
"She will save you," the man said.
"She'll save me?" Itachi asked.
"Your destiny is a dark one, I can sense it. There is nothing set in stone because once you know the choices you have, you can change your mind and a whole new future can be born. No matter what future you chose for yourself, she will be there to save you; that fact is incontrovertible. Please don't break her heart," the man begged. Itachi stared at him and shook his head.
"We'll take care of her for you. What shall we call her?" Kakashi asked.
"Her name is Sakura. Mimoto Sakura," he voiced, putting a hand on her head. He caressed her face and then looked up at Kakashi then. "The Harunos will take her in," he added assuredly.
"We'll see what we can work out when we get back," Kakashi said. Before they could say anything else, he formed seals and touched his daughter once again and he was gone. Kakashi didn't mention what he'd said about Itachi, and neither did the Uchiha.