Itachi was sitting against the tree in his favorite training ground. The slight breeze made it a touch cooler than the norm. All in all, it was a perfect day to relax.
If only his mind could take the hint. His mind was like a raging hurricane, the thoughts of what might be tormented him.
A swirl appeared before him.
Genjutsu? Was it an attack? He infused an insubstantial amount of his chakra and let it flow freely through his body to repel any foreign chakra that might be the cause of what was before his eyes.
None was found. That took out the idea of it being a genjutsu. What else could it be?
He quickly cycled his chakra and folded it thrice to increase density, and let the familiar feel of the body flicker overtake him. The edge of the training ground came quickly.
Itachi's Sharingan was active, chakra constantly flowing, and his hands ready.
Out of the vortex came a man adorned with a cloak that had red clouds and a black background.
A mask covered his face, a spiral pattern covered the only eyehole where the swirl started. In that eye hole was unsurprisingly an eye...
One that had a Sharingan. A unique pattern like his new eyes. Was this someone from the clan?
Itachi looked at the chakra the man possessed. Potent, very potent, perhaps more than even his.
This man was potentially an S-rank Shinobi like him. He possessed what appeared to be a space-time technique. This could end badly for him.
"Hello, Itachi, I'm Uchiha Madara, how are you?"
His voice was deep, so perhaps an older man? No, he couldn't tell for certain, after all, there were techniques to change voices, he'd used them in anbu often enough. The man used his name so he knew of him.
Perhaps someone from the clan? He does possess the Sharingan so it isn't improbable.
He called himself Uchiha Madara, perhaps he wishes to hide the truth of his name?
"Uchiha Madara? That man is dead. Who are you really?" Itachi kept his voice calm despite his mind be anything but.
His voice was that of a man amused.
"I am Uchiha Madara, you seem to be ignorant of the world around you if you can forget manners. Haven't your parents taught you? It appears it falls to me to alleviate you of it. I won't make it easy though, but I will give a hint." Pausing the man continued, this time with a serious tone.
"Go to the Naka shrine, use the new eyes you have attained to read the tablet. That is my proof. Although I'm not here to prove my identity to you, I came to ask you what you intend to do with the clan."
Itachi kept his face clean of emotion. That man knew of the Naka shrine, he was likely an Uchiha. He appeared to have a space time technique.
those are immensely dangerous so why doesn't the clan know of his abilities?
A secretly rogue member of the clan? If he had a space-time technique it wouldn't be impossible. But Uchiha Madara? That man and his strength were legend. While this person had chakra befitting an S-rank shinobi, it didn't oppress him like the legends.
So why would this man give him a way of proving his identity, provided he wasn't lying? His question about the clan alluded that he knew of the current situation, but how? That space-time technique was sounding very probable now.
"What about the clan?" Itachi had to know for certain that the man knew about the current situation.
"I wanted to know how you're going to resolve this situation. The Uchiha clan is planning a coup that will ultimately lead to their doom and leave the surviving village with a new great war on their hands. Seems petty to me."
He knew.
He knew the situation perfectly, damn it. He thought it petty so perhaps he didn't support the clan? Itachi had to know this man's end goal.
"Do you support the clan and their endeavor?" Itachi readied himself mentally to fight.
The laugh the man had raised the hair on his arms.
"Do I the support the Uchiha clan? In one word, no. I see no reason to support the very clan that betrayed me. In fact, I came to you with an offer. The Uchiha clan will die, all the important players know this. If you decide to kill the Uchiha clan yourself, I'd be willing to provide help. I'll even protect you after you kill the clan. Tell me, have you heard of the Akatsuki?"
Kill off the clan himself? Could he do it? Would he condemn those lives himself? Lives that were going to be lost anyway. Once they committed to the coup the clan was going to end anyway.
If he killed the clan himself, he could have the lives of many innocents and provide a war. Looking at just the numbers, it would seem like a rational decision, but still...
There was another factor to consider.
Sasuke. He loved Sasuke, his little brother.
He could save Sasuke, he wouldn't die in a purge, or fighting against the Leaf.
He loved his brother. It seemed that his emotions were always at an extreme now, the eyes perhaps?
With his mind resolved, he spoke to the man claiming to be Uchiha Madara.
Later that night
Itachi snuck into the Naka shrine under the cover of night. Silently entering it. Complete darkness surrounded him as he closed the entrance. The darkness was no issue to one bearing the Sharingan.
With his now red eyes, Itachi made his way to the stone tablet. He had seen this tablet as a child, in better days with his father when things weren't so skewed.
He was told that the writing on the tablet was by a long dead ancestor, so long ago that none remembered the language used to written on it.
So why was it that he could read the tablet?
What was different about this scenario compared to the many others involving people trying to read the tablet? The only thing he could think of was the new eyes he had. Eyes like the person claiming to be Uchiha Madara…
Curiosity peaked, Itachi looked at the tablet closely. He was able to clearly see the first part. A story of some kind.
Interesting. The story of a princess coming to the mortal world, laying with a man. The princess bore two children, children of power like herself. Despite the power she apparently held, it didn't stop her sons from sealing her away.
Why would her children seal her away? Itachi looked to the other lines of the tablet and found them blurred.
Why is the first section legible, while the others aren't? Perhaps it took his new eyes to discern the truth?
With nothing to lose Itachi let more chakra enter his eyes. His ocular prowess heightened, time itself seemed to slow down to a standstill, details previously unknown became clear.
Looking to the tablet again he smiled when another section was legible.
It seemed that the story of the princess was lost to him, for this section told of the Mangekyou Sharingan and what it entailed.
Itachi felt his heart drop when he learned the truth of the Uchiha clan.
The next day
Itachi was before the Lord Hokage and his advisers.
Mentally he resolved himself.
The Hokage spoke first and broke the tension. "Itachi, you asked to meet with us, is there a change with the Uchiha clan?"
Itachi shook his head. "No lord Hokage, I've come to a resolution."
This time Danzo spoke, his grim voice reverberating across the room. "A resolution eh? Well, let us hear the resolution that Uchiha Itachi has come to."
Inhaling and exhaling deeply, to calm himself Itachi verbalized his thoughts. "The Uchiha clan. I'll resolve the situation. Instead of the Leaf having to take action, it'll be a rogue member of my own clan. I'll end the Uchiha clan, to prevent war, to save the Leaf. I… Have conditions, however."
The four elderly people had grim looks on their faces.
They looked at each other a silent conversation taking place.
It was Hiruzen that broke the silence. "What are your conditions?"
Naruto was dreaming, he knew it. Although it wasn't the usual dreams he had. He was watching two boys fight in a ring. He watched one of the boys beat the other, with what appeared to be the little effort if that bored look on the winner's face meant anything.
His heart hurt.
He didn't know why he felt so sad. He didn't know these people, he didn't know why these kids were fighting.
But, still… Those kids reminded him of himself, and Sasuke.
He supposed that he was the one that lost after he had never won against Sasuke despite how hard he trained. It seemed that Sasuke was always one step ahead of him.
The kids met in the middle and made the symbol of reconciliation, the same that Iruka Sensei had taught them. They both smiled.
Naruto smiled.
Despite their fight, and the terrible loss the other boy had been dealt, it seemed that they were still friends. Hope blossomed in Naruto's heart.
Could he and Sasuke ever be like that? No. A darker mind of his mind supplied. Not many people liked him after all, hoping for something like that would only lead to more pain for him. If he just stopped caring just maybe, maybe the loneliness wouldn't bother him so much, he might even be happy.
A frown bled onto Naruto's face.
"Hey now, why are you frowning?"
Naruto's eyes widened. His body tensed, ready to run.
"I don't mean you any harm, just here to talk."
Naruto turned to meet the voice and yell his indignation. Shock overcame his ability to speak however when he looked at who spoke.
The voice in front of him belonged to a person that looked just like him, even down to the clothing. It seemed like they were identical, but the voice his twin had wasn't anything like his, it was like that of an old man's.
Man, this dream is weird, I hope I'm not haunted!
The twin smiled. "Come on sit down, so we can talk."
Huh sit down, but where?
Naruto watched his twin sit down. Grass? Where had grass come from?
Surprised Naruto looked around and saw that the sparring ring was gone. In its place was a grassy field with a small pond in the middle. His twin sat at one side of the pond, opposite from him.
This dream is getting weirder and weirder, I have nothing to lose though so I might as well.
Naruto sat down as well. He felt compelled to look at the small pond in front of him.
A small white koi fish swam in it. Naruto watched the fish swim in circles, oddly mesmerized.
Naruto didn't know how long he looked at the fish before the twin of himself spoke.
"So, what saddens you?" A concerned look on his face.
"Sad huh, Well I guess it's cause…" Naruto aired all his grievances and feelings.
Ashura watched the little boy leave with a smile. It was always nice to meet himself.
His smile disappeared a moment later, however.
Jinchuuriki.
To think in this new life he was one. Although it would be nice to meet one to meet one of the children of the tree again.
With his mind resolved he focused, finding where the Chakra of the tailed beast originated from.
Got it.
A moment later Ashura found himself standing amongst a cell. The bars seemed to stretch infinitely.
"Hello," Ashura spoke, ending the silence.
A large gigantic eye opened.
Potent chakra, hatred was suffused in it. Enough that Ashura could even his mind start to be affected. Kurama. This chakra belonged to Kurama although it was weaker, more aligned to the Yang.
That won't do, not at all.
Ashura started to infuse chakra, it came as naturally as breathing. Instantly his mind cleared, the Chakra of Kurama, suppressed.
A dark voice spoke out, malice dripping from every word. "Ashura… So it is you. How dare you show your face to me after all Indra and you've done."
Ashura frowned. The children of the tree had not lived a good life. Feared, hunted, and used by humans. It was only natural that they wouldn't wouldn't like him.
Kurama especially.
He remembered the fight that Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara had. Him and Indra. The enslavement of the children of the tree that subsequently followed.
He had advised Hashirama to not use them as he did. Hashirama's own upbringing as a shinobi was against him though. Hashirama wasn't apathetic to them, no, but the potential benefits, alliances, and peace was enough motivation to hunt down the children of the tree and pass them out to the fledgling villages.
What could he say to Kurama now. What apology would be enough? What actions could he take?
Despite having been powerful in life he had little control of what happened in this day and age.
No, Indra and he had lost the right to influence the world directly while on the path to enlightenment.
Devoting themselves they had sacrificed much to learn, to find their truths. Close, they were very close to reaching those truths, his chakra had already begun to change, and he could even Indra's chakra from it; it too had changed.
"Kurama. There is nothing I can say that will fix this, I know."
Kurama laughed. "Of course, father would be so disappointed. Indra and you are no different."
That hurt. Kurama's words had cut deep. What made it hurt even more was that it was indeed true. Father would be very disappointed in Indra and him.
Ashura sighed. He had wronged Kurama and his brethren. He would atone for that one day, but for now, he wanted Kurama to know, how he really felt.
He infused more chakra.
Ninshu.
The one technique their father created that was open to all possessing chakra. To their father, it was the most important technique created. Ashura had to agree.
After all to use one's own chakra and connect it to others was an important technique. The fact that they could infuse emotions and knowledge across to others made it the most important technique.
He let his chakra get infused with his emotions. His regret, his apologies, his perspective. He noticed Kurama's eyes widen. His hate filled chakra met his.
Understanding bloomed.
Sasuke walked home at a slow sedentary pace. He took in the sunset and basked in it.
Orange and purple hues danced in the sky creating an image that Sasuke really enjoyed.
Sasuke let a small smile show on his face. It was a great day, topped by a nice skyline. Sasuke only hoped that his night would be just as good.
Father and big brother have a lot of tension, they both always seem so mad now.
Sasuke's smile was gone.
He walked into the Uchiha clan compound.
There was no one in sight. Usually, old man Sawada and his wife would be there, with their cats. There would be other clan members bustling about, living their lives.
There was nothing, not even sound, all Sasuke could hear was the wind rustling against the leaves. It was like the compound was devoid of life.
Sasuke was on edge.
Was there a secret clan meeting? Or an emergency?
With his mind filled with theories to explain what he was seeing Sasuke walked down the streets. All the while taking care to not leave himself exposed. It was a tense few minutes for Sasuke, the sweat on his forehead a testament.
A copper smell pervaded his sense of smell. It came from cousin Shiro's home.
With his heart pounding Sasuke opened the door to the house. The creaking of the door making his heart beat faster.
What he saw made all the strength leave his legs.
A body.
Cousin Shiro's body. It was next to his wife's. Both dead. Their lifeblood had pooled together on the floor. The wooden floor under them a dark brown.
Sasuke didn't know what compelled him, but he walked closer to the bodies. That's when he noticed it, everything was slow, even his body. It was like the world was honey and he was wading through it.
'Likely adrenaline.' His mind supplied.
He saw their bodies. It looked like their throats were both slit. The copper smell was worse, much worse. It wasn't even copper like anymore. He didn't know what it was like, but he hated it.
His eyes watered, he felt bile rise up in his throat, and saliva start to pour into his mouth.
Sasuke gulped involuntarily.
He felt a chill go down his spine. He ran out, no longer caring about the potential noise he was making.
He stopped running when he got to their neighbor's house. Gasping for air Sasuke stopped.
That terrible smell was still there, making his nose burn at its intensity.
Fear further gripped his heart. No. Elder Kenta and his family can't be dead either.
Mechanically Sasuke walked into the house. The door creaking no longer bothered him, Sasuke idly noted.
Sasuke walked to where the smell was strongest, the living room.
The elder was there, his family along with him. The only things out of place being the blood, and their bodies on the floor.
He walked closer to take a look.
The elder was dead.
He looked around to the family, they too were dead. Their eyes still open, and empty of all life.
Their faces very pale, their lips blue. That terrible smell was still there. But it was somehow even worse.
He ran out again.
Mother, father, brother. I hope they're fine. Although a dark part of his mind doubted it.
He had to go and see if his family was alright. Sasuke inhaled and exhaled, grimacing at the still present smell.
With his mind made up, Sasuke ran to his house.
It was quiet, not a good sign.
With each step Sasuke took his heart was beating faster, and the fear was tightening the grip it had on him.
That terrible smell was there…
Sasuke's heart fell, his head felt like someone was pounding drums in it.
Dead. The family he had was dead. All those he loved, that loved him, dead.
An overwhelming sense of dread overcame Sasuke. I have to be sure, I need to truly know.
Ever so slowly did Sasuke walk into the room where the smell was strongest.
He opened the door.
Big brother!
Sasuke saw Itachi standing above their parents.
An attack, it was probably an attack by enemy ninja and Itachi had probably got back in time to save their parents. Relief overtook Sasuke, his older brother was here and would save him from his nightmare.
Sasuke called out to his older brother.
The first thing Sasuke noticed was the eyes. His older brother's eyes were glowing. It didn't look like a normal Sharingan, it was a pattern unknown to him.
Like Indra.
The next thing he noticed was the sword in Itachi's hand, still dripping blood. His Anbu armor spotless. The blood must have been from the enemy that his older brother must have defeated.
"Big brother are you ok? Did you get all the enemies? Did you save anyone?" The questions flew from Sasuke's mouth like a water technique.
His brother didn't respond for a few seconds, Sasuke grew worried again. Perhaps he wasn't able to save others?
Itachi broke the Silence with a small chuckle. "Sasuke…. I'm fine, killing the clan wasn't too hard."
What?
The world was starting to spin around Sasuke. Itachi kill the clan? Why? He had to know, everyone loved him, he was the best ninja in the clan! So why?
Sasuke verbalized his thoughts.
"Big brother… did you really kill the clan?"
It was the amused look on Itachi's face that further worried Sasuke. With a nod of Itachi's head, his fears had been confirmed.
"Why?! Big brother why!" Anger was starting to seep into Sasuke, chasing away the fear and worry. He could feel a strange feeling in his eyes.
Itachi continued to look amused. "Sasuke I did it to test my skill. Everything's become so boring now, although the Naka shrine was useful in evolving my skills there's nothing left in this clan for me." With a smile that unnerved Sasuke, Itachi continued on as if he was having a pleasant conversation.
"Sasuke…. I can feel the anger in your Chakra. Revenge that is what you seek now, no?"
Hesitantly Sasuke nodded.
"But, you're weak now. I'm so far above you that you have no chance of beating as you are now. These new eyes I posses the -Mangekeyo Sharigan- tell me such. If you wish to stand against me, run away. Run away and when you have the same eyes come find me."
Sasuke was very confused, he didn't know what was happening. What was Itachi talking about, what shrine? Damn it all!
The anger was consuming Sasuke. He got ready to strike his brother when they met eyes.
Itachi's Sharingan spun, mesmerizing him. The next thing Sasuke knew he was in a world of red and black.
AN: Hey guys, hope you enjoyed the chapter, please leave a review.