A/N: Thank you all for the favs! I love you guys.

And here it is. the turning point for Itachi.

Another reincarnation story

18.

"It's almost time," Itachi sighed, knowing the tea would come soon. Not able to contain himself completely, Itachi couldn't help but whisper "Anata." It was all he could say, yet it carried all the promises he made to this man.

The moment was forcefully broken by the sound of pots and cups crushing to the floor, sending hot tea across the tatami. Itachi snapped his head around to meet the intruder, but met only the eyes he feared the most.

Shisui's Mangekyou Sharingan were blazing, his chakra reaching out into the room. His teeth were bared and his hand reaching for the tanto. "Kisame!" His voice was full of venom. Not for a moment did Itachi doubt, that weren't they in the house of the Clan Leader, this would be the beginning of a legendary showdown.

"Shisui!" When Itachi spoke, it was more of a warning. He let his own eyes bleed into Sharingan, making clear that he would not allow any kind of incidence based on his own indiscretion to evolve. "Stand down."

"I see," Shisui hissed. "So this is what he did!"

Kisame shifted beside him, his hand already on the handle of Samehada. Itachi grunted with frustration. He would be beyond disappointed were Kisame to pick a fight with the man he knew to be one of Itachi's most important friend.

"Kisame, that goes for you too." His voice was lower when he said it. Somehow it was so easy to fall back into the old pattern of him giving the orders.

"Pff," the Kiri-nin grunted, clearly dissatisfied with the response. But, he would never disobey Itachi's direct command. Not in the life past, not in this one. He removed his hand from Samehada without leaving Shisui's eyes. It was bold of him to counter Shisui in this way. Kisame should be familiar with the Sharingan enough to know that should Shisui truly want to hurt Kisame with a Genjutsu, not even Itachi could counter it without heavy cost.

Apparently, Kisame didn't care. He abandoned his seat, rising to his full height, letting his posture tower over the two adolescents. He looked down at Shisui with utter disgust and the cold fury Itachi had come to admire. His lips drew back when he showed off his sharp teeth, like an animal intimidating his prey.

Itachi tensed. It was frustrating. Despite all his experience, he could not predict what would happen next. It was completely outside of his calculation whether his cousin would attack first or his lover. The call for blood, the intent to kill was in the air, thicker than on a day of battle. This was something personal, both men having reason to eliminate the other. Realizing this, Itachi had no choice but to up his game. When his Sharingan formed into the three-bladed shuriken, both men beside him visibly jerked. Shisui stared at him, disbelieve filled his expression as Kisame only drew his lips further into a sneer, as if he was actually pleased to see Itachi so irritated.

"Itachi, you would..." Shisui couldn't complete his sentence, the shock of betrayal swallowing the last his worlds.

"Oh, what a sight!" Kisame only exclaimed. Itachi didn't need to look at him to know that his former partner was excited. "Two of this technique in one room. This is a moment for the history books."

"I will repeat this only once," Itachi's face darkened. Not with a blush this time but with the shadow inside his heart that had eclipsed an entire decade in his other life. "Stand down!"

None of the two men moved from their position, yet both of them lost the sharp-edged tension in their bodies. Shisui's eyes swirled, revealing the three tomoes of his Sharingan. His lips trembled, with anger or nervousness Itachi couldn't tell. Their three way stand off was broken when the matron of this house moved into view.

"Oh my!" She gasped, seeing this three Shinobi with the combined capability to destroy this whole village in what was clearly the attacking position. To her credit, the tablet with snacks in her hands didn't tremble. Her eyes quickly met Itachi's now normal Sharingan, then sank to the pot and cups on the floor. "Oh what happened here?" She asked, as if only surprised that her tea was ruined. Well, his mother was an amendable kunoichi once. She was well invested in defusing dangerous situation with charm and wit. "What a shame for the tea. Don't you worry, Hoshigaki-san, I will make a new pot."

"There is no need to apologize," Kisame immediately replied, his attention still focused on the hostile Jo-nin. "It seems I have overstayed my welcome."

"Hoshigaki-san, it really is no trouble." She smiled. "I should have known the tea was too hot."

Kisame only grinned at her and shook his head. He made no effort to hide the reason for his departure, only that he would not be lowered to say so. The moment he moved past Shisui who still hadn't abandoned his position Itachi could almost feel the hatred clashing between them. He wanted to chase after Kisame, to explain what had exactly transpired, but found himself pinned down by Shisui's unforgiving stare.

There he was, trapped between two men he loved more than it was healthy. Even here, it seemed Itachi would always be pulled in two different directions. His chest trembled, filled with ugly thoughts and hidden pain. He watched Kisame leave with his mother at his side, uttering pleasantries they both knew were only spoken because of formality. His mother apologized for her clumsy nephew and Kisame for his long stay. He promised to return with more token should they find liking in his current delivery.

"Be assured, Uchiha-san," Kisame said from the entrance, loud enough for the staring cousins to hear. "A smashed pot of tea is not enough to keep me from this place. Know that I will return in due time, for the satisfaction of a man such as your son would always be my priority. Good day, Uchiha-san."

When the door snapped shot on the other side of the house, Shisui and Itachi both redirected their attention towards each other. They broke no words, too many on their mind to know where to start. They just stared at each other, shouting out their accusations with nothing but the heat of their eyes. Crimson met crimson in an unending swirl of anger and disappointment. Of betrayal and broken trust. Of lies and truth until the mistress of the Uchiha clan entered the room.

There was a certain way a woman could slam a door shut that could terrify the bravest of men. When the presence of a displeased mother overtook the room, Itachi and Shisui both slackened in their stance, facing her with the shame of a disobedient child.

"Explain yourselves!" She commanded. In that moment, Itachi pitied her past opponents.

"Aunt Mikoto..." Shisui started immediately. It angered Itachi more that his cousin would tell on him rather that Shisui might reveal a carefully conceived secret.

"There is nothing to report, Mother." Itachi cut in quickly. He lifted his chin slightly when he spoke to her, letting her know that he wasn't Sasuke and she could not intimidate him.

"Nothing?!" Shisui shouted. "It doesn't look like nothing just then! How dare he!"

"Shisui?" Mikoto's voice was firm. "What happened?"

"I knew he was up to no good!" Shisui spat, his hands trembling with anger. "How dare he lay a hand on you! How dare he even do it in this house! What did he say to you? Do to you?"

"What?" This time, Mikoto seemed genuinely concerned about the well-being of her son. "What did he do to you, Itachi?"

"Nothing I did not allow." It was a bold move, Itachi knew. Shisui gasped next to him, his big eyes growing larger. Mikoto frowned, clearly seeking some elaboration. Itachi had no intention to explain a situation that could not be mistaken by all those who had seen it but yet so vague to those not present. "There is nothing more to say. Shisui misunderstood the situation, that is all."

"Itachi!" Shisui barked. Even without knowing him so well Itachi could tell that Shisui was really really angry. In fact, he had not seen Shisui like this in any matter regarding himself. In a way, this Shisui was just as dangerous as the calm, calculating and cold Shisui. This Shisui did not hide the inferno that lived in every Uchiha, only waiting to be unleashed.

And Itachi had no illusion who the victim of such a force would be.

Mikoto crossed her arms over her breast and for a moment, Itachi completely understood from whom he had inherited his blank, yet terrifying gaze. "I doubt it was as simple as you paint it. Do not think me a fool, my young son. I might not be an acting kunoichi these days, but my senses have not dulled to the decree I cannot no longer distinguish between playful banter and honest insult." She fixed her gaze on her eldest son as they turned red. "I have noticed the following eyes of that monster on you, Itachi. Now that Shisui claims him to have laid hands on you. If there is any truth to it, I expect you to tell me."

"To what end?" Itachi replied. "What do you want from me?"

"Itachi," her voice softened not even the slightest. It must be hard for her to be mother and matron at the same time, Itachi thought. "I realize you want nothing but the best for our clan. You have always taken your duty very seriously. But if that Monster somehow insulted you or even..." she swallowed as if the coming words were extremely difficult to say. "... tarnished you in any way, we must know."

"Why?" Itachi finally barked. "Why does it matter?"

"Of course it matters, Itachi!" Shisui hands landed on his arm, pulling him to face him. "Itachi, don't you understand the implication of his offense? Don't you want to know what he did? Don't you care?"

His mother seemed to be struggling with the tension in the room. He knew she wanted to join into Shisui's worried rant, making her son tell her everything by using compassion and empathy. Apparently, his counter question itself was enough to reveal the truth he wanted to conceal. Itachi could see the moment her resolve weakened, allowing the dominating presence of a mistress to fade into the worry of a mother. She edged closer to him, taking his other hand into her and pressed it firmly.

"Itachi?" She asked tentatively. "What did he do to you?"

To him. Kisame did nothing to him. Kisame would never do anything to him. Only for him. That her mother and Shisui both spoke of him as a monster angered Itachi and clawed at the deep protective pride he felt for his former partner. For a moment Itachi couldn't completely grasp why he felt that way. He had always deceived people. Having outsiders insult himself or Kisame was nothing new. In the life they left behind, it was even warranted. They deserved those harsh words.

But here, Kisame did no such thing. It was only his appearance that made people fear him, shun him and now even hate him for it. It was only their assumption that painted him the villain even if Itachi was the one to blame. He had kept them apart. His own inability to cut ties with his clan, to break free of his own prison had condemned them both. Were he braver, were he a better man, he would have admitted the truth, both to Sasuke and Shisui. Were he not the coward he was, he would have the courage to call Kisame his.

Suddenly, Itachi understood. It was shame. Shame for his own feeble will that he could not protect Kisame from the scrutiny of his family, his friend. It was shame that despite all his power, Itachi was too weak to face the consequence of his own actions.

"No!" he hissed, pulling both his arms out of their clutches. His breath was heavy, his heart pounding. He had so many words he wanted to say to them, but couldn't. Inside this meager form rested a man who had endured too much. Inside his heart were emotions from two separate lives. Their collective anger, rage and fury tore at him, making him step out of their range, his eyes glowing like infernal gemstones. He pressed them shut with force, afraid he might fall back into the nature of that brutal beast he knew he could be.

Itachi turned away from them, making his mind focus onto something other than two person he had too many feelings about. He must not allow himself to be overcome by the sensation of hate. Of frustration and lately, desperation. He knew that once he overstepped that thin line, he was the real monster. He had spilled too much blood, killed too many to call himself a gentle man. Only few realize it, but should Itachi's hand truly be forced, he knew only the way of the sword.

"Itachi?" Mikoto asked tentatively. She exchanged a careful glance with Shisui, clearly noticing that Itachi was in no mood to be toyed with. "We want only what's best for you."

"That is not true," Itachi whispered bitterly, every world spoken out as matriculate as he could manage. "You want what is best for the clan."

"What are you saying?" Shisui came close to him. Other than his mother, his cousin had no fear for Itachi's barking. He placed a warm palm on Itachi's shoulder and shook him slightly. "Are you alright?"

Itachi threw him an ugly glare that make Shisui shut up. Then, he returned to face his mother who looked as if she was facing a task beyond her skills. She was right.

"There is nothing more I have to say to you, Mother." Itachi announced. "I thank you for your effort, but from today on I wish you not to interfere in my affairs."

"Where does this come from?" She gasped, clasping the front of her shirt. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," Itachi replied. "I have come to realize that I am a man of my own. To fulfill my duty to the best of my ability, I can no longer allow you to meddle."

"How could you! I am your Mother!"

"Yet I am nothing like a son to you." Itachi said. He could see his words piercing into her heart. Perhaps it was long overdue. "I am a tool for the Uchiha Clan. As of today, I am nothing but a piece of meat to be sold to the highest bidder! Isn't that true, Mother? Are you honestly afraid that Kisame could have hurt me, or are you just worried that my worth could have been diminished by his touch? Do you think I am incapable to see the truth behind your lies? You say that I am to choose for myself, yet not one single choice was made by me. Admit it, Mother. You have no intention to honor your promise. All those pleasantries, all those praise, nothing but emptiness to confuse me, to use me. And I am done being used."

The room was silent when Itachi stopped. Shisui's hand had left his shoulder some time ago. He could feel his cousin tremble before him and the shame of his mother radiating from the Uchiha matron. She held her head sunk, her shoulder shook. Itachi felt only slightly sorry that he had brought his mother to tears. He could not turn back now. The decision was made a long time ago that Uchiha Mikoto should be punished for her crimes against innocent children. His contempt for her came from her weakness, her willingness to see her sons suffer. To allow her arrogant husband to terrorize those she should have protected.

"Nii-san?" Sasuke's trembling question reached him from the garden. His brother held onto the frame of the paper door with white knuckles while his eyes shook with fearful tears.

This sight hurt Itachi more than his parents ever could. He let his own eyes fall shut, slowly returning to black. He hated himself in that moment for Sasuke shouldn't have to witness this again. It was also in that moment Itachi realized that he could not simply leave his clan behind as he intended to. He could not again condemn his brother to a life of hardship. Not yet, not now. Sasuke was too young, too innocent to bare the burden of the first son of the Uchiha. His simple mind and his pure heart could not yet distinguish between the schemes of their parents or their love. It was Itachi's pain to endure and he would not allow his crimson world to bleed into Sasuke's.

He could not allow Sasuke to be used as he had been.

"What is the meaning of this!?" His father's stern voice thundered from the hallway when he appeared right behind Sasuke.

Shit! "Nothing, Father." Itachi only said, not wanting to fight two opponents at the same time. Not when he was already having difficulty controlling his anger. Not when Sasuke was here to be caught in the crossfire.

"Listen, Itachi." His father started, making Itachi halt in his step.

"Shisui," his mother acted quickly. "Take Sasuke to his room and stay there."

"But Aunt Mikoto!"

"Kaa-san!"

"Do it!" Mikoto shouted and Shisui jumped. He gathered Sasuke in his arms with the smaller boy struggling and half dragged half carried him away from the center of the battle.

Itachi braced himself. He knew this storm was coming. It had been coming a long time. Clearly his opponents would not simply allow him to retreat, postponing the disaster that would no doubt come. Having decided that fighting was his only strategy, Itachi turned to face his father, his head held high.

"Itachi," his father began again. "I don't know what has gotten into you, but this is the last time you spoke to your mother like that!"

At least Itachi agreed with him on that.

"It seems I overestimated you. I would have expected some disobedience from Sasuke, but not you. Clearly you are not as mature as I thought." His father walked past him and stood tall, with his arms cross over his chest. "This behavior is uncalled for. You are a valuable Shinobi of the Uchiha Clan and its heir, I thought you understood your position. When you were transferred to ANBU, I have hoped that your duties would mature you into the man you should be. Clearly, I am mistaken. In past two years, you have been influenced by the likes of that Hatake too much. His tendency to defy orders, to cause scandals clearly rubbed off on you. Apparently not even your promotion to Captain and your distance to Hatake's sad excuse of a team was able to weed out your faults. Given your boldness today, I have come to the conclusion that we have given you too much freedom."

What?

"Your involvement with those outside of the clan is a blight to our status. I have no doubt that you are a good child. You have simply be led astray by those clanless, undisciplined lot. That is why I think it is best for you to resign your duty as an ANBU and work under my supervision at the Police Force from now on."

"You can't be serious!" Itachi hissed.

"Watch your tone, Itachi!" Mikoto snapped. She had recovered, her confidence bolstered by the presence of her husband.

"I mean every word of it, Itachi. This clan does not need any more like your cousin. He too had been led astray. Shisui was among the first to be subdued by Konoha. They had been pulling our strings, taking our strongest from us and turning them against us. I can see it is what they did with you, too." Fugaku's gaze hardened. "Even since you joined ANBU, you have become difficult by the day. Do not think that we should simply tolerate your arrogance just because of your achievements. Do you understand?"

"I refuse!" Itachi said, clenching his teeth. "I am a Shinobi of Konoha and always will be. I will not give up my duties because it suits your whim!"

"Do not challenge me!"

"There is nothing you can do!" Itachi spat. He had enough, enough of his mother, enough of his father. He only hoped that he would not have to repeat his gruesome genjutsu today. He should not have to turn his blade against his family again. "I am an ANBU captain! I have taken an oath to serve this village. The Hokage is the only one who commands me. Without his word, I will abandon my post! Under no circumstance! Not even the your word can change that!"

"You arrogant child, who do you think you are? You think just because you're a captain, my hands are tied? I'm your father!" Fugaku's shouted, now only a foot away from his son.

"An hollow argument that falls on deaf ears!" Itachi retorted. "Blood has nothing to do with it. Do not think that just because you sired me I am a weak-minded lamp for you to slaughter! My will and my body are my own and shall not be violated!"

"You insolent brat!" Fugaku shouted, his hands falling down upon Itachi. The sound when his palm met Itachi's cheek resounded loudly in the house and the garden outside. His mother gasped, then held her breath. His father stared at Itachi, the anger in his eyes fixed upon the swelling side of Itachi's face.

Itachi swallowed the blood in his mouth and raised his eyes towards his father. He knew there was a thin trail of ot running down his lips. He knew the pain in that blood was reflected in his eyes. Eyes his Mother had never seen and his father didn't remember seeing. The intensity of his Mangekyou Sharingan which had sent whole armies running bore into his father's soul and stayed here.

In this moment, Itachi vowed, "The next time you raise your hand against me, you will no longer be my father." He let his voice linger in the room, his words both a promise and a threat, his tone guaranteeing even more. He did not turn to see his mother's horrified face or the shock in his father's. He simply walked past them out of the room. He said nothing when he saw Shisui standing in the hallway, watching him with questioning eyes. He did not pause at his mother shouting after him, following him to the entrance. Itachi halted not one step as he left the place of his birth through the front door.

Somehow, he knew that he would never return here and call it home.

So how was it? XD
The story will become a little bit darker from here on. I hope you guys are okay with it. :-D

See you next chapter. Stay tuned.