A/N: I'm back! Special thanks to Teacup17 for being my beta.
It's a shame I can't post art in there. I have so many for this story!

Another reincarnation story

22.

Words could not describe how grateful Itachi was that crimes of an ANBU agent were not investigated by the Uchiha Police, but internally. It would be beyond mortifying if one of his uncles or distant cousins were to perform this highly invasive, yet necessary physical examination. At least here in the underground compartments of the ANBU HQ, Itachi could pretend his doctor felt nothing because even he was an agent of the shadows.

Itachi winced when said agent probed him with a swab, taking samples from his... entrance. He pressed his eyes shut and tried not to struggle against his shackles. He understood the precaution and why it was so inevitable. Should they really find Kisame's semen in him, there was no denying the deed. And Itachi knew they would. Transformation or not, what entered his body stayed in his body. The transformation technique only changed his appearance, overlaying everything he did with a low-level illusion. It fooled the senses of both caster and recipient. That was why Itachi was able to take Kisame without any stress, having made his own body believe it was 21 years old.

"He's done here," the agent said when he finished his work. "I need the photos now."

Itachi sighed in relief. Two other agents Itachi knew by name, but never worked with, entered.. They loosened his shackles and directed the 13 year old towards the white wall with a strange apparatus in front of them. He was told to stand still as the doctor came back, a camera in hand. The thought of being photographed while naked did not sit well with Itachi. He glowered deeply as a flush started on his chest.

Noticing that, the doctor handed him a pair of briefs. It wasn't much, but enough to keep the crown jewel of the Uchiha out of the ANBU files. The flashes were bright when the camera clicked. It was nothing like when he first entered their ranks and needed his photo taken. He wasn't placed on a stool and asked to look nicely at the camera. There was no kind man to count down from three. This was how they documented criminals.

The doctor came closer, directing his lens not at Itachi's face, but numerous parts of his body. He took note of the mess Kisame made of Itachi's neck and the bite marks on his collarbone. He photographed Itachi's chest, then his arms and legs. They were covered with Kisame's hand-prints. He was then turned around, facing the white wall. He listened to the times the camera clicked, trying not to imagine what Kisame had done to his back. He was eventually asked to take his briefs off again so the doctor could document the most incriminating part of the evidence. Having no choice, Itachi swallowed his pride. When he was finally done, five minutes later, he counted sixteen pictures in total were taken. He really didn't want to think about who would be seeing them.

"Captain Uchiha," one of the two guards approached, "please be dressed and follow us."

He changed into the simple black fatigues they all wore under their armor and resigned to his fate. He knew where they were taken him even without asking. It was in the lowers level of HQ, cells that were guarded with multiple seals capable of holding even the strongest of shinobi. When they passed the guards at the entrance to the cell block, Itachi could feel them shudder. It's not everyday that one of their best was locked up here.

His cell was the farthest from the entrance, facing down the corridor. It was the one with the heaviest protection and no privacy at all. It was reserved for those worst than scum, not being trusted enough to let out of sight for a single moment. The senior one of his escort held the door for Itachi when the Uchiha entered.

"Please forgive us, Captain," the other guard said and retrieved a blindfold with a powerful seal on it. "It is precaution."

"I understand." Itachi replied. So they weren't taking any chances with him at all. He was both proud of the professionalism of his comrades and hurt by the mistrust of his superiors. Relaxing his shoulder one last time, Itachi lifted both arms towards the shackles on the wall. He did not hiss when the cold metal closed around his already bruised wrists, nor did he make any sound when the agents tied the blindfold around his eyes.

"We apologize for the inconvenience, Captain," the man on his left said, "we are sure this is just procedure. If there is anything you require, please do not hesitate."

"Thank you. I'm fine." Well, this wasn't so bad. He was merely blindfolded and shackled to a wall. He had experienced way worse, like back when he was actually near blind and couldn't even breathe without pain.

He could endure this.

-xXx-

Ten miles away, Terumi Mei was scowling at the river before her. She crossed her arms over her chest and did not turn to meet his eyes. "Is all this a joke to you?"

"Nothing has been more serious," Kisame said, stepping out from behind the trees. He had been on the run for the last 24 hours. Escaping Konoha wasn't difficult when he used the same route Itachi had led him through the last time they visited. He had come as far as the next civilian town, when he just suddenly turned around and hurried back. No matter how reasonable Itachi's decision was, Kisame just couldn't leave him behind.

"Bad enough that I was roused from my sleep in the middle of the night," Mei said, her bad temper hidden behind her soothing voice. "I had to receive a team of Konoha ANBU barely decent, just to learn that one of my most trusted has been accused of conspiracy," her voice grew cold. "And sexual assault. Of all people, you are the last I expected this from."

"Mei," Kisame said solemnly, turning to address her. "This is serious."

"I realize it is serious. The Hokage demands that I brand you a Nuke-nin and send Ao after you," she sighed with disappointment. "Do you know the position you put me in? I came to Konoha to forge an alliance, with your encouragement no less. Simply by coming here to meet you, I risk all the good relations we've built!"

"I am well aware of what is at stake here."

"Do you, now?" She sounded harsh. "In all the years we've fought together, you have always been a paragon of restraint. You have never touched a woman, let alone harassed one. So tell me, what charm does this woman hold that seduced you into assaulting her? Supposedly, I daresay."

"So you believe in my innocence?" He found that amusing.

"Of course," Mei scoffed, throwing him a side-glance that was far from friendly. "Don't misunderstand, I know you're a merciless man. But I also know that you would never force yourself upon another. That's not the kind of power you seek. So what is all this about?"

For a moment, Kisame remained silent. He didn't really know how to say it as he had imagined this situation a lot differently. But Kisame knew one thing was certain, if he did what Itachi wanted from him this time, nothing good would come of it.

"Mei," he cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. "After all this time, it does make me sad to say it. But the time has come."

She gasped, snapping her head around to face him. Her eye bore into his, searching for any hint of dishonesty. Finding none, her expression softened. "Who would have thought." She shook her head in disbelief, chuckling. "Kisame, is she really worth it?"

"He," Kisame corrected, "is worth everything."

"I see," a curious smirk spread as she licked her lips. "What do you need me to do?"

-xXx-

Itachi was roused from his calculations when the door to the cell section was opened on the far side of the hallway. He smirked and listened to the approaching footsteps of two expected ANBU agents. It sure took them long enough. It had been a whole day since he was arrested. No doubt words of his supposed treachery had already reached all major parties in his game. He could only imagine what Kakashi and Tenzou had to go through, not to mention Shisui.

At the thought of Shisui, Itachi's heart ached. He still had difficulty believing his cousin and best friend would betray him. This must be how Sasuke felt when Itachi lied to him back then. No, only a portion of how Sasuke felt. Though Shisui did turn against him, he did not take those Itachi loved the most from him.

Or did he? It was because of Shisui's accusation Kisame had to flee. Had Shisui not been so rash, Itachi could have explained. He could have found some lies to make Shisui understand. But it didn't happen. He just had to reveal his hidden trump card and thus alert Kakashi and Tenzou as well. Without his two ANBU comrades, Shisui would have no one on his side. Alone, he couldn't have faced the ex-partners.

No matter, Itachi thought to himself. No one was to blame but himself. He should have been more careful. He shouldn't have let it come so far. It was the collective pressure of so many variables that had brought him down to the holding cells of his own order. But not all was lost. The situation was salvageable. He was alive, so was Kisame. His voice was still valued and his position unshaken. Furthermore, he had something he didn't in the past.

Friends.

Just outside his cell, Kakashi was talking to Itachi's kind guards. "We'll take over from here."

The two guards nodded and left without question. Once they were out of earshot, Kakashi pushed the door open, letting himself and Tenzou in. He crossed his arms over his chest and regarded the man shackled to the wall. Itachi did not hear him remove his mask; so this was an official visit.

"Comfortable?" the other captain asked.

"Not really," Itachi replied. "I didn't expect you to come guard me."

"I have a certain reputation," Kakashi replied, "wasn't hard to convince Command to let the friend-killer Kakashi guard his friend."

Itachi almost chuckled but refrained from it. Now was not the time to laugh at macabre jokes. "Are you here to interrogate me?"

"Ah," Kakashi nodded. "I have orders to learn as much as I can."

"Good luck, then." Itachi said. Kakashi knew how uncrackable Itachi was.

"Itachi, please don't make me do it," Tenzou pleaded, "I don't want to torture you. But if we don't, Danzou-sama will send his Root to do it."

Damn that Danzou. In no realm on earth would Danzou miss out on this golden opportunity to get rid of Itachi. He might be under Itachi's influence, but that did not mean the old rat wouldn't try to escape it. But was he powerful enough to do so? Perhaps. Would he go so far as to expose Itachi of his manipulation? Unlikely. It would put Danzou in a weak position if he ever admitted that an 11 year-old was capable of controlling him for years. Yet should he sacrifice a portion of his standing, Itachi would no doubt be executed for treason. Regardless of his reason, Itachi did turn his sword against an Elder of Konoha.

Having Danzou getting ahold of him was dangerous, much more dangerous than the prospect of standing trial for conspiracy and fraternization with the enemy. Tenzou was right. If he didn't move quickly and turn the situation to his control, Danzou would find a way to convince the Hokage to hand Itachi over. Then, Itachi's guilt in all matters would be decided on evidence Danzou would no doubt forge himself if need be. Then, with Itachi out of the way, who would be there to protect his clan against the old scrutiny? Who would be there to protect his innocent little brother?

"You have a point." Itachi decided. "But torture won't be necessary. I did not betray Konoha. There is no conspiracy."

"What about the other accusation?" Tenzou continued, "any truth to it?"

"None!" The genius said firmly. "Kisame did not hurt me."

"The evidence is against him, you realize." Kakashi reminded him. "There's no denying the substance found in your body and on your skin. Then there's Shisui's testimony to consider. His words weighs heavily against Hoshigaki, who was able to resist arrest with your help.. That puts you both in delicate situations."

"I realize." Itachi sighed and lowered his head. "I..."

"Itachi?"

"I panicked," he admitted, the words coming off his lips with great difficulty. "I thought Shisui might kill him if given the chance."

"Not for the lack of trying." Kakashi nodded. "From what I saw, Shisui wasn't joking around."

"He aimed to kill, Kisame only defended himself."

Kakashi sighed, "I can understand your position, Itachi. But you won't find many sympathetic ears in the council with that. Your reputation precedes you."

"Ah," Itachi sighed, "they don't believe me capable of panic."

Tenzou chuckled, "even I find it hard to believe."

"Will you help me, Taicho?"

"I don't know how," Kakashi shrugged, "we arrived just in time to see you defend Hoshigaki's life with whatever that Jutsu was. Nothing more. There's little we can do."

Itachi frowned. "Were you questioned?"

"Ah," Kakashi nodded, "thoroughly. I think I repeated my testimony at least ten times."

"Who's involved?"

Tenzou looked to Kakashi for a moment, but then faced Itachi. "Hokage-sama, Danzou-sama, the Mizukage, your father and the elders."

"And Shisui?" Itachi asked. "What did he say?"

"Nothing that benefits you," Kakashi replied. "He's unforgiving in his report. If it wasn't you he's up against, I already feel sorry for his opponent."

"Shisui is an Uchiha," Itachi added. "We tend to take things to the extremes."

"You're not kidding," Tenzou sighed. "Your father is hellbent on seeing Hoshigaki hang and your cousin stands with him. They have come as far as to demand a blood tribute for his violation against you."

Itachi sighed heavily. "He certainly considers the honor of my clan sullied. Yet, I'm not surprised. I always knew that this was beyond just me and Kisame."

Kakashi moved closer. Itachi heard him remove his mask, facing him not as an agent, but as a friend. "So, what is this really between you and the swordsman?"

Telling the truth had never been easy for Itachi. For so long, lies were his only defense. Every time Itachi was asked a question about himself, his first instinct was always to lie. Kakashi knew that, so did Kisame. By now, maybe even Tenzou suspected it. Calculating the harm he could cause by continuing to lie, Itachi forced himself to face Kakashi, blindfold against face-mask. "I love him."

Tenzou gasped.

"And for how long have you loved him?" Was all that Kakashi asked.

Itachi swallowed. His former captain was not called a genius for nothing. He was perceptive, sensitive and possessed the combinatorial skills beyond all his peers. The simple question that could be interpreted as rhetoric was in truth just Kakashi's way of telling Itachi that he saw everything and was not fooled. It was a gesture of kindness and friendship for the raven. Should Itachi continue to lie, Kakashi would know that he meant no honesty. But should Itachi speak the truth, the other Captain would understand his unique position and his faith.

Steeling himself, Itachi answered. "Long enough to know that it is true."

For a long moment, Kakashi just stared at Itachi's half covered face. He was no doubt weighing that answer, trying to decide his next move. Itachi gave him no more clues, not with Tenzou here. Though he trusted his other comrade, he did not want to burden the kind Mokuton-user as well.

"Senpai?" Tenzou breathed out tentatively from behind them. "It's about time."

"Itachi, we're taking you to Hokage-sama for questioning."

"Not T&I?"

"Not after I carefully reminded the Hokage who you are," Kakashi replied and put his mask back on. He jerked his head and Tenzou moved to release Itachi from the shackles. "Other than convincing them of your honesty, there was nothing we could do. I'm sorry."

"I'm more than grateful, Taicho."

"The whole council will be present, be prepared." Kakashi said before leading Itachi out of his cell.

"Understood."

(insert picture here)*

For the meeting, Itachi was given back his complete set of uniform. Technically, he was never detained, only in observatory suspension. That imprisonment and observation meant the same thing for assassins of shadow was an error no one had ever bothered the correct. Just as Itachi finished dressing, he found his own team entering the locker room. They all regarded him silently from behind their masks and for a moment, Itachi was not able to bear their collective judgment. He cleared his throat and addressed them.

"Everyone," he said, hating himself for sounding too young, "I realize that this must not be easy and I sincerely apologize. Though we have not been together for long, I still value your opinion of me. I ask not that you forgive me, merely for you all to know that no matter what happens after today, I am deeply honored to have fought by your side."

He did not expect them to respond. As much as he wanted to explain, there wasn't enough time to do so. Knowing that he had never been loved by his comrades made it easier in some way. This kind of experience was hard to bear when faced alone. Perhaps his actions would bind them together and increase their performance as a team. He only hoped that they would be assigned a capable captain, should he not be allowed to return.

What he did not expect was Izamu Hyuuga to step forward and remove his mask. He had a hurt expression on his face, as if the betrayal of their captain actually bothered him. "Just tell us this, Itachi," he started. He had never called Itachi by name before. "Is it true? Did you betray Konoha?"

"Never," Itachi said immediately. Of all the questions he would ever be asked, the answer to this one would always stay the same.

Izamu turned to look at his comrades. In unison, they sank to the floor and knelt before Itachi, heads bowed. "Then Ko-han stands with you, Captain!" He said. "We may not always see eye to eye, but we have always trusted you."

"We know you to be many things, Captain," Goto added, "but not a traitor. If need be, we are prepared to face the Hokage and vouch for your loyalty."

Itachi tried not to cry. He wasn't shown kindness often and learned to expect none. How foolish was he not to realize that not everyone could live in isolation. Looking down at them, Itachi admitted to himself that these were men he had come to care about. "Thank you, everyone," he said, his throat tight with coming tears. "I shall not disappoint you."

They stood and retreated to the side. As Itachi passed between them, he could feel their eyes on him. He nodded to each of them, saying his wordless promise to keep them all close from now on. He reminded himself why he was here and what these men meant to him. They trusted him and placed their lives in his hands. As their captain, he should do no less for them. In other senses, they were his family, his brothers.

Outside the locker room, Tenzou and Kakashi were waiting. If they noticed his slightly moist eyes, they did not comment. As he was escorted by his former teammates, Itachi was actually intrigued to notice that the questioning would happen in the council chambers of ANBU HQ. After a short assessment, he came to the conclusion that it was to keep the embarrassment of this scandal to a minimum due to the sensitive nature. He suspected that his father would have rested at nothing to prevent his son being marched through Konoha like a criminal.

As much influence as his father had, Itachi had not expected to see him standing in the hallway to the council chamber, inside the ANBU HQ. Though only on a low classified level, this place was still a sacred sanctum for his brothers. These very halls were for the nameless, faceless warriors of shadow, not a man like Uchiha Fugaku. It infuriated Itachi even more that his Clan Leader had the gall to bring Shisui along. In this moment, Itachi could not see them as his father or cousin. They were a security breach, a danger to the identities of his comrades. They were outsiders, even intruders.

"Itachi, I must speak with you before you enter," Fugaku said sternly, not giving the impression that he was bothered by their separation. In fact, it was the first time they had seen each other since Itachi walked out on him. They had not spoken since and if it was up to Itachi, they would not now.

"I am expected by my commanders," Itachi replied. If he had his mask on his face, he would not have said anything.

"They can wait," the Clan Leader demanded. "Hatake-san, please give us a moment."

Itachi glowered at Fugaku's nerve to call Kakashi by name, disregarding the fact that his fellow captain was wearing his mask. His father's disrespect for the ANBU was clawing at Itachi's patience. Were he younger, he would have wanted to make his father understand the nature of his order, but right now, he only wanted his father punished.

"We have spoken with the Hokage," Shisui said from behind Fugaku, "Itachi can remain a moment. Please step aside, ANBU-san."

Itachi briefly wondered how Tenzou would take it. This is why so little of ANBU mixed business with pleasure. This tense situation was bound to leave a scar on their relationship. Itachi had no doubt that Tenzou valued the secrecy and cohesion of their unit just as much as Itachi did.

Kakashi and Tenzou didn't seem too taken aback by Fugaku's demands. They must be under orders to comply, otherwise they would never have backed down. They looked at each other, then Kakashi nodded. Following the ways of ANBU, they retreated to the far sides of the hallway, far enough to be considered not eavesdropping, but still in range to listen in if they tried.

Fugaku must be very sure of his doing if he dared speaking to Itachi within earshot of two ANBU agents. Or he just didn't care that much.

"Itachi," his father started, standing before him as if scolding a child in front of the headmaster's office. "I am very disappointed by your actions. You have brought great shame to yourself and our clan. Through your careless actions, our clan is again suffering under the scrutiny of Konoha. Do you realize the damage you caused by betraying us?"

Itachi stared up at him, his eyes intense with hate. "I did not betray Konoha."

"But you betrayed our clan! You chose to turn your eyes on one of us, in aid not only for someone who isn't an Uchiha, but not even from Konoha! That is unacceptable!" Fugaku barked. "Were you not my child, I would have cast you out! So consider yourself fortunate."

His father had learned nothing. As if Itachi considered it a blessing to belong to this cursed clan.

"But you are my son," Fugaku reminded him. Itachi could almost taste the bile in his mouth, "and it is because your mother pleaded with me to have mercy. Seeing that you are only 13, an exception could be made."

"What exception?" Itachi hissed.

"Once you admitted that you have been forced by that monster and have your name cleared, I can allow you to return to us." Fugaku stated as though Itachi would grovel at this chance. "Tell the council that it was Hoshigaki who took advantage of you. It wouldn't be too hard to believe given his record at persuasion. This of course will be a blight to your spotless record up to now, but it is a cost we can accept. As for the other situation, do not elaborate on the details. It is bad enough that you allowed yourself to be so disgraced."

"So disgraced." Itachi's hands balled into fists.

"Do not expect my pity!" Fugaku snapped. "You are not a girl! To have shown such weakness is your undoing! Clearly you do not even realize the shame you have brought me as your father and the sacrifices we will have to make in regards of your future engagement."

"Fugaku-san," Shisui stepped in. He gave Itachi an apologizing glance and leaned up to whisper in his Clan Leader's ear. Fugaku listened, his expression darkening. When Shisui stepped back, he nodded and sighed.

"But," he made a pause, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Regardless the circumstance, the misconduct of a son is still the fault of the father. Thus, I shall support you if you promise to do as you are told. I doubt the Hokage and the elders truly believe in your guilt. As for the Mizukage, I can be persuaded to accept a tribute and forsake satisfaction. It will be the best for all parties involved. Do you understand, Itachi?"

So, that was what his father was after. He wanted Itachi to shift all the blame to Kisame claiming that he was manipulated and used. Fugaku wanted the world to believe that Itachi was just a foolish child, led astray by the lies of someone like Kisame. He didn't care that Itachi's reputation would forever be diminished or that he would be the subject of all the scorn. He didn't care that he was holding the fragile peace between Konoha and Kiri hostage if he could come out of this as the only benefactor.

Furthermore, he would have gained two loyal Shinobi for the Uchiha Clan. Shisui would not disobey him after this, not when Fugaku was the only one he could turn to. As for Itachi, who would willingly follow a boy that that allowed himself to be raped and dragged into conspiracy without knowing? Who would call him master of illusion again when he couldn't even defend himself against simple seduction? And then, when his standing dissolved and his will broken, who would still consider him a man of his own?

Where then could Itachi turn if not back towards his parents, just like a beaten dog returning to his master? What else could Itachi become but the docile and obedient son?

Fugaku did not understand the depth of Itachi's abilities. He had never known Itachi's true power and what he was prepared to do. Fugaku was a short-sighted fool who had been blinded by his greed for power. He always failed to see that Itachi had outgrown him many, many years ago.

Relaxing his hand, Itachi turned towards the door. He nodded, sensing that Tenzou and Kakashi were returning. He looked up to the man at his side and felt nothing but loathing. Putting on a blank face, he said, "If that is what you want, Father."

Hope you enjoyed this! More is on the way and very soon!