Another long one just a training and set up chapter this time, has some interaction with Inoichi. Sasuke 'learning' techniques and some set up.

Thanks for reviewing following and favoriting guys. Thanks to Qmaster in particular for asking me some questions both in their review and via PM I will be updating the fic over the next few days taking their suggestions into account so the combat notes and chakra notes chapter will be slightly altered. Attribute maximums have also been adjusted slightly due to feedback which will be edited in earlier chapters as well.

I managed to keep my promise as well as this did come out in December. Hope you all have a wonderful New Year.

Stepping outside of his home and to the attached pier Sasuke made a show of carefully reading the scroll for the Katon Goryuka no Jutsu or Great Dragon Fire technique; carefully placing the scroll on the ground beside him he made a show of going through the handsigns slowly almost fumbling one or two of the sixteen signs to make it believable to whoever the hell it was that was watching him.

When he was finished with the signs he purposely used less chakra than the jutsu called for.

Taking a deep breath he infused the wind in his lungs with chakra feeling the same warmth as he did earlier he exhaled too slowly as well. Instead of a perfectly formed flame dragon a small wisp of a dragon head flew from his mouth and sizzled when it hit the water.

He rolled his eyes and began the process over again this time taking more time to perfectly copy the signs; taking longer to form the chakra, rolling the words in his head before exhaling the smaller dragon, this time however the dragon burned brighter than previously. Sasuke grinned with glee at seemingly making progress.

(PLUS 1 relationship with ?, and ?.)

He almost quirked a brow only two were watching him now, back at the shop with Naruto there had been three, was someone perhaps watching over that boy as well? He would have to think upon that later, as far as he could tell aside from his frankly ridiculous chakra reserves and the whole unawakened blood line thing the blonde did not seem that worthy of monitoring. The relationship gains he was granted from associating with him also stood out. The ramen girl was one thing, but why would his watchers have cared so much?

Putting that aside for later deliberation he returned his focus to his 'training' it would not do well for him to get sidetracked now.

Looking over the scroll again he continued the show putting up small improvements to the technique for the next twenty minutes or so. Some may have considered this act paranoid, but Sasuke was beginning to notice as he improved that paranoia may just be a good thing.

Quest added: Gift of Bacchus

Objective practice the B-rank technique for a believable amount of time for a prodigy before getting it down.

Reward 1 rank in Katon Goryuka no jutsu, level 1 chakra sense merit, 4 XP.

Sasuke smirked he had no clue who this Bacchus was but the ability to sense chakra would benefit him greatly.

He spent another ten or so minutes studying the scroll and practicing the technique. Believing that he had practiced enough to limit suspicion he decided to do the jutsu correctly.

Flying through the sixteen handsigns with Now practiced ease he breathed deeply saturating his lungs in chakra he molded the flame, his chest swelled as the chakra built up before he explosively exhaled.

'Katon Goryuka No Jutsu!' He mentally shouted as his eyes glowed like the flames; before he had finished speaking it was done. A dragon made of flames burned into existence. Its scales were a mix of red, orange, yellow and white the dragon flew at speed shattering the tranquil waters before detonating beneath them in a roaring explosion of water and steam.

(-750 CP 75 percent less due to affinity.)

(2450 CP remaining.)

Sasuke stared at the waters as they calmed before a massive smirk spread across his face.

(Plus 3 relationship with ?, and ?.)

Quest completed Gift of Bacchus

Congratulations you avoided suspicion, yet your paranoia grows perhaps it is for the best?

Reward 1 rank in Katon Goryuka no jutsu, level 1 chakra sensor merit, plus 4 XP.

Deciding to continue training Sasuke subtly tried to use his new ability closing his eyes in feigned exhaustion the boy sat down before he began to focus within moments, he felt a feint outline just within his sensory range. The chakra felt female and faintly cold, she did not seem to possess a bloodline limit from what he could sense her chakra gave off a slight thrumming feeling like static electricity.

So, one of his watchers was female, had lightning aligned chakra, lacked a bloodline, and had a faintly sinister chakra signature. She was likely ANBU if he had to guess though her power was nothing too exceptional from what he could feel, maybe just around elite Chunin level?

It made sense as even rank and file Chunin could become ANBU, the black ops core required more of a certain state of mind and a tendency for stealth and assassination than any apparent power level. Most Anbu were just standard fare shinobi who specialized in the more unsavory aspects of their line of work like assassination or sabotage, very few of them were like his brother was.

That was a good thing the world was in his opinion a better place without people like his brother.

She was most likely assigned to watch him by the Hokage then, though he could not feel whatever else was watching him which did worry him slightly. Still though he had to move his 'break' had went on long enough.

Grabbing the scroll for the C-rank fire jutsu, the B-rank fire scroll, C-rank earth scroll, and some ninja wire and shuriken from his home he moved to a clearing in the clan's forest he knew from his youth, a place where his brother had often practiced shurikenjutsu. Moving through his woods he found what he was looking for a clearing with several human sized tree stumps and various wooden targets.

Ensuring that the camping ANBU was still there and watching he prepared the technique after reading the scroll. He would get this one on his first try just like Itachi had miraculously cast the fireball jutsu on his first attempt.

Running and then knotting the wires through the finger holes of 4 shuriken he threw them in rapid succession at the stump before pulling the threads at the last second, he arced the shuriken around the stump with the ninja wire. The wires dug into the tree like a pit bull on a bone, they held fast and pulled the shuriken back jamming them into the log with enough force to pierce the bark.

Ensuring the wires were taut he bit them between his teeth and flew through nine hand seals.

'KATON RYUUKA NO JUTSU!' He mentally intoned,

(-250 CP 75 percent less from affinity.)

(2200 cp remaining.)

Letting out a harsh breath a line of fire like what a dragon would exhale shot down the wires towards the stump; with a crackling roar the fire hit the log engulfing it in flame before burning out leaving nothing but charred wood behind. The ninja wire was still there but melted to the log while the shuriken were lightly charred.

(Plus 2 relationship with ?, and ?.)

That made sense Sasuke mused, a C-rank jutsu even if cast on the first attempt was not nearly as impressive as a B-rank technique. With that in mind he went back to training making a show of being winded by the fire jutsu and letting his mind drift from training to thoughts of the future; of a world after his brother and his filthy presence was cleansed from the world, what would he do then? Restore his clan sure but what after that?

Itachi as he thought about it, had to have had a reason that made him into the monster he had become. What was the root cause? Could he force others into abandoning the things that led to his brother massacring his people? Could he use this newfound power to protect others like himself from a fate of such horrific suffering? He would like to think he could if he became strong enough.

If he became an even greater monster than his brother, all the lesser monsters would be forced to listen, or they would die by his hand. Just like Itachi one day would. He would not allow anyone else to suffer what he and his people did. He was not going to be that man—no, he was going to be someone who could put an end to all of it, an end to all monsters. He would become stronger than anyone else in this world and he would make them listen.

He would make them bow to him. Force was the only thing monsters understood, the only thing people like his brother could comprehend. He would speak their language and give to them their eulogy in their native tongue.

Sasuke had seen too much in the past few days; he knew how far some people were willing to go just to get what they wanted, to hurt anything around them for their own gain. Sasuke was going to be stronger than anyone alive or dead, a better warrior than anyone who had ever lived, even if he had to make himself into a monster.

Then he would help other people, he knew what he was going to become, an avenger, a killer of monsters. Sasuke would protect those who could not protect themselves from the evils of this world. As Kaya-No-Hime said he would possess everything his eyes held under sway.

Those he had failed to protect he would avenge; he would punish the perpetrators. He would destroy those that deserved to be destroyed; those who did not deserve mercy or kindness would receive none from him.

He would not be like his brother—he would be better than his brother. A better person than his brother and every other monster that walked this earth. They would be crushed by him if they could not see reason and let their ego blind them to their mistakes. They would be forced to pay for their transgressions with blood. They would all bend or they would break.

Sasuke's eyes burned brightly in his head as he stared off into nothingness lost in his own thoughts until eventually a gentle rustling in the leaves drew his attention.

"Ah, brooding again I see, a favored pastime of yours it would seem." A chipper voice sounded from the depths of his mind she as always sounded remarkably amused to Sasuke's thoughts as she seemingly watched his mind drift.

'Kaya-No-Hime, what brings you here?' he thought aloud, not bothering to hide his thoughts from her. He doubted he could if he wanted to.

"Just watching my little champion brood; your mind is like a field of white lilies for me to admire. So plagued with thoughts of death." Kaya-No-Hime spoke softly, he felt but did not see the soft smile on her lips as she watched him—the look in her eyes if he could see her felt almost tender.

"Such beautiful white flowers, no? They must be if they haunt you so." she whispered to him, then let out a soft sigh as she continued.

"(natsukusa ya, tsuwamono domo ga, yume no ato.) The summer grasses, are all that remains to see, of a heroes dream." Pausing briefly, he almost felt like she ruffled his hair before continuing.

"Make sure your dreams amount to more than a field of flowers for the dead Sasuke, it is not the fate of the living to be buried with the dead. You can look to the past, it is only understandable that you do. But do not forget to live. You have your convictions, stick to them and do not falter, but do not forget our deal. I said you were destined to change this world for the sake of peace that is what we agreed upon was it not?"

Sensing no response, she continued.

"That said, there are several means of acquiring peace, there is of course the path of diplomacy and strength that Hashirama used to change the world... But there are other means, Coercion, blackmail, violence, power, domination, these also work, despite what more peaceful minded folk would claim lasting peace more often than not is bought in blood. It must be said after all that Hashirama despite his kind nature was only listened to in large part because of his strength, he never threatened others, but his strength alone implied it."

"Your method could work, if you became strong enough you could enforce peace in that way, your strongest ancestor once attempted the same actually, but Hashirama stood in his way with the very power you now wield..."

Sasuke almost smiled at that 'there is no Hashirama around now though is there? and as you said this power is now mine.' he thought to her.

"Correct!" She chirped seemingly unconcerned at the direction of his thoughts.

"As long as things change to become more peaceful in the long run, and I am entertained you can as I said do whatever you wish. As long as you do not reveal your power to anyone it is yours to keep and wield. Those were the terms of our agreement, if you want to hold hands and sing kumbaya go ahead, if you want to burn down orphanages and kick puppies for fun go ahead, I have seen countless atrocities done in the name of good and countless blessings carried out by those deemed evil by society, and do you know the only thing that mattered nine times out of ten at the end of the day?"

Her voice dropped low as she asked him this. When the boy did not answer she continued.

"It was who won and who lost, and what the winner allowed the loser to say or remember."

Sasuke was silent as she finished—Kaya-No-Hime's words were as sharp as they were true; it was like a sword plunged into his chest, but the pain was dulled by the warmth of her presence within him.

Kaya-No-Hime spoke softly to him. "Look at your world as it stands for example, your brother killed his first man at four years of age, in the last war on your world, children as young as six were sent out to fight and die at the whims of those who had more power than them. In Hashirama's youth it was even worse toddlers were sent out to die, parents did not even connect with their children until they were over a decade old. They viewed their own children as tools in their power struggles."

The Kami paused here before continuing.

"The world you live in is already one with massive problems, going down the path of a tyrant is not so different from what everyone else has done thus far, as you already surmised that is exactly what the Kage and Daimyo already are; so why not unite the world under one banner and rule it all yourself?"

He felt her smirk in the back of his mind. It was a sick self-satisfied smile that reminded Sasuke that the thing in his head was far from human.

"Is it not just a grander version of what everyone else is doing? Are they not already just petty tyrants and autocrats? You could take care of the world like no one ever has, you could make sure that everyone is safe, happy, healthy, and free of hunger. You could end wars because no one would dare to challenge you, and if they did you would simply kill them, sure there would be uprisings to put down but if you rule long enough, they will forget what it was like before you came, you will become their new reality the new normal, the new status quo. It would of course take time but change often does in a few scant generations they will not even remember what life was like before. Remember you are not limited in the ways that they are, anything you desire is now possible if you work for it."

"The Daimyo may claim the divine right to rule but you literally have a goddess in your head, your claim is far stronger than any of theirs... The Kage claim their right by strength, but in time you will surpass them all. Why not embrace these truths fully? You needn't lie to yourself my champion. As you already guessed the powerful have no need for lies their intent is all too obviously felt."

"Hashirama tried another path, treating them decently and with compassion it did not work... By dividing his power he just created stronger opponents. I wish it were not true and that he was successful but that was not the case. He tried using the carrot, but I feel you should use the stick, it is after all what they deserve. They did not listen to reason in Hashirama's day, so I believe they will fail to listen now that their ways are even more set."

Kaya-No-Hime's voice grew cold as she finished her speech; the Kami had lost a great deal of her cheeriness as she went on.

"You have seen what it means for the world to be as it currently is, you have experienced its cruelty firsthand. Do not let it continue to be ruled by those that wish for nothing but to preserve their own might and power. They do not care if anyone else lives or dies as long as they have enough for themselves. It is like watching children fight for the right to take toys from a toy box, like gazing at rats clawing over table scraps, it is disgusting; it is grotesque, all the infighting and treachery. The world is sick and as the champion of the goddess of medicine you will cure it, the cure is bitter so you may have to force it down their throats but it will be worth it, and it is what they deserve!"

This last part was a whisper, and he could feel her smiling when she finished.

"For now, dear Sasuke do not let it worry you over much we still have time, and you are still too weak to cure this land, but in time that will no longer be the case. Now go play among the leaves like a good boy; we must not keep the other children waiting. That blonde shrink is on his way after all. Keep up the act you are playing with them it is working so far. He intends to take you to meet the Hokage today best you prepare yourself for that."

Then she was gone; he could hear the rustling of grasses as she vanished from his mind and he was left alone in the silence of his thoughts again.

He knew somewhere deep down that she was right, he had witnessed this worlds sickness firsthand, even now he was just a pawn. An orphan left in a world that preyed upon the weak and naive. But his supposed weakness could be turned to his advantage as well.

Standing with a sigh he decided to get back to training her conversation had allowed him time to recover some of his chakra and he still had one technique to 'practice' today before Inoichi arrived.

Grabbing the scroll he began to actually read it this time instead of absorbing the knowledge.

The Katon Hotaru No Haka- was one of Uchiha Tenkai's techniques from what the scroll said. It created swathes of ashen fireflies that would swarm an area and explode in a chain reaction of burning embers and cloying ash, unique to the technique was that the detonation was controlled by the user the famous konohagakure Seal of Reconciliation was the trigger for detonating the technique.

Sasuke found that rather amusing as the sign when used basically signaled no hard feelings. Tenkai like most of his line it would seem had a rather strange sense of humor.

This particular technique was more dangerous than many others because of its ability to control the timing of detonations which allowed for large areas to be covered quickly; but more importantly it was not nearly as flashy as many other fire ninjutsu, well at least until it detonated anyway. The fireflies looked almost indistinguishable to real ones to an untrained eye meaning if used at night in wooded or swamped areas suspicion would be unlikely.

Sasuke thought it a very deceptive technique for such a straightforward element as fire—but then again he was training to be a shinobi not a samurai, subtlety certainly had its place in combat.

The technique was fairly simple on a basic level, for a B-rank jutsu the difficulty was mostly in forming the fireflies consistently, the bulbs had to be green in color and the bodies comprised of densely packed ash, when breathing for the technique a gentle exhale was required, whereas the grand fireball required a harsh exhale, and the phoenix flower required several rapid exhales in a burst. Like all B-rank fire jutsu at the lowest level of competence it required eighteen hand seals.

Carefully going through the seals at a sedate pace he made sure to get them all down but purposely fudged on the exhale and chakra expenditure instead of a gentle exhale he forcefully exhaled the ash and flame.

Resulting in only a single malformed firefly heading a short distance before collapsing in ash and smoke with a sickening pop.

(Fudged jutsu -250 cp 2600 cp remaining)

He allowed a slight frown to mar his face and he made a show of setting his eyebrows twitching. Not even Itachi got a B-rank down on the first try, if he had done so it would have been horrifically suspicious to his watchers.

In fact he did not even get it on the second try either; like any good actor he was committed to his role as it currently stood, he wanted to be taken seriously but breaking the mold entirely would do him little good for now, when he was stronger, he would not care but as he currently stood most chunin could destroy him let alone jonin or the hokage.

He breathed in again—a little harder this time forcing more ash and flames through his chakra infused lungs up to the back of his throat. Again, only one firefly was produced from his exhale. This time however he made sure it at least was properly formed.

The firefly flew lazily where he directed it landing lightly on the stump its green bulb beating harmlessly.

Slowly Sasuke formed the sign of reconciliation and flared his chakra, the firefly flashed brightly before detonating in a small explosion leaving a lingering cloud of heavy black ash. Sasuke casually brushed off the ash as it settled.

(Fudged jutsu -250 cp 2350 cp remaining)

Sasuke acted satisfied with the result. With renewed determination he went back to work after rereading the scroll and practicing for the next 15 minutes he decided more than enough time had passed for him to somewhat reasonably have gotten the jutsu down.

'Katon Hotaru No Haka No Jutsu' he droned.

Flying through the eighteen handseals perfectly this time he inhaled deeply and properly formed the fire and ash in his lungs, exhaling gently thirty six perfectly formed fireflies flew from his mouth and landed on the stump crawling across it lazily. Forming the sign of reconciliation they flashed brightly before detonating one after the other in a series of micro explosions leaving a three-yard-wide ash cloud in their wake.

(3 aggravated damage dealt in 3 yard area lingering ash obscures vision.)

(-750 CP 75 percent less due to affinity 1600 CP remaining.)

(Plus 1 relationship with ?, ?.)

Sasuke allowed a victorious smirk to spread across his face but for vastly different reasons than his watchers would have assumed.

Gathering the scrolls up now that his 'training' was finished he decided to rest until Inoichi arrived; he felt a slight wave of fatigue from using the technique like that but it was not enough to be a problem. He sat with his legs crossed and arms resting on them as he allowed himself to recover.

As he waited he wondered if Inoichi would be up to sparring and if such a thing was even proper to ask. Sasuke was fairly certain that if he phrased his request correctly the man would agree. As his social stats improved, he had begun to just intrinsically know what others wanted him to say and the value of saying just that. No one really saw anyone else as they truly were, he was beginning to realize instead humans saw only what they wanted to see in order to confirm what they themselves thought. It may not have been true on an objective level but on a personal one that was how humans viewed one another.

Inoichi for instance viewed him as a troubled and heavily burdened kid but at the same time saw him as the heir of what was once a powerful clan, he wanted to both help Sasuke recover, and if possible gain a way into his good graces. Sasuke wondered if the man even as protective of his daughter as he was, was not already entertaining ideas of making them closer for long term political gain.

Sasuke did not however hold it against the man, as far as he had experienced most human interaction revolved upon using and being used by others, and being beholden to personal opinions rather than facts regarding others. That did not mean that one could not care for others it just meant that there were other factors at play. His father for instance, as cold and hard to impress as he had been had never hated him, held him to a high standard sure but never hated him.

The only person that did not seem to have wanted anything from him or tried to see him in a way other than what he was had been his mother. He only wished he spent more time with her, he should have taken her up on her offer to show him shuriken techniques all those weeks ago. He in his childishness had wanted Itachi to do it. He had in his naive brattish way pushed her aside when she had only wanted to help him. All so he could learn from his brother... At that thought his mood once again soured.

He had seen more than enough of Itachi's shurikenjutsu to last him a lifetime during the massacre.

Speaking of his brother, sometimes manipulation did mean they did not care, as obviously Itachi had not cared and had just used him for sick entertainment. Sasuke hated his brother he would admit that readily, but Itachi had at one point in time been his world, he was a goal to surpass, but he was also someone Sasuke wanted to impress and prove himself to, even more so than his father.

What he had really wanted was for Itachi to see him as more than just a kid—he wanted to be like his older brother, or at least he wanted to be the illusion his big brother had made himself out to be.

His older brother had been too good at everything; he had always been at least one step ahead of everyone. He was the shining star of their clan, his father's pride and sadly perhaps even his mother's joy.

Sasuke grit his teeth at that thought even as his eyes faintly stung.

While Sasuke had struggled with just being himself—he had felt so stupid at times, because no matter how hard he tried or how hard he worked, nothing ever seemed to change for him. He had never been able to bridge that gap between him and his older brother, and at times when they were together; he had felt like a fly next to a dragon.

Itachi had proven these thoughts correct as well viewing him as a gnat not even worthy of being killed with the rest of his clan.

Sasuke closed his eyes and shook his head slightly letting out a short breath before he opened them again. He knew that in time he would prove Itachi wrong, and he had gotten sidetracked.

He needed to focus, as he was now he was still nothing compared to Itachi but he had time now, time he could not afford to waste on such dark thoughts, he knew this was true but whenever he was at rest the thoughts plagued him still. He could almost hear the screams of his dead even now. They would always haunt him, like a constant reminder of what he had failed to see, what he had failed to stop, if only they had listened to Inabi, Naka, and Tekka, maybe Itachi would not have won.

If only they had all listened if only, he, the others, and his father had not failed to see. It was shameful for an Uchiha to be so blind. He would ensure nothing ever slipped past his eyes again, no one would ever sink another knife in his back if he could help it. He like his ancestor would never allow anyone to strike at his back.

With a deep sigh, Sasuke forced the thoughts away from him—he was better off focusing on something else, anything else. He had never had such heavy thoughts before the massacre, the tsukiyomi he believed had fundamentally changed him as a person, the things he used to do to clear his head were no longer available to him, his mother was not around to talk to his father was not there to tell him to practice, Setsuko was not around to bother him, and he never wanted to see Itachi train or do anything other than choke on his own blood ever again.

He could not go into the village either as Inoichi was supposedly on his way according to Kaya-No-Hime how she knew that was beyond him. But he could not help but wonder what else she may be privy to, he resolved to bring it up the next time they spoke. Any card she could give him to hide up his sleeve would be invaluable currently.

After a half an hour of resting, he was luckily spared from his predicament by Inoichi's arrival.

"Ah, so that is where you went Sasuke, I had figured I would find you here."

Inoichi paused as he looked over the field his eyes lingering on the severely burned tree stump.

"I hope you are not overdoing your training, you only just got out of the hospital. Though you were kept in shape by the hospital staff you should take care not to cause too much undue strain." He said as he came up beside Sasuke; kneeling down he offered his hand to help Sasuke to his feet.

Sasuke nodded gratefully allowing Inoichi to help him rise.

"It is nothing I cannot handle. That man was capable of far more at my age." Sasuke replied with a slight edge to his voice that he did not realize he had been suppressing.

(Relationship loss prevented by Desperado merit.)

(For acting in your nature, you gain a beat!)

Inoichi raised his hands placatingly "You are not your brother Sasuke."

Sasuke felt his eyes narrow but managed to suppress his snarl. Was he underestimating him too? Another of his brother's countless sycophants?

Inoichi luckily seemed not to notice his thoughts or the barely concealed heat behind the boy's glare.

"I mean that in the best way possible Sasuke, It is my belief that Itachi only snapped because of his specific upbringing he was exposed to violence and death at far too young an age even younger than you in fact. Add into that the fact that he was an active shinobi at six years old and saw his teammate cut down in front of him on one of his first missions, this coupled with his duties to your clan and his service in the ANBU was likely to much for him to bear."

Inoichi's words seemed to ease some of Sasuke's anger, but they did not douse it entirely.

"I do not care about his psyche profile Inoichi, He ensured personally that I experienced more pain than he ever did."

Inoichi nodded his head before he could possibly offer a rebuttal sasuke continued.

"Some genin he knew for less than a year is not comparable to watching your entire family be slaughtered for hours on end. Itachi did not snap, he was not broken, he was a liar who killed his best friend and then murdered our entire clan with the power he held. Itachi made his own choices he joined ANBU of his own volition. Everything he saw and endured was because of his own actions, I did not have that luxury." Sasuke said through gritted teeth as the memory of Itachi's betrayal once again filled his head; as if it were happening all over again.

"I am not like my brother, you have that part correct, I would never do what Itachi did to my family, to anyone, murdering children while they slept, scurrying about like an animal killing only for the thrill. I will not live in such a way." Sasuke stated firmly with a steely resolve. Though his tone did seem slightly off, under all that anger was something far more depressing.

Inoichi was reminded that this was still a child, some did not appreciate that distinction but Inoichi did. He was once again reminded of his daughter how would she have reacted in this situation? The thought alone made the Jonin uncomfortable.

"If only you could have seen the look in his eyes when he attacked me, his eyes were dead Inoichi, he stood over my mother's corpse and mocked me!" Sasuke said with a growl.

Inoichi was reminded of the look in Itachi's eyes through Sasuke's memories a look of such emptiness, a cold sinister pit like a lifeless void. He almost shuddered when he remembered the genjutsu he had seen through Sasuke's eyes. He had thought of sealing the memory but had ultimately decided against it, Sasuke deserved to be able to come to terms with this himself he needed to know.

Sasuke grit his teeth, "I tried to fight back you know? The Tsukiyomi did not knock me out."

Sasuke paused for a moment; Inoichi looked at him expectantly.

"I ran at him said he was out of his mind, he hit me so hard that it felt like my entire body had been ripped apart, what chance does a gnat have against a dragon... I fell face first right in front of my parents' corpses."

The boy looked aside for a moment his expression downcast. The Uchiha clenched his fists.

"Then I tried to run, I begged for my life like a coward! He smiled at me and said it would be far too easy to kill me but I was too pathetic, so he made me suffer instead. Then after that, I knew what it meant to be hurt. He admitted to killing Shisui-san, his best friend all for the sake of advancing his own power. Then he hit me with that awful genjutsu again."

Sasuke continued; Inoichi listened without saying a word.

"I remember everything, I saw it so many times repeated on loop do you know how many hairs Itachi split from my mother when he slashed across her back? I do, fourteen hundred and ninety-three. I had more than enough time to count."

Sasuke's voice was like ice as he recounted the brutal scene of his mothers murder.

Inoichi swallowed back a lump in his throat as he could not help but think of what could have been done to prevent this tragedy. Even as an adult with what he had seen he found it difficult to look at the boy.

Sasuke's face twisted in rage "I have to get stronger, there is no other way for me to live my life now, I cannot afford to be weak. Not when he is still out there, likely hurting more people." Sasuke's voice was hard and cold as he stared at the ground; the sight of the scorched earth and ash all around them from the ninjutsu he had practiced seemed almost like a foreboding omen to Inoichi.

He was the greatest therapist Konoha had, had since its founding he would admit that with a small and in his opinion well deserved bit of pride. He had helped many shinobi recuperate from horrific things his most notable success being Anko Mitarashi, yet for the first time in his years he was uncertain, on one hand getting stronger could help Sasuke deal with his trauma by making him more sure of himself and his strength would of course benefit Konoha, on the other hand he was still a child and if he failed to make adequate progress by whatever metric he was judging himself to he could develop a severe inferiority complex and would likely become withdrawn if not outright antisocial towards those around him and possibly live the remainder of his days in dread.

Inoichi looked down at the boy; there was an unspoken question on his face. Sasuke's eyes shifted back to him.

"Tell me Sasuke, if you gained that strength and avenged your clan what would you do afterwards?" Inoichi asked curiously. Though he was not one to judge those who may be less than sane or stable he did find himself concerned about what might happen if Sasuke took the wrong path after dealing with this. He needed to know where the boy's motives lie.

(Persuasion roll Failure Inoichi's stats are too low to influence you.)

(4 manipulation + 5 persuasion -5 social penalty =4 VS 5 composure + 4 Subterfuge = -5 successes.)

Sasuke almost bit his tongue. 'So that is how we are playing this.' He thought darkly. He was more than a little peeved getting a psych eval right after his outburst as the man was clearly trying to judge his motives even now. He needed to be sure he could pull this off.

'Inspect' Sasuke thought he only needed to see his social stats and basic overview.

Name Yamanaka Inoichi

Age 33.

Character: Professional- you are always proper and like to be viewed as a consummate professional.

Dirge: Doting father- You tend to dote on children especially your own, you have a soft heart for kids and are thus more easily moved by them.

Clan- Yamanaka

Bloodline- Mindwalker

Experience points 0

Beats 0/5

Size- 5 roughly in the five foot range.

Health level- 23, 18 from stamina, 5 from size.

Chakra Capacity 23600 CP.

Speed- 42 yps run speed. 5 from size, 20 from dex, 15 from str. elite chunin enhancement x15 speed for 1500 cp per second.

Defense rating- 26 plus 12 if using speed enhancement

Armor rating- 3A 3L 3B. 3 armor torso from jonin vest.

Soak- 36 B.

Initiative modifier- 25

Genjutsu resistance- 23

Genjutsu bonus- 9

Description- Yamanaka Inoichi is a jonin of Konohagakure and a well renowned therapist. Inoichi has some dealings with T&I and is well respected by the shinobi forces whom he helps in information gathering and stress reduction. He is a member of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and is the best mindwalker in his clan. He has already played around in your head.

Reputation 60/100 = Honored. 30 from sympathy 20 from presence, 10 from speech checks.

Inoichi is moved to sympathy for what you have endured -1, and is further softened since you are a child the same age as his young daughter -1, high affinity grants an additional -3. Resulting in Social roll difficulty being reduced by 5.

Social Attributes

presence 3 /5

manipulation 4 /5

composure 4 /5

Social skills

Empathy- 7/10

Persuasion- 5/10

Expression- 5/10

Socialize- 4/10

Intimidation 3/10

Streetwise- 2/10

Subterfuge- 3/10

He could do this based on what he was reading. He just had to play this right.

Acting like he had given Inoichi's question proper weight and deliberation he spoke.

"After Itachi is dealt with, I would begin the work of restoring my clan, I do not intend to let what Itachi did to me stand in the way of forging new bonds. I have no family left I only hope in time that I will come to view Konoha itself as my new family."

Sasuke began ending on a hopeful note before continuing.

"I know it will never replace what I lost but these are the lands of my people as much as they were the lands of the Senju, in time I hope to love the people of this village as much as I loved my kin."

He overshadowed the hopefulness with a shade of melancholy and sentimentality as one looking for answers so often would.

"I will be counting on you too Inoichi, I- I do need help as I have no one left to rely on."

A personal plea directed at one who wanted to help others a stutter to show some vulnerability while highlighting the influence such a helpful person would have.

(Persuasion Roll Success!)

(5 manipulation + 2 persuasion +5 from affinity =12 VS 4 composure +3 subterfuge =7)

(12-7= 5 Successes! Success critical! Plus 2 Relationship with Inoichi Yamanaka 62-100)

Inoichi looked at him for a long moment trying to detect any dishonesty he had gotten quite good at seeing through liars working at T&I yet he detected no falsehoods from the Uchiha. Not that he expected anything of the sort, Sasuke was just a kid, a kid that had been through something horrible, more than that he was for the most part a respectful boy, his attempts at being formal and courteous despite what he had went through showed a certain strength of character many shinobi lacked in his opinion.

Giving the boy a small smile, he nodded, "You are very kind Sasuke. That is a beautiful goal I hope you succeed." he replied his voice warm as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

Kind? Sasuke supposed he had been that once, he hadn't forgotten that this man standing before him had already rifled through his skull and seen what had made the old him tick. Pity that he was no longer that boy anymore. That naive child had in many ways died with the rest of his kin.

Nodding his head the ebon-haired youth gave a small smile to Inoichi it may have been reassuring but to Sasuke it was self-satisfied. "I hope so too." he replied softly before giving a small bow. If one was wise enough, they would have noted it was ever so slightly mocking.

QUEST ADDED DEMONSTRATE YOUR NEW TECHNIQUES TO INOICHI.

QUEST REWARD 4 RELATIONSHIP WITH YAMANAKA INOICHI, +1 LEVEL IN EVERY JUTSU SHOWN PLUS 2 XP.

Sasuke almost smirked. He had regained most of his chakra while resting this would be no problem.

"Would you like to see what I have been working on?" Sasuke asked. Inoichi was taken aback by the offer, not too much time had passed since the massacre he wondered what the boy could have accomplished in a days time; as he was about to respond Sasuke continued speaking as if he were reading his thoughts. "I have been practicing with my clan's ninjutsu and have gotten a few new techniques down including two B-rank jutsu."

(PLUS 1 RELATIONSHIP WITH YAMANAKA INOICHI 63-100)

Inoichi's eyebrows shot up at this and he could not help but be impressed at the boy's progress, his body was still healing and still quite fragile for him to learn any jutsu in a day was impressive let alone to get even a single B-rank technique down that was a prodigious talent. He thought that if this boy had been allowed to train properly, he would become an exceptional shinobi.

"I would love to see what you are capable of Sasuke." Inoichi replied with a small nod as he moved back to give the boy some space.

Sasuke nodded a small smirk spreading across his lips he turned towards the badly charred log.

"The first jutsu I got down today was the KATON GORYUKA NO JUTSU, if you are not familiar it forms a dragon of flame that destroys obstacles before exploding, typically an Uchiha learns it after becoming a chunin."

Inoichi nodded he was somewhat familiar with the technique, though it wasn't the most common of Uchiha techniques it was an effective one.

The boy was moving with confidence, his movements smooth and precise as he flew through the handsigns breathing in deeply his chest expanded like a bellows drawing air into his lungs before exhaling sharply, the result was immediate A 3 yard tall dragon made of flames burned into existence. Its scales were red, orange, yellow and white all mixed and blended the dragon flew at speed at the charred stump smashing it to bits before embedding into the ground and and detonating in an explosion that consumed a 6 yard area; Sasuke's face was expressionless as he stood back to watch his creation disappear into a cloud of ash and smoke.

(-750 CP 2250 CP REMAINING)

Inoichi let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding in as he watched the flames engulfing the log die away. The boy was quite talented if only he could be properly trained by the village, he could become a genuine asset in time.

Sasuke it would seem was not done moving on to a fresh log he ran some wire through a few shuriken before tossing it like a discus towards the log; the metal star spun through the air and struck the log with a thundering crack of breaking wood. The other two stars circled around the log and smashed into the wood with similar results.

Biting the wire between his teeth Sasuke flew through signs once again 'KATON RYUKA NO JUTSU!' he intoned before breathing a stream of flame down the wires.

(-250 CP 2000 CP REMAINING)

The log exploded into splinters as the flames raced around it, the wires sending the fire spinning like a cyclone.

Inoichi noted the fire was so hot it melted the wires through the wood, leaving only the metal stars embedded into the stump though even they were badly charred.

'This boy really is gifted.' he thought as he watched the young boy walk towards him as if nothing had happened.

"Impressive Sasuke," he said as he shook his head, he could tell that the boy had been burning chakra constantly since his return from the hospital though there wasn't any sign of him tiring or getting sick, no Genin should even have this level of chakra, let alone an academy student fresh out of the hospital it was as humbling as it was frightening.

"I am not finished yet Inoichi." Sasuke replied smoothly his dark eyes studying him intently, there was something else in the boy's eyes; something like pride perhaps? Inoichi didn't know why but Sasuke's words were laced with a self-confidence that wasn't normal for one of his age or circumstances. Inoichi had to wonder if this was another side effect of what had happened to him that night, this desire to improve was quite frankly abnormal for a ten year old.

Inoichi let out a small sigh wondering what to make of this strange child before him, the boy was hard to read especially in regards to his age Sasuke prior to the massacre had been a rather open boy, shy, but not subtle in the slightest. Had the massacre affected him so fully? Was this the result of so much trauma? He would need to find out; if Inoichi were to judge the boy purely on his apparent chakra reserves Sasuke was one of the strongest academy students currently enrolled at the academy; his chakra reserves were exceptional for his age, only paling in comparison to THAT BOY, but it was more than that; he had exceptional control over his own body too.

Sasuke's body moved with a grace Inoichi would expect from a seasoned genin, not an academy student in his first year of lessons, it would be suspicious if not for his lineage and the feats his own brother had demonstrated while he was at the academy. Inoichi knew the rumors surrounding Itachi, Sasuke's brother was one of the most talented individuals in Konoha's history. Sasuke was demonstrating that same skill, as his brother who had been a prodigy by any standard.

If Inoichi were to hazard a guess he would propose that perhaps the Tsukiyomi had awakened the boys inner talent, the things he had endured under that genjutsu could have been like a catalyst for this change. Perhaps Sasuke was the rare type that thrived under adversity?

'Itachi had certainly had more than his fair share of adversity and it had made him stronger as well. Until it broke him anyway' Inoichi thought bitterly.

He would try to prevent that from occurring here if he could; Sasuke was one of Konoha after all and they needed strong ninja. They had lost many during the Uchiha massacre and it would be a grave mistake to lose one of such evident promise like this boy—Sasuke was a diamond in the rough if he could only be polished, he would gleam brighter than most anyone alive, if he was only given proper guidance to develop himself...

The boy's face was expressionless as he stared at Inoichi, his dark eyes hidden by his long lashes. There was a quiet intensity in his stare that was almost unnerving to the jonin. No child should have eyes so piercing, so shrewd; no child should have the composure of a seasoned adult when faced with such obvious scrutiny. Sasuke did not shuffle his feet under his stare nor did he look away as if ashamed like many younger children would do when confronted with a jonin's scrutiny; his dark eyes simply held Inoichi's gaze unflinching before he spoke in a voice so deep it almost seemed to echo from inside his chest.

"I have one last technique to show you if you have the time Inoichi." he said, still staring intently at him. Inoichi gave him a small nod before he moved back to give the boy some space and allow him to concentrate on his technique.

Sasuke gave him a small smile before continuing. "This technique is not very widely known, it was Uchiha Tenkai's signature technique he was an A-ranked ninja from my clan." Sasuke said as he looked away from Inoichi and stared out across the forest that was visible from the training ground.

Inoichi was silent as he thought for a few moments was he ashamed to have taken the jutsu?

"I see." Inoichi said softly "Well it is a good thing that you have it, Techniques should be passed on lest they be forgotten, I am sure that he would not mind you knowing it."

"Yeah." Sasuke said still looking out over the forest "I think so too, I know from speaking to him, that he planned to teach it to Setsuko one day when she graduated from the academy, sadly with what my brother did that is no longer possible."

He had grown close to Tenkai and Setsuko over the years. Unbidden their faces flashed into his mind his eyes recalling them perfectly just as they were. He hated the vaunted memory of his clan sometimes. It was said that an Uchiha never forgot anything, but this was every bit as much a curse as it was a blessing. An Uchiha remembered every great blessing they ever saw but they also recalled every single sorrow they had ever suffered. The memory was always fresh be it good or bad.

Inoichi gave him a sympathetic look.

"Well you should keep it close to heart, something to remember a fallen comrade by is precious, he lives on through you and through that technique. Preparing the new generation to stand on their own is among the most admirable things any shinobi can strive to do. Keeping the teachings of those before us alive and well is what the clans do best—one must strive to honor the past." Inoichi said warmly.

Sasuke despite himself was moved by Inoichi's words, that was a good way to look at things in his opinion.

"My clan does the same you know? Most of our techniques are Hiden ninjutsu passed down from generation to generation." Inoichi stated.

"Genetically we are more capable of using our abilities than others outside of our clan but otherwise many of our jutsu are passed on, the Nara, Akimichi, and many other clans are also known for this. It is nothing to feel any shame over quite the opposite in fact, jutsu exist to be passed on." Inoichi said.

Sasuke nodded. "Thanks, Inoichi." He said sincerely it felt like a small weight had been lifted from his chest. Inoichi was right if he did not learn the techniques they would have simply died out, in his own way he was honoring his clan by ensuring they would see use. Glorious use as he would be using them to put their spirits to rest by slaying his brother.

"I still have not come close to mastering it, but I intend to." Sasuke said as he turned back to face Inoichi; there was a hint of steel in his eyes that did not match his young age.

"I have gotten the basics of it down, but like any other jutsu it takes time to perfect—and a lot of practice." Sasuke said before he closed his eyes and began to focus on the chakra swirling within him.

"Like all Katon jutsu breath is key, everything from the inhale to the exhale matters when wielding flame. The part that took me the longest when learning this technique was the exhale, the hosenka technique requires small rapid exhales to create the fireballs, while the grand fireball jutsu requires either a narrow-lipped exhale or a harsh open mouthed breath depending on usage. This technique is different, it requires a slow steady exhale sort of like a deep breathed sigh; if you will." Sasuke explained as he went through the hand signs once more as he tried to describe how he was feeling it.

"The chakra is collected in your stomach and chest then released from your mouth in a controlled stream of breath, too harsh and the jutsu fails too gentle and they do not properly form." Sasuke said as he closed his eyes and let out a sigh of his own as if to demonstrate.

Feeling he had aptly explained the technique he went through the hand signs raidly ending on the snake sign. Sasuke kneaded flame in his gut before releasing a gentle exhale. (-750 CP 1250 CP REMAINING)

(KATON HOTARU NO HAKA NO JUTSU!) He mentally intoned.

Out of his mouth thirty-six ashen winged fireflies lazily flew swirling around before settling 12 meters in front of him with the reconciliation sign they flashed brightly before detonating in 36 micro explosions over a three-meter area destroying the charred log below and covering the area with black smoke and ash.

QUEST COMPLETED DEMONSTRATE YOUR NEW TECHNIQUES TO INOICHI.

QUEST REWARD 4 RELATIONSHIP WITH YAMANAKA INOICHI, 67-100 +1 LEVEL IN EVERY JUTSU SHOWN, PLUS 2 XP.

Inoichi's eyes widened slightly as he looked at the smoking remains of the log and inhaled sharply; the wind had shifted and blown the smoke away from them, though they could still feel its effects upon their noses. He looked back at Sasuke to see the boy was smiling with satisfaction at his work.

"That is all that I have been able to get down as far as ninjutsu goes, if you can though Inoichi I would like to spar against you, you are stronger than I am currently and I have not had much of a chance to measure myself against others to see where I currently fall. I have heard that you are quite skilled, would you mind?" Sasuke asked.

Inoichi did not have to think about his answer as he was more than willing to do so. It would likely aid in Sasuke's development and recovery, giving him a goal to strive towards would help to keep him occupied leaving the boy alone to his apparently negative thoughts if his conversation about his brother was any indication would not be a good thing. Still though seeming too eager would also send the wrong message. If he favored the boy too obviously it could have a negative effect on him by encouraging him to try too hard.

With that in mind Inoichi regarded the boy silently for a moment "I would be willing to do so Sasuke on one condition, after the funeral is held for your clan you will come to eat with my family, Ino has been asking about you, she is rather worried you see and having you visit would ease her mind a bit."

Sasuke made a show of his considering his proposal, a favor for a favor, it made sense to him and if his hunch about the Jonin was correct this was part of him ingratiating Sasuke to his clan in order to both secure his loyalty to Konoha, and aid in his recovery while also making Inoichi seem more dependable to him to be someone he could confide in and trust. The Hokage's plan was all too obvious to him and without this power he would have doubtlessly been completely unaware of the manipulation involved.

Giving the Jonin a small smile he nodded his assent "I can agree to that Inoichi, I would like to meet your family."

"Good!" Inoichi said happily as he placed his hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "let us begin then come at me with everything you have, do not hold back, after the spar I will tell you where you need to improve." With that said the man took several steps away from Sasuke and nodded his head.

Sasuke gave a curt nod back before closing his eyes and focusing on the chakra inside him Inoichi said he should go all out and he knew just what to use to make the Jonin take him seriously.

Focusing his chakra behind his eyes his sharingan spun to life he could see through his closed eyes perfectly Inoichi all too clear to his perfect eyes. He opened his eyes emblazing Inoichi's shocked expression into his mind forever before he charged forward at speed that would make the average Genin envious.

Inoichi was caught by surprise by the sudden charge and his awakened Doujutsu. He had expected the boy to take his time and gauge his opponent's movements before trying anything like that—he was not ready for such an attack at all. Still he was not a Jonin without reason and though Sasuke admittedly was far faster than he had expected his speed was not on his level.

Inoichi could not dodge; if he were to move at that speed he would be off balance. Still though if he could not dodge, he could block. Bringing up both arms in a simple cross block he caught the boys foot as he came at him with a running kick, grasping the boy's leg he spun Sasuke away from him.

(DEX 5 + BWL 2 + SHARINGAN 6 =13 VS DEFENSE 26 =13 DEFENSE SUCCEEDS.)

Sasuke spun away in shock he was completely outclassed, just as he had expected. Correcting himself midflight he landed on his feet several yards away from Inoichi who was regarding him with a slight smile. Ensuring his footing was stable he charged forward again but was preempted by Inoichi lashing out at him with a kick.

( DEX 20 + BWL 5 =25 VS DEFENSE 16 =-9 DEFENSE FAILS)

His eyes saw the kick coming all too clearly yet he lacked the speed to avoid it only barely managing to bring up a single hand to block the kick coming at his gut. The force of it slammed his forearm into his gut with force raising him into the air and forcing him back.

(Str 17 + MA 5 + SUCCESSES 5 = 27 QUARTERED DUE TO INOICHI HOLDING BACK 6.75 ROUNDED TO 7.)

(7 - 14 soak =7 soak left.)

Sasuke once again found himself spinning through the air before landing hard on his feet; he had no chance at all did he? Inoichi had held back greatly and even so his arm was nearly numb from that kick. Even with all that though Sasuke still felt like he had gotten the better of it—his counter was almost instantaneous despite his lack of speed he was still able to counter Inoichi's kick slightly all due to his eyes.

Sasuke's arm ached slightly as he corrected his stance before charging forward once more. He launched a full combo against Inoichi leading with a left jab and following with a right straight, Inoichi deflected all of his blows with startling ease though; it seemed to be almost effortless to him. His eyes moved from left to right and then back again as he studied Inoichi's every move absorbing every movement he demonstrated into his memory he could feel himself improving incorporating Inoichi's style into his own.

(PLUS 1 to brawl from Sharingan mimicry.) Hoh? That was new.

"Not bad." Inoichi said as Sasuke gained more and more speed with his blows but Inoichi continued to block them without even seeming to be exerting himself all that much—Sasuke could not believe the amount of strength and power he was demonstrating though not on Itachi's level Inoichi had certainly earned his vest.

"Your defense is still not where it should be but you are improving." He said with a hint of pride in his voice as Sasuke continued to attack him with more and more blows until Inoichi caught his arm as he swung it at him; Sasuke's blow stopped dead in its tracks as though he had hit a solid wall. Inoichi followed through with this his other hand lashing out and striking the boy in his gut.

(RIPOSTE 26 DEFENSE VS DEX 5, + BWL 3, + SHARINGAN 6 =14 26-14= 12-1=11 DAMAGE)

(11 damage - 7 soak =-4 4 damage dealt. 3 health remaining.)

Sasuke gasped his feet lifting from the ground at the force of the counter Inoichi let go of his hand as he stumbled falling to his knees and nearly losing his lunch.

"I think we should call this here Sasuke-kun, though your speed is impressive especially for one of your age," Inoichi said with a smile. Sasuke nodded weakly as Inoichi walked over to him. Reaching down Inoichi helped Sasuke back to his feet.

"I am sorry if I hurt you, you are stronger than you look and I forgot myself for a moment. I did not expect you to be this fast." Inoichi said apologetically.

Sasuke shook his head. "Don't apologize, I am glad you chose not to hold back, it showed me how far I still have to go." Sasuke admitted plainly.

Inoichi smiled widely; he liked the boy's attitude. "That view will take you far Sasuke, far too many would be discouraged by a loss. As you stand now, I feel few Genin would be a challenge to you. You have potential Sasuke, don't waste it."

Sasuke gave a small nod "I have been training since I could walk, I will not stop now."

Inoichi nodded "That is all any of us can do, keep at it."

Pausing for a moment Inoichi raised a question "If I may ask when did you awaken your Sharingan? That took me by surprise." Inoichi asked curious.

The boy paused a dark look overcoming his eyes "I gained it during the massacre, seeing the deaths of those I loved over and over again awakened it, the eye is awakened by extreme emotion from what my father told me." He answered simply; his eyes becoming cold and distant.

Inoichi could tell the subject of his family was painful to him, he respected that. Inoichi decided to change the subject. "The only good thing that came out of that night. I am sorry I brought it up." Inoichi apologized.

Sasuke waved his apology off to Inoichi's relief. "I saw what you did, you copied my movements, in the future take care when doing that to an ally some shinobi do not take kindly to such things." Inoichi chided gently.

Sasuke looked away; he would not apologize he needed any edge he could get but he could tell the man meant well.

"I do not mind personally, but it is important that you know to avoid incidents in the future. Some shinobi are very secretive with their techniques and styles and may take offense if they are copied or mimicked. Though if done in the heat of battle, and if the situation allows for it, then copying another ninja's movements can prove to be quite beneficial when dealing with enemies and no one in the village would take issue with that."

Sasuke stewed on that for a moment. 'It always came back to the village didn't it?' he thought darkly.

He was old enough to remember the tension and distrust the villagers had for his clan and the suspicion they endured by shinobi and civilians following the Kyuubi attack. He quite frankly did not give a damn about the opinions of civilians or ignorant shinobi. Shinobi were supposed to use every tool they had to gain power his eyes were no different than any other bloodline advantage, talent, or jutsu, only a fool would refuse to use them for something as frivolous as fair play. The world was not fair many had advantages others lacked why should they not use them? If the Inuzuka got to fight with their mutts without question, the Hyuuga got to use their eyes without scrutiny and the Senju got to benefit from a ridiculously hardy constitution and chakra, why then should he be denied the gift of his eyes?

Life was not fair, he knew that quite well. Killing children in their sleep was not fair, massacring civilians was not fair, judging others on suspicion alone was not fair. He would be damned if he played fair, it was pointless especially when no one else did. Did Hashirama turn off his healing factor when fighting his opponents in the interest of fairness? Did the Nidaime use a water gun instead of his incredible water affinity? Did the Yondaime slaughter hundreds of shinobi fairly without teleporting? No, he would use his power as he saw fit, power existed to be exercised to do any less was a waste. Ally or enemy it made no real difference to Sasuke if the shinobi of Konoha were truly his comrades they would aid him in his endeavors, wouldn't they? If he got stronger did not the village also benefit? This secrecy and hiding of techniques hindered shinobi more than anything in his opinion.

To say nothing of the academy which apparently only taught basic chakra usage which Sasuke had learned at four years old, and 3 D-rank techniques to Genin hopefuls. The rest they had to learn themselves or gain from their sensei's this was perfectly fine for the children of clans like himself who had jutsu libraries and clan techniques but what of clanless shinobi or orphans like that annoying blonde one? That secrecy and jealous guarding of techniques had likely led to many young clanless shinobi getting slaughtered if a mission went sideways. And for what? The covetous nature of shinobi who jealously guarded their own power.

"I understand, thank you for the warning." He replied sincerely. He did understand, their envy and fear that is, and for now he would play ball. He did not need to reveal his sharingan to copy others after all and he would use whatever he could to become stronger their feelings did not matter.

Inoichi nodded; satisfied with his answer before he pressed on "At any rate this visit today was not just a social call the Hokage wants to meet with you this evening to cover the burial of your clan and to check up on you." Inoichi informed him.

"He wants to see me?" Sasuke asked surprised.

Inoichi nodded "He is concerned for you and wants to make sure everything is alright. He also wants your input on how your clan should be buried and how you should like to proceed from there." Inoichi explained.

Sasuke nodded and stood there a moment a faraway look in his eyes thinking of his clan, his kin who died that day. "I will need to get ready." Sasuke said quietly. Inoichi nodded; he understood that the pain was still raw.

Sasuke thought deeply for a moment if he remembered correctly the Uchiha clan standard burial process was cremation by a fire technique to symbolize their connection the element they all relied upon.

Sasuke considered this "The Uchiha have since ancient times practiced cremation as a means of purifying the body and ensuring that our eyes do not fall into enemy hands. I would like to request that with separate urns for each of my clansmen." He explained. Konoha was his village, but the eyes of his people were a tempting target a more conventional burial would put them at risk.

Inoichi nodded in agreement "A sound suggestion, if you would like to suggest it to the third we can." Inoichi offered.

'Ah so that was it.' Sasuke thought as the pieces slowly fell into place.

As Sasuke increased his social stats he found himself more and more suspicious of those around him. Even though he liked Inoichi, he had been acting in a certain way since meeting him. He was no fool Sasuke knew damn well that he had been assigned to watch him and see if he was a risk. Since his clan was destroyed it is not like he had any particular reason to stay in Konoha and the Hokage likely was aware of this. Until he got his Hitai-ate he was a free man. He could legally leave Konoha at any time he was no shinobi he could not be labelled a missing nin but he was not naive enough to do so. If he left Konoha he would doubtlessly be ambushed outside of the village if only to ensure he did not fall into another village's hands. He was too weak to leave of his own strength and did not see much reason to do so. So he would play ball with the professor and this jounin for his own sake.

"Of course." Sasuke accepted with a fake smile, this was a small price to pay for the protection of the village. He would play along and hopefully gain some allies in the process. If he could get the Hokage in his pocket he would have a capable ally when the time came to kill his brother.

Picking up the scrolls he had been studying Sasuke jerked his head towards Inoichi "I have to get cleaned up then we can go, you can wait inside my home if it is not too much trouble." Sasuke said politely.

"No problem, lead the way." Inoichi said smiling.

Sasuke led the way to his house which was a large wooden building surrounded by a small garden a pier and a placid lake. Inside he found a simple living room with a low table set with tea cups and four cushions; he sat down on one and looked around the home the family photo on the wall catching his eyes for a moment and making him rather uncomfortable.

Looking away from the photograph Inoichi looked to Sasuke who had seen where his eyes had focused.

Inoichi watched the boy carefully, he noticed a slight tremble to the boy's hands, though he seemed to be trying to hide this fact. His expression was stoic but Inoichi could sense a deep sadness within the boy—it was clear that he still mourned the loss of his clan though he hid it very well from those around him. His eyes moved to the picture again before looking to Inoichi; his face blank as if nothing had occurred.

"Sasuke-kun, do you want to talk about it? Your clan, and what happened?" Inoichi offered gently.

Sasuke shook his head "Not right now, later maybe." He replied softly, his voice so quiet Inoichi barely heard it.

Inoichi sighed, knowing that pushing it would not help the boy. He decided to let it drop for now, perhaps if Sasuke felt comfortable enough to discuss it with Inoichi, then it might bring some closure to his wounds. At least that is what Inoichi hoped for as he went through his mental checklist of things to ask the boy if the time ever arose.

"Alright, I understand, just know that I am here." Inoichi stated simply hoping to lighten the mood.

Sasuke gave a small nod "Thank you." his words almost a whisper.

Inoichi smiled "Of course, I will be here when you are finished." He said kindly.

Sasuke nodded simply and left the room to get cleaned up. Inoichi waited patiently for the boy's return. His eyes once again lingering on the family photo present in the room.

After a short while Sasuke returned wearing a clean dark grey kimono, covered by a black Haori jacket, with dark Hakama pants and simple black sandals and tabi socks, his hair still slightly damp from his shower.

Inoichi noted how well the outfit suited the boy, it was faintly formal and highly traditional; yet it was very fitting to Sasuke's personality and the image of the Uchiha clan he wished to portray. It was a balance between formality and tradition with practicality—a perfect blend.

"I am ready, shall we leave then?" Sasuke asked.

Inoichi rose to his feet "Good, I will be taking you there via Shunshin so it may be a little disorientating at first." He warned the boy. Sasuke merely nodded.

They walked out of the front door and after Sasuke had locked up Inoichi placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Are you ready?" Inoichi asked. Sasuke closed his eyes and took a deep breath as Inoichi began to focus chakra into his body.

"Prepare yourself shunshin is not a very pleasant experience." Inoichi warned.

Sasuke nodded and tensed in a moment they had vanished in a swirl of leaves. Sasuke felt the world spin as he was bodily pulled along by the jutsu. When the spinning stopped and his brief Nausea abated he found himself beside Inoichi in the Hokage tower.

"This way Sasuke." Inoichi offered as he walked down the hall to the office of the Hokage.

Sasuke nodded before something flashed in his mind.

QUEST ALERT!

The Trust of a Tyrant

OBJECTIVE 1: Impress the third Hokage with your growth but don't overdo it.

OBJECTIVE 2: Get to 40 relationship with Sarutobi Hiruzen.

QUEST REWARD 1: 8XP, 1 level in chakra control.

QUEST REWARD 2: 12 XP, a very influential ally.

QUEST FAILURE 1: Suspicion, even more ANBU monitoring.

QUEST FAILURE 2: No immediate consequences.

Sasuke nearly gulped luckily, he had 38 xp to use that should increase his odds. Also aiding him was the fact that he had been careful and had taken the time to 'practice' the techniques he had learned.

Thinking as he walked, he spent 4 xp on intelligence raising it to four. He then dumped 18 xp into subterfuge raising it 6 points to ten maxing the skill. 12 xp went to strength, stamina and dexterity raising all by 1 point. His remaining 4 XP went into resolve raising it by 1 point to seven total.

Doing all that he could Sasuke followed Inoichi into the hokage's office hoping his new abilities and his foresight would carry him well.

Current Stats

Name Uchiha Sasuke

Age 10.

Ryo 149.9 million

Character: vengeful- You are not one to take a slight laying down whenever you act as befitting your personality by righting a perceived wrong take a beat. 5 beats grants 1 experience point.

Dirge: Passionate- You hide it well but you secretly like many Uchiha have a very choleric temperament whenever you act on impulse no matter the impulse take 1 beat. 5 beats grants 1 experience point.

Clan- Uchiha

Bloodline- Sharingan three tomoe.

Experience points 0.

Beats 1/5

Size- 5 roughly in the five-foot range.

Health level- 13, 8 from stamina, 5 from size.

Chakra Capacity 4000 CP.

Speed-17 yps run speed. 5 from size, 6 from dex, 6 from str. X5 if using Genin speed boost.

Defense rating- 9, 18 with sharingan, plus 3 if using Genin speed boost.

armor rating- 0A 0A 0B.

Soak- 16B.

Initiative modifier- 11

Genjutsu resistance- 11, 23 with sharingan

Genjutsu bonus- 10, plus leveled jutsu bonus sharingan.

Mental attributes

Intelligence- 4/5. An intelligence of 4 depicts an IQ of around 170 or so intelligence governs memory comprehension, sealing proficiency, medical ability, and mathematical abilities and more besides.

Wits-2/5. A wits of 2 is the human average wits governs improvisation and thinking on your toes. It benefits any skill when time is critical.

Resolve-7/50 Resolve of 6 is decent chunin level. Resolve covers your mental endurance to torture and your ability to keep going. Resolve in this world also heightens genjutsu resistance, and chakra capacity.

Physical attributes

Strength- 6/50 A strength of 6 is base chunin. Strength 6 allows one to lift 900 pounds above their head with great difficulty, strength also governs the damage of physical attacks along with weapon modifiers and martial arts skill. Strength along with dexterity raise speed.

Dexterity- 6/50 A dexterity of 6 is base chunin. Dexterity raises the defense rating directly and contributes to the accuracy of physical attacks. Dexterity along with strength raise speed.

Stamina- 8/50 A stamina of 8 is solid chunin in level. Stamina directly adds a level of health per level, stamina also directly effects chakra capacity and raises your blunt soak allowing you to survive more punishing blows from punches and kicks.

Social Attributes

Presence- 5/5 A presence of 5 is the equivalent of being a ten out of ten. Presence is the combination of your looks, magnetism, and aura. It directly effects the starting opinion of those around you a presence of 5 grants you plus 20 to initial reputation with all characters. You are drop dead gorgeous and people often joke that you will be quite the lady killer when you grow up.

Manipulation- 5/5 Manipulation is part of your ability to lie, cajole, and other subtle means of getting your way. Manipulation effects the strength of genjutsu being added as a bonus to genjutsu rolls. A manipulation of 5 is the human peak you are the most manipulative person that isn't your brother.

Composure- 5/5 Composure is part of your social resilience against manipulation. A composure of 5 means you are far, far harder to fool than the average person. Composure like manipulation is also added to your genjutsu attack rolls.

Mental skills

Academics- 1/10 Academics one indicates a basic education in history and the shinobi arts. low genin level.

Sealing- 0/10 Sealing indicates talent for using fuinjutsu 0 indicates no skill or training in the art.

Crafting- 0/10 crafting is a wide skill covering talent in various works from building to blacksmithing. 0 indicates you are unskilled.

Investigation- 1/10 Investigation indicates an eye for detail and can help avoid ambushes or look underneath the underneath. Low genin level.

Medical- 0/10 your talent with medical ninjutsu and other medicines herbal and pharmaceutical. 0 indicates no skill.

Occult- 4/10 Occult is part of your genjutsu resistance it with resolve determines your ability to fight off illusions. currently at low chunin level.

Politics- 1/10 politics denotes your knowledge of political structure and intellectual bureaucracy. Low genin level.

Chakra control- 2/10 denotes your finer chakra control abilities reducing the cost of non-elemental jutsu by 8 percent per level. current level high genin/leaf exercise.

Physical skills

Athletics- 3/10 Athletics is your muscle memory and routine it increases your defense alongside dexterity allowing you to move out of the way of attacks. It also impacts certain over tests alongside strength or dex.

Brawl- 3/10 Brawl indicates your skill in a fist fight it alongside dexterity determines the speed and accuracy of your punches and alongside strength determines your strength in grappling or defending against grappling.

Martial Arts- 1/10 unlike brawl which increase accuracy and speed martial arts increases the raw damage of hand to hand combat every point raises unarmed damage by 1 point. Masters punch with fists stronger than many blades.

Mechanica- 0/10 determines your accuracy alongside dexterity for hitting targets with aimed mechanical weaponry such as senbon umbrellas, crossbows, and shuriken guns.

Sleight of hand- 1/10 indicates your skill with picking pockets or quickly drawing weapons and items alongside dexterity. In addition with stealth it can be used to surprise opponents in combat if successful it halves their defense next attack. This ability is challenged by the opponents sleight of hand and investigation.

Stealth- 2/10 your skill of avoidance coupled with dexterity for graceful movement stealth determines how easy you can sneak challenged by opponents investigation, and resolve.

Survival- 0/10 your skill of living off the land and prepping animals, plants, and water for consumption goes with wits to adapt to circumstances.

Weaponry- 4/10 your skill with thrown and hand operated weapons like kunai shuriken and spears, weaponry with dexterity determines accuracy while the weapons damage is boosted by strength. Unless it is a bow.

Social skills

Animal ken- 0/10 A prized skill of the Inuzuka animal ken increases your ability to tame animals and order them in combat or otherwise.

Empathy- 4/10 Your ability to read others and put yourself into their situations and problems. manipulation plus empathy versus composure and subterfuge.

Expression- 0/10 Your ability to communicate thoughts and emotions clearly through acting, music, speaking or writing. Presence plus expression vs composure and subterfuge.

Intimidation- 0/10 Your ability to coerce through force of personality, physicality and threats. either strength plus intimidation or presence and intimidation. All are resisted by composure and subterfuge.

Persuasion- 2/10 Your ability to manipulate others subtly with words and covert actions. It can involve fast talking, (Manipulation + Persuasion.) Impassioned speech (Manipulation +persuasion.) Or seduction/charm (Presence + persuasion.) All are resisted by composure and subterfuge.

Socialize- 2/10 your ability to blend into parties or formal gatherings or anywhere really. Actions include Carouse (Manipulation + Socialize), Fit in (Wits + Socialize), and Get attention (Presence + Socialize) All are resisted by composure and subterfuge.

Streetwise- 0/10 Your knowledge of the other side of town, your connection to criminal elements and black-market types. Skills are work the black market (Manipulation+streetwise) and get the word out we are hiring (presence + streetwise).

Subterfuge- 10/10 Your ability to lie deceive and manipulate also your ability to defend against such things yourself. Lying is manipulation plus subterfuge, fake emotions is presence plus subterfuge. Other uses covered above. Subterfuge maxed! Additional merits available. Snake charmer merit added!

Techniques

Katon Gokakyu/Grand Fireball C-rank 1000 CP 3/10- A signature technique of the Uchiha clan. At current mastery the fireball has a range of 16 yards and a maximum area of effect of 6 yards it currently does 6 aggravated damage and requires 7 defense to avoid.

Katon Goryuka/ Great Dragon Fire B-rank 3000 CP 3/10- A prized Uchiha technique capable of crushing through most barriers and then exploding in a blaze of agony. At current mastery the dragon formed by this technique is 3 meters in size ignores 9 points of armor from a structure and explodes for 9 aggravated damage in a 9 meter radius. Maximum range is 18 meters.

Katon Hotaru No Haka/Fire style Grave of Fireflies B-rank 3000 CP 2/10- The legacy of Uchiha Tenkai, this technique earned him the moniker of light bearer in his youth. At current level 72 small fireflies flutter out to a range of 18 yards before exploding for 6 aggravated damage in a 6 yard radius.

Katon Hosenka/ Phoenix Flower Jutsu C rank 1000 CP 2/10- A popular Uchiha technique. At current mastery it launches 4 small fireballs to a max distance of 14 yards and effects a four yard area each fireball does 1 aggravated damage and requires 5 defense to avoid.

Katon Ryuuka/ Dragonfire C-rank 1000 cp 2/10- A popular Uchiha support technique utilizing shuriken and ninja wire as a guide at lower levels. At current mastery it has a maximum distance of 12 yards and deals 4 aggravated damage.

Doton ishi no niku/Earth Style Stone Flesh C-rank 1000cp 1/10-an earth technique well prized for its survival enhancing properties by Iwagakure shinobi. The technique at lowest level hardens the users skin but upon mastery and experience it also hardens muscles, blood vessels, and bones for superior protection.100 cp per minute to maintain at level one it offers 2 armor against Lethal, Blunt, and aggravated damage and half of this rating against lightning.

Doton Ishi no Toride /Earth Style Fort of Stone C-rank 1000 cp per meter length 1/10- creates a wall 1 foot thick and 3 meters tall at current level can make slits walls and stone doors as well above or below ground a fort building technique.

Raiton Yama no Yubi/ Lightning style fingers of the mountain C-rank 1000 CP 1/10- A potent swift moving bolt of Lightning fired from two fingers. A precise long ranged jutsu well suited for assassinations. Used predominantly by hunter nin of Kumogakure for its speed and accuracy. At level 1 the bolt of lightning deals 2 lethal damage, has a range of 30 meters and requires 4 defense to dodge.

Henge no jutsu/ transformation technique D rank 500 cp 10 cp per minute 7/10 At your current mastery your henge is very impressive and all but the most minor details are perfectly aligned, this level of mimicry is nigh perfect with only slight variances in expression capable of giving it away.

Kawarimi no jutsu/substitution tachnique D-rank 500 cp ?/? Perhaps the greatest Mokuton technique Hashirama ever devised. He has blessed the people of Konoha with the holy log, a symbol of his love.

Bunshin no jutsu/ clone technique D rank 50 cp per clone 7/10 All for want of a mirror.

Merits

Snake Charmer- No one lies quite like you. You are the proverbial snake in the garden tempting men and women with venomous guile. You can choose to use subterfuge instead of persuasion for charm and seduction rolls. You tell the sweetest lies, and at the end of the day that is enough for most people.

Lying Eyes- A merit that conceals your sharingan activation, whenever you so choose you can use your dojutsu without revealing it granting all the advantages. Doubles chakra cost of Sharingan when used.

Desperado- Yours truly is a fool's quest, but you do not give up. You have a reputation as a desperately reckless sort but in an almost admirable way. You suffer no relationship penalty for acting in your choleric nature. As an added benefit when the chips are down and things are dire take +1 to all physical stats. A desperado goes down fighting tooth and nail.

Pain and hunger- You saw something few others could possibly relate to when you were little more than a child you were tormented for weeks on end in a hellish genjutsu that showed your beloved brother killing everyone you loved over and over again. You will not hesitate to kill you cannot afford to. take a plus 1 to hit rolls in life-or-death situations.

Chakra sense 1/10- You have gained the abilities of a sensor ninja at this level you can sense the sex, bloodline, and chakra elemental type of anyone within 20 yards of you.

Sharingan 3 Tomoe- you have mastered the eyes of your vaunted clan at this level the Sharingan grants double defense when active, plus 6 to your hit roll through prediction ability, and plus 12 to genjutsu resistance rolls. In addition to these abilities A fully evolved Sharingan allows you to memorize any seen technique, can see through mist/smoke and walls, can see through chakra mist/smoke and earth, can permanently hypnotize people, and can cast any genjutsu from D to A rank seallessly and as if you were a grandmaster. These bonuses only apply when the Sharingan is active. 100cp to activate plus 100 cp per minute.

Eye of insight- Tied to the Sharingan this is the name for the predictive abilities granted, it enhances your perception of time allows you to predict movement, read lips, and recall with clarity anything you see when using the Sharingan. This predictive ability is peerless when engaged in one-on-one combat and made the Uchiha feared opponents in any duel.

Eye of Hypnotism- The feared genjutsu abilities of a mastered Sharingan are terrifying indeed and known genjutsu can be cast from your eyes up to and including A-rank with no hand signs and as if fully mastered. In addition to this the eye of hypnotism grants hypnotic powers and the ability to read and influence thoughts. It can be used to suggest actions to an opponent, and gain insight into them. By using mental suggestion, you have a social advantage against others adding a plus 3 to manipulation and presence-based rolls, this bonus is challenged by an opponent's subterfuge and composure vs your subterfuge and composure if successful the mental manipulation succeeds. This influence is exceptionally subtle and is more of a mind ability than a pure genjutsu. Can even read memories or alter them though this ability takes time and is obvious to the person under it. Therefore, they need to be restrained or under genjutsu.

Eye of Twilight- The Sharingan has another vaunted ability though the cost of its use is high at the cost of an eye an Uchiha can escape death by rewriting reality itself for a few moments. Permanently blinds an eye when used. Izanagi takes his toll for the creation and preservation of life both.

Godly Earth affinity- Kaya-No-Hime favors you as the champion of the Goddess of fields and medicine you have gained her earth affinity! All earth jutsu cost 10 percent what is shown and stone can be used in any way imagined. makes stone summoning and clones permanent if they are not already so and allows rock clones and golems to repair themselves with natural energy.

Peak Fire Affinity- Ember in bone fire in blood the Uchiha were the inferno given form. No other clan was as enamored with the frenzied flame as your own. All fire jutsu cost 25 percent the normal amount and fire is very easy to control. An awakened sharingan allows one to manipulate fire jutsu in enviable and deadly ways.

High lightning affinity- lightning techniques cost 50 percent less to cast sharingan allows lightning to be more focused.

Curse of Hatred- Man studies the eyes of perhaps the most traumatized Uchiha in history and judges an entire clan from it, pay it no mind. Just know that some others will blame trauma on your eyes rather than events that caused it.

A/N

Happy New year everyone, next chapter will cover the conversation with Hiruzen, the funeral, and the return to the academy. After that we will have a time skip update chapter probably two or three years down the line to check up on other characters and progress.