HOY GUYS! Remember when I said I'd try to be more consistent and then didn't update for four months? Well I feel like a big jerk for that so I'm giving you two chapter today. Please dun' hurt me...

Also, I was getting a bit frustrated with 's page-break system. I guess this means I have to fix the page-breaks in other chapters, huh? *sigh*

I don't own Naruto, but I do own the paper that I tried to print a report out on the other day, but wound up jamming the ENTIRE PRINTER. I also own this story, so NO STICKY FINGERS!

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Far, far, away, in a land outside the Fire Country where the winters could be bitterly cold, a little boy was sitting outside his secluded house in the middle of a forest of pine trees. It was snowing all around him, pure, white, fluffy snow that made the boy laugh with delight. It was always snowing, snowing, snowing here in these woods, but every snowfall was as wonderful and magical as the last to this child. He whirled and danced, his feet kicking up puffs of fallen snow as he tried to catch the still-falling flakes. The snowflakes always melted before he could admire their beauty. If only there was a way for him to see them longer…

The boy stood up and ran over to the water trough his parents used for the horses. Today it was frozen solid again. He brushed his fingertips over the smooth surface of the ice, feeling the coolness start to numb his hands. He started to reach for more snowflakes when he noticed a long, thin icicle hanging from the side of the food trough. He tapped it with his fingernail and it broke away from the trough, landing in the snow.

The little boy picked up the icicle. He wanted to put it somewhere where people could see it. He tried to attach it to the eve of the house but it wouldn't stay put. The boy frowned. He wanted to show someone how pretty it was…as he thought about this, the icicle in his warm hands started to melt. As the boy noticed the melting a small look of panic flitted across his face.

No, please stay frozen! he thought. He took his hands away from the icicle and tried to make it stay in the air. The piece of ice became suspended in the air as the little boy focused on it. He smiled with delight. He didn't know he could do that! He vaguely wondered if he could make the ice form a shape that was even nicer than what it was now. To his surprise and excitement, the ice bent itself to his will and he made it swirl and dance in his hands.

"Are you still out here?" he heard his mother call. "You'll freeze! Come inside and warm yourself up."

The boy ran toward her, carrying his prize. "Look, mama! Look what I can do!" He gazed at the ice wondrously. "It's so pretty!"

He glanced at his mother to see utter shock on her face as well as…fear? She charged forward and grabbed his hands, making him drop the ice. The two of them struggled in the snow for several seconds, his mother shouting with anger. "Stop it! Stop it right now! You wicked, wicked child!"

"M-mama? Mama! Stop!"

Slap.

The boy's cheek stung and he stared at her with hurt and shock on his face. Tears welled up in the corners of his eyes and his mother knelt down and wrapped her arms around him. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I am so…so…sorry!"

"Mama…"

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Naruto dashed through the tree canopy at a breakneck pace, enjoying the wind whistling past his blood red hair. He was better, in his Hanyou form, at running on all fours than on just two legs. It would make sense, since the extra appendage on his spine messed with his balance—having a tail took some getting used to. Kane kept easy pace with him, even though he still ran on two legs, but that was to be expected. Naruto felt invincible! He had been dashing and jumping around the forest for what seemed to be all day and he wasn't even sweating! Takeru was running just below them on the ground, weaving through the underbrush and looking to be enjoying the exercise.

Kane and Naruto finally came to a stop when they reached a fenced-in training ground, just outside the village wall. By this time the sun was already almost completely set. Naruto had wanted to explore the place, but Kane had pointed out that it was nearing time for Naruto to head home. Naruto's eyes caught the fading sunlight and glowed as he surveyed his friend, a bewildered and slightly embarrassed expression on his face.

"Um…Kane?"

"What?"

Naruto closed his eyes and gave a nervous chuckle. "I don't know how to change back."

Kane looked thoughtful. "Y'know, I never really considered how you were going to change back. Maybe you should—" he fell silent and shushed Naruto, who picked up footsteps walking through the grass just inside the village wall. The footfalls sounded familiar, but at the same time they dragged, like the person was trying to walk as slowly as possible.

Naruto crept through the grass and, after a few minutes of poking around in the shrubs, found what he had been looking for: a small hole underneath the wall that he had spotted earlier that day. He had crawled through it and found himself right on a village street. He had considered telling the Hokage that there was a hole in the wall, but Kane had pointed out that Naruto could only fit through because he was so slim. A fully trained ninja wouldn't fit; so Naruto would get to keep his secret passage. Naruto squeezed underneath the wall and crawled along the tiny tunnel, finally detecting fresh air that indicated he was almost through. By now he had moved away from the footsteps, and they were fading fast, even to his ears. He followed them down the now almost completely dark street, his eyes allowing him to see the silhouette he was catching up to.

Kit…have you realized that the figure is heading towards the Uchiha compound? Takeru sent the thought Naruto's way.

Naruto's back stiffened. He hadn't realized that they were, in fact, heading towards the compound. If Naruto looked, he could see the Uchiha's complex coming into view. The silhouette had stopped and was standing in front of the main gate, fingering the hilt of a katana with his right hand.

Naruto got closer, and with a jolt he realized who it was. "Itachi-sama!"

Itachi jumped, clearly startled, and spun around to face his opponent, the blade of his katana pointing in the direction of the voice. "Who is there? Identify yourself!"

Naruto stepped into Itachi's view, forgetting the fact that he was still in Hanyou form. Kane and Takeru had slipped away, not wanting to be seen with and associated with the 'unfamiliar' Hanyou. Takeru informed Naruto that they would be waiting for him in the shadow of a tree, under the Kitsune-Kakeru.

Itachi's eyes widened at the sight of the Hanyou. "What is your name?"

Naruto remembered what Kane said about using a fake name, and his mind raced. "My name…is…um…Katsumi!" He hoped Itachi hadn't heard his hesitation.

Itachi stepped closer, not lowering his blade. Naruto stepped into the light of a nearby lamp to let Itachi see him better, and tried to wipe all emotion off of his face.

Itachi's eyes narrowed as he took in Naruto's appearance. "Katsumi… a strange name for someone who looks to be a demon…I suppose that means I shouldn't worry? You certainly don't belong in the village. I've never seen the likes of you around."

Naruto tried to look completely nonchalant. "That's right. I'm a Kitsune Hanyou, a half-fox demon."

Itachi's eyes didn't display any surprise, but the hands holding his katana stiffened. Naruto realized he was wearing his ANBU uniform, minus the mask. "A half…fox demon?" Itachi gave a small smile. "That means I have nothing to fear, isn't that right…Naruto-kun?"

Naruto started, eyes growing big. "How did you—"

Itachi sheathed his sword. "I've been keeping an eye on you, with the help of one of my comrades. I was patrolling near the academy today and I saw you and you friend running into the trees. I started to follow, but I felt a very strange chakra coming from where you had gone and decided against it. I knew that whatever you were up to, it was none of my business." Itachi's smile faded and he turned back to look at the Uchiha compound. He stood there, blankly staring at the compound gate, for several minutes. Naruto started to feel uncomfortable and scuffed his toe on the ground, with tail and ears twitching. Suddenly he heard Itachi begin muttering, almost to himself. "…will be getting home soon…can't let him get involved."

Naruto stepped closer, seeing as he was not about to get poked with Itachi's weapon. "Can't let Sasuke get involved in what?"

Itachi looked at Naruto, as if he had forgotten the academy student was there. Instead of asking how Naruto knew he was talking about Sasuke, he replied with a clipped tone. "It's none of you business, 'Katsumi'. You should probably head home now, shouldn't you?"

Naruto frowned. "It's everything my business, Itachi-sama. Sasuke's my friend. And don't try to lie, because I'll be able to tell." Naruto was bluffing, and he hoped Itachi didn't see it. Kane had told him that when people lied their voice gave them away, but Naruto had yet to be able to tell the difference. After all, he had only had his super-sensitive hearing for a day, and he hadn't actually talked to anyone until now!

Itachi started to give a snarky reply, but he stopped in mid-word as his shoulders drooped. "Very well. I will tell you the truth, because I believe you are trustworthy. Even if you told everybody, it would be thought of as some unbelievable rumor. And it's not like I'll be able to set my foot in this village again, anyway." He looked utterly defeated. "The ANBU have uncovered a plot within my clan for a coup 'de tat. They are planning to overthrow the Hokage and take control of this village. I've been sent to…eliminate the Uchiha clan."

Naruto's heart skipped a beat. Itachi had to…kill his family? What twisted world did the ANBU live in? No wonder Itachi had been so depressed for the past few weeks. He had known he was going to have to eliminate the Uchihas, but he had been waiting for a time when Sasuke wouldn't be there. Naruto realized that Itachi had most likely agreed to be the one to kill his family so that he could make sure Sasuke would be spared. He stood staring at Itachi, wondering if he could get anymore information from the quiet teenager. "Why are they sending you, of all people?" He asked, trying to confirm his thoughts on Itachi's motive.

Itachi's eyes narrowed at Naruto. "It's none of your business. Please, leave the area quickly so that I may complete my mission." As he said this, Naruto detected movement up in one of the trees behind Itachi. Focusing on that spot, he narrowed his eyes and tried to sharpen the image of whatever he had seen. Naruto's two eyes met one blood red eye, with a spiraling black pattern inside them. He tried to look away, but the single-eyed gaze drew him in and he felt his vision going black …

"No," was Naruto's curt reply. "I will eliminate the Uchihas myself."

What are you saying, kit? Takeru snapped. Come, get away from there! You're not thinking straight!

Naruto felt as though he were in suspended animation, floating in nothingness…he was surrounded by darkness, unable to touch, or see, or hear. Then, out of the darkness came the spiraling pattern of the blood red eye, drawing him in. Naruto's eyes fluttered. He surrendered himself and was drawn into the spiral.

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Itachi was speaking to him, but his words meant nothing. Katsumi lunged past him and made a break for the Uchiha compound. Kane ran in front of him and tried to stop him, but Katsumi brushed him aside with ease. Right now, HE was in control. HE had the superior powers of the Hanyou.

The owner of the single Sharingan eye watched the carnage taking place as his demon killed the Uchihas. He would let Itachi off the hook…for now. After all, he would be the one to take the blame for the massacre, even if he couldn't bring himself to do the dirty work. Not even the Copy-nin, Kakashi, would side with Itachi after tonight. The owner of the single Sharingan watched the massacre and smiled.

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Sasuke arrived at the front gate of the Uchiha compound and immediately noticed that something was terribly wrong. He rounded one corner and stopped short at what appeared to be a scene out of a horror movie. Bloody corpses littered the alley, their faces frozen in looks of disbelief and horror. Sasuke walked along, avoiding the bloody smears all over the street, trying hard not to become frantic. "Who could have done this? WHO?" He was hit like a ton of bricks with a realization and ran to his house, throwing open the front door. "Otousan! Okaasan!" There was no answer, but the house itself seemed to creak and groan in response to the unasked question hanging in the air. Sasuke crept through the empty house, dreading what he might find. They weren't there...they weren't in that room…A tiny voice niggled in the back of his head. The tea room…Sasuke walked to the doors of the room, his heart fluttering against his ribs like a frantic bird. He pulled open the door and was greeted with his greatest fear. "Otousan! Okaasan! No!" he dropped to his knees, a sob catching in his throat. His hands clenched and unclenched as he stared at the two corpses in the room. Then he caught a flutter of movement in the corner. Itachi stepped into the moonlight, looking as calm as he could.

Sasuke focused on his brother, a look of desperation on his face. "Oniisan! Our parents—" he cut short as he caught a look at the bloody katana on his brother's back. "Wh-what's that sword? Did you…did you get the killer?" His brother's expressionless face gave more away than any emotions could-Sasuke's feeling of desperation turned into disbelief and shock. "Y-you? Did…you kill Otousan and Okaasan?" His voice rose to a high pitch before cracking and falling silent. Itachi closed his eyes, but said nothing. He began to exit the room through the back door. Fast footsteps caught his ear and he turned around in time to see his little brother charging at him with a look of hatred on his face.

"WHY DID YOU KILL THEM? THEY'RE DEAD! YOU'RE GOING TO PAY!" Itachi caught Sasuke with a punch under the ribs, causing Sasuke to drop to the floor, wheezing.

Itachi began to speak, his voice cold. He had to make his brother hate him. He had to do it to keep Sasuke safe. "Foolish little brother…you would have done the same thing in my position."

Sasuke was still panting on the floor, staring up at his brother with a look of hate. "Why…what was your position…? Why did you do this, Itachi?"

"I needed…to test the limits of my ability."

The limits of your…ability? That's why…?" Sasuke had a look of fury on his face as he stood up. "THEY'RE DEAD! THEY'RE NEVER COMING BACK! ALL BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO TEST YOURSELF?" He ran at Itachi again, but was stopped when a shuriken bit into his arm. He clutched the cut and stood there, his adrenaline fading away and his anger being conquered by fear. Sasuke wheeled around and ran out the door, leaving his brother behind. As the eight year old ran out through the cold empty streets, tears streamed down his cheeks and his whole body was racked with sobs. He spotted Itachi standing at the end of the street and skidded to a halt, gulping air through his wracking sobs.

Itachi was a silent as death. He needed Sasuke to hate him, no matter how much it stung to see the fear and hate in his little brother's eyes. He also needed to give Sasuke some important information about his best friend…the Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki…the one who really killed the Uchiha clan. "I was testing out the Mangekyou Sharingan…it was successful. You, like me, may be able to unlock this forbidden area of our bloodline…but there is a catch. You must kill…your closest friend."

Sasuke's eyes went wide. Closest friend? He remembered the Uchihas that had been asking around about the death of Uchiha Shisui. Itachi's…closest…friend... "Then…you killed Shisui? He was your best friend…you mean to tell me that YOU KILLED YOUR BEST FRIEND?"

Itachi continued as if he hadn't heard, swallowing the regret that tried to well up as Shisui was mentioned. "In the main temple of the Nakano Shrine, under the seventh tatami mat on the far right side of the room, you will find a passage leading to the clan's secret meeting place. There you will find a scroll that contains the information you want pertaining to the Sharingan… the true purpose of our doujutsu." Itachi thought back to Naruto's…no, Katsumi's brutality and suppressed a shudder. It had seemed as if Katsumi was playing the role of someone's puppet…and Itachi thought he knew the puppet master.

However, that hadn't made stopping Katsumi any easier. Kane, the physical human embodiment of the Kyuubi, finally had to forcefully subdue him with Itachi's help. It was only Itachi's Sharingan that slowed Katsumi enough to stop him. He needed Sasuke to help keep the Hanyou personality from surfacing and causing another bloodbath. "Yes, Katsumi…that name does not fit the Hanyou at all." Itachi mused. "Little brother…if you want to kill me, then curse me and hate me! Run away, and cling to your pitiful, unsightly life!"

Sasuke was standing stock still, looking torn between charging at Itachi again and running away to get help. His sobs had quieted but his chest still heaved, trying to suck in air. The eight-year old didn't look like he was going to move any time soon…so Itachi moved for him.

"Mangekyou…Sharingan." In these last moments Itachi felt his lip tremble slightly, and a single tear crawled down his cheek as he activated his doujutsu.

It took less than a second for Sasuke to begin screaming, and less than five seconds for him to fall over, unconscious. Itachi gave one last look to his dear brother, whom had always looked up to him, whom always wanted to spend more time with him, but couldn't, and left.

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A/N: Did you like my little side story at the beginning? I thought it would be nice to include a certain character's 'origin' story in here. Props to whoever guesses right!

Cookies go to whoever guessed the identity of the one-eyed Sharingan person.