Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Even I'm not that creative/random. Really, think about it. Bugs living inside people. Giant talking animals summoned by blood. The Voldemort/Michael Jackson hybrid that is Orochimaru. It's crazy.
Thanks for the reviews everyone, it's great to have support! Makes me feel loved. I don't think I could write this chapter as angst to save my life. So, a little humour it is. As for you Shisui…we'll try not to think about you too much. That's just depressing. Now on with the story!
The disappearance of Uchiha Shisui was not at first widely alarming, as a competent ninja it was likely he had left for a mission, but did not have the time to alert anyone. Even his own parents thought nothing of his absence.
Fugaku knew better. Shisui had followed Itachi, and was never seen again. It was obvious to the clan head that Shisui had been nothing but a failure. He knew that his son was too ruthless to stop and analyse why he was being trailed, and would calmly take out the threat. It was only a misfortune that Shisui had been an Uchiha, and not another Shinobi following him. It was that very ruthlessness that made Itachi perfect for Fugaku's plans.
Soon, the village of Konoha would be run by the Uchiha clan, as it should always have been, before that blasted Shodaime had stolen the title so long ago. They were superior in skill, brains and lacked the emotional flaws many Ninja were still crippled with. Their Kekkei Genkai was near-unbeatable, only the rare weak Uchiha being caught off guard even with his or her Sharingan (although it was more common in males, naturally) activated. Such as that disgrace years back during the war, Obito was it? Not that it mattered really; he had betrayed the Uchiha clan by giving his Sharingan to that Hatake brat.
The body of Uchiha Shisui was discovered at the bottom of a river three days after he went missing. His parents grieved and the clan turned their faces from the couple after hearing about the suicide in disgust. Suicide was a dishonourable and pathetic end to a Ninja, let alone an Uchiha.
Days later, Itachi began to get suspicious glances from his kin, particularly those from the Uchiha law enforcement. Eventually, the day came that they confronted him about Shisui's 'suicide'. He had been furious ,they were attacking him without any real evidence. True, he was guilty, but they did not know that, not for sure. And they did it in front of Sasuke! Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan had automatically surfaced, as he had not learned to control it properly yet. He knew that he could have seriously hurt if not killed his accusers, if his Otouto had not cried for him to stop. It had snapped Itachi out of his instinctual reaction to a threat -his little brother should not have to witness this. He had done everything he could to keep Sasuke pure and untainted by the cruel world around him, and he was not about to destroy that now. He had bowed low and apologised, though the lie had burned his throat on the way out. He could not stop himself from throwing a Kunai and lodging it in the nearby wall, splitting the Uchiha fan there. Ignoring the heavy gazes on him, Itachi walked inside.
Fugaku watched silently. Despite Itachi's show of strength, the boy had still bowed to him. Shisui's death was indeed an inconvenience, but Itachi was clearly still loyal to him, although his regard for the ANBU rules did irk Fugaku. And the blatant disrespect showed when Itachi had cracked the Uchiha symbol with his Kunai made Fugaku furious and raised alarm bells in his mind, which he ignored, as he did not want to see it. Nothing could stop his flawless coup from becoming a reality. He decided to give up on that infuriating 'partner' of Itachi's he had no time for such things now. It was time to prepare.
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Sasuke was lying on his bed, his brow creased in worry. Shisui was…dead? How could that be, Shisui had never lost anything to anyone, except Itachi. And Itachi…his Aniki was acting strangely lately. He was around less and less, and always seemed to be off in his own thoughts whenever he was home.
Sasuke sighed in confusion. What was different about Itachi's eyes? Something about them had struck a nerve in the boy, and it made him very uneasy. He grumbled, frustrated. That was it; he was going to see Aniki.
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Itachi sat by his open window, the very window Akina had crawled through so many years ago. A small smile crept onto his face, remembering the first time they had slept in the same bed. When they were away on ANBU missions, Itachi had always been sure to reserve a hotel apartment with two beds, wanting to respect Akina's space. However, ever since that night, whenever Akina's sleep was disturbed by nightmares she would silently slip into bed next to him, the dreams becoming peaceful when he put his arms around her protectively. They very rarely spoke of it, it was just one of the ways they cared for each other. It need not be brought up in conversation. He wondered if it would become awkward now, given their…involvement.
Itachi had struggled to put a name to their relationship. They were more than partners, and now more than friends. Such hollow names like 'boyfriend and girlfriend' did not suit either. They were…together. But then again, had they not always been together? Not in quite such an…intimate way before, but they had never really been apart. Itachi supposed the closest thing to describe them would be soul mates –cliche as it was. They saw through the other, right down to the core of them. They really could hide nothing, not that they ever had the need nor want to do so. They trusted each other, something becoming increasingly rare in the Ninja world.
He was jerked out of his musings by the slide of his bedroom door, revealing a hesitant Sasuke.
Itachi sighed, he knew he had scared his Otouto earlier, he had never intended to do that. Forcing his regret not to show on his face, Itachi raised an eyebrow at the nervous boy.
"Hai Otouto? What is it?"
Sasuke jumped slightly, but pushed down his uncertainty. This was Aniki. "Ne, Aniki, will you practice with me now?"
"Sasuke, I am busy with mission reports-" Itachi started, but was interrupted.
"Liar! You're staring at nothing again, not working. And you promised!" Sasuke said, glaring at his unfazed brother.
Itachi relented, gesturing with his hand for the boy to come to him. Sasuke grinned happily, running forward. And then he saw the fingers coming at him. Unable to stop in time, Sasuke braced himself for impact. Two fingers poked his forehead with enough force to flip his head back a little.
"Itai!" Sasuke cried, pouting as he rubbed his abused forehead.
"Sorry Sasuke, maybe next time." Itachi said with a gentle smile, lighting up Sasuke's day. Itachi did not often so openly display his emotions.
Sasuke sulked out of his Aniki's room, but was smiling in relief that nothing had changed. Itachi was still Itachi, and Sasuke loved him, annoying poking and all.
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Akina climbed out of her shower, feeling refreshed and ready for the day. She ate her weights worth of instant ramen and guzzled her orange juice before flying out the door, remembering to activate her Henge of course. Ever since Kyuubi was sealed in her she burned calories so quickly she was forced to eat many times the normal amount a day, and ramen was perfect because she liked it anyway. She no longer required hand seals for the Henge jutsu as she had been doing it constantly for many years now. Her hair darkened to black and grew to her waist, and her blue eyes swirled into green. Other than her skin tone paling a little, she looked much the same, not that anybody but Sandaime-jiji and Itachi would recognize her.
Itachi. Akina felt her face reddening as she remembered what had happened not so long ago. She could finally now accept her feelings for the Uchiha, but that doesn't mean she was going to act like a Fangirl! So what if she wanted to be with him all the time, and have him to herself! She was not a Fangirl.
The day after…Shisui went missing, Akina was expecting seeing Itachi again to be awkward. She was terrified that he would regret what they had done and it would affect their relationship, she couldn't lose 'Tachi. But when they had met again, on top of her father's stone head – as their clearing was no longer an option- he had been quick to erase her fears. He had walked up to her and just picked up her hand, dragging her down to sit on the mountain overlooking their village.
At first it was much like it had always been, they talked –well, mostly Akina talked, Itachi gave his usual silent replies and short sentences. The underlying tension was almost forgotten, and eventually Akina had found herself sitting in front of Itachi, who had put his arms possessively around her waist. She leaned back against his warm chest and lightly drew random patterns on Itachi's legs, which were either side of her. They did not bring up Shisui.
Akina had turned around to ask him something about their training schedule, but quickly forgot it once she noticed that their faces were just a hair's breath away from each other's. She could feel him breathing, calmly and slowly, but detected the faint hitch at their proximity. She found herself leaning closer, taking the initiative this time, and brushing her lips against his. Itachi froze for a moment, before pulling her closer and deepening the kiss.
Akina felt drunk from the scent and taste of Itachi, it was crisp and refreshing, but in a homely kind of way, rather than an unpleasant shock. She could recognize the traces of pocky and found herself smiling in the kiss and pulling him ever closer. She had now spun around to completely face Itachi, basically sitting on his lap. Not that Itachi minded in the least. In fact, he enjoyed it greatly.
All too soon, Akina pulled away. Seeing Itachi's confused look, she giggled.
"Maybe we shouldn't be doing this on Tou-san's head?" she said innocently, before laughing harder at Itachi's face.
He had paled drastically and was covertly glancing around in all directions, as if he expected the ghost of Minato to come and castrate him at any moment.
"…I agree, let's go." He said grabbing her hand and pulling her up with him, before fleeing the area. He did not use Shunshin…Shisui had taught him that, it wouldn't be right. At least, not yet.
Shaking herself out of her memories, Akina left her apartment and went into the village market to buy her groceries.
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Itachi activated his Sharingan, searching intently for danger, ready to move in an instant. He glanced left, right, above…behind! He spun around rapidly and met the gaze of no less than thirty Fangirls, some of which actually seeming to be close to that in age. He was thirteen for Kami's sake! Itachi wished he could just attack them and be done with it, but the cougar-meat had no choice but to escape. No, it was not running away, it was a tactical retreat. Itachi would never run away.
He sprinted from rooftop to rooftop, groaning mentally when it became obvious most of these desperate women and girls were Kunouchi, or just very determined. They followed him for almost half an hour as he tried fruitlessly to lose them. Stalkers can be very unrelenting when their 'future husband', 'true love', 'perfect lover' or 'father of their future children' was involved. They were all crazy!
Itachi felt like face palming when a solution finally came to mind. He hurriedly placed a strong Genjutsu on them, smirking as he left the annoying females to make out passionately with each other, each one believing they were with him. He was so evil.
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Akina looked up from the fruit stall she was browsing through, towards a great commotion gathering on the street. Curious, she put down the fruit and walked over. A large sweatdrop appeared on the back of her back hair and she pinched the bridge of her nose. Oh, Kami…she struggled to hold back her bursting laughter, only able to do so with her ANBU training. Itachi…what have you done now?
The villagers were whispering to each other in shock while staring at the spectacle. Well, the female villagers were. All the males were passed out on the ground and were bleeding profusely from their noses. In front of them were women of various ages and social status, in what appeared to be a spontaneous Yuri session. (AN: Yuri is girlXgirl) Breasts were rubbing together through clothing and everything from Kimonos to Kunouchi gear was being discarded hastily.
Akina smiled smugly behind her impassive face, recognising many of the participating females as part of what she had deemed the 'Objective: Rape Uchiha Itachi Club'.
Shaking her head in amusement, Akina turned and walked away from the show, leaving the villagers to their gossip and futile attempts to separate the women before they made love on the streets for all to see.
After bringing home her shopping, Akina decided to pay a certain troublemaking Uchiha a visit. She usually did not see him during the day, as it would raise questions as to how her Henge was involved with the Uchiha prodigy, and she did not want that kind of scrutiny.
Thankfully Sandaime-jiji had taught her the less known, but more complicated and advanced version Henge, so the even the Sharingan could not see what was underneath, and nor could the Byakugan. He said it was something between the usual temporary Henge jutsu and the Sannin Tsunade's permanent Henge, which she apparently uses to make herself look younger than she really is, but hey, Akina wasn't one to judge until she met someone.
One visit to Itachi would surely not cause too many ripples, so she made her way into the compound. She fit in there quite well really, her green eyes being the only indicator that she was not one of the clan. She made her way towards the main house, and knocked on the door a little hesitantly. She had not come through the front door in a very long time. Window, sure, but the door somehow felt different.
"Coming!" a cheerful voice called out. Mikoto…
The door opened and Akina was stunned by the sight of Mikoto up close, for the first time in so many years. Her words froze and she panicked, why would she say she was here?
"Hello…I'm Uchiha Mikoto…I don't recall seeing you around here before…what is your name child?" Mikoto asked kindly as she always had. But Akina could detect a change in her voice from when she had known Mikoto…was it defeat? Her eyes spoke of sleepless nights and worry, but also a devastating acceptance.
"My name is…Sachi. Kaneko Sachi, it is a pleasure to meet you Uchiha-sama." Akina said, bowing lowly in respect, mentally patting herself on the back for her quick thinking.
"Oh, please just call me Mikoto dear. Now what is it I can help you with Sachi-san? Are you looking for my husband?"
Akina wanted to shudder at the thought of looking for Fugaku. Bleh.
"No Mikoto-san, I am actually here for Itachi. I have a message from the Sandaime to pass on to him as soon as possible." Akina stated convincingly. Mikoto was suddenly suspicious. Was this another Fangirl come to harass her son? They had used the Hokage as an excuse in the past. Not wanting to subject Itachi to another ruthless Fangirl, she decided to call him downstairs rather than let the girl go up. She seemed like a nice, genuine girl, but one could never be too careful. She let 'Sachi' into their house, but left her in the kitchen and turned to the direction of the stairs and walked up to her son's room.
"Itachi. A girl is here to see you, she says she has a message from Hokage-sama. She's downstairs now." She said from his doorway.
Itachi looked up from his book and sat up from where he was lying on his bed. He glared slightly at his mother, clearly saying 'I-told-you-not-to-let-Fangirls-in-the-house-anymore'. Mikoto sighed.
"She doesn't really seem like one of those girls Itachi, but I left her downstairs anyway. Now would you be a man and come down, she could really have a message for you." Mikoto told her on sternly, before turning away.
Yeah, if 'I want to have your babies' is a message. Itachi thought in frustration. He reluctantly walked downstairs after his mother…
And found Akina standing in his kitchen, under her Henge. He blinked in confusion, not sure how to react to the unexpected situation, but glad it wasn't another Fangirl. His mother cast him a glance, silently asking if the girl was alright.
"It's ok Kaa-san, this one is fine. She couldn't stalk someone if her life depended on it." Itachi said with a small smirk. Mikoto looked at him in surprise. Akina glared.
"Dammit Uchiha, I'm a Kunouchi, stalking is part of the job description, and I do it well! Just because I choose not to be a Fangirl to somebody as arrogant as yourself does not mean I cannot if I so chose to." Akina huffed.
Mikoto was shocked, somebody had the guts to talk to Itachi like that? And he did nothing about it! He didn't even seem to care!
"Itachi…you know Sachi-san?" she asked suspiciously, something weird was going on here. Her mother-radar was going off the chart.
Itachi managed to stop his eyebrow from rising. 'Sachi' huh? Interesting.
"Hai Kaa-san, from various missions and overlapping training schedules. She is often with Hokage-sama I believe."
"Hai," Akina said, "I was orphaned seven years ago Mikoto-san, Hokage-sama is one of the closest things to family I have now, along with one other person." She said, glancing at Itachi out of the corner of her eye.
Mikoto nodded in understanding at what the girl could not say...she was orphaned during the Kyuubi's attack, like so many others. But she was impressed with this girl, to be on such…almost friendly terms with Itachi, she must really be something.
"I see. Well then, I guess I should leave you two to discuss Hokage-sama's message. I will be in the garden Itachi." She said, walking out of the room. Once she was out of hearing range, Itachi finally let his eyebrow rise. He looked at Akina and gestured for her to take a seat, while he started making them some tea.
"…'Sachi'? You do realise that I am never going to let this go 'Kina. You were no 'child of joy', you were a devil sent to torture me, disguised as an angel so nobody suspected you." Itachi said in his typical monotone. Akina snorted.
"Torture. Please, I only pranked you when you deserved it. Or when I was really bored." She said with a grin. Itachi rolled his eyes, and handed Akina her tea.
"So, why are you here anyway? I know there's no message. Is something wrong?" he asked with slight concern. Had something happened with the investigation into Shisui's murder? Or had she decided she did not want their relationship to continue the way it was?
"…I saw something interesting today," Akina began, idly blowing on the hot tea between her fingers, "It seemed as if majority of your fan club decided to…turn on each other, so to speak."
She looked up at Itachi with laughing green eyes. They should be blue…Itachi thought.
"You wouldn't have anything to do with that, would you 'Tachi?" Akina grinned from behind her cup.
The innocent look on Itachi's face was priceless. She laughed and stood up to wash her now empty cup, smacking the back of Itachi's head as she passed behind him.
"Ero-baka. Do you know how many people were admitted to hospital due to blood loss from that? And yes I am fully aware they deserved it, so don't start…but it really was hilarious!" Akina giggled, dropping her mock scolding tone. She rinsed her cup clean, dried it and was putting it back when she felt Itachi come up behind her and start washing his own. She found herself trapped between his arms on either side. She could not move at all, as behind her was his chest and the bench it front of her. She turned her head around and looked up to the slightly taller Itachi.
"A trapped animal is a dangerous animal 'Tachi. That goes double for Shinobi, but triple for Kunouchi." She said, feeling her mouth quirk up at the sides. Itachi tilted his head in thought.
"Hn… I see…so are you going to attack me now 'Kina? I would like to see you try." He said with a smirk. Akina growled at him and smashed their faces together in a harsh, fast kiss.
She pulled back and went to turn back around and ignore the Uchiha –just to annoy him really- when he caught her by the waist and pulled her back to him, this time kissing in a much gentler and –dare they say - loving way. It lasted only a minute or two, but they both knew they had to stop before they were caught. They heard the back door open, and went to their respective seats, as if nothing had ever happened. Mikoto walked in and after some pleasant small talk, Akina went home.
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Itachi stood to leave the dinner table after everyone had finished, ignoring his mother's gaze and his father's glare.
"Itachi," Fugaku said sharply, "wait for me in my office." He demanded.
Itachi wanted to glare back, but restrained himself from causing a scene. "…Very well Tou-san."
Itachi left the room and went to kneel on the floor of Fugaku's office, his head bowed, but his eyebrow twitching in annoyance. Finally his father walked in, not even acknowledging Itachi until he had taken his seat behind a large desk, the Uchiha symbol behind him.
"Our clan has suffered under the Hokages' ruling for too long Itachi; it is time to take our rightful place, as the true rulers of Konoha. Your lacking of the title 'Captain' required us to change our plans. You were supposed to gain information as a Captain that would help the clan, but as that blasted Sarutobi has ruined that. So now, your mission is simplified." Fugaku smirked, completely confident in the boy's loyalty.
Itachi stayed silent, he had been expecting something like this. Fugaku…you are far too power hungry. You will lead the clan into ruin.
"Uchiha Itachi, as heir to the Uchiha clan, it is your duty to carry out this mission. Whenever the opportunity presents itself," Fugaku paused for effect, smirking the whole time.
"You are to kill the Sandaime Hokage."
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OMAKE
Mikoto left the house, a little concerned about what was happening inside. The clan was not on great terms with the Hokage anymore, but she knew Itachi could take care of himself. She spent a while just enjoying her favourite pass time –gardening. At one point she came to the roses by the kitchen window, and she could not help but glance in for a moment. And then she stared in surprise.
Sachi-san had stood up and was walking to the sink (to the right of the table, but the left of Mikoto), while talking to Itachi. Mikoto could not hear anything of what they said through the glass, but her jaw then dropped in a very un-Uchiha like way. Sachi-san had just smacked her son over the head as she passed, obviously laughing. But what shocked Mikoto even more was when she saw Itachi roll his eyes and snicker behind her back. And he had not even noticed Mikoto opposite him, looking in from the window. She had never seen him distracted before!
Gardening long forgotten, Mikoto stood frozen as she watched the phenomenon in front of her. Who was that boy, and what had he done with her antisocial, emotionless son? This Itachi scared her more than the other quite frankly.
Itachi got up from his chair and brought his own cup over to the bench. He reached around Sachi-san but did not move. Mikoto's jaw fell lower and her eyes bugged out. What was going on here? Mikoto was beginning to wonder if some of her plants had hallucinogenic qualities.
…OH KAMI SHE KISSED ITACHI! …And he let her! The world was ending. Mikoto's brain began to shut down.
And then Itachi kissed her. Willingly! What was happening!
…..
...They were still doing it!
…Mikoto fainted.
Finally it's out! Grr I hate you Fugaku! As you all can probably tell…shit is getting serious now ne?
Now, I have a question for all you reviewers. Yes or no to future Sakura/Kakashi/Sasuke bashing? I'm mentally debating it!
-TITM