(…Less than 3 years ago)
Itachi and Ko were down to the final name on their assassination list of rogue shinobi who deserted during the Fourth Shinobi War. Ko was reading through the bingo book that came with their mission orders, to discern what they would be going up against. "Looks like we saved the best for last, this kunoichi is going to be quite the challenge" He proclaimed.
"Hiraoka, Kana, the kunoichi from Suna." Itachi stated her name. He studied her abilities thoroughly and developed several theories on how they work, as well as strategies to counter them. Ko nodded, unsurprised that Itachi memorized the bingo book. Shisui was the same way, and their Sharingan afforded them the ability to commit information to memory. A very useful skill for reconnaissance missions, and even more useful for extraction and elimination missions. Ko witnessed this on many occasions.
Itachi's Tsukuyomi was a devastating technique that left its victims trapped in a realm of agonizing pain and suffering. He possesses an unparalleled ability to infiltrate and manipulate the intricate workings of the human mind. With his Mangekyo, he can seamlessly penetrate both conscious and unconscious mental processes, distorting them to his advantage. By exerting his influence, he is able to distort his enemies' perception of time and space, causing them to experience excruciating pain as if it were a tangible, physical reality. Those unlucky enough to fall under its spell would be unable to resist the genjutsu, and would quickly succumb to unconsciousness, allowing Itachi to carry out their elimination quickly and without any needless suffering, physical suffering to be more accurate. Itachi's Tsukuyomi is powerful enough to shatter a person's psyche.
Death becomes a kindness to those who encounter the Uchiha heir.
The Hyuuga's face scrunched in bafflement from the information, "I don't understand" he proclaimed, "With her ability to manipulate both light and sound, she can transform her appearance to mimic others or disappear from sight entirely. She can also enhance or silence sound waves as she sees fit. Those feats alone make her more formidable than all the other rogues we eliminated so far, but those abilities are nothing compared to her most fearsome gift, her power to command her enemies with her voice alone. I can't comprehend why someone as powerful as she is, would choose to abandon her comrades. This becomes even more perplexing if you consider the dangerous missions she's been assigned and completed."
"Yes, 701 A-rank, and 143 S-rank missions completed with success, she is adept at navigating risky situations, and she is no stranger to perilous circumstances." Itachi concurred, he too believed that something feels amiss with this kunoichi. "There's a reason why I left her for last" Itachi disclosed, "I will interrogate her as soon as she's caught in my Tsukuyomi. The results of that interrogation will determine if she was to return alive to Konoha with us, or to meet a similar fate as the other names on the list."
"Our role as Anbu, is to carry out our orders without question. Judgement and punishment are not for us to decide." Ko wondered why Itachi was treating this target differently. "You are correct. I am merely carrying out my orders as well. The Kazekage requested this personally from our Hokage. He too saw that something was amiss with this Kana, and our Hokage saw this as an opportunity to reform the Shinobi Judiciary System. While betrayal should be punished, he also recognizes the value of forgiveness where it is warranted."
Ko shook his head in dissent, feeling outraged. If interrogation and forgiveness were being considered, then they should have been offered to the other forty-five rogues they had already eliminated. "Why didn't we do the same for the others that we've killed?!" the Hyuuga snapped.
"I did" Itachi expressed indifferently, "Every execution we carried out was a fate earned. Some of those we executed even pleaded for their own demise. They knew that their own cowardice had led to the deaths of others in the war."
'His Tsukuyomi' Ko mused, 'He did to them what he is planning to do to the Suna rogue'. The Hyuuga relaxed, and redirected the conversation back to their mission, "So, how do you intend to use your Tsukuyomi to capture someone who can render themselves both invisible and silent, while also avoiding falling under their control through their vocal abilities?" he snidely inquired.
"By playing right into her hands" Itachi stated confidently, leaving Ko stunned with his mouth agape. Using the enemy's traps against them can be a clever strategy, but with this particular foe, it was deemed too dangerous a move. Ko believed it was far too risky, "I think I'm going to need more details on this plan of yours" he said with a hint of worry.
For over two months, Kana had been in hiding, wandering among the lesser-known villages to avoid being captured for deserting the war. Though, it was a necessary action on her part, Shinobi law is unforgiving and doesn't take justifications into consideration. She knew that Anbu from other countries would come looking for her eventually to carry out her execution. Which is why it came as no surprise to Kana when she spotted two Shinobi from Konoha attempting to blend in at the tavern where she was eating her meal.
The callouses on their hands, their reclusive behaviour, the concealed weaponry and head bands she glimpsed under their cloaks, and finally, paying upfront for their meals in case they needed to make a hasty departure were all the telling signs that indicated they had been shinobi. Their hooded cloaks, which concealed most of their faces and only revealed their jaws, made it difficult for her to discern their appearance. She couldn't tell if she recognized these shinobi from the war. It did not matter if she could recognize them anyway.
She concluded that they must have been at Chunin level at most if they couldn't conceal themselves well enough. They were foolish and naïve to come after someone like her. Kana decided she would lead them towards her hideout and use her vocal command jutsu to lead them away from her. She'll make them spread the word to throw off any other shinobi who were foolish enough to track her down as well. She was tired of witnessing death.
She finished the last bite of her Yakitori and left for her hideout at a cavern in a nearby forest to the village. Kana noticed the shinobi from the tavern had followed her as expected. They believed themselves to be discrete by taking the route atop the buildings, but she memorized their waves. Kana had the ability to sense and influence energy waves, and it was how she had been able to manipulate light and sound to camouflage herself as well as control others with her voice. By distorting brain waves and electric signals within the nervous system with her voice, she could control the actions of those around her and subject them to doing her bidding.
She led them into a dense forest with a labyrinth of towering trees and tangled vines, casting deep shadows across the forest floor. As the forest thinned, the ground sloped downwards, and the trees gave way to a rocky outcrop. The rugged terrain was pitted with jagged rocks and boulders, and the path to the cavern she intended to lead them to was steep.
She reached the cavern entrance, and a small stream could be seen trickling through the rocks that shaped its façade. She harnessed the scant light that trickled through the cracks and crevices of the cave to blend herself into the shadows with the help of a camouflage cloaking technique, manipulating the light to her advantage.
Soon, the two shinobi had followed her into the cavern and to their impending fate. "I sure hope everything unfolds as you've planned" one of them spoke. The other remained silent. Kana projected her voice from several directions to throw them off from her location as she said, "You must think yourselves exceptional, for having found me" the shinobi standing before her turned their heads in various directions, as if they had been expecting her to emerge from any of those directions. "Have you come to kill me?" she asked, projecting her voice from behind them, and they turned around reflexively.
"All defectors will meet their fate" the same shinobi who spoke earlier said again. Kana's velvety laugh echoed from all over the cavern, then she spoke, "Come inside, and tempt your fate as well" her voice came from deep within the cave. It was luring, inviting, and the shinobi did as she instructed.
She followed them deep into the cave, silencing her movements with her abilities. As they descended further into the darkness, Kana released the camouflage cloak, and used her vocal command jutsu, sending bursts of sonic beams that carried her order, "You will forget that you have located me here. You will return to your village and report that you have received intel that Kana Hiraoka was seen at the outskirts of Iwa." Her vocal command boomed loud and forcefully onto the Shinobi, who instinctively turned to her direction.
The Shinobi who spoke earlier sent blasts of chakra to counter her vocal command, stunning the Suna rogue. 'He is of the Hyuuga clan!' but the other shinobi with him was the one who had really caught her off guard. Crimson eyes that spun to form a shuriken like black pattern met her own and within an instant, Kana's surroundings stretched and morphed transporting her into a different plane entirely.
She was back outside the cavern, except the forest did not appear to be the same as it was before. The sky turned into a deep crimson like the eyes she had seen, everything else around her was deprived of colour. She felt the earth give way beneath her, yet she found herself suspended in mid-air. Despite the weight of her body pulling her down, something kept her from falling. As she looked at her arms, she noticed that they had been fastened by clasps, holding her in place.
"Your abilities will not work here" A voice called out to her, but she couldn't see the Shinobi who spoke the words. She discerned that it must be the silent one speaking. It became clear to her that she had significantly underestimated her foes. "Who are you?" She called out. Massive crimson eyes appeared suspended in her line of vision, and she heard the voice speak to her once more, "Time and space are meaningless in my genjutsu."
'A genjutsu user? Was he an Uchiha?' she mused. "How were you able to counter my vocal command?!" she questioned, no one had ever done so before. This shinobi must be truly exceptional for him to do so. It made her wonder if there could have been a way to avoid the slaughter that took place. The voice answered her, "My Susanoo is my ultimate defence. Your command could not penetrate its armour. I suspected that your ability involved the manipulation of energy waves."
"You're an Uchiha!" she bellowed, "Do your worst. I do not care if my life ends here today" she relented. "Tell me… why would someone like you defect in the midst of battle?" the Uchiha appeared levitating before her.
He had long, jet-black hair that was pulled back into a low ponytail, secured tightly. His attire consisted of a sleeveless black turtleneck, complemented by black pants, and plated armour that protected his chest. Standing tall with a fair complexion, he was undeniably handsome, his chiselled features drawing notice. His voice was deep and resonant, imbued with authority that commanded attention. Despite his beauty and allure, there was a sense of danger lurking in his eyes. Though they were captivating, with long, dark lashes that emphasized their shape, they also seemed deadly, promising agony to those who dared to cross him.
She wondered why he would waste his time with interrogating her. His mission orders were no doubt to eliminate her, was he a sadist? Was he going to have his fun before killing her? "Why does it matter, Uchiha? Just carry out your mission already."
"I can stretch time at my will. A month here could be but an instant in the real world. Do you think you could endure torture for that long? Give me the answers I seek, and I can spare your mind" he promised. "Since when did Anbu care for truths?!" she snapped at him, and the Uchiha disclosed, "Your Kazekage demanded it. Even as a stranger to you, I could sense that you are not one to abandon your comrades in their time of need. Therefore, I'm curious as to what motivated you to act differently this time?"
How could such fearsome eyes display… kindness? She was confused, yet Kana did not believe that she deserved redemption. Why was this man attempting to award her salvation? No, she preferred death. To be reunited with her comrades once more. "Kill me." She ordered, "It is what I deserve".
Itachi had anticipated her response, but he wasn't going to give up on receiving the answers that he sought. Before leaving Konoha on this mission, he requested the profiles of everyone who had been killed from Kana's company, and he memorized their faces. Some he even recognized and had spoken with prior to the war in their strategy meetings. If she would not speak to him, then he would make her speak to her fallen comrades.
He disappeared, and then conjured an illusion of her commanding officer. "Kana" a voice she recognized spoke. Kana looked up in disbelief, "Arata Senpai" she whispered. "You left us, Kana… Why did you leave us? We are dead now because of you. I had a wife and child to return to. Why did you desert us, Kana?". Despite knowing it was merely an illusion, the sight of him still filled her with despair. Kana found herself increasingly burdened by her guilt, unable to shake off the weight that seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment. She couldn't understand why her emotions were spiralling out of control.
"No…" her head fell. "This isn't real" she cried. The immense weight of her guilt was pressing down hard on her chest, making it difficult to breathe. She was gasping for air, when another appeared before her, Niko, the woman she was partnered up with.
"You killed me" she stated, her eyes accusing. "Look at me, Kana. Look at what has become of me" she pleaded. The guilt amplified again, as if it was taking a life of its own, taking on a tangible presence in the form of her fallen comrades.
She met Niko's gaze and found her now deceased comrade covered in blood that was gushing out of her throat. How did he know about how she died? Her chest constricted again. Itachi amplified the remorse she felt, and this persistent feeling of shame, plunging her into a state of profound despair and self-disgust, elicited an agonized howl of pain from her.
She was overcome with indescribable sorrow as the recollections of her fallen comrades flooded her mind. Each one appeared before her, drenched in blood, and bearing wounds identical to those that had claimed their lives on that fateful day.
"Stop!" she cried. "You killed us, Kana" they said in unison. Heavy tears cascaded down her face as she attempted to plead for Itachi to stop again, "Please. No more. I'm sorry… I had to leave. This all happened because of me." She admitted. "What did, Kana? Say it!" they barked in unison. "They killed you because of what I can do" she confessed in a distraught whisper. "Who killed us? It was you who killed us!" they pressed. "No! no, I couldn't stop it. I tried. They copied my ability and… I… I'm sorry. It's my fault that you're all gone."
"I'm sorry" she repeated, barely a whisper.
"I'm… Sorry" gasping repeatedly, with the same words echoing in a never-ending loop.
Ko countered her vocal command jutsu by deflecting it with his air palm. A second later, Kana collapsed unconscious to the ground, and Itachi declared, "She lives. We will take her back with us to Konoha". Ko was taken aback, "What? You've already interrogated her? She only just appeared!" Itachi lifted Kana onto his shoulder and calmly replied, "All I need is a moment." He then headed towards the cave's exit, leaving Ko to stare after them in wonder.
The Hyuuga emerged from the cavern and caught up with Itachi, asking, "What should we do with her now?" Itachi replied nonchalantly, "We will deliver her to T&I who will record the full account of what happened during the war to send to the Kazekage."
"I'm home" Itachi called as he took his sandals off by the entrance to his family home. Mikoto peeked out from the kitchen and greeted him, "Welcome back, darling. Get cleaned up and I'll prepare a meal for you." It appeared that no one else was home, which wasn't unusual for this time of day. "Thank you, Mother." he replied before making his way to the bathroom to clean up after his mission and journey.
After Itachi finished cleaning up, he headed back to the kitchen where he found Sasuke waiting for him at the table, looking visibly uneasy. It was clear to Itachi that his younger brother had something on his mind and was eager to speak. Itachi seated himself across from Sasuke and inquired, "What's on your mind?" Sasuke appeared hesitant at first, but then let out a sigh and revealed, "I'm getting married".
Itachi's face registered shock and disbelief as he processed the news. He was completely caught off guard by this revelation. Sasuke was getting married? But to whom? "Congratulations," Itachi said with a nonchalant tone, before breaking into a smile directed towards his brother, "So, much has happened while I had been away. who will be your future spouse?" Itachi asked, wanting to learn more about the person who had captured Sasuke's heart.
Sasuke reciprocated the smile before revealing, "It's Hinata Hyuuga." Itachi was marvelled, "The Hyuuga Heiress" he remarked. Mikoto joined them at the table and commented, "She's a lovely girl, and I believe she'll fit in perfectly with our family and our way of life." The Hyuuga shared core traditions and values with the Uchiha, Itachi did not doubt it. However, the fact that Hinata was the heiress of her clan could potentially create some complications. Sasuke picked up on the subtle implication in Itachi's remark and responded, "We're having dinner with them tonight to discuss any concerns. I don't mind taking on a supporting role to assist her in fulfilling her obligations to the clan. Will you join us?"
It was evident to Itachi that Sasuke had given this matter considerable thought. In response, Itachi smiled and nodded, saying, "Absolutely. I look forward to meeting my future sister-in-law." Itachi regarded Sasuke with a newfound sense of admiration, realizing that his younger brother was now embarking on the next stage of his life and beginning to build a family of his own. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness that Shisui wasn't here to witness this momentous occasion. It was easy to imagine what Shisui's reaction would be; he would probably take Sasuke aside and give him some advice on how to gratify a woman, and Sasuke would most likely feel embarrassed and try his best to avoid listening to his cousin's explicit descriptions and indecent instructions.
"Itachi, I'm happy to inform you that the elders have consented to delay their plans for your betrothal, considering Sasuke's prosperous engagement." Mikoto stated, pulling Itachi out of his thoughts. Itachi and Sasuke exchanged a meaningful look, and Sasuke comprehended what his older brother was silently conveying through his eyes. "I appreciate your concern, Itachi, but I'm marrying Hinata because I love her, and she's the only woman I want to spend the rest of my life with," Sasuke admitted with honesty. Itachi was relieved to know that Sasuke wasn't rushing into the marriage for his sake. His brother did not need to make any sacrifices for him, and Itachi wouldn't allow it.
"Where will we be having this dinner?" Itachi inquired. "I made reservations at Umi no Sachi at 7." Sasuke replied. "It's quite fancy" Itachi remarked at Sasuke's choice of restaurant. "Yes, I have already prepared your outfits for tonight, I wasn't sure if you would be back in time, but I prepared it just in case." Mikoto chimed in, and Itachi gratefully nodded at her.
Ino slipped into a sleeveless turtleneck black bodycon dress that had a hemline slightly above her knees. The dress featured a bare back, exposing her lower back and showcasing her flawless, smooth milky complexion. At the midwaist, the dress boasted a semi-sheer mesh panel that revealed a glimpse of skin beneath its transparent fabric. She adorned her ears with pearls and a matching bracelet on her wrist. She completed her outfit with black heeled sandals featuring coiled straps that wrapped around her legs. Genma was going to arrive soon, and she was wondering if she made the right decision in agreeing to go out with him, considering that her heart belonged to another.
Her mind spun in a daze from his kiss, and the irresistible charm he exuded left her defenceless. However, a knock on her door signalled his arrival, and it was too late to second-guess herself now.
She grabbed her cadmium green coat and moved to open the door for Genma. He stood before her in a sleek all-black ensemble, sporting a black dress shirt and matching pants. He had tied his hair back into a ponytail, and the notorious senbon was absent from his lips. Their colour coordination gave her a sense of optimism for the evening ahead.
As he took in her attire, a playful grin spread across his face. "Yamanaka, you look stunning. I'm one lucky bastard" he quipped. She responded with a coy smile and a casual, "Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself." Genma noticed her coat dangling from her arm and moved in to assist her with putting it on, his fingers gently grazing her back as he did so. The electric touch between them confirmed the chemistry was there, yet she still harboured a hint of uncertainty about their plans for the evening.
"Are you all set?" he asked, and she gave a nod of affirmation. He kept their destination a secret, only instructing her to dress elegantly for the occasion. Curiosity getting the best of her, she asked, "Where are we going?" Beaming with pride he announced, "I think you're going to love this place. I managed to get a reservation at Umi no Sachi." The name of the restaurant caught her off guard; it was the same place Shisui had taken her on their first date. Genma noticed the surprise etched on her face and presumed it was due to the restaurant's exclusivity. "I know, right? I was ecstatic when they said they had an opening. Have you ever been there?" he inquired. "Um, I think just once." She downplayed, relieved that he had misinterpreted her reaction.
Umi no Sachi was renowned for its seafood cuisine, with a variety of dishes that showcased unique catches from the nearby lake. The restaurant's prime location provided them with a constant supply of fresh fish, and the breathtaking view only added to its allure. It was an ideal venue for special occasions.
"Have you set a date for the wedding?" Fugaku asked Hinata and Sasuke. "Hinata was thinking of a spring wedding," Sasuke revealed. "In that case, we should consider an outdoor venue for the ceremony," Hiashi added. Hinata beamed, grateful that everyone was on the same page regarding the wedding arrangements. Nevertheless, as they delved into more pressing matters, Itachi found the atmosphere was becoming increasingly stifling.
"The Uchiha should bear the brunt of the expenses," Fugaku persisted, but Hiashi perceived this as a slight against his family. "That's absurd. Custom dictates that both families contribute equally. But if you're insistent on only one side paying, then it should be the Hyuuga who should do so" the Hyuuga leader countered. "Hiashi, Sasuke will already be living in your compound and under your gracious generosity. It is only right that we bear the expenses" Fugaku retorted. Their words were polite, but their body language was filled with tensed energy.
"Father, Lord Hiashi, if I may?" Itachi chimed in. Hiashi gave him a nod to urge on the Uchiha heir with what he has to say. Fugaku followed suit. "What if we split the expenses equally between the two clans? That way, no one feels like they are carrying more of the financial burden than the other. What do you think?" Itachi proposed diplomatically, "I extend this to living expenses as well".
Sasuke felt relieved by Itachi's intervention, "That sounds like a fair compromise." Fugaku eventually gave in, and Hiashi concurred, "I am willing to agree to this." Itachi felt gratified that his suggestion was well-received and excused himself from the tense discussion to get some fresh air.
He headed towards the terrace, but a sight had him halt in place. Ino was engaged in a flirtatious conversation with Genma Shiranui. She looked indescribably beautiful, which was a contributing factor to his stunned expression. A feeling of tightness in his chest was overcoming him, and he was struggling to comprehend why. His airways were constricting more than they had, and the sudden touch of a palm on his shoulder, startled him.
"Itachi?" Sasuke's worried voice indicated that the hand belonged to him, "Are you alright?" his brother inquired.
Ino heard the call of a familiar name, and she was drawn towards its source. She found Itachi and Sasuke were standing several feet away from her table. Her sudden change in attitude confused Genma, and he turned to see what had caught her gaze. He couldn't believe his luck. "Will you be alright, Ino?" he asked, but she couldn't hear the question. Her eyes were transfixed on Itachi, causing her heart to race uncontrollably.