O.K.E
[Operation Kill Everything]
Chapter Four: Everything Change
+ . . . +
"Again Naruto."
"Yah!"
"Again..."
"Hah!"
"You most definitely need to keep trying."
"Damn it!" Naruto exclaimed as Sin witnessed another mediocre attempt by Naruto to hit the target carved out on a nearby tree for Shurikenjutsu practice. The young jinchuriki was missing the target completely or barely hitting it at all, from ten feet out.
"Ok, ok. We'll come back to Shurikenjutsu, lets go over the taijutsu I showed you until it's time to stop." Sin advised after about an hour of watching Naruto attempting to throw shuriken and kunai properly, but utterly failing to correct his grip, and throwing technique. Sin had a clipboard where he would write something each time Naruto finished a series of throws. He mentioned he was keeping statistical data on his progress, but the explanation of the numbers system went over everyone's heads.
Sin checked his clipboard notations. 'I wonder how fast he'll progress. He doesn't have the luxury of taking his time and neither do I. Things are gonna get real around here quick. They'll be after my head as badly as Naruto and Konoha has a long roster of elites, but then again...I always did claim to be a hotshot...I know I can back up my shit, but, well...his pace of learning will determine when I can start taking him on active assignments. We'll have to take it slow of course. I'll revisit that thought when he's come a little farther.' He silently mused before his attention was drawn again.
"But, I can get it sensei!" The sweaty, blonde, adolescent protested in a whine as he turned to his master with a look of misguided determination that unknowingly made his shishou's heart swell. He was eager to please, even when concerned for himself. They hadn't spent much time together, but Naruto was endearing and very impressionable thus far.
"Saeko-niichan, Hitomi-san! Tell him I can get it!" Sin smiled, half amused and half proud at one time as his student gained the attention of the two women they had been traveling with for the better part of two days.
Saeko looked up from polishing a short sword, having just began cleaning the blade. She exchanged glances at both Sin and Naruto before smirking and returning her attention to the sword she had stolen off the dead Root agent from the clash in her shop. "Sensei knows best, you'll have to trust his judgment. That's what it means to be teacher and student, Naruto." The violet haired woman glanced at Hitomi. She had decided to close shop and stick around to help for awhile after hearing her request.
Hitomi gave an agreeing nod to Saeko's words. "Saeko-san is correct, Naruto-chan. Trust...in the man you've chosen...to teach you." She advised from her seat on a log, hands folded lightly in her lap.
"Aww, come on." He pouted.
"...Naruto," Sin made sure he could hear the slight growl in his tone.
"Fine! Geez, no need to get uptight." Saeko could be heard snickering at their antics while Sin just sighed and shook his head. He was steadily finding out about that side of Naruto as well. The boy could back talk.
"It's not that I don't think you can, but that we have a long itinerary of training, and I don't want to burn time and energy working on one aspect when we have a full day of traveling to get through." Sin advised.
"That's alright, Naruto. I'll go through them with you," Hitomi could be heard volunteering. "We'll go through it together...Sin-san?" The Hyuga woman looked to him as she took the same starter's stance as Naruto.
It was a fairly simple stance. One stood with a slight crouch, arm forward, and bent so the forearm protected one from their opponent. The other arm remained tucked in a pocket or folded behind the back. No use of fists or palms since it was a defensive style. The stance was poised to have one set in anticipation to react like a mongoose or honey badger; to counter or evade, feints with the off hand. Then trips with body counters and offensive maneuvers and strikes later down the line.
Hitomi could understand why Sin would start Naruto off this way and she already knew he would learn offense later as he progressed. Unknown to her, the beginning stance were only one quarter of the overall movements that could be made from the first position.
"Sure, why not," he shrugged and stepped off to the side with his clipboard. 'Not like you can tell that Jyuken movements will be included later,' he gave himself a mental pat on the back.
"Begin." He focused his eyes on Naruto to study his form and movement intently, but couldn't help remembering what had transpired about thirty-six hours ago.
+ . . . Flashback . . . +
Sin stood at a small stream near the area he'd used to test his stolen knowledge of the Gentle Fist. Considering his control, chakra reserve, and stamina; it had taken a considerate amount of energy out of him. He removed his fitted shirt and dropped it by the stream side. A sleeveless, tight fitting, mesh shirt was revealed as he shed the second layer of clothing and knelt down to scoop up some of the cool liquid between cupped hands as to dump the water over his head.
The cooling waters held a revitalizing effect as his elevated body temp dropped. The liquid caressed over the shape of his form, running over every inch of his muscular build from years of conditioning. He cast his gaze up to the clear skies overhead as he gathered the strands of his hair together to wring out excess water. He sighed, 'a picture perfect day in Fire Country it seems,' he thought to himself while a calming breeze followed over him. He let his Dojutsu blessed eyes close momentarily to enjoy the sensation of the brisk wind.
"Did you have a good, morning workout?" Sin turned to acknowledge the owner of the voice, only to have the former Ne Root agent, Hitomi Hyuga, fill his sight with the nature of their surroundings framing her.
Sin turned to regard Hitomi, masking his wariness with a small dose of familiarity. "Sleep well?" He cast a knowing, charismatic smile as he gave her robe draped form a once over. "You look a lot better," he complimented with a veiled glance of observation.
Hitomi kept her gaze stoically set on the Kurokami as she glimpsed his naked, damp torso. Sin likewise remained silent, beginning to watch her with some curiosity when she took a moment to respond. "Sleep was fine," she finally answered in a clipped manner. "There's...a noticeable improvement from the previous night. Your concern is appreciated."
Sin decided not to mention how serious she was being and nodded instead. He gathered his clothing, redressed in the mesh armor under shirt, and numbered long-sleeved shirt.
"Young Naruto and your cohort are awake. Since that...is the case-."
"Heh, you sure don't waste time." He said. "I like it." Sin interrupted as the two held eye contact. He stood before her after he put his shirt on, keeping eye contact.
Hitomi noticed their obvious height difference as they stood close. Despite the Hyuga mask, her anger was boiling, but nothing to quell her anger could be done at the moment. Therefore, she skillfully kept it bottled up.
She knew for a man like Hiashi, a man that personified the Hyuga way; only calculating logic could be the hand she played. She'd do to him as he'd done to her and make sure he could never forget. The Hyuga banned her vengeful thoughts to the back of her mind.
Sin eyed Hitomi carefully. 'There's something to be said for Hyuga stoicism,' he thought as her visage betrayed nothing of her swirling emotions. Still, he knew a 'thousand yard stare' when he saw one; no matter how brief. "A ryo for your thoughts, Lady Hitomi?" He offered when she still said nothing.
She responded quickly, giving an appreciative smile as she denied the younger male's request. "Just a thought, nothing to concern yourself with, and please, Hitomi is fine with me," she spoke in her usual cadence. "Care to join us now?" She inquired, wishing to move on.
Sin just nodded as he held in his sigh. "Sure, I'm good here." He answered and started pass the woman who turned and fell into step alongside him.
The dark haired ronin realized that she was likely considering her returned memories and had something to do with her daughters. She was a mother and he didn't need to be a parent to know that she was likely worried about them, so he wouldn't press. Despite his previous offer to help, he wasn't sure how much he could actually do for her.
"I can't allow Hiashi to have complete influence over my daughters' growth. The Hyuga are a great family with plenty of power and influence, the kind of power that may stretch farther than Konoha. The elders that make up the council of the clan are even worse than Hiashi. That said, and I hate to ask, but, I wish for assistance as I return to Konoha and gauge my chances of collecting my daughters." As Hitomi finished explaining her position, hands neatly folded in her lap; she couldn't entirely veil the expectant gaze she sent her rescuers.
Sin and Saeko were quietly sitting across from the Hyuga woman, both knowing that she was finished with her request and the explanation that came with it. Naruto was also silent as he sat nearby, looking to his sensei and the swordswoman while wondering what was exactly going on. He just knew that Hitomi seemed sad as she spoke about her daughters.
A moment of silence passed with Hitomi waiting for a response.
She wasn't particularly worried about their hesitation since they were as aware of her situation as she was. Deep down she knew their personal circumstances were being taken into account beside her request. She did hate to burden them, but knew she would need assistance, whether she liked it or not.
"Son of a…" Sin grunted, bringing more attention upon himself. As he continued he got a little off topic by Hitomi's request.
He pinched the bridge of his nose. "What is it about me, that I continuously attract beautiful, but trouble seeking women?" He muttered, gaining a curious look from his blonde charge. "What did I do in my past life to earn such a curse?" Hitomi had taken to looking at Sin strangely.
Saeko found his lamenting decidedly humorous because, she knew that she was the reason he believed in his so called 'curse'. He could only glare as Saeko giggled a little more.
Hitomi couldn't help herself and sweat-dropped through her air of elegance at Saeko and Sin's antics; mostly unperturbed by Sin calling her beautiful. Naruto seemed ready to do the same. "Ah...with all...respect. I think we've gone...off topic."
Sin sighed and composed himself, soon regaining his calm and semi-stoic air while Saeko settled her giggling. "Lady Hitomi," Sin tried.
"Hitomi, remember...I'm through with Hyuga formalities," she sighed out, sounding just a little annoyed.
"Right. Hitomi," Sin corrected as he grew serious. "We know your situation, so would even stepping within one mile of Konoha be wise?" He inquired pointedly, recalling their brief conversation from last night. Despite purposely seeking and stealing knowledge of the Jyuken and the Kaiten, with the exception of the knowledge of the Uchiha situation; he truly hadn't seen all her memories. He had the clues, but it hadn't clicked together yet. Retaining her complete knowledge was neigh impossible, not to mention costly. He would have easily risked his own mental health in going that far.
Hitomi shifted in her seat, relieved that Sin didn't have the solution. It meant he hadn't seen every bit of her knowledge and memories as the invasion of privacy was just a little unnerving when she thought about it. "I know I can thanks to that undermining fool, Danzo." She began to explain. "The Uchiha clan of the Sharingan had been planning a coup against the village since they weren't satisfied with the power and privilege they already possessed. Itachi Uchiha, their most promising member, who was also Anbu Captain, brought the matter to the Hokage's attention..."
While Hitomi explained, Saeko listened close while Sin was privy to this portion of information, but neither of them noticed Naruto's eyes widen at the name. "Itachi-nii?" The blonde had to wonder what happened after he left. Itachi was one of few who had been kind to him in the past. The young man had taught him how to feel and mold his chakra a few years prior to now.
"Danzo found out via one of his spies and secretly propositioned Itachi to show his loyalty to Konoha by eliminating his own family. Danzo convinced Itachi to accept the mission." Hitomi took a breath, seemingly gathering herself for her next words. "I speak in past tense because the Uchiha clan was annihilated last night. Itachi has martyred himself for Konoha and is now a missing-nin. Enslaved or not, I was a Root agent, therefore I know about the situation." Saeko looked shocked as Hitomi finished and Sin contemplated the new details as he filed the information away for later.
Naruto was both shocked and confused, but it didn't show. "Itachi-nii is too kind to do something like that...isn't he?" He thought to himself before the Kyubi gave him something to think about.
"He was kind to you, Naruto, yes. Who knows his reason for doing what he did. However, the fact remains that Itachi is a ninja. There is always more than what you see or know. Try not to think about it, it's unimportant right now." The feral feminine cadence drew through Naruto's mind. Meanwhile, the three adults continued with their discussion.
"The aftermath will be cause for a large investigation. It will require a lot of man power, a lot of hours. Their attention will be on containing the leak of information outside the village and the Hokage will likely feel pressed enough to take more missions to continue the image that the village's strength hasn't lessened." Hitomi added.
"Ah," Saeko interjected. "Those are all wise, emergency moves. Even Konoha will be stretched thin to keep up." The violet haired woman spoke thoughtfully.
Hitomi nodded, "It is indeed tragic, but said tragedy will allow for lowered risk. I plan to use the underground tunnels and areas that the Hokage forgot about years ago. Anbu doesn't run patrols through them anymore and Danzo has his own sector of underground dedicated to Root's use. My plan is to stay outside the village while using the various tunnels for entry and exit points. This will be done surgically."
"Okay then," Sin trailed. So, basically...you want back up?" Naruto had spoken up, reminding the three that he was still there and surprising all except Sin.
'Heh, the gaki is young, but he definitely has insight. Once again, I'm impressed Naruto.' Sin thought to himself as he crossed his arms, smirking at Saeko's surprised look, and Hitomi's veiled one.
Hitomi blinked once and nodded, respect showing in her pupil-less eyes. "Well...yes, simply put." She answered, keeping her facial expression from showing surprise at Naruto's attentiveness.
'Damn,' Sin began to think. 'Now I wish I hadn't been hasty in contacting Konoha. Naruto might not want to go back, but at least I could have gathered some information from the source without the village's back being up. Where there's a will, there is most certainly a way though…maybe I should have just hit the beehive with the stick rather than shoving it up their ass. So, how should I go about it then?' He masked his visage as he thought it over.
Hitomi figured that he was thinking it over and wasn't convinced by his relaxed composure. "These are my daughters that I speak of, I will also compensate." She pressed. Sin said nothing, figuring she thought he was on the verge of declining.
Meanwhile, Saeko smirked. "I feel like there should be a 'but', at the end of that statement." Sin remained silent, waiting and hoping that she said what he needed her to in order to not seem eager or suspicious about his intent.
"I would have to successfully get back to Konoha to compensate you; these items are not in my possession." Hitomi gave with a nod.
'There it is,' he thought as he smiled internally. 'Perfect'. He looked at Saeko to exchange an appraising look with her to keep up the appearance of a reluctant willingness to lend a hand.
The pause of silence didn't last.
"What's wrong with you?!"
Saeko and Hitomi blinked, but Sin's eyebrows furrowed as he looked to his immediate right…to see Naruto frowning at him with what looked like disappointment.
"The right thing to do would be to help. What are you, scared?" He folded his arms over his chest defiantly here. "Then…you're not fit to be my sensei!"
'Hmm…' Hitomi silently observed the blonde boy. 'That sounded eerily like Kushina. I wonder what Sin will do?'
Saeko could be counted in his statement, but the jinchuriki's outburst had been obviously aimed solely at Sin. 'Um…' she thought impassively as she cast a sideways glance at Sin to see the man having a stare down with the blonde kid.
'This little brat!' Sin mentally chuckled. 'He just unknowingly helped me out. I'm still going to take this chance to teach him a lesson…' He stood up, tilting his head with considering, though narrowed eyes and bent down. Sin hovered over the adolescent with an 'indignant' frown on his features. Naruto took a gulp while unconsciously taking one step back.
Naruto could see that his eyes weren't filled with the hate and anger he'd experienced in Konoha when he'd talked back to the villagers, Sin's eyes held an obviously unpleasant fire in them despite that.
"An anti-rescue mission in a highly militarized village with thousands of shinobi…it's just so easy, huh brat?" Sin asked rhetorically, not giving the kid a chance to respond, but even if he had, he doubted Naruto would have been able to voice an answer. "You don't even want to go anywhere near Konoha again, but I should just recklessly risk my life for a woman I just met, and simply because your morals say it's the right thing to do? Stop and think for a second…you're not the only one with a life. Don't be so quick to die, gaki!" Sin scolded.
"…" Naruto was speechless. He couldn't even think of a 'lame' smartass remark as his new sensei's fervor had silenced him.
"That's what I thought…" Sin sighed and ran a hand through his hair, the anger in his face suddenly gone just as quick as it had come.
Naruto looked up at the man he'd been calling 'master' as of late with wide, shocked eyes. He'd yet to see such displeasure on him, even though he didn't know he was acting; Naruto was convinced he was being genuine. There had been a complete one-eighty in his attitude compared to previous days. He was able to relax, if only because the mood he displayed didn't match the feel of his chakra…which was odd.
"Don't let your eyes determine what your mind believes, look for tells. Sensing chakra is just one, but you may not always be able to rely on that ability. He was acting just now, but I'm not sure why. He's covering for something…" That would be Kyubi again.
'A cover, huh? I'll pay closer attention in the future.' He mentally noted to his prisoner.
"I suggest you do that…"
"Damn," Sin muttered, the curse was followed by many more as he put his hands to his waist while looking down at his feet in thought. 'I guess that's enough acting.' He thought and turned his head to look over to Hitomi. "We'll help you."
"Wha…" Saeko tried. "You're going to…" but the words died on her tongue when Sin shrugged and gave a nod of affirmation. "I see. I guess I can stick around a little longer." She resigned herself to helping as well; she'd already left her shop closed in Tanzaku Gai. 'I should have hired some help to run the shop.' She suddenly lamented.
Naruto didn't know why, but he let out a quiet sigh of relief. That didn't mean he wasn't nervous as hell about being so close to his home again. When he left, he did so hoping that he would never have to see the place again.
"Hitomi, this plan of yours will be fleshed out by the time we get to Konoha's borders. Saeko and I are going in undercover as well. That is my condition. Do we have a deal?" Sin's tone brooked no room for negotiation.
Hitomi smiled politely, "we do," she stated simply with a nod.
+ . . . Flashback End . . . +
'I'll need to improve the Kage Bunshin that Hitomi taught me before we arrive. I'll also speak to Saeko later, tell her about the personal objective that we have outside of helping Hitomi.' A mental nod to himself and he made a notation on his clipboard while Naruto, helped by Hitomi proceeded through the katas of a currently unknown style.
'Huhu, let's see how many more secrets Konoha has buried. Something tells me they ain't buried deeply enough.'
+ . . . Konoha - Hokage Tower . . . +
The Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was going over paperwork as in most his days in office. This day was a lot different than the others however, as the Uchiha clan had been destroyed overnight.
No…that wasn't quite right. Destroyed in a matter of hours. The Sandaime didn't even want to think about survivors. The Uchiha District was still being combed through and the bodies collected by Anbu and Jonin that he handpicked. This event had to stay quiet for as long as possible. Any deceased Uchiha that activated the Sharingan were at risk, so it was decided that those bodies would be cremated to prevent...well, the Hokage didn't really want to think about it.
'Danzo, damn him. Always undermining my plays…Itachi.' He sighed, feeling both physically and mentally tired as he signed off on another document.
When there was a knock upon his office door. "Enter," he said with a sigh as he sat up at his desk.
The door opened to reveal one, Inoichi Yamanaka.
"Yes, Inoichi. Were you able to find any information that could help with Sin Kurokami?" The aged Hokage inquired hopefully, folding his arms over his desk.
"Perhaps. There wasn't a lot, but going through my grandfather's journal revealed a few things that we wouldn't have otherwise." Inoichi revealed not a scroll, but a small, leather backed notebook.
Hiruzen nodded. "Very well." He motioned to one of the seats before his desk, "please sit. Let's hear what you found."
"Hai thanks." Inoichi sat and opened the small notebook to an earmarked page.
"Sin's dojutsu is indeed, the Tenchogan. It belongs to a clan of family named, Kurokami. They are one of five original clans hailing from Yamataikoku. The Yamatai Kingdom is the main hidden village of the Land of Shamans. It is also one of 'Four Kingdoms of the North'. Their leader is known as the 'Shaman Lord' and at the time this was written there were four official Shaman Lords recorded. I'm…not sure how many there have been since, nor who their current Shaman Lord is."
Sarutobi's eyebrows had rose as Inoichi read, taking in the information to ponder it later. "That is more than I expected you to present. Narrowing the focus, is there any mention of the dojutsu or the Kurokami clan itself?"
"Not so much the clan as the Tenchogan. The Tenchogan is included in what is called the 'Hokubei no go Dai Noryoku'…"
"The Five Great Abilities of the North." The third Hokage nodded with questioning eyes. "Please, continue."
"Hai. Well, the other four abilities that are included in this title are unknown…" Inoichi trailed off as he flipped a page, then another. "The techniques aren't included either." The Hokage could be heard sighing at that revelation. "What is known…It empowers the wielder to see the flow of chakra. It is even stated that it can be used to see through Genjutsu as well, but they aren't immune to it. The ability depends on the abilities and strength of the Kurokami, but because of this, they have an enhanced ability to cast Genjutsu, and some talented Tenchogan users can even copy Genjutsu similar to how the Uchiha can copy all types of jutsu."
There was a pause as Inoichi turned another page near the end of the journal. "Oh ok, an ability, or rather, a talent is listed. My grandfather states that he once witnessed a Kurokami sharing knowledge with another via eye contact. It also reads that the one who was given knowledge…was not a Kurokami. That's all, sir."
The Hokage nodded slowly as he came out of his thoughtful expression. "Very well. Inoichi, I want you to make a brief of this and make sure it gets distributed to all Jonin on the active duty roster. We don't have his exact image, but we'll make our shinobi aware of his existence just the same."
Inoichi stood and bowed. "Hai, it will be done. By your leave." The rough looking Yamanaka then proceeded to exit the office.
"Hmm…"
Hiruzen leaned back in his seat when he heard the thoughtful sound from behind him.
"Jiraiya, glad you could finally make it. What do you make of the information Inoichi provided?"
"It's not a lot, but not completely useless either. The Northern Lands are a ways away from our nation. I've never had reason to go there myself since it's so far away. I would forget about looking for the Kurokami there…at least for now." The Gama Sannin suggested as he walked around his former teacher's desk to sit where Inoichi had previously been.
"Give me one good reason at least."
"I've met maybe four people from those lands before. Northerners are secretive and never would join my spy network. I know that they do not easily leave those lands and if one is exiled…forget about it. Even if Sin Kurokami was never exiled, Naruto still isn't reason enough for him to take him there."
"Why?" Sarutobi pressed.
"Because, they always leave the Northern Lands for reasons so great…they never speak of it. It's cryptic I know. Don't worry, old man, I'll get right on this. There's also only a few who will venture that far, so if he did choose to leave I'll be able to find out." Jiraiya reassured as he got to his feet in preparation to leave.
The grizzled leader nodded and relaxed, reassured by Jiraiya's words. "Oh, before I forget…" Jiraiya stopped beside his desk. "What of Danzo, is he looking for them as well?" There was some concern in his tone as he made the inquiry.
"Oh, right. I don't think his drones succeeded, but he did send a team to search for them. I'll be on my way to look into that tomorrow morning, for now I'll be in the village." He grinned.
"Need I ask why you don't leave now?" Sarutobi inquired despite knowing the answer.
The Sannin just raised a single brow as a lecherous grin followed. "You wouldn't enjoy those books so much if I didn't go to great lengths to gather research!" Then he stopped and suddenly looked thoughtful.
"Problem?" The third raised a single brow in question.
"It's funny. I get chased or beaten by a group of women and it's assumed they always do so for sneaking peeks…rather than because I'm a hit it and run kind of guy." Jiraiya snorted and shook his head. "You can't make a book like mine from just peeking." With his peace said, Jiraiya prepared to leave.
"Jiraiya, use the…"
"Woo!" Too late, the perverted hermit had leapt out of his window with an excited cry.
"…Window," Sarutobi muttered with a sigh.
+ . . . +
"...May Kami-sama help us learn and evolve from this tragedy? To provide us guidance in these our new beginnings, a new path, but let us never forget this moment in our history. Use this to motivate and inspire us into a new age with new endeavors to progress in methods that was once deemed fruitless...We will take strength from this time of weakness and preserves our clan heritage. Just as the flames of the Uchiha burns with the intensity of the Phoenix, so shall we rise anew from the ashes."
Mikoto's jet black hues scanned over her remaining fellow Uchiha, secretly gauging their interest and acceptance; few though the clan may be. "Its due time that we control our own destiny, to evolve, and become more than just a revered clan with an opportunistic and forceful bloodline."We need to unite as a family first, clan second; with unwavering beliefs and causes of our own to properly benefit the Uchiha. Yes, some guilt does lay with us, we outcast ourselves believing we didn't need allies, but those days are gone. Injustices against us will too be rectified immediately. This is my promise as your new clan head and fellow Uchiha."
The Uchiha matriarch paused for suspense before continuing. "Today the Uchiha enters a new type of evolution. We will no longer blindly serve Konoha! But let us once more unite as a family first. Let us unite as a single entity under one banner... The Uchiha!" One, Uchiha Mikoto, usually reserved when speaking, stated the speech with motivating intensity and the proper fervor becoming a clan head. However, more than that would be needed to set the last handful of the surviving Uchiha family along their best path to greatness.
Mikoto planned to instill a family strength first and clan superiority second mentality; to be the new motto of the Uchiha clan. None had qualms about it; most of them felt it was fitting. No longer would the Curse of Hatred wreak havoc on their remaining numbers; not if Mikoto had anything to say about it. It was high time to take responsibility for themselves as both a clan and a family, not just simply as shinobi. They could continue blaming Konoha and decide what to do about it later.
A brief round of applause and whoops voiced unwavering agreement at her speech's end. Afterwards, the remainder of the large group funeral wound down by farewells and safe travels for the departed souls from the few remaining Uchiha. It was time to do away with the superstitious 'Curse of Hatred' that had been given birth with Uchiha Madara, Izuna Uchiha, and the negativity his actions and eventual defection from Konoha had caused the clan during a time when they truly sought peace after the long period of shedding blood and losing many kin in the Warring States Era. Itachi Uchiha's name would surely join his, though his name was likely to never be spoken again, and if it should; it would not be spoken lightly.
The Uchiha Military Police hadn't helped stem the arrogance of the clan either. The nidaime had thrown the clan a bone by giving them their own, personal faction of government. On the outside it was to police the village when the Anbu couldn't, but the true reason was to have an in with the clan where loyal Uchiha of Konoha would inform on Uchiha shinobi and kunoichi with questionable motives. While it was an innovative idea and more than served its purpose to keep the civilians and ninja alike on a straight path, it only led to further arrogance and expectation of privilege and power; also splintering the loyalty of the clan itself. That had led to and ended with Itachi Uchiha.
The last of the speech given, wrapped up the eulogy for the departed Uchiha. Though Itachi had been thorough in his destruction of Konoha's most prestigious clan, a series of unfortunate and preemptive events were reason enough for there to exist survivors of the Sharingan wielding clan. The details were temporarily set aside in favor of a moment's respite to mourn the losses and even then, only a few would ever know the complete truth behind what happened that night. Recovery of the clan came first, instantly pressing for further details would only raise ire amongst those that had survived. Mikoto knew that was the last thing they needed at this point, so she didn't hesitate to take charge. The Uchiha needed to become one united front. The rest would come as time passed. Time could heal all wounds, but the matriarch also knew that the world was apt to disappoint.
Earlier, handpicked Anbu guarded and stayed around long enough to assist in gathering the bodies of the deceased and help keeping the integrity of the deceased; as ordered. Those fluent in clan politics understood their orders to mean they were to help make certain no deceased members with the Sharingan had their eyes stolen or lost from Uchiha possession. Once the Uchiha survivors were satisfied that none of the bodies were compromised outside of clan approval, the Anbu departed without haste to report to the Sandaime Hokage.
Once Sarutobi had time to go over the reports, he'd called for a brief emergency council meeting with the shinobi representatives and village elders for an update of the Uchiha clan's plans moving forward. This included Uchiha massacre survivor, Uchiha Mikoto. The meeting took place before the ritual of the deceased could be completed and while the bodies were still being collected.
While the Uchiha had been informed on by Itachi Uchiha leading to their plot being discovered, something that didn't remain secret long...the Sandaime ultimately felt guilty about having ever agreed to consider allowing Itachi to handle his family matters once and for all himself. Sarutobi's hesitation had allowed Danzo to work around him and give Itachi Uchiha the green light to proceed with his actions behind his back. Now there were only a handful of Uchiha that remained to the village. Loyalty and trust was subsequently severed by both parties due to that fact.
When the council meeting began to speak of what to do with the Uchiha clan, none of which involved 'banishment', Mikoto Uchiha took over, and put everyone in their place. The Uchiha would no longer be a pawn to the village. The Uchiha would do what was best for the Uchiha and neither the Hokage nor the council had a say in that regard.
"Unless the council and the Uchiha clan can come to a mutual decision involving the Uchiha clan, post massacre, the Uchiha will leave Konoha for greener pastures."
About half of the council had become indignant at Mikoto's statement; the sort of comments that she would expect to hear from them, even including Hiashi Hyuga and the elders. They had wanted to further haggle for control and set limitations on the clan due to the fallout. Mikoto just continued on over them without hesitation, easily disregarding their 'concerns'.
"You heard me. The Uchiha clan was plotted against and ruined by one of their own by the village the Uchiha helped found, and now, excluding Itachi and with Shisui dead; including the outside Uchiha offspring we have coming in from Kumo and Suna...we are six, including myself. Despite the allegations of a coup, no action was taken on our end. Guilty of considering it? Hai. However, the guilt of the Uchiha and the actions of the village bring us fairly; to an impasse." Mikoto smirked and none on the council thought the reason for her doing so to be a pleasant one.
"What's fair is fair. I'm sure we can agree on that." She continued while reclined in her seat, raven black locks framing her face, and equally black eyes swallowing the sight of the council. Despite the situation, she was enjoying the taste of their palpable stress. They were hers in that moment and she would savor it. The Uchiha would be punished in some manner, but not to the degree they all wished. The third's paranoid tendencies would see to it.
That the kekkai-genkai was hailed as the strongest in existence didn't hurt her leverage either. "On one side, the village could provide reparations to the Uchiha clan to help with the recovery and rebuilding of our district. We stay in Konoha as a show of good faith and the clan maintains a probationary period of which the terms and stipulations can be agreed upon later. Or..."
"...Or?" Danzo nearly growled, already upset about being beaten to Shisui's eyes and unable to gather the Sharingan undercover without scrutiny to the ignorance of many others.
"Or, Konoha and the Uchiha split ways, and the clan finds another hidden village to join, and bless with the best kekkai-genkai in the elemental nations. Or we can always become a nomadic group, much like the ancient Uzumaki once were before the birth of Uzushio. "Mikoto noticed how most flinched when the Uzumaki name was spoken. 'Interesting', she thought as she filed the moment away in the back of her mind.
"Leave and the remaining Uchiha become missing-nin!" Hiashi Hyuga argued.
Sarutobi massaged his temples. Hiashi and all that agreed with him were wrong. He already knew what was coming. Worst was, it was a village law that could not be argued. There would be no forced CRA either; there were survivors and he would've done his best to discourage it anyway.
Right now it was time to agree with Mikoto Uchiha's assessment or lose the Uchiha clan to a rival village. He would agree anyway just to avoid further negative fallout caused by Danzo and his actions. There was no telling how far the other hidden village's, both minor and major, would go to receive the Uchiha clan into their fold.
There were a few different options previously proposed, both good and bad. The worst of which consisted of the CRA or Clan Restoration Act, but no, it was time to heal. The deaths of Uchiha clansmen brought more problems than just the loss of talented shinobi and man power. The Uchiha would simply have to be kept under close watch. The Sharingan was too important to lose altogether. The only silver lining in the situation was that there were survivors.
Sarutobi knew Mikoto had the wherewithal to run the clan effectively, probably more so than Fugaku, but she had given him control instead. He silently wondered why Mikoto had assisted the clan from the shadows as part-time advisor when she had been the heiress and allowed Fugaku to run the clan as its face. There was something not quite adding up, like some of this had been planned out long before hand...but to risk the clan in such a way, without guarantee of any of their survival was an insane sort of act that he couldn't see being made with sane logic no matter how tactically planned out. If that was indeed the case. Then again, Uchiha Mikoto was a cleverer woman than she let on. A fact that was being proven tine and again at this meeting.
Mikoto again had retorted like a great clan head with her clan's best interests at heart. "Naive little Hyuga, I think not. No, understand this, as I'll only say it once. Village law number five, one of ten laws upon which this village was initially founded. When a village and clan come to violence against one another or each other. If a solution is impossible or reparations aren't offered and probationary period impossible to come to terms. One or both sides may choose to divide one from the other without penalty. As one of my clansmen would say, please believe; I will remove the Uchiha to another country under this clause as just cause."
...
The timeline had gone something like, massacre. Survivors gathering, counting, and identifying all bodies for ceremony. Two Uchiha import arrivals from Suna and Lightning Country planned for. Ninja Council meeting and then the beginning of the Uchiha 'passing over' Ceremony. All in the span of less than fifteen hours and there was a lot done and much more left to be done.
The ceremonial burning began immediately when Mikoto Uchiha returned to the clan grounds. The ceremony ended and all members present used weak Fire Release jutsu to set the deceased aflame upon an elaborate wooden effigy of the Uchiha clan insignia holding all the bodies of the deceased.
The new clan head stood off to the side and allowed her clan's survivors a moment to pay their respects. It was shortly afterwards that they began to come to her at the closing of the ceremony, one by one. Mikoto internally sighed hoping with hope that she could be the strength her clan needed. She had wanted this after all and Itachi, Shisui, and Danzo had nearly ruined everything. Mikoto internally scowled at remembering that final name. He would soon be dealt with, she promised herself.
Mikoto shifted and forced a welcoming smile as someone approached her. "Naori." Mikoto set her wide, black gaze onto a woman a few inches taller than herself.
This particular female Uchiha had long and wavy purple hair that cascaded down to her backside with cropped bangs that settled over her hitai-ite showing only the leaf insignia. She wore a black, high collared cloak with an attached hood closed around her covering the majority of her form. The Uchiha clan emblem was styled on the back and a three tomoe symbol was present on either side of the high sitting collar. She possessed two swords wrapped in bandages attached one over the other on her left hip and her feet stood enclosed in red shinobi sandals that showed toenails painted equally red.
"Mikoto-sama." The woman known as Naori Uchiha, responded in a soft even tone as she performed a slight bow to her clan matriarch.
Mikoto turned to face Naori fully. "You always were a most reliable clanswoman, Naori. I'm not sure if I've ever voiced that fact to you or not. Thank you for your hard work as of late and not simply due to last night. If not for your foresight, I doubt there would be this many of us alive." Mikoto smiled slightly more at her last words.
"Just doing my part, Mikoto-sama. Though, I do owe you a debt of gratitude for allowing replacement of the eye I lost when I..." Mikoto waved her hand dismissively, causing Naori to become quiet. She could tell that the topic she was about to broach was still a depressing one for the young woman.
"No need to bring that up, Naori. I was glad to do so. Breaking the curse of hatred was not only unseen, but untold of until you Naori. Therefore, it was the least I could do."
A brief silence washed over the two Uchiha women as the flames from the burning effigy reflected in each of their Obsidian orbs until Mikoto spoke once more. "I know that greatness will rise from this loss for the clan; the cursed influences will certainly be put to rest now that the motivation is there. The Uchiha can become even more than it was with members like you remaining. I just want all remaining members to know that there will be suffering and growing pains for a time." Mikoto stated almost thoughtfully. "However, I promise it's worth it."
Naori gave a curt nod and tried a smile. It was genuine despite seeming forced; she just wasn't the smiling sort. "That is my hope, Mikoto-sama. I couldn't help thinking that despite his actions; Itachi was always on to something where the clan was concerned."
Naori didn't show her surprise when Mikoto smiled widely. "That was all he had, but I'm pleased to hear you say so. I tend to agree, but Itachi was too pessimistic and honored Konoha's ways more than his own families. No change was possible through him because the others knew he wanted change for the village first rather than the bettering of the clan itself. It will be more than just a thought or a hope now however. "
"Hai. My hopes are in your capable hands. That's all I wished to say, I'll go see what else can be done around the district, there's a lot left to fix." Mikoto said nothing as Naori bowed and then began to stride away into the recesses of the ruined clan district.
A male Uchiha soon began approaching Mikoto almost as soon as Naori stepped away. He walked with purpose as he moved, effortlessly maintaining a stern expression. There were a few small exceptions, but really, he appeared like a younger Shisui Uchiha. It was for good reason as he was Shisui's blood cousin after all. Their mother's had been near identical sisters.
Mikoto turned to greet him and she immediately took his hands into her own as his deep purple eyes looked into her own black ones with a hidden curiosity that only an Uchiha could pinpoint. "Izanagi-kun." Mikoto spoke with some affection and still, the Shisui-like expression remained; only his eyes softened briefly as he responded.
"Lady Mikoto, this might sound odd given the circumstances, and I am honored, but..." He began in an Itachi-like tone that Mikoto did not favor so she quickly cut him off.
"Stop Izanagi. I'm just fine; no more, no less. If you are honored, then be so. My choosing you to take over for me as acting clan head for the time being is of both reason and good judgment." Mikoto reminded.
After returning from the council meeting earlier, she had announced that he would be temporary clan head until she was ready to rule the clan in a political fashion. It was an announcement that shocked the present remaining Uchiha despite their knowing Izanagi to be the third most promising Uchiha of the clan behind the deceased Shisui and the murderous Itachi. She stated that she was making this switch to give her sole focus of running the clan from the inside giving the Uchiha two clan heads.
Since Izanagi knew of her ideals and plans going forward he would act as a figurehead who would share their sentiments in any future meetings, as well as other village concerns that would call for a gathering of the shinobi council. Mikoto's sole focus would be the clan and she stated that she wouldn't bother with village politics outside the clan because it would only distract her and waste time in her efforts to help rebuild and restructure the clan. After hearing their leader's reasoning and further considering Izanagi Uchiha's capabilities, the remaining Uchiha all agreed with her decision without further inquiry.
"Hai, I will." Izanagi bowed his head slightly deciding to drop the matter. Mikoto would allow herself to be questioned only so much and he didn't want to cross any lines or set off her temper.
"Good boy," Mikoto smiled mischievously. "On to business now...have they awakened yet?" Mikoto inquired Izanagi of one of the responsibilities that she had placed upon him.
Hearing her question and knowing what she was speaking of, Izanagi gave her a knowing look. "Sasuke is still unconscious, though I was able to break the Tsukiyomi induced nightmares, and he's now stable." Mikoto gave an understanding nod having thought he'd still be out of it. Itachi had done a number on his younger brother.
"Your red headed friend," Izanagi continued, "she's been awake for a few hours now and has been asking for you. I was surprised when you told me who she is and her situation, I can't believe Shisui participated in such an act. This entire ordeal has opened my eyes. Anyway, she's been quite anxious and a little distraught...will you see her now, my lady?" Izanagi further inquired, noticing that the congregation of Uchiha had returned to their damaged properties.
Mikoto seemed to think about it though she already knew her answer. "Hai, you'll come with me as well. We should settle as many issues as we can, our distant Uchiha brethren will arrive soon, and that will likely require most of my attention later today." Izanagi nodded in agreement and the two left the scene of the burning effigy step in step.
The two Uchiha soon arrived to the clan head's home. Besides damage to the inner structure and the blood stains that were too deeply dried in to have been removed it was one of the least damaged buildings on the property. After walking the bloodied halls, turning a few corners, and passing the broken paper walls they arrived to what had been Itachi's room.
Mikoto began to slide the door open, but stopped short and turned to Izanagi. "Perhaps you should enter first. I know how excitable she can be and it seems you've had the most contact with her since the Genjutsu was lifted. I don't want to overwhelm her, so I'll follow after you."
Izanagi gave a nod and stepped in front of the door in her place. "Very well," he slid the door open and stepped inside.
After quietly entering, his purple hues landed on the pacing form of a red headed woman dressed in a black robe with the Uchiha clan logo styled on the back. When she heard the sliding wood door click shut, she stopped pacing to find the source.
"I-Izanagi-kun..." she stated softly. The Uchiha noticed that she still had not gotten any rest since she first regained consciousness despite his asking she do so, but seeing the concern in her violet eyes he could understand why. "Izanagi-kun...you're back. Now will you explain to me what's going on and where I am?" She had walked over and hugged him by now, she was the only lifeline she had since her mind had been cleared, but everything was so foggy and she had nearly no memory recall.
For his part, all he could do was stand there as the confused, sleepless woman hugged herself to him; he thought this sort of interaction was improper as her bosom pressed to his chest, but he wouldn't blame her knowing what he knew about this woman. "I wish you would have gotten some rest, but yes, everything shall be explained." He felt himself freed of her as the gorgeous red head released him to look up at him expectantly.
During the brief exchange neither had noticed Mikoto enter the room. "Oh my, Izanagi, you sure work fast. Though I never figured you the type to take advantage of confused and helpless women. This woman is my friend, so how should I feel about this?"
Izanagi jerked and stood ramrod straight hearing the Uchiha's teasing lilt. It only lasted a moment as the Uchiha regained his composure and dignity. An unappreciative frown showed on his visage when he turned to face her. "You should feel nothing, because there is nothing," the young man said between clenched teeth.
Mikoto laughed softly at his rebuke. "You jest, Izanagi-kun. You seem mighty worked up for nothing."
Izanagi was prepared to respond, if not outright attack the head of the clan, but was interrupted when the red head charged past him and nearly brought herself and Mikoto down to the ground. It was just enough that Mikoto had seemed unconsciously prepared for the red head to charge into her.
Mikoto had been watching her second in command with amusement, enjoying the teasing banter she was getting him to engage with her in…when she found herself charged by the third presence in the room from the corner of her eye. She wasn't surprised, even after missing out on so much time with her, and thinking her dead she was still able to predict her best friend.
The Uchiha matriarch smiled as she looked down to the woman gripping her tightly. They were about the same height but, she was slightly hunched over as she shed a few tears into her clothing before meeting Mikoto's eyes as well.
Izanagi witnessed her sport the largest smile he'd never think her capable of if he hadn't seen it himself as he heard her say…
"Hello there, Kushina-nee. Its good to see you, I missed you too."
+ . . . +
AN: No author notes in particular and if you must call this a 'filler' chapter, then so be it. Yes, Kushina was supposed to have been dead, but surprise! It's a conspiracy. All that and more will follow in the chapter to come and I apologize for the long wait for an update, but as I plotted the story more and more I wanted to be careful about how I proceeded in laying the ground work for what the story will become later on. Perhaps I was too careful, but ah well. I hope you enjoyed and as always, review! It's the motivation that helps us writers get our work done quicker.
On a side note, look for another Naruto fic that I will be posting soon. I hope that you're following me so that you get the update when I post it. Right now it is untitled, but this story will be a 'grey' Naruto and focus on his continuing to live inside Konoha.
No review answers due to the fact its been so long since I've updated.