A/N: Next chapter! Yes, I'm starting to take some liberties with the past, the present, and the future in my fic but this is fan fiction. I'm adding my plot bunny while trying to keep everything as close to canon as possible, except for the pairings of course. So naturally, everything AFTER the war isn't going to happen here. Well, Karin can go back to licking Orochimaru's scales but we don't care about her. Some answers in this chapter but not all, just hang with me. It'll be awhile before any action but won't be too long before Itachi enters.
Disclaimer: do not own
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Chapter Four
One more nasty glare and Sasuke knew he wouldn't be able to prevent his temper from flaring up. After departing the village earlier in the day, he had been getting the cold shoulder from his teammates. The hateful glances, the accusing eyes were getting on his nerves. The baka had almost tripped twice because he had been too busy looking back at him to pay attention. To make the mission suck worse, during his slight absence, something had been said to Sakura. The med-nin was in front of them pouting worse than a child. The disappointed glances, the tearful eyes, and the silent treatment said it all. Normally nothing he said would make her shut the hell up.
What had Naruto told her? Not that he cared, not really. He was free to do as he pleased and that meant speaking to another female. What he did was none of their business and the couple were no longer together. They had no reason to act like children when they were on a mission. That was what bugged him, they were letting it affect what they were doing. It wasn't like Naruto had walked in on them fucking. So he had been touching her face, there were many explanations for it and these two must be assuming something else.
What did he care? It would be none of their business if he did suddenly decide to pursue the Hyuuga girl. At the moment, she was a casual acquaintance, nothing more. He was simply trying to assist someone that might possibly be of his clan. She wasn't all Uchiha but that didn't matter, she had come to him for help and he had agreed. His brother would have offered her assistance, he would do no less because these two couldn't handle it.
Captain Yamato was calling a halt to their journey sometime after dusk. The merchant they were guarding was more than happy to stop for the night. It made Sasuke wonder what exactly the man was guarding beneath that tarp.
"Naruto, help Sasuke set up camp while I scout around." Yamato turned to see that only one of the shinobi had moved to do as he had suggested, the one he wouldn't expect to so easily follow a direct order. "Got a problem hearing, Naruto? Go help Sasuke set up camp, we will need to get some rest before we cross the border. Our main concern for the client's safety will be in affect once we are no longer in Fire."
"He can do it himself," Naruto didn't want to help him. He had thought this mission was going to be a great way to ask his friends for help on how to win Hinata back but he'd been wrong. Had he known that his best friend was seeing his girl behind his back, he wouldn't have opened to him so easily. How Sasuke must have been laughing at him all this time.
"Excuse me," What was going on? Since when did Naruto return to behaving like a child? This wasn't the way to speak to him in front of a client and he wouldn't allow the disrespect to continue. "Do we need to have talk in private?"
"No, you need to send him back to Konoha. We don't need him here," Naruto hated that Sasuke could be so calm after what he had caught him doing and the idiot didn't seem to care that his actions was causing Sakura pain. She had managed to contain her emotions when he had told her but how long would that last with him so close? "I'm sure he is ready to head back since his girlfriend is waiting on him."
"You know nothing and I am not the one being unprofessional by having a childish fit in the middle of a mission." Sasuke didn't understand the problem. If Hinata were really his girl then he wouldn't handle the situation of her being with another this way. It was a simple matter of kicking the shit out of the new guy, letting him know that his life was in danger, and then try to convince the girl to return to him. Well, maybe this was the same except Naruto was showing his anger at the wrong time. Yet, neither of them have any proof of their suspicions but he was already being condemned.
"Do you want to tell me what has everyone in such a tiff or do I send you all back with the recommendation of suspension?" Yamato turned to Sakura who was just standing there, not like herself. Why wasn't she scolding Naruto for his outburst and for yelling at her boyfriend? This was why couples shouldn't be on missions together.
"He's a lying jerk and a girlfriend stealer," Naruto pointed a finger towards the Uchiha. "Wasn't Sakura enough but you had to take Hinata from me? Are you working on Ino as well? Or do you even know who you want?"
"I stole nothing from you." Sasuke clenched his fist, as all eyes turned to him. Even the merchant was smirking at this outcome. "I've yet to enter into a relationship with Sakura, whom you have yet to date. Second, Ino and I are only friends and if we wish to walk somewhere together then that is our concern."
"What about Hinata?" Sakura had to know if it were true. Naruto had said he had walked in on them about to kiss right after Sasuke had kicked them all out so the two could be alone. Was Sasuke the reason Hinata had dumped Naruto? When had the two gotten together? "Did you kiss her?"
"My relationship with her isn't any of your business. The moment she ended things with the dobe, her affairs were no longer any of his concern. What I was doing with her today when he rudely interrupted, is between us." He wouldn't tell them of her problem when she had asked him not to. He wouldn't break that trust just because these two were insecure. Also, if he chose to kiss another, then he would.
"Enough," Yamato couldn't believe they would come out here with this shit. It would be a waste of breath to tell them to get over it and work together. Not if Sasuke had stolen Naruto's girlfriend, which wasn't Sakura, and there would be no smoothing things out for the rest of the trip. However, he needed at least two shinobi and one had to be a med-nin. He also knew that Sakura wouldn't do her best if this was between her and Sasuke, she would be too distracted as long as the shinobi was around. "Sasuke, I'm going to send you back to the village. I'll send a clone with you to report to the Hokage, so you aren't found to be at fault for the early leave."
"And my pay?" Sasuke did not want to lose the pay because he wouldn't be allowed to complete it.
"I will make sure you get it since you are the only one being professional here." Yamato didn't want to send him away but it was for the best. "Do you wish to camp for the night or go ahead and head back?"
"I will head out now so I can be back at the village before dawn." Sasuke didn't mind returning sooner than later. Hinata should still be at his place with Ino, he would see if anything was accomplished while he was away.
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Ino gladly accepted the refill and continued to turn the pages of the journal from Mahan Uchiha. So far it had been filled with details of the man's growing up, his treatment because people believed him to be the offspring of Madara. She smiled noticing that there was a mention of Sasuke's father being one of the younger generation that thought Mahan was awesome. "Thanks, Hinata. Have you found anything in the other journal yet?"
"Um, it is boring. It is currently talking about his sons, how his wife is very vigorous and likes something about going greek, what does that mean?" Hinata had no idea what it meant. Did it have something to do with mythology or did the term mean something else? "I've never really cared for the food."
"It's a slang term for doing it anal, it means his wife liked to have anal sex." Ino laughed seeing the horror cross the pale features. "Skip the parts about this wife of his, please, or I will never be able to think about my former sensei again without gagging. Is there anything else?"
"I'm getting to the parts where he discusses his concerns for his former pupil, I guess he means Orochimaru." Hinata was trying not to waste too much time on the entries that discussed the wife or simple things that weren't interesting. The man had written a lot in this book, "I'll let you know when I find something interesting."
"Hopefully one of us will find something before we pass out, it'll be dawn in a few hours." Ino helped herself to the caffeine in the cup and flipped the page. The man had decent writing for a male, if he tended to drag some shit out. Some entries were kind of lazy because they were missing dates, like the next one.
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Today I witnessed another act of cruelty that went ignored. I was returning home after completing my report and on the way, I spotted a child that was being beaten by his father in the middle of the street. This child had failed his exam at the academy due to failing the cloning jutsu. Early this morning the body had been found by the mother, a med-nin confirmed the death was due to internal injuries dealt just recently. Many stood up to inform the Hokage and the council of what had occurred. I was aghast when the man said that it isn't the council's place to interfere with how a parent disciplines his child. The father claimed that he perhaps got carried away while training the boy that evening and hadn't realized that the injuries were that grave. Nothing was done to the father and the matter was dropped.
I warned Rena about getting involved with someone so close to the council, yet she didn't listen. I had warned her about the way Utatane would glare at her when no one was paying attention. The old hag had never wanted them together and I'm sure my worries have been just. A month ago my teammate, Rena, left to go on a solo-mission to Suna and has yet to return. I went to the Hokage and he politely told me that she will be listed as a rogue-nin since there has been no body discovered and the most likely reason for her absence is her running off. I know my friend, she would never leave her home, nor the man she loves.
Two more months without a word about Rena and I retook my concerns to the Hokage. The man brushed my fears aside, as if he didn't have time to listen. In my anger I struck out at the man, knowing that he knew just as well as I did that the old bitch had something to do with my friend's disappearance but wouldn't do anything to go against his friends. If not for the interference of the man's guards, I could have ended the life of the third. I am not under arrest but they are discussing with my clan elders on how to deal with the threat I might impose on their comfortable positions.
The old fucks, they wanted me dead and demanded my head to be handed over. Thankfully, the Uchiha clan elders decided that they would pretend to be delivering my life to the council but my escape was easily planned. I have been officially named a rogue and my clan has officially 'banished' me.
I have been spending the last four years heading from village to village snooping where I could. I have decided to look into some words my father once spoke about how unfair the nations were. I want to see for myself if things are the same elsewhere.
In the village of Suna I witnessed a shinobi being publically executed for failing to complete his mission. His death was to be an example to any others that thought to fail their missions. When I inquired further about this mission, it had been to slay a five year old child.
I have begun to compose a log of all the crimes I have come across since my journey has begun. Time is but something that passes for me now as I find more and more reasons why we shinobi serve blindly to those that hold our leashes.
It has been years since I've bothered to write anything down, my time spent traveling and always managing to escape before my presence is noted. After being gone from my home for so long, I have returned to Konoha. I have taken up spending my nights with a very beautiful kunoichi. I am taking a risk since she belongs to a prestigious clan and is promised to another already. Yet I believe she loves the thrill that comes with knowingly bedding a wanted man.
Today I believe everything has changed for me, I spotted an angel in the market. The girl glowed as she played with several of the poor children in the local park. The fine kimono had to be from a wealthy family and as she lifted her gaze to catch mine I realized just what I was gazing upon, a Hyuuga.
For the last few weeks I have been seeking ways to catch my angel while she went about various trips into the village. No matter where she is, I feel drawn to her presence like a moth to the flame. My love is very shy and sweet, and always has a kind word for me but how will she feel if she were to learn that she wasn't the only woman in my life?
I have decided to end things in order to pursue the one I want. Things had turned out rather heated when I admitted that I was in love with another. Now all my attention goes to her.
In three days I marry. Our marriage cannot be discovered by others because her clan would not accept her relationship with a rogue. She has promised to wait for me to finish my work here and when it is time, we shall leave this place together.
All I have in my hands is this journal. I have been forced to leave the village just days after my wedding. I was in the market when I was spotted by the White Fang's bitch of a son. He was no match but he made enough commotion to draw the attention of several jonin. I was chased out after receiving grave injuries to my legs. It will be months before I can properly walk again, if I am lucky. What must my love think?
A hole has taken up residence in the place my heart once beat. I returned as soon as I could to discover that my love is no longer with us. She passed away in childbirth just two weeks before I stepped foot back in this accursed place. Had I been a bit sooner, would she still be alive? I have no news on the location of the child as of yet but I know that it is mine.
The babe was taken in by my love's older sister and her husband. I realize that my chances of taking her are impossible. The man that has claimed to have sired MY child is the formidable Hyuuga leader, Hiashi.
Another shocking revelation after knowing that my second angel is beyond me now. My former lover also gave birth to a girl child some three months before my wife blessed me with a daughter. The woman is currently married to another member of the clan but I can count. I know who she was fucking during that time and I have no doubt that this child is also of my blood. I asked her about it and I was denied. She swore that it belonged to her husband but the fear in her eyes confirmed it.
I have found the perfect location in which to watch over my children. As the third watches over the village, I too shall be watching over those that are most precious to me now.
Both my children continue to grow with their families, they are like night and day. Ino is blonde just like her mother but I swear she has my temperament. My sweet Hinata, she is a miniature version of her mother. I do fear that before they are allowed to start the academy I will have to find a way to seal them. If for some reason their Uchiha line were to become known, I fear what trouble it will cause for them before they are old enough to understand the grief it will cause. After my recent discoveries, being a Uchiha isn't exactly safe in the Leaf.
I have managed to seal them both with a means of speaking to them. My last task before this illness takes me is to finish collecting the evidence that will damn this place. What they did to my clan in one night, I could scarcely believe when I heard it. Out of all my people, only two are rumored to survive and one is taking the blame for it all. I will not go to my death until I find something to prove that this nation deserves to fall.
To my daughters, Hinata and Ino, if you are reading this then I am dead. My only disappointment is that I was never given the chance to be a true father. While my feelings for your mothers weren't the same, both were an important part of my life. I have left my life's work for you to discover. It is up to you how you will proceed from this point. I have also left with you a means to obtain the father that I have always wanted to be, the decision is yours. Wherever your path leads you, you will do me proud, as kuniochi, as Uchiha.
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"Wow, that was a lot of info," Ino took a deep breath, drawing a blank on what to say about what she had just read. When being told he was rumored to be the son of Madara, she had been expecting to find entries of wanting to kill, a plan of world domination or something. "What do you have there, Hinata?"
"I don't know what to say, I don't know if I can read anymore, it is all so horrible." Hinata couldn't believe that this confession was in the old hokage's writing. She would rather read about the anal thing than this. "I can't say it out loud, you'll have to read it. Start on the previous page."
"Alright, it can't be that horrible." Ino scooted the chair around to sit next to the other girl. The pallor had completely gone missing from the normally pale face. What had the old man wrote, had he been into little boys?
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Today I left the clan meeting with a heavy heart but I have decided to stand firm with the decision that has been made for the better of the village. When I was called by the Hiashi, I had no idea that it would be for my input on such a grave matter. He begrudgingly informed me that his sister-in-law recently was delirious with fever in childbirth and the woman had accidently confessed to the one that had gotten her in such a state. The elders had already been informed of her crime by the time I arrived and were debating to imprison the family. The woman had wed a very dangerous rogue and a threat to our village, in order to become impregnated by the man, she had been meeting up with him in the village, which is a clear act of treason in our laws. The grieving man knew he could do nothing to stop the death of the mother but he asked about a way to spare the child, which was innocent of any wrong. We got the council to agree to spare the child in exchange the mother would die for her crimes but they ordered the Hyuuga leader to see to the punishment personally, to set an example. I did nothing as the man was forced to take the life of the mother. He promised that she didn't suffer and that he would raise the child as his own.
Another mess to handle, I grow weary of the games. A prophecy has come from the Black Owl Sage in the small village near Kiri and the council wishes to ignore my words and consider that this was a warning because she was known in the region for having sight so sharp, it could see things yet to come. They creature warned that she saw the future and that in the distant future a Uchiha would become the Supreme Kage and the nations would cease to exist. A shinobi so great that none will be able to oppose him will be born to bring about a new age. So scared of change, they have ordered that the clan now be watched.
The position of the Uchiha had is already unstable because of the prophecy and the attack of the kyubi. Isn't it enough that we have positioned the clan on the outskirts of the village? There are already rumors of dissent in their ranks. There is no proof that the clan was involved. The council has decided to further oppress the clan by taking away some of their holdings.
My wife is ill but I am unable to remain at her side as much as I'd like due to the daily headaches of still being the Hokage. Will they find me a replacement before I die of old age? I am not as young as I used to be and I tire of the steady demands from the other villages. They too have heard of this prophecy and fear that we are harboring something too powerful to control. Many have called for the removal of the clan and some for its extinction. Even the village council fears the threat they pose with the latest talents that belong to the clan. The Uchiha are becoming arrogant and have as of late, had shown no fear with disagreeing with our laws.
It has been years since the kyubi attack and the Uchiha clan is still a major problem in the village. There has been talk of a small rebellion in their ranks and the council has decided that this will be the perfect way to get rid of the clan once and for all. There is cause for worry now because many of the clan are women and children. They believe that if there is an uprising, then the removal of the clan will be seen as justified.
My sources indicate that there are only a few shinobi that are in complete agreement on striking against the village. So far the talk of rebellion is only talk, none have taken any action yet and the council is getting tired of waiting. Not even the rumors spread by our own moles, and the unjust treatment of the clan has stirred the members into action. We are to meet soon to speak of taking drastic measures to make the clan finally act. Only then can we act without having to answer for our actions. It will all be for the safety and wellbeing of this village. Am I wrong for considering the death of a few innocents, to save others?
Another impasse, the Uchiha clan will not act because many still do not wish to turn against the village. Many of the older males do not wish to endanger the lives of their families by starting a war. The council has asked me to promising jonin and the best the clan has to offer into our fold, after the boy came to us with information. Itachi has always shown great resolve and dedication as a shinobi to the Leaf. The young boy didn't want to believe the possibility of a war at first but has agreed to continue to spy for me, all for the sake of our home.
The plan worked with only one glitch. Itachi feels compelled to do as we have asked and will wipe out the clan and will take full blame for it in exchange that we allow his younger brother to live and remain in the village. The council has agreed to the request once Danzo informed us of the propisition he offered the boy. Sadly, I do not think that even I can find a way to spare the clan and perhaps fate has deemed that they no longer exist.
It is done, the threat the Uchiha clan represented is gone. It pains me to be the cause of so many innocents dying but should I have overlooked the threat to our future generations? Should I have allowed one of theirs to overthrow all five nations? The Uchiha boy is still in the village and shows some talent, though they dull in comparison to his older brother's. The council does deem it necessary to one day get rid of the Uchiha survivor. I have advised them to wait until Itachi, who is still a rogue, to be brought to justice. If we were to get rid of the younger brother while Itachi still lives, our part in the Uchiha Massacre could become public knowledge. First, we need to find Itachi, then we can decide whether or not the surviving Uchiha poses a threat.
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That was the last entry from the third hokage. Ino clamped her mouth shut, unsure of which part to apologize for. The entire Uchiha rebellion had been stirred by the council and Hinata's birth mother, "I'm so sorry, this might not be true."
"What did the other journal say about my mother?" Hinata wanted to know. The truth hurt but she needed to know. The woman she had called mother had been a kind and gentle woman, she would never have guessed that she hadn't been born to her.
"It does explain that this man was messing with my mom first but then your mother came around and stole him. They secretly got married but then he was injured while running from some jonin and had to stay away to heal. By the time he was able to return, he came back to find that his wife had died in childbirth. He named you as the child by his wife, and me as the child from his previous lover."
"Do you think he really did it? Do you think he killed her?" Hinata clenched her fists. Would her father really kill her mother? Would Hiashi really take the life of the woman that had brought her into the world?
"Yes, I don't think the third would right something so condemning if it weren't true. This journal had to be a way of easing some of the guilt he felt. The council was going to order her to death because she committed treason and he did what he had to so that you would survive. I don't think he should be condemned for the act, he couldn't save you both."
"Thank you," it was what she needed to hear. Her father probably never wanted her to learn the truth of her birth either thinking it would be too painful for her to handle. She was different from Hinabi because she was the daughter of another woman, another father. "At least I know why the council has always been against me leading."
"Screw them, you'd make an awesome leader." Ino placed a hand on the calming shoulder. Dawn had come and gone over an hour ago. They had taken in a lot in one night and it was time to get some rest. "I think we should sleep on what we've learned and then we should decide whether or not if we should tell anyone about what we learned."
"Do you think we should tell Sasuke?" Hinata didn't know him well enough to say how he would react to the words written down. He had accepted the news of his clan rebelling and that was the reason his brother was ordered to assassinate them all. But how would he feel learning that it was all masterminded by the council in order to have a reason to get rid of the clan because they feared them?
"Tell me what?"
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Please review for me. Please no flames about me bastardizing the third hokage's character. No matter what was planned, he listened to talk about killing the clan. He should have slapped the other three and said I'm the Hokage STFU, kill the leader (sorry sasuke's daddy) make him an example of him. To really be okay with the killing of so many innocent people, how did he live with himself. The other three we get, but this was a man that was supposed to have great morals. Killing someone unable to defend themselves is wrong no matter the reason behind it. Wait for the war and kill the fuckers that have the balls to bring it! Then kill Danzo because he is just plain creepy.