Invisible

By I.K.A. Valian

Disclaimer: I claim no right of ownership to the copyrighted material contained herein.

Chapter Two: Radical Departure

Two Years Later…

Sasuke awoke with a start as an enormous explosion rocked the house. Rapidly looking left and then right for the source of the insanely loud noise, his eyes caught on bright lights coming from outside his window. Quickly hopping out of his bed, Sasuke ran up to the window and what he saw outside made his blood run cold.

As far as he could see across the Uchiha compound in the pitch blackness of night, Sasuke saw ninjas fighting. And not just any ninjas, but Uchiha were fighting other Uchiha. None of it made any sense to him, since the day before everything seemed normal to him. The only thing of note was that he'd finally managed to get the Giant Fireball technique to work, if only partially.

"Ahh!" Sasuke screamed as one of the ninja fighting just outside his window was blasted by a fireball larger than the house itself straight at him. Sasuke lifted his trembling hands up and from covering his head to stare with wide open eyes at the new hole in the wall where his head had just been. There was a dead body laid prone on the floor just next to him now as well.

The sounds outside were much clearer now, people were screaming and shouting. Crying out the names of their jutsu and grunting as they let their fists and feet fly. Sasuke took a shaky step back, and then another, until his back was to the wall on the opposite side of his room. The whole time he continue to stare out of the hole in his wall at the people, his clan, fighting savagely to kill each other.

"I…" he stuttered, unable to look away as one of his clansmen jammed a kunai into another clansman's gut. "I… I don't know what to do. I… Father! He'll know what to do! I have to find father!"

Without looking back, Sasuke dashed from his room and out into the hall way. Considering the magnitude of the battle taking place outside, it was a strange juxtaposition to find the house completely empty and dark and silent, aside from the muffled noises from outside. The clap-clap-clap of his bare feet against the wooden floor filled Sasuke's ears as he dashed to the front of the house.

With his heart pumping, Sasuke quickly stuck his feet into his sandals and pulled open the front door just as a blast of fire filled the air. Momentarily blinded and shocked, Sasuke felt his body's natural instincts take over and he bolted into the unknown. Then he could see again and he was already running down the street away from his house, which was now engulfed in flames with two men dancing a deadly dance through the burning building.

Sasuke ran. He ran as hard and as fast as he ever had in his entire life. Everywhere he looked, he saw a battle taking place between his clansmen. Fireballs that were the inheritance of the Uchiha, to be used on enemies alone, were being blasted freely back and forth. The Uchiha compound had been turned into a war zone.

The closer Sasuke got to the entrance of the compound that connected to the rest of the village, the more dead bodies he ran across. The kind elderly woman, who he'd been told was his distant aunts, who was always sneaking him sweets to take to the academy, lay dead in the street with her husband's body draped over her to vainly protect her from a volley of deadly kunai, which still littered the road around the two. He saw a couple of his cousins, dead and missing limbs. And then he found them, his family.

Sasuke ran up to the scene of his father and brother facing each other in front of the compound entrance with kunai in their hands. His mother was crumpled in a heap off to the side. Just outside of the compound entrance, a few civilians were watching, the look on their faces making it clear they weren't sure what they were seeing.

'What madness would cause Itachi to fight father,' Sasuke thought, 'especially while mother is… while mother is…

"Mother!" Sasuke shouted as soon as he saw the expanding red blot underneath her. He'd just passed many bodies with similar blots underneath them. Sasuke stumbled several times in his race to his fallen mother's side, but he eventually made it there while blocking out whatever shouting match his father and brother were having as they traded blows.

"Mother," Sasuke cried as he kneeled at her side. He tried shaking her by the shoulders, pinching her on her arm, and even shouting louder. But nothing he did could make her move, or look at him. Tears streaked down his dirty face when the words his brother were speaking finally broke through to him.

"Sasuke!" Itachi shouted as he parried an attack from their father. "Run! Run away!"

"You traitorous dog," their father shouted as he renewed his attack. Both of their Sharingan were activated, swirling around as they fought. "You and all of the other traitors are going to die tonight. Why I had to be saddled with traitors for a son and wife, I'll never know."

"You're the one who is too blind to see reason, Father," Itachi shouted as he used his smaller stature and speed to get out of range of the onslaught. "Blinded by your rage and pride."

Sasuke watched the battle in front of him with no reaction. His mind and body were numb and the only part of him that wasn't immobile was vehemently denying what was happening and writing it off as a horrid nightmare that he'd wake up from soon.

"Do you really think you can take the head of your clan on, mongrel of a son," their father shouted as he performed a seal-less Great Fireball straight at Itachi. Itachi vanished into the enormous orb of roiling flames before he reappeared several moments later out of the fire zone, performing a flawless Body Flicker.

"Stop this madness, Father," Itachi shouted. He held his kunai up in front of him, but it was clear from his labored breathing that the was winding down already and their father appeared to be just warming up as the two continued to face off. "Your uprising has failed and even if it had succeeded, the only thing that the village would have to look forward to is another Secret World War. If you stop now, the most you'll be charged with is murder. Mother's death will warrant nothing less."

"Silence," their father bellowed. "Your mother was a traitor, like you. It was a shame I hadn't learned of her betrayal earlier, or I would have killed her sooner. Not that it matters now. I'll kill you, just like her, and then I'll make sure to bring Sasuke up respectful of his betters, in a village run by the Uchiha. Any war that is started will be over before it begins when I, Fugaku Uchiha, the next Hokage, decide to let loose our clan's might."

Itachi's eyes narrowed and his guarded stance shifted into a belligerent one. "Say what you will, but leave Sasuke out of this."

"Die!" their father shouted as he leaped forward to attack. Itachi dodged left, feinted right, and attempted to stab with his kunai. But despite the fact that Itachi was the strongest and brightest Uchiha of his generation, he was still a thirteen year old boy. His father knocked aside his attack with one hand and landed a devastating blow to Itachi's chest with the other. The blow sent Itachi flying backwards and into the side of a house.

"A wasted effort, fool," Fugaku sneered as he gripped his kunai and dashed forward. "Now let us end thi-"

"Great Fireball Jutsu!"

"Wha-"

Fugaku was engulfed in a ball of fire just moments before he reached Itachi. The jutsu lasted several seconds. When the flames dispersed, Fugaku turned slowly toward Sasuke. The Uchiha Clan Head's clothes and skin were burned and his hair smoking, but he was otherwise unharmed.

"You!" Fugaku shouted as he pointed at Sasuke. His youngest glared at him with the vehemence of rage only an active Sharingan could produce. A single tomoe swirled in Sasuke's now red eyes. "I'll deal with you once I'm done dealing with your traitorous brother, boy!" Fugaku shouted. The clan head went to take a step toward Itachi when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his back enter his heart.

"You won't be dealing with anyone," Itachi said from behind him. "Now pay for your crimes and pray that a fate worse than death does not befall the village."

Sasuke watched, his insides torn up by a fiery emotion he didn't really understand, as Itachi pulled a bloody Kunai from their father's back. Then their father fell forward onto the ground, stone dead. Watching their father lie there with a dark puddle growing beneath him made Sasuke the angriest he ever remembered being. He went to dash up to their father, to kick the dead man for insulting their mother by looking in death just like she did. But the moment he took one step, everything went black and he too fell to the ground as his chakra completely depleted.

The next morning…

Itachi stood before the Hokage in deafening silence. The Hokage had his eyes closed in contemplation, having just heard Itachi's report on the uprising and the result. The only thing breaking the silence with any regularity was when the Hokage took a puff from his pipe.

Itachi stood silently himself as the events from the previous night played out in his minds eye. From how the argument between his father and mother had quickly spiraled out of control to when he sided with his mother to the running street battle with his father and his allies, the final fight in front of the compound entrance, and then the moment when everything in the compound fell silent. His eyes were still stinging from their unexpected transformation.

'Gaining the Mangekyō Sharingan from killing Father, whom I didn't really feel that great a connection to, bewilders me,' Itachi thought. 'Nothing like what I read about in the shrine. Yet one more thing to figure out. Perhaps I underestimated the bond we had.'

"What do you think I should do with the insurrectionists?" the Hokage finally asked. The old man opened his eyes and stared at Itachi. "As you are the eldest of your father's children, tradition makes you his replacement until the clan chooses his true successor. Your opinion on this matter will carry a lot of weight."

Itachi remained silent as he contemplated the Hokage's question. 'I could tell him to kill them all, but that's more than likely to illicit some kind of negative response from the other prominent clans. The politics of this village are ridiculously tedious to deal with. It's no wonder the Hokage wants outside opinions. Perhaps a more diplomatic response would be appropriate, considering the positions we're all facing right now.

"I believe that, if this were to be publicly persecuted, then the other clans would be politically enticed to make a public outcry," Itachi said. "After all, if it can happen to the Uchiha, one of the greatest ninja clans in the world, then it can happen to anyone. For all they know, the Hokage could very well have ordered a minor civil war from within the Uchiha just because you had disagreements. The fact that those disagreements were anything but minor, and that it was my father who instigated the event, would be lost on the others. The instinct of self preservation is strong, especially so in Konoha clans."

The Hokage nodded and steepled his fingers in front of him. "What would you suggest then?"

Itachi said, "The rebels not only endangered the clan, but the village and the Fire Nation as well by making an invasion possible; by making us look weak and divided. A war is the last thing anyone should ever have to face after we've paid such a heavy price for our current peace. As such, they should be considered traitors and dealt with appropriately. To keep the clans and the village from getting too outraged, keep the knowledge of what happens to the insurrectionists to as few as is possible to get away with. Perhaps put out a cover story saying everyone of them had died in the fighting against Uchiha who are still loyal to the village."

The Hokage nodded and took a deep breath. "That is essentially the conclusion I came to as well. It is a pity that some of them must be put to death, but that was the fate they chose when they carried out this foolish coup attempt." Pulling out a slip of paper, the Hokage began writing. "I'm convening an emergency meeting of the village leadership. Seeing as how you are the head until the new one has been chosen, I'd like you to be there to represent Uchiha interests."

"As you will, Hokage-sama," Itachi said. "However, I would like to bring a friend with me, if that is allowable."

"You are allowed one witness for the open session, but secret meetings are only for the Clan Heads, the Village Council of Elders, and myself," the Hokage explained as he finished writing the slip of paper. He made a motion with his hand and an ANBU appeared to take the note. "Have this delivered to all the clan heads and village leaders," the Hokage said before he turned back to Itachi. As the ANBU vanished the Hokage said, "Your father usually brought his brother with him as witness. If you do not mind me asking, who do you plan on bringing?"

"Shisui," Itachi said. "He was one of the two people that convinced me to try and rally the rest of the clan against the rebels. Without his help, I don't believe I would have been able to do anything but kill everyone to the last man, woman, and child."

The Hokage regarded Itachi curiously for several seconds and then asked, "Another question, if you will?" Itachi inclined his head, listening. "Who was the second person who convinced you?"

Itachi smirked. "A little blond runt who lacks the ability to ever quit. At anything."

The Hokage's face broke into a broad grin. "Yeah," he said as he went back to puffing on his pipe. "That brat."

The Hokage lifted a rather heavy, and ornately carved, rock and slammed it down onto the table in front of him. He sat at the head of a very long, very short table at which all the heads of the major and minor clans sat. On either side of him were the Koharu and Homura. Seated at the other end of the long table was Danzo, his arm and head still bandaged. Not all of the clan heads brought witnesses, but those that did had them sitting at the back of the room.

Once everyone had fallen silent, the Hokage began, "As all of you are no doubt aware of by now, the Uchiha had a small rebellion yesterday. Over ninty percent of the current active police force has been killed. A few of the rebels survived, however the majority of them were slain by the hands of those Uchiha still loyal to Konoha. Now, I've heard some of the rumors flying around and I will tell you that the absolute truth is no one under my orders was involved in the lead up to or sparking of the rebellion. In fact, myself, the elders, and ANBU Chief Danzo were in negotiations with Fugaku to settle our differences for over three years before he broke off the talks. The elders can vouch for this fact."

The Hokage paused as he looked out over the council to gauge their reaction so far. Judging from the looks he saw, the majority of the clans believed his words, though the Hyuuga and the Aburame heads, Hiashi and Shibi respectively, appeared like they wished to speak. Shibi was sitting in for his father, who was ill and required bed rest, or so he'd been told. While it was traditional to let the Hokage have his say before anyone else spoke, as the Hokage, he had some leeway in when others spoke during his own alloted time to speak.

The Hokage nodded at Hiashi first, as a sign of respect to the second most powerful clan, now first most powerful, in the village. Hiashi nodded and said, "It was my understanding, which you have confirmed, that some of the traitors from the Uchiha survived the rebellion and are currently being held prisoner. Considering that they are, in fact, traitors, I had assumed they would immediately be put to death to make an example. It's my opinion that this is the most sensible course of action, considering the crimes for which they committed."

"I had thoughts along similar lines myself," Shibi said. "Though my initial inclination was to show the others clans that rebellion will not be tolerated and all efforts to come to a solution through diplomacy must be taken, another idea might possible hold greater value. Instead of simply killing them, why not make use of them. It was, to my understanding, that they acted out of deference to the village's safety. If that is so, and I am not mistaken, then why not exile them to live and work outside of the village, never to return until pain of death."

Before anyone could object, and it was clear that Danzo, Koharu, and many of the sitting clan heads looked like they really wanted to interject, it was Shikaku, newly appointed Nara Clan head, that cut them off before they could. He cleared his throat loud enough to be heard and said, "I believe I have a solution that could solve everyone's problems."

The Hokage arched an eyebrow as he watched everyone at the table immediately settle down. 'The famed strategical mind of the Nara clan and any ideas that spring from therein, apparently, carried a lot of weight,' the Hokage thought. 'Not that I've ever seen those plans go wrong yet.'

"The traitors who fought in the rebellion are not likely to work for us," Shikaku said. "Even if their initial plans were for the village's safety under their care, they're not likely to protect it after they lost and were humiliated. The Uchiha, after all, are famed for their ability to hold a grudge. I'm sure we all remember the stories our grandparents told us about Madara Uchiha and the grudge he held."

Several nods were seen around the table. "While not the best example," Itachi said from his spot near the Hokage's end of the table, "even within the clan, several grudges from before the formation of Konoha are still kept, though those are mainly with other clans now residing in Kumo and Kiri."

"My suggestion," Shikaku continued, "is to secretly replace the "rebels" with Uchiha that are still loyal to Konoha. Give the real traitors a traitor's death. Under the auspices of being 'exiled' for their 'crime', and because the Hokage is a lenient leader to the now diminished Uchiha clan, these shinobi would have free reign to operate inside the borders of the Fire Nation. They would have to set up bases, raise funds, and everything else a shinobi needs to operate independent of the village, but would still be secretly under the command of the Hokage. In other words, an allied force of Uchiha shinobi pretending to be exiled rebels."

"This plan is cunning," Danzo said, drawing attention to himself, "however it has the negative consequence of removing the only loyal Uchiha ninja from the village. If this independent unit were to fall into the wrong hands, Konoha would be the first one to be targeted. As of yet, no one has found a counter to a Sharingan besides another Sharingan. With all of our Sharingan users away, who would be left to protect the Village if the worst were indeed to occur. No, I do not support this plan."

Shikaku sighed and rubbed his head in annoyance as several other clan heads nodded in agreement. The Hokage tapped his finger on the table to get everyone's attention. 'As much sense as your words make, Danzo,' the Hokage thought, 'I rather like the idea too much.'

"Though you are correct that the village would be left without young Uchiha to protect it, should the worst come to pass," the Hokage said, emphasizing the word 'young', "I believe the opportunity of having a covert band of Ninja outside the walls of the village is too great to pass up. Other villages will no doubt seek out the 'exiled' ninja in hopes of recruiting them into their own ranks. This will give our 'exiles' the chance to gather intelligence on the other villages, but also to find any holes in our defenses that we might have currently overlooked. And being 'exiles' give the band a perfect excuse to not align with anyone at all, and perhaps take out some of our competitors as well. I do concede that letting go of all the young Uchiha still loyal to the village would be a mistake. It would be smarter, perhaps, to split the capable Ninja in half. That leaves the 'exiles' with fourteen members, if my memory serves."

"Fifteen," Itachi said. All eyes turned to the thirteen year old ANBU captain. "I will be leading them. Call us Rebels."

Two weeks later…

Sasuke stood among the remnants of his clan at the southern gate of Konoha. It was clear that the younger Uchiha was struggling to keep his composure from the way his body trembled every few seconds while he waited for Itachi to finish saying his farewells to what was left of the clan. Sasuke could barely stand to be there, but he grit his teeth and forced his legs to lock into standing position, even though the only way he could do that was if he squeezed his eyes shut. And then the time finally came and the crowd of Uchiha separated so that Itachi could kneel down in front of Sasuke.

"It's time for me to go, Sasuke," Itachi said.

Sasuke opened his mouth and gasped, not entirely realizing that he'd been holding his breath until that moment. "I…" Sasuke said, "I don't want you to. This is so stupid! Why can't you stay? After everything that's happened, why must everything end this way?"

"I have already told you why," Itachi said. A sad smile crossed Itachi's face before he pulled Sasuke into a hug. Sasuke hesitated for a moment, then grabbed onto Itachi and buried his face into his older brother's shoulder. "Just like we agreed," Itachi said, "you'll study hard and become strong enough to protect the village from inside while I do the same from the outside."

"I swear," Sasuke said. "I'll not let you or the clan down." He felt tears on his cheeks but wore them as proof of his commitment. "I'll make it so everyone accepts the Uchiha again so you can come home."

Itachi pulled back and smiled. "I look forward to that day. Grow strong, Sasuke. Protect everyone and I'm sure that we'll be reunited all the sooner." Having said that, Itachi released Sasuke and stood. With a short nod to the others around them, Itachi turned and started walking. About half of the crowd, half of the younger members of the clan who'd become ninja, followed behind Itachi while the rest, elderly or civilian members, gathered behind Sasuke.

Before anyone could see what had happened, Sasuke had pulled a kunai out. With a quick jab, he stabbed the blade into his hand. Grimacing, Sasuke clenched his bleeding hand into a fist and said, "I swear on my life, I will bring you home, Itachi. I will make the clan whole!" The remnant Uchiha whom stayed in Konoha glanced at each other after the young scion's blood oath. Slowly, a non-verbal understanding came to be amongst them. Sasuke may have spilled the blood, but he spoke for all of them. They would all work to bring their clan back together again.

A/N: Here we have an alternative to the Uchiha Rebellion. What if Itachi had chosen to not go murder happy and mind rape his little brother in some convoluted plan that was bound to fail in an epic way (see Orochimaru). The instigation for this change just so happens to be our favorite, orange wearing proto-Hokage, Naruto. I happen to like the idea of a Sasuke without a revenge persona, makes him tolerable. In fact, that is the only kind of Sasuke personality that I like the idea of, because the rest piss me off.

Leave a review and tell me what you think!

~I.K.A. Valian