Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

An Uchiha Decision

Sasuke remained silent, not liking where Madara was going with this. There was a sense of uneasiness stirring within him, and it had nothing to do with Madara's blunt suggestion, as the latter liked to call it.

What made Sasuke uneasy was he could feel an inclination to agree with the man. Sasuke never denied that Itachi's eyes would take him to a new level of power unimaginable by him. But before the incident in Konoha, Sasuke was sure his own power would be enough to carry his plans. He was wrong, and he realized that now.

There was only one problem.

A big one in Sasuke's opinion. He made a promise to not take the eyes until they could see peace. But there would be no peace without the eyes since Sasuke's current condition already proved too useless and weak.

As if sensing the internal struggle in Sasuke's conscious, Madara rose from his seat, moved closer until he was in front of the nightstand beside the bed. Sasuke then heard the noise of a drawer being opened and objects being moved.

"I know how you must feel about yourself, Sasuke", Madara began. "There is nothing more demeaning to anyone than weakness."

Madara took something out, but it was too dark for Sasuke to get a clear view of what it was.

"Weakness makes one a slave to the wishes of others – "A match was lit and Madara bent over the nightstand where a single candle stood - "There was a time when I found myself in the same position as you. It was the most insufferable time of my life. You see, I was not born to be a slave. Those around me knew it. My brother certainly did and, out of the love he had for me, offered his eyes, and I took them. "

As the candle's small light swept the room, Sasuke's vision blurred, followed by the thumping sensation he had come to know quite well in his head.

He tried to act as if nothing was wrong with him, to prove Madara wrong. It was useless.

"Blindness and the deterioration of your physic are inevitable, Sasuke. You are only experiencing the symptoms right now and have the luxury to pretend nothing is wrong with you. But trust me, the luxury will end. And soon. You can feel it? Can't you?"

Although what Sasuke felt was an extreme desire to physically silence him, there was no denying the effect his words and little stunt were having on him. Because they were having an effect. Sasuke could see it in the flashbacks of his battle how his condition held him back, made him too slow; too sloppy; too out of control. Months before, there would be no chance in hell that he be defeated by people like Naruto and Sakura.

Sasuke touched his wound and curled his lip with contempt for the one who inflicted it. Sakura had always been the weakest of the three. He was certain that only someone who was weak could be defeated by someone like her. Which brought him to the point that Madara was trying to get across and the one Sasuke had been ignoring: he was a weakling.

"I need them, brother." Sasuke closed his eyes, resigning himself to what was meant to be.

There, in the darkness his close eyes brought, he found himself staring at his brother's back. With his dark hair tied behind him and wearing the black clothes he used to wear when he wasn't on a mission, Itachi seemed unreachable to Sasuke.

With his head bowed in shame, Sasuke uttered the words he swore he would never say again to his older brother. He was starting to understand the meaning behind the saying "promises were meant to be broken".

"I am sorry, Itachi", he said softly.

There was a faint chuckle and the last thing Sasuke saw before opening his eyes was Itachi shaking his head and turning to give his brother a sad smile. Sasuke knew that smile. Itachi had given it to him several times during their childhood. It was the smile he always gave Sasuke when he was disappointed in him.

If promises were meant to be broken, then why did Sasuke felt rotten inside?

He wished he would have died right then.

Kakashi measured the team before him from his desk.

The men and woman in front of him were part of the Alliance's Surprise Attack Division.

There was the blonde woman Kakashi had met from the Village Hidden in the Clouds. Samui, he thought, was her name. She was a woman with blonde, asymmetrically-cut hair, tall, calculating, icy-blue eyes, and a large bust.

Standing next to Yamato was a Shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Rocks. He had spiky hair and a dark colored beard.

And standing between Samui and Kankuro was a Shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Mist. He had black hair, sticking up in odd places.

"To tell you the truth, I am surprise at the speed the Shinobi army mobilized", Kakashi commented. It had taken the kages less than a month to come together, decide on the organization of the army, and locate the Akatsuki's headquarters.

"And a good thing we did start to mobilize", Kankuro returned. "We never thought the Akatsuki would come this way. We had expected them to pass through the warlords lands, but there was not a single trace of them there. I still don't understand why they retreated though", Kankuro finished thoughtfully.

Kakashi had been thinking the same thing. From what he been told and read in reports, the Akatsuki seemed to have the upper hand in the battle. Knowing Sasuke, there was no way the Akatsuki would have left without good reason. And there was Madara to think about. It was true – from what he assumed of the man – that Madara was the kind to turn tail and run, but why would he when Naruto – the container of the Nine Tails – was there for him to take. There was no doubt something fishy going on.

Kakashi sighed. This job was seriously giving him a headache. What he was doing would be considered treason by some: sending Naruto after the Akatsuki when the main purpose of the Allied Shinobi Forces was to protect him.

"Kakashi?" Kankuro called his name loudly, stirring the Hokage from his preoccupations.

"Sorry, you were saying Kankarou?"

Kankuro looked around the room and said, "I thought two more people were joining this group. Seeing Naruto and Sakura made me wonder if they were the ones. But you said…"

"No, not them. Naruto is too…conspicuous, and it would beat the purpose of all our efforts. Sakura would be good. Excellent chakra control, but she along with Naruto and Sai will be my bodyguards."

Kakashi did not miss doubtful look he got from Yamato. Unfortunately for Kakashi, Yamato's expression was not missed by Samui.

The Kumogakure Shinobi looked from Yamato to Kakashi thoughtfully but remained quiet. Kankuro, however, asked: "Bodyguards?"

"Naruto will not stay put unless he has something important to do. And what is more important than protecting his Hokage. I, of course, will stay here?" Kakashi asked.

"But will Naruto? He is not the kind of person to stay when his friends are in danger."

"If I tell him that while he keeps an eye on me, I will teach him secret Hokage information, he will. As for Sakura and Sai, I need them to keep Naruto safe. They are his friends and are skillful Shinobi. If by some reason they run into an Akatsuki, I am sure they will keep him safe. Believe me, this is the best for Naruto."

Kankuro nodded in what Kakashi hoped was understanding. He was making up everything on the spot since he had been working on an excuse when the Akatsuki had attacked.

"So is this our team then," Kankuro concluded.

"No, I recommended two other Shinobi to your team. But they were part of the Shinobi units I send to protect the village from the Akatsuki. They should be getting out of the hospital by tomorrow. In the mean time, why don't you and your team rest? You have traveled a long way."

Kakashi stood up at once and said, "Yamato take them to guestrooms."

"Yes, sir."

"See you around then, Kakashi" Kankuro waved before his team and he exited the room with Yamato in the lead. Kakashi closed his eyes momentarily. They stunk from his lack of sleep. But he still had matters to attend before that.

"You know you are playing a dangerous game, sir."

Kakashi eyed the window behind him from the corner of his eye. Crouched on window's still was Shikamaru, wearing a bored expression on his face.

"You are jeopardizing the Shinobi Alliance with this decision of yours, and, if I may point at it, your cover is not a very good one. I seriously doubt your mission will succeed, sir."

Kakashi chuckled. He really needed to give it to the kid for his honesty. "Believe me, Shikamaru, there is not a single hour that passes by when I don't wonder if I had made the right choice. I have made a lot of mistakes. Let's just hope this is not one of them shall we?"

Shikamaru shrugged, "You're the Hokage."

"About what assigned you, did you find anything?"

At this Shikamaru straighten his shoulders and grew as serious as the situation demanded. "It is as Sakura said. There are no children left to find in the forest. No bodies, clothing fragments, or traces. But I did investigate the source of that light everyone kept talking about – that tree."

"And what did you find?" Kakashi pressed.

Shikamaru scratched his head; a habit of his when he was working more than he had to. "Even after several hours have passed, its trunk is hot. Well, at least it was when I left. What's more is the grass around it was burned. There was a line stretching from the tree to where Naruto said he found the child, assuming he calculated correctly. The grass there was burned too."

Kakashi turned to fully face Shikamaru. His face was expressionless, but the wheels of his brain were turning at a speed that added more to his headache.

"Did you interview the Shinobi who were there like I asked?"

Shikamaru nodded; glad he decided to get that done with before he considered it too much of drag and procrastinated. "I did, but you are not going to believe this…sir. According to two Shinobi there who had been injured by Sasuke, they saw the tree glowing and seconds later, the light exploded from it. They swore, sir, that…"

"Why are you stopping Shikamaru?" Kakashi asked.

"Sorry, sir, it just it seems too absurd to take seriously. But they swore three bodies came out of that tree".

For a second, Shikamaru thought he had seen Kakashi's eyes widened. But he blinked, and when he glanced at the Hokage again, Kakashi's face was expressionless as ever.

"Shikamaru, I have another assignment for you", the grayed-haired Hokage announced, turning his back to pull out a piece of parchment for his desk, and handing it to the Nara.

Shikamaru scrutinized the old parchment of paper in his hand. It was the oldest-looking thing he had ever seen. ZC900.C35 was written neatly on its wrinkly, stained top.

"A library reference number?" Shikamaru he raised one eyebrow puzzled. What was he suppose to do with this? He felt a wave of work load coming his way.

As if reading his mind, Kakashi said: "I want you to look up something for me. Read what it says, think about it, and form some conclusions. Meet me here tomorrow in the morning. I want to hear your theories."

Shikamaru scratched his head. This was going to be more of a drag than managing the Shinobi during the invasion. "What exactly am I suppose to be looking for?"

"You'll know."

Kakashi saw the young Shinobi jump from the window and heard him say "Man, this is such a drag. And here I thought I could start slacking with Kakashi in charge."

He would have laughed at the comment, but stopped as soon as his head started to spin with theories and putting puzzles of information together. If his theories were correct, then maybe it was not too late to save Sasuke after all. For a second Kakashi felt light with hope, but stomped it quickly. It would not do to hope and then be wrong.

What he needed to do was seek the boy Sakura and Naruto found. But before he did that, it would not hurt to get some sleep. Kamisama only knew how much he needed it at the moment.

"Look at them, they absolutely hate us", Sakura shook her head with outrage.

"They don't hate us, Sakura. It's just your imagination", Naruto said distractedly as he strained his ears to hear the conversation – more like a lecture, Sakura thought - Neji was having with the Head ANBU, several feet away from them.

Sakura turned to Naruto slightly annoyed at how oblivious he was to his surroundings. Not a good quality to have in their kind of trade.

"My imagination? They have been glaring at us since our shift began!"

Naruto laughed at this and finally turned Sakura, who could not see his expression because of his mask, but was sure he was amused. "And you could see these glares even do they are wearing masks?"

Sakura flashed with indignation. "I think I know when I'm being glared at, Naruto." Being at the receiving end of the infamous Uchiha Glare for the better part of my childhood. "And you should too."

Finally loosing the last of her patience – she didn't have a lot to begin with- Sakura folded her arms, took a defiant pose, and glared back at the elite group of Shinobi behind Neji and the Head ANBU. It was childish of her of course and she could only hope that her message was sent across despite her mask, but it did make her feel better. She was showing them she could stand up for herself.

The group recoiled for a second to Sakura's pleasure, not expecting her to retaliate, but they quickly overcame their shock and intensified their glare.

"Idiots", Sakura muttered and – with nothing to do and not interested in spying her captain – settled for watching Sai work on his latest creation: a lion biting the head of a snake.

Sakura never expected the promotion of her team to meet with such disapproval from the rest of the elite Shinobi. From what she gathered from overhearing the gossip in the women's locker-room, many believed the members of ANBU Team Seven – saved Neji – to be highly unqualified for their position.

Ironically, it had little to do with their skill. The disapprovement mainly came from the fact the promotion had not followed procedure. Before they could achieve ANBU level, Sakura and Naruto needed to be Jonin with at least some years of experience under their belt. As for Sai, the other ANBU hated ROOT and Sai's friendship with Naruto and Sakura gave them an excuse to openly hate the boy. All in all, in the eyes of rule sticking Shinobi, the promotion was a sign of favoritism from the Hokage to his former students.

"I like to see them cramb and work their asses off to pass that exam, Sakura thought darkly, remembering the intense hours of practicing. She then added smugly. "I bet they didn't come up with a jutsu of their own."

"One that needs to be perfected and is based on someone else's", Inner-Sakura sleepily reminded her.

Sakura ignored her inner self's comment and straighten her shoulders in an attempt to look dignified. She had other matters to worry about that were of more importance than how well-liked she was among the ANBU.

"Here he comes", Naruto whispered, bringing Sakura out of her musings.

"He looks angry", Sai commented as he dusted dirt off his pants. Sakura and Naruto nodded as they noticed a black, ominious-looking aura radiating from Neji as he walked to his team.

"What did the Head say?" Sakura asked Naruto.

"How should I know?" Naruto replied nervously as Neji got closer.

"You were east dropping!"

"I didn't he –"

"Follow me", Neji commanded curtly as he passed his team without bothering to look back to make sure he was followed. He led them away from the others into the darkest part of the forest he could find. Once they were out of ear shot, Neji stopped.

There was only one time Sakura could recall being intimidated by Neji. It was the first time she met him. He was cold, calculating, and one look from him froze anyone to their spot – except a certain raven-haired genin. Tonight, marked the second time Sakura was intimidated by the Hyuuga.

"I will say this once, and I expect you all to understand and follow my order." It was clear by the tone of his voice Neji was in a foul mood and was not to be missed with. "Do not embarrass me anymore. I know how Team Kakashi used to work and professionalism and discipline was not part of it."

"Neji, what did the Head say to you?" Sakura dared to ask, a little exasperated with his attitude. What had they done wrong? Was this about the Uchihas slipping out of their hands because they had been reprimanded for it already. This had to be about something else. But what?

"Nothing that you would understand, Haruno", Neji replied coolly. "And it's is Captain."

This reply did not settle too well with Sakura. She was one of the few ninja in her age group who did not have an authority problem. They could boss her around, yell at her when she made mistakes, but as long as they had reason for it and were justified. Neji had neither, and it was taking all her strength to restrain herself from lashing at him. Naruto and Sai took note of this and quickly tried to placate her by putting their arms on her shoulders.

Neji did not notice or most likely ignored it. She bet it was the latter. He resumed his lecture. "We are ANBU now, and I expect all of you to behave accordingly. Guard duty is over for now, but I want you three to get a good night's sleep. We have a long day tomorrow."

"Why?" Naruto asked hesitantly, fearing the young man."I though Kakashi-sensei told us to get the day off."

"It would be foolish to waste time and not plan. We have another shot at the Uchiha, and this time we are going about it the proper way."

Sakura was sure his comment was meant for her and Naruto, the ones – at least in his mind - who were not powerful enough to capture Sasuke. Despite agreeing that she and Naruto were partially to blame and also because she irritated with him, Sakura wanted to point out that Neji too let an Uchiha escape, and not just any Uchiha. He let Madara – public enemy number one – escape. She was going to say as much, but bit her lip. It had been a long day, and as much as she wanted to point out to Neji he had flaws too, she was tired and wanted to get out of there.

"Whatever the Head told him, it sure hit a spot", Naruto muttered quietly the moment Neji turned to leave.

"Yes, but he shouldn't have taken it out on us", Sakura shook her head; her anger evaporating now that its source stomped out of sight.

"Are you going home?" Naruto suddenly asked, trying to sound indifferent, but failing at it. It came out hopeful.

"I was thinking about stopping by the hospital and check on the boy and Lady Tsunade."

"Good", Naruto immediately said. "Because the guy who gave me my tattoo slipped me a bottle of sake for the pain. I left before he could ask for it."

Before Sakura could respond to Naruto and say maybe a hangover was not such a great idea when they had Neji in an insufferable mood, Sai cleared his throat to get their attention.

"I do believe Neji said to go home and get some sleep", Sai said in a pleasant voice, but there was something there that made Sakura frown behind her mask.

"I thought you wanted a bonding experience at the hospital?" Naruto asked sounding puzzled. Did he notice the same thing Sakura had about Sai?

Sai paused before responding. It seemed like he was choosing his next words carefully.

"You two should not get attached to that boy."

"That boy?" that was Naruto. He was stretching arms up.

"The one from the forest", Sai clarified.

"What? Why", Naruto asked, lowering his arms.

"Because I know you two will get attached to him, and I think I can understand why, but you don't know anything about the boy."

"And you do?" Sakura snapped, but not at what Sai was saying. The day was finally taking a tall on her body and emotional state.

"Sai, we are talking about a kid here", Naruto tried to laughed it off. "What can a little kid do to us?"

"I don't know", Sai said slowly because he himself was not sure how someone so small could cause trouble. "But I feel this child is bad news."

Both Naruto and Sakura stayed quiet before Sakura exploded into a fit of laughter. She could not help it. The whole confrontation, if one could called such, was too ridiculous to take it seriously.

"I see you won't take my advice", Sai said quietly, hurt coloring his voice.

Smiling behind her mask, Sakura said, "Sai, how can you think a child is bad news. No wait, I think I know why. It's because he looks like Uchiha? Sai, please, that boy is not him nor is he related to the Uchihas. How could he? The last Uchihas are currently hiding somewhere, plotting their next move to take over the world."

But unfortunately for her, Sai was not listening. "You know, I thought we reached a point where you would take my advice", he said in soft disappointment. "I guess the books are wrong." And with that Sai took his leave without looking back to his team.

Sakura tried to go after him. The situation had been ridiculous to her, but she felt bad for Sai who probably had the best intentions at heart. She could only imagine the courage it took for him speak his mind to them. Before she could take one foot forward, Naruto stopped her.

"Not if you don't mean it Sakura", he said. "We should head to the hospital. The sooner we do, the sooner we go home and Sai can see we listened to some of his advice."

Taking one last look at Sai's retreating figure, Sakura made her way to the hospital with a yawning Naruto at her side.

The two young ABU's first stop was the boy's room. The room was guarded by two elite Shinobi, but, as soon as Naruto and Sakura confirmed their identities, they were let in and without any glares, much to Sakura's relief.

The room was quiet except for the boy's slow breathing. The only source of light came from the white moon. Sakura could make out the boy's form resting on the bed and was thankful to notice he was not having nightmares.

It was as at the moment she thanked Kami-sama for not giving the boy bad dreams, when she wanted her gratefulness back and let out a groan.

Sakura had heard about the tales of how captivating children could be when they were sleeping. They supposedly looked like vulnerable, enchanting angels. Sakura had never experienced it. For one, she was an only child. Secondly, the only children she babysat were Honohamaru and his friends when they were children, and they never slept nor were they angels. But looking at the child, Sakura now got what the adults had meant.

"Naruto?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't think I am going home tonight." Sakura whispered.

"Sakura?"

"Yes?"

"I don't think I am going home either."

Sakura would have smiled at that if the situation had not been serious. Sai had warned her and Naruto not to get attached to the child. She thought it was ridiculous. For one, the child looked like public enemy number two. Secondly, Sakura did not get attach to strangers. But just like in the forest where she met him, Sakura felt a pull towards the boy. She felt like she needed to protect him and that she had been a fool for leaving him alone when he had no one.

Sakura dropped herself to one of the seats facing the front of the bed, and Naruto did the same. They took off their masks and gear, leaving only their clothes on. Sakura brought her knees to her chest and rested her head on the chair. When she turned to Naruto, he was already asleep and snoring.

She considered him momentarily, wondering his reason for getting attached to the child. She knew hers. The boy was her charge and he needed her, but what was Naruto's excuse? Asking herself that, Sakura drifted off to sleep.

Sakura was jolted from her sleep.

All feelings of grogginess faded as she instinctively took out the kunai she had hidden under her armchair, leaped to her feet, and surveyed the room around her.

Naruto was missing and, much to her horror, so was the boy.

"Kidnapped? No the guards would have come in. And the window is closed."

Without dropping her guard, Sakura approached the empty bed. The covers were thrown aside; there were no signs of a struggle; and the bed was still warm. She briefly wondered if Naruto had taken the boy when muffle sounds caught Sakura's attention. She listened intently, moving to where they were coming from.

She stopped in front of the closet, wary of not knowing what to expect or what to do about it. After a moment of indecision, Sakura finally managed to sum up some courage and opened the door to peer inside.

Her heart sunk at what she saw.

It was the boy. He was huddled against the farthest corner of the closet. Even with minimal light, Sakura could tell his body was trembling. His palms were pressed against his bandaged eyes. His previously spiky hair deflated and hanging loose.

"Hey, don't cry", Sakura said as she got on her knees and crawled inside. She tentatively raised her hand to comfort the boy, but as if sensing it, he recoiled away from it.

"You have nothing to fear. You're safe", Sakura told him gently.

He did not move, and, at this, Sakura's eye brows knitted together in worry. She had to comfort the boy and soon. Last time he was in his condition, it looked like he would hurt himself. The problem was that Sakura was not good with comforting kids. What could she say? She liked them, but she never really spent time with them. Now, Naruto would be the perfect for this. He was great with them. Where was he when she needed him?

So it was that Sakura was left to try again by herself.

"I promise know one will hurt you here…" she stopped as a thought occurred to her. Maybe the boy was not shaking because he was afraid. Sakura had been around enough prideful men to get a sense of when they were holding back emotions. The boy before her was trying not to cry.

This time an assertive Sakura leaned forward; her arms outstretched and pulled the boy to her chest. The boy struggled to free himself, hitting her where ever he could, but Sakura just hugged him closer, determined to help him.

"There is no shame in letting your emotions free. Don't hold them in."

The boy stopped hitting her, and his body began to shake again as he struggled with his emotions.

"You need to let them out."

And he finally did.

The emotions the boy so desperately fought to contain were finally too much for his little body to bear. His cries were of the same intensity of grief, loneliness, and fear as the ones he had let out earlier. They were the kind reserved only for the loss of a loved one.

Time seem to pass slowly. Outside, the clouds started to gather, blocking the bluish-white light coming from the moon, leaving behind complete darkness. Soon after, Sakura began to hear rain drops falling from the sky.

The boy's breathing slowed down, and his cries seized. Sakura glanced down at the boy and was not surprise to find him asleep.

Careful not to wake him up, Sakura gathered him in her arms and carried him to his bed. She tucked him to sleep and turned to walk to her chair, but a hand stopped her. Glancing down, Sakura was surprise to find the boy holding her shirt in a tight grasp. She tried pulled her shirt from him gently, but, the moment she did, the boy let out a whimper.

"Looks like you're sleeping here", a sleepily voiced echoed in her head.

Sakura sighed. She lifted the boy's head, so she could slide under it. When she did, she placed it on her lap and looked down at her charge.

Being this close to him, Sakura could not help but marveled at how much he resembled Uchiha Sasuke at the age of four or maybe five. She should know. She started liking him at that age.

"You know you're lucky I have a strict policy of not denying people help because of how they look", Sakura tried to joke, but her smile faded and a somber look to over her. "As soon as I deal with the Uchiha, I swear I'll help you little one."

Sasuke could not sleep. There were too many thoughts swarming in his head. Some were questions, others were curses directed at Madara, but the strongest of the bunch were arguments he came up with to justify his decision since Sasuke kept changing his mind.

Luckily for Sasuke, this would all end soon. Really soon. According to Madara, Itachi's eyes would become Sasuke's in less than three days. The transplant would be done by a specialist working under the Akatsuki.

"Three days." At the thought of it, Sasuke's insides moved in such a way that made him want to hurl.

"Get it together, Uchiha!"

Sasuke looked at the candle Madara lit earlier for motivation. But instead of replaying the moment he realized his eyes were useless to him, Sasuke began to unwittingly recall a memory he had buried inside him with the rest of its kind.

He fought against it. To keep it from playing. But despite his best efforts, he started to visualize the garden in the Uchiha manor; a person was sitting in front of it with his legs crossed.

Sasuke lunged for the open drawer in his nightstand; fingers searching for the only thing that could keep his memories away. He took the pouch containing his cure, but, before he opened it, the memory started to play, rendering him helpless to the pain his memories always left behind.

"Older brother! Older brother!" A seven-year-old Sasuke yelled. He had both his arms at his sides, his hands forming fists, and a face red with annoyance.

Today was one of those rare days Itachi was home without a mission, and Sasuke was determined to have his Older Brother teach him a new technique like he promised twenty- seven trillion times to do. Sasuke had counted.

There was only one problem with Sasuke's plan for the day and the reason for being annoyed at his older brother.

Itachi was ignoring him, too preoccupied examining something he was holding up in his hand.

Sasuke's sensitive temper flared. He hated being ignored.

A mischievous smirk appeared on his lips.

Sasuke took a couple of steps back, placed his hands on the floor, raised his bottom slightly upward – taking the position of a professional runner – and raced to tackle Itachi to the ground.

"Payback time", Sasuke thought.

Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump

This would teach his older brother to not ignore him anymore

Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump

The sounds of Sasuke's footsteps stop as he launched at Itachi and ….was stop in midair by two fingers pressed against his forehead.

Sasuke fell to the ground with a thud.

"Awww, that's not fair Older Brother!" Sasuke tried not to pout. He was not about to reduce himself to such childish tactics in front of Itachi.

"Next time try not to sound like a stampede of wild horses, Sasuke", Itachi said, removing his onyx eyes from the match he was holding and glancing down at his brother with a stern expression. Sasuke thought it didn't suit him at all.

"I didn't." Sasuke looked to the side, this time pouting. "Anyways, why were you ignoring me? I hate it when people ignore me", and then said, so it did not sound like he was whining, "It's rude."

Itachi could not help but smile. Sasuke noticed a light coming to his brother's eyes that made him look livelier than minutes before. Those eyes were now considering him carefully.

"Sasuke", Itachi called his brother's attention and suddenly asked, "have you heard about the Will of Fire?"

Sasuke nodded eagerly at Itachi, wanting to show he had been studying like he was told and caring little for the sudden topic.

"It's the philosophy of the Senju Clan, passed from one generation of Shinobi to another", Sasuke recited what the text said. "It's the belief that love-"at the word Sasuke's face scrunched up in disgust, "is the key to end wars. Suppose…Supposed…"

"Supposedly", Itachi offered.

"Supposedly, it gives Shinobi the strength to fight."

Sasuke looked at Itachi pleased with himself. Itachi nodded, indicating Sasuke had done well.

"What do you think about it?" Itachi asked causally, not meeting Sasuke's eyes.

Sasuke shrugged uncertainly. He was rarely asked for his opinion. Mostly, his father told him want to think. This was not to say that Sasuke did not have an opinion. He did, but he did not want to voice it to later find out Itachi did not like it.

"Sasuke", Itachi encouraged.

"Well, I think that physical strength and lots of jutsu are what make a Shinobi. Like Father always says", Sasuke added at the end. In the ears of his clan, the words of Uchiha Fugaku were always true.

Itachi frowned at his brother's answer and looked like he wanted to scowl. Seeing this, made Sasuke get a little panicky. Did he say something wrong?

"What do you think, Older Brother?"

Itachi sighed and stood up from the ground.

"I think the Senju have it right, Sasuke. Sometimes victory is brought by something other than jutsus."

Sasuke gaped at his older brother with wide eyes. He had not expected THAT answer.

Itachi laughed at his little brother. A genuine laugh that made Sasuke wish he would do it more often.

"Wipe that expression from your face before Father sees it and scolds you for it", Itachi said then beckoned to him. "Let's show you those moves I've been promising to teach you. What do you say?"

Immediately, Sasuke's face turned bright with happiness and excitement.

"And if we leave now, we can probably see that girl you – what do you call it? – ah, tolerate so much." Sasuke felt his face become hot.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Older Brother. She's annoying!"

Looking down at him with a knowing look, Itachi ruffled Sasuke's hair and said, "Foolish little brother. I hope you're not this clueless when you're older."

Panting hard for air, Sasuke frantically took the pills and swallowed them without water.

After a couple of minutes, he felt his heart returning to its normal rate, and the mental walks he used to block his unwanted memories forming. He was glad. They were his greatest weapon against memories that rendered him weak and sentimental. It finally seem like sleep was possible, and Sasuke was grateful for it, so the young Uchiha raised his body to his bed and fell flat on his back. He laid there for a while, trying hard to not reflect on his memory and was beginning to drift off to sleep when he heard a noise that made him frown. He recognized that noise. It was the same one from earlier.

Someone was crying.

Sasuke got to his elbows, listening intently. The sobs were faint, but they were there. He was sure he was not imagining anything.

He did not like it, but yet, his curiosity got the best of him. Who could be crying in the Akatsuki hideout? Karin – his obsessive fangirl – was no longer there to cry about him at night, and Sasuke knew the Akatsuki had no prisoners caged up and torturing.

He was now outside his bedroom. Looking from one side of the stone corridor to another, making sure the way was clear. It was and he took advantage of it, hurrying – as much as his injury allowed – to the left.

If one knew the reason why Sasuke was up and about in the corridor and in his condition, the person would ask why would he bother? He was a criminal and an Uchiha at that; a combination that left little room for compassion and comfort. The answer was simple in Sasuke's opinion. He was curious, and he always satisfied his curiosity. Secondly, he needed to shut up whoever was crying. He was injured and needed sleep, which he could not get when someone was making enough noise for his sensitive ears to pick up.

Two voices stopped him just as he was going to turn around a corner. One he instantly recognized as Madara's alter ego - Toby. The other sounded extremely familiar to him but could not place it. It was condescending and soft. Its familiarity gave send shills running down his spine.

Sasuke hid in the shadows and flatten his back against the wall. He then carefully lowered his chakra and east dropped on the conversation.

"Are you sure there is no damage to his eyes?" that was Toby. Ever cheerful, his voice was one of innocent mischief. It did not betray the evil that was behind it.

"Positive. I managed to remove the substance without difficulty since I have experience with Grass Shinobi and their tricks. He should heal in a couple of days."

"Good. I want my friend in there in good condition. He is too important. We must be careful with him-"

Toby was abruptly cut off as someone began to hit a door with cries loud enough to raise the dead.

Sasuke heard as Madara opened the door and speak in his sickening, cheerful voice, "Hey, there! You shouldn't do that. You can really hurt yourself you know. Why don't you come here and rest. I'm sure after a good nap you'll feel much better."

A voice spoke, too quiet for Sasuke to hear from his hiding spot, but he got a gist of it from what Toby said next.

"Don't worry, about them. I am sure Asuka and your brother are safe. If you want, I'll help you look for them, but you need to rest first."

There was a minute of silence that ended when Madara closed the door again and the stranger spoke.

"Do you need me to give him something, my lord?"

"No, I need him to trust me and not be suspicious."

The stranger sounded doubtful as he said, "Are you sure? Sasuke could hear about this? "

"Are you questioning my judgment?" Toby questioned in a low, threatening voice, not suited for Toby but made for Madara.

"I'm sorry my lord. It won't happen again", the stranger repented without fear.

"Good. Now follow me. We have much to discuss, starting with Sasuke. His procedure needs to go as planned."

Madara and the stranger walked on the opposite direction from where Sasuke was. When he could no longer hear their voices and detect their presence, Sasuke came out of hiding and headed to where they had been standing.

There was a wooden door, and if Sasuke was correct, it was locked with chakra. He narrowed his eyes in concentration at the challenge the lock door presented. If he unlocked the door, Madara was bound to know as soon as the chakra was disrupted that someone was opening the door and–

Wait a minute. Why am I worrying about Madara finding out? If he didn't want me to find out, he should throw his prisoners in the dungeons where I can't hear them. Besides, it's my bussiness to find out what that weasel is hiding from me.

And so it happened that whoever was crying inside the room decided to resume the flood of tears. Without a minute to loose, Sasuke used his chakra, flung the door, and imperiously entered the room. He did not stop until he was in front the source of his irritation.

The irritation was sitting on the bed, hugging her knees to her chest, and her forehead pressed against them, too intent in her sobbing to look up.

Sasuke's initial thought was why was this person here? And how she managed to follow them?

"What the hell are you doing here?" Sasuke demanded furiously, reaching for the girls arm.

Against the odds, the young travelers have managed to escape from death. Caught between a war of light vs. dark, they must face the questions and danger their identity brings. At the same time, a leader faces the tricks fate has in store for all of them.

Next Time in

Hidden Leaf Revelations:

Strange

A/N: Hi, I want to begin by thanking those of you who reviewed the last chapter. I enjoyed reading your comments and also the suggestions you made. I can't thank you enough. Secondly, I do want to apologize for how long it has taken me to upload this chapter. It just that it was difficult for me to switch from academic writing to fun, informal writing, and I had many obligations at school to concentrate on this project. I do expect that it won't take me months to upload since I don't have too many obligations at school anymore. I do look forward to hearing from you all and do not hesitate to make suggestions.

Thank you