Wrong Again

Chapter 12

Oh my god! I'm so sorry for the long wait! There really is no excuse aside from the fact that I'm really lazy and my muse hated winter so it took a vacation to the Bahamas. But anyway; for reviewer who signed as Tidmag, thanks for the review! No, I'm not pouting or quitting the story. I'm glad that you brought it up though; it really did make me think about what I wrote and I realize that I really haven't given anyone any kind of clue as to where the heck this story is going. I think the only thing I know for sure is what I wrote in the summary for this story. Wow, that answer was really vague as well. I guess I like being vague and mysterious XD

Anyway, yeah, if anyone's confused about anything, do let me know. I always answer reviews even if it's simply a request to update more. I usually wait a couple days to re-read the chapter and make sure it's good before posting but I'm already late so I apologize for any grammar and spelling mistakes. There are a lot of POV changes and flashbacks so hopefully you don't get too confused.

Here's the next chapter, enjoy!

Naruto wasn't sure what was taking his dad so long to get back but Obito had ordered the two boys to get some sleep since it didn't look like the Hokage would be coming back tonight. He shuffled to the room that he shared with Sasuke. After climbing into his bed and staring at Sasuke as he got into his, Obito turned off the lights and closed the door.

The two boys sat in the darkened silence for several minutes before Naruto whispered.

"I'm glad you're here," his words were barely audible but Sasuke heard them nonetheless. A couple seconds later the pale boy returned a low grunt to acknowledge him. Content to take that as an affirmative that he felt the same way Naruto hopped off his bed and made his way over to Sasuke.

He shoved the other boy over and crawled into the bed. Sasuke didn't resist when shoved and even held the covers open for the blond to scramble under. Safe and warm under the covers Naruto turned to gaze at Sasuke whose dark eyes returned the scrutiny. In the time that they had spent together things had changed; spending every available moment with each had made them even more dependent on the other's presence.

It was the first time they had been alone together since the whole Kyuubi incident. That felt like ages ago to Naruto and he wasn't even sure when it had happened except that it changed a crap load of things. Here he thought that life was going good for once but then things had to happen and now he wasn't sure what to do. His thoughts were rambling and out of order so to clear his mind a bit he decided he'd ask Sasuke. After all they were in this together.

"Hey, so what do you think is going to happen?" he asked. His best friend didn't answer for the longest time; just when Naruto thought he wouldn't get a reply Sasuke spoke.

"I don't know. Too many different things have happened that we can't rely on our past to make decisions," he said in a hushed voice. Thinking that Obito might still be outside Naruto kept his voice down too as he whispered a soft 'yeah' in response.

It hadn't been the answer that he was expecting but as smart as Sasuke was sometimes, he didn't always know everything either. Naruto stayed silent for a while but he didn't sleep. His mind had decided to stray from the issue of what to do and focus on the last thing that he remembered before waking up in the woods.

In truth, in the heat of the moment he couldn't remember much except for that last instance where his Rasengan collided with Sasuke's chidori. The sounds of both jutsus had been deafening. The swooshing of his compressed chakra raged against the crackling of a thousand birds until he hadn't been able to hear anything.

He remembered seeing Sasuke though despite the intense light. The look of concentration on the other boy's face had been clear as day; he could still see it even now. The drawn hand that came forward at the last second to collide with his Rasengan was an overpowering sight. But in the end he had been over taken not by the intimidating jutsu but the fact that history had repeated itself once more.

The first time around he hadn't held back. He had promised Sakura that he would bring the bastard back even if he had to break all the bones in his body. No, there hadn't been any mercy then.

Thinking on it now, he knew why he had dropped his arm just a fraction; enough to let the chidori ram past and cut into him once more. He was tired; tired of chasing Sasuke, tired of trying to beat sense into him when it hadn't worked in the first place. Did Sasuke not really want to belong to Konoha that badly? Had it been him? His resolve, his nindo, had faltered.

These thoughts plagued him now as he laid there unable to find slumber in the comfort of Sasuke's presence. As if he could see the emotions on his face even in the dark, Sasuke nudged him and asked, "What?"

Naruto hesitated; he had always wanted to know if avenging his family, if killing the rest of his family had been more important than enjoying what family he had left. He searched those dark eyes and even in the limited light he could see patience as he waited for an answer.

He speculated at how different Sasuke was now. Would Sasuke have been like this had Itachi never killed the clan? Of course he was still snobby and arrogant but on top of that he had patience and was more caring than the Sasuke of old ever could be. This life so far had shown that without the need for vengeance, Sasuke really wasn't too bad.

So did it matter that he ask now when he could clearly see?

"Just thinking about how everything could have been…" he started off slowly and when Sasuke only kept staring at him with those same dark eyes he continued, "…back then if things had happened something like now." He finished his sentence knowing that although it didn't make sense Sasuke would understand what he was saying.

Without Itachi in the way taunting Sasuke's every move…

Would Sasuke never have left the village in the first place?

"Would you have returned?" The words slipped out unexpectedly. He wasn't even sure why he asked. In the life of old Sasuke had achieved his revenge but still he refused to come home. What more was there?

Sasuke didn't answer. There was a lot that Naruto didn't know about his precious village; things that just might shatter that unbreakable loyalty of his. What would his idiot think if he knew that the Konoha he loved had been built on blood and lies?

It took a while before either boy could fall asleep.

"Let us begin…" spoke Fugaku as he sat in the seat of honor before the more prominent members of the proud Uchiha clan. The war was officially over and thus began their plans. Like all other Uchihas, Fugaku believed that the clan was all powerful and above all else, the most important. If it weren't for the clan, Konoha would not be the village it was.

It had begun as far back as his forefathers. Ever since the Senju had defeated Madara the clan had been placed in a humiliating second. Had it not been for the Nidaime's attempt to mollify the disgraced clan with the position of the police department there would have been no telling where they would be now. Perhaps they would have bided their time and rose to power once more.

In the end though, the clan head had made the decision to submit to the Hokage and bid its time. Now, Fugaku would bring Madara's actions to fruit. Their forefather had the right idea but against Senju Hashirama the odds had not been in his favor. Today the Senju were a dying clan with no one significant left besides Tsunade of the Sannin. But for such an imposing woman, her current location was unknown as she had fled Konoha in grief and anger.

Fugaku didn't expect any opposition from the last Senju. Not since the death of the White Fang could anyone stand up to the clan. The champion of Konoha was rivaled by no one; even Jiraiya claimed to have lost to the Hatake and with his son in shame there was no reason to worry about the Hatake clan at all.

But frustratingly where one man fell, another rose to take his place. Fugaku's blood boiled at the mere thought of the man. His pleasing looks and easy nature easily disguised the prodigy underneath. Fugaku would admit grudgingly that the man was good; too good as he stood in the way of the clan. Honored as the war hero throughout the entire war and feared by enemies all over, the man was the Hokage's favorite shinobi.

Namikaze Minato.

A man of no significant lineage or ties; a loser through the academy who Jiraiya saw fit to take under his wings, a man whose calligraphy was barely legible yet was infamous for his seals and original jutsus, Namikaze was a man to be reckoned with.

He hated him.

Fugaku stayed up on many nights plotting the downfall of the man. Rumors flew around fast; the Third favored him as the next Hokage and the villagers and ninja alike approved of their adored hero. He couldn't let the man become Hokage. With him in charge his plans would be severely limited. He couldn't fight the man one-on-one either; Namikaze may not be Senju, but he might as well be.

So began the reason for this clan meeting in the underground catacombs of the Uchiha compound. They were going to find a way to bring Namikaze down.

"Wake up, dobe," he shook the sleeping blond who had curled up on his chest some time during the night. His shaking only elicited a groan and a plea for a few more minutes. Sasuke carefully ran his hands through the golden locks, marveling at how soft yet anti-gravity they were. An almost tender look passed over his face as he contemplated the boy.

Needless to say he hadn't slept well as he pondered Naruto's words from last night. He knew Madara wanted the fox demon although he didn't know why or cared. Naruto's father was still his best bet on how to keep Naruto safe. To do so he would need to tell him about Madara and the Akatsuki. He'd need to tell them about the Third and the elders' decision.

But most of all, he needed to get Naruto off of him so that he could start training. Just the thought of his skinny arms and legs and low chakra level was enough for him to want to jump off the nearest cliff. It was like being a kid again; which he was, but he shouldn't be but he was.

Sasuke shook his head; Naruto was rubbing off on him. With that scary thought that he might actually start acting like his blond idiot he shoved the boy off of him. With a startled cry Naruto landed on the ground in a panicked state.

"Naruto, shut up," he said to alleviate the blonde's confusion. Naruto looked up at Sasuke who was glaring at him with wide eyes. His heart rate started to slow down and a sour mood filled his face as he realized he wasn't being attacked but had been kicked out of bed instead.

"Stupid bastard. What the hell was that for?" he shouted a second after he lunged at Sasuke. Before Sasuke could even comprehend that they were about to fight his arms had already come up to defend against Naruto's attack. Moments later they were a tangle of feet and fists as they rolled around the bed and soon onto the floor.

The fight was instinctive despite how long they had gone without physically fighting; it came back to them as naturally as breathing. It was as if their bodies knew exactly what to do in relation to the other. Adrenaline pumped through their veins and their world narrowed in until nothing existed except each other.

"What the hell!?"

The shout went unheeded as the two boys continued to fight. It wasn't until a pair of tan arms yanked the two apart that they snapped out of their fight. Breathing hard but feeling exhilarated, they calmed down almost as fast as they had gotten excited. Minato scowled at the two boys as he wondered just what the heck had gotten into them. Thinking about how they said they had fought last time he had panicked that it was happening again.

"Naruto! Sasuke! What the heck do you two think you're doing?" he demanded once more when the two boys remained silent; he gave them a shake for good measure.

"Fighting," Naruto admitted sullenly as he avoided his dad's eyes. Sasuke looked away as well. Minato could do nothing so he let them go but not before imparting some commands.

"Get dressed; we're leaving right after breakfast." He nudged the two boys toward their closet before he disappeared out the room. They looked at each other wondering where the heck they could be going. Not willing to upset his dad Naruto silently went about getting ready.

The two boys came down the stairs slowly not quite sure what to expect. They found the Fourth moving around the kitchen as he dished some eggs and rice onto a couple plates. Quietly Naruto and Sasuke sat down and slowly began eating awkwardly. Never had they seen the care-free man so serious before and they didn't know how to act.

No words were exchanged during the terse meal and soon they were escorted to the tower by the Fourth. So far there hadn't been any sign of Obito; Sasuke wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. As they made their way there he noted how solemn and quiet the village appeared today. Granted he hadn't left the manor since Kyuubi and Madara's attack nor was he sure how much time had passed since then.

A glance at Naruto confirmed that Naruto had picked up on the absence of life as well. Had this been how the village was back when Itachi murdered the clan? The tower came into view and his attention was directed to the higher level of security. Instead of the usual chuunin there were ANBU in full view guarding the entrance.

With the Hokage before them they zipped through the sentry and headed in. However to their surprise, the Fourth didn't lead them up the stairs to the main office but went past the mission desk and through an obscured door beyond it. Both boys darted glances at each other in confusion.

They had never noticed this door before. Going through it they saw that it led underground.

"Tomorrow is the day that Namikaze officially becomes the Hokage." Fugaku's glare was leveled at everyone present. Despite their opposition and moves to block the man from gaining the position, they had been overridden by the rest of the council and the Third.

Fugaku himself and Danzou had even met the Third by himself to persuade the man's choice. Danzou had the gall to suggest himself for the position; that half-dead cripple. Even still, the old decrepit would have been better than the blasted blond himself. Hirozen had shot them down without preamble.

His words; Orochimaru had tried unsuccessfully to dissuade his choice, even going so far as to play the wounded party of being overlooked. The Third had remained unmoving to their cause and had dismissed them. Leaving in frustration had been the only recourse when the subtle threat of being physically removed by guards was as clear as the man's choice.

So now they had to contend with not just the Third but Namikaze as well who would be considered the Fourth as of tomorrow. Assassination had been mulled over numerous times but the man was crafty and hard to pinpoint. There had been minor attempts but nothing short of rushing him with the entire sharingan wielding clan would stop him.

For now the clan was reduced to hiding in secret underground like rats while the village went on. Fugaku's blood raged at the circumstances.

"We should kill him." Matsuda, a fairly new member to the secret meetings spoke up out of turn. His words were met with sneers and disregard. Fugaku laid his chilling eyes upon the stupid fool.

"How do you suppose we do that?" he asked icily. The youth was cowed slightly but with the attention of the clan head on him it was his chance to prove his worth to the clan.

"We could hire someone," he suggested. When the clan head merely arched a disinterested brow he stammered but continued, "Anyone from Iwa would jump at the chance-"

"To get massacred. Iwa couldn't stand up to him and neither can you," one of the high elders from Fugaku's left interrupted, "The power of the clan combined could kill him but where would we be then?"

Matsuda had nothing new as the idea had been thrown around countless times before. But combine that with what the elder had voiced, that the clan's power could crush Namikaze. Who had the clan's power but would not be related to the clan? The wheels in Fugaku's mind began turning. He'd have to look into it as an idea formed. For now, onto other matters.

After going underground, they had lost track of where they were. The dizzying turns and identical walls of rough stone made for memorizing the maze impossible. Who knew that all this was down below Konoha? His dad had yet to say a word to them and his anxiety increased with every passing second. He had the urge to grab hold of his dad's coat and hang on for dear life. God knows he didn't want to get lost down here.

It was creepy as it reminded him of the tunnels where Kyuubi resided. Minus the water, the atmosphere was damp and dark with the only light coming from torches placed at certain intervals. It didn't take much to imagine just how much creepier it'd be if there were screams coming from the darkened halls.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

Naruto jumped and clung to his father's back as he stared around wildly for the source of the scream. The ghostly wail faded down a corridor to their left. As it disappeared his dad reached for him and pulled him forward into his arms. Without so much as a smile he rubbed his frightened son's back and explained.

"We're in the underground catacombs of Konoha. Very few ever know about this place. Most interrogations are held down here as well as long time prisoners. It's also a grave for preserving certain bodies." His eyes watched both boys and he took note of the way they both went stiff.

If he hadn't been nervous before, he sure as hell was now. What was his dad thinking bringing them down here? Didn't he believe them? Were they going to be thrown into prison and tortured? The next instinct that came to mind was grab Sasuke and run. Maybe this wasn't his dad or this was a dream or something. Did he really wake up today?

He looked at Sasuke but couldn't discern anything from the boy's stoic face. What was he thinking?

Sasuke had nearly jumped at the Fourth as well; the man had grown to be more of a father figure than ever to him. Too bad Naruto beat him to it though. When the man spoke though in that automaton voice with no inflection his insides grew cold.

Memories, flashes of his time with Orochimaru came back to him with startling clarity. Cold cells, angry whispers, pain that wouldn't mar perfection; mentally shuddering he forced those thoughts away. He'd made a choice, there was no getting rid of that portion of his life no matter how far into the past he had gone.

The Fourth continued moving again but not before offering a hand to Sasuke. He looked at the hand; large and tan, warm and safe. His eyes travelled up the arm and to those blue eyes so similar to Naruto; how could he not trust those eyes?

The cold seeped into him and the hand tempted him. He looked at Naruto, safely nuzzled in his father's other arm with those same blue eyes staring at him, waiting for his move. Was he really safe? The question of truth; was he really willing to put Naruto and his safety in the hands of this man?

For so long now it had been only him and his vengeance with Naruto tagging along stubbornly. Today Naruto was still with him but his vengeance had disappeared with Itachi's reappearance. What else was there besides Naruto?

For the seconds that it took his mind to ponder all these things the decision had already been made. He took the offered hand because it brought him closer to the only thing he had left.

"Naruto."

"Huh?" the boy looked up at his teacher expectantly. Jiraiya had been pretty quiet the last couple of hours. He hadn't even been writing his books. The man was staring intently at him as he held a pen in one hand and a manuscript in another.

"That's the name of the hero in my first book." Despite the youth's confused look the white haired man continued.

"And also the name that your parents decided to name you." The cup of instant ramen nearly dropped from his hands as his still sluggish mind caught onto the words. His thoughts came to a standstill and the only thing on his mind were the words 'your parents'.

"W-What are you talking about, ero sannin?" he stammered out. No one had ever mentioned his parents and while as a kid he had always wondered why the other kids had larger people who looked like them take them home, he had never thought to have a pair of his own.

Knowing that he had been unwanted and parentless from the start was fine, but hearing that he actually had parents, who wanted to name him fish cakes, was unreal. That pervy sage better not be pulling a joke. Little did he know just how much Jiraiya wasn't joking.

They entered another identical corridor but instead of extending on unforeseen it lead to a door. Completely un-descriptive and plain the door was pushed open before the Fourth even reached it. Inside a masked figure bowed respectively to him before moving out of the way to let the trio inside. He paid little heed to the way Naruto squirmed around in his arm trying to see everything at once nor the way Sasuke seemed to have lost what color he had at the sight before them.

"Father," came the almost inaudible whisper from the pale boy. His hand tightened around Minato's hand and he stopped walking. Frozen to the icy floor he couldn't pull his eyes away from the sight of his father lying immobile in the middle of an intricate seal. The man's naked body held a deathly hue; pallid and grey with gashes everywhere.

Stitches and staples covered the man in parody of train tracks. Never had he ever seen the man look so… Sasuke tore his gaze away.

"Breathe, Sasuke," the Fourth soothed. Suddenly his throat opened up and he could breathe. When had he stopped breathing? His breaths came in harsh pants and he clung to the lifeline at his side with all his might.

Naruto wiggled out of his father's arm and slide down to hug Sasuke. He didn't know who the man was at first but seeing Sasuke's reaction and looking closer at the dead body he recognized the telltale hair and pale skin. It was Sasuke's father.

The other boy was having trouble breathing and Naruto could do nothing as he tried to comfort him. He looked up at his father helplessly as his dad placed a hand on both their heads in a soothing gesture.

There wasn't any time to be soft. When the report came that they had finished their interrogation Minato had stopped here instead of returning to the manor to finish questioning the two boys. What the hunter nins had found had been disturbing, more so than what the two had revealed so far.

Fugaku, that bastard, hadn't pulled any stops when he had questioned Sasuke. All night he had listened to what the hunter nins had discovered. He pulled the boys closer to him. Today they would get to the bottom of this.

"Today, we will begin preparations. Namikaze will be destroyed once and for all!" Fugaku claimed and the clan cheered. It had taken quite some time to finalize the Hokage's downfall but in a few weeks it would all be worth it. Beside him, the red eyed man smiled.

A/N:

And there you have it folks! Another installment to Wrong Again that took forever!! I'm so sorry! I've been flopping around trying to write this chapter; I knew what I was going to do, it was just a matter of putting it together in a way that would work! Even now I'm tempted to go back and change some things but I won't, because that means this wouldn't be out today. Anyway, it's a lot to take in with all the flashbacks and all but it's the same that's happening to Sasuke and Naruto so feel their pain! There's more Naruto and Sasuke time too! I hope things are starting to come together for everyone! I need to sleep now…