Wrong Again

Chapter 13

A/N: Sorry, messed up the editing and switching so this isn't a new chapter, but there have been corrections. 7/2/09

My apologies. My only excuse is that I don't like this chapter and had the hardest time writing it. And if you spot any errors, let me know, I got sick of correcting things half way through. I'll get to them eventually though. Sorry.

"Hokage-sama," the white masked ninja bowed low in respect as the rest of the ninja present did the same. Minato inclined his head in response to the display. Here, underneath Konoha, beyond the knowledge of most of its inhabitants, lay the secrets of the village. Few ever made it down here and even less know about it aside from those who guard the vital core of Konoha.

Kakashi had been assigned patrol down here. Konoha's foundations weren't always pristine; the ghostly wails attested to it. Against his wishes the boy had been exposed to too many cruel things too early in life. What was a thirteen year old doing underground guarding tombs and secrets too old to be remembered? Minato stared hard at the body on the floor. Just like Orochimaru they used this place; no matter that it was done in the name of the village, they used it nonetheless.

He had discovered too late about Orochimaru using the catacombs to advance his nefarious desires for immortality. By the time he had found out, Kakashi had already been marred by that despicable bastard. His eyes hardened; every single time he thought about what he could have done, it hurt and it made him furious.

"Dad?"

The tiny voice whispered uncertainly up at him, breaking the memory's hold on his attention. That was the past; he let out a breath and gave Naruto a slight squeeze to let him know that he heard him. Kakashi's ghost would never fade away so easily though but he stepped forward and with him the two boys followed his lead however slowly.

"Do you know who this is?" he asked to no one but Sasuke knew who he was addressing. With a steeled heart he nodded and whispered 'my father'.

Minato nodded, giving no other indication whether he was pleased or not with his answer. For what felt like forever to the two boys the Fourth finally broke free of them and walked around the dead body. Instantly they clung to each other and stared at the blond man as if entranced by the way he moved. As he moved further away, the walls of the room seemed to grow larger until they began to feel inadequately small and vulnerable. The dead body of Fugaku laid between them, a stark reminder of what had happened not too long ago. When his eyes landed upon his father, Sasuke couldn't find the strength to look away. Like metal to a magnet he stared at the unmoving figure that was his father.

With a stern face Minato spoke again, "Do you know what he has done?" Sasuke frowned in confusion; he wasn't sure where the Hokage was going with his questions. The question was rhetoric though as the Fourth continued to speak.

"Uchiha Fugaku, age forty-two, head of the Uchiha clan now deceased; guilty of treason against the village," his words echoed in the cavern while everyone stood silently as if they already knew. Sasuke was speechless; he knew to some degree that the clan had been planning a coup but it had been surreal knowledge relayed to him by the sly Madara.

"Responsible for instigating the act to take over the village, Uchiha Fugaku enlisted the aid of a man to summon a power strong enough to defeat me," Minato continued. Although he didn't outright say it, the implication was there.

Kyuubi; summoned by someone to kill the Hokage. The Fourth watched closely at the two boys. Naruto looked to be in shock but Sasuke stood still as the information sunk in.

What Madara said was a lie. Of course he lied.

So the clan really was responsible for bringing the Kyuubi to the village. And that man, it had to be Madara. Had Madara been in the village this entire time helping his father and no one knew it?

Sasuke stared at his father. Memories of his father's aloofness and disapproving stare haunted him. Itachi had been a means to an end but when his brother had refused and remained loyal to the village, that's when he had learned the grand fire ball technique. He had tried so hard too; all the burns and sleepless nights that he slaved away trying to master the technique. His heart ached and he wished that someone could reach through his chest and make it stop hurting.

He was a replacement. In the end he still had never been good enough. Second best. The thought echoed in his mind; he was unable to think of anything else but his father's apathetic gaze staring down and through him. Was this the ghost he had spent his childhood trying to make up to?

His hand was squeezed by Naruto breaking the spiraling thoughts and he tore his gaze away from his father's dead body. The view was just as dismal as he stared at Naruto instead. Because of his father's greed for power Naruto had to bear the burden of the nine tails where he was coveted everywhere for its power. It was starting to finalize in his mind that the dead didn't matter so much anymore. What mattered though were the ones that were living. Naruto.

"Sorry, Naruto," he whispered and returned the squeeze. The blond boy tilted his head questioningly.

"What for?" Sasuke took a second to answer but finally whispered 'everything'. He steeled himself and turned back to face the Hokage who was staring at him.

"What do you know?" If he was going to set things straight then he'd have to know.

At Sasuke's question Minato spoke again. "When you were detained by your father when you first came here he found out about many things; including the fact that Itachi was a spy. With the knowledge of things that could happen his plans were placed on hold until he could verify that they were true.

"Itachi's promotion to ANBU captain was no surprise to him, nor did it perturb him when he suspected him as a spy. He expected it. So they sat idle as they waited. Things went wrong though as I ordered a move to detain the clan unexpectedly before they could act.

"No one expected Kyuubi to react so strongly. Your father was planning on kidnapping Naruto and unleashing the demon fox on the village once more. You know how that went." The Fourth stopped to let it sink in. Naruto hadn't said a word and Sasuke looked like he was going to be sick his pallor fading even more. He gathered himself mentally though as Yondaime continued.

"The memories gathered from Fugaku second the fact that you really are from another time. Events have diverted from this time compared to yours so Fugaku really couldn't use any information to his advantage yet," he paused and his gaze pierced Sasuke's, "You know who he is." Those blue eyes stared him down and he could tell that the Fourth was no fool. He must have suspected all along about Madara but just didn't have any information.

Without any preamble Sasuke knew he wanted to discuss Madara. With an idea of where this was now going he answered confidently with a 'yes'. If his father had seen into his mind then no doubt the Fourth knew everything already; he didn't know why he was still being questioned but had answered anyway. Naruto glanced between the two of them unsure of what was going on or who they were talking about.

"Know who who is?" Naruto quickly asked true to his fashion. Sasuke said nothing as he waited for the Fourth to enlighten his son. The Yondaime merely walked toward them and ushered them out of the room.

"Let's talk elsewhere."

The ninja, a boy really yet not when his personality was considered, stood at attention inside the Hokage's office as he waited for the Fourth's arrival. His presence had been requested regarding the current situation. It involved someone that he hadn't seen in a while.

In truth he missed the clingy little brat but if Obito-sempai could be believed then his little brother really wasn't the brat that he had known a year ago. Ever since that morning things had changed and he soon found himself even deeper in the political intrigue that haunted the Fourth's every step.

It had all started when the Fourth had met him at the early age of 10 when he had been promoted to chuunin. The promotional meeting had been solemn and quiet but as soon as it was over the Hokage had dismissed everyone except for him. After that it had been a maelstrom of caring blue eyes and pats on the head.

The Fourth had been the only person to ever initiate any form of physical contact. From anyone else it would have been degrading but somehow over the course of the few years he had known the man it had become fatherly; the man had even attempted a hug once or twice much to his chagrin. He became what his own father should have been to him. Itachi was honored and humbled that the Fourth would view him so highly. So when the man had approached him personally and asked him to go against his own clan there had never been a choice. He served his Hokage, like any loyal shinobi.

For now he waited patiently for the man to arrive with his little brother. He pondered on everything that had happened; the Fourth hadn't included him in the team that specialized with extracting information so he didn't know what happened where his father was concerned. He couldn't care less about that; any shred of a blood tie with the man had died when he found out what his father had done with Sasuke after that morning. His mother had found out from him actually. She had been worried and pestered him and his father everyday about where Sasuke was.

He had told her where Fugaku had imprisoned Sasuke. Had his mother waited much longer to get Sasuke out he would have released Sasuke himself. It still angered him when he remembered the state that his mother had found Sasuke in. She must miss him terribly; she hadn't seen him since then. He'd have to see if Sasuke wanted to see her.

The door opened unannounced and in walked the Yondaime with the two boys in tow. He stood a little straighter as he studied Sasuke. Pale face and the usual unruly hair; the boy refused to let it grow out hence the reason it stuck up all over the back of his head. His form wasn't malnourished so the Fourth had been taking care of him. The boy's face was set in a serious frown though, one that Itachi had never seen before on his brother's usual innocent and carefree face. Usually if the boy had ever tried to frown it would take the form of a childish pout. A flick to the forehead always cured that though but he felt if he tried that this Sasuke would attack.

The thought saddened him that this wasn't the little brother that he had played around with back when he had time for it. Gone was the naïve and open face that greeted him every time he came home from a mission no matter how late the time. His gaze studied the other boy; the exact opposite, if Sasuke's brilliance shone as silvery as the moon then Naruto's rays rivaled the sun.

Naruto, the blond boy holding onto his brother's hand appeared confused as he looked around. The village scapegoat, Itachi had rescued the boy on occasion and prevented some nasty occurrences. Always bright and smiley despite the burden he bore his innocence differed from Sasuke's. So this was the boy that Sasuke had been living with for the past year. He thought that they complimented each other fairly well.

Said boy finally looked at Itachi and it took the boy a second to register who was already standing in the room maskless. Immediately those blue eyes so similar to the Fourth's narrowed and his mouth twisted into a scowl. Never before had he ever seen such a feral expression on the kid. What had he done to him? He didn't even think that Naruto would recognize him with his mask off.

It didn't take long for Sasuke to notice him either. The look of surprise on the boy's face wasn't unexpected. Sasuke stopped his progress into the room to openly stare at his older brother.

He was livid.

Here was the man that had taken Sasuke away from him in the first place. Granted Sasuke had been an idiot and ran away but it was because of this man. He was only a kid? The boy before him looked no older than a genin fresh out of the academy but the white armored vest and arm tattoo attested to his rank. His calm demeanor rankled something deep within him, rousing to the surface an anger that had never really had the chance to awaken.

This was the one who had killed Sasuke's family and ruined his childhood. He was the one who had turned Sasuke into a bastard. Old emotions resurfaced; he wasn't even aware of the clenching of his fists. The man-kid was just standing there like nothing was wrong just like he had done the last time he had met him. Arrogant son of a bitch. He tensed up ready to land one right on that empty face and shatter that calm that just drove him crazy. He'd have to be careful of the Sharingan, he wouldn't let a stupid genjutsu take him down again. His mind raced with strategies to take him down. He went over old mistakes and vowed he wouldn't do them again.

"Naruto."

Wrong. This was wrong. Some part of his mind registered that he shouldn't be feeling so furious. But his anger pushed the thought away just as quickly as it had surfaced. He'd pummel the guy to the ground but he wouldn't kill him, that was Sasuke's part and his right-

"Naruto!" He was shaken out of his thoughts of violence by Sasuke who was staring hard at him like he was out of his mind.

What the hell?! He was confused by Sasuke's lack of reaction and even more so when he seemed to be almost disapproving. The office of his father surrounded him and Sasuke tugged at his hand, things that wouldn't be happening if this was the past. Right, in this time Itachi hadn't killed the clan. At least he didn't think he did. So many things happened that one night that he couldn't be sure what the hell happened.

"What?" he asked redundantly but Sasuke only tugged at his hand once more indicating that he was squeezing his hand too tight. Immediately he loosened his grip even as he noticed that they were still holding hands. Wow, that was a first, who would have thought that Sasuke would hold hands in public, much less his hand. Before his mind could wander off about the last time they held hands he was distracted again.

"Naruto," his dad spoke up as he took his seat behind the large wooden desk pulling him from the hand issue. He looked at his dad and asked 'what' again. It seemed people liked saying his name. His father gestured for them to have a seat and without any protesting he and Sasuke took a seat with Itachi still standing by. He sat down carefully keeping a watchful eye on Sasuke's psyhco brother; he didn't trust him.

Now that they were out of that creepy old dungeon he didn't feel like not talking anymore. It seemed that although he was from the future, it was him who was the clueless one here. Sasuke seemed to know what his dad was talking about. Some guy that had helped summoned the stupid fox; he seemed like a big deal but he had no idea who he was. He'd be damned if he'd be left out of the loop.

So to remedy his situation he spoke up.

"Hey, what the hell is going on?" he blurted out without preamble. Everyone looked at him but it was his dad who spoke up.

"What are you talking about Naruto?" his dad asked as if he was the one confused.

"What do you mean? I wanna know what you're talking about. Who's that guy and why is he here like nothing's wrong?!" he pointed an accusing finger at Itachi. Itachi in response raised a brow, unsure how to answer that.

"Naruto, it's okay," the Fourth spoke up. He glared skeptically at Itachi, not really believing his dad that Itachi wouldn't suddenly attack Sasuke and try to kidnap him for Akatsuki. When his glare didn't let up Sasuke nudged him.

"Relax dobe." Instantly he took offense at the nickname and he rounded on Sasuke.

"Don't call me that! What the hell is wrong with you? You spent your entire life going after him and now it's okay?" he was starting to panic; freaking out that something was just wrong with the calmness of everyone around him.

"Dobe, shut up and listen," Sasuke said very clearly, "Remember where we are. It's different right now." The direct eye contact and the words sank into his brain and he did remember. There was no massacre and no evil Itachi yet.

"Oh," he visibly deflated at the thought. Old feelings had blinded him for a moment there. But still, how could Sasuke just act like nothing-nothing happened. Right, he had to keep reminding himself that nothing had happened. He leaned back stiffly and crossed his arms across his chest rather missing the hand contact with Sasuke.

"Fine," he agreed sullenly, "So who is he? This guy you guys are talking about?" he began since no one seemed willing to talk first. Minato tilted his head toward Sasuke to indicate that he should begin. The boy's impassive face didn't change as he began speaking of a man named Madara, a man who should have been dead years ago.

The man was good, he admitted reluctantly but only to himself. He watched the long haired man stand up straight and relay an order to a subordinate. His aristocratic features were smooth and unmarred like most warriors in this war. The man had an air about him, charismatic and commanding but he was second to none and his brother and he were the driving force for the progress that the Uchiha clan had made. The clan had a primitive form of the Sharingan but if it hadn't been for his ingenious use of it and his perfecting it, the clan would never be where it was now.

After dealing with his subordinate the long haired man turned to him as if he were a lowly subject that he deigned to give his attention to. It enraged him that he almost felt like he should be down on one knee before this man and Madara bowed down to no one. So he scowled and drew himself up higher despite being slightly shorter. Another reason to hate the man's guts.

Senju Hashirama graced him with an easy smile and nod. "Not bad, Uchiha," he acknowledged. His innards twisted but to dismiss the praise would be seen as ill behavior so he tilted his head slightly in respect though it nearly killed him inside.

From that moment on they fought alongside, Hashirama for the sake of ending the war, and he for glory and to one day beat Senju and be the best.

He hated him but couldn't help but admire him at the same time. He strove day and night for hours on end trying to find new ways to up the Senju during their spars. But no one could defeat the might of the Senju and Uchiha clan combined and before long the alliance with the Fire Daimyo paid off and the birth of Konoha, the village hidden in the Leaves occurred.

Still he was no closer to defeating Senju than he had been when they first met. The man's infuriating Mukoton techniques in the middle of his own forest made things difficult. He used fire all the time and it seemed to piss off the plant user when sections of his forest were razed to the ground but like persistent weeds the woods grew back and the grass reformed with more annoying vines to trip him.

He became a man possessed living only to defeat Senju and the distance grew between his brother and him. The hours of studying paid off though, or so he thought when ancient scrolls before even his fore fathers' times spoke of a demon with enough terrifying power to demolish entire countries at once. The fury of the demon appealed to him.

Though it took years to refine the contract with the demon and even more to gather the necessary 'things' to achieve control of the demon he finally did it. At the cost of his brother and other sacrifices he summoned the demon.

For once he would defeat Senju. Little did he know though, stuck in the scrolls all the time, his brother betrayed his plans to Senju who had time to prepare. All the work he'd put into his life goal of defeating Senju wasted.

In the end the man's much-hated Mukoton triumphed again. At the crack that had formed by their fight which would later be filled with running water Madara knelt before Hashirama defeated. It wasn't until much later after the epic battle that he discovered Senju's weakness.

So he vowed that he would return and show him that he wasn't second best, he would win. The Senju's compassion, his weakness, would be his downfall. He swore to it.

"His name is Uchiha Madara, the original founder of Konoha along with Senju Hashirama. Long considered dead he still lives," Sasuke started, "I don't know how or why but he seems to be after the nine-tailed demon fox."

Minato seemed to consider this. The idea that someone that old was still alive and powerful unlike the doddering old man they should be was rather terrifying not to mention that he was after his son. The man must have used some sort of aging jutsu similar to Tsunade's in order to have stayed alive this long.

However, the matter at hand wasn't how he managed to live this long but the fact that he was after the destruction of the village. For no doubt what else would he want Kyuubi for if not destruction of some kind?

"I've received reports of a man who I believe to be Madara. He had been spotted around Fire Country numerous times and I've always suspected his involvement with the Uchiha clan. With the information retrieved from Fugaku it's confirmed that he was the man that had summoned the nine-tails demon with the intent of killing me so that the clan could take their rightful place at the top of the hierarchy in Konoha.

"It's also confirmed that he was the one that Kyuubi fought the night of the subduing," Minato added and looked at Naruto. He didn't expect anything from the boy so he was surprised when Naruto spoke up.

"It hates him," he said quietly but fiercely, "When Kyuubi sensed him it was angry and it wanted nothing more than to just tear him limb from limb and-" he choked back the image of what Kyuubi had showed him. His words caused a sinking feeling in Minato's gut; he hadn't even thought about it, they had assumed that since he had passed out right after the killing that perhaps Naruto hadn't been aware of anything. His words now confirmed though that he had been hoping in vain; it tore at him that he had been exposed to that kind of monstrosity.

"We'll get him, Naruto. Sasuke," he looked at the other boy as well for there were two victims here, "I'll devise a plan of action and since we know who it is we'll be prepared. I've got a squad solely dedicated to finding him." The two boys nodded, satisfied at the action.

"Now for the two of you, it's obvious that he wants you so you will not leave this village unless sanctioned by me. You will not leave the manor unless accompanied by an escort-"

"We're not kids!" Naruto erupted at the thought of being tailed all day long. His dad though merely raised his eyebrow and said, "Naruto, for all intents and purposes you are a kid." Good god, you're only seven! He didn't add the thought that screamed so clearly in his mind.

"I don't care how good you were before you came here you have underdeveloped chakra coils and a body unused to hard training. Same goes for you Sasuke," he said quickly before the blond could say another word.

"Hokage-sama," Sasuke interrupted, "I do agree but I suggest that we train instead to correct that. The best defense is if we can fend for ourselves right?" Minato studied the unassuming boy; while he found no flaw in the logic something inside him didn't want these two boys to have to live a life of violence especially since they seemed to have been given a second chance.

"I agree with Sasuke, Hokage-sama," Itachi piped in. Minato sent a slight glare to his faithful soldier for taking the boys' sides. To compensate Itachi volunteered to look after them and show them a thing or two.

"Fine, Itachi, you will be assigned to escorting them; I'll discuss the rotations later. However," Minato said loudly, "You will not have anything to do with their training until they've gone through the basics again and regain the proper techniques. I'll have an academy teacher supervise your training," his words left no room for arguing but that didn't keep Naruto from groaning and sulking.

"Might as well put us back into the academy," the little blond grumbled out loud. Sasuke shot him a glare and Minato chuckled.

"Perfect," the Hokage smiled before they could protest, "I'll put you two in the advanced class; make that the sixth year class." Minato grinned glad that his son's whining had sparked such a brilliant idea. It would be great for baby-sitting issues and solve the problem of going over their basics as well.

Sasuke opened his mouth to argue but the Fourth beat him to anything he could come up with.

"It's either that or sit at all day at the manor," Minato warned ominously. Sasuke settled for glaring at Naruto openly stating that it was his entire fault. Naruto squirmed and finally just lowered his head in guilt.

This was going to suck.

When the boys left the office with escorts back to the manor Itachi, who had stayed, asked, "Is that the best idea you have Hokage-sama?" The older Uchiha eyed the now standing man looking out at his village. At the question the blond sighed and rubbed his face, gone was the authority that had been on display so prominently before only leaving a man faced with difficult choices.

"If it were up to me, I'd lock them up and seal them shut somewhere far away and safe where nothing can harm them," he said quietly. "But I know that they'd only suffocate and fight to free themselves. In all honesty, if it were up to me, neither of them would be permitted into the dangers of this world. I don't want another child to lose their chance to just be a child."

Itachi remained silent on that ending statement knowing well that the Fourth not only spoke of him but of his former student as well. He had never really known Kakashi but he had served under his sempai's command on several missions before Kakashi had resigned as captain thus earning him his promotion. The man, or better yet, the boy had always been one step ahead of him; his grey eyes silent and as secretive as his mask was.

He envied the bond that Kakashi had with the Fourth and he knew he was no replacement for the Hatake; not even Obito, his closest confident now couldn't replace his teammate's place. Itachi had no words to comfort him; how could he when he was the very picture of what Minato didn't want?

The moment of silence continued until the academy teacher that had been summoned knocked upon the office door. With his mask in place Itachi stood off to the side and merely stood at attention during the meeting. Once more Minato got down to business and that vulnerable side that doubted and feared vanished once more to the most secret depths within him.

He would judge the boys' advancements after a year, or sooner if necessary.

"Bastard! You did that on purpose!" Naruto screamed out a second before he retaliated with a swift charge aiming at taking that smirking bastard off his feet and onto his back. However his moment of revenge was quickly intercepted by his father who jerked him back by his shirt collar effectively choking him.

"That's enough you two. Now behave or else I'll send you back to the academy!" Minato threatened.

"No!" Naruto shouted but otherwise remained quiet despite shooting glares at Sasuke. It wasn't the first time that they had been sent back to the academy; they had been surprised when the Fourth had actually carried through on his threat. Needless to say they hadn't so much as made a sound since then.

It had been quiet since the awakening of Kyuubi all those years ago. Madara's trail had gone cold despite countless fruitless searches for the man. It was like he had disappeared off the face of their world. So with the passing years Naruto's father had reluctantly started allowing them to perform missions with other teams as substitutes.

With no team of their own they hadn't been allowed to compete in the chuunin exams. Naruto had at first been willing to join up with other teams but Sasuke remained stoic and unbending. Eventually Naruto himself had started to miss their third member, Sakura, who was still in the academy herself oblivious to the trials that her teammates were going through.

Promoted to genin with Obito as their guide the two boys pushed hard to train and if left unsupervised they would duke it out until both fell unconscious. Minato had been told that it wasn't so bad but when they started regaining their stamina and chakra the fights were brutal and dangerous almost as if they were making up for the lost years of sparring.

Obito and Itachi had to intervene numerous times. Today Minato would observe their progress and see if they were fit for the chuunin exams. He didn't doubt their strengths having witnessed several spars in the past few months but he needed to see if their minds had matured enough. So far it didn't seem so; they hadn't even reached the designated training field yet and already they were ready to pummel each other for the slightest thing.

If he didn't know any better though, Minato would say that they hated each other's guts. But years spent with the two boys under one roof showed him that rarely ever did the two willingly leave the other's side. And while the shouting and taunting was loud and obnoxious he had spied the moments after long, hard fights were they laid next to each other in silence, in peace.

When they didn't think anyone was looking, only then did Minato ever witness an intimacy that transcended anything physical. Naruto and Sasuke were extremely sneaky and they kept their moments secrets. Lately they were getting pretty good at hiding that he had trouble spying on them.

It didn't worry him though; he was starting to see how such young souls had gotten through their ordeals, simply because they had each other.

His reminiscing was cut off when Naruto made another try at Sasuke who had done something that had slipped past his occupied mind.

"I said enough already!" he ordered but Naruto already had a hold of Sasuke's shirt ready to punch him. The Uchiha was merely smirking. Once more Minato pulled the two apart and sighed dramatically knowing his next words would have them scrambling to get away from each other if only temporarily.

"You two are like lovers, constantly bickering and flirting. The way people are looking it seems like you can't keep your hands off each other!" he teased and laughed when both boys' eyes went wide and Sasuke shoved Naruto away from him. The young blond sputtered in outrage at his father's teasing. Both grumbled and crossed their arms as they turned away from the other childishly.

Minato laughed. Inwardly he prayed that these days would last for a little while longer. Forever would be nice too.

A/N:

Oh My God! I am So Sorry!! I promised numerous people that I wouldn't abandon this story but I was having such a hard time transitioning them from being 6 year olds to their twelve year old stage. And this chapter wasn't exactly exciting and there wasn't much from Naruto and Sasuke's point of view but that will come next chapter when things start rolling again with the appearance of the villains.

There's so much I need to say and explain but I'm tired of staring at this chapter; been staring at it for the past months with no idea how to get it done. So my apologies for the qualities, things will get more exciting again. I don't like how the meeting went with Naruto, Sasuke and Minato but I couldn't imagine anything else happening either :(