A Perception of Reality Chapter 9 Tinted Red, a naruto fanfic

Last Week Fugaku and Sarutobi started to fight, only to be interrupted by Danzou. Itachi took over the fight and subjected the ANBU Chief to Tsukuyomi.

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Disclaimer: Kishimoto owns Naruto

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Chapter 9 – Tinted Red

"Itachi, I don't know what to say." Fugaku was standing in front of his son outside the police station. It was nearly one in the morning but the sounds of people running around celebrating Danzou's defeat could still be heard. Shortly after the fight ended Toshiro and a couple other Jounin had escorted Sarutobi to the hospital to be treated for poisoning and had offered to stand guard over him so he wouldn't be put in a vulnerable situation. "Danzou's words were heard by some of the Uchiha elders and will no doubt be brought up in the next meeting. But… hopefully it won't be held against you considering how things turned out. Such power! You are truly everything I had hoped you would become."

Looking up into the cloud-covered night sky Itachi sighed. As he watched, a small patch of clouds parted, revealing a few twinkling stars. A cold breeze blew down the street and a piece of paper rolled end over end before settling against the side of the building. Itachi turned to look into his father's eyes, "I felt like the dead deserved revenge. Everything I have gone through… you and Sarutobi have gone through… was due to that man. And all those civilians… He engineered this whole mess. I couldn't hold back when I saw him. I can't really explain it any better than that…"

Fugaku nodded once and gazed thoughtfully at the boy standing in front of him. Thin and gaunt looking, Itachi's appearance had always been unassuming, causing most of his opponents to underestimate him. Yet, he had gone up against "S" ranked shinobi and walked away without even a scratch. In order for Itachi to become weak, it required a conflict of the heart. And even then… he was still powerful. Fugaku found himself wondering what, exactly, the limits of his sons abilities were. Yet deep down in his soul he hoped he never found out.

Itachi returned his gaze to the sky and watched as more stars were revealed as the breeze slowly parted the clouds. The blinding anger that had gripped his soul earlier had called out from beyond the grave for revenge and he had allowed his body to become its vessel. And he had no regrets. In fact, it had felt good.

Mikoto ran up the street and stopped in front of them, "Where are Sasuke and Hinata?"

"I left the kids with Madara and Kisame." Itachi said calmly. "They are on that roof over there talking about something."

"Madara was with Sasuke?" Fugaku and Mikoto repeated simultaneously in alarm.

"Oh!" Itachi realized what he had just said and corrected himself, "He was disguised as Tobi.

"Humph." Fugaku sighed in relief. "Well, considering the fact that Madara is Mitzukage, he and Kisame probably know each other." Fugaku replied. "However, I don't see either Sasuke or Hinata up there with them."

Itachi flared out his chakra to get the attention of the two roof-sitters. They looked down, and jumped off the building, joining the father and son a moment later.

"Congrats, Fugaku. The village is yours." Madara had removed his mask and was smiling broadly.

"Where are the children?" Mikoto demanded.

Kisame replied, "In the jail. We returned them when the building collapsed. It was too dangerous to keep Leaf kids in the open."

"So they didn't see… the part where Itachi…" Mikoto was very relieved, as was Itachi when he realized what would have happened if they had seen him cutting that man up. It would have been disastrous. It was bad enough that Sasuke had heard Danzou reveal his intention to kill the clan.

"No. Unfortunately, they missed it." Kisame replied distastefully. "Really, your children are way too sheltered."

"That's a matter of opinion." Mikoto retorted.

"Spoken like a true mother." Kisame answered back, scowling. "However, the world isn't as 'nice' about it as you are. Remember that."

Mikoto looked him the eye angrily, but inside, she knew he was right. She closed her eyes and gave a small smile as she bowed forward a few inches, "Thank-you very much for returning them here. I realize it wasn't your responsibility."

Kisame suddenly laughed. "If I didn't Itachi would have worked his 'magic' on me next. I'm not stupid! Ha! Well, I'm off now. See you later, kid." He patted Itachi on the shoulder once and disappeared into thin air.

"You next." Itachi looked up at Madara.

"Oh! Itachi! You make it sound like you want to get rid of me. Sad, sad day." Madara tried, unsuccessfully, to look pained.

"I do want to get rid of you." Itachi deadpanned.

"Hmm. Well, that's true I guess. I do have other things to take care of. I spent way too much time here. Dear little princess Aya is probably crying her pretty little eyes out in loneliness without me there to comfort her."

"Aya, huh? You can return her now, you know." Fugaku responded.

"I know. But I won't. I decided to keep her around." Madara spoke cheerfully.

Fugaku frowned. He expected that answer, of course. "Then, I would like you to do your son a favor."

Madara was instantly curious. Fugaku rarely referred to Sasuke in that way.

"He will need a wife in ten or fifteen years. If you are keeping Aya, I propose a trade for a young Uchiha female suitable for Sasuke to marry." Fugaku braced himself for his wife and son's anger.

"Father! No! Sheeta wants her sister back!" Itachi argued.

Mikoto followed instantly, "Aya isn't an object, Fugaku. You can't do this to her!"

Madara smiled, "A trade? Sure, I can provide an Uchiha female for Sasuke. You will have to wait a few years before she can come to Konoha as I doubt the parents of whomever I select would want their precious daughter to leave their side so soon." He laughed when he saw the look of surprise on the faces of the people in front of him. "There are several girls who could fit the bill, but determining which would be the superior fit will take time. Sasuke will get the best, of course." Madara's voice had taken on an arrogant edge.

Fugaku smirked. "So there are Uchiha in Mist."

"They left Konoha after I did. I lured them away and gave them a home where they could be treated with the respect they deserved. Uchiha is Mist's secret weapon. Even Kisame does not know the extent of their integration into the village." Madara explained.

"Hmm. I really can't fathom why keeping them secret would be so important, but…" Fugaku quickly turned to Itachi and grabbed the teen's shoulders as he slumped forward.

"Sorry… I guess I overdid it today. I felt dizzy there for a second." Itachi explained quietly.

"Go inside and get some sleep, Itachi. And try to spend as much time as possible tomorrow asleep as well. I don't want you to have a setback because of today's activities." Fugaku replied, concerned.

"I need to visit Danzou tomorrow. I was serious about what I said earlier." Itachi explained.

Fugaku responded, "I'll take care of it, son. I also would like a shot at that man."

Itachi smiled, "Of course. Then everything is covered for now. Good-night." He turned around and entered the police station, after a couple seconds Mikoto excused herself and followed. She wanted to make sure Itachi, Sasuke and Hinata were really okay.

Madara and Fugaku stared at each for a couple minutes before Fugaku opened his mouth, "The answer is 'no' Madara. I will not hand Naruto over to you."

"I could have taken him tonight, you know. It would have been simple." Madara laughed. "You asked Itachi to bring Sasuke and Hinata, but Naruto wanted to come as well, and, well, Itachi isn't that good at saying 'no' to cute little kids."

"Damn it!" Fugaku cursed. "So why didn't you take him?"

"Don't need him yet." He gave a short laugh before using a transportation jutsu to disappear.

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Itachi entered the police station and sat down on a chair in the open office area. His head was still feeling a little fuzzy and he wanted to rest for a couple minutes. Mikoto started to fuss over him, but he insisted he was okay so she went ahead to the hidden cells. It had been one of those days that felt like it had lasted a week. He was still a little overwhelmed by the feeling of sheer hatred that had coursed through his body when Danzou had appeared. Now that he had calmed down he couldn't wrap his head around why the usually over-cautious and fiercely anonymous ANBU chief had suddenly turned up in the middle of such a public battle. Was he really so arrogant as to think his stolen Byakugan eye would enable him to win? Or was there something else going on? If there was one thing Itachi had never liked, it was a puzzle he couldn't solve.

A few minutes later his head returned to normal and he stood up and made his way downstairs. As he opened the door he was tackled by three eight-year-olds and a thirteen-year-old. A "click" and a bright flash followed less than a second later.

"Ha! I had to get a picture of that. They were so excited to hear you were okay, Itachi." Kisa was standing eight feet away, holding a camera and sporting a wide grin. Mikoto was standing next to her, laughing.

Itachi sat up and wrapped one arm around Sheeta who was now sitting next to him. Sasuke had his arms wrapped around his big-brother's torso, Hinata was in his lap and Naruto was behind him hugging his neck.

"We're so glad you're okay, big brother!" Hinata said excitedly.

"Yah!" Naruto echoed, "Sasuke was crying and everything he was so scared."

Sasuke sniffled a couple times and cleared his throat, "You were too!"

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Three days later found Itachi standing in the center of his bedroom. He had never expected to return his home, and now, as he gazed at his simple furnishings the space took on a familiarity that seemed somehow surreal. Almost like the boy who had living in that room a month ago was not him, but someone else. He wasn't even sure what day of the month it was anymore. There hadn't been a calendar in the jail and he hadn't bothered to keep count. Of course, if he put his mind to it he could figure it out easily enough… but… somehow he didn't want to know right now.

The room smelled fresh, and Itachi could see that his mother had changed his sheets and laid out clean clothes on the end of the bed. He suspected the window had also been left open for a while as a faint scent of rain lingered in the air as well. It was after nine o'clock and the only thing he could hear was the candle on his desk sputtering as it chased the shadows across the room. The electricity was still out and probably would be for a few more weeks.

"Itachi?" Mikoto slid the bedroom door open. She was wearing a simple blue quilted kimono with a white apron and carrying an empty laundry basket. "Thank-you for retrieving Naruto's things from his apartment. I'm setting him up in the guest room at the end of the hall. But… was that all he had?"

"Yeah." Itachi nodded, "He doesn't seem to be the materialistic type, I guess. I asked him about it when we were there and he said he spends his allowance on ramen at Ichiraku. That does add up after a while."

"Hmm. Not mention unhealthy. Well, okay. He can use some of Sasuke's things for now then. His last guardian was sadly lacking in oversight. All of Naruto's clothes are too small for him and his underwear all have holes in them. Minato and Kushina must be rolling over in their graves right now." She wandered away and Itachi heard Sasuke's door open and shut.

Itachi shook his head, but continued to stand. Both Naruto and Sasuke had been very happy when Mikoto had said the blond boy was going to be staying with them for a few months. It was the easiest way to keep an eye on him, but it made Itachi uncomfortable. His assignment in Akatsuki was to deliver Naruto to the organization to have the demon ripped out. They had already pulled out two demons, but for some reason Leader had informed them to quit hunting the jinchuuriki. Something must have gone wrong after the first two were sealed. Or perhaps something else was happening. Either way, having Naruto so close to him was bound to cause problems.

Confronting Fugaku with this information had not changed the elder Uchiha's decision. He said he had to make up for an oversight. He had not accounted for Naruto in his coup and that had lead to the boy almost dying. Itachi was surprised to learn that Fugaku had promised Minato, right before he gave his life to seal the Kyuubi in his son, to help Naruto. He felt like he had broken that promise. It was a side of his father he very rarely saw. All he could guess now, was that Fugaku must have had a lot of respect for the Fourth Hokage if he would go to these lengths to help him.

"Itachi?" His door slid open and this time Fugaku looked in at him. He was dressed rather informally in a pair of black pants with a blue yukata that had a white border with black tomoes on the edge. "The elder council would like to speak with you and Sasuke. Follow me."

Stepping out into the hallway he saw that Sasuke was already waiting. The boy's face had gone white, no doubt nervous about whatever the council would want him for. Even at eight-years-old, the boy already knew that the only time the council called members of the side-branch before it was if there was trouble. Once again Itachi wondered why Sasuke had not mentioned Danzou's revelation yet. He had seen the boy giving him worried glances, but that was as far as it got. Perhaps all that was going to change now.

Because the temple had been destroyed the meeting was being held in Fugaku's meeting room. He took his usual spot on a mat that faced the rest of the people in the room. Itachi sat in front of him and Sasuke was directed to sit next to him. It was unusual because protocol dictated that the boy should have been seated at the back of the room, behind everyone else.

"Let us get straight to the point." An elder, a man in his eighties named Katzumi, began the meeting. "We have learned that Itachi Uchiha betrayed the clan by passing information to Danzou in the months preceding the coup. We have also learned that he accepted a mission that would have led to the extermination of the Uchiha clan."

Itachi felt Sasuke shift off his mat and move closer so that he was right up against his side. Why wasn't the boy afraid of him? He kept his eyes focused on the ground in front of him in a gesture of humility that he didn't entirely feel. He was sorry about everything that had happened, but his finely honed ninja instincts were telling him to be careful.

Katzumi continued, "After consulting with your parents and in light of the way you attacked Danzou we are willing to forgive that. However, Fugaku has expressed the desire to have you removed from your position as his heir. He has requested that Sasuke be given the position instead."

"What!" Itachi was so shocked that he started to stand, but was stopped when he felt two small hands pulling him down. Glancing at his brother he saw the boy's wide eyes looking up at him in fear.

"No! Big brother… don't get mad again." Sasuke begged.

Itachi blinked his eyes and brought himself under control, "I know what being the heir means. I promised myself and my mother that I would protect Sasuke from that. He shouldn't have to grow up with that on his back."

"Is that how you see it then?" Another elder, Utemaro, asked bitterly, "Nothing more than a burden?"

"No. Of course not." Itachi backtracked. "But it is, instead, a side-effect of the position…"

Katzumi interrupted, "That is true. You have been prepared for that, psychologically and physically your entire life. However, there are other concerns here. Lord Fugaku has also informed us of your illness…"

Sasuke interrupted this time, "What illness, big brother?"

"Please don't interrupt, Sasuke." Fugaku said in a calm voice.

The elder continued, "If the illness cannot be controlled, you may only have ten years or so left. If you and Sheeta have not produced a child that can take over as heir by that time… well, Sasuke becomes your heir anyway."

"I will have an heir by then." Itachi stated without emotion.

"You are only thirteen-years-old, Lord Itachi, don't speak of things you aren't old enough to understand yet." Katzumi berated the teen with a stern voice, "It would not be in Sheeta's best interest to have a child so young. Especially since the women in our clan have been having so many problems in the past. There are only six children in our clan right now because of that.

Itachi bristled at being treated like a child, but, he had to admit that he knew very little about parenthood. And he had no desire to place Sheeta in danger. "I apologize. You are correct, of course. However I stand by the promise I made to protect Sasuke."

The elder looked up at the clan leader, "Fugaku?"

"Humph. You did well, Itachi. That was the answer I expected. You will remain as heir for now, but Sasuke is your spare and his training and education will, from now on, be your responsibility. Should you and Sheeta provide a suitable child then he or she will become the heir. However, do not assume that will happen. Train Sasuke as if you expect him to take your place. In fact, if you die before your heir reaches fifteen; Sasuke would become de facto head of the clan for a while anyway."

"I don't wanna." Sasuke mumbled.

"What?" Several people in the room echoed in surprise.

Sasuke continued, "Itachi… he's better than me. Everyone says so…"

Fugaku sighed, "Sasuke, we weren't kidding about your older brother's illness. There is a good chance he will die before he has children. As the second son, you have a duty to the clan that you can't deny, whether you feel like it or not."

"Sasuke…" Itachi whispered, "Don't argue."

Sasuke looked up at his brother. He was trying very hard not to cry, he couldn't imagine his brother dying. He didn't want to accept it.

"He needs time, Lord Fugaku. He's just had a tremendous burden put on his shoulders, on the tail of everything that's happened in the last two weeks." An elderly woman in the back spoke up in a kind voice.

"Very well, Emiko." Fugaku grudgingly acknowledged the woman's words. "Sasuke, you aren't like Itachi, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Do your best and listen well to your lessons. The clan is a living, breathing entity that grows when it has good leadership and withers when times are bad. Every member has a responsibility to the clan, no matter how lowly they believe their rank or skills to be. Because you are so young and there are no other children your age you have been sheltered, but that can no longer continue. Things are going to get a lot harder from here on out and you will have to adjust."

Sasuke nodded once, "Yes father." He was still holding onto Itachi's arm with both hands.

"Itachi?" Fugaku continued, "I will be busy in my new duties. Therefore you will act as my liaison to the elder council."

"Yes father." Itachi realized he should have expected that to happen, but it still surprised him a little.

Katzumi spoke up again, "We will be watching you, Itachi. You are an important asset to the clan, but you were also lured away, tricked, by the enemy. Some here did not want to see you return to your duties; they no longer trust you. However, you are young and not without redemption. More because we need you than because of any goodwill we may feel towards you personally. Basically, Itachi, you may consider yourself on probation until further notice. Keep your nose clean and follow through with your missions and there will be no need for further concern. Is this understood?"

"Yes. I thank you for your leniency. I will endeavor to meet your expectations." Itachi stated calmly, meeting the elder's eyes. He did see their point. Trust, once lost, was one of the hardest things in the human world to regain. But as long as he was able to keep Konoha safely out of Madara's hands he would accept that.

The meeting adjourned shortly after that, leaving Itachi and Sasuke alone. The teen wrapped one arm around his brother's shoulders. Sasuke was still sitting next to him, leaning against his side.

"It'll be okay, little brother. I'll protect you." Itachi said quietly.

"But… big brother… I want to be strong enough to protect you. Because when you get sick you won't be able to protect yourself. I remember Fumitake. He couldn't get out of bed. Father's right. That's the way things are." He pulled away from Itachi and tilted his head up to look him directly in the eye. "I will get strong. No matter what. I will protect you and Sheeta and your kids."

Itachi gave his brother a bittersweet smile. It was just like him to overreact. However…

Itachi spoke in a worried voice, "Sasuke, you know what happened. What I did. Aren't you afraid of me? Your dream… the one you told me about… it was true."

"I… I was scared… but I… I don't know." Sasuke's voice fell as he voiced his confusion. "The building got hit and Tobi saved me and I got scared that you would die. And… umm… I wasn't scared of you anymore."

Itachi wasn't sure that made sense, but it pleased him nonetheless. Smiling he poked his little brother on the forehead, "Thank-you, Sasuke. We'll begin training tomorrow after breakfast. I'm not allowed to do anything strenuous for a while until Nui clears me for duty, but I can still train you."

Sasuke jumped up and yelled as he ran out of the room, "Yay! I'll do everything you tell me to do!"

"Whoa!" Fugaku grabbed Sasuke by the shoulders and lifted him out of the way, setting him back on the ground.

"Hi dad! Gotta go to bed so I can get up in the morning and train. Bye!" Sasuke ran off down the hall at full speed.

Itachi smirked, "That's what you get for standing in the doorway."

"True." Fugaku agreed. "I was coming back to tell you something and didn't want to interrupt." He paused for a moment and turned serious, "They know nothing of Akatsuki, and only know of Madara from the Kyuubi invasion eight years ago. We must keep it that way, Itachi."

"Understood."

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Two weeks passed and the village was still in a state of unrest. Danzou's underlings, or "renegades" as they had finally been nicknamed, continued to attack patrols or anyone else coming and going from Konoha. There was also a fair number of attacks still occurring inside of the Leaf village. Most of Konoha disagreed with Sarutobi's decision to make Fugaku the Fifth Hokage and some were expressing their displeasure with violence. In fact, when they found out how easily Danzou had tricked Sarutobi, they didn't want him as Hokage either. It was a delicate situation and both Fugaku and Sarutobi understood how easily a mistake now could shove the village over the edge. However, it wasn't the internal situation so much that lead Sarutobi to his decision as it was the external ones that perched like vultures on the horizon. He hoped Fugaku would be Hokage for only a few years; ten at the most. In the meantime the Uchiha lord was a brilliant strategist as well as ruthless. Sarutobi believed that Konoha needed that right now. Especially if Itachi failed to kill his target.

Sarutobi had been in the hospital for almost a week. He had been poisoned, it turned out, but the medical staff was able to neutralize most of it. Some had already worked its way into his metabolism and done some minor damage to a few internal organs. He would have to recuperate for a few months before he was completely healed. Toshiro and Kisa offered to look after Konohamaru for a few weeks, until Sarutobi was well enough to keep up with the toddler himself. He quickly took them up on it, knowing that if he didn't he would have to hire a bodyguard/nanny for the boy. It was easier if someone he trusted offered. Besides, Konohamaru was excited about having playmates since he would be living with Hinata and Hanabi as well.

The civilians were returned to the village and the task of providing temporary housing for those who were now homeless, as well as the many orphans was keeping most of the people busy. Winter was coming and Fugaku wanted everyone in solid, heated buildings instead of cold, drafty tents. He had even put off bringing to Konoha the dependants of the rogue clans that had helped with the coup. They were currently sequestered in the Uchiha Hideout; a large stone structure that was housing them comfortably and would continue to do so until spring. They had been promised a home in Konoha and while disappointed about having to wait, they were given a choice and preferred their current situation to a winter spent in Konoha shivering in tents.

Danzou "lounged" in a cell, hidden and kept under heavy guard. Neither Itachi nor Fugaku inflicted Tsukuyomi more than a couple times each. It was a traumatizing jutsu that didn't require a lot of repetition and they wanted his mind to remain "mostly" intact. Besides, they were waiting for Inoichi Yamanaka to recover from his wounds. The man was skilled at soul transfer jutsus and it was hoped that he would be able to enter Danzou's mind and peel away his secrets. However, Inoichi had been hit when a building he was standing near exploded and nearly died from the injuries. While he felt well enough to work, Dr. Yakushi felt otherwise and refused to release him from the hospital. After all, the jutsu required a lot of chakra and the patient didn't have that right now.

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A tall man in a white robe walked into the sitting room of his mansion and gazed intently at the sixteen-year-old girl sitting on the couch knitting. She wore an emerald green quilted silk kimono with lilies embroidered on the lower half. Her waist length black hair was pulled back in a ponytail revealing a round, olive-colored face and deep black eyes. She placed the knitting on her lap and looked up.

"So. Lord Madara. You're still alive." Her voice was tired.

"My little troublemaker, how have you been? It appears you have taken up a new hobby. Are you practicing knitting baby clothes? I must say, you are a few years early, Aya." Madara replied sarcastically.

Aya looked at him curiously. "You sound like you're in a bad mood."

"The coup was successful. Fugaku is now Hokage. However… Danzou…" Madara sat next to Aya and placed an arm around her, pulling her against his side.

"Humph. Well, you said you didn't like him. What did he do?" Aya adjusted herself so that she could rest her head on Madara's chest.

"Made an ass of himself. Nothing I couldn't handle." He looked curiously at the girl curled up at his side. "What gives? You never let me hold you before."

Aya blushed, "I… there's no one to talk to here. The coup is over… can I go home?"

"You are home, my dear. This is your home. I do apologize that I can't allow you leave the mansion, and the servants have been told not to talk to you, but I won't give you the chance to escape." He sighed, "I will think about it, but perhaps Sheeta and Itachi can come visit you."

"Really?" Aya perked up, smiling broadly.

"We'll see."

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Next week Itachi returns to active duty and he and Sheeta run into trouble during a patrol. Also… A mysterious white haired stranger makes an appearance.

I'm not too happy with this chapter. It's meant to be transitional, and that makes it hard to write because it feels like there is too much talking and nothing happening. The next chapter is much more interesting, though. I thought about skipping this chapter and going straight to more action, but there was a lot in this chapter that needed to be explained. Especially the meeting with the Uchiha elders and the conversation between Itachi and Sasuke. And I stuck in some Madara x Aya at the end. If she seems a little too subservient, just wait. There's a reason he calls her a "troublemaker".

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