Itachi had been quick to put distance between Sasuke and himself. Madara had yet to follow and this allowed the young Uchiha to flee down the riverbank. His eyes stung and his throat ached but he did not cry. He approached the edge of the river and took off his backpack, setting it down in the tall grass. He took a seat beside it and wrapped his arms around his legs, resting his chin on his knees.
Itachi closed his eyes, listening to the grass rustle at his side and the water pass. Sasuke was being completely unreasonable. Go after Danzō? His brother had turned out so much like his father that it was painful. That same arrogance and coldness. That same awful vengeful pride as eyes bore into Itachi's. Know your duty Itachi. Stop being so soft Itachi. And how had that turned out for Uchiha Fugaku?
The boy flopped back in the grass, looking towards the sky. His rested his hand over his now dirty backpack, fingers tracing over a loose string, absently twirling it around as he watched a cloud lazily pass overhead. He pulled the backpack over to him and opened it, pulling out Kisame's box and setting in on his stomach. He stared at it hard, wanting to open it but at the same time feeling as if these weren't for his eyes. Not yet, anyways. He traced his fingers over his name, quietly finding himself missing the large Kiri nin. It felt like everything around him was falling apart. Kisame was gone. His family dead. Shisui was now an echo in the wind. Konoha destroyed and Kakashi lost with it. Now Sasuke...
Had Itachi made the right choice?
Should he have not interfered and stuck by his clan? What would have happened if he had? Woud there even be a Konoha? Or would Fugaku, in his arrogance renamed it in something more worthy of the Uchiha regime?
Itachi did not even want to think about it. He quickly placed the box back in his backpack, hugging the backpack to his chest and closing his eyes tightly. The sun offered little warmth and Itachi let out a weak cough, the ache in his throat unbearable. Slowly, the boy rolled onto his side, feeling utterly foolish. He stood, backpack in hand and adjusted Kisame's forehead protector as it began to slide down his arm.
He would not wait for Madara. No doubt the man knew exactly where he was. Itachi briefly considered going to find where Sasuke had skulked off to but was in no mood to speak to his irrational brother. Instead Itachi began to walk ahead, brushing his dark bangs from his face. He was not exactly sure where he was headed, but his feet seemed to have a mind of their own and continued to walk a steady path forward, leaving Sasuke further behind.
Two nights passed before Sasuke returned to Itachi. He had been stubborn, but with prodding from Obito the boy had returned to his brother. Juugo and Karin were able to track him down. Annoyance bit at Sasuke when he realized that Itachi was alone. Where had Madara gone? Yet, Itachi hand managed just fine with no one and no doubt sensed Sasuke approaching. He had not stood or reacted, simply awaiting his sibling.
Sasuke slowly approached his brother who looked towards him with tired eyes, his cloak wrapped securely around his thin shoulders. The spiky haired Uchiha took a seat next to Itachi. They sat for a moment, neither speaking. Sasuke did not look at his sibling as he leaned forward, arms wresting heavily on his legs.
"Hey." He greeted, finally looking at the other, his eyes tracing over Itachi, observing how disheveled the boy looked.
"Hello." Itachi murmured, tightening his hold on the cloak. He knew Sasuke's team were just outside his sight, but none of them seemed hostile. Just nervous. Sasuke must have told them.
"Where did you go?" Itachi asked, throat parched and lungs hurting. Sasuke did not reply for a long while, Itachi figured he never would. Yet after a moment the other Uchiha let out a sigh.
"I needed space to think." He muttered, is voice low. He reached towards Itachi and pulled a blade of grass from his sibling's mussed hair. Itachi looked away.
"I'm sorry."
"You've got to stop apologizing." Sasuke breathed in exasperation.
"Sorry." Itachi managed, earning a fond smile from his brother. At this angle he looked more like mother. They sat in silence for a long moment, Itachi noting how tense Sasuke was. He removed the cloak.
"What will we do now?" Itachi asked. Once again Sasuke was silent for a moment, his face contemplative.
"After Danzō is dealt wi-" Sasuke was quickly cut off.
"You still want to go after him!?" Itachi snapped, annoyance heavy in his voice. He watched as Sasuke's once fond features hardened again.
Well the peace had not lasted long.
"Yes, Itachi. I still want to go after him." The teenager seethed, eyes narrowing. Once again, Itachi was being completely irrational. Where was his pride!?
"We've been over this. You'll be killed if you go after him. You cannot possibly hope to face and defeat him." Itachi explained as if speaking to an infant. Sasuke stood, scowl in place and began to pace.
"So now what!? We just run away!?"
"We survive!" Itachi hissed.
"That's not living! Itachi, you-" Sasuke turned sharply. He looked up as Karin, Juugo and Suigetsu approached, his shoulders relaxing as Karin offered him a weak smile. Karin obviously had stepped in before a fight could break out. Sasuke scowled in annoyance at this but heavily took a seat far from Itachi. Karin quickly approached Itachi, smile in place.
"I'm so glad to see you again." She murmured, placing a gentle hand on Itachi's shoulder. Itachi offered her a slight smile.
"It's good to see you too." He replied. Juugo nodded at Itachi and Suigetsu waggled his fingers.
"Thanks for knocking us out, brat." He stated, a teasing grin on his lips. That teasing grin kept Itachi from looking away and he offered his own weak smile in return.
"Anytime." He hummed. Suigetsu merely smiled, taking a seat beside Karin and Juugo. Karin leaned against Suigetsu's arm as she watched Itachi.
"How are you?" She questioned and Itachi shrugged.
"I'm well." He offered. Karin looked like she wanted to ask more but Sasuke shook his head, silencing her. Instead she and Suigetsu took the chance to explain what the brothers had missed during their absence. Sasuke took out his knapsack and rifled through it, glancing at Itachi as the boy let out a weak cough.
Sasuke handed Itachi a flask of water and the boy gratefully took it. He listened as Karin explained the attack on Konoha, Suigetsu interjecting several times to correct the girl. So Pein was now dead. Defeated by the very boy he had been hunting. It was ironic but relieving to know that Naruto and Sakura had survived the battle. He brought the flask to his lips and drank the cold water. Apparently Zetsu and Hidan had been sent after the Eight-Tailed Jinchuriki but had failed to capture the man who had since then allied with Naruto.
Juugo quietly explained Tsunade's condition, his warm eyes filled with worry over the woman. Itachi was certain she would recover. The woman was far too stubborn to stay down for long.
"So, Danzō's the big bad in this whole thing?" Suigetsu drawled, arms crossed. "And you two had this...deal. He turned on you. Konoha's gone. You've got your brother. Why not just kill the bastard?" Sasuke looked smug at this but Itachi shook his head. He wiped at sweat beading his forehead.
"Konoha may be down, but it will never be gone. There will always be a village to protect." He replied, suddenly realizing how tired he was. Suigetsu rolled his eyes and muttered about 'noble bullshit'. Sasuke looked towards Itachi, watching as the boy leaned forward, rubbing the side of his head as his brows furrowed. Itachi licked his lips, unsure to why he was suddenly feeling so lightheaded. Perhaps the lack of food... but this was...this was... Itachi shook his head.
The four teenagers fell silent as they watched Itachi. The boy's mouth was opening and closing, eyes narrowed in obvious distress. He attempted to stand, hand reaching for the wall for support, but as soon as he stood a wave of dizziness overtook him and he stumbled, falling onto all fours. He heard Sasuke stand, speaking to the other three softly. Itachi crawled forward, his arms fighting not to buckle. He felt Sasuke approach and kneel down at his side.
"I don't feel so well..." He mumbled, words feeling garbled. His face nearly hit the dirt if Sasuke had not steadied him, holding him upright. Itachi panted weakly, the world spinning.
"It's okay, Aniki. Just breathe." Sasuke murmured, voice soft. Itachi felt Sasuke rubbing soothing circles on his back. He pushed at Sasuke, hating being coddled. He tried to speak but found the words sluggish, as if his tongue was swollen. He slumped forward, his forehead striking the earth as he let out a weak whine.
"Let's get you to sleep." Sasuke hummed, he reached for Itachi again, one arm around his back and one under his knees, lifting him up in his arms. Itachi's head fell back heavily, his eyes dilated as he stared at the open sky in confusion.
"S'uke..." He slurred, tremors wracking his body as Sasuke calmly carried him to a bedroll.
"I'm sorry Itachi." He stated, voice collected. Itachi blinked uncomprehendingly. Realization slowly dawning on him.
"You...drug...me..." He forced out. If he could shake his head in denial he would. Sasuke would never drug him. Sasuke loved him.
"I had to keep you out of my way," Sasuke replied as he settled Itachi down. Itachi blinked back traitorous tears as he stared up at Sasuke. The teen would not look at him as he drew the blankets around him. "Danzō and the elders need to pay. You would have stopped me." He finally looked Itachi in the eye, his expression hardened. Itachi could have wept. Instead he opted for a single shake of his head that took nearly everything out of him. Sasuke looked towards Juugo who stood watching the pair calmly in the background.
"You'll watch over him?" Sasuke muttered and Juugo nodded.
"With my life." He responded softly. Sasuke nodded once and his eyes shifted to look towards Juugo and Suigetsu who stood waiting.
"We leave in two minutes. Find Obito." He informed them. They voiced their understanding and quickly made themselves scarce, feeling like the lowest of people. Sasuke turned back to Itachi, running his hands through the boy's hand as Itachi fought to remain conscious.
"Sleep, Aniki." He murmured and leaned forward, brushing his lips against Itachi's brow. Itachi's hand shot forward, grasping at Sasuke's arm.
"Don't...go..." He slurred and Sasuke sighed, easily slipping free from Itachi's weak grasp. He stood, moving away from Itachi and grabbed his katana. He heard Juugo let out a surprised noise and the spiky haired Uchiha turned just as Itachi, who had somehow made it to his feet lunged for him. It was almost heartbreaking, how easily Sasuke grappled against Itachi, pinning his arms to his side as the boy struggled.
"Let it go Itachi. You can't stop me." He firmly stated.
"Please..." Itachi managed, staring up at his brother in desperation. If Sasuke did this...if Sasuke killed Danzō...there would be only war... it would all be for nothing. Itachi went limp in Sasuke's arms, his head falling back and his arms hanging weakly at his side with Sasuke's arm under his back to make sure he did not fall.
"Ahh," A voice called out. "I see he took the news well." Obito hummed as he approached with Karin and Suigetsu.
Sasuke ignored them as he lifted Itachi back into his arms, the boy dead weight against his chest. His head hung limply and Sasuke quickly shifted so Itachi's head was laying against his shoulder. He stared at Itachi in silence, shame heavy in his chest. He carried Itachi back to the pallet and knelt down next to it. He could feel his teams eyes on him as he lay Itachi down. He paid them no mind as he drew the blanket around his brother, tucking him in as if he were a young child. He reached forward, gently stroking a hand through Itachi's dark locks, damp from sweat.
"What drug did I give him." He muttered not looking away from Itachi.
"A powerful sedative. How much did you give him?" Obito questioned, approaching the siblings.
"The cap full." Sasuke replied and heard Obito tut in annoyance.
"Well let's hope he hasn't overdosed." He responded and Sasuke swiftly turned on the man who lifted his hands defensively. "I wasn't the one who drugged him. Just make sure Juugo here watches over him." At this Sasuke grit his teeth. After meeting Obito at the bar the man had given him a drug to keep Itachi from interfering with their plan. Sasuke had not even questioned it. He had taken the water flask and put the drug in it. He had swirled it around until it had dissolved. He had brought it with him when returning to Itachi. He had handed it to his brother who had taken it so trusting, so sure that Sasuke would never do anything to harm him. He had drank it as Sasuke watched on in tense preparation.
What kind of monster was he?
Itachi had drank it and had been so confused to why he did not feel well. It had not even struck him to be suspicious of his oh so wonderful brother. And Sasuke had watched. He had simply watched as Itachi collapsed. Legs unable to support his weight. Sasuke had done nothing as Itachi struggled, crawling fearfully around. His dignity had been washed away with the drug in his system. Of course he had not immediately suspected Sasuke. Sasuke was his brother. Why would Sasuke ever drug him? He and Sasuke were reunited. Sasuke was not Danzō. Sasuke was not the elders. Sasuke was the only person who would never purposely hurt him. Not anymore.
This victory felt cheap. The hollowness in Sasuke's chest hurt. Reaching forward, he removed Itachi's necklace and fastened it around his own neck. A token to take into this battle. A piece of his brother to stay with him. He slowly stood, eyes trained on Itachi. Would Itachi forgive him for this betrayal? Would Sasuke forgive himself? He probably never would. Yet Sasuke did not regret it. Itachi was too soft. Too gentle to strike back at Danzō. But Sasuke was not. Sasuke would avenge his fallen family and his broken brother. Itachi would learn in time, that Sasuke had been right.
Sasuke walked with a swagger that spoke volumes. His shoulders were straight, his stride long and his gait almost catlike. He did not trudge on like the teenager he was. He did not stomp forward like the child he sometimes behaved like. He walked like a man who knew his destination and knew nothing could keep him from reaching it. He could hear his team and Obito following close behind. Their destination was so close.
The Five Kage Summit had just begun. Danzō was there to represent Tsunade. No doubt the man was sitting very comfortably. Probably basking in his success. His arrogance must be wafting, every other Kage must be choking on it. Sasuke could picture that smug look on that man's awful face. He thought he had won. He thought Itachi and Sasuke were no threat. Not with himself in the seat of power.
Let him.
Let Danzō think he had won. It would be all the more sweeter when Sasuke burned it all down. He would gladly burn the world down. He turned to Karin and Suigetsu who took it as a sign to prepare for attack. The two took off and Sasuke glanced towards Obito who gave the teen a thumbs up.
"Ready brat?" He called out
"Danzō's mine. Anyone else does not matter." Sasuke coldly stated, his hand resting on the hilt of his katana. Obito chuckled.
"Oh no doubt. I would have it no other way. Perhaps you will learn his other dirty little secret when you meet him." Obito hummed, voice muffled behind his mask. Sasuke's eyebrows narrowed as he stared at the man.
"What secret?"
"Not mine to tell." Obito shrugged and Sasuke regarded the other Uchiha coldly.
"Does it involve Itachi?" He asked slowly. Dread filled him at the thought. What more had Danzō put Itachi through?
"Doesn't it always?" Obito shot back before vanishing into the air and leaving Sasuke standing alone. Sasuke tore his eyes away from where Obito had stood and turned to cast his gaze upon the building before him. Somewhere in there, Danzō sat unaware. Thinking he had won. He had no idea the Uchiha's he had ordered to be slaughtered were about to have their vengeance. That the fire he had tried to put out would rise like a phoenix and burn everything in their way.
Danzō's time was up. He would die at Sasuke's feet and Itachi would be avenged. He felt Itachi's necklace, warm against his throat. He reached for it and touched it gently.
"This is for you Aniki." He breathed into the crisp air. "I will destroy him for you." He grasped the necklace.
"All for you."
We're nearly there people! Sasuke vs Danzō is coming up!