As is probably obvious, this is completely different from canon. So Naruto and Sakura make appearances, Sakura does not go after Sasuke to 'join' him. (She's over her infatuation)The Sasuke in this is not quite as deranged as in canon. This Sasuke still has his brother and still has his humanity. So no worries about Karin being shanked. Yet...Sasuke also does not have the Mangekyou Sharingan, which in canon is what helped him take Danzō down...hmmmm.

His vision faded in and out, lights dancing overhead. His arms were too heavy to lift. His fingers, stiff and weak. For hours, Itachi could only lay unable to open his eyes or make any noise. He had never felt so weak in his life. He had never felt such violent fear at how powerless he had become. How powerless Sasuke had made him. He wasn't even sure what was stronger. The blind terror or the crushing ache of betrayal. Several times he would attempt to move, only to find his body unresponsive. He cried tears of frustration, with only Juugo as witness. The teen was a silent sentient, watching over Itachi as if his life depended on it.

With the drugs in his system, it left Itachi too weak to speak. Each time he gained even a bit of strength, Juugo would force another dose of the drug down his throat, despite Itachi's weak struggles and desperate cries.

"He's doing this to protect you, Itachi." Juugo stated at one point, his expression pained as Itachi thrashed in his grip. Itachi could have screamed. He wanted to tear at the older teen, to fight against him. All of Itachi's control. Gone. With one drink of that foul poisoned water and Itachi was limp and useless. Every four or so hours, he lost himself.

Finally, a day after Sasuke had left, Itachi found his chance to escape. He had just begun gaining his bearings, and Juugo had sensed it and was approaching with the drug.

"I...have...to...use...I...bathroom..." Itachi mumbled, face drawn in concentration at each word. Juugo had listened and nodded slowly, putting the drug away.

"Okay, I've got you." He murmured, approaching Itachi and helping the boy sit up, his hand supporting the back of Itachi's head so he didn't go limp. He helped Itachi stand, the boy leaning heavily against Juugo for support. Itachi's knees began to buckle, he griped Juugo's shirt, face pained. Juugo remained patient, allowing Itachi to gain his footing before leading him to the tree line. They stood in the brush, listening to the nightlife. Itachi shakily stepped forward, reaching and leaning heavily against a tree, all energy depleted from him. He grit his teeth and pushed forward, hearing Juugo close behind. Itachi closed his eyes and breathed deeply through his nose before turning towards Juugo, ignoring the wave of vertigo that rushed over him.

"Can... I have some privacy?" He asked, voice wavering but slowly gaining strength. Juugo shook his head, his amber eyes gentle.

"Sasuke wants me to watch after you." He explained and Itachi nearly sighed in annoyance.

"Yes, and you are doing a wonderful job...please. You've already taken everything else from me. Allow me this one dignity." Itachi's voice dropped and Juugo nodded after a moment, his expression shamed. He stepped back.

"Alright, I'll be close by if you need anything." He stated, averting his eyes. Itachi offered a weak nod.

"Thank you."

Once Itachi was behind the treeline he sank to his knees, no longer able to support his weight. He leaned forward, eyes closed and breathed sharply through his knees to control his churning stomach. Finally, unable to handle it anymore he forced his fingers down his throat and vomited all over the grass, clearing his stomach of the vile drug. There would be no way the drug would be free on his system for awhile. He did not have time to wait it out. He would have to make his escape soon.

Juugo was another story.

There was no way he could defeat the older teen in his current state. Yet Itachi was not called a genius for nothing. He could outsmart the other boy and make a run for it. Juugo meanwhile was sitting a against a tree, watching a chipmunk with a warm smile as it scurried along a tree branch overhead. When he heard the soft footsteps approach, he stood and offered Itachi an arm for support as the boy leaned heavily against him.

"I do not feel so well." Itachi managed weakly. Juugo's brows furrowed. It would do him no good to give Itachi too much of the sedative. The boy was already weakened as it was. A smaller dose would do just as well.

"Let's get you something to drink." He murmured and caught the distraught look that passed through Itachi's dark eyes. "Without the sedative. I don't want you overdosing." He said kindly. Itachi's lips quirked into a weak smile.

"Thank you." He allowed Juugo to help him back to the camp. As the large teen settled him against his bedroll he closed his eyes.

"You okay?" Juugo asked softly. Itachi nodded.

"I just feel...weak." He let out a bitter laugh. As Juugo shuffled to find a fresh flask of water Itachi took this time to take in his surroundings. He could see the cap of the sedative nestled in a backpack. If he could sneak it into Juugo's water without him noticing...

"Here." Juugo pulled Itachi from his thoughts as he brought a flask of water to the boy. Itachi took it with weak fingers and thanked the teenager. He drank greedily, his throat parched. Juugo stood, awkwardly, face clouded in concern. He turned away, shuffling through the bags in search of something to feed Itachi who had not eaten since his initial drugging. He found a few protein bars and pulled two out from the bag. The fire flickered and he glanced at it, wondering if he needed to get more twigs to feed it. Once Itachi was back under he would worry about it.

He quickly pulled the wrapper from the bar. He turned to Itachi and offered him a bar. Itachi took it, and attempted to sit, but was unable to pull himself up. Juugo sighed. Itachi was not going anywhere. He looked towards the treeline.

"I'm going to grab a few twigs. I'll be right back." Itachi watched as he walked away. Once the boy was out of sight Itachi easily pulled himself into a sitting position and ate the bar. He barely tasted it as he reached for the sedative and poured and generous amount into each flask of water but his own. Licking his lips he put the drug back where he had found it and lay back, staring at the sky.

Juugo returned moments later with several twigs. He offered Itachi a small smile as he placed them in the fire. He sat across from Itachi and looked into the fire. He watched Itachi's eyes droop and felt his heartbeat slow. The large teen smiled to himself. Itachi was asleep moments later. He uncapped his water flask and took a sip, watching the flames.

He wondered what would happen once Danzō was dealt with.

Where would they go? Karin had falled in love with the village and no doubt Suigetsu had fallen for Karin. He would follow her to the ends of the earth...not that he would readily admit it...Juugo...he would stay by Sasuke as long as the other teen needed him there. He could not imagine himself anywhere else.

Sasuke had helped him so much...perhaps Konoha could become him home. He had made friends in the village. He could help them rebuild. He could...he could...he...

Itachi's eyes shit open as he heard Juugo slump forward, fast asleep. He sat up, eyes on the large male.

"Juugo." He hissed. He received no response. Itachi stood slowly, stretching his limbs and closing his eyes, he lightly walked forward, bare feet gliding through the grass. He reached the teen and checked his pulse. The drug was not as strong in Juugo as it had been in Itachi. Yet it would be enough to give Itachi time to escape. Itachi dressed quickly grabbing nearby weapons and some food rations. He lowered the blanket around Juugo and apologized softly.

Then he was gone.

Sasuke turned, his expression bland as he listened to the approaching footsteps. Sakura appeared first, her jade eyes narrowed as they focused on Sasuke. Naruto was not far behind, he skidded to a halt at the girl's side, his eyes zeroing in on Sasuke, looking torn between indignation and relief.

"Sasuke." Was all the blonde could manage. Sasuke's eyes focused on Naruto, taking in his ragged appearance.

"Naruto." He greeted. His voice was bored, but his body language spoke volumes. He was tense, prepared to fight.

"Why are you here?" Sakura asked coldly, her eyes narrowed. She had been hurt enough because of Sasuke's actions. Sakura had finally let him go and with it, any lingering kindness towards the Uchiha.

"To kill Danzō." Came the monotone reply. Sakura slowly shook her head, expression disgusted.

"Is that all you can think of? Killing!?" She snapped. The silent question if Sasuke had killed Itachi lingered unsaid in the air. Sasuke had never been one to share information with the likes of Sakura before. Why would he start now? Naruto however continued to watch his former teammate with worried bright blue eyes.

"Sasuke? What happened?" He asked and the teen looked towards the blonde.

"Too much." He retorted. Sakura stared in confusion while Naruto took a hesitant step forward.

"Sasuke...they've labeled you a missing nin. Danzō wants you dead. You attacked Kakashi...why?" He stared at Sasuke, silently begging him to deny the accusations. Sasuke's shoulders slumped, unable to stand Naruto's stare.

"Danzō is my only target. Dobe...you...there are things you don't understand." Sakura blinked in surprise at Sasuke's expression, her mouth falling open at the sudden weakness.

"Then explain!" Naruto shouted, startling Sakura. Sasuke lifted his chin.

"I can't. Not yet. You have to let me pass Naruto. You have to stand aside."

"Give me one reason!" Naruto shot back.

"Because Itachi's still alive!" Came the quick answer. Sakura's breath sucked in a sharp gasp and Naruto blinked.

"What?" He managed after a moment of tensed silence.

"Itachi's alive... you were right Dobe. Something happened..it's all Danzō's fault. Everything...it's all him." Sasuke closed his eyes, breathing labored. "I don't want to fight you Naruto. But if I have to I will." He spoke with a broken type of plea. Something Naruto and Sakura had never heard from their teammate. Sakura's eyes shifted to Naruto, awaiting his actions. The blonde stared hard at Sasuke, his blue eyes conflicted. Sasuke stared back, silently willing the blonde to step aside. Naruto's hands clenched into tight fists and with obvious reluctance, he took a step back.

"Don't make me regret this Teme." He muttered roughly, reaching for Sakura who numbly followed. Sasuke's lips quirked into a weak smile.

"You won't Dobe. You'll see." Sasuke replied before taking off for the Summit, leaving Naruto and Sakura staring after him. Sakura whirled on Naruto, jade eyes wide with indignation.

"Naruto! What the hell was that!?" She snapped, voice ringing loudly through the empty clearing. Naruto did not turn from where he watched Sasuke fade away.

"Life's funny that way huh, Sakura-chan?" He murmured, a smile creeping over his lips. Sakura watched him shocked. He slowly tore his eyes towards the girl. She slowly shook her head, fighting down a smile.

"You knuckle head." She muttered softly, lightly pushing the boy's shoulder. Naruto nudged her back.

"Awww Sakura, you're making me blush!" He teased, grin widening along with hers. She reached forward and flicked his forehead. As the two continued to tease each other, they barely noticed the approaching footsteps.

"Hey you two, let's get a move on." The voice called out in amusement. "The Summit's begun." Naruto and Sakura turned, twin smiles on their faces.

"Hai Kakashi-sensei."

Danzō crossed his fingers in front of his face as he listened to the other Kages deep in discussion. His eyes shifted to Gaara, taking in the teen who sat back straight and far it had gone uninterrupted. They were on brink of war and the room was tense with unease. He could see A was visibly unnerved by the events. No doubt his filthy demon brother had influence on him.

With all this prattle they would get nowhere. Konoha had suffered immensely. He shuddered as he thought of all the villagers who had been killed. The Akatsuki...they had done this. Plunging this world into chaos.

So many steps that needed to be taken yet no one was willing to take the plunge. Had Konoha not suffered enough? Itachi's face flashed through his mind and Danzō grit his teeth. That boy...the side of his face ached just to think of him. And that brother of his...together... a dangerous notion. He drummed his fingers on the surface in front of him. Those boys needed to be eliminated. They were a threat to humanity. A threat to Danzō.

"The Uchiha brothers remain at large." Danzō muttered. Gaara turned to the Hokage, expression blank.

"The Uchiha's?" He murmured in confusion. Danzō turned to the boy, mouth opening, but before he could utter a sound...

"Yes, Danzō. What about us?" A voice mockingly called out and the Kages all blinked in shock before looking towards the source of the voice from above. Sasuke Uchiha stood upside down on the ceiling, his eyes glowing with the Sharingan.

Woah! Major news! Kakashi lives! *Throws confetti* Also like I said before, this confrontation will be different from Canon so be aware of that! Hopefully it will still work out!

Anyway, the official battle between Danzō and Sasuke will begin in the next chapter.