Warning(s) Once again there is violence in this chapter! Lots of it! Also, more mentions of rape.

This is it people! The big battle that you've been waiting for! I'm not promising anything gloriously amazing, but I promised to give you something! So without further adieu, I present...this!

All the pain.

All the sacrifices.

For nothing.

Had Itachi not followed every step? Had he not covered every single base he could have thought of? What had he missed? What had he done wrong?

Everything was now in shambles. The Uchiha's name was now ruined. Their dark intentions known. The secrets behind the massacre were now unraveled. Itachi's own humiliation was now no longer behind closed doors. Everything Itachi had fought, bled and cried for was now dust at his feet.

How very fitting.

He stared at his brother in silence, taking in the glowing Mangekyō Sharingan that overtook his baby brother's once vibrant dark eyes. The blood that streaked his face was like morbid tears. How many times had Itachi shed blood while using the Mangekyō? Sasuke's hand lifted and lightly touched his face, his fingers coming back crimson. He stared at the blood for a moment. No one spoke. All eyes were fixed on the grisly scene. Finally, Sasuke looked towards Itachi.

"How?" He asked, voice giving away nothing.

"Trauma." Itachi replied, his own Mangekyō staring back. "It takes trauma."

"Trauma..." Sasuke muttered, feeling the blood slide slickly through his fingers. He watched his brother closely. Trauma. To acquire the Mangekyō Sharingan, you needed to expeirence some sort of trauma. It did not necessarily mean you needed to kill your closest friend then...

"You didn't kill Shisui, did you?" Sasuke muttered. Itachi could feel the eyes of his former teammates on him but he did not spare them a glance. He stared at his brother. The only Uchiha death he had not been guilty for committing...but why did he still feel like he had pushed Shisui? Why did it feel like he had killed him?

"No. But I failed to stop him from falling. He was involved with spying on the clan along with me. However, Danzō stole one of his eyes. He ended his own life shortly after." Danzō sneered, his hands in tight fists. Sasuke's gaze had locked on the man, coldly.

Danzō moved forward, his body straightening. He stared hard at the two Uchiha brothers. Sasuke stared back with his gore slicked face, while Itachi did not meet his glare, still staring at his brother in quiet humiliation as he tried to coax Sasuke away from the elder.

"Itachi, get out of here." Sasuke stated, reaching for Itachi's arm and giving it a gentle squeeze. Itachi's Sharingan slowly faded away. It left two pools of night to stare back at his brother, looking both more ancient and yet younger at the same time. He knew what Sasuke intended to do.

"No." Itachi replied roughly, eyes narrowing at his brother. Sasuke shot him an exasperated, desperate glare.

"Itachi-"

"Sasuke, you can't-"

"I should have killed them myself. No matter. I can tie up loose ends." He eyed the surrounding Shinobi. "Your loyalty is to the village! Not them! Do your duty!" He shouted, voice booming across the battlefield.

No one moved. The spiky haired Uchiha glanced towards the Copy nin. He pushed Itachi towards the man and Kakashi reached for his arm, drawing him to his side and out of Danzō's line of vision. Itachi did not struggle. Still in shock over Danzō's admittance. He felt Kakashi's hands on his arm, a comforting pressure against his side. He felt like he was sinking and at the moment, Kakashi was keeping him from drowning.

"Get him to safety." Sasuke muttered, nodding to Itachi who stared back blankly. He could do nothing here. Sasuke would be damned if Danzō harmed him.

Kakashi grasped Itachi around the shoulders and nodded towards Sasuke. Itachi blinked once, dull eyes lifting to Sasuke. Sasuke can't face Danzō. Sasuke is eight years old and filled with naive, childish fantasies about adventure and fun. He is the boy who uses his voice to get what he wants. Who wears his heart on his sleeve. Sasuke should not be facing the likes of Danzō, with his cold stare and too hot hands, that burn and hurt. Sasuke should be home with mother, awaiting Itachi's return from a mission. Or with father, training to become a Shinobi...why is Sasuke here? Where is mother and father? Surely they can stop this madness!

"Otouto." Itachi uttered softly. Kakashi's arm wrapped around his shoulder, comfortingly. Sasuke managed a weak smile for his brother.

"It's okay, Aniki. I'll be fine." His eyes moved to Kakashi who took this as a sign and scooped Itachi up in his arms, despite the boy's protests. Itachi sluggishly blinked, trying to push past the fog in his mind.

"Yamato, Guy take the others back to support the Kages." Kakashi called out and Guy nodded grimly motioning for the rest of the Shinobi to follow him. Kakashi nodded at Sasuke before taking off for the mountainside, his grip on Itachi tight as the Uchiha called out for his sibling. The Shinobi quickly dispered, leaving Naruto just behind Sasuke. The Copy nin shout out of sight and Sasuke stared after them for a long moment before glancing to Naruto.

"This is between Danzō and me. No one else needs to interfere."

Naruto nodded, his expression determined.

"Alright, Teme." He replied. He looked towards Sakura, who's face had turned ashen with the news about Itachi. She could not look at Sasuke. Instead she raced after Naruto with Ino at her side.

Sasuke could feel his teams eyes on him and he nodded to them.

"Go on." He stated and Juugo nodded, his eyes still warm. Karin stood firmly for a moment, knowing that she could offer the Uchiha help but Sasuke fixed her with a stare that informed her that this was a battle he needed to do on his own. No matter the outcome. The girl let out a frustrated sigh before nodding. Suigetsu offered the Uchiha a lazy salute.

"Cut off his balls, kay?" He called out, grasping Karin's arm. The girl scoffed but along with Juugo and Suigetsu took off after the Rookie nine. Sasuke heard Danzō scoff and the boy turned. Prepared to take his and now Itachi's revenge.

Once Kakashi felt that he and Itachi were at a safe distance from the battle, the Copy nin slowed down. Itachi remained in his arms. Despondent and silent. As if all motivation and life had been sucked out of him. Kakashi shifted Itachi in his arm, feeling the boy sink against him. He did not blink, eyes staring into space. Suddenly, Kisame Hoshigaki's final words flashed through the Copy nin's mind. He needed to honor that request as well as help Itachi.

"Itachi, baby?" Kakashi began, using the teasing endearment he had used in the past. Itachi made a small noise in response, twitching in Kakashi's grip. "I'm going to set you down now, okay?"

"Hn."

Kakashi set Itachi down on the grass. Itachi's legs did not support his weight and he fell to his knees, Kakashi going down with him. He was going into shock and Kakashi had never felt so powerless. Long eyes lashes fell over pale cheeks as the Uchiha closed his eyes, focusing on breathing.

Kakashi kept back, allowing the Uchiha to regain his bearings. His own mind was spinning madly and he fought to keep them at bay. Yet, all he could think of was how he had failed. How he had missed the signs. How long had this been happening? Had Kakashi been so blind? He brushed the thoughts away for the moment and watched as Itachi finally reacted. Eyes clenching shut and hands forming into tight fists. Itachi let out a shaky sigh and lifted his face towards the sky. A pressure began building in his chest and no matter how much he breathed, it would not go away. He realized he was not alone and looked towards Kakashi who was staring back calmly.

"Everyone knows now." Itachi dully mumbled, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Kakashi closed his eyes for a moment.

"Yes." He did not need to say that no one was judging Itachi for what Danzō had done to him. He did not need to. He was unsure on everyone's reactions to the truth about the massacre, but for Kakashi it was like a punch to the gut. He had been blind. He had failed Itachi and allowed himself to believe that the Uchiha had turned into something sinister. Obito would be so disappointed.

"It was all for nothing. There will be a war." Itachi shakily stood, feeling trapped. Kakashi watched him, he pushed his grey hair from his face as he mulled over possible words to offer the Uchiha some sliver of peace. But there was nothing he could say that would ease Itachi. Itachi paced, his expression severe, the lines under his eyes more pronounced and aging him.

"Why did you let Sasuke face him alone?" Itachi whirled on the man, his hair whipping around violently.

"You know Sasuke better than I do. There's no stopping him when he sets his mind to something." Kakashi argued without any force in his voice. He knew that Itachi understood just how stubborn Sasuke was. He watched Itachi turn towards him, staring at the Copy nin with great displeasure.

"That's never stopped me before." He replied and Kakashi smiled warmly.

"Your brothers. It's your job to prod at each other."

Itachi walked over to Kakashi and knelt down next to him, his hands folded neatly in his lap. He closed his eyes and fought down the bile that had risen in his throat. Had he not fought to keep this from ever happening? All his plans had unraveled and he was not even at the age where he would know how to handle it. What would his future self had done? Why was he so pathetic? He felt Kakashi lay a warm hand on his shoulder and he reached for it, his fingers interlocking with Kakashi's.

"Danzō will kill him. The man holds no love for Uchiha. he despises Sasuke. There is nothing stopping him from ending it all."

"You underestimate him." Kakashi murmured. "His drive...his will...he won't fall to Danzō." Itachi shook his head, expression morphing into pained frustration.

"Shisui was bested by him!"

"No doubt, Danzō caught him off guard." The Copy nin stated, staring at their interlocked fingers. "He's a man of the shadows. He strikes when he believes he can best an enemy. He has not chance in a fair fight. Just look at his arm! He had to take those eyes from corpses, Itachi." The boy looked up in distress.

"Which I delivered to him." He croaked. "He desecrated them, sempai."

"And for that and for many other things he will pay." Kakashi's voice was soft, his expression a mix of gentle assurance and fierce pride in Sasuke. Itachi looked towards him.

"Kakashi-"

The Copy nin pulled the boy against his chest, burying his nose against Itachi's dark hair.

"I'm sorry." He managed softly. "I'm sorry for being so fucking blind." He held the boy close, as if he loosened his grip any, Itachi would vanish in the wind. Lost as he had been for so many years. Itachi gripped the man's shirt, eyes clenched shut.

"No one was ever suppose to find out." He murmured. "Everything's ruined."

"Hey, hey now. No need for that."

"I killed my family." Itachi choked. "I killed them and for what!? Sasuke knows now... I betrayed my family..."

"You saved hundreds." Kakashi argued, hand quickly moving to Itachi's cheeks, his thumb wiping away stray tears. How broken was Itachi? To show such emotion? Kakashi's own heart clenched painfully at the sight. Itachi should never cry. Itachi caught Kakashi's expression and clenched his eyes shut, willing away the tears.

Kakashi was holding him so gently. His hands lightly brushing through Itachi's hair. Once that would have pleased Itachi. Feeling Kakashi's powerful hands suddenly delicately touching him. But now all it did was set the boy on edge. He wanted suddenly, for Kakashi to know he was real. That he was human and he was not broken. He was still him. No matter what Danzō had done to him.

"I'm not weak. I'm not made of glass!" He managed, voice rising in pitch. Kakashi stiffened, realizing that Itachi was frustrated with his ministrations and he silently cursed himself for his action towards Itachi. He moved his hand down Itachi's face and gripped his chin, lifting the Uchiha's face to look him in the eye.

"I know." Kakashi stated firmly, his eyes filled with warmth. "You are anything but weak." Itachi lifted his head, eyes narrowed.

"Then let me go to Sasuke. Let me help him." Kakashi brought Itachi's face back to him.

"You want to help your brother? Then let him do this. Danzō will use you against him. Sasuke is fuel by emotion. You bring out more emotion in him than anyone. He will return." Kakashi's voice had dropped low and Itachi's expression had softened in understanding. He would only serve to weaken and distract Sasuke at this point. For now, Sasuke was the elder brother and Itachi needed to let him fight. Itachi nodded once before offering Kakashi a weak smile.

"Tell me how you survived?" He asked, desperate for any type of distraction. Kakashi smiled back, his eyes crinkling in the corners.

A crater had formed in the battle field. A symbol of the power both men were using in this last battle. Danzō grunted, straining to stand. The Uchiha had managed to catch him on his last genjutsu and had evaded it with such ease. Without Shisui's eye...Danzō knew he would lose. He knew walking into this battle he would lose. But he would be damned if he did not take Sasuke down with him!

"You think you can avenge your family!? Your brother? There is nothing you can do for them now!"

The Uchiha vaulted forward, Chidori chirping loudly in his hand. He was fueled by his rage. Danzō knew that he could push Sasuke to his limits. He could take the boy down. Sasuke was getting sloppy in his anger. Danzō easily evaded the attack, his hands performing a series of signs. Sasuke however swung his katana and the elder was forced to separate his hands lest they be severed.

Impressive.

Sasuke had enough mind to know where and when to attack. His anger had not yet over taken him. Danzō knew talent when he saw it and was reluctant to admit that Sasuke was obviously powerful.

"You fight well. Your brother would be proud." Danzō's breath was rasped. The Avenger's teeth clenched and Danzō fought down a smirk. Itachi was a very touchy subject after all.

"Do not speak of Itachi." Sasuke stated darkly and Danzō sighed, he wiped blood from his cheek and regarded the Uchiha in disgust.

"Self sacrifice, that's what epitomizes a Shinobi. Never seeing the light of day, toiling in the shadows. That's the way of a true Shinobi and not just Itachi. Countless Shinobi have lived and died the same way. This world could not function on ideals and pleasantries. It's thanks to people like him that peace has been maintained." Danzō calmly uttered, watching the boy who bristled at the mention of his brother. Danzō's voice was laced with reluctant admiration for Itachi.

Sasuke however was livid. How dare he. How dare that filth speak so reverently of what Itachi endured. How dare he speak as if he admired Itachi after he cruelly and loudly admitted to raping him. How dare he act like he cared about the village and their people when he did not even show regret or shame for the Uchiha. For Itachi, who was exactly the kind of person Danzō should have protected. Danzō had not right to even say Itachi's name.

"And how did you thank him?" He coldly stated, eyes spinning. "My brother has suffered more because of your actions. You have no right to say his name. You had no right to lay your polluted fingers on him."

Itachi's face flashed through his mind, pale and shaky. How could Danzō have raped him? How could Danzō have forced himself on the one Uchiha that would have given his life and happiness for the sake of the village. The one Uchiha who would have placed Konoha over the Uchiha's ambitions. It only served to disgust Sasuke. Danzō had not needed to even physically force Itachi. Itachi would have done anything Danzō asked if it protected Sasuke. So it was not the thrill of pinning Itachi's little wrists down. It was the pleasure of Itachi being an Uchiha.

Sasuke would not fail him this time. Sasuke would protect him this time. Danzō was slowing down. The Wood Release technique he had used earlier was wearing him down quickly. Yet Sasuke was not so arrogant that he overlooked his own injuries. A deep wound in his side bled freely, panting the dirt scarlet.

"You were his only mistake. The perfect weapon. The perfect Shinobi. Except when it came to you." A pained grunt escaped the man as he struck the ground. He could kill his father. He could slaughter his mother. He could destroy his whole clan without shedding a single tear...but when it came to you...suddenly, he can't do it. Suddenly, he is just a little boy with a big sword. He can't hide around you now like he did when you were an ignorant child. Now you are the elder. Now you are the one whole understands...or you so pretend to. It does not matter. Younger, older...you are still his little brother. You are still his world. He did all that was expected of him perfectly, except with you. He fought to shield you from me. From the horrors of your clan. Heh...he even threatened me if I laid a finger upon you. He would burn down the whole world of you were harmed. Your life weighed far more precious than the village."

Danzō was panting loudly, Sasuke noting that the eyes on his arm were beginning to close. Just as Sasuke had thought, if Danzō had Shisui's eye he would have won this battle, but without it and with Fugaku's, he had no hope.

"I agree. Itachi's life is far more important than the village. His sacrifices...his pain...they will all pay for what they've done to him." Sasuke stated coolly and Danzō slowly shook his head.

"Two brothers, whose abilities are identical. How could what your eyes perceive be so different? The truth about Itachi isn't important to you at all. Instead you simply want to destroy everything with your hatred. All you're doing is making the sacrifice of the Uchiha clan meaningless!" Danzō glared at Sasuke, his teeth clenched and bloody.

Sasuke ducked under Danzō's arm as the elder used a Wind Release attack. The man moved himself mid air, swinging around and his feet hitting the ground loudly. Sasuke rolled through the dirt and pushed himself to his feet. He could feel his father's eye on him. It disgusted and tormented him to know that Danzō was using it. He would take that eye back.

"Itachi has done his duty. Now it is my turn." Came the simple, bored answer. Danzō let out a bark of laughter at the boy. His eyes half lidded. They parried blows, window wiping around their faces. The Uchiha shot a large ball of flame that scorched the earth and sent cinders high into the air.

Sasuke stared at Danzō, noting the man was panting in pain. He smiled slightly, his eyes glowing ominously. This was the true power of the Sharingan. This was their true legacy. Black flames erupted from the air, licking against the wind and Danzō's eyes widened at the sigh. Amaterasu...just like Itachi. However, this was just a distraction. While Danzō was attempting to evade the flames, Sasuke was upon him and thrust the katana through the elder's chest and straight out his back.

Danzō blinked, blood bursting from his lips. He looked towards Sasuke who watched on with no emotion. Danzō reached for the handle of the katana and wrenched it from his body with a pained grunt. He stumbled back, blood saturating his chest.

"You think you've won," He rasped. "You think you've beaten me but you haven't." He ignored the blood running down his chest and lifted his chin towards the Uchiha brat who made an amused noise.

"I'm not the one impaled." Sasuke replied lazily. Danzō shook his head.

"Even with me dead you cannot win. Another war has begun? Do you truly think your brother will survive it?"

War.

Hadn't Itachi fought to avoid this.

Had he not suffered enough?

The Uchiha turned, his expression torn between annoyance and exhaustion.

"He will survive. Even if I have to die to ensure it." Sasuke stated with a drawl.

"Then you will die!" Danzō quickly lifted his arm to perform a seal but Sasuke's eyes followed him. There was a flash of scarlet and silver and then nothing. Sasuke let out a cold laugh. Danzō blinked once, before he felt the pain. He looked down. Danzō's Sharingan encrusted arm lay severed at his feet. Danzō's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the arm.

"How?" Was all he could manage. He felt light headed and fought to keep himself standing.

"You're too slow Danzō." Was the collected reply. Blood coated his sweat slicked chest. Danzō fell forward, his knees heavily striking the earth. He lifted his face towards the sky, his eyes quickly dulling. He had the Sharingan! He could not be defeated by some fool boy!

"Im...possible..." He gurgled before falling forward, his face striking the ground. He breathed heavily through his nose, dirt and blood filling his nostrils. Sasuke wiped his katana casually in the dirt. The ground was saturated in both his and Danzō's blood. Sasuke moved forward slowly, his feet barely making a sound as he moved. He stood over the man, regarding him with no emotion on his face.

"You miscalculated." Sasuke stated dully.

"Damn...you..."

"Heh, pathetic." The boy sneered in disgust. Danzō spat a glob of blood saliva at the boy's feet. He leered at the boy, wanting to twist the knife a little deeper before he died. He wanted to tell the fool Uchiha everything he had done to Itachi's precious body. But he could not form the words. Instead he continued to pant, forcing each word out

"Your kind deserves to burn..." Danzō uttered, defiant till the end. Sasuke blinked, head cocked and looking so much like Itachi. The boy's lips curled up at the corners, his eyes shadowed as the Sharingan glared down at him.

"...My brother deserved more." He hissed at the soon to be corpse before raising his katana high above his head and swinging it down with a sharp whistle.

Danzō's head rolled away from his body, it bounced slightly before coming to a rest with its face down in the dirt. Sasuke moved forward, and let out an enraged shout as he kicked Danzō's head across the clearing. It soured like a morbid rock and made a sickening noise as it hit the earth, rolling away face frozen in contempt. Contempt for Sasuke. Contempt for the Uchiha. A sob broke free from Sasuke's mouth as he approached Danzō's body. Sasuke stared at the corpse silently for a moment. He once again lifted his katana, eyes crazed as he stared down at the man who ruined his life. The man who lusted after and hurt his brother. He brought the katana down with a swift vengeance, striking Danzō's corpse. Blood sprayed from the body but Sasuke could not stop. He lifted the weapon and brought it down again. And again. Sobbing and laughing as he turned Danzō into an unrecognizable pile of gore.

All at once, symbols began to emit from Danzō's body. Sasuke fell back swiftly, eyes widening. A black sphere slowly began circling Danzō. The Uchiha barely managed to step out of its reach as it engulfed Danzō's body. The seal released and Sasuke closed his eyes and turned away. He was met with silence. he Uchiha turned cautiously, eyes narrowed. Where Danzō once lay, there was now steaks of black in his place. Shimura Danzō was dead, his corpse now nothing more that a streak in the dirt. How utterly fitting.

Raindrops fell from the darkening sky and lightly struck Sasuke's cheek. Sasuke touched his cheek absently. The spiky haired Uchiha looked up at the sky, the rain lightly striking his face. He closed his eyes and let out a shuddering breath. It was done. It was over.

Itachi needed him now.

Without sparing the black streak another glance, Sasuke limped from the battlefield, his blood steadily tricking down his side. But he felt nothing.

Madara and Obito stood high above and observed the Uchiha. Obito hummed softly in clear amusement. The fool Danzō had not even realized they were there. So focused on the younger Uchiiha, he had failed to realize he was fighting three. Madara tore his eyes from the battlefield and began to leisurely stroll down the rock slab.

"He's done quite well." Madara observed, lips curling into a sneer. Obito nodded absently. The air was fresh with blood and Obito fought not to crinkle his nose at the stench. Instead he followed after the elder.

"He'll be handy with part two of our plans." The Uchiha pointed out. Madara nodded.

"Indeed. You know what to do now Obito. Do not disappoint me." Madara vanished into the air leaving Obito fighting down an eager grin.

"I never have."

Obito made his way down the darkened corridor. He could see his breath rise before his eyes. Water dripped loudly off the ceiling, echoing down the corridors. A sudden laugh broke free from the darkness and Obito stopped in his tracks to listen. A voice called out, obviously male and clearly amused with something. With what, Obito was unsure.

"Danzō is dead." The voice questioned in clear amusement. Danzō was nothing more than a scorch mark in the dirt. He was more than just dead. He was wiped clean off the earth.

"Indeed." Obito consented, trying to make out the voice. A soft glow appeared behind him and the Uchiha turned, seeing a male in a large cloak standing out of his reach, the hood pulled over his eyes. Obito eyed him warily. The man shifted, gliding smoothly around the room.

"And the Fourth Shinobi War has begun." The man chuckled again. His laughter almost a hiss. He ran a pale hand over the stone wall as he moved, Obito's eyes following him. "Things are going just as you hoped, aren't they...Obito?" The man spoke Obito's name as if mocking him. Obito scowled behind his mask, shocked that this lunatic knew who he was.

"So...you know who I am." He began with a drawl and the figure nodded.

"I do, and I come offering a deal of sorts." The man watched as Obito quickly shook his head. He could hear a snake hissing and could see as it's large white body slithered lazily across the ground. Orochimaru? So soon?

"Not interest in whatever you're selling." Obito quickly replied and the man tutted.

"But look what I have to offer?" Behind the man a rumbling as the stone began to move, uncovering five figures. Obito cursed softly, taking a step back. The man stared back silently, but Obito could almost feel the grin that was aimed at him. Obito stared at the figures before him in silence for a long moment.

"What exactly are you demanding?" He asked and the figure stepped forward. Kabuto smiled coldly, eyes filled with mirth.

"Sasuke Uchiha...and as an added bonus...Itachi." He replied and Obito scowled. There was always something...This fool wanted both brothers? Madara would not be pleased with this, but Obito had always been one to take opportunities and he was intrigued.

"Kabuto...you used to work for me." He stated and the young man nodded.

"A good memory." Kabuto shrugged, still waiting for an answer.

"What do you want with Sasuke?" Obito questioned, wondering if this was some revenge scheme for Sasuke killing Orochimaru. Kabuto ran a finger dwon the side of a coffin as he spoke.

"He will prove most useful with my plans." Kabuto stated, the snake hissed and looked towards Obito who fought down a shudder. He hated snakes. He crossed his arms over his chest.

"Sounds familiar." Obito stated. "And Itachi?" He prompted, eyes returning to the figures in stone coffins. Kabuto sighed, his smile amused.

"Call it sentiment." He drawled and Obito frowned.

I am utter shit with battle scenes as is obvious in this chapter :/ Sasuke does not have Susanoo (Yet, it will appear later) but I tried to even it by taking Shisui's eye out of the equation and Fugaku's eye was kind of meh...Eh heh...but in any event, Danzō has finally paid for what he did to Itachi. (I made him so despicable in this! Sorry to anyone who liked his character!)