So, I'm probably not going to put a lot of focus on the final battle. I'm trash with fight scenes and it would probably drag the entire story out for another several chapters. I'll include it, but will find a way that doesn't make me look completely incompetent as an author. After all, we still need to have the Kakashi/Obito confrontation, the Kisame/Itachi reunion, the Edo Tensei plot line and anything else that pops into my over dramatic mind.
This chapter is more lighthearted than usual, until the end of it where it picks up a bit more.
What will you do when you finally face Obito after all these years? This was the question that had plagued at Kakashi ever since Itachi had revealed Tobi's identity to him. He tried to think over possible ways he would approach the man. Was their any humanity left in him? Or had the boy Kakashi had known died with Rin?
There had not been much time to stand around on ceremony. Now that both Itachi and Sasuke had recovered from their surgery, they had both thrown themselves into the war effort. This was truly what this was now. Another war...
Kakashi tried not to allow his thoughts to get so morbid. But it seemed impossible to think of anything else. Even here on what should have been a night of relaxation. He currently sat next to Yamato at one of the village's bars. It was nearly the whole crew. Genma was seated a few chairs down flirting with a brunette medic nin. Aoba and Raido were playing darts with Anko who appeared to be beating them by a long shot. Genma had tried to convince Itachi to join them but the Uchiha was still not at full strength and decided instead to spend the night with Sasuke and his team, watching movies.
However, Kakashi was sure there was more to it then being tired. It would have been Itachi's first real outing as a reinstated member of Konoha. The thought probably terrified him. Itachi had never expected to face his former teammates again and now that he was here...it probably scared him. Not that Kakashi blamed him at all. He knew Itachi's hesitation and he understood it. Kakashi did not doubt that everyone would have welcomed Itachi back into the fold. Anko had voiced her displeasure of not seeing him tonight and swore she would drag him out one of these days.
Kakashi took a sip of his sake, watching as Guy approached and took the vacant seat on Kakashi's other side. The man flashed him a large warm grin and waved at Yamato.
"Any new missions?" Yamato asked Guy who shook his head.
"The Lady Hokage has yet to give out orders. It's only a matter of time. Lee and Neji just returned from scouting."
"I saw Lee earlier today. He seemed to be in a good mood." Kakashi commented and Guy positively beamed.
"That is because he has finally persuaded the youthful Sakura to be his official girlfriend!" He declared and Kakashi rose a brow at this. He knew the two of them had been going out on a couple dates but he had no idea they had started dating.
"How did he manage that?" He asked while Yamato leaned back on the stool. Guy beamed and accepted the offered drink.
"The day before he left for his mission,he met up with her at the cafe while she was out with Ino. I don't know what he said to her but she accepted his hand and now they are a lovely couple!" Guy declared and Yamato lifted his hand in toast.
"To Lee's youthful girlfriend." He declared and Guy and Kakashi were quick to chorus him. Yamato and Guy fell into easy conversation that was only stopped by a sharp slap as the brunette, Genma had been talking to soundly slapped him across the face and stormed off. Yamato snickered as Genma slouched in the seat beside them.
"No luck?" Yamato questioned and Genma shot him an unhappy scowl. He ordered himself a drink, absently rubbing his reddening cheek.
"Not all of us can be blessed with your suave seduction skills." Yamato teased. Guy laughed softly at this while Kakashi only looked smug.
"Oh please," Genma snorted. "The only people that worked on was Iruka and Itachi. And Itachi was thirteen and probably horny at the time." Kakashi shot the other man an annoyed glare.
"Where is the Uchiha at anyway?" Raido asked as he and Aoba handed Anko her winnings.
"With Sasuke, Naruto and the rest watching some horror movie." Kakashi replied with a little shrug. Aoba nodded in understanding as Raido shrugged back, commenting that Itachi should hang out sometime. Anko grinned suddenly as she pocketed her money.
"Let's go drop by and say hello, shall we?" She suggested. Guy and Raido exchanged weary glances. Genma however found the idea to be brilliant and rubbed his hands together. Kakashi set his drink aside and stood.
"Fine fine, but if Sasuke goes for your throat I'm not helping." He relented and Anko nodded impatiently. They paid for their drinks and made their way out of the bar. Raido and Yamato kept close to Kakashi, hands stuffed in their pockets as they watched Genma and Anko race ahead.
"It's like we're dealing with overgrown kids." Aoba drawled, earning a grin from Guy.
"Guys, mask your chakra." Genma hissed as they approached the compound. Kakashi could hear Anko sniggering somewhere behind him. They spotted the main house, Anko quickly moving forward with Genma at her heels. They could see flickering light in the darkened house. Anko peeked around the porch, lips pulled into a grin. Kakashi listened as they moved forward, Anko ducking through the front door.
The shriek that followed was high pitched and loud. Kakashi and Guy ran into the house to see Karin and Sakura clinging to each other, chest heaving as Suigetsu fell from the couch with a loud grunt. Juugo looked up from his own seat and laughed lightly. Naruto had leaped into Sasuke's lap, jarring Itachi who had been leaning against Sasuke's shoulder. He looked towards the door and met Kakashi's stare.
"Surprise?"
"If you wanted to see Itachi that bad you could have just come over, earlier." Sakura huffed in annoyance and shifted over so Anko could sit beside her. Kakashi strolled forward and heavily sat himself on the floor beside Itachi. Naruto moved so he was leaning against Sasuke again. Sasuke offered the blonde a barely there smile, but it was enough for Naruto. The rest of the group found their own seats, Genma quickly trying to sit between Kakashi and Itachi until the silver haired man shoved him aside. Itachi curled next to Kakashi and they all settled in watching the movie.
"Anything good?" Kakashi whispered against Itachi's temple and Itachi hummed, looking away from the screen to study the man. The colors from the television illuminated off of Kakashi's face and Itachi once again caught himself appreciating having his sight returned.
"The movie is horrible and I think my brother and Naruto-kun are dating." Itachi whispered back. Kakashi laughed at this, draping an arm behind his back and turning to watch the movie. It was times like this that were rare and precious. His friends and comrades along with his students and his lover all together at once.
A few nights later after dinner, Kakashi had noticed that Itachi had gotten quiet. Well...more than normally if that was possible. Sasuke was out for the night with Naruto again, giving Kakashi and Itachi time together. The Uchiha was perched on Kakashi's couch, legs crossed as he studied the tea he had been drinking. Kakashi moved around the living room, eyeing the other from time to time.
"Something on your mind, Itachi?" Kakashi finally asked and itachi quickly looked up from his tea, dark eyes fixing on the older man. The Uchiha's gaze quickly dropped however and he licked his lips as he smiled weakly. He trailed a finger over the wooden table's surface, catching a small scratch with the edge of his nail.
"There is a lot on my mind." He admitted softly and Kakashi came to sit across from him. The Copy nin came to gently touch his wrist and Itachi smiled at this, gently placing his hand over Kakashi's.
"Anything you'd like to talk about?" Kakashi's voice was soft. Itachi looked up and leaned forward to press his lips against Kakashi's brow.
"Come to the bedroom?" He prompted and Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise. He pulled back and studied the Uchiha closely.
"The bedroom?" He repeated slowly and Itachi nodded. He stood from the table and held his hand out to Kakashi. Kakashi took it, still bewildered. The Uchiha led him to the bedroom and lightly closed the door behind him. As soon as the door clicked shut, he released Kakashi's hand and turned to face him. Kakashi's dark eyes were sparkling with curiosity.
"Well?" Kakashi prompted, head cocking slightly to the side as he studied Itachi fondly.
"Well," Itachi began in a soft voice, leaning over Kakashi to press a tender kiss against his brow. "You did tell me that when I returned to my original age, you would do whatever I wished of you." He continued pressing light kisses against the man's skin, lips curving into a slight smile.
"When you're twenty-one again, I will do whatever you ask. I will be whatever you want and need me to be."
"And you told me that you would hold me to that promise..." Kakashi mused and Itachi chuckled softly.
"That is, unless you aren't intere-" Kakashi shut Itachi up with a look.
"I am very interested. Don't doubt that." He gently flicked Itachi's nose and the Uchiha smiled again, dark eyes sparkling. The Copy nin pulled his mask down, baring his face to Itachi. They moved forward at the same time, lips coming together in a fierce kiss. Itachi's hands moved to grasp at Kakashi's face, pulling him flush against him. Kakashi chuckled against Itachi's lips. His hand moved down Itachi's clothed back to cup his ass. Itachi smiled at this, nipping Kakashi's lip.
Kakashi pressed Itachi back against the mattress, offering him light teasing kisses. The Uchiha lay back on the bed, Kakashi crawling on top of him and playing with the hem of his shirt. The older man moved between Itachi's legs, the Uchiha instantly parting them to make room for the man. Kakashi pressed against the Uchiha and his lips pulled into a smile as he felt the Uchiha's erection pressing against his stomach.
"You're enthusiastic." He teased. Itachi smiled back, hand reaching down and boldly cupping Kakashi's own length in his hand. Kakashi's eyes widened at this, hips jerking. Itachi's smile turned absolutely smug.
"I'm not the only one it seems." He replied and Kakashi quickly kissed him again. "And I-"
Itachi's words were interrupted by a knock at Kakashi's door. Kakashi looked up reluctantly for a moment before returning to Itachi and pressing his mouth against the Uchiha's collar bone.
"Ignore them. They'll go away." Kakashi hummed. There was not another knock so Itachi's eyes fell shut as he arched his neck for the man to have easier access. Kakashi's hands moved under Itachi's shirt, fingers reaching upward and ghosting over a pale nipple. Itachi gasped softly, feeling Kakashi chuckle against his throat.
"So sensitive, Kohai." He teased. He pushed the shirt up to Itachi's neck, baring the Uchiha's chest to him. He spent time just looking the younger man over, transfixed on how creamy his skin was. Itachi stared back, eyes blown wide and mouth parted. The Copy nin slowly moved forward and pressed his lips against Itachi's stomach in a tender kiss. The Uchiha tensed beneath his gentle touch, breath hitching.
"You're so beautiful..." Kakashi whispered so softly that Itachi wondered if he had imagined it. Kakashi's lips trailed over Itachi's stomach and up his chest. He took a dusky pink nipple into his mouth, rolling his tongue over the tiny nub. Itachi released a gasp against him, fingers digging at the pillow his head lay on. When Kakashi's tongue flicked teasingly against the nipple, the Uchiha's hands shot into the older man's hair. He felt the man laugh against him again, before moving onto his left nipple.
He felt Itachi's fingers tighten in his hair as he continued to pepper his chest with kisses and light nips. Lifting his gaze, Kakashi could catch Itachi's dark eyes from his position against the Uchiha's chest. Itachi fingered his hair, mouth parted slightly. Kakashi rolled his tongue the nipple before moving to kiss Itachi again. It was a simple kiss, but filled with so much tenderness that it could nearly be considered lewd. When they parted, a thin string of saliva followed. Kakashi cupped Itachi's cheek and smiled at him. The Uchiha's shirt remained pulled up against his neck and his chest and stomach were already reddened from Kakashi's ministrations.
"May I?" Kakashi indicated to Itachi's pants and Itachi nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Kakashi reached for the hem of Itachi's pants and the Uchiha lifted his hips to allow the man to pull them down. Kakashi quickly pulled them down and Itachi kicked them aside. Heart beating wildly in his chest, Kakashi kissed Itachi again, wondering o the younger man could feel it. Once again a knock came to Kakashi's door. The Copy nin scowled over his shoulder, prepared to ignore it again when Itachi reached up to touch the man's shoulder. Itachi offered Kakashi a slight smile, dark eyes glittering from the light in the small room.
"Go on. It might be important." He stated. Kakashi stared back at Itachi in indignant reluctance. The Uchiha was laying beneath him, eyes dilated and as turned on as he was...and he expected Kakashi to leave him. Sighing, Kakashi moved forward and kissed the younger man once more.
"Don't move. I'll be right back." He muttered against the Uchiha's lips and the younger released a breathy laugh.
"Yes, senpai." He replied back. Kakashi smiled back at him before pulling his mask back up and walking to the door. He was already deciding how to murder whoever had interrupted them as he threw it open, nearly smacking the Chunin's face with it. The boy stepped back in shock, back straightening as Kakashi narrowed his eyes at him in distaste.
"What is it?" Kakashi drawled to the nervous looking Chunin.
"The Hokage demands your presence at once." The Chunin finally stated and Kakashi cocked a brow. "The Akatsuki have been sighted." He finished and the Copy nin closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Of course they have...was that all?"
"Yes, she also stated that if itachi Uchiha was here that he should come too." The boy's brows were furrowing at the mention of Itachi and Kakashi clicked his tongue.
"Maaaa, we'll be there." He responded and promptly closed the door in the boy's face. Of course the Akatsuki were now spotted. They always had the worst timing. Scowling at the door, Kakashi turned to get Itachi when he found him already standing just outside Kakashi's bedroom, hair still in a disarray and still only wearing a shirt. Kakashi's eyes lingered on his legs for a long moment. Fucking Akatsuki... he caught Itachi watching him in question and the Copy nin sighed.
"Rain check on our sexy times, Kohai. The Akatsuki have been spotted." Kakashi muttered unhappily while Itachi slowly nodded, face hardening. "The Hokage wants to see us." Itachi nodded once, trying to fix his mused hair. He raced back to Kakashi's room to find his pants while Kakashi silently cursed the Akatsuki again for their timing.
"Madara's already made his move! It's now up to us to respond!" There were many voices, arguing and agreeing. Many ninja were packed into the small room, Tsuande seated at the front with Shizune in the chair beside her. No one seemed able to come to an agreement and the same argument was being used again and again. Shizune cast a quick glance at the blonde who seemed deep in thought, her fingers interlocked.
"We need reinforcements!" Another voice called out. From beside him, Itachi head Sasuke curse and he quickly glanced towards him in concern.
"It doesn't matter how many men we have if Madara had the zombies at his side!" Raido stated.
"Here's what we do know." Tsuande quickly spoke up, eyes flashing and causing the arguing to simmer down. "Madara and Obito have a plan to take us all down using the moon. We have managed to take down many of their operating bases and know where they had planned to strike thanks to one of our spies." At this, many eyes quickly darted to Itachi who gave no reaction.
"How does that even work?" Kurenai asked. "What is Madara hoping to achieve?" Tsunade looked at Itachi who lifted his head.
"Madara wanted to achieve peace in the world. No more wars, no famine, no death, no pain. However, this world is filled with strife. It will always be filled with pain and sadness and death because that is how the world is. Madara lost his brothers and his pride as well as his clan. He was filled with such hopelessness over it and was embittered by how the world was. There could be no eternal peace in the real world. Madara realized this and so he sought to make it right. He would end all the pain and war through illusion-"
"And how exactly can we trust the word of a murder-" One man had foolishly called out, only to be roughly smacked down by Sakura who had been standing close by. He was effectively cowed by all the venomous glares he was now being shot. Sasuke particularly looked prepared to go for the man's throat while Kakashi looked highly unimpressed. The man's shoulders sagged and Sakura smiled at Itachi and nodded for him to continue.
"In his studies, he discovered the Uchiha's Stone Tablet and, from what he could decipher, he learned of the God Tree, the Infinite Tsukuyomi, and how a power could be acquired through union of the Senju and Uchiha. Using Hashirama's flesh he managed to awaken the Rinnegan. He needed to use the tailed beats in order to form the ten tails of legend. With it's powers he would cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi, putting the entire world under it's trance and thus creating the 'perfect world.'There would be no more wars and no more pain." Tsunade had winced at the mention of Hashirama, and she noticed that many were now staring at itachi with wide eyes. Itachi himself appeared unaffected by this, his face expressionless.
"Madara had believed he could not complete his plan during what remained of his natural lifespan. He was convinced his death was imminent, but perhaps in his studies he found away to extend his youth. He took many precautions in the event that he did die and this included taking Obito as his prodigy. Obito had been mortally wounded, but Madara managed to heal him and manipulate him to his will. Soon he had Obito as his loyal partner and both agreed to bring the Infinite Tsukuyomi into function."
"And what part did you play in Madara's little scheme?" The man was at it again, sneering at the Uchiha. Sasuke turned to bark at the man to shut up, while Itachi inclined his head.
"He took Obito on as a partner, but he needed someone to take on his legacy should he die. I was to finish his work and ensure the world remained in the illusion of peace." Itachi spoke plainly, not blinking or breaking eye contact with the nin.
"And how do we know you're not still working for him, huh?"
"He's sitting right here giving us all the information." Sakura snapped, arms crossed over her chest and eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, well everyone knows what he did to his own clan. Who's to say he doesn't crawl right back to the Akatsuki with all the information he got from here?" The nin continued on. Sasuke grit his teeth, chancing a quick glance to Itachi who had given no physical reaction to what was being said.
"Maaa, you're a special kind of stupid aren't you?" Kakashi drawled and other other man fixed him with an open glare, dark grey eyes narrowed. He wasn't a physically empowering man, smaller than Kakashi but brimming withabsolute rage. His eyes were an odd mix of grey and green, like a storm over a leafy forest. Itachi silently watched the exchange, gripping his brother's arm while the younger bristled beside him. Tsunade had yet to speak up, watching Kakashi closely. The man looked from Itachi to Kakashi, lip curling into an unhappy sneer.
"Excuse me?" He bit out and Kakashi hummed, slinging his arm over the back of his chair. At his side, Yamato and Guy glared daggers at the other man while Genma who was a few rows back was leaning back in his seat, watching Kakashi in amusement, knowing that Kakashi was about to fuck the poor idiot up.
"You heard me. You're really sort of stupid aren't you? Itachi's always been loyal to Konoha. He's never worked for the Akatsuki. He's been working for Konoha for years now. If you had been paying attention to Tsunade's briefing a few months back you would have known this, or were you too busy nursing your most recent hangover?" This was met with sniggers from Genma but the other man was unrepentant. He looked over at Itachi who stared back blandly.
"That's rich coming from you, Hatake." He jeered, not looking away from Itachi. Kakashi glanced over to Itachi, before shrugging. Itachi fought the urge to roll his eyes at the man, already annoyed with the interruptions.
"Should we stop them?" Shizune hissed to Tsunade who minutely shook her head.
"Are you kidding? This is the most entertainment I've gotten in weeks." Tsunade replied and Shizune sighed.
"Quit while you ahead, Shikeru." Genma drawled suddenly from his seat. "You're only going to embarrass yourself even more."
"It's far too late for that." Kakashi responded in a bored tone. Shikeru whirled back at Kakashi again.
"Oh, protective of your little boyfriend, Hatake? Don't want anyone to smudge his honor?" Shikeru jeered. Tsunade rose a brow in interest. It had been some time since she had seen anything quite this interesting. Sasuke however was livid at Itachi's side. Practically shaking against Naruto who had gone uncharacteristically quiet at Shikeru's words. Naruto looked over at his teammate in worry.
"Shut the fuck up." Sasuke finally bit out, causing all eyes to quickly move to him. Shikeru turned on his heel, casting a glare at the teen and at Itachi.
"And I know how you Uchiha's are." He muttered in a low voice. Itachi watched him, unimpressed while Sasuke's teeth pulled into a sneer.
"Do you?" Sasuke spat back. "You know nothing of me or my brother. My brother has done more for Konoha in the span of a year then you have done in all your years bumbling around like some second rate loser Chunin." Sasuke crossed his arms over his chest, face pulling into an expression of dismissive boredom.
"Sit down Shikeru. Obviously no one cares what you think." Genma called out again and Shikeru looked from Kakashi back to Sasuke. Kakashi was shaking his head in annoyance. Never mind how stupid Shikeru was. Never mind that Itachi had fought and bled and suffered for the sake of the village. Never mind that Sasuke had lost everything and was still seated in this room, prepared to defend the village. Never fucking mind that Itachi had been brutally mutilated and raped in service to Konoha and never mind that Sasuke still woke from violent night terrors, unable to breathe. No, let Shikeru ramble on like an idiot.
"Just because you and nearly every guy in this room have been fucking the Uchiha since before he hit puberty, doesn't mean you know anything!" Sasuke was suddenly on his feet. Itachi did not move to grab him, simply watching as Sasuke swiftly approached the other man who moved forward himself. By now, all the amused looks were wiped from people's faces. Sakura herself look mortified at Shikeru's crass words. Shikeru looked around the crowd, eyes alight in malice.
"You've heard the rumors, yeah? Itachi's been fucking men since before his feet could properly touch the floor while sitting." He looked back towards Sasuke, ignoring the livid glare that Kakashi had thrown him. He looked Sasuke up and down. "And I've seen how you are with him, Uchiha. Are you fucking him too? Keeping it in the family!? I wouldn't be surprised. Seems like the Uchiha thing to do. Just bend him over the nearest-"
Sasuke was upon Shikeru quickly, teeth bared as the rest of the room's occupants stared on in stunned silence. Everyone was suddenly on their feet, to watch as Sasuke took Shikeru down. Kakashi watched the exchange, with gritted teeth. Shikeru barely had time to react, tripping backwards as Sasuke threw him roughly to the ground.
"Sasuke." Itachi's voice suddenly called out, sharp as a whip and just as effective for that was all it took for Sasuke to take a step away from Shikeru, eyes still blazing. He looked back to Itachi who was still regally sitting in his seat. The only one besides Tsunade who had not stood during the altercation. Itachi did not spare Shikeru a glance, watching his brother closely.
"We have bigger things to worry about than whether or not I slept with every male occupant of this room. Come sit down so we can finish this meeting."
"He said-" Sasuke began and Itachi shook his head.
"He is nothing." Itachi replied blandly, arching a fine eyebrow. Reluctantly, Sasuke pulled away from where Shikeru still lay, sporting a bloody lip. Casting the man a final dubious glare, Sasuke trudged back to where his brother was seated and sat beside him. The room's occupants slowly began to take their own seats, still shocked over Shikeru had said and how Itachi had effortlessly defused Sasuke's often volatile rage.
Shikeru sat up, wiping at his lip with the back of his hand. Tsunade nodded coldly for him to take his seat and he did so without complaint, shoulders sagging. The Hokage looked away from the man and back at the shinobi. Soon, conversation fell to strategy and Itachi leaned back on his chair while Sasuke gently nudged him. The two brothers shared a quick glance and Sasuke's lips twitched into a reluctant smile.
"Now that we're back on track..Kabuto Yakushi and several reanimated Akatsuki members were spotted heading east." Itachi lifted his head at this, dark eyes inscrutable. He could feel Sasuke watching him from the corner of his eye.
"There's no way to end the reanimation justu without Kabuto. He has to be the one to do it." Shizune commented from Tsunade's side. The Hokage leaned back in her seat, pursing her lips.
"We need to start the defense here. Kakashi, Kurenai and Guy I need you to lead a group to head off against Madara and Obito. Until the jutsu is broken we can't do anything against them. Kabuto has to be dealt with first if we have any hopes of winning this. But he has to be kept alive." Her eyes focused quickly on Itachi and Sasuke.
"You two will go after Kabuto. Do not kill him but ensure he releases the jutsu." She ordered and Itachi nodded in understanding. She gave out the rest of her orders before dismissing the group to go about their evening. Shikeru slunk out as quickly as he could, followed by the jeers of Genma and Anko. Once most of the room's occupants began to disperse, Tsunade motioned for Itachi to wait. He did so with Sasuke, Kakashi and Naruto standing aside to let everyone else go. Sakura bid the group a goodnight with a fond smile as she followed Anko out the door. Once everyone was gone Tsunade sighed wearily.
"I need a sake..." She muttered irritably. She looked over at the older Uchiha a slight smirk.
"Quite the ability you have there Uchiha." She commented, nodding towards Shizune who walked forward with a small box in her hand. "I think Shikeru won't be talking out to much anymore." She shook her head in annyoance while Naruto scowled.
"You should have let Sasuke rip his eyebrows off." He muttered sullenly, earning a smirk from the younger Uchiha. Tsunade clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"This mission will be your first one back with us. Are you sure you're up for it? And you Sasuke? Your eyes are all healed?" Her eyes flickered between the pair and they both nodded. Tsunade hummed in approval, her honey eyes focusing back on Itachi.
"So you're running back with Konoha again, Uchiha. Hopefully you can get all these lumps into shape." She stated and Itachi gave a small nod as Kakashi watched him with open fondness. "And I can't have a technically rouge nin running about...so naturally it's only right that I reinstate you. As ANBU Captain" As she said this, Itachi looked up in surprise. Kakashi was smiling behind his mask, as he watched the open shock on Itachi's face. Itachi managed to thank her and the woman merely smiled. Sasuke was watching his brother, taking in his expression. It was rare to see open emotion on Itachi's face. Tsunade turned and took something from Shizune.
"And as ANBU Captain, you'll need this as well." Tsunade commented and held out her hand to the Uchiha. Itachi's former ANBU mask stared back. It was just as Itachi remembered it, the eyes..the mouth. Itachi took it hesitantly, hands shaking slightly. Sasuke watched him, mesmerized by Itachi's open wonder. Itachi held the mask gently. He had worn this very mask when he served under Kakashi's orders. This mask had served him as equally as he had served it. Hiding beneath it as every order he was given was accepted and executed. He thanked her again and Tsunade chuckled.
"The Third stated that kind people should not be in ANBU. That the ANBU ate at the kindness in people's hearts and destroyed them from the inside out. It must have been you that influenced him in that ideal. That your kindness had been paid for in cruelty that he wished it to never be repeated again. It's why Kakashi is where he is now." Kakashi looked up at this and Naruto glanced at him curiously. "But I've always had my own ideas. That perhaps ANBU needs kindness within it's ranks. That maybe something good can be made out if it if the right person is placed within. Kind hearted people are exactly what ANBU needs. And you have it." Itachi blinked in shock at this, unsure on what to say. He offered her a low bow, thanking her again. Shizune beamed at the Uchiha, eyes suspiciously wet. Tsunade waved her hand at this, lips curled into a slight grin.
"One more thing and then you'll be looking quite spiffy." Tsunade went back to her desk and snatched something from the drawer before walking back to Itachi. "You can't properly represent us without this." She teased the Uchiha lightly, offering it to him. In her hand was a Konoha forehead protector. One without the long scratch through the center. Unblemished and shining in the yellow lighting of the room.
Obviously I changed some things around with the whole Madara thing, but it's not called fanfiction for nothing, eh?