43. Sasuke's Decision

Silence had filled the cave after Sasuke proclaimed he wished to speak to Orochimaru. Expressions varied per person, but mostly everyone looked perplexed. I, myself, furrowed my brow in confusion, glancing to Keitaro, but he looked as serious as ever.

"Eh? What are you saying? You killed Orochimaru yourself!" Suigetsu finally exclaimed, blinking away his initial confusion. "I brought you this because-"

"He's a tough one; he's not going to vanish just like that," Sasuke interrupted, glancing over at Anko, held by Juugo. "And I'm willing to meet that piece of shit because there's something I absolutely need him to do."

"I'm not sure how you plan on doing that, but do you really think that's a good idea?" I questioned, arms crossing over my chest.

Sasuke's onyx eyes shifted to me for a moment. "The clan…the village…I'm going to meet the one who knows everything."

"How do you plan on meeting Orochimaru?" Suigetsu echoed my statement. "Who's 'the one who knows everything'?"

"Sasuke…" Keitaro started wearily. "You don't mean…"

"It's of no concern to any of you," Sasuke said curtly.

I rolled my eyes.

Suigetsu frowned skeptically. "More importantly, you can't revive Orochimaru. I bet you intend to ask Orochimaru to use the power in that scroll, but if you spend some time, then I bet you could do it yourself. That's the whole reason I came looking for you."

"There are certain things only Orochimaru can do," Sasuke replied, his eyes sliding back over to Suigetsu.

"Sasuke, you were Orochimaru's highest disciple, weren't you? Then you should be able to-"

"Suigetsu, you…"

"What?"

"…you underestimate Orochimaru far too much."

I glanced between the pair, frowning. I didn't like where this was going at all. Orochimaru was exactly how I liked him: dead.

"Th-The hell I do! I'm not underestimating him at all!" Suigetsu countered, jutting a finger in Sasuke's direction to emphasize his point. "It's the complete opposite! The only reason you were able to defeat Orochimaru is simple because he couldn't use his arms!"

"Not very impressive when you put it that way," I quipped. To my surprise, Sasuke actually shot me a look at that.

"You're the one who's underestimating him!" Suigetsu continued. "Even if you revive him, he probably wouldn't be able to use his arms. But that's the danger here! He'll go after your body again!"

"Orochimaru did always want to get in your pants; literally," Cherushii piped up.

Regardless, Sasuke was already directing Juugo to place Anko up against a rock.

Suigetsu continued his rant. "If he finds out about this war, he'll definitely take part in it. He wants to destroy Konoha too!"

I flinched at that.

"No one wants to see that guy's face anymore," Suigetsu finally finished, crossing his arms over his chest. "Nor do we need him screwing with our shit!"

"I second that," I said a heartbeat later.

"Can you two be quiet for a bit?" Sasuke answered, taking a quick glance over his shoulder at us. I bristled. "No, wait. Go and scoop out a piece of Kabuto's body for me."

Suigetsu's purple eyes glanced over to me and I scoffed. "Don't expect me to do it. No way is he ordering me around."

"You don't listen to what people tell you and you expect me to listen to you?" Suigetsu glared at the Uchiha.

"Then I'll do it," Juugo said, causing both Suigetsu and myself to scowl, already moving to follow Sasuke's request.

"What's so important about this scroll that you have to resurrect that bastard?" Cherushii was frowning from her spot still on the ground, looking very unhappy. But Sasuke didn't answer her.

I watched in dismay as Juugo grabbed a gooey substance from deep in Kabuto's chest before moving back over to Anko and placing it on her cursemark like putty. A heartbeat later, the strange substance seemed to sink into her skin. Sasuke activated a jutsu I'd never seen before, placing a palm upon Anko's shoulder and a white snake protruded from Anko's neck. As it stretched out, it opened its jaw before practically vomiting out Orochimaru looking the same as I remembered him. Suigetsu was quick to duck behind the frozen Kabuto and I had an overwhelming urge to hit Sasuke on his fat head.

Orochimaru rose from the ground, rather nimble for being spat out of a snake. As he rose, he spoke, and the sound of his voice sent a wave of bad memories shooting through my head. "To think that you would be the one to revive me…"

Orochimaru moved some hair out of his face, his eyes sweeping over the cavern. I watched him take in every single person, despite Suigetsu's attempt to hide. I watched his gaze linger on myself and Keitaro for a moment longer than the others before they slid back over to Sasuke.

"Orochimaru, there's something I need you to do for me," Sasuke said.

"I don't need you to explain such a menial fact to me; I've been watching you the entire time from within Anko," Orochimaru replied. "My Senjutsu chakra was poured into this curse seal, but as I was split from it, my consciousness also inhabited it."

"Then you know about the war?" Sasuke asked flatly.

"Of course," Orochimaru glanced to Suigetsu. "I'll say only one thing about that, Suigetsu; I have no interest in this war. It is a war that was started by someone else. What I'm interested in…is that body of yours."

"Probably time to call dibs, Nakao," Cherushii muttered from beside me. She was quiet enough that no one heard but I almost kicked her anyway.

"But you already know I don't have the power for that," Orochimaru said.

Sasuke did not reply and handed the scroll to Orochimaru.

Orochimaru took the scroll, peeking at its contents. "What do you want to meet them for?"

"I…don't know much. I want to hear everything from them."

"Everything? You don't need to know all that, you're still a child," Orochimaru replied.

"You're wrong," Sasuke said. "I am no longer I child. I can't be one anymore. What was the beginning? What actions should I take…?"

"You're not sure about taking revenge?" Orochimaru asked, eyebrows lifting slightly in surprise.

Sasuke was silent a moment before answering. "No. I'm not doting on the revenge itself. Reuniting with Itachi only added to my hatred for Konoha. But…the feelings of my brother, who became a betrayer and died all to protect that village as a Konoha shinobi…then I want to know everything, think about it and make my own decision. So I can stare at what must be done with my own eyes and my own will."

Silence followed Sasuke's speech and I felt something in my stomach, almost like butterflies. The idea that Sasuke was rethinking his plan to destroy Konoha suddenly filled me with hope, more hope than I realized I could harbor. And so I stared at Sasuke, my chest feeling less constricted despite not feeling as though my chest had been constricted in the first place.

Orochimaru watched Sasuke for a long moment too and, after a moment, turned his back on his formal pupil, settling his gaze on Kabuto's form. With a slightly panicky expression, Suigetsu fled from his poor hiding spot and closer to Sasuke. Orochimaru paid him no mind and instead stopped before the frozen Kabuto, placing a hand on his chest.

"He's going to suck up all of Kabuto's power and kill him!" Suigetsu almost squeaked.

Whatever it was that Orochimaru was doing, it was causing Kabuto to change. Slowly, his strange, snake-like appearance began to fade, looking once more like the Kabuto I had met during the Chuunin Exams.

Juugo was shaking his head, already replying to Suigetsu. "He just released the Senjutsu and took his own chakra from inside. Kabuto's chakra went untouched."

Regardless, Suigetsu did not look pleased. I, too, was less than thrilled to see Orochimaru walking about. I hadn't seen him in many years, and I was glad for it. I'd spent many years, after all, blaming him for a lot of the hardships in my life.

When Orochimaru finished, he turned to face Sasuke. "Fine. I'll assist you. Follow me."

"Where?" Sasuke asked.

"To a place you know well," Orochimaru replied, though instead of heading for the exit, he perched himself atop a pile of rubble. "But first, I need to rest a moment. Coming back from the dead is quite an energy drainer."

My eyes followed Sasuke as he wandered towards the mouth of the cave, leaning against a wall and he stared out at the world, his back to the rest of us. I turned my attention away from his as well and to my cousin, still sitting on the ground, holding her arm.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, kneeling down beside her. Her skin was pale and there was a slight sheen to her skin.

Her blue eyes met mine and I could see the pain in her face. "I've been better."

"We should try and set your arm," I said, assessing the appendage.

At that, Cherushii's skin went even paler. "I would really rather not."

I leveled her with a stare. "If you let it go, it won't heal properly."

Cherushii looked like she might be willing to take the chance when footsteps approached. I glanced over to find Suigetsu approaching us.

"Cherushii," Suigetsu greeted cordially, eyeing her. "How is my DNA treating you?"

"You can have it back."

"Nah, you can keep it," Suigetsu shrugged. "And you might as well take advantage of it."

"Aren't I already?" Cherushii asked, a hint of annoyance in her tone.

Suigetsu rolled his eyes. "Clearly not. All you have to do is change your arm into water and when it reverts, it should put the bones back in place. They'll still be broken, but then you can just sling it up."

Cherushii blinked. "That's all?"

"That's all."

Looking dubious, Cherushii did as instructed, her arm dissolving into water. I watched with fascination, able to appreciate the power now that danger no longer lurked over us. After a moment, Suigetsu nodded and her arm solidified once more. Cherushii let out a gasp of pain as I looked once again upon flesh. Just like Suigetsu had said, the bone did still look broken, and some nasty discoloration was beginning to form upon her skin, but at least the bones appeared to be where they were meant to be. Reaching into my belt for a roll of bandages, I set to making a makeshift sling.

"Thanks," Cherushii muttered as I finished my handiwork, tugging on the bandages slightly to make sure they would hold.

I said nothing, only nodded as I got to my feet, knees groaning slightly. Pocketing what was left of the bandage roll, I glanced around. Sasuke still remained at the mouth of the cave and Orochimaru still appeared to be resting, though there was a keenness in his eyes as he, too, assessed his surroundings. Swallowing against my throat, pushing memories deep into the recesses of my mind, I scanned the area for my brother.

I found him not very far away. He had moved out of the ashes that had been Itachi's reanimation, but he stood close to them, his gaze set on them. He was not crying, and yet I could see the pain in his face. I wondered if I should go to him, if I should try and offer him some kernel of comfort, or if I should allow him this private moment to grieve.

Finally, feeling overwhelmed by his sadness, I made my way to him. He said nothing as I came to a silent stop before him, nor did he acknowledge my presence. He just kept staring at those ashes. I, too, focused my gaze on them.

"Hey…" I finally said softly, quiet enough to not be overheard.

Keitaro waited a long moment before answering. "Hey."

His voice sounded constricted, like his throat was too tight. The sound alone caused a lump to form in my own throat. "You okay?"

Another long moment of silence before he answered so quietly I almost didn't hear him. "No."

I swallowed against that lump and reached out, taking my brother's hand in mine. I knew I could offer him no comfort. I knew no gesture would break through that grief. Still, I gave his hand a firm squeeze. A moment later, he squeezed my hand in return.

"Alright," a haughty voice cut through our stillness and I glanced up to see Orochimaru getting to his feet. "Come now."

As Orochimaru sauntered towards the entrance where Sasuke waited, I peeked over at my brother. I gave his hand another squeeze. "Ready?"

Keitaro finally looked up, settling his brown eyes on Sasuke. His promise rang through my head and I knew Keitaro would risk anything to watch out for Sasuke as Itachi had requested. "Yes."

I only hoped he wouldn't lead my brother to his death.

I pulled the black robe closer to me, cinching it at the neck to keep the hood pulled over my face as much as possible. I kept my head bowed, though not low enough to look suspicious. As it were, there was already four of us wearing black robes. Suigetsu, Juugo and Cherushii had foregone cloaks in hopes of not drawing attention to ourselves. Keitaro, Sasuke, Orochimaru and myself, however, could not afford to be spotted here.

I was not entirely pleased to be walking the streets of my own village in disguise. I couldn't quite pinpoint why it irritated me so, but something about having to do so thanks to Sasuke was really tugging on my nerves. I wasn't the criminal here. I wasn't the one who had abandoned Konoha.

I told myself repeatedly that the only reason I was following Sasuke was because of my brother. Or to ensure that Sasuke didn't attempt to destroy the village. I had a duty to fulfill. But there was a small, nagging voice in the back of my mind that wondered if I would still be here if my brother wasn't. Was I here for some other reason?

I hated myself for it. And yet, I couldn't help but think about how he'd looked in that cavern where his brother disappeared from his life again. How small he seemed to be when he uttered those words and looked so lost. I couldn't shake the memory of holding his hand in mine. How perfect our hands had fit together. How warm his hand had been. How it had felt when he had squeezed my hand.

My stomach gave a little flip at the memory. How pathetic. I tried to turn my thoughts to the current situation.

Orochimaru was leading the way to whatever it was Sasuke was trying to achieve and it left me with no small amount of disgust. Just being near to him made my skin crawl. I had to consciously push away memories just to maintain my sanity. Because when I thought of how much had been taken away from me because of him…

But ripping him apart with my bare hands would accomplish nothing. And I knew from my experience with Natsuo that killing him wouldn't bring me any peace. And I couldn't help but wonder what Sasuke would do if I tried to kill Orochimaru while he was utilizing him for something. Something inside of me turned cold when I thought of the probable answer.

And so I followed my brother and Sasuke and Orochimaru. I hid my face in my own village. I pushed down my anger and disgust and traveled to the place Orochimaru has claimed "all the secrets slumbered".

In an attempt to pull myself from circling thoughts, I peered over at Sasuke. His face was hidden by his hood as well, but I could sense his restless energy. Not restless in the traditional sense, but what would be considered restless for Sasuke. I could feel him glancing about himself, taking in the place he had left years ago. In fact, we hadn't traveled very far before, without warning, Sasuke abandoned the group, leaping up to a rooftop, and from there to a water tower.

Our group stopped, everyone glancing up to Sasuke in surprise. My brother glanced to me, offering a meaningful look, which I frowned at. But to emphasize his point, he jerked his head in Sasuke's direction. I rolled my eyes, but didn't bother to protest.

Sasuke had lowered his hood by the time I joined him atop the water tower. His eyes were scanning around him, taking in the village below.

"This place…has changed quite a bit."

I turned my attention from him, casting my gaze forward. The Hokage monument stared back at me in the distance. Tsuande had been added to the four other faces, but otherwise they looked the same as they did almost five years ago. Five years ago already. Five years had passed since we sat atop the roof of the Academy building, those faces staring down at us.

The memory hit me, the impact of it taking me by surprise. I felt my heart clench and I wondered, for a horrifying moment, if tears were about to spring to my eyes. They didn't, but there was no denying the heaviness that had appeared in my chest.

God. How many times had I lain in the dark, going over those memories over and over? How many times had I hated myself for wasting that time? For taking those moments for granted? And how many times had I dreamed of standing next to him again? Of having him home?

But I never imagined it like this.

"I guess it's changed…" I said as the thoughts swirled through my mind. Did it really come out sounding as hallow as I think it did? It must have, because I could feel Sasuke's eyes fall on me.

I found myself wishing he would look away. I didn't want him studying me. I didn't want him to see the sadness in my face. I didn't want him to know about those nights full of anguish and pointless dreams. Because when he left again, I didn't want him to know how much it would hurt me. I didn't want it to, but somehow I knew it would. Because that's how it always was with Sasuke.

The silence stretched on and I felt my feet shift as pressure seemed to press in on me. The weight of his gaze made me not want to breathe. And so, after what felt like an eternity pinned under his gaze, words suddenly popped out of my mouth.

"Did you ever miss it?"

I said it so softly I wondered if he'd even heard me, especially as the seconds ticked on. But I felt his gaze shift away from me and I knew he'd heard me. And I knew his answer as the silence stretched on.

Of course he hadn't missed this. Missed us. Missed me.

How fucking stupid of me to even ask.

God I was pathetic.

"I guess not…" I replied for him, resignation lacing my tone. "You didn't stay."

"You didn't leave."

The statement took a moment to sink in and when it did, I felt a jolt down my spine. My eyes went wide and I suddenly found myself staring over at him. He was looking at me, his face expressionless, his eyes unreadable. Perhaps because there was nothing in them to read. But…

…why did he say that…?

How long was I staring at him with a gaping mouth before I realized it? I snapped my mouth shut but I couldn't look away. I felt like I couldn't. If I looked away, this moment would be gone. Forever. It would never happen again.

He was still holding my gaze; steady, calm. Why wasn't he looking away? Was he trying to say something? Was he waiting for a response?

"Hey, love birds! Let's go!" Cherushii's voice floated up to us. It shattered the moment, whatever it was and our eye contact broke as Sasuke's eyes slid to the ground below us.

I realized then that I hadn't been breathing and I felt a sudden need to take in a big breath of air. I took a few shallows breaths instead and was relieved when my voice came out normal. "I think she means us."

Sasuke's eyes flickered back to mine for a moment. I swallowed against my throat before forcing my gaze away and dropping back to the ground.

Orochimaru lead us through town, careful to take back roads. He took us to the corner of Konoha that had once been occupied by the Uchiha Clan. The buildings were falling apart after years of neglect. Roofs had caved in, windowpanes had been broken, the streets were overgrown with weeds.

I kept a close eye on Sasuke as we moved through what used to be his home. He wore his usual look of stoicism, however, even as his eyes took in the scene. He seemed to realize where we were going at this point and we finally came to a stop before a large pile of splintered wood and rubble. It was clear it had once been a building because the mass had fallen atop and around a giant slab of stone that rested on the earth.

The slab was thick and decorated with a Sharingan markings and patterns that I was not familiar with. Sasuke was though and needed no direction as he walked up to the slab of stone and formed a seal with his fingers. In response, the slab shuddered before sliding out of the way, revealing a set of stairs.

"There's nothing left of the Uchiha's Naka Shrine," Orochimaru commented as he lowered the hood of his cloak.

"On the surface anyway. What's of value lies beneath the shrine," Sasuke said, his eyes on the stairs. "Let's go."

One by one we descended the stairs, finding ourselves in an underground room. It was empty, aside from a small slab of stone at the back of the room. Writing was scrawled atop the stone, though I couldn't read it from where I stood, even when Sasuke used his fire jutsu to light two torches that rested on either side of the stone.

"I suppose I should begin," Orochimaru sighed, as though he thought it a chore. He removed his cloak, handing it to Suigetsu, who looked annoyed at the gesture. Orochimaru paid him no mind, however, and approached the stone, withdrawing a mask from his kimono top. We'd retrieved the mask before coming here.

I lowered my hood as Orochimaru donned the strange mask and an eerie purple flame engulfed Orochimaru's body. The suddenness of it took me aback and I watched with wide eyes as a creature made of the flame rose from Orochimaru's body. Its face mirrored the mask and clutched a sword in its mouth. Orochimaru's words rang through my head.

"According to the info on the scroll, we need to retrieve the Reaper's mask first. I was told it can be found in the Uzumaki clan's mask temple on the outskirts of Konoha. You must then allow the Shikifujin to possess you in order to release it. To undo the jutsu, you need it to slice its belly. I'll need to become a sacrifice in exchange, however. And from that, I'll finally be able to regain my arms."

The strange purple flame reflected in my eyes as I watched the creature remove the sword from its mouth and slash it across its abdomen. The same slice appeared on Orochimaru's abdomen and I could see a dark stain soak his clothing even through the flame that covered him.

Orochimaru ripped the mask from his face. His skin was shining with sweat and blood dripped from his lips. "Juugo, Suigetsu, Sasuke, prepare yourselves!"

In response, Juugo activated his cursemark. It began to glow orange and he placed his palm on Sasuke's shoulder. Immediately, things began to protrude from Sasuke's body. At first they looked like clumps of white clay; but as they slithered from his body, they began to take form. Human forms to be precise.

To perform the Edo Tensei, human sacrifices are necessary. Suigetsu had thought Orochimaru had meant to use us, but Orochimaru explained that someone named Tobi (no one had seen fit to explain who that was to me), had spies within Sasuke's body. So we had been warned. But I still couldn't help shiver in disgust as six beings fell from Sasuke and onto the floor.

"Dammit it! How!?" one of them demanded of Orochimaru.

"I know all about Hashirama's cells from my experiments, and that includes being able to sense their presence," Orochimaru replied. "So, there were six of you after all. Tobi does indeed do his due diligence. When I recovered my chakra from Kabuto, I also gained all the intel he had acquired. He was well aware of the six Zetsu clones inside of Sasuke."

Orochimaru performed some very complicated handsigns, slamming a hand on the cement floor. Black lines and symbols spread from his hand across the floor. At the end of the string of symbols were four, large black circles. Suigetsu, Juugo, Sasuke and Keitaro each dragged a clone across the floor, dumping them into a circle.

"Suigetsu, Juugo, I leave the remaining two to you," Orochimaru said.

"We're good to go, Orochimaru," Suigetsu smirked, having quickly subdued his charge. Juugo subdued his before looking expectantly back at Orochimaru.

"Edo Tensei no Jutsu!" Orochimaru's fingers worked into seals.

Blue flames overtook the four bodies lying on the ground. They seemed to melt into a masses of putty before they reshaped themselves into new human forms. I watched in awe and disbelief as the forms arose as the previous four Hokages.

I took each of them in, studying the faces I had seen only briefly in textbooks. The first Hokage had tanned skin, long black hair reaching well past his shoulders. He wore red armor and a Leaf headband around his forehead. The second Hokage, who stood to the First's left, had short white hair and an unfriendly face.

The Third appeared as I had last seen him, old and wrinkled and wise. He was wearing his battle armor. To his left stood the Fourth. He had died when I was merely an infant. His spikey blonde hair sent a jolt through me.

He looks like Naruto…

"It's that Orochimaru brat again," said the Second after a long moment, glancing to his right at his brother.

His brother was looking about himself, confused. "What's going on?

"He removed the Shikifujin seal that bound us, then used the Edo Tensei," replied the Third. The sound of his voice brought with it a sense of familiarity and comfort.

"You really managed to remove the seal?" the Fourth looked to Orochimaru in awe. "How'd you pull it off Orochimaru?"

"Don't underestimate me Minato," Orochimaru smirked. "It may have originally been a technique of the Uzumaki clan, but once my ability to use jutsus became limited, I spent my downtime investigating ruins and examining the privet documents of long-lost clans."

"First, it appears we've been revived," the Fourth glanced down the line to the first Hokage.

Once he was addressed, the first peered down the line to Hokage Minato. "Uh…who are you?"

"I'm the Fourth Hokage," the Fourth replied, pointing to the back of his white robe that clearly stated his rank.

"Holy crap! A fourth!?"

I guess I'd never thought about what the First Hokage would have been like. But if I had, I definitely wouldn't have imagined this. Judging by the looks on my comrade's faces, they wouldn't have either.

"Splendid! The village has endured for quite some time it seems!" the First commented, delighted. "So, tell me, who's the fifth?"

"Your granddaughter, Princess Tsunade," Orochimaru answered.

"Tsunade…" the First seemed to pale. "The village…is it still standing…?"

"You have so little faith in her," the Fourth commented.

"It's just…since she was my first granddaughter, I spoiled her rotten! She picked up some really bad habits from me, including my propensity for gambling! Gyahahaha!"

I scowled, muttering. "So he's the reason I keep losing all my money."

"Moving along," Orochimaru cleared his throat. His gestured to Sasuke with one hand. "This is why you're all here."

Sasuke took a few steps forward so that he stood beside Orochimaru. "I am Uchiha Sasuke. There are a few things I need to know."

The Third's eyes widened as he took in Sasuke, as though he hadn't noticed him before. The Third then scanned the rest of us in the chamber and I saw his gaze linger on Keitaro and myself.

"Heh…an Uchiha…it's just like one to keep such company," the Second scoffed with disdain.

"Tobirama! I told you to quit spewing such bigotry!" the First shouted at his brother.

"Still as compassionate as ever," his brother rolled his eyes.

"I'm not the person of interest here," Sasuke cut in, appearing as though the remark hadn't bothered him. "Third, why did you give Itachi those orders?"

The Third's face instantly saddened and his shoulders seem to droop with guilt. "So, you've finally been told the truth."

"I killed Itachi…and got my revenge for the rest of the Uchiha clan. Afterwards, Tobi and Danzou revealed the truth to me. That's when I decided the Leaf must pay…however, I need to hear it directly from you. Tell me everything about Itachi."

The Third looked resigned, but he answered.

"We ordered him to kill his clan. Then we branded him a traitor. We had him infiltrate the Akatsuki and act as our lone spy. Itachi's astuteness about the village's origins and the shinobi that bore from it was probably the reason why he never really had strong familial ties to his clan. He was always able to see the bigger picture and what he saw made him restless…

At the age of seven, his wisdom was on par with that of a Hokage. So we placed an unfathomable burden on his young shoulders and he welcomed it with open arms and treated it like a personal mission. So he slaughtered his clan to prevent the coup and in doing so, stopped an even greater bloodshed that would have ensued. He even agreed to join the Akatsuki as our spy…all for the sake of the village. With the lone condition that I shield his younger brother from harm."

Sasuke immediately turned his head away; to hide the raw pain and grief of in his face. My heart clenched in my chest. But though he hid his face, that deep sadness was in his voice. I wasn't sure if he was bothering to hide it or not. "So…it was all true…"

I took a step towards before stopping myself. What was I doing?

The Second spoke up, nonchalant and cold. "Such is the fate of the damned Uchiha clan. I knew they'd rebel eventually. Madara's will was secretly share by quite a few…"

A sudden flush of rage poured through me, my eyes narrowing at the ignorant man. How could I stand there and insult Sasuke to his face? Insult those he loved and lost?

I didn't even realize my hands clenched into fists at my side, or that I was storming forward. That was, until a hand snapped out, catching my wrist. Surprised, I peered over to see that I had stormed up to Sasuke's side. He wasn't looking at me; instead his vision rested on the Second. His fingers released my wrist but I remained at his side, settling my own cool glare on the former Hokage.

"You unwittingly fanned those flames, Second," Orochimaru broke in. "By forming the Konoha Military Police Force."

"Nonsense."

"Those who keep the peace are often viewed with vitriol. Furthermore, absolute power corrupts absolutely," Orochimaru explained wisely. "You even built their headquarters in a location that once served as a prison. Under the guise of maintaining peace, you knowingly chased them to the outskirts of the village. You made the conditions very favorable for Madara to gain sympathizers."

"Tobirama! How many times did I tell you not to continue persecuting the Uchihas!" Hashirama scolded.

"I simply gave them a duty they could excel at! Besides, you can't blame me for skewing things the way I did after what Madara pulled. You know better than anyone else, the Uchiha are a cursed clan."

I could feel Sasuke tense as that, even though I wasn't touching him.

"You seem to be fixated on Madara. Does he frighten you so?" Orochimaru asked.

The Second settled a serious gaze on Orochimaru. "You know nothing of Madara."

"Second, answer me this. Just what are the Uchiha to you?" Sasuke asked, his voice even.

"Hmmm," the Second Hokage first bowed his head as he thought. "The Uchiha Clan and my clan, the Senju, have been at each other's throats for as long as I can remember. Simply put, we're mortal enemies."

"I'm well aware of this," Sasuke said impatiently. "But why do you call them a cursed clan?"

The First looked troubled as the Second answered. "Public perception is that the Senju valued friendship and love over jutsu, whilst the Uchiha place absolute value on jutsu alone. But in actuality…this is false. The Uchiha are the ones who valued love and friendship above all else. So much so they deemed it necessary to seal them off."

Sasuke's eyebrows drew together in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"When an Uchiha comes to know those strong feelings…it's as if a torrent is unleashed within and it awakens even greater than what the Senju know."

As the words left his mouth, a memory floated through my brain. All those years ago, in Haku's mirrors, when Sasuke had rushed in between Naruto and myself and Haku's needles. When he had awakened his Sharingan.

Slowly, Sasuke turned his head to me and I caught his eye. I couldn't help but wonder if he was remembering the same thing.

"So, what's your beef?" asked Suigetsu, wide-eyed and confused. "Can't you guys just get along since both clans are filled with all this lovey-dovey crap?"

"Ah…but therein lies the problem…Their feelings are in fact too powerful…and if unchecked…when an Uchiha that has known such strong feelings comes to lose them, those feelings transform into an indomitable hatred that consumes them. I have seen it happen countless times…and without fail, a symptom always follows."

"Symptom?" I murmured.

"The anguish and despair that proceeds from experiencing such loss causes their brains to release a special kind of chakra that affects their optic nerves. The eye reflects their feelings…or the mirror wheel eye…the Sharingan.

The Sharingan mirrors those feelings of despair and anguish and gives the user a considerable boost of power. The Uchiha are…very impressionable. All who come to experience those strong emotions invariably become consumed by a depraved path. The further down that path they fall…the more powerful their eyes become, and the harder it is to reason with them. As in Madara's case."

His tone was condescending and bitter and it set my teeth on edge.

"What is the legacy of the village?" Sasuke asked. "And what purpose do the shinobi fill?"

"The legacy of the village…and purpose of shinobi…" Hashirama echoed, closing his eyes.

"Itachi willingly allowed himself to be exploited by the village…Gave his final breath for its' sake, never wavering in his loyalty to Konoha, slaughtering his brethren, sacrificing himself…Just what is the legacy of the village?" Sasuke elaborated. "The forefathers, what were their motivations? I need to hear these things from you. And then I'll act accordingly."

The Second's eyes narrowed on Sasuke. "Act accordingly?"

"Either crush Konoha, or…"

The Second bristled at that. "Crush Konoha? This little shit inherited the Uchiha's malevolence. You dare make threats in front of me…!?"

"Tobirama!" the Fourth and Third gasped in surprise.

But the man didn't seem the least bit remorseful. In fact, although he stood still, his arms crossed over his chest, his fingers tightened subtly against his upper arms. And that was all it took for tension to engulf the room.

From behind me, I could feel my brother draw closer to Cherushii. Orochimaru readied a handseal in front of his face. Juugo and Suigetsu slid into defensive stances. Sasuke's knees bent. My hands hovered over my blades.

"Tobirama!" the First snapped. "Your fingers. Unflex them…now."

Tobirama seemed hesitant at first, but his stance did relax. The rest of us followed suit, but not without casting wary glances at the Hokages.

"Sasuke, your brother was truly amazing. Puts a shinobi like me to shame, really. The legacy of the village…it's a long story…" the First said after a long moment of silence.

"Tell him what he needs to know but make it brief, we're pressed for time," Orochimaru said.

"Why the rush?" asked the Third.

"We are in the midst of a war," Orochimaru explained. "Uchiha Madara has been resurrected and has begun his genocide against all shinobi."

The four Hokage raised their eyebrows in alarm.

"Then we must head to the battlefield!" the Third said urgently.

"Do not forget this is my Edo Tensei…you cannot move on your own whim," Orochimaru reminded the four. "However, I will allow you to join the fray after his questions have been answered."

"We can speak afterwards!" the Third growled in response. "You know how dire the situation must be if Madara has been revived!"

"My loyalties lie with the boy," Orochimaru responded calmly. "If Sasuke is not satisfied with what he hears…He may just decide to use you all to assist in crushing Konoha."

This made my eyes widened and I glanced over to Orochimaru before shifting my gaze back to the reactions of the Hokages.

"You seemed to have made a severe miscalculation, Orochimaru," the Second hmphed. "You have indeed perfected my jutsu…but you have made it too efficient. You've brought us back at virtually full strength."

The Seconds walked over to the wall nearest him. He placed a palm against its cement wall and it began to crack apart.

"That means your Edo Tensei has no hope of limiting my movements. After all, it is my jutsu," the Second said. "I'll take my leave."

But it became quickly apparent that the Second could not leave. His body strained, as though physically pushing against the hold Orochimaru had.

"Sarutobi, you raised quite the pupil," Hashirama smirked.

"You're going to make me blush," said Orochimaru, his hands held in a seal before his face.

"Ugh…!" the Second grunted in aggravation.

Hashirama settled his gaze on Sasuke. "The path you decide to follow after I've told my tale is yours to choose alone. Turning my back on you now would undoubtably lead you down the same path that Madara took. And if that happens, ending this war would only postpone another outbreak. Now…where to begin…"

The tale that the First Hokage launched into was not one I had ever heard before. Not in any of our history classes had any of this been taught. The origins began with Madara and Hashirama as young boys. Despite being from enemy clans, the two came together as friends and created a dream, a vision; a village where all clans and shinobi could live in peace. Once the two had grown up and the ninja war had finally ended, Konoha slowly became a reality. But once Konoha had been established, Madara left, stating he had different dreams to accomplish.

The village prospered; blood feuds forgotten. But then, Madara began to continually besiege the village, trying to destroy what he had helped to create. It all came down to a choice for Hashirama: his friendship with Madara, or the village? He chose the village and killed Madara.

"I don't know how or who resurrected Madara, but I am certain of one thing. That day I slew a dear friend for the sake of my village," the First finished, his eyes far away. "The village he and I had spent countless hours discussing was a place that would bring clans together; an indispensable pillar in turning what had been total anarchy into a semblance of order. A place where a child no longer had to spill blood…a place with no more petty disagreements…a place governed by peace.

As shinobi, we must make impossible choices in order to achieve our dreams. My dream was building the village from the ground up. Madara discovered a different dream."

Silence fell. I peered over at Sasuke, trying to read his face. He was concentrating hard, his lips pressed into a firm line.

"Now…can someone elaborate on the whole 'Madara has been resurrected and has begun a genocide against all shinobi' thing?" Hashirama's eyes swept over our group.

"It's the infinite Tsukuyomi…shinobi, people, villages, countries…none of it will matter," Keitaro spoke up for the first time from behind me. "Once everything is caught in the genjutsu, he'll be able to toy with them at his own whim."

Sasuke finally glanced up, his gaze steady, his face no longer contemplative, but determined. "Everything my brother tried to protect will all be for nothing."

My heart was suddenly racing in my chest. I was holding my breath, eyes set on Sasuke's profile.

"I'm going to the battlefield."

Relief and happiness swept through me, overwhelming me with emotions. Part of me was horrified the tears of relief might start welling in my eyes, but another part of me didn't care. Because this Sasuke, the one standing next to me, I recognized him. It was as though he had been obscured by darkness and I could finally see him now that he walked into the light.

An insane part of me wanted to hug him. Or to hold his hand. Or to just touch him. To make this all real.

"Sounds like a plan," Hashirama grinned. "Tobirama, make preparations for immediate transport!"

"The Hiraishin no Jutsu isn't a viable option since we're bound…"

The First turned his gaze on Orochimaru. "It's your move."

"I recall you saying your loyalties rested with Sasuke?" the Third prompted.

"Of course, I'll be joining as well."

Suigetsu's face fell at this, glancing at Orochimaru in disbelief. "What!? But…Juugo…?"

"I am and will always be Sasuke's shield."

I watched the despair wash over his face and rolled my eyes.

Wasting no time, the Hokages were quick to exit the underground shrine. The rest of us followed as the four headed for high ground to get a good view of their surroundings.

"What a sight for sore eyes," the First admired happily as he took in the village stretched below us.

Suigetsu took this opportunity to turn on his heel and start running. His actions grabbed our attention and we all turned to see him fleeing before a shape finally flew at him, knocking him into the ground. Blinking in surprise, I took in the sudden, new arrival.

"Damn you, Sasuke! I knew it! Thought I was imagining things, but that chakra…and here you are!"

"So…another one of my experiments bore fruit," Orochimaru mused.

"Karin…" Sasuke glanced over at her.

I wondered what had happened to her…

"If you think I'll just overlook this you have another thing coming! I'll never forgive-!"

"Sorry, Karin," Sasuke cut in. This earned him a raised eyebrow from me. Sasuke, sorry? And for what? What had he done?

"J-Jerk! Just because you're a smooth talker…don't think…I…puddy…in your hands…jerk," but Karin was already swooning.

"Still pining over Sasuke-kun I see," Orochimaru observed.

Karin was quick to close the distance between herself and us and was suddenly standing before Sasuke, jabbing an index finger at his chest. "Sasuke stabbed me! And then he-Holy shit! Orochimaru!?"

"What a coincidence," Orochimaru said, ignoring her obvious surprise. "He stabbed me too."

"Join the club," I said, crossing my arms over my chest. "We should make t-shirts."

"Y-Yeah…! W-Well…" Karin's conviction seemed to slip and she latched herself onto Sasuke, her cheeks flushed pink. Sasuke frowned, an uncomfortable look on his face.

"Calm it, four-eyes," I narrowed my eyes at her, snatching her by the collar of her shirt and literally pulling her off the Uchiha. I didn't fail to notice the smirk my brother shot me, and I was sure to glower at him in response.

Karin continued to watch Sasuke but she made no move to make physical contact again. I took a peek over at Sasuke and was surprised to find him watching me.

I felt heat rush into my face, realizing how obvious that must have looked. Embarrassed, I could only mutter. "You're welcome…"

Was it my imagination or was there something twitching at one side of his mouth? It ensnared me, freezing me to the spot but warming my entire body at the same time. In retrospect, I would look back and realize everyone was watching us, but at the time, it felt like a private moment.

The anger and resentment and hurt that often associated my dealings with Sasuke were all gone. Instead I felt…peaceful. It was just another day, another mission, another battle I was going into with him at my side. That familiar ease that came with knowing he was there with me, that we were unstoppable. That he had my back, and I had his. It was the feeling that had grown from years of working together. And though it had disappeared the last, almost three years, it was back as though it had never left.

There were a million things I wanted to say in this moment. There were things I wanted him to know. I wanted him to understand what all this meant to me. That something was different all of a sudden and I wanted to hang onto this and never let go.

But there was no time now. No chance to tell him everything, or anything. And yet, when Sasuke said: "To the battlefield" while looking directly into my eyes, I realized something had been said. Everything I needed to hear in that moment were in those words, in his eyes.

And so, I smiled, peering up at him, and replied. "To the battlefield."

Author's Note:

As per usual, I am overwhelmed with your generous reviews. You are all so kind to me; I can't begin to explain how much joy it brings me. I only hope I bring you some of that joy.

I know this was a dialogue-heavy chapter, but it was important. And I just realized I only have like 3 or 4 chapters left. Wow!

Stay safe, readers.