Hymn of the Forsaken

by ctt

Canon divergent. Valley of the End. Sasuke realizes the final parting gift his father left him before his death. A gift that would allow him to secure his own future on his own terms. It was a way for all the dreams, stories and lessons of the Uchiha clan to continue instead of being lost. On how you can write your own story even if history has long been written by the victors.

3. Chapter 3 - The Land of Izanami

Hymn of the Forsaken

Summary: Uchiha Itachi returns to Konoha. Uchiha Sasuke disappears. The world will never be the same again. For the monster these two young men have unleashed, can never be locked back again. The great powers are waiting and sharpening their swords.

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Notes: I know I keep saying that this is a series of one shots, but this is looking like its not anymore. I'm continuing to hope that I can keep this a simple story, because I don't think I'm the best person to write a multi-chaptered monster. I will admit I look like I'm failing in that regard. I don't know how long I can keep my denial going or am I just delusional?

Anyhow, this is not betaed. I try to proof-read but as you could see with the previous chapter I wasn't successful and it was a horrifying mash of errors. I've cleaned up chapter 2. Hopefully, this one is a bit more cleaner.

Lastly, be warned that I have pretty much deviated from canon, even canon legends and myths have been reworked.

III. The Land of Izanami

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Once upon a time, there were two brothers death loved dearly.

Itachi Uchiha, the prodigy, Konoha called him. The death bringer, they would whisper. The assassin, the killer, the perfect Anbu operative. Death came easily at his hand. It was all he knew that when the call came to kill his whole clan, he took it. Who could blame him? He knew nothing else. He had been taught that killing was the only answer.

Sasuke Uchiha, the last Uchiha, Konoha called him. The death bringer, they would sneer furtively. The boy who would bring death to all those stood by him. Wasn't he the only survivor? Didn't he watch his whole clan be murdered while he lived? Didn't his teacher nearly die? Perhaps it was better he should have died, they lamented. Such a shame that we allowed the would be traitor to live.

Death loved them so well that it hounded them. It was their closest companion that dodged their very steps.

Itachi Uchiha looked at his hands and only saw the blood that stained it. He tried to comfort himself by remembering it was all for the greater good. But the blood that stained his hands, the eyes of the dying that dimmed by his hands, was the sight he could never erase. He had trudged thru his life plotting and scheming for death's call, because what reason is there to live?

Sasuke Uchiha could never forget the dead that populated his every moment. In his sleep he would remember his father and mother falling at the slash of the blade. In his waking moment, he would see the afterimages of his dead clan littering the streets, the bloodstained walls and the coppery smell of blood. In the dreams his brother gave him, he would watched death come to those he loved over and over again while he screamed himself hoarse. He would trudge thru life searching to end the life of his brother and his own. Because what reason is there to live?

But then does death truly love them when he refused to take them? End their lives as what is their dearest wish? They had tried their best in courting death to come call. But all they had was a line of bodies not their own.

Itachi death bringer with the lives he would take.

Sasuke death bringer with the lives that would be taken because of his presence.

The death bringer who death would not take nor keep.

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"I do agree with Tsunade that we should allow Itachi Uchiha to live," Elder Koharu spoke, ending the glaring stand off.

Tsunade gaped in surprise at those words, too shocked to fathom that one of the intransigent elders would find merit in her ideas. Homura, her fellow elder, turned a thundering stare at her betrayal, while Danzō surveyed the tableau serenely.

"You actually agree with this naive child that we tell the populace Itachi Uchiha was our agent inside the Akatsuki?!"

Homura was a study of incredulity as he said those words, "And if the people start to question the Uchiha massacre? Do we tell them that we ordered it? Or do we take it further and tell them it was part of the Nidaime's plan should the Uchiha Clan rebel?!"

"I'm not that stupid," Tsunade snarked back, stung by the low opinion the words painted of her. "Of course we can't tell them about the Uchiha massacre, we may have a possible rebellion if the truth comes out."

"And give credence to Suna's attempted invasion," Koharu interjected. "They've partially circumnavigated the tariffs we levied them as a penalty for the invasion. Such information will give them just cause to totally ignore it," she muttered before throwing a studying glance at Tsunade's way. "Just remember Princess, your boy Naruto may be friends with the Kazekage, but Suna and the Land of the Wind is the most loyal to the Uchiha among the five great Shinobi nations. So loyal that the Senju will never gain any of the Wind's respect nor trust. Our peaceful coexistence with them is because of the Uchiha, and with the Uchiha gone, they have no qualms with turning back at us. Just look at how they have tried to shut us off from trading with them at that dratted boy's behest!"

The words, boy, hung in the air with such derision. The whole room was well aware of the boy Koharu spoke of, Sasuke Uchiha who had forged a trading alliance that undercut Konoha's long held status of middlemen.

"Anyhow," Tsunade cut through the boiling tempers in the room. Any mention of Sasuke Uchiha has always sent the elders in a tizzy, especially Koharu who cursed the said boy in his successful attempts in challenging the Land of Fire's economic dominance. "We need a hero people can rally behind now that Jiraiya's dead and the Akatsuki more aggressive. What better way than this story? A courageous and brilliant Shinobi who sacrificed his good name to serve his country unflinchingly. And the fact he pulled the wool over the Akatsuki's eyes is a cherry on top."

All this got a look of disbelief from Homura, much to Tsunade's dismay. The old coot had always been stubborn and unmoving, while Danzō was no help. He was seemingly more mummy than a man that it was nigh impossible to get a read on him.

"Plus we need to strengthen our alliances that the massacre and the traitor Sasuke weakened," Koharu added much to Tsunade's relief. Perhaps the old bat would be able to convince the other two fossils. "Most of our treaties hinges on the Uchiha and their reputation. It was something all the past Hokages took advantage off, but forgot how much of the double edged sword it was. And that blasted Hikaku and Kenshin exploited it," Koharu spat, naming the previous Uchiha heads who had been Konaha's best Shinobi-diplomats, even with the edict that all Shinobi Uchiha must serve in the military police. "But since Itachi believed he killed Sasuke and now he is back in Konoha's bosom. The other nations would not be able to question it. The older brother, the current clan head back with his name cleared; he will represent the Land of Fire well."

"And we cannot let such a weapon die as well," Danzō rumbled, effortlessly drawing all attention to him. "When your grandfather died and passed none with the gift of the Mokuton, it was such a blow to our military strength. And to simply loose the Sharingan when we now have a chance to breed it, is wasteful."

Homura harrumphed. He knew full well he had been outvoted.

"Worry not Homura," Danzō soothed. "Itachi Uchiha has shown himself to be very loyal and open to the advise of the Hokage and the council. He will do what is best for this country."

"Well I hope you're right or it will be all our necks in the chopping block."

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From time to time, Tsunade would think of her grandfather and his haunted gaze. Not that he would let a child see into the cheerful idealistic mask he put on to the world, but sometimes the mask would slip. She would find herself peering furtively as weariness would overtake him. Such a strong man would be bent and bowed like Atlas, and her young self had always wanted to comfort him. But she always held back, as even at a young age she knew it would not be welcomed. All she would get was trite meaningless words.

Now as Hokage she realised why her grandfather was crushed by such a weight. This was a world full of secrets and lies, a power mad game that would drive anyone in grief. Surely this was the reason he wiled away his spare time gambling in order to forget. And this is why her father refused the hat and instead spent days entertaining his noble wife and brother in law. Better to hide your head in the sand than bury yourself in the weight of secrets.

She will now be burdening two men with such a secret. Men who never asked for such a thing and only wished to serve their gods be damned village. May the gods have mercy on her soul. But what can she do? Jiraiya had carried the burden as the handler. He was now gone and they are at a cusp of change. Tsunade had no choice but to act, make these impossible choices and hoped for the best.

"Inoichi," Tsunade addressed the Head of the Analysis Division. "Itachi Uchiha reported that he killed his brother, were you able to confirm it?"

"Given his shocked state, Itachi Uchiha had quite strong shielding," the blonde mussed. "But I was able to glean images of the final outcome. There was no signs of memory tampering so I'm sure it is accurate. He was able to drive his hand thru Sasuke Uchiha's left lung. It's fatal if no expert medical attention was given."

"Kakashi," she turned her attention to the Jounin that led the team in investigating the confrontation. "What's your assessment?"

"Itachi Uchiha's right hand was covered in blood and his clothes had the correct blood spray pattern as a point blank hit Yamanaka described. There was also a blood pool a few feet away from him, showing Sasuke Uchiha must have staggered backwards. But there is no body or presence of marks to show he was dragged away."

"So I am to assume you believe that Sasuke Uchiha is alive?"

"No without certainty," Kakashi spoke flatly. "But there is a huge possibility."

Tsunade took a deep breath and observed the two men. She had chosen them because she needed the intelligence division onboard. She understood why secrecy must be tantamount, but her predecessor's decision to keep such an important intelligence gathering operation to the minimum of spy and handler left the operation easy to disrupt. Case to point when the Sadaima died and Jiraiya had to personally brief her of the situation. Or when Jiraiya died and she found herself scrambling for a way to reach the agent without blowing his cover sky high. And Kakashi, because he had everything that she needed to complete this new unholy trio. He had proven himself a top operative and head. He had worked with Itachi. And the final nail was she was considering him as her successor, it's better he be exposed to the inner workings of Konoha and all the stench it entailed.

"Gentlemen," she spoke grimly. "This information that I will impart to you is of the highest level of secrecy. It very much essential to this long term mission you are both assigned too."

Her gaze bored at the two. Tsunade knew this would be a trial. The information that would be released had an ability to break any man. She handed them a thick scroll as her blood seep into the seal, opening it. With bated breath, she watched as for the first time in so long, the details of the Firestorm Initiative crafted by Tobirama Senju would be seen my outsiders.

Minutes ticked by and Inoichi Yamanaka stared at her in shock. The man's face was pale. He looked at loss for words.

"So," he licked his lips, truly uncomfortable. "What's the mission?"

"Am I to assume you still have need of Itachi Uchiha," Kakashi spoke blandly. He projected an iron clad indifference to the information. Too indifferent that Tsunade wondered if she had miscalculated. No matter what you say, Kakashi Hatake was one of the few left with ties to the Uchiha. Certainly, everyone knew the ruckus the clan made when Kakashi came home with the Sharingan. But then she remembered how suddenly it was no longer talked about. Or the fact that he had at least been teammates with three Uchihas. Something no one could ever match.

"When the Firestorm Initiative was initiated by the Sandaima and the Konoha elders, it was quickly realised that there was consequences to loosing the Uchiha," Tsunade explained. She tried to keep her voice steady, in part to calm Inoichi down. Another to see if there will be any break in Kakashi's mask. "It's the reason why Itachi was allowed to negotiate for Sasuke's life. Unfortunately, we realised how understated was the repercussions for the loss of the clan when Sasuke defected...I'm sure you saw it Kakashi when we sent you to Suna?"

Tsunade turned a challenging glance at the said man. She has reviewed his mission report once again, and now she had a sinking suspicion he may have undersold the situation at worse or at least underestimated it.

"Well, Wind was Wind," Kakashi shrugged. "And almost all the time Sasuke was dodging assassinations left and right that the guards literally looked at all visitors with suspicion."

Tsunade let those words sink it. It was the same conclusion his report contained, though said in a more lackadaisical style.

"We now have need for the Uchiha to be seen as integral to Konoha," Tsunade spoke. "In order for him to quickly reintegrate, we will release the information to the public that Itachi Uchiha took the fall in order to investigate the man who carried out the massacre. Aside from that, we will release rumours that the massacre was by the Akatsuki. The whole time he had been undercover in investigating not only his clan's murderers, but this worldwide terror organisation. Also, make sure rumours of Sasuke Uchiha's death will be circulated."

She took a deep breath, before turning her gaze at her Intelligence head. "Inoichi," she called him. "You'll be in charge of how we spread those rumours. I want to reach far and wide not only within Konoha and the Land of Fire, but to other nations as well. Make sure that it reaches those lands whose relationship with us has deteriorated, most especially with the Izumo Taisha Lands. But I want those rumours to reach everywhere. You also have to track down Sasuke. I'm sure he survived so I want to know what he's doing."

She let her gaze encompass the two. "Kakashi," she bit out. "You and Inoichi will be Itachi's handler, but you'll be the primary one. Your mission with Itachi is twofold. The first is political..."

It bought a annoyed groan from the said Jounin. "There is no sane or insane Shinobi who would even take such a mission if they had a choice. Hokage-same," he spoke in an exaggerated ingratiating manner. "I can tell you there's someone better out there."

His two companions lips twitched. In fact, Tsunade found her misgivings melting away at the typical response she's seen at all her Shinobi with the mention of a political mission. Inoichi hid his glee with a cough, relieves himself that he escaped that part of the mission.

"Political," Tsunade repeated with a smile. "You're to help him restore and hopefully strengthen our old treaties, help gather information on who we have to target in order to help push our agenda. Your also to observe Itachi, make sure he is not compromised. Lastly, we'll need to revive the Uchiha Clan quickly so find what his female preferences are."

Inoichi choked while Kakashi boldly allowed amusement to seep through his eyes.

"Hokage-sama," the Yamanaka head exclaimed. "He's too young!"

"And he has a target painted on his back," she replied drolly. "And we've locked ourselves in a corner. We need that bloodline and clan to still exist. Understood?"

She turned an intense stare at her subordinates, not letting up until they nodded. It should have been a relief such acquiescence, but Tsunade found herself still uneasy. It was almost like a beginning of an end.

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The world was dark and there was nothing but pain. A red hot twisting thing that robbed him of his very breath. Sasuke gasped awake. His eyes were blurry with tears.

"Hush," a oh so familiar voice soothed. His fingers twitched too weak to move when clawed hands cradled his own. He knew them.

Garuda, he named them.

Sasuke let go and fell into darkness.

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It was strange seeing his childhood home once again. Itachi had always thought he would never see it again. Comforted himself with the last memory of his home he etched with his Sharingan; his father seated in the veranda reading a book, his mother calling her boys for tea while Sasuke with Shisui chased butterflies in the garden. He had stood there remembering everything; struck with an inkling that it would soon all go to hell.

He couldn't move. Looking at the oddly pristine structure against it's dilapidated surroundings. His childhood home was a picture perfect museum. Everything was oiled and painted to perfection. Even the gardens were regimented into an almost fanatical precision. The only sign it had been abandoned for years was the slowly encroaching weeds and the plants that have started to overrun its borders. But against the ruin it laid in, it was almost unreal.

A whistle of appreciation rang behind him.

"Well Sasuke kept a good house," Kakashi spoke in an admiring tone as he stepped forward to stand besides him.

"You've never been here?" Itachi asked with a lump in his throat.

"Never did. No one ever did."

Itachi closed his eyes. A myriad of emotions bubbled through him. He could almost see Sasuke's cool dark eyes when he called him a liar.

'You don't love me,' his little brother's words rang in his mind. 'If you did, you should have at least let me die.'

'I'm sorry,' Itachi thought back, hoping his brother would her him somehow.

'Regret is for fools without conviction,' a sibilant hiss cut through his thoughts. In a mind's eye, Itachi could see the smug snake currently living in him, watching him mockingly. 'If you have a goal, then let everything fall on the wayside. What does it matter as long as you reach it? What is your goal Itachi?'

'Peace,' he whispered back. He was surprised he replied, having long ignored his unwanted tenant. 'My brother and Konoha to prosper.'

Orochimaru laughed. It was loud and braying, contorting his body as he collapsed in a fit. He spoke no more. His laughter was enough. It was a mocking condemnation. He disappeared from Itachi's consciousness, leaving nothing but his scornful cackles.

Kakashi's voice brought him back to the present. He was so wrapped in his mind that he didn't realised presence of two interlopers. The Kyuubi boy and his teammate, members of Sasuke's old team.

"Kakashi-sensei," both of them spoke abashed as their former teacher blocked their way.

"We heard Baa-chan's announcement," Naruto plowed thru. "If he was on our side, why did he do it?"

Naruto did not need to explain. All of them could easily understand what he meant. The question that surely burned in every mind when his innocence was proclaimed. Why did he come back to torture Sasuke if he was on Konoha's side? Why go to such lengths that it drove a young boy to defect.

"If I said it was for the good of Konoha," Itachi replied in a seemingly indifferent tone. In truth, he wasn't. He was truly interested on what this boy thought, the boy whose charisma captured the imagination of the jaded and weary.

"That's stupid!" Naruto sputtered out. "There's no way something that evil would be any good."

"We torture people. We kill them, all in the name of Konoha," he spoke, watching each and every twist of disbelief flutter through the two young Shinobi's faces. "What makes it any different from what I've done."

"Because they're the enemy," Sakura shot back.

"Because they've done evil things," Naruto enjoined.

"And we have to defend Konoha," Sakura and Naruto voices rang with conviction.

Itachi felt his lips twitch. To be young again. Confident in one's own conviction.

"And if I said it was for Sasuke's own good?"

"Liar!" Naruto burst out, his hands were clenched in a fist. He was shaking in anger. "Stop kidding around!"

Itachi was about to respond when Kakashi interfered.

"Enough," Kakashi's voice was tinged with command. It cut through the growing tension in the air. "Itachi stop winding them up," he continued, speaking to his supremely unconcerned subordinate when he turned his attention to his mulish former pupil. "Naruto, aren't you supposed to be leaving?"

"Sensei!"

"Sakura," Kakashi ignored the protest, turning to his other wayward former student. "Aren't you suppose to be responsible and not encourage this tomfoolery?"

He was met with an abashed look by Sakura, while Naruto fumed.

"Both of you go. I know for a fact the Hokage will not be happy when she hears you're both here instead of doing what you're assigned too."

Amidst the loud protests, Itachi tuned them out. Initially, talking to the two young ones gave him a burst of energy. Itachi felt tired and rung out, and he thought they could give him a new view of the world. But it all felt the same. The same sentiment he so believed in. A sentiment he clung too even if it was burden no man should carry.

"Shall we go in?" Kakashi spoke as he casually walked towards the front door, much to Itachi's shock. He rushed to stop Kakashi. Itachi knew too well the dangers the clan head's home posted to any interloper. Blood seals were poured into every nook and cranny of his home. Protective sigils that prevented any non-Uchiha and uninvited guests to simply enter. He was too late though. As he grasped Kakashi's wrist, the man had already slid the door open.

He was gobsmacked. An uninvited guest would normally be pushed back at such as force that it would be deadly to anyone but a Shinobi.

Kakashi smiled at his expression, casually entering the receiving area. The room where Fugaku Uchiha would entertain guests and members of the clan. Members who would simply drop by unannounced with their concerns, well-wishes, complaints, and just their news.

"Even if not all the Uchiha accepted me or forgave me for Obito's death," Kakashi explained, his eyes distant in contemplation. "He did call me an Uchiha."

"What? I never saw you."

"Why would I return?" Kakashi replied with a shrug. "I was taught enough to understand what a Sharingan means to your clan. I was taught a sliver of your traditions important to this eye, but I could never want to be an Uchiha. It's too much to simply accept death and betrayal as an inevitability."

"Do you really think so?"

"They're all dead aren't they?"

Itachi could not reply. How could he? He could still remember the clan legends that populated his childhood. Stories of betrayal and treachery. The unloved son who could only earn his father's contempt and his brother's abandonment. What could he say when he struck that same blow and ended them all?

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Ancient wood, darkened and oiled with age. This was the first thing that greeted Sasuke when he opened his eyes. Wood so old, he could see their stories.

The second thing the greeted him was pain. Not the sharp searing one that robbed him of everything, but the slow pounding throb that could not be ignored.

For a minute, he knew nothing. His mind was a blank jumbled haze when a figure caught his eye. He turned and saw two figures. One was unfamiliar to him, an aged priest by the virtue of his robes. The other was half man, half bird, Garuda.

Memories flashed in Sasuke's mind. Like a dam that burst, it all poured in.

He was Indra kowtowing to his father as he gave a report on the bandit raids that have plagued the northern borders. Disappointment was etched on the Emperor's features, disapproving that his son never followed the proper forms.

He was Tajima, helpless and hopeless as he sent his boys to the battlefield.

He was Madara striding past the fearful accusing whispers, the mocking jabs. They were just words anyway, what does he care for them when there was much to do?

He was Hikaku, burdened with guilt and hope. He spent his days dealing with a leader who often looked at them with suspicion, but would sometimes soften into contemplation.

He was Kenshin, weary and fearful. He could see the intolerance grow day by day.

He was Fugaku, a failure as death came knocking to everyone he loved.

He was Sasuke, heartsick. His whole family dead, reduced to nothing more than body parts to be traded. He had always wanted to ask his brother why he chose to kill everyone, and when he did, he could only feel disappointment at the answer.

Sasuke would remember facing his brother as they traded words. Trite words Itachi would speak that in the end amounted to nothing. He had wondered if that was his life, that was the worth of his family, to be nothing more than shallow sentiments parroted by the unthinking, content in their own little bubble.

He had clung to this idea that there was more to this. That Itachi had some higher purpose that made his decision easier to swallow, even if it was just a little.

His mind would flash back to his brother driving his hand through his chest. The flash of agony and the sweet sweet darkness that followed. How he wished it was forever.

'Hope is the worse,' Sasuke thought to himself. 'It forces us to endure but it does not fulfil its side of the bargain.'

He lurched up, not caring of the pain. Threw himself at Garuda. There were exclamations that asked him to take care, but he ignored it. Sharp claws pricked his arms. Feathery wings encircled him in a cocoon.

Sasuke shuddered. Released a sob, and it all spilled out.

"I want to die,' Sasuke cried out. "Why can't you just let me die!"

As to who Sasuke meant by, who can tell? He had given up on his life too many times to count, but all the time someone would not let him go.

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Itachi at first welcomed the political and information gathering mission to the Land of the Wind. Even if it was accompanied with Kakashi, it was such a relief to get out of Konoha. He had found himself absolutely tired with how people had viewed him upon his return. The looks of awe that he would receive, or the self-congratulatory pats on the back people would give themselves while saying they knew it all along. It was tiring. All this level of praise and smug satisfaction. Itachi had never wanted this. He had just wanted to do what was right. Wanted to give this sense of pride and accomplishment to his brother. There was nothing he wanted for himself but peace, an end to all he endured. It wasn't much to ask for. And yet he never got it.

Just getting out of Konoha was enough for him. Never mind that this mission was to simply gauge how the other nations would see him. He wasn't afraid of it. He had nothing to hide. He was a simple Shinobi who did his duty. Anyone should be able to understand that.

In fact, the brief had determined the mission as relatively simple. It was stacked into Konoha's favour with both Kakashi and Itachi together. The Land of the Wind had always been known to be soft towards the Uchiha. Any treaty between the two nations, negotiations always flowed smoother with the presence of an Uchiha clan head. As to the reasons why, no one could really say, and both the Uchiha and the denizens of the Wind has remained mum on this good fortune. Kakashi, on the other hand, was the leader of the mission that saved Gaara's life. The current Kazekage that had arrived to power with an uncontested mandate. A near unheard of feat in this day and age. It was determined that these two factors should stop any lingering resentment from bubbling over.

It was unfortunately a wholly wrong assessment. Their mission had barely got off the ground and it already had all the hallmarks of a rocky one. Instead of meeting the Wind Daimyo and the Kazekage at either their residences, they were instead called upon to go to the Atsuta Shrine. There was nothing insulting with moving to the shrine as the Atsuta was the most sacred of temples in the Land of the Wind. Even every nation considered the said shrine sacred for it housed the storm god, Susanoo, one of the major deities. But it was unprecedented. It also made their secondary mission much harder, as they were supposed to acquire intelligence from their contact within the shrine. The presence of the two leaders made security much tighter and the situation more delicate.

"So this is the traitor?" The Wind Daimyo, Lord Shigeru spoke as his gaze rested at Itachi. "How disappointing."

It took all of Itachi's control to remain impassive. He didn't want to give Lord Shigeru the satisfaction that his words had hit hard. He had to get used to it, being labelled as a traitor. It would be naive of him to think everyone accepted the story Konoha has released to all the sundry.

"My Lord," Kakashi spoke. "I assure you that Itachi has been a loyal Shinobi helping in our fight against the terrorists."

Lord Shigeru smiled at the assurances. Itachi found it an unsettling smile. There was no warmth to it not a flicker of understanding, instead there was a knowing gleam to it, secretive. It was almost as if the Daimyo was amused at their own ignorance. As to what the supposed ignorance is, Itachi could not tell.

Itachi took a peak at the Lord's other companions, talking advantage of the fact that Kakashi would have demanded everyone's attention with the normal song and diplomacy. This had been an oddly small diplomatic meeting. Instead of the being surrounded with his coterie of advisors, Kakashi and Itachi had been simply greeted by three men, the Daimyo, the Kazekage, and the Head Priest of the Atsuta Shrine. Some would say, a fitting representation of a nation, the political bureaucracy, the military might, and the religious belief.

Looking at the two, Itachi was unable to parse the Daimyo's plan. The Kazekage, Gaara, was stoically unreadable, while the head priest, Masahiro Abe, was obviously confused. Or perhaps such a reaction was telling. Gaara after all came to power with an unprecedented mandate and a impeccable lineage. Masahiro Abe was a young unknown upstart, seemingly plucked from the ether upon his predecessor's death. The religious clans have all been silent on his ascension as the head of Wind's most sacred shrine, giving out a sense his presence was to be endured. It also didn't help that Gaara may be a known friend of Naruto and hopefully a friend of the Land of Fire and Konoha, but they were all simply hopes as he had never made any overtures in his place as Kazekage. Abe, on the other hand, was Konoha's secret source for intelligence within the Land of the Wind, while maintaining an indifferent facade to it. A fact, the Konoha Shinobi, only became aware of due to the twofold nature of their mission.

Itachi turned his attention back at Lord Shigeru, and to his surprise the old man had been studying him. It was a weighted stare, heavy in disgruntlement.

Itachi could feel himself flush. To be caught with his attention elsewhere while Kakashi tried to bring out Konoha's proposal on the fight against the Akatsuki with a reminder of the various treaties the two nations have signed. The proposal was a complicated mix of intelligence gathering, a mutual defence response, and a war plan of attack.

"Tell the Senju that we honour our agreements," Lord Shigeru replied back at the proposal. It was a rebuttal by the Lord on the age old mutual defence treaty conceived long before during the reign of Shodaima.

Itachi found that response laughable. Suna had after all tried to invade Konoha and it was Konoha's response that saved the Kazekage's life, since when had Suna ever honoured the mutual defence.

"As we have," Itachi responded with all the diplomacy it entailed, when he really wanted to remind all the shenanigans of recent pasts.

"If you're talking about your assistance for saving the Kazekage, we are grateful. But we've already paid for it in more than blood."

Lord Shigeru's words brought about stillness. Gaara drew himself upright, as if putting on armour, while Abe stiffened oh so nervously. Kakashi had stilled, staring at the Daimyo like a predator watching prey.

Itachi didn't know what to say. He had remembered reading the treaty that was enacted after the life of the Kazekage was saved. It essentially allowed the open exchange between the Ise Shrine and the Atsuta Shrine, the seat of religious power between Fire and Wind respectively. It was such a small thing to the Land of Fire, religion having been deemed irrelevant by the populace, yet it seemed not to be the case in the Land of the Wind.

"Tell me Itachi Uchiha," Lord Shigeru continued. "What advice will you give us?"

"My Lord," he replied stiffly. He realised with alarm that the room had zoomed all their attention to him. "Of course I will say to take the defence extension treaty that we proposed. It's not just because I am a loyal Shinobi of Konoha, but we come in good faith."

"If good faith was all it took, then we wouldn't be having this problem. It was your good faith that created the Jinchuriki and brought about the First World War. It was your good faith that started the Second World War. And look at what it wrought?"

The old lord bored a intense gaze at both Kakashi and Itachi before he continued speaking, "I wanted to know what advice the Uchiha's loyal to Konoha would give? Would you be like your ancestors, when Lord Hikaku cautioned us from taking Shukaku as a gift. He had called the jinchuriki an abomination, a conceit to control what must not be controlled, and that it will only bring grief. Or when Lord Kenshin spoke that the banner that Konoha raised at the start of the Second World War was incompatible with our beliefs. It was better if we fought for what we stood for."

Itachi listened with bated breathe. It was the first time he heard such stories. He had always simply associated his clan with arrogance and its isolationism. To hear such stories refuting it from a foreigner was unbelievable.

"We rejected the first advice and accepted the second. But they were both right in the end. So tell me," Lord Shigeru intoned. "What words of wisdom will you both impart."

"We may be at this point were we have no choice but to fight," Kakashi replied. "We have to protect what we hold dear."

"Love huh? Lord Fugaku said the same thing once,"

Silence. Shock reverberate between the Konoha delegation. Itachi licked his lips. He didn't understand how his father, a lowly police chief had been able to have the ear of a foreign ruler. The leader of one of the Great Shinobi Nations to boot. And the level of respect, all the Uchiha clan heads have been given. It had just struck him, that the Daimyo had called all the Uchiha clan heads as lord. It was not the normal respectful address of sir that was sometimes afforded to the ancient clan heads. He wanted to ask, how and why. It was madness. Even Kakashi was stunned by such a revelation.

Before, he could ask, Lord Shigeru leaned back. Such a languid posture that signified he would no longer lead the conversation. Gaara had leaned forward, talking the old man's place, speaking.

"Let's start with intelligence exchange, but only on relevant information," Gaara began when he brought out a sealed scroll. There was a sense of shock and nervousness at the sight. It was nondescript scroll, and it should not have caused such a reaction. Unfortunately, buried underneath it's unremarkable exterior was the ever so faint sense of chakra seals unique to Konoha's intelligence division. It should have been unrecognisable unless you knew what to look for and was actively looking for it. "Not this."

He threw the scroll at Abe who scrambled about in awkward attempt to catch it. The priest's hands were trembling.

"We never tampered it," Gaara spoke dryly at the ever increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere. "But you can look to be sure."

Masahiro Abe was stunned into indecision. Kakashi and Itachi were tense, ready to act should violence erupt. Itachi despaired at such a scenario. This wasn't what he was fighting for, enduring his thankless existence for.

"Go on," Lord Shigeru quipped against the coolness radiating from his younger Co-ruler. The head of the Atsuta Shrine swallowed uncomfortably as he fiddled and opened it for examination. After a tense few seconds, he nodded ever so slowly.

"This is the first and the last time we're allowing this," Gaara continued with a narrow gaze as he casually swiped the scroll back and tossed it towards Kakashi. "You can take this information. Consider my debt to Konoha paid in full."

Itachi didn't know what gods to thank with their good fortune. It was looking like they need not fight for their lives, and that Suna was allowing them a bit of leeway. His gaze flickered to Abe who had lost all colour during the exchange. Now, the priest's life may be hanging in the balance. A spy caught would normally be executed and disavowed.

"And the Most Reverend Abe?" Itachi could not help but ask.

"Didn't Lord Shigeru assure you we honour our agreements?" Gaara replied softly as if to chasten him to thinking such a scenario.

"And we knew what we were getting when we accepted your demands on our shrines," Lord Shigeru chimed in. "Senju," he declared with an unwavering gaze at Itachi.

Itachi did not back down from the challenge. He had to admit, he was not totally clear what the challenge was. The Wind Daimyo had the advantage. He had set the field and had spoken nothing about the rules, but Itachi knew it was his duty to endure and give no quarter. He was tasked with representing Konoha with all its hopes and dreams.

The Lord's lips tugged into a pitying smile, when Gaara broke it with a pointed clearing of his throat.

"Go now," Lord Shigeru spoke, encompassing his attention to the two Konoha Shinobi. "Tell Konoha if they truly want us to take their proposal seriously, send something worth our while, and not this repetitive drivel that's only a cover for your skulduggery."

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The sight of darkened aged wood greeted Sasuke when he once again swam into consciousness. Every joint and groove found in the ancient ceiling, unveiled its stories.

It was madness. He could feel his Sharingan respond to their tales. It was like a cacophony of sound. Jarring and inescapable. He could see it all. The ancient priests and the rustle of silks as they painstakingly copy word after word. The hum of prayers against the burning of incense. The click clack of feet. The chink of tea cups. The ringing of steel. The spray of blood.

He was drowning.

"Look at me, look at me," frantic faint words wormed into the maelstrom that was consuming him. But it had little effect. Even the sharp stinging slaps at his cheek could not shake him out of it. It was until his chest burned. His barely knitted wound cried out at the digging pressure it was not suppose to endure. Sasuke gasped out. His hand gripped the source of his agony. Fingers met papery skin as the intense pain snapped him out of the overwhelming vision.

Their eyes met. Eyes that were equally weighted and weary. Sasuke saw the familiar features of the priest he saw besides Garuda when he first awoke.

"Who?"

"I am Sorata Yamamoto, my Lord," the aged priest replied. "You're at the Izumo Taisha shrine. Garuda bought you here when you were injured."

"What is this place?" Sasuke murmured in confusion. He may have been brought out of the vision, but he could still feel the place. It surrounded him. Spoke to him. Demanded his attention that he felt torn and adrift. Just staying in the present took all his energy.

"It's our most ancient temple," Sorata spoke as he tightened the bandages around Sasuke's wound. "Dedicated to the most ancient ones, the Kotoamatsukami. The gods who even preceded our creators. The spirits are easily felt here, that's why it affects you so."

"This is why the veil between the physical world and the world of the spirits in thin here," Garuda continued the explanation. Upon his entry to the room, he had swiftly kneeled besides the two men. "I wanted to bring you to my lands to heal, but you were too weak to survive the crossing. His Holiness Sorata had to heal you a little bit and it is here at the Izumo Taisha shrine that the journey between worlds will be the easiest."

Garuda suddenly stiffened, as if hearing something. He and the priest threw knowing looks at each other when he suddenly carried Sasuke is his arms.

Sasuke bit back a cry of pain against the jarring movement, whilst Sorata had followed Garuda's lead. The priest stood to go and was carrying packs and parcels for travel. It was agony for Sasuke, even as he was cradled by Garuda, as they hurriedly traversed the shrine. Every slight movement was torture, yet he was grateful for it. For without the pain, he knew he would once again be lost in the whispers of the shrine.

Hurry," a caw caught their attention. It came from a huge three legged crow, black as night, who swooped towards them. It landed on Sasuke. It's three legs, particularly gentle on his ravaged body.

Sasuke's eyes widened in wonder at the familiar sight. It was his father's unnamed summon, would had always stood guard at them. Even though, the crow had been kept a secret from Konoha, it had always kept an eye on them, hidden by the shadows. Sasuke has always thought he would never see it again, having disappeared during the massacre.

Sasuke felt Fugaku bloom in his mind. It overwhelmed him, but Sasuke could not care one iota. He welcomed it. Sasuke found no merit in his life. It would be a blessing to him for it to end.

"Yatagarasu," Sasuke as Fugaku greeted his loyal summon. His voice tinged with so much regret. He never wanted Yatagarasu to see his death. He had dismissed him that day, but the stubborn creature had stayed. Watched and sang a mournful dirge in that bloody day.

"Fugaku," Yatagarasu chided. "You have to stop."

"I'm trying," Fugaku replies in a voice filled with frustration. "But Sasuke keeps trying to let go."

"Oh child," it crooned in the same tone it used to comfort him all his life. "Let it be. You can't bend the unwilling. He has to find his will on his own."

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"Kakashi," Tsunade murmured once she sensed his presence within her office. She had been unable to face him,even when he returned her greeting. She was too tired, so she continued to look out into the moon. The intelligence scroll Kakashi and Itachi returned with their mission from the Atsuta Shrine burned in her hand.

"We may have to send Itachi to assassinate the head of the Izumo Taisha Shrine," she declared to a stunned silence. It was a bitter pill to swallow. She had not wanted to say it when Masahiro Abe's intelligence was received. But here she was saying it.

"Are you mad?" Kakashi exclaimed. "We will loose him."

She knew very well Kakashi's concerns. They may have created a near perfectly loyal Shinobi in Itachi, but the very foundation of it was cracking. One can only endure so much, until it inevitably broke.

"We cannot let their defiance pass. They have to pay the price," Tsunade sighed. She was a coward, truly, as she continued to refuse to face her subordinate. She could almost hear his tightly leashed anger and disbelief. She really had to explain, but to say it felt like she will be damning herself and all who will hear it. "If we send someone else, there will be war. They just might accept a judgment of an Uchiha."

"And how sure are you that will see it as an Uchiha's judgement and not the death-bringer of Konoha?"

Her features twisted into a grimace as she continued to stare outside.

"We can only hope."

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End Notes:

The shrines, Ise, Atsuta and Izumi Taisho are real Japanese shrines. Ise is linked to Amaterasu. Atsuta is linked to the sacred sword, Kusanagi, and the story of Takeru. Izumi Taisho is linked to the Kotoamatsukami

The three legged crow, Yatagarasu (八咫烏, "eight-span crow") is part of Japanese mythology and the appearance of the great bird is construed as evidence of the will of Heaven or divine intervention in human affairs. He is most famously guided the Emperor Jimmu Tennou to the plains of Yamato.

This story has unfortunately turned very political. I didn't want to at first, but I was very stupid in making this a story about emperors and kings, so in the end I have no choice but to go there. So in a sense this is my take on how nations try to maintain power both inside and outside their country, and the tricks they use. Do tell me if this was successful or not? Or was this plain stupid?

Lastly, if you do see errors or have comments and suggestions. I will be glad to hear it. Thanks!