So, I have returned to this place again…

When Itachi was recalled to the world of the living by Kabuto's forbidden jutsu, he held a small hope in his heart that his actions would have tipped the scale enough to release him from his fate in the afterlife. He had done right by his brother by disclosing the truth to him at last, he undid the reanimation jutsu, and played a crucial role in protecting his village as well as the shinobi world.

Itachi never sought glory; his shinobi way was to protect from the shadows, and the thought of receiving credit for his actions was one that had never occurred to him. Yet, when he died the first time, his soul did not enter the pure lands, nor did they end up in that forsaken place that belongs to those who were deemed unworthy. Was he destined to never rest?

There was no point to looking around, for anywhere his gaze turned was the same sight. He was surrounded by an infinite emptiness. He had returned once more to the void. How ironic that in living he possessed the eyes that saw all and was now fated to regard the nothingness that surrounded him.

The concept of time was ineffable where he was. When he returned to the world of the living, he had learned he had been dead for several months, however, the passage of time felt like years, as if he had been forced into his Tsukuyomi realm where time stretched and turned mere seconds into days. Was this his punishment for all those he had trapped into his genjutsu? Had other shinobi suffered a similar fate for the pain they had inflicted on others? He had thought his genjutsu was a mercy. Was he wrong this whole time?

He laid on his back and stared at the darkness. It was pointless to try his Sharingan. It failed the last time he was here, and it didn't make sense that it would work this time around. Nothing changed, yet, he had a small slither of hope. He activated his Mangekyo and scanned the area that surrounded him… more darkness that consumed the everything and nothing at once. He deactivated his Sharingan and closed his eyes.

Sasuke…

Had Naruto succeeded in rescuing you from the wicked clasps of our clan's curse?

Itachi was now in the same predicament he had been in the last time he was in this void. He thought of his actions and their implications on Sasuke. He questioned if there was indeed another way to handle the inevitable coup that was to start another senseless war. A war took place anyway… Had he only succeeded in delaying it? was this the reason why he ended up here. He was always used to being alone, yet the loneliness he was feeling now was much worse. He brushed those thoughts away and returned to the only thoughts that helped him maintain his sanity the last time he was here. He thought of all his happy times with Sasuke and Shisui…

(… 2 years after the 4th Great Shinobi War)

Sasuke was on his way back to Konoha. He had been gone on his journey for atonement the past two years, but a message he had received recently from Naruto made him realize he had been away long enough. He owed it to the village he had forsaken to return and atone for what he had inflicted on it as well.

He had been gone half as long as he had lived there, and he wondered if it was right to still consider Konoha his home. Did he deserve to call it a home? No, not yet at least. Nevertheless, Sasuke was determined to earn his place, and to be among those who were closest to him once. He was lucky that Naruto hadn't given up on him all those years. He was given a chance that was never awarded to any before him, and he would make sure they all see he was worthy of it.

In the cover of darkness, Sasuke had arrived at the village's gates. Kotetsu and Izumo were stationed for the night shift, "Is that?" Kotetsu was squinting to affirm who the man approaching was, "It is him! Hey, Izumo, look who's back". Izumo popped out from behind Kotetsu to find Sasuke Uchiha approaching. "Well, if it isn't the other world saviour, welcome back! Naruto and Sakura are going to love this surprise." Sasuke stared at them with a blank expression, he did not know what to expect once he had finally decided to return to the village, but he did not expect for people to be so forgiving, and more so calling him a world saviour. "I would appreciate it if you kept the knowledge of my return to yourselves for now. I will need to speak to the Hokage first." Kotetsu and Izumo understood this to mean he would be leaving again and was probably back to discuss a mission with Kakashi. "Sure, he should still be in his office. He hardly leaves it these days" Izumo informed him. Sasuke nodded and flickered to the administration building to avoid being seen by anyone else. If he could have avoided the gates, then he would have as well, but he thought against having his first action back at the village to be evading security.

He landed just outside the Hokage's office window. He peered in and found Kakashi buried over piles of paperwork. The sight was amusing as he recalled his former sensei to always have his nose buried in those degenerate Icha Icha novels. His attentions were now consumed by the mundane responsibilities of the Hokage, and he was sure they were likely less entertaining to the silver-haired man before him. Not that Sasuke would understand the interest his former sensei has for them. He knocked on the window to alert Kakashi of his presence before sliding the window open and stepping in.

"Well, this is a surprise. I take it that, with the evasive manner in which you have come to see me, means you wouldn't be staying for long this time as well." Kakashi directed at the last remaining Uchiha who now stood before him. Sasuke averted his gaze from Kakashi, as he was considering if he should disclose his reason for returning yet. However, Kakashi caught this and said, "Oh? Were you planning on staying longer after all." Sasuke decided there was no point in delaying any further and said, "I would like to return and resume my duties as a Konoha shinobi". Kakashi expected to hear that he would be staying a few days, but to return definitely was something he wished but did not dare hope to ask. After a few moments of a lingering silence, Kakashi smiled at Sasuke and said, "Welcome back, he's going to be ecstatic at hearing this news, and Sakura, well… I'm not sure who will love it more at this point." Sasuke ignored the remark on how his old teammates would feel about his return and said, "I'll need a place to live, but I can stay at an inn for now" but Kakashi interjected and said, "We already have a place for you. It's an apartment in the same building that Sakura is staying at. We didn't know if you wanted to stay in your clan's old compound, but there is an option there as well should you wish it. Although, we did not repair the rest of the destruction that was caused by Pain's attack as we wanted your input first about what you wished to be done to the place."

Sasuke considered the compound, was he to return to the place where it all started? If anywhere should feel like a home to him, then surely it would be the place where he grew up. He didn't consider it for long as he did not wish for his former sensei to pry on his thoughts. "The apartment is fine for now, I'll think about the other thing and let you know" he would visit the compound later to assess how he feels about it before making his decision. Kakashi nodded, "Very well. I'll walk you there, and you can tell me about what you've been up to along the way." Sasuke remarked, "I thought my reports covered all this for you" Kakashi smiled and said, "Sure, but surely you have been up to more than just missions? Maybe met some new people along the way, someone who possibly caught your interest?" Sasuke deadpanned at his implication, "Well, I guess that was overreaching…" and they walked out of the office to head to the apartment building.

How many years has it been since he was back in the void now? It felt like centuries had passed. Is it possible that it had been that long? Was Sasuke now in the pure lands and enjoying a fate that was better than his own? Would he ever see his brother, his best friend, or even his parents again? The loneliness was agonizing. He had suffered long enough already. If he called out would someone answer him this time? They hadn't before…

Itachi got up and looked at the darkness again. He could see his limbs and lower half clearly, and he stood on solid ground, yet it was still emptiness and nothingness all around him. Even after all this time, the void he was in still piqued his interest on how it possibly all worked. He had journeyed around even though it did not appear to him that he was heading anywhere, just to see if perhaps something or anything existed hidden in the blackness of this place.

He would walk again. Itachi ran and did not tire, then walked before he had gotten bored and ran again. Eventually he had given up and sat in place. He was exhausted, although not physically, as he never tired in this place nor did he need any sleep, food, or drink to sustain himself, but he was spiritually exhausted by it all. "AAAAGHH!" Itachi had released an agonising cry, "Surely I've suffered enough!" he yelled out, but to whom? Had anyone heard his cry? Or the ones he released before?

Yes, someone must have because the darkness was suddenly receding to reveal an expansive white plane. Itachi spun about himself and found the presence of two others materializing before him. A woman with a white complexion, long black hair that reached her knees, and piercing golden eyes that reflected the sun appeared next to a man with grey pale skin with eyes that appeared to be the Rinnegan as Pain possessed and a third eye that was the Sharingan. They were both dressed in long white robes with black tomoe patterns encircling the collar and hems.

"Itachi Uchiha" the woman called out to him with an echoing velvety voice. Itachi stood and stared at them both and tried to discern who they possibly could be, and she spoke again, "My child who had lived a selfless life" child? He mused, who was this woman? "Even now your heart has remained pure after the time you have spent in Limbo" Is this what that horrible place was called? Who was this woman, and if he has such a pure heart why was he put in that awful place? "Who are you?" he asked.

The man spoke next, "We are those from a time long before your own, you have many names for us, but you would recognise me as, the Sage of Six Paths, however, my name is Hagoromo Otsutsuki" Itachi couldn't believe it, he was in the presence of the legendary sage that was inscribed on his clan's shrine… "And I am Amaterasu, goddess of the sun. It was I who bestowed upon you the gifts of Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi" what?...

Itachi did not understand how it was possible that he was now in the presence of legendary folk who he believed to have once existed, but he had been waiting for anyone to show up, he had been seeking a way to escape his fate in the void, and he was surely going to try again that he was no longer alone. "Am I to finally leave that place I was in?" he asked, "Why have you only now appeared before me?" and the goddess spoke again to answer him, "My child, you are unlike those before you. You have met an untimely demise, and this place was to test if you are truly worthy of a second chance" Itachi was confused, "A second chance for what?" and the Sage elaborated, "A second chance at living. You have devoted your whole life for others and never living for yourself. We are now here to return you back to the world of the living" he was to return? This was why he was stuck in Limbo as they called it?

Itachi did not belong in the pure lands, not because he was undeserving, but because it was not his time yet. He was being offered another chance. He was to go back and live again among his people, with… Sasuke… "Is this possible? How?" Hagoromo explained again, "It is within my power to command life and death, even when I was among the living, I had power beyond that realm" Itachi had so many questions, but he wondered was he really to return? Hadn't he served his purpose already? "I… I do not understand why you are offering me this chance. Haven't I served my purpose already? I devoted myself to my village and died for it twice already… why would I be offered a chance to live again?"

The goddess approached him and clasped his cheek in her hand, "Itachi, you deserve to see some happiness. You have only lived in servitude and loneliness. My child, your selflessness had earned you this right. Your pure soul deserves to discover the joys of life. Your village currently enjoys peace, and you deserve to be a part of this for your contribution to securing this peace. Do you accept this chance we are giving you?"

The war is over, and my village is enjoying peace? Does that mean Sasuke did not destroy it after all? Was he alive? There is no point in returning to a world without him. If Sasuke was already in the pure lands, then surely that's where he would rather be. "My brother, is he…"

Hagoromo smiled at him and said, "He is alive and well" Itachi smiled and said, "I accept… Thank you for this chance" but Amaterasu raised her hand and said, "It is us who should be thanking you. You are truly selfless. Itachi, live this time… truly live" everything around him was fading now and he felt… a cool breeze had hit his face as a forest was materializing before him. The air smelled sweet. It was the middle of the night and he immediately recognized where he was. Itachi appeared several miles away from Konohagakure. He was going home at last…

Sasuke slid open the door to the balcony in his apartment. Kakashi had indicated to him where Sakura was staying, but she no doubt was asleep at this time. He turned to look at the balcony to his left that belonged to her apartment. He was sure that the apartment designation was no coincidence and deliberate on Kakashi's part. He found his meddling to be quite irksome but a part of him was still grateful to be near someone he was comfortable around.

Sakura was something he had to deal with at some point, but he wasn't ready yet. He didn't feel like he deserved her yet. Naruto and Sakura had shown him loyalty when he was unworthy of it. He owed them so much, and he was prepared to devote himself to this now, but Sakura needed more from him that he just couldn't give at this moment.

He channelled chakra to his feet and leaped up to the roof to stare at the direction where the old compound was located. Now was as good a time as any. It was another thing he just needed to get over with. He scaled the roofs towards his old home until he landed just before the entrance. The fences were wrecked but part of the gate still stood erect, and hints of his clan's emblem were still visible but chipped. He took in a deep breath and entered to assess how he felt about the place and was met with the same sight of destruction he had seen the last time he was here to speak to the all-knowing.

Even with all the wreckage, he was still able to make out what every building used to be back in the days he lived here. Sasuke trailed down a familiar path that led to his family estate and was surprised to see that it had been restored. This must be what Kakashi referred to then, he mused. He entered the gardens and stood by the partition that led inside the estate, unsure if he was ready to enter yet, as his hand lingered onto the handle awaiting his command to slide the partition open.

Sasuke was beginning to feel overwhelmed. Was the inside to be similar to the exterior as well? Would it be another replica of his family home? He took in another deep breath and slid the partition open. He was met with emptiness. There was no furniture, no portraits, just nothing that could have possibly provided him with a feel for the home he remembered. This somehow made him sad rather than relieved.

Still remnants of the past seem to flicker before his eyes, and he was now recalling happier times back when he had been surrounded by his whole family. Until he recalled that fateful night when he entered the room in which his parents were slain by his brother.

Itachi… his brother who had suffered so much for the peace everyone enjoys today was now consuming his thoughts. His brother understood what it meant to be a shinobi better than he ever could. He deserved to be here, and he was the one who should have been named the saviour of the world. The people still do not know the truth about him, and this was a matter that needed to be discussed and resolved once and for all. He will not allow for his brother's sacrifice to be gone uncredited, even if it was against Itachi's wishes.

Sasuke stepped outside and sat by the porch of the estate. The garden needed tending to, although it appears some care had been given to it. He recalled all the times he would be trailing after Itachi as he left for a mission. He could see Shisui standing by the gate of the estate to take his brother away from him again. How he envied him for spending all that time with Itachi when he himself couldn't. He understood it all now, but he still wished he had more time. Sasuke closed his eyes to see the image of his brother in his mind. He wished he could see him, he wished he could trail after him once more even if that was all the time he would be given. At least Itachi would still be here…

It was the last thing he expected could happen, yet somehow his eyes opened, and some deity out there must have heard his heart's prayer, because when Sasuke opened his eyes again, he found Itachi standing before him.

It isn't possible, Sasuke blinked several times to clear his eyes as he stared silently at the man who stood before him that was the spitting image of his brother. He glared for several seconds that felt like minutes and said "You aren't real" in a matter-of-factly tone. Someone must be playing a cruel trick on him, surely this was a genjutsu of some sorts, and he quickly activated his Sharingan on his right eye to unravel the image before him. Nothing… This was not a genjutsu! The realization hit him like a thousand bricks. What is this?! He became severely alarmed at the presence of the man before him who now had spoken, "Sasuke…" with a warm smile appearing on his face. How was this even possible?

Author's note:

Chapter 2 will be posted soon. Follow to receive a notification.

Thank you for those who left a review!

As the tags indicate there will be an ItaIno thing going on, but she will be introduced in a later chapter.

Next chapter teaser:

Itachi returns to Konoha...