-Memory Fragment-

"Please, take care of him."

Mikoto took ahold of the young Itachi's hand and they left the Hokage's office. Itachi trailed his mother through the halls and stairs of the Hokage's Mansion. Construction crews were already working on repairing the damage caused from the Nine-Tails attack.

"Damn him!" Mikoto cursed.

Itachi dared not to speak. He had never seen his mother this irate before. He wasn't entirely sure what was all going on but seeing his mother this upset made him realize that it meant a great deal to her.

He remained quiet the rest of the way home.

Itachi sat in the living room of his home while his mother continued to irritatingly move about the house. Sasuke slept in the bassinet with his father admiring him from his chair.

"Mikoto, the Third Hokage's decision was the correct one. The boy must be raised by his godfather."

The woman glared at her husband. "That environment is no place to raise a boy! Kushina was more than a friend to me, Fugaku. Naruto needs someone that knows how to play and love, not fuck around in a brothel and gamble."

"Mikoto, Itachi does not need to hear that kind of language."

The woman took a moment to collect herself. "I'm sorry, Itachi, for the harsh language." But it truly didn't calm the fire raging inside of her. "There has to be something we can do for him, dear. Naruto deserves to be in a home, to cared for, to be loved."

"Are you saying that Lord Jiraiya will not care for the boy?" Fugaku was aware of Jiraiya's shortcomings, but, obviously, there was a reason that Minato and Kushina chose him to take care of Naruto in this situation. "Lady Tsunade was also named his godmother. Perhaps, he will bring Naruto to her and they will raise him together."

"He said he's going to that mountain where his toad summons live, I can't remember the name. And Lady Tsunade doesn't know the first thing about raising a child. She would have to leave the casino first."

"Mikoto…"

"I can't help it, Fugaku!" Mikoto was practically in tears. "Kushina was my best friend! I would have treated Naruto like my own child! He practically would have been if Kushina survived." The strong woman wiped her tears from her eyes.

The Uchiha clan leader, known for his stern and emotionless demeanor, approached his wife and pulled her into a strong embrace. His wife, just as strong as her husband, broke down and cried into her husband's shoulder.

Itachi was heartbroken watching his mother break down like this. Considering what his mother was saying, Mikoto had just lost her best friend and her child in a blink of an eye. She wasn't just angry about this child's care. She was grieving for her friend.

Itachi pulled his baby brother into his arms, silently praying he would never have to grieve over the loss of someone dear to him.

As the night moved along normally, Itachi laid in his bed. He watched the lone fly buzz around his room.

He couldn't believe how upset his mother was earlier. He had never seen her so upset. He couldn't remember the last time she cried in front of him. That is, if she had ever cried in front of him.

And for his father to openly hug her like that, she truly was devastated by the loss of her friend.

Itachi wished there was something he could do.

There was a slight knock at his door.

"Yes?"

His mother pushed the door and poked her head inside. "I didn't wake you, did I?"

"No mother."

The woman silently slid her body inside the room. She knelt down next to her son's room.

"Is everything alright, mother?"

"Of course, it is, sweetheart. I just…there's something I need to talk to you about."

Itachi sat up. "What is it, mother?"

"That boy we saw today in Lord Hokage's office, do you remember him?"

How could Itachi forget?

"Yes, mother."

The woman gently caressed his eldest son's cheek. "His name is Naruto. And he's very special to me, just like you and Sasuke are. He's…not going to have an easy life. There will be some who will try and harm him because they believe in the wrong things."

Puzzled, Itachi wondered what that could mean. "Why? He's just a baby, mother."

"You're right, he is. But for some, that won't matter. They'll believe he's at fault for something that he had no control over. He's really the victim but not many believe that."

"Mother…what's going to happen to him?"

Mikoto pursed her lips. Fugaku was adamant about not telling Itachi about any of this, believing he was too young to truly understand the complexity of the situation.

But Mikoto believed Itachi was the only one that she could ask to do this. Her son was the only one that would understand because of how kindhearted he was.

"I'm not sure, sweetheart. We may not see him again for a long time. But, when we do, I want you look out for him, just like you would for Sasuke. He's…a very important person, regardless of what you hear from others."

"Why is he so important, mother?"

Mikoto needed to tread lightly. "Because…he didn't deserve the life he now has to live. And I want him to have someone looking out for him that I know I can trust. Can you promise me that you will watch over him?"

Itachi hesitated. He didn't want to upset his mother by asking more questions, but there was just something he needed to know before he answered.

"Who is that baby, mother? Why does he mean so much to you?"

Mikoto smiled sadly. "He's…the legacy for someone that meant just as much to me as you and Sasuke do. She…was like my sister. And that…that makes Naruto our family. And we protect our family."

Mikoto took her son's hand into her own. "Promise me you will protect him, Itachi. Do it for me."

"…I will, mother. I promise to protect Naruto."

-With Itachi, present day-

The darkness of the hideout was comforting while disturbing. He felt at home while being reminded of the atrocities of that night.

The giant, empty hall was covered with the symbols of his clan. The clan he was destined to lead.

From an early age, Itachi was considered to be a genius, which only could be compared to the Fourth Hokage. His accolades were extensive for someone so young. Early graduation, single handedly completed the Chūnin Exams in record time, and ANBU Captain at the rip age of thirteen.

Because of his many accomplishments for someone of his age, there was talk of him taking over the clan once Fugaku, his father, stepped down. It would have been many years before that would become a reality, but the topic was discussed at length.

Itachi Uchiha was destined for greatness and to lead his clan to the same greatness.

But Fugaku had other plans.

And Itachi would never stop thinking about what could have been.

Father…would you still be proud of me for what I've done? Proud of Sasuke for what he has to do?

Itachi missed his father and mother greatly.

The silence of the massive hall reigned as Itachi continued to think about what his life could have been.

Itachi paused, considering his senses. "It's been a really long time since someone has snuck up on me like this. Coincidentally, it was your master. And I assume you followed the same path. Tell me, how are Sylvie and Itazura?"

Standing against the back of the throne, Naruto stared into the darkness around them.

"They send their regards."

"You had the drop on me. Why didn't you take the chance to end me?"

"Because I think you aren't who you say you are."

Itachi leaned back into his throne. "Is that so? You came all this way to tell me who you think I am? I would have assumed you tracked me down for information on the man who killed your master."

Itachi could hear Naruto snicker. "Why would I do that? Tsunade was there. She witnessed everything. No, I used that as a cover so that no one would be suspicious. I have my own personal questions for you."

Itachi smirked. "More like Lord Jiraiya than you know."

Naruto slowly appeared, circling the throne to the front with his father's kunai drawn. "I think you're not as bad as everyone says, even if you were in the Akatsuki." Naruto lowered his kunai. "You've saved my life more than once. Why?"

Itachi leaned forward on his throne. "Because I promised my mother I would."

Out of everything that it could have been, that was the thing Naruto would have never guessed.

"…Huh?!"

"You heard it right."

"What does that even mean?!"

"It means exactly how I said it."

"How?!"

Itachi closes his eyes. "Our mothers were as close as two people could get. Friends that held a bond that many would consider to be sisterhood."

Naruto couldn't believe it. Their moms were best friends?

"It's just like me and Sasuke…"

"Our mother's friendship was incredible. Mother would talk with Kushina for hours. People wish for a friendship like that. There was nothing that could separate them."

Naruto now wished he could have seen it in person.

"…Until that night. The Kyūbi's attack changed everything for everyone."

Naruto said nothing. There was no need to.

"A few days after the attack, my mother went to Lord Third to try and convince him to let my family adopt you. But he had already made up his mind. Lord Jiraiya had already agreed to take you in his care."

Naruto couldn't believe it. He could have been living with Sasuke and his family instead of Jiraiya and the toads on Mount Myōboku.

"Your mother meant a great deal to my mother. After she died during the Kyūbi attack, she wasn't quite the same afterwards. Then, one night, my mother came to me and made me promise to look out for you and protect you."

"…I had no idea…"

Itachi gave Naruto the moment to process this. It was something unexpected to him, after all.

"But…why'd you join the Akatsuki if you swore to protect me? Why'd you murder your entire clan?!"

Itachi remained silent. There was no easy answer to those questions. It was obvious that Naruto knew better than most, evident by the fact he has discovered his location through his contacts in Howling Wolf Village.

"Has Sasuke returned to the village now that Orochimaru is dead?"

"Don't dodge my question!"

"Answer mine and I'll answer yours."

Naruto needed to move this along. He was running out of time. "No. He's not."

"What?!"

"He's here with me. He has a new team, all assembled to take you down."

Itachi was in disbelief. He had placed that genjutsu on Sasuke when he infiltrated Orochimaru's hideout to recover him. Why didn't it work? Did Orochimaru break it?

"You brought him here?"

Naruto nodded. "He's about 200 yards away. I've got three minutes to finish up before he comes in."

And after learning about this promise that Itachi made for him, Naruto was feeling a little guilty about this. He was seeing Itachi in a new light. But there were still so many things that didn't add up.

Don't betray Sasuke's trust. I can't do that to him.

Naruto let out a deep sigh. "Why'd you murder your family, Itachi? You don't seem that crazy to me."

Itachi said nothing. Though, Naruto could see the regret deep in his onyx eyes.

"You didn't want to, did you?"

No words. Only guilt.

"I see…" Naruto's time was just about up. He needed to wrap this up. "Look, whatever happened, Itachi, Sasuke deserves to know the truth, if there is one. I, obviously, don't know anything about that night or what led up to it, but, even I can see, how much guilt you hold inside you."

Itachi's stoic attitude returned. "How could you know what I feel, Naruto Uzumaki? You know nothing about me."

"You wouldn't have kept your mom's promise. I'm still standing here. I think that's evidence enough." Naruto holstered his kunai. "My master came to you once before, probably to gather intel on the Akatsuki leader. He got what he came for." Naruto stuck out his hand, waiting for a handshake. "He must've trusted you. So, I'll trust you, too."

Surprising by the act, Itachi approached Naruto. The two men stood face to face. Itachi gracefully shook the jinchūriki's hand.

"Master Jiraiya was a good friend. I'm sorry for your loss."

Naruto nodded, showing thanks for the condolences.

"But he would heed my warnings, as should you."

Naruto nodded again.

"Danzō is not to be trusted. Ever. Whatever he tries to project as his image, know that he's playing a completely different game. Everything he does is in his own self-interest, not Konoha's. He will use whatever resources he has to further his plans then dispose of them, regardless of who they are or what they've done for him. Be cautious of him, Naruto. I fear the deal is no longer in play."

"Deal?" Naruto questioned.

Itachi pulled his hand. There was a third approaching.

"It appears our time is up."

Naruto glanced over his shoulder. Sasuke was standing at the entrance of the giant hall, sword drawn.

"It looks like it."

"Naruto!" Sasuke called out, beginning his approach. "Times up! Head out!"

A deal's a deal.

Naruto looked at Itachi, for what could be the final time. There was something in Itachi's eyes that were making Naruto second guess this decision. He felt he was being pulled in two directions. He felt unsure of what to do for a brief moment.

One direction was towards his loyalty to Sasuke and letting him fight this battle for the revenge of his fallen clan. This has been Sasuke's goal, his dream. Itachi has been the main driving force behind Sasuke's success and development.

Naruto couldn't stop him. It would be the ultimate betrayal. And that's what Naruto hated the most.

But Itachi has…

"Boy…don't get any more involved than you already are." Kurama's deep voice rose in Naruto's ears. "You'd lose your friend forever if you'd interfered in any way. Accept what's about to happen. You have what you came for. There's nothing more you can do here."

Naruto pushed his indecision back and stuck to the deal he and Sasuke made. This was Sasuke's fight, not his.

"Good luck…"

Naruto vanished from their sight, leaving the Uchiha brothers for their fated battle.

-With Hebi-

Karin watched from a distance, using her extreme chakra senses to be a watchful eye. She had to know how this battle was going to play out. She held a quiet anxiety for Sasuke and their future as a team.

This was why Sasuke built this team. Their sole purpose was to help him take down Itachi. And now that he was achieving this goal, what was going to happen? Will they stay together or drift apart?

Karin felt Naruto's chakra leave the hideout.

"Have they started?"

Naruto was perched on a branch above them. "If they haven't, they will shortly."

"Did you get what you wanted?" Karin looked up to him.

"…Yeah. I suppose I did." Naruto leapt down. "Gonna watch the fireworks?"

"Aren't you?"

"Can't. Gotta get back. I redeploy soon."

Karin nodded. "We still gotta talk, you and I. We're the last living Uzumaki's. Can't let things die out."

Naruto smirked. "We will. I promise."

The two Uzumaki clan members shook hands. It was a surreal moment for them both. Neither expected to meet another survivor of the dead clan.

In Karin's case, her mother had expressed to Karin that she would be the final full blooded clan member. Their home was destroyed when her mother was just born, and the survivors were scattered to the wind. Slowly dying off and disappearing into the world.

Karin truly did believe she was the last of her kind.

"Actually, I do have a question." Naruto spoke up. "Have you been to…y'know...our home?"

Karin's lips pursed tightly. "…No. I don't think there's much left to see. From what I know, it's a wasteland."

Naruto nodded. "Yeah. I suppose so."

Naruto made it a point to try and see his mother's homeland someday. He felt obligated.

"Good luck…Naruto."

"…You too, Karin."

Naruto leapt off into the night, leaving the fated battle of brothers to commence…

-Konoha-

Guard shift was boring, to say the least, especially the night shift. Guard shift was a mandatory day for reserve units that didn't participate in active service. It was voluntary for those in the active component.

Konoha's reserve components were comprised of mostly Chūnin that doubled as regular citizens, like shop owners, that needed an extra cash flow. Obviously trained to be a shinobi but did not want the life full time. It was a good system. Though, the majority of Konoha's forces were a part of the active component.

"Man, I hate these shifts." The freshly promoted Chūnin complained. "So dull and boring. And it messes with my sleep schedule."

"I wouldn't complain too much." The seasoned reserve Chūnin wisely started. "I get these shifts are boring and screws up our sleep. But the way I look at it, these shifts are the most important."

"How do you figure?"

"It's nighttime. The village sleeps. We're most vulnerable at this time. We're the first, and most important, line of defense against an attack." The Chūnin lit his cigarette, covering the lit end to keep his position hidden. "Konoha has been attacked too many times. I'm not letting it happen again."

The fresh Chūnin immediately felt guilty and inspired. His partner was right.

"You're right. I shouldn't complain. I mean, we're still in the village with our friends and families. I can't imagine what it's like for those in the deployments."

"I've got some buddies out there. I know they're fighting the good fight."

The two Chūnin continued to stay vigilant for their village's safety. They would protect their home with everything they had.

Unfortunately for them, that price may be higher than they were willing to pay.

Just outside of their zone of coverage, seven figures approached. Through the dark of night, the only visible color were the purple eyes of a god.

"The time has come for the world to bend to a god."

-Konoha Research Division-

"How goes the battle, Neji?"

The Hyūga prodigy turned to see his uncle. "Lord Hiashi!" The Jōnin frantically began to try and clean the workspace. "If I had known you were coming by…"

"NejI please." The man chuckled, placing a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "You're hard at work with this. Don't stop because I'm here. And I'm your uncle, not master."

"Y-Yes." Neji once again stood before the mysterious black rod. "This thing…I'm stuck with it. Everyone is."

"Where is everyone?"

"Home." Neji sighed. "Master Ibiki and Lady Shizune sent everyone out for the night. But I just…couldn't take my mind off this thing."

"Perhaps it would do you some good to get some rest."

"I'll rest when I figure this thing out."

"Tell me about it. What makes this black rod so special?"

Neji held the six-inch stick in his hand. "For starters, it holds an unusual ability that can disturb a person's entire chakra system. Our prisoner, Rōshi, has one stuck in him. That's how we were able to capture him so easily."

"That's quite the ability." Hiashi pulled a chair next to his nephew. "What's it made out of?"

"Unknown. We tested the material, and it doesn't match any known substance."

"Artificially made?"

"That's our guess." Neji shifted some papers around the desk, careful not to knock over a computer again. "But there's no evidence that points to where or how something like was made. I feel like this rod is natural. Like it came from something. That's my theory."

Hiashi nodded. "Anything to support this theory?"

"No." Neji grabbed a small handheld device with an antenna attached to the top. "We tried to this device to see if there was a signal or something emitting from it."

"What is that?"

"It's a chakra meter. It's a demodulation device that can detect high frequency chakra signals or waves. Lady Shizune developed it for a teaching method for sensory shinobi." Neji waved the device over the rod. "There's no signal."

"That's some piece of technology. I've never seen anything like it."

Times were changing. Hiashi could recall from his youth, however many years ago that was, there was nothing like this. The ever-growing industry of innovation was something what would never stop for time, in fact, innovation would outlive the times.

"I must say Neji, you've become a splendid leader and shinobi. I'm proud of you." Hiashi placed his hand on his nephew's shoulder. "I know your father would be to."

Neji rarely smiled genuinely. It was a treat to see. "Thank you…uncle."

The moment between family members wouldn't be one they would ever forget. The trials and tribulations that the Hyūga clan has faced for two members of opposing families to be so close. The winds of change were definitely upon them.

"Ah!" Hiashi dropped the rod, clutching his hand in pain.

"Are you alright, uncle?!"

"The rod burned me! It's heating up!"

Neji held the device up to the rod. It instantly began beeping loud and extremely fast. He waved away from the rod and back over to make sure the device wasn't malfunctioning.

"The rod is receiving chakra!"

Neji activated his Byakugan. He closely examined the rod, forcing as much chakra into his eyes as he could. And that's when he saw it.

"Unreal…"

"What it is, Neji?"

"This rod…" Neji used a pilers to hold the rod up. "It's receiving a strong chakra frequency. It's nearly impossible to see with my eyes. If this device wasn't telling me there was chakra coming in, I wouldn't think to look for it."

Hiashi focused his eyes as well. He could see what his nephew was seeing. "Unbelievable. I've never seen anything like this. What could this mean?"

Neji's brain was bouncing ideas around, quickly debunking each one with logic and reasoning. There are many theories and ideas firing through his brain. None of them had the viability or facts behind them.

The real one isn't here. That's gotta mean something, right?

Naruto's random piece of advice suddenly made sense.

"That's it!"

The building ignited in a massive explosion. Debris flew wildly in a great ball of flames. The surrounding buildings were set aflame, while others further out were damaged from the flying debris.

Quickly, two bodies fell into the smoke cloud. As the one hit the ground, five more appeared with them.

The Six Paths of Pain had arrived in Konohagakure.

"It seems he is not here." Ningendō, the Human Path, stated.

"Appears not." Tendō, the Deva Path, answered. "Was the receiver removed from our target?"

Shuradō, the Asura Path, shifted through some of the charred wreckage. He pulled the chakra rod out of the rubble. "No. Our signal was bouncing off this rod. It seems they were studying it."

"Interesting." Tendō wondered how far these shinobi had come with learning their methods. "These Konoha shinobi are a smarter bunch than I may realized." Tendō looked over at their seventh member. "Where would a jinchūriki be held in this village?"

The cloaked body spoke in a familiar voice. "Deep in the Penitentiary. There's a special cell that was created for a jinchūriki. It blocks all chakra. In and out."

Tendō nodded. "Shuradō…hunt for the Seven-Tails with Jigokudō and Ningendō. Chikushōdō and Gakidō, you'll head to the Penitentiary with me to retrieve the Four-Tails."

Tendō turned to the remaining body. "You'll come with me as well. Your knowledge is invaluable with this."

"Understood."

"Disperse."

The Six Paths of Pain vanished from the wreckage, just as the in-village Q.R.F arrived to assess the damage. The mixture of ANBU and regular shinobi were shocked by the damage.

"What in the world is going on?!"

"Sensors detected two unidentified bodies entering our barrier at the highest point." The ANBU Captain stated. "Based off the trajectory, they landed here. Now, the question is, where are they now?"

Explosions scattered across the village as missiles flew overhead. Buildings collapsed while others continued to burn. Screams filled the air as black smoke filled the village's lungs.

"Konoha is under siege!"

"Evacuate the villagers!"

"Send word to Lord Danzō immediately!"

Pain's assault on Konohagakure had begun…

As the screams filled the night, fire illuminated the darkness. Konoha was set aflame by those who sought to cause chaos and destruction.

Deep inside the halls of the prison, Rōshi felt the rumble from the explosions.

He smiled.

The time has come.

-Fated Battle of Brothers-

"You see me dead at your feet, eh?" Itachi rose from his throne. "Then show me how far you've come…Sasuke."

Kunai clashed with a sword. The two brothers danced around, parrying and swinging their blades against one another.

Itachi executed a flipping maneuver, grabbing Sasuke by the back of his collar, and twirled Sasuke around and smashing him into the ground. Sasuke tried to regroup but Itachi held the kunai to the bridge of his nose.

"Don't assume you have the upper hand because you have the better weapon. Weakness is meant to be exploited."

Sasuke smirked, his hand sparking with lightning. "Eat your own words."

Chidori ignited and instantly spread into the air. Itachi jumped into the air to avoid the shock. Only to be met by Sasuke.

Genjutsu!

Sasuke stabbed completely through Itachi's chest. Blood spilled on the ground as the brother's fell to the ground.

"This is the end, Itachi!" Sasuke tightened his grip on his sword. "But before I kill you, there's something I'm going to ask you."

Itachi said nothing. Instead, he reached up and poked Sasuke's forehead, much like how he would when they were younger.

"There's much you still don't understand."

Sasuke turned to see that Itachi hadn't moved from the throne. And the body he had stabbed burst into a flock of crows.

Genjutsu within a genjutsu. Typical Itachi.

"What is it do you want to know? This battle…it's far from over. But I'm willing to listen for a moment."

Sasuke glared at his brother. "You must have gone deaf."

The sword plunged through the throne and abdomen. Blood spilled from mouth and wound. Real blood. There were no tricks this time.

"Genjutsu…you've learned to harness your Sharingan well."

"Like I said, you murderous motherfucker, this is the end!"

Itachi was surprisingly impressed. He truly wasn't expecting Sasuke to be this advanced in his strength. "Orochimaru…has taught you well."

"No. This wasn't Orochimaru's doing. I've come this far because of my own ambition to kill you."

Itachi smirked. He was proud of his brother.

"That night…you told me about a third user of the Mangekyou. Who is he?"

Itachi oddly didn't feel much pain from his stab wound. Even with the sword still protruding through his body, there was hardly any discomfort.

A deliberate strike to avoid fatal injury. Not bad, Sasuke.

"Why would you want to know about him?"

"Don't fuck around with me! I'll make you feel pain unlike anything you've ever known! Tell me!" Sasuke gripped his hilt hard. "There's no way you could have killed the entire Police Force by yourself. Either you couldn't kill him or he helped you. Which is it?"

Itachi snickered. "You've figured out."

"What's his name?!"

"…Madara Uchiha. One of the founding fathers of Konoha."

"Founding fathers?! Then he should be long dead!" Sasuke pushed the blade an inch further. "I told you not to fuck around!"

"Madara is very much alive, Sasuke. You'd do well to heed my warning for him. Though, it is your choice to believe what I say."

"Enough with the bullshit!"

Itachi could start to feel the pressure of his wound. Though, this might be his last opportunity. "…Why do you want to know? What difference does it make?"

"Because I'm going to kill him once I kill you!"

Sasuke turned his Sharingan eyes towards another part of the meeting hall. There hasn't been a fight between brothers. At least, not physically. This entire sequence of events had been strictly battled with their respective Sharingan.

A battle of genjutsu.

The illusion faded and Sasuke remained in the same spot as when he started. Itachi hadn't left his throne once.

But to the one that was silently watching, Zetsu hadn't seen either of them move an inch. He was morphed into the cement ceiling, taking record of this historic event.

"You defeat Madara?" Itachi shook his head. "Even I couldn't accomplish that. Though, at least, not yet."

Sasuke was growing tired of this. "What are you talking about?"

"People live by the reality they choose to accept. By definition, that's what reality means. But what one person may believe to be correct or true for their reality, another person may see it differently."

"What are you getting at?"

Sasuke deserves to know the truth, if there is one.

"You believe Madara to be dead. I believe differently. Therefore, my reality is different from yours. Reality is based solely on the person's knowledge and experiences, what they think is true and correct. But those experiences only serve to make someone like you."

Sasuke gripped his hilt, ready to strike. "I am what you made me!" Lightning ignited around his hands, coating the sword with the element. "I was young enough to somehow believe that it all had to be a nightmare! That I would wake up at any moment and everyone would be there! But it was real! It was reality!"

Dashing with lightning speed, Sasuke slammed into the throne with his sword. Itachi leapt out of the way, barely missing the ignited blade by a few hairs.

"My Sharingan can see through whatever you try and hide behind! My eyes are wide open to the true reality!"

True reality?

Is that what you want, Sasuke?

Naruto's words echoed in the elder Uchiha's mind. The plan was going to change again.

"The true reality was something you never knew, Sasuke. What I knew about that night is something completely different from what you could see."

The throne exploded from the surge of powerful electricity. Sasuke held a fierce scowl.

"All I saw was a lunatic fringe who killed his clan."

Itachi relaxed his posture. Body language was going to be key if he wanted any chance to convince his younger brother.

"No. What you saw was a boy trying to fix adult problems."

The scowl dropped.

"…What do you mean?"

"Father had become displeased with how the village was treating the Uchiha after the Nine-Tails attack. The leadership within the village believed it was somehow the Uchiha clan behind the attack, because of the Sharingan's ability to control the beast."

Sasuke was unaware of such an ability. "The Sharingan can control Tailed Beasts?"

"Through powerful genjutsu, yes. Only Madara has ever accomplished that. He made the Nine-Tails his personal pet."

Sasuke silently gulped. He saw the power of the Kyūbi firsthand.

"As an act of defiance for our clan's isolation, Father began placing members of our clan in key command positions in Konoha's military structure. I was placed in the ANBU, which directly reports to the Hokage. I soon realized what our father was planning to do…a coup d'état."

Revolting in disbelief, Sasuke lashed out. "What the fuck are you talking about?! Father would never do something like that!"

Itachi shook his head. "You were too young to understand, even realize, what was happening. Even I had to take some time to fully understand what was going on. But…he was trying to secure the future of the Uchiha clan. He…trying to make it safe for us."

Sasuke tried to see through the lies that Itachi was trying to tell. But there was no tell. No give of a lie.

Itachi was telling the truth. His truth.

"Safe…for us? What does that mean?"

Here comes the hard part.

"Father was planning to overthrow the Konoha regime and take control of the village. He couldn't stand for the harsh treatment any longer. Peace talks broke down with the Third Hokage. Father wasn't going to give into their demands. And he was gaining support from the community for this treason."

Itachi began feeling a familiar pain in his chest. He brushed it off, believing it to be his anxiety of this story replicating the symptoms of his sickness.

"However…I didn't agree with what Father was planning. I believed it was going to escalate into another Great Shinobi War. I began providing intel to the Third Hokage and the elders about the Uchiha's plans. I tried to prevent these actions by leaking the information. Though…in hindsight, it only further cemented our clan's fate."

Sasuke couldn't believe what he was hearing. Everything he knew about his clan's final days were a lie. "…Why?"

"I tried to find a non-violent solution to this. I feared the worst for the village if our father followed through on the plan. But after I was blamed for Shisui's death…I realized there was only one solution."

The dots slowly connected. Sasuke's face drained of all color and left only a numbness that burned.

"…You…killed them all…for the sake of the village?"

The hardest word Itachi could ever speak. "…Yes."

His legs were the first to go, the weight of his disbelief crumbling him down. The sword clattered loudly, only briefly covering the vomit splashing on the ground.

"Why…did you…? Mother and father…" Sasuke held down another splatter of stomach acid. "How could you possibly have killed them for the village?!"

Itachi approached his younger brother. "It was my mission…give to me by the elders of the village."

More vomit covered the floor. There was hardly any food, only stomach vile. Horrible smelling stomach vile.

"…Why didn't you kill me?!" Sasuke could barely hold his head up, but he was able to find his voice again. "You made me hate you! Loath the very thought of you! You betrayed the clan because you sided with the village! I don't believe you! This isn't real!"

Itachi pulled his brother up, holding him upright. There needed to be one more push.

"Because your life, to me, was more precious than anything." The slight tap to the forehead that filled his memories. "I couldn't kill you, my little brother."

Everything went black. Sasuke collapsed from the sheer volume of shock that ran through his system.

He thought this was the moment where he would pass out and wake up as a child, realizing that everything that had happened would truly be a dream and that this reality was a false nightmare that could finally be defeated.

But that all too familiar poke on his forehead brought him right back. There was nothing more comforting or adrenaline inducing than the tap to the forehead.

The sheer stress and emotion running through his body, mind, and soul caused a reaction in his optic nerves. A special chakra was released from his brain, creating the Sharingan.

Involuntary, Sasuke's Sharingan activated from the emotional response to Itachi's revelation.

But the reaction didn't stop there. In fact, it went even further beyond.

Itachi smirked. "There you go, little brother."

The massive influx of stress, adrenaline, and trauma that waved through Sasuke's body caused a breakdown of consciousness. The young Uchiha had finally surrendered to the darkness.

"It'll be okay, Sasuke. When you wake up, I'll answer all the questions you have." Itachi folded his cloak underneath his brother's head. "I'm sorry for all the pain I caused you. I don't ever expect you to forgive me."

The silence remained. A sound he wished to forget. And feelings of regret fleeted through his mind.

Did I make the right choice?

It was a snap decision. Itachi had zero intention of telling Sasuke anything. That was meant to stay so deeply buried that not even Danzō could have told this truth.

Why did I do that?

Sasuke deserves to know the truth, if there is one.

It was Naruto. Showing off his silent analytic mind, Naruto deduced that there was much more than meets the eye for the Uchiha Incident. And, seeing the guilt deep inside Itachi's soul, he inadvertently convinced Itachi to spill his secrets.

Something Itachi swore he'd never do.

Naruto Uzumaki…I believe Master Jiraiya was right about you. Maybe you will change the world.

Itachi grabbed ahold of Sasuke's sword. He held it in his hand for a moment, before launching it at a very specific spot on the ceiling. The darkest part of the ceiling.

"Drop down. I know you're there."

The silent fall and landing, telling Itachi exactly who had been listening.

"I never would have expected the legend, Itachi Uchiha, to be a double agent. What a plot twist."

"ROOT…Danzō sent you." Itachi was having flashback to his stand with Jiraiya against a platoon of ROOT operatives.

"Man…nothing gets passed you." The operator chuckled. The man took notice to the unconscious Uchiha on the floor. "It seems he took the news well."

Itachi stood between his brother and the enemy. "What are you doing here? How'd you find this place?"

"The Uchiha hideouts are well documented. It's just a process of elimination. Though, following the Kyūbi's jinchūriki did speed up the process."

"You followed Naruto here?" Itachi didn't like the sound of that. He was following in the same footsteps as his master.

"To be honest, I didn't expect to make it this far. Lord Danzō spoke highly of Uzumaki's senses and awareness. Even taking the extra precautions, I was surprised that I was never discovered. Perhaps he isn't all that he's cracked up to be."

Itachi wasn't one to sit in the past and point fingers. But that didn't sound like Naruto at all. He knew, firsthand, how capable Naruto was. Kanoto was a great tracking shinobi, no doubt. But Naruto should have been able to sense his presence. Or, at least, figure out that he was being followed.

Maybe something was wrong.

Kanoto drew his sword. "Time to take down the last of the Uchiha."

Itachi tossed his cloak aside, revealing his ANBU armor. He drew his sword. "The Uchiha has been underestimated for decades, thinking it would be easy to take one on. But the truth is…the Uchiha are superior to you in every way."

Kanoto, underneath his mask, smirked. "That's what you think."

The two operators charged, swords sparking with a great clash. Strength held each other back, blades grinding against one another.

"The eyes of a Uchiha are the most dangerous." Itachi pushed harder against Kanoto. "Let's see how long you last in my Tsukuyomi."

Itachi focused his strongest genjutsu and stared deep into the mask's dark eyes. He waited for the pull into his dream world but it never came.

My genjutsu…why isn't it working?

Kanoto chuckled. "Lord Danzō sought me out for his organization for a very specific reason. I'm here to fulfill that duty."

The sword battle broke and Itachi leapt back. He began analyzing the situation, trying to figure out why his genjutsu failed.

I looked straight into his eyes and there was no activation. There was nothing to visualize. It was like there was nothing there.

That's when Itachi figured it out.

"You're blind. You have no eyesight."

Kanoto responded by slowly removing his mask, revealing his glossed, empty eyes. Complete blindness.

"For some, disabilities completely destroy a person's life. They feel as if they're life is over before it ever truly began. But there are those who rise above disability and become something more." Kanoto fastened the mask back to his face. "You're Sharingan has no effect on me."

The Sharingan examined the surrounding area. There was no chakra barrier around Kanoto.

Possible heightened senses due to the blindness? That has been documented to happen. But that doesn't explain his ability to block and counter attack with his sword. He has no vision. Could he have a precognitive ability like the Sharingan?

Itachi would have to deduce Kanoto's ability if he wanted any chance of winning.

Itachi charged with his sword. Kanoto perfectly countered every swing and every slash. There was no wasted moves for both men.

He's dualling perfectly! It's like he can read my movements!

Itachi leapt over Kanoto, who remained still. Once landed, Itachi went for a fatal strike. Kanoto quickly spun to block the death blow.

His feet!

Itachi blocked Kanoto's attacks and leapt back, landing in the wall and using his chakra to stick to the wall.

"The high ground doesn't grant you any advantages in this fight, Uchiha."

Itachi stayed quiet, trying to hide in the darkness where Kanoto hid. When I leapt over him, as soon as I landed, his feet quickly turned to where I touched. He must have some kind of high sensitivity to vibration. That's the only way he could've blocked my strike.

Itachi gathered chakra up in his mouth, carefully not creating hand seals.

"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"

The fireball lit up the meeting hall. Kanoto predicted the path of the fireball and cartwheeled out of the way, carefully watching the Uchiha on the wall.

Kanoto froze when a kunai pieced the ground at his feet.

"When did you…?"

Itachi had it figured out.

"You sense the vibrations in the ground from my movements. Even the slightest movements, like my breathing, you can detect. You could even feel my chakra gathering up for my jutsu. That's how dodged it." Itachi free fell to the ground. "I bet your shoes have bottoms cut out. Your bare feet have to touch the ground."

Kanoto's grip on his hilt tightened. He had been found out.

"You missed my knife and no idea it was being thrown." Itachi's eye changed. "Airborne attacks with no warning…you can't evade them." Blood slowly drifted down his cheek like a tear. "Burn away…Amaterasu!"

"Doton: Doryūha!" (Earth Style: Mud Wave)

At the focal point of his vision, the black flames erupted around Kanoto. The indistinguishable flames could burn fire itself. Nothing could withstand the immortal fire.

Kanoto created a massive wave of earth that pushed the black flames away from him. He was able to intercept the flames and send them back.

Itachi covered his eye, stopping the black flames from continuing to increase.

He predicted my Amaterasu?!

Kanoto held his seal, ready to block another attack. "It's called seismic sense. I feel the vibrations in the ground from people's movements. But I've used this technique for so long, I can feel heartbeats…even chakra flow inside a body. Even now, I can feel your chakra in your eyes."

Kanoto dropped his seal momentarily, disbelieving what his sense was showing him.

"…I can even see what is about to happen."

Itachi wondered what he meant. But then, everything changed.

An extremely sharp pain shot through Itachi's body, instantly crippling him. Blood vomited from his mouth, covering the floor. Coughing continuously poured more blood.

What's…happening? I thought…those leaves…

His vision blurred like it would before. Dizziness shook his equilibrium to the core. His chest burned with every inhale and exhale.

My sickness…it's back.

"From what I can tell, you contracted a terminal illness. And whatever you did you hold it back…well, it just gave out."

Itachi willed his body up. He wouldn't allow this to be his end. There was still a mission to complete.

But his body stopped responding and the Uchiha collapsed.

Kanoto slowly approached. "Truthfully, I expected more from the man who killed the Uchiha clan. Though, not even a legend can beat death." The operative held his sword high. "Lord Danzō will be pleased to see your head on his desk."

Itachi's finger twitched, showing the wire that was attached to the tip of the finger. Sasuke's sword came flying down from the ceiling. Kanoto easily moved out of the way.

"That would have been surprising…if I didn't already see the wire on your finger."

Kanoto raised his sword again, ready to end the legendary Itachi Uchiha once and for all.

"Chidori Eisō!" (Chidori Laser Spear)

Kanoto felt the electric current pierce his body, making his body seize up and freeze. He couldn't move but he felt no pain.

The electrical current was fired from Sasuke's hand.

"Die!"

He closed his fist, and he altered the shape of the spear to increase the number of spearheads. Kanoto's body erupted in an electrical explosion of blood and heat, cooking his internal organs.

The electricity suddenly vanished, leaving Kanoto steaming with burnt flesh. A few moments of his life leaving his body before collapsing.

Kanoto, the ROOT operator, was dead, killed by Sasuke Uchiha.

Itachi forced himself to sit up against the base of the wall. He watched life leave Kanoto, realizing that he would soon be joining him.

Sasuke approached his elder brother. He knelt beside him. "Is everything you said true?" He felt like he was six years old again, asking Itachi to come train with him. "…Was everything you said the truth?"

Itachi slowly nodded. "…Search your feelings. You know it to be true, Sasuke."

Truthfully, Sasuke didn't know what to feel. He was angry, hurt, relieved, and so many more things that he could hardly process. But, for this moment, a sense of clarity and comfort.

Despite the horrors of that night, Sasuke still feel the love his older brother held for him. His life, in Itachi's words, was more precious to him than the clan and the village.

Sasuke took his Itachi's hand in his, stifling tears.

"You're dying…"

Itachi smirked slightly. "I tried to cheat death. I suppose no one can do that."

"What's wrong with you?"

"It's a terminal disease. There's no cure. I've been fighting this disease since I left the village. I've been using drugs, magical cures, and my own will to stay alive. I wasn't going to die before letting you be the avenger for the Uchiha…at least, that was the original plan."

Itachi hacked more blood.

"But plans changed when you sought out Orochimaru. I never thought you would have followed him. I tried to save you from his grasp, but I couldn't do it."

A quick vision passed through Sasuke's mind. He remembered that.

"I've tried so many things to make sure you led a path towards avenging our clan, possibly leading the village in my wake. But, I suppose my meddling has caused such a divergence."

Itachi looked deep into his younger brother's eyes.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke. But this is the last time."

The young Uchiha's head fell, feeling the loss. There were many emotions running through Sasuke's mind. He didn't know what to feel, what to think.

He had spent his life hating the thought of his brother. He used that hatred to push himself further in training. That training is what made him into the shinobi he was, regardless of master.

Sasuke was lost with no direction.

Itachi squeezed with hand, gaining Sasuke's attention.

"There's one more thing."

"…What is it, brother?"

"Madara is the single greatest threat in this world. There is nothing he won't do to achieve his goals. Do not trust him."

Sasuke nodded, tears falling his cheeks. "I won't."

"There's many secrets of the Sharingan that you'll need to learn if you ever want to defeat him. Now, that you have the same eyes as me, you'll have a power like never before. And then, when the time is right, take my eyes. And you'll be granted an eternal power that will help you defeat Madara."

Sasuke chose to simply nod and figure out what he was saying later. This was his brother's final moments. He didn't want to squander this moment with questions.

"I will brother."

Itachi raised his shaking hand, covered in his own blood. For the final time, he poked his brother's forehead.

"I will love you…always."

The hand trembled before slowly sliding down, leaving a trail of blood that resembled a teardrop. The falling hand echoed through the meeting hall. The light faded from his eyes.

His final vision was of his younger brother. The one thing he always planned to be.

Itachi Uchiha, former Akatsuki and ANBU Captain, was dead.

He had no idea how long he sat there, clutching his brother's hand. Tears continued to fall, mixing in with the blood.

Your life…was more precious to me than the village.

It was a mission…given to me by the village elders.

Konoha…

"I'm sorry for your loss."

Sasuke used his sword in a defensive, standing between this man and his brother's body.

"Who are you?!"

Madara was rather surprised to see Sasuke's eyes. They had evolved.

The man in the mask held his hands up. "Easy, Sasuke. I mean you no harm here. I'm merely here to offer my condolences."

"Not a step further! Tell me who you are!"

"Well, I suppose since I know your name, you should know mine." The man pulled his mask slightly, revealing parts of his mangled face and Sharingan eye. "My name is Madara Uchiha…and I'm here to help you, Sasuke."

Sasuke's eye twitched as he crossed eyesight with Madara's. His iris morphed and changed into Itachi's Mangekyō. Sasuke covered his eye, wondering where that came from.

Madara's body erupted in the eternal black flames of Amaterasu. The never-ending fire consumed his entire form.

Surprising at first. But the flames fell through his body, attaching to the ground below him.

"…That was quite the trick, Itachi. Even trying to kill me from beyond the grave."

Sasuke's hand was covered in his own blood that had dripped from his eye. "…What was that?" He couldn't believe those flames just passed right through him.

"Amaterasu. Itachi's Mangekyō ability. It seems he triggered his eye to activate in yours the second it came into contact with mine. Clever move, old boy."

Madara approached.

"You're coming with him, Sasuke."

Sasuke's hand ignited Chidori. "Stay back or you'll die!"

Madara chuckled. "You're brave. I admire that." He continued to approach. "But it means nothing to me."

"Ahhh!"

A might scream and Sasuke dashed to deal a killing blow to the man. But he, too, fazed right through, stumbling as he looked back.

I passed right through his body?!

"Nice try."

A vortex swirled around Madara's visible eye. Sasuke was instantly drawn into it. He tried to hold his ground, but he was pulled into the vortex, disappearing into emptiness.

"Sorry Sasuke. But, like what Itachi said, plans change."

Madara knelt next to Itachi's body. He snickered.

"If only you knew the truth about those leaves…you would have never taken them."

He placed a hand on the body.

"You were a great student. But even you couldn't surpass the master."

The vortex took in Itachi's body, leaving only the pooled blood.

"Did you catch everything, Zetsu?"

The plant man slowly peered through the ground, only his face being visible.

"The whole thing."

"Yeah! Even that ROOT bastard being burned from the inside!"

"Sasuke's abilities are improving. He'll be a great assist for us."

"Of course, Madara."

"Has Pain begun his assault?" Madara questioned. "Has he captured the Tailed Beasts in Konoha?"

"Yes sir! The Four and Seven Tails are in the Akatsuki's hands!"

Madara nodded. "Recall everyone to Amegakure. We've got work to do."