Burn
"In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act."
― George Orwell
Chapter Nine
I buried my head in my Uncle's shoulder. I didn't want to let him go.
"What? You missed this old man?" Oliver teased me, finally awkwardly patting my shoulder. I sniffled- I would not look ridiculous and cry. I pulled myself back together and stepped back.
"Maybe." I confessed, my mouth twitching as I tried to not grin ear to ear, "You look good."
Oliver hummed, looking me over. His mouth pressed into a fine line, and I saw his brow furrow when he saw my Hitai-ate. Ah - he wasn't pleased.
"And you look different. Is that - is that a scar on your arm?" Uncle asked, picking at my short-sleeved hem. To think he reacted that way to my boring scar and not even it was bright blue. But, then again, Uncle did tend to worry.
"Long story. I'll tell you later." I said. He grunted, his gaze flicking up to my Hitai-ate. He must think it had to do with my profession. I would have clarified, but Ibiki stepped in. Our time was done.
"Now that that is out of the way. We need to talk." Ibiki said flatly. Oliver straightened, nearly moving to push me behind him like he used to. I forgot he did that.
"Uncle…. This is Morino Ibiki. He's the head of the T&I. He's my boss." I explained, sidestepping them both. My uncle frowned, and looked out into the room I came from - I followed his line of sight. Tsunade stood in the doorway, her arms crossed under her chest.
"Tsunade-sama," I murmured. I knew very well not to step on her toes at this point. Uncle shot me a look.
"Tami, you're dismissed. Go back to your duties, we'll take it from here." She ordered.
I glanced at my Uncle and sent him a small smile before quietly leaving the room.
Uncle was finally safe. I knew it was him. He was safe.
Kakashi and the others were outside. My Darling looked a little guarded, but that was all. The others were talking, Asuma and Shikamaru were already on their way out. Mozuku and Shinobu were focused on the interrogation.
Call me weak, but I couldn't help but pull my Darling into a tight hug.
"Thank you," I murmured to him, giving him a tight squeeze. He brought my Uncle back in one piece. Him and Asuma. I'd have to do something for them both.
My Darling hummed softly before I pulled away.
"I don't think he's happy you're a Kunochi now." He told me softly. His face softened for a moment before he glanced over to where Oliver was.
"I'm sure he wasn't. He wasn't happy when I wanted to follow in his footsteps either." I said softly. Kakashi hummed again. He seemed to be mulling over something, not quite ready to tell me his thoughts. Fair enough - we were in public still.
"Mozuku translated a page - left the key with me. We can go over it later." I murmured to him.
Kakashi looked away, I saw his mouth press together through his mask. Was he not pleased about something?
"I have a mission." He murmured.
Grand. I suppose we'd have to meet up after to go over the findings. Maybe he'd want me to wait?
"How long?" I asked him. I nearly felt like my pocket was on fire. I had to know what was in that journal. It was all I could do for Sasuke right then.
"A few days. Look through the journal and inform Tsunade-sama about your findings. We'll talk about it later." He provided. He paused, looking over at my Uncle again before returning to give me a warm eye-smile, "Be ready when I get back. I'd like to take you out."
My face warmed. He wanted to-? Was it because Uncle was with me now?
"Afraid I'll leave." I playfully asked, nudging his side.
"Maa…. Maybe only a little bit." He replied, glancing down at me. I huffed lightly.
"Mm - I'm afraid you're stuck with me unless you say otherwise," I told him, nudging him again. I watched as the corner of his eyes perked up a little bit. He was so cute.
Kakashi bent down to speak to me but paused when the interrogation room opened. Tsunade, Ibiki, and Uncle walked out. Uncle sent us a dark look as he passed, following Tsunade.
"Tams, stay away from the Pirate." He snapped.
What on earth happened between those two?
I forced a smile at him.
"Hatake, I want you in my office." Tsunade snapped as she walked by.
I sighed and Kakashi stepped away. He sent me one last warm glance before moving to follow the group.
I watched them go - my Uncle following after Tsunade and Kakashi trailing behind. Ibiki moved over to my side. He sent me a look.
"You know, it's too bad it wasn't your Uncle that came first. He'd do well in this business." He drawled, sending me a sharp grin. I nearly wanted to roll my eyes at him. Ibiki did adore his barbs at times.
"You sure know how to make a girl feel appreciated, Luv." I replied dryly. He chuckled and started to move away.
"Well, Tams, get back to work. Your Uncle will be back later." He said, smirking before he left. "We'll send him your way."
I left. I had work, but I also needed to let Maya know about Uncle. My Uncle wanted to go home, seeing how uncomfortable Maya was she might also want to go home as well. Truly - part of me hoped she'd go. It would make life much easier for me. Less to worry about. She shouldn't stay if she still thought this was all just a story. And then we wouldn't have to worry about her leaving Konoha.
I dropped by during lunch to let her know. I decided to get her ready for the idea of leaving pretty quickly (or staying, if need be). It might be a good idea for her to go.
X
The damn Pirate kept following them, and Oliver was trying to keep his temper in check. The Hokage, Tsunade, wanted to talk to him in her office about something. Oliver didn't mind it - but he did mind that the Pirate was sniffing around his niece. Oliver suspected something with the man, the way he talked about his niece was like-. Oliver frowned.
Once they got to the office, the Hokage handed that Pirate a folder. The Ninja glanced at Oliver over his shoulder, sent him that bland eye smile he liked to use, and jumped out a window. Oliver stared at the place the Pirate had once been. Really?
Ugh. He really hoped his Niece had better taste. Maybe after they got home, he'd see if any of his old work buddies had a decent son he could introduce her to. Keep her nose out of trouble.
"Well. Now then. It's good to finally meet you." Tsunade said, drawing Oliver's attention to her once more. Oliver shifted, looking over at her. It was strange to think she was the leader of this place. He wondered how she got it. Maybe she was voted in? Or maybe it was birthright. He didn't know. Yet.
"Ma'am." Oliver bowed his head politely, though he could see her frown a little when he called her ma'am. So she didn't like her age. Great. At least he knew now. "Good to be here. I'm glad you all kept my Niece safe. But as soon as we can, we'll be out of your hair."
Tsunade's eyebrows raised at him.
"Do you have a way home?" She asked pointedly.
"I'll admit I was hoping you had one for us." Oliver continued.
Tsunade's face told him all he needed to know. They didn't have a way back. Had he known that, he would have stolen some of that Snake's work before burning the place down. Hindsight and all that.
"No, we don't. But I know your Niece was researching it years ago. She might have found something." Tsunade said. She crossed her arms again and leaned back against her desk. "But that wasn't what I wanted to ask you."
"Oh?"
"From our records, we know you are a detective. For the last seven years, we've been without a police force. We're a little stretched thin, but I've been thinking about putting the old building to use again. The only problem is we have no one to head up that department with experience." Tsunade continued.
Oliver's eyebrows raised. Seriously? Cops for Ninjas? It sounded almost absurd. Then again, he guessed that maybe they needed to keep the law somehow.
"Yeah? What happened to your previous law enforcement?"
"They were murdered. You talked about Uchiha Sasuke - his brother killed them." Tsunade explained.
Oliver grunted. Yeah - he remembered the kid mentioning something about it. He would have said more, but Tsunade turned to see a presence striding into the room.
Oliver stood at ease, trying to hide the clenching of his fist. He could see the sudden tension in Tsunade. The man walking in wasn't a welcome sight for her.
That man had bandages around his head, and bags under his eyes. He had a cane in one hand, while the other was hidden behind his robes. Oliver always did make it a point to not trust men who hid their hands (or their faces, in the Pirate's case).
"Danzo." Tsunade began, frowning at him, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
She said pleasure as if it were poison.
Looking at the man, Oliver felt like he was like that Snake fellow. He didn't understand the gut instinct, but he trusted it nonetheless. The man was dangerous. Part of him wanted to play the idiot again, but Oliver could see that the man before him was more crafty than the Snake himself. He wouldn't fall for such a simple trick. In fact, it'd catch Danzo's attention all the more.
"I wanted to see our guest. The last time, I wasn't invited to see the outsider coming into Konoha." Danzo said fluidly. His gaze swept over Oliver for a moment before turning to Tsunade, "Does this mean our prized Canary will be leaving?"
Tsunade fought to keep a sour expression from her face. Oliver stepped in. Canary? Why was he calling Tami a Canary? Unless they were talking about something else?
Did he want to know?
"Yessir. I came to bring Tams home. I hear you all did a great service to us. While I'm here, I promised to help where I can before we go." He offered up.
Danzo ahhed, his gaze sweeping back to Tsunade.
"How fortunate for us." He said - his face remained neutral. Oliver didn't think whatever the man had going on in his mind was anything good.
"Is that all, Danzo?" Tsunade asked him, her eyes narrowed at him only for a brief moment. She seemed to be trying to reign in her own temper with the man.
"Yes. Of course. I see you have it handled, Tsunade-sama." Danzo murmured. He bowed his head, glancing over at Oliver once more, before turning to leave.
Oliver watched the man go and saw two ninjas fall into step beside him.
"You got some snakes in the grass," Oliver said softly, for her ears only.
"Tell me about it," Tsunade grumbled.
Oliver waited a beat before continuing, "Will I have any problem if I take the girls and go when we figure out a way?"
Tsunade blinked before turning to face him, She studied him for a moment before shaking her head.
"The previous Hokage told Tami that she would be free to return when she could. I'll stand by that decision. But I'd be surprised if she went." She said.
Oliver grunted. He guessed he'd be surprising quite a few people. Namely that Pirate and the Hokage.
"Anyway - I'll have someone show you to the building. If you find anything important - let me know." Tsunade told him. Oliver nodded - he guessed he'd be put to work. He wasn't about to decline, being at the whim of the ruler in Kono-whatever it was.
X
"Oliver returned" Tami had told her. "He wants to go back home as soon as possible."
Maya winced. She should have thought about that. She hadn't yet. She had been so wrapped up in helping at the hospital, that she completely forgot about anything else. That and wondering who everyone else was in the hospital. Konoha was a lot bigger than she thought it was.
She would be going home. Oliver would be taking her home. And Tami would probably stay.
Her stomach turned and she almost tripped with the plate of food she was carrying to the patient. She gave a weak smile to the concerned patient and apologized before setting down the plate to scurry off back to the kitchens.
I don't want to go. Or do I?
It was a good idea for her to leave. She'd be safe and sound at home. But then again, she'd have to live with giving up on her favorite characters and favorite place. Then again, was this real?
Tami seemed to think so.
The world wasn't like a sound-stage or theater production or anything. It wasn't like stuff stopped happening because the main character (Naruto) wasn't there. Stuff was still going on. Maya knew Tami was up to something, too. She winced. Itachi.
Without her, or even with her, her favorite character would be doomed to die again. Itachi held the entire village together by his act. It couldn't be that he could be saved. And Asuma and Jiraiya and -. If she wasn't going to save anyone or anybody, she should leave. After all, could she really face them if she knew they were going to die?
How selfish would it be for me to just stay here and watch people die? Maya lamented to herself as she carried down the stairs. She paused on the second floor and sat on one of the steps.
How selfish would it be to return home, knowing she could save them?
'They're just characters.' Maya tried to reason with herself. But, for the first time, the thought felt hollow. Jiraiya allowed her to stay in his home, disguising her as his "daughter". From how Tsunade and he interacted, he wasn't just some perverted character on the pages.
'It's kind of funny. I never really liked him at all. But he's acting like my dad. Well. A better dad than I actually have.' Maya thought further.
And then Kakashi. Her other favorite character. Who knew what would happen to him now that Tami was in the picture? Maya had never seen them really interact other than the one time. Would they get married? Have kids? If she left - she'd never know. The manga nor Anime never showed Tami in the series. And since it was already on Boruto, well past even now in the canon, Maya knew she'd never see it.
'I do want to see them have a happily ever after.' She thought sadly. Kakashi deserved it. She knew quite a few people hated that he gave himself over and over again for the village and never even had a romance of his own.
She pressed her lips together. Maybe she'd stay. Maybe things could change.
"Are you okay?" A voice asked behind her. Maya looked behind her. It was one of the nurses - Reina, she thought. She was a sweet lady, but Maya didn't really know her personally. She really didn't know anyone personally. That was her fault though.
"Yeah. Just - thinking." Maya said, standing up slowly.
"There's a great utility closet I use for that sometimes. Nice to get a second for yourself." She replied brightly. "Do you want to talk about it?"
'Why yes - I think you're a character in a story, but I've never heard about you or seen you. How do you feel about that?' Maya thought, hiding behind a smile, 'That would be a terrible thing to tell someone.'
"Oh - no. I'm okay. Thank you." She finally managed. "I really appreciate it, though."
"No problem at all. I hope everything gets better for you. I'm sure being in the village and learning everything we do can be jarring." Reina added.
She was so sweet. Maya felt a real smile bloom on her face.
"It has been a little rough. But I'm getting through it."
"Well, let me know if you ever want to talk."
Reina sent her a warm smile and left not long after. Maya watched her go, feeling a little better.
'Yeah. Yeah, I've been going about this the wrong way.' She decided. This just wasn't right to dismiss everyone as just a character, or just a story. As Maya walked down the stairs, she figured even she could be boiled down to just a story, too. How sad would that be? She was more than that. She guessed that she could give others that pass too - even if she did know almost everything about them (well. Not everyone).
X
I had been notified where my Uncle was as I clocked out of work. The Uchiha compound Police Force building. Ibiki let me know Tsunade wanted his help on getting it up and running again. I supposed if anyone could, it was Uncle.
I went by to pick him up - trying to not be bothered by the thought of the translated journal entry in my pocket. Of course, Ibiki would keep me busy now of all times.
I'd have to wait.
At least I'd finally be able to see my Uncle. I found him in the building under plumes of dust and old furniture.
"Never thought you'd be in another Police building," I told him as I came across him and his cleaning attempts. He shot me a dirty look.
"Can you believe it? They got me setting up their police force." He complained in English, slapping his leg as he made his way over to me. I shrugged and took a moment to take in the building. It was nice enough - a good mix of official building and traditional architecture.
"Could be worse, I suppose. By the by, it might be best if we avoid English. There are no other languages here. Best to not set off alarm bells." I explained casually.
Uncle grunted in a way only he knew how, and helped guide me out. He squinted as we got outside - he must have been in the building for hours.
"So. You gonna feed this old man, or am I gonna waste away?" He asked teasingly. I huffed, playfully rolling my eyes.
"Of course. I'm sure we can catch a few frogs on the way since we just rough it here in the village." I teased back, hooking my arm through his and guiding him away from the Compound.
Don't worry Sasuke. I'll get to the bottom of this mystery.
Uncle just scoffed at me as I started to lead him to another district.
"Yeah?" He continued and then started to look around. He didn't seem to know what to say right away. I didn't either. So instead I found the restaurant I was looking for and we sat down. No Ramen this time.
Uncle was kind enough to hold off on his questions until after the waitress left.
"So - you're some kind of ninja." He drawled, leaning back in his chair. I knew what he was doing. He was pretending he wasn't interrogating me. He wanted me to think he wasn't interested in the conversation - I knew that wasn't the case.
Uncle….
"I am. A Kunoichi." I said. I tried not to shift or move uncomfortably. Uncle taught me all I knew. I wasn't about to make him think I was ashamed of my choices or decisions when I arrived. I had quite a few hard choices I had to make.
"Yeah? How'd that start." He continued.
I then felt uncomfortable as I recalled - I became a ninja to get home. How funny was it that I wouldn't leave any longer?
"I - I needed to find a way home. I couldn't leave the village without knowing how to fight. Ibiki offered to train me. So I took him up on his offer." I explained softly in English. I didn't want anyone else overhearing that part of the conversation. Me speaking what they thought was gibberish would be better. Oliver's gaze lit up and my stomach sank. He had the wrong idea.
"I'm not leaving," I said softly but firmly.
"Yeah? That Pirate has something to do with it?" He asked.
"Maybe." I allowed, "Maybe not."
Oliver grunted, eyeing me critically.
"Yeah? What's he to you?"
"We're dating," I answered again. Oliver sent me a disapproving frown.
"Tams, how many times have I told you not to mix business with pleasure? That Axel punk was the first one. Now it's that Pirate." He carried on, "I hear that man was your partner. Did you two actually work?"
I sent him a look. Uncle knew very well I didn't fool around at work. Even with Axel, I kept work professional.
"We got together after," I said firmly. Oliver studied me for a moment before backing down. His mouth pressed into a line and then he looked me over.
"Tams, did you figure out a way home?" He asked.
My heart squeezed. I had - I didn't know how viable of an option it was, nor how safe it was, but I had. I looked away.
"I might have," I told him. I could feel the atmosphere shift and him grumble something under his breath.
"Tami Ann Walker, are you telling me you could have gone home and you stayed here? With these damn ninjas and that pirate?" He continued. I swallowed, shifted, and turned to look at him again.
"I did."
He was furious - his eyes narrowed and shoulders tensed. His fists clenched. I had known he'd do this. We both had a bit of an anger streak, but my Uncle won in that regard. There was little I could do except sit and deal with it now.
"Didn't I teach you anything? Walkers don't leave their own. Why are you throwing away your home for this place?" He carried on, "Your mom and dad are there. Charles is there. Me - your friends. That Robert fellow has been worried sick. Your theater group - your contacts. Tami, did you even think about them?" He carried on.
"They'd move on," I said softly.
"They'd move - Tams. It's been a month. Maybe a few by now." He said flatly.
"And it's been four years here. You know as well as I do that by that time people don't hold out hope. Everything I'd have would be gone." I said flatly, but I knew it wouldn't matter. Uncle had only missed me for a month. He hadn't been plugging away for years.
"Even if you showed up four years after you left, we'd still be there for you, Tams," Oliver said, placing a finger deliberately on the table to prove a point. "You're staying for that Pirate, aren't you?"
I didn't disagree.
"Tams - you realize he could die any minute of any day. He could have some kinda psychotic break from the trauma he's been in and hurt you - or kill you. You realize that, right? Do you know how many soldiers with PTSD harm their families?" He carried on.
"He's not like that. And not every soldier is like that, either."
"Do you even hear yourself? You're choosing some guy over everything else."
"Uncle." I stressed, "Would you please have some faith in me? I'm not the same girl. We didn't just date on a whim! And I wouldn't date anyone like that. Out of everyone, he's been - he's a good man. Sometimes he makes me think of you, too."
Oliver balked at that, sending me a dark look. He pressed his mouth together, and crossed his arms. He looked away, breathing out slowly, and finally shook his head.
"I won't keep harpin' on it." He said finally, "But you really need to think this through, Tams. We're your family. Your home. You're gonna give that up for some guy?"
I didn't reply. I had already given my answer. Uncle just loudly exhaled as the food came. To his credit, that was the last time he brought it up that night. But the damage was done. The food I ate tasted like ash in my mouth.
I wasn't able to finish my meal. My Uncle wasn't either. Neither of us seemed to want to eat anymore.
I ended up walking him back to my place. The apartment that was once large enough for myself and two young kids camping over was suddenly too small. I hadn't even thought of sleeping arrangements with all the things I had going on.
"Go on and take the bed," I told him, moving to the couch. Uncle beat me to it, dropping down on the cushion.
"I'm not taking your bed, Tams." He said firmly. He stared up at me, crossing his arms. "Get me a blanket, I'll be fine."
I shifted as I thought about what blanket would work. I didn't have much, though I did have those nice blankets because Hatake kept finding the coldest caves imaginable for us to hide in. I pulled them out of the closet and handed one over to him. I stepped away to go find him a towel and other bathing things. He might have to share some of the soaps I got for Kakashi - Uncle wouldn't want to use any of my things. I stepped out to return to my Uncle's side - he was already asleep on the couch, snoring. He hadn't even laid down.
I breathed out slowly and set the things I had for him on the side table before I could help my Uncle lay down on the couch. I didn't want him sleeping wrong and getting sore from it. I shifted him to lie down and got him comfortable.
Uncle surely was upset with me - but I'd at least try to at least make the time we had remaining together good.
I slipped into the kitchen and pulled out the page from my pocket and retrieved the journal from its hiding place. I couldn't hold off any longer. Uncle was out, My Darling was away - and ROOT was possibly sniffing around.
I needed to know more.
I cracked open the book. Mozuku had translated the one page, leaving a key for the rest.
xx/05/02
Things have gotten worse in the village. Since the passing of the Fourth, the village believes the Uchiha had something to do with it. I don't know. I know Father felt he had been passed up for the position, but I hadn't thought he was that upset over it. He told mother that he was too busy with his own Clan to worry about the whole village.
Danzo believes that father is dangerous. Shisui and I know that we have a duty to protect the village. I'm beginning to believe Danzo is after something more. Some days he looks at Shisui and I strangely. I don't trust him. Shisui does.
Kakashi has been assigned by the Hokage to keep an eye on me and my clan. I've heard the other shinobi talk about it while they thought I wasn't there.
No wonder Mozuku seemed unsettled. I felt unsettled, and I knew how it ended. I needed to know more. I had to get to the bottom of this. I need to - for Sasuke. Itachi was an afterthought at this point. I still didn't like him. He tormented a little boy who had nothing to do with what had happened. It was nearly inexcusable in my book. But - but this was important to Sasuke. From the look of him, he seemed to be not too much older than Sasuke. Doing some math - Itachi must have been… 13 or 14 when he massacred his clan. I grimaced.
He was a child.
He was barely older than Kakashi when he became a Jounin.
'Konoha needs to stop putting children in positions for war.' I thought.
I needed to know more. That Shisui must have been around the same age too. Had Itachi killed him as well?
I dove in, using the key that Mozuku created to start decoding the rest of the journal. I needed to know everything I could. I had to.
X
'I'm late!' Maya chastised herself, racing from the hospital. She got caught up in work and the lights were now on in the village, and she was late! She needed to get home.
From nowhere, an Anbu member appeared in front of her and she nearly plowed into him.
"Maya - you should be home." He said in a dark tone. Maya laughed nervously, looking up. She noticed that he had a bear mask. Who was - oh! Tenzo. Or was it Yamato?
Maya smiled nervously at him
"I know. I'm sorry. I got caught up at work and lost track of time. I think I need an alarm or something to make sure. Don't tell Tsunade-sama, please?" She carried on, feeling nervous. Tenzo - it was Tenzo. She really hadn't paid him much mind in the series. But there he was.
"It's fine. Head back home now." He said.
Maya fidgeted with her fingers. Maybe he could-. Without thinking about it further, she blurted out, "Could you walk me?"
He was silent, standing there like a stone gargoyle. Maya shifted uncomfortably. Maybe she was being too much? Maybe he had important ANBU business to do.
"I promise I won't be too bad. I just don't want to be out here without anyone. And then I heard from some ladies that it gets scary." She said, unable to stop herself.
"Come on," Tenzo told her, moving to walk along. Maya fell into step beside him, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. She wondered how much he could actually see out of that mask. He must be very good at what he did.
"So - what's it like being an Anbu?" She asked a little awkwardly. An awkward silence fell, and Maya wanted to kick herself. Of course, he didn't want to talk to her.
"It's okay," Tenzo answered finally. Maya looked up at him curiously. He answered her? She wasn't really anyone important.
"Yeah? Do you like it?" She asked him.
He was quiet just as long before answering, "I like being able to help my Village."
Maya smiled at him. Tenzo was a sweet guy.
"Naaa - how cute!" A voice cooed. Another ANBU bounded down - he had a Jackal mask. "Bear-chan, are you making friends?"
Tenzo groaned audibly.
"Come Maya - ignore him," Tenzo said, moving to guide her away a little faster. The Jackal started moving behind them both. Tenzo shot a look over his shoulder at the Jackal.
"Bear, you're so mean to me." The Jackal whined behind them.
Maya looked up at Tenzo and scurried along with him.
"Is he always so… weird?" She asked. The only answer she received was an exasperated sigh. Maybe she could do something? She bet he might behave if he was bribed.
The Jackal ANBU came up behind them both, and wrapped each of his arms around their shoulders.
"Such a cute little mouse, Bear-chan!" Jackal continued.
Maya sent him a look, frowning at him.
"You should be nice." She told him shortly.
"Naa, am I not being nice, little-mouse?" He countered cheerily. Maya saw Tenzo physically droop.
Nope! Maya didn't like that at all. That poor Shinobi had always struggled with people actually respecting him.
"You're being too much." She told him sternly, which the Jackal only whined about. She should have known he wouldn't just behave himself. Some of those ANBU were crazy. "If you are nice, I'll make you both cake."
The Jackal perked up immediately, "Serious?"
"Yes, but you have to stop."
"Promise?"
"Promise. I'll make it tomorrow."
The Jackal was gone. She could see Tenzo breathe a sigh of relief.
There. Good. Tenzo really shouldn't be pestered that much. He was always bothered with silly things. Maybe Maya would make sure he wasn't bothered like he was before. He was too sweet.
X
xx/05/10
I went to the stone today. I fear the curse has affected my clan. Danzo says that we may need to prepare for the worst. I'm scared for Sasuke. I don't want him sucked into this life. I fear Danzo will come after him. He's been requiring Shisui's help more as of late. Reina is worried. I fear Father will go through with a coup.
xx/05/15
The tension with my clan is getting worse. My father ignored a summons by the Hokage. My clan said that my partner went to the compound with his friend. I don't know why. I fear the worst. My clan is falling into disgrace.
xx/05/18
Shisui is dead. He's gone. I must do this alone. Danzo poisoned Shisui and stole his eye. I feared this day would happen. I must kill my clan. I will protect Sasuke. Danzo is evil, but he's a necessary evil for the village to thrive. I have to do this to save Sasuke. And in the end - Sasuke will kill me. The village will be saved. Sasuke will be safe.
I sat back in my chair, looking at the pages I spent the night decoding. I felt sick. Itachi was a child, forced into a stressful situation to prevent a coup. He tormented Sasuke to convince the boy to grow up and kill him to hide his secret.
That's why Itachi hadn't tormented Kakashi. That's why Itachi hadn't killed me. In some sick, twisted way, he thought he was protecting his brother.
I felt like vomiting. I don't know how Itachi finally killed them all that night. But it was clear he had help. Either another accomplice, or Danzo stepped in. I'd have to find out if this was done behind Hiruzen's back. Had he known? Was he on top of it? The Hiruzen I knew was passive. He wasn't on top of new occurrences and didn't get involved too much. He probably helped create a power vacuum. One Danzo was sure to fill.
But - it was all theory at this point. I didn't know what was really going on.
If it was all correct - Itachi was as much of a victim as Sasuke, as the clan. My mouth felt like sandpaper.
"Did you go to bed, Tams? What time is it?" Uncle asked bleary as he stumbled into the kitchen. I sat up. I groaned when I saw the clock. 6:40 am.
"Maybe." I groaned, stretching my back. "I had work I needed to do."
Oliver just grunted, looking over the papers I had in front of me. I reached out to stop him and he sent me a look.
"It's… It's village stuff." I said weakly. Oliver raised his eyebrows, and then carefully slid a piece of paper out and looked it over. He grunted, his mouth pressing into a firm line.
"You're gonna run into this in a military-based village, Tams." He said softly, before setting it down and moving to get food out of the fridge.
I began to put the papers away. I'd need to tell Tsunade about this immediately. I'd tell Kakashi when he returned. He'd want to know. Especially partnering with Itachi.
Uncle was kind enough to make me breakfast. And although he didn't like it, I left to train in the morning like I usually did. I did go and find Tsunade to inform her about my findings. I left a copy of the notes with Shizune.
I wish I felt better about this all. I'd rather continue to paint Itachi as a crazed murderer. I couldn't. And I hated it. I couldn't let Sasuke fight him. And I wasn't about to let Danzo get away with this.
First step?
Reach Jounin.
Second?
I'll go after Itachi myself.
End Chapter
AN: Okay - so I didn't think I'd get this chapter out so soon. But I felt inspired and I went for it. I guess maybe just count it as making up for lost time? I, personally, can't wait for more Oliver and Kakashi shenanigans. They're fun to write. I have some idea of the next chapter and hope to get it out soon enough. I hope you guys enjoyed this, I know I enjoyed writing it. And I do like how this version of Oliver and Tami's argument went. The last one was... cartoonish.
Also, I decided to go ahead and just post the "Sparks AU" in that catch-all that I already made. It'll be up in a little while.
I don't know when I'll be back, but I just hope you all have an amazing week, and you were able to celebrate Father's day in your own way.
Thank you all!