(Chapter 11: Welcome to the Family)
The tailend of October was a rather interesting one for the Uchiha clan given the fact that Izumi after many hours of arduous labor and struggling, had managed to welcome her son Mamoru Uchiha into the world. Something of which was a momentous occasion for all that managed to make it and witness the birth of the infant son of Izumi and Itachi, and one that left the former heavily exhausted albeit grateful to finally meet and hold her firstborn child in her arms after the span of 3 and a half arduous nights of laborious strain.
(October 27th, 996 S.E, 3:25 Pm, Hidden Leaf Hospital)
It was a cloudy afternoon as a tired Izumi who was holding her sleeping son was lying down in the hospital bed, at least until she was visited upon by noneother than Sasuke and Fugaku; who'd come to see the newborn Uchiha.
"Hey, Izumi. Is everything going alright?" Sasuke asked
"Oh hey, Sasuke, Fugaku…Yeah, I'm ok. Just put down Mamoru for a nap." Izumi told the two as she looked down at her child
"That is good to hear…I still can't believe my grandson is finally here." Fugaku said as he looked over to his sleeping grandchild
"Neither can I. To be honest this not-so-little guy hasn't been all that bad…Don't get me wrong pushing an 11-and-a-half-pound infant out of my downstairs, wasn't easy. But other than him crying a few times today, he's been really easy to take care of." Izumi said back as she looked at the absolute unit that was her son
"He's really that big?...He definitely doesn't look like it." Sasuke asked as beyond the pudgy face, he couldn't see it in his now slumbering nephew
"Trust me, Sasuke. When you've spent over 20 hours pushin a baby out of your downstairs. You know how much they weight, and Mamoru was every bit of that 11 and a half pounds." Izumi answered back, still having felt as though she got ripped from her V to her A
"Regardless, I'm happy that he came out with no complications, and in full health...It was a miracle that after that long I can finally hold my son in my arms." Izumi added with a joyful smile at the slumbering infant
"As are we. By the way, when are you and Mamoru going to be released from the hospital?" Sasuke asked keen to see his nephew at the compound
"The doctors said by this Monday at the earliest…They want to keep me around for a few more days to make sure everything is ok." Izumi told the father and son duo
"Look at it this way, Izumi. Once you return to the compound, you will have everyone there waiting to surprise you and help you with whatever you need…All you need to do is say the word, and I will be more than happy to help you with my nephew." Sasuke replied more than ready to help her out with Mamoru
"Sasuke is right. Once you come home, the clan will be at your full disposal to help you with my grandson. The Uchiha clan takes care of our own after all." Fugaku said in agreement with his youngest
"I appreciate it, I really do…After what I did to welcome this not-so-little guy into the world, being around the clan again; would really help." Izumi replied with a small smile
"Not a problem at all. By the way, has Itachi visited you yet? I know Shisui and Mikoto reminded him twice by now to do that." Fugaku asked
"...He hasn't been here at all, Fugaku. Its been you, Obito, Juri, Shisui, Sasuke and Mikoto who've visited with me and Mamoru." Izumi answered back
"He's what?!" Fugaku asked incensed at this information
"He hasn't been here at all to see me or Mamoru. He wasn't there after I gave birth to our son; or the day after, and so on and so forth till now." Izumi told her father-in-law with her smile turning more somber as she looked down at her son
"To be honest, I thought that once our son was born that he would've made some effort. However, all I got when I asked about him were Anbu telling me that he was busy with work, and that he couldn't come…Isn't that something, my own husband too busy to see his wife and newborn son. Honestly, a fireball jutsu at point-blank range world hurt less than knowing that he can't even make time to see either one us." Izumi added as she would've cried but after so many letdowns over her pregnancy, she couldn't muster so much as a single tear
"I-I honestly cannot even form words from the amount of anger and disappointment I feel right now…The man couldn't even make time to see my own nephew…" Sasuke said borderline at a loss for words at hearing this
"Look Sasuke, I am just as…better yet I'm far more disappointed than either you or Fugaku right now…I thought that just this once, Itachi would put aside his duties as a shinobi and captain of the Anbu. I thought that for once he would set aside some small measure of time to be here with me, and hold his own son. Most of all, I thought that just for one day, he would have made the time to come and share in the experience of seeing our son be welcomed into the world; like we always talked about…But almost routinely at this point, I was let down again." Izumi replied with a level of numbness to her voice
What with Izumi having been let down and having to practically go through her entire pregnancy without her own husband, whom had been so initially excited at their expecting of a child…only to be virtually absent throughout it; had Izumi practically deadened to it all. As such Itachi having failed to show up for the birth of their child, and the failure to come see her and their son even once throughout her stay was to her another drop in the bucket of disappointments that had accumulated thus far.
"What will you do now, Izumi?" Fugaku asked
"After I go home and settle in with Mamoru. I'm going to take some time to think about things concerning Itachi, because at this point…I really can't afford to let this continue happening. Especially, now that with Mamoru being here, I can't have him being absent in his life 80 to 90 percent of the time. Our…My son deserves better than that." Izumi answered
"Is there anything we can do to help you? If there is anything at all, then let us know as soon as possible." Fugaku further asked
"The only thing I could ask for is help with raising Mamoru. Because I know that I am nowhere near equipped to raise him by myself." Izumi replied as to her sole request
"Of course, I will have our clansmen who are off-duty or retired take shifts to help you…Sasuke will you be free after the academy to help her on weekends?" Fugaku said back before turning his attention back toward his youngest son
"...I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to…Sorry, I am still processing the fact that Itachi couldn't, or better yet from what it sounds like wouldn't make the time to see his wife and child. All because he's so unbearably committed to the village." Sasuke spoke, still at a loss for words for what Itachi had done
'Here I thought he couldn't get any lower than this…Its almost as if he's trying to alienate himself from the clan.' Sasuke remarked to himself over his brothers' actions
"It's as I've been telling everyone in the clan, even though I hate to admit this infront of my grandson and daughter. Itachi's true commitment is too the village, and while at one time I would have commended him for it…Now its just out of hand." Fugaku said in knowing full well that Itachi's devotion to the village was moreso of bordering zealotry at this point
"Look, I want to be happy that Itachi is doing so well, and is doing great things for our home…However, I just can't put up with it anymore." Izumi replied as she looked up at the father and son pair
"I may be devoted to our village, and want to see it safe and flourish as anyone else would. But I don't want to do any of that, if it comes at the expense of my family…I mean, I can't even think of not seeing any of the clan, you two, Shisui and Obito for months on end…Especially now that I have this little guy around." Izumi added
"Considering how much my eldest has done. Would you like me to stay with you, for a few hours?" Fugaku asked
"That would be nice…It would give me the chance to finally rest, I was just able to put him down barely 20 minutes ago." Izumi said before she handed him off to Fugaku
"Is there anything I can do for either of you?" Sasuke questioned the two elder Uchiha
"I should be fine, Sasuke, but thank you for the offer." Izumi said with a small yawn
"I will be alright as well. I will be home later on." Fugaku replied
"Understood, father." Sasuke said back as he then exited the hospital room
Yet for the normally calm Uchiha who had walked away a considerable distance from his father, sister-in-law, and now newborn nephew; his Sharingan had flared to life and his fist had shot through and punctured a hole through the reinforced walls of the hospital out of anger and disgust over Itachi's actions… Although his hand and parts of his arm were scraped and now starting to bleed from having gone nearly forearm-deep from punching a hole in a reinforced wall he didn't care as he continued on his way, as to him, this was the last straw from his older brother.
(2 days later, October 29th, 996 S.E, 1:45 Pm, Konoha)
It was a few days later as Sasuke was currently with Naruto playing hacky-sack, and venting to the Ultimatrix wielder about everything going on with Itach and Izumi, since if there was anyone he could confide in beyond his clansmen, it was Naruto.
"Dude, that is a new level of fucked up. How are you gonna just up and miss the birth of your own kid, and send some patsy to give some bullshit excuse! Just what the absolute fuck is his deal?!" Naruto said as he kicked over the hacky-sack to Sasuke
"You do not need to tell me, Naruto. Just when I thought that maybe, just maybe there would be some glimmer of hope that Itachi would put down the anbu mask, tell them he's going to be out for the week, and spend time with Izumi and my nephew…Instead, I get the same story of him constantly flaking on her, and for what? So that he can be the village golden boy?...Give me a break." Sasuke said back in irritation and disappointment of his brother
"Just for once I wanted him to actually prioritize something that isn't Anbu or the village. But yet, low and behold that I am wrong." Sasuke added in disgust of his brothers' actions towards his infant son
"That's something I don't even get. Why is it that he's so dead-set on being the village's golden boy anyways? I mean doesn't he realize that all he's doing is just pissing off the clan? Because even I know that, what he's doing is both fucked and unhealthy." Naruto spoke whilst Sasuke continued to bounce the hacky-sack around
"The answer to all of that, is two parts. The 1st is that he's always been a borderline fanatic for the village, and the 2nd is that he's been trying to brown-nose his way into being Hokage." Sasuke told Naruto
"Wait a minute, he's trying to be Hokage?!" Naruto said in surprise
"Yes. It is one of his many ambitions. He feels that he can better serve the village if he can reach the rank of Hokage. However, in order to do that, he has to prove himself as an outstanding and loyal shinobi of the village from what he's said." Sasuke replied
"He does know that he doesn't have to go that deep in order to be Hokage, right? I mean if anything, Uncle Obito and your dad have just as good of a chance as your brother." Naruto said back before Sasuke kicked the hacky-sack back towards him
"I wholeheartedly agree. Between, my father being Lord 4th's equal in strength and my uncle not only being your father's student, but also one of the strongest if not the strongest jonin in the village. That isn't even mentioning Lady Tsunade's husband, or their children." Sasuke replied in regard to the others who were viable for the position
"You don't need to remind me about them. I mean grandpa would be a good Hokage, but I'm pretty sure he just wants to stay chilling out with granny… Then to be honest, I'm glad that Masako doesn't want to be Hokage…Between the two of us that woman is an absolute menace, I mean could you imagine her at the helm as Hokage?" Naruto replied as both shuddered at the thought of Masako as Hokage
"From what I understand of her, from what Obito and Shisui have told me. That woman would cause complete bedlam in the village, because she could…Which is why I am sooo glad that she wouldn't want the position." Sasuke said back in full agreement with that notion
"Same. Although, I'll say this much, Sasuke. Kenichi wouldn't be a bad pick for Hokage either in my book. He's the best swordsman we've got in the village, fast as hell, and is actually a charismatic bastard…If anything he'd be a boots-on-the-ground Hokage like Uncle Obito." Naruto remarked
"That's fair, and to be honest, I feel like all of them would be better choices for Hokage than Itachi." Sasuke replied
"Really? Why do you say that?" Naruto questioned as Sasuke stopped kicking around the hacky-sack
"Because Naruto. It takes more than devotion and loyalty to the village, to be a good Hokage...Something my brother constantly fails to understand." Sasuke replied to the Ultimatrix wielder
"Granted he is one of the most devoted shinobi to Konoha, intelligent, hard-working and rather strong as well. However, what my brother has failed to recognize is that to be Hokage, you have to have some form of humanity and care for others…Something that he is failing to practice with his own clan, his own parents and more importantly his wife and newborn child. In fact, I can take it a step further by making a case for him not even being a person anymore." Sasuke added getting the Ultimatrix wielder's full attention at this
"I gotta hear you explain this, my man. Talk your shit." Naruto said
"Gladly." Sasuke said as he took a moment to clear his throat
"To put it simply, Itachi has been pretty much so consumed by ideals of being a loyal shinobi to the village, and becoming the perfect soldier for Konoha; that it has essentially devoured him…Think about it, Naruto. My brother is so completely absorbed into becoming the perfect shinobi for not only the clan, but the village, and all mind you to become Hokage; that nothing else matters anymore. That he has become so consumed by his patriotism and devotion to the village, that he isn't even a person…All that he is now, is just another drone that can only near single-mindedly focus on serving the village." Sasuke explained in his reasoning on why his brother wasn't a person no longer
Sasuke having seen his brother basically become so hollowed out by his ambitions and constancy to the village, that as it stood was moreso enslaved to the village to the point where the younger of the Uchiha brothers saw it as his elder brother willingly alienating and treating his fellow clansmen as 2nd class citizens in comparison to the village. So much so to the point where he'd long since recognized the fact that his brothers' commitments to anything that isn't to a mission of Konoha, made him less human and almost robotic in his almost fanatical need to become the perfect cog in the machine.
"Can you honestly say that I am wrong for saying this? Just look at his track record of having missed on my birthdays, my own mothers birthdays, his own wedding anniversary twiceover at this point, and lastly him being a ghost in the clan compound…In fact, you and Juri both are more present in the compound than him!" Sasuke added in disgust
"Yeah, your brother has a major problem. I mean I love our home as much as the next guy. But you aren't gonna see me, working myself into an early grave over it. Especially just to get the Hokage's hat." Naruto replied in not seeing the position as that big of a deal
"Even I am not particularly excited about becoming Hokage, as much as he is. If only for the fact that, we are both men of action, and to become Hokage means giving all of that up in exchange for being stuck behind a desk doing paperwork, or stuck in mundane meetings after meetings all day…Meanwhile, I would rather be out there effecting change with my own two hands." Sasuke said back
"Dude, you and I both are in the same boat. I mean I have seen firsthand what my dad has to deal with on a daily basis. That shit would make me pass out in the chair from sheer boredom…Hell, I don't even think being Hokage is as deep as what Itachi makes it…Better yet, even if he does make Hokage, he does know that it's gonna make the clan happy for a little bit, but then everyone's gonna be more pissed at him for never being around." Naruto spoke knowing that the Hokage's position wasn't as interesting as Itachi thought it was
"To be honest, even if he did become the 5th Hokage. It would still be business as usual; concerning the amount of time he spends at the compound. Only now he just wears a fancy hat around the village…The only thing I'd hate about it, and him is the fact that he would be leaving my nephew to grow up without a father." Sasuke replied
"Well, on the bright side. The little guy has you as his kickass uncle, Uncle Obito as his granduncle, and your pops as his grandad. So I'm pretty sure that he won't need Itachi for shit. I mean why settle for having an absentee dad, when you can have 3 great guys helping him become a badass!" Naruto replied, causing a smile to come across Sasuke's stone-faced expression
"I suppose you are right…My nephew is in rather great hands, regardless of my brothers' asinine overfocusing on his career, and path towards becoming Hokage. Still, I just wish that he would do better by Izumi and Mamoru." Sasuke said in displeasure of his brothers actions
"Again, my man. If he doesn't then he can eat a dick for all I care. If he's too busy for his own wife and kid, then I say fuck him and be done with it." Naruto spoke with a huff and puffing out of his chest that got a snicker from his more chilled-out friend
"I guess this is one of those few rare times; you're right about something." Sasuke said back
"Hey, I'm right about 90 to a hundred percent of the time. I mean, look at me, I'm awesome!" Naruto spoke with a large grin on his face
"Yes and if you are as awesome as you proclaim to be, then I am the second coming of Madara Uchiha himself." Sasuke shot back
"...You're never gonna let me have just one, aren't you?" Naruto asked deflating slightly
"Someone has to make sure you don't grow a massive head. The last thing I need to deal with is another Naoya." Sasuke answered back as he took his hacky-sack from Naruto
"Now come on, let's go get something to eat." Sasuke said as Naruto nodded and walked alongside him
However, unknown to them the subject of their conversation…or rather the shadow clone of Itachi who'd been watching them on command from Jiraiya himself; in wanting him to keep an eye on Naruto for the potential danger he could pose to the village…Yet Itachi despite the words that had been said could only scoff at them, seeing what was said between Naruto and his younger brother as the words of those who couldn't understand what it took to achieve and work towards the position that would allow for greater things and stability to be brought to the village.
However, he quickly shunted those thoughts aside and went to carry on the commands of his original and continue to follow the duo as per his orders, as he refused to let anyone pose a threat to the peace that the Sannin and Lord 4th were working to create…no matter the cost.
(3 days later, November 1st, 996 S.E, 1:15 Pm, Uchiha Compound)
It was the following Tuesday as Obito was spending time with Izumi; after the former had helped Izumi put down her son for a nap, as it turned out that Obito was to Izumi's surprise rather good with kids.
"To be honest, Obito. I will never understand how you are so good with children…No offense, but you just seemed too…goofy." Izumi said
"Well, between babysitting Naruto for Minato-sensei, helping Fugaku and Mikoto babysit Sasuke and Itachi when they were growing up, and the same thing for Inoichi with Ino. On top of a lot of other D-ranks where I had to help out at the preschools, and stuff like that. You learn pretty quick to get good with kids." Obito replied
"Besides, the little guy is super-chill. So it isn't too hard to get him to calm down for a nap." Obito added
"That's one of the saving graces about him. So far he doesn't really cry all that much, or even throw tantrums too often. If anything as long as I give him a bottle every now and again, then he doesn't make too much of a fuss." Izumi remarked at the otherwise chilled-out nature of her son
"To be honest, you hit the jackpot with him. Believe me when I say that he could've been a menace like Inoichi's kid." Obito said to the newly-minted mother of one
"Was Ino really that bad?" Izumi asked
"Let's just say that she's part of the reason why I got really good with my Kamui. Trust me when I say that it wasn't easy getting her to stay in one place; without ripping stuff up every 10 or 15 minutes…I'm surprised my hair didn't go grey from dealing with her." Obito told her with a chuckle at the chaos gremlin that was Inoichi's daughter as a toddler
"I am surprised that she gave you that much trouble, Obito." Izumi said
"Trust me, when I say that small children are tiny menaces to society." Obito said back almost shuddering from his babysitting days
'Those were dark times they were…horribles times.' Obito said to himself in vivid memory of that period
"...In the meantime, you can catch a break and have some time to yourself." Obito spoke
"Yeah,...to be honest with you, other than going out with Masako. There isn't anything that I have planned for the day." Izumi replied
"Wait a minute? You and Masako are friends?" Obito said a bit surprised
"Much like Naruto and Sasuke's relationship, the same can be said for myself and her. Besides, she really is a fun person overall." Izumi told him
"Look I won't argue with you about that, Izumi. Its just that of all people I would've never expected you to hang out with Masako Senju…That woman is a full-blown menace." Obito said knowing full well of the terror that was Tsunade's daughter
"This coming from the man who decided to be Juri-Han's boyfriend." Was Izumi's response
"...Fair point." Obito replied knowing he didn't have room to talk considering his partner
"By the way, what made you want to go out with her? She is a definite far cry from that Rin girl you used to pine after." Izumi asked the scarred Uchiha
"After the war was over and some counseling from the Yamanaka's, that I met up with her on a mission to guard the Daimyao's eldest son who was entering some tournament in Lightning country…And well she was honestly a lot more than what I ever wanted with Rin." Obito answered back
"Oh yeah, that's right isn't his son training to be some kind of uber-samurai?" Izumi said
"Yeah, and to be honest was a rather nice guy and pretty good with a glaive…I should probably write back to him, and see how he's been lately." Obito said back in regards to his times in meeting the Daimyao's eldest
"But that's besides the point…After the whole tournament, we got to knowing each other and the next thing I know, I'm with this fantastic, rowdy, crazy, hyper-violent, fun-loving sweetheart. Someone that for these past 4 going on 5 years has been a super-awesome girlfriend to me…On top of that, she's been more than happy to spend time with me, and that's a lot more than what I ever got from Rin." Obito said with a wide-as-a-mile smile on his face concerning the taijutsu mistress
Since Obito in all the time he'd spent dating Juri had found someone who not only made him happy, but even with her being one of the biggest menaces in the village next to Masako, was still the one woman in the village that made him want to try to be better; both as a soldier of the village and as a person overall.
"I honestly couldn't imagine life without her...Everything really is better when I'm with her, you know." Obito added his smile only growing wider
"That sounds lovely, Obito. I'm happy that you actually managed to find someone." Izumi replied with a small smile of her own
"Thanks. To be honest, I'm just glad that I can have someone special in my life…Also, I'm surprised Kakashi hasn't found anyone for himself. You would think that he would've found himself someone by now, with how many women swoon over him." Obito said back
"Not everyone can have your sort of luck Obito. Considering how you're one of the strongest shinobi in the village, and managed to tie down Juri…not many can boast your accomplishments." Izumi said to him
"That attitude he's always got is probably what's doing it for him. I swear I'll never understand how or why women always go towards people like him. Hell, even Rin was swooning over him like a lovesick puppy when were kids…j-just what the fuck!" Obito spoke in having never understood the reasoning
"Its the same reason why everyone to this day fawns over Itachi. They all like the strong silent type." Izumi replied
"That's another thing I don't understand. Why those type of guys, as its always people like that, that are either douchebags or probably gay most of the time?" Obito asked
"You are asking the wrong woman about those things. The only thing I know is that I'm just figuring out how to raise my son, without Itachi around to help." Izumi answered back
"That reminds me. Are you sure your going to be ok with Itachi acting like a total jackass? I can go over to the Anbu HQ and thump him one with my Susanoo for you." Obito offered
"At this point, I'm just tired of being let down by him so much…Really the only thing I want is to not feel as though I'm doing this alone." Izumi replied
"So is that a yes, or a no on the whole Susanoo whacking?" Obito questioned
"Do whatever you want, but just don't hurt him too severely. I'd rather not have my husband have a concussion. He may be absent a majority of the time, yet I still; despite everything he's done, love him." Izumi answered back to him
"Gotcha loud and clear!...Anything else you want from me?" Obito asked
"Yes there is. Would you mind watching Mamoru for me, I'm going to be going out with Masako in about a half-hour, and I need to get ready." Izumi told him
"Go for it, Izumi. I can handle the little guy for a couple of hours." Obito told her
"Thank you so much, Obito. I promise I'll pay you back as soon I can." Izumi replied, grateful for Obito's help
"Hey, you can pay me back by having a good time with Masako…Now go on and get ready, I've got things handled." Obito told her, as she nodded and went into her room without a second to spare
'Now then, I just have to figure out how Fugaku and I are gonna handle Itachi.' Obito said to himself as he got up and went to check on Mamoru
(The next day, 2:10 Pm, November 2nd, 996 S.E, Training ground 3)
It would be the next afternoon as Shisui had told Itachi to come with him under the guise of training and to take a break from his duties, with Itachi having obliged and followed suit with his longtime companion…Only for it being once they arrived that Itachi's father and Obito were waiting there waiting for him.
"Alright, guys. He's all yours." Shisui told the two Uchiha
"Shisui what is the meaning of this?" Itachi questioned
"This is something that should've happened a long time ago. So have fun, Itachi. I'm gonna get something eat." Shisui said before disappearing in a body-flicker
"Is this really important, I have work to…" Itachi was about to say before Obito caught him in the face with a right hook
"Obito, was that really necessary?" Fugaku questioned
"Considering how much of an ass your son has been. I say that it was very necessary." Obito answered back while glaring daggers at Itachi
"Why did you punch me?!" Itachi questioned holding his now bleeding nose
"While I wouldn't have done something such as that. It was something that with your actions or rather inaction, was deserved." Fugaku said
"And what pretell did I do to deserve being punched in the face?" Itachi asked once more while blood dripped down his face
"Do you want to tell him, Obito, or should I?" Fugaku asked his scarred companion
"I say, let you do it, Fugaku? He's your kid." Obito said to the elder Uchiha
"Where do we begin? From you being a ghost within the compound, to you having blatantly refused to come to your own mothers' birthday, or so much as get her a present, alongside that of your brother for the past few years. Then let us not forget the icing on the cake with Izumi and your son." Fugaku spoke
"Am I forgetting anything of note, Obito?" Fugaku questioned
"Nope, your all good." Obito replied
"Is there a point to any of this?" Itachi questioned still stinging from the ferocious sucker punch
"The point is that you need to re-focus your priorities. As your attentions towards your position in Anbu, and as a shinobi have overrode your commitments to your clan, and to your family. And it needs to change, and quickly for your good." Fugaku answered back his stone-faced countenance unwavering in the face of his eldest child
"You know that I cannot shirk my responsibilities as a shinobi to the village. What I do is too important to focus on the clan. So unfortunately for my fellow clansmen, my priorities must stay where they are…Especially if I am to reach my goals for leadership of the village." Itachi resolutely replied
"So let me get this straight, you are too busy to even take a day off to spend it with your wife, or to hang out with your little brother, or better yet just do something nice like take your mom out for lunch…You mean to me that the great Itachi Uchiha, can't figure out someway to make time for your own clan…When this is the same guy who is hailed as one of our greatest prodigies?" Obito asked
"It is not that I cannot make time for the clan, it is that my priorities are where they need to be." Itachi cooly answered back
"So you saying that purposefully missing out on the birth of my grandson, and not even bothering to be there for her afterwards, while you do busywork, is keeping your priorities where they're needed?" Fugaku questioned with enough sternness and steel in his voice that it made Itachi flinch as though struck by a whip
"Father you have to understand that…" Itachi tried to say but the bright red of Fugaku's Sharingan stopped him
"All that I have to understand is that you have become so consumed trying to be a second-rate Minato, and become the villages 'pride and joy' that you have all but abandoned the clan. That you have all but alienated your own family, and most heinous of all, dishonored yourself by not even being there for your own wife." Fugaku spat back at his eldest
"The utter gall that you have to say that your priorities to the village, are greater than that of your own clan, your very flesh and blood is appalling." Fugaku added his piercing gaze never leaving Itachi for even a split-second
"The village and it's people are something that I cannot abandon. So if I must alienate myself from my fellow clansmen, to continue my service to the village, and one they reach the pinnacle of what it means to be a loyal shinobi of the village….Then so be it." Itachi answered back resolutely
"You know for someone who is supposed to be a genius, and goes on about the Will of Fire. You really are a shortsighted jackass. Hell, if I'm to take it a step further, you fail at understanding what the Will of Fire even is." Obito said back with enough venom to kill a viper
"Where are you going with this, Obito?" Fugaku questioned
"Where I'm going with this, Fugaku, is that he may preach about being a loyal shinobi. He may go on about the Will of Fire, and his striving to be Hokage. But it is because of his failure to be there for his loved ones, and at the bare minumum make the attempt to do something as basic as giving his mother a present on her own birthday. He fails to do any of that, or show any sign of investment in his clan and loved ones…Because of that he will never become Hokage, and neither does he even have so much of an embers' worth of the Will of Fire." Obito answered
"What did you say?" Itachi questioned with the faintest bits anger flickering across his face
"You heard me, I said that you don't even have enough of the Will of Fire in you to make even a torchlight. Because if you did, then you'd realize that the Will of Fire means caring for and being there for everyone in the village…Which includes your family, or have you spent so much time playing golden boy and brownosing to everyone, that you forgot the meaning of it." Obito haughtily retorted
"I have not forgotten what the Will of Fire stands for, or what it means to live by it." Itachi replied
"If that is the case, then when was the last time you have been at the compound, to simply be around your fellow clansmen? I am more than certain that many of them would have liked to see one of our most successful around more often." Fugaku asked, earning Itachi's silence
"I have one, when was the last time you hung out with Sasuke, or even did some training with him? I'm pretty sure your own little brother, who you claim to love mind you; would appreciate it." Obito questioned the Anbu captain
"I do love Sasuke. What would even give you cause to say that?" Itachi answered back
"That's funny, because from what Sasuke himself has personally told me. He just like almost everyone in the clan, your mother included, barely if ever sees you…In fact you've missed 5 of his birthdays in a row." Obito shot back almost stunning Itachi into silence once more
'..It's been that many?...No matter, I'm sure he will understand why I've had to do so; in time." Itachi said to himself
"But I think that there's one more question that should be asked." Obito spoke
"Indeed." Fugaku said back
"Tell me when was the last time you've done something for your wife, or better yet when was the last time you two were together, and it wasn't because of a shadow clone you sent as a stand-in?" Fugaku questioned his eldest who went to speak but his throat went dry
"...Come now, Itachi? I'm sure you must remember the last time you spent time with your own wife, and mother of your child. Or have you grown so enraptured with the village, that you have neglected even your duties to her?" Fugaku asked further his crimson-eyed gaze having never left Itachi for a moment
"I cannot say…I will admit that is has been a very, very long time since Izumi and I have spent time with each other. However, she understands that I am needed in the village, and as such am not available to do as much as she would like…After all, she more than anyone understands what I am striving for, and how much I have to dedicate myself to the village." Itachi answered back knowing for a fact that Izumi understood and would support his position
"Are you certain of that? Because you have not spent much time with your own wife. And what I know is that she has grown…disappointed and dissatisfied with you. In fact, I know for certain that she has become rather fed up with your absence both in your marriage, and during her pregancy…If anything I wouldn't be surprised if she considered divorcing you." Fugaku replied causing his sons' stoic demeanor to crack at surprise and shock at this information
"No, that cannot be true. I know she wouldn't do that." Itachi refuted
"Why would we lie about this? We have nothing to gain from lying to you about the state of your marriage and the clan. All of which you have brought upon yourself." Fugaku replied
"I have brought nothing upon myself, except to further better myself as a shinobi and further ensuring the protection of the village! The fact that you would distract me by telling me my own wife would consider leaving me, when all I have done is serve the village as we are meant to. Is beyond disgusting and insulting." Itachi said in refusal to think his wife would leave him
"You can think it all you want. The bottom line is, we are telling you this as a warning, Itachi." Fugaku told him
"A warning for what exactly?" Itachi questioned in growing irritation
"A warning that it you continue with your current actions, that you will not only alienate yourself from the clan. But you will lose everything. From your fellow clansmen, your family, and more over your wife and child…That is why for your own good, as both your father and your clan leader. I am telling you, to take time away from your duties as a shinobi, and spend it where it matters." Fugaku told him
"Is that an order, Lord Fugaku?" Itachi asked back his voice holding a steel of it's own befitting him being a Anbu captain
"No, I am not. I am simply giving you a choice that you are free to take. Whether you decide to take it, is all up to you." Fugaku told him
"Then I will take my leave, and return to my work. I have already wasted enough time here, being distracted by the both of you." Itachi said before vanishing in a murder of crows
"Well, that could've gone a lot better…Then again, this is Itachi we're talking about." Obito spoke as the murder of crows continued to fly off
"...Outside of forcing him to quit the Anbu, this was probably the best result we were going to get out of him." Fugaku remarked knowing how stubborn his eldest could be when it came to the village
"Like I just said, this is Itachi we're talking about. Its going to take a lot more than words to get him to pull his head out of his ass. Although, I'm surprised that you didn't order him to take time off?...I mean this is the same man who can stand toe to toe with Minato-sensei, and stand unafraid of the 9-tails." Obito remarked
"...So I gotta ask, why didn't you? It could've worked." Obito questioned the elder Uchiha
"Because, Obito….as much as I want for my son to be more involved with the clan, and be more involved in the lives of our family and the lives of his wife and child. I honestly couldn't force myself to do it, to command my own flesh and blood, like a dog…Even though he has allowed himself to be one of the village, I couldn't order nor command him around as such, my conscience and heart simply wouldn't allow it.." Fugaku answered back
"I guess that makes sense. He is your son after all." Obito said
"Trust me, Obito. When you have a child of your own, you will understand that sometimes, the best thing you can do is let your child make their own mistakes…If I had commanded him to take time away from his duties, then he would have learned nothing…If anything he would have gone back to them all the more quickly, just to spite me." Fugaku replied knowing full well that Itachi would've done just that out of anger and spite under the guise of loyalty to Konoha
"Well, shit…Since this failed, what the hell do we do now? Itachi is pretty much too stuck in his ways to listen to us, so I don't know what to do now? I mean outside of beating him until he agrees, I don't see any other options." Obito asked
"For now we see what my son does. At the end of the day, it is his decision on what he does, and it will be his fault and undoing when the clan further turns against him…After all, the Uchiha do not forgive when their own so willful betray and disregard their own." Fugaku spoke
Fugaku knew that at the end of the day it was on Itachi to face the consequences of his own actions, as they had given him what was essentially his final warning from here on out, as should he continue further in his willful alienation from the Uchiha clan, and his continuing as an absentee husband and now father of his wife and child respectively. Then the Uchiha patriarch knew that the Uchiha clan would not only return the favor tenfold and potentially cast him out for his actions, but that Itachi would also sever any remaining bonds with his brother, his wife and any bond that could form with his still newborn son.
"...I really hope he comes around, Fugaku. Because I really don't want to see him fuck up his own marriage, because he can't get out of his own way." Obito replied
"Neither do I, but at the end of the day this is all on him." Fugaku solemnly said back
"In the meantime, let us go our own ways for the day. I'm sure you have something to attend to with Juri, and I wish to spend time with my grandson." Fugaku said to the scarred Uchiha
"Fair point, as I gotta get ready to go out to lunch with Juri. So see ya." Obito spoke before teleporting away via Kamui
'I truly hope you make the right decision, Itachi…Otherwise, you will lose something far more valuable than whatever this village can give to you.' Fugaku said to himself before making his way to the compound to see Mamoru
Now with Mamoru welcomed into the world as the newest member of his clan, we see that now Itachi who'd been confronted by his fellow clansmen, over his actions, now potentially stands to lose not only his clansmen, but the loss of his marriage and any bond he may have with his only begotten son…The only question remaining of it Itachi can set aside his fervent need for duty and devotion to the Hidden Leaf, or will his commitment doom his relationship to clan and family alike…Find out on the all new chapters of, The Alien Soldier.
So with that done and out of the way, I hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter since it was a pretty fun one to write and the fact that we've got quite a bit on the line with Itachi, and seeing some of how things are going to go with Mamoru in the picture. All of which, I'm excited to dive deeper into.
But yet and still, with everything done and over with, I hope you guys will continue to enjoy this story for better or for worse, as any favorites, follows, reviews or suggestions are welcome. Yet as per usual flames are ignored since if ya don't like then go on and read/support someone else's story that's more your speed.
As this is yet again Nomadic Chaos giving you guys some good stuff to read, with the next chapter being a mission that Naruto and Sasuke will be receiving, so stay tuned for all of that.
Prelude Theme Song: Regulate by Warren G and Nate Dogg
Random End Song: Welcome to the Family by Avenged Sevenfold
Now then onto the reviews from the last chapter!
God of Wind 200: Concerning Albedo he is a thing in this story; given that he did help Azmuth build the Ultimatrix in this setting. However, this is a different dimension version of Albedo, so he will be considerably different than his prime counterpart. Which is why it could be a 50/50 split on that hapening in regards to him being stuck in a version of Naruto's body. But that's not for quite awhile from now. And yeah, Naruto isn't someone who'd go out of their way to be a dictator given that he's more of a man of action/ boots-on-the-ground type of guy who'd be on the frontlines doing stuff.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Glad you like that chapter, Kourtney. And as to Orochimaru in regards to that story well he was pretty much the peacekeeper during the time he was still loyal to Konoha; since he was that type of friend to Tsunade that helped her keep her shit together and not punch the living hell out of everyone. Since at the end of the day, Orochimaru was the one that actually was the level-headed and at times nicer ones of Team Hiruzen even if he didn't show it; which is why it really messed him up when Nawaki died considering that Nawaki was his 1st apprentice at the time and seeing said apprentice get blown to bits on a mission will mess you up real bad. Hence why Orochimaru is the prime reason that there are now therapists and counselors in Konoha; given that you need someone there to keep your mental health straight or another Orochimaru might happen. And yep we've got a new Uchiha in the midst with Mamoru who as we've seen here will have the support of his clansmen there for the little guy since Itachi...is elsewhere in his work. And yeah, Naruto more or less wants nothing to do with Jiraiya or his prophecy crap, or his family since as far as he's concerned it ain't none of his business to get involved in, and therefore is gonna use Jiraiya's own words against him and stay out of his siblings and family's way.