AN: Another chapter, woo! And finally, get to our next official Akatsuki member: Uchiha Itachi. Nothing extraordinary—yet. Just building up tensions for later drama.
p.s. no beta, too lazy to edit. Please excuse any jank.
Warning(s): Genderbend (Mid), Language (Mid), Out of Character
…
Wasteland
The Akatsuki Arc
Chapter 68
ONE YEAR LATER
"Somethin' big must've gone down for Boss Man to summon us like this," Kisame speculated, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, as he and Jūzō stepped into the elevator heading for the top floor.
Jūzō, still shrugging on his cloak, was caught off guard when the metal doors snapped shut, almost trapping his fabric. "Yeah, I know. I was, like, in the middle of the new episode of The Bold and the Brash when he like, got all up in my business, man. Now I gotta wait 'til next week to finish it! Man." He kicked the steel wall of the elevator in his disappointment after forgetting he was wearing sandals. Yelping, he comically hopped on one foot while holding his pained foot, much to Kisame's amusement.
Once at Pein's office, Kisame exited with Jūzō limping out after him. They politely greeted Konan, who was situated at her desk.
"Kisame, Jūzō, thank you for your immediate response," Pein greeted the two men, leaning forward in his chair as they took their seats. "Before I tell you what you are here for. Tell me: have either of you read the news as of late?"
Kisame blinked, his nictitating membrane swiping over his eyes. "Umm…no, can't say I have," He looked at Jūzō, who just awkwardly shrugged to parrot his partner's statement.
Pein calmly closed his eyes and nodded, unfazed by his members' lack of awareness of current events. "I understand. In that case, would you kindly read this?" He slid forward the newspaper on his desk. Kisame took hold of it, only to be met with a face-slapping headline.
MASSACRE
THE UCHIHA CLAN DEAD
"Woah! What?" Jūzō exclaimed, having read the title too. "Like, all the Uchiha clan?" He yanked on the newspaper to get a better look, with Kisame tugging back so he could read, too.
"Konohagakure was shattered last night by a horrifying massacre that claimed all the members of the Uchiha clan with only a single survivor in what the Hokage is describing as the most brutal event in the village's history since the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack," Kisame read out loud. "The suspect, who remains at large, has been identified as Uchiha Itachi, aged 13, an ANBU captain and son to head of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Fugaku.Itachi had no prior criminal record, and his motivations for the attack remain unclear. However, Konoha Council member, Shimura Danzō, speculates Itachi had grown to despise his clan and even sought greater power. Itachi was also suspected to be responsible for the disappearance of Uchiha Shisui."
"Wait, thirteen? You tellin' me a kid took out like, his entire clan!?" Jūzō asked in bewilderment.
Kisame itched his gills. "Sounds like it,"
"And I thought it was radical when Zabuza killed like, a hundred kids in the Academy," But, that had been because "graduating" from the Academy in Kirigakure involved killing the other students in your class. Good, ol' "Village of the Bloody Mist". Jūzō couldn't say he missed it.
"Says here the only survivor was his little brother, too. Poor kid, to have your own brother go nuts and murder your family," Kisame glanced over the rest of the article, but it basically just described the investigation and a memorial service. He offered it to Jūzō, who rejected it with a shake of his head. So, Kisame passed it back to Pein. "Lemme guess: Konoha has contacted us to find this Itachi kid n' bring him to 'em?"
"No," Pein said, much to Kisame's genuine surprise. "This morning, a letter was delivered by crow to one of the Akatsuki's spies." He showed the letter, written on lined notebook paper and smudged from the Ame rains. He delicately unfolded it to avoid damaging the moist paper and cleared his throat to begin reading.
To whom it may concern at the Akatsuki,
My name is Uchiha Itachi. By now, you are undoubtedly aware of the Uchiha Massacre, for which I am responsible. I respectfully request the opportunity to join your esteemed organization and seek your protection, similar to Orochimaru before me.
I will be awaiting your response at the location detailed below. Should I not receive a reply within two days, I will interpret this as a rejection and proceed accordingly.
I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Uchiha Itachi
"Damn, kid's quite eloquent for his age, ain't he?" Kisame said with Jūzō nodding in agreement.
Pein set the letter back to the side. "I sent Zetsu to the location listed, and she confirmed the presence of Uchiha Itachi. I want you, Kisame and Jūzō, to go in and escort him safely back to Ame."
"So, we're lettin' the kid join?" Jūzō asked curiously, and Pein nodded to confirm.
"The Uchiha is the most well-known and powerful clan in the world. Now that the clan is extinct, we cannot risk losing one of the only members left. Same as was with Gine,"
"Great, another person with a dōjutsu. I just hope he don't go tryin' to mindfuck us like she did," Kisame muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. Just the memory of the Ketsuryūgan being cast on him caused his head to hurt.
"Wait. Why don't ya like, send Gine, then?" Jūzō asked. "She's got a dōjutsu, too. So, ain't she like, immune to the Sharingan?"
"While it is true that dōjutsu users possess resistance to genjutsu, they are not immune to other dōjutsu," Only the Rinnegan possessed immunity to all other dōjutsu, but Pein didn't mention that part. The less he said on his own dōjutsu, the better. "That said, Gine is currently out on a mission with Kakuzu. I was going to ask Orochimaru to assist, but she, too, is out on…personal business. And Sasori is on medical leave."
Juzo let out an exasperated sigh and scratched his head. "Man, so it really is just like, us, ain't it?" Kisame mirrored his disappointment with his own sigh. He wasn't looking forward to facing another genjutsu user. But, maybe it'd go better this time since this Itachi kid wanted to join the Akatsuki. Maybe.
"I ask that you both leave immediately. Take this letter; it has Uchiha Itachi's location. I will let Zetsu know to expect you," Pein passed the letter to Kisame. "You are dismissed. Godspeed."
…
"I just don't understand it," Kisame grumbled in frustration as he and Jūzō leisurely made their way through the picturesque Riverlands, heading towards the precise coordinates outlined in the letter.
"Don't understand what, bro?" Jūzō queried.
"How does a kid take out his entire clan? N' in one night? And why? Like, we ain't talkin' any clan either. It's the fuckin' Uchiha. Those motherfuckers were like, modern-day boogeymen."
Jūzō shrugged, fixing Kubikiribōchō as the motion caused it to slump down his shoulder. "Dunno. But that kid is cracked on somethin'. I'm just glad he's gonna be on our side," Despite Jūzō's logic, Kisame couldn't shake the nagging feeling. It felt all too easy to him.
As they drew nearer to Uchiha Itachi's location, the distinctive sound of Zetsu's Mayfly caught their attention. The swordsmen paused as a large flytrap emerged from the trunk of a nearby tree.
"Hey, Ms. Zetsu. Any updates?" Kisame politely greeted one of Zetsu's golden eyes peeked out from between the teeth of her Kekkei Genkei.
"No. Uchiha Itachi is alone and has not left his position. I have also performed surveillance on a one-mile radius of the immediate area but found nothing. So, this isn't an ambush laid out by Konoha," Zetsu reported.
"Maybe not an ambush by Konoha, but what about that Itachi kid?" Kisame inquired.
"Why would he be ambushin' us, man?" Jūzō challenged his partner's absurd notion. "Don't he want to like, join us?"
"Yes, but, you're tellin' us to trust a kid that just nuked his entire clan?" Kisame countered. "I told ya, I don't trust it."
"If Uchiha Itachi tries to attack either of you, I'll use my Mayfly to incapacitate him," Zetsu interjected, though even she harboured doubts about her abilities against the Sharingan and the individual responsible for the Uchiha Massacre. The Mayfly may be one of the strongest Kekkei Genkai to ever exist, but so was the Sharingan.
Outnumbered, Kisame sighed in defeat. "Fine. But, if things go south, I'm feedin' him to Samehada." He patted his bandaged sword, and Samehada emitted a pleased purring.
With that, Kisame and Jūzō continued on as Zetsu used her chakra sensitivity to scrutinize their surroundings and Uchiha Itachi himself safely. Eventually, they emerged from the dense foliage into a clearing where Uchiha Itachi sat calmly on a boulder; his eyes closed as if in meditation. His Anbu armour was smeared with dry blood, a gruesome memento of the massacre he had orchestrated just the night before. His presence alone was intimidating. Kisame's white eyes narrowed. So, this is the kid who took down the Uchiha clan?
Kisame and Jūzō exchanged wary glances before stepping forward. Kisame's hand instinctively went to the hilt of Samehada while Jūzō adjusted Kubikiribōchō on his back. They approached Itachi cautiously.
"Uchiha Itachi," Kisame began. "Ya got a lotta people talkin', kid. Wipin' out your entire clan...that's a hell of a statement," His voice steady but with an edge of skepticism.
Itachi's dark eyes opened to meet Kisame's, revealing no hint of emotion. "I did what I had to do. I have no regret," He replied calmly, his tone devoid of an ounce of remorse despite speaking of the death of his own family. "Hoshigaki Kisame. And Biwa Jūzō. You are with the Akatsuki?" As if the black cloaks with red clouds weren't obvious enough for him.
"We are," Jūzō glanced nervously at Kisame, then back at Itachi. He didn't expect them to be recognized so easily by the Uchiha. "We got your letter 'bout joinin' the Akatsuki, too. Why us?"
Itachi met Jūzō's gaze next. "Because I have nowhere else to go. Because my skills and my resolve will be an asset to your organization. Also, I know you've had prior dealings with Konoha and took in Orochimaru after she fled. The Akatsuki is a sanctuary for missing-nin such as you and I," He had a point.
Kisame stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied the young Uchiha. His grip on Samehada tightened. "What's stoppin' ya from turnin' on us like you did your own clan?"
Jūzō looked back at his partner. "Kisame. C'mon, man." But Kisame ignored him.
A moment of silence passed before Itachi spoke again. "I understand your skepticism, but I have no intention of betrayal."
Kisame folded his arms, studying the boy. "Yet you betrayed your own clan. Ya expect us to trust ya just like that?"
"I don't expect trust immediately," Itachi responded humbly. "Trust is earned. I am prepared to prove my loyalty and serve the Akatsuki faithfully. As did Orochimaru,"
Kisame considered this for a moment, then sighed. He glanced at Jūzō. "What do ya think?"
Jūzō shrugged, a faint smirk on his lips. "He's either tellin' the truth or like, the best actor ever. Either way, Sir Leader wants us to bring him back to Ame. We ain't got a choice, bro."
There was a moment of tense silence. Finally, Kisame nodded, albeit grudgingly. "Fine. Fine. But try anythin' n' you're Samehada's next meal."
Itachi nodded, too, accepting the condition without flinching. "Understood. Thank you kindly for accepting me into your organization," He leapt down from the rock and bowed respectfully to the two men with his arms straight at his sides.
"I've informed Sir Leader that we've made contact with Uchiha Itachi," Zetsu announced from behind Kisame and Jūzō, her flytrap dwarfing them both. Itachi's eyes flickered with curiosity as he examined the manifestation of the Mayfly. "He wants Itachi brought back immediately."
Jūzō exhaled heavily, running a hand through his spiky hair. "No rest for the wicked, huh?" He quipped, giving Kisame a playful punch on the shoulder before turning back in the direction they had come.
"Let's move out," Kisame commanded, turning away and signalling for Itachi to follow. "We've got a long journey ahead,"
Without a word, Itachi quietly fell in step behind the two men. Kisame kept a vigilant eye on him throughout the trek back to Amegakure, his suspicions lingering despite Itachi's calm obedience.
…
"Kisame, Jūzō. You have done well to bring Uchiha Itachi to us," Inside, the office was dimly lit, the sound of raindrops tapping against the windows adding to the somber ambiance. Pein's eyes shifted to Itachi, Rinnegan scrutinizing him. "Uchiha Itachi. The Uchiha Massacre—to eliminate your own clan in one night and at only thirteen years of age," He tapped the headline of the newspaper on his desk, emphasizing the gravity of the act.
"Twelve," Itachi quietly corrected, earning a quizzical raise of Pein's eyebrow. "I am twelve years of age. My publicly disclosed age was thirteen in order to be promoted to Anbu captain." There was a moment of silence as everyone in the office processed this new information.
"Wha!? You're tellin' me a twelve-year-old kid offed his clan?" Jūzō exclaimed in disbelief.
Kisame shook his head, his expression incredulous. And just when he thought this couldn't get any more ludicrous. "Ridiculous."
Pein lifted his hand, instructing both men to be quiet. "Twelve," He corrected himself. "Nonetheless, your actions have spoken of your power and your resolve. But joining the Akatsuki requires more than strength or a request for protection. It demands absolute loyalty and adherence to our cause. Are you prepared for this?"
Itachi met Pein's gaze without flinching. "I am ready to dedicate myself to the Akatsuki."
Jūzō scratched his facial scar. "This Uchiha Massacre thing…I still can't wrap my like, head around it. N' at twelve?" He whispered to Kisame. His partner stood in silence, arms tightly crossed, wearing a serious expression.
Pein nodded, satisfied with the Uchiha's response. "Very well. I—"
"Pein," Konan interjected, stepping forward after quietly observing from the background. "Perhaps we should continue this tomorrow?" She had noticed the subtle signs of exhaustion on the Uchiha's face. He must have not slept since the massacre. Not to mention, he was still dressed in his blood-soaked Anbu armour and, therefore, had not bathed as of late, either. And who when was last he ate?
Pein regarded Itachi thoughtfully, his Rinnegan eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the situation. He nodded in agreement with Konan's suggestion, acknowledging the physical toll that recent events had likely taken on the teenager. "Indeed. Rest tonight, Itachi. We will reconvene tomorrow to discuss your role within the Akatsuki."
Itachi inclined his head in gratitude, appreciating Konan's perceptiveness and Pein's consideration. "Thank you,"
"Jūzō. Kisame. Would you kindly take Itachi to the manor and introduce him to his new accommodations?"
Kisame said nothing while Jūzō flashed a thumbs up. "Sure thing, Boss Man. C'mon, kiddo. Let's get ya cleaned up n' all rested." He clapped Itachi on the shoulder, almost knocking the Uchiha boy over.
"Thank you both," Itachi said sincerely as he rose from his chair, prepared to follow the two partners to the elevator. Kisame led the way while Jūzō walked with Itachi.
…
The next day, Itachi was back in Pein's office along with Kisame and Jūzō. After a night of overdue rest and a thorough cleaning, he was a lot more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Konan had even personally cooked him a hearty breakfast. However, his sudden inclusion into the organization had left little time to arrange a wardrobe for him. As a result, he was dressed in an Akatsuki-issued outfit of dark trousers and a fishnet shirt, generously donated by Zetsu. Fortunately, she was quite similar to Itachi in size, so the borrowed clothing was snug on the teenage boy.
"Itachi, how did you rest?" Pein inquired, his Rinnegan eyes fixed on Itachi.
"Very well, thank you, sir—"
"Sir Leader," Pein corrected.
Itachi nodded. "Sir Leader." He glanced in Konan's direction on the other side of the office. She caught the teenager's gaze and gifted him a small smile, a brief but warm gesture.
"Now then, continuing yesterday's discussion," Pein said, twirling his pen between his fingers. "Your unexpected addition to the Akatsuki has caused an imbalance in our numbers."
"My apologies,"
"It is fine. However, I do not have a partner to assign to you at this moment."
Jūzō raised his hand to speak. "Why don't the kiddo like, join me n' Kisame on missions?" He deliberately ignored the glare Kisame shot at him for making that suggestion.
"You took the words right out of my mouth, Jūzō," Pein said, much to Jūzō's gratification. "For the time being, Itachi, you will work with Kisame and Jūzō on missions. This will allow us to assess your capabilities and determine a suitable partner for you."
Itachi nodded again. "Understood, Sir Leader."
Pein turned to Kisame and Jūzō standing in the background. "You two will ensure that Itachi is integrated smoothly into our operations. Work together and make sure the missions are successful."
Kisame grunted in acknowledgement while Jūzō gave a thumbs-up. "Got it, Boss Man. We'll make sure the kiddo here fits right in."
"I will not disappoint you," Itachi promised.
"Good," Pein said, setting his pen down. "Your first mission together will be assigned shortly. Prepare yourselves. Kisame, Jūzō, you are dismissed," With that, he discharged the partners with a wave of his hand, leaving Itachi to be measured for a cloak and receive his ring.
As Jūzō and Kisame left Pein's office, the atmosphere between them was tense. Once inside the elevator and out of earshot of Itachi, Jūzō placed a hand on Kisame's shoulder.
"Hey Kisame, why do you like, dislike Itachi so much, man?" Jūzō asked his tone a mix of genuine curiosity but also concern.
Kisame's eyes narrowed, a flicker of old pain crossing his face. "I just don't like traitors, Jūzō. You remember what happened with Fuguki, right?"
Jūzō nodded, understanding Kisame's perspective. "Yeah, but I don't think Itachi is sellin' our secrets to Konoha or gonna get us like, killed on purpose. It's different, man."
"Different how?" Kisame challenged. "Offin' his clan, his family is traitorous enough for me. A traitor is a traitor, Jūzō. Doesn't matter the reason. Once you've betrayed your own, it's in your blood."
Seeing that he wouldn't easily change Kisame's mind, Jūzō decided to shift his approach. "I getcha, man. All I'm askin' is for you to like, be nice to him. He's just a kid. N' we're like, a team now. We need to work together."
Kisame's face stayed stern for a moment longer before falling with a reluctant sigh. "Fine. But if he shows any sign of treachery, I won't hesitate." Kisame grunted, his grip on Samehada tightening briefly before relaxing.
Jūzō patted Kisame's shoulder, offering a sharp-tooth smile. "That's all I ask, bro. N' if he is like, a traitor, I'll buy ya a beer."
"If he's a traitor, then you're gonna owe me a lot more than one beer," Kisame deadpanned, and Jūzō laughed, making his partner smirk a little.
"True. I'll buy ya the whole bar!" The two swordsmen exited the elevator to walk back towards the Akatsuki mansion.
…
Later that night, Zetsu was writing a mission report in her room when there was a knock on her bedroom door.
"Come in,"
The door opened with a timid Itachi standing on the other side. "Hello, Zetsu, was it?" Zetsu nodded. "Ms. Zetsu. I apologize for disturbing you. You wouldn't happen to know where Jūzō was, would you? I have a few more questions for him," And he was the only one Itachi felt comfortable speaking to, thus far. Though, he didn't say this.
"Jūzō? He may be with Kisame at the bar," She didn't sense either Jūzō's or Kisame's chakra immediately nearby. So, they weren't training in the courtyard, which was the only other place she knew them to frequent. "But if you have questions, perhaps I can help? Please, come inside."
Itachi nodded and stepped into her room, his eyes scanning the space. His attention was immediately drawn to a series of hand-drawn pictures in crayon pinned to the wall over her desk, depicting a gruesome landscape. "Did you draw these?" He asked curiously, approaching for a closer look.
Zetsu's cheeks flushed slightly, clearly embarrassed by the attention on her personal work. "Yes, I drew them when I was little. I have a…mental disorder that causes me to have hallucinations. I call it the Wasteland."
"Oh, I apologize. I meant nothing by it," He said quickly.
"It's okay, you didn't know,"
Itachi studied the drawings a moment longer. His eyes momentarily widened slightly with recognition, as if a puzzle piece had fallen into place, but he quickly masked it with his default, stoic expression. "Your art is very evocative. It captures a profound sense of isolation and resilience."
Zetsu managed a small smile. That sounded a lot nicer than the phantasmagoria of a mentally ill mind. "Thank you. Now, how can I help you?"
…
Itachi exited Zetsu's bedroom a while later and retreated to the bathroom. Despite Zetsu helpfully answering his questions, the Uchiha's mind still buzzed with quandaries. He locked the door so he couldn't be disturbed and stood in front of the mirror, gazing into his own reflection. With a deep breath, he activated his Mangekyō Sharingan to trigger Tsukuyomi.
In a blink, he was no longer standing in the bathroom but in a familiar yet macabre landscape of black sands and white, dead trees. A place he knew as the Land of Life and Death. In the distance, a world-sized, gnarled tree stood stark against the crimson horizon, its twisted branches reaching up towards a blood-red moon hanging ominously in the sky. Etched into the moon were markings similar to the Mangekyō Sharingan, yet its pattern was unknown. It had eight tridents radiating outwards from a circular point like a star and overlapped with symmetrical lines that formed circular shapes akin to the Rinnegan. It represented something just as ancient and pulsated with dark energy.
He recalled the hand-drawn pictures in Zetsu's quarters – the same black terrain, the same haunting tree, and the eerie presence of the moon. To her, this was the Wasteland.
The moon cast an eerie glow, its light casting long shadows across the cracked ground. Itachi felt as though he was being watched, not just by the eye-like moon, but by something unseen and monstrous. A sudden gust of wind stirred the rusted air, carrying with it a faint, haunting melody. His instincts immediately urged him to flee this place, to flee and never come back.
In an instant, he deactivated his Mangekyō Sharingan, returning to the reality of the dimly lit bathroom. His reflection stared back at him, eyes now devoid of the crimson glow and face greasy with sweat. His hands quaked as he leant heavily against the sink. His mind was racing with newfound understanding.
The Wasteland wasn't just a figment of Zetsu's imagination.
…
AN:Another quick chapter since it was mainly dialogue. But hey, welcome to Itachi for finally making it into the fanfic! We've got only two Akatsuki members left, but it'll be a while for them. We got a lotta drama in the meantime. I say after saying we'll be taking a break from drama. And we will—for a few chapters. Then, back to hell, haha.
Next Chapter: Trail of Trust.
Until Next Time.