/ "Dialogue." /
/ 'Internal Thoughts.' /
/ "Flashback Dialogue" /
"We have a new member joining us."
The voice declared with an unwavering authority that demanded immediate obedience. His words lingered in the air like a solemn decree.
As the tension in the room heightened, another figure emerged from the shadows. His curly and wavy black hair framed his fierce red eyes. Clad in the customary attire of the Anbu, his presence exuded an aura of formidable prowess and resolute determination. His stern gaze deepened into a scowl as he stared at those gathered before him.
"Come on… don't hold back…" Urged a mysterious figure who stood beside the leader, their voice resonated with an eerie duality—one pure white, the other pitch black. They seamlessly completed each other's sentences, their words intertwined in a harmony.
Before the ominous new figure could utter a word, a voice sliced through the tension.
"...Uchiha Shisui…"
The Uchiha felt sheer disbelief wash over him as his mind reeled at the sound of his own name spoken by a figure from legend. He turned to face the source, his heart pounded with apprehension. Before him stood none other than the notorious Sannin, Orochimaru, whose eyes gleamed with hunger.
Shisui concealed his unease and guarded his thoughts with utmost caution. Snakes slithered and struck without warning. Only a fool would have trusted someone like him.
"My name is Pain," Stated the purple-eyed figure, "I am the leader of the Akatsuki. Now, come with me." Without hesitation, the group fell into step behind Pain as he led them into an underground bunker. As they descended deeper into the earth, the surroundings grew increasingly cavernous, and the darkness enveloped them entirely. Despite the oppressive silence, Shisui maintained his composure, opting to observe rather than draw attention to himself among his newfound companions.
A sudden fire ignited and the current members all surrounded it.
In a hushed tone, a blue-haired woman murmured, "In the Akatsuki, your past life is erased, your sins absolved by our hand." She stood out as the sole female member of the organization. Her words carried an air of detachment, as if she had no concept of the man standing before her, nor any care.
The leader of the organization ordered, "Now, cross out the village you used to belong to. Being in the Akatsuki is a commitment for life. We dedicate ourselves entirely, expecting nothing in return until our mission is fulfilled. In service, you'll be shielded from all bounties, warrants, and assassination attempts. Our goal is a world of true peace among shinobi."
It wasn't the worst arrangement for those with nowhere else to turn. The promise of protection, coupled with a sense that they belonged to a formidable force, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of uncertainty.
Shisui's grip had tightened around the kunai as he slashed a decisive cross through the Konoha symbol. His gaze had fallen, a swirl of conflicting emotions swirled within him. But then, a strange sense of liberation had washed over him. The Akatsuki cloak, adorned with the red cloud symbol, now fueled his determination.
Pain then proclaimed, "You are no longer Uchiha Shisui of the Hidden Leaf. You are Uchiha Shisui of the Akatsuki."
Released from the chains of his former allegiance, he felt a surge of resolve as he embraced his new path with unwavering resolve.
"The Five Great Nations will not rule this world. The Akatsuki will."
For the first time since his arrival, a sense of ease washed over Shisui. A small but meaningful smile spread across his face as the words stirred excitement within. The difficult road ahead was no longer a blur—only aspiration remained.
A ring was presented to him.
The word 'Shu' was written upon it, its color scheme as vivid as blood—much like his own eyes.
"Teach them pain."
There he stood, Itachi, casually leaning against the wall, his gaze fixed on the lively scene that unfolded before him. Streams of students poured out of the academy in a rush of excitement, their chatter filling the air. Among them was his younger brother Sasuke, who walked alone, yet created an invisible boundary around himself that the other children dared not breach. As he passed by a group of girls, their voices hushed in his presence, only to erupt into whispered conversations once he had moved on.
Itachi had been the head of the clan since he was thirteen, but he had been just a mere child himself when he graduated from the academy. For the past five years, he had shouldered the responsibility of raising his younger brother, Sasuke, who was now twelve. At the time, Sasuke had only been six, and the burden of such responsibility at a young age had been immense. Yet, despite the challenges, Itachi had proven himself more than capable as a guardian since... that night.
That night.
Now, with Sasuke on the verge of graduation, Itachi couldn't contain his excitement and optimism for the future. The day promised to be momentous, a milestone marking Sasuke's growth and achievements.
As Sasuke walked, he noticed his brother standing in the shade and made his way toward him. Gone was the child who would have rushed up to hug his older brother; he was now too old and too cool for such displays of affection.
Despite this, Itachi could still see traces of the young boy he had raised. Sasuke's eyes, full of determination and pride, were a testament to the years they had spent together and the challenges they had overcome.
"Hey," Sasuke said nonchalantly, "You don't have to walk me home. I know how to get there alone."
Itachi responded with a smile, "Good. I could use a guide. I am getting old, after all. That is what you said."
Sasuke smirked in return as they began their walk.
As they strolled through the bustling streets, they passed a blond boy surrounded by a group of girls. The girls pointed and laughed at him, throwing insults and mocking his ragged orange clothing. Despite the taunts, the boy's bright blue eyes were filled with defiance, and he held his ground, refusing to back down.
Itachi glanced at Sasuke. "... Do you know him?" he asked.
"Just some idiot in my class." Sasuke replied dismissively. Before his older brother could inquire, a high-pitched voice sent the two looking over to the other side of the street. A young blonde haired girl, the same age as the academy student looked over and waved.
"Sasuke-kun! See you tomorrow!"
He pulled his hand from his pocket and waved. "Later, Ino."
Having his brother there had played an absolutely crucial role in his development. Sasuke was not very social, but his older brother had always encouraged him to seek friendships and spend time with kids his age. It had been difficult, of course. It wasn't like he had any parents or members of a clan to be with. But every so often, he would try to spend time with some of the other academy students.
If Itachi had not pushed him to do so, perhaps Sasuke would have been more isolated and solitary. But that was not healthy. It made Itachi smile when he saw his brother talking to others, a sense of joy welling up inside him. Perhaps there was even some envy, as the older Uchiha himself had been self-isolated during those formative years.
The Jonin shrugged, "Well, well, well…Is there something I should know?"
"It's not like that," Sasuke mused, brushing off his brother's assumption. "She just says hey a lot. Too often if you ask me..." His voice trailed off as he changed the subject. "How was your mission? That was the longest I think you've ever been gone."
"It was," Itachi replied, stretching his arms out in relief. "I just got back. I haven't even spoken with the Hokage yet, but I have a meeting with him later."
Sasuke hesitated, the question lingering in his mind, almost too heavy to voice. Yet, he knew he could ask his brother anything. With cautious curiosity, he inquired.
"... Shisui?"
"No."
Shisui. It always came back to Shisui, no matter the length or intensity of the mission. Sasuke had matured quickly, and Itachi had devoted himself to instilling their parents' cherished morals and values in him… as well as his own. Yet, despite Sasuke's rapid growth, he remained fixated on the past.
Itachi often wished that Sasuke would focus on something else, anything else. For his younger brother, everything always revolved around that singular issue.
"I want strength, I want power. I want to help you. I want to help you avenge the clan. I want to see him dead. That's what they would have wanted."
But Itachi envisioned a different future for Sasuke, one free from the shadows of vendettas. He understood Sasuke's motivations and the depth of his determination, but he wished his brother would prioritize other aspects of life. Itachi feared that a path driven by revenge and hatred would only lead Sasuke down a dark and dangerous road. He longed for his younger brother to see beyond that narrow focus, to find joy in the world around him, and to forge his own path, unburdened by the past.
Despite these concerns, Itachi held onto optimism for Sasuke's future.
'His team,' Itachi thought with a smile. 'That will change everything. Bonds. Friendship. Sensei.' He hoped Sasuke's time in a team would differ vastly from his own, which had not ended well. However, being part of that team had given invaluable lessons and values that Itachi held dear.
"...Onigiri?"
Sasuke's expression suddenly brightened, confirming Itachi's question. Despite his older brother having learned to cook for them over the years, there was a special joy in a shared meal outdoors, especially after Itachi returned from a mission or prepared for a new one.
Onigiri was Sasuke's favorite dish, and the brothers often walked across the entire village to visit his favorite spot, a small vendor nestled between the bustling market stalls. The vendor, an elderly woman with a warm smile, always greeted them kindly and prepared the rice balls with katsuobushi and care.
"Perhaps we should have invited your classmate," Itachi suggested, his tone light as he took another bite of his food. "The blond one."
"Ino?" Sasuke asked, raising an eyebrow. "She can get annoying sometimes. It's hard enough dealing with her at school."
"No, the other one." Itachi clarified, "The one who was alone."
Sasuke paused, momentarily confused, before dismissing the thought with a shrug. After a moment, Itachi continued, watching his brother closely. "I wonder who your teacher will be. You've practically guaranteed you'll graduate. I might even know them..."
"As long as they're a Tokubetsu Jonin, I don't care. I'm the strongest in my class, and I could probably pass the Chunin exams right now."
Those were bold words.
"A Tokubetsu Jonin is indeed formidable," Itachi acknowledged, his tone thoughtful. "But it's not just about strength, Sasuke. I had a capable leader, but he had some… personal issues. I learned more from teammates. From friends."
This was a familiar lecture to the younger Uchiha. Itachi never missed an opportunity to impart a lesson when he could. He wanted Sasuke to understand that the bonds formed with teammates could be as powerful as any jutsu.
His own team had been a mixed bag of experiences, filled with both triumphs and tragedies. He wished for Sasuke to have the kind of camaraderie that transcended the battlefield, to find allies who would stand by him through thick and thin.
The younger was relatively well-respected among his classmates, though his cockiness sometimes hindered potential friendships.
Itachi reflected on how his social growth had evolved with time. Opening up to friendships had been pivotal in helping him move past his traumas. Many of the shinobi he had served alongside, and others he had reconnected with after years apart, had played significant roles in this development. What had initially been challenging interactions gradually revealed his hidden social skills, allowing him to recognize the value of forming bonds with others.
"...It's about wisdom as well, Sasuke," Itachi said with a smile. "Having the strongest shinobi as your teacher is beneficial, but understanding why you seek strength and how to wield it wisely is equally important. The Chunin Exams require not just strength, but strategy and teamwork. You cannot succeed alone."
Sasuke seemed unaware of the profound significance of these words, he is still young and eager for recognition. "...Aren't you the strongest in the village? And didn't you have the highest score in the Chunin exams?"
A soft chuckle came. It always amused the head of the clan when Sasuke revered his strength. The idolization both touched him and reminded him of the responsibility he bore as a role model.
Was he the strongest, though?
In moments like this, Itachi questioned his own worthiness. He wondered if the image Sasuke held of him was more myth than reality. He had achieved much, yes, but he was acutely aware of the sacrifices and costs that came with power.
Itachi had never given much thought to the question of whether he was the strongest in the village, nor did he see any reason to.
His response came effortlessly. "I sure hope not," He said with a smile. "Otherwise, the village would be in trouble. Besides, the Fourth Hokage had the highest score ever for the written exam." Itachi was not one to boast about his strength or intellectual prowess.
"I've been training on my own," Sasuke said, his voice subdued and laced with frustration. "My Sharingan. It's still the same as it was back then."
"Real-world experience," The more experienced Uchiha offered, knowing it wouldn't fully satisfy his brother's hunger for advancement. "Don't worry. Your time will come. For now, focus on bonding with your classmates. There is no greater potential than those who fight for others."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, clearly weary of his elder brother's advice. Itachi had often urged him to spend less time fixated on combat and to embrace life more fully. Though not even a teenager, Sasuke carried a darkness within him that his brother understood all too well. He believed that openness to relationships and connections was crucial, even if Sasuke didn't always agree.
"I do well on my own," Sasuke reminded him, his voice steady. "You were gone for three months, and I took care of the clan and myself."
A pang of sadness came from his brother's words, though he hid the expression. At eighteen, Itachi is the head of the clan, a role that would have carried immense responsibility. Sasuke, as his only potential heir, bore a weight beyond his years.
The clan had once looked to their leader for guidance, seeking assurance and direction.
But...
There was no clan anymore.
Sasuke and Itachi were now the heads of a ghost town, a monument to what once was. Their legacy was a shadow, a part of Konoha that cast a somber pall over the village.
"So," The younger brother began after taking a bite, "What was your mission again?"
Itachi raised an eyebrow, "You remember our deal. I cannot disclose details with anyone."
"Except me." Sasuke said with a smirk.
"That's if you learned some techniques on your own," Of course, the strongest Jonin in the village would help his brother train. It was important for both of them to be strong and adept. However, he couldn't always be there. So, in exchange for Sasuke doing what he loved—training—Itachi had offered him a special deal.
"Genjutsu…" Sasuke mused, "... is… lame."
Lame he says.
In exchange for learning more about the techniques Itachi wanted him to master, such as genjutsu, the older brother promised to share stories and details of his missions that Sasuke longed to know more about.
"Lame?" Itachi questioned, "Genjutsu is the optimal way to fight. Utilizing genjutsu means you control the field of the battle. You can decide to risk yourself, or your enemy to risk themselves. You can avoid fighting and ensure you walk away."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Lame." He said, "I prefer to fight, to look them in the eyes, and to beat them." It was true. No matter how hard he tried, Itachi could not convince his brother about his preferred method of combat. The younger Uchiha was a hot head who enjoyed the adrenaline and thrill of fighting.
Even though he has never been in a real fight.
"But…" his brother continued, "I did learn this." A puff of smoke came, and emerging on his shoulder was… a bird.
Karasu Bunshin no Jutsu.
Crow Clone Technique.
It was always nice to have someone admire you so much. Especially if it's someone you love and take care of. Itachi smiled, he was not afraid to show how proud he was, "Very nice. Crows are very potent, intelligent, and amazing creatures. They are my favorite bird."
Sasuke exclaimed, "I like them, but I like hawks as well." He put down his chopstick, completing his meal, "So… where did you go?"
"Let's go for a walk."
Itachi, an ANBU agent at the highest level, knew he couldn't let people overhear or disclose details of his missions. However, there was one person he would make an exception for—and that was his brother. He couldn't share every detail, but he chose carefully what to say.
"I know the academy doesn't speak much about global events since we're not in a war," Itachi began, "But I want you to study and understand what's going on in the world."
"Why would I care about what's happening on the other side of the world?" Sasuke asked, his tone tinged with annoyance. "I don't even know what's going on with you."
"I'm getting to it." Itachi said, "But please, it's good to know." The moment they entered the clan grounds his brother finally spoke, "There is… or rather was, a civil war going on in the Land of Water. The Fourth Mizukage was a tyrant, unlike our Lord Third, and has been brutalizing his people for many years."
"... Why?" Sasuke asked, "How did he even become that?"
His brother lowered his eyes. "They say he was being controlled, but no one knows for sure." Itachi elaborated further, "I was sent there to... help get rid of him. To aid the rebel cause, if they were deemed worthy of help."
"Why get involved?" Sasuke asked, still puzzled.
"Perhaps, had I not been ordered to go, I never would have gone on my own volition," Itachi admitted. "Lord Third believed that helping the rebels would give us a strategic partner in Kirigakure. So, he dispatched me and a few others to assist the rebel leader."
"How was he? Better than the Mizukage?" Sasuke inquired.
Itachi looked at him with a hint of surprise. "Actually, she was far better. She convinced me that she sought peace and prosperity for the Hidden Mist and that our help in ending the civil war quickly would make things better overall."
"... How did you end it? How did you kill him?" His brother's mind was filled with fantasy. Of course he still saw Itachi as a superior force, almost unnatural. Itachi was believed to be the strongest Shinobi in the village, aside from the Third Hokage. Though his older brother always dismissed it as mere gossip. Sasuke, however, believed in such tales.
In his youthful imagination, Sasuke envisioned an epic last stand between the Fourth Mizukage and the leader of the Uchiha clan. A monumental battle, a duel like no other. He craved the details of that legendary confrontation—its strengths, the jutsus used, the stories of the war.
"You want to know?" Itachi asked, glancing over his shoulder to ensure they weren't being followed. "Come closer…" His tone softened to a whisper, barely audible, as he leaned in. "What I did… was…"
POKE
Older he had gotten, but Sasuke always fell for it. Two fingers on his forehead.
"Grrrr…" Sasuke muttered in frustration. "Forget it. I don't even want to know anymore!" He stormed off toward the house, his irritation evident in his brisk had always hated being poked, and as he grew older, it became harder for anyone to catch him off guard like that.
Itachi watched him go, a hidden smile tugging at his lips.
'A perfect time to end the details.' Itachi thought, his amusement barely concealed.
A sudden yawn escaped him. It was his first day back from a long mission, and despite his exhaustion, he couldn't rest until he had seen his brother first.
The world around was shrouded in an eerie darkness, where even the moon itself seemed to bleed crimson upon the desolate landscape. Its glow cast an ominous hue over the scene below, illuminating a massive fortress that stood as a sinister beacon at the heart of this twisted realm.
Thousands of uniformed figures congregated at the base of the fortress, their faces obscured by shadow as they moved with mindless intent. The ground beneath them was slick with blood, a red that painted a gruesome picture of the carnage that had unfolded in this forsaken place. Hearts raced as onlookers surveyed the scene, a sense of dread washing over them like a tidal wave.
But it was not just the sight of blood that chilled them to the bone. It was the presence of the army that surrounded the fortress, a legion of black-clad soldiers whose very essence seemed to be composed of darkness itself. They stood stoically, their eyes fixed upon the towering structure ahead, their silent vigil a stark contrast to the chaos that raged around them.
As gazes followed the path that led towards the fortress, they were met with a horrifying sight. The roads were lined with the bodies of the fallen, their lifeless forms strewn about like discarded puppets. Some clutched kunai in their hands, their faces frozen in expressions of agony and despair.
But it was the figure that stood atop the fortress that sent shivers down their spines. Cloaked in darkness, his form seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows that surrounded him. His eyes, however, burned with an intensity that pierced through the darkness like fire.
The Mangekyo Sharingan, a sight that none had hoped to see again, stared back at them with a haunting familiarity.
This world, this nightmare, was a manifestation of their deepest fears—a realm of violence and destruction ruled by the darkness that lurked within the depths of their own souls. And at its center stood a figure of death and despair, casting a long shadow over their troubled minds.
In this new world order, the once familiar landscape of the Shinobi World was but a distant memory, overshadowed by a blackness more profound than any that had come before. Blood had always stained the history of the shinobi, but now it seemed insignificant compared to the depths of despair that this new era promised.
A new God, no, a new Emperor, had risen, shrouded in darkness and wielding a power that surpassed anything the world had ever known. He would reign supreme, his dominion unchallenged as he stripped away the very essence of what it meant to be human. No longer would individuality or uniqueness hold sway. All would bow before this shadowy figure, their identities consumed by his overwhelming presence.
This was not merely the end of an era—it was the dawn of a true apocalypse, a cataclysmic event that would reshape the very fabric of reality itself. The storm of nightmares that swept across the land left nothing in its wake but destruction and despair, a relentless force of nature that had no opposition.
The harbinger of this cataclysmic event, the one destined to end the word.
And its name was Uchiha Shisui.
'A horrific dream.'
Itachi thought to himself, his voice barely more than a whisper even in the stillness of his mind, 'That was a bad one. I haven't had one like that in a long time.' His own heart had pounded relentlessly, the echo of the nightmare reverberated through his mind. Beads of sweat trickled down his face, a reminder of the terror that had gripped him.
He cautiously approached Sasuke's door, his mind still clouded by the nightmare that had disturbed his sleep. Pausing briefly, he hesitated before gently pushing the door open to check on his younger brother. Relief flooded through him as he observed Sasuke sleeping peacefully, undisturbed by the turmoil that plagued his own dreams.
He shook his head, as he hoped it would shake away the fear. 'He isn't that,' he reassured himself firmly, 'He only aspires to be that. My fears stem from childhood, from betrayal, but they hold no real substance now...'
Feeling too shaken to return to bed, the Uchiha decided to dress and head out for the night. Walking soothed him and helped keep him composed. While in the past he wouldn't have left Sasuke alone at night, he had moved on and grown. Fear no longer controlled him… as much. Though there was a time when he felt anxious and paranoid, that was long ago. He felt prepared for anything now.
The head of the Uchiha clan wandered through the village, the cool night air soothing his skin as he navigated the bustling streets. Normally confined to the clan compounds, he felt ambitious tonight.
Time had definitely moved for him. Since the downfall, Itachi had rarely shown his face. He did not enjoy sympathy or pity and ensured he was either home or fulfilling his duty. However, as the years went by and he grew older, he realized that what helped him develop most was not solitude but being out among others.
It was when he spoke to others, listened to their stories, laughed with them, ate with them, even drank with them.
He was by no means a social butterfly, but he was happy with his progress. He found contentment in being more integrated with the village, rediscovering a sense of belonging he had forgotten after the downfall.
"Reporting in!"
An Anbu agent appeared next to Itachi, his sudden presence barely disturbing the still night air. The Anbu mask he wore caught the faint moonlight, casting a ghostly sheen.
Itachi paused, taking a moment to compose himself, and turned to face the agent. "What is it this time?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with a hint of fatigue.
"The Scroll of Seals!" The agent blurted, urgency and concern clear in his voice. "They've been stolen. Lord Third has requested your presence and said to follow your command!"
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed the information. 'The Scroll of Seals?' he thought, his mind racing through the implications. It contained an endless array of forbidden techniques, each capable of catastrophic consequences in the wrong hands.
"Scour the borders," Itachi instructed, his tone authoritative and steady. "If this is the work of another nation, they'll be on the run. Search everywhere... except east. This could be Kumo's doing."
The agent nodded, acknowledging Itachi's orders, before disappearing into the night as swiftly as he had come.
Itachi Uchiha stood in the dimly lit office of the Hokage, surrounded by the scattered remnants of evidence from the break-in. The room was eerily silent, save for the faint rustle of papers as he sifted through the files, piecing together the puzzle of how such a breach could have occurred.
As the right-hand man of the Hokage, it was his responsibility to get to the bottom of this. Whoever had broken in was an amateur. That much was clear from the clumsy signs of forced entry and the hastily discarded tools left behind. Itachi's keen eyes took in every detail—the splintered wood of the windowsill, the faint footprint in the dust by the doorway.
No, this was not an inside job or a carefully orchestrated plan by a foreign nation. This was a crime of opportunity.
It was late at night, and the Hokage had already departed for the evening. The village outside was quiet, bathed in the silvery glow of the moon. Itachi stood alone, his mind racing with possibilities.
Who would do such a thing, and why?
The Scroll of Seals was a dangerous artifact, containing forbidden techniques that could wreak havoc if they fell into the wrong hands. He knew all too well the consequences of such power. He had witnessed it firsthand during the turmoil that had plagued Konoha in years past.
His mind ran through the list of potential culprits. To sell it to another nation, perhaps? The black market? A pirate lord in the Land of Water? There were too many options, each as troubling as the next.
It didn't take long for the Jonin to figure out where to go. Footsteps and whispers led him to the outskirts of the village, where three figures were rumored to have been seen. He followed their trail into a heavily wooded area, the moonlight barely penetrating the dense canopy above.
Activating his Sharingan, Itachi scanned the surroundings with heightened perception. His bloodline's gift allowed him to see beyond the ordinary, picking up on subtle details that would elude most others. There, pinned against a tree, was a Chunin he recognized—white hair glinting faintly in the dim light. Nearby, a familiar troublemaker hovered, a child whose juvenile vandalism had become infamous throughout the village. The Uchiha's eyes narrowed, and he moved silently toward them, his presence as much a shadow as the forest around him.
"Itachi-san!" Mizuki yelled, his voice betraying the panic he felt. The child and another Chunin, Iruka, stared at the infamous Jonin with wide-eyed fear.
Itachi Uchiha—the right hand of the Third Hokage, the notorious sword and shield of the village. often regarded as the most deadly Shinobi in all of the Land of Fire.
"Mizuki," The Jonin said, his voice calm but commanding, "What is going on here?"
"Him!" Mizuki exclaimed, his voice laced with accusation and fear. "The beast! You know him! The one who killed the Fourth Hokage!"
The words hung in the air, sharp and jarring. Itachi's gaze shifted to the boy—Naruto Uzumaki. The child bore the weight of a legacy he never asked for, the Nine-Tails sealed within him like a curse.
Mizuki struggled to his feet, leaning against a tree for support. "He stole the scroll! He and Iruka are committing treason! I came to stop them. You have to believe me, Itachi-san!"
"Is that so?" Itachi asked, his voice calm and unyielding. "He does appear to be holding it. You were unable to acquire it?"
"No!" Mizuki answered quickly, his voice tinged with panic. "I was about to, until Iruk—"
"So," Itachi interrupted, his tone icy and precise, "if I scan that scroll with my Sharingan, I won't see your fingerprints on it?"
It was a bluff. The Sharingan could do many things, but seeing fingerprints was not one of them. However, the mere suggestion was enough to unsettle Mizuki, and Itachi could see the doubt flicker in his eyes.
"I... no." Mizuki stammered, uncertainty creeping into his voice. "You won't see it. But deal with Iruka and Naruto! They were going to sell it to Kumogakure."
Itachi's gaze shifted to Iruka and Naruto, his expression unreadable as he weighed their reactions. He lowered his eyes, pretending to consider Mizuki's words. "I see..."
But before he could speak further, Naruto stepped forward, surprising them all with his courage and resolve. Instead of recoiling defensively or denying the accusation, the boy looked Itachi directly in the eye.
"I stole it." Naruto confessed, his voice steady. "Mizuki wanted me to do it, both of us. But don't drag Iruka-sensei into this. I don't care if you're the strongest in the village, I won't let you attack him."
Itachi's expression, usually motionless and stern, softened into a small smile. A sense of faith and admiration rose within him as he regarded Naruto's bravery. Here was a boy who, despite being maligned and misunderstood, was willing to stand up for what he believed in and protect those he cared about.
"I understand," Itachi replied gently. "I will not attack Iruka-sensei. So, will you tell me what happened then?"
The boy stood with a weakened posture and a surprised expression on his face. He did not understand why or how, but it seemed the infamous Jonin was actually intimidated by his resolve and was willing to hear him out.
"I…"
Naruto was seated at Ichiraku Ramen, hunched over the counter as he slurped the steaming noodles with ravenous enthusiasm. The day had been long, and the growling of his stomach had driven him to the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of ramen. Outside, a gentle drizzle patterned against the ground, the chill in the air making the ramen taste even better.
"One more! Please!" Naruto called out, his voice slightly muffled by the noodles.
Teuchi, the owner, chuckled warmly as he started preparing another bowl. "Got it." he replied with a smile.
As Naruto continued to devour his meal, the breeze outside picked up, making the curtains flutter and sending a cool draft through the small stand. He finished his second bowl with a satisfied sigh and reached into his pocket, only to find it empty. His eyes widened in horror as he realized, 'Son of a bitch... I spent my entire allowance already!?'
The owner noticed Naruto's distress and offered him a reassuring smile. "It's on the house tonight, kid."
The young ninja felt a rush of relief and gratitude but was interrupted before he could express it. The curtain was pulled aside, and a figure stepped in, his presence garnering attention despite the quietness of his voice.
"I'll cover it," The newcomer said, his voice calm and kind. "This one is graduating from the academy soon. He will defend the village and our citizens."
The boy turned around in amazement, recognizing the tall figure as the man from earlier in the night.
Itachi took a seat next to Naruto, his expression softening into a friendly smile. "Two more bowls, please," he requested. He then glanced at Naruto. "Or perhaps, three?"
A wide, cheeky grin spread across Naruto's face. "Hell yeah!" he exclaimed, the prospect of more ramen lifting his spirits even higher.
Teuchi smiled warmly, nodding to Naruto and Itachi. "Coming right up."
Naruto shifted on his stool, the lingering tension from earlier slowly dissipating. Itachi's presence was now comforting, and the blond felt a sense of admiration for the Jonin beside him.
"It was brave of you, Naruto," Itachi said suddenly, breaking the silence and capturing Naruto's attention. "To take responsibility like that. To defend your friend the way you did."
Naruto grinned, a spark of pride in his eyes. "Iruka-sensei is great. I wasn't going to let that bastard Mizuki talk about him like that. I wouldn't have cared if it brought me down, but to lie like that..." His expression turned skeptical as he leaned closer, curiosity evident on his face. "... Can those eyes of yours really tell fingerprints?"
Itachi chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, no. I could tell from the way he was speaking that he was lying. Plus, how would you have known about the scroll and where to steal it? I was hoping Mizuki would confess. It's sad to see someone use you as a scapegoat, especially since Mizuki is supposed to be a Chunin and have honor. But in the end, he was just a traitor."
"I thought he was my friend," Naruto said, his voice tinged with disappointment and hurt as he thought of Mizuki's betrayal.
Itachi paused, a twinge of pain settling in his chest as he recalled his own experiences with betrayal. He looked at Naruto with a mixture of empathy and understanding. "There are... many like that," he said softly. "Betrayal is a tragic thing to feel. There's nothing quite like it. For someone you love, to have..." His voice trailed off, words hanging in the air, unfinished. It was rare for Itachi to leave a thought incomplete, but the weight of his own experiences made it difficult to continue. The memories of betrayal he had faced were complex, and the hurt lingered beneath his calm exterior.
"Is there a point then?" Naruto asked, his voice quiet, "To have friends, if in the end, they betray you?"
The question lingered in the air, and for a moment, Itachi was silent.
His mind drifted to the echoes of voices from his past ringing in his ears.
"You're really like a kid brother to me."
Itachi's response was measured, the words slipping out colder than he intended. "Perhaps so, perhaps not. People are people, some you can love, then you can hate a moment later. Always expect things can change… at any moment."
Naruto recoiled slightly at the unexpected answer, his eyes wide with surprise. Itachi could see the impact of his words, a brief sense of darkness on the young ninja's face. For a moment, Itachi felt that his reply was justified, that honesty, no matter how harsh, was the only answer he could offer.
"I think you're wrong," The academy student said firmly, snapping Itachi out of his thoughts. Itachi turned to him, intrigued, "No matter what, you cannot give up on friendships. Iruka-sensei, Lord Third, and now… even you."
"Even me?" Itachi asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Hell yeah," Naruto replied with determination. "You believed in me. And that's what I'm going to do for everyone else. I'll be strong—stronger than even you—and I'll prove everyone in this village wrong. I'll become the Hokage. And unlike that bastard Mizuki, I won't betray my friends. That… is unforgivable."
Itachi's lips curved into a genuine smile. "You're right," he said, surprising Naruto. "Giving up is the wrong thing. Abandoning yourself is a terrible thing. Betraying your friends is the worst thing."
Naruto's eyes widened at the unexpected depth of Itachi's words. They resonated deeply with him, affirming his resolve and reinforcing the strength of his convictions.
Teuichi appeared, "Three bowls!" He called out with a smile, "And to our new graduate, may the keep the peace and defend us all."
As they ate, Naruto suddenly glanced up once more. "You know, you're a lot better than that asshole brother of yours." he said with a smirk.
Itachi raised an eyebrow in surprise, but Naruto had already gone back to slurping his meal.
The night was still calm and quiet. The Uchiha walked slowly through the cemetery, his footsteps silent on the path, his figure barely a shadow in the darkness. Overhead, the full moon cast its pale light, illuminating the rows of headstones and casting long shadows that stretched across the ground.
He stopped in front of the Uchiha memorial, a solitary stone nestled among the others in the cemetery. It stood as a testament to the past, a monument to the lives lost on that fateful night. Itachi stared at it, his expression unreadable, his heart heavy with memories.
The full moon hung high in the sky, its glow unyielding. It reminded him of that night—the night that had changed everything for him and Sasuke. The moon had been full then, too, casting its cold light over the village. It was a night etched in his mind, a night that marked the beginning of a new reality for both brothers.
Itachi closed his eyes, allowing the memories to wash over him.
They are all gone now.
The bakers, Teyaki and Uruchi, who would secretly slip the brothers treats every time they visited.
Yakumi, Hikaku, and Tekka, the dedicated policemen who envisioned a future where Itachi and eventually Sasuke would stand proudly alongside them in the Konoha Police Force.
His mother, a constant source of love and encouragement, devoted herself entirely to nurturing their dreams, her memory now only remained.
His father, once a towering figure of strength and guidance, now stood silent. The goals of making him proud, learning from his wisdom, succeeding him as head of the clan, and earning his acknowledgment had vanished, leaving only an empty void.
"Itachi!" Her voice echoed in his mind, filled with delight and happiness. "I can't give them to you… but I hope your sharingan awakens soon."
And Izumi. Thinking about her was different now, more painful as the years had gone on. Her memory was different. It was difficult, complex, as the two had shared a type of relationship that had not been resolved.
All the faces Itachi could remember, the smiles, the laughter, the life of the clan.
Murdered in their homes.
Murdered in the streets.
Some had even gone home and killed their loved ones before turning the blades onto themselves.
Murdered by Uchiha Shisui.
Five years had passed since that night, but the memory still seeped into him like water through a collapsing roof, knotting his insides with the same crushing weight they carried that very night.
He often thought the same thing all these years.
'They were counting on me. No one else. I should have been there. I should have broken free sooner. I should have stopped him. I should have died with them.'
These thoughts came creeping in like shadows.
Guilt, fear, failure—whatever it could be called—weighed heavy on his mind. Sometimes, it was easier to forget and move on, especially when surrounded by others. But the past would always return. They would always come back. And now, with Sasuke getting older, it seemed impossible to move on without some form of… resolution.
Let me know what you think.
I want all characters to be as authentic as possible. Itachi for example is the man we all know and love, but he clearly has some demons and has a road to go down. I felt him being perfectly normal wouldn't be as interesting.
There will be romance(s) for many characters, both main and side.