/ "Dialogue." /
/ 'Internal Thoughts.' /
/ "Flashback Dialogue" /
The head of the Uchiha clan knelt before the Hokage, the weight of the mission pressing down on him despite its success. Lord Third, a wise and seasoned figure, stood over him with a faint smirk, thin trails of smoke rising from his pipe. Like any other Shinobi, failure was something the Uchiha wanted to endure. With each nod of approval from Hiruzen, a wave of relief washed over him. Every nod was a testament to his training, his strategies, and his leadership. It was validation from the man he revered deeply.
Fugaku had died when Itachi was only 13. Though he had already become an ANBU operative by then, there was never a good time to lose your parents. Like many others in the village, especially those with no parents, Itachi had seen the Hokage as a signifying. older, powerful, and admirable figure.
Sarutobi finally raised his gaze from the report. "Most impressive," he stated, his voice laced with pride. "You surpassed even my expectations, Itachi. Not only did your actions secure a crucial victory for Konoha, but you also managed to bring everyone back alive." He paused for a moment, then asked, "Tell me, what was the conflict like? Was it as bad as the rumors suggest?"
Itachi opened his eyes, his expression calm and detached. "It was… glorious." he replied in a flat monotone.
A cloud of smoke escaped from Sarutobi's pipe. "Itachi," the Third Hokage said gently, "We've worked together for many years. Be at ease. It's important for me to understand how you truly see things."
A long silence hung between them before Itachi spoke again. "It was... horrible." This time, his voice was heavy with unguarded honesty. He raised his head. "The war turned Mist Shinobi against each other—brothers against brothers, sons against sons, the Mizukage against a usurper. I saw children, younger than my brother, killing others their age. My only hope now is that the next leader of the Hidden Mist is... better."
Hiruze replied, "The Water Daimyo has already named the next Mizukage." The words at first surprised Itachi, but he soon realized it made sense, "Mei Terumi." He said, "The usurper… What do we know about her?"
The Uchiha recalled some of the words the woman had said to him during the turmoil that was the Kirigakure Civil-War.
Mei grinned with a sparkle in her eyes, "My dream is not to be the Mizukage. Instead, it's a home by the sea. A husband. A big wedding. But I'm not too worried." She shrugged, "I'm only 27, and I have a war to win. But after, I expect a long-line of suitors. Why do you ask? Are you making an offer?"
Her words hung heavy in the air, laced with a reluctant acceptance. "I agree with your counsel," she admitted, her tone tinged with resignation. "There are many who cry out for revenge, but… I have already made a decision. I will make it clear to everyone that only Yagura will face such retribution." She paused, the weight of her decision evident in her demeanor. "I will order mass clemency." she continued, "It's a difficult choice, but you are right. We cannot allow ourselves to be consumed by the cycle of vengeance. Redemption must be an option, even in the face of our deepest wounds."
Mei smirked, her eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and challenge. "You haven't seen me in my full glory, boy." The woman then shrugged, "Perhaps, if you insist…"
"You saved my life, the lives of those under my command, and played a vital role in my victory. The Land of Water and the Land of Fire have never been allies, and it must remain a secret that your Hokage sent you to aid me in my pursuit of justice. I cannot foresee what the future holds, but know this—I have not forgotten your deeds, and I never will. I will honor our pledge to peace, and I can only hope the Land of Fire does the same."
Itachi finally said, "She had impressed me. If I had harbored any doubt about her intentions or beliefs, I would have called off our mission. But she was inspiring. The villagers cried out for her, they wanted liberation. Not just for her strength, but for the mercy she showed. The commitment to peace she expressed was something I believed in. I hope she stays true to her promises."
Hiruzen frowned. "So do I."
"Her vision is one of modernizing her village rather than seeking conflict. I am certain we've made a wise decision and can anticipate a fruitful diplomatic relationship. Perhaps, with time and mutual cooperation, even more."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowing in contemplation. "That was certainly our goal. I would hope that with this and our strengthening ties with the Hidden Sand, we could establish some semblance of world order. However, we would be fools to assume the most optimistic outcome. What of the Hidden Mist's military capabilities? In the worst-case scenario, what are we facing?"
"Many of their skilled fighters have already left the village. I witnessed the fall of several high-ranking Jonin myself. With the Mizukage's death, they've lost both of their tailed beasts. They have no idea what happened to the Six-Tails. It's clear they won't be able to match our military strength for years, but we should still be cautious."
"Next year, we will be hosting the Chunin Exams," Sarutobi revealed, his voice tinged with excitement. "I plan to extend invitations to many villages, although I expect only a few will accept. It will be the first international event since the end of the war." A wisp of smoke curled from his mouth as he continued, "Tradition dictates that we send an envoy rather than just a message. I also want to include the minor nations."
Itachi raised an eyebrow. "You wish me to serve as an envoy?"
"Yes, among others," Hiruzen clarified. "I will exclude you from going to the Land of Water for obvious reasons, but I want you to visit the nations to the west. I believe your characteristics make you particularly suited for..."
"Diplomacy?" Itachi finished.
"Yes," the Third Hokage agreed. "We wouldn't want to send Danzo or someone else less suited for the task, now would we?"
A rare smile appeared on Itachi's face. "I suppose not."
The statue of the Fourth Hokage stood below them, like a silent figure watching over Konoha, long after his passing. The village stretched out beneath them, alive with activity.
The woman beside him wore her Anbu gear, but her mask was off, revealing sharp features and striking purple hair that moved with the breeze.
"Mizuki was planning to sell it to Orochimaru?" she asked with a hint of amusement. "The fool. He'll be locked up forever."
"He's lucky he's still alive," Itachi replied, his voice calm. "Most Kage would make an example of him for such treason." He sighed. "His lover was pleading for mercy, though he didn't seem to care."
"Tsubaki? She's too good for him."
The kunoichi crossed her arms, her eyes reflecting the sunlight and her understanding of the weight of Mizuki's betrayal. She had seen plenty of it before—the way shadows twisted loyalties in the ninja world.
"I suppose this little debacle was a breath of fresh air," Yugao said with a hint of wry amusement. "Especially compared to what we dealt with in the Land of Water. I thought we'd never escape that mist of hell." The covert S+ mission in Kirigakure had pushed them both to their limits. It was the closest to a real-war the two had ever faced, as they were both too young for the previous one. Though, the Uchiha had seen one battle in the closing days of the conflict.
"It was tedious having to wear a mask the entire time," Itachi said, his gaze distant as he looked down at the lights of Konoha below.
Yugao chuckled softly. "If anyone had seen the Sharingan, the whole world would've known Konoha was supporting the rebels in the civil war. It was necessary, but definitely uncomfortable."
Itachi's mind wandered back to the difficult choices and perilous encounters of that mission. "The risk was high, but we managed to maintain our cover and accomplish what we set out to do."
"Mei Terumi..." Yugao muttered thoughtfully. "You were the closest to her. She let you sleep in her tent, didn't she?" Her smirk was evident in her voice. "Itachi, did you… break our code of ethics?"
His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "No, I did not. Though, she was... rather touchy."
"Touchy?" Yugao asked, her curiosity piqued. "She seemed to take more of a liking to you than the rest of us."
"A marriage offer," Itachi responded, his tone flat. "I didn't take it seriously, but it was unsettling. She barely knew me."
Yugao's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You were her personal guard and assassin, taking down the loyalist leadership and helping end the civil war quickly. Not to mention facing the Fourth Mizukage." She crossed her arms, a hint of amusement still lingering in her voice. "I'd say she had more than enough reasons to be interested."
Itachi smirked, teasing lightly, "You, of all people, should know there are better reasons to marry than simply being someone's weapon."
Yugao blushed, stammering, "And how would I know that?"
He shrugged casually. "That's what they say."
"And who's 'they'?" she shot back, her embarrassment clear.
"People... " Itachi replied, smiling slightly.
Yugao glanced away, her face still warm. "I don't know what you're talking about."
But they both knew the truth. Everyone in the higher ranks was aware of her and Hayate Gekko. Though they tried to keep it quiet, it wasn't hard to notice. He had been her sensei, just a few years older, and they made a good match.
"No need to hide it," Itachi said calmly. "They might not ever assign you two to a mission together, but you're both capable. Otherwise, I wouldn't have brought you on that mission." Since they share a connection, it was too risky to put them on the same mission. If one were to fall in battle, it could shatter the other's resolve, compromising the objective. It has happened before, and will happen again, many, many times.
Yugao felt a wave of relief as the conversation shifted, "Team Ro… we don't fail."
Team Ro had long been one of Konoha's most elite and dependable groups of shinobi. Though captains and members rotated, their reputation remained unmatched. They were skilled, disciplined, and, more importantly, trusted to execute the most dangerous and sensitive missions.
Uchiha Itachi, Yugao Uzuki, Hatake Kakashi, Yamato—others had come and gone, and some, sadly, were gone forever. But whenever they were together, they were one of the most formidable teams in the village, perhaps in the entire world.
The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the Uchiha training grounds as Sasuke and Itachi finished their sparring session. The area was uncluttered, an open space where they focused purely on taijutsu—no kunai, no weapons, just hand-to-hand combat.
Sasuke stood, breathing heavily, his eyes fixed on Itachi. Today had been a test of pure physical skill, and he was determined to prove his growth. The weight of his brother's presence still loomed over him, but Sasuke could feel his progress.
"You're getting better," Itachi said, his voice calm despite the intensity of their bout. "But there's still much you need to learn."
Sasuke panted, wiping sweat from his brow, a blend of exhaustion and satisfaction on his face. "I know," he said, his grin showing both respect and determination. "But I'm getting there."
Itachi gave a slight smile, his eyes reflecting pride and patience. "Taijutsu isn't just about raw power. It's about strategy, timing, and adapting to your opponent's movements." As they wrapped up their session, they made their way to the pier and sat down side by side. Itachi handed Sasuke a container of water, which Sasuke accepted gratefully. After drinking, he passed it back.
"What's going on?" Sasuke asked, his curiosity piqued. He always had a sharp sense when something weighed on his brother's mind—just as Itachi could tell whenever something troubled his little brother.
"The Hokage has assigned me another mission," Itachi said, his voice calm. "I'll be serving as an envoy to the other nations for the next few days. It should be relatively straightforward."
"Envoy?"
"It's a dual-purpose mission," He elaborated, "The first objective is to gather intelligence on the neighboring villages. We need to assess their current conditions and identify any potential threats. The second objective is to extend invitations to them for the upcoming Chunin Exams."
Sasuke's face reflected both surprise and determination. "Understood. I'll handle things here and ensure everything runs smoothly."
The head of the clan smirked, "I have full confidence in you."
As the evening sky transformed into a canvas of soft, fading colors with the sun dipping below the horizon, the silence between them was filled with the gentle hum of the approaching night. It was a rare moment of tranquility before the responsibilities of the coming days. After a long silence, Sasuke spoke, his voice hesitant but filled with an unspoken trust. He knew he could tell his brother anything, unlike with their father, whose approval had always felt like something to be earned through proving himself.
"Do they ever speak to you?" Sasuke asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Itachi turned to look at him, his tone filled with confusion, "... Who do you mean?"
"Them," Sasuke said, his gaze fixed on the fading sunset. "The ghosts. Our parents. Our clan. Do you ever see them? Do they ever say anything to you? Do you ever dream of them?"
The elder Uchiha's gaze grew distant as he considered Sasuke's question. He chose his words carefully, balancing his desire to convey strength while concealing the deeper turmoil within him.
"Sometimes, I see them in my dreams," he said, his voice steady. "But it's usually just fragments of memories—good ones. I remember them with a sense of pride and joy."
It wasn't the full truth. His nights were often troubled by the weight of his actions and the shadows of their loss, but he kept that part hidden. Itachi was a great brother, the ideal brother, but it would be a lie to say he was flawless. Lying was something he did, for what he believed would be the greater good.
Sasuke's eyes reflected a mixture of longing and sadness. "Do they say anything to you? Do they express how they feel about what happened?"
Itachi shook his head slightly, maintaining his composed facade. "No, they are… quiet. It's more like echoes of their presence, their pride in what they accomplished. They remind me of the values they held dear, the legacy they left behind."
Sasuke's expression was contemplative, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think they're… disappointed in us? In what happened?"
"… Of course not," Itachi said, his voice steady yet gentle. "What happened was... you know what it was. But look at us. There is far more to be proud of than to be disappointed about. For us to live, to refuse to give up, to honor them—that is what they would have wanted."
Sasuke's tone was low, laced with a mixture of vulnerability and resolve. "I don't think so. I feel them staring at me. It's like they want to ask me something, but don't want to, because I have no answer."
Itachi's gaze softened as he placed a reassuring hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Sometimes the silence is harder to bear than words. But remember, it's not about having all the answers. It's about moving forward and striving to be the person they would have been proud of." He gently ruffled Sasuke's hair. "I am proud of you. How far you've come, and how far you're going to go."
Sasuke hesitated, once more "... He's still out there. I want to be with you when we avenge the clan. I don't want to just wait around. I want to face him alongside you. Then… I think I can be proud of myself. And so can the rest of them."
Itachi's eyes grew distant, a hint of sadness clouding his expression. He hated discussing this topic. How could he convey to his brother that vengeance, while a powerful motivator, would not be the purpose of living?
The Shinobi world is a cycle of vengeance. For him to tell his younger brother that vengeance was wrong would be an uphill battle. However, never would he ever give up trying to stir Sasuke from the right path.
"Those who kill their own comrades are sure to die a terrible death," his tone was ice cold, an expression he rarely spoke in. "Shisui's time will come, Sasuke. He has threatened you and I, he has betrayed this village, and he is a dangerous criminal. It does not matter who is responsible, but don't think justice will not come. It will, but you cannot force it."
Sasuke's face fell slightly, his hope dimming. "So, you're saying you don't want to do it…"
"It's not that," Itachi interrupted gently. "It's just that our priorities are complex. I have to manage various responsibilities, and I can't solely concentrate on revenge. We must be logical. We spent these years together, and I had to be here, with you, for you, and for the village. There are more important things in this world than vengeance. Many more things."
Sasuke nodded, understanding but clearly disappointed. "I just want to make sure we do it together when the time comes."
Itachi bumped his forehead with his, "We will face whatever problems come together. For now, we need to focus on our current duties and ensure we're prepared for whatever lies ahead."
As the last light of day faded and the night settled around them, the brothers sat in contemplative silence.
Itachi stared at his brother, reflecting on their past.
'You are right, though, Sasuke. I knew them longer and better than you did. If our parents, our clan, our own blood could speak to us now, they would have agreed with you. They would have had you and me march to face Shisui as we sit here. They would have wanted you to make the decisions for the clan. You are far closer to them, than I ever will be, but, you are my brother, and I will not let the dead guide our fate.'
The night was bustling with the warmth of a weekend celebration. The vibrant lights and cheerful laughter painted a stark contrast to the weight Itachi carried, filling the air with a soothing hum of everyday life. He watched as families strolled together, children played, and friends gathered in animated conversation, their joy a gentle balm to his soul. These walks were a rare respite for Itachi, a chance to soak in the serenity of the village he had sworn to protect, finding solace in the simplicity and vibrancy of the world around him.
"Itaachiiiii!"
Lost in his thoughts, Itachi was almost startled by a familiar voice calling out to him. Turning toward the source, he recognized Asuma Sarutobi, Ebisu, Aoba Yamashiro, and Kurenai Yuhi—seasoned shinobi whom he respected and often enjoyed the company of.
"Come, sit with us," Asuma invited warmly, a hint of mischief in his voice. "It's been too long. How's my old man treating you these days?"
Itachi joined them with a smile, feeling a sense of ease in their presence. "Good to see you all. No issues with the Hokage today," he answered lightly. "I just returned from a mission earlier today."
Kurenai leaned forward with curiosity. "Where were you off to this time? It's unusual to find you out so late."
His smirk held a touch of mystery. "Let's just say... I've had my fill of the ocean for a while." His comrades understood the not-so-cryptic reference. As a member of Anbu, Itachi couldn't give too many details.
"I have a more public mission soon, though," he explained. "...as an envoy for next year's Chunin Exams to other villages."
They all looked at one another in confusion. Itachi continued, "I know. I wanted to inquire as to why he would want me for this... but I did not argue. It will be simple, and I will be back home soon enough."
Aoba nodded, his expression tinged with reminiscence. "Indeed. Genin missions keep us close to home, a comfort for both the young ones and their worried families. But when the tides of war shift..."
Ebisu's response held a blend of determination and reluctance. "Not for me. I'm not ready to give up my freedom just yet. Maybe in a couple of years."
Kurenai, on the other hand, expressed anticipation. "I'm actually looking forward to it. It'll feel like having a second family. It will be my first team," she said, savoring a thoughtful sip from her cup. Her gaze drifted toward Asuma, nostalgia tinting her expression. "Remember how we were practically thrown out of the academy at nine, only to be thrust into patrols? Not many good memories from those times, but strangely, I find myself missing them."
Asuma's warm chuckle carried a hint of sentimentality. "Yeah, I miss seeing Raido. Hard to believe how far we've all come," he mused, a proud smile gracing his lips.
Turning to Itachi with curiosity, Asuma's demeanor shifted. "So, what about you, Itachi? Can you see yourself leading a team? Even Kakashi's taken on that role."
Itachi considered the question for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. "I've thought about it," he admitted. "Leading a team would be an honor and a responsibility. But I'm not sure if I'm ready for it yet. The role demands a different kind of strength and patience, something Kakashi excels at despite his methods."
He paused, reflecting on the added complexity of his current responsibilities. "Having Sasuke to look after is already a significant responsibility. Adding two more students to that would be a considerable challenge."
"Sasuke will graduate this year too, right?" Ebisu asked, shifting the focus of the conversation.
"Yeah," Itachi confirmed with a nod, a faint smile touching his lips. "I'm not sure who his sensei will be. But I have faith in all of you. My sensei... he tried his best. Had I had someone like you all, I might have turned out much better."
The group felt the weight of Itachi's compliment and appreciated his words. It was high praise coming from someone as strong and respected as he was.
Asuma chuckled at Itachi's faith, then turned to jest, "You're too humble... and Aoba is too lazy to teach anyone anything."
"Says you! How will it look if you get frustrated with those kids and need a smoke break every five minutes?" Aoba's playful retort elicited laughter from the group, particularly since Asuma was in the midst of lighting a cigarette. "I think Sasuke will learn better from someone with your Kekkei Genkai," he continued, calmer now.
Itachi nodded thoughtfully. "We train together on that. But I would like him to gain perspective from someone else. He needs other adult figures in his life besides myself. Someone who can offer guidance and support in ways I might not be able to."
"They grow up fast," Asuma remarked, his tone casual as he glanced at Itachi. "At least not being a sensei gives you more time to take some honeys home, right, Itachi?" His gaze shifted to Aoba and Ebisu, who shared a knowing look, while Kurenai rolled her eyes in response.
"Honeys?" Itachi questioned, his brow furrowing slightly in genuine curiosity.
Kurenai remarked with a low chuckle, "Yeah, tell us about these 'honeys'."
Asuma raised his hands in a gesture of self-defense. "C'mon, you must have noticed the girls walking by giving you the look," he insisted, a teased glint in his eye.
Itachi looked genuinely puzzled, his brow furrowing slightly as he repeated quietly to himself, 'Honeys... honeys…' He searched his mind for an answer, but none came.
The others weren't surprised. While the head of the Uchiha Clan was respected and admired by many, he also had a reputation as an introvert. Like other Jonin who kept to themselves and were rarely seen socializing outside of duty, Itachi preferred solitude. Though, that had been slowly changing over the past couple of years.
Kurenai frowned knowingly, her voice gentle as she remarked, "It's okay, Itachi. Some things are better left a mystery."
Itachi eventually understood what Asuma was referring to. His social awareness wasn't too terrible, certainly not as bad as Kakashi's. "It must have slipped by me," Itachi admitted with a faint smile. "I don't tend to notice those things until they are... very obvious."
Asuma took a sip of sake before leaning back, hands behind his head. A small wisp of smoke drifted from his cigarette. "Are you ever looking? I heard a rumor that if you don't find someone, the old hag will, for you. You don't want her getting involved in your personal life."
Itachi's tone sharpened at the mention of the "old hag." "She can try," he replied with a hint of irritation, eliciting a chuckle from everyone.
Kurenai spoke up, her tone light-hearted. "Well, if you want, I could perhaps find a match."
Ebisu interjected, adjusting his glasses with a thoughtful expression. "That never works. It has to be natural."
"You mean," Kurenai replied with a playful grin, "it never works for you..." Aoba and Asuma laughed in agreement. "Besides, you're Tokubetsu anyway. You spend way too long outside of the village for a longstanding, meaningful relationship."
Ebisu, feeling the shift in conversation and wanting to offer his perspective, leaned in slightly and spoke with earnestness. "Sometimes, I just want someone to come home to," he said, his tone sincere. "It's not about finding a perfect, meaningful relationship right away. Sometimes it's about having someone there to share your life with, even if it's just for a while. Not every relationship has to be a lifelong commitment." He hesitated, then continued more firmly, "And, to be honest, it's nice to have someone there with you late at night, someone to talk to, and to share those quiet moments."
He glanced at Itachi, then back at the others, emphasizing his point. "It's different now. People aren't looking for just the old-fashioned kind of relationship. I'm sure Itachi feels the same way, maybe he wants an on and off fling."
Kurenai blinked, surprised by the turn in conversation. She looked at her younger friend and then back at Ebisu. "I... do you, Itachi?" she questioned, her voice softening. "No... that can't be."
Itachi remained composed, his expression thoughtful. "I appreciate your concern," he said calmly. "But my priorities lie elsewhere at the moment." He sighed, then added, "Though… I suppose it wouldn't be a terrible idea to… test the waters. I am of age."
The group looked on with interest. Kurenai, emboldened by a bit of sake, leaned in. "Okay," she said, a touch more confidently. "Let's do this. What do you seek in a woman? In a partner? What type of person would you see yourself spending time with?"
The question caught Itachi off guard once again, and he hesitated, unsure how to respond to such a direct inquiry about his preferences. "... All of them?" he replied tentatively, feeling out of his depth in this unfamiliar territory.
Kurenai chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's not an answer, Itachi," she teased. "Be honest. Do you prefer someone who is strong and independent, or someone who is gentle and nurturing? Maybe someone who shares your passion for training?"
Asuma laughed, clearly enjoying the banter. "I thought it was a good answer," he said, glancing at Kurenai with a smirk. "You don't want to be discussing details with this one." Kurenai gave him a playful nudge, a mock scowl on her face. "Ouch..." Asuma chuckled, taking another drag from his cigarette, and Kurenai's eyes twinkled with amusement as she turned her attention back to Itachi.
"What I mean is," Kurenai continued, her tone more serious now, "Is there anything specific that matters to you when it comes to her looks, personality, or character?" It was a question that seemed to catch Itachi off guard, as he had never really given much thought to such details before.
What helped Itachi overcome the loneliness and tragedy that had struck him and Sasuke was reconnecting or making new connections with others. He was quiet and introverted, so it wasn't unusual for others to try and pry into his thoughts or desires.
This was an opportunity to be mischievous, to make them ponder his words, to keep them guessing. A chance to be different, to have a little fun with those who always took him far too seriously.
"Older..." He said mysteriously. Technically, age could be seen as a physical attribute, but Itachi meant it in a deeper sense, describing a person's emotional or mental state. The men around him choked on their sake, caught off guard by his unexpected admission.
Asuma nodded with a smirk, barely able to contain his laughter. "Interesting... interesting. I didn't expect that."
"Mature, you mean," Kurenai corrected, leaning forward slightly as if encouraging Itachi to elaborate. "And what else?"
Itachi's mind went blank for a moment. "Aggressive?" he said cautiously, knowing immediately that his answer didn't quite align with what they were expecting.
Aoba suddenly stood up, pacing around the table while covering his mouth, trying to stifle his reaction. Ebisu and Asuma exchanged intrigued glances, both waiting to see how Kurenai would respond.
"Direct, you mean," Kurenai corrected gently, her tone firm but amused.
Feeling even more perplexed by the conversation, Itachi simply nodded in acknowledgment. "Yeah... that."
Asuma, having calmed down from his bout of intoxicating laughter, waved his hand dismissively. "And smart... just say smart. Or, if you dare, the 'whole package...'" His voice trailed off, slightly slurred from the alcohol.
"Smart," Itachi agreed with a nod. "I'd prefer someone more intelligent than me."
"Good luck finding that in this village..." Ebisu muttered under his breath, though his words were heard by everyone at the table.
Itachi blinked, tilting his head slightly in curiosity. "...What does the 'whole package' mean?" he asked innocently.
Asuma, ever the joker, wrapped an arm around his own lover, Kurenai. "It's what I got!" he declared with a grin.
Kurenai, unimpressed, nudged him hard enough that he recoiled, nearly stumbling out of his chair as the others chuckled at the exchange.
Kurenai waited until the laughter subsided, her expression thoughtful as she addressed Itachi directly. "Don't worry about that. There's no such thing as a 'whole package.' Asuma's just speaking honestly, like a teenager again. But there's nothing wrong with what you said. In fact, it makes you more worthwhile than these three. I think I can work with that."
Aoba, having listened to Kurenai's supportive words, leaned back into his seat and raised a crucial question. "Hold on, hold on. None of you even bothered to ask if he wanted this."
Itachi's expression remained calm, but beneath the surface, turmoil stirred. Aoba's words echoed in his mind. 'Want?' He silently repeated, grappling with the weight of the question as time seemed to slow around him.
Suddenly, the teasing and lightheartedness died down within Itachi. A somber feeling began to swell inside him. This was not the type of conversation he typically engaged in, nor had he intended to go down this path.
He had never truly taken the time to ponder the desire for companionship. Only once had someone clearly shown their affection—someone mature, strong, and intelligent.
Her.
The thought of her filled him with bittersweet nostalgia, each breath bringing memories to the surface. He remembered the way she used to look at him, her cheeks softly blushing as she would catch him staring.
Her face was so vivid in his mind—the mole under her eye, the sparkle in her gaze when she proudly showed him her newly awakened Sharingan. He could even recall the embarrassment she felt when he first met her mother, the elegance of her smile, and the soothing tone of her voice. She had wanted to be more than just friends, but at the time, he had been too naive, too blind to her advances. Looking back now, he acknowledged that, given different circumstances, he might have allowed those feelings to grow.
Then... there was the memory of her sadness. The tears streaming down her face, her blood-stained skin, and the haunting emptiness of death in her eyes.
Izumi.
Her name echoed painfully in his mind.
'Do I deserve to seek someone who will look at me the way she did, after everything that happened?' It was a question that had begun to gnaw at him. It was tragic, horrible, and filled with guilt. The trauma of it all weighed heavily on him. He would never be able to tell her he was sorry, or that he loved her, or that...
But it didn't matter. She was gone. He was alive. Nothing could change that. And yet, even knowing this, he could not grant himself the illusion of reconciliation or forgiveness.
"... I don't know..." Itachi murmured, his voice low, barely audible.
"Team Ro! I feel honored! Since you all decided to not bring me on the last mission!"
They stood in the Hokage's office. Itachi remained idle, an unamused expression flickering on his face.
"You look good, Captain." A mocking tone came.
There was no closer friend the head of the Uchiha clan had than Hatake Kakashi. His expression was smirked under his mask, something Itachi noted with irritation.
In the old days of Konohagakure, there was a traditional outfit worn by the village's elite during formal events that many today, as well as back then, found distasteful. It featured a long white kimono with wide sleeves, layered with an orange outer robe adorned with the national fire symbol. The robe had exaggerated shoulders and a long hem that trailed behind, making movement cumbersome.
The outfit was topped with a bulky headdress, cylindrical in shape, with red tassels that hung down, partially blocking vision.
For anyone wearing it in the modern day, the entire ensemble felt impractical, outdated, and far too flashy.
A puff of smoke billowed from the Third Hokage's pipe. "It's traditional attire," he explained with a nostalgic tone. "We wore it in my youth. You're not alone, Itachi—I've sent Shukaku Nara, Hiashi Hyūga, and Inoichi Yamanaka out in similar outfits. The other nations will appreciate the formality, especially the Tsuchikage."
Itachi's expression remained flat. "I hope this attire at least makes me look older," he said dryly. "And I can only hope that the formality softens any insults we might receive."
Yamato, arms crossed, smirked. "Don't worry, Captain. We'll protect our diplomatic envoy. It's a good chance to explore without worrying about conflict."
"Oh?" Kakashi mused. "They'll watch us, just not directly. I'd be surprised if we weren't under constant surveillance."
"The world is at peace," Hiruzen reminded them. "No conflict, no fighting. Our appearance in traditional attire will command respect. Respect is the first step to building friendships."
He continued, "We're already making great strides with the new Mizukage. She's young, but more effective than Yagura. Her military has demobilized, her warships have left our coasts, and she's open to discussing a freedom of navigation treaty for our merchants and fishermen. Stronger economic ties pave the way for stronger alliances."
"The lava-woman…" Yamato muttered. "Quite the reputation from someone so young. I wonder what she's really like. Do you believe the stories?" He observed the other two Jonin, who remained idle. Just from that alone, the man realized that the mission he had missed out on had something to do with the Land of Water, "Man…" He said softly, "I really missed out."
Kakashi shrugged, "You missed out on nothing, Yamato. Come, we should get a move on. It would be best if we get the Land of Wind out of the way first. Summer is coming."
As the sun sank beneath the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and crimson, a lone figure sat atop a large, foreboding rock, silhouetted against the encroaching waves.
With a gaze fixed intently on the sky, the man appeared lost in thoughts—dark and destructive dreams swirling within him. Despite the turmoil beneath, he seemed peaceful and calm, his handsome features reflected by the soft glow of the setting sun. His black wavy hair brushed gently with the sea wind, a stark contrast to the violence that had taken place here.
Surrounding him lay the lifeless bodies of pirates, their forms scattered in grotesque disarray. These marauders, invaders from distant seas, had long terrorized the coast of the Land of Steam, exploiting the village's vulnerability. Their reign of terror had been abruptly ended, silenced by this enigmatic figure and his partner.
A voice with a mocking tone broke the silence, "Looking at the sky again, I see. Is there something out there among the stars?"
The figure, unmoved by the taunt, continued to gaze into the fading light.
"Yes."
A towering man with blue skin and a great sword resting on his back leaned against the rock and faced the ocean. "This mission was enjoyable," he remarked. "I'm sure the Steam Daimyo will be pleased, as well as our Leader-sama."
The figure remained unmoved, his focus unwavering from the horizon, as if the praise and success were of no consequence.
"Zetsu mentioned that there's a meeting soon," Kisame continued. "Apparently, the Mizukage was killed. To be honest, It's hard to believe." His voice carried a hint of disappointment. "At least we know not to waste our time there. Where should we head off to next?"
Shisui pondered for a moment, his gaze distant as he weighed their next move. "Our main orders are to gather information on the Jinchūriki—their whereabouts and identities. Capturing them will come later. If news spreads that villages are missing their tailed beasts, we'll be forced to deal with increased scrutiny. It's wiser to build our strength first."
Kisame, smirking as his sharp teeth glinted in the dim light, observed, "You don't seem particularly excited about this assignment. Afraid you might have to confront some of your former Konoha comrades? I recall Konoha having at least one Bijuu…"
"Killing comrades, former comrades, future comrades…" Shisui's voice trailed off coldly, devoid of emotion. "It's just another form of killing. In the end, it's all the same. The more you do it, the less impact it has. If you have a goal, a mission, nothing should stop you from doing what needs to be done.
The swordsman's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed Shisui's chilling words. For a moment, he studied the Uchiha, trying to gauge the depth of the darkness that lurked within him.
Finally, Kisame spoke, his tone laced with fake amusement. "Do you have any idea how much I despise you? I truly have never met someone who I've had the displeasure of knowing."
Shisui's expression remained impassive, his gaze fixed ahead as if Kisame's words were nothing more than background noise. He didn't flinch, didn't react. His demeanor was unaffected by the loathing directed at him.
"There is no rush," Shisui replied calmly. "Once we have all the information we need, we can strike decisively. That's the quickest way to acquire these weapons of mass destruction."
Kisame's brow furrowed slightly, his concern evident. "I'm not entirely convinced. Depriving the villages of these beasts makes sense, but how can we be sure we'll be able to control them?"
"Leader-sama has the Rinnegan," Shisui answered confidently. "The God's Eye. They hold immeasurable power. Nothing is more ideal for controlling these beasts."
"It's strange hearing you admire someone else's eyes, considering how much you boast about your own," Kisame remarked.
Shisui smirked. "My eyes are for a different purpose."
"Ominous… as always," Kisame muttered, shaking his head. "We know Konoha has the Kyuubi and Suna has the Ichibi. With the Mizukage dead, it'll be some time before the Sanbi returns. Perhaps we should head north or west."
Shisui considered this, his mind already mapping out their next steps. "Leader-sama mentioned that every major nation possesses a Bijuu. If we go north, we'll find something. We'll scour the Land of Lightning until we gather the necessary information."
Kisame sighed, aware of the challenges ahead. "To get there, we'll have to pass through the Land of Snow or the Land of Iron… and it gets cold up there. Plus, we don't have any hideouts or agents in those regions."
"We'll find hideouts and create new agents," Shisui replied confidently, his smirk returning. "The Jinchūriki are despised in all villages. Gathering information on their whereabouts shouldn't be difficult. Most would likely be indifferent if they suddenly disappeared."
"Let's hold off on heading to the Land of Lightning," Kisame suggested cautiously. "Spending a few weeks in the Land of Frost might be wiser. It'll be too hot in Kumogakure, and a smaller nation could offer fewer complications."
Shisui nodded. "Agreed. There's no Kage there. Having a Daimyo as our 'ally' will provide perfect cover for our infiltration."
Kisame grinned mischievously. "You've always had a knack for 'befriending' Daimyos, haven't you?"
"I'm very persuasive."
I want this story to go beyond just having Shisui in the Akatsuki while Itachi is not. The dynamics and relationships are different and should matter, having a real impact on the story. For example, Kisame hates Shisui, which I think is interesting.
I also want to dive deep into Naruto lore, including things we don't know much about (which is a lot). I definitely need some extra characters, especially for the other villages. This story is going to involve lots of the other nations... eventually.
Let me know what you think. The pacing now is slow, but will go faster and faster.
