The Land of Water was a country of many islands.
Historically, this was what divided the nation. Many independent cultures had grown, and the islands saw one another as rivals. However, the First Mizukage united them all through his power and conquest, submitting them to Kirigakure and the Water Daimyo.
Despite this, many of the islands harbored long-standing resentment and animosity toward their rulers. Unfortunately for them, the Village Hidden in the Mist was located on the most powerful, largest, and richest island. No matter how many times some of the islands rebelled, the Mizukage and Water Daimyo always crushed them.
Even now, these remote areas continuously fought back—this time against the Fourth Mizukage, a man deemed a tyrant who killed his own people and forced the nation into civil war. The Land of Water was by far the most divided, even before the reign of the Fourth Mizukage. But Yagura Karatachi only worsened things. Corruption spread, many shinobi deserted to avoid the bloodshed, and even one of the Jinchūriki vanished, leaving the village vulnerable to its rivals.
After the Third Great Shinobi War, Yagura focused all his efforts on purging those he held responsible for failing to step up during the conflict. At first, he succeeded, launching successful raids on the coasts of the Land of Fire, the Land of Lightning, and even as far south as the Land of Wind. But those victories marked the end of his success. A catastrophic defeat led to the death of the Three-Tails Jinchūriki, and from there, the tide of the war turned ever further against them.
One veteran from the war, who had fought as a child, rose to prominence. Loyal to Yagura at first, she ultimately refused his orders to lay waste to an island north of the village. Defying the Mizukage, she declared Yagura a tyrant, spreading the rumor that he was being controlled by an unknown force, and vowed to end his reign of terror.
This rebellion, led by Mei Terumi, caught international attention. Many factions within and beyond the Land of Water were drawn into the conflict. However, Mei did not claim the title of Mizukage, as only the Daimyo could bestow such authority. Yet the Daimyo's power had been compromised as well. Hoshigaki Kisame, one of the Seven Swordsmen, had killed the Water Daimyo and fled the village.
The Land of Water stood at the edge of chaos, as rebellion and betrayal collided with the iron fist of the Mizukage, and the nation itself became a battlefield where loyalty, power, and ambition clashed.
For years, the rebellion had settled into a tense stalemate. But after a series of sudden victories against high-ranking loyalist Jōnin, Yagura was forced onto the defensive. Now, every island—except for the most powerful one—had fallen under Mei Terumi's control. Revered as the "Lava Woman," Mei was celebrated for her strength, wisdom, intelligence, and beauty. However, war propaganda painted her as a sadistic monster, claiming she burned or boiled alive anyone who dared oppose her.
But now, the war is nearing its end. The stage was set. Every island had its formations and troops in place, their orders clear.
They simply waited for the day to end it all. And for a new dawn for the Land of Water.
Today would be the day.
Mei's rebel forces would cross the ocean, aiming to deliver a swift and decisive victory. The atmosphere brimmed with a volatile mix of anxiety, hope, despair, and fear as her orders echoed across the Land of Water. Like pieces on a grand chessboard, each island awaited the signal to strike, ready to unleash the final assault on the mainland.
The northern force, the largest and most formidable contingent of the rebel army, crossed the ocean on a fleet of ships. Their movement was the signal for the western and eastern forces to begin their advance. One by one, the signals spread, finally reaching the southern forces.
Though shinobi could run on water, the treacherous ocean—known for its storms, shifting tides, and vast distances—made it far too dangerous for them to simply run across. The risk was too great. Ships were necessary for the bulk of the invasion, ensuring that troops and supplies made it safely to the mainland.
The western and eastern forces, after sending their signals, prepared to flank Yagura from both sides in the north. But their target was not Kirigakure itself. The village, located on the largest and most heavily fortified island in the Land of Water, was not their immediate goal. Instead, they aimed to weaken the Mizukage's control by striking at his outer defenses.
Yagura, aware of his declined quality in manpower, had concentrated his forces and established formidable defenses across the northern area of the island. However, the rebels knew this all too well. Their plans accounted for these fortifications, and their strategy was clear. They would not engage Yagura directly in Kirigakure, but rather weaken him by attacking his vulnerable flanks.
No one wanted a siege of the village, that would result in catastrophic losses of life for the civilian population.
A set of volunteers had come, mercenaries thought to be. But too good to be mercenaries. They wore Kirigakure-rebel uniforms, which were the older more traditional style, as to not confused with the loyalist arms. No one knew who they were, except for Mei. Many assumed they were former Jonin loyalists, which was not a bad guess. Fortunately, they were always busy, so no one would ever inquire as to the identity's.
Uchiha Itachi had volunteered for the mission. A week prior, under the cover of darkness, he had infiltrated the forests. Fortunately, navigating the thick, dense trees of the Land of Water had felt almost nostalgic, reminiscent of home. He had crept through, discovering one encampment after another. Eventually, he had come close to Yagura himself, but that had not been his mission. He had taken note of the path he had taken and adjusted it to avoid more and more of the enemy.
Why had he come here in the first place?
For two reasons.
The Third Hokage had asked him personally. The mission was dangerous and could easily become political suicide if it failed. Should the other nations discover that Konohagakure was secretly supporting a rebel force, it could lead to war. Yet, there were few who could succeed where failure seemed inevitable, and the Hokage had placed his faith in the Uchiha. Whether Itachi believed in himself or not, the village believed in him.
The second reason was darker—far more personal. There was a chilling rumor that Yagura, once a fair and promising Mizukage, had suddenly turned into a tyrant, seemingly overnight. It was said that he was being controlled, manipulated from the shadows. That detail struck a nerve deep within Itachi. The situation mirrored his own fears, his own past. He knew of someone capable of controlling others, bending their will, forcing them into unspeakable acts.
He had to come. Not to fight Yagura, but to stop whatever sinister force had corrupted him. Perhaps, if it was true, he could free Yagura—even if the Mizukage deserved death. Even if too much blood had already been spilled. It wasn't for Itachi to decide Yagura's fate. His only duty was to break the control, to shatter the genjutsu he believed to be enslaving Yagura.
Even though he had never been able to break the one that bound him.
They traveled together, Itachi and Mei. Their goal was to reach Yagura, kill or capture him, and use that success to encourage the loyalist forces to surrender. The Mizukage commanded from the backlines and awaited the arrival of the leader of the rebellion.
A bijuu bomb would have annihilated both his army and the rebels, and that was a risk the tyrant was willing to take to ensure victory. However, Mei was not dumb enough to show her face on the front lines.
The Mizukage leapt back as a kunai struck its mark.
Yagura scanned in all directions. He had Anbu, Jonin, and Hunter-Nin always at his side, but their bodies now lay lifeless. They had died so quickly. Assassinated right before his eyes. It made sense, the rebels wouldn't have sent a novice to confront him.
"Yōton: Yōkai no Jutsu!" (Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique)"
Suiton: Mizukagami no!" Jutsu (Water Release: Water Mirror Technique)
Itachi observed Yagura from his concealed vantage point, where the strangeness of the Mizukage's demeanor unfolded before him. The coldness in Yagura's eyes hinted at a deeper disturbance within him, one that defied easy explanation. He immediately perceived, 'His chakra isn't disturbed. Could he be in control? I can't find any other presdence around here. Even Shisui's genjutsu couldn't have lasted this long... right?'
The notion that someone could cast a genjutsu powerful enough to control someone as formidable as the Mizukage from afar raised difficult questions. Who possessed such formidable abilities, and what were their intentions? Itachi's mind raced with possibilities, each more ominous than the last.
But what terrified him the most was that the person he suspected... may not be the one doing the controlling.
He dismissed the thoughts, having noticed that the fight was gradually intensifying. Mei and Yagura engaged in combat, both employing taijutsu. However, Mei, being a long-range fighter, resorted to lava to maintain distance between them.
"Kirigakure no Jutsu! (Hidden Mist Jutsu)."
Yagura chuckled, "And what's the point of this, Mei? Do you hope for me not to feel—" His words halted as he suddenly felt the temperature skyrocket. The Mizukage looked down to see his skin being burned. 'Her Boil release…' He experienced the pain and quickly formed hand signs, "Fūton: Taifūikka! (Wind Release: Passing Typhoon)!"
As the mist and scorched steam dispersed, he eyed the area around him in annoyance, only to realize she had vanished.
"Coward." Yagura muttered in a low tone. A shadow from behind caused him to slash his staff. The figure dodged the strike, but the Mizukage suddenly froze. Before him stood a tall man dressed in an Anbu uniform, adorned with a cat mask.
Itachi stood resolute as he placed Yagura under his genjutsu to subdue him.
And it succeeded. The Fourth Mizukage felt to the floor.
Mei emerged from the shadows and stared in disbelief. "Was that all it took?" In that moment, both stood in complete awe of what had just transpired. All this time, all these years of conflict, now finally over. They could move forward, working toward a world free from strife.
Itachi looked at her. "I suppose you should send word out. The more it spreads, the fewer lives will be lost." She gazed back at him through his mask, and caught a brief glimpse of his sharingan through the eye slit. The reason they wanted to fight Yagura instead of the loyalist army was simply because if they could prove he was defeated, the loyalist would surrender, and the fighting would end.
Mei wondered how much more brutal this conflict would have been and how many more lives would have been lost if he hadn't been here.
"We did it…" she said, still in disbelief.
He replied with a smile, "No, you did it. I was never here."
"GAAAAAH!"
A fist slammed into Itachi's face. The speed caught him completely off guard. The force of the impact hurled him backwards until the solid trunk of a nearby tree abruptly halted his flight. The rough bark scraped against his skin like sandpaper. Itachi gritted his teeth against the sharp sting of pain, his body tensed as he struggled to regain his composure.
"You...!" Yagura's voice sliced through the air like a blade, low and menacing, his gaze fixed intently on the wounded Uchiha. Yagura directed his chakra. It swirled in ominous patterns above him like a gathered storm. A fleeting glimmer of purple energy danced in the air. A sudden surge of power erupted. It happened so swiftly and unexpectedly that Itachi had no time to react. Before his eyes, a red-glowing aura enveloped Yagura that shrouded him in an ominous light. The Uchiha watched in astonishment as the body seemed to contort and twist, it took a more animalistic form, his movements now primal.
On all fours, Yagura moved with an eerie grace, his once-human form now resembled that of a wild beast. Itachi could scarcely believe what he witnessed as he observed Yagura's transformation. And then, as if driven by some unseen force, chakra began to concentrate around Yagura. Once again, his eyes saw the purple orb.
Yagura had little time to react. A sudden molten torrent of lava crashed onto him with the force of a wave. The inferno engulfed him. Despite his formidable defense, even tailed-beast form was not immune to the seared heat.
'He broke my Genjutsu!?' Itachi murmured to himself, his mind raced to make sense of the unexpected turn of events. It was rare for someone to break free from his illusions, a feat typically reserved for other skilled genjutsu users. But there was no time to dwell on such questions now. With the continued battle all around him, Itachi pushed aside his doubts and focused on the task at hand. The mask was not invincible. It crumbled right before his eyes. Finally, for the first time since he officially joined the rebellion, his face was seen by the enemy.
With calm determination, he met Yagura's gaze head-on, his sharingan flared with fierce intensity. "What is Konoha doing here?!" Yagura's words hung in the air like a dark omen. "Mei! You are worse than a usurper! Worse than a traitor! When I'm done with you, I will seek vengeance against the Hidden Leaf!"
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" The voice rang out as a massive ball of fire hurtled toward the jinchuriki. Yet, to his astonishment, the attack seemed to have little effect as Yagura stood firm. The flames paled in comparison to the intensity of lava, and Itachi realized with shock that his ninjutsu was effectively useless.
The beast leapt at ridiculous speeds. It swiped at the Uchiha who raised his hands to defend himself.
Struck by the full brunt of Yagura's attack, Itachi staggered backward, feeling the pain from the heat. 'His skin is too hot!' he yelled inwardly.
A swath of molten lava surged between the combatants, creating a fortunate barrier that held Yagura at bay for a moment. But the Mizukage was undeterred. He charged forward with animalistic rage and closed the distance between them with more astonishing speed.
"Fūton: Kōmu no Jutsu! (Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique)!" Mei called out, unleashing a vapor filled with intense temperatures.
"Mei!" Itachi's voice rang out, filled with urgency as he found himself suddenly paralyzed, unable to move as if held in place by an unseen force. With fear in her chest, Mei turned and had seen him ensnared by Yagura's coral-reef skin technique, a twisted manifestation of the three-tails' power.
Cursing under her breath, Mei had grasped the gravity of the situation. "His attack! You couldn't see it because of the three-tails' power!" she explained, her mind raced to devise a plan of action. With a swift roundhouse kick, she attempted to dislodge the coral from Itachi's body, but to no avail. They were both in mortal danger.
Itachi panicked as he watched Yagura charge a bijuu bomb, his body still immobilized by the insidious technique.
Mei's voice cut through the chaos of battle, her words a defiant challenge to the leader she had spent her whole life defending, "Yagura, you will be remembered for what you really are. A tyrant, an animal, a scourge on the village. You have no cause to be the Mizukage!"
'Is she really going to do this!?' He realized that her taunts were only meant to distract Yagura. Instead of attacking the snared Konoha Shinobi, Yagura aimed his attention toward the rebel leader.
The weight of desperation bore down upon him, and he couldn't shake the despair that things were about to take a devastating turn. Amidst the chaos of battle, a momentary flashback to his childhood surfaced in Itachi's mind, it reminded him of a comrade who had once charged recklessly into danger without concern for his own life.
The desperation for power grew.
He began focusing chakra into his eyes.
As the bomb detonated with devastating force, Mei used her affinity to create a large wall of water in an attempt to shield herself from the explosion. But to her shock and horror, the blast simply passed through the barrier as if it were nothing, leaving her defenseless in its path.
With wide eyes filled with terror and confusion, Mei braced herself for the inevitable. But before the explosion could consume her, a miraculous intervention occurred. A massive, ethereal hand reached out from the side, its crimson glow illuminating the dark. With a sense of awe, Mei watched as the celestial palm lifted her from her frozen state and guided her safely away from her demise.
The explosion then occurred behind her, reaching deep into multiple trees before erupting in a cataclysmic swath of devastating power. The force of the blast sent shockwaves that rippled through the forest.
In a sudden, breathtaking moment, a tear of blood streaked down Itachi's left eye. From deep within him surged a newfound power, erupting in a blaze of fire that eclipsed anything the three had ever witnessed. The flames, pitch-black and swirling with deadly intensity, radiated a horrific heat that scorched everything in their path. Mei, renowned for her mastery of lava ninjutsu and her unyielding personality, felt a chill race down her spine at the sight of those ominous dark flames. They unnerved both of them. He had never seen this attack being utilized. As seasoned Shinobi, they know pain, they know death. But the sounds being made from the victim were difficult to hear.
The leader of the rebellion stood in stunned silence as the tailed-beast within Yagura succumbed to the agonizing power. With each passing moment, the inferno's intensity seemed to swell.
But as swiftly as it had materialized, the fire began to dispere, its power slowly dissipating until only the charred remnants of the Mizukage's body remained. Severe burns marred his once-proud form, a stark testament to the devastating force of the inferno he had unleashed.
"I... I... they... you can't..." Now back in his regular form, Yagura's voice faltered, his words a jumbled mess of confusion and despair. "The eye... the eye... ." He muttered, his consciousness slipped away as his body finally succumbed to the fight.
Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage, died.
Itachi eventually broke free, and the two collapsed in silence. Mei observed him as he cautiously touched his face and wiped the blood from his cheek.
The look of shock on his face implied he had no idea what he had done.
Mangekyo…' Despite having awakened such a power years ago that night, he had never needed to use such strength before. He had no desire to. 'Am I… like him now?' Itachi asked himself.
After moments of tense and awkward silence, he regained his composure, "What's wrong?" She asked with a smile. "We wo-"
Out of thin air, a black vortex materialized in front of them, its dark presence forced them into an immediate defensive both reacted instinctively, Itachi leaped back to Mei's side, their eyes locked in shock as a mysterious figure emerged from the depths of the swirling darkness.
Long, textured black hair framed their head which cascaded down like a veil of shadows. Dark blue robes adorned with black gloves. But it was the mask that truly captured their attention. A smooth orange surface etched with intricate black designs that resembled flames.
"We were friends, no doubt about it. That's why that happened."
"We had a bond."
"I swear I'll make it up to you for this!"
An image of Tenma Izumo, his former teammate and comrade, appeared in Itachi's mind as vividly as if it were yesterday, as though the passing years hadn't dulled the memory of his presence.
But he wasn't here now.
Mei's eye twitched in uncertainty as she addressed the enigmatic figure before her. "W-Who are you?" she stammered, her voice filled with apprehension. The stranger bore no headband, no insignia to identify their allegiance.
There was no mistake.
That person, whoever they were, had killed his comrade right in front of him all those years ago. It was the moment his Sharingan had awakened, a pivotal event for any Uchiha. While Itachi had managed to push this figure out of his mind, he had never forgotten about Tenma Izumo.
But there was one thing that struck Itachi as he stared at the familiar figure before him.
Through the opening in the mask, something ominous glowed from within. The red and black hues were unmistakable, unmistakably familiar.
The Sharingan.
That person, whoever they were, had killed his comrade right before his eyes all those years ago. It was the moment Itachi's Sharingan had awakened—a pivotal event for any Uchiha. Though he had pushed this figure from his mind, he had never forgotten about Tenma Izumo.
"You," Itachi said in a low, seething tone, his gaze piercing through the mask that concealed his adversary's face. "What are you doing here?"
The masked man tilted his head with a hint of mockery in his voice. "Oh? I could ask you the same thing. I had no idea you were the one ending this war. I would have come sooner had I known," he replied with a sneer. "Why the hateful look? Am I supposed to be afraid of you?"
"I could not fight back then," Itachi said coldly, his voice steady with resolve. "But now I fight for both of us."
The tension in the air crackled with the weight of their shared history and unspoken animosity. Itachi's words hung between them like a challenge, a declaration of his evolution from victim to victor, from survivor to avenger.
The masked man regarded him with a strange expression, hidden behind the cold veneer of his mask. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice tinged with begrudging respect. "I see. So, that was you? Congratulations on surviving... that ordeal. I remember now. And those eyes," he added, his tone somber, "It's true, you are no longer a child."
Itachi silently acknowledged the recognition, thinking, He knows me now, though he's forgotten who I was.
In a swift motion, the masked man conjured a black spiral, whisking Yagura away from their midst. Itachi and Mei watched in bewilderment as the Fourth Mizukage vanished, leaving them stunned and unsure of their next move.
"Where did he go?" Mei demanded angrily. "Bring him back!"
"Somewhere safe. I just need what's inside him. I can bring you his body after I extract it, if you would like," the figure explained.
Frustration and anger boiled within Itachi, and he recklessly lunged at the masked man. However, as he struck, his hand passed through the figure as if it were a mere shadow. Before Itachi could react, the masked man's hand gripped his arm, pulling him close.
A sense of dread washed over Itachi as a black vortex surrounded him. He realized with mounting panic that he was being sent to wherever Yagura had been discarded.
Just as panic began to grip him, relief flooded in as lava poured down from above, disrupting the vortex. The masked man released his grip, and Itachi found himself free. Before the lava could engulf him, an ethereal shield appeared once more, this time taking the form of human ribs that surrounded him. Fortunately, they were durable enough to resist the lava.
Itachi exhaled in relief, noting, 'She made the right call.' He shifted his attention back to the enemy, channeling more chakra into his eyes, blood leaking down his cheek.
Black flames erupted once again.
"W-what is this!?" The masked man exclaimed, caught off guard. Mei watched in horror as the figure stumbled, desperately trying to extinguish the intense flames. He collided with a tree and fell heavily to the ground, his scream piercing the night air, brief yet agonizing. For a moment, it seemed the inferno had claimed him.
But to their astonishment and horror, the figure rose to his feet, unaffected by the devastating attack. His mask and attire obscured any visible signs of pain or damage, and his voice still carried a mocking tone as he addressed them.
"Well, it's been a fun reunion. But I have to go. Perhaps we will meet again."
The two stood, once again alone. They had achieved victory, but there was a sense of anticlimax. The weight of their triumph felt strangely hollow. It shouldn't have been this way—victory should have brought relief, elation. Yet, they stood amidst the remnants of the battle, their expressions clouded with confusion.
"Hatake Kakashi," Sasuke stated, his voice carrying a weight of curiosity, "Do you know him?"
They were traveling together outside the village, the dense forests of the remote western areas of the Land of Fire stretching endlessly ahead of them. Sasuke's recent graduation had been a monumental achievement, and the weight of becoming a full-fledged shinobi was starting to sink in. He was due to return to the academy soon to meet his new team, but before that, Itachi had promised him a special trip—an opportunity for just the two of them to visit some old acquaintances and spend time together away from the expectations of the village.
With their provisions packed and the sprawling land before them, it was a journey focused on training and strengthening their bond. The isolation of the wilderness provided the perfect backdrop for both reflection and rigorous practice, away from the bustling life of Konoha. The quiet allowed Sasuke to focus not only on his own development but on the subtle complexities of his older brother's words.
Itachi glanced at his younger brother, his expression as unreadable as ever. "I've known him since the day I joined Anbu," he confirmed in his usual measured tone, his gaze briefly drifting toward the horizon. "He's strong, perhaps the strongest Jonin in the village."
Sasuke's brow furrowed, his lips twitching into a slight smirk. "Besides you?"
His lips quirked in a rare semblance of amusement, a glimmer of warmth softening the typically stoic lines of his face. "You should hope he is stronger than me," he advised, his tone carrying a subtle warning. "He will be your sensei. He is wise, calculated, and intelligent. You would be wise to heed his teachings."
Sasuke absorbed his brother's words, a mixture of apprehension and anticipation swirling within him like conflicting currents. Kakashi's reputation as the Copy Ninja preceded him, his prowess legendary even among the elite shinobi of Konoha. But Itachi's cryptic advice hinted at depths yet unexplored, mysteries lurking beneath the surface of Kakashi's enigmatic persona.
As Sasuke contemplated the implications of his impending training under Kakashi's tutelage, a sense of unease tugged at the corners of his mind. What secrets lay hidden behind the mask of the revered Jonin? What lessons awaited him on the path ahead?
"I'm very proud of you, Sasuke," Itachi interjected, his voice softer now, touched with genuine emotion. "I know Mother and Father would have been too."
Sasuke pretended as if those words meant nothing, far too cool to be swayed. He had grown accustomed to his brother's sweet and gentle affirmations, a stark contrast to their father's more distant and stoic approach. Fugaku had always been the strong, silent type, teaching his children in the traditional manner he had learned, pushing them toward strength with silent expectation. But Itachi—he had taken a different path, a softer one that Sasuke wasn't sure how to fully understand.
As a child, it wasn't Itachi who Sasuke had aspired to impress. It was their father. If anything, Sasuke had envied his older brother's strength, the way their father spoke of Itachi with pride. No matter what Sasuke accomplished, Itachi was always one step ahead, the one who was always revered.
He shrugged now, keeping his emotions in check. "It's just graduating," he said casually, as if the accomplishment meant little. "You graduated years before me. I'm just glad to finally be out of that school. I wasn't getting anywhere. Idiots can pass those exams."
Sasuke glanced at his elder sibling, his expression unreadable. To him, graduation held little importance. It was merely a stepping stone on the path to achieving his goals—nothing more. Yet, despite his cool demeanor, he couldn't entirely shake the quiet pride he felt in knowing his brother was watching him take this next step in his journey as a shinobi.
"Some of those 'idiots' will be your teammates," Itachi pointed out, his tone laced with a hint of judgment. "The quickest way to get stronger is to train with them. They will be your catalyst."
Sasuke scoffed, his confidence unwavering. "That doesn't make sense. If I just train with you, someone who is far stronger than this Kakashi or my teammates, that will be a much more efficient use of time," he argued, his conviction firm.
Itachi's lips curved into a taunting smirk, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "And what makes you think you'll learn anything from me? My skills are so far beyond your level, you couldn't even comprehend them," he retorted, his voice tinged with playful arrogance. Sasuke's temper flared instantly at the teasing. Frustration bubbled to the surface, and without thinking, he launched a swift kick at his brother, his movements fueled by a mixture of annoyance and determination. He couldn't stand being underestimated—especially not by Itachi.
He sidestepped the attack effortlessly, his expression a blend of amusement and quiet admiration. The speed of Sasuke's reaction and his refusal to back down were exactly what intrigued Itachi. Sasuke's resolve, even when taunted, never wavered.
"Oi!"
The abrupt shout shattered the tension of their training session. Itachi remained poised, instinctively falling into a defensive stance, while Sasuke scrambled to his feet, his eyes narrowing at the unfamiliar voice. Both brothers turned their attention to a concrete building above, where several figures leaned over the railing, casting long shadows against the backdrop of the deserted town.
The strangers, dressed in light clothing adorned with obscure weapons, looked more like bandits than shinobi. Itachi's sharp eyes swept over them, taking stock of their numbers and assessing the potential threat with practiced precision.
"The fighting pits are on the other side of town!" the leader of the bandits declared, his voice thick with command and arrogance.
Itachi arched an eyebrow, his expression calm but thoughtful. "I thought Sora-ku was abandoned," he remarked
"To the rest of the world, it is," the bandit replied, his voice laced with subtle menace.
"But keep your fighting in those pits if you want to place bets. Fighting outside those pits means you're breaking the rules. And if you break the rules…" He let his words hang in the air, punctuating them with a menacing slap of his spiked mace against the railing.
"You'll have to deal with all of us."
Itachi's gaze sharpened, but his resolve remained unshaken despite the bandit's veiled threat. "Understood," he acknowledged curtly, his voice calm and controlled. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he signaled to Sasuke. The bandits, seeing that their intimidation tactics hadn't rattled the Uchiha brothers, dispersed, their figures gradually fading into the distance.
As the tension from the confrontation dissipated, Itachi's gaze turned to his younger brother, a furrow of concern marring his brow. "This place... feels a lot different than the last time we came here," he remarked, his voice carrying an edge of unease.
Sasuke nodded in agreement, his features tight with apprehension. "It's been years," he murmured, his mind racing to recall their previous visit to Sora-ku. "Why did the Uchiha even bother coming here?"
"It's a munition depot," His brother explained, his tone grave. "It was useful during the shinobi wars, and some say even before then."
As the Uchiha brothers navigated the labyrinthine streets of Sora-ku, their senses were overwhelmed by the disturbing sights and sounds of the city. The air was thick with the stench of desperation and violence. They watched as people were forcibly dragged into the fighting pits, their muffled cries a testament to the city's oppressive lawlessness.
Amidst the chaos, they stumbled upon a particularly unsettling scene. Men, their faces hidden in shadows, mixed strange liquids and administered them to unconscious figures. Their actions were shrouded in secrecy, a dark ritual that spoke of illicit dealings and grim experiments.
Women, dressed provocatively and casting predatory glances, eyed the two Uchiha with a mixture of curiosity and desire. The atmosphere was charged with an uncomfortable tension.
"We can take everyone on," Sasuke declared confidently, his youthful brashness shining through despite the grim surroundings.
Itachi's response was calm and weighed with a sense of solemn duty. "I agree," he said, his gaze fixed on the horizon with a deep sense of responsibility. "But acting recklessly here wouldn't benefit our village. Remember, you are a Konoha Genin. Every action you take reflects back on our village. If you disrupt the peace, it could have repercussions for Konoha."
Sasuke's lips curled into a smirk, his rebellious spirit undeterred by Itachi's caution. "So leave no trace," he quipped, his confidence bordering on arrogance. His smirk was a defiant mask for the swirling mix of excitement and defiance that fueled him.
Navigating the treacherous cityscape, they wove through a labyrinth of corridors and hidden passages. The air was thick with tension, each shadow a potential threat. The desolate town seemed alive with danger, every creak and echo a reminder of the lurking perils.
At times, they neared confrontation, their instincts sharpened by years of training urging them to act decisively. Yet, their foes often fell short of challenging their skill. A single misstep from an assailant could result in a bruised ego and a wounded back.
Despite the city's depravity, the Uchiha brothers commanded a grudging respect from even the most hardened criminals. In a world where life was cheap, facing off against two Konoha ninja was a risk few were willing to take.
The unexpected encounter drew smiles from the Uchiha brothers as they turned to face the source of the familiar voice.
"~Nya! Is that little Sasuke?" The playful greeting echoed through the passages, capturing their attention. Two figures approached with evident excitement.
"Itachi-nii!" Denka exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with delight. "Last time I saw you, you were as tall as me. And Sasuke was just a baby!"
Hina, more subdued yet equally affectionate, nudged her sibling playfully. "We saw them after that! Only five years ago! Sasuke was still big back then!"
The group continued their journey through the maze-like city, reminiscing and sharing stories of their respective adventures. They navigated the labyrinth of passages until they reached a large, secluded room where a formidable figure awaited their arrival.
"Nekobaa," Itachi greeted with a respectful nod. "You look good."
The woman known as Nekobaa regarded them with a blend of amusement and fondness. Her eyes crinkled into a warm smile as she returned Itachi's greeting. "Well, if it isn't Itachi and Sasuke! It's been too long. You both have grown up so much!" My two kittens! You'll forever be mine," Nekobaa exclaimed, enveloping the Uchiha brothers in a tight embrace. Her warmth was a comforting reminder of their shared history. "It's been so long."
As she released them, her eyes twinkled with mischief as she turned her attention to Sasuke, her fingers tracing the contours of his face. "Is this Fugaku?" she inquired with a playful grin, her laughter ringing out melodiously. "I knew your father when he was your age. Though he was more shy."
The younger Uchiha's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Him? Shy?" he echoed incredulously.
Nekobaa nodded emphatically, her laughter bubbling forth like a springtime melody. "Oh, yes, afraid of everything, including girls," she teased. "He was always hesitant to speak to women. I always wondered how he managed to marry your mother. I suppose war did make a man of him."
With a mischievous glint in her eye, Nekobaa introduced her granddaughter, pulling the girl forward with a knowing smile. "Speaking of which, this is my granddaughter. She is only two years younger than you, Sasuke-kun." The nervous girl offered a timid greeting, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at her grandmother's playful antics.
Meanwhile, Itachi, ever composed, set his backpack aside and inquired politely, "May I place this anywhere?"
Nekobaa waved him off with a gracious smile. "Of course! Are you two planning to stay? I'm so excited! It will be like old times. What brings you out here?"
Itachi's smirk hinted at a shared secret, while Sasuke rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Sasuke just graduated from the academy," He explained, his tone tinged with pride. "We have two weeks before he is formally in a team. So, we wanted to make a trip to come here."
Nekobaa's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Ahh! First Genin, then Chunin, then Jonin, and then what, Hokage?" she mused, her voice filled with admiration.
Itachi chuckled softly, his gaze resting on Sasuke with confidence. "For him, it is possible. He is strong."
Sasuke, ever determined, crossed his arms defiantly. "You were already an Anbu Captain at my age," he retorted. "I will make progress, on my own time."
They all laughed, the room filled with a sense of camaraderie and warmth.
A sudden pounding on the door interrupted them.
"Oi! Cat Lady! Where the hell is the payment you owe!? Open the door or we'll break this shit down!"
Nekobaa lowered her eyes, her voice barely a whisper. "They are back."
The two brothers exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions darkening as the situation became clear. Sasuke spoke first, his smirk brimming with confidence. "We'll have a chat with them," he said, standing up and cracking his knuckles.
His eyes darted to Itachi, who remained still, his gaze locked on the door. "For them to recklessly threaten us..." Itachi said, a note of disdain in his voice. His eyes narrowed, the flicker of his sharingan just visible. "Stay inside, Nekobaa. Sasuke and I will handle this."
Sasuke's smirk widened. "Handle it? I was hoping for something a little more fun than just a conversation."
Itachi shot him a sharp look, and Sasuke shrugged, following his brother as they approached the door. The pounding continued, louder and more insistent.
"Open the damn door, you old hag!" one of the thugs yelled from the other side, his voice brimming with impatience and arrogance.
Itachi watched as his brother approached the door. He had his hand on his side, ready to withdraw a kunai. His eyes went soft, 'It's not just us three anymore, Sasuke. There is another… but who, I do not know. I'm sorry for not telling you… but soon.'
