Chapter 5: Bonds of Betrayal
Author's Note:Thank you all for your continued support! We're heading into some dark territory with Evil Naruto very soon, and I promise it's going to be intense. The character development and the shifts in Naruto's mindset will be critical as we transition into this phase. The pairings will come into play eventually, but right now, I need to focus on setting up the foundation for Naruto's transformation. So bear with me as we delve deeper into this story. Your patience will be rewarded!Sorry for the time between chapters.
Naruto and Sasuke stepped out of the Uchiha district, their mission to find Shisui and gain some insight into Itachi's strange behavior weighing heavily on their minds. But as they walked through the village, Sasuke's entourage of fangirls seemed determined to derail their efforts.
"Seriously, Sasuke," Naruto muttered under his breath, glaring at the group of girls who had attached themselves to his brother like barnacles to a ship. "How are we supposed to find any information if you're too busy flirting with girls?"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, brushing off Naruto's complaint with a nonchalant wave. "I'm not flirting, Naruto. I'm just… charming. It's not my fault they follow me around."
Naruto let out an exaggerated sigh, his irritation growing as the girls continued to swoon over Sasuke, each compliment making Naruto's blood boil a little more. Among the group, Sakura stood out, her eyes locked on Sasuke as she showered him with praise.
"Sasuke-kun, you're so amazing! Do you need any help with whatever you're doing?" Sakura offered, her voice dripping with admiration.
Sasuke barely acknowledged her, giving her a polite nod while keeping his focus on their mission. Naruto, on the other hand, was visibly annoyed, his patience wearing thin. They had already checked Shisui's home, only to find it empty, and now they were wandering around the village, getting nothing but fangirls fawning over Sasuke.
"Honestly," Naruto grumbled, stepping away from the group, "I'm taking a break. I can't deal with this right now."
Sasuke shot Naruto a glance but didn't argue. He knew how much the attention grated on Naruto, especially when they were trying to accomplish something important. "Fine, but don't go too far. We still need to find Shisui."
Naruto waved him off, eager to get some space. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be back soon."
As Naruto made his way toward Ichiraku Ramen, he couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration bubbling within him. It wasn't just the fangirls or Sasuke's effortless charm—it was everything. The unanswered questions about Itachi, the worry gnawing at him, and the growing sense that something was terribly wrong. He needed a moment to clear his head.
When he reached the familiar ramen stand, Naruto took a seat at the counter, the comforting aroma of broth and noodles already working to soothe his nerves. As he waited for his order, he heard a soft voice behind him.
"H-Hi, Naruto-kun…"
Naruto turned to see Hinata standing a few steps behind him, her cheeks tinged with pink as she fidgeted nervously. She looked as if she wanted to say something but couldn't quite get the words out.
Naruto offered her a friendly smile, trying to ease her nerves. "Hey, Hinata. It's nice to see you."
Hinata's blush deepened, and she opened her mouth to reply, but the words came out as barely audible murmurs. "I… I…"
Before she could finish, her face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she quickly turned on her heel, running off in the opposite direction. Naruto blinked in surprise, watching her retreating form with a puzzled expression.
Why does she always run away like that? Naruto thought, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew he hadn't always been the nicest person when they were younger, especially during the darker moments before he had found his place with the Uchiha family. The memories of those days—of the loneliness, the anger, the violence—flashed briefly through his mind, and he shuddered, grateful that those times were behind him.
As his ramen was placed in front of him, Naruto's thoughts drifted back to his family, the people who had saved him from the darkness that once threatened to consume him. He was happy now, content in a way he hadn't been before. The villagers, too, had gradually warmed up to him, no longer hurling insults or glares in his direction. The Uchiha name had provided him with a shield, a protection he hadn't known he needed until he had it.
Sure, there were still whispers— demon, monster—murmured under people's breath. But Naruto had learned to deal with those quickly. A sharp jab to the face usually shut them up, and if that didn't work, Sasuke's cold glare was enough to silence even the most persistent offenders.
As he dug into his ramen, Naruto felt a sense of contentment wash over him. For the first time in his life, he had a family, a place where he belonged. And even though things weren't perfect—like the current situation with Itachi—he knew he was better off than he had been before.
"Hey, old man," Naruto called out to Teuchi, the owner of the ramen stand, as he slurped up the noodles. "Have you seen Shisui around lately?"
Teuchi paused in his work, wiping his hands on a towel before leaning over the counter. "Shisui, huh? Haven't seen him in a while, kid. Last I heard, he was on a mission. You looking for him?"
Naruto nodded, swallowing another mouthful of ramen. "Yeah, me and Sasuke were trying to find him. We need to ask him something about Itachi."
Teuchi's brow furrowed, concern etched on his face. "Itachi, huh? Those two are pretty close. If Shisui's around, I'm sure he'll show up eventually. But I haven't seen him recently. Sorry, Naruto."
Naruto sighed, a bit of the hope he had been holding onto deflating. "It's okay. Thanks anyway, old man."
Teuchi gave Naruto a reassuring smile. "No problem, kid. You'll find him. Just keep your chin up."
Naruto nodded, finishing off the last of his ramen before standing up and stretching. "Yeah, we will."
As he left the ramen stand and started making his way back to Sasuke, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The pieces of the puzzle were scattered, and no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't seem to put them together. But Naruto was determined. They would find Shisui, and they would figure out what was going on with Itachi.
Even if it meant going to places they hadn't yet considered.
The day had dragged on, filled with nothing but dead ends and frustration as Naruto and Sasuke scoured the village in search of Shisui. As they finally managed to lose the ever-present fangirls by ducking into a narrow alleyway, they both leaned against the cool stone walls, catching their breath. The chase had been exhausting, both physically and mentally, and the weight of their unproductive search was beginning to take its toll.
"Seriously, how are you this popular?" Naruto grumbled, wiping the sweat from his brow, irritation lacing his words. Despite his best efforts to hide it, there was an undeniable edge of jealousy in his voice.
Sasuke, still panting slightly, let out a low chuckle. "Quit your whining, Naruto. Complaining about it isn't going to help you in the looks department."
"Whatever," Naruto muttered, waving off Sasuke's comment, though the truth was, it bothered him more than he cared to admit. The constant attention Sasuke received was a sore spot, and while Naruto tried to brush it off, it was hard not to feel overshadowed by his brother. But there were more pressing matters to deal with.
As they caught their breath, Naruto's thoughts turned back to their fruitless search. "So, what are we going to do now? We can't find any information on where Shisui is. Do you think… do you think he's dead?"
Sasuke froze at Naruto's words, his body going rigid as a chill ran down his spine. The possibility of Shisui's death had been a dark, unspoken fear lurking in the back of his mind, but hearing Naruto voice it aloud made it all too real. The very idea that Shisui—someone so strong, so integral to the clan—could be dead was almost too much to bear.
"No," Sasuke said firmly, his voice wavering just slightly as he shook his head. "He's not dead. He's part of our clan. We don't die that easily."
Naruto sighed deeply, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his shoulders. "I hope you're right, Sasuke. But we've been searching all day, and we haven't found a single clue. It's like he just vanished."
The two brothers stood in the alleyway, the walls around them feeling more like a cage as their options dwindled. Exhaustion etched itself into their features as they exchanged weary glances. They had asked everyone they could think of, checked every place they knew Shisui frequented, but every lead had turned into a dead end. The farthest back anyone had seen Shisui was over a week ago, leaving them with nothing but questions and a growing sense of dread.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the village, Naruto and Sasuke made their way back home, their footsteps heavy with the weight of their failure. The silence between them was thick, each lost in their own thoughts, grappling with the implications of what might have happened to Shisui.
Naruto, unable to contain his frustration any longer, lashed out at a nearby tree, his fist slamming into the rough bark with a dull thud. The pain in his knuckles did little to alleviate the anger boiling inside him, but it was something—anything to release the tension that had been building all day.
Sasuke watched silently as Naruto took out his frustrations on the tree, his expression grim. He understood how Naruto felt, but he couldn't let himself give in to the same despair. Shisui couldn't be dead. He refused to believe it.
"Feel better?" Sasuke asked after a few moments, his tone more resigned than teasing.
Naruto didn't respond immediately, breathing heavily as he leaned his forehead against the tree trunk. "No," he admitted finally, his voice strained. "But it's better than doing nothing."
Sasuke nodded, understanding the sentiment all too well. "We'll keep looking," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "We're not giving up yet. Shisui's out there, and we'll find him. He has to be."
Naruto turned to face Sasuke, a flicker of hope in his eyes, though it was tempered by exhaustion. "Yeah… yeah, you're right. We can't give up."
With that, they continued their walk home, their steps slower now, burdened by the day's events. The village around them was quiet, the usual bustle of the streets muted in the fading light. As they neared the Uchiha district, the weight of their failure seemed to grow heavier with each step.
Naruto clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he fought back the frustration threatening to overwhelm him. He had thought that with a family, with the Uchiha name behind him, he could face anything. But now, with no answers and only more questions, he felt lost, helpless in a way he hadn't experienced in years.
Sasuke, sensing his brother's turmoil, placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. "We'll figure this out," he said quietly, though whether he was trying to reassure Naruto or himself, he wasn't sure.
Naruto nodded, grateful for the gesture, but his mind was already racing, trying to come up with their next move. They couldn't let this go. Not when Itachi was involved. Not when Shisui's fate was uncertain.
As Naruto and Sasuke made their way deeper into the Uchiha district, a strange stillness seemed to settle over the streets. It was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of the village—children playing, people chatting, the distant hum of activity—all conspicuously absent. The silence pressed down on them, thick and heavy, making the hairs on the back of Naruto's neck stand on end.
Naruto's sharp senses picked up something faint, a distant noise that didn't belong in the stillness. He halted, his hand shooting out to signal Sasuke to stop as well. He turned to his brother, his eyes narrowing as he placed a finger to his lips, urging silence. Sasuke nodded, his expression tense as he followed Naruto's lead.
The faint sound grew clearer as they approached—a murmur of voices, the shuffle of footsteps, like a gathering crowd. Naruto and Sasuke exchanged confused glances but said nothing as they moved cautiously, staying in the shadows to avoid detection. Whatever was happening, it was clearly meant to be a secret.
The sounds led them to a secluded building on the outskirts of the district, hidden within the dense cover of the surrounding forest. It was a place Naruto had never seen before, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as they crept closer. The building was old, almost forgotten by time, but its secluded location made it perfect for a clandestine meeting.
Naruto and Sasuke kept their distance, moving silently through the underbrush until they found a vantage point close to the building's walls. They crouched low, pressing their ears against the cold stone, straining to catch the voices inside.
Naruto frowned, the muffled words barely discernible through the thick walls. Without a word, he pulled out a wind talisman from his pouch, quickly channeling his chakra into it. The talisman hummed softly, enhancing the sound as it filtered through the walls, bringing the voices inside into sharp clarity.
The first voice they heard was one of the men inside, his tone tense and urgent. "We need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it becomes. The Third Hokage has to go."
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a shocked look, their hearts pounding in their chests. What were these men planning? The implications of what they had just heard were staggering.
"Calm down," came another voice, deeper and more authoritative—Sasuke's father, Fugaku. "We are here to discuss our options, not to act rashly. We've already arranged a meeting with the village leaders. We will present our demands and negotiate our position within the village. But if they refuse… then we will have no choice but to take action."
Naruto's mind raced as he tried to process what he was hearing. A coup? He had always known there was tension between the Uchiha clan and the rest of the village, but this… this was on a completely different level. He glanced at Sasuke, whose face had gone pale with disbelief.
Another voice spoke up, laced with suspicion. "But what about Itachi? He's been avoiding these meetings. Where does he stand in all this? Can we trust him?"
Fugaku's tone grew colder. "Itachi is my son, and he has always been loyal to this clan. But he's been… different lately. We need to be cautious. I've been watching him closely, but until we know for sure, we cannot rely on him."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the group inside, but another man's voice cut through the noise, filled with anger. "What if he's the one who made Shisui disappear? What if Itachi killed him to gain power? We can't trust him if he's willing to betray his own friend!"
Naruto's blood ran cold at the accusation, his mind reeling with confusion. Itachi… killed Shisui? It didn't make sense, but the doubt and fear in the voices inside were unmistakable. Something was very, very wrong.
Before Naruto and Sasuke could process what they were hearing, a sudden blow struck the back of Naruto's neck, sending a shockwave of pain through his body. His vision blurred, and he barely registered Sasuke crumpling beside him as darkness consumed him.
When Naruto's eyes finally fluttered open, he found himself staring at the familiar ceiling of his bedroom. The disorientation hit him like a wave, his mind struggling to piece together what had happened. He bolted upright, panic rising as the memories flooded back. The meeting… the voices… Shisui…
Without wasting a second, Naruto scrambled out of bed, his legs unsteady as he stumbled toward Sasuke's room. He had to make sure Sasuke was okay, had to confirm that they had both heard the same thing—that it wasn't just some twisted dream.
Naruto burst into Sasuke's room, finding his brother sitting on the edge of his bed, a dazed expression on his face. Sasuke looked up at Naruto, his eyes wide with confusion and fear.
"Sasuke," Naruto gasped, his voice shaky, "are you okay?"
Sasuke nodded slowly, his mind clearly still reeling from what they had overheard. "I… I'm fine. But Naruto… what we heard… what they said…"
Naruto crossed the room, sitting beside Sasuke on the bed. "It's real, Sasuke. We weren't dreaming. They're planning something. Something big."
Sasuke clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as the implications of what they had heard sank in. "Our father… he's planning to overthrow the village. And Itachi… they think he killed Shisui. What the hell is going on, Naruto?"
Naruto shook his head, unable to offer any answers. "I don't know, Sasuke. But whatever it is, it's bad. Really bad. We need to figure out what's happening before it's too late."
The two brothers sat in silence for a moment, the gravity of the situation pressing down on them like a weight they weren't sure they could bear. They had uncovered something dangerous, something that could change everything they thought they knew about their family, their clan, and their village.
But one thing was clear: they couldn't ignore it. Whatever was coming, they had to be ready.
Finally, Sasuke broke the silence, his voice trembling with determination. "We need to talk to Itachi. We need to find out the truth."
Naruto nodded, his own resolve hardening. "Yeah. We need answers. And we're going to get them, no matter what it takes."
With that, the two brothers steeled themselves for the battle ahead. They didn't know what the future held, but they knew one thing for sure: they were in this together. And together, they would face whatever darkness lay ahead.
As they got dressed and headed downstairs, they both made a silent pact to act as normally as possible. Their mother was already bustling around the kitchen, setting out breakfast. The scent of freshly cooked rice and miso soup filled the air, a comforting contrast to the tension that knotted in their stomachs.
Mikoto turned to them with a warm smile, though there was a hint of exasperation in her eyes. "Good morning, boys. You finally decided to wake up. Itachi told me you two were so exhausted from your sparring match yesterday that he had to carry you both home. Honestly, you could have at least had dinner before collapsing."
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a quick glance, their hearts skipping a beat. Itachi brought us home? They tried to hide their surprise, nodding in unison as they sat down at the table.
"Sorry, Mom," Naruto said, forcing a sheepish grin. "We got a little too into it, I guess."
Sasuke nodded, playing along. "Yeah, we didn't mean to miss dinner. We just… lost track of time."
Mikoto sighed, shaking her head as she placed a bowl of rice in front of each of them. "Well, it's a good thing your brother was there to bring you home. You two need to learn how to pace yourselves. And next time, try to make it to dinner, alright? I don't like seeing good food go to waste."
They both murmured their apologies, digging into their breakfast with as much enthusiasm as they could muster. But beneath the surface, their minds were racing. If Itachi had been the one to bring them home, did that mean he was the one who knocked them out? Or was he just covering for whoever did?
As they ate, Naruto and Sasuke kept the conversation light, discussing their plans for the day as if everything was perfectly normal. They knew they had to keep up appearances, but their thoughts were already on their next move.
After breakfast, they excused themselves and headed out, telling their mother they were going to train. But their real goal was to find Itachi and confront him about what they had overheard—and to figure out what role he was playing in all of this.
The village was bustling with activity as usual, but Naruto and Sasuke moved with purpose, their eyes scanning the streets for any sign of their older brother. They knew Itachi had a habit of disappearing when he didn't want to be found, but they were determined to track him down.
They started by checking the usual places—Itachi's favorite training grounds, the secluded spots where he often went to meditate. But each time, they found nothing but empty spaces, the silence only heightening their anxiety.
As they moved through the village, Naruto couldn't help but voice the question that had been gnawing at him since breakfast. "Do you think Itachi was the one who knocked us out?"
Sasuke frowned, his eyes narrowing in thought. "I don't know. If he did, then why would he bring us home and cover for us? It doesn't make sense."
Naruto nodded, his frustration mounting. "Yeah, but who else could it have been? And why? We need to figure this out, Sasuke. Something's not right."
Sasuke sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as they continued to search. "I know. But we can't rush this. We have to be smart about it."
They spent the better part of the morning searching, but Itachi remained elusive. Each time they thought they had a lead, it turned into yet another dead end. By midday, they were both starting to feel the strain of their fruitless efforts.
Finally, they decided to take a break, sitting down on a bench near one of the quieter parts of the village. Naruto leaned back, staring up at the sky with a sigh. "This is pointless. He's avoiding us on purpose."
Sasuke crossed his arms, deep in thought. "Maybe. Or maybe he's just busy with something else. Either way, we can't keep running around in circles. We need to think of another approach."
Naruto sat up, his eyes narrowing as a thought struck him. "What if we try to figure out where he's been lately? If he's been avoiding these meetings like they said, there has to be a reason. Maybe we can find a pattern or a place he's been visiting."
Sasuke considered this, nodding slowly. "That could work. We need to look for anything out of the ordinary. Places he doesn't usually go, people he doesn't usually meet with. It might give us a clue."
With their new plan in mind, the two brothers stood up, ready to resume their search. They still didn't know who had knocked them out or why, but they were determined to get to the bottom of it.
They would find Itachi, and when they did, they would demand answers. Because whatever was happening within the Uchiha clan, they knew it was only the beginning of something much larger—and much more dangerous.
Naruto rubbed the back of his head, scowling at Sasuke. "Geez, what was that for?"
Sasuke crossed his arms, giving Naruto a stern look. "Because you're a pervert, that's why. The Red Light District? Seriously, Naruto?"
Naruto quickly raised his hands in defense. "Hey, I wasn't suggesting anything like that! I just thought it'd be a good place to hide. You know, because it's the last place anyone would expect to find him!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, not buying Naruto's excuse for a second. "Yeah, sure. And I'm definitely going to tell Mom if you even think about heading there. Remember what happened last time you found that magazine?"
Naruto's face flushed bright red at the reminder. "I was just trying to understand… you know, human anatomy."
Sasuke shook his head, clearly unimpressed. "Sure, sure. Let's just focus on where Itachi might actually go if he doesn't want to be found."
Naruto sighed, trying to push the embarrassing memory out of his mind as he thought hard about Itachi's habits. "I mean, a bar or something could work, but that doesn't really seem like his style. It's gotta be somewhere out of the ordinary, somewhere he wouldn't normally go."
Sasuke nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Exactly. Somewhere we wouldn't expect him to be. But where?"
Naruto racked his brain, trying to come up with a place that fit the criteria. Itachi was always so composed, so disciplined—it was hard to imagine him letting his guard down anywhere. But then, as Naruto thought about the kind of person Itachi was, something clicked in his mind.
"Wait, I've got it!" Naruto suddenly exclaimed, a spark of realization in his eyes. Without waiting for Sasuke's reaction, he started walking, his pace quickening with excitement.
Sasuke frowned, hurrying to catch up with his brother. "Naruto, where are we going? What did you think of?"
"You'll see!" Naruto called back, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He didn't explain further, keeping the destination a secret even as he led the way.
The two brothers moved swiftly through the village, Naruto's sudden burst of energy spurring them on. Sasuke, despite his initial skepticism, couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. If Naruto had really thought of a place where Itachi might be hiding, they could finally get some answers.
Naruto led Sasuke away from the more populated areas of the village, toward a part of Konoha that wasn't as frequently visited. The streets grew quieter as they moved further away from the bustling market districts and residential areas, the buildings becoming more spaced out and less maintained.
Finally, Naruto stopped in front of a small, unassuming tea house nestled at the edge of a quiet grove. The place looked old, with its wooden sign weathered and faded from years of exposure to the elements. The tea house itself was modest, with a few lanterns hanging from the eaves and a simple wooden bench outside the entrance. It was the kind of place that didn't draw much attention—perfect for someone who wanted to go unnoticed.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "A tea house? Naruto, are you serious?"
Naruto nodded, his grin widening. "Think about it, Sasuke. Itachi's always been kind of… introspective, right? He likes quiet places where he can think. If he didn't want to be found, he'd probably go somewhere like this, where he can just sit and figure things out."
Sasuke considered it, and the more he thought about it, the more sense it made. Itachi had always been drawn to peaceful, secluded spots—places where he could meditate and reflect. A tea house like this, hidden away at the edge of the village, seemed like exactly the kind of place Itachi might retreat to.
"Alright," Sasuke said slowly, nodding in agreement. "It's worth a shot. Let's go in."
The two brothers approached the entrance cautiously, their senses on high alert. The soft clinking of teacups and the murmur of low conversation could be heard from inside, but it was a far cry from the boisterous noise of a bar or the chaos of the village streets.
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a quick glance before pushing open the door and stepping inside. The interior of the tea house was just as modest as the outside, with a few small tables and cushions arranged around a central hearth. The smell of freshly brewed tea filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of incense. The atmosphere was calm, almost serene, with only a handful of patrons scattered throughout the room.
And there, seated in a far corner by the window, was the very person they had been searching for—Itachi. He sat alone, a cup of tea in his hand, his expression distant as he gazed out the window, lost in thought. He looked as composed as ever, but there was a heaviness in his eyes that both Naruto and Sasuke couldn't ignore.
Sasuke's heart pounded in his chest as he locked eyes with his brother. This was their chance.
Naruto gave Sasuke a reassuring nod, and together, they approached Itachi's table. As they drew closer, Itachi's eyes flickered up to meet theirs, a brief look of surprise crossing his features before his usual calm demeanor took over.
"Naruto. Sasuke," Itachi greeted them, his voice as smooth and measured as ever. "What brings you here?"
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a quick glance, their earlier determination now tempered with the reality of the situation. This was it—the moment they had been waiting for.
"We need to talk to you," Sasuke said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "About what's been going on. About Shisui… and the clan."
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable."Very well. Let's talk."
The air was thick with tension as Naruto, Sasuke, and Itachi left the quiet comfort of the tea house and made their way into the secluded forest nearby. The serenity of the surroundings contrasted sharply with the heavy conversation that lay ahead. They walked in silence, each step bringing them closer to a confrontation that none of them truly wanted but all knew was inevitable.
Itachi finally came to a stop, leaning against a sturdy tree as if it offered some support for the weight he carried. His eyes were distant, reflecting a sorrow that ran deep. He took a deep breath, as if preparing himself for the conversation that was to come.
Sasuke and Naruto stood a few feet away, their gazes locked on their older brother, waiting for him to speak. The quiet of the forest seemed to press in around them, amplifying the gravity of the moment.
"It's time you knew the truth," Itachi began, his voice low and measured. "Shisui is dead. The elders decided to keep it under wraps, not wanting to alarm the clan, especially the younger members. But you deserve to know."
Naruto's heart sank at the confirmation. He had feared it, but hearing it out loud made it real. "Dead… but why? What happened to him?"
Itachi's expression hardened, though his eyes betrayed the pain he felt. "Shisui was trying to prevent the coup, to find a peaceful solution. But his efforts failed, and in the end, he was… silenced. It's complicated, but know that his death was not in vain. He died trying to protect the village from the chaos that's brewing."
Sasuke clenched his fists, his mind reeling from the information. "But…what about the clan? What about the coup? We overheard something before we were knocked out… about the Uchiha planning to overthrow the Hokage if the negotiations fail."
Itachi sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping slightly as he leaned further into the tree for support. "Yes, that's true. The clan is on the verge of revolt. If negotiations fail, they plan to take drastic measures. But understand this: if the Uchiha attempt to overthrow the Hokage, it won't just be a rebellion. It will trigger another Great Ninja War. The other villages will see the upheaval in Konoha as a sign of weakness and attack."
Naruto's eyes widened, the enormity of the situation crashing down on him. "But why can't we just… make peace? There has to be another way!"
Itachi's gaze softened as he looked at his younger brother, the weight of reality clear in his eyes. "Naruto, I wish it were that simple. I've tried to find a way—tried to bring peace. But our clan has been mistreated for years. We've been pushed to the outskirts of Konoha, isolated from the rest of the village. And this resentment has been building for a long time. The leaf elders don't trust us, and the clan no longer trusts the village. We're at a breaking point."
Sasuke's voice was strained, the fear evident in his tone. "So, what are you saying? If the peace talks don't go well… everything falls apart?"
Itachi nodded, his expression grim. "Yes. And if that happens, I may have to face a decision I don't want but might be necessary for the sake of the village."
Naruto frowned, his mind racing as he tried to think of a solution. "Why don't we just leave Konoha? I mean, the whole clan. If we're being mistreated, we could leave and start over somewhere else."
Itachi considered Naruto's suggestion for a moment, a sad smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "In theory, that sounds like a solution. But in practice, it would be a disaster. Leaving Konoha would strip us of its protection. We would be vulnerable, and it wouldn't be long before other villages or rogue shinobi came after us. Even the strongest clans have been wiped out when they stand alone—like the Uzumaki clan."
Naruto's heart sank further, his hope dwindling. He looked down at the ground, feeling the weight of their predicament pressing heavily on his shoulders. "So… what do you plan on doing, Itachi?"
Itachi's gaze turned somber as he looked between his two younger brothers, the sorrow in his eyes deepening. "I don't know yet. But if the worst comes to pass… I may have to stop the clan by any means necessary."
Sasuke's breath caught in his throat as the implication of Itachi's words hit him. "What do you mean… stop them? What are you saying, Itachi?"
Itachi remained silent, his expression answering the question more clearly than any words could. Sasuke's eyes widened in horror, the realization crashing over him like a tidal wave.
"No… you can't mean… you wouldn't…" Sasuke's voice trembled as he tried to process the idea of Itachi turning against their clan.
Itachi closed his eyes, the pain of his decision evident on his face. "I would do anything to protect the village… even if it means bearing the hatred of my own clan. Even if it means losing everything."
Naruto's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of fear, anger, and sadness swirling inside him. "But there has to be another way! You don't have to do this alone, Itachi! We can find a way together!"
Itachi opened his eyes, his gaze filled with a deep, unspoken sadness. "I appreciate your faith in me, Naruto. But this burden is mine to bear. I need you both to stay out of this. I don't want you to get caught up in something that could destroy you."
Sasuke shook his head, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "You can't ask us to do that, Itachi. We're family. We should face this together."
Itachi smiled faintly, though the sadness in his eyes never left. "You are my family, and that's exactly why I'm asking you to stay out of this. I need to protect you, both of you. No matter what happens, know that I love you."
Naruto and Sasuke stood in stunned silence, the gravity of Itachi's words sinking in. They had come seeking answers, but what they had found was a truth far more painful than they could have imagined.
"Itachi, stop!" Naruto shouted, his voice breaking with emotion. "You don't have to do this! We don't want you to kill anyone!"
Sasuke, tears streaming down his face, added his voice to the plea. "Please, Itachi! We know you're too kind for this. You've always protected us. We care about you, and we just want our big brother back. We don't want any bloodshed!"
Their words, filled with the innocence and naivety of youth, clung to the desperate hope that somehow, some way, there was a path that didn't lead to tragedy. They couldn't fathom the cruel reality Itachi was facing—the impossible choice that lay before him. They didn't understand that his decision was not just about their clan but about preventing a conflict that could engulf the entire world in war.
Itachi's resolve wavered, the emotional flood from his brothers piercing the stoic armor he had carefully built around his heart. He turned back to them, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. The pain etched into his face was unbearable, a reflection of the turmoil that was tearing him apart from the inside.
"I'm sorry," Itachi whispered, his voice cracking as tears finally began to spill down his cheeks. He stepped forward, pulling both Naruto and Sasuke into a tight embrace, holding them as if he could shield them from the horrors of the world through sheer will alone. "I'm so sorry… your big brother wasn't strong enough to protect you."
Naruto and Sasuke clung to Itachi, their tears soaking into his cloak as they cried into his chest. They didn't understand why this was happening, why the Uchiha were being pushed to this brink. All they wanted was for things to go back to the way they were—to the days when their biggest worry was impressing their father or besting each other in training. But those days felt like a distant memory, lost in the shadow of the looming disaster.
Itachi gently pulled away, his hands trembling as he reached out to ruffle both their heads, just as he had done so many times before when they were younger. It was a small gesture, a momentary attempt to bring them comfort, even as the world around them crumbled.
"I want you to go home," Itachi said, his voice soft but firm. He placed two fingers on their foreheads, a gesture so familiar, yet now tinged with a profound sadness. "I still need time to think about what I must do. But I appreciate your concern, more than you know. Just…please don't grow to hate me, no matter what happens."
Before they could react, before they could try to hold onto him, Itachi turned away, his form disappearing in a flicker of movement, the body flicker technique leaving only a whisper of wind in his wake. Naruto and Sasuke were left standing there, the sudden absence of their brother like a gaping wound in the night.
Sasuke's hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white as he stared at the spot where Itachi had been only moments before. "Itachi… come back!" he screamed into the empty forest, his voice echoing into the void. "We can still talk! We can still figure this out!"
But there was no response. Itachi was gone, and with him, any illusion of control they might have had over the situation.
Naruto, usually so full of energy and bravado, was left trembling, his mind racing with a million thoughts, none of them offering a solution. "What are we going to do now, Sasuke?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, the desperation clear in his tone. "We have to do something… anything…"
Sasuke took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "We have to talk to Father. We can't let this happen. Maybe… maybe if we explain what Itachi told us, we can convince him to call it off."
Naruto nodded, seizing onto that thread of hope. "Yeah… yeah, we have to try. We can't just let things go down like this."
With newfound determination, they turned and bolted through the forest, the leaves crunching beneath their feet as they ran. The cold night air whipped against their faces, but they barely noticed, their focus solely on reaching their father and stopping this madness before it was too late.
The Uchiha district loomed ahead, its familiar walls and buildings now cast in an ominous light. As they crossed the threshold into the heart of their clan, the sense of urgency only grew. They dashed through the streets, their breaths coming in ragged gasps, their legs burning with the effort of their sprint.
They finally reached the Uchiha compound, its large gates towering above them. They didn't slow down, bursting through the entrance and heading straight for their father's quarters. The compound was eerily quiet, the usual warmth and activity replaced by a suffocating stillness.
As they neared their destination, the brothers exchanged a look—one filled with determination and fear. They were about to confront their father, the head of the Uchiha clan, with everything they had just learned. They were about to challenge the very foundations of their world in a last-ditch effort to prevent the coming storm.
But as they pushed open the door to Fugaku's office, the gravity of what they were about to do hit them fully. There, seated behind his desk, their father looked up from his papers, his stern expression softening ever so slightly as he saw his sons enter.
"Sasuke, Naruto," Fugaku greeted them, his tone measured but warm. "What are you doing here at this hour? Shouldn't you be resting?"
The brothers paused for a moment, their breaths heavy, their hearts pounding in their chests. Sasuke stepped forward, his voice trembling with emotion as he began to speak. "Father… we need to talk to you. It's about the clan, about what's going to happen."
Naruto, standing beside Sasuke, nodded fervently. "We know about the coup. We know what's being planned if the negotiations don't work out. Please… you can't go through with it."
Fugaku's expression darkened slightly, the warmth in his eyes replaced by a steely resolve. "How did you hear about that?" he asked, his voice low and controlled.
"It doesn't matter," Sasuke replied, his voice shaking. "What matters is that you don't do it. We…we talked to Itachi, and he… he's scared of what might happen. We all are."
Naruto's voice was filled with desperation. "If the coup happens, there's going to be a war, isn't there? The other villages will attack, and so many people will die. There has to be another way, Father! We can't just… we can't just destroy everything."
Fugaku leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he considered his sons' words. The silence stretched out, heavy and oppressive, as the brothers waited for their father's response.
Finally, Fugaku spoke, his voice tinged with a sadness that hadn't been there before. "You're both very young, and I wish you didn't have to bear the weight of these matters. But the reality is that our clan has been pushed to the brink. We've been ostracized, isolated, and disrespected. The village we helped build has turned its back on us. We cannot continue like this."
"But why does it have to be this way?" Naruto pleaded, his voice cracking. "Why can't we just find a way to live in peace?"
Fugaku looked at his sons, the pain of a father who wished to shield his children from the harshness of the world evident in his eyes. "Peace is what we've always strived for, Naruto. But sometimes…peace comes at a cost. And sometimes, that cost is more than we're willing to pay."
Sasuke's fists clenched, his eyes filled with tears. "Please, Father… there has to be another way. We… we can't lose you. We can't lose Itachi. We can't lose the clan."
Fugaku looked at his sons, his gaze heavy with a sorrow that seemed to age him in an instant. He stepped back, and with a voice laced with an unspoken pain, he spoke words that would forever etch themselves into Naruto and Sasuke's hearts.
"I want you both to know," Fugaku said, his voice trembling slightly, "that no matter what happens, I have always loved you with all my heart. I've only ever wanted what was best for you. But… as the head of this clan, there are sacrifices that must be made."
Before Naruto or Sasuke could fully process what was happening, three men emerged from the shadows, their movements swift and precise. In an instant, they grabbed Naruto, slamming him to the ground with a force that knocked the breath out of him. Panic flared in Naruto's eyes as he struggled against their grip, his mind racing to comprehend the sudden betrayal.
"Dad! What's going on?!" Naruto shouted, his voice breaking with fear as he strained against the hands pinning him down.
Sasuke, still reeling from his father's words, barely had time to react before Fugaku himself appeared in front of him. With a swift, precise movement, Fugaku struck Sasuke in the stomach, the blow so powerful that it knocked the air from his lungs. Sasuke's eyes widened in shock and pain as he felt his consciousness slipping away. But just before darkness claimed him, he felt his father's arms catch him, gently lowering him to the ground.
"Dad…" Sasuke managed to whisper, his voice weak, filled with confusion and hurt, before everything went black.
Naruto's heart pounded in his chest, terror clawing at his insides as he watched his brother fall unconscious. "Sasuke! No, Sasuke!" He thrashed wildly, desperation lending him strength, but the men holding him were too strong. "Dad, please! What are you doing?!"
Fugaku turned to Naruto, his expression a mixture of sorrow and resolve. He knelt down beside his adopted son, bowing his head low, as if begging for forgiveness even as he prepared to do the unforgivable.
"As a father, it is my duty to protect my children," Fugaku began, his voice heavy with the weight of his words. "But as the head of the Uchiha clan, there are duties that go beyond even that. Sacrifices that must be made… for the greater good. I've thought long and hard about the potential war that could follow our clan's actions, but I've come to realize that we need a deterrent—a way to prevent that war from happening at all."
Naruto's breath hitched as he looked up at Fugaku, his mind spinning with confusion and dread. "What are you talking about? What are you saying? What do you mean, a deterrent?"
Fugaku raised his head, meeting Naruto's gaze with eyes that held a deep, unshakable resolve. "When I adopted you three years ago, I had hoped to never use this plan. I didn't want it to come to this."
Naruto's eyes filled with fear, his body trembling as the men's grip on him tightened. "Dad… please… what are you going on about? I don't understand."
Fugaku closed his eyes for a moment, steeling himself for what he was about to say. When he opened them again, his gaze was filled with a sadness that seemed to pierce through Naruto's very soul. "I'm sorry, son, but you must become a true Uchiha… and die for the sake of our clan."
Naruto's world tilted on its axis as his father's words sunk in. "What? No… no, you're going to kill me? How would that help the clan? How could you even think of that?"
Fugaku's expression remained resolute, though the pain in his eyes deepened. "You carry the Nine-Tails within you, Naruto. You probably didn't know, but once we release the seal, the beast will be under our control. With that power, we can prevent war. We can protect the clan and Konoha from destruction."
Naruto's mind reeled, the horror of the situation hitting him like a physical blow. He couldn't believe what he was hearing—couldn't accept that the man who had raised him, who had been a father to him, was willing to sacrifice him for the sake of a plan so twisted and cruel.
"No… no, this isn't right! This isn't what anyone wants!" Naruto cried, his voice breaking as tears welled up in his eyes. "Please, Father, don't do this! Please, I don't want to die…I don't want to die!"
Fugaku's face tightened with anguish, but his resolve did not waver. "I'm sorry, Naruto. I truly am. If there were any other way, I would choose it. But our clan is in danger, and I cannot allow that danger to consume us. You must understand… this is the only way."
Naruto's vision blurred with tears as he struggled to make sense of the nightmare unfolding around him. He couldn't believe that the man he had come to trust, to see as his father, was willing to sacrifice him so coldly. "Dad, please… don't do this," he begged, his voice cracking as desperation clawed at him. "There has to be another way. This isn't what anyone wants!"
Fugaku closed his eyes, the weight of his decision pressing down on him like a mountain. When he opened them again, they were hard, his Sharingan flaring to life. "Sleep now, Naruto," he whispered, his voice filled with sorrow. "Because tomorrow, you're going to save our clan… and Konoha."
Before Naruto could protest further, Fugaku placed his hand on Naruto's forehead, his Sharingan spinning as he cast a powerful genjutsu. Naruto's struggles ceased almost instantly as the world around him faded into darkness. His last thoughts were of the family he had known, the love he had cherished, now twisted into something unrecognizable.
As Naruto's consciousness slipped away, Fugaku stood, his expression carved from stone, though his heart was heavy with guilt and regret. The men who held Naruto carefully laid him down beside Sasuke, the two brothers now lying side by side, both unaware of the fate that awaited them.
Fugaku looked down at his sons, his heart aching with a pain he could not voice. He had made his choice, but it was a choice that would haunt him for the rest of his days.
"I'm sorry," he whispered once more, though he knew it was a hollow apology. The burden of leadership, the duty to his clan—it had led him to this moment, a moment where he had to sacrifice what he held most dear.
With a final, lingering glance at his sons, Fugaku turned away, the weight of his decision pressing down on him as he walked into the night. Tomorrow would bring bloodshed and loss, but he could only hope that it would also bring a twisted sort of peace—the peace of a clan saved by the sacrifice of one.
But even as he walked away, the guilt gnawed at him, a reminder that some sacrifices can never be justified, no matter the reason. And some wounds, no matter how deep, can never truly heal.