Naruto arrived at Suna's Airport and was personally welcomed by Gaara. He entered Gaara's car and watched as Gaara drove towards his apartment. The two exited the car then looked at the building.

"Damn, I'll be staying in this cozy place? " He gave Gaara and fistbump then the two entered the building.

" When Jiraiya-sama said that Suna is an action movie set right now, I didn't expect for him to actually mean it. Like did you see those zombified humans outside the hospital? Dude if we aren't in the 20th century I would be laughing if flying cars existed but we just did that a few months ago. " Naruto said as he dragged his bag towards his new room.

" You'd be shocked to see those mutated freak heads, you'll probably say that we're in a zombie apocalypse movie. " Gaara opened the room where Naruto will be staying in the meantime. Showing a white-walled high ceiling room with neutral color furniture.

" You'll have your own kitchen and bathroom in here. It's a pent-room so you don't have to worry about getting roommates unless your original roommate arrives. You can rest up for the day or go around the city. I have already prepared a car for your convenience. " Gaara handed him his room and car key. Naruto looked around and was surprised to see not just a room but a medium-sized apartment good for 2 people.

" Hey, why don't I go take a quick bath then we head out and have dinner outside. " Gaara smiled at Naruto then nodded.

" Yes, we should also discuss your roles during your stay here. " Naruto nodded and ran to the closest room. Gaara sat down on the sofa and waited for Naruto to finish taking a bath.

Naruto sat on his bed, he looked up at the clock and saw the time glaring at him.

10:42 pm

Naruto groaned and lay on his queen-sized bed. He had never thought that a solo mission would be this lonely, he threw the thought at the back of his head when he realized he was still on his first day in the city and not his first day in Suna's HQ.

' What to do? ' he looked around and saw his phone, lighting up. He grabbed it and saw a message from Hinata.

" Naruto-kun, how are you? " Naruto smiled at the timid girl's message and then called her, after a few rings a soft tired voice answered.

" Hello? "

" Hinata-chan? Hey, watcha doing? " he stood up and walked to the window and opened it.

" I was just about to go to sleep. Uhm, how are you? "

" I'm doing well, I just received your message," he said. He then put his phone on speaker and started removing his shirt.

" Oh, I sent it like hours ago. The signal must be slow at the hospital. "

" Could be, so how are you? "

" I'm okay, so how did your day go? " Naruto smiled and lay on his bed wearing his pajamas. Ready to talk to Hinata about his day.

2 months later

Itachi entered the headquarters and was greeted by everyone in the hallway. Just as he was near his office, he saw Obito standing by the door, looking pissed.

" What brings you here, uncle? " Obito looked up from his phone and pocketed it.

" God damn sensei wouldn't listen. Let's talk inside your office. " Itachi nodded then unlocked his door and entered. Obito followed, closed the door, and sat on his couch.

" So what happened? " Itachi said. Obito groaned and leaned back.

" I just got out from my 72-hour mission and went straight to Minato and informed him about our findings. He said he wants a full report on it. Can't believe he wants me to make a full report on it when what I was about to say is important. Would he listen if it were Kakashi?! " Obito groaned louder.

Itachi went to his cabinet and took off his jacket and hung it inside then wore a cleaner jacket. He pulled up a pack of wipes and started cleaning the furniture.

" I see, then Minato-sama did not mention to you our current situation. Understandable though that you didn't know since you were gone for like 3 days and didn't even visit Jiraiya or Shisui for announcements. " Itachi said and moved to wipe the invisible dust on his table. Obito sweat-dropped on Itachi's neat-freak side and shrugged his arms and leaned forward.

" What situation you say? "Itachi shook his head and threw the wipes away.

" Red Level for the state- " Obito stared at him as he knew the situation.

" I already know that-"

" and Rank Anbu for the supplemental departments. " Obito immediately stood up and then moved to sit on Itachi's table. Itachi glared and pushed his uncle then started wiping his table again.

" Yes, Rank Anbu- " Obito gasped and rubbed his temple.

" Do you know what that means? " Obito paced back and forth in front of Itachi as Itachi turned on his computer.

" I graduated as the first flat 1 student in ANBU training, so I know what-"

" It means that shit is really happening. It means that we are in a pre-apocalyptic state. Stated in the Code of Ethics for ANBU that "

" Rank ANBU is the highest form of mission leading to the destruction of the village and neighboring village. Article XXI - RANK ANBU is a pre-apocalyptic mission where supplemental departments are forced to work under conditions until the situation will subside. Should I continue further to section 9? " Obito sighed at Itachi and shook his head.

" No, whatever anyway. What did Jiriaya-sama say? Since this is Rank ANBU? Did he request an emergency meeting? " Itachi shook his head and sat down.

"It's been 2 days since the announcement but they were quiet about it. Citizens are still roaming the streets but some are slowly and quietly evacuated since Orochimaru had already infiltrated the city. We're being cautious right now. The best thing Tsunade can do right now is to announce a red level for the pandemic. This will scare the citizens but we will be able to pull them out without questions. " Itachi handed out a folder to Obito.

" Minato-sama through Jiraiya-sama had asked me to give this to you. It's best that you make your full report since no one will be able to access it but only Tsunade, Jiraiya and Minato. " Itachi signaled Obito to lean closer to him.

He then whispered, " We've got an imposter. So keep your head up and mouth sealed. "

Obito nodded and gripped the folder then exited the room.

3 months later

" Omg, It's good to see you again Izumi! Itachi, I feel disappointed that you haven't been able to visit your aunt and uncle. " Izumi and Itachi bowed at them.

" I'm sorry aunt and uncle, the HQ had been hectic ever since the pandemic started years ago. I would have visited you if I weren't called all the time. " Itachi said. Kagami sighed and nodded at Itachi.

" Well, you and Shisui chose this path, though it would have been better if you worked at the Police Force, either you or Shisui would be leading it when your father retires. " Hae added. She then smiled at Izumi.

" But I was happy that Izumi, sent me some delicious brownies. I wish Shisui will find a girl as sweet and kind as you. " Izumi giggled and held Hae's hand.

" He will soon. When he's done with his heroic duties. Anyway, Itachi said Shisui will be coming here today. I'm sure you can give him an ear-deafening lesson. " Kagami and Hae laughed at Izumi then nodded.

" Now, will you excuse me, aunt and uncle. I need to go to mom and dad. " The couple waved them off. Itachi looked around the crowd and would nod at his relative and then give chats with them. When he saw his mother just a few feet away, he excused himself from the conversation and pulled Izumi who was engrossed in the conversation.

" Your cousin was right, why would your grandpa call a clan meeting on your mom's birthday? " Itachi shrugged then pulled her to where his mother sat with his father looking at one phone.

" Mom, happy birthday. " Mikoto looked up and smiled at Itachi. She then waved her phone to his face.

" Look it's your brother, he finally called after 3 months. " Itachi glanced at the phone and saw Sasuke sitting on his chair typing on his computer.

" I see that you're still stuck inside that box. " Itachi joked then took the phone from his mother as Izumi sat beside Mikoto and talked to her.

" Ugh, don't remind me, I look like a fucking vampire. I haven't felt the sun's heat for 3 months now and had been going out during the moon's rise. " Itachi snickered at him.

" Did you call to greet mom? " Sasuke nodded at him.

" Also called Izumi earlier, sent her some cash to buy mom some gifts while I'm out of town. " Itachi nodded.

" Stat? " Sasuke stopped then looked around then glanced at Itachi then continued typing on his laptop.

" Would be going to Suna 3 weeks earlier. Naruto said the situation is getting shitier and they had been containing these mutants inside Suna's HQ and then killing them inside since they got no space. Though, they couldn't hide it from the public any longer. Gaara called just an hour ago that a few were found lurking in the streets. In a few days, the people will be aware of the situation. Thankfully, Gaara was able to evacuate 60% of its population. " Itachi sighed then looked up when he saw Shisui calling him. He signaled Shisui to come closer to him.

" The stat in here is much worst. We were only able to evacuate 20% of the people a month ago but thank god for Tsunade's announcement, we made things faster and quieter. We just evacuated 40% but things are going faster than they used to be. So far, all the members of the clan are at home and I heard Grandpa's making an announcement. " Sasuke sighed then nodded at him. Soon Itachi heard bickering. He smirked at Sasuke's annoyed look. Sasuke then grabbed his phone and pulled it closer to his face.

" Well, I'll talk to you soon. Please take care of mom and dad for me. I'll be home soon. " Itachi nodded at him and then watched as the screen turned black. He turned back and handed his mother's phone back to her then looked up just as Shisui reached him.

" Did Sasuke already hung up? " Mikoto pouted.

" Yes, he's currently working on something. He promised to call soon. " Fugaku shook his head at Itachi then drank his wine.

" Your brother never calls us. " Mikoto pouted then leaned back.

"It's your fault for pushing him too much to be like Itachi. Sasuke was doing great, you don't have to pressure him even more. " Fugaku sighed then grabbed his mother's hand.

" I see more potential in Sasuke that's why I had to push him harder. " Mikoto glared at Fugaku.

" I agree with father. Sasuke can do much greater than I could. " Itachi said, he then sat beside Izumi.

" Even greater than Grandpa. " Shisui added as he drank his wine. Everyone at the table looked at him.

" Trust me when I say that. Sasuke has more potential than everyone in this family. He can make this family better and avenge grandpa's name and make the Uchiha good people again. " Itachi couldn't help but stare at Shisui. When Shisui glanced at him, he looked away and then glanced at his parents who went silent.

" I believe everyone is already in here. " His uncle, Inabi stood on the platform and waited for everyone to settle on their seats.

" Good evening, everyone, thank you for attending my cousin-in-law's birthday, Mikoto. Let us all greet Mikoto with a happy birthday again. " The room then was filled with greetings when silence followed Inabi continued. " Is everybody full tonight? Mmhmm, I know we are. Since we all know Mikoto is the best chef in town." The hall erupted into cheers while Mikoto giggled.

" Not to be a party pooper, but this event was organized by Fugaku and Mikoto itself. Though despite the joyous celebration, you are all gathered here for an important clan meeting. " Everybody nodded. Fugaku stood up and walked to the platform.

" Fugaku will be leading today's clan meeting. " Fugaku nodded at him then took the microphone then leaned onto the glass podium with the Uchiha Clan's Symbol. Whispers could be heard all over the room and then went silent when Fugaku cleared his throat.

" When Fugaku speaks it means, it must be really important since everyone's here not just the family heads. " Itachi heard a member of his family whisper at the back.

" I don't want to make this talk any longer. So, a few weeks ago, Inabi and Father- Madara, accompanied me during the general clan's meeting together with the supplemental departments. Three days ago, we were called for the final plan execution and had discussed important matters, and had agreed to set aside our differences at the moment. Since Konoha is at Red Level, we the clans are called for volunteers. I presented none of my people since 70% of us are working at hospitals, police force, ANBU, office of the officials, and other important departments. The other clans have no complaints about it since they knew that aside from us Uchihas, the Hyuuga clan and Senju Clan are the only working clans that had made an impact in the community while the other clans are known for business ventures and historical influences only. " Fugaku paused then glanced at the people.

" So to make things easier, I presented 30% of my people for the evacuation plan. I regret to say that 70% of us are required to work during this state. Minato has already prepared a special area for the clans and would be evacuated within this week. The 20% of us will continue working in our respective departments until it is necessary for us to evacuate as well. To make things even more depressing- " Everybody chuckled at Fugaku's last paused statement.

" The evacuation site is confidential and no signal nor connections will enter, so none of us will be able to visit our families and we won't be able to contact those evacuated. This was done and agreed upon by the council to protect our families from any ambush. The government has reassured us that this plan is 100% safe. The security has been raised from 80% to 100% just a few days ago. The remaining 50% of this clan will be working under the security department of the evacuation center. To not cause pressure, I need a total of 50% of members to volunteer for the evacuation, it's best if you are all divided equally according to departments while the remaining 20% will stay here in the village and assist the other agencies and allied village. " Fugaku scanned the area and looked at his family's saddened faces.

" I regret to say that we have reached the apocalypse. Mutations have been roaming over our lands and the disease has been spreading. The dead are among us and monster now exists. We have no choice but to face this headfirst and protect the village. The evacuation center is made for the safety of the Konoha and Suna citizens. No matter how techy the world is, it cannot contain the evil that is spreading. I have sent everyone an important file that is to be read in your respective homes. It is confidential for the safety of our families. Though rest assured the evacuation center is- . . " Fugaku chuckled then smiled at everyone.

"It's like home. It has the perfect replica of our Uchiha District. Minato and Gaara promised us that it will look like home. It's up to you to make it feel like one. " He stared longer at the audience then at his father who looked down avoiding his gaze.

" If . . . if only I were a one-man soldier, I'd send all of you to the evacuation. I'd do it. I would send my sons there, so they can live in the future and be able to enjoy their life. But it also saddened me that even my sons had to face this situation face first as loyal members of the ANBU. I'd send my wife to the evacuation but I cannot since she was requested highly by the medical department as the former chief of the medical department. " He stared at Mikoto who was in tears while holding Itachi's hand.

" I'd sacrifice myself to see my son, Itachi and Izumi get married then have children, or see my lovely wife Mikoto enjoy her grandchildren. If only I could, I'd do it, just so I could see Sasuke change this clan in the future and take over whatever department he was meant to be. I may be headstrong but I love my family so much, that I'd be willing to sacrifice my life for them but I know I couldn't cause they too would sacrifice their life not just for the clan but for a better future. " Fugaku sighed deeply as his voice cracked from his emotional message. Everyone looked up at him with worried gazes since Fugaku was the most apathetic person they'd known.

" I know my sons, they took it after their mother who would do anything to make life better. I see it in their eyes, every day. I saw Itachi's pain when Sasuke had to leave for a long time. I saw Sasuke's pain when Itachi had to leave Izumi just for a deadly mission. I saw Mikoto's pain when our sons had to return injured and almost lost their lives. I saw the pain in my cousins' eyes when Grandpa fell into a coma. " He saw Hae cry and hug Shisui from his back.

" I saw their pain every single day as they missed each other. and I too saw the pain in your eyes, just like how Hae had to wait outside of their house for Shisui to return. Or how Inabi had to double-check the mission lists for any family member returning alive from their missions. or how Obito had to ask his girlfriend, Rin, to do a health check on our clan members every week after their missions. I saw that pain and I know everybody saw it too. I will not force you all to do what the village council and the clan organization want but I will only say this just today, I am here to protect everyone. The younger generations have the right to see the daylight while I have a few lights left, and it's enough to give for the younglings' futures. " Fugaku moved to stand at the center and gave a deep bow. Mikoto stood up crying and ran to the stage and hugged her husband.

Itachi looked around and saw the pain in everyone as they looked at their loved ones while others embraced each other. He looked at Izumi's hand intertwined with his then looked at his father who was already kneeling and hugging his mother. He stood up and went to his parents and assisted them back to their seats. He then pulled Shisui to the platform and took the mic.

" As much as it pained me to say this but we need to do this. If we aren't going to see each other for a long time, let us celebrate life. We're already here so might as well celebrate it with everyone. " Shisui smiled at Itachi's words then took the mic from him and was about to speak when someone from the crowd shouted.

" But we got work tonight. " Madara nodded and waved his hand. Itachi handed his grandfather a mic and stood behind him.

" As the clan's founder, it is my job to make everyone happy even just for tonight. So I called Minato. He will take care of everything. " Madara then smiled softly at everyone then put his phone on loudspeaker that also showed Minato's photo in his contacts.

" I'll handle it Madara-sama. Enjoy the night with your family. " Minato's voice reverted through the speaker then hung up.

" Then lets partyyyyyyyyyyy-. " Shisui shouted from the platform. Soon the music blasted from the speakers and everyone stood up and hugged every member of the family. Itachi looked around and saw the room being filled with chatters. The Uchiha's were known to be very strict, only a few would smile, as most of them show no emotions on their faces but tonight Itachi saw the love in their smiles and eyes.

Sasuke couldn't help but smile at the video that Shisui had sent him. Everyone was gathered in their house, having fun. His uncle together with his father and Uncle Obito were drinking beer at the far corner, while he saw his cousins at the platform singing with Shisui. Itachi on the other hand was on the dance floor dancing with Izumi and his mother. He leaned back on his swivel chair while staring at the screen of his phone. He sighed and turned off his phone. He glanced at his teammates who were currently sleeping in their respective bunk beds.

Sasuke leans back further and put the cams on pilot mode while he rests. He pulled out the vial his grandpa gave him and stared at the liquid.

Flashback

When Sasuke returned from his mission after he found Sakura, he immediately returned home. While his mother was delivering lunch for his father at the police department, he used the opportunity to roam around his mother's garden without being interrupted. He of course was wrong, when he was about to reach the lake, he found his grandfather sitting on one of the benches under the tree.

" Hnm, Sasuke come here. " Sasuke sighed and approached his grandfather then stood beside him as they stare at his mother's lake.

" Did you think about it? " Sasuke glanced at his grandfather then sighed.

" I haven't even read the manual you gave me. " Madara nodded.

" For a moment I thought you did. I'm just happy that you still haven't considered it cause now that I have a clear view of life like staying here while being taken care of Fugaku and Mikoto and then seeing you and Itachi. Seeing my sons taking care of me as well as my niece and nephews. I am starting to regret choosing power over this perfect view. My brother, Izuna was right. Power can only be obtained at the cost of your own life. " Madara smirked then leaned back.

" I hope you know that before I got comatose, my life was starting to end. I lost the love of my life just for power. I was starting to get blind, A reason I was not able to defend you and that girl when we got kidnapped. Orochimaru saw that he can no longer make use of my body because I was getting weak. So he took advantage of you and that girl. I don't know if the chemicals really made a difference to your body, but you looked normal enough for me. But I doubt Orochimaru made a mistake. That snake never makes a mistake when it comes to his experiments. " Sasuke stared at his grandpa who was being nice and talkative.

" The power that you are keeping Sasuke is much greater than the power Orochimaru is making. He cannot copy it nor make a better one but that power will literally blind your eyes and also blind you with power. I learned my lesson the hard way but I cannot alter the past. But you can change your future. " Sasuke pulled out the vial from his pocket.

" Do you want to know the power it gives? " Sasuke nodded at him then tilted his head to look at Madara.

" Illusion Generation and Telepathy but based on Tsunade's findings on your body and the chemicals Oro injected in you it is possible that you will be able to acquire a different power. This practice Sasuke is immoral and inhumane. I regret doing this but the last vial cannot be thrown away and my body cannot hold the same power again. When my sons were young, I didn't want to rob them of their future, the risk before had a low probability. Now, the future of my past is much riskier. I cannot walk around knowing someone will take this from our family. So I had to choose, someone worthy. " Sasuke snorted at him. Madara only gave him a chuckle.

" Why not Itachi then? " Madara glanced at him then lifted his cane and hit Sasuke's leg hard. Sasuke cursed and fell down.

" Because of this. Itachi does not show pain. Itachi is one of the best, I know. He is my grandson. Every Uchiha is great but Itachi is much greater. He is great, too great to keep the pain inside him. He does not seek help. That's what makes him weak. You, on the other hand, weakness does not scare you. Falling does not scare you. You would always get back up, even if you were beaten many times. Itachi has never been beaten before, but this will beat him to death and it scared me that he will die hiding the power without asking for help. " Madara finished then lend a hand to Sasuke. Sasuke grabbed his hand and pulled himself up.

" Itachi can hold other mutation powers Sasuke, but this kind of power? This is too rich and pure for Itachi. It will make him go crazy like what it did to me. If my brother Izuna was not there, I would have killed myself. " Sasuke sighed and nodded. He turned around and was about to leave when Madara stopped him in his tracks.

" Think of it, like a cup of coffee, you like coffee right? You can take the bitter taste of the rich black coffee that you had been drinking, in fact, you love it bitter and strong, with no sugar or milk but Itachi can only take half of it, not when it's mixed with fresh milk and a spoon of sugar. I think that's the best example. A cup of black coffee will awaken your senses while Itachi with a cup of black coffee will cause him to palpitate. " Madara said then stayed quiet. Sasuke glanced back at him and sent him a firm nod. Sasuke sighed and then went to the other side of the lake as far away from Madara. Dispersing his problem for the pinkette to the current problem he will soon be facing.

Sasuke glanced at the vial, thinking what would happen if he takes it. The world is evolving and they are in the transition phase, seeing all the changes from the past and seeing a glimpse of the future. Mutations are weird and new but it's part of the new normal. Science is taking over and writing a new page in the history of the earth. Everything is confusing he thinks.

He pulled out the manual and started reading it while his other hand is holding the vial. He would occasionally steal glances at his teammates then at the monitor then would go back to reading the manual.

Will Sasuke take the vial? If so, what power will he get? No Sakura scenes at this one but I'll give Sakura snippets in the next. Kinda hyped with my imagination in my other drafts so I had to work on this faster than it looks. Hahaha

Anyway, I would love it if you leave some reviews, as advice or reading moments that you had experienced while taking in the story. Would highly appreciate it since it gave me the motivation to do better and faster while continuing this story since I'm sorta a frustrated writer, Hahaha.

Take care and stay safe.

lovelots,

Luna