The Tale of the Cursed Namikaze

by Datura7

Jinchuuriki, scapegoats of the village and society. And the jinchuriki of Konoha, a dumb blonde with an optimistic view on life. But what if, that boy was not dumb? What if he was our normal average intellect guy, with some curses or rather gifts? What if his parents were alive? What if he was still alone? How would he proceed? PS: The story will be a bit slower than average.

4. Chapter 4 - Uchiha Massacre & Awakening

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any other characters, Masashi Kishimoto and studio pierrot does.

---

Chapter 4:Uchiha Massacre & Awakening

Timeskip-4 years

Four years had passed. Naruto had completed all the four nature transformations. He had to say it was very hard. The exercises were hard and time-consuming. It had taken him a year to get all his affinities to a good level enough to think about practicing individually.

Fire was taught by both Itachi and Shisui as it was expected of a Uchiha to have fire affinity. Lighting was taught by Itachi as it was his second affinity. Similarly, Shisui's second affinity was water. The wind affinity, this primary affinity was trained by his Jiji as neither of the Uchiha had wind affinity and it was also very rare in Konoha to have wind affinity. Being taught by the Kage was something he cherished a lot. He was very grateful to the old man as even being the Hokage he would find time for him. His shurikenjutsu and kenjutsu too had grown by leaps. His fuinjutsu too had progressed well he was nearing the end of level 8. He had also started to put resistance and gravity seals on him to increase his speed.

His taijutsu was a mixture of the Uchiha interceptor style and the Uzumaki free-flowing style. He had initially only done the Uzumaki style but he was not satisfied as it was too reliant on what the opponent did so he also learned the Uchiha style from his elder brothers to add some aggressiveness to his taijutsu. He also added parts of other various taijutsu styles that suited his style. This caused his taijutsu to be incredibly unorthodox and unpredictable and his exploitation of the kage bunshins too increased his unpredictability. His genjutsu department was fair in his opinion. He was nowhere near the Uchihas, just good enough to use a genjutsu occasionally if the situation favored.

He and his Jiji had a long debate when he asked for permission for Senju clan scrolls. Hiruzen was not happy with Naruto's request. But in the end his grandfatherly lenient behavior towards Naruto and the argument, 'Well you said Uzumaki were relatives of Senju and there is no Senju in Konoha, so I should be able to see them, and they are just sitting there.' won the debate. He always used to go to the Senju compound at night, so no one could catch him going into the closed compound. No one had been able to catch him yet. Well, he was able to run away and had the stealth to even get away from the Anbu black-ops after his big pranks such as painting the Hokage monument, which was his favourite. So, sneaking into places was not a problem for him.

But after a year or two when he calmly thought, he realized that just taking a vast amount of jutsu is of no use. He considered that his selfish desire to increase his arsenal was just a boasting point as he would never use a jutsu he wasn't too familiar with.

His academy life was just going as usual acting as dead last and being the class clown. He had to admit he gave Iruka a hard time. He had to purposely lose in taijutsu spars and be sloppy at shurikenjutsu. He had to praise himself for being such a great actor. He nevertheless liked spending time there as he could play pranks along with Choji and Shikamaru. They would be punished together. Sometimes the Hokage or even his Oba-chan had tried to remove the prankster side of him but they at the same time knew they were just trying to accomplish something near impossible.

Both Shisui and Itachi had joined the Anbu black ops for around nine and a half months now. He had seen the improvement in them after Anbu's training and mission. He was amazed, to say the least. They were among the top ninjas before but now could be called serious contenders for the top five, including the Hokage in the list. Due to the Anbu duties and mission, the shared time between them had decreased drastically. Nevertheless, when they could, they met. The time crunch was really faced by Itachi the most, due to his commitment to see by all the three kids he considered his little siblings. In the little time they had, either serious training or just chatting about whatever, they liked the shared moments and was it dear to them.

Though Naruto pranked and disrespected both at times, he loved both of them dearly as he always liked the feeling being with his elder brother. He still sometimes felt lonely due to not having any blood relatives, and living alone in a well-sized apartment, you do get to think about how would it be if there was someone else too there.

To remove these repetitive thoughts, he would always think about the people that are close to him and activate his smile. 'I do have a family, what's the problem if I don't share blood with them? Jiji is my grandfather, Iruka-sensei is like a father, Oba-chan is like a mother, Itachi and Shisui are both like my elder brothers, old man Teuchi too like a grandfather, and Ayame is an elder sister. The Anbu Inu too like a father who always comes when I need help. He always takes care of me but damn I have never seen how he looks. Only if I could take his dog mask off…They never let me feel alone when I am around them.'

---

Naruto was on his way to the training ground 31. Though he spent a lot of time the past year in the Hokage's ground, this place would always be close to him. It was the place where he found his first friend, his elder brother. So, the reason for going there was that after a long time, both of his brothers were free together so they had decided on a sparing session. He reached the ground and saw both Itachi and Shisui were present along with two extra people. Those were his Oba-chan and her daughter Kiyomi. He was quite surprised by the presence of the two extra people. He hadn't seen the particular girl from the day she had attacked his whiskers.

She looked a lot like her mother he thought. The face shape was very similar. She too had onyx eyes and raven color hair like all Uchihas. One major difference between the mother and daughter was that her hair had a small strand of hair hanging in the middle, going a little ahead from the end of her forehead. She wore a purple half-sleeved shirt with the Uchiha symbol on the edges of the sleeve and the back side of the shirt. She also wore a black arm sleeve that covered up her palms but kept the fingers free and had an opening for the thumb, and the other end of it went till the mid-forearm. She wore a standard black skirt and high black stockings which went up to just beneath her knee. Kiyomi too remembered Naruto from that day and wanted to rub the whisker marks again but resisted afraid of getting some teasing from her mother.

Itachi was in his Anbu get-up without his weasel mask and a tanto strapped to his back. Shisui was in his normal black outfit which had a high collar shirt with Anbu pants and his tanto also strapped to his back using a leather strapping vest which was unique to him. It was a triangular strap of leather that covered half of his chest.

Naruto too had changed his appearance quite a bit. He now wore a black full-sleeve shirt with bandages tied just below the elbow, mid-forearm, and wrist part of the shirt to prevent it from interfering by flowing too much. He had a red Uzumaki clan symbol at the back and two white Uzumaki swirls at each shoulder. He wore standard shinobi black pants with a kunai and shuriken hosteler strapped to them, ending with normal ninja sandals. He too had his tanto strapped at his back with a vest similar to Shisui's who had gifted him the vest on his seventh birthday. He had also started to wear fingerless gloves as it helped him in the grip of his tanto. He only wore the bandages, gloves, hosteler, and his strapping vest with tanto when he was with Itachi, Shisui, or his Jiji. It would be the first time other than those three, that someone was seeing his complete shinobi gear up.

"Oba-chan what are you doing here?" asked Naruto nonchalantly.

"Why Naruto? Don't you like your Oba-chan being around?" Said Mikoto faking a hurt tone.

"I didn't mean that." Said Naruto immediately, swaying his hand to make a cross to signal no.

After giggling a bit at Naruto's reaction Mikoto said, "Relax Naruto I was just teasing you a bit. Well, Sasuke and Fugaku went to a Uchiha monument outside the village for some father-son time so I and Kiyomi were free and here Itachi was coming to have a spar with you so I wanted to see how good you have become."

"Oh…ok, but was it necessary to bring her?" said Naruto pointing at Kiyomi, clearly showing his dissatisfaction in the presence of the fourth person.

Getting a tick mark on her head she said, "Hey what the problem with me WHISKERS!"

"What did you just call me?!" Asked an irritated Naruto.

"I called you whiskers, a problem with that?" Replied Kiyomi.

"Why is she here?! I thought no one was supposed to see my skill and she is irritating." Naruto complained to both Itachi and Mikoto. Both of them were now having a sweat drop due to the childish fight between the two.

"Why you?! You are the irritating one. Kaa-chan, Itachi-nii when I thought you said you were going to spar someone, I thought someone strong and of your age, like Shisui-nii. This whisker is even younger than me and I am about to graduate in a matter of three months. Why waste time on him?" 'I give it he is cute but irritating, wait what, why do I always think he is cute? No, he is not cute. He is only irritating.'

Naruto wanted to retaliate, but Mikoto spoke first, "Kiyomi that's not very nice of you. Apologize…And we will see his strength now and decide where he stands. And Naruto don't worry she won't talk about your strength to anyone, you won't Kiyomi you understand that."

After a few quiet moments, Kiyomi said, "I apologize. And won't say what I see." While also thinking, 'As if he will be any good, I mean seriously he is younger than me. I suppose he is in the same class as that little jerk Sasuke and he claims to be the best student. Ok, I accept Sasuke is as good as me, and great for his age. Shouldn't that make this whiskers the weakest here? Why are Kaa-chan and Nii-chan interested in him? Both Itachi-nii and Shisui-nii are Anbu and this whisker is an irritating brat.'

"I also apologize for my initial rudeness." Said Naruto to equate things.

"Okay squirt now if you and your girlfriend are done quarrelling let's start." Said Shisui teasing his little brother and igniting another show for himself.

Having a bit of red flush on his cheeks Naruto yelled, "She Is Not My Girlfriend! And she will never be. She is too irritating and too impulsive."

Kiyomi was also not fairing any better as her face was red and she yelled, "He is not and will never be my boyfriend. And you, whiskers are the irritating one, not me."

"No, you!"

"YOU!"

"NO, YOU!"

"Enough Both Of You! Come on Shisui they had just got quiet and you had to get them in another fight." Said Itachi who was quiet till now and also quite embarrassed by the show his little sister and little brother, in all but blood, were putting up.

"Oh, come on it was entertaining...You have lost the fun side of life. Mikoto-san wasn't it entertaining?" asked Shisui.

"Yeah, it was quite entertaining and both are fighting like a real couple." said a giggling Mikoto adding fuel to the fire.

"WE AREN'T!" both yelled in unison faces completely red now, due to the tease and also over the fact that they said the same thing together at the same time.

Itachi just sighed and then looked towards Shisui and said, "Are we done now?"

"Yeah, yeah, fine. We will start now. Naruto first you will face me then Itachi. All out by your side, no holding back and we will see how much we need to let loose. Hope that you are not slacking off while we are on missions. Let's see how much you have improved by yourself in the past month...Release the seals." said Shisui.

"Kai." Said Naruto with a half-ram sign and all his resistance seals were removed.

Itachi, Kiyomi, and Mikoto had gone to an edge, near a boulder and there Mikoto asked, "Itachi, what seals did Naruto have on him?"

"Resistance seals." Was the answer she got and she nodded at it. However, there was one person who was confused and asked, "What are resistance seals? And why was it on him?"

Itachi in his stoic demeanor just said, "Resistance seals, as the name suggests are seals with increased resistance for movement when applied. Naruto is wearing them to increase his speed and strength constantly wearing and if he has normal speed then without them you can guess the further part."

Kiyomi nodded and thought, 'Well a unique way to increase speed and strength but speed and raw strength are not everything.'

In the middle of the ground, both Shisui and Naruto were ready to engage on their spar. Shisui said, "Itachi, give the signal."

While Shisui was requesting Itachi for the signal Naruto was going through his skills and levels. So, he could think of something and get a touch on them this time. 'Well, they are better in everything. And way better than last time due to Anbu training and missions…What a way to start an analysis! Genjutsu, I would be the biggest idiot if I even tried a genjutsu on any of the two. Even by Uchiha standards, these two are better than the rest in it. Arguably the best two genjutsu users ever to exist. Ninjutsu too they can outmatch me. Taijutsu too no good, mine is unpredictable and can catch them off-guard but our difference in size and power here will neglect the small advantage. Shurikenjutsu can hold up I think, unless they go all-out. Kenjutsu is the only place where they have a disadvantage as they need rigidity for their style while my fluid style won't allow that. Fuinjutsu too but they are way faster than me and I can't write the seal without them noticing and won't be able to complete it.'

"Both ready?" asked Itachi.

Both of them nodded. Itachi acknowledged the sign of approval and said, "Hajime!"

Instantly both Naruto and Shisui jumped back from their initial spot. Shisui threw a barrage of kunai and shurikens at Naruto at varying speeds. Naruto too was countering every single thrown object by throwing his own to pinpoint accuracy. With many clings and clangs, soon the ground was littered with shurikens and kunais in the middle of it.

"Good, you were able to counter all of them. Your reflexes have improved." complemented Shisui.

"Thanks." Said Naruto and unsheathed his tanto, asking for a kenjutsu fight. And Shisui reciprocated the action. 'Let's see if he can use his advantage properly.' thought Shisui. Both raced towards each other. Shisui attempted a downward slash. Naruto went for defense and with the help of his tanto, holding at the grip and a palm at the opposite tapering end, Naruto had blocked the attack but was struggling against the strength Shisui was putting. He had put them in a deadlock, which was highly unfavorable to the blonde due to the difference in strength.

Gritting his teeth, Naruto thought, 'The hell. I won't last more than fifteen seconds in this deadlock.' Swiftly letting loose of his palm, he directed Shisui's slash to the right, made a quick twist at his left, and attempted to make a quick cut at Shisui. Shisui easily anticipated what would happen and had easily blocked the strike by catching Naruto's wrist. Shisui then strengthened his grip on Naruto's wrist forcing him to drop his tanto and he kicked it away. 'Well, there goes my only advantage.' thought Naruto while sighing at how easily he was brushed off.

At the same time, Shisui thought, 'Still needs more experience. These mistakes should not happen. Things won't sharpen anymore if he doesn't go on a mission and faces real enemies or spars with other people than us. Then he might give everything in training and fights till he is totally exhausted. And I guess we too need to increase our level while fighting him rather than trying to match his level. We need to show he way far from what he desires to be '

But suddenly a grin grew on Naruto's face as he realized Shisui still had his wrist gripped. Shisui after coming out of his thoughts saw the grin and realized what Naruto was about to do but it was a bit too late. Naruto sent a burst of chakra, specifical lighting chakra through his wrist.

Leaving the hold and letting out a grunt due to the pain of the minor shock. Shisui shook his arm to remove the effects of the shock. He let out a small laugh at his mistake and said, "Ninjutsu it is from now."

At the edge, two people were unaware of what was the reason for the release of Shisui's hold. "What happened? Why did Shisui release his hold?" Asked Kiyomi.

"Naruto shocked Shisui. I mean literally by using lighting chakra to the location of Shisui's grip." said Itachi. 'Shisui is being too lenient again and what was he thinking for so long? He could have easily gotten away. And he is also not using genjutsu. Naruto is particularly weak in that area. It is not he can't. He just isn't able to incorporate genjutsu in his fighting style and also doesn't think the opponent will use it either.'

"So, his affinity is lighting, I suppose?" Asked Mikoto.

"It is one of his affinities." Said Itachi.

"Wow...So he has another one from now! What is the other one?" asked Mikoto, impressed as doing elemental jutsus at the age of 10 was a great feat, and having two affinities was also impressive.

Kiyomi on the other hand was fuming with jealousy as whiskers there was able to do elemental jutsus while she who was two years older couldn't. And apparently, he has two affinities while she hasn't even tested her yet. The only elemental jutsu she knew was the one compulsory for the Uchihas, the fireball jutsu.

"You will see his affinities, we did ask him to go all out." Said Itachi wondering how his mother and sister would react at the end.

At the fight area, Shisui went through a hand seal and then in his mind said, 'Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu)', A big fireball came out of Shisui's mouth.

At seeing the fire Jutsu coming near him, Naruto went through hand seals and mind said, 'Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Style: Violent Water Wave)' A violent stream of water came out of Naruto's mouth.

The fireball met with the stream of the water midway and both the jutsus collided. The ground was soon filled by steam. Immediately Naruto made three kage bunshins with a single ram hand seal to, keep his guard in all directions while being surrounded by the thick layer of steam. All the Naruto grabbed a fallen kunais.

'Damnit my sensing ability isn't good enough. I can't sense him in this chakra-diffused area…Though he must be knowing where I am. Not good need to remove this steam layer now.' He went through a set hand seal and was about to execute his Jutsu when again a barrage of shuriken flew toward him. It was too late to dodge them. He had to use his kage bunshins as a shield and to deflect the shurikens as much they could. While his kage bunshins protected him. He again went through hand seals. 'Fuuton: Daitoppa (Wind style: Great Breakthrough)' he said in his mind.

A powerful gust of wind was blown out of his mouth and the layer of steam was blown away. With the first glance of where Shisui was he went through hand seals. 'Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu)'

Shisui seeing the danger smirked and activated his sharingan, 'Well good…but now I will end it.' Having activated the sharingan he was able to go through hand seals at a faster pace. 'Doton: Doroku Gaeshi (Earth Style: Rock Shield)'

A large rectangular piece of earth was now in front of Shisui. The layer was easily able to defend him from the fireball. After the impact, Shisui again went through a series of hand seals. 'Doton: Dochuu Senkou (Earth Style: Underground Submarine Voyage)' Shisui sunk underground like it was water and went on to navigate Naruto.

Naruto on the other hand had tensed up seeing the earth jutsus. 'When the hell did he learn doton? He didn't have it the last time. Need to break that wall to attac…' Before he could do anything Shisui had appeared behind him rising out from the ground. Naruto felt the cold tip of the kunai at the backside of his neck. He just sighed at his defeat.

"I yield...How the hell do you have doton jutsus?" Asked Naruto.

"Haha...had a run with a few Iwa-nin in the last mission. So copied it off them. And good you were able to make me use my sharingan…Your turn Itachi." said Shisui.

Instantly Itachi shushined to the middle of the ground while both Naruto and Shisui were picking up their thrown equipment. After regearing up Naruto went into his stance, holding up his arms high with a bit relaxed leg. Shisui had taken his place on the sidelines where he met the mother-daughter duo who completely seemed flabbergasted. Mikoto remembered when Naruto had thrown the Fuuton and Katon Jutsu she was gawking until Itachi had asked to close her mouth. Kiyomi was not fairing any better as her jealousy had skyrocketed due to the skill and the vast variety of Jutsu that whiskers had shown was very...impressive. She didn't want to be behind someone who was younger than her.

Mikoto out of her shock asked Shisui, "Shisui, did Naruto have all the four affinities from the start or did he gain some afterward?"

Chuckling a bit due to the visible shock Shisui said, "All of his affinities were natural to him. He had them from day one but worked hard and for a long time to be proficient in them. Yes, they can be improved but for a ten-year-old, it is very impressive, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it sure is. Having four natural affinities is unheard of. Well, he is our most unpredictable ninja after all." said Mikoto smiling at Naruto's most prominent trait. His unpredictability.

Shisui was now observing his best friend and little brother in their respective stance and staring each other in the eye. He just facepalmed and thought, 'This little idiot. One moment he can think properly and another moment he is a complete idiot.'

In the middle of the ground, both Naruto and Itachi were in their stance. Itachi soon activated his matured sharingan and in his famous monotone said, "I won't go easy on you as Shisui did. Better keep your guard up all the time and take note of small details."

Naruto still staring into Itachi's crimson eyes just grinned saying, "Bring it on!"

Shisui, who too had activated his sharingan to see the truth of the fight from the edge asked, "Both ready?"

Both Naruto and Itachi nodded. Shisui brought his arm down in a chop motion and said, "Hajime!"

Immediately Naruto unsheathed his tanto and ran towards Itachi at low-chunin speed. Itachi too had unsheathed his tanto and waited for Naruto to make the first move. Naruto attempts a slash which is paired away by Itachi. Both of them went back and forth in their kenjutsu battle. Naruto this time kept his distance and speed in check. There was a constant clashing sound of metals heard by all.

The spectators this time were able to see Naruto's potential in kenjutsu. Mikoto thought, 'Amazing...He can par Itachi in kenjutsu with his sharingan active. His style is very fluid putting the rigid style that we usually use at a disadvantage. This style...I think I have seen it somewhere...' Her eyes widened when she recalled who used the particular style. '...His style is just like his mother's. He moves just like how she used to do.'

While Mikoto was mesmerized and had a remembrance of her 'late' friend, Kiyomi was openly gawking at the sight before her. 'Impossible...He...he can't be matching Nii-chan, can he? I can't believe this. This whiskers is something else...' Well, he wasn't matching the skill set but it seemed like that because the Uzumaki style was good in counter-attacks and dodging.

'Till now the things are genuine. When are you planning to activate it, Itachi?' thought Shisui.

At the fight area, both Naruto and Itachi were trying to find a slip by the other. To their dismay, their opponent was not giving any openings. 'Well, he is being at a safe distance this time. It is good that he isn't making the same mistake now and putting up a good fight.' Thought Itachi. Feeling satisfied with the kenjutsu display he made a rather strong swing which was easily defended by Naruto but it sent him skidding backwards. Itachi now slid 4 kunai between each pair of adjacent right-hand fingers. He threw all of them with pinpoint accuracy towards Naruto.

Naruto seeing the danger used a bit of chakra for his jump to dodge all the kunais. Due to adding chakra to his jump, he was in mid-air where he saw Itachi had sheathed his tanto and had completed yet another set of hand seals.

Itachi seeing at the jump went through a set of hand seals trying to take advantage of Naruto's inability to dodge mid-air. In his mind, Itachi said, 'Raiton: Junsei Raikou Kunai no Jutsu (Lighting style: Pure Lightning Kunai Technique)'

Suddenly many kunai purely made out of lightning raced towards Naruto. Seeing the danger he quickly sheathed his tanto went through a series of hand seals and internally yelled, 'Fuuton: Reppuushou (Wind Style: Gale Palm)'

Wind chakra started to gather in Naruto's palm. After enough chakra was gathered he directed a violent torrent of wind that rushed to counter the barrage of lighting kunai. Both the jutsus collided and nullified each other. Itachi not wasting time again went through hand seals and internally said, 'Katon: Housenka no Jutsu (Fire Style: Mythical Fire Phoenix Technique)' Many small fireballs erupted from his mouth. He had also added shurikens in it to increase the aggression of the attack on contact.

Naruto had just landed and saw the incoming danger. 'Damn you, Itachi. My water affinity is nowhere near as good as drawing water from the air itself. All the Suiton Jutsu that could counter this attack need a water body for supply of water. The river down the cliff here is too deep to draw water from. Only option is dodge or deflect it.'

Naruto took out his tanto and started to dodge as many projectiles as he could and deflect the rest. After the barrage Naruto, slightly panting looked up again, and what he saw widened his eyes.

Itachi was observing Naruto's performance. He was happy that he used his variety of affinities to counter the attacks. He liked that Naruto would pick the affinity which was bound to overpower the incoming elemental jutsu. 'Well, you are doing well Naruto. Now let's see what will you do if I force you to a corner.' Spotting an exact moment Itachi went through hand signs and internally said, 'Katon: Ryuuka no Jutsu (Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire Technique)' A large dragon head made out of fire was now formed and was racing it's way towards Naruto.

'What the hell! Is he trying to kill me?' Naruto not able to see any escape he performed a seal less kamiwari with a log.

At the sidelines, both Mikoto and Kiyomi had widened their eyes as they thought the destructive Jutsu had hit Naruto. Mikoto wanted to shout but her voice had somehow stuck in her throat. In anger, she could only yell in her mind, 'If anything serious happens Itachi, then I promise you will be getting a very pleasant punishment.'

Shisui was the only one who was calm as he had activated his sharingan to see-through illusion and had seen the kamiwari. He knew the actual position of the two people in the sparing area.

The jutsu faded and a brunt log was revealed instead of an injured blond. The mother-daughter duo had had visibility relaxed. But now the question where is Naruto? Was ringing in their mind. As immediately reading their mind. Naruto emerged from a bush behind Itachi and leaped towards Itachi to perform a high kick on him. The kick connected with Itachi's neck. Naruto who thought he had caught Itachi off guard had a triumphant smirk on his face. It was immediately washed off as 'Itachi' in front of him burst into a flock of crows.

'Genjutsu! This whole time! When did he cast it on me?!' Naruto was troubled by all these thoughts. As soon as he landed on the ground, that's when Itachi emerged in front of Naruto and placed a powerful kick on his face. The force was enough to send Naruto flying backwards, tumbling and skidding against the ground and finally crashing into a tree. None of the impacts were pleasant for Naruto. He was badly bruised due to the impacts, with a bit of blood flowing out of his nostrils now. He was about to get up but when the cold tip of a kunai was held against his jugular vein, he stayed in his place.

Gritting his teeth he thought, 'Such a freaking idiot...Was being played by a genjutsu all this time.' He finally said, "I yield."

Itachi brought out a handkerchief and gave it. Naruto wiped his blood. Itachi also extended a hand to lift Naruto up. Naruto accepted the hand and while being pulled up, Itachi asked, "What did I tell you about looking into the eyes of a Uchiha?"

Naruto sighed realizing when he had fallen for the genjutsu. He just said, "Never look at them."

"You now know when you were trapped in it?" asked Itachi.

"Yes, I do...From the start during the short staring moment before the match." Said Naruto. Itachi didn't reply, he just nodded.

Naruto just looked at the surroundings of the place now. The sun had started to set and it gave the sky a beautiful orange hue, with a red half-circle at the horizon. This was one of the reasons why he liked training ground 31, its natural beauty was just something that he could never get old or tired of. The waterfalls across the cliff, the river below, and the surrounding trees all made it one of the most chaste natural places to be around. His admiration of nature was cut short when he felt a warm feeling on one of his bruised shoulder areas and on his nose. He saw a hand with a green glow above the shoulder and nose. He knew what it was therefore he just asked, "Oba-chan are you a medic-nin?"

Mikoto was slightly glaring at Itachi. Itachi knew he would be getting an earful now when he got home, but for him, it was necessary to go hard on Naruto. Everyone who knew that Mikoto and Naruto were close, which was only a handful of people, also knew that she had become a bit overprotective of the blonde. On hearing the question, she replied, "I know medical ninjutsu but only basic ones. I was a combat-nin but knowing this used to help me in becoming the backup medic if something happened to the first-choice medic of the team."

"Oh ok... insightful…and Thanks." Said Naruto as his bleeding and bruised area had healed.

"Well squirt, you did well but fell for simple things. This tells you still need to increase your awareness and you need to be calmer and more collected…Apart from that you are doing good for your age." said Shisui on Naruto's performance.

"That and also you get too excited at times like the staring contest. If you had controlled your excitement then you might not have been fooled. Start taking things seriously when needed. Apart from that...you did well." said Itachi.

"I get it, Shisui-nii, Itachi-nii." Said Naruto a bit deflated due to the still long way to cross and due to his unforced errors.

Seeing the deflated nature of Naruto, Mikoto said, "Hymmp, you two don't know how to appreciate him, do you?" scolding the two Anbu members.

"Naruto, I think you did great! Having four elemental affinities and being able to match some of their jutsus...It was great! Then the shurikenjutsu too was very good. But my, my your kenjutsu...It is one of a kind, very effective and sharp. You did wonderful!" Said Mikoto who had healed all of Naruto's bruises and was ruffling his head. Naruto was blushing a bit at the praise directed to him by his Oba-chan.

"But I still have a question Naruto. Why didn't you use fuinjutsu?" Asked Mikoto, she knew Naruto was good at it, but it confused her when she hadn't seen it being utilized.

"Ahhh that...I need more field practice in it and to increase my speed in it. Moreover, using brush and ink during a fight is impractical and I have just started to make seals using only chakra and hand seals. Once I am done with it, I will be able to use seals without much problem even in the toughest and tightest fights." explained Naruto.

Kiyomi was baffled, to say the least at what she was hearing. First, the whiskers was exceptionally good at things which he shouldn't be, in her opinion. She was still shocked at the level that Naruto had shown. Then now she heard that the boy also knew fuinjutsu. She knew it was a ninja art that few people studied and even fewer people could call themselves master of the art.

That did it for her she was filled with jealousy and also curiosity about why whiskers was hiding this. It became evident to her that whiskers here was keeping a lot to himself as what she saw, she could say the boy should have graduated already, he was a prodigy in every aspect of ninja skills. Seeing her mother still ruffling Naruto's hair, occasionally pulling the blonde's cheek she then went to talk with both Shisui and Itachi. Kiyomi didn't bother what they were talking about and in an irate voice said, "Spit it out!"

Naruto knew exactly what she meant but played dumb and asked, "Spit what out?"

"You know exactly what I am saying. First, I want to know your age." She was in full interrogation mode now, her eyes squinted, arms crossed against each other and one foot tapping against the ground.

"I am ten. Was that all you wanted to know? You could have just asked it in a normal manner…You are strange." said Naruto trying to finish the conversation and attempting to anger the girl a bit.

Mikoto had left the ruffling and was having a word with both the Anbu at their harshness on Naruto, according to her it was harsh. As soon as her daughter started asking questions, she shifted her attention. She was now regretting bringing Kiyomi here. She really just wanted to see how good Naruto was and didn't want to leave Kiyomi alone at home. She hadn't thought Kiyomi would be prying for information. She wanted to say something but Itachi stopped her. Itachi and Shisui wanted to see how Naruto would do in an interrogation. Both of them knew this situation was a good way to know how well would Naruto handle an interrogation. Yes, there won't be any torture but Naruto's way of handling volatile situations could be figured out and improved by them where it would be needed.

While this all was going on Kiyomi had a lot of thoughts in her mind, 'The audacity of this whiskered jerk. Calling me strange!...Calm down, he wants you to get angry, calm down Kiyomi…Hymnn he is ten like that other little jerk. So, they must be in the same class. And Sasuke claims to be the best...a prodigy, he is good and a prodigy by the standards they determine nowadays. He may be equal to this blonde in some areas but he is not as versatile as this whiskers, which creates a big gap between them….And both nii-chan and Shisui-nii are what a prodigy is supposed to mean. Being of a different level than the rest...Even this whiskers can be called a prodigy. What whiskers did, an academy student shouldn't be able to do it. And why apart from these three no one knows of his skill...He should have already graduated. He is definitely hiding it. But why? He can't have gotten this good alone he must have been trained...These two Anbu only seem to know truly about whiskers potential...They must have trained him.' She pouted a bit as she felt more jealous of Naruto and a bit hurt that Itachi had trained someone more than herself.

Naruto couldn't help but just gaze at her when she pouted. 'Damn...she looks cute when she is pouting.' He thought. His staring was cut short when the girl asked another very troubling question.

"So, you are ten...my little brother Sasuke is also ten...I suppose he is in your class, isn't he?" asked the girl. Naruto just nodded, he had a bad feeling now.

"Hymmn...Well, he claims to be the best in his class...but you are better than him...so tell me why are you hiding your skills? And also, why did Itachi-nii and Shisui-nii train you?"

Naruto was now sweating bullets. So were the other three on the sidelines. 'How did she guess it? It's not that obvious, is it?' was the question in everyone's mind. "No th..." was all Naruto could say before being interrupted.

"Ohhhhh please...don't try to deny it. If you are wondering, how did I guess that those two trained you…Then it is pretty obvious, they seemed to know every of your move and also knew about the seals you wear, and also gave analytical reviews at the end." Kiyomi said while glaring at Itachi. The jealousy, hurt and feeling of betrayal were clear in her voice.

Naruto getting frustrated at the accurate guess just gritted his teeth ands aid, "You don't need to know."

That did it for Kiyomi first she saw someone younger than her, who could easily outclass her. Then apparently her own brother had trained him. Then the boy was hiding his skill which no one usually does. The specimen in front of her was apparently a box full of secrets. And she couldn't help but want to know the reasons. She walked up very close to Naruto trying to intimidate him. She had the perfect idea to torture him and get the information she wanted.

Well, Naruto was getting uneasy but...not because he felt intimidated but because no girl other than his Oba-chan had come this close to him. He also felt humiliated as Kiyomi was three inches taller than him when she was near the difference was clearly visible.

Kiyomi with a sly grin and evil glint in the eyes said, "I guess I have no choice but to torture you to get my answers."

Instead of feeling any fear Naruto just scoffed, all uneasiness leaving him, "Like you could even touch me in a fight. You think you can torture me...Keep dreaming kitty cat."

"What Did You Call Me Whiskers?!" She had a tick mark on her head now.

Naruto too had a tick mark on hearing his recently given nickname, "You heard me kitty, kitty cat."

"Ohhh that does it!" Kiyomi exclaimed in anger. Kiyomi stretched and tightened her arm sleeves to prepare for whisker's torture. Naruto waited for her attempt. He wanted to show who the real boss was.

Mikoto had enough of the two bickering and she had to poke in, as Kiyomi would only listen to her request of stopping. She was the only one that Kiyomi wouldn't question much and would listen to not reveal anything. Kiyomi was about to start her special torture session when she heard her mother speak.

"Kiyomi stop it. If he doesn't want to tell please don't force him." Said Mikoto.

Being the obedient girl, she was Kiyomi stopped. She just asked her kaa-chan, "Why, isn't this very unusual? Don't you want to know the reason why he hides his true potential...Oh unless you already know."

The girl was showing impressive deduction skills but in the wrong situation. Mikoto sighed there was only one way out and that was the truth...well a very small part of it. Mikoto said, "Yes I know all the reasons why he does it and I understand and approve it."

"Then tell it to me." said her daughter.

"No...It is Naruto's decision if you should or shouldn't know. And in my opinion, at the moment, you don't need to know it. And don't try to argue. Also, you won't be revealing anything to anyone about what you saw here. Not a single word. Is that clear?"

"But kaa-chan..."

"Is That Clear, Kiyomi?" Said Mikoto raising her voice a bit.

Everyone present there knew an angry Mikoto was not a person you wanted to deal with. Kiyomi just gritted her teeth and stepped back while saying, "Okay kaa-chan."

The three males had visibly relaxed. The girl had all her assumptions spot on and was asking really challenging questions. Neither Shisui nor Itachi had thought that Kiyomi could make such good assumptions. Naruto was on his nerves all the time. None of the younger generation knew his status as a jinchuuriki. And he wanted to keep it that way. He didn't want to increase the number of people who hate him...though it was already very big.

To change the topic Mikoto asked, "So Kiyomi what do you think about Naruto's performance?"

Kiyomi just scoffed and said, "I guess he is good...for his age." The jealousy was clearly visible in her tone.

Naruto too could feel the jealousy in her tone. He had a very good idea why she felt that way. He mentally smirked. 'Well she was giving a hard time to me a few moments ago… let's now rub some salt on her wounds.'

"Thank you...And you don't need to be jealous of me that I am better than you kitty cat." Said Naruto coolly with a sly grin.

Kiyomi again had a tick mark on her head. 'Well, that does it! He will definitely be getting the torture.' She just scoffed and said, "You still have many weakness, whiskers and I can exploit them easily."

"Oh yeah like you could find any in the first case."

"I already know one, and exploiting one of them was your torture so you would spit out the information I wanted."

"Oh please...you are bad at bluffing. If you know it then tell me…I bet you haven't even activated your sharingan." said Naruto trying to irritate her further.

Getting angry at the dig Kiyomi sent some chakra to her eyes and suddenly the onyx eyes turned crimson with a black pupil and one tome in it. "Look at this, I do have the sharingan. And for your weak spot, I rather show it to you than tell. And I don't need my sharingan for it." Said Kiyomi with a sly grin as she deactivated her sharingan. The other three were just watching the two kids. It seemed they could find a thing to quarrel about within a matter of seconds. Kiyomi while getting closer to Naruto said, "If you are curious about what I will do then try to remember what I did during our first meeting."

Naruto tried to remember and then it hit him. He visibly paled a bit. He did remember the ruthless attack on his whiskers. They were still and always will be a very sensitive area for him. He just couldn't control the ticklish feeling and purring when someone rubbed their fingers there. He would always try to run away when his oba-chan would try to rub it. At times he would successfully escape and the times when he didn't, it would always be very embarrassing for him.

Everyone by now understood what Kiyomi was about to do. Both Itachi and Shisui had a sweat drop. While Mikoto just giggled. She knew how much Naruto hated it but she couldn't stop herself from wanting to see the boy all adorable in the purring and embarrassed state. Apparently, her daughter had inherited the same will to rub his whiskers. All saw Naruto slowly backing away and the boy said, "No, no, no...you are not doing that. Never!"

"Ooooh scared whiskers...that your whiskers are gonna have the company of my fingers. Too bad I am not backing now. You should have thought before teasing me." With that, the girl closed the distance and started her attack. Naruto tried to get away but whenever his whiskers were rubbed it felt like someone had paralyzed him as he could only feel the damn ticklish feeling and the urge to purr.

He continued his struggle but tripped...since Kiyomi was close to him she too tripped on him…This resulted in Kiyomi's lips crashing on Naruto's lips. Both of their eyes had widened. A heavy blush was visible on their faces now. Both of them were so stunned that they froze there and then. Neither of them heard the sequel from Mikoto or the clicking of the camera.

Mikoto too had a surprised face. While Itachi had his eyes twitching a bit. Shisui saw what transpired in front of him and just brought out his camera, clicked a photo of it, and grinned while he thought, 'Hehe this will be a good embarrassing moment for the brat...And good for blackmail and getting back on the blond bastard for his pranks.'

Both were so stunned that just looking at each other's eyes. Blue eyes just gazing at the onyx eyes and vice versa. 'How did this happen?! Never in a million years, I thought I would have my first kiss like this and with this kitty cat!...Though I have to say her lips are very soft.' thought Naruto.

Kiyomi too had similar thoughts, 'The Hell! How did I end up on top of him?...That too lips connected. I never thought that I would have my first kiss like this and with this whiskers! Ugh...but I can't deny that his lips are soft…and pleasant.'

Naruto got out of his stunned state and pushed Kiyomi off him. She was startled by the push and squeaked and landed on the ground beside Naruto. Both of their faces were completely red. There was complete silence for a moment. Then Shisui just couldn't handle it anymore and laughed his chest out, it was followed by a giggling Mikoto.

Itachi just sternly looked at the two, mainly Naruto. Both Naruto's and Kiyomi's faces were redder than before if it was possible. But after a while, Itachi too let out a small chuckle due to the expressions both Kiyomi and Naruto had. The most embarrassing to both was Itachi's laugh. He rarely laughed.

Kiyomi was not able to say anything. Still embarrassed, she just sat at her place and brought a hand up to her lips which still tingled from the kiss, it had a strange but pleasant feeling. Naruto on the other hand was dying from embarrassment. Seeing all of them laugh, his face still red, he just yelled, "Oi, what are you three laughing at? It was an accident! She tripped on me."

Kiyomi hearing the blame on her, yelled back, "Hey don't blame me! You were the one who tripped first because of which I tripped. You stole my first kiss, you whiskers. It's your fault!"

"My fault! If you didn't try to rub my whiskers it wouldn't have happened. And you stole my first kiss kitty cat. It's your fault!"

"And if you didn't tick me off then I would have done it. Accept your fault!"

"No, it's yours!"

"No, yours!"

"No, yours!"

"No, yo..."

"Stop It You Two!" Their quarrel was stopped by Mikoto. "My god, you two just need a few seconds to find something to quarrel upon."

Both Naruto and Kiyomi looked at each other and scoffed and turned their heads away from each other. Mikoto then said, "Shisui could you give me a copy of the picture you took? I would like to store it as a memory of both of their first kiss."

"Yeah, sure why not..." said Shisui.

"You Took a Picture!" Both Naruto and Kiyomi yelled in unison.

"Oi, oi, no need to get so rattled up. And it was one damn moment, of course, I was taking a picture of it." Said Shisui also showing the camera in which the photo was.

Naruto immediately jumped trying to get the camera and delete the picture. Shisui just kept it out of his reach. Naruto still trying to reach the camera when Shisui said, "You squirt, it is of no use, you won't be getting it, and if you don't stop, I will make a hundred copies and spread it all across the village. Come to think of it many Anbu would love to get their hands on it especially Inu, as you do tend to drive them crazy by making them chase behind you after your big pranks. Stop it or else..."

Naruto just grumbled and stopped his struggle. Shisui smirked at his success. Mikoto giggled at the reaction so did Itachi. Kiyomi on the other hand was as unhappy as Naruto was.

It was getting late. The sun could barely be visible now on the horizon. They had lost track of time. Mikoto then said, "It's getting late. I will be going home now to start preparing for dinner. Kiyomi, Itachi let's go home."

The girl just nodded, not trusting whether her voice would work. While Itachi with a small smile said, "Kaa-san, you and Kiyomi go ahead. I would like to treat Naruto at Ichiraku for his performance today. He does deserve a treat, doesn't he, Shisui?"

"Yeah, he did well. Let's go Naruto. It has been a long time since we three had ramen together, hasn't it Naruto?"

Naruto's mood took a full one-eight-degree turn and now was beaming with happiness at the prospect of the three having ramen together. With one of his brightest smiles. "Yeah, it has. Let's go fast come on. I can't wait." said Naruto, while trying to pull Shisui toward the direction of their destinations.

"Yeah, yeah come on let's go." Said Shisui.

All of them said their goodbyes and went to their respective destinations.

---

Itachi and Shisui were now standing alone in the dark night just after sunset. They had just finished their trip to Ichiraku. None of the three could deny that they had a great time together. They afterwards dropped Naruto at his apartment. They were now again at training ground 31 at the edge of the cliff looking at the full moon across the cliff above the crest of the waterfall.

Shisui then said, "You don't need to be so hard on Naruto, you know that right?"

Itachi just sighed and said, "I do it because you are too lenient with him. And I am equally harsh on the three of them. You kind of sometimes spoil Naruto."

"Hey, you have two little brothers and a little sister to share your brotherly love. While I have only one so I will obviously be soft on him...And I know that's not the complete truth...I know you are worried for him but trust him and our teachings. We have trained him well for self-defense at any time if needed."

Itachi just nodded and in his monotone said, "It's true what you said...both the worries part and training one...But I can't help it. The Uchihas are growing more and more dissatisfied and distant from the village. If the village doesn't change then neither will the Uchihas. But if the Uchihas don't change, neither will the village…If a civil war breaks it may effectively start another great shinobi war as other nations would like to take advantage of our internal crisis. And during the civil war...Naruto would be a prime target for his status. I don't desire Naruto to be within that situation. He is still a boy who is on the path to becoming a nice man. I don't want something to happen that he may deviate from being a nice person."

Shisui placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder and with a gentle smile started saying, "Calm down...I think you are overthinking this stuff…You know that whatever it takes, we won't let anything happen to the village. And Naruto will be safe...We will keep him safe. We will give our everything to stop the coup d'etat being planned by the Uchihas...Everything will be fine…And jeez stop going too deep into philosophy."

Itachi nodded and just said, "Yeah we will do everything to stop the coup d'etat."

"Now let's get you home before it's too late or else you will have to face Mikoto-san's wrath." Said Shisui while chuckling. Itachi too let out a small chuckle. However strong any of them became all of them were intelligent enough not to anger Mikoto.

---

Timeskip-2 months

Naruto, Itachi, and Shisui were all at training ground 31 and having a good time sparing and having fun with each other. They had been doing this a lot recently in Naruto's opinion. He was not complaining as he always liked being around them. But it was just a bit unusual to him as he thought that Anbu's duties should have taken more of their time. He had also noticed the tense state both of his brothers would be in. He thought it was due to the Anbu activities so he never attempted to dig out information.

He also noticed his oba-chan being tensed at times when she would come by to his apartment to see him, the frequency of that too had increased. He had asked his oba-chan if there was something that was troubling her but he always got the answer, "Oh no Naruto. I am fine. You don't need to worry about me…It is probably the stress of the house chores." Naruto was unable to shake the feeling that something was going on. But he could not find any way to make any of their tongues slip.

In truth all the three Uchiha had been in turmoil due to the path their clan was planning to go down with. None of them approved it. Mikoto had tried to reason with her husband but was unsuccessful to date. Itachi and Shisui kept acting as double agents to both sides, their intentions though were always towards the betterment of their village. To sometimes forget and relieve their stress they would meet Naruto when they felt they needed to release the lid a bit. The boy had a unique charisma that enabled them to calm themselves down and relish the happy moments he would provide them. He was able to make them laugh at any time and they needed it.

After their time at the training ground, they went to Ichiraku to end their day. Naruto's love for ramen always amazed the two. They had a pleasant time there and after leaving Naruto to his apartment. The two Anbu were again at training ground 31. Looking at the moon Itachi said, "Things only seem to be getting worse with time…The storm seems to be near and nearer with the delaying seconds."

Shisui sighed and said, "Yes it has..." He had initially hoped that the village elders and the Hokage could find some diplomatic and peaceful resolution to the problem but now it seemed like a very bleak possibility.

"I have been called for a meeting with the elders and the Hokage tomorrow evening. What about you?" said Shisui.

"I have been given a short mission. It will probably start at noon and end by night." Said Itachi.

Shisui just hummed at this. Both of them knew they had to stop things now before all hell broke loose. The only problem was…neither of them knew how to solve the problem in front of them.

"Okay, we should probably go and rest now when we can." Said Shisui.

Itachi nodded and both went to their clan compounds not knowing this may be the last time they would be meeting in normal circumstances.

---

Shisui was currently in the Hokage tower navigating his way to one of the private discussion rooms. He entered the room and saw all the elders and the Hokage already seated behind a long desk, waiting for him. The rightmost seat was taken by village elder Mitokado Homura. Next to him was the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. The other neighbor of the Hokage was a village elder, Utatane Koharu. And lastly at the leftmost seat was village elder Shimura Danzo.

Shisui went to the middle of the room and kneeled with his head bowed down to show his respect. "Shisui, lift your head please." said the Hokage. Shisui lifted his head, still kneeling, he took a close look and examined the calculative gaze of everyone in front of him giving nothing away. The tension in the air was thick, suffocating for a weak-willed, due to the discussion of one of the most volatile political situations Konoha ever faced.

Hiruzen sighed he had never agreed to the treatment the Uchiha were receiving after the kyuubi's attack. But he couldn't counter the logical argument brought up by the elders and he too had doubts that a Uchiha had controlled the beast to rip it off its seal. Though with his knowledge he knew no Uchiha from that time, in Konoha had the power to control the beast such as the Kyuubi or to get past all the defenses they had set up. The distrust between the two factions had brought them now to a very tight spot. He still believed that he could pull some diplomatic resolution.

Danzo, the lifelong rival of Hiruzen, on the other hand, had wanted to manipulate this situation to his advantage. The Uchihas were always a big power factor in Konoha. He didn't have any grudges against the Uchiha but also, he would neither hesitate to strike them down. The only problem he had with them was that the Uchihas were always unpredictable and he could never perfectly guess which side they would choose in an amendment. With them gone, he could dictate many decisions to his and the village's needs. He knew his biggest hurdle was his rival and former comrade, the Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The man had not let him train the village's jinchuuriki, even after his relentless efforts and also getting a majority once in a council meeting on his side. The jinchuurikis were supposed to be strong and one of the biggest assets to the military of a hidden village like they were. Konoha had only one jinchuuriki, according to him there was no doubt that they needed to give it all to make the boy submissive and loyal, like a mindless drone, to the village or someone in the village, preferably himself.

Danzo had kept a regular check on the kyuubi jinchuuriki's academy grades and his behavior in public. The boy was the opposite of what he wanted a jinchuuriki to be. He was weak and not intelligent according to his grades. It was a bit of a surprise to Danzo as he expected the boy to carry his father's mind. Danzo was not a fool nor were the other elders. They could easily guess the boy's heritage even if Hiruzen had and never would openly confirm it. The jinchuuriki was also a rebel in behavior. He didn't like that the boy was more like his mother than his father. The boy did what he thought was right, which was usually some petty in Danzo's mind. Danzo and Hiruzen rarely ever agreed on any matter due to the difference in their ideology.

"So Shisui is there anything new that we should know?" Asked Koharu.

"As such there hasn't been any extra development in weapon stock. All the members of the clan too are in the village currently. The frequency of clan meetings has increased. Most of the time is devoted to discussing the dissatisfaction against the village. There has been a conversation about when they would want to strike. Some clansmen are growing impatient. The head of the clan, Uchiha Fugaku hasn't set a period or date of the coup d'etat…yet." said Shisui in a calm voice.

"Well, this doesn't sound very good." Said Homura.

Hiruzen just rubbed the bridge of the nose. Things didn't seem to be improving. The Uchiha clan was keeping as many men to themselves as they could which was concerning. The fact the weapon stockpile had not been increased too was a concerning thing. It either meant they were backing away from the plan, or just waiting for the right time for something to happen on which they could blame the village government for false provocation and start the civil war.

"Hokage-sama…Immediate action must be taken now. The stockpile is not increasing. It means they are just waiting for the perfect time to strike." said Danzo.

"They might be reconsidering." Said Hiruzen though not sounding convinced by his own alternative possibility.

"Hokage-sama we already had tried to make conversation with Fugaku and indirectly asked if there is anything they would like to have or not, haven't we?" said Homura.

"And he said there was no problem and all was perfect. If he wanted a peaceful resolution then he might have just asked even for minor changes to begin with." Added Koharu.

"Hiruzen my friend...I know you still hope for a diplomatic resolution but the line for it has long been crossed. There needs to be a point-to-point meeting for it. But that isn't possible now anymore. Things are going out of hand." said Danzo trying to reason the village leader for a surprise attack.

"Danzo we will not be going with the idea you suggested previously. I want to decrease the bloodshed as much as possible, not maximize...Give me a minute to think." said the Sandaime Hokage.

Shisui had been listening to all the conversation. He too wished for the least bloodshed possible. He had been contemplating a plan since the beginning of the meeting which could work. He didn't know if the decision was right. He just wanted the least bloodshed and if his plan worked then it would result in that. Only two people other than himself knew the power he would be using, those being his best friend and his little brother.

With a firm face Shisui and a stern voice, he said, "Hokage-sama...if you would like, then I think that I have a way with which I may be able to stop the coup d'etat. If you may, I will tell you my plan."

The Hokage had been troubled with what to do when Shisui put up his request to tell his plan. He trusted Shisui with his life. He had no doubt the plan Shisui must have chosen would result in minimum bloodshed. He asked, "What's your plan Shisui?"

Shisui took a deep breath, it would be the first time people other than Naruto and Itachi would be hearing about his extreme trump card. "I will use my Mangekyou Sharingan on the clan."

There was a collective gasp. Hiruzen was shocked with the revelation of Shisui to have the most advanced form of sharingan, but he was more shocked due to the fact Shisui was ready to use it on his own clan, his extended family, for the village. The other elders apart from Danzo too had similar thoughts as the Sandaime. Danzo on the other hand, gasped due to not having the slightest idea that someone in the village had that kind of power. He should have known it before and had made a move earlier in his opinion.

Shisui after a moment of letting the news sink in said, "As I said, I will use my Mangekyou Sharingan on the clan. I will use it to cast a genjutsu on every member of the clan and will control them."

"I would like to know the possible limitations of this Jutsu and more of its ability. Can't someone detect it and disperse it? How is it different from a normal genjutsu?" Asked Danzo, both curious and dying for more information.

Shisui eyed the war hawk a bit but couldn't deny to answer his question as it was a logical one. "No, the jutsu which I will use can't be disrupted. It is called Kotoamatsukami. It controls the mind of people whom I cast it upon without their knowledge of it. In a normal genjutsu the victim can still use his mind. We just give them difficult circumstances. Here I effectively dictate all of their actions for the time they are under the jutsu. It is the ultimate genjutsu a ninja with sharingan could have...As for its limitations, there aren't any for the time it is in effect. But afterwards, I will be losing my eyesight to a great degree. How much? I don't exactly know. And also, that it can be used once in a decade."

Hiruzen saw the boy in front of him in awe, admiration, and a bit of pride that the will of fire burned brightly in him. He was ready to give up his eyesight and risked severing his relation with his own clan for the village. The question now in his mind was, 'Can I really ask him to do this much?'

Danzo on the other hand had very different thoughts, 'Not worth it…Not worth it at all!...The use of such a Jutsu is not worth it here. Such a power should not be possessed by someone other than me. It will be a big liability to me and the power balance of this village...I can't let this happen. I will have to make a move as soon as possible regardless of the consequences…Itachi too needs to be taken care of. I don't know if he has any ability like Shisui here. Both of them have become too strong and too out of hand for my liking. They are loose ends. I need to deal with them and all this fast. I will have to take matters into my hands now.'

Hiruzen just sighed before giving Shisui a big burden to carry. He then too asked, "Shisui are you sure?"

Shisui with an expressionless face said, "I won't let the clan's plan destroy things just like that. I will do what is right and result in the least bloodshed...I have no regrets."

"Okay Shisui...You will commence your plan at sunset. Report to me after the mission. You are free till that time...All the best for your mission." said the Third Hokage.

"Hai Hokage-sama." Said Shisui and left the room. All the other occupants too left the room afterward.

---

Shisui first went near the academy to look at what Naruto was doing to cool off his mind. He was not surprised to see his blonde brother fast asleep on the last bench. Along with shinobi skills, both Itachi and Shisui had also made him know about political and history. It helped to know what kind of thinking or grudges the opponent might have and would be necessary when he becomes the Hokage. Since it was his goal to be the Hokage, they thought it was better to introduce and indulge him in political thinking early on. The boy understood everything easily when he wanted.

Shisui then saw the academy instructor, Umino Iruka, go up and yell at Naruto to wake him up. Shisui let out a small chuckle. He had never met the man personally apart from the few short times when he went to pick Naruto up after the academy. He knew from what Naruto said that the man was nice and kind, he also liked that Naruto was able to count on another precious person in his life.

Shisui then went to a Uchiha shrine and meditated there. The shrine was located at the periphery of the village, far from the commotion of daily life. It was empty there when he went. Meditation always helped him to calm down. He meditated there for a while and then walked out of the shrine. He heard footsteps and tapping of a wooden crane when he was just at the gates of the shrine.

Danzo casually walked towards Shisui. His crane taped the ground with every step. He reached a meter distance away from Shisui where he stopped. The last person Shisui wanted to meet now was the old war hawk. The one-eyed man then spoke, "I see, you were going to start your operation."

"Yes...I was."

"I just intend to ask...What will happen after this? You may stop the coup d'etat but then what will happen…the cycle may repeat itself again."

"I know and trust the Hokage will make necessary changes and improvements to stop this from repeating itself. After the mission the Uchihas will change, due to my manipulation and so will the village…Both need to change for the better." Said Shisui showing his confidence in Sandaime to make the right decision.

He suddenly felt something bite his neck. He slapped the area of the bite. He had expected a normal mosquito or something. But seeing the insect, his eyes widened.

He didn't recognize the species but knew it was a kind of insect the Aburame Clan members used. He had no idea what poison was now running in him. He hadn't been able to pick up any abnormalities in him yet. The only thing he was able to guess was the person who must have set it up.

"What's the meaning of this?!" Asked an enraged Shisui.

"The village needs no change." Said Danzo calmly.

"A clap can't be made with a single hand. I will agree the Uchiha have overreacted and crossed the line but things could have been done differently...Now tell me what was your true reason to come here with your root members?...Weren't confident in your old bones?" Asked Shisui losing all respect in his tone for the man.

Danzo gritted his teeth at the disrespect. The boy had some nerves for sure. "Uchiha Shisui, you have gained the reputation of being the strongest amongst the Uchihas. One of the few ninjas that have a run-on sight issue by the other elemental nations...Well, you see I can't allow you to use those eyes of yours. From the description of the jutsu you gave...It is not worth using it in this situation. It is also very risky to leave such power in somebody else's hands other than myself…SO HAND OVER THOSE EYES TO MY SAFETY!" Said Danzo dropping his crane and lunging towards Shisui with his hands aiming to snatch his eyes out of its socket.

Shisui simply activated his sharingan and kept himself steady, he held Danzo's wrist tightly and looked straight into his lone eye casting a genjutsu that would stop his motor neurons for a long while. Danzo just slumped forward after being subjected to the attack. Shisui then turned his back to Danzo and said, "I could kill you now and here. But I won't. Your mysterious death will only cause ruckus and chaos, a thing which I am aiming to stop, not create." Shisui then turned and started to leave.

'Danzo' then pooffed out of existence. Shisui still having his back didn't see the poof but heard it. His eyes widened. 'A kage bunshin! How was I not able to recognize it? When did he exchange places with his kage bunshin...Damn, it must be that poison. It must be affecting my senses! It also affects my reflexes!' He suddenly felt being pulled back on his own. With a large force on his chest almost squishing it. 'WHAT THE HELL!' Was the only thing he could think of.

Danzo was highly skilled at wind style. He had also mastered it to a degree that he could make vacuum spaces, though it required time and lots of chakra. That was the reason why he had made a kage bunshin and kept it forward when he got the chance. He had made a layer of vacuum and then let it do its work. It looked like Shisui was levitating and being pulled back. Danzo directed the vacuum space so it would cause Shisui to turn. This time he painfully gripped Shisui's head with his right hand that is usually beneath a cloth. He then held his left hand out and swiftly, ruthlessly, and forcefully removed Uchiha Shisui's right eye in an instant.

Shisui leaped back before the one-eyed veteran could claim the other eye. He was panting heavily now. The poison was taking a lot of toll on him now. His right eye socket was having an indescribable pain in it and blood, continuously flowing out of it. With his lone eye, sharingan activated, all he could do was watch what Danzo was doing in front of him. He was not in a condition to attack, not yet. Needed to wait a bit to regain composure and he also needed to find the number of root Anbu, the division of Anbu black ops that were trained by the war hawk and were under his control. They would even go to any extent on the war hawk's orders.

Danzo had removed the bandages which covered the right side of his face. He then proceeded to implant Shisui's eye to his right eye socket. For now, he trusted it to be in place and would have one of his root medic-nin to have a proper operation afterward. Looking ahead he said, "Now don't try to fight boy. The poison has made you sluggish and unresponsive. It will make it easy to kill you, though you are dying away...and the poison will not even be found in the autopsy. Hand over the other eye too or I will take it forcefully anyway…Things are not as simple as you may think. The fear that you and the Hokage share of lifting arms to suppress things has brought us here."

"Simple? I never said things are simple. You are the one who is trying to take the simple way. Lifting arms is always the simpler and easier option. That's why the weak always are ready to fight. And you, you are seeking to maintain order and peace only by using the power of the blade. THAT IS NOT TRUE PEACE!" countered Shisui.

Shisui went through hand signs and internally yelled, 'Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu)' He had put more than enough chakra into the fireball resulting in it traveling faster towards Danzo and bigger than usual.

Suddenly seven hooded cloaked figures with Anbu facemasks jumped in front of Danzo. Six of them wore black cloaks and one wore a cream-coloured cloak. All of them went through hand signs and internally said, 'Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Style: Water Trumpet)' It took all seven to give it their all to nullify the fireball racing towards them. The two jutsu caused the area to be filled with steam.

Shisui was accessing his situation now. 'He brought seven root Anbu with him…I can't fight all of them and Danzo here now, not in this condition. Damn, he planned this through well it seems. It's a flight situation now. No matter what I can let him get the other eye too.' He then leaped towards the forest where he had the best chance to lose them.

Danzo used a wind jutsu and removed the steam. He saw Shisui retreat. He then ordered, "Go after him. I want him dead or alive. Just take note that the eye should not be damaged. Failure will not be tolerated. Now Go."

"Hai, Danzo-sama." said all of his loyal root Anbu members. They left for the hunt of their prey.

---

'Something is not right...I need to get back to the village.' thought Itachi. He had no clue why he wanted to go to a location of the peripheral forest in Konoha but he just knew he had to.

"Captain there is something important I need to do...I will inform the reason to Hokage-sama of my breach afterwards." Said Itachi to his captain, inu.

"Weasel wai..." Before Inu, Kakashi could say anything he was gone.

---

'What is this feeling?! Something is going on. I don't know why but I need to go to this place. My gut feeling is screaming to move.' Naruto just like Itachi had no idea why he felt that way. He just knew he had to act on his feelings.

He always sat at the last bench, at the window seat, the window being to his left. He just opened the window and jumped out of the classroom. He could hear Iruka calling his name to come back but at the moment he only cared about reaching the location his gut was telling him.

---

Shisui had been jumping from tree to tree in order to lose the pursuit. He was going slower than usual due to the poison. He had started to feel exhausted too due to the extra force and effort he needed to apply to counter the effect of the foreign substance in him. His sharingan too helped in decreasing the disability due to the poison as much it could. Soon the root members had caught up to him.

Shisui brought out his aces from the start. He was not taking any chances. He unsheathed his tanto and used his version of the shushin jutsus. It was this jutsu that had made him famous across all of the elemental nations and a run-on sight shinobi. Immediately now there were many of his images. All the root Anbu were on high alert. Shisui started to attack the vital parts. All the root members were rooted to their spot. The only thing they could do was defend themselves off Shisui's strikes. They were able to defend the vital strikes but not without nasty hits on themselves. Shisui was able to bring down two black-cloaked figures by the time he was exhausted. He sheathed his tanto and was panting heavily. 'Damn this poison! Need to flee away again...Need to replenish bit strength and chakra.'

Shisui was again jumping from tree to tree. Behind him, the root members were continuously throwing kunais and shurikens at him. His muscle coordination was deteriorating more and more with time. He stumbled once, which allowed the root members to leap towards him and stab a kunai. The cream-cloaked figure and another black one attempted it. Shisui anticipating the move brought out his kunai in reverse grip and fended off both the root Anbu overpowering and pushing them away.

Getting a chance, he again tried to jump to another tree. But at the landing on the branch, he stumbled. This forced him to kneel on the branch so he didn't completely fall off it. He turned his head behind and saw all the root members had added explosive tags to their kunais. The cream color cloaked figure then said, "This is it, Uchiha Shisui."

"I am not finished, not yet." Said Shisui. He immediately sent a large pulse of chakra to his eyes. The crimson eye that had a black pupil with three tomes now was changing. The crimson eye now still had the black pupil but instead of three tomes, it was surrounded by a four-point square-like-shaped shuriken. This was his Mangekyou Sharingan. He then just whispered in a low but shrilling voice, "Susanooooo!"

This is the moment when both Naruto and Itachi arrive at the spot where their gut had directed to come. Both saw 5 cloaked hooded figures behind Shisui who was kneeling at one branch. None of them had noticed the presence of Naruto and Itachi.

There was a loud blast in the area, blowing away many of the trees in the area. The place was filled with black ash due to the explosion. Suddenly many green senbon-like projectiles came out racing towards the root members. The cream colored and only one of his partners was able to dodge the barrage by jumping up. The rest of them took the projectiles head on killing them instantly.

The last two members now stood in a defensive position and held their kunai in reverse grip. Naruto and Itachi too were not able to see anything yet. They only heard something embedding flesh and some screams.

The smoke lifted up revealing Shisui and above him towering a mighty green figure. The figure was from the waist at the ground. It had an open cage-like chest with a red tome at its center. It towered tall and mighty protecting its creator. It was Shisui's Susanoo.

The cream-cloaked figure in fear and nervousness could only stutter, "Wh…What is this?!"

Naruto too was in a similar line. He was shivering a bit due to the presence of the massive figure and the power it radiated. He could only think, 'Is..is this the true power of the sharingan?'

Itachi on the other hand was troubled by the thought, 'What happened that Shisui had to resort to unleashing his Susanoo?'

Shisui was heavily panting. Susanoo with only one eye took a lot more chakra and energy. He started to lose control of his chakra and his Susanoo started to disappear. Shisui also started to stumble.

Everyone saw this and the root members attempted to throw kunais at Shisui. Itachi seeing the action of the cloaked figures instantly made two fireballs. He also leaped towards Shisui and brought him out of the fight area. The two fireballs went to hit the two root members at their dead center, killing them instantly. The bodies of all the root Anbu started to incinerate itself to remove every piece of evidence.

Itachi laid Shisui in a sitting position against one of the trees. For the first time saw that Shisui's right eyelids were shut and there was blood dripping from it. Itachi wanted to ask questions but thought it would be better if he allowed Shisui to cool off a bit and then explain by his own will. Naruto too getting out of his stunned state went near Shisui and Itachi. He went there only to get stunned again at Shisui's conditions.

He had never imagined he would see Shisui injured. He wanted to ask a hell number of questions but his voice was not working. He felt like there was some imaginary lump formed in his throat. They saw Shisui gently smiling at them and asked, "Itachi, I thought you were on a mission."

"Something just didn't feel right so I came back." Said Itachi gently.

Shisui smiled lightly and said, "Glad you did." Then Shisui looked at Naruto and said, "And you Squirt? Shouldn't you be at the academy?"

"I...I too just didn't feel right and came where my instincts told me." Said Naruto.

Shisui just let out a weak chuckle. "The world sure has strange ways of working, doesn't it?" Said Shisui. Internally he was having other thoughts, 'I guess it is a good thing they came. I won't last long…this is the end for me...I think my death won't be such a bad thing after all. I will be the trigger to give them power.'

Naruto asked, "Wh-what hap…happened?" Naruto had still not recovered his composure. Seeing Shisui in such a state, his heart was clenched with fear of the worst.

"Naruto...Otouto...calm down. I will explain everything. Just. Calm. Down." said Shisui gently trying to calm his little brother.

The sun had set. Darkness had fallen and surrounded them. The surroundings maybe metaphorical to one of the darkest hours of their life. Shisui had taken out a piece of paper and started writing a note. He had asked both Itachi and Naruto to remain quiet and not ask any questions. He finished his note. He summoned a crow and made it take the note away to his home. Both Itachi and Shisui shared the crow summoning contract.

Shisui had tried Naruto to get involved with the crow summons but when Naruto wrote his name on the summoner's scroll it just disappeared after a second. A similar case happened with Naruto and the Third Hokage when he tried to involve him with the monkey summoning contract. It did leave him a bit dejected and wondered if any summoning animals would accept him or not. And none of the adults were able to find an explanation to why this was happening.

Shisui got up and headed to training ground 31, and asked both Itachi and Naruto to follow him. The night was dark but the training ground was lit, marvelously by the silver light of the full moon. The moon was just over the waterfall across the cliff. Shisui was just steps away from the edge of the cliff, the cliff being behind him. Ahead of him both Itachi and Naruto standing about a meter away from him. He still had his Mangekyou Sharingan on. He gazed at both of them. He started, "Naruto...what I will tell you now is confidential information so do not tell it to anyone without necessary permission."

He saw the boy nod and then he continued, "The Uchiha clan were being suspected of having a hand in the Kyuubi attack that happened ten years ago...This caused the village authorities to start keeping a close eye on the clan to find if anyone was at fault. We can't fully condemn the decision as they needed to find the cause of the attack. The clan got to know about this. They were not happy and their distrust grew and started becoming very dissatisfied. But instead of having direct conversation with the Hokage and the elders they chose to stab their back. They assigned many Uchihas to various jobs in the government of the village and also the Anbu so that they could get classified information on weapon stock, shinobi information, etc…With that information, they would plan and execute a coup against the Hokage...I and Itachi were both stationed at the Anbu for it. Both of us disagreed with the path our clan was walking on. So, we became double agents and started to feed information to the Hokage and the elder of the coup d'etat. We wanted to stop the coup in any case because if civil war breaks out, then other nations would certainly take advantage of our weakened state and yet another shinobi war would be inevitable."

Naruto nodded understanding what Shisui said. He was shocked to know what was going on. To him the village always seemed so normal, he doubted if anyone else too had picked up on the coup planned by the Uchihas. He then said, "I had noticed you, Itachi-nii and Oba-chan tensed but I could never have guessed this was the cause of it. All of your tension seemed to escalate highly in the last two months mainly...So I take the Uchiha clan is ready to strike?"

"Yes...yes, they are just waiting for the correct time so they could blame the village for the first aggression." Said Shisui.

"Now listen carefully I will tell you both what happened today. Both of you will have to give your word that you won't tell anyone about the fight we have now. Nor about the truth about what I will do next." requested Shisui.

Both Itachi and Naruto looked at each other. Hesitant then too in unison they said, "You have my word."

"Today I was in a meeting with the elders and the Hokage regarding the matters of the coup. The Uchiha's coup didn't seem to stop. And the last thing I wanted was war. In the meeting, I planned that I would use Kotoamatsukami on the clan to stop the coup...But Danzo took my right eye…before I could commence my mission. He didn't trust what I was trying to do. He intends to protect the village in only his way and he would go to any extent to do it."

Naruto had seen the one-eyed man once or twice. He always got bad creeps from him. But now on hearing what he did. Naruto's anger was rising by the second. In an enraged tone, he yelled, "Nii-chan let's go to Jiji then! He will punish that bastard for doing this. I will personally see that he gets every organ in his body ripped apart!"

"Naruto…Calm. Down. We are trying to stop unrest in the village, not create it. Yes, the Hokage would take action but Danzo won't sit silent. He will retaliate and he doesn't care about anybody but his own life and the village. If the Hokage goes after that man's life, he would himself start a civil war before going down. And if we raise another faction of dissatisfaction then there would be no hope that Konoha would experience a pleasant sunrise. He would be ready to rule half of Konoha his way, even at the cost of the other half." Said Shisui explaining his reason for not going to the Kage.

"He will also come after my left eye. But before that…" Shisui went on to painfully pull his left eye out of its socket and held it in his fist. Blood dripped now from both of his shut-eye sockets. "...Itachi, I want you to have it. You are the only one I can trust and count on, my best friend, to protect the village and the Uchiha name."

In barely above a whisper Itachi said, "Shisui...why are you doing this?"

Shisui knew Itachi would be hesitant so he summoned a crow and it took the eyes. Itachi would eventually get it. "It is important that it must not fall in wrong hands, though one is…I couldn't take the risk with the other eye." Said Shisui.

He then again showcased a gentle smile. He proceeded by saying, "This is not the only gift I will be giving you today…" he turned his head slightly as if looking at Naruto, "...The sharingan..." Then he turned his head back to Itachi, "...The Mangekyou Sharingan."

Getting an idea of what Shisui was thinking. Both Itachi and Naruto wanted to walk up to Shisui and punch him out of whatever thoughts he was having. But their muscles were not obeying their minds. Unknown to them Shisui had put them in a minor paralysis jutsu on them. The whole except their face region was paralyzed. He left the face so they could have their last chat. Both wanted to move. Naruto had drops of tears starting to fall, the lump in his throat again appearing. On the other hand, Itachi was only able to weakly protest, "Shisui, you can't..."

"Take it as my dying wish...I am not going to last long anyway...I am sorry that I can't walk along with any of you anymore...Itachi, my friend what's with that look of yours? Even like this, I can see your face, well I guess I know you too well. A worried expression just doesn't look good on you. You must always be calm my friend. That's who Uchiha Itachi is. I am positive you can do this. Everything will be fine…From now on you may be forced to walk on a...dark and painful path. Forgive me I won't be able to be there with you. Carry my will and the Mangekyou for me...Thank you for everything."

Getting knowledge of the paralysis jutsu on him Itachi in a low voice could only say, "I...I...I will carry on your will."

Shisui turned towards Naruto and said, "Naruto, otouto...please don't cry. I can see you as well. It just doesn't suit you. You must always be cheerful, and optimistic and never give up. That's who Uzumaki Naruto is. You may take our meeting five years ago as one of your best days…but in truth, it was one of my best days too. You filled my life with joy and happiness. Thank you for accepting and giving me the love of an elder brother...Your path was always tough, it may get tougher...keep going on, and don't stop. I will be far away from you now...But I will always be watching you. I will always love you, otouto...Protect the village and become a great Hokage, also if you can then try to accomplish my goal of stopping this unnecessary fighting. Will you? All aside, promise me that you will live with honor. Do what is right. I trust you to live righteously, even in this strange world."

"I...I...I will. I pr... promise." Stuttered Naruto. Who was now unable to stop the unending streams of tears from both his eyes. His breathing too had become very fast and irregular while continuously choking at times. Even if Shisui wanted the boy to be as he was, he internally knew this minute maybe second had ended the boy's cheerful nature. He just hoped that the optimism wouldn't die.

Shisui started taking backward steps. Both Itachi and Naruto still tried with all force to move. Shisui still slightly smiling even at his final moments just said. "Thank you for everything. Both of you. I guess this is the end of the road for me…But this will pave a new one for both of you, with new powers. Goodbye, my friend...Goodbye otouto."

Shisui was at the edge just one last step when both Itachi and Naruto were freed from their paralysis jutsu. Both ran in hopes of being able to catch Shisui. Itachi reached first and tried to grab him but Shisui had already started his descent down the deep cliff to the shallow Nanuko River.

Naruto hadn't been able to reach the edge as fast as Itachi but he couldn't just let Shisui go. Shisui was almost everything to him. His mentor. His first friend. His brother. Shisui came into his life and filled it with human touch and love when he was treated like nothing by nearly everyone. Shisui was the one who understood him the most. He just couldn't let Shisui go.

He tried to leap down the cliff hoping somehow both he and Shisui would be safe. If not and he too went to the other world, it was fine with him. He just didn't care anymore. He wanted to be Shisui. Either alive or dead, he didn't care. He just wanted to be with his Shisui-nii.

Itachi seeing Naruto too made a jump, he immediately leaned forward and caught him by his shirt just outside of the edge. He already lost Shisui. He couldn't lose Naruto too. Both of them just saw Shisui falling down. Naruto involuntarily extended one of his arms and screamed his agony out, "SHISUUIIIIIIII!"

Shisui heard the scream. It hurt him that he brought pain to Naruto but it was for the boy's good he reasons himself. He couldn't see but somehow, he knew the thing he aimed to accomplish had been done. He just whispered to himself, "Good luck Naruto and Itachi...I believe in both of you...Now one last genjutsu." With the remaining chakra, he applied a genjutsu on his body, to cover his hollow sockets. He needed to do this to make people feel that the wounds of the impact, on his dead body would be the reason for his death. Usually, a genjutsu remained till the chakra remained. He had even surpassed that limitation…After all, this was Uchiha Shisui we are talking about.

After completing the genjutsu, He said his last words it was time for him to finally reflect on his life, "I was always an odd one. Naturally gifted, I didn't wait for my peers. I was full of anxiety, curiosity, and euphoria. I was so rooted with myself that I was never affected by anyone's presence or absence. That's not particularly bad. It helps you stand on your own. I loved it. But it is only rightly good if you are at peace. I was never at peace, this world troubled me. I didn't like a place where kids are sent to kill others and die themselves. I tried to find myself in this world. I tried to find the meaning of my life. This thought never let me stay in peace. I met Itachi then Naruto, I was able to gain relations that helped me grow…The time with them made me realize, that life is not about finding yourself. It is rather about creating yourself. I was the Uchiha who would create himself to be the one who was one of the all-time best in genjutsu. I created myself to be an elder brother and a best friend. I created myself to be the one I am, I am Uchiha Shisui." With that and a small genuine smile, he hit the bottom. This was his end.

Both Naruto and Itachi heard the impact of water. Their blood ran cold at the confirmation of Shisui's impact. Naruto's mind was in haywire. He didn't know what to think. His sobbing had just increased. He released as much anguish as he could with a painful ear-deafening scream. Unknown to him, his blue eyes that were shedding tears were changing color. It had completed its change. Now tears were flowing out of crimson-colored eyes with one tome in each eye. He had awakened his Sharingan. Naruto's mind still didn't want to comprehend that Shisui was dead. He was still held by Itachi, not letting him travel down the cliff. His scream stopped and he slipped into an unconscious state in Itachi's arms. Before his eyelids completely closed, his eyes returned to their original blue color.

Itachi hadn't noticed the change in Naruto's eyes. Nor did he know it was possible. Neither had he paid attention to the scream. He was too concerned with the change in his eyes. On the time of impact. His eyes were closed not wanting to witness the impact. Blood started to drip through the slit between his eyelids. He then opened his eyes instead of three tomes, there was a black, curved three-pointed shuriken shape surrounding a red pupil and red iris where the black shuriken shape wasn't there. He had awakened his Mangekyou Sharingan.

He just looked down at the rippling water and said, "Rest in peace, Shisui."

---

Itachi after a while had realised that Naruto had gone unconscious in his arms. He then carried him on the back and took him to the hospital. Even in the unconscious state, Itachi felt Naruto's tears streaming down him. He too was devastated by the outcome. He was barely able to keep his tears in he had to hold strong to solve the situation before him.

Arriving at the hospital, the receptionist had initially refused to admit Naruto saying he had no problem, it was just an excuse for her prejudice. But one cold glare and a massive amount of killing intent made her whimper back. He laid Naruto on the bed assigned. He was usually given a single bedroom, and today was no different. He stayed there knowing that the Hokage would come. The Hokage had made it clear to the hospital staff that if anytime Naruto was admitted then he was to be informed immediately.

Hiruzen came rushing to the hospital. First, he is told that Itachi left mid-mission without any explanation. Then he gets to know Naruto had left the academy via the windows just out of the blue. And now he was receiving messages that the boy was admitted to hospital due to being in an unconscious state. His heart was already racing due to the mission given to Shisui, of which he had no idea what was going on with it. And to add more stress these extra events were occurring.

Entering the room, he saw Itachi sitting on the chair beside the bed in which Naruto was. He then noticed Itachi looking extremely devastated, and downcast. He unconsciously raised a privacy seal. He went near Naruto and checked for any injuries, but couldn't find any. "Genjutsu?" He asked Itachi.

Itachi simply shook his head indicating no. The Hokage was now really curious about what had happened. He calmly asked, "What happened Itachi?"

Itachi took a few moments before replying. It was even painful just thinking about what had happened, but now he had to lie about it. He just lowly said, "Shisui committed suicide."

The Hokage was shocked to the core. But before he could say anything Itachi continued, "Captain Kakashi must have told you that I left mid-mission...I don't know how but I felt something was not right and left the mission...Similarly, Naruto had the same feelings. We both by some miracle arrive at the location where he was about to commit suicide. He did tell us the reason…of his strain. He told us about the mission and the 'truth' and asked us not to say it to anyone."

He took a glimpse of the Hokage and saw that he had his head down as if blaming himself. Itachi then said, "If you are thinking that I blame you then, you are wrong. You did what was right...It would have ended like this…you couldn't have predicted it. Shisui put both of us in a paralysis jutsu so we could not stop him...Naruto's brain, I think is still having trouble accepting Shisui's death, so it chooses to shut down for a bit of time. I thought it would be better to bring him to hospital, as this isn't a normal slip of consciousness."

Though Itachi had reassured him, Hiruzen still believed that Shisui's death was his fault. He had put the burden on Shisui's shoulder. He could just hope that Naruto didn't hate him when he got up. In his mind, he just said, 'I am sorry, Shisui...Forgive me if you can…May your soul rest in peace.'

Hiruzen just looked at Itachi and said, "Itachi, forgive me for this. I am sorry things had to turn out this way."

"Hokage-sama, it's not your fault. And let's not go back and forth in this as we may go till daybreak and still won't agree." Said Itachi.

The Sandaime just nodded grimly and said, "Okay Itachi...Go home now you need rest...I will be by Naruto's side. You don't need to worry."

Itachi bowed and said, "Hai, Hokage-sama." In truth, he really needs some rest and sleep to calm himself down. With that, he left for his home and the Hokage sat beside Naruto.

---

Itachi had a very irregular sleep. By the time of his usual waking time, he was able to get some rest and calm himself down. He was able to calm down by reminding himself that he still had to stop the coup d'etat.

There was a clan meeting in the early morning. He had no will to go there. He went and sat at the dining table and had some tea. There was still an hour to sunrise. His father then arrived at the dining table. Fugaku sat in the chair opposite to his son. Itachi didn't greet him, just glared. Their relationship has been very tensed for the past few months. Fugaku had been trying to get Itachi to his senses and act accordingly for his clan. Fugaku needed Itachi. He is one of Konoha's best ninja.

"Are you coming to the meeting today? You have been missing most of them lately." Asked Fugaku.

"What makes you think I would possibly change today?" asked Itachi.

"To remove suspicion of being Shisui's murderer." Said his father calmly. Being the head of the Police force, and the Uchiha clan head, he was one of the first people to be notified of Shisui's death. All the Uchihas had taken the news of their strongest shinobi's death with shock and a bitter aftertaste. The news had spread like wildfire due to the popularity of the boy.

Itachi just flashed his sharingan and glared harder at his father. "You or anyone is a fool to think that I killed Shisui. Didn't you say last night the police force found a suicide note?"

"Yes, we did. But that does not cancel out any theories." Reasoned Fugaku.

Itachi had been able to skip the meetings because Shisui would join them and get the details. Now it was his responsibility to continue the work. He would have gone anyway, reluctantly.

He then said, "I would have come anyway...But I have nothing to prove to any of you fools." With that, he left the room.

---

Fugaku being the head had gone to the meeting site before to set everything. Now just at sunrise both Mikoto and Itachi were heading to the meeting place. Itachi most of the time had an expressionless face. Mikoto was used to it but today she could see the deep sorrow in his eyes, and she knew the reason.

She just lowly said, "Itachi, I know you are sad, you can let it out you know. You don't need to hide anything from me, you can't really, I am your mother after all."

"It is true I am not happy. But I have already accepted and am trying to move on." Replied Itachi stoically.

Mikoto just nodded and said her thoughts out, "His action was so sudden, wasn't it? I wonder how Naruto will react when he gets to know about it?" She said in a sad tone. She knew how much Shisui meant to Naruto. It was because of Shisui who had become close to Naruto first that allowed, Itachi and herself to become close to the blond.

Itachi unknowingly let his tongue slip a bit. "His actions were not sudden. It was due to the pressure being mounted on him by the coup d'etat. That led to this series of events."

No one was in hearing range of them, so he was a bit lucky. He bit his tongue due to the slip. In Shisui's note, he had written stress but hadn't mentioned the coup. Mikoto then asked, "That is the most probable reason, but since nothing was mentioned in the note, we can't say anything."

Itachi didn't know why but he was unable to lie to his mother and said, "I was there...when he committed suicide. He told the reason…And you were asking if Naruto knows? Yes, he knows about Shisui's death he was also there with me. We somehow got a bad feeling and arrived at the place where Shisui was. Shisui didn't keep Naruto in suspense and told everything about the coup and how it affected him. The coup was the ultimate reason why Shisui died. He kept us in a paralysis jutsu so we couldn't save him."

Mikoto looked downcast and asked, "How did he react?...Will he…hate me for being part of the coup?" The idea of Naruto looking hateful at her, hurt her deeply.

"The hate part...I don't know. Naruto is not a person who holds grudges, if he did then many villagers would already be subjected to it, which they aren't. You know it. But yes, to a certain extent. He too has limits of those natures in him, and a line should be there. Or else there will be a flaw instead of a perk for him…I don't know how much this event will change him. And this might cause Naruto to finally cross that line…We may find ourselves with a completely different person. I am sure he won't look at the world with the same eyes ever again. And for how he reacted?...He reacted very terribly. His mind doesn't seem to want to accept the fact that Shisui is dead...He has been unconscious since Shisui's death."

"What?!" exclaimed Mikoto. Worry is visible in her face. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?!" She added.

Itachi had expected this kind of reaction. He just said, "We are having our first actual conversation now since I came home yesterday."

Mikoto couldn't believe that Itachi didn't tell her about Naruto's condition immediately when he returned. She then reasoned herself, 'It may be because of all the things that is going on.' She then turned around to go to the hospital immediately, not caring that there was a clan meeting she was supposed to attend.

Itachi knowing where his mother was intending to go, simply said, "You can't meet him."

Mikoto had only taken one step. On hearing what Itachi said, she turned around and with angry eyes, looking at her son, she asked, "And why is that?"

Itachi was not affected by the glare. He just said, "Firstly, Tou-san will be expecting you. But that is not the real reason...It is not the visiting hours now. Moreover, Naruto has been labeled 'No visitors' by the Hokage. So, you will need his permission."

Gritting her teeth at the fact that she couldn't see Naruto, she continued walking with Itachi to the meeting venue.

---

Itachi felt sick. He couldn't believe how fickle-minded some men and women could be. He meant, yes it was also the village's fault for not coming out clear or rather talk with the eliminated suspects. But some people just terribly fail to see the bigger picture. The meeting was still going on. Various people who had been appointed to get data said their findings. He too had fed his father with false information about the Anbu weapons and manpower data.

His mother sat beside him clearly able to see the disgust in her son's eyes. She too didn't feel good what all was going around her. Her attempts to persuade her husband to stop had been brushed off every time. And now there didn't seem to be a turning point.

One male member after all the information was shared asked, "Fugaku, when are we executing the coup?"

Another male then said, "We can actually make our move now. We can blame Shisui's death on the village. His death is pretty mysterious."

Many of the Uchiha believed that Itachi had killed Shisui. Everyone knew that Itachi was becoming more and more distant from his father, indirectly to the clan. They didn't say it aloud now due to Itachi's presence.

A female now spoke, "He might have done it so we could go ahead with a coup for this exact reason. We should not let it go in vain."

Fugaku hummed a bit and said, "It is a good opportunity, let's discuss more on the pros and cons. My thought would be that it is kind of premature to just strike a day or week after. I believe we are being hasty." With that, many started an open debate.

Itachi was shaking with anger the whole time. His sharingan had been involuntarily activated. His teeth gritting each other. 'How dare they!...He gave up his life trying to stop the coup. Not give you morons a chance to go ahead with it.', he thought. After hearing his father consider it, he just got up and left the meeting venue. This did catch a lot of attention. He didn't care what those pests think of him.

Fugaku looked at the retreating figure of his son. He then signalled his three right-hand men to follow and interrogate Itachi.

Itachi was walking down the streets to his home. Just as he arrived at the gate of his house. When a palm was rested on his shoulder. He looked back seeing the three pets of his father. In a cold voice, he said, "What do you three want?"

Uchiha Yashiro was along with Tekka and Inabi, who were members of the Uchiha Police force. They were also the right-hand men of their leader. Yashiro being the oldest and head of the three, said, "Why did you leave the meeting?"

"It doesn't concern you, so get out." Said Itachi.

Tekka and Inabi growled a bit at the rude behaviour while, keeping his cool Yashiro asked, "Fine…So what all do you know about the death of Shisui, other than throwing himself down the Nanuko river?"

Itachi waited for a second and then said, "You think it was me, don't you?"

Tekka then snarled, "Yeah you punk. Shisui was our strongest Shinobi. He wouldn't just die like that…"

Inabi continued, "Listen up Itachi…If you betray the clan, it won't be good for you. If you did it then just accept being the murderer of your best frien…"

The next second Inabi found himself lying down on the ground with a hand over his swollen cheek. All thanks to a strong punch from Itachi. Tekka went for a punch seeing this. He was easily tamed by a roundhouse kick to the head by Itachi.

"What the hell Itachi!", exclaimed Yashiro. Seeing no choice he too went ahead with an uppercut, which Itachi dodged easily while also saying, "It is not wise to judge others based on our own perception and by their appearances...You have made the mistake of perceiving me as a patient person…"

"And you talk too much while fighting." With that Yashiro first punched Itachi in his chest, He heard the pleasant sound of some ribs breaking. And then kicked the boy's chin, knocking him out and falling with a satisfying thud sound.

Yashiro dusted his shoulders and said, "Inexperienced bastar…"

Before he could say anything more, he saw Itachi standing in front of him, unharmed. He then looked around and saw Inabi painfully gripping his chest and Tekka holding his chin. He involuntarily whispered, "Genjutsu!"

Itachi then said, "I don't usually lose…But when I do it's a genjutsu." With that Itachi with all his might punched a stunned Yashiro straight in the face, knocking him out. Before losing consciousness Yashiro heard, "The clan…The clan, that's all you think about…You all overestimate your own abilities…with no idea of the depth of my own. Look at you now, groveling in the dirt. Obsessed with the clan, obsessed with our lineage. A worthless compulsion that enslaves us."

Itachi then turned his gaze towards the door at the spectators of the fight. Both his little siblings had heard noises and opened the door to find Itachi beating three of their uncles. They had never seen this side of their elder brother and were highly intimidated by it.

Itachi said, "Both of you inside, no need to pick them up…When Kaa-san or father comes tell them the truth that I was the one to beat these three up."

Without a question, they ran inside the house and Itachi walked away from his home. He was now walking alone in the clan district. All the adults were in the meeting venue and the children were sleeping or just got up, inside doing their morning chores. They had no idea what their elders were plotting.

Since he knew no one was near him now, he spoke his thoughts out aloud. And activated his Mangekyou sharingan. He spoke in an angry tone, "You all focus on the trivial and lose sight of what's most important, change is impossible in the fog of ignorance...It is absurd how shallow this clan is...All it does it limit our capability and that in turn leads us to fear what people don't understand. I have had enough of all this...There is no hope left for this pathetic clan."

With that, he threw a kunai at the center of one of the nearby paintings of the clan symbol on the wall.

---

Itachi was now in one of the discussion rooms of the Hokage Tower. He was in his Anbu gear and get up. And his weasel mask strapped at the side to his waist belt. It was the same room where yesterday Shisui had given his report and plan to stop the coup. The seating arrangements were exactly similar, just it was Itachi kneeling instead of Shisui.

Itachi was called for a meeting concerning the coup. The room was a contrast to the time of the day. It was around 10 in the morning when the hustle and bustle on the streets was the most. But the room was filled with silence, it was eerie in there. The atmosphere outside also had become very cloudy, and very little light passed through them. It was like an indication of an upcoming storm.

Homura decided to break the silence, "It seems the coup d'etat is still in motion."

Koharu then added, "Yes, it is so. Yesterday's plan didn't go as we expected."

Hiruzen sighed, unlike the others he did harbor some sadness and guilt due to the turn of events. He then said, "I shouldn't have put such stress on him. I should have made a better decision."

Danzo after the Hokage asks, "Itachi…many blame you for his death. What do you have to say on that?"

Itachi just looked at the war hawk. It was hard for him not to strangle the bastard to death right there and then. Itachi in a stern and dangerous voice replied, "Anyone who thinks that way is a fool...You know it."

Danzo didn't show but flinched a bit internally. Was it a normal sentence or a direct reference? Did Itachi know? Danzo was confused.

"Regardless of what may people think of me. Today there were discussions of whether to use Shisui's mysterious death as the trigger for the coup d'etat." Said Itachi bluntly. He kept himself calm. The decision which would be taken now could ultimately decide what will happen.

"Itachi are they really considering it?" Asked Hiruzen. If that was the case then he would have to prepare his forces for a war.

"The final verdict is yet to come from my father...Many in the clan are willing and eager to go ahead with it." Said Itachi.

"Hiruzen they are crossing the last and ultimate line now. You can't still be hoping for a peaceful resolution." Said the one-eyed man.

"Hokage-sama we can't just sit silently now." Said Homura.

"Hokage-sama, I too agree with my counterparts." Said Koharu.

With a heavy heart, Sandaime announced to them, "Well then...Start the preparations for war. Only preparation, I don't want the slightest aggression to give them the chance and start a war."

All nodded acknowledging their leader's decision. Itachi was internally a bit conflicted. This was the last thing he wanted. Hiruzen could see Itachi's conflict, and couldn't blame him for having them. He just said, "Itachi you can have the day off. You need it. Come to terms with that you will have to fight your kin...I will also ask to keep an eye out as there have been intrusions into the village by someone since the past week. The barrier system shows a person more at times. The barrier seems to be fine so most likely there is an intruder who uses a space-time ninjutsu...All are dismissed."

One by one everyone left the room. Before Itachi could step out of the tower, he was stopped by Danzo in a corridor. Danzo said, "I want you to meet me at my foundation's building in an hour."

"Why?" Said Itachi clearly not willing to comply.

"It's an order, boy. I want you to have a small talk about the coup." Said Danzo.

Itachi could not deny it now. Though he was the head of only the Anbu subdivision, root. He was also given the authority to give orders to any ANBU member. He just nodded and left.

---

Itachi had arrived at Danzo's foundation building. With the gloomy settings of the place and with the help of the cloudy day, one could mistake the time to that of night rather than day. Danzo was standing at the middle of the room while Itachi stayed at the doorway.

"What was it you wanted to talk about?" Said Itachi getting straight to the point.

"Straight to the point it seems...I like it...The thing is that even if war breaks out, I am not willing to have casualties at the leaf's side."

"In a war, no matter what you try both sides are affected."

"Yes, that's why I want to stop it before even starting. And I want you to do it." Danzo had been thinking about how to remove Itachi like Shisui. He had originally planned on sending his root Anbu after him. But two Uchiha deaths would be too suspicious, and Hiruzen would quickly connect the dots. Then an idea struck to him that would kill two birds with one stone.

"What do you mean?" asked Itachi.

"We don't have time…You have to choose. You either align with the Uchiha Clan and all-out war breaks. Your family being the head will be the prime target... another outcome is that I send a few of my root Anbu killing all. To the last Uchiha...Or you could align with the Leaf village and slaughter all the Uchiha except for your brother and sister...The choice is yours." Said Danzo.

Itachi stood still. His thoughts were racing. 'He won't wait for the war to start. If I refuse to do it, he will kill me here itself. This place must be littered to every corner with root Anbu...And also if I accept. I can save Sasuke and Kiyomi...also Naruto because if war breaks now, he is still unconscious and very vulnerable state. I can't let anything happen to any of them.'

Itachi then said, "My allegiance was and will always be to the betterment of Konohagakure no Sato."

"Very well...You will execute your mission ten minutes after sunset...I acknowledge this will be your hardest mission ever, but also the most important. You are dismissed."

Itachi left the place and just a few steps after a crow came and sat at his wrist. "You got the things needed."

The crow just nodded. "Good." Was just Itachi said and the crow flew away.

---

Itachi to slow his heartbeat a bit went to the academy first and from afar he watched at his brother and sister for a while. Afterward, he went to the hospital. He didn't want to face the receptionist and knew Naruto's room so directly went in via the window. He checks on Naruto's health. All seemed fine except he was still unconscious. Itachi hoped that his blonde brother would wake up and he could have a last conversation with him.

But Naruto didn't seem to be waking up any soon. He poked Naruto's forehead hoping for some reaction. After not getting the usual grunt and rubbing of the forehead he left, with a sad sigh. He knew none of his two brothers or his sister liked it, then too he would do the gesture. He didn't know why he did it, it was something that came out naturally.

To pipe down his emotions Itachi had gone to a secluded part of the forests. Here he was alone and he could relax undisturbed. It was just an hour past noon, the clouds were gone now. So, to escape from the heat Itachi was sitting on a branch of a tree. He was just looking around aimlessly.

Suddenly about ten meters from him the space seemed a bit distorted. It seemed like the surroundings were swirling out from one place. Out of nowhere now, a man was at that place. The man had long spiky black hair and was dressed mostly in black. The most striking thing was that the mysterious man wore an orange face mask with only one eye hole and various black markings on it.

Itachi, remembering what the Hokage said. He followed the mysterious man. After a while, it was evident to Itachi that the masked intruder was looking for weak spots in the village. Itachi knew he had to confront the man so he leaped out of his hiding spot, landing a meter away from the man. The man noticed the company he was acquainted with. He turned to meet him face to face, or rather face to mask.

Both of them were ready to spring into action any second. But neither had made a move yet. Before Itachi could say anything, the masked man spoke. His voice was calm but filled with confidence and severity. "Ahh…Uchiha Itachi...prodigy of the Uchiha clan. I see you come to give me company today...Well, this is surely a circumstance I was hoping not to fall in."

Itachi had just hardened his gaze on the man when his name was spoken. "Who are you? And what are you doing?"

"Well...why don't you tell me what I am doing? It's pretty obvious, isn't it?"

"You still haven't answered my second question. And after that, you will tell me why are you scouting this area."

"What do you hope to gain by knowing it?"

"You seem to be pretty scared of letting me know of your motives. Well, it does seem you know a good deal about me...and you haven't attacked. So, I presume that a fight won't be favorable to you...So answer the questions or else I will have to attack."

The masked man just gave out a loud laugh. "You certainly are interesting...Indeed, I don't wish to fight with you. But do not be mistaken that I will lose to you. You can't even touch me, literally. The reason I haven't attacked is because I don't wish to fight the whole village. Not now, but in time that will happen."

"So, you are planning to attack Konoha."

"Perceptive aren't you."

"Just who are you that you could possibly think that you can take down a hidden village?"

Itachi looked at the masked man, particularly his single-eye hole. Seeing where the attention of Itachi was the masked man decided to reveal something to his acquaintance. The onyx eye he had turned crimson with three tomes. Itachi's eyes had widened. But what the masked man told him next is what shook him to the core.

"My name is Uchiha Madara."

Getting his composure back quickly Itachi said. "How do you possibly expect me to believe that you are Madara? He should be dead."

"Well, I am very ingenious when needed. And it doesn't matter if you believe who I am or not. The leaf shall burn no matter what. You can't simply hope to stop me."

'Well, there just has to be one thing after another. If he is really Madara then I don't stand a chance. Even if he is not Madara, he must have something up his sleeve to be this assured. Either way, can't I let him attack the village...Wait is he the one who…' Itachi remained silent while finding out who was behind the Kyuubi attack ten years ago. He was now trying to contemplate a plan. 'Well let's take a shot.'

"If you are really who you say you are. Then it is true I don't have a chance. But I do have a proposition for you. And I could really use your help." Said Itachi.

"What is it?"

Itachi then went forward to tell 'Madara' about the coup and massacre to happen. Itachi knew if he needed to gain help, he had to be truthful. Madara had been listening quietly and thinking of the advantages he could get. He was pleased at the extended hand of help.

"...So, you could quench your revenge on the clan for dishonoring you all those years back. In return, you will leave the Konohagakure no Sato alone. And will also not touch the people I mentioned. And also, not reveal the truth to anyone." Said Itachi.

"I will accept all of your conditions...if you join my group called the Akatsuki. It will help you give protection also after you become a rogue-nin due to the aftermath of the massacre. The details and goal of the group will be told to you when you join."

Itachi thought about the condition laid to him. He then said, "I accept."

"Very well...I will start my part exactly ten minutes after the last beam of sunlight disappears." With that, Madara left with the same swirl with which he had appeared.

---

Itachi strapped up his Anbu gear for one last time. He left his mask off, as he thought the identity of the killer should be known, and the person who was killed by him should see his face. His mind was melting. The sun was setting and the time for the massacre was nearing. His heart was beating at an unbelievable speed. He was going to execute the massacre in the residential side of the district. While Madara would take on the military side of the district where the police force had its building and barrack. He was now on an electric pole, the moon shining behind him. He was counting down the time now.

Ten minutes after sunset had passed. He jumped his way to a particular house he had planned to start the Massacre with. He entered the house quietly and with all the stealth he could. He could hear a conversation in the main room. He could make out the two female voices. One of which was very familiar, too familiar to him. It was sweet and gentle. The other was of the mother of that sweet-voiced person. He kicked a nearby trash can to create a distraction. This got the attention of the occupants of the house. The gentle voice then said, "What was that?...I will go check."

Itachi entered the room as soon as she left. He immediately flashed his sharingan rendering the mother unconscious state before she could even have a proper reaction to the intruder.

"Kaa-chan somehow the tras..." She then noticed her mother laying unconscious. She then looked at the man who had entered. Her eyes widened as she recognized the person. She could never mistake the face even in the dim light.

"Itachi-kun...wh...what?...Why?" Asked Izumi. Itachi and Izumi had been each other's sweethearts for a long time now. She was a bit stupefied about why her Itachi would do such a thing to her mother.

Itachi couldn't bear to hear Izumi's voice any longer. He just said, "I am sorry Izumi. The coup has gone too far." With that, he activated his Mangekyou sharingan. He just whispered next, "Tsukuyomi."

It was a new power he had received due to attaining his Mangekyou sharingan. It was a genjutsu where he had total control of space and time. Izumi had gazed into her lover's eyes and was now deathly still, unable to do anything.

Itachi had put a lot more chakra than required for the jutsu. This caused any time spent in the real world was a billionth of the time spent in Tsukuyomi.

In Itachi's genjutsu he had replicated what he thought would be a peaceful life. The clan was peaceful. The village was peaceful and tranquil. There was no suffering. Both Itachi and Izumi live side by side all the time. Both go ahead in their ninja careers. Itachi gives Izumi a promising ring. They had a cheerful wedding. The birth of their children. Raising their children. The departure of their children. Both grow old beside each other. Hair grew white, but it didn't matter till they had each other's hand. Izumi falls ill and Itachi takes care of her for the rest of the life.

Itachi had used a lot of chakra and stumbled forward. Izumi too had lost her balance. Both supported each other from completely falling to the ground. Itachi was weeping heavily. Izumi brought her hand up and wiped his tears.

"Thank you." She said.

"No...I owe you a thank you for the love you gave me...And please forgive me. I am sorry." Said Itachi.

"You are too good for your own good." She said. Showing him a gentle smile, she then kissed him one last time. Itachi would have said something but he was shut due to the kiss. It was a chaste kiss but filled with a lot of love and a mountain full of emotions. Itachi felt the lips going cold and the body going stiff. Finally, due to the information of several decades implanted in Izumi's brain in mere moments, it had taken a toll on her mind and it shut down. Itachi laid her body gently on the ground. He had decided to start from here so that there could be no backing out afterward.

At another part of the district, bloody mayhem had already started. Madara was slicing and cutting people without any remorse. He was having the time of his life. Many came and tried their best to take the masked man down. But alas, no one could land a single hit on him even if their aim was right. The weapons, punches, or jutsus would just pass by him. It was like he was an illusion one second and a real person the other.

Itachi too had started his part where he would just attack on sight. He had stopped thinking. Now the only work his brain was doing, was his muscle coordination. House after house. Body after body. He just went on. He heard the screams, the pleas but his mind was not able to process any of it. Blood splattered everywhere. This continued till he faced a person he knew would be his toughest enemy. His father stood in front of him a good five meters away. Itachi just stared coldly at his father with his sharingan active. He tried to keep his emotions shut. Which he found was rather easier than he thought. The mass killing really took a toll on him, mentally.

Fugaku just looked around at the bodies littered at the side of the cemented path. The blood stains on the walls and the path below. He was able to deduce what was going on and why it was going on. He too had activated his sharingan and stared at his eldest son.

Fugaku then in a stern voice asked, "Itachi...Are you going to show me...a different future from the one I showed you?"

"Yes." That was the only thing Itachi said. His voice now had no emotions.

Fugaku knew that his eldest son never agreed with the path they were following. But he would never guess that his son would end up doing such an action. Still, in a stern voice, he asked, "Was this the only way?"

"It was either I do this and be able to save some people from the clan...or a total wipe-out by someone else." Itachi started to take a stance for a fight. He knew he would have to go all out to finish the fight early so he also activated his Mangekyou sharingan.

'The Mangekyou!' exclaimed Fugaku in his mind. But that's not what he said, "I see...Sasuke and Kiyomi, eh?" He was trying and hoping to confirm the ones who were pardoned.

He didn't get any reply from his son. He considered it as a yes. Then 'Fugaku' said, "I will be waiting for you." and with that he poofed.

'A kage bunshin!' thought Itachi.

Itachi finished the rest of his job in his area. The only Uchihas remaining was...his own family. He kept his sharingan on. He crept into the outer parts of his house. He was looking through a small opening through a sliding door but it was empty. He suddenly heard his father's voice from the adjacent room saying, "Over here..."

---

A few moments earlier

"...So, this all is going on." Said Fugaku to his wife.

"I am sorry Mikoto...I don't wish to have a to-death battle with my son." said Fugaku.

Both Fugaku and Mikoto had heard a lot of screams. So, to investigate what was going on Fugaku had sent a kage bunshin. After the kage bunshin had poofed out of existence, it brought all its memory to him. With a heavy heart, he told his wife what was happening.

Mikoto was devastated at what was going on. She didn't know what to make of it. On one side her son was committing a very awful act. But when the other side of the beam is seen, it has peace for the village and spares the life of her other two children. The latter one is worth much more to the mother. She could see Itachi's reasoning.

She accepted her death at the hands of her son...She just wanted to see, talk, and give a hug to Sasuke and Kiyomi one last time, who would most probably be in a park, both had a habit of running around and playing tag bit with each other after the academy finished for the day and then returning home. She wanted to tell them how to live properly, eat properly and many more but...it didn't seem possible.

She also wished to see her blonde son, Naruto one last time, rub his whiskers, and talk with him. She had tried to get to the Hokage for permission but she was unable to go past his secretary as he was very busy and couldn't take any visitors, the secretary dubbed. Neither had she been able to convince the hospital staff to let her in. She was only able to get to know a brief of his health. Which was not good as he still didn't regain consciousness. It saddened her.

But the most she wanted to see was her eldest son in normal circumstances. She wanted to talk with him freely. It didn't fit well with her that her son had taken up such a big burden on his shoulders. She wanted to hug him, pat him. She was strangely remembering the day Itachi had been born. They were too happy to measure. Her son had grown up to be a very fine man and a true shinobi she thought.

They heard footsteps. Mikoto wanted to cry but kept a firm face, so Itachi could complete his mission without much hesitation. Fugaku too had a similar expression. But the sadness and grief were evident even in their firm faces.

Fugaku then said, "Over here..."

---

"Over here...there are no traps. Come inside."

Itachi then navigated to the adjacent room. He opened the door and saw both his parents sitting on the floor, facing away from the door of the empty room.

Itachi had thought he would be able to control his emotions. But he simply couldn't, how could he?...In a hoarse voice, he said, "Tou-san...Kaa-san. Forgive me."

Fugaku as stern as he could muster up in his voice said, "You have aligned with the other side...This is the path you have chosen...Do not fear go ahead...I just want to let you know... Although our philosophies differ...I am very proud of you, I always was...You are truly a kind child. Don't let today get into your head."

Itachi's eyes were swelling up with tears. His heart started to ache.

In the voice of a very old and defeated man, his father then said, "Itachi, just promise me this...Please take care of Kiyomi and Sasuke."

His breathing had become very uneven. He started to weep for the second time from the start of the massacre. In a raspy voice, he said, "I will."

"Itachi, my boy...I am sorry I couldn't make your life better...I don't know what to say more actually...you don't need any advice...you are truly very good at everything...I couldn't have asked for a better son. Don't linger on this incident for too long. Take care of your 'brothers' and your sister. You are and will always be a gift from God, not only to us but to the whole village and shinobi world...I will always love you." Said Mikoto in a surprisingly strong voice.

"Ka...kaa-san...just promise me this...You won't tell the tru-truth about this night to anyone. Not even Sa...Sasuke or Ki...Kiyomi. This is my la…last request from you...Please respect it and don't tell them anything." Said a quivering Itachi. The stream from his eyes did not stop.

Mikoto was not able to comprehend what Itachi meant. But she was not given the time to ask or think further. Itachi before his mother could say anything he hand chopped a pressure point on the back of her neck. This caused her to go unconscious and lie on the floor. Though he had made an agreement with Danzo, of only two survivors. He had already concluded that he couldn't kill the woman that brought him to the world. Moreover, he couldn't leave his brother, Sasuke and sister, Kiyomi without their mother. Naruto too had just lost both his elder brothers, Shisui and him, in a short period of time. He couldn't take the boy's mother figure also.

Fugaku gave out a faint smile. "I am glad you spared Mikoto. She never agreed with the coup...Thank you, Itachi."

"Sorry tou-san but...I can't do the same to you even if I wish." Said Itachi sternly.

"Itachi don't fear...You are doing what is right according to your philosophy. As I said...Now slice, and let this be my last words…I truly am proud of you, Itachi."

With that, he raised his tanto and sliced the back of his father deep enough to kill him. His tears were still streaming down. It had rather increased after his latest action. Though their relationship had turned frosty at the end, they never despised one another.

After a while, he had to stop his weeping as he heard footsteps. He then jumped back to the darker part of the room. And waited for them to come.

---

The brother-sister duo was returning from their day in the academy and playing their tag game. Their day as such was uneventful...till now. As they entered their clan district...they noticed it was rather too eerie. They went on and started to see dead bodies littered everywhere.

"Ne..Nee-san what do you think hap.. happened?" Asked Sasuke.

"I...I have no idea nor guesses." Said Kiyomi.

Both looked at each other, seeing fear and uncertainty in each other's eyes. They ran to their house. They reached their house and it was very silent. They were scared to the core. Both ensured that they were close to each other. They heard some voices and a slashing sound from one of the rooms. Their blood ran cold. They walked towards the room and opened the half-opened door.

Nothing could have prepared them for what they saw inside. They saw both of their parents on the floor in a pool of blood. They just horridly kept seeing the motionless bodies of their parents, not noticing the third person in the room.

Kiyomi started crying and stumbled across the room fell on her knees and tried to shake either of her parents to wake while incoherently saying, "Kaa-chan...Tou-san."

Sasuke was also crying now but was unable to move. He saw his sister's attempt to wake their parents up but all were in vain. He then noticed the extra person in the room. He noticed the person and was glad he was there.

He said, "NII-SAN...are you looking at this? How could this happen?...Who could do this?"

At this, Kiyomi also noticed her elder brother and was glad he was all right. She just looked at him with sad eyes and said, "Nii-chan..."

Itachi had kept a completely straight face, like he didn't know them nor cared for them. He just walked forward letting more light fall on him. He heard the gasp from both his siblings. His clothes were almost completely soaked in blood. He in a distant and uncaring voice said, "Isn't it obvious who did it?"

Both the siblings were not able to accept what Itachi said. But the blood on him told them otherwise. Itachi started to take steps forward toward his sister, who was clinging to their mother. Itachi kicked lightly and kicked her away from their mother. He then said, "What...don't want to accept the truth? Don't have the guts for it?"

For the second time in their lives, they felt scared and intimidated by Itachi. Kiyomi asked, "Nii-chan what are you saying?! Why would you do this?..." There was a long pause with Itachi starting to mound the fact he was trying to convey. "...HOW COULD YOU DO THIS!?" yelled Kiyomi ending her doubt who had done this. Her brother was acting weird from the start of the day. She wanted answers now.

Itachi closed the distance between him and his sister. He then painfully pulled her by her hair and then lifted her by grabbing her neck and, now their eyes were at the same level. Her toes weren't able to touch the floor beneath. She whimpered in pain. Sasuke saw all this, with scarred and watery eyes. He wanted to stop it but seeing his parents on the floor and thinking Itachi had done it, had made him unresponsive to anything.

Itachi then proceeded to show his Mangekyou sharingan. He made sure that Sasuke too saw it. Both the younger siblings had no idea why Itachi's sharingan changed. Itachi proceeded to say, "This is my Mangekyou Sharingan...And I had to test my abilities...that's the reason you are looking for, my sister."

Though she was in pain due to the hold on her. She started to struggle against his grip. She somehow knew it was not the truth. Her brother always did have a proper reason for everything, and this wasn't. She then yelled, "Shut up...for checking one's strength, no one would do this? Kill their parents! What's fucking wrong with you!"

Her struggle was becoming more and more strong. Her sharingan had flared on its own and another tome formed in each eye, she had reached the second stage of her sharingan. Now her sharingan had entered its second stage. Itachi saw this and said, "My little sister that's the difference between us. This was the perfect way to check my power...I would explain more...but you won't understand."

With that, he used his other hand and hit a pressure point just like he did to his mother. Her world became black and fell into an unconscious state. Itachi dropped her to the ground. He then proceeded towards his little brother.

Sasuke was still rooted to his spot. He saw Itachi knocking out his sister and coming towards him. He started to shiver with fear. He was able to gather some guts and spoke out, "Nii-san...this is unlike you...tell me you are lying. I don't believe you could do this."

Itachi just internally sighed. He thought he didn't have to resort to his last cards to make Sasuke hate him. But his brother's denial was proving him wrong. His brother loved him too much.

"My foolish little brother...still in denial. I guess I have to show it to you...Tsukuyomi."

The world around him changes. The sky was blood red and everything else was black with white linings. Itachi then appeared in front of him and said, "For the next seventy-two hours you will be seeing the death of each and every Uchiha again and again."

With that, every killing, slicing of everyone, screams of fear, the agony was shown to the boy. It was too much to handle. Sasuke gripped his head and yelled in agony and said, "Aaaahhh... Nii-san stop this...make it stop."

But then too, it didn't stop. For the next seventy-two hours of his life, he saw and heard the massacre again and again. Under the genjutsu, it had been seventy-two hours but in reality, it had only been three seconds in the real world. Itachi didn't want to stress his eyes too much this time and ended up with this ratio as the best option for him.

After the jutsu was over Sasuke fell to his knees. He was breathing heavily. Tears flowed out with no restrains. Sasuke saw the culprit still in front of him. He was panicking now. He scrambled out of his house hoping and calling for some help.

Itachi was a bit surprised that Sasuke was able to get up from the mentality-crunching genjutsu. But shook it aside immediately and went after his brother. He had deactivated his sharingan, as he was running low on chakra now. He shunshined in front of Sasuke effectively stopping his brother.

Sasuke saw his nii-san in front of him, scared for his life could only ask, "Wh-why did you have to do this to examine your power?"

"You won't understand."

Sasuke got angry now. Since the past year, it was either always, 'Maybe later' or 'You won't understand'. Sasuke in an irate tone said, "If Shisui-nii would be here now, he would humble you in a second."

If the moment wasn't aching enough for Itachi, his brother had to remind him of his deceased best friend. But still keeping an emotionless face he said, "Well Shisui is the one to thank for giving me this power."

"Wh...what do you mean?"

Itachi said, "You have the potential to be my opponent in the future...You like me can also possess the Mangekyou sharingan...However at one condition...You must kill your closest friend...Just like I did."

"You...you killed Shisui-nii?" Sasuke was again shocked at the revelation.

"That's right...and that helped me obtain these eyes...For now, you are not worth killing."

Sasuke had had enough of hearing his brother's voice and doings. His anger and guts were now suppressing his fear. His love for his brother was now truly turning into hate. His body also involuntarily sends a large pulse of chakra to his eyes. His onyx eyes turned crimson with one tome. The boy would be clueless about this development for years.

Itachi saw his brother awaken his sharingan and felt like his job was done. So, he started to leave the place. He had decided to do all this act so that Kiyomi and Sasuke could get some power out of it. So that he let himself become their beacon for power. If they hated him and had a clear goal then they would work hard to achieve that goal. That's the only way he could help them now.

Sasuke saw his brother going away and yelled, "WAIT!"

He went after his nii-san to attack him. He threw whatever shurikens and kunais he had or was able to pick up from the ground. Itachi effortlessly deflected all. It did hurt him that his brother was after his blood now but accepted the decision as he believed he was responsible for destroying their family and would accept the punishment Sasuke decided. Finally, due to Itachi's lack of concentration, one kunai was able to knock off his Hitai-ate.

Sasuke was heavily breathing due to exhaustion and was kneeling on the ground now. Itachi just went to his fallen Hitai-ate, lifted it up tied it back. Activating his Mangekyou Sharingan he said, "My foolish brother...If you want to kill me...curse me! Hate me! And live a long and unsightly life...Run away...run away...and cling to your pitiful life. And then someday, when you have the same eyes as I do, come before me."

Finally, the physical and mental exhaustion got to Sasuke, his sharingan deactivating and with that, he fell unconscious. Itachi looked at his brother and just let one long awaiting tear-free.

He went to a roof where he had agreed to meet Madara after the Massacre. When he arrived at the meeting point Madara was already there.

"Done with your part?" asked Madara.

"Yes...you?" asked Itachi.

Madara nodded and said, "Now it is your turn to help me by joining the Akatsuki."

"Yes, I will...You go ahead...I have to report to the higher-ups of the village."

Madara nodded and left with his swirl. Itachi was now alone. The massacre was over. He fell to his knees and stared up at the night sky blankly, with his mind in a complete haze.

---

The Hokage had just got to know there was a massacre happening in the village of the Uchiha clan. He was oblivious to the person committing it or the reason. He didn't think it could have been due to the coup as it was a well-guarded secret. Besides the members of the Uchiha clan only the Hokage and the village elders knew about it. And the other recently added person was unconscious. Moreover, the clan did have many enemies due to their past.

Both Hiruzen and Danzo gathered up ten of their best Anbu who were at the Anbu headquarters at the moment. All the Anbu had arrived and made two lines, with one being of the Hokage's team and the other being Danzo's team. Hiruzen then said, "My team will go and check the residential side of the district."

Danzo followed by saying, "My team will go to the police force headquarters part of the district."

All the Anbu and the Hokage along with Danzo went to the district and split up to the respective parts of the district. All the Anbu and even the Hokage were mortified by seeing the carnage that had occurred. Bodies littered everywhere. Countless number of blood puddles.

"Check for any survivors." Ordered the Hokage to his team.

The Anbu Inu just said, "Who could have done this?! Without any war on the horizon such transgressions...It's unthinkable."

Before any of the Anbu could leave to check the area, Danzo came and replied, "This atrocity was committed by Uchiha Itachi."

This had caught Kakashi's attention the most. Itachi had been under his wing since the day the Uchiha had started in the Anbu. He had never felt any malice from his subordinate. He just said, "No it can't be...Why would he?"

"You may not know this but Itachi despised his clan. We can't measure it as none of us can either comprehend of doing this." Said Danzo.

Kakashi could not believe what he was hearing. He didn't hear any protest from the Hokage so presumed that the war hawk was telling the truth. He just couldn't wrap one thing around his mind, which he asked himself, 'Just how much hate do you harbour Itachi?'

The Hokage just signalled all to go follow the order he had given. Hiruzen just eyed at his rival. He had a hunch that this was not what it showed outside. He had thought of a plausible theory. He was about to confront the one-eyed man. But before he could his team arrived with three Anbu, each who were holding a person on their back.

Kakashi reported, "Hokage-sama there are only three survivors. Rest all are dead."

Hiruzen looked at the survivors. They were Itachi's mother, sister and brother. He was also intently watching Danzo. He had noticed the widening of the war hawk's lone eye when three was mentioned. He was now sure he had connected the dots right.

"Take them to the hospital you three. And the rest of you pack the bodies in body bags." Said Sandaime.

All of them left, now it was only him and Danzo. Hiruzen just said, "Do you have anything to say about the transgression you committed?"

"I don't understand what you mean?"

"Danzo, do you take me for an idiot, that I can't connect the dots that you somehow forced Itachi to do this?"

Danzo knew he couldn't hide the truth from his old comrade anymore. "It did solve the coup problem, didn't it?"

"YOU FOOL!...You don't see the bigger problem, do you?...These kind of solutions never end well...You will pay for your crimes in time."

"This was always the case with you...Never wanting to raise your arms."

"Consider yourself lucky that I can't execute you due to lack of evidence...But for continuous insubordination, you are firstly removed from being an elder of the village. Secondly, you are to disband your foundation and the root Anbu. All the ones will be transferred under me. And you will be put under house arrest for a period of a year."

Danzo just snarled. He knew any attempts to argue would be futile. "Very well..." was what he said. He turned and left the place. He knew a lot more and made many new underground facilities, from his illegitimate earnings. He always planned ahead if such a situation would arise. He knew that he could, still pull out something and continue his way.

Two of his cloaked Anbu that had been hidden came out to report when he was far away. One of them said, "Danzo-sama your orders have been executed."

"Good. You go ahead." He replied and that root Anbu left.

The other cloaked figure then said, "Danzo...", the lack of respect had caught the war hawk's attention. He was about to give a painful punishment when he saw something which made him stop.

Through the eye holes of the mask, Danzo could see the crimson eyes that had a curved black three-pointed shuriken shape instead of the three tomes. Those eyes promised pain. "Danzo...If you do anything to the people, I care...I will release information about your crimes and treason...Don't think I am bluffing...I gathered it today itself and I have to say the rain country incident was most surprising to me. I also know what's under those bandages surrounding your eye...I will be watching you...Be wary."

Suddenly the figure in front of Danzo disassembled into a flock of crows.

Danzo just snarled and cursed, "Damn you...Itachi."

---

Hiruzen had sent all the Anbu to the district to end the clean-up, bury the bodies and do other work. He was alone in his office now. Not even his guarding Anbu were present. He just stood near the picture of his mentors and thought what would they have done, and how would they react to his failure? He then noticed a person come to his office swiftly via the window. He recognised the person immediately.

Itachi had to talk to the Hokage before leaving. So, he waited for Sandaime to be alone so he could talk freely. Itachi entered the office took the middle of the room and kneeled down with his head down.

Hiruzen saw Itachi kneeling and his head down, he then said, "Itachi you don't need to do this. You can stand up and keep your head up."

Though Itachi was told to stand he didn't and kept his same position, head still down. He said, "I can't...after the things that I did...I just can't lift my head...I apologise for what I have done."

Hiruzen just sighed. Then asked, "No Itachi it should be me that should be apologizing. I apologize to you. Forgive me that things had to end like this...Just tell how was Danzo able to force you to do this?"

"You are able to guess Danzo was in it?" asked Itachi.

"Yes, Itachi. I am the Hokage, I know every of my shinobi's nature. In the end, it was not very hard to guess it."

Itachi just nodded and said, "It was either he sends his root Anbu for complete wipe-out or I do it and could spare Sasuke's and Kiyomi's life."

Hiruzen noticed that Itachi didn't say his mother's name and gave him a questioning look. Itachi seeing the expression, said, "The pardoning of my mother's life was not in our agreement...But I just couldn't kill her. I wasn't able to convince myself to kill the woman who brought me to this world."

"I can understand." replied the Hokage.

"So, what will you do now Itachi?" asked Hiruzen.

"I have found a group named 'Akatsuki'. I intend to be near them so they can't break a promise...Also, they seem to be a criminal organization so I will keep a check on them as much as possible."

Hiruzen then hummed and said, "Are you sure we can reveal the truth and you can be here, with the remaining of your family? You will be considered a hero. I will make everything right and come out as the blame bearer. I can at least do this much for my incompetence."

"Hokage-sama, thank you for the offer...but I was trusted to save the village and Uchiha's name. If news of the coup is released then the Uchihas name will be tarnished...I request you to not tell it to anyone please, not even my brother or sister. It is also important I join that group."

"But Itachi those two deserve to know your intentions. Or else they will hate you. And if I don't say Mikoto will tell it to them."

"No, she won't it was my last request to her not to tell it. I know she won't disrespect my last wish...And I will bear their hatred."

Hiruzen just sighed, "Very well then...Just permit me to tell the truth to one person so we can introduce you to his spy network."

"Are you talking about Master Jiraiya? Well, introducing me to his spy network will be the best in this case...But are you sure he won't reveal it to anyone?"

"Well, if I said he will follow it without a question. Like just for example...I have prohibited him from meeting Naruto...well due to his questionable behaviour and decisions. He is dying to meet the boy...So he has only been looking at Naruto from afar when he comes. Well, that is the reason why his peeking at the hot springs has stopped...Well, few times he has seen the three of you also together and knows almost everything about Naruto. And hasn't revealed anything to anyone on my saying. So, you can trust him."

Itachi just nodded. He always thought why didn't the man meet Naruto? But always concluded that it was done to keep any clues of Naruto being the son of the Yondamine away. However he was also surprised, as he had always able to sense a person if he or she was near him. Not being able to sense Jiraiya, even if the toad sage has one of the largest chakra reserves in Konoha, just showed why the man was called a spymaster. The rumours of Jiraiya's decreasing peeking had been quite a topic for all. Women were glad that the man might have come to his senses. While some men were concerned that their favourite series might come to an end if it was true.

"Hokage-sama I agree if you trust him." Said Itachi.

"I do trust him now...Thank you for agreeing." Said Hiruzen.

Itachi then took out a letter and said, "Hokage-sama...could you please give this to Naruto."

Hiruzen took the letter and said, "I will...I know I shouldn't ask but what is in this?"

Itachi said, "I have written goodbye to him...I know I asked you not to tell the truth to anyone but I guess it will be better to tell Naruto the truth. As he would be able to connect the dots just like you did as he knows about the coup…Also, I was not able to bid farewell to anyone…I was far from it. So, I want that I can bid at least him a proper farewell."

"No letter for your mother?" asked Hiruzen.

"No, she will already be very emotionally unstable. A letter from me will just push her to the edge…Yes, Naruto too will be emotionally unstable, but he doesn't know the reason and deserves to know it from me. That's why this letter."

Hiruzen nodded agreeing with Itachi's reasoning. Itachi just had one thing to say, "Hokage-sama I have just one last request...please look after my mother, brother and sister, so that no one harms them."

"That's the least I can do for you Itachi. You did a very strenuous work to conserve peace in this village...You will forever have my gratitude...I will try, but I may not be able to remove their hatred."

"It's no problem, I will bear it...I shall take my leave now."

"I guess this is it...You will now be branded as an S-class nuke-nin, in the bingo books, for slaughtering our own clan." Said the Hokage in a lowly tone.

Itachi nodded and left to start the next chapter of his life.

Hiruzen focus was again stuck to the photos of his mentors. He just thought, 'How much does peace cost? Are these the only ways that peace can be maintained? Is this really peace?'

---

The day after the Massacre was one of the most hectic ones in Hiruzen's life. All the bodies had been recovered. They were even able to find Shisui's body. The three surviving Uchihas had returned to the world of consciousness. So, the funeral was done as soon as possible. The funeral was quiet, very quiet. Many villagers had come to pay their respect to now their late friends and old comrades. And also, to support the last Uchiha family.

Hiruzen had sent some Anbu to raid Danzo's house and foundation building. He was able to get some information on which he could legitimately punish him. He had only found some small-scale missions which the one-eyed man didn't have permission to assign. But he knew the war hawk must have committed even more disturbing errands.

After the funeral and the raid, he had a council meeting. Well, every time meetings were a pain. But the one he had today was just a ruckus. But this time he couldn't blame anyone on the matter of their concerns towards the massacre. When he had told the reason for Danzo's punishment, the objection he had received amazed him. He had expected the shinobi side to accept it quietly and it did happen so. He had expected the elders to argue a bit and he brushed them off. He hadn't expected that the civil council would start to protest on his decision. He now surely knew his rival was one good talker, though it won't have taken much apart from a guarantee of bit power to gain the civil councilmen for their support.

He had to do one last thing in his mind before calling it a day. He was on the roof of the Hokage tower with his Hokage's kasa (hat) on him. He had called his best Anbu to convey to him a decision.

Kakashi, in his Anbu uniform and Inu mask navigated his way to the roof of the Hokage tower. He didn't know why he was called there. If he had to guess it he would say it must be a question about Itachi's behaviour. Kakashi could still not wrap it around his mind that Itachi had so much malice, that he would kill his kins. Nor did he know why Itachi had the hatred. The incident was starting to get into his brain.

As Kakashi reached his destination he went to the middle and kneeled down.

"Lift your head. And also take your mask off." said the Hokage.

Kakashi lifted his head and also removed his Inu mask. He waited for his leader to speak.

"Tell me Kakashi, how long have you been in the Anbu?"

"I have been in the Anbu since the Fourth Hokage's tenure...so it has been around eleven years."

"Eleven years, huh...perhaps I have been asking too much from you."

"No sir it is fine. I like it here."

"No Kakashi from now on you are to leave the Anbu and take a new position as a jonin leader."

In truth, Hiruzen took this decision so that Kakashi wouldn't become even more cold-hearted than he had once become. Hiruzen knew the incident concerning Itachi would affect Kakashi and he would request for more and more missions to keep his mind off the topic. Kakashi had done this on most of the times in the past when he felt low. This made him a cold-hearted killer sometimes. As the Hokage, he needed to take proper care of all his shinobi. So that is why he had ended up with this decision.

On the other hand, Kakashi was unsure. Flashbacks of his time under his jonin leader erupted in his mind. It was a good time when all of them were together. But it was all tragedy now. To him, he was the last living member. He was a good Anbu leader, but a sensei, he didn't know that.

Trying to raise his uncertainty, he said, "Hokage-sama I don't..."

As if reading his mind, Sandaime said, "Kakashi trust me you will do fine...Now throw away that mask."

With that Kakashi threw away his mask trusting his leader's decision.

---

Four days had passed since the massacre. Things had been settling down gradually. The only trouble the Hokage had now was that his surrogate grandson was still unconscious, and also was concerned about how the boy would react to the events that occurred while he was in his deep slumber.

He did have a conversation with Mikoto, two days ago. The woman was quite out of her character, but she couldn't be blamed for it. The events that occurred could get into anyone's mind. He was relatively calmed down when he heard her say she didn't hold anything against Itachi and would respect his wishes and favours. However, she was also unsure if she could remove the hatred that either of her children might carry.

After that, she requested the Hokage to allow her to see Naruto. The Hokage was aware of the care and love she harboured for the blonde. He was a bit unsure how she would react but gave the permission and went with her. After they entered the room and checked Naruto, the Hokage thought it was a wrong decision to bring Mikoto here. It was because she instantly burst into tears. He could understand why she broke into tears.

Losing her husband, losing her eldest son who should be considered a hero but was being depicted opposite, her other two children also were being too quiet and her son in all but blonde lay unresponsive in a hospital bed. The circumstances were testing how much she could handle. She was trying to hold up her tears in her home, not to depress or trouble her two children anymore. So, in the hospital when she saw Naruto in such a condition she couldn't hold back anymore. The Hokage tried to soothe her a bit.

It was nightfall and Hiruzen had finished his work for the day. He was now heading towards the hospitals. He had just received that Naruto was showing signs that he might wake up. He went to the room with a medical-nin who was assessing Naruto's health. The boy started to move and stir up.

The first thing Naruto felt was an excruciating headache. Still, eyes closed he held his head and started to open his eyes. The first thing he saw was a white ceiling and then he caught the smell, and he recognised one of his most hated places. He then started trying to remember what had happened. He then remembered...he wished he hadn't woken up and would be asleep. He still didn't want to believe. He got to a sitting position and for the first time noticed his company.

Hiruzen was glad that Naruto woke up. But it didn't take much time for that happiness to turn into pity and sorrow. He saw the expression Naruto had on his face. It was as if he was looking at a defeated old man. Not wanting to show his sadness but also unable to change his expression. His normal blue eyes that showed warmth were now watery and empty. There was certainly some metamorphosis. How couldn't there be one?

Hiruzen nevertheless asked, "How are you feeling Naruto?"

"Physical good, I guess. Jiji...is he really gone?" Asked Naruto lowly.

Hiruzen sighed and said, "Yes Naruto...His body was found and his funeral happened two days ago...I am sorry that I could not do things better. Or even the right way."

Naruto let some tears out at the confirmation he got. Still weeping silently, he slumped back on the mattress, he said, "I never expected he would go...at least not this early...And no Jiji it is not your fault. You did what was to be done...I don't hold anything against you...I could never hold anything against you."

However, there was something that Naruto questioned. 'How was the lack of eyes not noticed by anyone?...Unless he…' He answered himself. He knew the level of genjutsu Shisui could produce. It was not hard to guess what his elder brother did if you knew him well.

Hiruzen was a bit relieved that Naruto didn't hold any detestation against him.

The medic-nin was a bit stunned seeing the boy in such sorrow. She didn't have any ill feelings against the boy as she was a shinobi and knew the correct facts. But she like everyone, following the crowd, she distanced herself from the boy but since one time being assigned to look after him had got to know of his cheerful nature. She wouldn't say she was close to him. But anyone who even had a single interaction with Naruto could say something had really shattered his heart.

She then seeing an opportunity to talk, said, "Sorry to interrupt Hokage-sama but I think I should start the checkup on Naruto."

Hiruzen nodded and asked, "If all is fine could he leave right now...I think he has already spent a lot of time in the hospital bed."

"I don't think that should be a problem...Naruto, let's get your check-up done." She said.

With that Naruto wiped his tears and went for his check-up.

By the time all the check-ups were over it was almost midnight. Both Hiruzen and Naruto were at the gates of the hospital. Naruto hadn't spoken a word other than the times when he was asked a question.

Hiruzen then asked, "Naruto what would you like to eat?"

Naruto nonchalantly said, "It's midnight Jiji...every place must be closed by now...And I am not hungry."

"Naruto you were on IV. You need to have some solid food. And who said I was taking you anywhere now?...I will be making it myself."

"You know how to cook?" asked Naruto.

"Naruto I have lived almost seven times of your age...I have had a lot of time to learn to cook enough in these years...Let's go to your house I will make you some miso ramen there."

Naruto just nodded and both of them left for his house.

---

Hiruzen was making a quick ramen recipe while he took a glance at Naruto. The boy still had a devastated expression. He didn't know how he would break Itachi's news. But he had to. He finished making ramen set the ramen in front of Naruto and sat opposite to him on the dining table. Naruto took his chopsticks and began to eat silently.

Hiruzen then asked, "How is it?"

"It's delicious. Not as delicious as Ichiraku's though." Said Naruto.

"Well, no one can match them. Both Ayame and Teuchi just have some magic I tell you."

Naruto let out a soft chuckle at this. Hiruzen was happy to hear the slight laughter. He hoped that Naruto would always only smile, though he knew there were many things there to upset him.

Naruto finished his bowl. Then Hiruzen asked, "Naruto is there something would you like to ask me? Or talk about. It helps in this kind of situation."

Naruto was silent for a moment. He then asked, "What is the meaning of life?"

Hiruzen took a moment and then said, "Life is about experiences. Both bad and good. It is about relations. Life is not always about competition as many think. The only thing that matters is your feelings at the end of the day. Life is not about someone being the best. You just need to be better than yesterday and accept the experiences with an open mind and heart."

Naruto hummed and then asked, "How is Itachi-nii holding up?" In his mind, he asked due to thinking that Itachi too must be wrecked like himself the cause of Shisui's death.

Hiruzen knew how Naruto kept everyone he cared about before him. It was one of his golden traits. But now he couldn't help but think, 'Did he really have to come at this, this early?'

Hiruzen sighed and then said, "I was hoping that I would reveal this in the morning but since you asked about Itachi, I will tell you what all happened when you were unconscious now."

Though it was night Hiruzen didn't want to take any chances and made a set of hand signs and raised a privacy seal at the area of the house.

Naruto found this very strange and was about to state that no one would be up to hear them. But before he could say his Jiji said, "I know it is night, but I don't want to take chances. The things I will tell you is only known by the people who knew about Uchiha's coup d'etat."

"So, you, village elders, the Uchihas and now me." Said Naruto. He was still holding his chopsticks fidgeting with it. He hated the idea of the coup, it would only cause chaos. It also led to his brother's death, though Danzo had the main blame for it.

"Yes. You see...the Uchihas were thinking of using Shisui's death as the trigger to start the coup." He waited to see any reaction from Naruto.

The boy stopped fidgeting and just held the chopsticks in hand and his eyes closed. Hiruzen could sense the anger running in Naruto. Since Naruto didn't say anything. Hiruzen continued, "So to stop the coup before starting...I assigned Itachi to assassinate his clan and allowed him to keep some survivors. Four days ago, Itachi completed his mission and has been portrayed as a criminal who slaughtered his clan in bad blood. And he has left the village immediately after the massacre."

Naruto was raging inside but didn't show any feelings on the outside. He calmly asked, "Who are the survivors?"

Hiruzen was quite nervous about how Naruto was acting. He expected the boy to start yelling, but it didn't happen, it meant Naruto would let all out in one go which could be very nasty if other things came into play.

Inside Naruto's mind, there was a deep ancient voice chuckling. 'Keep going on like this. Build up your anger. Let it out at once. Weaken the seal Narutooo! Set me free!' It said to itself. The kyuubi knew that Naruto's seal was still quite strong but the anger can weaken it at a faster pace. Even if it could not have his influence on his vessel now, in time it would happen and it seemed the current situation was bringing that time closer.

"Itachi's family except for his father. That is Mikoto, Kiyomi, and Sasuke are the only Uchihas left in the village."

Naruto was somewhat relieved that his oba-chan was still alive. But he was still angry and due to the lying. He then said in a stern voice, "Keep the lying to yourself Jiji...I know you are lying."

"No Naruto this all did happ..."

"It may have happened...but I know you would never give such an order with so much bloodshed. You would rather wait for their first attack...And even if you gave the order...there would be more survivors consisting of the ones that didn't know about the coup than is rest of the children...I know you too well Jiji...SO STOP LYING…AND TELL ME THE TRUTH...IT WAS THAT ONE EYED BASTARD DANZO, WASN'T IT?"

Hiruzen was stunned by Naruto's accurate guess. He had no option but to tell the truth. He had hoped by putting him in Danzo's place, Naruto wouldn't take any reckless steps. He and the two Uchihas had warned Naruto not to get any close to the war hawk and could see how Naruto was able to guess the events and whose doing was it.

Hiruzen just said, "Yes."

"Why did Itachi-nii agree?"

"It was either total wipeout by people Danzo would send or Itachi could do it and save Kiyomi and Sasuke...Mikoto was supposed to be killed according to their agreement...but Itachi couldn't kill her that's why she is alive."

Naruto just broke the chopsticks in his hand. His body was trembling with rage and for the first time revealed his eyes after a long time. It bore fury, rage, and a promise of pain. The most striking fact was, that it wasn't blue. It was crimson with one tome in each eye.

Naruto in a loud enough whispery growl said, "He will...pay...he will fucking pay for this."

Hiruzen was utterly shocked due to the rage and moreover how kyuubi's chakra hadn't seeped out yet. It shows how strong was seal was still now, though this moment may be weakening it to a great extent. But the thing that hit him like an S-rank lighting jutsu was Naruto's eyes. 'Did my telling of the Massacre was traumatic enough?!...No...He saw Shisui committing suicide...I should have guessed this earlier. It sure must have been very hard on him. First getting him unconscious and also to awaken his sharingan.'

He then saw Naruto in anger about to slap the bowl, on the table, and he instantly held Naruto's wrist before it made contact with the bowl. The glare he received and the killing intent in the air was massive. The sharingan took his intimidating look to another level. It almost sent shivers down the Sandaime's spine. The keyword being almost.

"NARUTO...CALM DOWN. There is more I need to show and say." Said the Hiruzen with some authority.

"WHAT MORE IS LEFT TO SAY AND SHOW?...All is gone...He took Itachi-nii and Shi...almost took oba-chan away from me, Shisui-nii is gone...And you ask me to calm down." Naruto started with a yelling voice which turned to a depressed one after. He almost let it slip that Danzo had killed Shisui. He so wanted to tell that to his Jiji, but in the end, he remembered the promise he made. He damned himself for not being able to break that promise.

Hiruzen had heard the syllable but inferred it as a rambling. He just looked at the boy with concern and pity. Both stared at each other and acknowledged the emotions it showed. The red furious eyes and brown sympathetic didn't blink even once.

"Naruto please...calm down. I can't hide everything from you now...It is a matter concerning your heritage. For that I need you to be calm and composed...And for showing...Itachi has left a letter to me for you...If you remain calm only then I can give it to you now, or else I may have to wait till you can calm down."

Naruto calmed down when his Jiji had brought up the two topics. Instantaneously the chakra flow to his eyes also stopped, deactivating his sharingan.

Hiruzen went to the couch and called Naruto to his side. The Sandaime took out a new shiny kunai. Since it was new it could be used as a reflecting surface. He gave it to Naruto and said, "Place it so that you can see your eyes."

Naruto was confused but did as he was told. He saw nothing out of normal. The cerulean blue eyes that he had shined on the lustrous metal. Then he heard his Jiji say, "Now direct some chakra to your eyes."

He directed some chakra to his eyes. The results completely stunned him. He was unable to talk for a moment. He just looked at the kunai now which showed a one-tomed sharingan.

He gave back the kunai and spoke his thoughts out, "Sha...Sharingan...But how?...Am I, a Uchiha? Who are my parents?"

Hiruzen calmly said, "Like the Uzumakis were cousins of the Senjus. Your other side of the heritage are the cousins of the Uchihas."

"What is the name?"

"I can't tell you that. It would be a dead giveaway of your parents' identities. I won't reveal it now...You won't be able to handle it now. Nor can you find it in the library, as it is a nearly extinct clan. It used to be in older version books which no longer exist."

"JUST SHUT UP AND TELL ME!...FOR HOW LONG WILL YOU KEEP IT FROM ME...I DESERVE TO KNOW IT." Yelled Naruto fisting his hand almost painfully, digging into his own flesh.

Hiruzen lowly said, "Yes...you do...But you can't handle it now. You need to be calm and more time is needed."

"HOW MUCH TIME...I ALWAYS GET THIS ANSWER!...YOU NEED MORE TIME! THAT'S ALL YOU SAY!"

To end this particular topic Hiruzen sighed and said, "Trust me Naruto you need to be more mature and calmer to hear the full thing...But if you want a benchmark then I will give you it…First is when I deem you mature enough, or second when you become a jonin, this provided you graduate with your age group not before, or finally third when you become eighteen. Whichever comes first."

"Why not now...I am mature enough when needed. More than anyone of my age." Said Naruto lowly and also deactivated his sharingan along with it.

"Yes, that is true...but trust me Naruto more time is needed. I do this so it may affect you the least when I say it. And I promise you will hear it from me. You do trust me, right?"

Naruto nodded his head. He did trust his Jiji. His Jiji was the first person he knew in his life. Hiruzen would have accepted if Naruto showed some hesitance in trusting. But was glad that Naruto wasn't hesitant. He truly believed that Naruto shouldn't know the complete truth till he had more people to support of. And for people to see the real Naruto and be close to him needed more time.

However, there were some people who didn't want to wait. For a year and a half Minato via Jiraiya had been writing to him pleading for a revoke of the exile and letting them see their son. At first Hiruzen at first was furious at Jiraiya and suspected his student found a way to suppress or remove the seal and told him something. But Jiraiya swore on his...perverted nature and his books that he didn't say anything and this change was due to both the parents having some nightmares of Naruto outright hating and loathing them. And also, mainly due to Minato felt like he was being controlled on that matter. He didn't know how true was the second reason and dubbed it as a minor paranoia. Unknown to them the Shinigami had ended its interference with Minato's mind.

Hiruzen acknowledged the change in their hearts. But the parents hadn't even told the truth to either of Naruto's siblings according to Jiraiya, so it would be a shock to all the three. He always simply replied 'No'. He had to see what was best for Naruto, not them. He doubted Naruto could handle such a blow now. It could completely cripple him. 'They brought it on themselves', he would always reason and shove the pity towards the couple away.

Hiruzen then continued, "The sharingan awakens in those within your clan who go through an extremely traumatic experience, even the upgrading to the next stages an unpleasant experience is required. But the Uchihas can proceed by training it or in a tough strain situation the sharingan then develops...For your awakening, I think it was...Shisui's death."

Naruto let out streams of tears. He realized now. He hadn't been able to understand what Shisui was saying at that time. But now it all made sense. 'You knew about this and that's why you committed suicide! Why nii-chan?! WHHYYYY?!... I don't want this power if it means you going away...You were far more important than this.'

Hiruzen patted Naruto's back to soothe him. When Naruto's tears had stopped and a while after that had passed, he said, "Naruto forgive me..."

"It was not your fault...You don't need to ask for forgiveness."

Hiruzen nodded and then again said, "Naruto I will ask you to use your sharingan very carefully though. If possible then no one should know about it. Not a single soul apart from me and you for now. People like...Danzo will come after you if he gets to know about this."

Hiruzen knew that Danzo was already after Naruto due to his status. If he gets to know about Naruto's sharingan he would increase his efforts by many folds.

"You don't need to worry I am not planning on using it anyway."

"Naruto, I didn't mean that. Sharingan is a great tool. But yes, you should not be overly dependent on it."

"Jiji...my sharingan is a reminder of Shisui's death...I don't want it if it meant this was the way to get it. It may be useful but I won't use it...You can't change my opinion here."

Hiruzen sighed he knew arguing would be fruitless. Naruto could be very stubborn when he wanted. He just said, "What about the situations when it activates by itself? It happens when you are in danger or your emotions run high."

Naruto thought for a second and then said, "Cast an advance permanent genjutsu on my eyes that detect the sharingan activating. When the sharingan gets activated to the outside it will be my normal eyes. I don't know how to cast such a strong genjutsu so would you cast it?"

Hiruzen thought for a moment and agreed as it was a good method to hide Naruto's Sharingan from everyone. But he did say the flaws, "Ok I will. But it will be visible if you send a large amount of chakra to your eyes when you use sharingan extensively or when the sharingan progresses to its next stage. And it will also be a bit dependent on my health as it will be connected to my life force."

Naruto nodded and said, "Nothing as such will happen as I won't use it extensively in any situation."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Hiruzen sighed and proceeded with hand signs and then kept his hands on each eye. He removed his hands and said, "Done. Activate it and let's see if it's working."

Naruto sends some chakra enough to activate his sharingan. It seemed as if with the sharingan he also gained the knowledge of how much chakra it will need. He was seeing a fly in the room and suddenly it started to move slower than before.

Naruto said, "It is active. I can see the fly in slow motion. Are my eyes still blue?"

"Yes, they are. The genjutsu is working."

Naruto deactivated his sharingan and was a bit glad about the working of the genjutsu. For him using the sharingan was like using Shisui's death. He would never in his right mind have asked for this power seeing its costs.

He then saw Jiji putting his hand in his robes and taking out a letter. He just asked, "Itachi's letter?"

"Yes. You read this while I will make some tea. Your throat must be a bit dry after all at conversation." Hiruzen said calmly. His real intention was to give Naruto some space so he could read the letter freely.

Naruto opened the letter and started to read it.

---

Dear Naruto,

If you are reading this then it means I have already committed one of the most awful crimes. I massacred the Uchiha clan. I hope you know the truth of it by now, as you know about the coup. If not, you can ask the Hokage, he will tell you. I request you, this is my last request from you, please respect it. The request being, not to tell the truth to anyone even my sister or brother. I hope all of you get close to each other. If you ever feel like discussing the matter you can chat with my mother, or just be near her you will calm down. Motherly love has some unique magic.

Enough with the instructions...I am glad that you regained consciousness. I am sorry to leave you when you were asleep. Forgive me. But there are some things I must say...Till now you always look for me, Shisui, Hokage-sama, or my Kaa-san for acknowledgment. I am not saying it is wrong. But it is time that you acknowledge yourself. Don't overestimate or underestimate yourself. Be confident, but never overconfident...Also, be ruthless at times…Or else you might be used by others. And also, do not act as if you are going to live ten thousand years…death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.

Well also live every moment of your life. Don't think much of the future and ruin your present. Be close to people you can trust. Protect them, protect the village. Become the Hokage we all need. I believe in you. Just be yourself, nothing more.

And last but not least...Please take care of yourself. Goodbye.

Yours truly,

Itachi Uchiha.

P.S I know you may want to keep this, but you will have to burn its paper. It is evidence and needs to be cleared.

---

Naruto folds the letter back and burns it simply directing some fire chakra to it. He just ideally stared at the ashes on the coffee table in front of him. He just thought about how fast life could change.

Hiruzen came back with two cups of tea. He handed one to Naruto and sat beside him. Both of them just sipped their tea for a while and looked out at the starry sky, out of a window. Neither of them had even a hint of sleep in their eyes.

Naruto just asked, "Jiji...when do you think all this fighting will be over and true peace will be established." Internally he added, 'Is peace even a real possible goal, or just a fantasy that the devil gave us? Is it worth giving everything to pursue it?'

Hiruzen too agreed the so-called peace that they had now was just like a shiny apple with a rotten core. He just replied, "I don't know Naruto. It is the ultimate and most necessary thing that this world needs."

Naruto just nodded and again put his concentration on the stars glittering the night sky.

---

Similarly, another person was staring up at the starry sky. He had just been explained the goal and motives of the group he was about to join. It had taken him two days to travel to one of the hideouts of the group, where he was to meet the leader of the group.

Itachi still staring at the dark sky, adored with uncountable stars, with empty eyes just said, "So tell me…Where shall I go…Left? Where there is nothing right…Or Right? Where there is nothing left."

---

AN: Woah, quite a long chapter...Well I was intending to make this as 2 chapters but decided otherwise at the end. There was a query where if this text would follow the same timeline and plot as in the anime. Well there certainly will be a diversion, but it will mostly likely take place after the chunin exams. Though the timeline may be same till the exam, it certainly won't mean that the character's ideology will be same as in the anime. Also I have to say, The paragraphs of Izumi's death are kinda from Naruto: Itachi's Story, Vol. 2 Midnight: Volume 2. Just in my wording. I don't know why but I feel the LN are highly underrated, check it out they are quite good, mainly the 2 Itachi ones.

Another asked question was, if Sasuke is going to be 'nice' and not leave the village? truthfully I have not decided that yet, but he certainly won't be courteous...Let's see how the dice rolls for the characters ahead.

And lastly, thanks for giving your time to read this and criticism is welcomed.