Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Twilight ❯ Faded Memories ( Chapter 18 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Chapter 12: Faded Memories

ÒWAKEY WAKEY EGGS AND BAKEY!Ó hollered Naruto, banging lively on every door he could find. ÒWAKE UP EVERYBODY! ITÕS A BRAND NEW DAY AND THEREÕS A LOT TO DO!Ó

ÒNARUTO, SHUT UP!Ó hollered a mix of voices from different rooms, apparently coming from Sasuke, Sakura, Neji, Fukai, Ino and Kiba. The shout was followed by several groans and a grumbling of Ôhow troublesomeÕ.

ÒCOME ON, WAKE UP!Ó yelled Naruto, not minding the impending doom.

Suddenly, SasukeÕs door burst open. A dark blur shot out and pinned Naruto down in a death grip.

ÒAck! Sas--gag--ukeÉ cant--gag--breathe!Ó choked Naruto.

ÒLear to shut UP, Naruto,Ó growled Sasuke. Sakura giggled behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, prying his arms off NarutoÕs neck.

Naruto took several gasps and deep breaths. He slunk away to the kitchen and hid behind his beloved Hinata, whimpering like a dog. Hinata giggled and hugged Naruto, comforting the boy.

Sasuke and Sakura entered the kitchen. ÒHey dobe, did the assassins get home already?Ó

ÒNah, not yet, teme,Ó grinned Naruto. ÒAh, donÕt worry about them, theyÕll be back soonÉÓ

ÒIts just unlike them to take so long in a mission,Ó muttered Neji, sitting down with Fukai. Ino, Shikamaru, Chouji, Kiba, Lee and Shino soon got into the kitchen, to be followed by Shuta and Kogure.

ÒAh, theyÕll be here any minute now,Ó grinned Naruto. ÒNow donÕt get the food waiting or else IÕll eat everything!Ó

Chouji didnÕt need telling twice and dove into the food quickly, along with Lee, Kiba and Naruto. The others sweat dropped.

ÒGuys, can you eat like humans?Ó asked Fukai.

Chouji did really look like a hog eating on a plate, though nobody bothered saying that to him, in fear that he would destroy the whole base.

They ate the food specially prepared by Hinata peacefully, chatting amiably with each other, or talking about the war. Occasionally there would be calls for more from either Naruto or Chouji.

After eating, Sasuke stood up immediately. ÒHinata, Naruto, Sakura, follow me. We need to discussÉ somethingÉÓ he muttered, motioning for them to follow.

Naruto raised both eyebrows before slurping up the rest of his caramel sundae and following Sasuke. Hinata gave the apron to Ino and followed along with Sakura. The four walked into Sasuke and SakuraÕs room.

ÒIs something wrong, teme?Ó asked Naruto.

ÒNaruto, IÕm leaving tonightÉ midnight,Ó Sasuke announced.

ÒWhat? Leaving? Where to?Ó asked Naruto, eyebrows furrowing.

ÒIÕm going to meet Itachi. He sent a letter last night. If you want to read, go ahead,Ó said Sasuke, motioning to the piece of folded paper with the Uchiha Crest. Naruto immediately reached over and opened the folded paper, reading the contents.

Naruto snorted. ÒHow can you be so sure that its not an ambush? Even if he said it isnÕt, you shouldnÕt trust him. I mean, heÕs the enemy for goodnessÕ sake! You said it yourself before: never trust your enemy!Ó

ÒNaruto, look, I really need to see him. Its not a matter in this war anymoreÉ its justÉ between us as brothers, alright? ItÕs a family matter,Ó sighed Sasuke.

ÒEhi! I donÕt care! You are not going there alone!Ó snapped Naruto. ÒLook here, youÕre the leader here, so you cant go there alone! We cant afford to lose you, dammit!Ó

ÒThatÕs why youÕre here, Naruto! To take over when IÕm gone!Ó Sasuke snapped. The two girls stood by the corner, not barging in the argument of the two best friends.

ÒDonÕt you even think about your being gone!Ó Naruto growled, grabbing SasukeÕs shoulders. ÒWake up, Uchiha Sasuke! This is a war!Ó

ÒLook, you wouldnÕt understand! You didnÕt have a family anyways, how can you understand the matter!Ó snapped back Sasuke, making Naruto release his grip on his shoulder. Seeing the stricken look on NarutoÕs face, he sighed. ÒSorryÉ its justÉ you seeÉÓ

Sasuke sighed, sinking back into the bed, burying his face into his hands. He sighed again.

OoOoOoOoO
Outside the doorÉ

ÒWhatÕs happening in there?Ó muttered Ino.

ÒIt looks like Naruto and SasukeÕs having an argument,Ó muttered Lee.

ÒIs it serious?Ó asked Kiba. ÒI mean, they always have dorky arguments, you knowÉÓ

ÒIt seems to be seriousÉ if it was a dorky argument, Sakura would have interfered by now,Ó Ino muttered back.

ÒYeah, Naruto sounds serious for once,Ó whispered Lee. Several shouts were heard from inside. Kiba caught the words ÔyouÕ, Ônot goingÕ, and ÔaloneÕ, and then a swear word.

ÒWhoa, Naruto swore really loudÉ he normally cant do that in front of Hinata or SakuraÉÓ Ino muttered, hearing the shout of ÔdammitÕ.

ÒEavesdroppers,Ó hissed Neji, walking out of the hallway into the common room. ÒLet them have their argument, its nothing we should be concerned about.Ó

Fukai walked after him, slinging an arm around his neck and laying her head on his shoulder, muttering something in his ear. Neji chuckled and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

ÒAre those two on, or are they just an unofficial couple?Ó asked Chouji.

ÒBeats me,Ó muttered Lee.

OoOoOoOoO

Sasuke sighed again, his hands sliding into his jet-black hair.

ÒI need to see him to clarify thingsÉ I meanÉ come on, IÕve been living 8 years, thinking about nothing else but revenge on an elder brother I almost worshipped beforeÉ and now I find out from a damned book that the 8 years was wasted on muddled thoughts about revenge because in truth, my brother was only protecting me!Ó growled Sasuke. ÒI need to hear it from his own mouth, I want him to apologize and I want him to explain! I need to talk to him!Ó

Sasuke was almost in tears now, and that wasnÕt something you usually see. Naruto sighed. He sat down beside Sasuke and slung an arm around his best friendÕs neck.

ÒAlright, youÕre meeting him,Ó sighed Naruto, tapping SasukeÕs head with his finger. ÒBut IÕm going with you. ThereÕs no way IÕm gonna let you go there alone. Alright, teme?Ó

Sasuke stayed silent for a moment, before chuckling and nodding. ÒAlright, dobe. Tonight, we leave a quarter before midnight,Ó he sighed, slinging his own arm around NarutoÕs neck. ÒThanks, pal.Ó

Naruto grinned. ÒAnytime.Ó

Sakura and Hinata sighed audibly from their corner of the room.

ÒWhat?Ó asked Naruto and Sasuke simultaneously.

ÒNothing, its just that last time you had an argument, you still had to fight and almost kill each other before you decided!Ó sighed Sakura, rushing to Sasuke. ÒLook, you donÕt need to worry about base, Hinata and I will handle everything while youÕre gone.Ó

ÒCome on, its only for a couple of hours, we wont be long. Maybe weÕll be back even before dawn breaks out,Ó Naruto snorted. ÒRight?Ó

ÒYeah, I wont take long,Ó Sasuke sighed, relaxing as SakuraÕs arms wrapped around him.

ÒDonÕt worry, everything will be alright,Ó grinned Sakura, kissing Sasuke on the cheek.

ÒYeahÉÓ

Just then a knock came on the door. ÒHey, Sasuke!Ó called a voice, recognizably NejiÕs. ÒThe assassins are back. Hinata, we need your help here, Aira and Aikawa got into a fight with the Death CoupleÉÓ

ÒAnticipatedÉ another addition to their medical record,Ó muttered Hinata, shaking her head. The four of them stood and up and Sasuke composed himself.

Hinata opened the door, only to have Ino and Lee fall down on their feet. Naruto snorted in laughter and Sasuke raised a brow.

ÒEavesdropping?Ó Sakura giggled. ÒHow much did you hear?Ó

ÒNaruto said ÔYouÕre not going there alone, dammit!Õ,Ó chuckled Chouji, imitating Naruto.

ÒDamn, youÕd make a lousy actor,Ó snorted Naruto. ÒWonder why youÕre in Larceny and DeceptionÉÓ

ÒAre you going to give us some word on what you were arguing about?Ó asked Ino hopefully.

ÒOh sure, you can have some words,Ó snorted Sasuke, sarcasm dripping in his words. ÒShove. Off.Ó

Ino pouted as Sasuke passed by him with a snickering Naruto following behind. They walked into the common room, where they found the assassins, most of them sitting unscathed in the sofas and making themselves comfortable with some food Ino, Tenten and Fukai prepared. Aira and Aikawa were both being tended by the other Med Nins, though.

ÒHinata-sama!Ó called one Med Nin. ÒAira has a major concussion and 3 shattered ribs while Aikawa has 4 broken ribs and 3 fractured ones, along with a deep gash on his back.Ó

Hinata shook her head. ÒAira, that is your second major concussion in a week.Ó

Aira shrugged. ÒDuty calls.Ó

ÒMission status?Ó Sasuke called out, sitting on the big red sofa in the middle, followed by Naruto. Sakura helped in tending the wounds of Aikawa.

All the assassins replied to SasukeÕs question. ÒMission accomplished, sir,Ó they all said simultaneously.

ÒImpressive. You managed to kill them without anybody else knowing?Ó asked Sasuke.

All of them nodded silently. ÒCongratulations, then. Your reward is some well-deserved restÉÓ Neji started.

ÒÉand harder training,Ó Aira finished for him, pushing the words out of her gritted teeth. The curing process of a concussion was painful, after all.

ÒAnd harder training,Ó sighed Neji, chuckling.

Suddenly, SasukeÕs head snapped up, startling Naruto.

ÒWhat?Ó Naruto sighed.

ÒItachi is furious. HeÕs furious of the death of the leaders,Ó muttered Sasuke.

ÒHow do you know?Ó asked Naruto.

ÒWeÕre brothers, Naruto,Ó snorted Sasuke, picking out a grape from the fruit basket in the table and popping it into his mouth. ÒBlood ties. I can feel his aura. Our chakra patterns are almost similar to each other. I can remember itÉÓ

ÒOh, well, let them be mad, the hell I care,Ó Naruto snorted. Then he turned to Hinata, who had already finished curing Aira. He pulled out his innocent, hopeful, puppy-dog eyes. ÒHinata-chan, can I have some more caramel sundae?Ó

Hinata giggled and kissed Naruto on the forehead before nodding and going over to the kitchen.

ÒAh, your puppy dog eyes is no match for mine,Ó smirked Sasuke.

ÒOh yeah? Bring it on!Ó growled Naruto. ÒI donÕt care if you use your Uchiha Ultra Puppy-Dog Eyesª!Ó

And the puppy dog eyes contest began, amidst the sweat drops of their colleagues.

ÒDo they always act like that?Ó muttered Aira.

Aikawa shrugged. ÒBeats me.Ó

OoOoOoOoO

Orochimaru growled as he looked carefully at the 9 dead bodies in front of him. His 9 prized leaders and top nins were killed, without even anybody noticing. Itachi looked really deep in thought.

ÒWho knew they were this talented?Ó muttered one of the nins.

ÒNobody even noticedÉÓ muttered another one.

ÒMy brother has really outsmarted me this timeÉÓ Itachi sighed. ÒIÕd like to meet these assassins of hisÉ how could they have killed the prized nins without us even noticing?Ó

ÒWho knows?Ó shrugged Orochimaru. ÒThese assassins are dangerous. But I think I know several of themÉÓ

Orochimaru walked over to HiromasaÕs body. He picked up a grain of sand from the mangled corpse. ÒSand. Gaara of the Sand. He did this. Its obvious with the corpseÕs imageÉÓ

Itachi proceeded to ShurinÕs and MikaiÕs bodies. They were members in the Akatsuki Nine circle. ÒThese two looked as if they had a fight before dyingÉÓ

ÒNagara was killed by poison doused into sake,Ó concluded Kabuto.

ÒJudging by the corpses, IÕve organized the timescale of their deaths,Ó announced Kisame. ÒHiromasa died first, followed by Fujiko. Then Shizuku died while the poison on Nagara was taking effect. A minute after, Kanata, Seimei, Okiya and Nagara all died almost at the same time. The last ones who died are Mikai and Shurin, who were found in the forest. I suspect they were caught while on patrol.Ó

ÒI seeÉ if 4 of these 9 died at the same time, then there are more than 1 assassinsÉÓ deduced Orochimaru.

Itachi snorted. ÒOf course. A single assassin canÕt kill the Death Couple completely. The couple always works as a team, and if one dies, one should be left out to finish the assassin.Ó

Orochimaru sighed. ÒMobilize the armyÉ we will adjust our plans. We will move out tomorrow at 1800.Ó (a/n: For those who donÕt know the soldierÕs code of time, 1800 means 6 in the evening.)

Orochimaru went back inside the tent, where he started to growl and vent his anger on the poor splintered wall. Itachi chose to avoid the snake for the meantime and walked off into the direction of the forest.

ÒItachi-sama, where are you going? IsnÕt it dangerous to go into that forest alone?Ó said Kisame.

ÒI can take care of myself very well, Kisame, you donÕt need to worry,Ó snapped Itachi. It was evident that he was in a bad mood too, though not as bad as Orochimaru. ÒI wont be back maybe until tomorrow. I will be taking a scout around the area, and maybe unwind from that snake. HeÕs worst in his bad moodÉÓ

ÒBut Itachi-samaÉÓ

ÒKisame, I want you to gather as much information as you can, and present it to me tomorrow. Ask anybody if they saw the assassins, or find any clue you can in the bodies and the places where they died,Ó Itachi ordered. ÒThatÕs an order, and I want it done by tomorrow noon. Clear?Ó

ÒCrystal, sir,Ó Kisame muttered, walking off to start collecting some data.

Itachi sighed. Its so hard to shake off KisameÉ Damn, heÕs been my right hand for so long now, cant he even tell when I want to be alone?

Itachi couldnÕt take his mind off the meeting that was supposed to take place later at midnight. What would my brother be like? I suppose heÕd be mad at meÉ

Itachi sighed loudly as he entered the foliage. Dammit, why am I so agitated about that meeting laterÉ its only a meeting, IÕm only going to talk to himÉ its not like weÕll kill each other or anythingÉ will we?

He snorted, hacking some weeds blocking his path with a sharp kunai. The great prodigy Uchiha Itachi is worried about a little meetingÉ heÕs agitatedÉ actually agitated about a meetingÉ

ÒDamn.Ó

OoOoOoOoO

Sasuke sighed as he walked into his and SakuraÕs room, immediately collapsing on the soft bed. He groaned as images of his past life once again flashed before his eyes. Ever since the previous nightÕs letter, he had been disturbed by these memories risen from the dead.

There were images of his mother singing while cooking in the kitchen, slipping him snacks on the tableÉ images of him and his brother laughing togetherÉ images of his brother teaching him how to properly handle a kunaiÉ images of his father giving him lecturesÉ images from his pastÉ

Sakura burst through the door, startling Sasuke.

ÒPlease donÕt do that, youÕre giving me a heart attack.Ó

ÒEhi, gomen, I didnÕt know you were hereÉÓ smiled Sakura. Then she noticed his troubled expression. ÒIs there something the matter?Ó

ÒNothingÉ justÉÓ

ÒAbout your brother and family, huh?Ó Sakura sighed. She snuggled beside him, cradling his head in her chest. ÒDonÕt worry about it, everything will be fine. IÕm always here for you.Ó

ÒOf courseÉ of courseÉÓ

ÒYouÕre taking Naruto with you, so nothing should go wrong tonight. DonÕt worryÉÓ

ÒYesÉ yes, youÕre probably rightÉÓ

OoOoOoOoO
A couple of hours later, a quarter before midnightÉ

Sasuke sighed as his hand rested on the doorknob. But before he could turn it, Sakura hugged him tightly. He returned the hug, burying his head in her cherry blossom-scented hair. They remained like that for quite some time, before Sasuke withdrew and planted his lips firmly on SakuraÕs, engulfing the two of them in a passionate kiss.

When they broke apart, Sakura kissed him on the cheek. ÒEverything will be fine. Always remember that you have me, Sasuke. You have me.Ó

ÒI know.Ó

Sasuke walked out the door, catching sight of Naruto leaning by the wall and Hinata standing shyly in one corner. Naruto looked up and grinned, and Sasuke smiled back. Hinata kissed Naruto on the cheek one last time.

ÒGood luckÉÓ smiled both Hinata and Sakura. The two boys nodded before disappearing with a muffled ÔpoofÕ.

OoOoOoOoO

Neji frowned. He heard the muffled conversation from outside the door of their room, and he didnÕt like one bit. Even though he didnÕt fully understand the situation, he felt something was amiss.

He turned things over in his mind. Naruto and Sasuke left without letting them know. They left without even consulting the others, so it must be really important, and top secret. Neji wondered where to.

ÒMmmÉ Neji?Ó Fukai muttered, wrapping her arms securely around NejiÕs naked torso.

ÒRight here, Fukai,Ó Neji replied silently, kissing the top of her head and rubbing her naked back. ÒGo back to sleep, its just midnight. Besides, you must be tired.Ó

Fukai said nothing. Instead, she snuggled deeper into his embrace, burying her head in the groove of his neck. Neji hitched the blanket over her bare shoulders, covering her naked body. He cradled her protectively beside him, cocooning the girl in warmth and putting her easily back to sleep.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow IÕll confront them about it. But not tonight. Tonight isi just for usÉ

OoOoOoOoO

Itachi sat under a century-old sakura tree in front of the Shimatani Mansion. He found out about the mansion earlier when he took a tour around the forest to know the locations.

The dark-haired warrior leaned his head back and savored the soft cool breeze blowing through the trees and rustling the leaves pleasantly, adding to natureÕs beautiful nocturnal song. The moon was full and out, and it was a clear, star-studded and beautiful sky, just like the one he and Sasuke shared once before.

He waited patiently for his younger brother to appear, if he will. He took out a flute and started playing a song he composed back when he was still in Konoha. He named it ÔSadness and SorrowÕ, since it was a very melancholic song. He didnÕt know why he composed such a tune, he just sort of winged it. He guessed it was because he was really torn about his and SasukeÕs future if the elders were to be followed.

It was a real sad fate that awaited them if they followed the eldersÕ orders. It would be a very sad and dull world. Sasuke wont even have the opportunity to utilize and expand his abilities and experience, and that was really terrible for the exceptional boy. After all, both of them were considered geniuses.

The notes of the flute song floated through the air softly, making perfect harmony with the rustling leaves. The soft melody would have captivated anyone who came near enough to hear it. (a/n: Sadness and Sorrow is a song by Toshiro Masuda, OST Naruto. ItÕs the background song used for sad memories and stuff. The flute Itachi uses is the kind of Japanese flute thatÕs played with the flute placed horizontally by the mouthÉ)

OoOoOoOoO

Sasuke leapt deftly from branch to branch, swiftly making his way through the forest towards the Shimatani Mansion. As he and Naruto came a few meters closer, he stopped.

A soft flute tune started playing from near the mansion, and the sound carried through the silent night perfectly. It was a very sad and sorrowful tune. Oddly enough, it sounded really familiar to his ears.

ÒWhoÕs playing that?Ó wondered Naruto.

Sasuke just stayed silent. Memories flashed through his mind once again as the soft tune continued to play.

---Flashback---

ÒNii-chan! Nii-chan!Ó called little six-year-old Sasuke, scampering through the hallways of the main house.

Itachi swiveled around to find his baby brother running towards him at a fast pace. Sasuke threw himself completely over the sitting Itachi, knocking them both off balance. ItachiÕs back slammed to the grass unceremoniously, as his little brotherÕs laughter tinkered in his ears.

ÒWhatÕs the matter, otouto?Ó Itachi chuckled.

ÒNii-chan, mommy told me you know how to play flute. Do you really know how to play flute?Ó little Sasuke asked his brother energetically, still not getting up. Both of them were on the grass in the garden.

ÒYes, I know how to play flute,Ó smiled Itachi, ruffling SasukeÕs hair. ÒWhy you ask, twerp?Ó

ÒTeach me! Onegaaaaaai!Ó Sasuke pleaded, pulling out his perfect version of the Uchiha Ultra Puppy Dog Eyesª. He used these eyes to wheedle himself out of most things and to get what he wanted.

ÒOh, alright, brat,Ó sighed Itachi. Then he choked as his brother squealed in childish glee, hugging him tightly. ÒHey!Ó

ÒTeach me now!Ó

ÒAlright, alrightÉÓ

Itachi handed him his flute and started to teach him the basics.

ÒCan you play something for me first, nii-chan?Ó

ÒSureÉÓ

Itachi played the tune he then called ÔSadness and SorrowÕÉ

---End of Flashback---

Naruto looked at Sasuke as he sighed deeply. He assumed that the tune brought back some memories. He already guessed that Itachi was playing the flute. He was startled when there was a soft pop and a flute appeared in SasukeÕs hand.

He brought the instrument close to his mouth, starting to play in accompaniment to the tune.

OoOoOoOoO

Itachi was startled when a replying tune floated through the air in the other side of the forest, but he continued to play flawlessly. He knew then his little brother was here.

He watched silently, playing still as Sasuke emerged slowly from the foliage, walking gently on the dewy grass. He was followed by his best friend, Uzumaki Naruto. Itachi knew him because of the Akatsuki. He was the vessel of Nine-Tails, the fox demon. After that, no one else came to view.

The two brothers ended their song slowly, the tune perfect in harmony and grace. Sasuke lowered his flute, staring hard at his elder brother, who stared carefully right back.

ÒI see you still remember our flute lesson, huh?Ó Itachi sighed, shifting in his position under the tree.

ÒOf course. How could I forget, nii-chan?Ó Sasuke replied, sinking down into the grass in an Indian position. ÒNow I want you to explain. DonÕt leave anything out!Ó (a/n: TheyÕre sitting a meter apart from each other.)

Naruto remained silent and just sat beside Sasuke, feeling that it wasnÕt his right to butt in. After all, being allowed to be there and listen to their discussion was already a big thing he was to be thankful for. He watched as Itachi looked his brother in the eyes, and then sighed, rubbing his cheek with his palm.

ÒLetÕs seeÉ where should I startÉ?Ó Itachi said.

ÒHow about why you killed the clan? Why you eliminated all of them, leaving me to suffer without even telling me about it, or just staying with me in Konoha?Ó Sasuke forced through gritted teeth.

Itachi sighed. ÒVery well. I killed all of them because they were going to kill both of us. They planned it. I heard it from their own mouths.Ó

---Flashback---

Itachi was hiding up in the ceiling. There was space between the roof and the ceiling, and he managed to squeeze in there to eavesdrop on the Ôtop secretÕ discussion. After all, it was an unlikely place to hide in. Nobody even thought about cleaning the place or even just peeking in. There was a small elliptical hole to peek through, and there was a small hidden door to get out. He practically had complete access to the whole of the house. He peeked into the council room.

ÒHead Elder, what should we do about Itachi and Sasuke?Ó his father voiced out. ÒLately, the two have been constantly ignoring my orders and stuck together all of the time. TheyÕre growing rebellious, a great disgrace to our clan! We should take immediate action!Ó

ÒI am very impressed with you. You have shown great loyalty to the clan,Ó said the smirking Head Elder. Itachi had the strong impression that this wasnÕt just about his and SasukeÕs hidden power. ÒAre you willing to take any course of action even if it means the death of your two sons?Ó

ÒIf it is necessary, elder,Ó his father answered without a single hesitation. His mother gasped silently behind him, her eyes widening. Apparently she couldnÕt accept the fact that his husband accepted the deaths of their own children.

ÒGood. This matter is getting out of hand,Ó said the Head Elder. ÒWe need toÉ finish the both of them once and for all.Ó

ItachiÕs eyes narrowed. No. He wasnÕt going to let them harm his innocent little brother. He was the only pure person inside this wretched clan. He needed to live to inherit and revive the rotting system. He was going to take any measure in keeping him safe. He was going to do anything. Anything.

ÒAnd we want you, Yumi, to do it,Ó stated the Head Elder, looking straight into his motherÕs eyes. They widened in horror. ÒWe want you to start with Itachi. And then finish off Sasuke. You have to do it, or we will kill you and your sons, along with your mother and father. After all, you and your family owe us your livesÉÓ

ItachiÕs eyes widened. They were bribing her. Back then, she was nothing but a beggar, but the Uchiha Clan took her and her family in as servants. Later on, his father grew to like her and the clan accepted their relationship.

ÒY-yesÉ Head ElderÉÓ his mother said. Itachi almost cried right then and there. Their mother was going to kill them. And he wasnÕt going to let it happen.

Both his mother and father exited the room as the elders dismissed the meeting. Suddenly, the Head Elder spoke.

ÒHe is still above us, since he is the official head of the clan,Ó he said, referring apparently to ItachiÕs father.

ÒYes, but when the two boys are dead, we hit two birds with one stone,Ó smirked another elder. ÒWe assume power by making our sons the heirs of the clan, and we get rid of the two abominations, the two strongest and smartest boys in the clan who stands completely in our way. We cannot let them find out about everything. After they are killed, we kill their father and mother, making it look like an accident, or suicide. Then we will have our money and power.Ó

---End of Flashback---

ÒYou mean all that for money and power!Ó Sasuke growled.

ÒYeah,Ó Itachi sighed. ÒThat bastard Head Elder was nothing but a conspiring abomination. He wanted both of us dead in our own motherÕs hands. Of course, mother couldnÕt refuse, because she loved her parents more than anything. She didnÕt want them to die. No matter though, theyÕre all together now.Ó

ÒOf course. You killed them,Ó glared Sasuke.

ÒLittle brother, donÕt tell me youÕre still angry.Ó

ÒOf course IÕm angry!Ó snapped Sasuke in exasperation. ÒI have every right and reason to be! You didnÕt even tell me!Ó

ÒAhÉ that part. You want me to explain?Ó

ÒNo, you jerk,Ó Sasuke said sarcastically.

Itachi chuckled.

---Flashback---

Itachi ran off to the Ninja Academy to pick his brother up ahead of his mother. He reached the gates in no time and scanned the vicinity for his little brother. He spotted him in the playground, playing with his little classmates and their big brothers or sisters. Apparently he was the only one who didnÕt have his brother there.

ÒDonÕt you have a big brother, Sasuke?Ó asked one of his friends.

ÒI have one, but heÕs busy training, because heÕll be on an ANBU mission soon.Ó

ÒSo your big brother is already grown up if heÕs an ANBU already! You cant play with him anymore! YouÕre the one who doesnÕt have anyone to play with!Ó they laughed. Sasuke just lowered his head. He wished his brother was here, so he could show them.

ÒSasuke,Ó called a deep voice from behind him. He recognized it immediately.

ÒNii-chan!Ó he cheered, swiveling around and running towards his big brother, watched by his friends.

Itachi smiled. He leaned down and picked his otouto up, carrying him with one arm. ÒHey, twerp,Ó he said, ruffling SasukeÕs hair. Sasuke laughed lightly.

ÒWhy didnÕt mommy pick me up?Ó asked Sasuke innocently.

ÒMaybe sheÕll come later, but since I finished training early, I decided to come pick you up ahead,Ó Itachi explained.

ÒThe great genius Uchiha Itachi, huh? So thatÕs your little brother?Ó said one of the teens the same age as Itachi. He was known as Amazaki Shiya.

ÒYeah. Why, Amazaki? Your jealousy burning up again because your little brother doesnÕt like you the way mine likes me? Jealousy is bad for your health, Amazaki. If you cant let go of it, then please direct it at another person. IÕve got enough people jealous of me because of my position. And besides, you donÕt want your otouto to be like you, do you? Because in their generation, there will be someone like me as well. That someone is my brother,Ó smirked Itachi. After those words, Itachi picked SasukeÕs bag up and hitched it over his shoulder, walking away from one of his archenemies.

Amazaki just glared at his back fiercely.

Sasuke wrapped his arms tightly around his anikiÕs neck, his admiration growing only higher. ÒYouÕre the best, nii-chan!Ó

ÒMm-hmm,Ó chuckled Itachi. ÒHey, twerp, how would you like it if we spend the rest of today and tomorrow together? IÕm on a day off.Ó

ÒThatÕs really GREAT!Ó Sasuke cheered, apparently very happy that he was going to spend time with his elder brother.

The two spent the rest of the day and the next together, Itachi making the most of it because his plan would be in action the following day. Sasuke left for school as usual, after their short day off. That afternoon was the time for the massacre to begin.

One by one Itachi started to bring down the clan members. All of them, especially the elders, and most of all, Uchiha Toshiro. He was the one supposed to replace Itachi as the rightful heir and head of the clan, since he was the eldest of all the eldersÕ children. He made the kills swift, flawless and clean. Soon enough, the house was silent, and stank of blood and death.

As he entered the main house, his mother approached him.

ÒIÕm so sorry, ItachiÉÓ his mother said, before taking out a katana and started to slash at him skillfully. After all, she was a ninja as well. Itachi deftly evaded and dodged the attacks, moved behind her and took out several needles, piercing her in several places down her back. She collapsed on the hall floor, paralyzed.

ÒI cant believe you can kill your own children. Even Sasuke!Ó shouted Itachi. ÒSasukeÕs too innocent! He doesnÕt know anything about all of this! How could you? HeÕs just a kid who fights for what he believes in!Ó

ÒI-ItachiÉ IÉÓ

ÒDonÕt bother, I cant forgive you anymore. YouÕve already done the damage,Ó Itachi growled, his eyes hardening. ÒIf you can bear to kill us, we can bear to kill you too. And donÕt bother to shout, IÕve already killed the rest of the clan.Ó

Itachi plunged a kunai straight to her heart and severed the jugular artery in her neck. She died right then and there, eyes wide in shock.

ÒYumi?Ó called his father. He entered the room, only to find Itachi, his clothes sprayed with blood, standing over his dead motherÕs body with the Mangekyou Sharingan activated and glaring fiercely at him.

ÒSheÕs gone,Ó Itachi said. ÒI had to. Or else she would have killed me and Sasuke.Ó

ÒHow did youÉÓ

ÒDonÕt. Ask.Ó

Itachi charged forward quickly, instigating a fight with his dad. Both put up quite a fight, but the Mangekyou holder was at an advantage. Itachi easily slit his fatherÕs throat. He collapsed. That was when Sasuke came in.

ÒNii-chan?Ó

Itachi looked up, startled. Sasuke had gone home without waiting to be picked up. Oh well, itÕs the same. He left Sasuke, craving for revenge, cold and alone, without a family. He did it because Sasuke needed to learn how to fend for himself, how to be alone in the cruel world. He needed to develop his powers on his own and develop a new will to train now that the old will to impress his father is gone. It was all for his own good.

---End of Flashback---

Sasuke remained silent, thinking things over. He was unable to say anything to his brother, the one who heÕs hated for the last 8 years, the one who killed his family, the one who he wanted to have revenge over. It turned out that everything had all been for his good. It turned out that Itachi hadnÕt really killed his family, because in truth, his family was still there. Itachi was still there. The elders, his father and motherÉ they had been his family before they figured his power out. But after that, his only family had been Itachi. Only Itachi.

ÒDamn,Ó he muttered, rubbing his head.

ÒExcruciating fact, huh?Ó chuckled Itachi. ÒTruth always hurts.Ó

ÒI wish I had a brother like you,Ó Naruto grinned, falling back and lying flat on the blue-green grass. ÒToo bad. I donÕt even know if I had a brother, coz I didnÕt get to meet my family.Ó

ÒYou did have a brother,Ó Itachi announced, fingering the flute in his hand. Naruto flew back up. SasukeÕs head snapped up. (a/n: No sue, no sue! Just go with the flow! No flames!)

ÒWhat!Ó both of them snapped.

ÒYou had a brother,Ó Itachi said. ÒOlder brother. His name was Kouji. Uzumaki Kouji. Exactly like you. A perfect copy, from looks, to attitude, to favorites, to beliefsÉ even fighting style! He was an exceptional fighter tooÉ he was in my level. We were both Chuunin level at the age of 9. He dressed in an orange shirt, black pants, hand protectorÉ favorite food was ramenÉ loved pretty girls who can cookÉ liked to slack offÉ wanted to become HokageÉ strong-willed and obnoxiousÉ and always acted stupidly. But he was a worthy opponent, a very good ninja.Ó

ÒHow come you know so much about him?Ó asked Naruto.

ÒYou knew him?Ó Sasuke asked.

ÒYeah, I knew him. He wasÉ kind of my best friend back thenÉÓ

NarutoÕs jaw dropped. SasukeÕs eyed widened. ÒYou knew him and you never told me!Ó

ÒWell, how would I know that his little bro and my little bro would be best friends too when the time comes?Ó shrugged Itachi. ÒBut he died when we were about 8 or 9. You were only a year old, Naruto, as well as you, otouto. Since Konoha was weakened due to the KyuubiÕs attack, enemies came and tried to conquer the place. Konoha managed to stand tall, but Kouji died. He died protecting me. And he wanted me to give you this, but I never did have the chanceÉÓ

Itachi fished out a necklace with a yellow-orange stone as a pendant. ÒIf I remember correctly, he called it ikapasui. ItÕs a lucky charm for safety. I have one too, he gave me one.Ó He took off his necklace and raised it up to look at it closely. It was a blue and black pendant. Then he handed it to Sasuke. ÒIts yours now.Ó

Sasuke remained silent, watching his brotherÕs outstretched hand holding the pendant. ÒWhy?Ó

Itachi chuckled again. ÒRemember the time when you wished on that wishing star and you told me to wish too?Ó

ÒYeah. What about it?Ó

ÒI wished for you to be safe until the day comes that we meet again and you find out about everything. SoÉ IÕm giving you this so youÕll be safe even after we met.Ó

ÒButÉÓ

ÒNo buts. Take it.Ó

Sasuke sighed, taking the pendant slowly and observing it under the moonlight. Itachi fumbled in his pocket. He handed a piece of paper to Naruto.

ÒHereÕs a picture of your brother. Take it, I still have another one.Ó

Sasuke leaned over to see as Naruto held the piece of paper. The boy in the picture looked exactly like Naruto, sitting beside a younger replica of Itachi. Both of them were smiling. Naruto sniffed silently.

ÒIf IÕm not mistaken, his tomb is right next to the 4th HokageÕs tomb. Its right beside your fatherÕs,Ó said Itachi. Naruto just nodded. Sasuke slung a comforting arm around the boy.

ÒSo youÕre not angry anymore, otouto? YouÕre not going to seek revenge, are you?Ó smirked Itachi.

ÒNo. No more. No more,Ó muttered Sasuke. ÒIÕm just disappointed. All these yearsÉ you never even bothered to tell meÉÓ

ÒThatÕs because I waited for you to be strong enough. And now that you areÉÓ shrugged Itachi. Then he smirked. ÒSo youÕre gonna marry your cherry blossom now?Ó

ÒShut up!Ó fumed Sasuke, burning red. Naruto and Itachi laughed.

ÒYou know, theyÕre already engaged,Ó giggled Naruto girlishly. ÒAnd I know that little Sasuke doesnÕt want to be humiliated in front of his idolized brother!Ó

ÒNaruto!Ó shouted Sasuke, tackling him to the ground and managing to get him into a headlock. ÒWhat have I told you about shutting up!Ó

This scuffle continued for several minutes with both Itachi and Naruto irking the fuming Sasuke. But then a whistle sounded from the enemyÕs base.

ÒOh no. Dammit,Ó said Itachi.

ÒWhat is it?Ó asked Sasuke and Naruto simultaneously, hearing the soft whistle.

ÒTheyÕre awake. I cant stay much longer,Ó he said, standing up. Sasuke and Naruto both stood up as well. ÒLook, theyÕre going to attack at 1800. Be cautious. They will take the route to the top of the mountain. Clear your patrols and gather up your men, youÕll need it. Be careful of that dratted snake. HeÕs in a very bad mood about the assassinations. Ah, yes, good work about that too,Ó he said, speaking quickly. Then he looked at the sky. The dark blue was now mixing with a light-bluish tint from the horizon. ÒI need to go. Be safe, both of you. You need to survive this war. Its not your time to die yet.Ó

Itachi turned around quickly and started to sprint towards their base.

ÒMatte!Ó called Sasuke. ÒWhy wont you come with us?Ó

ÒYeah, come with us!Ó supported Naruto.

Itachi stopped in his tracks. He didnÕt turn around, though. ÒI appreciate the offer, but I think IÕll decline. Tsunade and the others wont be welcoming me with open arms after what IÕve done. They know about the truth, but they say it isnÕt an excuse. They say I should have stayed in Konoha.Ó

ÒWell, you should have,Ó added Naruto in an undertone.

ÒWell, sure, Tsunade wont accept you,Ó said Sasuke, shifting his weight on one foot. ÒBut I will.Ó

Itachi whirled around. ÒWhat are you talking about?Ó

ÒI have my own country, remember? Twilight will save you.Ó