Chapter 1: A chance for redemption
"You call me mad because my determination to realise my vision of the future remains unshaken despite the time. If realising one's own dream is called wicked, does that mean you, the first one to reach yours, count just as sinful?"
Darkness obscured Itachi's field of view. Blurry images were all he could capture with the remaining light getting dimmer within seconds, swallowed by muddy shadows from the edge toward the centre of his vision. High-pitched noises were piercing his eardrums after huge thunder hit the ground. Such massive damage had struck not just Itachi's body; which made him kiss the floor whilst pulling all air out of his lungs but also wrecked their entire battleground.
Only ruins surrounding both siblings by now. Nibbling pain stung deeply into the bones to the point of benumbing his every muscle. The last sensation left was the track of warm liquid streaming out of his earlobes. The bleeding hearings were duly noted. He couldn't be more careless regarding this dying body.
The way Sasuke manipulated the weather impressed him immensely. His brother developed a magnificent technique called [Kirin] on his own, the only jutsu invented to kill the older brother. What perseverance Sasuke held. The swelling pride almost made Itachi too slow to cast Susanoo as the final trump card and as the closing stage of his life.
Yes, Itachi planned to die today.
He had been constructing these sequences in his head over and over for years, even before formally leaving Konoha eight years ago. Every single move they exchanged was already within calculations. From the illusion battle, Sasuke's curiosity about him, and little push for Sasuke to overcome the Tsukuyomi. Itachi reckoned his Mangekyou ability as the second-greatest genjutsu that ever existed, bested only by Shisui's Kotoamatsukami. With Sasuke's success in defeating Tsukuyomi, his little brother could prevail over lesser illusions with ease.
Itachi also put Sasuke's taijutsu to the test. They were pretty much tied at first until Sasuke's shuriken tricks caught him off-guard. Fatal hit he got paralyzed almost his entire movement, but he managed to continue somehow. The results he obtained up to this point were enough. His little brother gave him the answer he demanded, to grow stronger within a short period. Sasuke no longer needed Itachi as a self-measurement. He earned his victory at long last.
But only after Itachi completed his final task.
His brother must be freed from Orochimaru's influence. Sasuke chose to suppress the man's presence instead of killing him completely. Itachi would change that soon. Eradicating the mad scientist for good was his last mission before leaving the mortal realm. Albeit not dying, Sasuke himself has already reached his limit. With neither chakra nor stamina left, Sasuke was vulnerable. Orochimaru would take the situation in his favour for sure. Itachi only had to endure a little longer until that guy bared his fangs.
Artificial boosts Sasuke got from his deceased mentor were mere illusions. Sasuke was more than a capable shinobi without one. The curse seal was more fitting to be called manacles rather than advantage since its true purpose was to be an access door for the snake-man to overtake Sasuke's vessel. Not to mention the hideous transformation that came with it. Itachi on the other hand would grant his little brother the true power he deserved as a parting gift. Sasuke should possess one of Itachi's greatest legacies, a far more solid and more fitting ability than the last Uchiha of Konoha.
As contemplation scrambled inside his mind, Itachi staggered back to his feet using any leftover stamina he could muster. The quick calculation was made based on their distance. It surprised him quite a deal to see how far the gap was. With Itachi's current eyes, in which blindness dominated almost in a complete state, that figure far looked nothing more than a blurry stick.
How much Itachi wished to see Sasuke's face one more time, even if just for one final breath. But he was far from complaining. He had done what he could. Now his little brother could finally find peace with his death. And Konoha would welcome Sasuke back as their hero.
Shinobi from the Leaf whose mission to retrieve Sasuke was not far behind. He had made secret contact with Naruto beforehand; he could calculate Sasuke's comrades' arrival. Once Itachi was dead, they would collect his little brother. Sasuke should be returning with them as he had no more reason to be missing-nin. If Tobi somehow managed to get Sasuke first, well... Itachi couldn't help but smile whilst his Susanoo took form.
A parting gift was already set for his distant old uncle as well. The prank might not completely work out, but it would be nice knowing Itachi still had some tricks left to yank Tobi.
It should have worked.
Itachi mused in his mind while mouth throwing another provocation. Sasuke was so easily riled up even by the simplest mock, that it was almost adorable. Those reactions sometimes reminded him of younger Sasuke in their ninjutsu hide-and-seek games. The boy always sulked whenever he caught Itachi's shadow clone instead of the real one.
Through the obscurity of his visions, Itachi knew how much frustration damaged Sasuke's pride. His exasperation thickened the tension between them tenfold, the teenager screeched his infatuation out. Being bested by his older sibling always put Sasuke to the edge. The words he threw couldn't be heard clearly due to Itachi's bleeding ears, but he bet they were another collection of swearings. It mattered not, nonetheless. What he needed was Sasuke's action.
More taunts were about to be said when a vexing ache stirred his chest almost without warning. His lungs, the gradually deteriorating organs within the last three years, thudded. Despite the familiarity, these pains never got any easier.
Itachi quickly braced himself for what came next. An unforgiving grip shrivelled his infected organs, squeezing his respiration under its mercy. The contractions twisted into a combination of coughing, gasping, and wheezing, all of which happened at once. Keeping himself barely alive already took his whole attention, and Itachi was too late to notice the rising bile.
Coppery substances began to fill his throat and mouth. Their increasing rate accelerated too quickly much to Itachi's dismay. With overflowing liquid filling the mouth, and unstoppable impulses kept pushing from the throat, not to mention the need to draw in a breath, Itachi got no other option except to spill the blood out. Vicious coughing encouraged the gullet to extract more; one drop instantly turned into an endless spill.
Blood was gushing out of control, Itachi struggled for air through the coughing with eyes clenched shut. This amount was the most he ever let out. Warm liquid spilt to his palm trying to conceal the view from Sasuke's visions.
His little brother must not see this. For a moment—that felt like a lifetime, the ache was all he felt rippling throughout his body. His head throbbed, ribcage sore, ears stung, and skin burnt figuratively and literally.
Temptations to fall and let death claim him became irresistible. Within a split moment of vulnerability, Itachi wanted everything to be over. He had enough; all the pain and agony must disappear. His Susanoo started dissolving. Before darkness completely overtook him, however, his last instinct detected an approaching attack. It made his consciousness kick back in full force, noticing Sasuke still standing in front of him. Sasuke was not yet freed from Orochimaru's influence. Sasuke has not yet been given his new power.
Sasuke...!
No, Itachi couldn't die yet! The young man forced his mind and body to pull in more chakra. The Susanoo reforming as well as casting in Yata Mirror and the container in which Totsuka Blade was kept. But as his eyelids reopened, only utter darkness greeted him back. The ultimate drawback for using Mangekyou, at last, caught up. Itachi was now completely blind.
Ah, Sasuke... I can no longer see you, little brother... I will not see your face when death, at last, takes me... he thought as Yata Mirror currently protecting from paper bombs. But perhaps this is for the best. I'm glad your hatred won't be the last thing I see. I just have to picture your admiring eyes from our past once my real self can touch you for the last time...
Itachi pressed his chest through the damp shirt—which was soiled in cold sweat, dirt, and blood. He urged the lungs to keep breathing. Twig-like legs shook from propping up the entire body, no matter how thin it had become. Nevertheless, his younger brother should not see this. He shouldn't see Itachi's flaws. Itachi must remain a faultless and formidable opponent in Sasuke's eyes. Itachi must keep the image of an impeccable foe whose victory was definite at this point. And that he was ready to take Sasuke's eyes anytime.
Once the assault was over, his hand released its grip, chin lifted in confidence. "My eyes... Those are my eyes," he whispered coldly.
With lips and tongue stiffened, not to mention the clogged throat, it was so damn hard just uttering one short sentence. Iron tang was all he tasted in every breath. Despite best efforts, Itachi knew not all flaws could be concealed perfectly, especially the worn-out breath. One aspect he hoped Sasuke wouldn't pay too much attention to.
Just a little more, Itachi marched forward.
His feet knew where to go not because he sensed Sasuke's chakra. No, he could no longer feel Sasuke's vague presence. Itachi didn't rely on ninja skills anymore by this point. Instead, his heart was all he needed. Within this final moment, even when complete darkness intimidated his resolve, even when his staggering body bawled his brain to stop, his devotion to Sasuke overruled every blocking obstacle.
This wasn't about his dying body, this was about Sasuke getting his rightful rewards. His conditions didn't matter, Sasuke's did. Believing everything was done for the sake of his little brother, Itachi knew he could finish what he had started. He knew where Sasuke would be even without visions.
Unsteady feet dragged slowly to take a step closer one at a time. His lungs were burning more viciously the closer he got. Time was running out. Only a few minutes left before his deteriorated lungs stop functioning completely. Nothing much could be done anymore with these faint heartbeats. Effects from the last medicine wore off far too soon despite the highest dose taken, causing all numbed pains to assault him back in more agonising after-effects. It made his body try another self-revolt, yet Itachi wouldn't yield until the final mission was fulfilled. Not even to death.
At last, the taunt worked out. The younger Uchiha tried drawing out more chakra, which unfortunately resulted in his setback. Instead of forming another jutsu, the figure a few feet away fell to his knees. Itachi ceased his steps when Sasuke let out a choked gasp. A strangled groan was heard for a brief moment, quickly followed by a painful scream right in the next second. All of a sudden immense chakra pressures filled the air.
"I recognized how this chakra feels..." came Itachi's low mutter under ragged breath, "This is Orochimaru's great eight-headed serpent."
Taking one deep breath, Itachi prepared himself for the final clash, eyelids closed. Since the visions no longer functioned, better hid the flaw from the opponent. Once again, the older Uchiha relied on instinct. Drawing an ace weapon out, the spirit blade started cutting the snake's heads one by one, Yata Mirror did the protecting job when receiving attacks. Wobbly feet kept moving forward.
Orochimaru will appear anytime now, Itachi was certain.
And he did. By the time a single head remained, air pressure from all around stirred. Something was coming out from inside the giant serpent that was quickly followed by a sickening laugh reverberating through the air. On any other day, Itachi would crinkle his nose in disgust upon hearing that sound. But this time around, a triumphant smile curved up at the corner of his lips.
"You finally show yourself..."
You vile man, time to pay for all the dirty deeds you've inflicted on my dearest brother... Never again will you have the chance to touch Sasuke... Itachi rested for a moment.
Swinging the weapon took another great toll on his body. He had some time to take a breather while that fallen sannin was busy monologuing, thinking Itachi would listen. The Uchiha didn't hear any, as they didn't care. They weren't important until the mention of his little brother and Orochimaru's plan to take Sasuke's body—
—Only then did rage consume Itachi tenfold, his eyelids opened fiercely. Without raising his head and using more than necessary energy, Susanoo swung its fiery sword and stabbed the target through Orochimaru's heart. Some satisfying sensations instantly tingled Itachi's chest. His final mission at long last was fulfilled.
Now finally this is the time, he mused to himself with his mouth taunting the younger sibling for the last time, completely ignoring the thing he just killed, "Now Sasuke, is there any more trick you have up on your sleeves?"
Once Orochimaru was completely sealed in, Itachi drew back his sword. Leaving Yata Mirror alone in his grasp. Sasuke remained weak for quite a long moment until he realised Orochimaru's powers had been stripped off. A loud gasp was heard as Itachi drew closer and nearer. That sound did aid the older man in detecting Sasuke's position accurately. His little brother hadn't given up yet it seemed. Sasuke tried another offence by swinging Kusanagi Blade onto Itachi's impenetrable defence.
It was a great accomplishment for Sasuke to obtain the weapon. Kusanagi was infamous for its speciality. Not only as an unbreakable blade but also due to its ability to fuse with any chakra type and cut through almost anything. Itachi praised the achievement silently once news about Sasuke's clever strategy of taking down Orochimaru reached Akatsuki. However, not even Kusanagi was a match for Itachi's spirit shield.
If Sasuke's Kusanagi Blade was considered a legendary weapon, Itachi's Yata Mirror was in the league of mythical possessions, one that surpassed far higher than simply a trophy item. Even before Sasuke obtained his weapon, the elder sibling already owned its perfect counter, a few things Kusanagi Blade couldn't cut through.
Sasuke was thrown back after his failed attempt, noises which pulled Itachi's attention back immediately. The teenager had run out of options with his back now touching the wall. A faint grin started to crack at the edge of Itachi's lips. This was it, the moment he had been waiting for.
Everything had been completed. Every mission, every unfinished business, and every promise he was tied to. Itachi kept his promise to Shisui regarding peace for Konoha by slaughtering their clan; alongside the promise to save Uchiha's honour by sullying his name with an unforgivable crime. He kept his promise to the Third Hokage and Elders by executing the lifetime mission to last breath without letting one soul ever be aware of its existence. He fulfilled his promise to Kisame to not die before completing all checklists he prepared beforehand.
Itachi had been keeping his promise to Kakashi by staying true to himself even when no one would ever know the truth; one of Konoha's flaws must die with him. Itachi never revealed anything through lips either no matter how loud the heart pleaded. If Kakashi did get the answer to a question he never uttered, his senior kept his promise to not seek out Itachi.
His Anbu senior simply believed his words when they parted; that no matter what, no matter how much Itachi turned evil on the surface, he would still and always be Uchiha Itachi of The Hidden Leaf. Not a single blood of Konoha residents ever soiled his hands since he turned rogue. Except perhaps Orochimaru's, but the man was one whole different case.
Fugaku indeed admitted his mistakes at the end of his life and it hurt to hear his confessions. It hurt to imagine the impossibility of different paths by that point. It hurt to beseech his parents' forgiveness as his executioner blade readied its position. Yet forgiving each other's misdeeds was the greatest salvation he had gotten from this hellish mission. They could reach a peaceful conclusion not as two opposing ninjas, but as father and son in the final moment. Nevertheless, the respect he held toward Fugaku was incomparable.
But all of these were nothing but side quests. Above other promises, only one mattered the most: Sasuke. This was the most important promise Itachi ever made in life. It wasn't about Fugaku's last words either, in which he asked Sasuke to be taken care of. No, one promise Itachi yearned to fulfil was sealed a long time ago, back in the day when both were mere children. Back before tensions between Konoha and Uchiha thickened and eventually parted Itachi from his own family further and further until that fateful night.
Before their bonds were tattered into one big tangled mess, Itachi promised another training session in which Sasuke would be taught the elder's best technique. Under current circumstances, this was the best answer he could provide. Both siblings never got another chance to spar since that evening whereas Itachi gave Sasuke a piggy back ride. His baby brother asked never-ending questions about Uchiha legacies on their way back home. The elder obliged happily with ideal answers being provided; even as lies. Sasuke's innocence must be protected from their family's true face.
As for now with situations turned upside down, those blissful moments had become Itachi's greatest treasure for years. Despite everything, he lamented nothing from their pasts. Nor did he regret his choices. It was what it was. He always lived to his own decisions and would try to make the best out of them. Therefore, this final fight was the only answer he could offer; for both the spar and the promised technique. It mattered not either if Sasuke had long forgotten these memories.
As Itachi got closer to Sasuke whose back was against the wall, the older sibling raised his right arm, pointing out two shaky fingers as these were the last of the very last energy he preserved. Sasuke shouldn't be able to pick up this strangeness due to his fear hence shifting his focus onto something entirely different. With their current state of mind, he wouldn't register the meaning behind Itachi's parting words either.
Just for my final breath... he pleaded to no one, please...
He could locate Sasuke's forehead from this distance. The trembling body in front of him provided enough assistance. The teenager was petrified thinking his eyes were going to be forcefully pulled out. The idea of its pain which is demonstrated through Tsukuyomi at the beginning of their battle successfully altered his attention. That was the true purpose of Itachi's Tsukuyomi, to begin with. He needed this opening. The only chance to let go of his evil mask—the pretence he had been wearing for the last eight years, finally crumbled without being noticed.
Before his fingers reached their target, Itachi used his last breath to show Sasuke the big brother he was once. Please, let me be myself... For the first and last time since leaving Konoha, Itachi displayed a wide genuine smile, the expression reserved for no one but his precious little brother.
"Forgive me Sasuke..." whispered him softly—grateful the words were articulated clearly despite his blood-filled throat, "This is the end..." I'm sorry this is the best I could do to fulfil my promise, little brother. Be at peace now Sasuke, please regain your light...
I love you...
Itachi waited neither for reactions nor answers, he tapped Sasuke's forehead whilst implanting a secret blood seal to transfer his Amaterasu. As the warmth of Sasuke's skin was reached, Itachi finally allowed coldness and numbness to overtake his entire consciousness. Life was slipping out of his vessel as his arm went limp, gliding down across Sasuke's face, for certain leaving a blood trail behind.
The last thing that crossed his mind before completely gone was how proud Konoha would be knowing Sasuke avenged Uchiha Clan and gave Itachi the traitor punishment he deserved for bathing in his own family's blood.
Sasuke the Clan Avenger... That title will be so fitting for you, little brother... With that, Itachi embraced death with a smile.
—At least, that is what Itachi believed would be his last moment...
This is…
Am I…Dead?
Itachi questioned himself waking up in an unfamiliar void of darkness wasn't what he expected to see after death.
"You aren't Dead" a deep voice flooded through Itachi. Itachi saw a pale-skinned man, who had deep wrinkles and a strong jawline in his elderly age. He had spiky, shoulder-length, pale brown hair, with a chin-length, braided lock hanging in front of his left ear. He also sported a goatee.
However, after all this the most he was surprised was seeing the pair of Rinnegan shining with infinite wisdom.
"Where am I?" Itachi questioned observing the surrounding void.
"Hmm, This is the world of your mind…Just consider yourself in the space between the reality and afterlife." the old man answered patiently with a smile.
Itachi carefully considered his thoughts, "I see in that case you must be the legendary Sage of Six Paths. Your Rinegan further supports my claim that only someone like you is capable of tampering with something like life and death."
"You mortals exaggerate me, I am a mere monk who's come to watch and see how Ninshu ends, surpassing all the generations. Traversing this world with chakra alone…and you are correct, my name is Hagoromo Otsutsuki…the founder of Ninshu, also known as the sage of six paths."
"I see if it is so, then I have a few questions for you," Itachi said carefully in consideration, after all, there are some things that he wanted to know for a long time.
"The questions can come later…First, you should listen to what I have to say…No, you must." The older man spoke as the scene transformed as he waved his staff, sending waves through the void.
'Long ago in a time forgotten by the people of the earth, was an era of long-lasting rage and unending wars. The people fought each other, for even the pettiest of reasons. Some of them simply sought to gain more power through bloodshed, others simply fought for the sake of fighting.'
'Humanity had a curse – a sickening and infectious curse so great that in time even the other creatures were caught in it and soon, the earth was slowly being choked to death by the curse of the humans. This curse was named hatred. A powerful force that could drive any person from an innocent bystander to a rage-fuelled killer who would hunt down those who wronged them, inflicting more pain and brutality, effectively spreading the curse to others.'
'It was like a vicious cycle, a chain of hurt. The more one fought, the more blood spilt, and the more hatred spread among the humans. Not even the new generations of the world were safe from it, as parents taught their children to hate, at the same time as they taught those children to walk.'
'One day, however, a princess came from a faraway land. This princess sought the Shinju, to harvest its fruit and take it to her family. This princess was Ōtsutsuki Kaguya. Originally she had sought the plant to take the fruit and destroy the world. Yet as time went by, she became attached to the humans, as a few had treated her with kindness. The people gave her a home, despite being an outsider – they treated her like one of their own. She had even found love.'
'However, war and hatred still thrived and she despised the idea. She now wished for peace – she wished to protect those whom she had come to care for. So, she sought power to break the chain of hatred. She ate the fruit of the Shinju gaining power beyond human comprehension.'
'Using this great power, she ended the bloodshed and pain. For the first time since the dawn of this world, humanity knew peace. Like the Shinju, Kaguya was also worshipped as a living god on earth. People bowed before her in respect and reverence for her power and divine will, which many considered to have no equal.'
'Later on, she gave birth to two sons, who were both born with a part of her great power.'
'At one point in her reign, however, Kaguya herself fell to the curse of hatred. She enslaved the people she once cared for and protected, driving fear into many peaceful hearts. From that day forward, behind her back, people called her a demon. She became so greedy, that she even wished to end the life of her own two sons, to gain back the chakra, the power, which they'd 'stolen' from her. In her great rage, Kaguya became one with the Shinju plant, giving life to a great beast – the Jūbi.'
'The beast was so great, that a swipe of a single tail could level nations and mountains within a blink. The beast, which had once been caring for Princess Kaguya, now had no compassion left for her or anything else. The Jūbi merely wished to destroy everything and to get hold of all the chakra in the world.'
'The two sons of Kaguya, Hagoromo and Hamura, fought against the Jūbi in a great battle that reshaped the world and they sealed it. Its power was sealed within Hagoromo and the empty husk of the beast was locked far away, creating the moon. Hamura and a few of the brothers' clansmen left the world to guard the seal for the Jūbi.'
'Hagoromo remained with the humans and decided to guide them, for, unlike his mother, he had not lost faith in the good of humanity. He taught people to use chakra for connecting, healing and spreading good – these teachings were Ninshū. For his efforts against the beast and for bringing the teachings of love and understanding, the people gave Hagoromo the moniker of Rikudō Sennin and some even called him a god.'
'After some time, Hagoromo would split the chakra of the Jūbi into nine equal parts, giving them consciousness and names. And so, the nine Bijū were born.'
'With time, Hagoromo would have his children – two sons, who would inherit parts of his power.'
'The older, whom he named Indra would inherit the Yin part of his power and gain a lesser form of his grandmother's eyes – these eyes would later be known as the Sharingan. The younger son, Asura would inherit the Yang part of his father's chakra, which gave him a powerful body and strong life force.'
'The two brothers had grown up close, learning Ninshū from their father. However, the difference in their skills was extreme. Indra was hailed as a natural prodigy – even by the high Ōtsutsuki standards and many of Sage's followers believed that he would inherit.'
'At the same time, Indra led a solitary life. He cherished his family – his brother was his greatest treasure and anyone who dared say otherwise would face a very pissed-off Ōtsutsuki Indra, and if they managed to survive the prodigy's anger they were never seen near the family again. Because of Indra's solitary nature, yet still cherishing his family, he preferred to work alone. He believed that others would hinder his progress.'
'Asura, on the other hand, was a prankster and referred to spending time with his friends as well as his non-human siblings. He liked to connect with people, rather than study. Yet given time, Asura unlocked his powers manifesting the ability, which would later be dubbed Mokuton. As he gradually came into his powers, with the help of his friends, he gained the skill and power to match Indra.'
'As Hagoromo realised that his time was getting shorter and shorter, he gave a task for his sons to complete. The result of the task would determine which of them would be the Heir to the Ninshū. Indra, who had always believed he would inherit without question, as the older, had been quite displeased. Yet, he still respected his father's choices, so he accepted the task with the grace that was expected of him, confident in his ability to complete it and prove to his father he was a worthy Heir.'
'So the two brothers had left on their separate journeys to complete their given task. As expected, Indra was faster and made it back sooner. Upon arriving and giving his account of the ongoing affairs to his father Indra expected to be declared the Heir. However, Hagoromo insisted on waiting for Asura to return. A few days later Asura arrived home as well, followed by a few people, who had become his close companions during his journey. After Asura told of his own experiences while away, Hagoromo asked for some time to properly decide.'
'The next day, the Sennin –to the shock of everyone gathered, his sons included, – declared Asura his Heir. Indra, in a fit of rage, stormed away. Asura wished to follow him, but Hagoromo had forbidden it, asking his younger son to let Indra think on his own for a while. Saddened and unsure of the reasonability, Asura complied with his father's wishes.'
'However, leaving Indra on his own was a poor decision by both Hagoromo and Asura.'
'Indra retreated to the forest to train, trying to release all his pent-up anger and disappointment. However, that was the time when Black Zetsu approached the older son. Zetsu spoke to Indra, even though what his words were are unknown. What is known is that Zetsu's words had turned Indra's anger into hatred. Hatred felt for his once-beloved and cherished brother.'
'So Indra left his family behind, only followed by a few of those who still believed in him. As time passed, Indra gained more power and understanding of such powers. What Indra had gained about his powers, had in the end proved quite deadly to his few allies. Set on his course to beat Asura and gain the mantle of Heir, Indra killed his followers gaining a new and improved Sharingan.'
'The Sennin trusted all his teachings to Asura on his deathbed. With his father dead and only his Bijū siblings remaining by his side, Asura continued to teach Ninshū to people. However, he didn't give up hope to see his brother again. To have him back by his side, kind and caring as he used to be.'
'Over the years, the brothers crossed paths several times. Each one of their clashes was mightier and deadlier than the last – one wished to kill his brother while the other just wished to end this fight and see his family whole again. Asura even gained the help of their Bijū siblings – despite some of them being sceptical about Indra's nature – and so, he fought his brother to a draw several times.'
'Their last battle, decades after that fateful day when Asura was declared Heir, was the longest and bloodiest one. It claimed the life of both brothers and sparked hate of such a scale between their families, hate that had not been seen since long ago.'
'Asura's family (and followers) became the Senju Clan –and later, through distant ties, the Uzumaki Clan–, who held their forefather's ideals of peace through understanding. An ideal, which would be dubbed the Hi no Ishi, thousands of years later.'
'Indra's family and followers formed the Uchiha Clan, who held the elder's belief in peace through power. His beliefs would spark the Curse of Hatred, which spread through the Uchiha like wildfire.'
'However, something occurred that had not been seen before in the world. Something that not even Hagoromo or Kaguya had foreseen. When the two brothers died their natural chakra remained, even after their bodies were destroyed. This caused the two brothers to reincarnate themselves into various individuals within their descendants throughout history, fuelling and continuing the bloody feud between their clans. (As time went by, the Uchiha and Senju forgot the meaning and cause of their fight, they ended up simply fighting for the sake of fighting.'
'And like a cycle of seasons, life, death and rebirth would come again and again. And with each reincarnation, the transmigrants would grow stronger. Every pair of transmigrants were called the gods of their time.'
'One such pair of gods were Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara. The two legendary shinobi would befriend each other, as children and dream of peace. Of a time and place, when people didn't need to fight wars for survival. It would take decades, but their dream would come true. For the two Clan Heads would sign a pact, ceasing the war and for the first time since Indra left his family behind, the clans were at peace. The transmigrants stood side by side.'
'Hagoromo himself, who remained dead watching the world, allowed himself to hope. The pain and bloodshed brought by his descendants had caused him great pain, but upon seeing Hashirama and Madara, he hoped for a better world to come. A world he had failed to create.'
'The two clans would go on to form the first shinobi village in Hi no Kuni. A village, which would be a symbol of hope and peace, named Konohagakure no Sato by Madara. Hashirama would marry Uzumaki Mito, to gain the might and support of her clan and the three ancient clans would lay the milestones of the revolution.'
'In time, Hashirama was elected the first leader of Konoha – a decision even Madara himself supported. Hashirama's tenure as Hokage was one of prosperity and peace.'
'However, the idyllic peace was shattered, when Hashirama declared his younger brother, Tobirama to be the next Hokage. Displeased by the choice and said he would not follow the killer of his beloved younger brother, Madara left.'
'Hashirama went after him, trying to make him see sense. Like a time so long ago, the time of their forefathers, Hashirama chased after Madara wishing for him to be by his side. However, his hope was not to be. The two fought and fought, reshaping the very land. Madara, to ensure his victory, even enslaved the mighty Kyūbi no Kitsune. Still, Hashirama reigned victorious with the help of his wife. Who, to save her husband from death, sealed the Kyūbi within herself, thus becoming the first-ever Jinchūriki. The place of their last battle, which would claim Madara's life, would later be called the Valley of the End. It would be that time, when Indra's chakra would leave Madara, floating in the world, watching the clans and his brother's transmigrant.'
Upon Hashirama and Mito's return to the village, the Bijū would be claimed too dangerous to roam free by Tobirama and Mito. The other eight would be captured and sealed as well and distributed to the other villages, as a sign of peace. Despite Hashirama's efforts, a war would break out, which history would remember as the First Shinobi War. It would be on that battlefield, where Hashirama would die, by taking a blow to the back to protect his brother.'
'With that, Asura's chakra would be free once more and the two brothers would remain watching, as the world flew by. (Watching with no small amount of horror – even Indra – as Madara's plan took shape. A plan, which the ancient Uchiha would call Project Infinite Tsukuyomi.'
'And it is where the cycle starts again…this time with Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto.'
"Uchiha Itachi! Now, do you understand?"
Itachi who was shocked beyond belief still managed to maintain his stoic appearance, "So this whole time, you've been watching your kids fight with each other?"
"Yes…I suppose you could say that…" Hagoromo's face broke out in a small sad smile,
"So in a manner, you are to blame for all of the needless fighting, brotherly feuds, and wars waged in the name of power. Are you not the root of these problems?" Itachi asked calmly, though he still couldn't help but feel angry at the old monk; if it weren't for his ignorance, this war and the senseless bloodshed wouldn't have even taken place.
"You are correct Uchiha…I was an ignorant father, who failed to understand his child. My only wish was to be at peace through Ninshu, I explained chakra was there to connect individuals… However, my mother Kaguya used chakra only for herself and unified the world at her whims. But unification through power is nothing but a rampage…Therefore she became a being to fear, the same could be said for Madara… that's why I want you to stop Madara, Uchiha Itachi"
"Why me?" Itachi questioned curiously, aware that many others stronger than him might have made a better choice.
"The circumstances, your will... Compared to all the Uchihas I have seen, I sense something unique about you. You overcome your limitations and achieve your objectives despite all of your disabilities... That is why I want to bet on your potential and I want you to stop Madara."
Itachi remained silent and regarded him with impassive eyes, obviously not at all impressed with the fact that it had to be him that would have to do Hagoromo's dirty work for him.
"So, what do you think? Will you do what I ask, Uchiha Itachi?" Otsutsuki Hagoromo stated seriously, his purple Rinnegan eyes locked on the Indra descendent. Said Uchiha looking at him with the same seriousness, a hand going up and removing his hiate. The old man didn't make an attempt to stop Itachi.
The Uchiha fixed his gaze on the old man. "If you were so strong and didn't want this to happen, why didn't you step in eight years ago? or, for that matter, during the Uchiha-Senju wars? Stopping the death of Uchiha Izuna would have saved us all a lot of grief."
"I couldn't do anything," Hagoromo remarked simply. " I cannot intervene or influence the death of young Uchiha Izuna or the goals of your clan. But that's why I've brought you here,"
''Pardon?'' The former ANBU inquired warily, scrutinising the old man and attempting to figure out what he was saying. He couldn't have heard that correctly. There was no way Hagoromo meant what Itachi assumed.
''Black Zetsu.'' Hagoromo's single response dispelled all of Itachi's doubts.
Hagoromo remarked, "Black Zetsu, my mother's will would have worked out a different path; it was all part of its plan, and as much as I would like to destroy it, I simply cannot since my mother has made it incredibly resilient of me."
Itachi looked directly at the sage; here was his time for retribution, and Uchiha Itachi would gladly take it. After all, Uchiha Itachi has been foolish enough; change is impossible in this cloud of ignorance.
"I accept."
*****
The sun set behind the horizon of the mountaintops, casting the range in shadows. Orange light filtered through, and it glowed like fire. Twice Sasuke stopped to watch it. He was utterly transfixed by the fiery horizon.
Tobi stared after him, patiently. He had not spoken much since he had learnt the truth. If Sasuke cared enough, he would have wondered what was on the man's mind. But he did not care for Tobi or his schemes. He barely felt anything these days but rage.
Danzo! He had to kill him, that man had to die, Sasuke swore to himself that he would kill Danzo no matter what. However, one thing that would never change no matter how much Sasuke fought and screamed and bled. Itachi would never be there.
Because of him.
Sasuke had killed his brother and it clawed at him that he had not discovered the truth sooner. He would have saved Itachi. He would have marched right into that Akatsuki base, thrown Itachi over his shoulder and taken him somewhere safe. Damn the elders and damn Konoha. He would have protected Itachi.
Now he could only avenge him, and Itachi would not have wanted that.
Sasuke followed Tobi back to the Akatsuki base in a daze. His ribs still ached and his wounds were covered in bandages. Tobi moved at a quicker pace, obviously not in as bad a state as Sasuke. He barely noticed the head through the entrance, still lost in his own thoughts. Tobi had a skip to his step and it grated on Sasuke's nerves. Sasuke watched as the man moved down the corridor.
"You coming?" Tobi called out, amusement in his voice. Sasuke followed after the man with a shake of his head while Tobi watched on in interest. Once again an emotion had crossed over Sasuke's face and he appeared to be fighting an internal battle. He stopped suddenly and looked down at his pale hands, eyes half-lidded. Obito cocked his head, regarding the teen. The boy looked suddenly like he was in pain. As if he was fighting something that Tobi could not see. Sasuke's eyes flared with his newly obtained Mangekyou Sharingan and glared at Tobi.
"Something you-"
"Give me Itachi's eyes," Sasuke spoke quickly before he could take back his words. He didn't want Itachi's eyes. He didn't want Itachi's eyes to have to witness what Sasuke was going to do.
Tobi stilled. He could feel Sasuke staring intently at his back and he fought not to turn in shock.
"You would take them?" Tobi fought to keep his voice level. Sasuke's eyes squeezed shut for a moment, gritting his teeth. When he opened them again there was a determination to them that almost excited Tobi.
"I need them," Sasuke replied, voice coming out cool. Tobi stared tensely and replied.
"No, you aren't ready for his eyes, first you have to master your eyes then I will give them to you," Tobi said in a strange voice that left no room for argument as he started to leave, Tobi knew Sasuke wasn't ready yet, and giving him Itachi's eyes prematurely would spoil his plans.
"Wait!" The younger Uchiha cried out and Tobi turned again.
"Hmm?" Tobi watched as Sasuke took a sudden uncertain step forward.
"You have his body here?" The boy seemed to wilt at referring to Itachi as a body. Tobi frowned behind his mask.
"Yes."
"Can I…can I see him?" Tobi sighed quietly as Sasuke asked. This kid was impossible. There was a body, but since he had already removed Itachi's eyes and since Itachi's body itself carried many secrets, he was intending to let Zetsu devour it. There is no way he is even taking a chance that someone will get their hands on Itachi's corpse.
"Are you sure?" Tobi asked and Sasuke bristled.
"I need to apologise. And say goodbye." The boy's words were forced and Tobi rolled his eyes, scratching the back of his head.
"I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, clean yourself up and heal any of your injuries." The masked man then headed down the corridor, leaving Sasuke to stare after him in silence.
Once Tobi was out of sight, Sasuke brushed a hand through his sweat-slicked hair and closed his eyes. Danzo was his next target, and his death means it was just one more step to Sasuke avenging his clan and his brother. Taking Itachi's eyes was the last thing he ever wanted to do. He knew that in the long run he would need them, but to take even more from Itachi…
Just thinking about it, Itachi had a lump forming in the boy's throat. How could he have been so blind? How could he have forgotten the tears Itachi had shed as he left Konoha and Sasuke behind?
Itachi deserved better than what he had suffered. Konoha would pay, and pay dearly for what they had done. His clan was one thing. He would avenge them. But with Itachi, it was more personal. There was a rawness to Itachi's pain that Sasuke would avenge and there is no way he is going to leave his brother's tears unanswered.
*****
Obito had been Madara's loyal follower for more than half his life. He even posed as Madara himself at his mentor's demand. He understood the man enough to read the purpose behind the revelation task. Traumatizing Sasuke was necessary to gain the part he needed, The Mangekyou from Itachi's little brother. Should the boy already possess them beforehand, all he needed would be the body afterwards—dead or alive, could be Zetsu's meal for all he cared for. These possibilities were within his calculation hence the decision was made post-battle. Seemed Itachi's arms still protecting his little brother even in death.
Even in death, he couldn't help but hold a grudge against Itachi for pulling an Amaterasu on him.
However, after the awakening and everything, a move was yet to be made. He didn't gauge the eyes immediately and then disposed of the boy for good, as he had some different plans. He went as far as letting Sasuke invite his little group; a bunch of unstable teenagers. Why these random younglings were allowed to take shelter in Akatsuki, because of the simple reason they disposable powerful pawns, especially the revenge freak like Sasuke.
So far Sasuke was seen as Itachi's spare, and nothing more. 'Itachi's eyes keeper' was the title he bestowed upon the younger brother. After all, there is no way Sasuke could reach the heights of Itachi.
"...Damn you, Itachi..." cursed him under heavy breath. The right palm opened and closed a few times. The new limb didn't feel quite right yet.
"Fuck your Amaterasu..." his jaw clenched.
Obito scowled at the thought of the younger Uchiha, but he had been observing. The way Sasuke reacted to Itachi's revelation was the exact attitude he aimed to get. And even more so after Sasuke's declaration to destroy The Leaf with eyes bled into the Mangekyou pattern. Such visceral wrath and hatred were something similar to himself. It made him reckless in decision-making but also turned the boy into an unbeatable opponent.
Contrary to Itachi whose deepest intention remained unseen, Sasuke flaunted his sentiment openly. Specifically those two emotions. For sure he'd utilise them in the best way possible. As for now, the boy is grieving for his brother. Sasuke needed this moment. The longer he reminisced their old memories, the more hatred he grew in time, and the stronger his resolve became. And Sasuke must be filling up his fuel fast.
Itachi shared Amaterasu as a parting gift, one of his best signature techniques but it wasn't enough. Sasuke needed more. The younger brother got his own potential to advance further. Perhaps not at the same rate as the older sibling when it came to fitting in, but fast enough once he steeled up the motivation. Itachi had done an excellent job nurturing Sasuke under the illusion he created.
Maybe the younger brother could do what the older brother couldn't.
(END)
A/N: So, yes! It's what would happen if Itachi was still alive. My plan was to write a story about what would happen if Itachi lived without disease and gained eternal Mangekyou Sharingan. Honestly, I don't want to fuck this up, but I tried to think like Itachi, like what Itachi would have done if he was in this position or anything like that, and I am no Itachi and no genius, so I don't know if there will be the next chapter or not. It all depends on you guys, If I get positive feedback, then I will continue this.
— New chapter is coming soon — Write a review
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