Chapter 8
Dinner outside was nice. The warm atmosphere, spending time with his friends and little brother, without the semi-judging looks people tend to give him or other Uchiha in restaurants, it was a breath of fresh air. Teuchi-san didn't care about his last name or Naruto's status. His smile didn't dim when a few civilians scooted away from him and his brother or left altogether after spotting Naruto. They ate, talked, had fun. It was something he needed. After a good dinner, they parted ways, with Katsuki and Sakura dropping Naruto off to her home and Sasuke and Itachi heading back to the compound.
It was past their curfew but Itachi had already sent a clone to inform his mother that Sasuke was with him. Surprisingly, Mikoto had agreed without any question and told them to take their time. She seemed busy about thinking of something else. He couldn't think of any reason in particular.
"Nii-san?" Sasuke questioned from where he was dozing off on his back.
"Yes, Sasuke?"
"Why do people not like Naruto...?" he mumbled, more awake now. Itachi pondered for a moment before answering, "It's something we can't talk about. Just know it's not her fault and you should judge her by your own perception and not how others seem to do." Sasuke seemed to think over it and hid his face again. Some time ago, Itachi would've answered his question with a 'Sorry Sasuke, I don't know.' But he'd seen the way Katsuki interacted with his sister, always honest, he didn't give answers which would leave the girl feeling small and guarded. Even if her curiosity spiked or it left her more confused than before, he still answered her questions.
Itachi wanted to shield Sasuke away from the harsh realities of their world. He'd gloss over his own feelings, darker topics, and the ruthless side of shinobi lifestyle just so his younger brother could have a sense of normality. Lately, he'd come to realize that he was only stopping his growth as his own individual. So maybe taking your only four-year child to a battlefield wasn't the best decision, thank you for the trauma, but it was equally counterproductive to hide the ugliness of their lives.
Now Itachi tried to maintain a balance, he'd noticed that Sasuke too came to him more often than before, to ask for training or just talk. He seemed to be more open to talking with him now that he didn't just get brushed past.
"I'm home," Itachi announced as he took off his sandals, and proceeded to remove Sasuke's who had fallen asleep on their walk back home. It wasn't very late yet so he must've been tired from all the 'secret missions' he'd been doing. He first laid Sasuke down on his bed before going to the dining room to greet his mother and father. Since he recieved no answer earlier he opened the door, only to come face to face with mother, father, but also Sandaime-sama and Orochimaru-sama.
Before he could speak up with an appropriate greeting, Mikoto turned to him, "Itachi. Welcome home. It's late right now and you have academy tomorrow, finish up your preparations and head to bed, I assume you've eaten properly?" she said and it was a dismissal if he'd ever heard one. One look at his mothers face said that she was in her 'Clan head' mode and would expect everyone to comply. He nodded and bowed to the two outsiders in the room, "Good evening, Orochimaru-sama, Sandaime-sama," he said and excused himself. Closing the door, he made his way to his room, not oblivious to the tensed atmosphere in the room.
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Mikoto took a deep breath as her son leaves the room, barely managing to keep herself in check. How can she, when she knows that there's someone in the village trying to get their hands on her son and clan just for their eyes?
"And will you take action against this Danzo ?" Fugaku aimed his question at the Sandaime, squeezing her hand under the table, no doubt catching onto her displeasure.
"Of course I will, but as it is right now, I have no proof to question him. He is one of the village elders and can't be bought in without proper evidence," The Hokage replied.
"Oh? And this isn't your friendship speaking? If maybe this friendship didn't cause you to be so lax with him we'd be in a better position. The village too," Mikoto's biting words caused the old man to hide a flinch, but no one in the room can bring themselves to feel bad for the man. Seeing the explosive atmosphere once more, Orochimaru decided to intervene, both to ease the tension a little and satisfy his own curiosity.
"I plan to take young Itachi as one of my genin when he graduates," he started, causing all eyes to turn towards him, "Even though I can't guarantee his safety from Danzo's manipulation now, once he comes under my tutelage he will be safe and away from the war hawk," he continued when no one opposed. He was expecting opposition, after all, Itachi is the Uchiha heir and might be expected to sign up as an apprentice rather than a genin team. But as their condition is right now, it'll be better to integrate them more into the village step by step. Seemingly on the same wavelength, the two Uchiha's nod.
"I also have a question. There's a lot of Uchiha in our village, but why is Danzo intent on getting to Itachi and his cousin Shisui? I get that they come from a strong linage, but a Sharingan is a Sharingan, isn't it?" It's only after he finishes speaking he realises his wording might be insensitive, but he can't do anything about that now.
Mikoto and Fugaku seem to share a glance before the man speaks up, "The Sharingan has three documented stages. But there's another that is extremely difficult to obtain, it gives the wielder a unique ability, and we'd rather no one gets it at all as the requirements for it are... cruel." he ponders on his words for a moment. "Shisui unlocked that Sharingan, and Itachi has the potential too, he has shown promise ever since he was young but I don't want him to-" he cut himself off and took a second to regain his composure. "Any more information can't be shared as is the clan law." he finished and Orochimaru nodded in response. He already knew there was something special about this Sharingan but he didn't know the boy had it or not.
"The Mangekyou.." The Sandaime breathed out and Orochimaru turned to listen to him. The couple remained silent. "Kagami got the Mangekyou after Tobirama-sensei sacrificed himself. I don't much about it except it is born out of extreme guilt and sorrow," he added and they nod. Orochimaru can see why the clan heads don't encourage others to activate it. Though when one is a shinobi, extreme guilt and sorrow aren't rare emotions. His confusion must be visible on his face because Mikoto added to it, "The Mangekyou is only obtained due to the guilt of causing someone whom you love's death. It is common to assume you activate it by killing the person you're closest to which isn't a lie. Though the feeling of having caused their death is enough to get it. Of course, this act is useless unless your Sharingan is strong enough to evolve to the next level based on your chakra alone. There are other factors involved as well," she explained.
"I see," he said.
"I promise to keep a close eye on Danzo and take action as soon as I get any evidence at all," the Sandaime said as he stood up to take his leave, no doubt they don't want him here any longer than necessary. The clan head gave a curt nod and walked out with him to escort him to the compound gates. Orochimaru himself moved to follow his teacher when Mikoto stopped him.
"Orochimaru-san." she started, her voice losing the hard edge it had all evening, "Thank you.. for coming to us with his plans, I don't-, I can't let Itachi or Shisui or any of the Uchiha children suffer just because of the selfishness of that disgrace of a human. I- the whole clan owes you," she said and Orochimaru stood there in silence for a second. It's not like he isn't aware of the worth of a clan owing him a favour but he never thought he'd be on the receiving end of it.
He doesn't have friends. Except for Jiraiya and Tsunade who are not likely to return to the village anytime soon, he doesn't. Maybe Sakumo was a friend once but then he died. Rest are subordinates, mission comrades, or in case of sensei, a mentor and superior. This feeling of comradeship is very... new. But not unpleasant. "I only did what anyone decent would do," he replied and she nodded, "I'll keep you updated on what I found out, leaving everything in the Hokage's hand is out of the question." he gave a nod at this, not expecting anything else. When he returned home, there is a somewhat unfamiliar warmth in his chest, one he hadn't felt in a long time.
One person with a blank mask on her face watched as the Third and the Snake sannin walked with the Uchiha Clan head and matriarch into the main house from the shadows, noting everything with her copy wheel eyes. She doesn't question why she is the only person suitable for this job, why the compound barriers don't mark her as a foreign presence, or why many of the people here have the same eyes as her. She doesn't need to think. She follows orders. That's all she's ever known.
She slipped away and made way to the underground root base to report to Danzo-sama what she saw today. Even if she didn't hear anything, she knew that the two new people in the compound weren't a good sign.
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The next day everyone got up, as usual, Father went to work, as usual, Mother packed him a bento, as usual, Sasuke whined as he left for training as usual. Everything was the same as usual. But Itachi still felt as though there was a thin sheet of stress and ....grief? In their house. He knew better than to ask, but knew it had something to do with the dinner conversation last night. Since today was a no class day, he had plans to go camping with Shisui. A 'Brother day' as Shisui liked to say. Itachi felt guilty enough about not spending enough time with him that he agreed at once.
"HEY! ITACHI!" he heard his cousin call out from the lane next to his house as he waited for him. Giving one last forehead poke to his brother, he made way to the cheerful Uchiha.
"Good morning Shisui, what's the plan for today?" he inquired once he caught up to him and both of them walked to the forest.
"Straight to business huh?" the older chuckled, "Why don't you tell me about how're things at the academy first? Made friends? Pranked any teacher? Fangirls giving trouble? Hows little Sasuke doing-"
Itachi gave a fond sigh as he kept on speaking, though he answered every question, the nostalgia and familiarity of it all making him smile. The weight of his parent's mood felt lighter right now.
"Yes, I have a friend. No, also no. Sasuke is fine, he'll start the academy soon."
"He's almost at that age huh.." Shisui looked upwards, hands crossed behind him as he walked, "To be honest, I thought you'd graduate way earlier. You surely have the talent too. Not jealous that your cousin is already in ANBU?" his tone was teasing but Itachi could read the genuine curiousness in his voice.
Maybe once upon a time, Itachi wanted to graduate as soon as possible. To climb up the ranks as soon as possible and protect the clan, the village, Sasuke. To make his parents proud and improve the relationship between the clan and the village.
But he had friends in the academy, learning along with someone else was fun. He had more time for Sasuke, he wouldn't miss his first day at school. Mother and father were still proud of him, though maybe father wanted him to graduate early. Tensions were easing, though he wasn't too sure about that. He liked having free time too.
"I'm not jealous. I like being in the academy." he was a little jealous. Not of Shisui, but of the fact he wasn't privy to the same information as ANBU members were. Even then, he'd make it there one day. Shisui hummed in response and they set up their tent in a somewhat empty clearing in the forest.
"Do you want to try learning the Shushin? I'm the best at it you know!" Shisui exclaimed once they had berries and bread for breakfast. Itachi nodded enthusiastically, never one to pass up learning something new.
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"I promise, it'll be fine!" Sakura reassured her friend for the nth time as they made way to her house. Now that Katsu-nii and Naruto knew each other, she could invite her over for a sleepover. Her first sleepover with a friend. She was very excited.
"Sakura-chaaaan, nooo," Naruto whined and tried to break free from her grip, but Sakura was way too strong for all her dainty appearance. "But you said you will!" Naruto had said yes, but what if Sakura's parents didn't allow her in? Or worse, what if they made them stop being friends! Or, what if they get mad at Sakura-chan!
"Let's do it some other day then, we had dinner together only last night," she tried to reason, even though she wouldn't mind not having instant ramen for one night.
"AH! FINE! Then promise me next week?" she conceded, a pout on her face. Naruto nodded quickly, till next week she'd be able to think of a good excuse, or maybe Sakura-chan will forget.
"Why are you yelling?" Katsu-nii opened the door, finding two children standing at the entrance. "Sakura, and Naruto?" the blonde girl waved brightly while Sakura simply smiled. He looked as if he was sleeping.
"I was just going back home ttebayo. It's almost dark and I have to reach soon!" Naruto explained and he grunted, opening the door fully.
"I'll walk you home," he said and stepped out after wearing his shoes.
"Huh, why? I know the way home! And it's not night like yesterday," she argued, but he only rolled his eyes.
"I gotta stretch my legs anyway, don't mind walking a little brat home."
"WHO"RE YOU CALLING A BRAT DATTEBAYO!"
"Katsuki, who is it? Why is there so much noise-" Mebuki cut herself off as she looked at the person responsible for the commotion.
Despite not being one of those people who took the girl for the nine-tailed demon itself, she couldn't help but purse her lips. She didn't want her children near the girl. Immediately, she felt guilty when the little whiskered child noted her displeasure and flinched back, as if expecting a hit. The movement didn't go unnoticed by Bakugou who knew all too well what these signs meant.
"Haa, I should go now, bye Sakura-chan, bye Katuski-nii," she said with a too bright smile and basically sprinted away. There was a moment of silence before Sakura broke it, "Hmph! Next week we're going to have a sleepover for sure."
"What sleepover?" Mebuki questioned, surely Sakura wasn't friends with the girl?
"But I asked you if I could invite my friend for a sleepover yesterday Ka-san," she replied, frowning slightly.
"Sakura, tha-"
"Sakura, why don't you go and get you shuriken, I'll start teaching you today after supper." Bakugou interrupted her mother.
"Wha- really? But you said not until academy!"
"It'd be better to be a little prepared before you start." he reasoned and she nodded before going up to her room to get the blunt kunai she stored in her basket.
Mebuki sighed, she didn't want to tell Sakura to lose her first friend as well, Katsuki would be better at handling the situation. Both the children were really close.
"Mom. Why'd you react like that to Naruto? She's already so hesitant about being here" he said instead and she couldn't help the widening of her eyes.
"Katsuki, you know what she is!"
"I know. I read about it. She's six. And it's not like she chose to be the Kyuubi's vessel. It could've been anyone! What if that was Sakura?" he pushed.
"Katsuki!" she yelled, tears in her eyes. How could he say that about his own sister? She knew the girl was a child but how could she forget the pain from all those years ago as so much was destroyed in front of her eyes.
"You know it, don't you. She's not the fox. Mom, you should see where she lives, how she has to survive each day. You can't really think that's fucking okay can you?" He pushed further, volume rising as he spoke.
How could his mother be that way? She'd always been sensible and logical. Then why would she not see her stupidity on this particular topic? What child deserved to live the way Naruto had too?
"Katsuki..."
"Tch. I'm going outside, I'll be home late. Tell Sakura I'm sorry but we'll have to postpone training until tomorrow," he said and left the house, leaving his mother teary-eyed on the door and a pouting Sakura who only heard the last part of the sentence while coming down the stairs.
But even she wasn't an idiot. She knew that whatever caused everyone to be mean to Naruto applied to Kaa-san too. And Katsu-nii was upset about it. Because he's already met her and knows Naruto isn't bad at all! Maybe when Kaa-san sees her she'll understand it too.
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Bakugou blew off another tree in the forest as he swore left and right. Anyone coming here would probably leave just by hearing a 'child' speak like that. But he was mad, mad at everyone who decided to make a child's life miserable due to their own fear. What if it was Sakura? How could he keep quiet knowing it could've been his sister living that way? It wasn't just about one child too. It was about the fact that people thought it was okay to abuse someone like that.
What was the police for then? If they didn't stop one orphan from suffering?
He wouldn't be like that. Not once he grows up and is strong enough to enter the police force. He wouldn't let things like these continue. What kind of a hero would he be if he did? Lost in his thought, he forgot to use chakra to shield his hand from the backlash of using his quirk excessively.
"Fucking shit!" he hissed as he bought his hand closer to his face to inspect it properly.
Feeling someone enter the ground he was in, he narrowed his eyes and looked up, barely managing to conceal his surprise at seeing a lone eye staring into his own.
"Yo!" the person greeting with an... eye smile? He couldn't tell since the face was covered by a fucking mask. Even one of his eyes were covered.
"What the fuck, you clown."
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for some reason I couldn't write chapters notes at the end so Im writing them here
what did you think of this? IM DYING FOR SOME RESPONSE PLEASE POOR NARUTO </3
everyone knows who the new person at the end is hehe 🌝 why do you think he was here? Coincidence or was he watching Naruto and the Haruno family? -not me being unable to stop myself from giving spoilers-
ALSO GUYS AOT NEW EP TODAY OMG! I DIDN'T WATCH IT YET THO ITS RIGHT HERE BECAUSE...
what if someone dies and I become mentally unstable :)
everyone's saying it's really sad but please let the comments be a spoilers free zone or I'll delete myself 😇
I'll go watch it tom morning rn I'm heading to bed goodnight!
have a good day , any ideas or suggestions are welcomed as always!