Two weeks prior, in the aftermath of Shisui's tragic demise, Itachi had performed the painful ritual of implanting his friend's eyes into his own sockets.
'Now I know what must be done.'
He slowly opened his eyes, the familiar crimson of the Sharingan swirling into the intricate pattern of the Mangekyou.
'Shisui, you've bestowed me with your eyes... and a plan.'
His gaze fell upon the unconscious form of Arashi, his heart aching with a mixture of grief and determination. Focusing his chakra, Itachi channeled Shisui's power into his newly acquired eyes.
Moments later, Arashi stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. With a mumbled "Release!", he formed a single hand seal, then succumbed to unconsciousness once more.
Across the room, Danzo's eyes snapped open, his vision blurry and disoriented. But as his focus sharpened, he found himself once again locked in Itachi's unwavering gaze.
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"As planned, I erased Arashi's memories of that night; he remains blissfully unaware of the events," Itachi continued, his voice a steady monotone. "Subsequently, I employed Kotoamatsukami on both Arashi and my father to gain his trust. Gradually, around ten Uchiha per day were shifting their loyalties, leading us to the truce between the clan and the village."
Kakashi nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Shisui once told me about the physical toll the Mangekyou Sharingan exacts."
Itachi's hand reached up to touch his eyes, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "Yes..." he admitted. "My vision is failing in both eyes. However, the outcome justifies the means."
Kakashi turned to leave, pausing briefly at the entrance. "Shisui was an honorable man," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "It's unfortunate he won't be around to see his younger brother prosper."
Itachi remained silent, the weight of Shisui's sacrifice heavy on his shoulders. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying the unspoken grief.
As Kakashi departed, he glanced back at Itachi one last time. "See you tomorrow."
Whoosh!
In a blink, Kakashi vanished from sight.
'I should return as well,' Itachi thought, his mind already on the Hokage's summons. 'The Hokage has summoned us for a meeting tomorrow.' With a final glance at the peaceful village below, he too disappeared, leaving only the rustling leaves as witnesses to his presence.
The next morning…
The wind whipped across the rooftop, tugging at the cloaks of the two ANBU agents kneeling before the Hokage. The setting sun cast long shadows, painting the village below in hues of orange and purple.
"You wanted to see us?" Kakashi's voice, though muffled by his mask, carried a hint of apprehension.
Lord Third remained silent for a moment, his back to them, his gaze sweeping across the sprawling village. Finally, he spoke. "Tell me, Kakashi, how many years have you served in the ANBU?"
"Roughly ten," Kakashi replied, his tone even. "I was recruited during the Fourth Hokage's era."
"Itachi," Lord Third continued, "your service has been considerably shorter. Yet, you've ascended through the ranks at an exceptional pace."
"Yes, sir," Itachi acknowledged, his voice a low rumble. Behind his mask, his mind raced. He'd long suspected the Hokage's awareness of his dual role, but hearing it confirmed still sent a chill down his spine.
Lord Third turned to face them, his eyes filled with a wisdom borne of years of leadership and loss. "Minato initially intended for you to join the ANBU as a way to confront the darkness within you, Kakashi." His gaze shifted to the younger agent. "And you, Itachi... your rapid promotion was partly due to Danzo's influence. He wanted you within his grasp."
Kakashi's shoulders tensed, a flicker of pain crossing his masked features. 'So it was true,' he thought. 'Minato never fully trusted me.'
Itachi remained impassive, but a knot tightened in his stomach. The Hokage's words confirmed his worst fears. He was a pawn in a larger game, caught between the village and his clan.
"Your other role was dual," Lord Third continued, his voice heavy with regret. "Serving as a bridge between the village and the Uchiha. Fugaku ensured that as well."
A tense silence descended upon the rooftop. The wind howled, carrying the weight of unspoken truths.
"Keeping you both in the ANBU is no longer beneficial," Lord Third finally declared. "It may only deepen the darkness within you."
He stepped closer, his gaze piercing their masks. "Remove your masks," he commanded.
With a synchronized motion, Kakashi and Itachi lifted their masks, revealing the faces that had been hidden for so long. Kakashi's visible eye held a haunted look, while Itachi's expression remained carefully guarded.
"Ten years," Lord Third murmured, taking Kakashi's mask gently. "Perhaps I've asked too much of you." He released the mask, and it danced on the wind, a symbol of burdens lifted.
He turned to Itachi. "You're the youngest ever to join the ANBU," he said, his voice filled with both pride and sorrow. "And the youngest to captain a squad. When the village needed someone to bear its burdens, you stepped forward, without hesitation. It's a quality I see in past Hokage... and in those who may one day assume the mantle."
He took Itachi's mask and released it, watching as it joined Kakashi's in the twilight sky.
The two young men stood exposed, their futures uncertain. But in that moment, a weight had been lifted. A new chapter was beginning.
"Itachi Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake," Hiruzen's voice rang with newfound authority, "you are hereby relieved of your Anbu duties. Prepare for a new assignment."
A wave of surprise washed over them. "Yes, sir," they both replied, their voices echoing with anticipation.
"You'll be promoted to Jonin leaders," Hiruzen declared, a warm smile gracing his lips.
Their eyes widened in unison. "What?" Itachi couldn't help but express his astonishment.
Hiruzen's smile deepened. "Yes, I'm promoting both of you to Jonin leaders. Each of you will guide your own teams, passing on the Will of Fire to the next generation."
Itachi nodded, a sense of duty settling in his chest.
"Return your Anbu gear to the office, where you'll find your new Jonin flak jackets," Hiruzen instructed before making his way back to his office, leaving the pair alone on the rooftop.
Changing into their new uniforms, Itachi examined himself in the mirror, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow.
'Jonin leader?' he mused. 'With all due respect to Lord Third, this may not be the best decision. I know my strengths and weaknesses. Jonin leaders build trust and bonds with their comrades and students, protecting them while entrusting them with responsibilities. Yuki-sensei failed to do that; he couldn't even save Tenma or assert his leadership.'
A pang of guilt pierced his heart as he remembered his previous team. 'Only two of us remain from the original Team 2. Am I destined to repeat those mistakes? Shisui was right; I've always struggled with interpersonal relationships.'
"Hey," Kakashi's voice interrupted his thoughts. He stood in the doorway, his new flak jacket hanging loosely on his shoulders. "I'm heading out."
Itachi nodded, a glimmer of hope sparking within him. 'I can learn from him. He may not realize it, but Kakashi is a capable leader.'
For the first time in years, Itachi reached for his forehead protector, fastening it securely around his head.
'Whatever happens, I'm looking forward to what the future holds.'
With a newfound sense of purpose, he joined Kakashi, and together they stepped out into the bright morning sun, ready to embrace their new roles.
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Five hours later, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the academy day.
"Yeah!" Naruto burst through the classroom door, his energy boundless. "Arashi, check this out!" He waved a sheet of paper in front of Arashi's face. "I passed! Believe it!"
Arashi couldn't help but smile. 'Naruto's worked so hard for this. It's truly amazing.'
"So, what did you get? Show me!" Naruto prodded, his eagerness palpable.
"Alright," Arashi chuckled, pulling out his own results.
"As expected, you're always at the top," Naruto remarked with a grin, scanning Arashi's impressive scores.
"Hey, Sasuke, what about you?" Naruto turned his attention to their more reserved classmate.
Sasuke unfolded his paper, his expression unreadable. "It's the same as always."
"I can't wait to graduate for real," Arashi mused, his gaze distant. "I want to become a great and respected shinobi, just like my big brother." A mental image of Shisui, pointing proudly at his own Leaf forehead protector, flashed through his mind. "I'm going to make him proud."
"And I'll be the greatest Hokage the Leaf has ever seen!" Naruto declared, his face beaming with his usual infectious enthusiasm.
Both boys turned to look at Sasuke, who had remained quiet throughout their conversation. "What about you, Sasuke? What's your plan after we graduate?"
Sasuke hesitated, then looked away, his expression uncharacteristically guarded.
"Come on, spill it already!" Naruto urged, unable to contain his curiosity.
"Fine, idiot," Sasuke retorted, visibly irritated. "I'm going to be the captain of the Leaf's police force."
"..."
"Ahahaha!" Naruto's laughter erupted, echoing through the emptying classroom, much to Sasuke's annoyance.
Sasuke's cheeks flushed with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. He averted his gaze, his pride slightly wounded.
"That's amazing," Arashi interjected, trying to diffuse the situation. "We'll all be working together, protecting the village." He offered a warm smile, his eyes filled with genuine support.
Naruto's laughter finally subsided, and a thoughtful expression crossed his face. "You're right," he said, nodding slowly. "Sasuke will be the captain of the police force, I'll be Hokage, and you'll be my top shinobi. We'll all achieve what we want."
Sasuke offered a curt nod, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Maybe by then, you'll be less annoying," he remarked, his gaze directed at Naruto.
"What?!" Naruto sputtered indignantly, but Sasuke was already walking away.
"Hey, where are you going?" Naruto called after him.
"Later, Naruto. Itachi's here," Arashi said, spotting Itachi and moving to join him and Sasuke.
"Aw, come on! You're leaving, too?" Naruto whined. "Kakashi-sensei's always late anyway."
Arashi and Sasuke fell into step beside Itachi, a comfortable silence settling between them. Each boy carried the weight of their dreams and aspirations, knowing that the paths they chose now would shape their futures and the future of the village they all held dear.
With a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, they stepped forward, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that awaited them in the next chapter of their lives.