3 Meeting with Inoichi
Sasuke received his mission, and everything went according to plan. He demonstrated his potential and also emphasized that he viewed the village as an extension of his clan's legacy. He exploited the Hokage's fears and weaknesses, presenting himself as a solution.
'This man hates his job more than I thought. I expected more resistance, but he took my bait immediately. Now I only have to overcome Yamanaka. I have already sorted my memories, and I am ready.'
The missions he received from the Hokage were as follows:
1. Find a way to restore his clan.
The Hokage didn't provide details when Sasuke asked about the procedures. Hiruzen said he wanted Sasuke to search and read the laws without help to develop his intellect and abilities, essential for the Hokage position. However, Sasuke was sure that the true reason was that the Hokage wanted to stay as far away as possible from his clan's business. After the discussion with the Hokage, Sasuke was 100% sure that the massacre was an inside job.
'The most probable scenario is that there is another force responsible for my clan's massacre, and Hiruzen doesn't want to show support. That's why he told me not to talk about the missions to anyone and why he didn't help me at all. Also, for some reason, this force managed to order Itachi to kill our clan. I am pretty sure that the only reason I am alive is that because this brother of mine begged for my life. According to the boy's memories, Itachi truly loved him, and that is why his soul broke, he couldn't stand the shock from the betrayal. I truly want to thank this brother of mine. I guess the reason he made Sasuke suffer was to make himself the main enemy and avoid Sasuke asking questions, leading to his death. This is a truly remarkable kid, doing all that at the age of 13. I wish that I had Kyoka Suigetsu with me. A person like him is truly a useful tool.
The rest of the missions were:
2. Become rookie of the year,
3. Become Jonin before 15 years old
4. Win a match against Hiruzen
5. Complete a mission to bring Itachi back dead or alive
'The true reason Hiruzen gave me these missions is that he wants me to focus on reviving my clan. He wants me to avoid losing myself in revenge and betraying the village. He wants to control exactly when I take my revenge and how. In summary, this guy really wants a successor and will do as much as possible to get one.
I am truly lucky in this life. I was born with one of the strongest bloodlines and easily gained the most powerful person in the village as an ally. I even have a plan that will lead me to control this village. I could not ask for more. However, I have to be careful. I have an unknown enemy that I almost know nothing about chakra. I need to develop my powers as soon as possible.
My main combat advantage is my knowledge of martial arts and swordsmanship. I need to bring this body up to standard at kenjutsu and Taijutsu. I also have the 1 tomoe Sharingan, which can copy techniques and use genjutsu. I need to develop it and abuse it. Unfortunately most of my techniques were based on my spiritual power. I need to study more about chakra. I need to check the techniques of this world and find out how my old techniques stand against them. Does it worth the effort to redevelop shunpo or Kido with chakra?
It has been thousand years, and I can barely remember the age when I was this weak in combat. It's both terrible and wonderful feeling. Terrible because I can easily die if I make a mistake and wonderful because I have many mysteries to unfold and many plans to complete.'
---
Sasuke waited for four hours since the meeting with Hiruzen for Inoichi to arrive. Hiruzen told him that he must undergo a psychological test to leave the hospital. Finally, the time had come, and the blonde Jonin entered his room.
"Hello, Uchiha Sasuke," said Inoichi.
"Greetings, Yamanaka-sama," said Sasuke as he stood up from his bed and sat in a chair opposite Inoichi.
"Sasuke, please call me Inoichi. I want you to feel comfortable," said Inoichi with a smile.
"Of course, Inoichi. So, what is the procedure? Do I start talking about my problem, or do you prefer to ask me questions?" said Sasuke.
"Even though we follow a procedure, I think it is better not to think about it like that. Just think that you have a chat with a friend and tell me what's on your mind," said Inoichi.
Sasuke's expression twisted a little, and his voice turned a little angry.
"With all due respect, Inoichi, it's a little hard to pretend that this is a friendly conversation. My whole clan was killed by my brother who wanted to test his power. The only reason that I am alive is that he believes that I have the potential to challenge him. He used his eyes and tortured me for several hours or days. I lost count. Also, my dear brother gave me the best advice to get stronger. Do you know what it is?"
Inoichi was a little shocked, but he had heard the story from the Hokage already, and as a result, his expression didn't change. He nodded his head to Sasuke to continue.
"He said that to evolve my Sharingan, I have to kill my best friend. How can this beast be my brother? He even killed Shisui, his best friend and one of the nicest guys. How can this beast be my brother?" Sasuke screamed, and tears covered his eyes.
Sasuke continued with desperation.
"I couldn't do anything. He was too strong. He just looked at me and destroyed me without moving a finger. I need to kill him to get revenge for my clan, but I don't even know how to get this strong."
A hand reached his shoulder, and Inoichi stopped his speech.
"Sasuke, I know that right now everything seems impossible. You are in shock, and your worldview suddenly collapsed. Right now your mind is not in a situation to make critical decisions because you use your feelings and not your logic. Of course, it's not your fault. Even the strongest shinobi would be paralyzed in your situation. Normally it takes a lot of time, even years, to overcome a shock like this. But as you know, my clan specializes in that field, and with my help, you can overcome the shock in a much shorter time. If you accept my help, as the first part of your treatment, I can guide you in your memories. We will view some of your memories together, and we will face your feelings. The exposure will help you to overcome them, and I will help you to overcome the negative emotions and make the correct responses."
Sasuke took his time to think about Inoichi's solution. After about two minutes, he said.
"My goal for the future is to restore my clan and become Hokage and lead the village that my ancestors helped to create. My pride tells me that you should not be allowed in my mind and that I should not show weakness. However, I recognize that I can't let Itachi and my negative feelings define my life. I will take a different path from this beast. I will create my own path, and I will prove to Itachi how stupid his decision was. That would be the greatest punishment for him. It's not prudent to not accept the help of the village when it is my main advantage against Itachi. So, I accept your help."
Inoichi took a skeptical expression. It seems like he didn't expect such a complicated reply. After a few seconds, he said.
"You said that you don't want Itachi to define your life. I understand that you want to take your path, and that is the correct decision. Of course, you can't go around killing your friends to strengthen your eyes. But let me ask you this. Isn't your decision to become Hokage your own, or did you take it just to show Itachi that there is a different way to power?"
Sasuke immediately replied without hesitation.
"My clan helped to create this village. As the strongest force in the village and as a founder clan, I expected better protection from the village. After the Kyubi attack, we should be more prepared for events like these. Now our village is a joke in the elemental nations. So many shinobi gave their lives in the wars for our village, so I expected the village to protect us in return. I can't let the village that my clan created continue being a joke. It is clear to me that we need better leadership. I am willing to take this role and lead the village to its rightful position, the top of the elemental nations. Even though being Hokage will help me against Itachi, I plan to deal with Itachi before to avoid any misunderstandings."
Inoichi nodded and thought, 'This was the perfect answer. This kid is too mature for his age, and it's clear that he has high wisdom and intelligence. He is willing to let his ego behind for his betterment, and he has the right mindset. I need to help him as much as I can because he may truly become our future Hokage.'
Finally, Inoichi said, "Your reasoning is sound, and you have the potential. Let's start with your therapy as the first step for you to realize your dream."
