27 3/3

Kenta's jaw dropped open. "Did you just…?" He burst into laughter, causing me to smile. He went on for a few more seconds before calming down. "I haven't been "Hn-ed" since the academy days. That was good, Uchiha." He chuckled a few more times and finally sobered up. "Ok, so what do we know? The person was good, really good. And not just with their illusion, but with their timing. Just seconds after your ANBU guard that could have possibly detected the technique left, they hit you with it. Which means, they had you in their sights the entire time."

I shivered at that. Ok, Maybe Itachi was correct to be a worry wart.

Kenta's eyes snapped to his right. "Your brother is slowly making his way here. I estimate 10 minutes until he's at the front door."

"We should… Probably let everyone know that everything between us is OK." I mumbled awkwardly.

"Ooooh! Let's go in there and kiss and make up in front of everyone! That'll definitely let them know." The mischief in his eyes twinkled to match the smirk. I sighed. At this point, I didn't even care if he was joking or serious. He's an idiot either way.

"I'm going to have to say no. Not going there, not today, demon." I replied.

He shrugged and put on a wicked grin. Fuck. "That's fine. Your brother will be here soon, I'll ask him instead. The entire village knows about my man crush on him anyway."

I gagged. I take back every nice thing I said about him. I hate him so fucking much. I wasn't even going to give him more fuel for the fire. I turned on my heel and marched back towards Sakura's room. I made it two steps before I felt him grab my arm.

"Hey, Sasuke. Before we go in, I want to get serious. I want to say, I truly do not blame you for your actions. I'm not even mad, and not for the reason I said earlier." He sighed and a sad smile settled in place. "I know what people say about me. People that don't know me but know of me have the same thoughts you did. That I'm a two faced fake. That I'm a snake in the grass. That I toy with people's emotions because it brings me some sick pleasure." He made eye contact with and his eyes flashed. "It's all true."

My heart began to race and I felt the slumbering beasts begin to stir once more. He continued on.

"I began my training to be a shinobi at 5 years old. My first year of training was just basic stuff, nothing crazy. The only real training I had before I turned 8 years old started on my 6th birthday. My father began to tutor and teach me the anatomy of the brain, which lobe and section is responsible for which function of the human body. He also started me on psychology. From the day I turned 6 years old, I began training in the subtle art of psychological warfare. Turns out, I was a natural at it. I won't bore you, your brother announced to the entire rookie class my talent at it."

"On my 6th birthday, my father bought me my first book on human psychology. I told you I was a weird kid, I spent all my time with books and learning. As I reached for my shiny new book, the father reached out his hands and pinned my tiny little hands to that book. He ordered me to look at him and he made me promise him something that day." He reached into pouch and in a puff of smoke a worn down book appeared. He held it out to me and I gingerly took the book.

"I carry that book with me everywhere I go. It's my physical representation of that promise I made. My dad's hands covered mine on that very book."

I looked at the grubby looking thing and smiled. That is so like the sentimental sap.

"The most serious he's ever been in my life, even today he told me this. 'Kenta, listen to me. The art of psychological warfare is one of the most dangerous and obscure branches of study you can pursue. It's one of the slipperiest slopes for a person to tread. Breaking down someone's will, making them second guess and question their every life decision, watching as despair takes over when they realize they're nothing. It's… Invigorating. It's a rush. It's addicting. The kindest and most pure hearted person can so easily fall victim to the lure of mentally destroying an opponent. The most evil and cruel people in this world are masters of psychological warfare. You have to be so careful, my son, that you do not fall down such a tainted and twisted path. Lucky for you, our ancestors found a method. As long as you stick to this simple rule, you will always find your way back to the light."

He pulled out a worn scrap of paper. I couldn't read it from where I sat, but I saw the writing was clearly done by a child's hand. He smiled, staring down into his lap at the little scrap of paper.

"I wrote this down the second my dad left me to start my studying, before even opening my shiny new book. I read this every single night before bed. Of course I have it memorized. Reading it though off this paper in the writing of a child makes it more impactful." He cleared his throat.

"Remember this, always, my son. No matter how you proceed in your shinobi career. To combat the darkness that will threaten to consume you. The darkness that builds from becoming a monster to your enemies, remember this. Never, ever lie or be anyone other than your 100% genuine you. When you're with the people you care for most, you must never lie, you must always tell the truth, even if it hurts both you and them. You must always drop your walls when around your precious people. When you're surrounded by those who truly matter to you, be YOU and always be honest. By doing this very simple act, you will always remain grounded and you will always remember who the real Kenta is. You will wear many, many masks during your career. Each opponent requires a new mask. For every opponent you face is much different than the last, and your masks' persona must match the personality of your new opponent. You cannot use the same methods to break the will of your opponents over and over. You will need to find what makes them tick as an individual. When you find that chip in the armor, you will then put on a new mask and become who you must to destroy your enemy. Over and over, you will become what you need to be to get inside the mind and crush the soul. You will lose yourself. You won't remember who Kenta truly is. Unless you always shed all your masks and always be honest with your loved ones. They will always remind you who the real Kenta is. They will save you from your own darkness."

He finished in a sad tone. I was honestly shocked. I thought that Kenta was just some gifted trash talker. Annoying, obnoxious, downright infuriating. No, that was simply one of his many 'masks' his dad talked about. This, THIS was the real Kenta. Subdued, quiet, introspective. Logical and calculating. Always analyzing everything around him and adapting with every single stimulus he encountered. I thought that my brother was exaggerating; that Kenta was over-hyping this notion of 'The Art of Psychological Warfare.' No, he wasn't over exaggerating. He was completely understating just how complex this battle of willpowers could be!

I thought back to Kenta's last battle where he played Kiba like a violin. I thought back and really analyzed it with this new perspective.

I opened my eyes wide, because HOLY SHIT. Every facial expression, every word, every action, everything. It was all perfectly planned and executed. My brother was so right yet completely glossed over the fine details. A senbon and one sentence was just the start of the emotional manipulation. I stared at the boy who was still staring at that little scrap of paper. I finally got it. Kenta, if he chose, could absolutely destroy me and there would be nothing I could do to stop him. My emotional control, while better, would be easier to manipulate than a master puppeteer manipulating a simple wooden doll.

He spoke up suddenly, voice heavy with emotion. I finally understand, he's letting all his walls down. He never wears masks around friends, but only those he truly considers close get past those walls. That realization shocked me. I don't know how, but I wasn't even jumping to conclusions. I knew in my heart that I was right.

"From the day that I came to you to ask you about Shisui and to spar, you've been one of my people. At the time we were nothing more than classmates with a grudging mutual respect for each other. But I understood you, and I knew one day we would become friends. Since that day, Sasuke, every single word I've spoken has been me. Kenta Yamanaka. No one else. This is the real me. I'm loud, opinionated, headstrong and at times cocky. I'm sarcastic and witty. I enjoy joking and will do anything to get under your skin. I'm not afraid to show my emotions, and I won't hesitate to tell people I care for them. I say and do anything to get a rise out of people, or to pull them out of their shell. I love life. I love my family. I love my friends. I love my clan and my village. Most of all though, I love me for who I am. I won't change for anyone. I say all this, because I need you to understand me and know that I have never lied to you or misled you Sasuke. Never. Not once. Naruto is the brother I never had. You, Sasuke… You are my rival and best friend. No matter what comes out of my mouth, always know that I mean every word I say." He stared at me, eyes conveying the seriousness of his words. I wasn't even surprised, because I had already known all this. And it only made me realize… Kenta really was my best friend. I believed him, and the only way to show him that I did was to also be myself completely.

"Hn" I added the patented Uchiha smirk to go along with it. "Every word? So, you were the one who enjoyed kissing me. Fú will be heartbroken, as will you. For I do not find you attractive at all."

His eyes opened wide before he burst into laughter. "Well, lucky for me my true love is only moments from arriving. Lord Fifth is the better looking brother, by a mile." He sent his own shit eating grin my way. "Let me amend myself. Every word that I speak in seriousness." He paused "Outside of life threatening battles with Sannin excluded."

I shot him a genuine smile this time. My emotional battery was running on fumes at this point. I knew I was done, so I did the one thing I knew would cement the knowledge in his mind that I believe him. I held out my fist.

He stared at it in real disbelief before smiling brightly. He tapped his own fist to mine. Then, normal Kenta was back. Quicker than I could follow, he flicked me right between the eyes and retreated swiftly to the safety of Sakura's room, laughing his head off the entire way.

I huffed and shoved my hands into my pockets. That blonde headed bastard would be the death of me. I'd more than likely die of a heart attack caused by his infuriating personality. I smiled slightly though, because I knew I'd never regret the day he forced himself into my life. He's the most irritating person I know, but he saved me from myself. I'd let it slide… now and again.

*********************************Kenta Sasuke BFFFLs!*********************************

Ami POV

I barely heard the chatter between the three in the room with me. My mind was on the two boys out in the hallway. What happened? I couldn't think of anything that would cause that look of pure hatred from Sasuke to be directed at Kenta. It had to be serious though because I knew how close though two had grown.

I tried to focus back on the conversation, whatever was going on was none of my business. If they wanted any of us to know, they would tell us when they worked out whatever issue was between them. Boys could be so damn stupid sometimes. They talk about girls and OUR hormones? Please. Boys were more hormonal than any woman I knew. They get mad at the stupidest things, jumping to conclusions only to be embarrassed when they were proven incredibly wrong. But then of course boys can't be wrong so they then deny it until the stress takes them to an early grave. Pah. Whatever. I still couldn't focus so I let my mind wander.

Sasuke Uchiha. Not that long ago just thinking his name would send me into squealing like an idiot and blushing like a virgin on her wedding night. I'll never forget the humiliation I felt for months after having my eyes forcibly yanked open to the truth. I do not like Sasuke. I never liked Sasuke. I literally was the epitome of fan girl. I only liked him because everyone else did. I wasted 6 years of my life pining after a boy that had zero interest in me. Cpt Anko still reminds me of how pathetic I am when she thinks I'm slacking. I will never, ever go back to that girl. For the first time in my life, I finally feel like the person I was always meant to be. No matter how rough our start was, I owe everything I am to him.

Kenta Yamanaka. I smiled thinking of our first interaction after being announced a teammates. I insulted Naruto, he threatened to poison me. Well, at least nothing much has changed there, aside from the fact that Naruto and I are incredibly close. I chuckled causing Ino to look my way. I instantly cursed my wandering, reminiscent mind.

"Ooooh? Thinking about your crush, Kenta again, Ami?" Ino teasingly called out.

"Kenta?! Really? Ok, is it just me, or did Kenta get incredibly hot out of nowhere?" Sasuke chimed in.

"Sakura, stop. I will puke. Kenta will never be hot." Ino gagged dramatically.

Sakura stuck her tongue out. "You don't count. Speaking of Kenta, did you ever go talk to him and find out why he dislikes you so much?"

I perked up. I knew everything, and I had to say… Kenta's reasons were valid, I won't lie. But I personally think he's being too hard on Ino. Maybe being a civilian from no clan, I was missing something.

Ino shook her head. "I've tried, so many times. The two times I worked up the courage, he was out training or with one of you guys."

"Kenta wants you to talk to him, ya'know?" Naruto spoke up suddenly. Ino scoffed but that didn't deter Naruto. "I mean it. He cares about you, Ino. Like… He wants to make things right between you, but he's too damn stubborn for his own good. Aunt Tori is right, he could give a mule lessons when he really digs his heels in." Naruto started laughing, me right along with him. Kenta was a stubborn ass when he wanted to be.

"He cares for me? Oh please, Naruto. You heard him at the preliminaries. He despises me. He had no worries embarrassing me in front of Lord Third and my own Father. Yeah, pretty sure people who care for someone don't publicly humiliate them." She scathingly replied.

I opened my mouth but Naruto beat me to it. "Psh. You honestly deserved it. The way you looked down on Sakura, then tried to target Ami. You're honestly lucky Ami liked you, she could have absolutely embarrassed you even more than Kenta. You need to cut the attitude, Ino, before you bite off more than you can chew." Naruto retorted scathingly. After Lord Third's speech, I finally figured out where these random bouts of clinical undressing's come from. Lord Fourth was said to be able to cause panic attacks with a single glare if he was pushed enough.

Just as Ino was about to reply, Kenta came back into the room. Humming and skipping. Well, we'll see if Sasuke comes back or not to figure out Kenta's good mood. He's either happy because he murdered Sasuke, or they made up. Both situations would make my strange teammate happy.

"Kenta! Dead or Made up?" Naruto called across the room. See? Predictable.

Kenta just smiled and winked at Naruto and plopped into the chair next to Sakura. They began chatting rapidly, whispering back and forth like gossiping school girls. I rolled my eyes, Kenta was up to something. He was now giggling just as Sasuke walked in. As soon as Kenta saw him, his smile grew wider and the rapid waspish whispering renewed. Sasuke, for his part, flipped Kenta the bird and strolled to the corner where he leaned against the wall, eyes closed and ignoring everyone.

I made eye contact with Naruto. He gave me that 'Do you have any idea what he's planning this time?' Look. I shook my head and Naruto just shrugged. Kenta suddenly appeared right in front of me without warning, glaring down at me.

"So. I hear that YOU don't think I'm handsome. I. Am. Distraut." He lamented dramatically.

"Sorry, Kenta dear. But I'm not attracted to females. I've heard rumors though that the cute Akimichi girl at Yakiniku Q might swing both ways." I flashed teeth, not in a smile.

His eyes narrowed dangerously before he flipped his unbound, shoulder length hair directly in my face, did a god damn pirouette, and walked on tips toes over to Naruto who was just laughing and patting his back as he pouted.

I swear to the gods, I never know what dramatic scene will play out when I'm around that boy. I felt the tiniest of pricks and I looked down. A senbon stuck out of my thigh. Silver catching the light in a mocking way. I slowly raised my gaze until I locked eyes with that fucking obnoxious shit head!

My mouth quirked upwards, at first the look could be mistaken for a smile. In a way it was, I was excited to hunt my prey. "I'm going to murder you Yamanaka. I'm going to gut you, strip the flesh from your bones, and then turn your skeleton into my own personal puppet." The small snake I had keeping watch in the corner made its move. Kenta's challenging smirk turned to a look of confusion as he looked down. His girlish screams gave me goosebumps, I reveled in his pain. I'll take a senbon coated in a poison I was immune to over a snakebite to my privates any day.

Just as Kenta's screams of pain reached their crescendo, he went ramrod straight, as did everyone in front of me, I slowly turned around, meeting the crimson orbs of Lord Fifth.

**********************************Ami Plays Dirty!*************************************

Tsunade POV

"YOU STUPID FUCKING BITCH! THAT WAS MY DICK! RIGHT ON THE TIP! DO YOU KNOW HOW BAD THAT HURTS!?"

I could taste the blood filling my mouth. I have no idea what I just missed, but the girlish screams and descriptive language gave me a really good educated guess. The brat wanted to surprise the smaller brats, so I was doing all I could do not laugh loudly. Gods, he owed me for this.

We marched into the room, the kid activating his eyes as he met the gazes of all the little people in the room. I smirked at their shocked faces. The Yamanaka boy's legs were bowed inward as he tried to remain upright. This is golden. I'm so glad I came to inter- ask the girl politely about her lack of name on my list.

The teeny tiny brains of those in the room finally kicked back on and they all started bowing to Itachi. About time. He quickly waved them off though, deactivating his eyes. I had to admit, I did admire his flair for the dramatics and intimidation tactics. Beautifully done.

"Sakura, I am relieved to see you seeing up and laughing. Are you feeling well? Well enough to brief me at least?

"Yes, Lord Fifth. Thanks to Lady Tsunade and Lady Shizune, I feel even better than I did before the attack."

I jumped in before this boring ass briefing started. I had shit to do. "Yes, yes. I know, I'm amazing. Your wounds, though they looked bad, were mostly superficial. Mostly swelling and bruising. The only real concerning injury you suffered was a hard blow to the head which led to some minor swelling of your brain. That is where we spent most of our time. Even with my unrivaled skill, brain injuries are not to be taken lightly."

The girl nodded enthusiastically. "It's because due to the nature of healing chakra, if you do not have perfect control it can damage the tissue even further, right? Basically speed the regrowth rate of the cells to levels too high resulting in tumors and cancer."

I'm impressed. Not that she'll ever know that. I narrowed my eyes at the girl, letting a bit of my anger into the room for good measure. "Thank you for the easy transition into the second reason I came. Who the hell do you think you are, little girl?"

Her face paled. "Wh-what do you mean, L-lady Tsunade?" She stammered out.

"When I arrived in Leaf, I took meticulous care to drop very subtle hints that I would be taking- What are you snorting at, oh Great Lord Fifth." I snarled.

He pinned me with a glare. Shit. He doesn't mind my mouth when it's just us and Hiruzen… These were his troops, the youngest. I fucked up. I bowed deeply.

"Forgive me, Lord Fifth. I was out of line." I said respectfully.

"I accept you apology. Now, to answer your question. I was merely laughing at your… word choice. I did not think hanging fliers around town with a picture of you in full scrubs, pointing to a blood surgery table that had a message painted in that very same blood. I believe it read. "Do you want to study under the world's most leading expert in Medical Ninja Arts? Stop by the hospital and drop your name off to be selected as one of three of my new apprentices." His monotone voice hiding the dancing of laughter in his eyes. I wrinkled my nose.

"Ok, I have gotten a little excited and carried away when YOU gave me all these liberties and freedom to revamp the medical program." I turned back to the pink haired brat. "It makes it even more suspicious that she wouldn't sign up. All her Captain spoke about was her remarkable control, incredible intelligence, and the desire to learn medicine."

This uppity little brat bowed her head to me. "Lady Tsunade, I mean no disrespect, but I didn't sign up because I didn't want to. That's the simple truth."

Ok, that wasn't the answer I was expecting. "Ok, and why not? You do realize most people would literally sell their own mother's to be personally trained by me. Someone from a civilian family gets an opportunity once every decade, if that. This isn't me being cocky, or bragging, but if you pass this opportunity up, you WILL regret it, I promise you."

She shook her head. "I understand that, but I can't train under you because I don't agree with your philosophies about medics not being able to participate in combat. Your rules aren't law if I never learn from you. I'm sorry, but I will become a medic that one day surpasses you, I know I will. But, I don't want to stand in the back, watching my team and comrades get hurt and killed. Medical techniques aren't perfect, they can't heal every injury. The best way to heal a comrade is to kill your enemy before they get hurt. I want to be a kunoichi first, medic second. I am sorry if I offend you or if you disagree, but my path is set." She locked her determined gaze on mine, eyes blazing.

I sneered at her. "You've got some nerve, you little bitch. I've been practicing medicine since before your parents were even born. How are you going to sit here and try and tell me my way of doing things is wrong? My methods are tested and true and get results."

She bowed her head once more, this polite act was starting to piss me off. "As I said, Lady Tsunade. Your methods are perfectly suitable for those who want to strictly pursue the path of medic. I will be a combat medic. I will go stand shoulder to shouler with my teammates through any mission or god forbid another war. I will not stand behind them, waiting to be saved, only to wait until the dust clears to know if they're even alive for me to patch up. I cannot do it, my heart won't let me. I am truly sorry. The fact that you think so highly of me, it's a memory I will cherish until I no longer walk this earth." The little bitch smiled up at me. Ok, she's not a bitch, I am. She's made up her mind. She gave a compelling argument and I wish her the best. The fact that she has this mindset and didn't come talk to me shows she did her research already.

I sighed heavily. "Fine, fine. You won't be swayed. I wish you luck then, kid. We'll see if your resolve and determination are enough to make you even half as competent as my apprentices I have now."

She bowed in thanks and I turned to Itachi. "That's all I had, did you need me to stick around, Lord Fifth?"

He shook his head and made my way out of the room. I had paperwork to get through, the final proposal for the academy revamp was due in less than two weeks. Shizune was still getting some backlash from some doctors and nurses. That was just the tip of the iceberg.

I sighed and cursed under my breath. "Damn it, I really wanted that girl."

*******************************Foreboding Transition***********************************

Itachi POV

I studied the girl in front of me, she wouldn't meet my gaze entirely and she seemed to be overly tense. What happened to her?

"Naruto?" I called out.

"Uh, Yes, Lord Itachi.. Uhhh Hokage?" He stumbled over the formal address. I didn't reprimand him. His purple haired teammate was glaring daggers and him as he began to sweat bullets.

"Do you have any privacy seals on you?" I politely asked, trying to get the boy to relax around me. He was Hiruzen's favorite, I wanted to see what Hiruzen saw.

"Uh? Oh, yeah I do!" He pulled off the large scroll on his back and unsealed a smaller one. From within he withdrew a dozen tags and handed them to me.

I smiled at the boy, receiving a bright grin in return. Better. "Thank you, Naruto. Now, I need the room, alone, with Miss Haruno. You may all return once our conversation is finished. ANBU included."

Everyone quickly bowed and made their way out without protest. Kenta told her they'd go grab some food, which seemed to cheer the girl up. Everyone was gone, all except one. I bit back the sigh of annoyance at my disrespectful little brother.

"Sasuke, that includes you. Do not make me pull my rank on you."

He stared at me in defiance. "No. I won't leave. I deserve to know what happened, I found her beaten to death. She's going to tell me, all of us, the second you leave anyway."

"She won't if I give her a direct order not to. You forget, my word is law. Even with you and your friends, little brother. You are not owed any information I do not think you need to know, now leave." My words harsh, my tone final.

Sasuke sneered, SNEERED AT ME! "Lord Third spent 3 hours at your inauguration laying all the secrets he'd been keeping for his time as Hokage. I see you've decided to follow in his footsteps."

Ouch. Low blow, Sasuke. Kenta is rubbing off on him too much. "Fine. If I agree to let you stay, you are hereby banned from discussing anything that is spoken of in this room from the time these seals activate, until they are deactivated. This is a preemptive S-Rank Secret, disclosing such information to anyone without my approval is execution on the spot, without trial. Do you agree to these terms?"

He nodded curtly, then leaned back against the wall. I don't know why he thought he needed to be here, but I'll indulge him only this one time. It is his teammate after all.

"Now, Miss Haruno, would you like to tell me the real reason you declined Lady Tsunade's incredibly generous offer? She wasn't lying. An opportunity like that for someone of your background? I can only assume it's a more solid reason than the lies that left your lips but moments ago?" I smiled at her widened eyes and look of surprise. "Close your mouth, Miss Haruno, you'll catch flies."

She did so. Without warning she threw the covers off and pulled down the side of her night gown, exposing the sealed curse mark on her neck.

I raised an inquiring eyebrow. "You… don't think you can do medical techniques with that thing?" I guessed.

She returned her nightgown back over her exposed shoulder. "The attack last night, it was because of this. Four of Orochimaru's men snuck into the village. They said they were sent here to test me and my skill with my seal. They attacked me four at once, I attempted to retaliate, but I was overmatched. They have strange abilities from the few they showed. As they left me there, they commented on how weak I was, taunting me basically. However, they did tell me that in 1 week, they would leave, never to return again. If I wanted to go with them, I have to meet them at midnight in 6 days."

"Why would they think you would ever want to go with them to that insane sadist?" Sasuke growled from the corner. A solid question.

"There's a second stage to this cursed seal. If I continue how I am now, the one on my neck will eventually began to erode my chakra network and kill me. They told me they can force the evolution, and that Orochimaru would teach me how to properly control it so it does not consume me and burn me from the inside out." She finished, tone hiding her emotions admirably.

"Like hell you're going to that snake bastard! They're obviously lying. He wants something from you!" Sasuke marched forward until he was standing in front of his teammate, glaring down at her.

"I'm not stupid Sasuke, I know very well they could be lying. They could also be 100% telling the truth. It could be a combination of lies and truths, I do not know. Is it worth gambling my life for it though? I do not think it is." She said sadly.

I studied her more thouroughly, attempting to figure out what she was planning. "So you would abandon your village, become a missing ninja and join the traitor?" I asked, fishing for the information I wanted. There it was. She shot to her feet, eyes blazing in indignant fury.

"Lord Fifth, I think it is within my right to be slightly upset with you. Do not put words into my mouth, and don't you dare question my loyalty." She said in a voice barely restraining her fury.

"I have never questioned your loyalty, Miss Haruno. I was stating a fact. If you leave now, that is how you will be labeled. Though your reaction pleases me, knowing how deep your loyalty lies. So, that is your only option. Become a traitor, or potentially die. What will you do, Miss Haruno?" I could hear Sasuke grinding his teeth. His furious glare trying to melt my skull. Foolish little brother.

"I… I had a thought, actually. It may seem crazy, but please don't just shoot it down before even debating." Her voice shook with her nerves.

"I would do no such thing. I have only been your Hokage for a few weeks now, and our interactions have been limited. But you should know, I take into account multiple options to decide the best outcome. I wonder if your idea is somewhere along the lines of what I was thinking…" I gazed at her curiously, she swallowed before continuing.

"Lord Fifth, I, Sakura Haruno, do hereby request a mission to infiltrate the ranks of Orochimaru." She stated boldly. No preamble, no build up, straight to the point.

"Sakura, you can't be serious?!" Sasuke cried out. "You would be dead within a day you can't"

"Done." I said, both teenagers turning my direction. Emerald green eyes stared at me in shocked disbelief and hope, Onyx eyes stared at me like I was gum stuck to his shoe.

"Itachi! What are you thinking? She isn't ready for this type of mission, she can't handle it." I smirked as Sasuke turned slowly. Emerald Eyes bore into my little brother's, the girls chakra was roiling. Lashing out at the boy who had just offended her to the highest degree.

"I'm not ready? I can't handle it? Says who? You? News flash, Lord Sasuke, YOU have no right to command anything I do unless appointed over me during a mission. YOU are a pompous jackass that needs a reality check. I AM going to do this, and I'm going to fucking destroy this mission. And when I do, I'm going to take my mission scroll with the big fat check mark in the success box, and shove it so far up your ass, you'll be puking D-Rank missions for a month!" Her chest heaved as she unleashed a savage verbal beat down to my brother. I was very impressed. There was much more to this unassuming pink haired girl.

"Sa-Sakura… I didn't mean… I know you've gotten stronger… But… And then… Orochimaru is dangerous! He's using you to get to me! He wants me and my eyes, we both know this! He'll stop at nothing and kill anyone to get to me!" Sasuke cried out, mind going in 10 different directed.

"Oh, of course, it's always, ALWAYS about Lord Sasuke. Everything is me, me, me when it comes to you. Did you completely miss the part where there's a good chance that if I don't do this I will DIE?!" Sakura shrieked, hair beginning to lift slightly from her shoulders from the pure unrestrained chakra she was releasing.

I would be calling in a favor with Inoichi later… Tsunade is going to love this. I laughed quietly to myself.

Sasuke wheeled around, locking eyes with me. "Lord Fifth, Big Brother, Please, if she has to do this, let me go with her! He wants me, you know he does. He will continue to hurt my friends. I can go, I can protect her. I can help her!" He then knelt down and saluted me. My eyebrows rose slightly. He was serious about this. I mulled things over.

"Fine. I know you too well. If I said no, you would actually go missing ninja to follow them anyway. This at least gives me a good excuse to clear your names when you return."

That took the angry wind out of Sakura's sails. "What do you mean, clear our names?"

"Sakura, if you're going to do this, we have to play it right or you will be killed. If Orochimaru gets even a whiff of deception, he will kill you where you stand. This will be a long-term, undercover mission. You will both leave and meet those 4 in 6 days at midnight. Sasuke, you will go right through the gate, using your 'Sharingan' illusion to get you and Sakura out of the village. I will 'discover' Sakura's note on why she's leaving. I will then see you note telling me you left to protect her. A recovery team will be sent out in pursuit first thing. It will most likely be your friends and classmates. The danger to them will be real. We have to play this off to keep Orochimaru at ease. If he gets suspicious, he will start digging. I will declare you both missing Ninja of Konoha, and upon completion of your mission, the real plan will be unveiled. Knowing all of this information, including people you care for could end up injured or dead, do you STILL want to do this."

No hesitation. "Absolutely, Lord Fifth. Hearing your story and devotion to our village, this is similar but about 1/100th of the pain you felt. I have complete confidence in nearly every single person in our generation. They will all make it back alive. I know it." Sakura stated with absolute confidence. She truly believed in her comrades. I turned to my brother, no speak, just a sharp nod, eyes full of confidence.

I stood tall and proud, eyes gazing down on two of my best and brightest shinobi. As Hokage, I was proud of them beyond words. As a brother and friend, the worry in my stomach was eating away at my entire gastrointestinal tract. Noticing my change, they both snapped to attention, eyes trained on mine.

"Sakura Haruno. Sasuke Uchiha. I, Itachi Uchiha, Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure do hereby assign you the following mission. You will meet with Orochimaru's agents and follow them back to their base. Once there your main objectives are the following. One, you will at any moment that you deem is safe gather information. It does not matter how complex or mundane. If you can extract the information without suspicion, you will do so. You will observe and learn as much as you can about our greatest enemy, Orochimaru. His patterns, his thought process, anything you think you can use against him. You will learn and train anything and everything you can, even if it's from the Snake himself. Your comrades waiting for you back home won't be idle, they will all be stronger. My final parameter and most important order; you will come home safe, you will not die."

"This mission is S-Rank. You have 6 days to prepare yourselves. You cannot let anyone know your intentions or anything about mission specifics. I will take care of the details when you leave. Your mission will last at minimum 3 years, up to an unknown time frame. Do not forget who you are, what you stand for, what you believe in. You will see things in the coming years that will horrify you. It can change you. Do NOT let yourself fall into darkness. Look out for one another, keep each other on the path of the 'Will of Fire.' Do either of you have any questions?"

Two crisp salutes. "No, Lord Hokage!"

"Then I take my leave. Use your remaining days wisely. Spend time with your friends and family. Create more fond memories you can call up when you reach a day that tests your resolve. I have complete faith in the both of you. You make me proud as your Hokage, and fellow Shinobi. Good luck, and I will eagerly await your homecoming as heros."

With that, I turned on my heels and left the room. I had to find a bathroom. I saw the sign and picked up my pace. As soon as I was within spitting distance, my stomach emptied itself for all it was worth. What seemed like an eternity later, I sat back against the cool wall tiles. I finally understood what Lord Hiruzen had been saying for so long. As Hokage, you're constantly put between a rock and a hard place. Knowing I had potentially sent my own baby brother off to his death? But I had to. I can't coddle him. I couldn't deny him, his eyes told me of his resolve. If I didn't let him test himself, he would never grow. I knew something was coming, something big. He had to be ready, we all had to be ready.

I sighed heavily pushing myself up. I washed my face and left the bathroom. I would believe, I had to believe and trust my shinobi. They were well trained. They were smart. They were good. With that, I left the hospital ground in a gust of wind, a few leaves falling to the ground in my wake. In one week, two 13 year old kids would be in the snakes den. In one week, I will send a team of 13 year old kids to fight an enemy whose strength is unknown. In one week, everything would change, forever.

I know, I know I'm soooo sorry! As soon as this chapter is uploaded I'm starting the ACTUAL Retrieval mission! I promissseeee. I will do my best to have it out by Friday! What do you guys think of how I spun it? I'm patting myself on the back, I thought I was quite clever.

Also, for anyone worried or thinking I made Sasuke TOO OOC, this shows he still has his demons. He's much more calm in my story. He thinks things through, still have an ego but is realizing each day he's not as special as he was led to believe. However, emotional trauma of the magnitude left DEEP emotional scarring that was never properly taken care of. 6 months of Kenta annoyance/friendship therapy isn't enough to erase all that. He's got a long way to go and still loses control when he's really upset. I. Love. My. Sasuke. Jealous isn't his best look though :D

Guest Review for Ch 3 – I hated that chapter because I rushed it, because I wanted to get into the story. I don't know, the flow of the chapter was OK, it just felt kind of… empty? Like more of an outline you make before you write a story? None of the details and descriptions. Also, I guess I can kinda see how you'd think it was sudden about Ami accepting Naruto.. But that was over the course of 3 months, and at this point they're still not Besties.

Two Chapters remaining in part 1! With two chapters left, I'm at 14 Chapters currently, with 173k words. I'm quite proud of this actually

Let me know your thoughts on this chapter! Drunk Itachi is my favorite character to write, by far.

I'm going to be opening a new poll on next chapter release and closing Ami's Bae Poll! Vote, vote, vote!

Next Poll will be – "Kenta's Man Crush List" Itachi, Shisui are legacy members.