23 Chapter 13: Eyes and Lies 1/2

This site hates me. First I couldn't see your lovely reviews, now it's preventing my love from reaching you all! Well, idk about going that far, but I added this chapter - Ch13: Eyes and Lies on March 2, 2020 at around 2:30PM Mountain time and it's still saying the last update was yesterday when I posted chapter 12. Hopefully updating like this fixes the issue! If not, please don't ignore chapter 13.. It's a good one (I think)

UPDATE - I had to post the chapter again under an entire new chapter. Chapter 14 is a repeat of this chapter! Sorry if you all got excited.. I'll have the real Ch14 out soon-ish :D

The poll for Ami's BAE closes soon! Go Vote! Poll in my profile! Shino-Cutie is winning the race and the ideas are already flowing. I'm still keeping it open for the boys in spots 2 and 3 though.

The two people that voted for a custom Bae for Ami because you think my OCs are awesome? You're my two favorite readers.

Shoutouts to TehStorm and Rakuzai! These two are constantly giving me new ideas/thoughts/ways of looking at a situation. You guys rock!

Also, shoutout to frankieu… I think you've been following and leaving love since chapter one. Your support is so appreciated, dude.

I'm on a roll y'all. Ok so here's how I pump out chapters that are 11k-25k in a day or two. I have no life. Kidding. I work Sun-Wed, 12 hour shifts. I sit in front of a computer and monitor our security tools. I have a LOT of free time at work. What better way to spend it?

Hiruzen POV – 2 weeks after waking up

I sighed as I once again found myself sitting behind this god damn desk. The desk that haunts my dreams. The desk I hope to one day burn to the ground and dance on the ashes. Today, however, would not be that day. I smiled to myself as I carefully went over the list before me. The list I had put together while lying in that hospital bed. The list that listed each and every possible candidate to finally relieve me of this god damn hat. Over the last few weeks my mind would always wander back to this list. A new pro for a certain candidate. A new con for another one. The ever-expanding list would be my deciding factor when I finally made my decision.

There were obviously the two front runners to take the hat. My two remaining students. Each with their own unique personality. Each would bring a certain character to the position. The same debate raged through my head when thinking about which of my students would suit the seat the best. They were both strong choices. They were both not without their flaws either. The only thing I could say for certain, is that every single person on this list embodied the 'Will of Fire' stronger than anyone I knew. My name drifted to the last person on my list. The wildcard. Every day I decided to erase this person from the list, yet every day they remained. He was a strong shinobi. His strength only increasing over the years. He was loyal and loved his village, but would his age and mentality be ready for the task of running the entire village? So many questions, however they would stew for another day. A knock at my door interrupting my musings. I took a deep breath, knowing the conversation I was about to have could go 10 different directions. One more breathe.

"Enter" I called out in a strong voice. Tsunade, the name still bringing a smile to my face. Seeing her upon waking was the best gift I could have ever been given. Jiraiya and Naruto did a good job while I was unconscious. It was good to see her after all these years. The light in her eyes was back, finding a purpose. It shocked me to think that Danzo played a part in even that. His manipulations, just how far did they go? All that being said, Tsunade may be my doctor, I would follow all her guidelines to ensure the best recovery for myself. However, if she thought I would give up my pipe, she can go chew a log!

One of my brightest up-and-coming Genin entered at my order. His raven black hair and onyx eyes both painful reminders of one of my many greatest failures. Sasuke marched up to my desk and bowed respectfully.

"You wanted to see my, Lord Third?" The boy asked politely. His mother is smiling down at him now. The picture perfect young man showing how well-mannered his mother taught him. Remembering Mikoto's personality, more like beat the manners into him. I chuckled at the fond memory of the deceased Uchiha Matriarch. Kind and soft spoken, but like her best friend Kushina, could unleash hell on those she deemed deserved it.

"Sasuke, my boy. Please, have a seat. There's some information we uncovered weeks back. I wanted to talk with you sooner, but between the planning for the invasion and then my… incapacitation. Well forgive me but better late than never, yes?" I smiled at the young man.

"Of course, sir." He sat as instructed, eyes catching the slight movement of my ANBU stationed in the corner. Even without the sharingan on, the Uchiha always had sharp eyes. "What did you want to talk about? I mean no disrespect, sir, but is this going to take long? I was on my way to meet Kenta and Idiot for a sparring session. I would just like to send them a message if I'm going to be late or miss our training…" He trailed off at the end, cheeks turning a light shade of pink. Realizing who exactly he was talking to and basically telling 'don't waste my time. I have things to do.' I kept my stern gaze for only a moment more before I smiled warmly at the boy.

"Rabbit!" He was kneeling before I had even finished calling his name. "Please deliver young Sasuke's message to his friends. I'm afraid this may take some time. You'll find them at…" I trailed off, looking at the boy for directions.

"Oh, uh, training ground 23" He mumbled, still embarrassed at his slipup.

I nodded to Rabbit who left after a quick salute. "Problem solved. Now, Sasuke, what I'm about to tell you is an S-Class secret. I will be disclosing everything I'm going to reveal to you today at a future date. Make no mistakes, I will be owning up to every atrocity that befell our village and allies during my time as Hokage. However, what I need to tell you pertains to you, and your clan. It is only fair I tell you everything and allow you time to absorb and digest this information before telling the entire village. I need you to keep as level of a head as you can. Everything will be explained, I promise. However it will take twice as long if you let that temper get the best of you and you jump to conclusions. Chances are I'll answer your question within a sentence or two. I'm not saying to be an emotionless robot, or that you can't feel anger or rage or sadness. I only ask that you withhold questions until I prompt you or until the end. Once I'm finished, I will answer everything I can if I can give you an honest explanation. If I don't know, or the theory I have is flimsy, I will let you know. Can you do this for me, Sasuke? If not, you can go now and mentally prepare for another day." There was his out. Let's see just how much you've grown, young man.

From the moment I mentioned his clan, a sheen of sweat broke out on the boy's face. His eyes bore into mine, seemingly attempting to read my thoughts. I doubt Kenta gave away any clan secret, and his eyes were still Onyx. I was safe for the moment, then. Time to wait and see.

Sasuke seemed to internally debate with himself. I sat patiently; my schedule cleared for the rest of the evening. I had the time. Minutes passed, and the decision had been made.

"I will do my best, Lord Hokage. I have one question though before we begin. Well, a question and a statement, depending on how you perceive it." I motioned for him to continue. "This has to do with that night, doesn't it? There's more to the night that Itachi killed everyone but me then I was told." He stated bluntly, eyes daring me to tell him he was wrong. I smiled sadly and nodded at the sharp minded lad.

"You are correct. What I thought happened 6 years ago was flipped on its head just under 2 months ago. Knowing this, can you still adhere to my request?" I asked him seriously.

"Yes, Lord Third. I have to know. Over the last few months, I've done a lot of thinking. The one thing that keeps playing in my mind. A memory I barely recall. Moments before I passed out, Itachi was crying. I keep asking myself, why was he crying? The deranged serial killer who murdered everyone to test his strength… If that were true, he wouldn't cry. He wouldn't have any guilt or remorse. Please, Lord Third. Tell me everything. I will walk away spitting blood from biting my tongue and cheeks if I have to. I have to know though." The boy sounding desperate by the end. I searched his features one last time, assessing his temperament. I think he is ready. I slid the mission report that Itachi was given.

"Read this first and foremost." I commanded, voice flat and emotionless. He took the report, eyes scanning the document. With every word his eyes grew wider and wider. When he got to the end, his 'Sharingan' activated and he read the entire document once more. Searing each and every word into his memory. He closed his eyes and looked down. I held my breath, waiting for the explosion. What happened next shocked me to my core. Sasuke looked up and made eye contact. His onyx eyes swimming with too many emotions to even begin to guess what he was feeling.

"You? Why?" Was that he could manage to get out before the tears fell. My heart broke, but until the facts were on the table, I couldn't show any emotion. I saw Weasel twitch out of the corner of my eye. I pinned him with a glare. His fist clenched in either anger or worry, but he resisted the urge to move.

"To get to the answer on why I ordered the execution of your clan, I must start many years ago. Back to the time when my Master was Hokage, Lord Second." And so I told the teary eyed survivor about Tobirama's prejudice to the Uchiha. How he pushed them to the outshirts due to his paranoia. How to pacify the clan, he palced them in charge of village security by establishing the military police. How Madara was able to enslave the Kyubi with his illusions. How Mito was the one to save the village from Kyubi's wrath after Hashirama defeated the boy's ancestor and broke the illusion. How all of this information from the past tied into the answer for his question.

"When the Kyubi appeared in the village 13 years ago, it set off a chain reaction. Once the dead were buried, the missing found, the rebuild started, the whispers began. The tales of Madara, who's 'Sharingan' was able to bend the Kyubi to his will. The whispers soon became louder, the whispers were loud enough to reach the ears of your clan. Your clan planned this, they said. Your clan controlled the Kyubi in an attempt at taking the village over." I paused and took a sip of tea. I let the information sink in. I watched the gears turn in the young man's head. The pieces starting to fall into place. He looked up at me, questions in his eyes. I motioned for him to ask.

"So you murdered them due to rumors and gossip?" He asked, the heat in his voice was there, but not as hot as I expected.

I shook my head. "No young man, I did not. I did my best over the next 5 years to ease tensions between your clan and the village. My efforts were working, people started to remember the loyal clan of Konoha. The clan that kept the village peaceful. A village where a woman could walk down the street without fearing for her safety. We were almost back to normal, and that's when these pictures were leaked, and the rumors now became accusations." I handed the pictures to the young man.

Sasuke's eyes widened in disbelief. The pictures showed the Kyubi, towering over the village. In each of his eyes, eyes filled with malice and rage, a 'Sharingan' eye could clearly be seen. The pictures fell from the boy's hands. The grinding of the gears in his head slamming to a halt. He looked up at me, and I nearly gasped. There was another time when a young genius had looked at me with those same eyes. Eyes that just screamed "Make it all better." I shook myself out of my memories.

"Now what do you say, Sasuke? These pictures have been tested time and again by experts across the nation. They are genuine." I steepled my fingers, waiting on his reply.

"They did orchestrate the attack then? But why? What reason did they have? Did they really want to take over the village? Was it revenge for Madara?" His brain rebooting, the questions coming out in rapid fire. I smiled widely.

"I am glad that you're thinking rationally and not letting your pride for your clan cloud your judgement. Let me ease some of the burden on your mind. No, no one in your clan had anything to do with the attack that night. I can say that with absolute certainty. The second those photos were released; I spent the next week in conference with your father. He revealed your clans deepest secrets with me. He told me that only an evolved 'Sharingan,' The 'Mangekyou Sharingan,' had any hope of enslaving one of the nine tailed beasts. He showed me the extensive records he kept of anyone who had the misfortune of unlocking those cursed eyes." I paused, seeing Sasuke did not like my choice of wording. "You have something to say, young one? I can see it."

He nodded, teeth grinding together slightly. "I mean no disrespect, Lord Third, but hearing you call my clan's eyes cursed is rubbing me the wrong way." He said in a strained voice. He may be able to look past his pride when presented with facts, but he still had enough to be offended if his clan's prized eyes were insulted.

"Ah, forgive me, my boy. I meant no disrespect. I had assumed you knew how the 'Mangekyou Sharingan' was unlocked?" I asked, genuinely curious.

He shook his head. "The only thing Itachi told me was where to find the tablet with instructions on how to unlock the same eyes as him. To be honest, I had completely forgotten about that until just now." He replied, calming down after finding out I wasn't intentionally insulting him.

"Your father spoke of that tablet. He said that its instructions were that to obtain ultimate power and the ultimate eye, you had to murder the person you cared for most in this world." I pinned him with a glare. Sasuke gulped and beads of sweat began falling down his face. The pale boy was even paler. I nodded, satisfied that my point had been made. "However, your father told me that only your ancestor, Madara Uchiha, was the only one in recorded history to obtain the eyes this way. The few others in your clan that also obtained the upgraded eyes did so my witnessing the person they care for the most being killed. A handful of your clansmen unlocked those eyes during the third shinobi war. Watching their best friend, lover, comrade… seeing the light leave their eyes triggered the evolution of their own eyes. The grief forces a change, leaving them with a reminder of the one they lost. This is why I referred to those eyes as cursed eyes."

Sasuke nodded at my explanation. "I see. I'm sorry for my outburst… Your wisdom is once again proven beyond a doubt. You asked me not to jump to conclusions, and that's exactly what I did." He bowed his head in apology. I acknowledged his apology and we continued.

"Now then, as I was saying, your father told me that only the 'Mangekyou Sharingan' is capable of enslaving one of the beasts. However, just like the strength of the normal 'Sharingan,' the 'Mangekyou Sharingan' was no different. Not every 'Mangekyou' is created equal, and only the strongest of the strong can use those eyes to enslave the beasts, much less the strongest of the nine. Your father showed me his records. Of the four in your clan that had unlocked those eyes at the time, NONE were even close enough in strength to bend Kyubi to their will. One had lost the light from his eyes completely from overusing his eyes. Another was nearly blind and 80 years old. The final two were unfortunate Genin who didn't even have the chakra yet to activate them at will. One of them being your cousin."

Sasuke looked shocked at that. "Shisui? He had those eyes? How?"

"He was young, but strong. He was a veteran of the third war. Though he graduated and only participated during the years that we were slowly deescalating, he still watched both of his Genin teammates killed before his very eyes. He came home covered in blood, and eyes he would curse until his last breath. Remember this information though Sasuke, this is a key to understand what exactly transpired that led to your clans' unfortunate demise." I said seriously. The boy simply nodded. Either too many questions were running through his brain, or everything was clicking into place and he was awaiting more information.

"Over the next year, your father and I worked tirelessly to rebuild the trust between your clan and the village. We also began to compile a list of all the Uchiha that were unaccounted for since Madara's time until present. I do not have all the details, but someone purposefully released the Kyubi from his previous host and set him loose on Konoha. We know it was no Uchiha from the village, however, it WAS an Uchiha, those pictures do not lie. It also could not be someone like Kakashi with an artificially implanted eye. Though we knew that an implanted eye could use the abilities of the 'Mangekyou Sharingan,' a non-Uchiha using those eyes to control a tailed beast would be impossible. The strain on the user's brain would be too great. It would either destroy the eye completely, or kill the person trying to use it. The race was on to find answers."

"We spent the next year searching high and low, but we still kept coming up empty. Eventually your father's appointments with me began to become less frequent, eventually stopping altogether. He had decided to clear his clan's name on his own. The ostracization from the village was becoming too great even for your father. That's when the real unpleasant rumors started."

I studied the boy, searching his face for any clue to get an idea of where his head was. He stared past me, eyes unfocused, attempting to absorb everything he'd learned so far. I cleared my throat, snapping him back to reality. "Do you have any questions before I continue?"

"Just one, Lord Third. You and my father had all this information, why would no one listen to you?" He asked, not mad or sad, just completely neutral.

I sighed. "I think you know the answer to that question already, Sasuke. The kindest, most pure hearted person can become a monster if the circumstances are pitted against them. Look at Young Naruto's treatment by the village. A decision made within an hour of his birth has left him the village pariah. When people lose someone to tragedy, they will look any direction to focus their grief on."

Sasuke's face dropped at that. "I see. Naruto was the Kyubi in human form and my clan was the scapegoat."

I nodded sadly. "You're seeing the bigger picture. As I said, it was a chain reaction from that night onward. Is that the only question you have?"

He nodded and focused his attention back on me. I continued.

"Your brother, Sasuke, I am sure would be called a traitor by your clan. Depending on where their loyalties lie, some may think they would be right. Tell me, Sasuke. What comes first? Loyalty to your clan? Or loyalty to your village?" I sat back, waiting on his answer.

"I… would say it depends, really." The boy said slowly.

I arched an eyebrow at that interesting response. "Explain, please."

He nodded. "You, Lord Third, or whoever has the title of Hokage at the time, is the supreme leader of this village. Whether Shinobi or Civilian, your decisions impact the entire population. Now, I say it depends because your focus is mainly on the shinobi and defense of the village. You have an elected council to help ease the burden of dealing with day to day civilian affairs. Another program started by the second if I'm not mistaken." I nodded in affirmation at the young Uchiha. Lord Second was many things. Charismatic and prone to dealing with day to day operations for non-shinobi, he was not. "For those that put on their forehead protector and swear their loyalty to the village, and you, then village comes first. However, just because you're part of a clan doesn't mean you end up being a shinobi. For those I would see them as saying that clan comes first." He finished his thoughts with a nod.

I sat back and chewed on the stem of my pipe. I absentmindedly lit the tobacco inside and took a long drag. That was a well thought out argument. I could see the mindset. I really didn't have much interaction with my civilian population aside from my strolls through the village and occasional speech to the villagers. I sat back up and made eye contact with the boy who had been watching me with a curious look.

"A well-reasoned and logical reply, young Sasuke. I would agree with you, to be quite honest. However, it is wrong. Every single citizen in this village has sworn fealty to whomever holds this seat." Sasuke opened his mouth but I held up a hand, forestalling him. "When the leaf village was founded, every person that migrated to the village and became a citizen took an oath of fealty for whomever holds the title of Hokage. Their descendants, whether they know it or not, are bound by the very same oath their ancestors made to whichever man sat in this chair when they became a citizen of Konohagakure. Even the notion that I have to listen to what the Feudal Lord tells me to is laughable. I do out of respect, and also because their finances help run the village. In a sense, I do answer to his Lordship. But if I, or any of my successors decided to, they could march on the fire capital and take it with hardly any resistance. Their finances fund our village and help with training our army. Our army is the real deterrent to invaders and keeps those fat nobles sleeping peacefully in the capital. The balance of power is a fine thing between Hidden Village and Capital. Remember that. But in regard to those who call Konoha their home, it is ALWAYS village." I met his wide-eyed gaze with steel. "If you don't believe me, ask your friend Haku. He had to swear his fealty to the person who holds the Kage title. He swore for himself, and any offspring he has. Many forget that oath or were never even informed of it. THAT, is the true demise of your clan."

I let that information sink in as well. I had to admit, the boy was doing remarkably well. I had expected at least three blowups by now. He opened his mouth. "I know you're going to get to it next, but I need to know, why did you bring that up and Itachi?" He licked his lip, the nervous tick showing me his entire hand.

"I brought it up, my boy, to drive home this very point. Your brother was, is, and forever will be THE most loyal shinobi to have ever been raised in this village. Bar none." I barked out. "When it came down to it, your brother betrayed everyone he knew and loved. He brought to my attention the whispers of the coup your elders and father had been secretly planning." I threw down the folder of all the mission reports and recorded meetings Itachi had collected for me. I barreled on though. "He volunteered along with your cousin, the second most loyal shinobi I've ever had the pleasure of commanding, to spy on your family. Acting as my double agents. Your father thought that your brother's promotion to ANBU was his way into my inner workings. Instead, he was spoon fed false information while I learned of every move they made. I worked tirelessly with a 12-year-old and 16-year-old to try and prevent disaster. A coup staged in the middle of Konoha would be the end for us! Civil war would have broken out, many men and women would have died. We still weren't recovered from the Kyubi disaster. Our enemies would have swooped in like vultures, taking advantage of our weakness. They would have most likely won, too."

"Plan after plan, talk after talk. Nothing was working. Your clan was cementing their plans while ours crumbled around us. We had one final gambit. Shisui had an ability you see, granted to him by the cursed eyes he received watching his best friend die. 'Distinguished Heavenly Gods' is possibly the most dangerous technique in our world. On paper, it doesn't seem all that bad. The user can implant a false memory into the mind of their opponent. Doesn't sound so bad? It's the very reason your brother killed your entire clan!"

Sasuke's eyes were torn from the pages he had been memorizing line after line. His crimson orbs met mine. Shock and disbelief turned the boy's features to a visage of utter denial. I continued on. He must know.

"A week before the scheduled coup, Shisui came to me in tears. He would use his ability on everyone involved in the scheduled coup. Using his ability on that magnitude would surely cost him all the light in his eye. He would be blind, and that technique would be used to control the minds of every person he cared for. He was willing to lose his eye. He was willing to deceive everyone he knew. He was willing to sacrifice everything he stood for, as long as the coup was stopped. I agreed. He thanked me on hands and knees. He would report to me the following evening, after the next meeting where the plans were being finalized. I went to bed that evening, uneasy for what I was asking such a young man to do, but pleased I had shinobi who would do anything for their village."

"I woke the next morning to the news that Shisui Uchiha had committed suicide. His body was found floating down a river. The eyes in his skull had been removed with surgical precision. I lost all hope, knowing I was down to my last move. I called Itachi to my office, and I handed him my mission report. It was to be his final mission. He would commit the deed, become a missing ninja, and continue to serve Konoha from the shadows. Every single thing I asked of your brother. Your brother who was younger than you at the time than you are right now, he did without question. I could feel the sorrow rolling off him in waves. I watched the light leave his eyes as he went to commit an act most atrocious. I sat in my office, hating myself for what I had just ordered. I waited there until I got the report. The Uchiha clan was gone, Sasuke Uchiha was the only survivor." I finished, eyes never softening for the scared boy sitting across from me. We sat there for almost 10 minutes before Sasuke could finally speak up.

"Itachi… He. He told me it was to test himself. I know now why he was crying. His heart was shattering into a million pieces as he carried out your orders. I get it now." The boy's voice was barely above a whisper. "I want to be mad at you. I want to hate you. I want to see your body hit the ground, lifeless eyes staring into nothing just like all my clan members. I want all that, but I can't. The evidence, it's all right here. You tried time and again, my clan's stubborn pride was their downfall. I only have one question Lord Third, did ALL of them have to die? The civilians? The young genin and chunin that had no knowledge of the coup. The BABIES!" Finally the control broke, he jumped to feet, eyes blazing red. "DID YOU HAVE TO ORDER THE DEATH OF INFANTS?! I CAN UNDERSTAND THE ADULTS, EVEN THE YOUNG SHINOBI! REVENGE IS ALL CONSUMING, I KNOW THAT FIRST HAND! BUT BABIES?! WHAT KIND OF MONSTER ARE YOU?!" His chest was heaving now in uncontrolled rage. His eyes spun rapidly in their hypnotic dance, the desire for the truth had activated one of the 'Sharingan's' abilities. I did not take it as an attack. It was finally time to let the steel rust and crumble.

"No, they did not. Not everyone had to die. I didn't order everyone to be killed. I was led to believe from the night of the massacre until just 6 weeks ago, that the stress on your brother's young mind caused him to actually snap, butchering anyone with Uchiha blood." I stated sadly.

Sasuke's furious gaze widened. "What do you mean you didn't order it? You showed me the mission report! I read it with my eyes activated. I can recite it word for word, I-"I cut the boy off by handing him another scroll.

"That. That is the mission report I drew up. That is the mission report your brother was supposed to follow. Read that, then think back to everything I have said up until this point." I told the boy seriously.

Sasuke nodded dumbly and took the offered scroll. He didn't bother with a read through without his eyes this time. Sharingan eyes quickly scanned the document. His eyes weeping tears of heartbreak when they got to the end.

"I-but then, why? I don't? What?" The boy was trying to comprehend everything. The mission report that he clutched in his hand was for the assassination of 67 traitors to Konoha. Charged with planning treasonous acts against a sitting Hokage. Another 11 names were ordered to be captured alive for questioning. 11 names of those who weren't fully committed. 11 names that were torn between clan and village.

"Think back, to everything I said. Remember especially the points I told you to put to the back of your mind for later." I said gently to the lost boy in front of me.

Sasuke nodded absentmindedly. He closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts. I took out my pipe again and began to puff on it, planning my next 10 moves depending on Sasuke's final answer. After waiting another 20 minutes, Sasuke's eyes slowly opened, his gaze rising to meet mine. Eyes wide, only two words escaped his lips.

"False Memories" He said in absolute horror. I nodded gravely at the boy. I threw one last folder at him. Every scrap of evidence we had on Danzo's tampering spelled out in black and white. Sasuke's blood red eyes began to read. Page after page. With every page, his look of horror turned into a look of pure loathing and hatred. The bloodlust pouring of the young man was honestly quite impressive. Nothing that would make me or any Jonin break a sweat, but against a Genin and most Chunin? Oh yeah. He finished all the notes and reports within 5 minutes. Those kaleidoscope eyes memorizing and storing every single word he read.

"Everything that bastard touches becomes poisoned and corrupted. How?! How does he get away with this?!" The young man bellowed to no one in particular. His gaze met mine. "You! How do you? No, you were the one being manipulated the most. How did Itachi? I just don't understand how he was able to do all this shit for years and no one stopped him!" Sasuke continued to rant and rave. I watched the boy pace and yell but did nothing to stop him. What could have been fives minutes, or even an hour, Sasuke abruptly sat down and stared at me. Eyes still full of anger, though much calmer than before his rant.

"I understand your anger, frustration, hatred. I feel all of those things. Danzo is a cancer I let fester without checking on. As I said before, I have many sins that I must bare. The lives of your fallen clan members haunts me every night. I know nothing I say can make amends, I just only ask that you place your faith in me one last time." I said in a low voice.

Sasuke scoffed. "With all due respect, Lord Third. The pity act doesn't work for a man of your stature. You have the toughest job in the world and hold the lives of thousands in your hands daily. How do you make such a tough choice? I couldn't do it. I thought about giving that moron a run for the position. No way in hell do I ever want that hat. Lord Jiraiya has the right of it." He got serious once more. "You may blame yourself all you like. It doesn't take away the blame from all the parties involved. Danzo is the biggest culprit, but my clan handed him the ammo that dug their own grave. Too many fingers trying to share the blame. Fact is, no one is right or wrong, and everyone is right and wrong. I thank you for telling me the truth. I heard too many things I never wanted to hear. I have even more to ponder and think about. At least now, I can ponder with all the facts."

I smiled brightly at the boy, proud of his maturity. "I thank you for the backhanded compliments, Young Sasuke." I said with a smirk which caused the young man to flush. "Your maturity does you great credit, young man. You have made me a proud leader, and forgive me if I overstep my boundaries, but I would say that your clan would be proud of you as well."

Sasuke smiled sadly. "Thank you, Lord Third. I don't know if they would be. I hope so. At least my mother and Shisui, I don't know how I feel about my father. I have only one more question, sir." He looked at me nervously.

"Are you going to ask me if I will be recalling your brother now knowing what we do?" I asked slyly.

He nodded. "I… have so much I want to say to him. I've spent the last years hating a monster. Come to find out that monster was actually an angel. I need see him, to tell him I understand. That I don't blame him and that he is the most selfless person I've ever met. The big brother I grew up loving and wanting to be is still my hero and role model. His strength has nothing to do with his ability to take down an opponent. I just, want to hug him again. Knowing my brother isn't the traitor I thought he was, but a hero? It takes some of the pain away." The boy smiled sadly at the ground, not noticing my own smile. Nor did he miss the twitch of a clearly impatient doting older brother. I couldn't hold out any longer.

"Sasuke. You already said everything right to him. Weasel! You may remove that… mask." I trailed off at the end, Itachi having thrown off his mask and crushing his little brother in hug. Sasuke stared wide-eyed at his elder brother before his own metaphorical mask finally shattered. He began to sob uncontrollably. I watched for a few moments before making a small gesture that Itachi didn't miss. The two brothers, reunited at last, were gone from my office with a gust of wind.

I sat back and smiled. I puffed on my pipe, alone with my thoughts. My mistakes were many, my sins were a mountain. The endless hills of corpses I was responsible for during my lifetime haunted me every night. However, the small moments like this reminded me why I do what I do. Though long overdue and what should have never been necessary, the two brothers were finally reunited.

*************************Itachi Doting Brother is Hubby Material****************************

A week had gone by since my talk with Sasuke. I left the brothers be for now, allowing them time to catch up and spend time together. I now had a decision to make. The Feudal Lord was leaving in the morning and I had to have his approval for my appointment of the next Hokage. Our village laws dictate that His Lordship as well as 70% of active Jonin had to approve of my appointment to make it official. The last week had been a restless one for me. So many choices, but I had it narrowed down to four individuals. I stared at my list once again, doubt playing in my mind. Lady Korinna's advice drifted through my head.

'Your heart and your mind aren't in sync. You listen to one and ignore the other. Lead your people with both, and you will realize the decisions you arrive at will be the best for you and your people.'

I nodded and smiled to myself, mind made up. Regardless of the outcome, this was the decision both my heart and mind reached a mutual decision for.

I drew up the proposal, my heart lighter than it had felt since Minato's approval.

************************************5th Hokage****************************************

"Hmmmmm, so this is who you believe will be the best person for the job? Awful young, aren't they?" His Lordship questioned, looking over my proposal.

"He is young only in physical years. His heart, mind, and soul are all those belonging to a man much older." I replied amicably.

"Hmmmm. Well, you have my approval!" He said with delight, his wax seal and signature joining my own. "I said the same thing about Minato, and look how that turned out. A reign that while short, was prosperous. I still dream of what Konoha would be had he not lost his life that tragic evening."

I smiled at my counterpart. Conversation was kept light and polite for the next hour. The easy part was done. Manipulating this frivolous fool was child's play. My men and women would be the real challenge to convince.

**********************************Pick the Fifth****************************************