Chapter 10: Death and Salvation

If tension could become sharp wind blades, the scene would be a bloody massacre. And the boiling anger would have cooked them. Naruto was certain even in death, the corpses of these possessed men would rise for vengeance and beyond. For all eternity, the Leaf would become a haunted place.

He was with them; he felt their pain. The humiliation the mighty Uchiha has been forced to endure, simply for the sake of another man's mischief and trust issues. Though with them, Naruto was not to the point of explosion. His anger was a lot more controlled. He didn't even display it, even when the others attracted such a blow up of emotions.

Fugaku had taught him better—self control could be a difference between life and death. In this case, it meant the survival or death of the Uchiha clan.

"Where is Itachi? We know he was called by the Council!"

"Knowing him, he didn't say anything good!"

"He must be brought here to explain what he said to the Council."

"Itachi is with other things," Fugaku replied in a flat tone. "He is not needed here. We can discuss without him. But, if have you questions, you can ask him. If he finishes soon, he'll join us," he said, looking around with a sharp eye, daring anyone to argue.

But emotions were boiling, someone did argue. "You protect him too much, Fugaku-sama. I wouldn't even be surprised if he told them about the revolt!"

Naruto couldn't contain his giggles. They were all fools. Utterly foolish. Was it the anger and hatred that made them blind? Were people who were drunk in Uchiha power and contempt prone to act with such foolishness? Did they really think the village didn't already know about their plans? Everyone knew in the clan. What stopped Konoha from knowing?

The sharp eyes turned toward him. His giggles died down. But he was not apologetic. His Sharingan, sharp, with partially opened eye lids stared back with defiance.

"You went there as well. Why don't you tell us what the Council decided? We wont accept it if Danzo is not to be brought before us!" Inabi said firmly.

There was a chorus of agreement. Even those who didn't agree with the rebellion agreed that Danzo had to be murdered. Not all of them, but some. At this rate, it was no longer about Kagen, but their hatred toward Danzo.

"Knowing our dear Naru-chan…" Naori started, smiling as she did. She took a purposeful pause, her eyes dancing around the room. Once she was satisfied everyone had their attention on her, she continued. "He probably told them to stick it right their behinds. Whatever they were demanding."

Fugaku shook his head. He'd spoken with the Sandaime, and while the old man didn't have a problem with Naruto, and appeared to like him, the others didn't. And without question, Danzo was going to try to get rid of him.

He clapped his hands together to regain control of the room. "Why don't you explain, what happened, Naruto."

"To burst everyone's bubble, the Village knows about the rebellion. And they wanted to find out more about it. And my views about it. I, of course told them it was stupid, because it didn't meet certain requirements. I suspect, if Danzo already knows what happened, he is plotting for my death," Naruto explained with nonchalance.

"Why would he be plotting against you?"

"Well, I told them they were being unfair. Well, basically, under different circumstances, I would agree to a rebellion, and really don't see anything wrong. Konoha is what it is because of the Uchiha, and yet, the guests we invited to the home we founded dare judge us." He grinned. "That ruffled a few feathers. It was nonetheless the truth. And unlike some of you, I have the power to make them nervous."

"Arrogant little prick…" someone growled.

"Not surprising," Inabi said in a calm tone. "If Konoha knows about the rebellion, they are not going to give us Danzo, and will plan to get rid of us. We have to act before they act. They could very well be plotting our deaths right now!"

The whole room fell into silence.

The reality dawned. It was like a ton of bricks crashing down on them. For the cowards, sweat started to develop. Eyes started to dart around. There was a sneaking thought—Konoha's forces could very well have the place surrounded now.

Aware of their thought process, Naruto felt the need to add on it. Even though he knew Fugaku wouldn't be pleased with it.

"Well, Shisui and Itachi could be absent because they are planning to get rid of all of us… The village might have thought, well, with those two, the Uchiha can continue," he said with coldness.

Yashiro stood up.

"I need to get out of here."

"Coward!" Naruto glared at the man, looking down on him as if he were an insignificant bug. "You bring shame to the name of the Uchiha. You are quick to think about rebelling, but the first to run when the danger kicks in. You can't run now. You wanted to rebel. If Konoha comes, we must take a stand. Defend ourselves. And those who were happy to think of rebelling must be the ones to lead the defense or attack!"

"How can we defend ourselves?"

"How were you going to rebel?" Naruto asked with a stare.

There was of course power to defend the Uchiha from annihilation. But Naruto wasn't going to tell them this much.

The sound of a creaking door and footsteps spooked everyone. It happened just after Naruto finished speaking. The Uchiha leapt into their feet and took stances, some held their hands together ready to hurl jutsu at the enemy.

But, it was just Itachi and Shisui.

Yet, after what Naruto had said, nobody relaxed. Inabi went up to the two; he was taking a lead.

"What do you two want? Have you come to fulfill village orders?" He demanded with menace.

"I summoned them!" Fugaku said with authority. He then released a doze of his chakra, causing almost everyone to freeze. "Now, everyone sit down. There is much to discuss."

It took a minute, but everyone settled down. There was a considerate space between Shisui, Itachi and everyone else. Inabi volunteered to stand in between. To stop them in case they made funny movements.

Naruto had sneered in thought. Inabi didn't have the means, but he had the boldness.

"As Naruto said, the village knows what is happening in the clan. About the rebellion no decision has been taken…" Fugaku said calmly. "However, a decision has been taken regarding Danzo. There was another revelation that aside from usurping the power of the Hokage, in killing Kagen, and spying on Military Police, he also tried to have Kakashi kill the Sandaime in order to gain the seat of Hokage."

"I knew it!" Someone shouted.

"He was always evil."

Fugaku held up his right hand to silence everyone. "When this was revealed, it was decided that Danzo's entire operation had gone rogue. The Sandaime says as we have some problems with him, he was willing to allow us to take the duty of dealing with him. I accepted, in hope that those of you who have been angry with many decisions, can find the opportunity to vent."

"We will take it!" Inabi quickly said. "But what of the rebellion? I doubt the village will simply allow us to get away with it. In simply suspecting us, they took us out of the village, and now that they know, they'll do worse. I wouldn't put it past them to plot to get rid of us after tiring ourselves with Danzo and his men."

"Taking care of two problems in one go, huh?"

The whole room fell silent.

"There is that risk," Fugaku conceded. "That is why I have decided, Naruto, Shisui and Itachi will not partake in it. I will take their place. I will go with you and take on Danzo."

"I really want to go." Naruto said with a deep frown.

"You cannot. I need you to be safe. In the event we are betrayed, you'll know what to do." Fugaku said in a hardened tone. "We have a day to plan everything. I will hold a training session to see those I'll take and those who'll be a burden. Volunteers are welcomed."

This was agreed upon without any problems. But there was the lingering worry over the village's knowledge over their plans to rebel. Everyone was conscious of the fact that the leaders wouldn't trust them if they knew they had planned on killing them.

"I urge everyone to remain calm and not do anything stupid." Fugaku said. "As a consequence of the clan plotting to revolt, I have been removed from the village Council. Military Police will also be put under supervision of the Anbu." His voice became grim as he added. "There has been some understanding, but the fact that we thought to rebel, put the village in grave danger means we cannot possibly be trusted. We may even lose control over Military Police as a consequence."

"That is just too much!"

"We'll be left with nothing! And at any moment, they could just decide to get rid of us!"

"It is the consequence of your own actions! You thought of rebelling. This was bound to happen. And I now I must walk around with the shame that my clan tried to rebel. Be thankful that the Sandaime has decided this should never be known outside of the village Council. If it becomes public knowledge, do you think we will have a place in Konoha?!" Fugaku shouted in the end.

There was a look of shame in some. Others looked defiant as always.

"The village pushed us. We had no other choice," Inabi said forcefully. "Now we are at this point, we are doomed. They will strategically dismantle us to ensure we don't have any power. We cannot allow that. They have given us an opportunity! We can make them think we're planning to kill Danzo, but in a swoop, we can get rid of the Sandaime and the village Counc—"

"You fool!" Naruto shouted. His voice was so loud it felt like he'd used some kind of jutsu to enhance it. "Jiraiya is already in the village. The Anbu are watching us. Kakashi uses the Sharingan far better than most of you. And you still think you can take over Konoha. Not even Madara attempted to do something like that! He advocated for leaving Konoha! And I say, a wise option is to kill Danzo, pretend to play nice and then flee from Konoha! We could even flee while others are busy with Danzo. This ensures we survive to fight another day. Not die needlessly!"

"You're a coward for someone who speaks so boldly." Inabi hissed.

"Call me a coward, but at least I'm realistic. But if any of you can't even make sense of what I'm saying, I don't know what has happened to my beloved clan. And perhaps we really should die. But I would rather we not be killed in such a shameless manner."

"Naruto is right," Shisui spoke for the first time. "Trying to fight Konoha when we don't even have the element of surprise will bring only our end."

"Then we should wait to be slaughtered?!"

"No." Shisui shook his head. Though, at this rate, he was thinking they deserved it. "I'm saying, let us take a moment to think. Regardless of its forces, Konoha is not going to come here. This is our home ground. Together, it would suffer massive losses. We should stay together and think about consequences of our actions, and then decide on what will give us a future, not what pleases our anger."

"Who is going to think about Konoha's actions?" someone demanded.

"Whether we will it or not, the village will always come first. And it will do everything in its power to protect itself."

"It has to be you and Itachi who brought us to this mess! Danzo likely tried to justify himself by revealing our plans. He wouldn't have known unless someone told him!"

"Regardless," Fugaku intervened before someone threw a punch at Itachi. "And clearly, emotions are too high for us to come to a rational decision. We will gather at a training ground and prepare. If we must defend ourselves against an attack, then we must do so. We however, have an opportunity to get rid of someone who has been the driving force of all the injustice we have faced. We must deliver justice. That is what is most important at the moment. If we give him too much time, Danzo might even become aware of his pending demise and reveal to the village our secret. If that happens, we will become pariahs!"

A Few Moments Later

They had left the meeting room and went to Fugaku's house. But not together. Naruto had left with Naori and went to his house while Shisui departed with Inabi and the others to talk to them about what happens with Military Police duties given current events.

There had been fear that Inabi and his group would think they were planning taking the side of the village and decided to kill the rest of the clan and save themselves. It was in such moments that one could think just about anything.

"You handled yourself well," Shisui applauded Naruto.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "I always handle myself fairly," he said. "Admittedly, I wanted to break Inabi's legs. He really is a fool. It would be justice to the clan and its future if I'd just killed him. But then, I wouldn't sleep tonight. They'd come for me."

Despite the situation, Shisui managed to see the funny side. "Trouble. Well, it is not like you sleep that much, anyway."

Naruto shrugged. "Circumstances far beyond my control."

"If we don't move soon, they will do something reckless to force Konoha's hand," Itachi said with concern.

"Indeed," Fugaku agreed. "The three of you will be on guard until morning. You will have to watch out and ensure there are no movements and secret gatherings. Nobody leaves the clan grounds. Even tomorrow, nobody will be permitted to leave the clan grounds. We will only leave to deal with Danzo. And this will be done tomorrow night."

"We can do that." Itachi said.

"I must say something," Naruto said in a cold tone. "This is why you must never become Uchiha clan head," Naruto said to Itachi, right in front of his father and Shisui. "In all your wisdom, you chose to work with Danzo. You just look at the man once and you know he hates us. Yet, you were willing to overlook everything and work with him, simply because, he had the spine to do anything. Well, it turns out, he was willing to even kill the Sandaime Hokage. If it was just the Sandaime, I could understand. But, Danzo Shimura? A marriage of convenience, but it doesn't change the fact that you willingly chose to work with him. In fact, you did so behind the Sandaime's back. I wouldn't be surprised if he's already called you to give you an order to kill everyone!"

While his father didn't say anything, Itachi knew there was some disappointment. Not that he told, but that he went behind the Sandaime's back to work with Danzo. Shisui had simply said he understood. Naruto had never liked him working with Danzo. And the fact that he had tried to have the Sandaime killed, just proved he had been right.

"He suggested it before," Itachi didn't hide this much. "Regardless of Danzo's other motives, it doesn't change that he was right."

Naruto thought of spitting on the Uchiha with disgust. "The Uchiha have lost their place in the Village Council. You must be proud…" he stared at Fugaku. "I spoke to those people. I could tell, there was already judgement. That is why I didn't care what I said to them. Our only saving grace is that the Sandaime is too kind. I'm certain a decision has been taken by the Council to either get rid of everyone or just the ones who want to rebel. Killing Danzo is just a marriage of convenience. Those who go with you won't return. They'll die fighting against a village Councilor who'd gone rogue. It gives the village a narrative as to why Uchiha clashed with a respected man. And removes the problem of the Uchiha."

The moment he finished speaking, both Itachi and Shisui were on guard. Naruto found it laughable.

"You've always been smart. I wish you'd apply your mind more often," Fugaku said with a slight shake of his head.

"What do you plan on doing?"

Naruto sneered at Itachi. But he was relaxed. "Fugaku-sama taught me my loyalties were not to be on him but the Uchiha. That has certain requirements. And it has always been the prosperity and survival of the Uchiha. My reasoning may be flawed at times. But I'm open minded for that reason.

"If there is an order to get rid of the bad apples, I wouldn't agree with it if Danzo got to live. Another factor is the nature of the Sandaime. His decisions have been laced with naivety and his ideals. I don't think Danzo wanted him dead now. It must have happened some time ago. But he chose to keep him. Why, he is incapable of taking hard decisions. That is the reason even Itachi conspired with Danzo. There is the risk, but it is less likely that the Sandaime would betray Fugaku-sama."

Naruto stopped, but he wasn't done talking. "But of course, it doesn't mean the village is right on this. As an admission of guilt, the village shouldn't be planning to get rid of some of us. I know it has been decided not as punishment but because my brothers won't be reasoned with. So, maybe some cleansing, but, while I will accept it, I don't like it. And I think the village is wrong. The Sandaime allowed it. Maybe he too should drop dead."

"You're cold, Naruto." Shisui said with a sad smile. Even as he sat with the rest of them, he'd already figured the truth, but didn't say anything.

"I'd already said it before. I'd kill them myself if they tried to wage war with Konoha." He stared at Shisui. "And if I didn't think we were on the right path, I wouldn't have come back here."

Itachi stared at him. "As we know you, you know us. But I think, even if you knew that, you would have still come here."

"Why?"

"Because my father called you."

Naruto smiled—a truly bitter smile. "You spoke to the Sandaime Hokage about what I said. I didn't say it explicitly, but it can be inferred that if the idea of rebelling had come from Fugaku-sama, I would have agreed. Simply, because I trust his reasoning. You would have come to the realization that despite all I say, I'm willing to do anything he says, for the mere fact that I trust his reasoning. Hardly impressively, but…" he shook his head with disappointment. "Fugaku-sama, I wont ask what happens when you go to face Danzo. But this clan needs you, and I hope, you will take care of yourself."

Naruto couldn't imagine the Uchiha without Fugaku. He couldn't imagine his life without the man. Who would give him orders? Who would be a sense of security to him? Inabi and his people could end up dead, but Fugaku had to live.

"Do you want to take part?"

"Yes."

Fugaku nodded. "And Itachi? Can you work with him?"

"He has shown his loyalties are to the village. But I can still work with him. But, let him return to Anbu. He'll become a good Anbu commander one day…" Naruto put on a sad smile—a truly miserable look about him. Even his voice dripped with dread as he continued speaking. "You'll still be around… is it not? There is no need for you to die…" His shoulders slumped.

The impending dread he'd been ignoring took full force. His facial muscles contracted sharply, and a dark cloud gathered over his head.

Uchiha were going to die. They were stupid, but Inabi was right, the village pushed them. They were tossed around simply because they chose to be obedient to village structure. And Naruto could do nothing. The sad part was that he agreed, for the sake of the clan, they had to die. What misery. How could he even live with it?

Maybe if he'd voiced his thoughts earlier, they wouldn't be here. If Itachi hadn't been stupid, they wouldn't be here. But they were here. Regrets would do nothing. He just had to face tomorrow and beyond.

Naruto felt a hand on his shoulder. He glanced at it. And then up at Fugaku, who was now inches away from him. "The Uchiha clan will live on; that is the most important thing. But, we must make sure nothing like this ever happens again."

"We are descendants of the Sage of Six Paths, must we face such humiliation? Must we be like this?"

"Become stronger than you are now, and you'll never be in this situation. But know this much, we've also been brought into this situation because of our power."

Naruto shook his head. There were winners and losers. Konoha would win this round. Even if they survived, the Uchiha would lose. But they would live for another day.

"If they betray us, the Uchiha will not end up like the Kaguya clan. There will be no more Konoha."

"I always fear if I die, you'll have less restraints." Fugaku said with worry. And, the worrying part was that Naruto knew how to destroy Konoha. The only reason he thought the rebellion was stupid was because the Uchiha couldn't take over Konoha without losses. Even if they did, they would have a difficult time controlling the village. Worse, other villages would invade and it would be the end of everything.

However, if Konoha directly threatened to wipe out the entire clan, then Naruto could very well see that Konoha ceased to exist.

"He has restraints?" Shisui tried to joke in the situation but his plan fell into deaf ears.

"Then make sure you live. A cripple like Danzo cannot possibly be the end of you. And there is no reason to justify you being sacrificed."

"Then have no worry." Fugaku said in a firm tone. "I will return to you after the mission."

"You're not lying."

"I'll say it again. After the mission, I will return to you. You won't have to wait the following day to know I survived Danzo. Wait for me, and I will come." Fugaku said. "Besides, the village needs a witness as to what happened there."

Naruto let loose of a long breath. "If you don't return..?"

"You have my word. I will surely return."

"Alive."

"Yes…"

The Following Morning

Hiruzen had all the patience in the world when Danzo burst into his office. This was potentially his last time doing so. His confession had doomed the man to death. The Council knew, but Danzo didn't know. He didn't know anything and Hiruzen had to keep up the lie. For his former teammate would go through extreme lengths to ensure the Uchiha were condemned to extinction, even if it meant his death in the process.

"Keep it brief, I just came in." Hiruzen said in a mild tone, trying, yet failing to keep the sadness away from his tone.

Danzo glared. "What happened yesterday? I expected to be called in but nothing came!"

Hiruzen leaned back on his chair. He wanted to invite Danzo to sit down, but he shoved the thought to the back of his head. There was an urge to smoke, but he resisted.

"There was much to discuss. The matter is not simple," Hiruzen said in a heavy tone. "I didn't feel the need to tell you anything, considering you led us down this path…"

"It was going to happen sooner or later!"

"Perhaps, but you had no right." Hiruzen said firmly. "But I can't fault you too much. You've had to do a lot because of my own failures. I placed you in this situation. Even when you tried to have me killed, I kept you around, because you did what needed to be done. You'll not escape without punishment nonetheless."

Danzo sneered. "What was decided?" He demanded with frustration. "At any rate, the Uchiha could launch an attack. Even Shisui could do something. We can't be sitting here with comfort!"

The Third Hokage sighed deeply. "We have decided that those who want to rebel will be executed. Fugaku has been entrusted with the how. He will do it tonight."

"Your naivety will doom us Hiruzen! The entire clan has to be removed. They'll only seek revenge against us in the future and we will have the same situation!"

Danzo shook his head with disappointment. He shouldn't have expected much from this man. Spineless and unwilling to do the hard duty of a Hokage. It was pathetic. He shouldn't have sent Kakashi but done it himself.

"I regret sending Kakashi." Danzo spat. "I should have done it myself."

"You should have." Hiruzen said with a bitter smile. "But I am still Hokage. You will not target Naruto or do anything. Should you do so, it will be the end of you. Everyone has agreed this is the best solution. The Uchiha will remain vital for Konoha's military strength. To simply rid of them is wrong. And it would leave us heavily exposed. We've just lost Minato. Tsunade and Orochimaru are no longer with us. Kumogakure is at our door step. Without doubt, any sign of weakness, they will attack."

"Naruto should have just killed that girl!"

"Sensei was right in not making you Hokage." Hiruzen said with a slight shake of his head. "What happened to my report about Kirigakure? Naruto came with some information that might prove useful."

"Kiri has cut off communication with Suna. They have bigger problems now. The village is facing a downward spiral. Bloodline wielders are being discriminated against…" Danzo stared. "It would be a prime time to go there and take control. Kumo is circling around it, and the Raikage will plunder its resources, making Kumo an even greater threat."

"For once, I agree with you." Hiruzen conceded.

The Raikage's thirst for power was unquestionably manifest. If Konoha allowed Kumo to obtain Kiri's bloodlines, the village would become uncontrollably powerful. This was the same village that threatened to wage war on them after they failed to capture the Byakugan.

But Hiruzen didn't want to take control of Kirigakure. If they did that, Kumo and Iwa would wage war against them. Suna was also around the corner. They wanted Pakura and would do anything to get her back.

"Once this is over, I will send Shisui and his team to Kirigakure."

"Even you do something right once in a while."

"Kumogakure wants to recruit the Yuki clan. We cannot permit that to happen. And we can't send a large force. It will compel others to move as well. We have to move in fast and then move out." Hiruzen replied. "Prepare your agents, in case they are needed. This will be important for Konoha."

"When are you sending Shisui away?"

Hiruzen closed his eyes. "Tomorrow."

"Good." Danzo said.

Root Hideout

Kagami was a good Uchiha, unlike the current generation. Itachi was much like him. For this reason, even in the present circumstances, Danzo felt the Uchiha could be trusted. Hiruzen was being a naïve fool in only dealing with those who wanted to rebel. Those who remain would forever gold a grudge against the Leaf and it would end up being disastrous for them. He couldn't take that risk. Not with the Uchiha.

"I spoke to Hiruzen and he told me what has been decided." He paused, his watchful eye observing the young Uchiha. There wasn't even a twitch on his facial expression. "I disagree with it. It doesn't solve anything. Those who remain will hold grudges against Konoha. Naruto hasn't even made his loyalties known. He has been open about it. Someone like him will not forgive us. He is too dangerous to be allowed to live!"

Danzo would do it if he wouldn't be busy with other things. Naruto had to be killed—he wasn't loyal. A person like that wouldn't forget.

"Naruto would certainly not forget anything." To this fact, Itachi conceded.

His sadness last night was apparent. Even if he had proclaim he would kill anyone who threatened the clan, including the brothers and sisters he loved dearly, he would still be broken about it. This was going to change Naruto, and Itachi hoped for the better. But he had an angling feeling that his fellow Uchiha would only become more hardened than ever, and his love for his clan would only grow deeper.

Naruto was not afraid to tell the village Council his clan came above all things, even when knowing it could put him on the kill list.

"You have to deal with him."

"Naruto has my father's protection." Itachi replied.

"Your father will be busy with those who want to rebel. Naruto will be without his protection. You deal with Naruto and we will deal with the rest."

What Danzo was saying was that his Anbu were going to wipe out the Uchiha. Even when he was being given other instructions, he still insisted on getting rid of the Uchiha. Perhaps it was personal. But Itachi felt that if this was some time ago, he would have agreed to this order. He would whole heartedly give it his all, for the sake of Konoha.

But Konoha was no longer in danger. At least for now. The rebellion would be quashed. Those who held animosity toward the village leaders would be dead. And a new story would be told the new generation. Shisui would use his Sharingan to ensure the knowledge that the Uchiha tried to rebel would be wiped out from the memories of those who knew.

"You need to find out when and how your father plans to move and report to me."

Perhaps working with this man had been shameful from the beginning. There wouldn't have been any other solution from Danzo aside from the demise of the Uchiha.

"Hai." He couldn't reveal anything. He still had to play his role. "My brother. He will not be touched."

Danzo narrowed his eyes dangerously. "You're being sentimental."

"I will do everything you have said, but if you touch my brother, it will be the end of you." Itachi said with force and then turned away from the War Hawk.

Danzo remained standing within the huge hall. He stared at Itachi's back until he disappeared. They would get rid of the Uchiha. And he would get Shisui's eyes. Once he does so, Konoha would be his. Hiruzen would resign and he would become the Godaime Hokage, setting Konoha back onto the path of greatness.

"Danzo-sama." Fu kneeled before his boss. "She refuses to come here. It seems she has been given orders by the Sandaime."

Danzo frowned deeply. "Then, we will have to get to Shisui first. Hiruzen tells me he will be sent to Kirigakure. Observe him. Once he leaves, we will strike."

The best way out of things was to manipulate Pakura into going into the Uchiha compound. Without Fugaku, it would be easy, as long as Itachi dealt with Naruto.

"And Kirigakure?"

"We will send people to make it look like it was them who killed Shisui. Once his body has been found, without his eyes, we will push for Konoha to take action. There is someone from that village who already has the Byakugan. It should push even Hiashi to agree," Danzo explained. "When is the Suna envoy arriving?"

"They should arrive tonight or tomorrow."

"Good. Then, it can be made to look like Pakura came into contact with them and was given her orders by Suna."

Then it can be argued that the whole thing was a trap made by Suna to weaken Konoha. He could even argue Kiri was involved. Konoha would have no option but to declare war on Sunagakure.

"Without their Jinchuriki, and Sasori going rogue, Suna is weakened, and we can easily subdue it without losing much forces. Iwagakure will not readily march out under the circumstances. Not unless they team up with Kumo." Danzo fell silent. There was really much to do. "Our priority is ensuring we take Shisui's eyes by tomorrow."

Uchiha Clan Grounds

Everything was in slow motion, at least to his eyes. Jutsu, words, the movements and airborne projectiles, they were all remarkably slow. Every Uchiha had the ability to see like this, but not all were skilled enough. it was a disgrace that so many Uchiha could gain the miracle of awakening the Sharingan and yet still be mediocre shinobi.

Naruto thought he was surrounded by mediocrity. The ones who didn't have the Sharingan were even a disgrace. the Sharingan had to be prove of Uchiha blood flowing inside of one.

But despite from being the same clan that birthed a monster like Madara, geniuses and prodigies like Itachi and Shisui, there were disgraces within the clan. These people rode in the waves of the glory of the clan without contributing to anything. If they were better, the Uchiha wouldn't have been pushed around. The only outstanding shinobi who could go toe on toe with the Sannin wouldn't be Fugaku alone.

Despite being Uchiha, they were pathetic excuses of shinobi. Not all were gifted. No amount of training could cue stupidity. But hard training gave one experience. Gai couldn't be said he was blessed with anything. The world was so unfair it robbed him of the ability to manipulate chakra, and yet, he would best just about anyone here.

It was unacceptable.

The thought was accompanied by his right boot crashing into the neck of a fellow Uchiha. The blow had the man's head twisting in an ungodly fashion. While his foot was still planted on the man's neck, a long blade cut through the air, poised to pierce into his right ear.

Naruto's Sharingan clocked overtime, watching the entire battlefield. On his blind spot—behind—Yashiro was stealthily cutting the distance. Naruto didn't have any weapon on him, not even his gunbai. But it wasn't needed, as he wasn't trying to kill his fellow Uchiha.

His body shifted back slightly, while he stretched out his right hand. He grabbed the arm that stabbed the sword toward him on the wrist, and then used all his strength to yank the man toward him. He twisted in mid-air, along with the Uchiha and then hurled him toward Yashiro. The two crashed, and fell backward.

A fine women burst from the ground below him, stabbing a kunai toward him. Naruto didn't run from the challenge. He lunged down toward her. She had no Sharingan, disabling her was easier. He simply moved faster than she could react. He punched her on the wrist, moving the kunai out of the way and then his forehead crashed into her face.

She cried, as she was buried back into the ground.

While he was still pressed against her, Inabi and two others appeared around him in a blur. The two pulled him by his legs while he was still upside down. While pulling him, Inabi leapt into the air, and twisted around. His flailing right foot crashed into his left shoulder, sending him flying away.

While still airborne, Naruto had no time to adjust or arrest the momentum as he was suddenly grabbed by his right leg. He was twisted along the air with ferocity before being hurled into the air.

"Katon: Goukakyu no Jutsu!"

The second he was released into the air, the jutsu was also released. There was a rule; no ninjutsu. Were they trying to kill him? Perhaps, he too should try to kill them. But he feared, they wouldn't have the energy to face Danzo and his Root Anbu. He couldn't possibly live himself if he was the reason this fellow Uchiha couldn't dispose of mere worms parading as Anbu.

There was an explosion in the air when Naruto and the Jutsu seemingly collided. The huge fire ball created a cloud in the sky, but there didn't seem to be any sign of Naruto.

Naruto appeared in the clearing, and was immediately forced to duck a swinging kick that would have seriously taken his head off his shoulders. He then leapt up straight, just to measure up to the man in front of him. He held out his fists in a boxing stance, and then feigned a left jab. The man quickly folded his hands across his face. Naruto touched down, and kneed the man. He yelped, bending over in pain. He showed no mercy as he delivered a right hook, sending the man tumbling away.

Without glancing behind, he leapt into the air; a kunoichi flashed in below him. Naruto fell toward her, and slammed both his hands on her shoulders. She quickly folded, following onto her knees under the strain of the attack.

Naruto glanced behind, someone had sneaked in. He felt contact on his left leg around the ankle. He was pulled away and then hurled into the open field.

"Katon: Goukakyu no Jutsu!"

The jutsu was launched from behind him while he was still airborne. The others were watching him. He could sense a pair of about twenty eyes watching him from the trees.

He held a single hand seal. The crimson flames seemingly collided with him, setting off into another cloud of intense flames. Only a burning log dropped to the ground.

Naruto flashed behind the shinobi who'd launched the Fire ball. He delivered a quick roundhouse kick. It slammed onto the man's shoulder, sending him tumbling away.

The second the kick connected, Inabi and Yashiro blurred into existence around him. Both tried to level him with high kicks, but Naruto ducked under the attacks. The two kicks collided above him. The two were quick in recovering; they brought down their legs and tried to stomp him. He avoided the blow by rolling in front and then jumped away.

The moment he was in the air, a hail of kunai was airborne, toward him. He frowned deeply, and held a single hand seal once more. He replaced himself with a log, and the kunai clashed it, some pierced through it, some became imbedded. What remained of the log fell to the ground.

Naruto dropped into the clear field at the same time. He couldn't hide in the trees because the bastards were there. They were playing a game of tag, lunging one by one when there was an opportunity. It was a good strategy, but they were still not going anywhere.

Yashiro was the first to charge at him.

For Uchiha, Yashiro was a disappointment. He cowardly sneaked in behind Tekka and Inabi, whispering treachery and mutiny. Yet, he was weak. A coward of a man. He did disservice to all those who desired to awaken the Sharingan. How could a grown man, who has awakened the Sharingan be as spineless as this man? If he didn't have the Sharingan, Naruto would have been excused for accusing the man of being an imposter.

The thoughts were running in his head as he took a step back, faced with the man. He watched as Yashiro's foot went past just inches away from the bridge of his nose.

Yashiro threw a jab toward his face. Naruto watched the punch, and sidestepped it graciously before disappearing in a blur. He appeared behind Yashiro in mid-air. The older Uchiha twisted around to meet him, folding his hands across his face. Naruto's swift kick collided with Yashiro's wrists. The force behind the kick made him skid back a little.

With no one charging at him, Naruto lunged at Yashiro once more. He landed in front of the man. But before he could do anything, Yashiro tried to land a roundhouse kick on the side of his head. Naruto ducked under the kick and then swept him off the ground.

He sensed movement from behind and then disappeared in a burst of flames. He appeared behind the Uchiha who'd been lunging, and then took a step forward, landing a frontal kick straight on the man's back. The brutal blow caused him to yelp before the momentum carried him to collide with Yashiro.

It was Naruto's time to defend as Tekka suddenly materialized in front of him, and then tried to pummel him with a brutal kick to the gut. Naruto leapt away, flipping several times before landing gracefully in the open field where others could see him clearly.

The second he touched down, Yashiro came crashing down on him. Naruto leapt into the air to avoid being hit by the man who hit the ground like a missile. He landed gracefully and shot like a bullet, lunging at Yashiro.

He delivered a right hook on the man's torso, and then leapt up slightly before delivering an upper cut straight on his chin. Naruto twisted around, attempt to deliver another attack, but Tekka flashed beside Yashiro, and yanked him out of the way.

While he missed, Inabi appeared above him, hands held together and slammed them on his back, sending him crashing into the ground with his face.

While Naruto was still buried and covered with debris, Inabi went through hand seals while still in mid-air. He inhaled large amounts of air that his belly grew. He manipulate the chakra inside of him, converting it into fire before he released a huge stream of flames from his mouth. The flames sped to the ground where Naruto was and exploded on impact. It created a large ball of crimson flames on the ground, causing even Inabi to leap away into safety.

"Only attacking when others have left an opening… have some shame…" Inabi twisted around, and saw Naruto but before he could do anything, Naruto exploded into a cloud of flames.

He wasn't close enough to be caught by the flames, but the shock of the explosion forced him to try to block the flames while he fled to the ground.

He hadn't even landed when Naruto appeared in front of him. He'd done it so stealthily that Inabi's eyes widened slightly. He cursed his luck and Shisui for teaching Naruto his Jutsu.

But, his fellow Uchiha didn't attack. It was humiliating.

"Unlike you, I wont do any cowardice attack. See, twice now I could have hit you. But, I want you to understand that you're not an opponent that requires me to come at you from behind."

He said those words in the same arrogant tone that irked Inabi. "Cocky little brat!" He shouted, but wisely chose not to attack. He leapt away from Naruto, creating some distance.

Naruto sneered. "I'm cocky, and yet, you can't even face me."

Inabi replied by waving his right hand. A wave of kunai and shuriken from all sides went airborne. They were all flying toward Naruto.

Despite this being a training session, Inabi allowed himself to grin. "Get out of that and we will talk."

Well, for a tactic, this was pleasant. He could use Shunshin to escape. There was probably another attack no matter where he escaped. But, he held no weapon on him to deflect the projectiles. If they hit him, no question his body would be full of holes.

Naruto sped through hand signs, channeling an overwhelming amount of chakra. "Wind Style: Wind Breakthrough …" He was supposed to simply release a powerful gust, but he released consecutive gusts while twisting around to cover all his angles. The gusts picked up large amounts of dust, and repelled all the projectiles.

But, he was surrounded by dust. Naruto didn't move away, but remained still, preparing. This was an ample opportunity to launch devastating counterattack. They were not going to waste it, and so, he waited for the attack to come.

When dust cleared, he found himself surrounded by five Uchiha, Tekka being one of them.

"It is not much of a tactic if it is predictable. This would work much better if you were fighting against an idiot," Naruto said casually, as the Uchiha all lunged at him.

When they were all inches away from him, Naruto exploded into a powerful column of flames. The Uchiha were blown away, while some caught the flames and hastily tried to dispel them to avoid getting burns.

Yashiro was on guard with Inabi. When Naruto burst out from the ground like a bullet, Inabi was the first and fastest to lunge forward. The appeared behind the teen, and delivered a swift kick across his back. There was a resounding boom when the kick collided with Naruto's back.

Naruto felt the pain course through his back but no cry of pain escaped from his lips. In fact, he just grinned as he went airborne.

Inabi appeared above him while he was still airborne and tried to drop kick him. Naruto folded both hands above him. His wrists winced when the heel collided with them. The attack sent him crashing to the ground. His feet got buried, but he remained still, with Inabi still above him.

Yashiro lunged from behind.

Naruto didn't give the man opportunity to attack. He used his ground position to push Inabi away, bringing him off balance and then leapt into the air slightly, while twisting around. He landed a brutal kick straight on Yashiro's face. The sickening crunch was felt through the clearing when the kick connected. It sent the man flying backwards.

Naruto then disappeared in a blur, appearing below the airborne Inabi. He attempted to kick the man into the air, but the older Uchiha twisted around and kicked out as well. Their kicks collided in mid-air.

While they struggled for supremacy, Tekka flashed behind Naruto and then tried to deliver a roundhouse kick. Naruto reacted quickly to it, raising both his hands on the side of his head. The powerful kick collided with his wrists, sending him skidding through the ground.

He came to a halt and then smiled. "Well, when it comes to sneak attacks, you execute them well. But is this all the power that wanted to rebel?"

Naruto dug into his pouch and frowned deeply. He hated resorting to such tactics but he didn't have his weapons. There were only four kunai with explosive tags. He took them, and then jumped into the air, while hurling the kunai into the trees.

A chain of explosion occurred in the trees.

"We really have fallen," Naruto commented, sitting on the ground with his legs folded. He was sitting in front of Fugaku who had been observing the little sparring session. "No more the great clan we once were..." he shook his head with disappointment.

"You're just deceptively quick and strong," someone said, nursing a few bruises.

"I have trained. I'm not simply riding on the Uchiha name without doing the hard work. There should be a bear minimum someone with Uchiha blood should be able to do," Naruto said with force.

"We're not all built the same."

"We're being taken advantage of because of the same attitude. Look at Gai… the man is cursed. But when it comes to Taijutsu, he'll beat anyone. You can't even use Genjutsu on him because he never looks you in the eye," Naruto then chuckled. "Even trying to use Genjutsu against a man who can't manipulate chakra is shameless."

"You will get undone because of that one day." Inabi cautioned him. "Shinobi must use every means necessary."

"You're the type who'd go all out against children. Have some shame." Naruto said, before smiling. "Despite having fallen so low… at least unlike our rivals, we have won. We remain alive today while they are extinct. In the end, you could say we won our battle with them."

"I beg to differ," Inabi said. He was unharmed. unlike the others who were resting on the sides of the training ground. He'd attacked strategically. He dared not go alone. Perhaps it was fear of being humiliated by Naruto. "There are no more Senju, if you don't count Tsunade, but their students still reign over us. And they could wipe us out."

Naruto laughed. "Well, that sucks. To be oppressed by ideals of the dead. Indra would be so disappointed."

"Not with you," Yashiro commented wearily.

Inabi agreed with Yashiro. Naruto had always been strong but he hadn't thought to this point. Honestly, he'd thought the boy had just been arrogant when he said he could take them on. He'd always thought Itachi was stronger. But reality was way different. It was no wonder Fugaku-sama didn't want to give him away to the village when they already had Itachi and Shisui.

"Despite so many things going wrong, you have given the clan the greatest chance of survival, Fugaku-sama," Inabi said proudly. "Shisui, Itachi and Naruto can surpass the fame of the Sannin. Our clan is better placed for the future than it currently is..." he then added with bitterness. "Our generation has no outstanding shinobi."

"Naru-chan and his friends are just blessed beyond means," Naori commented in a tired voice.

"Why are you acting like you entered the field. I was watching, you didn't partake," Naruto said to Naori with a stare.

"It didn't seem like I would change much... besides, I have my pride..." she shrugged.

"And we don't?"

"You're going to be fighting. I don't have to fight. I'm going to be sleeping tonight. dreaming about a great future for us..."

"I wouldn't be so sure about having a good night sleep. I can't put it past Danzo to plot our deaths..." Naruto replied with a shake of his head. "Well, if they dare enter our clan grounds, I shall send them to meet Tobirama and tell them of their failure."

"Have some respect."

Naruto shrugged. "That man gave us Danzo. It is even offensive to have to admit he is the worst thing to have happened to our clan. Not even Hashirama brought us to this level! And he is just Danzo. There isn't even anything remarkable about him."

"Someone sounds hurt." Naori said playfully.

"Of course I am; it is offensive that the mighty Uchiha is being reduced to fear and plotting a revolt because of a man with one eye, that doesn't even see as good as ours. A cripple, bringing us to this level. We were once the most feared clan. In battle, no one would face an Uchiha alone. But now, we're reduced to this…" He said with disgust, his expression mad with his chakra leaking a bit.

"You don't have to rub it in." Naori felt itchy by just those words. It was really laughable that the mighty Uchiha has become like this.

She narrowed her eyes deceptively at Naruto. He'd just entered into his teen years, and still, his chakra was so potent it made her uncomfortable. Even a slight doze of it had made Yashiro flinch. But then again, considering it was Yashiro, it wasn't much of a standard.

"That is an unpleasant look," Someone commented on Naori.

She shrugged. "Looking at the future."

"Naruto would be wasted on you."

"Oh, come on. I'm delightful and I have the Sharingan."

"Naruto needs someone with 'manners'" Inabi said with a stare. "We should be looking for someone for him. Even Itachi has a girl he likes. And Naruto is even more talkative than Itachi!"

"I feel I'm being looked down," Naruto said dryly. He then changed the subject back on track. "It would give me much pleasure to shred Danzo to pieces. I'd give him ten lives just to give him hope and crush it."

"I sometimes worry about our future when you speak like that." Fugaku said, in a measured tone. "You speak violence and love it. You'd better born in the warring times."

"There was no peace then. I love some peace and quietness every now and then. The world is different now. Despite our physical power, we can be suppressed by political power. This system of Feudal Lords and villages brought about this power. It is less violence and death but i still hate it." He paused, and glanced up to the sky. "Well, at least we're alive to see another day."

"Speaking of another day, where is Itachi?" Inabi asked with a deep frown.

"Danzo has a Jinchuriki. I have sent him to find its whereabouts and disable it. We don't want him to unleash it on us." Fugaku replied.

"Can he be trusted?"

"Yes."

Inabi didn't seem satisfied. He glanced down at Naruto. "What do you think?"

"He will do what was request of him. So, yes." Naruto replied and then stood up. "I'll go join Shisui in the streets. We don't want to leave the streets empty, lest some bastards start breaking the law." His expression fell. "I'd love to eat with you all before this heavy duty that defines our future. But duty comes first."

"We still have much to discuss with Fugaku-sama." Inabi replied. "But it is as you said. We adults must handle this part. You have your role in protecting our families. And I know you can do it. While out there, meet your friends in Anbu and see if the village doesn't have a few surprises for us."

"It wouldn't shock me if we find Anbu waiting for us."

"Wouldn't surprise me either." Naruto said without emotion. "I'll go to Anbu HQ now and sniff out any whispers. Better than being in the streets."

"You just said duty comes first."

"Duty to the Uchiha." Naruto said with an index finger raised. "Gentleman, it was pleasure slapping you all." When Inabi tried to lunge at him, he fled with a laugh.

Inabi shook his head and then turned to face Fugaku. "He will make a good Clan Head. I can't wait to see him in his prime." He couldn't say the same about Itachi. He wouldn't trust that one even on a hide and seek game with no meaning.

"He was trained well." Someone else commented. "It is a pity Itachi fell into hands of the village. But with Naruto, we don't need him."

"That remains to be seen," Inabi replied. "I'm still concerned about this. The fact that the village knows and is planning something about the revolt unsettles me."

"Me too," Yashiro added. "I don't think I can even go out to the streets."

"We have to do what we must." Fugaku said. "I believe the Sandaime will be fair."

"You're no longer even part of the Council." Inabi pointed out. "We have to speak to the Sandaime Hokage. We are not apologetic about our plans. And we will not sit still if something treacherous is being planned. Despite all his faults, I think I'll believe him if he comes to us and assures us the village doesn't plan to wipe us out."

"He has been smiling to Fugaku-sama while supporting decisions that drove us here."

"If we go in half-heartedly, we will not prevail," Fugaku said in a stern tone. "I will nonetheless make arrangements to speak with the Sandaime Hokage. He will address all of you about the future. And what happens to our seat in the Council."

Meanwhile

"Hey, Itachi!"

The warm voice of Izumi welcomed Itachi as soon as he returned to the Uchiha compound. He stopped, and glanced over at her form. She was running toward him. She looked a little out of breath as she stopped over him.

"I was looking everywhere for you," she said in a laboured tone.

Itachi stared at her, wondering why she would be looking for him. But he figured, she had questions. Nothing was normal in the clan. Everyone was tense. Military Police only had the bare minimum. Everyone was locked down within the clan grounds.

There were many saddened expressions. There had been a few elderly people who asked what was wrong. Some put their hopes in him to set things right. It hadn't been lost to him that he was viewed as the light of the clan, the future to their glory.

And yet, he could have been their downfall. He could have ended their existence. Even this person in front of him would have fallen to his sword. That, he could have been compelled to such actions brought a sense of dread into his heart. He felt burdened and anguished. But, there was no shame.

Itachi was thankful, for Naruto's expressions. Sasuke would have a happy childhood. He would have been forced to endure a treacherous childhood if not for his fellow Uchiha's existence.

"Was there something you needed?"

"Where are going?" Izumi asked instead of responding to the question.

"To my house."

"You're not joining the others?" She asked curiously.

Itachi shook his head.

Izumi looked saddened. "Is it because of the revolt and that they don't trust you?" She asked. "But you're not the only one who disagrees. Even Shisui and Naruto disagree. Naruto is even worse about it. How come only you get to be singled out?"

"Because they don't understand me." Itachi replied. "But, I'm not joining them because of that. I had another assignment. I'm just going to check on Sasuke and head to the streets for Military Police duties."

Izumi smiled. "You dote on him too much, Itachi. I heard he doesn't even have friends in the academy. You're teaching him the wrong things!" She glared and then added in a quiet tone. "He doesn't even like me…" she pouted.

Itachi let out a tiny smile, remembering the younger days when Sasuke would cry whenever Izumi tried to touch him. He was such a sensitive child. Still was.

The way things were being resolved would ensure he continued that way. As an older brother, he could continue with his role to protect him.

"Was there something you wanted?"

"You don't want me to be around you?"

Itachi stared for a moment and then shook his head. "I'm just going to check on Sasuke," he said, turning his heels.

"You can just ask me to follow, you know?" Izumi said. "Is your mother… um… around?"

"Yes." Itachi faced her. She seemed nervous for some reason.

"Maybe I should just wait for you."

"It's okay; you can come. It will also be good for Sasuke to get along with other people."

"People his age."

Around noon

Had he even come here since the Uchiha finished building this place? Hiruzen couldn't tell. But he'd watched and observed things. The civilians within the clan grounds appeared spooked. There was tension, and now, the Sandaime comes. They must already sense something big was going to happen.

Looking at them, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel sympathy and sadness. These were innocent people Danzo and his former teammates wanted murdered. They'd done nothing wrong. Even if they were to rebel in the future, he still felt the correct decision had been made. A more sensible person would look at it and understand why decisions were made.

"We have made the correct decision, haven't we?" He said in a whisper to Shikaku, who accompanied him.

The Anbu had deemed it a security threat to his life for him to come here in the first place. But, Hiruzen had decided to trust Fugaku. Anbu wouldn't enter the Uchiha grounds. It would have even set off the wrong alarms if he'd come here with a squad of Anbu.

Besides, if anything where to happen, he had Itachi in the inside.

"Yes. History will judge is fairly," Shikaku replied with conviction.

Shisui welcomed them and then led them to a different place. They were not led to the Naka shrine. Hokage and Jonin commander, but they were not Uchiha.

The hall wasn't big, and everyone was cramped up in the place. Hiruzen was faced with angry looking Uchiha. Fugaku sat silently on his right, and Shikaku on his left. Shisui and Itachi were at the back. Naruto stood at the corner, hands folded across his chest, and his eyes shut.

He cleared his throat to silence the murmurs. "Fugaku-san told me you wanted to speak with me face to face. In honour and respect of him, I have come here, without guards, despite your plans to kill me."

He said it like that.

"It is nothing personal," Inabi didn't shy away from speaking. He figured no one else would be willing to do the talking in front of the Sandaime.

Hiruzen smiled despite the circumstances. "Oh? I have heard you're all rather displeased with my rule."

"With reason," Inabi said. "And no doubt you have heard it from Itachi." He shot a glare toward the Uchiha.

"If it came from Naruto-kun?"

"Naruto wouldn't say." The answer came from someone within the crowd.

"It seems you value him as much as I do," Hiruzen said. "Why did you want to see me? I'm afraid I can't be here for too long. I'm sure you understand things."

"What is the village's decision on us? We know Fugaku-sama has already lost his seat. What we want to know is whether the village plans go get rid of us for plotting to revolt." Inabi demanded.

"The Uchiha clan will not be wiped out." Hiruzen said. "My word may not amount much to you. But that is the decision we have taken. Young Naruto made a compelling argument yesterday. The village has not always been right. I allowed Danzo to rule and take decisions for me. I'm not shifting the blame. Everything has happened under my rule. As the Hokage, I should have handled thing differently. But it is a fact, you thought to revolt, put this village and everyone in it under threat. You can't be trusted as things are."

Nothing unexpected. But Inabi was still not satisfied. The wheels fell off the wagon under this man's watch. He glanced at his fellow Uchiha; bitterness was the agenda. No one felt the relief they hoped to feel with some explanation from the Third.

"Where does that leave us?"

"The Uchiha remain an important part of our military force. Without the Uchiha, Konoha would be greatly weakened. We have many enemies, and the moment we part, they will take advantage of us." Hiruzen said with a slight shake of his head. "What happens depends on all of you."

As soon as the Sandaime left with Shikaku and Fugaku, Naruto slumped by the corner, and stared into the ceiling.

Why did they have to face this situation when the village was wrong? Truly, if they were stronger, the village would have quickly noted its wrongs.

In a village, physical prowess was not enough. The Uchiha needed to have political power to cement their place in the village. He was never to gain any, as he was certain they wouldn't trust him with it. But, Itachi would gain political power. He was their poster boy, and the village loved him.

Still, these were his brothers, his sisters. He never had other family members. The old woman who taught him to walk was long dead. He'd come to see everyone as a part of his family. He loved them. They all had the same blood flowing in them. And because the village stroked their fragile feelings, they were now looking at death.

Shisui stood above Naruto; he just looked defeated. He was like a deflated balloon. He'd never seen his friend like this. It was truly sad. But this was something that had to be done. For the sake of their futures.

"Come on," Shisui said, holding out his right hand.

Naruto glanced at it and then took the hand. "Rue being a loser, Shisui." He said with bitterness.

"You don't have to look at it that way."

Naruto shook his head and then stood up. "We are losers. Death to him, but he still won," he said of Danzo. "Well, at least we have tomorrow."

Meanwhile

"How are preparations?" Fugaku asked with concern. He didn't want Danzo leaking that the Uchiha wanted to rebel. It would be a disaster for them.

"He still knows nothing."

"Itachi has already told me that much. It seems Danzo wants my son to wipe out everyone," Fugaku said, shaking his head.

If not for Inabi discovery the death of Kagen, it may not have go this far. Danzo brought his own downfall. But Fugaku was not proud. Not with what he had to do.

"He really doesn't want all Uchiha out of the picture." Shikaku said. "We have made the correct decision. We would have blundered if Danzo hadn't been dealt with." He would have just provoked the Uchiha to get a reaction and do what he wanted to do.

"Indeed," Hiruzen then smiled. "But I suspect some in the Uchiha wouldn't have waited for us to give the order."

Fugaku wouldn't say Naruto especially. He didn't want to make things bad for the boy. "Itachi has located the Jinchuriki. He will disable him when we move out."

"We have watched every of Danzo's movements to ensure he doesn't plot anything. Koharu and Homura have been sent away on a mission. If he'd known they were avoiding him, he would have suspected something."

Hiruzen agreed with Shikaku. "All his Ne agents are being monitored. We have already intercepted those who want to leave the village. He seems to be busy with plotting getting rid of the Uchiha who will remain alive. But that is good for us. We still cannot postpone any further. He'll notice."

The village was already growing tense because of the lack of Uchiha in the streets and the academy. He'd been asked, but said nothing. Even the Anbu were not informed of what was really happening. The Uchiha would move, and they were not to stop them, but to simply watch over and ensure nobody escapes.

"You'll have tonight. Everything has to go perfectly. And I hope tomorrow, will bring something better, otherwise, we might have a problem."

"I will handle my clan."

Flashback

Fugaku returned to the Council, and settled down quietly. There was deathly silence. Some of this men he'd fought alongside in battle. He'd been mainstay in Konoha's military power since he became clan head.

And yet, there was this heaviness in this room, and in his heart. There were tricks he could play. But, Fugaku thought he'd done well for his clan and its future. Surely, his ancestors wouldn't be disappointed with him. Konoha would not be left impoverished if he were to die. His children could readily replace him.

"We have come to a decision; we don't want the entire clan wiped out. But we cannot possibly allow those who harbour thoughts of rebelling continue to live in this village. They will remain a constant threat if something doesn't go their way. They have shown, they have no loyalty toward Konoha. You must identify all of them, and tell us how you want it to be done." Hiruzen said to Fugaku in a sad tone.

"I would have preferred for Naruto to be in that list, but the Sandaime refuses," Hiashi said with disappointment. "We cannot agree with the harsh sentence of simply condemning the entire clan. There is some selfishness, but we think it is the correct call. Despite our power, we cannot protect Konoha in the same way the Uchiha have over the years," the Hyuga conceded in a mild tone.

"We would like this to be done tonight." Shikaku said. "It will come as some surprise, but we have also decided that Danzo must be handled, permanently, along with his forces. We want to do this as quickly as we can before he finds out and messes up things."

"I understand." Fugaku replied.

"We will allow your clan to get rid of Danzo. Afterwards…" Hiruzen did not finish.

"Please permit me to handle it. And allow me some time to prepare. It is my duty as clan head."

Hiruzen frowned when Fugaku said those words. "Then what?"

"I also don't like this suggestion."

"It is my responsibility. If members of my clan are going to die for planning to rebel, it only makes sense that I do go with them. The clan requires a fresh start."

Shibi shook his head. "We lost the Yondaime. Orochimaru became a traitor. Tsunade-sama is no longer with us. We cannot lose you too, especially if we're going to lose some members of your clan."

Did Fugaku not understand his value to the village? The two elders might not see it, but Hiashi understood it well. Aged and clan head, he knew he was no match for Fugaku in terms of power. Without Jiraiya in the village, he was the most powerful man in Konoha. Any other Kage would think twice about facing him in battle!

He wasn't the kind of man you wanted to face. If Konoha lost him, they would be left poor. Kumogakure was willing to bully them with him around, what about when the majority of the Uchiha were no longer around?

Despite feeling this way, Hiashi kept quiet.

"I have served Konoha to the best of my ability. The moment some members of my clan thought to rebel, I lost control. To be honest, I too had started to question my loyalties. I understand the situation. But, Shisui already wields the Mangekyo Sharingan. Itachi will awaken his on my death. They will become far stronger than me. Let me do this. Just so there is no shame brought to my clan. I will do it, after we execute Danzo. There will be no shame brought to my clan, and, you will have the perfect cover for having to explain what happened."

End

Root Base

It was a bloody massacre. The bodies of Root Anbu were littered all over the base. Their body parts mingled together; the walls were painted crimson with blood. If there had been enough of brains to be crushed, another colour would have adorned the walls. A new sense of savagery had befallen his clansman.

Inabi had enjoyed seeing the look of horror in Danzo's face when they rolled up and announced he would be executed for treason. He hadnt shouted and become hysterical, but the look had been there.

Yet, after a moment, he'd confidently proclaimed he would deal with the Uchiha abd Konoha's problems would be over. He'd said some nasty things, but in the end, he'd tried to run when he knew he was going to die.

The only disappointment was that some Uchiha had died.

Inabi thought he'd feel some sense of accomplishment. But he felt nothing. His heart was still eerily troubled. The Root shinobi hadn't been ended with mercy, but maximum pain was inflicted. Yet, nothing for the Uchiha had truly changed.

"We have killed Danzo," his whispered, shaking his head. "But, what happens to us? The Sandaime said it depends on us. We have lost all political power. Military Police will be under the village…"

"Focus on the bright side," Yashiro, tired, said to Inabi with a weak smile.

"We will be safe for the future."

"I wonder about that," Inabi said. "But this has shown that we had the power all along to take over Konoha. Fugaku-sama's power is unrivalled. If we'd added those thr…" he trailed off, watching Fugaku's sword cut through an unsuspecting Uchiha without mercy.

"Fugaku-sama!" Tekka shouted with shock. "Wha—"

He wasn't allowed to finish as Fugaku blurred in front of him, and then grabbed him by his throat with his left hand while the sword he held pierced through his chest. He dropped the man to the ground and then turned around to face his fellow Uchiha with an expressionless mask.

"I knew it," Inabi glared at Fugaku. "You're going to kill us all. Can't you see if this happens we are going to become slaves of Konoha?!"

"The Uchiha will rise again."

"Are you blind? They have already stripped us of all the power. If you kill us, it will just be kids left behind. Your son will sell the rest of the clan to the village. They will feed on us until we're extinct!" Veins were popping on his forehead in anger.

Who would have thought a clan head would turn out like this? He was just like his son; a slave for Konoha.

"Your deaths will be painless." Fugaku had no desire to talk any further. "You can rest assured, I will join you in the afterlife. Naruto will take over the Uchiha."

Uchiha Compound

From noon, the day had zoomed to night in a blink. Not even the famous Yellow Flash could move that fast.

Yet, in that blink, Naruto has wandered the streets alone. He'd questioned if the lives of his fellow Uchiha were worth it. He didn't exactly know what was going to happen. But he knew they would die. That alone was enough. He didn't care for the details, lest he became enchanted by the desire to protect and rush over and ruin everything for the clan.

The day in the streets had been abnormal. The shinobi population had looked suspicious. Some he didn't even know had come to him with questions. Some civilians went about their ignorant lives.

His Anbu teammates had teased him with questions. They went unanswered. Everyone outside the bubble would remain ignorant of the sacrifice his people had to make for the sake of their lives. Whether they were worth it was a debate Naruto refused to indulge.

It was a restless night. The moon hid away, but the stars dazzled in the sky. A few Anbu watched over the clan grounds—nothing too suspicious. The majority of them were swarming through the rooftops.

About an hour ago, he'd watched his family leave. He hadn't been there in person. He'd been surprised by how weak he was in this position. Itachi was a bolder person than he was. Perhaps he just had a loud mouth.

Naruto sat at the porch at the back of his house. He was waiting for Fugaku to return. If another hour went by, Naruto would leave the clan grounds—even if it was against orders.

His patience wasn't tested to its limits as Fugaku did indeed return. Naruto felt so relieved it was like he was meeting his father for the first time in years after he'd gone away on a long mission. There was a part of him that wanted to rush toward the man. But he settled for smiling happily. There had been a part of him that feared for him. The words before had felt like the man was saying goodbye to him.

Naruto stood up as Fugaku walked toward him. He immediately froze, his eyes sharpened dangerously as he sensed the stench of fresh blood.

"Shisui and Itachi are taking care of other things," Fugaku said in a weary tone. His voice was low and the words came out in a slow manner. "They will bring the others back…" he didn't want the Sharingan falling into the wrong hands.

"Was Danzo problematic?"

"Come." Fugaku held out his right hand.

Naruto hesitated for a couple of seconds but went up to Fugaku. He took the man's hand and felt just how cold his clan head was. His heart rate quickened, and the hair stood up in all places.

They disappeared with Shunshin. It was a dance of three times until they arrived at the secret meeting place. Fugaku settled down, and settled his breathing. He placed a kunai in front of him and motioned for Naruto to sit. But Naruto did not listen.

"I had a feeling you wanted to die. I was in denial of it." Naruto said without emotion, and his expression did not betray this look.

"I have killed my fellow clan members. I cannot possibly continue to live on. You have all the tools you need to decide on the correct path for yourself. You shown yourself to be reasonable and rational. You care for the clan, far more than Itachi. You will be fin—"

"No!" Naruto shouted. The coldness in his voice was now gone. He fell onto his knees. "Please don't ask me to do this." He pleaded, knowing what was going to come next.

He couldn't possibly end Fugaku's life. Maybe in some circumstances, but not like this. Not when he could still live in. there was simply no reason for him to die.

"Did the Sandaime order this? Did the Council order this?!" Hatred masked his expression.

"No." Fugaku remained calm. "I made decision…" he smiled.

"If you want to die, ask Itachi. He'll do it." Naruto stood up, and took a couple of steps back and folded his hands across his chest. "Do you understand what you're asking me?" His hands fell, and his voice was a hollow whisper. The energy he had a moment ago to shout had evaporated into thin air.

"I know." Fugaku picked up the knife and pushed it to Naruto.

He didn't even lose his nerve. He wasn't afraid of death. He'd been preparing for years. He took in Naruto because he'd known things would deteriorate within the clan.

"Do you want me to carry the shame of having ended my own life?" Fugaku asked quietly and then slowly turned around to face the stone tablet, turning his back on Naruto. "Itachi will protect Sasuke and his mother. I know for certain they will be fine. I will wait for you in the afterlife. For you to tell me how you made Uchiha great again. This is our salvation. I have no regrets. Neither should—"

He stopped talking when he felt Naruto's body over his shoulders. The kunai was poised around his heart.

"A few years ago, your shoulders were huge. Your back was a sense of comfort…" Naruto said in a sad voice, hugging Fugaku from behind while firmly holding onto the kunai. "I was never lonely when you carried me. Even now, I feel a sense of comfort…" he closed his eyes. "Will the clan be saved?"

"Yes." Fugaku did not move. He just closed his eyes and waited.

He felt his hands being watered by a couple of drops. He refused to open his eyes and his expression did not change. He'd said what needed to be said.

Only death, awaited him.

End of chapter