Chapter 2: Who are you?

Mabui cast her eyes toward the weight lifting figure of the Yondaime Raikage. He still had paperwork to do, and yet, he was busy flexing. Maybe be was toughing himself up for battles ahead if Konoha decided to head to war.

"You shouldn't be doing that when you still have work to do." Mabui said in a flat tone. But when she did not receive a response, she spoke again, changing the subject. "A letter from the Hidden Leaf."

Her words caught his attention. He fully turned to her, without stopping with his physical training. "What?"

"Fugaku Uchiha is on his way to have a discussion about your demands."

"I have nothing to discuss with Konoha…" the Yondaime Raikage replied in a dismissive tone.

Every Kage was self serving only to their villages. Sometimes, it was even flat out greed, that included stealing from others. There would be hypocrisy in criticizing others for the same actions and even crying foul. When you had power, you had such luxuries and privileges. Kumogakure was known for coveting secrets of other villages and even trying to recruit the rogue shinobi of others.

But never had it come to the boiling point of war and a significant loss. It wasn't so much as a loss that could hurt the village. The man had been nothing more than a spy for the Feudal Lord. With his death, A had moved quickly to replace him with someone he could trust before the Feudal Lord could move. They would argue later about it. For now, there was a serious matter of village security. Questions would be asked – but there was war to worry about and the Feudal Lord would have to think about supporting his country.

"If Konoha is sending the Uchiha clan head, it must mean they will not fold easily." Mabui stressed the words.

Fugaku Uchiha was no simple man. He was a man nick named Wicked eye Fugaku. He was no less of than the Sannin.

A continued to lift his weights as if he hadn't heard her. For a moment, Mabui considered hurling something toward him. But as the moment passed, A stopped with his exercises and walked back to his desk. If someone said he had sweet dreams about weights, and growing more muscles, she would actually agree.

"They would risk war with us?" A asked with surprise. "Konoha is the same village that was losing to Iwagakure until Minato appeared and they were quick to get Iwa to sign a peace treaty."

"We were also at war with Konoha. We're still technically at war with them since you tore the peace treaty documents." Mabui reminded the man.

"Does the letter say anything?" A ignored Mabui's remark.

"Just that he will be coming to bring the body of the Head Ninja and discuss the conflict."

"Sending Uchiha of all people." It was daring. But A wouldn't bite. He wouldn't be stupid enough to attack the Uchiha so openly. If they did gain the Sharingan, it would be a good benefit to the Cloud. But the risks were too much.

Had the Head Ninja succeeded, things could have been different. And he was certain, even if discovered, Konoha wouldn't have threatened war. The Sandaime Hokage was far too nice despite being hailed by all in his peak years.

"We should keep our Jinchuriki away from them. It could be a ploy to get them closer and control them."

A's face twisted at the thought. The powers of the Sharingan were great. It wasn't impossible for the Doujutsu to manipulate someone – at least as far as word goes. But Madara did control the Kyubi. He was the only one who managed to tame it when Kumo had tried and failed miserably to gain its powers.

If Konoha's plan is to get their Jinchuriki to lose control and go on a rampage, it would cause much destruction on the village. He would even be forced to take hard decisions regarding his brother.

"Send word to both B and Yugito. We cannot have Konoha using our own Jinchuriki to destroy us."

"It will be done. I do urge you to be considerate when dealing with them."

"They killed our Head Ninja. If they cannot give us the head of Hiashi, we go to war. Nothing can change that."

Kumogakure had two Jinchuriki who could control their powers. He now reigned as the most fastest shinobi in the Elemental Nations. If they were going to war with Konohagakure, they would win.

"I was afraid you'd say that."

Then there would be no admission over anything. If Konoha could not provide as the Cloud demands, it would be war.

"Shouldn't we prepare for war then?"

"Konoha is not going to war over just one shinobi…" A replied. No village would make that decision. Even he wouldn't make that decision, even though he thought bowing to such a demand when you did nothing wrong was weakness.

Valley of End

This was where friendships ended. Hashirama and Madara ended their friendship with a battle to death after the latter left Konoha. The clan refused to follow him – and Naruto thought, perhaps he'd seen into the future and thought it better they returned to their home. But clan members refused. They'd grown weary of the constant fighting and wanted peace.

Naruto faulted Madara for abandoning his clan. If he demanded what was best for the clan, he should have stayed with his people but he left them for the hyenas to do as they pleased with then. Sure, he warned them, but as clan head, he shouldn't have abandoned them.

The only good thing was that their once eternal rivals had died out. There was now no more Senju within Konoha. He was cautious, if things didn't change, they too would follow the Senju to the afterlife.

"You seem lost."

Naruto glanced at Itachi who had settled beside him. Fugaku was at the foot of the waterfall. They were taking a quick rest and then travel throughout the day until they reached the Cloud. Talks would begin tomorrow if the Raikage permitted it.

"The outside world is huge. But here, I'm just thinking about our clan and the past with the Senju."

For some reason, Itachi thought Naruto would have been perfectly normal in the warring ages. "The Senju were once our rivals, but once both the Nidaime and Shodai died, things changed for them. Not to mention, in the past wars, they have always been in the front lines."

"Doing service to the village they helped found." Naruto shook his head. "It is a pity the Yondaime Hokage died early. He'd seemed like a good person."

"You'd realize the Sandaime Hokage is also a great person and a Great Hokage if you spoke to him."

"So, I have heard. Shinobi always speak about his greatness…" there was no one who didn't know the Sandaime, not because he was Hokage but because of his power. Few were hailed as a God of Shinobi. Not even the Sannin reached that level of power.

But even in his greatness, people outside took advantage of his kindness.

"But I dislike some part of him. He is a gentle old man who does nothing cruel. He understands such things need to be done but does not have the heart for it. Instead, lets Danzo have free reign."

In this manner, he never got his hands dirty and ignored the corrupt things Danzo did. They even did the most in investigating Orochimaru and his abductions of children – with the help of Danzo. Orochimaru fled, and Danzo remained, claiming ignorance. The Sandaime moved the investigation to the Anbu. It had caused much conflict with the Anbu when the police wanted to investigate Danzo's involvement. Matters long passed, but Naruto wished he'd been there when Anbu snatched the case from their hands.

In this knowledge, Naruto has never had any desire to talk to the Sandaime Hokage. It could be said he was worse than Danzo. He was the one who allowed that loose cannon to destroy the Uchiha clan.

"Danzo does what needs to be done for the village."

"He is a lawless man who does as he pleases because…" Naruto paused. The next words would be disrespectful to the Hokage and so, he bit his tongue. "In any case, you cannot look at that man and all he has done to us and think he is influenced solely by dedication to Konoha without any self-interest motives involved."

Itachi could not deny that. Even the Sandaime has stated that Danzo wishes for his seat – and there was an order in secret. Danzo was never to be permitted to become Hokage. A squad of Anbu would kill the man if a reality such as that came to happen and then go rogue. That was the extent in which the Sandaime was willing to go to stop Danzo from becoming a Hokage. In good conscious, Itachi couldn't defend the man.

Worse, he even desired Shisui's power. At some point, Danzo would become a danger to the Leaf and he would need to be removed. Naruto would no doubt volunteer for the job. And he wouldn't take a sword. He'd go there with every intention of tearing Danzo's limbs with his bare hands.

"The Sandaime is aware of his nature." Itachi replied. "And he isn't without flaws. No person exists who is perfect. He is not afraid to admit such."

"You'd of course defend your Hokage but he doesn't defend us against Danzo."

"The Sandaime always does what is best for Konoha." Itachi wouldn't deny he wasn't without faults and Naruto wasn't necessarily wrong. The moves Danzo had taken against the clan have been under the Sandaime Hokage and each time he chose against doing anything.

The village accused them of not doing anything when the Kyubi attacked. Even when they had been busy protecting civilians and evacuating them. They were under orders from Danzo. Nobody from the leadership has come out to say the Uchiha were acting under the orders of the village's council.

And yet, Itachi wouldn't question it.

"Shisui thinks we can become good friends but more I talk to you, the more I realize that wouldn't just work. You see things through the lenses of the village and I through the Uchiha clan. We are just fundamentally different people."

"It doesn't mean we can't get along. There are some things we agree on."

"I've always said I have no problems with you." Naruto replied with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "But we are brothers. We can always get along. Little things such as beliefs shouldn't come in between brothers."

But that was not how things work in the shinobi world. Itachi knew that. Differences have always led brothers to fight against each other.

For Naruto, it just didn't matter because family was more important than anything. If he knew Kakashi's motto that one should never abandon friends for a mission, he would love to work under the man.

"The Shodai and Nidaime were brothers but they were complete opposites."

"They still worked well together. Tobirama kept his brother in line. You could say, they worked to balance each other. Maybe that was why he chose the Sandaime as his successor instead of Danzo." Naruto glanced up to the sky. It was strange looking into world without his Sharingan. He mostly kept it active. Perhaps to lord over anyone who dared look. Maybe it gave him some satisfaction when people looked away.

"Have you ever considered joining the Anbu. You could do a better job there in protecting the village." Naruto did love Konoha – Itachi had never questioned that much. And he was probably the second person after Shisui who speak out against doing anything from the clan that would harm Konoha. Of course, like his father, if the clan decided, he would go along with anything.

Naruto smiled. "I'm not Anbu material." He was saying that, but if Boar asked him for something, he'd willingly do it.

Itachi was curious at the admission. "Your skill set would say otherwise."

"Personality." Naruto said. "I have always worked alone. They tried it at Military Police to put me in a team, but I always stray... and I'm a little bit reckless in battle when I get excited."

So that was why his father thought Shisui was better placed to head Military Police. There was meaning to his father's question "aren't you like them?" Maybe that was why Shisui never recommended him for such a transition.

"You can always be trained."

"It's not that simple… but I am open to amending my ways. It is just Anbu, is not for me."

"Even though you basically do the work of an Anbu."

"Yes."

"You prefer the Anbu work… you just don't like the restraints within which Anbu must operate."

"It sounds like a character flaw when you say it like that." Naruto said and then decided to change the subject. He was saved from saying anything else as Fugaku returned from below.

"Let's go."

Both got up and then continued toward the Lightning through the Sound.

"Do you think things could have been different for the clan had Madara not left?"

"It is no use thinking about past actions. We have to think now and what we can do to change things for the better," Itachi replied to Naruto.

And he hoped things would change for the better and the clan would not be at a collision course with the village.

"Itachi is right." Fugaku agreed with his son. "We can't spend time thinking about what could have been. There is mistrust between us and the villager leaders… we must deal with this. But it shouldn't consume us that we neglect our service to the village. We helped found Konoha. It is our home, we must always do what is best for it."

The bigger picture was then always the village. In some sense, it sounded right. If all clans were motivated by self-serving interests, there would be no village but warring clans fighting for dominance.

It was just a pity that the founders of the village were being reduced to just shadows.

"Then we can't afford to mess up here."

"I expect you two to be silent. I will do the talking. You must just observe. Only speak if the Raikage has asked you something and even if you must answer, choose your words carefully."

"You're staring at me when saying that." Naruto had a look of someone who was offended.

"You're the one who sometimes has a loose tongue."

"You know I bite it when the time calls for it. I am not that reckless as to say something that would offend the Raikage. I'm rather content with being quiet when adults hold their discussions."

"Even if he would say something that offends the Uchiha?"

"Yes." Naruto replied with hands around the back of his head. "I'm not careless. Diplomacy doesn't always work but sometimes, you must be diplomatic regardless of the situation. I have learned this much when dealing with Itachi's friends."

Fugaku shook his head. "Have you considered what I said about your future?"

"Not yet." Naruto admitted. "Do I really need to have some sort of goal? Can't I just be the best clan member I can?"

"You do not have that luxury. I have shielded you long enough. You'll eventually be forced to join the ranks of the village. When that does happen, you must find your place within the village. Being Anbu or just a normal shinobi. It determines the path you take… Itachi has no plans on leaving Anbu – so, he might likely become the Anbu commander one day."

"Ah," Naruto's eyes lit up. "So, that is why you would have someone else succeed you at Military Police Force."

"I don't think the village would permit an Uchiha becoming Anbu commander and still continuing with Military Police force. It would give us too much power. And I don't think that kind of power centralized in one clan is a good thing."

Naruto smiled. "Well, considering that we are Uchiha, I can imagine some of our members growing two more chips," he shook his head. "We would be so much better if we learned a thing or two about discipline from the Hyuga."

"They are not a good example, considering they treat their cousins as slaves."

"Clan politics…" Naruto shrugged. "But it is honestly despicable that brothers would be separated from branch to main family. It creates a toxic environment. Then again, we Uchiha are much more familiar with that toxic world. Those who awaken the Sharingan are envied. And those who awaken the Mangekyo are treated with suspicion for killing their friends to obtain the power. Shisui is the special case. But you really just can't hate the guy."

"You say that and yet you're happy to Lord over others because you have awakened the Sharingan."

"It is only for motivation. Besides, some of clansmen have an inferiority complex because of their inability to awaken the Sharingan. They need motivation."

"And you wonder why you only get along with those who have your eyes." Fugaku inwardly smiled. "You should stop it. Uchiha are emotional creatures and most of us tend not to be able to control those emotions. Jealousy is breeding ground for corruption. You don't want fellow clan members turning on you because of jealousy."

"Someone would stoop so low?"

"It amazes me how you think people can't go that low, granted, you have a precise understanding of human nature. Your inability to accept that family can betray family members is a rather curious contention."

"Family is Family. How can anyone betray their family enough to kill?"

"It is not only hatred that clouds, even love clouds judgment."

Konohagakure

Maybe Itachi was a prophet, but his words came true. Shisui hadn't been handling any duties. He was on stand-by, watching Military Police. He gave the excuse that it was time to learn as he was going to become its head one day. Honestly, he'd given it his thoughts and Shisui thought it wouldn't suit him. To get out of it, he needed to get Naruto away from his shadows.

A message from Danzo had come while he was taking a stroll from the HQ. It hadn't surprised him. Not even a little. He couldn't refuse to go knowing the status of the man within the hierarchy of the village. Danzo outranked Fugaku. But he decided to meet the man at a more open place – somewhere no one could get the jump on him without anyone noticing. It was meant to deter the man from taking any action. He didn't want his fellow clansmen taking reckless actions to avenge him in case something happened. Besides, Shisui thought he had a role to play in the future of this Great Nation and to the Uchiha clan.

For that, he needed to remain alive.

He decided to meet the war hawk at the Hokage Monument.

Danzo wasn't alone but with someone else. Perhaps for protection in case he did something. The man's trust issues were mental. Even after everything, the Councilor still thought he could try to manipulate him. Shisui didn't take it to heart. Danzo was Danzo – a part of Konoha he had to live with.

Shisui knelt on one knee, standing behind the village Councilor.

"You chose a rather curious place."

"I figured you wanted to speak to me regarding security of the village. It is nice to have a view of the village while such matters are attended."

"And nothing to do with fear?"

"There is nothing to be afraid of."

"I'll make it brief. I know about your Mangekyo ability but what I do not know is the extent of its capability. Nevertheless, you possess the Mangekyo Sharingan, its Genjutsu is more powerful than that of a sharingan."

Shisui had a feeling he knew where this was going. Danzo wanted him to manipulate someone. It was always for the sake of the village. The man's love for the Hidden Leaf was to the point of fanatic. He also held some sense of belief that he was right for the position of Hokage. Worse, he trusted no one and they were all tools to be used for the sake of the Hidden Leaf.

When you thought of just how corrupt Danzo was, it was hard not to understand Naruto's deep contempt of the man. It wasn't even that the Sandaime had no knowledge of it; he just tolerated it. And it was another fact that made Naruto think the Third was complicit in it all.

"Can you control a Jinchuriki?"

"Yes." Shisui replied without a second thought or to understand the motive of the man.

"Our village suffered heavy losses during the last war. We are still feeling the effects of such a war. The Kyubi rampage also left us with some deep scars in our military strength. As a result, we cannot afford to go to war with Kumogakure. If they decide to face us, it will be disastrous…" Danzo spoke without emotion. "You must prove your loyalty to the Hidden Leaf. If there is a declaration of war by the Hidden Cloud, you are to be given a mission to manipulate both Kumo's Jinchuriki. They must attack their own village."

"It would be difficult getting into the village and standing in front of them."

That aside, an attack on the village itself would result in the deaths of many innocent people.

"I have considered that."

"If it is on the army going to face us? It would decimate some of their forces and we could quickly try to overrun them."

"If you're offering suggestions, then you will do as ordered."

"I recognize that Konoha would not survive. If Kumo wages war on us, Iwagakure will attack. They still hold anger over the fact that it took just one man to force them to end the war. They'll want to avenge things. If it is for the benefit of Konoha, then my power will be used any way."

It was something that both he and Itachi understood. Naruto did not comprehend this idea.

The Sandaime Hokage wouldn't take such measures. Perhaps that was why even when the man made things difficult for the Uchiha, there was no desire from the Hokage to put him down. He was willing to be ruthless. And without it, other powers took advantage of Konoha.

"Good. The order will be given if there is a declaration. My agents are already searching for pathways to infiltrate Kumogakure."

"I was under the impression that there is a plan to avoid war."

"It is there… but I don't trust Hiruzen."

"Understood." No, the man meant to say he didn't trust Fugaku.

More than anyone else, the Sandaime would be the first to jump into taking a decision that would end any sparks of war. His decision to end the war with Iwagakure at a stage where Konoha could have won showed he was weary of the constant battles.

Hokage Office

"Ah, Shisui," Hiruzen smiled as the Uchiha walked into his office. Warm sunrays still intruded into the office through the windows.

He'd already been told Shisui had been meeting with Danzo. He assumed it was about some other secret mission that required the Sharingan. That Danzo would permit it to happen right where the Anbu could witness everything meant he didn't care if he was seen. It was nothing treasonous. As was the policy, Hiruzen would not ask if Shisui didn't say anything.

"How are you resting days?" He started lightly. Admittedly, a little curious.

"It is hard to rest when the village is on high alert." There could be marching out to war any day now. By evening, even a message could arrive that the Cloud was marching.

On top of that, members of the Uchiha were restless.

"Understandable. We are at a delicate position. But there are ways war can be avoided. We must nonetheless be cautious. I'm sure Iwagakure is looking straight at us."

"Not surprising. We may no longer be at war with them, but they are not our allies…" he smiled. "Well, we are technically still at war with Kumogakure."

"I have sent Fugaku with a new treaty. It depends on how things can go. If he determines that the Raikage has no intention to listen and will head straight to war, he'll return with a peace treaty…" Hiruzen sighed. "But I'm afraid, our relationship with Kumo will never be the same."

"Understandable."

"What can I do for you, Shisui-kun?" Hiruzen asked, getting to the important matters.

"Have you considered asking Fugaku-sama to get Naruto to be registered as a shinobi of this village?"

Hiruzen leaned back to his chair. "He avoids that kind of discussion. Anything about Naruto, he tries to sidestep. I suppose he has his reasons… but why are you asking?"

"Naruto could become a valuable member of the village."

"I have been told he is rather skilled. But not so much good about his attitude with Anbu."

Shisui smiled. Naruto was infamous for his confrontations with the Anbu. It was only Boar unit which had some good relationship with him. He knew it was because of the competing interests between the Anbu and the Military Police Force.

"Military Police Force and Anbu are always fighting over suspects. It gets worse since the former can't do anything against the latter…" Shisui shook his head. "I ask because as I said, Naruto would become a great asset to the village. He loves Konoha and desires to protect it. He is much different from both Itachi and I but he is a reasonable person. I fear, the more he stays in the sidelines, there more he delves deeper into his love for his clan."

"So, you're saying Naruto's loyalty is to his clan."

"Yes. But if he were to become a shinobi of the Village, he would have to swear loyalty to the village."

"And you think he would respect that."

"Yes."

"How skilled is he compared to Itachi. We've never seen him fight. It is not a secret he has a fully matured Sharingan."

"Itachi would be the first to admit that he would not want to face him in battle."

Hiruzen raised an eye brow in curiosity. The Anbu did say he was skilled. That he commanded the Sharingan was evidence enough.

"But he is not stronger than Itachi. Naruto is just more durable. Itachi is genius and Naruto is not. He is nonetheless above the average shinobi."

"I see. I will speak to Fugaku about it." Hiruzen paused, before asking. "Are that concerned about him?"

"I worry about him as I am his only friend and he hardly exists to the people of this village. Darkness can easily swallow you if you overstay your welcome."

Hidden Cloud

There was no welcoming party upon arrival at the village. But darkness has already started to settle within the streets. Some lights already shining upon them. The Sandaime Hokage was usually at work around this time. The same could be said about the Raikage but Itachi didn't think they would rush to meet the Raikage – they needed rest.

Still, Kumogakure was a lot more different from other nations in terms of structures.

"Let us find a place to settle for the night. I will go and report to the Raikage after we've done so."

"Understood."

The further they delved into the village, it became apparent that they were not welcome. The village was already aware of the reason for their appearance. Reading lips, Itachi had seen the words of Hyuga Affair being whispered. It was not going to be smooth sailing.

"I was wondering why no one was welcoming us, but we are being watched."

"They wouldn't leave us alone. We are Uchiha." Fugaku said as a matter of fact. "But I'm surprised you sensed them."

Itachi too was surprised. He hadn't sensed anything. Then again, Naruto was used to tracking down people. Being completely aware of his surroundings made him good at his job. Surprisingly, he didn't even have his Sharingan activated.

He must be conscious that this was a village that greedily loved Doujutsu. If they targeted him, he would lose his prized possession. Itachi could imagine Naruto preferring death if that ever happened.

"I'm a good sensor… though, not as good as some people." Naruto admitted. "When you spend too much time in the dark, you get a sense of this things. Even when you see nothing, you can tell you're being watched."

"Why would they not welcome us? Kumo and Konoha are on the verge of war." Itachi asked his father.

Really, it seemed that Kumogakure wanted the war to happen. Itachi didn't think something so small was enough for war. He didn't think there was any reason for shinobi to go into battle to kill each other in first place. Conflicts can always be resolved with other means – yet shinobi were trigger happy. A little insult and it was death upon the enemy.

"To show that we're not welcome. He does not acknowledge us." Fugaku replied with a sigh. "Still, it seems Kumogakure people blame us for the death of their Head Ninja."

"Nobody would have them believe anything less."

"It just fuels war efforts." Itachi said. "If they think there is a justifiable reason, they will happily send their children to war."

"But this is not."

"There is never a justifiable reason."

Fugaku shook his head. Truly, taking Itachi to the war fields may have been a wrong decision. The deaths he saw changed his life forever.

"Well, it is obvious why you get along with the Sandaime Hokage." Naruto glanced at Itachi for a second. "You're both pacifists."

"Are you saying this is enough for war? Even if Konoha did nothing wrong and Kumo obviously targeted the Hyuga."

Naruto shook his head. "It is not right and not enough to start a war. But an admission from the Raikage would mean conceding to the demands of Konoha…"

"And he is not going to want that." Fugaku added.

They found a hotel. Fugaku booked two rooms and then told the boys to stay there. He didn't want any incidents happening that could make things worse. While he trusted them, he didn't trust Kumo.

He immediately departed to see the Raikage and said he would return with food.

"Are all Kage like the Raikage?" Naruto asked Itachi while standing by the window, staring at the outside.

"I don't know much about Kirigakure and the Kazekage. But the latter seems fair. The Tsuchikage invades neighboring nations. All Kage do anything in order to advance the standing of their villages." Itachi replied.

"But not the Sandaime… at least on underhanded tactics…" he left that for Danzo. "In fact, he has made things easy at the shinobi academy as far as I'm told."

"We're not at war. He sees it fit for children to be raised properly and enjoy their childhoods."

"They go to the academy to become shinobi. It seems stupid to take them there to enjoy themselves. They'll become Genin while unprepared for the shinobi world. Konoha's kind and living in a peace mode but others are not. It makes us easy pickings in case of war."

"You're not necessarily wrong…" Itachi admitted. "Konoha is still a huge village. But living in war mode means when there is provocation, you'll be ready for war because you're in that mode."

"Aren't we here because the Raikage has threatened war with us?"

"We are… he is just a proud shinobi who hardly changes his mind. The Raikage is said to respect strength above all things… that is why he is always trying to get secrets of other villages."

"And yet the people of this village cry at the death of the Head Ninja while knowing their village's past actions." Naruto shook his head. "Hypocrisy at its finest hour."

"People are inclined to follow the ideology of their villages and will see it as right."

"Ah, and you follow the Sandaime's infamous will of fire ideal…" Naruto smiled. "In this situation, what would you do to prevent war? That is what pacifist do, isn't it? You do anything to prevent wars, even if it means you must sacrifice your limbs…"

"Give what Kumo demands."

"But we're going to do that… so you'd do what Kumo demands…" Naruto shook his head, smiling sadly. "I wouldn't do it. Before you say anything, I know it would be wrong. But my pride would not allow me to bow when I have obviously been wronged."

"You would let your pride cause the deaths of many?"

"Some of you are suitable to being leaders… some of us, not so much. Maybe I respect you for this reason. You may be a pacifist, but you do what must be done without allowing emotions getting in the way." He sighed with a hint of frustration. "Pride is a beast that refuses to be tamed. It is frustrating how I can get into trouble because of it."

Only Naruto would make such admission. "Who are you? Have you asked yourself that question?"

"I'm Uchiha. That's all I have ever needed to know."

"You're narrow minded because of it and refuse to see the shinobi world as a whole because of it."

"Lectures…" Naruto stepped away from the window and lay on the bed with his back. He closed his eyes. "Hopefully, your father doesn't get told there will be no discussions and we are to return home."

He changed the subject, just like that.

But Itachi would not let it slip. "You're going to have to look at the bigger picture."

"The big picture is that our clan is where it is because of the Sandaime Hokage. Sure, we can blame Danzo. But the Sandaime is complicit. He has not done anything to defend us. I am also led to believe he hasn't done so because he too does not trust the clan. Because surely, if he trusted us, he would be helping us against Danzo. You may think he is noble and all, but in my eyes, he is the same as everyone and I don't necessarily think clan members are wrong to be cautious."

"Cautious yes, but it doesn't always need to lead to violence. We are not exactly trying to hold any talks with the village over our issues."

Naruto scoffed. "You know full well that nothing is going to change Danzo. Unless of course, he has us enslaved like Hyuga branch members. If I am wrong on that, I'll apologize to you and Danzo for always thinking what is best for Konoha and we are just greedy people who've become cynical."

"I have never defended Danzo, and never will." Itachi replied resolutely. "But I'm not saying we should talk to Danzo, but to the Sandaime Hokage."

"Doesn't your father talk to him? He has been nothing but a good servant. And he wont even get considered for being Hokage."

"People do not trust us, it would create problems if he did so."

"And whose fault is that we're not trusted?"

"You speak as if we are blameless. For the Sandaime, he is leader to all of Konohagakure. If his actions mean the village overall functions well at the expense of a single clan, he will do so. His duty is to the village, not to appease the Uchiha. I have never denied that the elders don't trust us. It is true. But the solutions our clan is coming with will only lead to ruin.

"You don't help things either because you have decided those people just have in it for the Uchiha. You cannot think of a better solution than their deaths."

"What have we done to that you say we are not blameless? Has any Uchiha before attempted a revolt? Can the actions of Madara be blamed on the entire clan? You would agree with me, after the Third War, few would have rejected the idea of your father becoming Hokage. He is Wicked Eye Fugaku. But they'll never consider him simply because he is Uchiha. You say the Sandaime is a good man... then he must be a good judge of character. He must know your father."

"Indeed he does and if it were simply just for one clan, he would consider my father. But as I have said, when the village does not recognize you, you cannot become Hokage. The clan is not recognized. And you cannot put anyone in power simply because you want them to be recognized. That some members of the clan would consider killing to obtain power simply proves the point. It means we are not ready and are corrupt as some people think we are."

Raikage Office

The Kage always worked in the tallest building, so it was easy for Fugaku to find the Kage tower. The Yondaime Raikage had already gone for the day. But no doubt, the man knew he would be arriving. He must have gone intentionally, perhaps to test their resolve and see if there was any other intention behind the sending Uchiha to the Cloud.

He found a woman in the Raikage's office. She introduced herself as Mabui, the Raikage's assistant.

"A-sama had some other arrangements, so he had to leave early." She had explained with a straight face.

Fugaku didn't entertain whether she was lying or not. It was irrelevant in that it wouldn't change whether he spoke to the Raikage or not.

"It is fine. We had a long journey with hardly any rest. The situation is rather delicate. But we are here and plan to wait until tomorrow."

"I will have him informed you've arrived. We will speak to you first thing tomorrow morning."

Fugaku nodded.

"I would urge you to stay in your hotel for the night. Konoha has killed our Head Ninja, some shinobi might feel justified to take action themselves."

In terms of Kumogakure, the Head Ninja meant nothing. Technically, he was a man who sat below the Raikage. That was why this was such a big deal. It would be the same if someone like Shikaku was killed. But of course, Konoha wouldn't threaten war. Not when the Sandaime Hokage was still alive. He was a man who desired peace, and he would bend a knee if he could preserve it.

What was apparent was that Kumo was going to make a meal out of the situation. They were going to demand the maximum penalty.

They would lie with straight faces. And they would play the victim. In the eyes of Kumo's people, the Raikage had sent the Head Ninja to Konoha to sign a peace treaty. And Konoha betrayed this by killing him. Konoha wanted war. Kumo would play this card and give Konoha the war it wanted.

The shinobi world was truly a treacherous place. At least, it wasn't as savage as the warring times. This only reinforced Fugaku's belief that they had to stay in the Leaf and fight for their rightful place. They wouldn't survive alone without allying with another village. The hyenas would launch in full force the second they departed. Would Konoha even permit them to leave Konoha? He didn't think so. Danzo would order their elimination to avoid future battles between the clan and the village.

"I understand. We will stay in place. We recognize the situation is delicate. If we get attacked, we would be forced to defend ourselves but I doubt you'd accept that."

"We are not unfair."

Fugaku had no smile to give. "I will see you tomorrow. If it is fine, I will be with my two boys for the meeting."

"It is your meeting." Mabui replied without care. "But do not get your hopes up."

"I have no hope."

She smiled. "Then what are you doing here, Fugaku-sama?"

"That is a discussion for tomorrow." Fugaku said. "We will be here by 8am."

"That is fine." Mabui said. "We will have some shinobi watch you for the night. But do be on guard. Kumo is a big village and we cannot control the actions of every shinobi. People have the tendency to act on their own."

"I hope Kumo shinobi are more disciplined than that."

A fine come back. But Fugaku got the big picture. Even if Konoha had evidence to suggest the Head Ninja tried to kidnap the Head Ninja, they would say he acted on his own. Either way, it was not for Konoha to kill him.

For this simple reason, an eye would be demanded for an eye.

Hotel

Fugaku arrived back at the hotel with no major incidents. Someone had just attempted to spit on him. But he avoided it and did not react to any provocation.

The boys had not moved and appeared to be engaged in some talk. They always were but usually serious. Naruto only had normal conversations with Shisui.

He called them to his room with the food. They settled down together to eat. Itachi was the first to question how it went. Naruto seemed to only have interest in the food than hearing his response.

"Nothing unexpected."

Itachi shook his head. "We've just stepped out of war. Its effects are still visible. People are still rebuilding, some have not even begun because they cannot afford to do so. And the Raikage would willingly head over to war over one person, he didn't even like."

Fugaku had once been truly proud of his son. He had heaped praise on Itachi. He was a genius, the light of his clan. He had quickly grasped everything he was taught. And these days, he was careful. He even told his younger son not to take much from his brother. Itachi was still his son and he loved him.

Naruto had been different. He took a while to get going but once he got everything, it was smooth sailing.

The two were polar opposites. But he'd never seen them argue. Fugaku thought Naruto should be the pacifist. But it was Itachi who had lost nothing who adopted such a thinking.

"People are shaped differently. I brought you here to see and experience just how our world functions. You'll deal with it in the future." If he does become Hokage. Fugaku hoped that would be the case. "Some people see goodwill as weakness. The Sandaime Hokage's ideals are to shape a better world, but the majority do not agree. Look at Kiri and its academy? Iwa and its neighbors? And now what Kumo is doing to us. The shinobi world is violent and we must navigate through it."

"Is there room for diplomacy?"

"There is always room for diplomacy. It is just that words alone cannot accomplish much." Fugaku replied quietly. He smiled thinking if war fell on them, it would be perhaps justice. Konoha has been responsible for starting some wars. No village was without a dark history. "It is just a pity that the Raikage has chosen fire before anything."

Itachi was curious to see the kind of man the Raikage was. But he had already judged. If the man was quick to threaten war over the life of just one shinobi, then he was not a man worthy of being a Kage. Couldn't he have come with another demand without resorting to threats of violence?

He glanced at Naruto. His fellow Uchiha only seemed to be more most interested in eating rather than taking part in the conversation.

"He is different from the Tsuchikage. Even though he does invade neighbors, he accepted Konoha's request for peace."

"It was a wise decision. And like the Sandaime Hokage, the Tsuchikage has lived through all wars. He is wise and knows pain and suffering war brings. They know when to stop." Fugaku asked and thought now was as good as any time to ask the question. "Have you ever considered being Hokage?"

"It is not my desire. If the people want me, then I would accept. If people do not recognize me, then I will continue to do what is best for Konoha in whatever capacity the village decides for me."

"Well, at least we know you'll never be accused of insubordination." Naruto remarked.

"You could learn something."

Naruto shrugged and said nothing.

"Why do you not have the desire?"

"Because I do not want to be acknowledged. I do not want the power. To love and serve my village is my desire. For the clan, it would be good, as we would get acknowledged. But we would not be doing it for the right reasons. We may end up abusing power."

Fugaku nodded but said no word.

"Were you not displeased when you were not made Hokage? After the Third War, when the Sandaime resigned, you were being considered…"

"I'd never held any expectations. Nor do I even think about it now… the village decides. It is perhaps unfair, but it is what it is. Our power will always make people feel envious and cautious around us…" Fugaku replied quietly. "We must live with that and try to change people's perceptions of us."

"If we cannot?" It was Naruto who asked. "What if we lose faith in the leadership and the people?"

"Then our lives have ended if we lose faith in our ability to change things."

"It is hope that keeps people moving. When you have neither faith nor hope, you cannot move forward…" Fugaku elaborated. He then faced Naruto. "If you do not have any convictions about yourself, you'll become easily corrupted because you don't know yourself. You can follow anyone to any path because you have no standing, you're just floating without shape or form. This is why I told you to think about your future, and decide what you want to be."

"But the first question to be asked is who you are. You have to stare deep into yourself and see that reflection." Itachi added.

Father and son, Naruto thought mildly.

"I still say you should educate our clansman. We'd be much better people."

The question still nonetheless lingered; what was really inside of him? Naruto wasn't sure he liked the picture he saw deep within the depths of his heart.

The Following Day

Morning had arrived without anyone throwing an expensive tag into the rooms. The sun still partly just visible outside, their rooms still cold with the coldness of the night.

Itachi had hardly slept. Naruto had enjoyed his sleep as if he wasn't on enemy territory. But he knew, had something happened, he'd have jumped on his feet as if his sleep was only a pretense meant to lure an assassin.

The walk toward the Raikage tower was a short one. The bulky man was stern faced. He allowed his father to sit down while they flanked his sides just behind him, standing on guard. There was a blonde man standing behind the Raikage. There was also a dark woman standing on the other side of the Raikage. And another shinobi standing by the entrance.

Itachi was certain, if he was ordered by Konoha to kill this man and his entire leadership, he would accept if it would mean there would be no war. It didn't matter if he would become a criminal afterward. Being a shinobi mean he had to be ready to sacrifice himself. He was aware of his clans expectations, but those were self-serving interests that didn't benefit Konoha in any way.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us," Fugaku started in a measured tone.

"I'm not sure there is anything we have to talk about." A said, almost in a dismissive tone.

"The Peace Treaty between the Cloud and Konoha. As things stand, we are still at war."

"We are going to war if Konoha does not give me the head of the man who killed my head Ninja!" A shouted, a little bit furiously.

Fugaku thought the man wasn't faking his anger but serious about it. If indeed it was so, then he saw nothing wrong with his actions and everything wrong with Konoha's. it shouldn't be surprising. The only thing that was right in the eyes of any Kage was what benefitted their village. If it did not, then it was wrong. Concepts of right and wrong were vague ideas that were painted depending on convenience. Today it could be right, and tomorrow it could be wrong.

Most often, it was only wrong when done by others. This made Kage hypocrites but they were not ashamed of it. This man was shameless and would shamelessly head to war if Konoha did not do as he demanded.

"Why are you quick to speak of war? Do you not care about the lives of your men? You know very well that there are no winners and losers in war. Both sides suffer. People die…" Fugaku was interrupted by the Raikage.

"You're not going to lecture me! I know the price that must be paid in war. But killing the Head Ninja is no different from killing me. It is a direct challenge to us. And it was done while on a diplomatic mission to end our war!"

Fugaku shook his head and then removed two scrolls. He handed both to the Raikage. Evidence of what they found inside the Head Ninja's head wasn't going to be of use since it was just going to get burnt.

Still, the Raikage's anger would make sense if there was no plot to kidnap a Hyuga. The fact is there was and Kumo got caught. And yet, they were the ones getting angry and playing the victim card.

"We have indeed killed your Head Ninja. Konoha does not deny that. But we stress that he attempted to kidnap a young girl belonging to the Hyuga clan."

"I have already denied those accusations."

"But we say it is true. It isn't like Kumo has not tried something like this before. You once tried to kidnap an Uzumaki from Konoha."

"I don't know anything about it. And Kumo didn't give any order for the Head Ninja to kidnap anyone. The fact is you killed him… I don't care why you did it.. you just have to pay for what you did or we go to war."

"Are you seriously saying blood will be shed over the death of a man who was killed trying to kidnap a young girl?"

"That is what Konoha says. But what we know is that our Head Ninja was in Konoha to sign the peace treaty. Anything else is wild accusations which we deny. Even if he was caught doing it, it could have been that he was manipulated by you Uchiha."

This was not going anywhere. But that woman had told him not to hope for anything. "One of the scroll contains the body of your Head Ninja. Konoha accepts he should have been just arrested, but circumstances wouldn't allow it. The other is an amended peace treaty."

"There will be no peace without the head of the Hyuga."

"So it would seem. If Konoha refuses to accept your demand, you'll head to war."

"My Shinobi are ready."

"Konoha would have to defend itself by any means necessary. We are still the most powerful village in among the Great Five and we have reigned without using any power of the Bijuu."

"You are past your glory days."

"I would like to show you that Konoha is not past its glory days and that fight Konoha, and you wont live to regret it, but I am not here to make any threats."

A stared coldly. There was no other way to interpret that. "Are you threatening to kill me?"

"Not at all. But if we headed to war, we would make sure you're dead. You have wronged us and now act shamelessly."

Really, the Sandaime would no doubt forgive this act but those Councilors would not. Even the shinobi would not. Danzo would make sure Kumo had paid for this act. Even if there was war, the shinobi would feel motivated to fight.

"Everyone in Konoha knows what happened. This act will live in their minds forever… But we hope you will accept responsibility one day. If not today, then tomorrow. You cannot keep acting in such a manner and then threaten war and hope nothing bad will happen. We are kind people… but we will not be bullied by anyone, and certainly not by you…" His Mangekyo flashed for a second. The Raikage reacted by standing up, ready to fight but Fugaku did not stand. "Know this, we will not bow to you. But you will get your demand. We wanted to see who you are as a Kage. We have an answer. You're an unreasonable man thinks Kumo is powerful enough to destroy Konoha. We would love for you to test that, but we don't want a war over simple matters that can be solved by grown ups who can actually listen. We care for our shinobi and will not send them to their deaths."

"Do you think I will stand and watch you insult me?"

"You have already insulted Konoha, Raikage-sama. You call us liars. Refuse to listen to reason…" Fugaku stood up, shaking his head. "There is no need for war. The head of the man who killed your Head Ninja will be delivered."

"When?"

"In a two weeks."

"I want it tomorrow. You could be buying for time while plotting an assault on our village."

"A traitor always thinks others will betray him." Fugaku replied. "I had honestly thought you would be willing to listen. But you don't want to. That is why we have to accept your demand. The man who you demand is an important asset to Konoha. If he is not sent to Kumo within 14 days, consider it a declaration of war."

Fugaku turned away from the Raikage. "Let's go." He said to Naruto and Itachi. As they reached the door, he stopped and glanced back, his Crimson eyes visible. Maybe Naruto noticed, but he too glanced back, his Sharingan activated. "The Sandaime is a kind man. But the people around him, not so much. There will be no next time. Threaten war again when you have acted this wrongly, and the Jinchuriki you value so much as protectors of your village will trample upon your own people. When you watch your own brother slaughtering your own people, blame your greed and overconfidence in thinking you are superior to Konoha simply because you claim to be fastest man and boast two Jinchuriki."

A kicked his desk in righteous fury. "I don't take kindly to those threats, Uchiha!"

"Neither do we take kindly to being taken advantage of… but we are here…" Fugaku shook his head. "We will deliver. I had said wait for fourteen days… But since you seem happy to send your men to their deaths, you may have to wait just for a couple of days."

And they left the office.

As soon as the Uchiha were gone, Mabui was the first to speak. "That went well."

"What are we going to do, boss?" Darui asked, moving over to the Yondaime Raikage. "That threat is real."

"Summon both B and Yugito."

"I'll go get Yugito." Darui said. "You go collect B…" he said to C.

They too left the office. A sat on his desk with a long expression. He didn't doubt the Uchiha would attempt to manipulate his Jinchuriki. The man wielded the Mangekyo Sharingan. It was a surprise to him. Or maybe it was just an illusion. Fugaku did not display such powers in the war.

"We're not going to do something like this again, are we? The Uchiha seemed deadly serious about their threat."

"We will get the Byakugan." That was all that A was thinking about at the moment. "Their threats are meaningless. If they were not afraid of war, they wouldn't sacrifice a clan head."

"It is not a matter of being powerless or afraid, it is the difference of one life over a thousand who would die in a war."

"Some lives are worth a thousand lives. You cannot replace some powers. There will never be another Minato Namikaze. I would sacrifice thousand if it meant I could save him… Konoha is just led by weak people. They have let their powerful shinobi leave. Tsunade roams free and Orochimaru has become rogue. Those are legendary shinobi. Because of its weakness, they left and now Konoha is in this position…" A replied sharply. "But we must check if those people came across the Uchiha. From today, they are to never leave the village unless absolutely necessary. Even if they leave, if they come across Uchiha, they cannot take them head on. We can't take the risk."

"Sensible." Mabui said. "And the peace treaty?"

"Worthless. This things mean nothing in the shinobi world."

Outskirts of Kumogakure

"We're not being pursued." Fugaku said as he slowed down.

The second they touched out of the Cloud, they had ran. They had ran for their lives. The boys kept up with him. There had been an honest fear they could be attacked. It wouldn't be unthinkable for even Iwagakure to try its hand and then blame Kumogakure. Anything was still possible. At least for now, he knew Kumo wasn't going to do anything.

"We now just have to worry about internal threats." He said, coming to a halt.

"There's always that one."

As much as it disappointed Itachi, the two were not wrong. He knew it inside of him that Danzo could plot for his father's death and then have him take over the clan. The suspicions were not unfounded. This level of mistrust seemed to be getting worse by each passing day. If nothing was done, the clan would lose patience and drastic measures could be taken.

He would lose his family if that happened.

He couldn't simply wait for the village leaders to take action. Something had to give. He also had to think for the clan. Perhaps he could speak to the Sandaime when he does arrive at home. Otherwise, he could see a collision, and it would not be pretty.

"We'll go through the Steam, and enter Konoha from its direction. It will add a day or two to our journey, but we have to be safe," Fugaku said. He'd already sent a message to Konoha when they were still within the Cloud. He sent two messages just in case one was intercepted. "Come on."

They had yet to talk about what happened in the Raikage's office. Naruto felt empowered to speak.

"Well, that didn't go well. That man really had no interest in listening to anything we had to say."

Itachi agreed. "He seems to the type who makes a decision and goes through with it, no matter how reckless it is. But in this case, there is a bigger price."

"The Byakugan." Naruto shook his head. "But he must know Konoha wouldn't fight just to save just one man."

"He is doing this precisely because he knows we wouldn't do that." Fugaku said. "But he would have still gone to war if we didn't agree to give in. I'm afraid we must do so with haste or else he might just start assembling."

His father did threaten the man but perhaps it was necessary in the situation. This was the second attempt from Kumo. There was no saying they wouldn't try it the third time if Konoha just gave in without making its point. And Itachi was certain his father would carry out the manipulation of the Jinchuriki himself, even if in the end, it would cost him his life.

"Do you think our threat will make it difficult for future relationships with the Hidden Leaf?"

"Shouldn't it be the other way around? Kumo threatened war with us when they are wrong. How do we take it up from there?" Fugaku asked his son sternly. "You're thinking of the bigger picture. If they decide to be fidgety around us because of what we did, then they'll not want to be allies with us. Konoha is led by the Sandaime, if we'd just bowed and gave in, he would have attempted to make peace in the near future. Kumo is wrong, and we are right. But it doesn't matter."

"Right and wrong are truly muddled concepts in the shinobi world." Itachi shook his head. "People are stuck in their own ideals, and view right and wrong based on those ideals. For the Raikage, his actions are right and we are wrong. That is where collision occurs."

"It's a complicated world," Naruto added in agreement. "Knowing that he is denying the truth, I would tried to kill him there and then. Or do it in a roundabout way."

"Even if it leads to war?"

"I don't think it should be my responsibility to be putting out fires someone started. You provoke me, and I will bite. If hell raises, then so be it."

"Is that all your learned from the Raikage?"

"I have learned that you show people kindness, they will bully you. You give people the other cheek, they'll stab you. If Konoha had two Jinchuriki with full access to their Bijuu's power and the Yondaime Hokage, do you think he'd be quick to threaten war? He does so because he thinks we are weak. Then we must be powerful."

Fugaku shook his head. Lessons from war. Itachi learned nothing justifies the piles of bodies he witnessed and Naruto came to the conclusion that to be weak meant he would end up the same way. Contrasting views.

"We must strive to be better shinobi. If you think like that, you'll be no different to the Raikage and will always end up fighting. Once you become too powerful, you'll never think you're wrong. Even if you know you're wrong, you'll never admit it because of your strength. You must think things through. Don't let pride determine your actions. And at the end of the day, you must think of those around you. You might come out of battles just fine, but what about those around you? Will they survive?"

Now more than ever, Itachi respected his father.

But was Naruto listening? Itachi thought he was. He was not an irrational person and had already admitted, he was open to amending his ways. Itachi blamed Naruto's affinity for the night which caused this kind of thinking. He was always exposed to bad things.

His thinking was naturally bound to be twisted.

Hyuga Compound

Shikaku sat beside the Sandaime Hokage, and the Anbu commander with the Hyuga sitting across them. Fugaku's message had arrived and they had to act decisively. It was going to cause nothing but suffering for the Hyuga clan, and most especially, Hizashi's son.

"It is unfortunate that your clan has been forced into this action." Hiruzen said with sadness.

"We knew the Raikage wouldn't accept a diplomatic solution." The father to both Hizashi and Hiashi replied.

"Where is Hiashi?" Shikaku asked in a curious tone.

"Unwell." The elder replied.

"He wants to go himself. Regret perhaps," Hizashi added a bit more detail. "We've had to take some drastic decisions. I'm prepared to save my brother and Konoha from a bloody war. But I do have a request to both the clan, and the Hokage."

"What is it?"

"My son." Hizashi glared at his father. "My son is more skilled than the clan's an heir but he is being hindered in his growth simply because I came second. I don't want him growing bitter. I have chosen my fate, but I want him to be taken care of."

The bitterness and anger in Hizashi's voice was unmasked. And yet, his father did not react to it.

"The Hokage needs not get involved, this is purely a clan matter. We will deal with it."

"I don't trust that you'd keep your word. I have seen it all. You did it to me, there is no saying you wont do it to my son." Hizashi replied forcefully.

"Don't speak of clan matters in front of outsiders." His father warned.

"I will make sure your son is taken care of," Hiruzen said in a firm tone. "I will speak to Hiashi about it and monitor things. His father is the hero who has saved Konoha from going into war. He must be treated as such. Do you want him to know the truth?"

"Yes. He has unfortunately seen his father suffer in the hands of his elder brother. If he is not told the truth, he'll think his father was forced to make the choice and grow bitter. I don't want that for him. I want him to be free."

"I will make sure it is done." Hiruzen closed his eyes. "Konoha and her people will be forever grateful for the sacrifice you have made. You have chosen it yourself, and we thank you. I know it is not an easy decision to make."

"There might be some selfish part in my decision." Hizashi admitted. "I want to decide something for myself for once… to go my own way."

End of chapter