008

~ Konoha - Council Room of the Leaf ~

~ 5:46 A.M. ~

Silence fitted a royal-like room, with detailed carpets and large fire-woven banners as they were still adjusting to the morning clock.

Amongst them was a long oval-shaped table separating each person with one half being filled with clan heads and the other being surrounded by civilians in charge of the economic, community, and structural health of the leaf society.

Seated at the end of the wooden oval stood the Hokage, around him sat his advisors, while behind him were masked figures fitted in full black bodysuits.

"What is the meaning of this Lord Third?" inquired Gezo, a civilian of political affairs. He couldn't understand the reason why his Lord called a meeting this early. What was so important more than his own well-being?

"…It wasn't I who wanted this meeting, but my advisors saw fit in doing so. Haah, my words cannot explain their reasoning to its fullest, so I will let them speak about their…problem." An aged voice masked the previous morning's tired atmosphere, bringing confusion and intrigue to the rest.

Three elderly individuals walked up the present podium, bringing with them a full mysterious diagram of numbers.

"We thank you for all coming here today, but I'm afraid this discussion won't bring happiness or joy. In late history, our village has thrived compared to the rest. Brought economies to ruin over our production and has instilled fear into the Leaf's enemies." Spoke a bandaged man as he flipped through the images of the past.

"Then I see no problem Shimura. As you've stated, nothing has changed recently regarding our village. In fact, I would argue that we've advanced severally compared to our predecessors." A rather large, muscular councilman responded.

"Advanced? Yes, Nothing has changed? I would have to disagree, and very badly so Akimichi. The two things I mentioned before are the topics I want to talk about. In recent times, our village's strength has fallen below the line of other villages." Danzo Shimura replied, taking a pause before continuing.

"Lord Fourth, Sakumo Hatake, Kagami Uchiha, those are some of the few names of our fallen legendary shinobi. Yet those are the ones that impacted our military the strongest. As you can see here after their demise, Konoha's death rates have doubled throughout the land. And shockingly, even more than Iwagakure…" His tone tightened near the end, taking up a pensive face for effect.

Dread filled the room hearing the name of their long-lasting enemy had closed the gap between them.

"Very bad indeed. And I guess you have a solution to this problem?" Another man broke the silence in the room in interest.

"Yes, I have Nara. Although it might sound…desperate and I'll admit it is, you all have to give me your word you'll listen through the end. Because if you don't I'm afraid our village is in trouble." Danzo stated.

"I give you my word." Shikaku Nara replied. Receiving nods of approval around the room.

"…As you all know, before we came to be as the Leaf Village. There lived a time of unending war, resulting in many important events that created our founders—the Uchiha clan and the Senju clan. They are our history, but also no doubt the strongest clans of all time. But sadly, all good things must come to an end. With the fall of the Senju and the recent destruction of the Uchiha, our military has decreased in value significantly." Danzo paused before continuing.

"If they were to come back though, we would most definitely come back in strength over other villages. And what's the point of advancing if we have no one to protect our people?" He finished.

"But Danzo there is no way to bring them bac..you don't suggest that we do such a primitive thing as that do you..?" Shikaku's brain solved Danzo's idea as he couldn't imagine doing something so inhuman if he was correct..

"I mentioned we were desperate, didn't I? For the rest of you, as I was saying, there is a way for us to bring back the Uchiha and Senju to their rightful homes." The bandaged man spoke to them all in a monotone.

"And that would be Danzo?" Questioned the chairman of Economics.

"Tsunade Senju and Mikoto Uchiha, the last remaining woman of our founding clans, and the last hope of our future as the Leaf Village." He replied gravely.

'Sadly, it seems I was correct…as always'

———•••———

~ Nami no Kuni ~

After clearing out the village of criminals either by killing them, or running away on their own accord. Sasuke and Vali went to Tazuna's house in haste, coming up just in time before Kakashi and Naruto woke up.

Soon, the rest of the house members were awoken by a cry of cheers. Confused they got up and headed towards the noise.

Their confusion turned into one of shock. In front of them in a wooden stake, Gato hung tied with a rope that was barely holding on. His eyes were dead, losing all light inside of them only streaming endless water from distant holes.

His tears and suffering brought happiness and cheers to the people as many questioned what was happening, but their emotions overruled their cognitive thinking choosing to silently praise whoever did this.

"I guess some bad things do come to an end after all." The Jonin said, minorly confused at the sudden revelations.

"All I need to do is finish the bridge and our land is back and better!" An old man with glasses shouted in joy.

"With our help, you'll be able to finish it way quicker too!" Naruto exclaimed happily.

"And ours too." Said a deep voice.

"!!!"

Kakashi turned around quickly and equipped himself with a kunai in a defensive posture.

"What are you doing here!" He shouted at the duo.

"Haku, I think he's still mad at me for kicking his ass." A cleaver sword man said.

"Master Zabuza don't taunt them. Calm down we're not here to fight. We came here to help you protect the bridge builder, even though I doubt they'll be any trouble." Haku replied with a muffle, wearing her white hunter mask.

"And how do you expect me to believe that after you just tried to kill me and narrowly succeeded if it wasn't for my student." Kakashi accused.

"Yeah your student is really something, perhaps I should take him off your hands and make him mine. After all, with swordsmanship like that, he is more than qualified to learn from me haha." The cleaver man shouted.

"I agree he would make an excellent addition to our team and our cause." His companion shared.

"Oh shut it Haku, you just want your lover boy to join us forever so you could be with him huh." Zabuza deadpanned.

"MASTER HOW COULD YOU!" She yelled smacking him hard.

"Mah mah relax Haku it's not bad I guess I approve of him. He could be better but it's fine." He replied nonchalantly.

"Zabuza...!"

"Sasuke why are they speaking of you like you're close with each other?" The Jonin questioned suspiciously. 

"While out I came across Haku, or the one in the mask. We talked and came to an understanding of Ideals. And while I am somewhat close with Haku...I don't know what that crazy man is talking about." Sasuke responded flatly.

"CRAZY MAN? I take that back Haku I do not approve of Mr. Eyebrow freak boy!" Zabuza exclaimed.

"But master...you don't have eyebrows at all. And I personally think his eyebrows look unique." Haku huffed.

"Y-You traitor..after all I have done." He said, hanging his head in despair. 

"But even with that sensei, I think you should trust them. I don't sense any bad intentions from them at all." Sasuke opinionated.

"I forgot about your strong sensing ability. Haahh, I guess that's acceptable for now. But trust is something I cannot give in this situation. If they somewhat get in a fight with anyone I will deem them as dangerous." The silver-haired sighed in stress.

"Let's just finish up here and go home like the C-Ranked mission we were assigned to," Naruto said

"Very well."

———

Throughout the week remaining. Clones of shinobi and civilians of the Wave helped finish the great bridge more quickly than before.

During this week, Sasuke and Haku had their time together. While they both didn't know how to proceed, over time they became more open and can successfully call themselves friends. Perhaps even more in the future, but right now they had responsibilities to take care of.

While Haku was a bit saddened he couldn't come with them both to The Mist. She knew that later on they would meet back once again.

After completion, many people rejoiced while some sat in prayer and sorrow for their lost ones who couldn't make it to the end.

Apart from those two parties, two people sat facing each other in a small house both opposing their genders. The room was dimly lit and simple, holding only a table and two chairs.

"Quite the adventure huh Sasuke." A woman's voice broke the silence between the two.

"…" He said nothing. His gaze was fixed on her absently in deep thought.

"Are we going to sit in silence or…"

"Who are you really Vali? Ever since you've arrived disappearances and unknown deaths have appeared. You're fake emotions and ideals have made me suspicious of you since the beginning. And now you're acting like a whole new person with me now that you know I know the true you." Sasuke couldn't help but be slightly angered that he had trouble figuring her out. Which surprised him even more because such little things as this wouldn't move him. But Vali…she was dangerous if she could get a reaction such as this from him.

"Who am I?…It depends on whether you answer my questions. I could be a friend or..I could be someone you wish you didn't know." Her bored tone switched hearing those words becoming blank.

"Whatever your intentions to me isn't something I care about you're weaker than I am. But what I do want to know is your purpose for coming here." The raven responded.

"Purpose hmm? My purpose in life is to avenge my loved ones, those who are gone thanks to your sibling..Itachi Uchiha." Vali's words became strained saying his name and her expression changed subtly to sadness.

"…That is why I want to know Sasuke. If I were to find and fight Itachi Uchiha I would lose, and die at that. But if we—together got stronger we could kill him for what he has done destroying both of our lives. I don't care what I have to do to see him gone but I will make it happen. So Sasuke Uchiha I ask you, what would you do if you were to see him right now offering his life to you? Would you bring him back to the village for justice or would you kill your own brother for what he has done?" A tear threatened to leave her eye as she thought about her lost family which succumbed to the blade of Itachi.

"If I were to see him right now I wouldn't kill him…no." He paused

"I knew it. You wouldn't do wha-"

"That's too kind, I would make sure he pays for all of the innocent lives he's taken from me." Sasuke cut her off. He watched as her dejected expression became one of shock and respect.

"I see…well then Sasuke what do you say, allies?" She gave a small smile on her face while staring at the lazy expression of her companion.

"…Allies."

••••••••••

~ Konoha - The Hokage's Office ~

"Barbaric, cruel, perverse, unjust, those are only some of the many reports we've received from the council Lord Third." A black-haired man spoke to a grey, with eyes looking in hope.

"I see Shikaku…but they are also not wron-"

"But there are also reports of them saying that sacrifices are needed at this time and that two lives don't compare to thousands. More council members agree with Danzo than disagree I'm afraid" Shikaku responded in disgust.

"Haaah, if more people agree than disagree then the only thing to do is proceed…what kind of system has this turned into." An aged voice sighed in contempt.

"Don't say that! You are the Hokage, you can fix this change this! This is wrong, if other countries catch wind of this operation then we'll be no better than pigs! Don't you see this will not only ruin our image but defile what the First and Second Hokage have stood for!" A rare burst of anger erupted from Shikaku as he paced around the room, flailing his arms in the air in anxiety.

"…I am—aware of that, I also don't want to do this but if I ignore their words what is their reason to be there at all then? The whole purpose of a council is to discuss change to keep political powers in check and maintain equality among all leaders. If I undermine their words, no doubt I will be questioned and you know what Danzo is trying to do.." Hiruzen sighed in stress.

"I know, but this is just…I hate this." The Nara murmured.

"Tsunade is my student and Mikoto is the best friend of my friend's wife. If she saw what I am about to do to Mikoto…oh help me God." He replied.

"Haha, yeah Kushina was something you wouldn't even make it out of that meeting room if she was there. And don't forget who Tsunade is related to, if he saw what you're doing I think he might just bury you in trees." Shikaku said humorlessly. 

"Please don't remind me." Hiruzen shook his head.

"Hey if I'm not wrong, didn't Mikoto have a son? I wonder how he'll react to this. Hopefully, he doesn't start to try and fix this situation or he'll just get himself in trouble." The Nara asked in pity

"Sasuke is his name. And honestly, that's the one person who I am weary of the most in this whole operation. No doubt he will do something and I can only hope it's good enough to stop this operation from happening to his mother." Stated Lord Third.

"Hah, really that brat? I would think he would cry and make a tantrum rather than fight. Who really is he for you to speak so highly of him?" He replied in surprise.

"For someone so wise as yourself you couldn't be more wrong. Sasuke Uchiha will do anything for his mother and it's frightening the kind of resolve he has. He hasn't shown it but I have a feeling he is stronger than he shows himself to be. No matter what happens, Sasuke will not stop until his mother is free from this. Not if it takes ten or fifty years, he will pay what's due for us all." Hiruzen explained gravely.

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*.

"Lord Hokage, Team Seven has returned from their mission." A female voice said through the wooden door.

"Haaah, speak of the devil."

———

"You guys go ahead, I'll make the report to the Hokage," Kakashi said, waving them off as they passed through the village gates.

"Okay, bye sensei!" They said in tandem.

"Hey! You guys wanna go out to eat somewhere, don't get me wrong Tsunami's cooking is great but I was thinking more of a steakhouse you know!" Shouted a redhead.

"Sure Naruto let's go."

"I don't kno-"

"Sasuke wants to come too!"

Said person staring back at the smiling beauty next to him before sighing in defeat.

"Yes, I'll go." He responded

"Alright! To the steakhouse, we go!"

As they walked to the shopping district, all of them except for one couldn't help but stare around in confusion as they were receiving looks of disappointment and belittlement. Sasuke became annoyed as they somewhat resembled the looks they gave him post-massacre, so he intensified his aura with his perfect control around him making the air heavy and frightening to simple civilians.

The result was the quick turns of heads and slight tears coming from the lookers.

Vali nodded in approval of the action as they stopped by some shops to refill their supplies. Soon they arrived at the grill around the start of sundown.

"Hey look it's Team Ten and Team Eight! Let's go join them!" Naruto exclaimed as he hurried the rest towards the group.

"Yo hey *Munch* Naruto how are you doing man!" A plump boy munched on food as he greeted them.

"Haha I'm good Choji! Our team just came back from an A-ranked mission and decided to come to eat then we found you guys over here!" He replied.

"A-Ranked?/A-Ranked?" Both Jonins of each group questioned synchronously.

"Yeah let me tell you guys about it!" Naruto said.

From then on out they talked about their mission in detail from Zabuza to Gato's appearance.

Vali talked about their living standards, while Naruto spoke about the encounter with the legendary swordsmen.

"Wow, you guys must've had the scare." Ino stared in awe.

"Not really you should've seen Sasuke he fought Zabuza all on his own and injured him badly almost killing him if it wasn't for his friend! It was so cool to see them fight with their blades. Although I wish I got to fight him too it was still nice to see my rival battle you know! And he used this cool red blade that I still don't know how it got there?..." The redhead explained.

"You fought Zabuza…one of the Seven Swordsmen of The Mist.." Asuma muttered in shock turning his head to Sasuke.

"It was luck, he wasn't rea-"

"And won?" A mysterious voice appeared behind them all. As they looked back they saw a purple-haired beauty fitted in a tight black bodysuit along with armor that did nothing to hide her curves and bust.

Her expression was adorned with respect as she looked at the raven in confusion looking for something on him.

"Yugao! I thought you were too busy to come." Kurenai questioned in surprise.

"Haah, yeah I wasn't going to come until the Hokage went to Danzo's quarters for some private talk whatever that means. They're probably just fucking each other for all I know." Yugao responded, whispering the last sentence to herself.

"Really Yu? That's the Hokage for God's sake show some respect." Red eyelids halved in deadpan.

"Mah mah relax, but back to the story. How did you fight Zabuza with a sword when you're not carrying one, where is it?" She asked looking at Sasuke this time.

"I store it in a storage seal to use it on my opponents unexpectedly, but since I was fighting a swordsman I figured I would use it against him." The raven replied

"I see…well perhaps we could spar sometime. I wouldn't mind fighting someone who could defeat Zabuza. Nonetheless, you could become my student if I think you have what it takes." The purplette offered.

"What!? You want to take him up as a student, but you never wanted to?" Kurenai exclaimed.

"Yeah because I never found anyone good enough. And Sasuke here sounds like a good partner if he can beat one of The Mist's swordsmen." Yugao reasoned lazily.

"…Sure I don't mind I can learn a few more things from someone more experienced," Sasuke stated.

"Hehe…learn…experienced" ?

"Did anyone hear that or was that just me?" Naruto asked.

"Huh? What are you talking about Naruto." Shikamaru questioned.

"I finally snapped huh." He sighed in despair.

"Great meet me at your training ground next week Monday. I'm too busy the rest of the week. Now let's eat I'm hungry from listening to that old man talk all day." She said nonchalantly.

As they went on evening turned into night until each one of them finally said their goodbyes to one another.

"Goodnight Naruto, Sasuke, Vali! It was nice seeing you guys again." Team Ten and Eight shouted as they left.

"See Sauske you should become more social and be around them more often rather than being cooped up at home." Violet eyes spoke to black.

"I guess so…It wasn't too bad." He replied wearing a small smile on his lips.

"HUHH did you just smile / No way.." Both Vali and Naruto had their eyes opened wide in shock and stars appeared in their pupils at their teammate's cool smile they had rarely gotten to see.

"Shut up both of you. I'll see you guys on Friday." The raven said walking away.

"*Tch* Goodnight to you too / Bitch."

———

~ Uchiha Compound ~

~ 8:19 P.M. - 11 Minutes before the meeting. ~

Long Inky hair sprayed in the cold night wind as the figure looked up upon the shining Moon different from the nights before.

The person's frame was of a male, as he looked around the ghost town with eyes that resembled a whirlpool of blood.

Those eyes stared at nothing as he was in deep thought on his way home.

'I wonder how Mother is doing without me. I know she can take care of herself, but she barely comes out of the compound anymore. Haah, it's fine as long as I'm here she can just relax. Maybe we should go out somewhere tomorrow so she could see the world again.' Sasuke thought as he walked towards his home door.

*Creek*

'Looks like I need to repair the door tomorrow as well.' He thought as he heard the door squeak when opened.

*Badum*

'Huh…what's this feeling? It's the same as that night but there is no sadness in it but hatred…?'

Running through the halls, the raven called for his mother's name in each room. His throat grew heavy as he didn't hear a response after some time until he finally found her in..his room.

"Mother I've been looking all over for you where have you bee-!? Mother, what's wrong why are you crying?" Sasuke's heart froze cold as ice as he saw those tears fall from her eyes. Gently grabbing her shoulders as if she was fine china, he frantically searched for an answer as to why she was like this.

Even when she tried to hide them the only thing it did was fuel the eternal hate and suffering for the person who caused this.

"S-Sasu…I'm sorry you have to see me like this haha, I didn't know you would come home today…Sasu?" Sitting up from the bedside, she tried to look at her son but his face was covered by hair as he gazed at the floor below.

"Who did this? Who is the one who made you like this?" His tone was dead as he spoke calmly to her.

'!?' Mikoto's eyes widened in shock. She had never seen her son talk in such a cold voice.

"Haah I-It's because of the council. They want me to uhh produce more…children for the village. Tch those power hungry pigs don't know when to stop I swear. But with that…they've also ordered me to drop the…U-Uchiha name s-so I wouldn't make t-the process h-harder than it s-should be." She tried to act strong, but once she went on she utterly failed remembering her sentence as tears wept from her eyes uncontrollably.

Seeing her try to comfort him did nothing but continue to burn his rage even further as he thought about how to make the perpetrators of his happiness think they were in hell.

"B-But it's fine I guess. I still have you Sasu you'll forever be mine never forget that even if we don't share the same name right…Sasuke!?" Suddenly, she felt a horrifying presence that made her drop back to her knees in submission.

*Crack*

The flooring around the silent raven snapped under pressure. Blood flowed from his hands showing his internal struggle of staying calm.

Looking at her son's face Mikoto saw the appearance of a centipede-like tattoo crawling up to his right eye.

His calm expression did nothing to hide the deathly aura that surrounded his body.

"Mother you don't need to cry anymore. Everything will be okay." She could only nod her head as she saw the slight smile crack his lips and dead-looking eyes that showed nothing but unending pain for others.

Mikoto no longer saw her son.

Not the little boy who would run up to her and ask her to teach him lightning techniques.

Or the boy who would happily cook with her every day.

No…the thing right in front of her was something she heard her father call in mere stories to scare her.

"T-The O-Osore…"

———

"Hiruzen you wanted to speak with me." A blank voice was heard throughout a small, dark meeting room.

Its appearance was that of a lair, with dark-colored walls and utility chains nailed against them. Dim light glistened and sparkled the interior revealing its wet coating.

"Yes, Danzo and it's about your current operation that you want to begin with the rest." A calm voice spoke back to him with ease.

"What is there to talk about?" He asked.

"Are you sure this is the correct thing to do? This can be very bad for our village just as good and we're putting a lot of hope on a few children to become like their predecessors, the risk is high." Hiruzen explained.

"There is nothing to talk about if this is what is making you so worried. High risk is a key factor in development because in the end is only a rightful reward you worked after." Danzo said.

"But you wouldn't be working at all. It would be the mothers of the clans doing the work and one I'm not even sure will agree to help…you're not planning to recruit them to your organization are you?" The aged man's face creased more in suspicion.

"My plans are nothing to be concerned of you, for they are absolute in success. As for Tsunade, we'll take away her free passage and order her to come back to the village right away." He sat up and paced slowly around the room.

"If you do that then all of the Legendary Sanin will become traitors of The Leaf. But your plans are my concern if it's about the future of this village just as this operation of yours. Think about what will happen to the lives you're affecting, what about Sasuke Uchiha? Once he finds out you did this he will come find you." The Hokage warned.

"…Sasuke is no issue, he won't come find me. He is a sheltered clan boy who is just a shadow of his older brother. Now if that's all I think this discussion is ov-"

!?

*Dum* *Dum* *Dum*

Their old hearts quickened in muscle memory. A deep sense of impending doom filled in their throats as the air around them became dense and chaotic.

'This feeling..It's something I've never felt since I was young. This sense o-of fear..I don't miss it at all.' Hiruzen thought as he now sensed where the source came from feeling a deeper sense of dread than before.

"Danzo…you will now understand what I mean. I wish you good luck in dealing with that 'boy' at the meeting." He said before walking out of the lair as his cane filled the silence.

Said man stood still with his eyes wide whipping away a trail of sweat from his head.

'Perhaps I was too quick to judge you Uchiha…'

———

"T-The O-Osore…" Mikoto whispered in fear as she stared at the thing possessing her son.

But soon that fear washed away as she felt a loving sensation fill her heart remembering the reason for Sasu's emotions. However, it was short-lived as she felt even more despair for allowing her own problems to end up creating this version of her son.

Just then a figure appeared next to the both of them wearing a full black bodysuit and a white mask.

"Mikoto Uchiha your presence is b-being called i-in t-the meeting r-room." The vocals in the woman operative struggled to complete as she felt her body being weighed down.

Looking at the source she couldn't help but sweat in nervousness looking at a glowing red-eyed thing that shrouded itself in darkness staring at her like prey.

Its aura radiated death and its image was that of a pale white oni that brought death and dominion to the land.

Gazing further she recognized its long black hair and smooth pale skin along with a purple lining under its beautiful eyes.

"Sas-uke..?" She asked, gripping her purple hair in discomfort.

"Take me with her…Yugao." It said placidly.

"Y-Yes of course." Inching her way forward, she touched both Uchiha carefully before flickering away.

———

~ Konoha - Council Room of the Leaf ~

~ 8:26 P.M. - 4 Minutes until the meeting. ~

Once again silence pervaded the council room, but this time with a guilty conscience. Some looked down in pity while others looked away in disgust, but deep down they all had a small agreement on the operation. The lives of many outweigh the lives of two was a resonating thought that stuck to the shame keeping them from speaking up.

Although for three they held their heads high in agreement knowing what they could gain from this operation.

But one of them had a small sense of unease while continuing. The events recently replayed in his mind as he knew who he had to be wary of from now on.

Danzo saw himself as higher than the weak-willed leaders around the room. He had the gut to do what was necessary with pride while others did it with distaste.

'They should be arriving soon, there are only two more minutes left.' The bandaged man thought as he looked around disappointingly at the occupants of the room.

'Such moral won't move this country further, but this is a great step in my plans to bring this village back to its former glory. The Senju, The Uchiha, everything is possible with their power and I will make sure they rise again.' His cane thumped the group as he walked up the podium once again waiting for the woman to appear.

"I hope you know what you're doing.." Danzo looked over to his right. Sitting in the highest chair sat the Lord staring at him.

"Things will go smoothly Lord Third just watch." He said before resuming to the stand.

'I have a premonition it won't go your way Danzo, after all this old brain of mine is never wrong with these things.' The aged man thought as he closed his eyes for the upcoming headache.

"Leaders, please do not fret. I understand your feelings about this matter but know this, the involvement of you all has saved this village from becoming like others. I have received word that Mikoto Uchiha has arrived, so I ask you all to treat her as a savior not a homeless. This village will praise her for the sacrifice of her family name and life will be for the betterment of this village's future safety!" The speaker's voice brought resolve into some as they all stood up proudly watching the door.

*SHHH*

"Now I present to you, Uchiha…y-you!" He shouted in anger.

"Sasuke..." Yugao muttered in disbelief.

*CHING*

Ethereal white chains with red thorn like spikes shot out from the doorway and wrapped around Danzo's neck.

"Kneel."

———