Itachi wandered along the river, hand in his pockets and a contemplative expression on his face. The mission would be difficult, true– perhaps even impossible. All the same, Uchicha Itachi had never declined a mission and he wasn't about to start now.

"The mission is this: to destroy the Uchicha." Hiruzen said finally. "I know this might be an extremely difficult decision for you, Itachi, so I just want you to know—"

"I'll do it." Itachi said.

Lost in his thoughts, he almost (almost is the key word) didn't sense the chakra signature in the willow tree to his left. Looking towards the source of the chakra – lots of chakra, carefully shielded – he saw a man in an orange mask. "Hello." the man said cheerfully.

"Who are you?" Itachi asked, discreetly reaching for his kunai pouch.

"Oh, me? I'm Uchicha Madara. You can call me Tobi."

The thirteen-year-old narrowed his eyes. "Prove it."

Madara was probably smiling behind that eyesore of a mask. Suddenly, a thick clump of cattail by the river burst into black flames.

"Amateseru…" Itachi whispered.

"Bingo!" Madara exclaimed. "Now, I don't suppose you want some help, ah, eliminating the Uchicha clan?"

"No." Itachi replied immediately, the famous Uchicha pride kicking in. After a moment, he reconsidered. "… Well, maybe. Just a little bit."

"Great!" the ancient Uchicha said. "However, there's a condition for my help." Dramatic pause. "You have to kill your best friend."

Itachi shifted from one foot to the other and looked vaguely guilty. "Ah, Mada—"

"Tobi." Madara corrected.

"… Tobi-san… Um, well, that is…"

"Spit it out already!"

"… I don't have any friends.