It was the day after he tried to kill "the idiot" and Sasuke hadn't felt so weak since the massacre. Having the entirety of his chakra closed off to his use was especially damning as he had become dependent on it due to his harsh training schedule. If that wasn't bad enough, he was having his first appointment with Ibiki and learning, quickly, that smartass replies didn't fly with the man.

"Remember Sasuke, you refer to her as Hokage-sama or you'll get slapped again. Do you understand?"

He scowled but nodded. "Good. Let's start with something easy, what do you want out of life?"

Sasuke frowned, what kind of question was that. Anyone who knew him knew what he wanted, no, needed to do. "Avenge my clan by killing Itachi."

"And should you succeed in that endeavor then what? Or if you never managed it, then what? If Itachi died to another ninja or slipped in the shower and broke his neck what would you want?"

"Am I here to be mocked?" Sasuke asked. His face was neutral but Ibiki could see the signs of anger and indignation, the rigidity of the boy's form even while sitting.

"Why do you consider my questions mocking?"

"Itachi wouldn't die by slipping in the shower and he wouldn't die by losing to another ninja."

"Why not? He's mortal, isn't he?"

"He's too good for that, he killed my entire clan but you think one random ninja could take him out?"

"Don't you believe one "random" ninja could take him out? Isn't your entire life centered around that idea, except you'd be the ninja? If you can do it, why couldn't someone else? Or if no one else could do it then why could you?"

"It's my responsibility," Sasuke answered.

"So? People fail in their responsibilities all the time. Itachi also has a bounty on his head, someone might want to risk it for a lucrative payoff. So, let's say Itachi did die. What would you do?" Ibiki pressed.

"Itachi wouldn't die so this is pointless, I don't engage in make-believe." Sasuke's outer calm was starting to break as his frustration mounted.

"He's a rogue ninja, he could already be dead."

"He's not."

"How do you know?"

"I just know."

"Because it's your responsibility to kill him? No one else can, no one else will?" Ibiki asked but Sasuke remained silent. "Do you believe you were entitled to special training to prepare you for killing your brother?"

"It would have been in the village's interest to give it to me so I could kill Itachi."

"Why was the village's interest served by training you?"

Glaring into his hands and deep breaths followed the question. Sasuke had to steel himself and leash his anger at the offensive question. The answer was obvious. "Itachi killed my clan, what is to stop him from coming back and doing it again?"

"What was to stop him while you were an untrained child? Are you suggesting the safety of the village is solely dependent upon you when you freely acknowledge you can't make yourself powerful enough to defeat Itachi without help and instruction from others?"

"Itachi wants a duel with me, he wants to see if I can overcome him. That's why it's different."

"And you think the village is served by giving him his desire?" Ibiki asked, credulously.

"What if the village wouldn't be served? What if it isn't in Konoha's best interest? So what, I'm not some dog that only lives to serve Konoha," Sasuke bit out. He frowned when Ibiki laughed at his words. He hated being laughed at, being a joke.

"Trust me, I'm aware of how little you value the village. Naruto filled me in on your plan to defect. Is that why you tried to kill him, because he stopped you?"

"I didn't try to kill him and I wasn't defecting," Sasuke lied.

"Uh huh. I guess it was a game of nonconsensual ninja tag. Do you believe people who stand in your way deserve retribution?"

"No," Sasuke lied again.

"So, if Naruto stopping you from defecting means you never get to fight, let alone kill Itachi, you don't think he'll be owed some form of payback? One boy stopped you from ever reaching your one goal, and by your memory scan, has prevented you from seeing the girl you confessed to. None of that merits some form of sanction?" Ibiki's voice had remained neutral but Sasuke could hear the taunts, the tinge of mockery in his words.

The interrogator thought he was a joke. Someone easily put into a box because he was simple to understand. It was just another insult on top of the others he'd endured with no recourse. He couldn't even bait Naruto into fighting him, that's how low he'd fallen. And the village just continued to add more weight.

No advancement in skill, diminished physical capacity; his goal was getting further and further away by the minute. It kept him up nights, thoughts of his parents' disappointment at his failure to avenge them. It hurt. A searing pain no one could see, one he was forced to undergo while living through the recriminations of his "comrades". The session ended soon enough but that was of little comfort as he'd have to see the man several times a week.

Soon enough, Sasuke's life fell into a routine. He'd train his body as much as he could but was hampered by previous injuries and because he was no longer a shinobi he was low priority at the hospital and the village didn't have an abundance of private doctors, even civilians went to medical ninja. However, knowing he couldn't stop lest Itachi get away with his crimes, he pushed forward. When he wasn't training or in his sessions with Ibiki he had taken to exploring the village. One day he came across Naruto and Hinata and despite himself, Sasuke followed the dobe.

It was weird to see him again, mind clearer than it had been during his episode. Naruto had been an unwelcome but enduring part of his life for so long and it'd changed overnight. And with all three members of Team 7 seemingly set to stall in their advancement, Sasuke could see the dobe looked happy. It turned something sour in him and he departed without a word. But he would, on occasion, find the pair and for reasons he couldn't articulate end up watching them.

And that same bitterness seemed to only worsen each time he saw them. He saw them train together and could see Naruto's improvements, even as it appeared he was holding back. He was being given secret training. His suspension was a farce and he was being favored while moving on with his life like nothing had happened. Like he hadn't claimed Sasuke was his friend and then prevented him from pursuing his only goal in life.

Soon, that resentment started to give life to a belief, one that would continue to nourish Sasuke's negative emotions toward his former teammate; Naruto benefitted from Sasuke's fall. He started to see their lives as the inverse of each other's. Sasuke had a family and lost it, Naruto had no one. The genius of his year and the loser. Placed on the same team as some sort of cosmic punishment for the both of them. For a short window the two were in similar places and Sasuke could acknowledge he grew to respect Naruto. Then the failed defection happened and everything changed. Somehow, Naruto was becoming better. He was making friends. The Hokage supported him, even Jiraiya was set to train him after the suspension but Sasuke suspected he was doing so secretly.

Uzumaki Naruto was being handed things, as for the resentment to truly take hold Sasuke had to remove any effort on part of the blond, while he'd lost just as much. It wasn't just unfair. Life was unfair as a matter of course. This was different, grander and somehow more visceral. The idea would plague him at times, the idea that the two were charting disparate paths. Where one rose, the other had to fall. The logic, to Sasuke, was as unassailable as Neji's former belief in fate. The conclusion was just as obvious.

The routine of his life became maddening. He talked to very few people outside of Ibiki. The ninja of the village were ambivalent, many believing the official story of Naruto's suspension but also knowing of Sasuke's attempt on his life. His most frequent contact was Ibiki but the sessions were more insulting than anything. No matter how many times he asked, Sasuke wasn't going to change his mind about Itachi. He wasn't going to explain why he hated Naruto or didn't care about seeing Sakura. He didn't need them. He needed his chakra, he needed training, and to kill Itachi.

"What about after your revenge?" Ibiki would inevitably ask as if you could face Itachi and plan on leaving the battle alive. This was why the younger Uchiha was the best to face him. Others lied to themselves, believing they could make future plans. Sasuke knew victory might cost him his life. He was willing to pay it, it'd be worth it to avenge his family. He even explained it and got the usual nonreaction from his tormentor.

It had been a year and half since Sasuke had his chakra sealed and after a hard day of training he once again came upon Naruto and Hinata, in what he'd swear was an accident. Hearing a hushed conversation, his curiosity got the better of him and he eavesdropped on their discussion.

"So, I guess this is coming to an end soon?" Sasuke overheard her ask.

"Yea, it's time. I'll meet up with Pervy Sage tomorrow and by the end of the week it should all be over."

"Are you scared?"

"Pfft, as if! I'm Naruto Uzumaki, next Hokage, dattebayo. I fear nothing but ghosts."

Sasuke heard a stifled giggle at the idiot's pronouncement.

"But seriously, I am a little. I don't want to change too much, you know."

"I know" she said softly, "but I believe the core of you is the same so while different you'll still be you." The two fell into a comfortable silence for a while before the idiot spoke again.

"When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow, same as you. Shouldn't be longer than a week, hopefully I can make it back when… you know"

"Yea, I'd like that but don't rush it. It's getting late and we both have things to do tomorrow." Naruto said.

"I know." she said but neither departed, apparently enjoying being in each other's presence too much. How could she stay out late when she has a mission? Wasn't she a professional? Sasuke wondered while watching the pair but no longer paying close attention until he heard something that set him off.

"I love you Hinata-chan."

"I love you, too, Naruto-kun" she said before giving him a quick kiss. He smiled in response and the two parted ways.

The Uchiha scion didn't know why that angered him so. He couldn't shake it, the feeling staying with him even into the next day as he sat across from Ibiki. Being asked why he seemed upset, Sasuke decided to vent.

"Do you still want to know why I hate Naruto?"

"If you're willing to share." said the stern man.

"Because he is always in the way. Because his very existence mocks my own. Because he never had anything to lose, no expectations and got to be an idiot. He never took things seriously and coasted but still that was enough to keep him within my skill level. I hate him because he doesn't have to hate, he doesn't have to live a miserable life only concerned with his survival.

I hate him because that failure stopped me from gaining power. He stopped me from receiving what Orochimaru wanted to give me, he stopped me from evolving my eyes. At every turn he has been in my way, at every turn he seeks to prove that I will never be equal to Itachi! Why does he get to be happy? Why do Hokages just seem to adore that idiot? I'm more naturally talented, more skilled but they treat him like family.

He was and is free in a way I'll never be, not until I kill Itachi. That's what I'd do afterward. Breathe the first free breath of my life. Because even before the massacre, Itachi loomed over me. The genius, well-mannered and loved by all. Naruto has no idea what that's like and he still felt the need to deny me. He was supposed to be my friend but he has done nothing but benefit from delaying my goal."

Scowling, Sasuke continued, "Most of the villagers hate him but the really important people love him and I know they give him secret power, private training that they don't give to me. I need it more than he ever has, I need to avenge my clan, they can't rest until I do. He is just a status seeking idiot with no talent but people pity."

"Wow, that's really stupid." said Ibiki.

"What?!"

"There are things you don't know, aren't cleared to know and may never know but that isn't my concern at the moment. Do you think Naruto would agree? That having no one at the start of his life was some enviable freedom from having lost them?"

"He doesn't have to agree, it's the truth."

"No, that's your opinion. You claim you have to kill Itachi for your clan and really, no one begrudges you wanting to eliminate him but your inability to take comfort in the memories of your family, at some point, became a choice. They could give you peace, a peace Naruto wouldn't have. You deny yourself and then hold it up as proof of your wholly unique suffering. And you are suffering. No one is saying otherwise. But you aren't in greater pain because you've done nothing to alleviate it."

Sasuke sneered as he said, "Bonds would only hold me back."

"That's not a statement of fact, it's an opinion; well, an ideology at this point. And fine, believe it if you want but no one else has to accept it as axiomatic. You focus inwardly, it's what you're comfortable with. Great, that's not necessarily unhealthy if done the right way. You slap an open wound and wonder why you're in constant pain.

The thing about mental health is you can't will yourself to get better nor can you just hope it will improve in time. It takes work, a lot of work but the first step is deciding you want to heal. You see your pain as paramount to your abilities and drive. If Naruto seems freer to you then maybe he learned to share his burden."

"Yea, so what? I gain friends and then Itachi comes and kills them?"

"You were a ninja, any of us could die on a mission. Civilians can die from accidents or health complications. No one is promised a long life and if you use our mortality to justify not connecting with anyone then you'll have no one."

"So, what now?" Sasuke said, remembering he confessed during his outburst.

"Well, the Hokage could get really creative but you'll likely be transitioned out of my care so I'm not sure. What I will say is that had you come forward to start this likely would have been the consequence. You hadn't left the village, the only person you attacked you kept from following you and no one else had been hurt. The cover up was so much worse than the crime. Just think about that. Goodbye and good luck, Sasuke."

He didn't know what he was going to say to his blond student, now that the restraining order had been lifted he could finally interact with him again but that didn't solve the problem of what to say. It felt wrong to lay the blame on the Sandaime, not only because Naruto loved the man like family but also because he isn't here to defend himself. Yes, the order was to solve the Sasuke problem and Kakashi didn't accomplish that goal but he could have done more for Naruto, even giving him a few scrolls to expand his ninjutsu arsenal or really fixing his taijutsu.

He could just fall on his sword and ask for a second chance, Naruto was certainly forgiving enough but should he ask why things would be different or why they were how they were that led back to Kakashi's initial problem. Another issue was that no matter how he tried to spin it, it would appear he was showing extreme favoritism to Sasuke, teaching the boy the Chidori certainly wouldn't refute the accusation. So, then what? Kakashi would run through possible explanations all night.

It turned out that the truth was really the best way to go and while Naruto was disappointed he could understand Kakashi's and the Sandaime's position. While Kakashi could tell he felt more about the issue, a part of him was grateful he didn't follow up with more but he could see he felt it was unfair to him and Sakura. Not knowing what else to do, he requested a spar out of his former student, to which Naruto eagerly agreed to.

The spar was enlightening for Kakashi and he saw his student had good command over futon and suiton techniques, even managing to perform some vacuum manipulation techniques. What concerned Kakashi was that Naruto's fighting style was a modified version of how Root Anbu fought and it was specific enough, his moves precise enough that Kakashi could only presume Naruto had been trained by Danzo, a nightmare scenario. When the spar was over Kakashi excused himself and immediately went to report to Tsunade-sama, not willing to allow his sensei's son to follow the wrong path.

"I already know, Kakashi," Tsunade stated.

"So, he's a double agent for you?"

"No. He hasn't officially or unofficially spoken to me about his joining Root."

"Forgive me, Tsunade-sama, but you seem very cavalier about this."

"I suppose I do. Suffice it to say, I'm aware of Naruto's activities and I have things under control. Also, you should have a little more faith in your student." She said and Kakashi took the unsaid dismissal and left.

Kakashi was a genius shinobi. Most people assumed it began and stopped with his combat abilities but he had an intellect that rivaled any Nara, the problem that his laziness and taciturn nature often meant no one knew. The public consumption of porn also wouldn't lead one to assume he was overly bright. But he was and from the scant bit of information given his mind was furiously trying to piece everything together to come to a suitable conclusion.

The problem, beside lack of information, was his desire to protect his student which was causing a significant part of him to say damn the thinking, activate his lightning blade and go cause a bloody rampage at Danzo's, consequences be damned. However, his more rational side would only let him entertain that thought, and it was quite entertaining to Kakashi, for a short period. He decided to catalogue what he knew:

Danzo had been after Naruto since the day he was born

Naruto was suspended and couldn't openly train with Jiraiya until his suspension was lifted

Naruto was betrayed by his team

Naruto wants to be seriously trained and has a fierce desire to protect his village

Was currently being trained by Danzo

Tsunade Knew

Tsunade knowing is what throws Kakashi for a loop as she wouldn't let Danzo brainwash him and whereas the Sandaime would threaten Danzo, Tsunade would outright kill him. But he was being trained. Could she have been blackmailed? That's always a possibility, if you've been a shinobi long enough there was bound to be dirt on you, however Tsunade was not the type to be blackmailed; her temper and general disposition wouldn't allow her to tolerate it for long. Kakashi went around and around those facts and got nowhere until he remembered who was at the heart of this. Naruto, the knucklehead. The kid that still believed in saving the Princess, especially since he'd done it, liberating nations and being a hero. He'd join Root with the goal of taking it down, Kakashi concluded/hoped. Kakashi had half a mind to go bonk the boy on the head, of all the foolish ideas. However, Tsunade having known means someone was looking out for him, even if he doesn't know it. Partially pacified with the information Kakashi resolved to help the blond shinobi.

Getting back into serious training showed Kakashi how far off from his peak he was and he'd be ashamed of it if not for Gai constantly pointing out the return of his youthful flames. That made Kakashi want to train harder just to better punch his best friend in the face. A side benefit is when he sparred with Naruto, he could see the improvements of his former student while also being able to push him better than anyone in his generation. He was impressed with the progress Naruto made under Danzo's tutelage as the once brash knucklehead was more calm and methodical in his approach, giving focus to his unpredictable nature. Kakashi could only imagine what Naruto would be when he incorporated the memories of the blood clone, he'd be well on his way to Elite Jounin status once he got enough experience.

It occurred to Kakashi that he often found Naruto in the company of the Hyuuga heiress and he had to say, his knucklehead surely aimed high. He was even fun to tease as seeing his most confident student reduced to a stuttering mess was worth the effort of dodging those kunai once he composed himself. He was happy that Naruto was becoming friends with the rest of his generation.

One thing that did concern him was Sasuke's habit of observing Naruto, which he knew Naruto was aware of and yet he never said anything about it. Kakashi chalked it up to a very subtle prank.

The day was drawing near. Kakashi didn't know how he knew but he just did. His student was a little more tense, it was subtle but Kakashi could definitely tell, the signs of nervousness were present but hidden well. He wished he could help his student, he wished he could point out the elephant in the room and let him know he has someone to confide in but he couldn't. This was a test, Kakashi remembered Minato-sensei telling him about some of the things he was tasked with doing when he was just a chunin or fresh Jounin. The selection for Hokage started early, those with the potential were put through various ordeals to see if they were up to the challenge. This was Naruto's and as his sensei he could only have faith in his student. Anything more, even shadowing him could cause alarm and throw everything off. If Kakashi had to guess, Naruto tasked himself with complete elimination of Root, Danzo included.

He'd normally be extremely apprehensive with Naruto fighting Danzo, yes he was strong but Danzo was a rival of the Sandaime and even being close in ability to that man made you a monster. However, Kakashi noticed that Danzo had been more reclusive as of late, even for him. Maybe Naruto had taken precautions, a sentiment that was laughable just a short while ago.

It was Naruto informing him that he'd be gone for a few days that solidified Kakashi's belief. If he had to guess, the merger was taking place before the elimination, giving him a few days to incorporate his skills and get over any mental strain. He didn't know when Naruto would be back so he had taken to doing some late night jogs near his apartment when he came across a very nervous looking Hinata entering his student's apartment. He figured she knew something and was likely there for support so Kakashi decided to camp out on an adjacent roof. It was a few hours before sunrise when Kakashi saw Naruto arrive on his doorstep via shunshin. There were no obvious injuries and he assumed all went well.

When he was informed, the next morning, that Elder Danzo had died via smoke inhalation he knew his pupil had been successful and couldn't fight back the pride that swelled in his chest. Details would start to trickle, he knew the spin Tsunade and the still existing Elders would give to Naruto's suspension would paint the boy in a positive light, any harm that came from that black mark would be erased. He still had years, he still had a lot to learn but Kakashi was confident his knucklehead would one day reach his dream and he'd do his damnedest to make sure.

It was likely unbecoming for one to be giddy after an attempt on their lives but Hinata Hyuuga couldn't give a flying turtle's shell because her Naruto-kun rejected Sakura-san and chased after her, the shy little heiress. Bluenette 1, pinkette irrelevant. Oh yes, Hinata Hyuuga was feeling herself… as much as a preternaturally kind person could be. While it wasn't a confession of love, it also wasn't nothing. Either way, she's happy, so much so she didn't mind the looks of confusion the ANBU was giving her as she supplied her report of what Sasuke-san attempted to do. Nope, an unwarranted attack was not going to ruin her mood. Her father's, decreasingly, cold glare? She couldn't even be bothered to acknowledge it.

They had only recently agreed to start dating each other and while it wouldn't be in secret, they also wouldn't call attention to it. Hinata got the idea from how Kurenai-sensei handles her relationship with Asuma-san. Since then, the two had spent a lot of time together but progressed their relationship slowly. Mostly it involved training, as she was preparing for another chunin exam and he had his responsibilities and while he never went into specifics, Hinata wasn't an idiot and knew he was still conducting missions in secret. His overall increase in skill, chakra control and capacity pointed to being trained and him disappearing for days at a time would be explained by him being on assignment. She knew he and Tsunade were close and assumed she had just found a way around his suspension. Not seeing the need to make him lie about a, she assumed, confidential appointment she never asked about it.

Newly promoted Chunin Hyuuga Hinata was returning from a mission with her teammates and she has to admit, she was extremely lucky to be assigned to the team she was. Hearing Naruto's horror stories about Team 7 and seeing how Asuma-san trains Team 10 let her know she got the best arrangement possible. Since she returned from the exams, she'd noticed that her relationship with her clan has improved. Her father actually spoke to her with a degree of warmth and Neji even trained with her; things were good.

Which was why she was confused when Ino-san broke down in front of her, apologizing repeatedly. Hinata didn't know how to respond, she had never been close to Ino, not so much out of any disregard for her fellow kunoichi, the two just didn't run in the same circles so she couldn't understand what was happening. However being who she was, Hinata couldn't walk away from someone that upset. Leading her to a secluded training ground, Hinata tried to understand what was bothering the blonde.

"It's my fault" is the only thing she could understand but Ino was adamant about it. "Can you tell Naruto I'm sorry." she managed to say clearly before running off. When Hinata relayed her apologies Naruto didn't have a clue as to what she'd be apologizing for. Until two weeks later when she revealed she had been the one that made it possible for Sasuke and Sakura to lie about his defection. When Naruto told her about Ino's confession, his voice was calm but there was an underlying anger she could tell and while she didn't think he'd do anything to Ino, she wouldn't pretend to be blind to his faults. This version of Naruto was not as forgiving, he didn't laugh off or ignore slights. He wasn't a bully, nor had he ever resorted to force but he had no qualms about letting it be known that certain behaviors would not be tolerated. She tried to calm him down but in retrospect, Hinata believed the talk may have done more harm than good.

"You know, this is partially my fault," Naruto said.

"Why would you say that?" asked a confused Hinata.

"Because, my other half was so ready to forgive everyone in order to be accepted, an idea the Sandaime put into his head, that people believe we can be disregarded without consequence. Ino wouldn't have done that to any other Leaf Nin but since I'm not important, since I'm just the loser anyway sacrificing me for that stalking little obsessive was no big deal. I can't just let this go, her being sorry or not." a venting Naruto replied.

"Maybe you should let Tsunade-sama handle it? At the very least you could get your record cleared." Hinata offered, trying to calm Naruto.

"You have a point, I need to go clear my head. You're welcome to stay here tonight, of course, I don't know how long I'll be."

The time for his integration was drawing near and Naruto had become withdrawn, Hinata felt. It hurt but a part of her understood the fear, he didn't know what he'd ultimately be like and if as a whole person he'd feel the same about her. That's why when he told her he loved her it hurt even more, not because he didn't mean it but because through no fault of his nor her own, he may not feel that way soon.

Of course she said it back, she had loved him in some form or fashion for years and it had only deepened as she had gotten to know more than just the inspirational figure that hid his pain but the person who felt the continued slights of the village, that grappled with the forced isolation of his childhood and the realities of being a shinobi. That last part especially since, Hinata suspected, he was exposed to the darker elements of an already bloody lifestyle.

But with that shading came perks, his genuine smile that he had just for her. His penchant for cheating during spars via kisses on her cheek. How he loved ramen but never bothers to make it after a few attempts, as it was always missing something; Hinata suspected the missing element was the feeling of family he got from the stand owners. By discovering so much about her idol turned boyfriend she discovered much about herself. Hinata realized that Naruto's sunny disposition sometimes wasn't a natural inclination but a choice, one that had consequences. He once smiled at the village's hate but that cost him as even a part of Naruto didn't truly respect himself, didn't like himself.

Hinata realized that while the approval of others was important, if you couldn't appreciate yourself the acknowledgement became hollow. As such, she didn't pin her mood on her father's reactions to her, if she were having a good day he no longer had the power to change that. She found what she liked and didn't like about herself and dedicated time and effort to improving the former and changing the latter. The process was slow and likely lifelong but no longer was she reluctant to meet the gaze of another and voice her opinion. She wouldn't be walked on or stepped over. The most important realization was that she had this ability all along, she just had to believe it.

It was a few hours before dawn as her Naruto curled up in bed beside her, surprised she was there awaiting him but promised they'd talk in the morning and suggested she get more rest. Something else she learned about Naruto, he could be a bit of a mother hen.

The reign of the Godaime Hokage, one Tsunade Senju, had not been kind to the Yamanaka Clan. Any non-mission services provided to the village that could be assigned to others, were. Inoichi didn't have the ear of the Hokage nor her trust and while never said outright, people could tell there was definitely something off between the two parties. The Nara and Akimichi Clans couldn't even get involved on behalf of their allies without fear of invoking the Hokage's wrath, especially since their contribution to the village was more along the lines of goods instead of services. Alternate supply sources can almost always be found or substituted with enough incentive.

This reality had taken an impact on all but the one hit the hardest had been the former heiress, Ino. The freeze between the Clan and the village's power structure added on to her already swelled sense of guilt. She blamed herself for everything wrong with Team 7 and it was harder still with her seeing Naruto more often as he had gotten to be better friends with Shikamaru and Choji. She wanted to confess, to relieve herself of this burden but knew it'd be a slap in the face of Sakura, who kept her mouth shut for the sake of Ino and her clan.

That silence was harming people and Ino learned that Tsunade could become intractable when crossed and would continue to keep her clan at arm's length unless forced to change due to catastrophic circumstances. Ino's inability to make headway with her father didn't make her dilemma any easier. She found sleep increasingly difficult, plagued by her choices and when she heard Sasuke tried to kill Naruto something snapped. Ino didn't meet with her team for a week, and it took hours of prodding from her father to get her back.

It hadn't fixed the guilt, though, as it was always present like a second skin. She didn't know why she felt the need to eventually break down in front of Hinata, she wished she could say it just happened but Ino had existed somewhere between conscious and unconscious action; not wholly without thought but nothing that could be considered a plan. She just needed to do something and that something landed Naruto at her doorstep. It was amazing how fast Naruto had turned from being kind, warm and supportive to cold and furious. He didn't even respond after Ino choked out her confession and she didn't know if that was a good thing or not. He found her the next day and insisted she tell Tsunade, that an apology without any action to follow-up was empty and only meant to make her feel better. She couldn't disagree so it was here, in the office of the Hokage, with her father for support, Ino told her the events as she knew them.

"You're incredibly lucky Ino. Clan heir or not, recent Chunin or not, undermining an official investigation can have serious repercussions. Fortunately, outside of confirmation, your confession is unnecessary. There is already a process underfoot to correct the harm you and Sakura caused. Nothing official will show up in your record, you will not receive a reprimand from me. However, as long as I'm Hokage, you'll never be promoted past Chunin, you understand?"

"Yes, Tsunade-sama."

"Good, you may leave; Inochi, stay." Tsunade said and watched and Ino promptly exited her office. "This could have all been avoided. You could have trusted that I wasn't so myopic as to risk your evidentiary standing amongst the shinobi villages nor such a heartless bitch that I'd seriously harm Ino over a mistake that could have been corrected. But you didn't trust me and I had to become all the things you feared I would be. So, Inochi, where does that leave us?"

"I don't know, Hokage-sama. You were an unknown and I just wanted to protect my family and my clan."

"Clan comes first? Should I start worrying about the Yamanaka as potential traitors?"

"No, of course not!"

"Really, because you just told me you felt it ok to subvert my authority because you may not have liked my decisions. Understand this, I won't keep freezing your clan out because it's a waste of resources but I don't trust you. I possibly never will. Leave."

"Hai"

He had gotten tired of asking himself where he went wrong. It was all wrong and there was no right. Too many moving pieces and too many people with poisonous objectives led to this, led him to where he was now. But with all the ugliness was a chance of salvation. Not for him, as he was damned, but for his clan. He honestly believed his brother would reject his words but maintain the motivation and get strong the right way in order to kill him. Instead, he wanted to do it as quickly as possible, haunted by the monster he believed Itachi to be.

When Itachi had heard that Naruto had been assigned to his brother's team, Itachi hoped that the blond's natural light would sway his brother. Orochimaru and his own use of the Tsukuyomi would see to that hope all but failing. If there had been a chance, Sasuke's betrayal and attempt on Naruto's life would have surely removed it. His brother had pushed everyone away and had come to fixate on Naruto as the unmovable object in his path toward power. Seeing Sasuke like this, made Itachi conclude that his brother was broken. The ghosts of the past, wounds inflicted early in the boy's life, even before the massacre made Itachi's plans impossible. The only chance he had now was the truth and maybe Sasuke would redeem himself and truly serve the village and restore his family's honor. However, this last tirade/confession had truly made Itachi fear that even the truth may have come too late.

Naruto, the source of his brother's fixation, had been a topic of contemplation for Itachi since he abandoned the village. When he joined Akatsuki to spy for the village, through Jiraiya, he realized there were scenarios in which he may have to kill Naruto to protect the village and potentially Sasuke. While many view him as a stoic, many more as a sociopath, Itachi was not without conscience nor compassion.

The idea of damning an innocent boy who had already been damned for the sake of the very people that scorned him hurt Itachi. The underlying unfairness, even if he rarely concerned himself with fairness, felt like a wrong too big to ignore, a cosmic injustice. If, however, it were required Itachi would fulfill his duty to the village knowing it would lead to his death as he was sure Jiraiya would stop at nothing to find him and do all he could to dispatch the person or persons that harmed his student's son.

The dilemma presented to Itachi was this, if he were willing to kill an innocent in Naruto would he do the same for a guilty Sasuke. He didn't know and the not knowing pained more than a definite answer could as indecision gets people killed and made Itachi wonder if he hadn't been motivated by self-interest and not true service to the village this entire time. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that but only time would tell.

"When am I leav…. WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, ITACHI! I'LL KILL YOU!"

"Without chakra, foolish little brother? I doubt it. I'm not here to kill you Sasuke, I am here to tell you the truth of that night; the truth of why our family died."

Yo, I've been getting some similar reviews so I thought I'd share my thoughts with the readership as a whole.

Naruto's Sharingan; be it his utter lack of need for it or how he has it.

No, Naruto doesn't need his Sharingan to be powerful, canon proved that and like every other story I've written would demonstrate I agree. Maybe I gave it to him for another reason and maybe the set up of a story reveal doesn't dictate how it'll ultimately play out. A little patience. As far as how Naruto has a Sharingan, if you know how babies are made you have all the information you need. An Uchiha fucked a blond(e). As far as who that Uchiha was, it's unimportant. It changes nothing, it affects nothing and isn't a focus. If you never worried about Minato's parents before there's no reason to start straining your anus over it now.

This is OP, that's OP, everything is OP: A genin Naruto molly whopped a Chunin that was getting busy on Iruka. Tricked and could have mortally wounded Zabuza. And dog walked a partially transformed Gaara while trying to shove an exploding kunai up his ass. He even gave that work to Kabuto. All of these happened with no Kyuubi amp. Your boy was powerful even as a kid so your concerns about being overpowered now when dude became the most powerful ninja in the world with three jutsu, the haymaker from god and more balls than sense is you being silly. And we're in a pandemic, don't talk to me about Tsunade's poison you weirdbois.

Sakura shouldn't be in the pairing, neither should Hinata… what about this other girl you didn't clearly put in the relationship tag… Not today, devil. Not. Today.

Naruto isn't angry enough- Yea, almost like he's doing some covert shit and doesn't want to draw attention to himself. Also, I specifically said Yami had Naruto's more rational thought processes so he can manage his anger better. He also hadn't lost Sasuke to Orochimaru, hadn't lost Jiraiya, hadn't seen Gaara dead or any of the traumatic shit that might juice his anger even higher.

Keep the reviews coming though, they motivate me. Not to write but when I finally conquer a small, island nation I'll have you to thank.