AN: I recently went over this story and the reviews both here and on . It's obvious that it needs a major overhaul, especially in explaining why and how some things are happening - primary as far as the interaction between Soul Society and the Elemental Nations go as well as the way Ichigo was inserted in the world and how and why that changed him. That's why I'm in the process of rewriting this story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Naruto, they belong to their respective creators and/or copyright owners. I make no money from this story. It is not for sale or rent.

Cursed eyes

=CE=

Prologue

Karakura town

Japan

"How slow... even when you fall." The tall, black haired Shinigami concluded with what might have been a hint of disappointment.

Those words were more painful for Ichigo than the blade which bit deeply in his chest. Two strikes, which he couldn't see coming, and he was falling to the ground. Kurosaki could feel his Reiatsu leaving him, like a wave of water surging from a broken dam. In mere seconds, his spiritual power was gone. He failed. He couldn't protect his friend. When it mattered he couldn't repay the debt he owed Rukia.

Ichigo drifted in and out of consciousness, hearing a snippet of conversation between Rukia and her captors.

"Let's go Renji!"

"The brat's dead."

"It's my fault he died!" Rukia exclaimed.

For a moment Ichigo's mind was clear and he bristled at those words. It was not her fault! Even if it was it wouldn't matter! If it wasn't for Rukia not only Ichigo would have died weeks ago but his precious sisters too!

Kurosaki was the one defeated, the one who wasn't strong enough! It wasn't Rukia's fault in any way, shape of form! If he had been better, if he had trained his Shinigami powers...

Ichigo's eyes briefly opened to see Rukia pinned to a sign post by that red haired bastard. His dying body shook with impotent furry; his heart thundered in his chest, increasing the speed with which he lost blood from his gaping wounds. Kurosaki's trembling fingers clawed at the hilt of his broken sword, grabbing it like a lifeline.

"Release Rukia!" Ichigo spat from bloodstained lips. He prayed for a her safety while glaring at her tormentor. Enraged, Renji slammed Rukia into the hard metal post. Everything was becoming harder and harder to see. The Shinigami and Rukia became dark blurs, their voices transforming into whispers, coming from far away.

Lub, lub. Lub, lub. Lub... lub. As his world was engulfed by darkness, those were the only sounds Ichigo could hear. Lub, pause lub. The echo was fainter and more irregular with each repeat. Heart-beat. Somehow that thought crystalysed within Ichigo's fading mind. Lub... He waited for eternity for the second beat before succumbing into soft twilight. Ichigo's unseeing eyes closed and a single bloody tear, slowly made its way down his face, leaving a crimson trail.

"Hn. That was unpleasant. " A bored sounding voice deadpanned.

Ichigo found himself staring at the owner of said voice. The substitute Shinigami was in small well lit room, looking at a pale man, whose body was hidden by black cloak embroidered with pink clouds. He had a gray, metal head protector with stylized leaf in the center. The stranger's face was framed by bangs of onyx black hair, which make his pronounced tear-troughs under his eyes, stand out even more on his alabaster skin. The man's charcoal eyes looked softly at the young reaper.

"I hoped that if we were to meet it would have been at better circumstances. You are dying, child." This time the stranger sounded tired instead of bored.

Ichigo's eyes widened in realization. He heard how his heart stopped beating before losing consciousness.

"So that's it. I was useless." Kurosaki muttered to himself.

"You went against a Shinigami Captain and Lieutenant, without any training to speak of. You did better than most." The stranger lips stretched into a thin smile. "It was stupid. Suicidal. The outcome was predictable." The man sighed. "Yet it wasn't like the man you're could have done anything less, is it? Kurosaki Ichigo, you want to protect her? This Rukia?"

Ichigo looked at the man, his sluggish brain trying to comprehend the words.

"Yes! I have to save her! I owe her everything."

The cloaked man smiled, evaluating the substitute Shinigami. Their time was running out. He smiled sadly, looking at his descendant.

"I can give you a second chance, though I'll ask you for a boon in return." The stranger looked away.

Ichigo looked the man who refused to meet his eyes again. Ichigo was ready to do almost anything to save Rukia.

"What's the catch?" He asked.

"You might get killed trying to fulfill my request. However, right now you are seconds from oblivion, so..."

Kurosaki nodded sadly. He could feel it. His body was dead, his soul clinging to it for a few precious seconds.

"I'm already dying. Risking my life is no price to speak of in this situation." Ichigo narrowed his eyes at the stranger. "What must I do? What is the price?"

The man bowed at him and gave him a smile of approval.

"I need you to take care for my little brother. I need you to prevent a tragedy." The man paused. "I need you to change who you're in order to succeed. I need you to become a Shinobi; to walk with death even closer than you do as a Shinigami. I need you to become an accomplished killer." Just like me was left unsaid.

"What?" Ichigo blanched.

"I need you to live another life if you're to earn a second chance to save Rukia and protect those precious to you." That sad smile was back at full power.

"I… I don't know if I can do that." Ichigo whispered.

"All I'm asking you right now is to try."

Ichigo closed his eyes and though about his little sisters. About Rukia and his friends. About his father, no matter how big pain in the butt the old goat was. Ichigo could feel the world growing duller, grayer. He was running out of time. He was pretty sure he was already dead and only the stranger kept him here, though it was obvious he couldn't do so for much longer.

Ichigo was out of time. What that man wanted… It went against everything Ichigo believed in. Against who he was. Ichigo had no problem fighting to protect those precious to him or for himself. However becoming a killer? A Shinobi even, whatever that really meant…

He was tempted to refuse. Just to let go. Yet, Ichigo found he couldn't do it. His sisters, Rukia…

"I accept. I can't promise I'll become what you want me to be however I'll do my best to save your brother. To avert that tragedy you're talking about. I'll do better this time..." Ichigo declared.

He was surprised at how weak and distant his voice sounded.

The stranger gave him a relieved smile. His eyes glowed, irises changing into intertwined black pinwheels, which were spinning slowly. Ichigo was mesmerized by the sight, never noticing how the space around him blurred, shifting and twisting as if being sucked into a vorterx.

"I'm sorry for the fate I'm forcing on you, Ichigo. But fear not, in the end of your days in the Elemental nations, you'll have the second chance to save your girl." He smiled. "And I have a gift for you. Tsukuyomi!"

Ichigo found himself in a realm of red mists and shadows, with a crimson moon glowing in the sky. The man was here as well, smiling at him apologetically.

"I'll give you your birthright Ichigo. The tools you'll need to survive and fulfill our pact. I, Uchiha Itachi, welcome you to the Clan."

Backfire engulfed Ichigo, engraving knowledge into his mind. Kurosaki screamed, black flames searing his very soul. The man was somehow transferring his skills to him, burning them straight into his mind. There were fragments of memories, just enough information to form a general picture of a strange world populated by people with supernatural powers. There were flashes, pictures of people who should not be trusted or outright feared. It felt like days, while the torture at last ended.

Itachi, sad smile never leaving his face, whispered:

"Rise, Uchiha Ichigo. Time to go home and receive my gift." Itachi smiled softly. "Cherish this opportunity."

The Shinobi's gaze twisted again, his eyes becoming a black void with a single crimson point in the center. The world stayed still for a moment and then Ichigo was engulfed by a vortex, to be sent far, far away.

Itachi's fell to his knees gasping for air. His expression was one of infinite agony. The Uchiha's site was gone, blood leaking from where his eyes were. Black flames engulfed his form, slowly consuming him. He turned his blackened face to the side, where invisible until now figure was approaching him.

"Our deal is now concluded, Uchiha." An inhuman voice grated. "Let's hope the kid is up to the task. More than he'll ever know is now riding upon his shoulders."

The Shinigami King thrust his hand into the disintegrating form of Uchiha Itachi, grabbing his very soul. The immortal being channeled his power into the Shinobi's soul, using it as a key for their plan. It opened a tunnel to the past, making something that should have been impossible a reality. The power of the god of Death erased the future of a part of the multiverse, resetting it's timeline from a specific point, making a few key changes as his pact with Itachi required. The Shinigami king barely stayed on his feet as exaustion hit him. The dice was thrown.

In another dimension, on the border of a country called the Land of Fire, a tear in the air appeared. A human shaped shadow fell through and went into a youth walking on a small dirt road.

=CE=

Chapter 1

The Land of Fire

near the border

A pitiful moan heralded Ichigo's slow return of awareness. 'That fucking hurt!' was the first coherent thought that crossed his mind. With a groan he dragged his dust covered form from the ditch where he was laying unconscious. His head was spinning, which was aggravating the killer headache tormenting him. He swayed on unsteady legs.

There were three sets of memories chasing each other in his head and they were making his mind feel like a Hollow just chewed on it, spat it out and then proceeded to stomp on it for a good measure.

There was Kurosaki Ichigo, a Substitute Shinigami. Brother. Friend.

Then there was Uchiha Ichigo who had lived almost his whole life in seclusion with his mother Masaki…

Ichigo whimpered at remembering… Everything that the Grand Fisher denied him all those years ago he got to experience in this world… until Masaki got sick and died not so long ago... So this was Itachi's gift – something that Ichigo might have been tempted to sell his soul for.

Remembering being raised by his mother in this strange world, it was a blessing. Experiencing her death again was a curse.

As if that wasn't enough, there were the memories Itachi burned into Ichigo's mind. Skills. Information he had no way of knowing being raised by Masaki…

Ichigo roared at the heavens.

=CE=

Ichigo didn't know how long he stood into that ditch while he tried to make head and tails of all the memories running through his mind. It might have been minutes or perhaps hours. Eventually he found out he could think more or less straight.

Ichigo looked around, assessing his surroundings. He was on a third rate country road – no sight of even ancient paved work, not to mention something modern, just hard dirt. The information came uncalled – more or less a normal road for this day or age. There were relatively few paved roads which were concentrated on the main trade routes of the countries in the Elemental nations.

For a moment he wondered if that knowledge came from Itachi or from being raised here by Masaki. Probably a bit of both.

He knew more than enough to live in this strange new world, he even had seared in his mind most Uchiha clan techniques, not to mention a lot of knowledge about taijutsu, kenjutsu, ninjutu and of course genjutsu. While no genius like Itachi, he had the nagging feeling that he was smarter now, more mature. Probably something to do with having lived twice as long or at least the memories of doing so. For a brief moment Ichigo was tempted to run to the house where he used to live with Masaki. He needed to reassure himself that the past he remembered was real, not just more memories simply being burned straight into his brain. Yet as soon as that thought came, so did the absolute certainity that his years in the Elemental Countries with his mother were as real as his time back in Karakura.

Ichigo sighed. Getting used to all those memories would take some time. In this world he was thrust into, Ichigo was a Shinobi in training. He could remember his excitement at the idea. His desire to be one of the most powerful Shinobi ever so he could make his parents proud.

His mother, Masaki… and his second father who he had seen only occassionally when Fugaku could get away to visit.

It was hard to think of being a Shinobi as something natural. As something he wanted. He was to be an elite hired killer with one of the rarest dojutsu in existence. That meant he would become a target as soon as knowledge of his existence spread.

It grated. All Ichigo wanted was to protect his precious people. He grit his teeth. He had two brothers in this world he hadn't even met yet – a younger version of Itachi who wasn't exactly stable after slaughtering most of their Clan and Sasuke… who was probably even worse thanks to Itachi…

Ichigo he had a decision to make. There was the chance, however slim, that he could live below the radar of the Shinobi – as a civilian. That meant no chance of returning to his own world. Itachi had made some kind of a deal with the Shinigami King himself so Ichigo was stuck here.

At least he was not robbed by his free will; there was no compulsion to help Itachi's brother, and by extension Konoha. He could fade into the shadows, live his life and die as ordinary man. However in such a case he would never see his little sisters again. Neither his father nor friends. He won't be able to rescue Rukia.

The alternative was to embrace an existence as a shinobi. To walk the path of blood and tears, the same path which had torn apart Itachi's heart. Not to mention that by running away to live ordinary life he would be spitting at the gift Itachi granted him. Ichigo was afraid to ask what price his new brother hat to pay in order to give him a second chance to experience a childhood with his mother.

Kurosaki's shoulders slumped while he was thinking. He laughed sadly. Oh, Itachi was a right bastard. The precious gift he gave Ichigo had strings attached and it was only now he figured them out.

A big part of Ichigo wanted to be a Shinobi. He wanted to meet his younger brother. He wanted, no needed to see his Clan raise again and none of that would be possible if it wasn't for Itachi's gift.

"Well played, brother." Ichigo whispered. Admiration and anger were plain to hear in his voice.

The need to protect that was a part of his soul pulled him towards Konoha too. Sasuke, his sisters, Rukia… He couldn't run. Nor hide. All acceptable paths led back to Konoha.

Well played indeed.

Ichigo sighed. He would need supplies, just in case. He was still some distance from Konoha. Now, with his mind somewhat clearer, he looked at his surroundings again, recognizing the road. He was at the border with the land of Waves, less than an hour from one of Konoha's equipment stashes for the village ninjas if Itachi's memories were correct. That thought made him grin for various reasons. Getting out of his dirty clothing he wore sounded good. Falling into that ditch didn't do him any favors.

The thought about getting his hand of some genuine Shinobi gear amused him to no end. It brought to the forefront of his mind the discontent between the image of ninjas in the world he came from and the ones living here. A lot of Shinobi, hell probably most of them relied on open combat and flashy techniques. Few were the shadowy assassins from the past of his world. Except the fellas in the assassination divisions, who were more or less poster children for the ninjas of Japan's past. Ichigo shook his head with amusement; these thoughts improved his mood a little bit.

"A Shinobi, eh? Let's see what that means..." The Uchiha accessed his Chakra, which he found to be easier that using Reiatsu – did proper training make so much of a difference?!

Ichigo disappeared into the bushes surrounding the road with speed at which it would have been impossible to navigate if not for his time as Substitute Shinigami. He was moving fast enough to be a blur for a civilian in either world. He soon entered the surrounding forest, jumping from branch to branch. The relatively brief race through the trees was exhilarating. Soon Ichigo reached a massive three – the cache should have been in its roots.

It took him a few moments to find it and then a bit longer to check for traps – there were none.

Ichigo retrieved dark blue shirt and black pants with lots of pockets. The clothing was joined by pair of leather hiking boots, which turned out to be surprisingly comfortable. Looking at the well preserved weapons in the cache, Ichigo wondered what to take. While thinking about the various sharp, pointy instruments of death and mayhem, he removed the wrapping of a small mirror. There were few of them present for couple of reasons – it helped when applying various "maskirovka" and was pretty useful when checking and trying to treat wounds on parts of one's' body which normally couldn't be seen. With trepidation, Ichigo looked in the mirror.

His face was the same, if a couple of years older. While his hair had retained its spiky form, now it was charcoal black - what one would expect from a stereotypical Uchiha. 'Good thing that I didn't come to this world with the standard stick up the ass, which is one of the Clan's trademarks.' He froze at that thought. He had just thought of himself as an Uchiha. 'You are one down to the DNA.' there was a small, treacherous voice, in his head.

Ichigo decided to bite the bullet and channeled a bit of Chakra in his eyes. The action was natural, as if he had done it countless times. His eyes changed, becoming crimson with three tomoes spinning lazy around his irises. He stared a long time in his reflection, the reality finally sinking in. Ichigo knew intellectually, who he was now, from the moment he awakened in this world, yet deep down, in his heart, part of him had been in denial. But now, seeing the changes with his eyes the enormity of his situation struck him like a sledgehammer.

Those eyes… He knew for certain they were proof of his mother's second death. He remembered grieving for her and how her death awakened hid bloodline.

A whisper, barely registered in his turmoilled mind:

"Abandon your fear, Ichigo. Move forward, never look back. You'll age if you pull back. You'll die if you hesitate. This is the world of your ancestors, your birthright. Embrace it or you and everyone you hold dear will die."

Ichigo shuddered as cold sweat covered his body. That voice was familiar, he somehow knew it as well as those of his father and sisters. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, regulating his Chakra flow in order to calm down his body faster. The trembling stopped and his shock subdued. With sure hands he wrapped the mirror in the soft textile protecting it from impacts. It resembled cotton to the touch, which made Ichigo wonder if cotton actually existed in this world.

Ichigo shook his head at the odd thought and continued browsing the gear.

He attached pouches of kunai and shuriken to his belt, and secured a duo of hunting knifes in his boots. Ichigo looked at the tactical vests in the cache and took the one which was the closest fit for him. Then he looked for a good blade. He was not sure why he felt that he needed a sword - was it because swords were one of the preferred weapons in the Clan or the part of him which was Shinigami desired a blade in his hands? The selection was poor - just a few tantos. Ichigo took the best of them and secured it to his back. Just in case, he stashed a med pack in the small of his back. He took a six smoke bombs, rations for a few days secured the rest of the stash.

"Uchiha Ichigo." He muttered. The name flowed naturally from his lips, just as easy as he would say Kurosaki. Ichigo shook his head in regret. He couldn't afford to think of himself as 'Kurosaki Ichigo'. That person had no place in the Shinobi world. The son of Isshin was no cold blooded killer, something he needed to become in order to survive and thrive here. Something he hoped, he'll be able to live with. The fact that a part of him was looking forward to becoming a Shinobi was both exhilarating and terrifying.

He exhaled loudly and stretched himself. Ichigo turned in the direction of Konoha and started moving in leisurely pace. He needed to sort through the memories of his new life, to figure who exactly Uchiha Ichigo was, before entering the leaf.

=CE=

Hi no Kuni

two days later

Ichigo was only a day out of Konoha, still moving slowly for a ninja. The last two days did wonders for his psyche, giving him enough time to straighten out his mind and feelings.

His memories of this world along with those grafted into him by Itachi were changing him, making him much more cynical. What he regretted from the whole ordeal was the death of what was left of his innocence. Ichigo was grimly aware of all the evils people did in the world, of what Itachi had done, even though his intentions were mostly good and honorable. Ichigo's musings were disrupted by clash of metal and muffled woman's scream which came in front and to the left of his current path.

Ichigo cursed under his breath for not being more aware of his surroundings and dashed to check what was happening. He made his way to the confrontation fast yet stealthy. He found himself hidden in the corona of a high tree, overlooking small clearing in the forest floor. There was a slender, black haired woman, supporting herself on a tree-trunk in the middle of the meadow. She was wearing red, armored blouse with only right sleeve, covered by a short dress which looked like it was made of bandages. Her arms and upper thighs, which were visible under her 'dress' were wrapped in actual bandages. She had a long bleeding gash on her lower right thigh, which was bleeding a lot, though luckily not with enough strength to indicate a cut artery. The woman's unusual eyes - red with double rings, were glaring at three shinobi, who were circling her like a pack of jackals. Her look held a hint of despair, which was soon washed by grim determination.

Ichigo could sense that she was almost out of Chakra too – not a good combination given the odds and her wound.

His mind promptly supplied her name - Yūhi Kurenai, Konoha's genjutsu mistress. Wounded, and without enough juice for even a simple jutsu, her situation was desperate. Ichigo slowly drew four kunai in his left hand and prepared to jump in.

One of the attackers, whose face he could see leered:

"She's a nice piece of ass. We can have a bit fun after all the shit she made us go through."

Kurenai glared defiantly at the shinobi, who had a Suna headprotector, with the sign of the village scratched through. A missing nin then.

Ichigo wondered how the hell those bastards had made it this close to Konoha without being stopped by one of the patrols. At least one of the missing nin was a would be rapist to boot. Ichigo's face was transformed into one of fury. His first kills were not to be ones he would regret.

The first idea anyone had of his presence, was when his kunai left his haand and hissed through the air aimed at a single target. That turned to be good idea, when the Shinobi, warned by combat honed instincts dove to the right. Two of the weapons were thrown at the back of his head and spine, and the other two at the most likely directions for the target to dodge. One kunai hit the missing nin in the tight, slowing him down. He was unable to evade the next pair which struck him in the neck and the left eye. He slumped to the ground dead.

Meanwhile, Ichigo was upon another of the Shinobi, slashing at him with his tanto. The missing nin was moving in slow motion, compared to the Sharingan enhanced perception Ichigo possessed. Slipping the blade between the hasty drawn guard of the man was a child's play. The ninja fell to the ground nearly decapitated, leaving Ichigo with Kurenai between him and the would be rapist. With an unexpected speed, Ichigo vaulted over the wounded Kunochi while his left hand was busy making symbols.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bomb!" Ichigo hissed.

A long stream of flame shot from his mouth as if it was the muzzle of a flamethrower. The missing nin had just enough time to start screaming before being engulfed in flames. A second later, he was rendered silent when superheated air made its way in his mouth and lungs cooking them instantly. The nameless shinobi's blazing remains crumpled to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut. Ichigo cleaned up his tanto on the clothes of one of the dead shinobi while scanning the forest for more treats. He was trying hard not to think about what he just did. He had snuffed the life of three people and it was easy. Too damn easy. With a supreme effort of will he ordered his hands to remain steady, fighting the shock which was trying to crash his system.

"Thanks." Kurenai rasped, a hand clutching her wounded leg.

Her voice was enough to distract him from thinking too much, which was a good thing at that moment. He looked her in the eyes causing her to gasp softly.

Kurenai bit her lip, forestalling a colorful curse. The man who just saved her had the Sharingan! Sasuke and Itachi Uchiha should have been the only ones left with that bloodline! Besides only Itachi was supposed to have the Uchiha's bloodline awakened. Further, the youth in front of her was deadly, slaughtering her pursuers with practiced ease. She logged in for later the lack of forehead protector, despite the otherwise normal shinobi outfit of the teen wore. Was this Itachi using genjutsu?

"Are those all of them?" The youth asked, waving at the bodies.

Kurenai nodded, the taunt lines of her beautiful face relaxing a bit. She was deadly pale. ''Blood loss and shock." Again a maddeningly familiar voice supplied from within Ichigo's mind.

"Let's see that leg." He said softly and knelt next to her. "That's a nasty scratch."

Ichigo noticed how she was slipping in unconsciousness and slapped her face lightly. "None of that now miss. Stay with me."

Kurenai focused on the young man, her eyelids heavy with fatigue. She felt his fingers probing her throbbing thigh and winced then yelped in pain as he none too gently pressed near the wound.

"Stay awake." He ordered with a voice brooking no argument.

She grumbled quietly, glaring at her unexpected savior.

"Not to be ungrateful, but who are you? What are you doing here? You are no Konoha shinobi."

Ichigo huffed while examining the wound. It was ugly with jagged edges but not deep enough to reach the artery. He opened the med - pack, tearing open a packet of blood-clothing powder.

"This will sting." He warned and dumped the powder all over the wound, causing Kurenai to hiss in pain and give an unladylike curse.

"As for your questions, no I'm not a Konoha shinobi. Heard of the place but haven't been there yet. To your second question, I'm hoping to be accepted in the village. I was on my way there when I stumbled upon this unpleasantness. Seriously, aren't there supposed to be patrols this close to the Leaf?! And as far as my name is concerned, ladies first." He said while cleaning the wound which had stopped bleeding for now, then proceeded to bandage it.

"Any idea which are the blood replenishing ones? While she was pondering his words, he asked, nodding at the med – pack opened between them.

"The red ones." She deadpanned. "I'm Yūhi Kurenai."

"A fitting name. It does suit you." He smiled at her.

Ichigo looked at his handiwork and hummed. It should be good enough until they reach Konoha. The time spent helping at his dad's clinic had apparently paid off. He cleaned the blood of his hands and gave Kurenai two blood pills and his canteen. His smile became thinner and he looked her in the eyes. He wondered how the first Konoha nin he met will react to his name.

"I'm Uchiha Ichigo." he said, his voice level.

Despite seeing his eyes earlier, Kurenai was startled at the name.

"An Uchiha?" the name poured from her crimson lips.

"I know, it's hard to believe. I somehow evaded the mandatory implantation of stick up my butt." Ichigo grinned sadly at her.

Kurenai chuckled, though still suspicious of her savior. She must have betrayed something in her expression, because his next words were:

"It's fine not to trust me yet. It comes with being Shinobi I guess. I just hope that you'll find me somewhat trustworthy after my inevitable meeting with an Yamanaka. Now, let's go."

Ichigo picked her up bridal style, prompting an indignant yelp, which was more from embracenment than pain.

"It's faster that way. Besides you shouldn't walk on that leg until a proper doctor has seen it." Ichigo explained

"I'm not a bloody princess in distress." Kurenai muttered.

"Well, you are certainly beautiful enough to be a princess." Ichigo quipped.

He sped into the failing night, moving as fast as possible without causing too much pain to the Kunochi in his arms.

=CE=

Konoha

the next morning

Ichigo reached Konoha shortly after sunrise. The massive wall surrounding the village was impressive. Very tall and wide, with polished like a glass outer surface. It was obvious that any direct assault would be a bloodbath. In fact, Itachi's memories didn't do it justice

There was a good half kilometer of cleared forest beyond the wall, making for a great killing ground, which was a big hat boon for the defenders. Reaching the Leaf, carrying one of their shinobi without meeting a single bloody patrol - not so much. When he neared the gate - a big damned monstrosity, he was finally confronted. A squad of half a dozen ANBU shunshined, surrounding him.

"Halt!" Growled the apparent leader.

Ichigo shook his head. Seriously, did they think that he wounded Kurenai and then decided to bring her to the village doorsteps!? Using the main road for the last leg of the trip too. Granted, there were probably a few Shinobi who would be crazy/arrogant or good enough to pull it off but still...

He shook gently the sleeping woman in his arms. Kurenai had dozed off in the middle of the night, her fatigue had gotten better of her still lingering mistrust.

"Hey, sleeping beauty! Please tell these nice fellas that I'm not an enemy! Preferably before they lose patience and start poking me with various sharp objects." He said cheerfully.

The Uchiha could swear that the ANBU leader's was eyetwiching under his wolf mask. Did Ishida felt so much satisfaction when he neeedled him back home?

"Uhm, what?" Came the Kunochi's sleepy voice. She opened her eyes and blinked still half asleep.

"Irate ANBU who, by the looks of it don't like me very much. Not to mention that your boss would might want to chat with me." He smiled at the sleepy woman in his hands. She was a cutie, reminding him of his sisters.

Kurenai sniffed innately and looked at Wolf. She pointed with her thumb at Ichigo and said softly:

"He saved me by three missing nin while I was returning from my latest mission. And yes, the Hokage will want to speak with him ASAP, because of his blood line. Please escort him to the tower."

The ANBU leader nodded at Ichigo with air of something that had the barest hint of respect. He looked at one of his subordinates.

"Eagle, take the Jounin off his hands."

"Hey!" Said Kunochi showed her indignation at being unceremoniously picked up.

"You, stranger follow us. Let's see if you are worth the Hokage's time." The ANBU continued unperturbed, waving at Ichigo.

=CE=

Hokage tower

Konoha

Sarutobi Hiruzen was waging an eternal war against the bane of his existence - the multi - headed hydra, known as paperwork. The old leader was able to use only a single shadow clone at a time to help him deal with the bane of his existence, otherwise he risked compromising his Chakra reserves in case of emergencies. He was hoping for a crisis, anything really, to get away from the tedious work. Preferably before the mountain of paperwork, under which his desk was barely holding, buried him alive under an avalanche of paper. His prayers were about to be answered. And his headaches were going to at least triple but that's another story...

It all started with a knock on the door.

"Hokage-sama, you have a visitor."

"Enter." Hiruzen redoubled his prayers, hoping for respite from the infernal paperwork.

A squad of ANBU, lead by Wolf, escorted a teenager in his office. Black hair, onyx eyes and what looked like a standard shinobi outfit if off a bit by its older design. Naturally, the youth was disarmed before being admitted in.

"Hokage-sama, this man saved Yūhi Kurenai, while she was returning from her last mission. She is in the hospital, being treated for her wounds. She said that you need to speak with this man, in regards with his bloodline limit." Wolf reported. "She'll be sending a report ASAP."

Hiruzen's gaze lingered over the visitor, meeting his unflinching eyes.

"Old man, you may want to decide who needs to know my story after hearing it. It's connected with an S-class village secret."

Sarutobi's eye twitched at the disrespectful tone, his face becoming grim.

Ichigo smiled, channeling a bit of Chakra at his eyes. Hiruzen's eyes became cold, calculating. The kid had fully formed Sharingan, yet he had never seen him before.

"By the way, how's my younger brother? I understand been like a lost sheep for the last few years."

The Professor glared at the young man. He knew or believed to know too damn much of the village dirty secrets. Hiruzen's left arm curled around a kunai hidden under his desk, just in case. He ordered the ANBY squad to leave and motioned with his free hand to the visitor to speak.

Ichigo's smile disappeared and he started his story.

"I'm Uchiha Ichigo. I awakened my Sharingan two weeks ago when my mother died by the wasting disease." There was a flash of anguish in his eyes as he spoke about his mother's demise.

"I wasn't sure if the story she told me at her deathbed was true, so I came here for answers. According to her, my father was Uchiha Fugaku and I have a couple of half - brothers left. A simple DNA test should be able to reveal if that's true."

'Damn that old geezer! Fugaku, apparently was perfectly capable of causing trouble even from beyond the grave, that bastard!' Hiruzen thoughts were spinning. No matter his parentage, the kid was an Uchiha. With his dojutsu, the accursed Council would be all over him, not to mention the bloody CRA (clan restoration act), damn the Second for making that troublesome law. As if someone in their right mind wanted the trouble of telling potentially powerful Shinobi they had to marry soon or else... Not to mention that if the kid turned out to be Fugaku's child, he might be the head of the Uchiha clan at least until Sasuke was seventeen. Or even permanently...

Ichigo dropped his next bomb.

"Was it you, or the council responsible for the kill orders on my whole Clan? I know of my father's conspiracy, but it was unnecessary to kill off everyone, even the kids and civilians. I am also aware that my brother Itachi is no traitor."

'Fuuuk! That's one secret that can't see the light of day!' For the first time in a years the Professor was left speechless, not to mention being barely able to keep himself from cursing aloud.

"So, old man, when is my scheduled R&R with the Torture and Interrogation division and the nearest Yamanaka, cleared for my family's dirty laundry? And, no I don't have my dad's delusions of grandeur. Seriously, how the damned walled compound, all the money, power and not to mention control of the bloody military police was not enough?" Ichigo shook his head sadly, mirroring the thoughts which Itachi had on the subject.

Sarutobi slumped in his chair, wondering if this youngster was a disaster waiting to happen or potentially one of the best things that had happened to Konoha in years. The reaction would have been enough confirmation if Ichigo did not have a firsthand account of these events.

"You have an appointment with Inoichi. We'll talk afterward." Sarutobi sighed. He was too old for this shit.

=CE=

Two hours and one mind rap... cough* interrogation *cough, later Ichigo was again in front of the Hokage who had his head buried intp a red little book and was giggling perversely. His vital intake of balsam for the nerves (that being the newest edition of Icha-Icha, with autograph and dedication from Jiraya) was interrupted by an ANBU giving him the short version of the interrogation report. The Uchiha was telling the truth as far as he knew it and apparently wished to join the village's rank of Shinobi. That was great. In that respect only few kinks remained to be cleaned up - a DNA test to check if he really was Fugaku's son, which would be an indication of how big the circus with the council would be.

Likely pretty big because Ichigo apparently remembered Fugaku visiting more than a few times according to Inoichi.

After these unpleasant details were done with, there was the test of his abilities to determine his rank which had to be arranged. At least according to Inoichi, Ichigo was trustworthy as someone who had grown up outside Konoha could be. Hiruzen only hoped that the council won't cause another Uchiha debacle. On that sore note was another big problem - how Ichigo knew in depth about the massacre and wasn't that another can of worms...

Apparently he had met Itachi couple of years back on the anniversary of the massacre. The "rogue" Uchiha had been hammered that evening and had told everything to his brother, who had been working at an inn not too far from where he used to live with his mother. Sarutobi would have to send message to Itachi and scold him. Granted, he knew that the actions of that night, weighted heavy on the loyal shinobi but such a slip could have grave consequences. Then there was dispatching ANBU to the inn and to check on the place where Ichigo used to live…

More headaches and even more paperwork to be dealt with...

The Hokage skimmed through the report which Kurenai had just submitted, while Ichigo was waiting impatiently.

"DNA test and when the results are ready I'll present you to the council." Said Hiruzen. He glanced over the mountains of unfinished paperwork at the Uchiha. "You did save one of my kunochi, without it being your duty. What would you want as reward?" It was a loaded question. On one side, a loyal Uchiha would be invaluable asset, and Sarutobi needed to bind him to the village, on another the question was a test.

"Two things, Old man. First I would like to meet my little brother, before the rumors start flying. It will be better if we both get untainted first impressions of each other."

Sarutobi nodded. It was a reasonable request, which was no trouble to grant.

"Second, I'm aware of the so called CRA, and I'll want an extension of the period before needing to marry until I'm at least nineteen that's two years from now."

"Hmm." The Hokage was intrigued by that request. If they were able to pull it out, it will be much longer, until the council could get its claws into the kid through a forced marriage contracts.

"I'll see what can be done about the CRA. You'll be staying for couple of days in one of the free Jounin quarters, until the DNA test is done and your clan status can be determined. As far as Sasuke is concerned, you can meet him at the academy after the results come in. Naturally until you are made a shinobi of the village, there will be a discreet escort." After that too...

"Fair enough." 'Shower and bed, here I come!' Ichigo thought.

=CE=

After being prodded with sharp needles in the hospital (and getting a general examination which lasted few more hours), Ichigo checked on Kurenai - who was napping at the time and was recovering nicely. He went to his assigned quarters, with directions provided by the duo of visible ANBU escorts. At least six more were shadowing them just in case.

The Uchiha took a long hot shower, followed by a meal that consisted of two chicken sandwiches and some apple juice. Thankfully the little apartment had come in with a stocked fridge. Ichigo cleaned up the dishes and crawled into bed.

Early next morning the DNA results were ready, probably breaking the local speed record after few words of encouragement by the Hokage. Yuppee! Ichigo was a proud big brother of one Uchiha Sasuke, who if the memories were right, was a piece of work thanks to Itachi's idiotic use of Tsukuyomi on the kid and the "stellar" performance by the council that followed. Ichigo had his work cut off for him, that he was certain of.

Cat, the ANBU who informed him of the results, was a fine lady, who made the uniform looking criminally sexy. It should be noted that with the notable exception of the local lunatic Anko, considering and treating any kunochi , less than a fine lady was a decidedly unhealthy proposition. As far as Anko was concerned, being in her general vicinity was a present and clear danger for one's sane and virtue.

"Hokage-sama, sends his regards. You should be able to visit your brother at the academy this morning, before the council meeting which is scheduled at noon."

"You have my thanks, Cat-san." Ichigo gave her a small bow.

He finished his late breakfast and after a fast shower, headed to the academy, trailed by his escort. He had at most two hours to go there, meet his brother and be at the Hokage tower in time. Half an hour later, Ichigo was there, asking for his brother's classroom. As it turned out, Sasukes' class was on a training ground behind the building for taijutsu practice. Ichigo's first impressions were not good. Sparing, apparently was an equivalent to catfight - one of which was in progress between a pink haired and a blonde girls. Much too young to make it interesting. Not to mention the periodical squeals of " Sasuke is mine, forehead!" and "Take that, Ino - pig, Sasuke-kun's mine!" This spectacle was supervised by a teacher with a horizontal scar running through the bridge of his nose. He looked like was ready to start banging his head on the nearest flat surface in embarrassment.

Ichigo looked for said little brother. Big child, munching chips, another who was sleeping while standing, an indigo haired girl, wearing something resembling an Eskimos coat, a boy with a little, white dog on his head, another boy, wearing blue shirt and white shorts, with a duck nest glued to his head, and an emo to boot... a boy in a trench coat, with sunglasses, a kid wearing orange track suit, which was screaming "Kill me NOW!"... Wait, what?! His head moved back. Sasuke all right. With a duck nest on the head and a grumpy expression on his face.

The catfight ended with both girls falling in a heap exhausted, all the while whimpering "Sasuke's mine!"

'Poor, little brother.' Ichigo thought. 'And to think I thought I had trouble at school. I at least didn't have potential stalkers who were being trained to kill… Ishida doesn't count, right?'

The next fight was between Sasuke and the orange clad child - one Uzumaki Naruto. This was a fast one - Naruto charged the Uchiha screaming, like a street brawler, without any concept for taijutsu. 'What the hell?! Those are supposed to be senior year students, just few months from graduation. With what little was shown so far - the kids were not good enough to take on the thugs of Karakura, not to mention samurai and ninjas. I'll have to talk with the Hokage about that, before these children get killed.' At least his brother had learned the basics, knocking down the orange menace with a well executed academy level combo. The crowd exploded with squeals of girlish joy.

"Sasuke!" At least a dozen girls roared in approval.

Ichigo's little brother looked skittish, like a deer caught in the lights of a speeding truck. Fangirls, the Terror from the Deep! Ichigo shook his head. Too much X-COM. Time to save the kid from the circling sharks.

"Uchiha Sasuke, a word, please." The substitute Shinigami's voice cut through the sounds of bloodthirsty predators, ahem - joyful fangirls, redirecting everybody attention to himself. Another round of squeals. 'Fuck! I don't need preteen fangirls!'

The teacher roared , using a jutsu which mage his head much bigger: " SILENCE!" - the sheer force of the scream was able to subdue his pupils. 'Got to learn this one!' Thought Ichigo.

"I'm Umino Iruka, the beast handler of these -..." the teacher waved at his charges. "Who are you and why do you need to speak with Sasuke during academy hours?"

"Ichigo. Uchiha Ichigo. I need to speak with my little brother before the council makes a circus from my arrival."

Sasuke scoffed. He had only one brother and he hated his guts! He had never seen this man before.

"I'm aware, that you don't know me Sasuke." Ichigo's voice became softer, the tone he used to comfort his little sisters.

"Why I wasn't here before is a long story, and this is neither the time and place for it. However do not doubt for a moment that I am an Uchiha." Ichigo activated his Sharingan, mesmerizing the small crowd.

Sasuke was looking at the man with different emotions from the most. He stared at the crimson eyes with three tomoes, not caring if Ichigo was his brother or not. This man had the Sharingan and possibly enough power to help him kill Itachi. That was all that mattered for him.