Disclaimer: As always I own nothing.

A/N: Guys, I know it's been a long time. The truth is, I've been sick and obviously had other things to think about. I'm sorry it took me this long but external circumstances and all that shit. Thank you for your patience and I'm grateful you stuck with me to the end.

And yes, it's the last chapter. Finally!

Enjoy&Review!

Chapter Nineteen: Children

„Did you ever wonder what would it be like to never become a ninja? To lead ordinary lives?"

"… What brought this on? Mi-"

"Just answer, Kushina."

"I-I… I'm sorry, Minato, but I can't say I did. I always wanted to be a shinobi. It was my dream ever since I was little. And, as awful as it may sound, I love this life. I love the thrill, the fight, the victory, everything. And I wouldn't have traded this for anything in the world."

"…"

"Why are you asking?"

"… No reason."

Minato opened his eyes. He ran a weary hand through his unruly blond hair and stretched tiredly. He was lying under the shade of an old oak and was quite content staying there, thank you very much. Nevertheless, the amount of unfinished work that awaited him in Hokage Office made him get up from his resting place and head towards the Tower. It was a sunny day, quite unusual for early October. Minato smiled, letting warmth wash across his face. Last months weighted on him but there had been few instances when he felt a smile tugging at his lips. It may have had something to do with his visit to Uchiha Estate to meet their new addition to the family.

It must have been a week after young Sasuke's birth, when he had received a formal invitation to attend celebrations that became tradition for all Konoha Great Clans whenever a new heir was born. Of course, as Hokage, he was expected to come as much as the Clan was expected to invite him. He was glad to come at any rate, if just to assess the situation at hand. The celebrations had been appropriately grand and no slight had been given to/by other Clans as all Heads had been present. But his eyes, as the majority of the guests, had been drawn to the little bundle held by its father. And truly, if such a small child could change Fugaku so much then Minato had nothing to worry about. Uchiha had looked so young, so obviously overjoyed despite his best attempts at concealing it, that Minato had been reminded of their Academy years. But perhaps it had been the way that Fugaku had held Sasuke, as if holding something fragile and precious, or maybe the way he had looked at him with reverence that had shaken him. He had never wished more than in that moment to have been made Hokage sooner, just to see the Uchiha act during Itachi's birth. He had made his way towards the other man and smiled brightly. ''He's perfect.'' he had said. And when Fugaku had turned towards him with a frown, Minato remembered hoping that the other would see he had been genuine. And Fugaku had, as his face cleared and he had allowed a small smile to play on his lips. "He takes after Mikoto." he had admitted fondly. "It's... Honestly, it's difficult to explain. But, I guess, you'll find out soon enough." he had teased. Minato had accepted the olive branch for what it had been. "It terrifies me, to be honest." he had answered. They had shared awkward smiles. In that moment both of them had forgotten that any animosity ever existed between them.

Minato sighed. For the past month, he felt hopelessly on edge, as if waiting for some horrible calamity to occur on his watch. The fact that his firstborn was on its way, really didn't help matters.

He blinked in confusion. Apparently, he was too lost in thought to pay attention to his surroundings and he ended up in cemetery. Minato rarely came there, the wounds left by war still too fresh for him to bear. He was about to turn back when he noticed a familiar silhouette before one of the graves.

Kakashi.

They both rarely spoke about Obito's and Rin's deaths. Those wounds were still too close, too raw and for Minato would always be a mark of his failure. And while he wasn't so blind as not to notice the same guilt that festered in his student's heart, he couldn't think of a way to breach the subject with the young jonin. But maybe this was the day to at least acknowledge their loss.

Minato walked with determined steps, taking special care not to be too quiet- he didn't mean to startle the boy after all. When he finally reached Kakashi, his student gave a gentle nod of acknowledgment but otherwise gave no response. Minato looked sadly at the tombstone that bore Rin's name. She had always been the odd one in his team and at the same time the most reliable. She had been the one to keep this group together, the one to come between often-quarrelling boys, both who in the end had made peace so tragically late. She had handled Obito's death far better than her remaining teammates- instead of falling prey to guilt and self-loathing, she had molded her grief into ambition and advanced her skills as a med-ninja. When Minato and Kakashi had been drowning their sorrows in definitely alcoholic drinks, Rin had thrown herself into work and training with fire in her eyes reminiscent of her fallen Uchiha friend. How she had managed to remain kind and helpful after, Minato could only marvel at that.

'You're missed, Rin-sensei.' Minato thought sadly. He looked at shinobi next to him.

Kakashi barely moved and if it wasn't for his silver tresses fluttering in the wind, he could have been mistaken for a statue. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse from disuse.

"You've lost weight, sensei."

Minato cleared his throat. "So, I've been told. Repeatedly, may I add."

He saw Kakashi smirk. "I'm sure Kushina-san is thorough in her educating." Minato sighed dramatically. "Promise me, you'll spare yourself the trouble and keep far away from Hokage post?"

"Duly noted." Kakashi answered mock-seriously. "Though, considering... I'm surprised you expect me to be alive by the time you leave your post."

"Do not say such things." Minato corrected him sharply. Kakashi's shoulders tensed. He answered carefully: "Why... Is it such an unfathomable notion that-?-"

"I won't be hearing this from a child." Kakashi turned towards him, indignation written all over his masked face.

"And since when have I ever been treated like a child?"

"It doesn't change the fact that you're still one. You... should not think of things like that."

"That's foolish." Kakashi replied coldly. "How could you expect me not, when precisely half of our team is dead?" he snarled. "My missions... my ANBU ambitions-" suddenly his visible eye narrowed and he asked shrewdly: "Have you been cutting my missions solely because-"

"I've been assigning you missions that can be completed with minimal risk from our side." Minato replied firmly.

"-and my ANBU enrollment?"

"Denied." Kakashi twitched and clenched his hands. Minato waited for a moment before continuing: "Understand, that it's got nothing to do with your skills or your experience. Those make you more than suitable."

"So, you're playing favorites?" Kakashi spat.

"Don't be so arrogant." Minato shot back. The teen seemed to notice he overstepped his boundaries and looked away. "I made the same decision with Yugao. Kakashi, you are Konoha's future. You'll be expected to carry on our legacy. I can't have you needlessly dying. We already lost enough young. Don't think I'm foolish to endanger those who were lucky to survive."

Kakashi glanced back at him hesitantly, before dropping his gaze to Rin's grave. His left hand rose to fix his headband.

"I haven't thought of that." his voice was quiet and Minato could hear shame in it. He sighed and gripped the boy's shoulder. "You always put too much responsibility on your shoulders. I'm the one who is Hokage here. Let me share it."

Kakashi swallowed and was silent for a few minutes. After a while he turned to Minato with slight smile.

"You're such a hypocrite, sensei."

Minato snorted. "That I am. Doesn't mean I'm wrong." He frowned. "Kakashi?"

"Yes?" his student asked carefully.

"Promise me you will let them go." Minato said gently.

Kakashi didn't get angry. He barely breathed. He knelt to lay his hand on the tombstone.

"I promise I will, eventually. However..." when he looked back at his teacher, his face seemed to soften, his visible eye glistening with unshed tears. "I think I'm going to need your help."

Minato smiled reassuringly. "That's what I'm here for."

"Itachi... Tell me the truth. Are you happy?"

"I... do not know. How can I tell?"

"Well, happiness is... It's... Hm."

"...I like spending time with Sasuke."

"Do you now? Why is that?"

"He doesn't cry when I'm with him."

"...Is that all?"

"No. It's just... It's difficult to explain."

"Like being happy?"

"...Yes."

Very much like the last time it visited the Village Hidden in Leaves, the raven flew with clear purpose, not bothered by its surroundings. And even though the circumstances were dramatically different, it did not stray from its path. It was not disturbed by fire and smoke, or anguished cries coming from dying humans. Not even a massive form of Kyuubi was able to distracted it from its goal.

The raven flew calmly and smoothly towards Uchiha District. It was only there to observe, definitely not to take action.

Something within, something that was more intelligent than a mere animal, bucked against the restrictions of its body. If only the circumstances could be different, if only… But it was no use allowing frustration to build, no use fighting against nature… Even though, it was exactly what was happening now. Its will was bound to a body feeble and weak of its own making, its name and legacy in hands of a mere child- but as long as he followed the plan, there could be no complaints.

The consciousness supposed, as the raven landed on a windowsill and curiously looked inside, that this was an indulgence for there was no reason to observe the family within the room. And yet, it was filled with glee and amusement as it watched the mother place an infant in her other son's arms. It wanted to laugh when a wave of raw chakra created by the Tailed Beast was sensed by the family, causing them to shudder and their Sharingan to flare in their eyes. It was an instinct that the ghost was all too familiar with. Even in this form it could feel, or perhaps remember, the sensation of being in the presence of such powerful chakra, the smell and vision of death it brought, the desire to control, to command it…

It watched as horror and confusion flashed across the boy's face. This boy with too serious face and too serious eyes clutched his precious brother protectively and demanded an explanation from his parents. Of course, they couldn't give it, they knew nothing of this. It could practically see the little Uchiha's mind try to solve the mystery and felt a swell of pride, misplaced as it may have been. Not in previous life or this one could they properly meet, and regrettably it seemed they may not meet in the future as well. Which was such shame… It wondered how far could the plan progress if this boy had fallen into his cave and not the other one… How far could they go with the mind as brilliant as this?

It saw the boy observe critically his now-leaving parents and thought it lucky that such massive source of chakra masked its own. The child was perceptive enough to see through this ruse after all. Perhaps he dodged a kunai with this one… In its experience humans like this often became enemies sooner or later.

Still, a twinge of regret remained. It would be a privilege to manipulate such an able mind. It could only take pride in planting little seeds in the boy's brain and hopefully those would give fruit in the not so distant future.

'If it goes according to plan.'

Realizing it already lingered too long, the raven took flight, pleased.

'Soon.'

If someone were to ask him, Minato wanted to die in his bed in ripe old age of eighty, surrounded by his wife, their children and grandchildren. And while he came to terms with the fact it was just an impossible dream, he couldn't help but indulge in that sweet fantasy.

He sometimes wondered, which god had a wicked sense of humor to give him such raw shinobi talent and hopelessly idealistic expectations.

All in all, being impaled by a claw of a Bijuu, cradling his dead beloved while sealing theirs and said Bijuu's chakra into his hours-old son was something he didn't expect.

Minato breathed with difficulty, trying in vain to blink darkness away.

"Naruto..." he whispered but got no further than that. Blood pooled in his mouth and he coughed harshly. His veins seemed to carry ice and his vision swam out of focus. He could no longer stay upright, Kushina's body an unbearable weight in his arms, her hair red like blood...

'Fuck. I couldn't even save her...' he thought bitterly as he fell gracelessly on his side. From his position on the ground he could recognize flailing limbs of his son and thought that at least he still lived, even though the knowledge of what he'd done, of what burden he placed on his son's frail shoulders were enough to make him howl-

Perhaps a better father would have chosen someone else.

He clenched his eyes, unable to look on any longer. He could only take comfort in the fact that Naruto was in safe hands, Sandaime could look after him...

Death was slowly taking him, he knew, but he still refused to stop fighting because fuck it, he was still too young, he still had things to do, he had to help Kakashi deal 'what will happen to him, he didn't deserve this, he'll be so alone' , he had Itachi to think about 'he'll break, there's no one who can help him, no one to hear, to understand and I promised him', he was still Hokage, damnit, and the village needed him alive not dead and useless, he was a father now, he couldn't just...

"It's no longer your fight." a voice, so like Kushina's, assured him and he, with no will of his own, followed it. He thought he heard laughter, a child's perhaps, smell wild flowers and freshly baked bread he remembered from his childhood and he could practically see Kushina's red hair dancing in the wind as she twirled on a doorstep, swinging a blond-haired boy in her arms, a strawhat on her head and a yellow dress hugging her form. It was all he ever wanted from life- not titles, not reputation or power; just her and their child, just their home… He could see her green eyes meet his, full of mischief and life as she opened her mouth to welcome him home-

"Your fight starts here, Namikaze Minato-sama." the same voice turned manic, full of cackling rage and sneer as the illusion faded away. He felt flames biting into his skin, tasted acid and something metallic on his tongue, saw, saw not imagined, indistinguishable shades with horribly disfigured faces, black and red eyes glowing in the fog, heard hundreds, thousands voices screaming in agony and he accepted his fate.

'Naruto. I leave things to you.'

He was called Namikaze Minato. And failure was not an option.

Sasuke was unusually difficult to appease, today. Normally, it took Itachi a few minutes to make his little brother smile no matter what caused him to cry in the first place. This time Itachi could only hold his distressed sibling and hope for the best. Mercifully, Sasuke stopped crying a while ago but snuggled close to his older brother, little fist clutching Itachi's index finger possessively, his round face marked with anxiousness. Itachi's heart ached for him and cursed his inability to soothe him. But if he wanted to be truthful, he himself was worried. For Minato-san, for Kushina-san, for the village, even for his parents. It worried him that apparently the whole Clan was either fighting the unknown enemy or in hiding.

Both options left him the only protector of a four-months-old infant.

He felt anxious enough as it was, glancing around and going tense over every suspicious sound… But he couldn't complain. Older brothers protected their younger siblings. Itachi wasn't going to fail in his duty.

No sooner he finished that thought, a figure jumped from a nearby tree and landed before doorstep Itachi was sitting on.

It took less than a second for a kunai to appear in Uchiha's hand and even less for it to be thrown with eerie accuracy into the stranger's head. Heart slamming somewhere near his throat, Itachi watched as the attacker narrowly dodged the weapon and he was just preparing to continue his onslaught with shuriken when a familiar voice cut the silence:

"The hell?!"

Itachi's eyes widened. "Shisui?!"

"'Course it's me, who did you expect?"

The moon peaked from behind the clouds and Itachi recognized the boy before him as Uchiha Shisui. After a cursory look with his Sharingan, the younger boy deemed him trustworthy and lowered his shuriken.

"Sorry. I thought you were an enemy."

"Yeah, I figured as much." Shisui glanced at the kunai that nearly cost him his eye. "Remind me to never get on your bad side? Oh…" He cocked his head to the side as he stared quizzically at little Sasuke. He looked like he was mentally browsing through a dictionary trying to find a proper name for the bundle in Itachi's arms. "So that's your… baby bro- I mean sis… Sibling?" he finished lamely, scratching the side of his face in confusion.

Itachi raised his eyebrows at the crazy person before him. "Yes." Pause. "His name is Sasuke."

Shisui looked dubiously at the baby and actually inched away from him. He seemed to be under the impression that Sasuke was about to leap out from Itachi's hold and attack him. "Uhuh. Gross. No offence!" He put his hands up in universal sign of surrender when he noticed the other Uchiha's expression turn murderous. "It's just… I don't like babies, alright?! Don't you dare judge me! Anyway," he quickly decided to change the subject from this dangerous topic. "I just came from the village."

Itachi instantly turned serious, previous anger forgotten. "What's going on in there?" 'Are they okay? Minato-san, Kushina-san-"

Shisui shook his head. "It's… Gods, it's even hard to explain!" He sat with a sigh on a doorstep that two brothers were currently occupying. Itachi looked critically at his companion. Now that Shisui was closer, he could plainly see that his skin was ashen and scattered with abrasions. And his eyes… Both were bloodshot and around his left one a bruise was clearly forming. However, that wasn't what drew Itachi's attention the most- it was his right eye in which a three-tomoe Sharingan was flickering on and off. Itachi suspected that Shisui didn't even knew it was there.

"Are you hurt?" he asked carefully.

"Huh?" Shisui frowned at him. "Yeah, yeah. It's a minor thing, really." He waved at his face. Itachi caught his hand and looked at him with such intensity that Shisui had to lean back. "Um… Itachi- "

"You have a three-tomoe Sharingan activated in your right eye. You need to calm down or you'll deplete your chakra." Shisui was staring quizzically at him but then he finally caught up with what Itachi was saying. To his credit, he didn't even question it. He closed his eyes and opened them only after a few deep breaths. They were once again black. They both relaxed.

"No wonder I could dodge that kunai, huh? I guess it was good for something at least." Shisui murmured, looking at his knees with blank expression. He appeared exhausted.

"What do you mean?" Itachi asked.

"Well," Behind Shisui's drained expression, embarrassment was shyly showing through. "I might have done a very stupid thing. I… I approached the thing that attacked the village." He raised his eyes to meet Itachi's. "It was Kyuubi."

'Kyuubi!'

Itachi only read stories about Tailed-Beasts. Most of them seemed like something out of legend- how one swing of its tail could topple mountains and cause tornadoes. He had never seen a Tailed Beast before. Of course, no one in hundred years had seen one. And now Shisui was claiming there was the most dangerous creature of them all right in the middle of his home?

'Was this the chakra I felt? So dark and awful… But how did it get here? Why? Not one of those appeared in… well, forever, so what happened? And Shisui-"

"And you just… walked up to it?" Itachi couldn't hide the incredulousness and anger from his voice. "You could have died!" He didn't even notice he screamed the last word. That stupid dreaded word that threatened to pull him under once again. His eyes narrowed and very nearly snarled at Shisui because how dare he play with his life like that! How stupid was he?!

It wasn't Shisui's alarmed expression that made Itachi calm down. It was little Sasuke who, sensing his big brother's distress, woke up and tried to reach to Itachi's face with his pudgy arms.

Uchiha instantly turned his attention to the toddler.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke. I didn't mean to wake you up, okay? See, nothing is happening. Go back to sleep." He crooned gently.

Sasuke yawned adorably. Apparently satisfied, he flailed a bit before settling down and nestling back into his brother's chest.

When Itachi, smiling softly now, turned to look back at Shisui, he noticed a peculiar expression on the other's face. He frowned.

"What? What is it?"

The older Uchiha shook his head. "Nothing. It's just…" he waved in the general direction of Sasuke. "You're good with him. Gods know how but you're good with him."

Itachi turned red and coughed awkwardly. "How about you tell me what possessed you to confront a Tailed Beast?" Shisui sighed. He leaned back and looked up at the stars.

"What was it? Damned if I know. It was like something was… pulling me there. Some force, want, I don't know! I felt like that time when I found mom's not-so-secret alcohol stash and drank some of that… It was hazy and confusing and empowering. I could do no wrong, just walk to the source of that power and take it. It was-" Shisui shuddered and fell silent. He looked disturbed and scared.

"It didn't even look at me." Shisui whispered. "Or perhaps it did but I was just one of the many puny humans." He admitted bitterly. "By then I was just a terrified little brat who was way over his head. The amount of dead was nearly enough to make me freeze. And the sheer force of Kyuubi's attacks… I guess that's how a battlefield must look like."

Itachi didn't answer. He assessed Shisui carefully, wondering if the other boy wanted him to confirm or deny. However, it seemed he didn't mean anything by it. He was lost in thought, not once glancing at Itachi in question. Nothing seemed to indicate he was aware his cousin had spent months on a battlefield. Itachi didn't correct him, didn't even comment- Shisui, as nice as he was, was still new to him. And while the younger Uchiha yearned for a friend, he was not ready to give his trust so easily. Previous experience taught him enough on misplaced trust and loss.

"Seriously, if Yondaime hadn't showed up, I would have been in deep shit."

Itachi's heart missed a beat. "What?"

Shisui rolled his eyes. "Yeah, fine I know I shouldn't curse but come on-"

"No, not that." Itachhi snapped. "Min- Yondaime came to rescue you?"

Shisui looked majorly relieved that Itachi wasn't some vocabulary purist. "In a way, yes. I only noticed him when he was standing on top of the Hokage Mountain. Coat flapping in the wind and everything! And then he stopped Kyuubi's attack without even moving, like a badass! And after that he somehow transported himself and the Fox outside the village!" For the first time since he came, Shisui's eyes sparked with life. "He is awesome!"

Itachi smiled. 'Yes, that sounds like Minato-san.'

"I guess he is, huh?" Of course, he already knew that. But he still was pleased he wasn't the only one who appreciated Minato-san the same way he did. But then again, Itachi owed him far more. If Minato-san could save the young Uchiha from himself, there was no need to worry. He was after all the strongest and most powerful person Itachi knew. If there was anyone who could beat a Bijuu, it was Minato-san.

"There's no question about it, Itachi!" Shisui replied. "I know you haven't seen him, but take my word for it. I'm glad Konoha has someone like him for Hokage."

"I know." Itachi said simply. He gently rocked Sasuke as he watched stars with a smile. "I believe you. He's the strongest person in the village. And…" He bit his lower lip, unsure if he should continue. Shisui was bound to have questions after that and Itachi was not ready to answer them.

"You have me. And Kushina. And the village. You can trust us."

He took a deep breath and said: "And he's good at saving people."

He saw Shisui glance at him from the corner of his eye. He stubbornly refused to meet his stare but noticed the other Uchiha was trying to figure out if his words had double meaning.

"Itachi-"

Shisui didn't finish. Both young Uchiha snapped their heads in the directions of the trees where two silhouettes could be seen. It was Fugaku and Mikoto.

The two of them were pale and their uniforms were covered with blood but they seemed fine if obviously shaken. They faltered when they noticed two kids sitting on the porch. Next to Itachi, Shisui swallowed. He couldn't be blamed for being cautious- the last time they were caught talking, Uchiha Clan Heads were less than pleased.

However, it seemed Itachi's parents had greater problems than a boy from a lesser line playing with their son. Without a word, Fugaku walked up to Itachi and gently extracted the sleeping toddler from his grasp. He spared no word to his heir and simply went into the house. Sasuke himself didn't notice the difference.

Itachi, confused by his father's behavior, looked at Shisui for confirmation but the other boy shrugged in a way that said: "Yeah, I have no idea either."

"Shisui," came the firm voice of Uchiha Mikoto. "Your mother has been looking for you. Please, don't keep her waiting." It could be so easy to interpret her words as a threat but Mikoto only seemed tired and worn. There was softness around her eyes that Itachi had only seen directed at Sasuke. He felt fear and dread raise in his bones.

Shisui honestly had no choice. With a last searching look and a ghost of smile, he waved at Itachi and marched towards his home. Seeing his mother had not moved from her spot next to him, Itachi remained sitting. It was only when Shisui disappeared from view, Mikoto turned to her son.

"Itachi, I…" she hesitated but ultimately sat down next to him. He felt pleased that he didn't flinch away (something he would have done not so long ago), however her attitude only made him restless.

'Surely it can't be that bad?'

"I suppose there's no gently way of saying this… And please believe, I never thought something like that could ever happen…" She sighed. "Itachi, the Forth Hokage is dead."

For a moment the world stood still. Itachi felt his heart speed up while numbness, the feeling like he was being submerged in ice cold water, coursed through his body. There was a strange ringing in his eyes and he was fairly certain he was going to pass out.

'It can't be true.' Itachi thought desperately. 'It can't be true because Minato-san is not dead and so the Fourth Hokage could not be dead. Minato-san can't be killed. Minato-san is not dead. He's not dead. He's not dead, not dead, not deadnotdeadnotdeadnotdeadnotdead-'

Itachi thought he heard a voice calling him back and he fought to focus on it. He couldn't go under, he had to stay strong for Minato-san-

"Itachi!"

"He's not dead," he whispered, looking for any reassurance on his mother's face. She was just joking or playing a trick- and it didn't matter that she had never done anything like that before, she had to be lying because Minato-san wasn't dead-

"Itachi, I'm so sorry." Mikoto had tears in her eyes and there was true remorse in her voice. She reached out to her son but Itachi backed away.

'He's not dead because-'

There was a terrifying, wild look in his black eyes. He fought for control but a sob escaped him nonetheless. He could feel darkness closing around him and the familiar Uchiha compound flickered in and out of focus, replaced by also familiar forest and meadow. The smell of grass, blood and decay was threatening to overwhelm him but he still looked to his mother, searching for confirmation.

"I'm so sorry." Mikoto whispered, only horrible truth in her expression. "He's dead but, Itachi-"

It was too late. Itachi could not hear her.

'-because he promised!'

Everything he held at bay for so long broke free. Such immense force which was under control only because of a reassurance of a man who was mortal like any other. And it didn't matter where he was, on the other side of the village or the world itself, just knowledge alone was enough to chase away his demons. Not anymore.

Not ever.

He was dropping back to hell, he was sure of it. Someone was screaming and it took him a minute to realize it was him. He was falling and falling… He had to close his eyes to keep from getting sick. There was no end to this, just this horrible sensation of sinking.

And suddenly, he heard whispers, cries, groans of pain, mad laughs and begging. Itachi covered his ears but it was useless- those were his memories, they could never be erased. Stop, make it stop, he said to no one in particular. But there could be no reprieve for him. The voices in his head were persisting and loud, building to a crescendo. He screamed and screamed until he was trembling like a newborn colt.

There was no escape.

And there was no one coming for him. Not this time.

There was only death.

'Strange, how quickly a life can turn around.' thought Kakashi numbly. Technically, he already knew that. He was a shinobi, unexpected turns of fate were hardly a surprise to him.

And look at him now. Shaken, lost, unsure- truly, a perfect specimen of ninja race.

He breathed unevenly, trying to hold himself together in front of the whole village. Especially in front of the whole village.

'The next time it happens, I'm getting the fuck away.' A few days ago, he would have gotten scolded by his sensei for his pessimistic view. A few days ago, he actually had one.

His left hand twitched at the thought. He was glad his mask covered an ugly grimace that crossed his face. It could have at least rained...

Indeed, dark clouds gathered above Konoha though it wasn't just a figure of speech. The air was chilly, sign of early winter. Kakashi was dressed in warm black overcoat, the same as the rest of the village. It didn't protect him from the overwhelming cold that settled in his gut from the moment he heard of Namikaze Minato's death. It only intensified while he watched people lay down white chrysanthemums on a simple coffin that held his sensei's body.

He had no intention of moving even close to that coffin. Actually, just standing between Gai and Asuma was taking enough of his will-power; he feared if he dared to walk there, he would just break.

Minato-sensei wasn't his father. When they had met, Kakashi had been old enough to be wary of forming any sort of attachment with other people. However, Minato loved, '-had loved-', turning well-formed plans on their heads. Against his better judgment, he had trusted him, trusted to be there when he was needed.

'Fucking bastard.' thought Kakashi viciously. Thinking about Obito's and Rin's deaths always made him feel guilty- it had been his job to protect them and he epically failed at that. But this... This time it was a death of someone who he believed could protect him.

He felt as if someone ripped him away from this world and decided to thrust him into a completely unknown one.

'You fucking promised.' he thought with growing despair. 'You fucking promised, you self-sacrificing asshole. You just couldn't resist, could you? All your talks on team effort and in the end you did everything on your own. Fucking martyr.' thought Kakashi angrily, biting his lower lip to keep from howling.

'You could have at least taken me with you!'

And wasn't that the clue of the problem? Who was he now? Hatake Kakashi of Team... Kakashi, he supposed. Something worse than a failure- a thrice-cursed shinobi that couldn't even make it into his twenties without losing everyone on his team. He should throw himself off the Hokage Mountain and save everyone the trouble for all the good he was.

'It's only a matter of time before it's my turn.' thought Kakashi viciously but then again he felt he was entitled to his opinion. He simultaneously felt relieved and just a bit scared (the latter he decided to stomp without pardon). But it would be better this way. Anything should be better than this gaping hole in his heart.

The horrible fact that no matter how he tried to reason, no matter how he tried to explain to his own mind that Namikaze Minato was fucking dead, dead and not coming back, and beating himself with "what-ifs" and sappy memories at this point was just pointless torture, unbecoming of someone with a jonin rank, he still couldn't stop it.

He felt like a kid again, who found his father's dead body in their living room. He felt like a kid who found out his father preferred his own stupid honor over his son's life. He knew it unfair comparison- Minato-sensei didn't kill himself because he couldn't stomach a failure on his pristine record, he did it because it was the only way to save everyone. Kakashi knew it. He understood. He was capable of looking at the situation rationally, objectively. But he was only human, just a stupid kid who believed for a second that there was someone who could not be beaten by death.

Well, he sure learned his lesson.

"Kakashi." He heard Asuma's voice in his ear.

Mechanically, he turned to him. Asuma's worn face showed only concern. "You wanna go out there?" he asked, nodding his head towards the platform and the coffin.

Kakashi felt like as if a vice closed around his heard and squeezed. The very thought of going there, even if it was a right thing to do, made him sick to his stomach.

It would have made everything so horribly real.

Mutely, he shook his head. Asuma's lips tightened in worry. When he spoke, his voice was gentle but firm: "I think, you should. You could say goodbye…"

'That's the point!' thought Kakashi hysterically. How could Asuma understand? How could he, when he had his family and Kakashi had no one. Kakashi who handpicked his associates carefully, assessing them and detaching himself when he found them weak, Kakashi who didn't put his trust lightly in just anyone… In the end it was Kakashi who was once again abandoned.

He didn't want to say goodbye to anyone, ever again.

He turned away and walked off, leaving Asuma staring after him in compassion.

He didn't dare to look at anyone when he navigated through the crowd, he couldn't face them. He moved past them all and slipped into the forest. No tears escaped but he felt worn and beaten nonetheless.

His step quickened- before he knew it he was running, adrenaline momentarily clearing his mind until nothing mattered. Panting, choking his emotions back, he burst into a very familiar meadow.

The place where Team Minato passed their genin test.

'Figures!' he snorted inwardly. 'This is exactly what I needed. Memory-guilt trip.' Like a spell, memories of his team flew in his mind: Obito goofing around, trying to look cool, himself being an aloof, self-serving prick, Rin ignoring them both and getting the job done, Minato-sensei being quiet and reliable…

He might have laughed in disbelief, if he wasn't alone.

The figure standing before the memorial was unmistakable.

Jiraiya's white hair stood in stark contrast to his black coat.

Kakashi knew his presence hadn't gone unnoticed by Sannin and out of respect decided to approach the other man. However, when he stopped next to him, he realized he didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry." sounded so bland, impersonal. It seemed so selfish for even thinking this but Jiraiya may have been the only person in the village who shared his pain.

It was a small relief, but a relief nonetheless.

"Jiraiya-san." He greeted quietly.

There was a long pause before he got an answer.

"Kakashi." Jiraiya's voice, hoarse in its grief, cut through the thick air. "You should be at the ceremony, kid."

Hatake's eyes didn't leave the monument when he shot back.

"So should you, sir."

There was a pause in Jiraiya's reply and Kakashi feared he overstepped the line. But Sannin's voice was devoid of emotions.

"How many of these funerals do you think I attended?"

Feeling shame creep up his neck, Kakashi bit his lower lip before answering.

"I do not know, sir." He heard Jiraiya sigh.

"Neither do I. Never bothered to count." His cold clinical tone caused Kakashi to further drown himself in embarrassment. "I think I earned to be selfish once in a while."

It was so easy to forget with Jiraiya, that the man who dressed in flashing red robes, who smuggled him alcohol, goofed around and laughed without a care in the world, survived two shinobi wars. He never wondered how many comrades he must have lost during his life. It was a humbling thought.

" How can you stand it?" Kakashi asked quietly.

To his credit, Jiraiya didn't question what the other shinobi was referring to. He looked pensive and a little worn when he finally gave his answer.

"I remind myself that there are still things worth fighting for."

Kakashi gritted his teeth in sudden anger- this was- this was an answer he was dreading because it seemed so cliché, so common that he never imagined anyone actually being honest when saying it .

"'Worth fighting for'?" he replied sardonically. "Like what? Honor? Pride? World peace?" he sneered. Sannin was looking at him passively, with an almost pitying expression. It only caused to enrage him.

"What else are you going to say? What other old-man-wisdom are you going to bestow on me?! That he wouldn't have wanted me to be sad?! Or maybe if I truly cared about him I should continue his legacy?! Or perhaps the favorite: "Don't let his sacrifice be in vain"?! Why would you think I care some weak-!" A sharp pain exploded on his right cheek, effectively cutting him off. Kakashi was sure that right now he was imitating a fish out of water, but couldn't help it. He stared in shock at Jiraiya, who was calmly lowering his right hand.

"You forgot your place." Sannin stated slowly yet firmly. There was no apology in his tone. "You forgot who you are speaking to." He didn't need to raise his voice- there was no mistaking the cold fury that slipped through every syllable. He sighed heavily and his expression softened. "You care, kid. You care enough to throw away everything he taught you just so you wouldn't have to hear his voice in your head admonishing you. You care enough to hate his guts for appearing in your life. You care enough to hate yourself for not… I don't know… being more." He pulled out a pipe and lit it. "Any of that sounds familiar?"

Kakashi couldn't answer. How could he? All those chaotic emotions, condensed in three sentences. He would have felt offended if he wasn't so ashamed. Luckily, Jiraiya wasn't waiting for his reply:

"I was there too, kid. The same place you're in right now. Been there, done that, bought a T-shirt." He frowned, looking away. "It's a nasty place to be, I remember. You don't see anything but yourself and whatever darkness you carry in that noggin' of yours. Awful stuff. It eats away at you until there's nothing left. But there always is." Jiraiya said suddenly, looking straight at Kakashi. "There's always something that keeps you going. That great book which sequel comes out in a year. A mission that has to be done because the other guy is an idiot. A shitty contest that your friends roped you into. Because everyone expects you to break and you keep going just to spite them. I'm not saying your feelings are childish or not appropriate. You should feel them because they are quite natural. But if you ever use that tone on me ever again, I'm slapping your bitch-ass down. I lost patience for this shit decades ago." Jiraiya finished and puffed his pipe.

"I just- I just want the world- someone to give me my due-"

"Yeah, I'm going to stop you right here. No one owns you anything. People don't own you anything. And if you want to take your issue with Fate or whatever, well… You better know some time-traveling or universe-changing jutsu because I don't see much success in that field. Hey," He said grasping Kakashi's shoulder gently. "You know what I do when I'm met with some douchebag behavior or when Fate wants to kick me in the nuts? I say: "Fuck'em". Seriously, why should you care if some prick is being ungrateful? Fuck'em and do your goddamn job, you're at least a decent person that gives a fuck about people which is something considering our line of work. Do it because it's the right thing to do."

Kakashi stared at Sannin because for a second there he thought he saw Minato-sensei standing just behind Jiraiya's back. He shook his head to clear his mind. 'Ridiculous, of course.'

Jiraiya was watching him critically. "You're going to be alright, kid?"

Hatake's initial reaction was to snap back: "haha, of course, never better, seriously, the hell?!"; however, now he took his time and considered his response. 'Alright'? ' he thought. 'It's difficult to even imagine getting up every morning for work.' But then he felt four distinct chakra signatures at the edge of the clearing. They stayed at edge, with no intention of intruding, just… being there, unobtrusive, familiar, safe. Kakashi turned towards them and just stared at four shadows of his friends. Words slipped through his lips before he had a chance to rethink them.

"I hope so." He was surprised he genuinely meant them.

Jiraiya smiled and nodded. He waved him off without a word, at ease once more.

Kakashi moved slowly, each step heavy and careful but he wouldn't let despair beat him back. He was after all Hatake Kakashi, student of Namikaze Minato and while it was difficult right now to believe in a possibility of happier times, there was no other way but to keep going. He wasn't a coward like his father, he had vowed to never be like him. And Jiraiya was right- he needed to get the fuck away from his head for a while- it was not a comfortable place, it wasn't going to be for some time- there was no use dwelling too long on his pain. Kakashi was nothing if not practical.

"I seriously hope we're getting royally drunk today." He said once he reached Asuma, Gai, Kurenai and Anko.

"No truer words were spoken." Asuma replied, clapping Kakashi on his shoulder.

"I know a place. The owners know not to ask too many questions." Anko piped up. Kakashi could tell that even she, who probably didn't care as much about Minato-sensei as he did, was affected greatly by his death. It was comforting.

"The last time you said that you got drunk on something that made you think a willow was Shodaime and you started making out with it." Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "It would have progressed further if it wasn't for Gai knocking you unconscious. You were throwing up for three days and you still insisted my begonias were flirting with you."

Anko's cheeks turned light pink but she still kept her smile. "Oh, come on! Let's live dangerously!"

"It may be just something we need." Gai pointed out and both Anko and him shared a conspiratory glance that was too obvious to go unnoticed.

Kakashi looked at them all and for the first time in days felt his insides feel with warmth.

"Lead the way."

He was Hatake Kakashi- no more, no less.

And failure was not an option.

There were times when Itachi thought about dying. It was not a new occurrence, he had certainly had his fill of those in Grass. Truthfully, it was like having a shadow or an old friend tailing behind him, just waiting for the opportunity to make himself known. This time though… Well, he thought about it in much vivid detail than before.

And it was perfect, Itachi thought. His parents took Sasuke and went to the funeral (he refused to dwell on that), leaving the house empty. He could bet the entire Clan was gone to attend the ceremony. If there was ever a perfect time to…

He was slipping again, he realized. He had been doing this ever since he had found out about Yondaime's death. He had barely remembered those days- they seemed to have passed with a speed of a snail. Itachi had spent most of his time skulking around his house, not talking, barely eating. And on the inside… Sometimes, he wanted to just cry, sometimes he was so overcome with anger he had to force himself not to throw a kunai through someone's skull. And sometimes, he just wanted everything to end. Those last thoughts seemed to be more and more frequent as the time went by.

Strangulation. Poison. Drug-overdose. Suffocation. A kunai to the heart. Itachi was confident he could rig it to make it work.

Itachi sighed. It was a mistake to stay. He shouldn't have ignored his parents when they were leaving. But then again, if they actually cared enough, they would have dragged him with them, by force if necessary.

Rage rose deep in his gut. For now they were just little seeds but Itachi was already well acquainted with his moods to know where this was going. This feeling would grow and fester and poison his mind with cruel ideas that often left him sick and exhausted. It was little things that set him off. His mother making dinner, his father reading a newspaper, even a random thought was enough. He knew he should do something about it but frankly, he was dead tired. It took all his energy to roll out of bed and dress. It was probably why he was still alive- staring at the ceiling was more preferable than preparing elaborate suicide.

'I shouldn't think like that.' Itachi thought numbly. He had been using the word "should" a lot lately, too. It didn't change how he felt, it actually made him feel more guilty than he already had. He told himself he didn't care. And if he didn't care, was it really such a surprise that his parents didn't give a damn? He gritted his teeth, feeling a snarl pull at his lips.

'Minato-san would have cared.'

His eyes widened. His heart sped up in panic. He shouldn't think about him. He hadn't allowed himself that. It was already too painful. But it was Minato-san's funeral. He should think-

'No!'

He sat up on his bed. He was breathing too quickly, he had to calm down, he really should before-

'Stop it. Stopstopstopstopit, you idiot!'

A sob was ripped from his throat. He tugged at his short hair to distract himself from the gaping hole in his chest. It was stupid, he knew. Why was no one here with him? Why was he left alone? It wouldn't have happened if someone was here. Someone trustworthy. Why was no one ever HERE?!

He hadn't even noticed when he was on his feet. It was only when he felt pain spread from his left hand, he understood he had punched the wall. He looked blankly at his bruised fingers.

'How did this happen? How did any of this happen?'

Anger exploded within him. He fell to his knees and started shaking. But it was not from sadness or desolation. Pure unchecked wrath swept him away and he wasn't sure if he wanted to kill someone or torture them slowly first.

'Why is it me? Is it truly my fault? Did he die because of… me?'

'No! I'm just a kid! How could it be my fault? How could it be, when he was the one who died?'

The last thought stopped him. He was surprised at the bitterness it left. He hesitantly reached for the string around his neck. He sharply tugged it free and looked at it. He remembered what Minato-san had said about it. He swallowed.

'It couldn't hurt, could it?'

He allowed his chakra to activate the seal woven around the necklace. He forced himself to wait.

Nothing happened.

'Just a bit more, then.' Itachi thought wildly. But after the second try, nothing changed. There was no Minato-san appearing from thin air, no sound of footsteps, nothing. Just silence.

Before he could stop it, he threw the necklace away. There was a soft "clink" as it hit the wall and fell on the floor. Itachi noticed the seal-tag separated from the string. It was now lying on the floor, harmless. Useless.

It was the breaking point.

"How-how could you do it?!" Itachi screamed, still looking at the only remnant of the late Hokage. "How could you? You always came when I didn't need you! And now… And now when I truly do you, you don't show up! What use are you when you're dead!"

His breath hitched. He felt tears well up in his eyes. He didn't want this. He never wanted this to end like this.

"It wasn't my fault! It's all on you! You were the one who lied! You broke the promise!" He let one tortured sob leave his lips. "You promised! You promised you wouldn't leave!" 'You traitor.' He thought but it lacked anger. It didn't make him feel better. He felt hollow and alone. Helpless. Disappointed.

'Does it always have to end like this? Is this going to continue?'

Only if you let it.

Familiar voice echoed in his mind. Itachi sat up straight. It wasn't his imagination, he was sure. Before, he couldn't with certainty assess if this voice was real or not. Now, apparently something changed. Perhaps, since Sora's… It was clear and obviously foreign.

Itachi didn't know much about gambling. Well, it was high time to learn.

And maybe he was going to walk away with something valuable.

'Whatever you are willing to show me, I'll listen.'

It seemed hours before he got an answer.

Oh? So you hear me now, baby crow?

'I always did. Now I know I'm not going crazy. If you're powerful enough to do this, then you could help me-'

I know what you want. I am flattered you think so highly of me, but ultimately, not interested.

'Don't you dare.' Itachi growled. A laugh was his answer.

You can't always get what you want, boy.

Those were not proper words to calm him down. Those were words meant to piss him off. Itachi wasn't going to back out.

And how are you planning on making me talk? That would be a wonder to see.

'I'll find you. And then I'll make you talk.'

A resounding laugh was even louder than before but Itachi took comfort in it. It just meant the owner was going to be easy to find.

He knew what other Clan members were saying about him behind his back. "Unnaturally gifted for genjutsu" were often-used words. And he always knew he could manipulate chakra better than adults. Now, it was a matter of putting his talents to work.

He hadn't felt more alive since Kyuubi attack.

"I won't fail." were his last words before plunged his mind into darkness.

He was standing in the familiar- looking meadow. It was eerily quiet, so unlike he remembered. It was already night and Itachi could barely see trees in the distance. There was smoke or rather fog thick enough to cover the field and shield the stars.

He squinted his eyes when he heard something move to his right. There was a bird flying from the trees. For a split second his heart jumped to his throat and he nearly cried "Sora!" but stopped himself when he noticed it was a raven, not a crow. Suddenly, one raven became ten and the whole murder circled above him, cackling madly. Itachi observed them in curiosity.

"Don't play games with me. Show yourself!" The ravens in response collided before him and fused, creating a person.

When Itachi saw shaggy, unruly hair his heart leaped in hope but it wasn't Minato-san who stood there. It was the cloaked man who invaded his home before. The one he saw in his dream.

Itachi didn't waste any time.

"Bring him back!" he ordered.

The man cocked his head to the side. Itachi couldn't see his face but was certain he was smirking.

Anger bubbled and simmered under young Uchiha's skin.

"I said, bring him back!" Itachi screamed as he lunged towards the other's neck.

The cloaked man obviously wasn't expecting that move and was too slow to protect himself. They both fell on the ground, twisting and punching where they could. Finally, Itachi managed to roll the stranger on his back and pulled down the hood which obscured that unknown face for so long.

He froze.

He knew that face. He might have seen only a drawn picture of it in a book that was now gathering dust under his bed, but the likeness was unmistakable.

Without doubt, it was Uchiha Madara.

He looked young, much too young for a person that had to be alive for… Well, Itachi wasn't exactly sure but definitely above eighty. He had long shaggy hair that framed a face twisted by an ugly sneer on his lips. He had to swallow when he stared into those black eyes. He knew them well. They were the same eyes he saw every time he looked into a mirror.

"My, so you got me." Madara whistled approvingly. "What are you going to do, baby crow? Kill me?"

Itachi continued to stare in shock.

"Or gape at me like a brainless Senju, that should work famously." He rolled his eyes and casually backhanded Itachi across his face. The boy fell painfully on his side. He tried to get up but some unseen force was keeping him pressed to the ground. He could barely lift his head to see his ancestor get up and brush invisible dirt from his robe.

"You still have a long way to go. But let it not be said I don't acknowledge your efforts. You took me by surprise. Which is impressive considering we are in your mind and all your thoughts are open and clear." Itachi felt movement return to his body. He slowly got up without taking his eyes from the man.

"You're Uchiha Madara?" he asked quietly.

"Well, yes." Madara answered sarcastically. "Any other useless questions we can get out of the way?"

"You should be dead!" Itachi said before he could stop himself.

The man grinned wildly. "Ah, yes. I guess I should be. Don't worry, you are not the only one to think so. Or "were", I suppose."

"How can you be alive?" Itachi asked desperately. "How did you do it? Is… Is it me?" Itachi concluded in fear, his mind working frantically. "Am I the one keeping you alive, because you're here and I lend you my chakra or-?"

"Slow down boy, or you'll choke." Madara said dispassionately. "To ease your worries- no, you're not "keeping me alive". You really believe I would have made such an idiotic plan? I'm just a bit of chakra in your consciousness, nothing more."

"But you had to come from somewhere." Itachi wondered out loud. "You have to be alive in some form!"

The older Uchiha smiled and took his time before answering.

"Let's just say, my will is still alive and strong."

Itachi was about to retort but then realized something more important. Their surroundings adjusted slightly, taking a softer, clearer hue than before.

"So, you can bring him back, can't you?" he asked hopefully.

Madara frowned. Now that Itachi looked closely, he noticed the man had a darker and otherworldly aura around him that made him stand out. He couldn't believe he hadn't noticed.

"There are some ways of bringing back the dead." He replied slowly. He seemed to be measuring his words. "However, there is always a price to pay. And I don't know if the person you so desperately want to bring back, would wish for such fate."

"I don't care." Itachi said quickly. He couldn't stop now, not when he was so close. "I don't care about the price, I don't care about any of that! I just want him back!"

"You don't care, you say?" Madara smirked knowingly. "Even if the price was other person's life?"

That left Itachi stunned. "Someone's life?"

"Did you think it was that easy? Just like any other jutsu?" Madara laughed. "We are talking resurrection, boy! Raising. The. Dead. You can't break laws of nature more than that!"

"How come you're still alive? How did you cheat death?"

"With different eyes, different chakra and… a Senju friend." He sneered. "But I can share. I can tell you all the secrets, all the tricks. For a price, naturally."

"What is it?" Itachi asked warily.

"Kill your brother." Madara said with relish.

Itachi gasped. "How can you ask me to do this? What has he done to you?!"

"I am sorry, but you are the one that wants the impossible. You must be prepared to make an impossible sacrifice!" Madara snarled. "You need proper chakra for that, you need proper eyes. And, like it or not, it all depends on your brother's life! So, what is it going to be? Your precious Sasuke? Or your beloved Minato-san?" He said mockingly.

Itachi cringed when he heard him say Yondaime's name in such awful manner. How could he make a choice like that? Sasuke or Minato-san? He felt his heart sink. No matter how much he wanted to see Minato-san alive, he couldn't pay with his little brother's life. Sasuke was innocent and had whole life before him. He shouldn't be robbed from that because he had an awful older brother who couldn't protect him. Itachi felt disgusted with himself that he entertained the thought even for a second. When he was about to answer, he suddenly felt arms embrace him from behind. He quickly turned around but was stunned mute.

"Minato-san…?" he breathed in hope.

Minato-san smiled at him and Itachi felt tears well in his eyes and heart jump to his throat. It was the same warm sunny smile he gave Itachi whenever they had met. He was kneeling on the hard ground, just to be on the same level as the young Uchiha. He reached out and tugged one unruly black lock behind the child's left ear.

Itachi couldn't speak. Those blue eyes were exactly as he remembered, kind and warm, so impossibly warm and he couldn't resist throwing his skinny arms around Namikaze's neck. He felt the man hug him back, in that gentle way he always did, and stroke his head. Itachi bit his lower lip to keep from sobbing because this was everything he wanted, just this. Didn't he deserve a little bit of happiness? He suffered so much, shouldn't he be given his due? Just in this?

Minato rocked back and forth and Itachi buried his face into the man's neck, not wanting to ever let go.

"Don't you think it's worth it?" came Madara's quiet voice. Itachi clung tighter to the warm presence. "You could even bring back that Uzumaki woman. You could become a family. Don't you think you deserve it?"

"I do." He whispered miserably. There was no use pretending he didn't want this. As wretched as it made him, he couldn't help it. He didn't care it was an illusion, he didn't care he was being manipulated. He just wished to stay here, with Minato-san.

"Do we have a deal, then?"

Itachi remained silent. He felt Yondaime's hand trace something on his neck. My necklace, he supposed. The one he had thrown away in his anger. Such a curious thing that it made its way here…

He sighed and slowly pulled away from the embrace. Minato-san looked at him in confusion and Itachi smiled at him through his tears. He looked sadly at their joined hands and allowed himself a moment before he let go completely and turned away from him. He felt if he stared too long, his resolve would crumble.

"No." Itachi said quietly, looking straight into Madara's eyes. He didn't dare glance behind him.

The other Uchiha frowned. "No?"

"I won't do it." He replied strongly this time. He sensed the illusion disappear in smoke. Itachi tried to convince himself not to mourn it.

"Why is that?" Madara narrowed his eyes in malice. "You believe you owe anything to the man who left you behind? You think just because he would have disapproved you have to do what he-"

"No." Itachi said fiercely."It's not about what he would have wanted. It's about what I want. And I refuse to build my happiness on other people's suffering. And I won't allow any harm to come to Sasuke!" There was strength and conviction in his voice. Even the world around seemed to stand still. "I am his older brother! And I will protect him!"

Madara looked absolutely astonished. He tried valiantly to sneer but the attempt was faint and lacked the heart.

"You may not be given a choice."

"I don't care." Itachi answered calmly. "I'll protect him with my life. I'll die if I must!"

"Foolish child, you believe your death is the scariest thing that could happen to you?" Madara scoffed. "What do you know of hard choices and impossible situations?"

"Not so much. I can't compare to you." He glared at him. "But at least I'm not afraid of my own death." It seemed to shock Madara into actually taking a step back. Itachi's Sharingan flared as he prepared for attack, smelling fresh blood like a hound.

He snapped his fingers and two solid pillars appeared on Madara's both sides. The man didn't even have time to show his surprise when a thick rope immobilized his arms and legs. He tried to pull his right hand free but restraints held strong. Madara looked at the boy in amazement.

Itachi put his hands in position of Mi seal. "You shouldn't have told me you're just a figment of foreign chakra. That was mistake number one. You shouldn't have told me we're in my own mind. That was your second mistake. You are not winning this fight. Not this time."

Madara watched in growing astonishment as his hands and feet started disintegrating before his eyes. He didn't fight his captor, in the end it was pointless. He found himself grinning genuinely at this naïve serious boy who caught him, this Uchiha Itachi.

"It is a waste. But I enjoyed my time spent here." He admitted casually as his torso was falling apart. "You have such anger, and hatred in your eyes. I'm glad there are people like you in that pathetic clan. People with potential." Itachi gritted his teeth in pain. Only Madara's left eye and mouth remained. "I wonder, in what circumstances we are going to meet next time?" He finally crumbled and his voice faded away.

"Soon."

In his room in Uchiha District, Itachi rolled tiredly on his back. He stared at the ceiling, trying to ignore his body's demands to get up from the hard floor. He was absolutely exhausted and his head felt like someone punched it repeatedly. He sighed.

'I'm cold and in pain. And I'll stay this way if I don't get up.'

With strength he was sure he didn't have, he pulled himself to his feet. He swayed and trembled but moved to the corner where he had thrown Minato-san's gift. It was now just a simple string, worthless without a jutsu. Itachi cradled it reverently as he crossed the distance to his bed. He opened his nightstand and placed the necklace in there.

'I don't think I can follow you yet, Minato-san. I don't think I've let go of my anger for you, misplaced as it may be. But I will protect what I hold dear. I will protect Konoha in your stead. And if I have to bear it alone… So be it. Perhaps, one day I'm going to need you again but for now…' Itachi closed the drawer carefully.

'For now just stay here, out of sight where you can't break my heart. I wish I won't disappoint you. I'll become strong enough to take care of everyone. No matter the cost.

Failure is not an option.'

A/N:That's it guys. The last chapter of "Failure". Pheew, and it just took me... *stares at the date*... bloody hell!

Anyway, I still plan on doing the sequel to this story- I have a rought draw but I'm not sure when I could start writing. It's going to be different to this one and much shorter. Depends how my work permits.

Thank you once again for your support (*pretends not bawl like baby*) and I hope you enjoyed the ride. I sure did:)

See you next time!

~Greys