Sweet and innocent

 

Oh, my goodness, its been a while…. So long, I actually wrote two chappies instead of one, and complied them together, just for you! Enjoy!



Just for the record…. Naruto is not mine. Just in case.



Itachi was positively dreading whatever the interrogator would say, and simply hated the fact that he just noticed that the Fatal Four had probably asked Morino to specifically interrogate Sasuke, since no one else seemed to be participating, something that worried Itachi to the extreme. He wasn't disappointed. If anything, Morino Ibiki exceeded Itachi's expectations.



"So, tell me, Sasuke… why did you run from home?"



All Itachi, Sasuke and Naruto just forgot how to breathe.



Aaaannnnndddddd… ACTION!



/Oh, holy fuck/ was just about the only thing that went through Itachi's head as he heard the question. Now, Itachi prided himself in being a shinobi through and through, including the no demonstration of emotions rule, and all the little gigs that take to earn the title, but he had never felt so much panic all together in a single moment. How could they know? Who told them? He had made extra certain he was not followed while he was looking for Sasuke, so that meant that someone must have been checking on them since before, and seen the chibi Uchiha escaping the house.



The thought was dreadful to Itachi, and he discreetly examined most of the Council members; only the Fatal Five looked pleased with this development, the rest were either shocked, or somewhat interested, so they either were not aware of Sasuke's escape, or they did, but had yet to come to a conclusion about it. Either way, Itachi was just about to start pulling his hair out in frustration, he couldn't even begin to imagine how his little brother was feeling, the pressure he must have been feeling. Apparently, it was nothing like Itachi thought, for Sasuke's answer for immediate.



"How do you know I got lost?" All of things Itachi expected to hear from Sasuke, insolence and disrespect was definitely not any of them, least of all the defiance held in Sasuke's voice. What was his little brother thinking? This was no time to pull on a stunt like the one Itachi suspected he was about to pull.



None of the Fatal Five took a liking of Sasuke's attitude, specially Danzo, who immediately went on the attack. "Answer the question, young man!"



"Why should I?" Sasuke immediately retorted, looking at the bandaged man with nothing but contempt on his face. Itachi was barely able to resist the urge to groan, or the whine that was aching to tear from his throat. "You should know the answer to the question, if you already know I got lost"



"You did not get lost, child, you escaped! The ANBU assigned to guard Uzumaki saw you coming out of the Uchiha household, and out into the outskirts of Konoha!" Danzo retaliated, this time his free punch making a harsh contact with the wooden table in front of him. From five steps ahead of him, Itachi could hear the faint chuckle coming from Sasuke, how his posture changed, from simply standing, to arms crossed, head a little lowered, and he could swear Sasuke's brain was working ten miles a second… if only it could work on their favor, for if Sasuke kept going the way he did, they'd very likely be screwed.



"Why do you follow him, Council members?" Was the soft question that came out of Sasuke's mouth. Simple, short, soft, yet incredibly strong, leaving basically every Council member stunned speechless. "What has Naruto ever done to deserve such scrutiny from you? "



The silence following the question was legendary. Many Council members diverted their gazes from the Uchiha boy, while the Fatal Five looked positively speechless, from rage, indignation or sheer shock, Itachi did not know, but he was grateful for the little brake Sasuke had gained them, even if he knew retaliation would be swift, and furious. The one Itachi was worried about, though, was none of the Fatal Five, but it was actually Morino Ibiki, and the Yamanaka head clan, for the attention they put on his little brother was somewhat nerve-wracking. He only hoped Sasuke would be able to bluff well enough to fool at least one of them.



"May I remind you, Sasuke Uchiha, that we are not the ones to answer questions here?" Mitokado both looked and sounded beside himself. Sasuke breathed in, and puffed his little chest like a turkey, before letting it all out slowly. Itachi sincerely dreaded whatever came out of his little brother's mouth at this point.



"Of course you may, but it wouldn't kill you to answer MY question, would it?" Sasuke pressed on, taking a step forward. Itachi could hear Naruto beginning to hyperventilate.



All hell broke loose after that, and Itachi felt like fainting through every second of it.



"Why did you ran from home, Sasuke?" Hyuuga insisted on asking, getting up from his seat as well. Next to Utatake, Mitokado looked ready to strike someone down.



"I didn't run, I went out, and got lost" To Itachi's surprise, Sasuke didn't even flinch, even though there were four sets of eyes glaring death at him for all they were worth, while the rest of the Council members were simply shocked out of their minds at the display.



"You did not get lost, you ran, boy, don't try to deceive us!" Mitokado screamed spit coming out of his mouth and everything, chakra flaring out wildly. Suddenly, half the Councils stopped studying Sasuke, and simply stared at Mitokado. Only Morino Ibiki kept on studying the youth intently.



"Im not doing that; I don't lie, unlike you, who cannot answer a simple question" Naruto began trembling by that moment. Itachi grasped his shoulder, finally understanding Sasuke's game, and admiring him for coming with it, but also dreading it. Sasuke was playing a truly dangerous game here



"How dare you accuse us of—" Hyuuga began, and suddenly, his Byakuugan activated infront of everyone present. Itachi's breath hitched, all his reflexes tensed up, and he could feel Naruto tensing up as well. If Hyuuga so much as dared move a single against Sasuke, he would die, council member or not.



"Why do you follow him?" Apparently, the only one to keep his calm in the room was Sasuke, who still refused to budge a single centimeter.



"We are not here to explain ourselves to the likes of you, Uchiha Sasuke!" Hyuuga exclaimed, while Mitokado clenched his fists, looking just about ready to explode. The Hokage began to look just a little worried as well.



"And I'm not here to amuse you, I'm here to look after my family. SO! Why do you follow him?"



"The Konoha Council does NOT answer to you, boy!" Mitokado's screech was pregnant with rage and wrath. Sasuke adjusted his stance a little, and Itachi could clearly visualize the seriousness in his expression, but also he could see the wheels turning inside his head, filled with malice, and the anticipation that comes from reaching your goal.



"No, it answers to the people of Konoha, who you sworn to protect and care for, and yet I see you literally violating a nine-year-old Konoha habitant's life. Is that how your idea of a proper behavior?" For the first time, Sasuke's voice was not defiant, but it was simply calm and worried, and yet alsto resolute. Mitokado's response was not to be waited, and it shocked all present.



"Stop testing my patiences, Sasuke!" His chakra flared wildly, exploding across the room as a gust of wind, a force of nature, and Itachi just knew that, even though the strength of it wsa more than enough to knock both Naruto and Sasuke down, his little brother had also jumped a little when hit by the force of Mitokado's chakra, because he had flown far enough so that Itachi didn't have time to catch Naruto and him.



The room was completely silent. All members were in shock. Even Hyuuga didn't know what to say, and Mitokado looked ready to faint, he was so pale. Only Ibiki had a different expression: he was smirking, but just like the rest in the room, he was looking at Sasuke, who was currently on the floor, face down. After a few seconds, the young man stood up, and Itachi could see a thin line of rich red Uchiha blood falling from his hairline. But Sasuke showed no pain, no remorse, no confusion: he simply stood, and looked directly at Mitokado, and his voice was low but clear when he spoke:



"Well, then, you stop chasing my family" Had Itachi not been holding a frightened Naruto against his chest, or overly worried about the Wound on Sasuke's head, he'd be fighting tears of pride at his Otouto.



"That's it!" Utatane screamed over the silence, her hands colliding viciously with the table in front of the council, her face the perfect description of overwhelming rage. If Itachi was less of a consummate shinobi, he would've cringed. "You… You…" Her eyes fixed on Sasuke, daring him to say anything. Sasuke seemed to thankfully heed the unspoken warning. It matter little though, for Sasuke had carried out his plan perfectly: the nine-year-old had basically cornered a Council member into a fit of rage, making them show their ulgy faces to the world. "You will answer my questions, Sasuke, if you really want your "family" to stay whole, the way it has been. No more monkey business. Am I clear, Sasuke Uchiha?"



"Yes, ma'am" He slowly said, wiping his forehead with the back of his sleeve, defiance still written across his face.



"So, according to you, you did not escape, you simply went out." Utatane began. Mitokado looked ready to argue again, but the woman simply raised her hand in front of him, effectively cutting all protest from her teammate. Much damage had already been done on account of a child. "Why did you go out in such fashion, that you even crossed the Konoha limits, I wonder?"



"Simple" Sasuke answered, to everyone's surprise, since they seemed to expect some more resistance from the little one. All but Ibiki seemed surprised at the change in Sasuke's demeanor, even Yamanaka. "I had a discussion with Itachi. I thought I was better than I really was, and wanted him to teach me a fire jutsu. He said I was not ready, so I went out. I was being stupid and thought that by escaping the village unnoticed and coming back, I would prove I was ready. I heard that three miles west of the village, there is a Hill that produces some flowers which are unique, because of their scent and usage to make soldier pills. I planned on going to that Hill, getting a bouquet, and sneaking back in unnoticed to prove Aniki, but I didn't count on the protection the Amikichi set around the flower, since that clan uses it most. It was stupid, it was childish, and it was definitely not Aniki's fault, since he was on a mission, and had no way to stop me, or even guess I would do such a thing"



The glare Sasuke got was nothing but chilling and terrifying. Any other boy his age would be wiping in fear under it, but Sasuke being kept his calm, and simply return the glare with an indifferent look of his own, as though he wasn't even talking to Utatane, or at least someone who didn't have the urge to kill him at least.



"You expect me—furthermore, you expect the Honorable Council Members in Konoha to belive such foolishness from you, Sasuke?" Utatane exclaimed, and Itachi noticed how a vein popped up on her forehead, even though her entire demeanor looked calm and controlled. Itachi raised an eyebrow, almost in shock by his little brother's words.



"No, ma'am. I expect you to believe Akamichi-sama. Im sure he must have received word of someone tampering his trap in the last 48 hours" Itachi could almost hear the smirk on Sasuke's voice, even if the youngster was not wearing it. But even if Sasuke WAS smirking, no one would notice, for all Council Members were suddenly looking at Akimichi expectantly.



Akimichi, looking straight at Sasuke, with a wide, knowing smile on his face, simply answered: "I did received word of someone stepping over our traps, and not getting anything. It was a little too far to the flowers thought, wasn't even in the red zones of the Hills, so I didn't give it much thought, specially since we found no culprit, and all our areas were accounted for" The obese man chuckled, his kind eyes almost glistening in mirth. "you must have been fairly lost if you planned to reach the Yajada flowers from the point you tried to reach the mountains, young man"



Before these words, Itachi was floored when he saw that Sasuke actually had the grace to blush. It was amazing just how good a liar his little brother could be. He'd have to start paying a little more attention to his Otouto, even if his heart told him Sasuke would never lie to him.



"Your kunai traps, specially, did a small number on him, Akamichi-san" Kakashi's voice surprised all presents, his voice light and a little amused. "I had to use the last of my medicine pocket on the scratches. Nice attack flux, by the way, I figure even a Chuunin with moderate experience would have a hard time getting through them" Akamichi looked positively beaming at the praise.



"And how would YOU know that, Kakashi-san?" The Inuzuka leader asked, almost leering at the masked man. Itachi resisted the cring, it was no secret the Inuzuka mistress had a soft spot for the Copy-nin; rumor was she claimed that Kakashi was the only man outside the Inuzuka clan who actually understood their care and love for canines, and found it…. Appealing. Itachi would not like to be in Kakashi's shoe around Lady Inuzuka; he liked a little wild streak involved in all things sexual, but he had an idea that woman would get too wild. Fortunately for Kakashi, the Copy-nin had the uncanny ability to remain unfaced by most things that would make people look like a tomato from turning so red.



"Because I was the one who found Sasuke-kun" he said with a grin on his face, or what seemed to be a grin. Itachi could see the smallest hint of a blush gracing the fierce woman, when Kakashi looked pointedly at her and, almost like an icing of the cake, he continued. "And then I may have set off a trap or two. What can I say? Curiosity may kill the cat, but it can also really entertains the puppies" then he winked at the woman. Itachi was sure he could smell Inuzuka's hormones going off and about wildly around her.



"Well, young boy…" Inuzuka carried on, not even looking at Sasuke, but still leering at Kakashi in a not-so-innocent way. To his credit, Kakashi looked every inch like he just hadn't swiped all attention from Sasuke, and took it upon himself. Itachi could kiss the gray-haried man. "it seems like you got a very reliable alibi for the time being." Then, the canine using ninja focused her gaze on Sasuke, and sighed dramatically. "Well, I believe you, wicked as that tale was." She glanced sideways at Kakashi, letting her message known clearly: 'you owe me, Kakashi, and im planning to charge you any time soon'. "Can I please depart now? I have bigger things to do than to wonder where little moon-face little darling spent the last three days of his life?"



Itachi figured among those things to do, cornering Kakashi would definitely be one of them.



"This is a serious Council affair, Inuzuka Rei. It would be wise to treat it as such" Mitokado spoke, his stern look firmly in his place. Inuzuka simply rolled her eyes, to rest her cheek upon her right hand, looking quite bred for all she was worth. Next to her, Nara, sighed as well, then leaned further down on his seat. Itachi was a little worried about the fact that the lazy ninja had yet to say a thing, but he hoped that the reason for that was a positive thought towards him and the children.



"In regards of this, I have no more questions" Morino said calmly from his seat, arms still crossed over his chest, looking at Sasuke as if he was dissecting him. The stunned silence that followed was worth gold. Unfortunately, it didn't last too long. Hyuuga stood, so agitated he was sputtering nonsense at Morino. The Inquisitor didn't let him last much. "Before you even form a word, Hyuuga-sama, please keep in mind that I am here as a FAVOR to the Council members, this is not an obligation of mine." That seemed to do the trick for Hyuuga, who looked like indignity personified. "As head of the Interrogation team in Konoha, take my word for it, Council Members, you will not extract anything incriminatory from Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, or Uchiha Itachi. They're determined, goal-centered, and im pretty sure you'll have a handful of issues to deal with if you don't agree with their request. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd rather have these young citizens" Itachi couldn't help but notice he was looking pointedly at Sasuke as he said this, and Sasuke was looking right back at the scarred man. "on our good graces, than against it"



"Correct me if im wrong, Master Morino" Danzo's voice cut the room like a knife. "but your words make two children and a teenager sound rather dangerous" Anymore venom in his voice, and Danzo could kill you just by listening to him.



"Actually, Danzo, Morino-san meant it as an intelligence strategy" All members hushed, it was the first time Abruram Shinta had spoken since Sasuke had begun his hearing, and even though his voice was low and soft, you could the attention it demanded. "You just witnessed an eight-year-old giving a speech worthy of a Hokage, the same boy who is village-known troublemaker admitting to purposely running away from issues, and then clearly stating he no longer looked for trouble, simply because he didn't want to disappoint his future guardian. And not only that, you just witnessed a nine-year-old pre-graduated ninja-wannabe from the academy cornering a sixty-year-old ninja veteran into unwillingly bursting his chakra, instead of the child being cornered himself, and THEN, and only then giving out the story as to what happened." The man chuckled. "In this room there are two hound ninja, Inuzuka and Kakashi, both of which can literally smell lies a mile away, and you have Yamanaka, a certified mind expert whose specialty is detect the brain variation through chakra; you have two of the greatest analyst to ever graze Konoha in Nara and Utatane, none of which found a flaw in Sasuke's story, and then you have two worldly renounced Jounin, Kakashi and Akimich, one of which is an ex ANBU captain and the other is a greatly respected clan head who can confirm the boy's version. Seriously, how much longer do you really have to keep nagging before you realize you lost this one? Sasuke stupidly ran from home, was lucky enough to do it during a missing-nin attack, so all our best ninja were on the hunt, enabling his escape, then he got lost, and triggered a coupled of traps on the way to his irrational undertaking. The fact that you don't like his version, doesn't mean it can't be true"



Itachi could kiss the bug-charmer at that moment. On the other hand, Danzo looked like he was having an aneurysm. Itachi was loving every minute of it.



"Sit down, Sasuke" Aburame ordered, looking for all his worth like he was tired of this sham. Sasuke was only too happy to comply, and gave a little smile at Itachi as he came back to his seat, and comfortably sitting next to Naruto. "Itachi, if you will…."



Deliberately slowly, Itachi stood, movements calm and graceful, with all the Uchiha mannerism that had been passed down to him through generations. None of which seemed to impress Aburame, but he was sure at least one Council Member would be a little less prone to be aggressive with the simple gesture.



"Before we formally begin this part of the hearing, Uchiha Itachi" Aburame began, and Itachi knew it in his voice that Aburame meant business. He didn't know if this did well for him or not, but he was inclined for something positive to come out of Aburame's blissfull interruption. "I would like to properly present an apology, which I believe, has been long overdue"



Itachi let his shock show, for all to see. An apology? About damned time!



"Forgive me, Aburame-sama, but I don't belive I understand the source—"



"Oh, please, Itachi" Nara's voice was heard for the first time. And even while he was leaning back on his chair, eyes closed, looking for all the world like he was taking a nap, he could hear a little impatience in his voice. "We may believe a little naivety and humility from Naruto, and maybe even little Sasuke, but you? I think we're a little any pretenses by now." Nara Ryu opened one eye, and gazed at Itachi, a hint of mirth in them had Itachi understanding Nara's point of view: he was the one all members would be the most interested in eating alive, simply because he was the hardest one to take down.



"Then, I suppose I shouldn't apologize for my confusion" Itachi retaliated, looking straight at Nara.



"That's more like it" Aburame said. "my point is… although we are all aware as to why this case in specific is as delicate as it is, it is still a little absurd just how far it has gotten. Regardless of how mature your brother maybe, and how concerned we are all about Naruto's upraising, for reasons we all know, I am quite sure this is not something a child should endure." Itachi sure was relieved by Aburame's diplomacy, he was not only softly avoiding the Bijuu topic, but also softening the experience for Sasuke and Naruto. Itachi was sincerely liking the man. "And also, it was quite furtive the way your guardianship over Sasuke was held and handled with. For that, I am truly ashamed, and beg your understanding."



Following Nara's advice to "not try and fool them", Itachi did what he felt natural to do: he held his ground, and simply nodded, acknowledging his words. Whatever the members wanted to do with his gesture was very much their problem.



"One of the honorary Konoha Council Member has extended an apology towards you, Uchiha. I would advice you to show some thanks" Mitokado warned, acting a little menacing. At this point, Itachi couldn't care less about what he thought, if he wasn't mistaken, he already had three quarters of the Council members in the bag.



"I have nothing against the apology. But it is just as Nara-sama said, a heartfelt speech about how thankful I am would be a mockery towards all of you. I have no intention of you all liking me, I only want you to deem me capable of raising my brother and his best friend"



"Now we're talking." Aburame said, resting his elbows on the table infront of the members, and leaning against it. "REALLY talking" If Itachi were a little gullible, he would believe he saw a smile on Aburame's face. "Now that we got that out of the way, personally, I only have one thing to discuss with you, if the Council Members would allow me, before I come to a decision."



Aburame stopped, whether to form his question, or to give a little drama to the moment, Itachi did not know, but he was basically ready for whatever the bug controller would throw at him. The Uchiha continued to hold his ground, impassive, calm, collected. All things Uchiha, really.



"All I need to know is…. Why? Why would you like to take such a… troublesome young boy as Naruto under your wing? I am sure you have quite enough with your brother, the remains of your clan, and your ninja obligations, so, why would you voluntarily make your life a little more difficult?"



Itachi didn't even last three seconds to answer.



"I could give you a list of reasons, Aburame-sama" He softly answered, looking straight at the man questioning him. It was almost as though they were having a private conversation, and the rest of the presents had evaporated. So this was what it felt like to be under Aburame's inquisitiveness.



"Social reasons, emotional reasons, altruist reasons, and given the situation, even convenient reasons." Aburame raised an eyebrow at that. "But the most simple one is this: pound per pound, Naruto has become as much part of our family as Sasuke and myself. He has integrated himself into our lives in a way that it is inconceivable to find ourselves without him once more. Just as everyone can pick who can be your friend, we can all pick who could be your family, even if not related by blood. He chose us. We did not choose him. It was he who came into our lives, and embraced us like the one he didn't have. We care for him, and appreciate him for doing that, so I'm merely returning the sentiment."



Aburame nodded, and his right hand came to his chin, index finger tapping lightly at it, as if he was savoring the words, exploring it. Itachi knew his conversation with Aburame was just beginning.



"You said you could give me any number of reason, even 'convenient' ones. What do you mean by that?"



/And so…. The games begin/ Itachi thought. /He is not your ordinary guy here, Itachi. This is Aburame Shinta we're talking about, the best way to go is the honest way to go. Otherwise, I'd just be digging my own grave./



"I could say I was interested in his way of behaving prior to meeting us. I could say I was trying to mold him into a much more cooperative citizen in Konoha, and that by placing a loving environment around him would be the easiest way to do it. Don't you think?"



Aburame nodded before answering, a frown decorating his face. Itachi knew he was walking on thin ice, because what he said could be interpreted as he trying to control Naruto, and the Kyuubi inside him as a bonus, and basically materializing the Council's greatest fear.



"But one would say that you have done that already, considering how little he's been in trouble lately." He subtly accused, and Itachi wasn't disappointed by that. He had expected the subject to come up, perhaps not by Aburame, and with much less finesse, but he was ready for it.



/Be honest, and be smart about it/ he reminded himself, remembering Kakashi's words before coming in. 'if you're just you, they'll never stand a chance'.



"Not because I demanded it of him, you can be sure of that. He said it himself, the pranks stopped he has something else to occupy his mind." He stoically said, careful to keep his tone neutral, a simple remembrance of Naurto's words.



"Not disappointing you, if I remember correctly" Aburame may have been subtle about it, but he was brutal and relentless in his accusations. Itachi respected him all the more for it, and was even glad that at least ONE Council member was treating this with something other than aggressive over caution.



"And also other things like worrying about my return from a mission, helping Sasuke and I tend to the house, doing chores and homework. Being a normal child, or as normal as it could be, trying to be ninja, can be a little time-consuming" Itachi responded, keeping most of his amusement from his face. He noticed Aburame didn't share the amusement with him at the time, but he could feel the other Council Member tentatively lowering their guard, as if surrendering the hearing to Aburame. If you asked Itachi, letting Aburame take control was the smartest thing they could do, the man could disguise an insult in a way you almost felt complimented.



"When you consider your influence on him, it is quite a lot of responsibility, don't you think?"



"Yes, sir, it is." Itachi answered seriously, like he was physically carrying the responsibility at the moment.



"And I suppose you deem yourself capable of handling such responsibility" It was not a question, it was a statement. One that almost accused Itachi of being arrogant, thought of himself better than the rest, and overall a stuck-up. It basically accused him of most the flaws of the Uchihas.



"No, sir. I believe myself capable of believing in Naruto." He swiftly answered, hoping he would kill the heavy feeling that stroke him with Aburame's last word. He just realized he was not only defending Naruto, but also himself and his whole clan. "He is a wonderful child, who hasn't been given a chance to prove it. No one has even bother to ask if he'd like that chance"



"Do you believe it part of your responsibility to give him that chance?" Aburame asked, not even hiding his interest in the answer to his question.



"Yes, sir. I do. I want him to know he is not invisible, that people do notice him. That not everything is wrong in the world." Conviction filled every word he said, and Itachi was amazed as to how shocked he was by his own honesty. He really wanted those things for both his angels, and would do it all to get it.



"A mission like that would provide you with a lot of power over him, don't you think?"



/Over them/ Itachi thought, immediately including Sasuke in his thoughts.



"I suppose it would. That is why I said he came to us, not us to him. He is free to do with his learning and his experience as he wishes. It was never my plan to dictate his path." The last sentence was almost spelled out for the Council, he wanted that particular idea to come across loud and clear. He was NOT trying to manipulate Naruto, and he WAS NOT after the Kyuubi here.



"Then, what is your plan, Itachi?" Aburame asked, rather predictably, but still just as sharply. Itachi was starting to think they had given the Head of Interrogation spot mistakenly. Aburame Shinta was a tough opponent to get by.



"It is to let them both know that there is another way, other than indifference and resentment. All I want is the chance to give my brother and Naruto the chance I never had: the chance to choose what they wanted, instead of having it all planned out in front of him." Then, Itachi stopped, not to collect his thoughts, but to control his emotions, he was treading into parts of his thoughts that had never been expressed, and it was uncomfortable as it was overwhelming to speak them. He had to take his hat out to Aburame for basically forcing him to not hide an inch of his thought.



"The moment I was born, I was put to be a ninja, service Konoha, kill if need be, and inherited one of the heaviest burdens in this village, in the shape of the Uchiha philosophy of being the highest, and the best in the ninja world. I had my life cut out in front of me long before resting in my mother's womb. I had enough shaping, cunning and manipulating in my live before the war to not wish it upon anyone else"



From the corner of his eyes, he could see various expressions of shock amongst the Council members, and also a few of them were looking at him like he was a little bug they were dissecting, not sure what to make of him. He wasn't concerned about that, though, he was centered on the man standing right in front of him, and the verbal dispute they were having.



"I suppose that means you forgot your previous teachings?" Aburame questioned, and Itachi was relieved to hear it in his tone that Aburame wasn't buying that. He would be disappointed if the bug catcher would be convinced so quickly.



"You never completely forget, specially your family, but with time and growing, you create your own judgment, and can discern which believe to make your own, and which to disregard as ignorance and stubbornness" Itachi said, and meant it. He was sick of hearing the surviving Uchiha talking about conspiracy plots and even growing obsessed with their resentment against the Heads of Konoha. The Uchiha clan went ahead into battle because as part of the Public Defense, it was their duty to do so, not because he believed in some sort of scheme to get rid of them. If anything, the plotters were the Uchiha leaders. Itachi clearly remember the sneaking in the middle of the night in and out of his house, the hiding in different hidden Uchiha rooms, the whispering behind walls. He may not have had a full grasp of what was in motion, but he knew three things: it was bad, it would basically behead the Council Leaders of the time, and Itachi wanted no part of it at the time.



For the first time in the conversation, Aburame took his time to answer. Itachi knew he was digesting his words, and was a little taken back by what he read between the lines. If you paid attention, and Itachi knew Aburame was, you could almost hear Itachi saying he didn't believe in everything his Clan believed, and even further, was actively against many of those believes.



"Those are very strong words you're saying" Itachi smirked before answering.



"We Uchihas have never done anything halfway. Its one of the things that I'm afraid has stuck with me"



"Do you keep in touch with the remaining Uchihas?" Aburame suddenly asked, and Itachi was a little taken back the change in topic. When did this hearing became an Uchiha analysis?



"Most of them, yes. They do still see me as a future Clan Head, little as the clan is"



"And how do you feel about that? Do you intend to take on that spot, when you reach the age dictated by your clan?" Itachi couldn't help but wonder where Aburame was going with this, so he decided to tag along, amuse the older man a little.



"It is a duty I cannot escape, I am afraid. It would fall upon some other unfortunate soul. I couldn't live with my conscious" To emphasize it, he laid his hand upon his chest. Funny thing is, he meant what he said.



"You make it sound like a burden, rather than an honor, to be the leader of such a mighty Clan"



/He's doubting me. He thinks I'm lying about my attachment with the Clan. And who wouldn't? given our reputation/ Itachi decided to cut down all the crap, and do what he did best: be brutally honest while tearing someone else's assumptions.



"I will be honest with you, Council members. Most of the remaining Uchihas are civilians: carpenters, designers, merchants, who know not of war. But they were also parents, brothers, sisters, children of Uchiha ninja who DID died in the war, and that brings grief, doubt, resentment. I won't stand here and say none of them believe in some sort of plan to annihilate the clan, but I will stand here and say: I survived that war. At the age of seven, I lived through it, and I can attest that everything was done to minimize the casualties in that war. Uchihas were the greater to fall in number, but every clan suffered a great loss of loved ones. At this time, it would take more than strength and diplomacy to be the Leader my clan needs. It is a place not to be taken lightly. To answer your question, sir, being a Leader is an honor, but in this specific situation, it would also be a burden."



He diverted his gaze for a second, to avert the emotions in the room. He wasn't shocked to see that all Member were shell-shocked by him admitting of the Uchiha conspiracy talk. /well, you wanted it so much, there you have it. Now, deal with it. I'm done acting like a little diplomat, trying to sugar-coat anything to anyone./



"And as a future clan head, what do you think Uchihas need? What is your vision as to what the Uchiha clan philosophy should be from now on?" Would you follow in the path of resentment, or would you offer you clan something else? Itachi could hear the hidden question loud and clear as if Aburame had spoken.



"Working hard. Just like everything that starts from the scratch. We should be congregating, forging the friendships we so need in order to grow, slowly but surely integrating ourselves back into Konoha's life, not only as the Police Force of Konoha, but as active participants in Konoha's growth. We have been a little too isolated all through our history, I believe. Now it's the time for changes, to look forward towards bigger and better thing, and not bother looking back." Itachi didn't know where that came from, but he loved it. He had never even really considered the future of the clan, but if he had to think it in order to go through this test, he would.



"Forgive me, Itachi, but your words sound almost too good to be true."



"I know. Its idealistic and little too pacific to come out of my mouth, but all great ideas always do sound a little crazy when you first hear them" A little smile graced his lips at this. He was relived to see Aburame answering it, along with a few Council members. Taking a deep breath, Aburame leaned back on his seat, and the spell broke, Itachi was suddenly very much aware of everyone looking at him, of how he had literally spilled his heart out, and just how much he wanted to go home with his two children.



"mhm… Very well, then. I have no more questions. Please, if anybody else would like to cover anything else with Itachi, be my guest" Were Aburame's words, motioning the invitation with his hand. To Itachi's displeasure, it was Mitokado who answered the invitation.



"Do you really expect us to believe such fantasies? You might as well have told us a fairy tail!" He exclaimed, a feral look on his face. Itachi stood unfaced by it, and simply choose to ignore the intentions, focusing on the words instead.



"I don't expect you to believe me. I expect you to understand me." He retaliated, daring the old man to interrupt him again. Mitokado didn't. "I was caught in a war two months before turning seven, and had my first kill that very day, and so it went on and on for two years; my parents, my closest friends, all my mentors of my youth died in that war. I have more people in the Memorial Stone than half of Konoha, because half the demises in that war were Uchihas. I am sick and honestly tired of people dying and suffering around me. Another war is the last thing on my mind, and I wouldn't wish what I had to go through on nobody else. Why do I insist on living with my brother and Naruto, you ask? Because they bring me peace. They fill my house with all the laughter I never expressed growing up, and I will look you in the eye and say it to you a million times over, if a million times it will take for you to let me keep my peace." Itachi stood for a second, letting his words sink in on Mitokado and the rest of the Council, before continuing.



"I'm not part of the ANBU squad because of the thrill of the hunt, because of the smell of blood, or even because of the honor wearing the mask holds." Itachi hear a gasp, from whom, he didn't know, but he was glad they were actually shocked by his admission. It would do them well to finally know who they were talking to. "I am part of ANBU, and would give my life protecting the village, because I've seen what happens when there is no one there, in the shadows, to prevent the plots, to move the pieces, and to do the dirty work that keeps YOUR hands clean, your speeches trustworthy, and the village threat-free, and in precious, beautiful heavenly peace. Now, what you need to answer me is, why can't I have my own little piece of heavenly peace?"



If looks could kill, Mitokado would be cold and hard, Itachi knew, but he didn't give a damn anymore, he just wanted the old geezer to understand that he could give a rat's ass about Uchiha's and their madness, and that he didn't care about the Bijuu, or what they thought he would do with it. All he wanted was to keep the balance had gone up to, and simply savor the happiness of having his loved ones by him.



"Well, I do believe we have no more questions" The Hokage joyfully spoke, before nobody else even dreamed of speaking again. "I suppose we should vote now. Please, take your seat back, Itachi"



/Finally!/



The moment Itachi turned, his gaze fell upon Naruto and Sasuke who were sitting there, looking for all they were worth like two lovestruck teenagers. Naruto had obviously spilled a tear or two, he supposed when Itachi started speaking with Aburame, and Sasuke looked as proud as Itachi had ever seen him. He hoped they could keep his composure. The moment he was within arm's length, both kids jumped to his arms in a short hug. No such luck, then.



"As you may know, there are 12 council members here, in order to provide full, undiscussed custody, you need 9 votes; with only 5 votes or less in favor, the request would be declined, and with either 6 or seven votes, the Council member are to further deliberate the matter at hand. All agreed?" No one objected. Kakashi looked like he wanted to say something, but he ended up remaining silent. "Very well, then. I should start by myself" The Hokage explained. "In favor"



One down, eight to go. Itachi felt Sasuke tightening in hands around him. Akimichi stood, wide smile on his face.



"Akimichi Clan head. In favor"



"Inuzuka Rei. In favor." She winked at Naruto, for good measure.



/Three…. Three outta three…. Good, good/



"Ryu Nara" Nara suddenly spoke, not standing, and totally out of order, for he was the last one. "In favor" then stood, and left. Nobody stopped him.



"Hyuuga Haruka, Against" Itachi felt like the word had punched him in the nuts! No luck convincing him.



"Hatake Kakashi" The man didn't stand up either. In fact, he had his book out, and didn't even look up from it. "in favor"



"Aburame, Shinta" Itachi held his breath… the man smiled "In favor"



"Mitokado Horuma. Against" the man said it like a death sentence.



/oh, fuck, two against. Two more, and im screwed./ Naruto suddenly had a vicegrip on his hand.



"Danzo, against" /well, no surprise there/ His eyes fell upon Utatane. She was the only one he seriously believed would be against, and Itachi was seriously dreading her turn.



"Sho Yamanaka, in favor" Itachi barely heard the man say.



Itachi did the math, he had seven votes for him, and only two more members to go. Morino and Utatane were crucial now. He just had to have them both.



"Ibiki Morino" Itachi noticed Ibiki gazing at Sasuke, instead of him. "In favor."



All eyes fell upon Utatane, and she stood, slowly, deliberately, but staring straight into Itachi, as if she had never seen him before. Itachi prayed.



"Koharu Utatane" She dragged her words, like they weighted on her. "Inconclusive."



"WHAT?" Naruto screeched next to Itachi, who nearly jumped at the explosion. "You old hag, what do you mean, inconclusive? Are you outta- mhn! Hnmmha!" Sasuke effectively, and quickly shut Naruto up, throwing both his hands over his mouth.



"Please forgive him, I think he hit his head when he was a baby" Sasuke excused himself, smiling as brightly as he could while still holding Naruto down.



/With something the sizes of a Kyuubi/ Itachi thought. He loved Naruto to bits, but this was clearly not the time for such antics.



"Inconclusive, Koharu?" The Hokage questioned gently. Itachi figured he was just as confused as the rest of the Members, more because he expected an outright "against" coming from Utatane. The woman in question took her time to answer.



"Well, as you all know, I was completely against it, but I suppose I could give the young Uchiha Itachi the benefit of the doubt."



"Utatane!"



"Be quiet, Mitokado!" The old lady hushed the man. "a little fairy-tale-like or not, the boy did have a few good points, and you really WERE a fool, for letting a nine-year-old manipulate you into a fit of rage!" MItokado looked like he had just been slapped, while a few council member were holding in their laughter. Then, Utatane's gaze fell upon Itachi. "Don't take this the wrong way, young boy. I don't trust you. I don't even like you, or your brother, and least of all, the little blond rascal next to you."



/then why the fuck were you inconclusive?/



"But you do have an excellent point." She continued. "War is ugly. And we ALL should do all it takes to prevent it. I share that sentiment with you, and that much, I can tell you believe in. Someone who shares a belief with me can't be all that stupid." Itachi looked at the old lady and felt a little dumb for the first time in a long while, was that a compliment, or an insult? "because of your dedication to keeping peace in Konoha, and all that you have accomplished in your life as a ninja into keeping that goal, I reserve the against. Your feelings are none of my concern." She coldly concluded. "I suppose I'll see you after we deliberate."



Having said that, she stood to leave.



"Mhm…. Excuse me…" Kakashi's sing-song voice rang through the room, and stopped the woman in her haste. All eyes upon him. "I may not be a Konoha law specialist, but I have a question"



Itachi was not, for a single second, fooled by the innocent glint in Kakashi's eyes. /not a specialist in Konoha law. Yeah, right. Kakashi never opened his mouth without having all facts./



"I have the impression that an inconclusive vote, since is neither one thing, nor another, is not valid. So, that would leave the case with about… 8 votes? Again, Im not an expert but…. There is no, "should he receive 8 votes, there would be a deliberation among the members", that is only for 6 to 7 votes situations. Now, again, Im not the expert, but I do remember reading somewhere, say…. The original scroll where the rules were written, you know… the one destroyed in the last Konoha war —don't ask how it came to me, please—and it said that with 8 votes, there is a NEGOTIATION of both parts, instead of a DELIBERATION of just the members. So the question remains, where do the 8 votes leave us?"



/Kakashi, you beautiful, sadistic, wonderful, arrogant, stubborn, perverted genius!/