Chapter 21: Clan Matters

Itachi woke up with only the barest notions of what had happened after he'd shown up in the village. It seemed like everyone had been eager to talk to Itachi, like that night so long ago when he'd graduated from the academy. Narrowly avoiding the extinction of their clan, however, left many of the adults high on life.

Drinks were had as they congratulated Itachi on bailing them out, and at their insistence, he took a small cup of sake. Then they talked him into another. At least that explained the fog over his mind. He ran through his normal morning routine, unphased by the change in surroundings. He wandered out into the city square.

All was quiet. Last night's jovialities had faded, leaving a sense of emptiness in the air. The occasional clansman drifted across Itachi's vision. Their faces brightened as he met their eyes and Itachi smiled as they passed. Eventually one of his family's friends approached him.

"I am glad you made it, Itachi," he said, bowing slightly as a greeting.

"And I too, Kenkyo," he replied, returning the bow.

"We were going to hold a meeting between those who were left and decide on what to do. We were hoping you could attend." He looked down at Itachi.

"I will." Itachi wasn't sure but to him Kenkyo looked relieved by his answer.

"If you'll follow me, I shall gather up the others." Last night had been but a brief lapse in the Uchiha attitude it seemed.

Soon what remained of the important Uchiha members were assembled. Without an official building to conduct business in, they resorted to a vacant house.

"We have gathered here today to discuss the future of the Uchiha clan," Kenkyo opened, "and how we shall treat the village that betrayed us. Before we begin, I'd like to have a moment of silence for those lost."

And it was respected.

"With us here is Itachi Uchiha, without whom we would've been lost to Konoha's actions. I ask now that he give us his thoughts." All eyes turned to Itachi.

"I am honored," he chose his words carefully, "however, I do not think I am very much qualified for making such decisions. I have known all of you since I could remember, so I will trust in your decisions as should the rest of the clan."

"Do you have any requests?" Kenkyo asked. Everyone was apprehensive, waiting for something more to come from Itachi.

"I…" he faltered. Then he realized. "If it is not too much to ask, I would like a funeral and wake to be held for those lost."

"Yes, we were already planning on that as well as a memorial," an Uchiha said. The tension was left unresolved.

"I see. In that case I leave you to discuss clan matters." Itachi walked out of the room. He really wasn't in the mood to listen in. He had his own goals, after all. Once he'd returned to his room, he took a look at his stats.

They disappointed him. He could do so much better, he just had to put in the time. Now, without the burden of being an ANBU member, and… without his family, Itachi had all the time he needed. He cleared the floor and got to work.

Hours passed, and Itachi worked out, until there was a knock at the door. Kenkyo was at the door, wearing funeral attire.

"It's time," he told him. "There should be a formal outfit in your closet." Itachi nodded. He handed him a candle and departed. It took no time at all for him to prepare and leave the house. It was dark outside, he'd been training a bit longer than he'd wanted to.

Itachi lit the candle with a flicker of chakra and began heading to the town square. Others joined him, and the procession of small flames grew into a small inferno. Those at the front led the group to a spot out away from the village.

It ended in a carefully carved wooden tower. The bodies had been replaced by effigies in the form of photographs, taken during their hasty departure. They encircled the structure, burying the candles when they came to a stop.

By some chance Itachi had ended up right in front of a photograph of his family. His father stared at him, his face unreadable. His mother smiled at him, her expression warm. Sasuke was perched upon his back, clinging tightly.

By an unspoken signal, all the adults raised their hands. A flash of seals and a collective inhale. A roar of fire, and the wooden pyre carried out its purpose. Itachi heard a number of quiet sobs. He watched as the flames consumed the photograph before him.

His mother was the first to go, then his father, and then him. The flames curled around Sasuke's face. He was laughing. He'd been happy. Itachi felt something warm running down his cheeks. Someone placed a hand on his shoulder. The circle remained in tact.

Itachi cast his eyes up to the sky. Stray embers drifted up and away. The flames dyed the moon a deep crimson, almost a blood red. There was a certain peace brought upon by performing the Uchiha's last rites despite the circumstances. There was silence.

"Itachi," Kenkyo whispered in his ear, "do you mind saying a few words about the deceased?"

"May I have your attention please?" Itachi did his best not to falter as everyone turned to face him. He cleared his throat and began speaking.

"I realize this is a difficult time for us all. I feel a deep sorrow and I know that everyone here has lost something. I am… sorry that I couldn't bring the murderer to justice. But I am working on improving myself so that I can. We can all work hard to rebuild, and show Konoha that it cannot get away with its crimes. That's all, thank you."

There was some polite applause. Looking around Itachi noted more than a few looks of concern. He returned his focus to the pyre. It would be difficult, but this would be his burden to bear. He would avenge his clan.

However, for the time being, he was content to stand with his fellow clansmen, and watch the pyre burn to ash.