Chapter 8

Two weeks had passed since Itachi had returned to the house. He's been trying to introduce himself as well as he did in the first timeline. But even in the second timeline he didn't shine much, he didn't talk much about time with the Hokage during that time. Even he knew that they could change the course of events by talking, and he understood Itachi's hint. They began to discuss the masked man, who could become a ghost and appeared in Konoha from time to time.

Also, Itachi had met Sakura twice during those days. The first time was at a dango diner, and he even gave her a drink. Two days later, he met her again, but on a park bench while Itachi was reading a book on astronomy. Sakura came over and sat next to him, saying hello, and then began to tell him about her days at the academy. She even added that she was the most talented at chakra control. That being said, she can already use one shadow clone at times. Itachi patted her on the head in response, causing her to pout her lip, was angry Inner-verse. Mostly because of being treated like a little girl. But Itachi realized this and even smiled lightly with the left side of his lips.

Itachi had seen Naruto once before. When Itachi was walking to his favorite castle-kikyo, suddenly he saw the academy classes ended, he also noticed that Naruto watched as one boy, hands held by his parents, surrounded him with love from both sides. And before that he had been sad until during sunset when they came to pick him up at the academy. And now this boy rejoiced and went on his way with them. Naruto too, who was watching all this, began to look sad and even lowered his gaze to the ground with sadness.... Itachi came down and stroked his shoulder with his right hand. Naruto looked back questioningly until he saw Itachi and the latter added "It's getting dark, let me walk you home Naruto". Naruto after saying that, nodded with a smile and then on the way Itachi started to tell Naruto not to let him think that he was some kind of experiment or monster. Itachi even assured Naruto that he didn't belong in those categories. He even added that he had parents. Though who they were Itachi didn't say. It wasn't the time, and Naruto didn't ask who they were or even what their names were. Because he thought Itachi didn't know the answer either. Walking him home, he gave him two coupons for discount ramen. Naruto thanked him with his trademark smile and walked into the threshold of his house.

Itachi got those two coupons when he met Kakashi in the ichiraku.... Itachi was passing by and saw Kakashi sitting in the ichiraku. He decided to join him and they chatted about a lot of things. Also about techniques and how because of the sharingan, Kakashi was able to copy techniques in each opponent from different countries. It was like he was able to synchronize with their chakra from far away, also Kakashi was able to master all five elements. And if he continues like this, he could even awaken an enhanced genome. Such as mixing elements like fire and earth created lava, this is what was called the enhanced genome. Itachi took that into consideration, because he thought that he might be able to awaken all five elements like Kakashi. Especially since he has two sharingan. Itachi's current limit of knowledge and chakra possession is only fire, water and also wind. Although he doesn't use wind very often. Kakashi said that Itachi could do it, but only if he had the drive and strong motivation. When they were brought plates of ramen, Itachi got up from his chair in a flash, going against the ichiraku to buy water before the hot meal. When he returned, he found that Kakashi had already eaten his portion and quickly closed his mask to pretend as if it hadn't happened. While doing so, he didn't forget to add his trademark smile through his mask. Why he hides his face like that? It was a secret to many. But someday there would be someone to whom Kakashi would reveal this secret. Itachi just sat down and started his lunch, Kakashi left him free coupons and left with a smile. Itachi finished his lunch and left leaving the money, he took the coupon for himself. Teuchi added, "Good luck, come back again." His daughter looked at him with hearts in her eyes as Itachi left. 

Remembering this moment, Itachi gave this coupon to Naruto, whom he walked home. Then returned home to continue creating the second timeline. So that it would be exactly the same as the first timeline. But suddenly, someone in an ANBU uniform and mask approached him on the street, adding "Hokage-sama, he wants to see you". Itachi nodded and went with him.

Itachi's POV

I'm going after a fellow ANBU. And it was a friend of Kakashi's... Kakashi himself often calls him Tenzo. And he's proficient in the wood techniques of the first Hokage. Orochimaru's successful experiment, although I don't see why wood techniques are so hard to master. All because of the Senju clan, using only water and earth elements... They also improved their taijutsu to develop intuition and resist the Uchis' sharingan. But the Senju clan's wood techniques were only mastered by Hashirama Senju. I believe the techniques of the second and third Tsuchikage named Oonoki. They're much more powerful. Because unlike Hashirama Senju, they use not two, but three natural elements. Their hands form into white shapes, three-dimensional objects with square or triangular shapes. If they push it away, the objects enlarge and the core inside them explodes. Everything inside the object decomposes at the atomic level and literally turns to dust. Well, if you think about it, Amaterasu is even more powerful. It doesn't even leave atoms behind. It only takes the image of purity, space and matter become nothing after the black fire. The third Tsuchikage in the fourth war would have defeated Madara. If Madara didn't have the rinnegan, thanks to which he absorbed, the third-Tsuchikage's particle splitting technique. But Oonoki, with the help of that technique, was still able to defeat Madara's 25-tree-clones. Although I find it interesting that none of the Uchiha except me use amaterasu. But they do use susanoo?, which consists of amaterasu and tsukuyomi. It's more likely to assume that they can apply the form space of it, only in the chakras. Tsukuyomi gives the form of susanoo. But I am able to not mix it with chakra while creating susanoo. I am also able to release this power in its purest form, a form of black flame. I'm the only Uchiichi currently wielding the power of amaterasu.

Sasuke was able to master it, too. But only because I gave it to him, part of my power. Back in the first timeline, when I thought he would bring peace. According to Obito, he was a descendant of the soul of the Sage's eldest son. I knew that was one of the reasons I gave in to him, at the Uchiha Shrine and gave him the power before he died. But now I realized I couldn't rely on him, I should think twice.... If I hone the power of pure space, I can release it in the form of lightning like Kakashi. When he used kamui raikiri against Kaguya. Or rather, he will. You don't even have to master the element lightning. After all, it's a space that can take on any form, I'm just using amaterasu in the form of flame for now. While I was busy with my thoughts, we had already reached the Hokage's office. Tenzo left me, disappearing into the smoke before wishing me "Good luck". I enter the Hokage's office.

-You wanted to see me? -I'm starting to wonder.

-Yes, I did. We have a problem. I'm afraid it's going to be almost massive," replied the third, sitting back in his chair. Also closing his eyes.

-This has nothing to do with the masked man, does it?" he continued to inquire.

-No, it's not. But I'm sure we'll deal with him later," the third opened his eyes and looked in my direction and added, "This is a top-secret mission, rank-S. Kakashi is in the ANBU group as a Leader, carrying out his mission. So I'd rather ask you to do it," the Hokage finished calmly, knowing that I would be able to accomplish this mission. And this already happened in the first timeline, but instead of Itachi, Kakashi went on this mission.

-I'm listening," I folded my arms across my chest and began listening to the third with interest.

I've heard rumors that the Fourth Kazekage wants to use the one-tailed Shukaku. He plans to use it to attack Konoha. I want you to find out what this is all about, or if the rumors are true at all," I looked up with interest, he said we. Who's going to be my partner? I was interrupting my thoughts when suddenly Hana Inuzuka walked into the Hokage's office. The one who healed my broken arm in the hospital, she was wearing Jonin's outfit.

-Itachi," she greeted me with a smile. I smiled back at her, and then we both looked at the third person sitting there.

-In this secret assignment, I can't hire more people to attract extra attention. So I choose quality over quantity. You Itachi are very talented and will be the leader. And you Hana are an excellent tracker and sensor, also an excellent irienin. And you already know each other already," he smiled a little third at the end of that sentence. Probably he knew that this task was already pre-done, or even that she and the first time lines were smooth. That's the way it is, though, Heh....

-We won't let you down, we'll try to find out all the details of Hokage-sama," Hana replied confidently.

-And by the way, we're in an alliance with the Water Nation now. You can meet their troops on the way too, they sent two of their shinobi too..... The Mizukage also remembered to thank us again for bringing him the renegade fogman they've been looking for for years. He was more useful alive, and the Mizukage didn't even execute him, instead he stripped him of his ability to use chakra and gave him a job like the other prisoners. While learning from him all of his dirty deeds with the gang of thugs they've been doing over the years. Fog and I had previously had a neutral relationship, but now we're getting friendly. Things are improving for the better," the third one finished with a smile, looking directly at me with pride. And added also, - he sent the best of his two shinobi to this mission as your help.... And you have an hour to get ready.

We nodded and walked outside the residences, and I said to Hana:

-I'll meet you at the gates of Konoha, in about forty minutes," I began with a smile, and she looked at me, raising her right eyebrow in curiosity.

-You're cutting out 20 minutes? -You're so eager to hurry up. Missing even a couple more dozen minutes of rest?" she said, smiling slightly.

-I'm always on time. This way I'll know I'm not late. The sooner we leave, the sooner we'll be there," I said, looking up at the sky and calculating the time. I looked up at the sky, calculating the time:

-Okay, I'll meet you there in 40 minutes," she said and went to her house to get ready. She started by jumping into a roof, then onto another roof and so on, Heh.....

I walked for half an hour, thinking about how Konoha's relationship with other countries was going to be. I'm sure it's just as bad with Earth Country... After all, when there was the great Third Shinobi War. Konoha was mostly fought by the Earth Country. The Third Hokage was fighting the Third Tsuchikage. I remember having a glimpse of that war myself. Back when I was 4 years old, I wanted to help one of the stone shinobi by giving him water. He saw my face and realized I was an Uchiha, and when he saw Konoha's armband, he thought I was only giving him water to take him prisoner. So he stood up abruptly and tried to kill me, but I managed to get my kunai and without emotion I was able to slit his throat in a lightning fast movement. Which I practiced in my spare time when I had nothing better to do. It was my first kill, though I knew I'd have to do it sooner or later. Pain is sometimes inevitable for someone like him. But the important thing is that those events haven't changed, in the timeline, because they were before I started creating this second timeline. Heh.

Then I remember the head of the Uchiha clan coming up to me. With the face of an indifferent Fugaku Uchiha, who didn't even ask me how I was doing or if I was injured. Then I started to ask him why there are wars at all. He answers that it's the life of a shinobi.....

The Third Great Shinobi War ended with a declaration of neutrality. And Tsuchikage also approved it with the Hokage, and peace was also made with the other countries. Later, when Sasuke was in the belly of the Clan Head's wife, I remember saying to her, "I think it's going to be a baby brother," but she said, "Wouldn't a baby sister be cuter?". She also added with a smile. Well, now I realize that maybe she was right. Things really could have turned out better this way. Better if I, had a little sister like Sakura. I would definitely love her, knowing that she wouldn't be a vigilante, even though she would be a beautiful Kunoichi, on the other hand she would also be a nerd who would want me to train her. Well though I'd like that Heh....

Or if Sasuke had the same manner as Naruto. It would be even better, because I know that Naruto is the kind of guy who would help anyone without thinking about his reputation, or that he would get hurt or worse. Still, he has a stronger will than Sasuke. Heh.

I finished my thoughts and made my way home, it took me half an hour to get home because I was in no hurry. I quickly went into my room and changed into a clean black T-shirt. This color symbolizes me very well, I also put on the ANBU uniform. As I pulled out the Sage Seal that Kakashi had given me, I thought about the fact that it could actually restore me. Even if I'm heartless... I left it in my scroll. I won't leave it at home, just in case. As long as I'm in the second timeline, I can only trust myself 100 percent to the fullest.... Even Shisui and Kakashi shouldn't open their cards yet, they can change everything, thus causing an anomaly. Without even knowing it... So it's better if I keep everything to myself for now. Leaving the empty house, I reached the gates of Konoha in ten minutes. Fifteen seconds later, Hana is already approaching. Descending from the roof of the nearest house, having also changed into a clean Chuunin uniform. And she combed her hair? It doesn't look bad. Although... Considering the fact that she's going to get dirty anyway, I think it was a waste... After all, it was a rank-S mission when she approached me and I started:

-You're late, Heh-. - started with a smile.

-Ha, ha, very funny... - she said with a sneer, turning her gaze to me she continued, -I'm sorry.... I'll be 20 seconds early next time. Although we're already 20 minutes early leaving the village, so it doesn't count," I nodded at her with a smile. With that we walked out of the gates of Konoha. Izumo and Kotetsu waved at us as we walked out, they were playing cards, poker and Izumo had four aces, I recognized it with my sharingan, which could see as far away as a Byakugan, but no more than 200 meters. A biakugan that can see much farther, it can even be more than a kilometer, Kotetsu put all the money on the line after seeing Izumo who was nervous. It was actually a bluff. Kotetsu bought it, followed by Izumo revealing four aces, taking all the money. Then they laughed and Izumo added, "You still owe me," with a joke. And we got out of their sight and jumped into the nearest tree. And started moving towards the forest between Country Risa and the hidden sand village, it was a forest of one spacious field. Which once out of the forest becomes a free field. And around which there are only grasses and a path that leads to Sunagakura..... This was the meeting place with the shinobi from the village of mist.

***

We took the long way around. Mostly we talked about the mission. I explained to her the details and the fourth man's abilities. Also about his golden sand and this information I informed her, only if we have to fight him.... Though if it does come to that, I'll take him on. And the fog will help us with that. Then I thought that while I was in heaven, I had time to learn a lot of things and also a lot of people. And the fourth Kazekage was among them. Hana had also helped navigate this area along the way, thanks to her clan's specialty. Sensing by gravity where east or west was. And it was by her keen sense of smell that we were almost close. Night fell and we decided it would be a better idea if we stopped for the night. In the woods for now. And as the sun set, there was no sun in sight. I was always happy about that though, because the stars were seen more purely in the dark background.... Heh...

-This is a great place. We'll stay here, and tomorrow we'll have that meeting with the fog," I began, surveying the vast forested area.

-Are you sure they'll arrive tomorrow? The Water Country is much farther from the Wind Country than Konoha," Hana asked. I took a couple of dry twigs, then threw them in a pile near a wide log. It's the kind of thing that even four people can sit in.

-These two elite shinobi are from the fog village. Ideally, during our missions together, with the fog, their Shinobi would leave a day before us. So if my calculations are correct, they are also sleeping somewhere right now and we'll meet them tomorrow. Then we'll go together, to the Wind Country, Sunagakure.... - After I finished speaking, I used the katon, and the dry branches caught fire in a flash. Sparks flew upward. Hana looked at them with beauty and added, "Wow.... How beautiful" and she sat down in the log, next to me. I also realized that she wanted to get warm too, near the fire. Although I always prefer the cold, I sat down by the fire to.... To feel temporarily positive. Next to Hana, it feels more intense...

At the same time, I realized that in this second time line, I must also improve in character. It's not to change, but to improve. Even though I already have half of that, my will has become even stronger since I decided to kill Sasuke at the end. And also the honor became maximal, since I try not to change the chronology too much no matter what... But I have to add some more manners. For example I should be even simpler, because sometimes that's the best way out. It's to just go with the flow, and by flow I mean time flow. Also, be positive more often, but don't forget to use negativity... Like in Akatsuki, it's natural to be cold and indifferent from time to time. If I'm heavily focused on something, or if I suddenly step into Akatsuki again. Distracted from my future plans, I wanted to add a bit of positive colors, following I decided to start a conversation:

-You know what I'd like more than anything right now is my favorite sweet food. Dango- - I started, smiling with my right lip as I continued to stare into the fire.

And it was as if she had been waiting for such an answer..... And then with a full smile, Hana pulled out a scroll that could seal weapons. But she printed out five skewer sticks. In which each one had three large balls in it, adding:

-"Voila," she said. I looked at what she was holding and smiled, not believing it at first. I smiled at it.... And she also added, handing me a couple of pieces, with a smile, "dango to your order.

-Huh... - I take both dangos in my hands and say with a smile," I say thoughtfully.... - she looks at me happily, thinking that she's pleased me somehow. At least, I suppose so, though she has. And I add, "How did you know it was May's favorite candy?

-Izumi said to me," I shift my gaze from the dango, to Hana. Also thinking.

Izumi... I remember crystal clear who she is, in my life. She was in my clan, also a great and good friend to me. We were friends and talked about many things, following that she became my first love. But during the massacre of the Uchiha clan, she was killed by Obito. Then by this very same Obito took one of her eyes, in order to use Izanagi one day.... Although that's what happened when Conan sent him to the place where the 6000,000 explosive seals were. Which is where he first broke his orange mask. But he escaped death by using an izanagi. Isanagi, in theory, allows you to warp space so that you shuffle back in time, but it takes an inconceivable amount of force to do that. And so it can take the body back five seconds, or one minute, or even five minutes. And the person gets exactly the same body they had a couple minutes or seconds ago. It doesn't move the person back in time, but rather creates a spear of time. That time. And creates the same body, but minus one eye. An izanagi doesn't necessarily require mangekyo. After all, Danzo could have used them without them, although it would have been better. If he would have used 1 izanami than 9 izanagi on Sasuke. I also had thoughts of fixing Sasuke like that, but then he wouldn't last the rinnegan and become vulnerable to destroy Indra's essence. So my goal at his expense doesn't change.... And while I am, in the second timeline, I have a very long journey ahead of me. And then Hana distracted my thoughts and began to speak:

-Izumi and I have known each other for years. And she's kind of my best friend," she said remembering her days in the academy and continued, "And also at graduation.... She said about the way you looked at her with a hurt look. When she didn't share the dango, I wish I had seen it," she started laughing lightly after saying that. That caused me embarrassment, Hana noticed it and also added, "Calm down, I won't tell anyone. Do you see her a lot, by the way? I don't see her much lately.

-No. We don't see her much, lately, I only see her in the main clan quarter," I answered truthfully. In the first timeline before the extermination of this quarter, I rarely saw her either. Although that day is near.

-We even wanted to be on the same team at the academy. But we were reassigned. Until my team was killed by a Shinobi Mist. We were escorting a feudal lord on a rank-C mission. Then we were attacked by some renegade fog thugs. And the Leader with green hair was at the head," Hana said afterward. Then I remembered that it was the same renegade fog thug we had dealt with. Back when I'd joined the second timeline back then, following up on his squad, Kakashi had given me that big-ass paper. And then when I returned to Konoha, they followed him and he was caught and the Mizukage was pleased, which strengthened our alliance, Konoha with the Water Country. Hana continued her speech further," Then left without a command. And after they killed the feudal lord and interrogated him, I started to run away, I was fast and they didn't catch up with me. I even hid my mark as well as my chakra, and then when I got to Konoha, I started spending more time with nature. I also became a veterinarian, taking care of our clan's dogs, and then I became an irienin at the Konoha Hospital. So I could be useful to people, and then I met you again...

-I'm sorry... - I replied, understanding and a little sad. Remembering about my team-I know the story. I had the same story," Hana translated the sadness into surprise. It was a mission, a ceremonial defense of the daima. Our squad was attacked by someone in an orange mask. And he was almost invincible. As every attack failed to take him, kunai and shuriken went through and through him," Hana looked worried and continued listening, "and in the end everyone died except me and Tenma my teammate on my team-2. He gave me time to escape. So he took one last look at me and ran towards him..... Knowing he was going to die, he did... Then I ran away fast, and the orange masked one didn't follow me. Probably saw something in me. - now I knew it was Obito. And that he wanted to recruit me into Akatsuki. But I only told Hana what she needed to know in this timeline. And that I didn't know who the orange masked man was.

-It's so sad Itachi... - After saying that, she looked at me with sad eyes. I also noticed a positive smile, gratitude in her gaze. For telling her this story.... She continued sadly," We've gone through so many negatives, is there any justice in the world?

She looked at the fire with sadness. I, in turn, decided to cheer her up a little, so I started like this:

-Did you know that dango tastes better when it's like it was in the beginning, if you keep it on the fire?" I began the experiment with a smile. I began this experiment with a smile, and then I started to present it to her, closer to the fire. Hana repeated after me with a smile, following suit. We realized when they were ready, that's when she started to melt a little.

We had a delicious dinner, the night at the fire was great, I think that's what we'll call this night..... Taking out a scroll, Hana folded the seal and called for a futon. I did the same, Hana immediately fell asleep wishing, before doing so, "Goodnight Itachi". I did the same in return... But I didn't fall asleep right away. I also looked at the stars and wondered what the meeting would be like..? In the second timeline? Because in the first timeline, in this mission, the third sent Kakashi and Aoba on this mission, and they were met by fog reinforcements. One was a stern warden-palace, and the other was a sensor like Aoba. The four of them traveled to Sunagakure. And met the fourth Kazekage, it was revealed afterward that he really wanted to attack Konoha. Then... When he saw that the one-tailed attacked the hidden sand village, he hurried there, and before he did, he told Kakashi and his squad, "We have a serious problem, I suggest neutrality", and they realized that they didn't want to make things worse, and went back to Konoha, reporting the good news that the one-tailed attacked the village because of the Fourth Kazegake's decision. Who ordered Yashamaru, the twin brother of Gaara's mom, to say that Gaara himself is a monster and to attack him, but not kill him. So that Shukaku could possess Gaara, and he in turn could control him. And maybe Orochimaru would be right to kill him. And how stupid he was, he'll only realize after he's dead. When he meets Gaara in the fourth war and apologizes for everything.

The end of Itachi's POV

Itachi Uchiha looked up at the stars. Realizing that the warden wouldn't be on this mission this time. Since Shisui and Itachi had caught the thieves who had tried to kidnap Naruto. It's more likely that the warden is watching them and interrogating them. Meaning that along with him and his sensor they would be met by others, Itachi knew he would find out tomorrow... The two fell asleep. Itachi had a sensitive sleep, he always wakes up on time, so he was able to fall asleep peacefully. Sweet sleep. Heh...