The Importance of Being Shin

Summary: Ever since the discovery of the Shin Uchiha clones, Konoha has kept careful tabs on their progress. Despite the distrust of many, three of the young boys are selected to prove they can become loyal citizens despite their origins. The decision could spell triumph – or disaster – not just for the village, but for the entire country. [Unplanned Spin-Off]

Disclaimer: This story utilises characters, situations and premises that are copyright Masashi Kishimoto, Shueisha, Shonen Jump and Viz Media. No infringement on their respective copyrights pertaining to episodes, novelizations, comics or short stories is intended by the author in any way, shape or form. This fan oriented story is written solely for the author's own amusement and the entertainment of the readers. It is not for profit. Any resemblance to real organisations, institutions, products or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All fiction, plot and Original Characters with the exception of those introduced in the books, manga, video games, novelizations and anime, are the sole creation of KuriQuinn and using them without permission is considered rude, in bad-taste and will reflect seriously on your credibility as a writer. Murderous clones will cut you to pieces if you plagiarise.

Warning:Spoilersfor pretty much everything up to Boruto: The Movie

Canon-Compliance: Everything up to Boruto: The Movie

Fanon-Compliance: Takes place simultaneously with Unplanned

This chapter has been beta-read by: Sakura's Unicorn

Despite what rumours and speculation would insist, Sasuke Uchiha does not thrive in the cold. It was a common saying growing up that Uchiha had fire in their veins – it's what made them so talented at using fire jutsu. And, like the serpents he is capable of summoning, he much prefers to be warm and comfortable.

And yet, despite this, he finds himself stalking out of the forest near Konoha's orphanage one cold, rainy night in March.

The property has seen many upgrades in the past year, thanks to the sponsorship of the city, and is no longer the rustic lodge he's visited in the past. A paved walkway leads to a gate and manicured lawn; various recreational fields surround the residence as well. Despite the homey touches, the place still feels disconcertingly institutional. Only the miserable weather makes it look at all appealing.

Sasuke would much rather be home in bed with his wife.

Granted, at this point in time, that prospect is less comforting than usual. Sakura's third trimester has been dragging on, making every aspect of her (and by extension, his) life challenging. In the past weeks, something as simple as sleep has become a nightly chore. Her discomfort and constant trips to the toilet keep them both awake, and when she finally does fall asleep, her exhausted snores keep him from joining her.

Still, at least back home, his feet would be warm.

Sasuke quickens his pace, pulling his travelling cloak tighter around him and forcing the warm thoughts of his wife out of mind. He has serious business to address tonight and wishing he was watching over Sakura or covertly tucking in Sarada will do him no good here.

Ever since he and his loved ones defeated the crazed scientist calling himself Shin Uchiha, the man's numerous clones have been of concern to Konoha. Upon Naruto's recommendation – and Sasuke's wary approval – the boys were placed in the Konoha Orphanage under the care of a certain Kabuto Yakushi.

Neither Sasuke nor Naruto completely trust the man, but they both grew up as orphans. They know the value of having a place to call home and people who can be called family, however odd that family is.

More significantly, they both know the importance of second chances. Intimately, in Sasuke's case. It would be hypocritical not to extend the same courtesy to Kabuto.

That's not to say that Naruto and the city councillors haven't been keeping careful tabs on him or the progress of the orphan boys. Since the discovery of the clones, Shikamaru has been wrestling with the dilemma of how their existence might best help Konoha.

In days past, most orphans would've been brought under government jurisdiction, secreted away by Root, or recruited from this very orphanage to serve as assassins and spies. Those days are long gone, but the project is nowhere near the point of integrating them into village life. That's what Naruto eventually wants, anyhow.

Personally, Sasuke thinks the best and safest option would be to have them live out their lives in ignominy. Preferably, far away from him and his family. But that's just a personal inclination, stemming from the uneasiness he gets just looking at the creatures.

All options are problematic, of course, and possibly moot if the current situation continues. In the past year or so since they were discovered, the number of clones has drastically declined.

As long as they were just numbers on paper, everyone secretly hoped the dilemma would resolve itself. Sasuke isn't proud of that thinking, but in the long run, it would be safer for the world if the Shin Uchiha clones simply ceased to exist.

And then, a few weeks ago, Orochimaru became involved. It's never a good sign when Sasuke's former master shows up.

Although, in recent years, the psychopath has developed a vague approximation of etiquette, it's still best to pay attention to his cryptic insinuations and creepy innuendos. A few choice phrases from the Sannin about the future fate of the clones were enough to for Sasuke to look into the case personally.

Reports from both Orochimaru and Konoha mention a problem in the cloning process as being the reason for the high mortality rate, but Sasuke suspects something else. Before any other decisions are made, he needs to know the whole truth.

Even if he would rather not.

Despite the name that has stuck with the clones, they are not Uchiha. Sasuke knows that his deceased family would look upon them as abominations, sinister creations that ought to be destroyed, not coddled. Not only because their existence pollutes the so-called pure Uchiha blood, but because they are dangerous.

Every single clone has an awakened Mangekyō Sharingan – something that preliminary reports still can't explain. Barring routine physicals, both Kabuto and Naruto have forbidden any in-depth testing. The clones spent their entire existence as guinea-pigs and non-consenting organ donors, so the directive is certainly justified. Sasuke certainly understands it, even if he thinks there could be some benefit in studying these synthetic Sharingan.

If only to find a way for his own children to never accidentally reawaken the Curse of Hatred.

As the only living individual with a fully evolved Sharingan – and control over it – Sasuke is the only one who can truly appraise the clones and make a decision.

Finally reaching the front door, he shakes out his cloak and knocks. He doesn't expect it to open so fast – no one actually knew he was coming tonight – and so it's a bit startling when he finds himself face to face with an unsurprised Kabuto.

"Ah, Sasuke. So nice to see you," the snake-faced man says, eyes crinkling in what might be genuine pleasure.

Sasuke blinks and narrows his eyes. "Where's Urushi?" he asks. Just because Kabuto has been accorded some clemency doesn't mean he enjoys dealing with him.

"Ill, I'm afraid," Kabuto sighs. "The weather, you know. The cold doesn't do much for his injuries, even so long after the war."

"Hm."

Sasuke wonders if Urushi knows what part his brother played in the events of the Fourth Shinobi War. Or that Kabuto was, in some way, responsible for Urushi's injuries and the death of his comrades due to his resurrection jutsu.

It must be another one of those things that loved ones don't speak about for the sake of protecting a relationship. There are certain stories that Sasuke has never told Sakura, but which he knows she's aware of. Neither of them ever bring it up. There's no use in dredging up past events that can't be changed.

He's learned that the hard way.

"Please come in from the rain," Kabuto says, moving aside. "Would you like some tea to warm up? I also have some of that imported coffee from out West."

"What in our entire history suggests I would ever drink anything you offered?" Sasuke retorts coldly.

"Good point," Kabuto chuckles, as if he forgot a tiny detail. He isn't put off in the least by Sasuke's attitude. "Then may I ask why you're here?"

"Don't pretend you don't know."

Kabuto's smile is a little harder this time and his glasses flash. "Of course. We can discuss this in my office. Come this way. I don't like to speak about difficult matters where the boys can hear."

Which seems like an actual concern, Sasuke realises as he is led through the entrance and into a large room. The hallways are packed with children, all of them clones.

The boys are all similar in looks – pale and blond – although it appears some attempts have been made to distinguish them from each other. Instead of the slicked back hair Sasuke remembers from before, some have had theirs cut or grown it out. All of them wear different styles of clothing in different colours, each with names printed on the front. The attempt to distinguish themselves is likely for Kabuto and Urushi's ease. Sasuke isn't certain any of the clones themselves would think to initiate the measure.

Kabuto gestures for him to enter a large room – some kind of recreation area, if the bookshelves and large television are any indication. Various table-top games are arranged amongst chairs and sofas.

About twenty clones are spread throughout the room, each engrossed in a different task. One builds a castle out of cards while another assembles a meticulous tower of blocks. Across the room, some of them sweep the floor while others dust the furniture.

There is only quiet here. It's a solemnity that Sasuke associates more with his years spent with Orochimaru than any kind of academy or orphanage should have. It's unnerving and highlights the obvious lack of connection between any of the wards here. Even if the clones had been talking, they would've stopped the minute they noticed Sasuke. Dozens of scarlet eyes flash toward him, following as he goes.

"They prefer to sleep during the day," Kabuto explains, either unaware or indifferent to the scrutiny. "With the Sharingan constantly active, the light stimulation tires them out. I've been working on a way to turn off whatever keeps it constantly active, but I haven't developed any non-invasive procedures yet."

"That wasn't mentioned in any of the reports," Sasuke points out.

As they pass, one of the clones – bulkier and more muscular than the others – glowers at Sasuke as if he would like nothing more than to lunge across the room and attack.

Sasuke narrows his eyes slightly, allowing his own Sharingan to flash to the surface just enough to remind the kid why trying anything would be a supremely bad idea. He might not have the Nine-Tails to intimidate the little bastards into submission, but he also has fewer reservations about killing an attacker than Naruto does.

Child or no.

"Maybe not in detail, but I assure you, I have been thorough in the medical information I've been sending the village," Kabuto replies smoothly. "The specifics, however, I felt were too…delicate to be put to paper. In the wrong hands –"

"I really don't care what loopholes you're exploiting to keep Nara off your back. So long as those things don't threaten the village or my family," Sasuke interrupts. "I do have a problem with your former master showing up anywhere near either to chat about your little project. Especially as I was under the impression that you don't have much to do with him these days."

"Ours is a distant friendship," Kabuto answers softly. "It's hard to leave behind someone to whom one has been devoted to for so long. Certainly you understand that, Sasuke?"

Involuntarily, Sasuke's thoughts fly to Itachi.

For so long, he was devoted to avenging his family due to his brother's deeds – until the truth came out and that devotion turned to avenging Itachi. Even now, his brother is constantly in his thoughts, a lingering reminder. If he were still alive today…

Sasuke shuts down that line of thinking.

It's uncomfortable to know he and Kabuto can relate about anything. To cover up the moment, he commands, "Get on with it."

Kabuto nods, leading him to an office and letting him inside. The place is small with large plexiglass windows that were likely put in to keep an eye on the children outside. The countless Sharingan remain fixed on them even after the door closes, and Sasuke wonders if Kabuto knows the clones can read lips.

"I assume Lord Orochimaru mentioned the difficulties we've been facing with your cousins?"

Sasuke grimaces at the term. "They're not my family."

"It's the least damaging term we can think of," Kabuto apologises. "Calling them clones simply reinforces that mindset for them. It's not good for their self-worth."

I don't care, Sasuke wants to reply, but doesn't. He didn't come here to discuss psychology with a necromancer.

"As you know, we started out with almost two hundred boys," Kabuto goes on. "Since coming into our care, however, many of them have died."

"Orochimaru mentioned the cloning process –"

"Yes. The technique for creating viable bodies is delicate. By the time you and the Hokage stumbled upon Shin and the boys, they'd been growing themselves. Their purposes were more out of expediency than seeking perfection of form."

"They were replacement bodies," Sasuke recalls.

"Temporary vessels meant to supply the primary Shin with healthy and undamaged organs," Kabuto agrees. "None of them were meant to sustain life in the long-term and so it was inevitable that, over time, their bodies would begin to fail. Without continued medical support and therapy – all of which I have provided – more of them would be dead by now."

"But you've slowed the rate of mortality, haven't you?"

"As well as was possible. Urushi and I have been doing what we can, but we've still only been able to keep fifty of them alive. I fear unless the problem is addressed, this time next year, we'll be down to half. If we're lucky."

"So, what exactly is it that you want?"

Kabuto frowns. "When the boys were first brought to me, the intention was that eventually they would be rehabilitated and integrated into village life."

"How will that stop them from dying?"

"That's the other part that I haven't mentioned in my reports," Kabuto sighs. "It's not just genetic disease and fallout from the cloning process that are detrimental to their health, but – Kōda! NO!"

Sasuke's head whips around, following Kabuto's gaze just in time to watch one of the clones calmly reach out and twist the neck of another one.

Before the victim hits the ground, Kabuto and Sasuke have both exited the office. Sasuke grabs hold of the attacker while Kabuto needlessly checks the other body. His shoulders sag and he looks up at the boy Sasuke has a hold of.

"Kōda, why did you do that?" he asks, his tone laced not with anger or shock, but resignation and disappointment.

"He wouldn't move," the boy answers blandly, as if that justifies everything.

Sasuke looks down at the corpse. The boy's eyes stare up, Sharingan dulled in death. His stomach clenches as he can't help imagining Sarada. His eyes flit around the room, noting the reactions of the other clones.

Or rather, the non-reaction.

None of them have even batted an eyelash at the casual murder of one of their own.

This has happened before, Sasuke realises. It's not just issues pertaining to their biology which are killing the clones, but each other.

"We've discussed this," Kabuto chastises Kōda.

"I apologise," the clone says, not sounding so in the least. With even less emotion, he asks, "Will I be neutralised now?"

Kabuto pales and shakes his head. "No. Go sit in the library. You and I will talk about this after our guest leaves."

Sasuke hesitates then releases the boy. Kōda offers him a fleeting, appraising look then shuffles out of the room.

Sasuke shoots a hard look at Kabuto.

"He just murdered another person, and you're simply going to have a conversation with him?"

The medic nin doesn't have an opportunity to answer. One of the clones wanders over quietly, carrying a blanket. Wordlessly and with a blank expression on his face, he passes the blanket to Kabuto.

The former spy stares at the boy then smiles tensely. "Thank you, Rikon."

The boy calmly turns, heading back to an abandoned book.

Kabuto wraps the dead boy's body in the blanket and motions for Sasuke to follow him back to the office.

"This is what you weren't revealing in your reports," Sasuke says angrily. "It's why you sent Orochimaru to me, instead of contacting the village. If anyone there finds out, they'll scrap the program and destroy the clones."

"Yes," Kabuto says tightly. "But what they don't understand is that the boys have no understanding of the sanctity of human life. They see each other as nothing more than chattel. How can they be expected to know the difference if they've never had someone teach them why? We're doing the best we can, but it's an uphill battle."

"You do understand how ironic that is coming from you?" Sasuke deadpans. "So far, I've seen nothing that suggests they shouldn't all be destroyed. They're dangerous and, worse than that, they're completely amoral."

"Not completely," Kabuto persuades. "You saw, didn't you? With Rikon? The blanket?" He nods at the covered corpse. "This is new behaviour. The usual reaction to death is what you noticed before – no one acknowledges it. But in this case…that boy did. Clearly, something is changing, albeit slowly. Sasuke, I truly believe that these boys need to be in an environment where they can interact with other people. Where they can learn and experience for themselves."

"It might be too late."

"If you really believed that, you never would've come here tonight. You never would've approved of them remaining at the orphanage for so long."

"One act of compassion doesn't mean it isn't too late."

"But it's enough to write them off entirely?" Kabuto counters. "Surely, you of all people, Sasuke, know the importance of second chances. And not blaming a child for the sins of his ancestors."

Narrowing his eyes at the implication, Sasuke's jaw clenches. "I've seen enough," he says, turning and striding from the office. "Naruto will contact you with the final decision."

"And what will that final decision be?" Kabuto calls after him.

Sasuke considers the sea of red eyes watching him as he leaves, and murmurs to himself, "I honestly have no idea."

つづく