Hey guys! Welcome back. Thanks so much for the comments and support! I really appreciate it. I'm working on this story and Willing Sacrifices at the moment and will update here, and then there, and then here...etc. Until WS is finished, sorry for the slow updates but that's the way it goes!

Okay, also, I made a few minor changes in the previous chapter, i.e. Shisui is already a jonin.

And just another note, I haven't read the light books either, so I'm just going off memory and video and research etc, so don't get all huffy if some details aren't exactexactexact, okay? Please and thank you. If you would like to inform me of certain details that might be important that I haven't put in, please be polite about it and DM me links to the sources or whatever it is, thanks. That's much more appreciated than accusatory or blunt comments with a 'you're so ignorant' vibe.

Okayyyy. Now! On to the story...

Five

Kakashi kneeled before the Hokage. He could see the wind blowing his robes a little before they settled back down, and at that moment he raised his head. They were not meeting in the office of the Hokage; this was not a discussion that an audience should be privy to. Understanding that from the look on his face when Kakashi had arrived at the window of his office the previous day, the Hokage had given him coordinates to a rooftop in the industrial outskirts of Konoha for their dawn rendezvous.

"So. I expect this is a rather serious matter, considering the troubled look in your eyes," the Hokage began, turning around to face him. "What is it you wish to discuss?"

Kakashi rose to stand. Formalities weren't his favourite thing, and since they were in private, they mattered little.

"It's about the Uchiha."

The Hokage's gaze sharpened ever so slightly at him.

"A topic many wish to discuss these days," he said, his voice holding a clear tone of caution.

Kakashi continued, though he was not as certain as he appeared or sounded.

"Specifically Sasuke Uchiha."

With that, he saw immediately that the Hokage's interest was piqued and Kakashi's own suspicions that the Hokage wasn't blind to the strange boy were confirmed.

"Oh?"

Kakashi went to speak and then closed his mouth, his jaw clenching slightly as the image of Sasuke's desperate eyes suddenly flashed across his mind. He was silent for a moment, then ignoring the odd settling of doubt mingled with concern in his gut.

"He's an odd kid," Kakashi eventually said, frowning.

The Hokage gave a surprised chuckled, obviously not expecting that exact wording. The brief flash of amusement vanished in an instant and the Hokage looked at him expectantly as he responded.

"Sasuke does certainly seem to be an intelligent and determined child."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes slightly.

"It's more than that," he said with some bubbling frustration. He knew he was missing something. "He has interestingly defined loyalties. More than shinobi three times his age. You might be interested to know what they are, as Hokage."

"Would you care to share how you discovered this information?" The Third asked.

Kakashi shrugged.

"I asked him."

The Hokage didn't believe it was as simple as that and gave a disapproving glare.

"You confronted a child?" The Third asked sharply. "An Uchiha child, no less. Fugaku's son."

Kakashi chose not to respond to that admonishment and query.

"His priorities are Naruto, his brother, and the village."

The Third was silent as he considered. Kakashi knew that by his not mentioning Sasuke's clan, a clan famous for their fierce loyalty, the Hokage would understand that it was a telling and important thing, particularly for a child as young as Sasuke and him being the son of the clan head.

"And what else did you discover about him?" The Third asked, taking the information more seriously.

There was a part of Kakashi that felt utterly ridiculous the two of them were discussing a five-year-old as if he were the most important thing in the village, but he had a hunch that the kid was, in fact, one of the most important people in the village, somehow, and it was clear that the Hokage seemed to think the same thing. He wondered what the old man had already seen that he didn't seem inclined to share.

"He has an uncanny understanding of how the village works," Kakashi informed him. "He's adamant about not drawing more attention than he already has by staying under the radar at the academy when he's far more advanced than he lets on and seems to be attempting to form relationships with the other clans, particularly the Nara. "

The Third heaved a sigh and Kakashi could practically read on his face that he was wondering why it was always the children who did the most unexpected things.

"And then there is Naruto," the Third said with a grimace.

Kakashi remained silent.

"Kakashi."

The Third's voice became stern and authoritative and instinctively, Kakashi stood a little taller.

"The village is heading into uncertain times. Discontent breeds conflict and ambition paired with power is a dangerous combination." He paused. "It would be wise to keep persons of interest in your line of sight. Who knows how the innocence of a child could affect the future."

Kakashi could read between the lines easily enough. Things were not as peaceful in the village as they appeared, which anyone in his position should already have been aware of, and it was likely to get worse. He was being given permission to keep an eye on Sasuke, on the Uchiha, on whatever he felt necessary.

"I guess it's lucky Pakkun likes kids," was all he said before he disappeared and left the Hokage to his thoughts.

Sasuke was growing annoyed at the slow pace of his training. It was hard to keep his mind clear and to not go down the darker thought paths he'd ventured before, and seek out ways of gaining power more quickly. The easiest way was to simply have his Sharingan activated, but Sasuke knew the cost that emotional toll would take on him and as much as he craved the power of his eyes, he also had a healthier respect and reluctance for them now.

Old habits were hard to break. On the days he was particularly frustrated, he took it out on Naruto, which he knew wasn't fair and always ended in a screaming match between them. In the past, he doubted they ever would've fully recovered from it, but now they had a different relationship. Sasuke was less concerned with his pride in regards to Naruto. As children did, they made up quickly, as if they'd never fought in the first place.

Shisui's training was helpful. Because his cousin had decided that Sasuke didn't need to work on anything in regards to using excessive chakra - because he didn't have that much to begin with, and he didn't need it because he was still only five-and-a-half - he focused on details and body control, which helped Sasuke in his weekly bouts against Rock Lee.

Rock Lee's progress was not as fast as Sasuke had assumed it would be. It turned out that he was more like Naruto than Sasuke thought; he was a slow learner and a loser. They were good traits, he supposed, in people with determination like Lee and Naruto.

It was a few weeks after the confrontation with Kakashi in the forest that he first noticed Pakkun, and it was in that moment that he realised that Pakkun had probably been trailing him since before Kakashi had confronted him. It was the only way that his sensei could have known some things about him since Sasuke knew he was still busy with ANBU and not in the village so often that he could spare so much time to spy on a five-year-old.

Once Pakkun saw that Sasuke was aware of him, he didn't bother to hide any longer. Somehow, Sasuke assumed that he had managed to gain a certain level of respect for his apparent intellect from the pug and maybe even his owner. If he didn't, Pakkun would have disappeared instead of openly becoming a companion of sorts. Or that he was interesting enough to need to be monitored. He wasn't sure how concerned he should have been at that until a more sinister thought occurred to Sasuke; that this was a subtle message to Danzo that the Uchiha were being watched by Kakashi, and by extension, the Third. He tried not to let it trouble him too much.

The good thing about coming from a prominent shinobi family who had expectations of their children was that Sasuke was expected to take care of himself and so wasn't kept under their thumb as much as he might have been. If his mother was worried, she would send out Shisui or Itachi to come and get him, or one of the other clansmen, and then scold him enough to make him feel overly guilty for everything he'd ever done wrong.

Staying out after the academy was finished didn't worry his mother, and when no one was there to pick him up from the academy, he headed into the forest to training or think or just be alone. Of course, when Pakkun was there he wasn't really alone.

His favourite days were when Itachi came to get him, but after what happened in the forest with Kakashi, there was a tension between them. Itachi was worried about him and Sasuke hated that, although he understood it since he was also worried about Itachi. He wanted so badly to just tell Itachi everything; about who he was, about what was coming, about the danger he was going to be in. But that wasn't possible, and it would only add to Itachi's anxiety and his own inner conflict with the clan and the village and what his place in it all was. Sasuke didn't want to add more to his brothers' burdens than he already had. He had to take care of those things himself.

But those worries were not the only things that Sasuke realised Itachi was struggling with. A few months had passed, but Itachi was still suffering from Tobi murdering his teammate. He hadn't seen how much pain that event had caused Itachi in the past, but now that he was looking, and Sasuke could see that Itachi hadn't - and likely wouldn't - fully recover from it. His brother was far gentler than anyone else could see. It was why Sasuke was so attached to him.

It wasn't until he happened to be walking around the village one day and saw his brother by the cemetery and then witnessed Danzo's speaking with him that Sasuke finally grasped just how long the man had been planting the seeds for the massacre into his brothers' mind. It was like he'd been struck was a metal bat; he'd never felt more anger and more loathing than he did at that moment, not even when he had been lost in the dark roads he'd once traveled on. It took hours to calm down.

In the evening, when his parents were asleep and Itachi was in bed, Sasuke padded softly to his brothers' room.

"Are you asleep?" Sasuke whispered into the darkened room.

"No," was Itachi's soft response.

Sasuke crawled into Itachi's bed, and his brother turned around so they were facing each other.

"What's wrong?" Itachi asked him.

Sasuke took a deep breath.

"I don't like Councilman Shimura," he said bluntly.

Itachi seemed surprised and Sasuke grimaced.

"He doesn't have a good feeling. I don't trust him. You shouldn't listen to what he says."

"Councilman Shimura is a very experienced shinobi who is one of the village leaders. What are you saying, Sasuke?"

Sasuke ground his teeth in frustration.

"Not everyone who has experience and power should be listened too," he said. "Sometimes bad people act good so that good people will do what they say."

Itachi was quiet for a moment.

"Sasuke…" he trailed off. "Sometimes it's hard to believe that you're only five."

Sasuke swallowed.

"Probably people said the same things about you," he said, trying to joke and change the subject.

Itachi gave a low chuckle.

"Maybe."

He gave Sasuke a searching look, and Sasuke looked away uncomfortably.

"Unless you adopted a puppy that we don't know about, I'm sure you know who that pug belongs too," Itachi said, suddenly serious. "Why didn't you say anything to me?"

Sasuke froze a moment and then relaxed.

"Kakashi's just paranoid," he muttered.

Itachi didn't seem pleased.

"Kakashi is monitoring you, Sasuke. This is not a game," Itachi stressed.

"If Pakkun is following me because Kakashi told him too… and he's not hiding it anymore…probably that means that the Hokage is too," Sasuke said quietly. He glanced at Itachi, and could barely make out the concerned and almost stunned expression on his face. "But the Hokage doesn't want anything bad to happen to us or to Naruto, so it's okay," Sasuke added quickly.

Itachi was quiet a moment, seeming to process what he said.

"By 'us' I suppose you mean the clan?"

Sasuke nodded and Itachi sighed.

"Nothing bad is going to happen," he murmured. "Please just try to enjoy your childhood. Stop growing up so fast."

Itachi reached up and gave Sasuke a pat on the head and ruffled his hair a little. Sasuke wriggled to get out of reach.

"'Tachi," Sasuke groaned.

Itachi gave a small chuckle.

"I'll always be your big brother, Sasuke."

Sasuke winced, hit with memories he wanted to erase.

"I know," Sasuke murmured. "No matter what happens, I'll always believe in you."

He knew Itachi felt the weight in his words, though Sasuke knew he wouldn't understand why there was a weight to them. A moment of silence hung between them and Sasuke wriggled closer to him, clutching his shirt in his small hands, his usually contained fear of losing Itachi again making him need to be close to him. Itachi didn't understand, but he still hugged Sasuke as they fell asleep.

When Sasuke woke up in the morning, Itachi was gone. For a little while, Sasuke stared at the empty space in the bed with a heavy and anxious feeling. Despite knowing so much more about Itachi, and how he lived and why - despite all that he'd learned, Sasuke never knew what his brother was thinking.

It was almost too much of a coincidence for Sasuke to run into Danzo Shimura while wandering the village so soon after he'd spoken to Itachi, and as luck would have it, Pakkun wasn't around either as far as he could tell. Sasuke swallowed his feelings as the man stopped him, asking why he was out all alone.

"I'm going to meet a friend," Sasuke replied in his most childlike manner.

"Ah, is that so?"

He put on a display of disappointment that would manipulate any child into feeling guilty. Sasuke was not any child.

"Could you spare a few moments of conversation for an old man like myself? Your friend can wait, can't he, Sasuke Uchiha?"

Sasuke reacted the way he was supposed, politely and deferentially.

"Of course, Councilman," he replied. "But I can't be late."

Sasuke didn't like the smile the man gave him.

"It's important to keep your promises, I understand," Danzo said. "Shall we walk in the direction you were heading?"

Sasuke gave a little nod.

"I'm surprised you know who I am," Danzo said easily.

Sasuke didn't look at him and continued walking by his side in the direction he was going to meet Naruto. His nerves were beginning to make his heart beat rapidly.

"You were there when I was tested for the academy," Sasuke replied.

"It's good you remember that," Danzo said. "You did very well on the exam. Are you happy to be in the academy?"

"Yes. I'm learning lots. I'll be a shinobi just like Itachi," Sasuke replied with the enthusiasm of a child.

He swung his arms a little to hide the fidgeting of his fingers as they walked.

"That's good to hear. Your brother is very talented and intelligent. I hear you take after him in smarts as well?"

It sounded like a question, but Sasuke knew it wasn't. He already knew that Sasuke was smart. Still, Sasuke couldn't give up his pretense.

"Itachi's the best," he replied, forcing a happy grin. "No one is as smart as him."

Danzo gave a low chuckle. Sasuke couldn't trust anything that sounded genuine from him.

"I hope that you will grow into a shinobi like your brother. Itachi's a special boy, he understands the value of the village above everything."

"We are Leaf Shinobi," Sasuke replied innocently. "We fight for the Leaf village."

He fought his instinct to cringe away and reach for a kunai when Danzo's hand came down to pat his head.

"Good boy," he said easily. "Well, this old man is tired. Thanks for talking with me, Sasuke. Don't be late to meet your friend."

Sasuke forced a slow and polite departure running off to seek the comfort of Naruto's brash loudness. The feeling of unease from their meeting stayed with him for days and the worry that he was already too exposed, too involved, had drawn too much attention increased until he was walking around with constant nausea.

It turned out that once Sasuke had met Sakura once, it was now impossible to avoid her. He should have known it would work out this way. Somehow, they had always managed to find each other, although that was because she was always chasing him. There were some moments he felt a twinge of something close to regret when he thought about her, about everything they'd been through and where they had been going. Before making the choice to go back in time, Sasuke had been bridging the gap he'd forced between them. Honestly speaking, and he'd never admit it aloud, that was what he regretted most about his time-travel decision. That he'd taken away an opportunity to experience what life with her might have been like.

Now, regrettably, he kept finding her without even looking. He would catch a glimpse of pink hair in the crowd, he would see her playing the park, or eating with her parents. When he was with Naruto, Naruto always wanted to say hello, but somehow Sasuke kept finding excuses not to speak to her. It was only when he hung back from Sakura that he noticed Hinata hiding and watching Naruto. He felt conflicted about whether or not he could see his own actions in what she was doing, although he had to admit that Hinata was far purer than he ever was or would be. It didn't make him feel good to realise he was being completely pathetic. He could only hope that Shisui or his brother never noticed. Ever.

It was merely a coincidence the day that Sasuke saw her heading towards the forest, humming happily as she skipped and plucked some flowers as she went. He paused when he saw her, unsure whether or not to go one his way or approach her. They were close to the forest's edge, but as if sensing someone was there, she suddenly turned around and when her eyes landed on him, she went bright red.

Sasuke stuffed his hands in his pockets and took a few steps over to her.

"S-Sasuke," she stammered.

He nodded to her in greeting and they both stood there a little awkwardly, unsure what to say. Sasuke, determined to not turn into Hinata, glanced at the flowers in her hands.

"You like…. flowers?" He asked hesitantly.

Sakura blushed again and nodded in response before more silence. Sasuke shifted uncomfortably.

"H-how is the academy?" Sakura asked nervously.

Sasuke shrugged, and Sakura looked down. Sasuke grit his teeth and looked away.

"You should work hard," he said after a moment. "If you work hard you'll be a great shinobi. Bye."

He turned away and walked quickly off, not bothering to look back. The conversation was so awkward and stilted, he shoved his hands in his pockets and only paused for a slight moment when he heard her call out a soft 'thank you' to him, although he didn't think it was necessary.

He was going to make it a point to avoid her from now on. He couldn't act like a natural almost six-year-old, and he knew that she had clouded judgment when it came to him so it didn't seem right to take advantage of that. He hoped that she'd hear him, and maybe instead of spending so much time focusing on things that weren't that important, she'd be stronger faster and their team would be even better when the time came. But that was a long way into the future, and Sasuke had other things to worry about.

Every milestone that passed and nothing had visibly changed made Sasuke's worries grow. Itachi had become a chunin earlier in the year and was consistently proving to be a great source of pride for the clan. He hadn't said much of anything to Sasuke about what he'd said about Danzo, and Sasuke hadn't told him about Danzo approaching him.

Itachi became busier, and since Shisui had been a jonin for a while, Sasuke's time with both of them became limited. He instead focused on Shikamaru and Naruto, abandoning the failed plan of bridging the gap between his clan and the other clans through the adults. As far as he had seen, it had had no effect. With Shikamaru, a comment here and there that would reach Shikaku was far more useful. Not to mention that there were times when he knew that Pakkun was around and listening. Everything he said was going to get back to Kakashi as well, and maybe the Hokage. It was a risk, but Sasuke needed to take risks, or nothing was going to change.

He kept to himself at the academy, pulling back from Lee and TenTen. It was lonelier than he'd expected. He told Lee that for the time being he needed to stop their training together, and Lee was visibly and dramatically upset at hearing it, but to Sasuke's surprise, he didn't try to force the issue. Probably, Sasuke realised, there were things that Lee needed to experience on his own just like Naruto so he could grow. Sasuke's inner conflict with his unintended influence began to grow. He wondered if he should have fought harder against his father's wishes to go to the academy.

One afternoon after class was finished, Sasuke retreated into the forest, pleased to put some distance between himself and Neji Hyuga, whose glare and prickling attitude he was sick of. Pakkun had followed him from the moment he left the academy grounds.

"You hide when someone from my clan is close by," Sasuke commented to the pug.

Pakkun settled on the grass, crossing his front paws and resting his chin on them.

"Do I?"

Sasuke laid on the grass beside Pakkun, his backpack resting at the base of a tree close by, and looked at the sky through the thick trees above them. He gave a little snort and smirk.

"I bet it's because Kakashi doesn't want my clan to know he's watching me," Sasuke said dryly.

"You talk too much kid," Pakkun sighed.

Sasuke closed his eyes. He didn't realise he'd fallen asleep until he felt Pakkun nudge him awake. Sasuke was immediately alert, glancing at Pakkun who backed into the shadows of the trees, the look on his face was serious enough for Sasuke to know this wasn't a joke. Sasuke followed him, casting out his senses to figure out who was coming. He picked up his backpack and put it on his back, knowing that it would protect him a little at the very least and that he couldn't leave it in the open and announce their exact location.

"You should get out of here, pup," Pakkun whispered. "They're too strong for you."

"How many?" Sasuke whispered back.

"Enough. Let's go, kid."

Pakkun nodded to him, and Sasuke nodded back. Pakkun ran off and he followed, taking off at a sprint, weaving through the trees and back towards the village, until Pakkun suddenly veered off course. Sasuke panted hard, glancing back a moment to see if he could catch a glimpse of their pursuers. All he saw was a flash of white and was struck with fear when he realised it was an ANBU mask.

Pakkun pulled up suddenly, and Sasuke stopped and got into a defensive stance. His hands clenched at his side and eyes darting around. Pakkun took guard around him.

"Don't worry, kid. He's almost here," Pakkun growled under his breath.

Even though he knew Kakashi was coming, Sasuke's panic didn't subside. The pursuers finally showed themselves, three of them, surrounding Sasuke and Pakkun. Sasuke's eyes narrowed, ROOT, his mind hissed. Why were they chasing him?

"Who are you? What do you want?" Sasuke asked loudly. "I'm the son of Fugaku Uchiha, what do you want with me?"

One stepped forward and then stepped back again suddenly. Sasuke felt the presence they'd sensed a moment later.

"Good question, kid. What does ROOT want with a brat like you?"

Sasuke spun around and saw Kakashi casually stroll out of the trees, hands in his pockets, shoulders a little slouched. If it wasn't for the killing intent rolling off him, he might have looked like he'd just stumbled upon something interesting in the woods on his afternoon walk.

There was silence.

"Something caught your tongue?" Kakashi asked the agents who were yet to move or speak.

Sasuke retreated to his side.

"I asked you a question." Kakashi's voice was threatening.

"Forgive us for frightening you, Sasuke Uchiha," one of them said. "Our master would like to speak with you. We simply wished to bring you before him."

Sasuke clenched his jaw.

"A bit of an aggressive invitation," Pakkun muttered.

Sasuke had to agree. They didn't want to just bring him before Danzo: Danzo wanted him afraid. It was an easy ploy to figure out. Scare the child, console him and win over his trust. Sasuke was not that simple and it bit at his pride that Danzo thought it would work.

"I don't want to meet your master, whoever that is," Sasuke said, the tremble in his voice not as much of an act as he wanted it to be. "If someone wants to talk to me they can come to my house and ask my parents."

Kakashi placed a protective hand on Sasuke's head, making his eyes widen with surprise at the gesture.

"You heard the kid. So why don't you go back to your master," he said the word with sarcasm, "and I'll go report this… harassment of a village child, a clan child, to the Hokage. Does that sound fair?"

There was a tense silence and then without a word, the ROOT agents disappeared and Sasuke's legs gave out. He stared at the ground in surprise. He hadn't realised how afraid he'd been. He'd forgotten what that really felt like, and he had never felt more the age of his body than he did then. He could feel Kakashi and Pakkun staring at him, but he couldn't bring himself to look at them.

He lifted his arm and stared at his trembling hand, before clenching it into a fist. He shouldn't let himself get so worked up. He could withstand any mind games Danzo had to play with him, but the sudden development had shocked him. Pakkun appeared in his line of sight, his wet nose bopped Sasuke's fist.

"You all right, kid?" He asked, concern in his eyes.

Sasuke stared at him for a moment and then got to his feet and looked at Kakashi. Kakashi was looking back into the trees, his eyes dark.

"Who is their master? They're ANBU but their master doesn't seem to be the Hokage," Sasuke said.

Kakashi glanced down at him.

"That's not for you to worry about. I doubt you'll see them again."

Sasuke clenched his jaw.

"They wanted to take me away. I think I deserve to know more."

"You don't deserve to know anything," Kakashi retorted darkly. He gave a sigh. "Pakkun will take you home. I'm going to see the Hokage."

"Fine," Sasuke muttered. "This is getting complicated."

Both Kakashi and Pakkun turned a sharp gaze on him. Kakashi kneeled down in front of him and Sasuke wondered at his strange change in attitude towards him.

"You're a smart kid, Sasuke, but you'll get yourself killed and Naruto will be alone again. Is that what you want?"

Sasuke flinched at the harshness in his tone and the reminder of what he was doing here, what his purpose was. He scrunched his nose and gave Kakashi a cold look.

"Why are you acting like some kind of guardian? Don't use me to lessen your own guilt."

Kakashi's eye flashed and Sasuke trembled from the threatening aura he suddenly emitted.

"Kid, you really talk too much," Pakkun sighed. "Boss. Don't forget what just happened."

Kakashi glared at Sasuke, and Sasuke glanced away from him, his hands tightening on the straps of his backpack. There were few people that Sasuke trusted, and Kakashi was one of them. He needed to stop antagonising him, but it was because he trusted him that he spoke too much; Pakkun was right.

"Thank you," Sasuke muttered reluctantly.

He felt the shift in the atmosphere around Kakashi and glanced back at the man. He was still not the Kakashi that Sasuke had known, but Sasuke could see that man in his eyes for a moment. Clearly, Kakashi hadn't expected it either. He let out a sigh and pushed himself to his feet.

"Pakkun will take you home," he repeated, turning away.

"Kakashi," Sasuke spoke out hesitantly. Kakashi paused and looked back over his shoulder. Sasuke swallowed. "Will - will you listen to me when I ask you? Do you swear?"

Kakashi stared at him for a moment and then gave a slow nod before disappearing.

Sasuke didn't see any more ROOT agents, just as Kakashi had predicted. He didn't tell his family about the encounter, and nor, it appeared, did Kakashi or the Hokage. He was now firmly trapped within the secrets of the village with no escape. He needed to proceed carefully. Kakashi had never been predictable, but as he was now, he was more volatile. He'd agreed for whatever reason to one day listen to him when Sasuke asked. It was a step forward, but Sasuke wasn't satisfied.

Sasuke became so wrapped up in his own troubles that he didn't notice that Naruto was having more bad days until he exploded and started fighting Sasuke. Sasuke was taken aback, but he fought back. They grappled in the park, with Naruto screaming about how he wasn't a good friend and Sasuke yelling back that he didn't know what he was talking about. The fight ended with Sasuke punching Naruto in the face and then holding him down.

Naruto stared up at him, glaring as Sasuke glared back and then Sasuke relaxed and Naruto started bawling. Sasuke sighed and sat on the ground while Naruto sobbed loudly, rubbing his eyes. He waited for him to settle down a little before asking what was wrong. Somehow through his sobs, Naruto expelled some of the negativity that had been building up inside him. The eyes of the villagers, the stares, the confusion he felt.

Sasuke sat beside him and listened silently, knowing that anything he had to say wouldn't have a good effect. He hated seeing Naruto going through this again, but as hard as it was to watch, Sasuke knew it was necessary for his development as a person. But Sasuke was there, he was there beside Naruto, and Naruto wasn't so alone this time. It was something. It had to be something, otherwise, Sasuke didn't know what he was doing this all for.

"I'll always be your friend," Sasuke said quietly to Naruto when he'd stopped sobbing. "No matter what happens, I believe in you."

Naruto's eyes watered again and his blubbering started and instead of the hug Sasuke was expecting, he just gave a little smile and all the tension seemed to release from Naruto's body, and Sasuke realised that he just needed to hear that. Sometimes Naruto just needed to hear that he wasn't alone.

"You're still a loser though," Sasuke grinned.

"Are you two fighting again?"

Both Naruto and Sasuke turned to see Itachi, smiling softly down at them.

"Itachi, Sasuke's super mean to me!" Naruto complained.

Sasuke scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Whatever, crybaby."

"HEY!"

Itachi didn't bother to break up the fight that broke out between them, and every now and again, Sasuke caught a distant look in Itachi's eyes.

During his first year at the academy, Sasuke had garnered a reputation for outsmarting bigger and stronger opponents who foolishly targeted him. It became widespread that he wasn't like Itachi, who had avoided fighting in the academy; Sasuke was not afraid of getting his hands dirty.

It bothered him a little that he was targeted by idiots for his ancestry and because of the reputation of brother, but when he discovered that there were those who targeted - or avoided - him because of his friendship with Naruto, he grew truly angry and frustrated.

He was surprised, however, that TenTen and Lee didn't seem to care very much. One day, when his curiosity had gotten the better of him, he asked them what they thought. The question surprised the pair since Sasuke rarely initiated conversation. It was obvious immediately that TenTen was uneasy and uncomfortable, but what she said surprised him.

"Well, lots of people say bad things about him, but if you're friends with him I guess he might not be so bad."

Lee agreed and Sasuke didn't understand how they had such a high opinion of him when he hadn't bothered to be particularly nice to either of them.

"Sasuke Uchiha is someone who sticks up for his friends!" Lee thrust his thumbs up in Sasuke's face. "I admire that!"

It was disconcerting to hear that. Sasuke didn't think he'd ever heard someone describe him that way, although he was reminded of what his father had said to him the first day he'd seen him again, about developing a sense of justice. It was surprisingly nice to hear.

His first year at the academy came to a close without too much ceremony. He had made sure he landed firmly in the upper section of the class, but not first. Neji finished first, throwing mocking and superior looks to him that Sasuke ignored, which served only to further infuriate Neji. He had a feeling that this tense relationship was going to be troublesome in the future.

His family was sufficiently pleased with his results, but as he expected he still heard comments from others about him not being as good as Itachi. Surprisingly, he didn't hear it from his father. Fugaku barely said anything at all other than making a comment about hoping that he learned how to not overwork himself. It was irritating that there wasn't more communication between them. Sasuke had thought that perhaps the gap between them had been closing, but things didn't seem any different, except that he felt less compared to Itachi. Small progress, but there were times when it just didn't seem like it was enough.

When he was found sulking about his father, he was comforted by his mother, which eased him. Mikoto didn't often tell Sasuke about Fugaku, but what she did say was meaningful. It was nice to hear that his father was actually proud of him, but he wanted to hear it from Fugaku's own lips.

Sasuke's sixth birthday was celebrated with his family with the addition of Shisui, Naruto and - at his mother's instance - Rock Lee and TenTen. Sasuke made a deal with her, that if he was being forced to invite those two, she had to invite the Nara and Akimichi's as well. And so, Sasuke's home was filled with an eclectic mixture of people that he'd never imagined would enter his home, ever.

TenTen, Lee, and Naruto were all quite awkward with each other, but upon seeing Naruto's interactions with Sasuke's family, Shikamaru and Choji, Lee and TenTen seemed to relax around him and Sasuke felt some of his worries lessen.

With Naruto distracted with Lee and Choji, Sasuke was able to take a step back and observe the adults. His mother was playing hostess with the Akimichi and Nara clan heads, whilst his father was a little standoffish. He frowned at seeing that and decided to take matters into his own hands, aware that Itachi and Shisui - who was busy with the two balls of energy, Naruto and Lee - and also Shikamaru, were all watching him.

He approached Shikaku and Chosa, politely thanking them for coming to his birthday and letting their sons come as well. Both were friendly in their responses, offering congratulations and remarking on how well he'd done at the academy for being the youngest.

Sasuke accepted their remarks and parted with a remark that he'd learned at the academy that all the clans are important, and every one of them has a different role to play in the protection and prospering of the village, and that he hoped that the Uchiha could continue to count on the Nara and Akimichi in the future, just like they could count on the Uchiha.

"We are all comrades who bleed for the Leaf," he finished.

There was a pause before Chosa smiled kindly and gave a chuckle, telling Fugaku that he was lucky to have two intelligent sons to lead the clan one day. Sasuke could only hope that the glint in Shikaku's eye wasn't suspicion, but thought and consideration for his words.

Shisui, Itachi and Sasuke walked Naruto home, and he was hyperactive, yelling about how excited he was to start at the academy in a few months, and how he it was super cool that he and Sasuke could finally be ninja's together and so much more that Sasuke eventually gave Shisui pleading eyes to distract Naruto. Shisui's eyes gave him a 'you owe me' response and Sasuke fell back in step with Itachi.

"Have you seen much of Kakashi lately?" Itachi asked quietly.

Sasuke shook his head.

"You spoke well, by the way." Sasuke looked at him questioningly, and Itachi gave a soft smile. "To the clan heads."

"Oh. Well. I just said what I was thinking," Sasuke mumbled. He paused, and Itachi looked back at him. Sasuke bit his lip. "Tachi… do you trust Kakashi?"

Itachi stared at him for a moment.

"He is a powerful shinobi with a complicated reputation. I do not know. As a fellow shinobi of the Leaf, I trust in his loyalty to the village."

Sasuke frowned.

"I trust him with my life," he said firmly.

This time, Itachi frowned.

"Why are you so concerned with him? What has he done to earn your trust? He threatened you."

"He saved me from ROOT."

Itachi froze, then gripped Sasuke by the arm, threw him over his shoulder, and transported him away. Sasuke allowed himself to be carried by Itachi, squeezing his eyes closed and silently apologising to his brother.

Itachi returned him back to the Uchiha compound and in a darkened corner close to their house, he demanded to know what Sasuke meant. Sasuke calmly explained what had happened, and while Itachi listened, he struggled to control his facial muscles.

"Tachi, listen to me," Sasuke said, gripping his brother's shirt. "You can't say anything. You can't. If you say something then he'll know. He'll know and things might get worse for the clan."

Itachi pulled Sasuke close to him in a crushing hug.

"Let's promise to stick together, okay, Tachi? Just the two of us, okay?" Sasuke said, muffled by his brother's shirt.

Itachi suddenly thrust him behind his back, kunai drawn and Sharingan activated. Sasuke blinked in surprise, and then Itachi let out a sigh and relaxed. A second later, Shisui's quiet voice broke through the night.

"It's just me."

He looked between them with concern.

"This is an odd place to meet."

"Is Naruto at home?" Sasuke stepped out from behind Itachi.

Shisui nodded.

"He's a bit upset you disappeared though."

Sasuke felt a twinge of guilt. He looked up to see Itachi staring hard ahead in thought. Shisui's eyes flickered between them.

"You should get home," he said. "It's late."

Sasuke tugged Itachi's hand and Itachi glanced down at him, his gaze suddenly softening. He reached up a hand and tapped him on the forehead.

"Happy birthday, Sasuke," he said.

Sasuke nodded, suddenly feeling like crying for some reason. He understood that Itachi wasn't going to come home yet.

"Be safe," he replied quietly.

He walked home alone. He couldn't help but wonder if he'd made the right choice when months ago he'd decided not to tell Itachi anything. There was only one person Itachi would go to see now, and Sasuke knew Kakashi would not be happy at all. But, if telling his brother meant that it would have an effect on how much influence Danzo had on his mind, then Sasuke thought it was worth it. No matter the risk, because right now, Danzo was more of a threat to Itachi and the Uchiha than Obito.

"What happened?" Shisui asked as soon as Sasuke was gone.

Itachi stood, his jaw clenched.

"Sasuke being Sasuke," he replied.

Shisui breathed in deeply and nodded. 'Sasuke being Sasuke' had become their phrase to express the odd behaviours of the boy. It had taken some time to observe him, but both of them had come to the conclusion that Sasuke had somehow changed from the happy, a little prideful but pleasant boy he had been, to a more serious, mature and almost scarily intelligent child. They didn't know what had happened to cause the change, but something clearly had.

Sasuke put on a decent act for the general public, but it had been slipping more and more in front of the two of them. Whether conscious or unconscious, he stopped phrasing his sentences in a childish manner and spoke as if he was years older than he was. But the troubling thing was that he seemed to have an understanding of the clan, the village and shinobi life that most people didn't have. Sasuke saw and comprehended everything. Still, it was a comfort to both Itachi and Shisui that he was still very much a child at times, and still attached to Itachi in the way he always had been.

The sudden involvement of Kakashi Hatake in Sasuke's life was confronting and confusing. Why Sasuke seemed as attached to him as he did them was baffling. To the knowledge of either of them, Sasuke had never had anything to do with Kakashi. They had thought it was that Sasuke had heard rumours within the clan about his eye, but that now seemed doubtful.

"What did he tell you? Why did you leave?" Shisui asked.

Itachi's face hardened.

"I need to see Kakashi."

Shisui raised an eyebrow.

"At this time of night?"

Itachi nodded stiffly. Shisui stepped forward and put his hands on his young friends' shoulders. Itachi, Shisui thought, was just like Sasuke: it was easy to forget how old they were. Itachi was only just eleven, but he was far more intelligent and powerful than shinobi double his age.

"Take a breath, cousin. It's late and you're worked up. I don't think that's a good idea.

"What do you think he sees that we don't?" Itachi asked suddenly, clear worry in his eyes. "Why is he involving himself in things the way he is? I don't understand."

Shisui couldn't offer an answer. He didn't understand either. Neither of them could deny the feeling of a building undercurrent around Sasuke.

"When he's ready, he'll tell us," Shisui said.

He wasn't sure he believed it, but he had to believe something. Itachi looked up to the sky and Shisui stepped back.

"Go home to your brother, Itachi," he said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Itachi didn't reply and Shisui left, knowing the moment he did, Itachi would be gone. He couldn't stop his cousin from doing what he wanted, all he could do was watch over them both until they needed him, and he would be there for them. He'd never just let something happen ever again.

It was rare for him to have a house call, and rarer still for one this late at night, but the moment Kakashi returned from the bathroom, his hands feeling raw from scrubbing them he saw the figure in his window. The small figure and red eyes in his window were unmistakable, although his mind screamed in shock and fear that it was someone long dead, he knew his visitor was Itachi Uchiha.

He slowly made his way over to open it and Itachi entered the room softly, emanating an aura of concern and frustration. It seemed that the little brat had spilled the beans.

"I hope you're here to thank me and not stab me with that kunai," he said flippantly, wandering into his living room. "You must have some skill as a sensor to find me."

Itachi followed quietly, putting away his weapons as he did.

"It seems I owe you a debt," he murmured, just loud enough for Kakashi to hear him.

Kakashi turned and they stood some feet apart in the room facing each other. Kakashi studied the boy, less of a brat than his brother, but still a brat to him.

"I don't want anything from the Uchiha," Kakashi replied firmly.

He had enough. Itachi's gaze flickered to his closed eye for a moment and then back to his chest. Kakashi sighed with annoyance.

"What are you doing here?"

Curiosity and irritation were fighting within Kakashi. He was tired, he was still reeling from his nightmare, he wanted to be alone, but somehow these damn brats kept invading his life. He was beginning to find himself actually worrying about them at times. It wasn't pleasant.

Itachi, unlike Sasuke, was not very easy to read. Kakashi hadn't had that much to do with him, but he had been observing for some time and heard the rumours. Cold, calculating. A prodigy. Anti-social. Similar to what people said about him, but unlike him, those comments were false. The shinobi who said those things had clearly never seen Itachi with Sasuke, or Shisui. Sasuke seemed to be Itachi's only safe haven, but when his little annoying brother wasn't around, Itachi was quiet and withdrawn, calm and collected. Usually. But standing in Kakashi's sparse living room, Itachi looked every bit the worried brother, the eleven-year-old he was.

"He told me not to trust Danzo weeks before the incident," Itachi revealed.

Kakashi didn't show his surprise, although he was surprised, and when he recalled Sasuke's behaviour on that day, he realised that Sasuke had known exactly who the 'master' of those shinobi was. Kakashi's eyes narrowed.

"He told me he trusts you with his life," the Uchiha continued.

Again, Kakashi didn't show any outward reaction, but he was affected by the statement. He shouldn't be trusted with the lives of comrades and they shouldn't trust him, not with his track record.

"What has he asked of you?" Itachi asked, a desperation in his Sharingan eyes.

Kakashi stared at Itachi.

"This is not a topic of conversation that you should speak about, ever," he answered. "Who knows where my allegiances lie."

Itachi gave a faint smile.

"The pug following my brother tells a different story."

Itachi seemed to relax a little, and Kakashi decided it was time for the kid to get out.

"Things are not always what they seem in the village," Kakashi said. "You would be wise with withhold judgment and stay wary of the true intentions of those around you."

"Including you?"

"That's all I have to say. Go home, Itachi."

Kakashi turned back to his bedroom and left him in the room alone, a moment later he heard the faint click of the window latch and Itachi's presence was gone. He glanced at the picture above his bed of Minato-sensei, Obito, and Rin, focusing on Obito for a moment.

"Well, at least they're not as idiotic as you," he murmured into the darkness.