Turned Traitor

by aishuu

Itachi had been arrested for the destruction of the Uchiha. He went without complaint, mutely accepting the punishment for the murders. Right before his scheduled execution he summoned Kakashi.

"Why?" Kakashi asked finally. He wanted to understand how it happened.

"He's my little brother, and I love him." Itachi seemed strangely serene. "Promise you'll look after him? Just... don't teach him the Sharingan. I've made him forget, and if he remembers, it could destroy him."

Kakashi's stomach churned as he realized what really happened. "I promise," he said, before turning his back on the most noble man he'd ever meet.

2.

The worst problem any spy faced was the temptation to "go native."

Kabuto was brought to Konoha at a young age, filled with a sense of purpose. He would be Orochimaru-sama's eyes and ears, and help get revenge for his master.

He hadn't known he would like these people, with their community-oriented, protectionist ways. He hadn't realized they could love him, and make him feel safe. He liked that feeling.

So Kabuto made a decision, and confessed his original purpose to Sandaime, who forgave and accepted him. When Sound finally came, he was the first jounin to enter the fray.

3.

The Sound Four came for Sasuke and offered him everything he needed, if only he would follow Orochimaru.

For a second, he was tempted. Power to kill Itachi, power to fulfill his dreams. He almost said yes, but then remembered what Kakashi had confided in him. He remembered the stubborness on Naruto's face, and how his teammate just worked harder instead of seeking excuses.

"Chidori!" he called, knowing that reinforcements couldn't reach him in time. He was going to die, he realized as the Sound Four prepared to counterattack, but at least he'd die like a Konoha shinobi.