Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of it's characters. But I sure would be lucky if I did. Thanks to the orginal Masashi Kishimoto-sama for this epic anime! =D

PROLOGUE: Return to Konohagakure

He could hear the slightest sounds of crushed earth and grit as he leisurely headed towards his destination. Trees lined the path and the sun was shining bright on the cloudless sky.

It was a beautiful day, but the heavy thoughts that clouded his mind made him pay no attention to any of it.

Was it a dream? Should I even believe it? I could have been under his jutsu back then.

But why would he show me those images?

Maybe if he'd think about their fight two months ago he could find an answer even if it's just a speck.

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Having used up all his remaining chakra, exhaustion came over him. He was panting and at his limit but still his brother closed in on him. Blood ran down the sides of his lips as he extended his right arm, ready to take out one or even both his eyes. He tried to step back further but found his back pinned to a large debis, the Uchiha emblem engraved on it. It was probably a portion of the cemented roof that had fallen apart as a result of their fierce battle.

His opponent's middle and index finger got closer and closer, ready to poke his eyes out, as he closed the gap between them. His eyes widened at the thought that this is the end for him.

After all the hard training he had, he still could not defeat his brother. And now he was going to lose his eye.

He anticipated the fingers to penetrate his eyes but to his astonishment, they didn't. The fingers poked his forehead affectionately instead, just like the time when they were kids.

The next thing he knew he was seeing images of that horrific night. People he knew, friends, relatives, lay dead on the cold night's street. He ran as fast as his little feet could take him towards his own house fearing for the worst. When he reached one of the rooms, he could feel himself tremble, afraid of what he might see when he opens the door that separated him and what was inside. He gathered his courage and slid the door open. His eyes widened with horror at the sight that lay in front of him. Blood was spilled on the floor, his parents lay lifeless and in the back of the shadows red eyes, the sharingan, stared back at him full of loathing.

Images then shifted, turning back to a scene that happened before the massacre.

He could see his brother on the floor, his left leg kneeling and his right one flexed where he rested his right arm. He was bowing to someone who was talking in the darkness, he could only make out a silhouette.

"Itachi, your clan has started to stir. Reports have reached us that the Uchiha clan is devising a plan to destroy the village", a male voice spoke, "As a member of the Anbu, you do know it is your duty to protect the Konoha, is it not?".

Itachi, still bowed, replied, "Yes".

"Your clan is a powerful one, and what better way of countering them than using one of their own." The voice continued, "You are given a classified mission of annihilating the Uchiha clan. We are aware that this is going to be hard for you. But as of this moment, the safety of the village is questionable. We know what the Uchiha clan is capable of, we cannot even begin to fathom what the condition of the village might be in when the enemy is your clan", the speaker sighed defeatedly as if the next thing he was about to say bear a heavy weight, " It is then a wise decision to strike first, they would not be expecting it. Knowing your skills and the knowledge you have about your clan, you are the only one suitable for this task. No matter how hard it may seem, it is still better to lose one clan than lose the entire village. This is not a request, Uchiha Itachi, this is a command. Now go and fulfill your duty"

The images shifted one last time and he could see his brother pondering on his own. He could see his forlorned features. The mission he was given tore him apart. Why did this mission had to be given? To him of all people. He understood the reasons though but still it was not easy. It's like being asked to choose between killing either his mother, the one that nurtured him, or his father, the one that taught him to be strong and responsible. He can't do it. He can't and does not want to kill either one.

But he was bound to this mission. And the voice that spoke to him was right, it was better to lose a clan than the entire village. Aside from that, it was true that the clan was planning an assault headed by his own father, Uchiha Fugaku. He should save the village, he loved his home and would do anything to protect it. What his clan was planning is entirely wrong. Yes, he should stop them even if he'd become a villain to the person who mattered most to him.

He could see his brother picturing him when he was young. And from that image, he could hear Itachi's thoughs.

Forgive me. You will have to carry a heavy burden because of what I'am about to do. I do hope that in time, you will come to understand my decision. But for now little brother, live and stay strong for me…

The moment the fleeting images has stopped he remembered laying on a hard surface. He realized he passed out.

Slowly he opened his eyes to the blue sky. He had felt a slight weight in his right palm then. When he looked at his hand he was shocked to see Itachi's own. His elder brother lay parallel to him, holding his hand. He was surprised that he, himself, did not remove his grasp as he slowly stood up in a sitting position. He looked at his brother who laid by his right side. He thought about shaking his shoulder to wake him but he noticed a peaceful smile on Itachi's face. He didn't know why but he also found himself slightly smiling but it soon faded. Though Itachi had a contented look about him, he did not move, he was no longer breathing. His elder brother, Itachi Uchiha, lay beside him...dead.

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He could remember those images as if he was actually there on that 'scene'.

But he had to know if what his brother showed him were true.

Where to first start looking for answers was the only thing he could think of. He needed evidences…living ones if possible.

That's why he's going back. Konoha might give him answers and solve the puzzle that's been running through his mind during his entire trip.

Continuing to walk, the gigantic wooden gates of the Hidden Leaf Village was getting clearer and clearer from view as he drew close to his home - his former home, he corrected. He knew his return would not be entirely welcomed but he needed answers.

When he left the village to seek power to avenge his fallen clan, he knew there was no turning back. But it is exactly what he is doing right now.

With all that has happened he can't even keep his mind straight. He did gain power and even defeated his brother, but what his sibling showed him made him falter, made him question his own actions. Did his hatred mislead him? Made him go blind?

He could not figure out what was happening. But he knew that he should calm down, before he starts making another mistake again.

When he neared the gates, he paused for a while, looking at the sign above welcoming residents and visitors. It felt somewhat nostalgic. He wondered what he was at the moment. A resident? visitor? Maybe it was not wise to return after all.

He hesitated. He should just turn back and leave while he still can.

But the moment he set foot on the stone pavement of the village, his question was answered.

"Do not move"

He knew instantly that he was neither a resident, nor visitor. Right now, he was a trespasser.

"I don't intend to fight" he said calmly to the shinobi who was quick to position himself at his back, his kunai directly at his throat in case he struggled. The other quard ninja was in front of him, in a defensive stance, lest he gets any idea of attacking and moving forward.

These ninjas, no doubt, knew who he was as they were quick enough to corner him. He could best them but he did not want to fight and make a ruckus. The last thing he wants is for people to know of his arrival. People knowing of his return is inevitable of course but as much as possible he'll keep it to a minimum. He was not in the mood of meeting acquaintances and former colleagues. He just wanted his questions answered.

"What are you doing back here in the village?" the shinobi guard asked him warily not lowering his kunai.

"It does not concern you. I need to have a word with your Hokage", he replied impassively. Thought the ninja behind him did not lower his guard, he motioned for his comrade to report the incident with a nod.

The ninja who was at his front then disappeared with one swift jump.

A loud noise interrupted her with the papers she was working on as the door to her office was slammed open by her anxious-looking apprentice.

"Tsunade-sama!" the apprentice shouted, a worried expression written all over her face.

"What is it Shizune?" Tsunade looked up from her pile of papers, irritated to be disturbed when she still has a lot of things needed to be done.

"He's here! Izumo is holding him back at the gate. They said he wanted a word with you. What should I tell them?", Shizune replied anxiously while trying to catch her breath from all the running.

"Who are you talking about?" a frown forming in the Hokage's face.

Tsunade's eyes widened when she heard her apprentice's reply.

"It's Uchiha Sasuke!"

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"So that goes for tHe prologue. I know i'm not that good of a writer but hopefully i was able to portay what i was intending to portay hihi. Feel free to comment on what and where i should improve on! Thanks!" -silverwing04