O~O~O~O~O~O~O

Months passed and nothing changed very much. Well, if you could call it that way.

After the whole fiasco with the Hokage, my two cousins agreed that it was time for me to return to the compound. Despite my protests, they still wheeled me back to compound with a firm posture. And after dumping me into the same room with Fugaku, we agreed that I will return back to the compound after numerous scathing remarks that would make any grown shinobi cry and one very heated argument on who will inform the elders that I will be returning back to the compound. It ended up with a very weary and grumpy Fugaku and a victorious me. But no, the sneaky old man just had to drag me with him so that I would suffer the same fate as him so my happiness was short-lived. Even when I pointed it out to him that he is technically the clan head and he doesn't have to listen to the elders, he still dragged me to the Council Room. Grumpy ass.

Add to the fact that I have to argue with the elders for five hours straight about the fact that I will not kill my fellow clan members in their sleep and that I'm still loyal to the clan, it ended with a stunned Fugaku, satisfied elders and a very tired me. Though, I vaguely remember Shisui making an appearance in the room along with his father when I was in a very interesting argument with the elders complete with me flailing my crutches at the elders threateningly. Don't ask how I got the crutches, but I think it has something to do with the nurse that asked me to try and stand up on my own two legs.

Needless to say, it was a very hilarious sight. And the best part was that Fugaku was just standing to the side and trying his best not to roll on the floor and start laughing like there's no tomorrow.

After the whole argument with the elders, one of them, apparently the eldest one, asked me how I managed to make them all agree on making me stay when all of them are very adamant about me staying as far away as possible from the Uchiha compound in one day. I shrugged in reply before randomly saying, "I would probably make a good Council member after this." And that's when Fugaku got the shock of his life, one that involves me and the elders agreeing that I should be Fugaku's personal adviser. Apparently, the elders agreed with me that I would make a good Council member and even offered me a position! Would you look at that!

Hehe, it wasn't every you see the Fugaku Uchiha splutter and lose his composure for a moment. The old man couldn't wrap his head on how a four-year-old boy became his own personal adviser and was probably wiser than him.

Honestly, I was surprised that the events didn't even give me a migraine because imagine, me, a four-year-old turning five, arguing with eighty-year-old elders and above. Up until this day, I still don't know how I managed to make the elders agree with me in one day. I think it usually take days when they decide.

Anyway, I recovered fairly quickly and resumed my training which made Shisui declare that I will be his self-proclaimed rival. It's a one-sided rivalry, though. And to think it all started with him and Itachi asking me if it's okay if they watch my training for today.

"Ne, Chinmoku-kun, can we see your training today?" Shisui asked, while I was eating in the dango shop with Itachi. I introduced it to him a while ago when he resigned himself to wheeling me to the places I want to go. Of course, Itachi fell in love with at first taste and has been our favorite destination whenever I would go out of the compound.

"Why?" I asked bluntly.

"Well," Shisui stammered, "I just wanted to see how you've gotten so strong. I mean, I'm older than you yet you're stronger than me!" He finished loudly, pouting at me.

"Aniki, can you please show me how you train?" Itachi asked softly at me, making sure that Shisui didn't hear. I shrugged and put my dango sticks on the place and placing some ryo on the able.

A clear indication that I am willing to let them see how I train myself.

The two didn't need to be told twice, they immediately stood up and followed after me.

A peaceful silence soon followed with the occasional murmur of Shisui and Itachi as we walked through the streets.

On the way, I met Minato and his team. We settled our differences after I was able to walk again and now, you can safely assume that we are friends. And that Minato became my sort of older brother.

"Sesshomaru-kun! Itachi-kun! Shisui-kun!" Obito said, waving his arms excitedly. I dipped my head lightly in greeting and nodded slightly to Kakashi and Minato.

"Ohayo!" Rin greeted politely. I just said nothing in reply while Itachi returned the greeting.

"Obito-kun, do you want to see Chinmoku-kun train?" Shisui asked Obito excitedly. My eye twitched. That little brat.

"Nani?! Ne, Minato-sensei can we watch him train?! Can we?!" Obito asked, jumping up and down slightly. Minato chuckled after seeing me glare at Shisui who cowered behind Itachi.

"Sure, why not?" He replied, making me turn my glare on him. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and chuckled nervously. Yes, my glare is powerful enough to make anyone quake in fear. Thank tou-san for that.

"Are you sure that you are physically able to train?" Rin asked, frowning at the mention of training.

"...Yeah."

"Well then!" Obito clapped his hands. "Let's go!"

I met Kakashi in the eye with calculating dark orbs and took off running, making everyone see only a trail of dust on the road as I ran. Kakashi's eye narrowed in determination before taking off at the same pace as me.

"Oi! Get back here!" Obito yelled, taking off shortly after Kakashi.

"Boys..." Rin muttered, before taking off.

"Maa. Why did they leave us?" Shisui asked, anime tears running down his face. Itachi just stared blankly at the road, question marks probably floating in his head.

Minato clapped his hands cheerfully. "Well then. We should follow them, no?"

And without any warning, he picked up the two boys and took off after his students.

"WAAAAAHHHHH!" Shisui screamed. "PUT ME DOWN!"

"No can do~ We have to catch up to them first!" Minato tutted while jumping from the rooftops. Itachi just stared at him bemusedly.

Approximately twenty minutes later, Minato and the two little Uchihas arrived on a round clearing with numerous training dummies situated at least fifty feet away from their location. Minato settled the boys on the ground as soon as he spotted his team and Sesshomaru a little ways beside them.

His team were both panting heavily and Sesshomaru looked the same as ever. As if all the running didn't make him break a sweat.

"Ah. Sesshomaru-kun, where are we?" Minato asked the raven-haired boy. He never saw this kind of training ground before.

"It's my own training ground. We're at the edge of the village." I replied quietly. That's when he noticed the humongous scroll situated on my back.

"Why do you have a scroll on your back Sesshomaru-kun?" He asked curiously. I gave him a crooked grin.

"We made a little detour on the way." I answered, taking off the huge scroll on my back and opening it. "Say, can you three go to Minato because I'm going to start my training and I don't want you to get caught in the way." In a way, it sounded almost mocking. Not that I intended it to.

"No fair!" Obito huffed but nonetheless, obeyed when Kakashi elbowed him rather harshly on the side.

"Be careful Sesshomaru-kun." Rin warned before going after the boys.

"I won't make any promises." I said stoically, my entire laid back and happy demeanor changing swiftly.

Once all of them are situated comfortably, I turned back to my opened scroll and summoned my gunbai.

The gunbai itself looked every bit like the one Madara used in battle except a bit smaller. I tightened his grip on it briefly before shifting into an offensive stance in the direction of the training dummies.

"Wind Release: Pressure Damage." I muttered softly, my gunbai becoming a blur as I created a tornado big enough to knock the dummies but not big enough to destroy the trees and released it.

Acting quickly, I made one-hand hand seals :Rat, Dog, Tiger. "Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work."

But I regretted it quickly when he accidentally put more chakra into it than necessary, turning all of the dummies and the forest behind it into dust as it combined with my earlier technique.

"Hehe, whoops?" I chuckled nervously, turning around to face Itachi, Shisui, Minato and his team. All of which had flabbergasted expressions on their faces.

"Sesshomaru-ikuto is so cool!" Itachi cried out in awe.

"H-How d-did you...?" Obito stuttered, looking back and forth between me and the charred forest behind me. Beside him, Kakashi and Rin gaped at Sesshomaru in shock.

"Sesshomaru-kun...what happened?" Minato asked rather calmly. This is a B-rank jutsu for crying out loud!

"I accidentally put more chakra into it than necessary and it burned the whole forest into dust...?" I said, my reply sounding more like a question. Minato sighed.

"You sure have an enormous chakra amount for a normal ninja kid so it's understandable that your chakra control isn't impeccable. Don't try this again, okay?" Minato said, looking at me seriously. I nodded.

I then turned back to the charred part of the forest and put my hands together before performing some wood style jutsu to restore the forest into its former glory.

Behind me, Minato narrowed his eyes. 'So the rumors are true then, Sesshomaru wasn't kidding when he told us that he practically has every nature affinity. But, the Wood Style? Only the Senju are able to wield it. The proof is the Shodaime himself! Unless his parents somehow obtained some Senju blood in their veins, then it would explain how he got the wood release. Also, there's the reason that Sesshomaru-kun can combined two of his nature affinities so that would also explain how he can performed wood release. I have to report this to the Hokage so that Sesshomaru can be monitored whenever he trains. And if my theory is correct, Sesshomaru can be a very powerful ninja when given the right training.

He also mentioned that only his parents and Tsunade-hime trained him, given the right mentors and method of training, he may potentially become the next Hokage in the next few years or so. Calculating it into probabilities, with him having the three-tails in his arsenal as well as obtaining the possibly most dangerous doujutsu of all, adding also to the fact that he has the Uzumaki vitality and the knowledge of working with seals, he has eighty percent chance of becoming a Hokage. By Kami from the above, he can be Konoha's trump card when war begins again!'

Minato's eyes widened at the revelation and stared at Sesshomaru's back as he trains. 'The Hokage also told me that he was interested in becoming a ninja. I hate to see him fighting in the war at such a young age because if I tell the Hokage about that, he might as well a become the youngest jounin ever to fight in the war! Disregarding the Ninja academy,the techniques he can perform can already range from B-rank to almost S-rank, he's already qualified to be a jounin, ANBU even! His parents really taught him well. They must be proud.'

Thinking the last statement made Minato smile sadly. Sesshomaru must've wanted to be a ninja so that he can repay all the training he is given at such a young age. I can only hope he won't defect because it could cause us at a great disadvantage. He shook his head.

Though, Minato couldn't help but wonder just what training regime did his parents taught him before they died.

He turned his attention back to Sesshomaru and was just in time to see the huge fireball coming fast to the once-charred forest. Even from afar, he could feel the intensity of the heat. not to mention, it was also the biggest one he had ever seen.

"Woah." Was all Shisui and Obito said after looking the charred forest behind me. I checked my chakra reserves and it was barely even diminished. What the hell?!

"All right!" I clapped my hands together. "Time for some sealing practice!"

At the mention of sealing, Minato perked up. "Oh? You can use seals too?"

I nodded. And that's when Minato decided to take me under his wing when he saw that I might become a potential seal master. He sure knows potential when he sees one.

It had been two months since then, and now it was nearing for Mikoto's birth. I already talked to Isobu about it and although he seemed reluctant at first, he caved in when I let him browse through my memories and how would the Kyuubi Attack would affect me and the future too.

Is it selfish for me to think that I want to become the most powerful being on this world?

I know it's a bit off topic, but I always wanted to be a jack-of-all-trades even in my past life, and I absolutely hate making the enemy get the upper hand in certain areas. My adoptive father in my past life once said that forcing myself on being a jack-of-all-trades can cause a huge drawback since my body has to adapt all the time in order to accommodate more skills.

And he was right. You know when I said that I have much more chakra than an average kid (adding the fact that the Uzumaki blood is running through my veins)?

Turns out that it made my chakra coils develop faster in order to accommodate the humongous chakra reserves. But still, it wasn't enough. Sometimes, some of those chakra invade my lungs and I found that the hard way.

One day, I was training with Tsunade-obaa when suddenly I felt an incredible amount of pain in my chest. The pain was so intense that I dropped into my knees and started dry-heaving while crying silently all the while. And that's when I found out that I had a rare disease in which the person has too much chakra for the chakra coils to store and some of them decided to invade my lungs as a way to store them.

Tusnade informed my parents of the situation and they asked, no begged her for searching for a cure. Since Tsunade sort of became attached to me when she became my aunt, she eventually found out a way to expel the chakra on my lungs and decided to test it on me. Needless to say, tou-san had to hold kaa-san back as Tsunade decided to punch me in the lungs, hard. As in, very hard. You know, the one where you form a crater when you were slammed in the ground or in the wall as a chakra-coated fist came flying towards your chest adding the fact that she won't stop until she heard a crack?

Yeah, it was very painful on my part but it expelled the chakra in my lungs, enabling me to breathe normally again and resume my training. Although the chakra expelled wasn't a pretty sight. It sort of had a color bordering on the line between blue and purple.

Yeah, it was also the time I found out that the color of my chakra was odd. It's like the color of the midnight sky. Weird.

Anyway, those episodes rarely happened and if they did, it was always when Tsunade-baachan was present to either watch or train me. I have yet to experience it when Isobu was sealed in me, but have a gut feeling that it would happen very soon.

I just hope that Tsunade was present or else I would definitely be in a very precarious situation.

Sure, kid. I'll make it happen. Death's voice reverberated in my mind.

Shut up. You're Death. Not Destiny. retorted.

Destiny's my friend, brat. I can ask him to make sure that Tsunade's going to be present when your fit happens. Death grumbled. I could almost imagine him pouting in my head.

Life's not giving in yet? I asked, mentally snickering at his predicament.

Shut up brat. S'not my fault that something bad always happens to you and somehow, my name's always manage to be one of the perpetrators and be the reason on why it happened to you. Death growled.

Told you I don't want to live a second life. I said in a smart-ass way. But no, you just have to grant me permission to be reborn with my memories intact in this world where child soldiers are in the norm and where people breathe fire, do you?

Will you please shut up? You're both acting like children fighting over a piece of candy. Isobu's voice suddenly join in the conversation, nearly making me fall off on the branch I'm relaxing.

Shut up Isobu. Me and Death said in unison.

Now, I don't need you two bickering in this mental landscape or do I need to remind you that you are not the only ones who can hear your mental conversations? Isobu shot back.

Hehe. For a moment there, I thought you're just a disembodied voice. Death said sheepishly. I could almost picture a big angry red vein popping out of Isobu's forehead as he bristled at the comment.

But I never got to hear Isobu's answer as I was broken out of my reverie by an unknown chuunin. He looked like Asuma for the beard on his face and the rough look he wearing. Currently, I was wearing some high-collared blue shirt with the Uchiha crest on the back and some white cargo pants and was relaxing under the tree that was rumored to be made by the Shodaime himself as a gift for his wife, Mito Uzumaki.

I raised a brow in questioning. What now?

"The Hokage wants you to come into his office so that you can take the genin exam." He explained gruffly.

"I don't have to go to the Ninja Academy first?" I asked.

"Hokage-same knows you are capable of becoming a genin if your fight with Kakashi says so." He replied.

"So, you're going to escort me to the office?" I asked. He nodded in reply.

"Well then. We should get going." I murmured, taking off my headphones and letting them dangle on my neck. At once, the seal appeared and the chuunin stared at the intricate patterns and designs in a rather blatant way.

"What?" I said, tilting my head slightly.

He shook his head and started walking to the direction.

I repressed a sigh and followed him.

I probably shouldn't have taken off my headphones.

Oh well. No use crying over something that has already happened.

You got that right. Isobu murmured inside my head. I shushed him gently.

We arrived in the Hokage's office with a minute to spare and the first thing I noticed was that there were two chuunin, possibly the ones who will evaluate me, the Hokage puffing out his pipe, and two genin, a boy and a girl and one female jounin. Must be their sensei.

I mentally shook myself out of my thoughts and decided to put up my blank facade and my headphones back on. I think I pulled it off rather well as the boy paled slightly.

"What do you want?" I asked softly, making the pale boy jump in surprise. Hehe, he never expected me to sound like a child. A very mature child at that.

"Sesshomaru-kun, can you perform a clone for us?" One of the instructors asked kindly to me.

"Okay." I murmured. I didn't need to use some handsigns since tou-san had practically drilled the seals into my head as five identical clones appeared.

"Nicely done, Sesshomaru-kun! Now, can you do the transformation jutsu?" The same instructor asked, looking at me with kind eyes. Am I the only one who thinks that this chuunin is too kind for her own good?

I hesitated a little. I wanted to transform into tou-san but would they allow it?

"What is it, Sesshomaru-kun?" Aoi, the kind instructor looked at me in concern.

"Can I transform into tou-san?" I mumbled so quietly that only the Hokage and the ANBU watching him heard me.

"Ano? Can you repeat that again?" Aoi asked. I opened my mouth to tell it again but the Hokage beat me to it.

"Chinmoku-kun, you can transform into your tou-san if you wish and I will evaluate it if you really look like your father." The Hokage smiled at me.

I nodded minutely and with a poof, I transform into a perfect replica of Tomoe Uchiha, down to the scar on his left shoulder that was barely visible from everyone's eyes.

The genins gasped loudly as the Uchiha matriarch's older brother appeared in front of them.

"Well done Sesshomaru. I must say that you really got it really well. Tomoe and Kikyo will be proud." The Hokage said gently, making me crack a small but beautiful smile.

The chuunins, jounin and the genin smiled softly as they saw my smile.

"Well Sesshomaru-kun, pick any headband you want." Aoi said, gesturing to the neatly made ninja headbands on the table.

I took my time picking them and that's when I saw a particular one that caught my eye.

It was just like any ordinary black headband but if you look closely, you could see that it has a hind of blue in it. Almost like a dark blue bordering on black.

I took that headband and tied it around my neck, discreetly casting a protective jutsu on it so that it won't be worn down for a long time. I revel in the comforting weight and the coolness of the metal plate on my pale neck.

"Maa, nothing really gets past you, Sesshomaru." The Hokage chuckled, puffing on his pipe as he watched me carefully.

"I take it that those three-man genin team are my team?" I asked, turning an apathetic gaze on the said team.

"You go that right, Sesshomaru. Now, if you would like, do you want to accompany me on my paperwork?" The Hokage said, causing my new genin teammates to splutter.

"B-But! We have to get to know her today! It's not fair!" The girl stuttered, pouting slightly.

"Besides! What would a four year old know about paperwork?" She added, unaware of the two pairs of eyes boring down on her back.

My eye twitched at her comment. Who is she? The motherfucking goddess of paperwork? As if she knows anything about paperwork. The room went down a few degrees as I let my black bangs shadow my eyes, effectively scaring the poor genin out of her wits.

I mean, I already know how to do paperwork because I'm an assassin in my past life and hello? There's a ton of paperwork in there!

"Do you really want to know how a four year old can throw kunai dead center in the training target?" I mimmicked her tone, making her shiver in fear and yelp when I suddenly reappear in her face with a kunai dangerously close at her throat. One wrong move and she dies.

"N-No!" She stammered, and my ultra sensitive nose, courtesy of Isobu, sense a faint smell of urine. It nearly made me roll my eyes. Really, you look at me with absolute conviction when you said that I don't know anything about paperwork and now you piss in your pants because I suddenly look intimidating to you?

The hell.

And then I decided to scar her for the rest of her life. Smiling serenely with my eyes closed, I asked the Hokage without looking back, "Can I take her back to the Uchiha compound oji-san? I want to play with her."

"Sesshomaru," The Hokage sighed but decided to abide to my wishes, "what kind of game you want to play with her?"

Still smiling serenely, as if I was picturing something good in my eyes, I replied innocently, "Torture and Interrogation." The girl's eyes widened like saucer plates. Everyone gulped simultaneously in fear. Haha, they never knew that a child could be scary like me.

"You know," I continued, opening my eyes and making them half-lidded, "tou-san decided to play that game with me. I was about three at that time, and he declared that it was time for me to toughen up so he chained me into a wall and decided to break my bones one by one, making me swallow a senbon everytime I screamed. I think I swallowed about seventy senbons until kaa-san decided to check up on me and seeing me swallowing a senbon, proceeded to beat my father into a pulp while saying that I was too young for this. Do you want to play that game with me?"

The girl whimpered. I then put my kunai away from her throat and started hacking up one of the senbons that tou-san made me swallow. I coughed out two very large senbons in my hand, making every single one of them gape at me.

"Sesshomaru, don't scare your new teammates." The Hokage scolded, frowning a bit for effects. Personally, I think he's torn between being amused or concerned when it comes to me.

I sighed, swallowing the large senbons once more and tilting my head slightly. "Sorry for scaring you." I said in a monotone voice.

"N-No, i-it's fine! Really, w-we'll just m-meet again tomorrow, Sesshomaru-kun! Bye!" The girl squeked loudly then made a beeline through the door.

"Sorry for causing trouble." The brown-haired genin bowed to me. I bowed my head slightly. "S'okay."

The boy smiled at me timidly before following his teammate through the door.

I felt a presence behind and felt a hand ruffle my hair, making me tense slightly.

"Sorry. They're not usually like this. I think they're just excited that the finally had a teammate."A feminine voice said from behind me.

"It's okay..." I trailed off.

"Suzu Ayame. See ya tomorrow, kid." Ayame-sensei said, ruffling my hair one last time before following her students.

You sure have a weird team. Isobu rumbled, chuckling slightly.

I couldn't agree more. Did you see her face? Death said, laughing loudly in my head.

Shut up you two. I grumbled, pouting mentally at them.

Sure. Death said, still chuckling even as he and Isobu receded back to the depths of my mind.

When the door closed, I faced the Hokage with tired eyes. "You have got to be kidding me." I deadpanned. That team is a sad excuse of one.

The Hokage chuckled. "You'll grow on them soon, Sesshomaru-kun. Just wait."

I sighed, walking over to the Hokage and sat down on the smaller chair that was next to him. "So, which ones are we going through first?" I asked after a moment of silence.

The Hokage repressed a smile. Sometimes, it good to have Sesshomaru help him on paperwork. He had a gut feeling that Tomoe had already ingrained to him the art of paperwork because the man detested paperwork like it was a plague.

"Let's see, this daimyo wants..."

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o

I cracked my spine as Hiruzen oji-san finished signing the last of the paperwork. "We finished a bit earlier, no?" It was almost sundown and I had to go back to the compound soon.

"Indeed, Sesshomaru-kun. Now, I cannot express my gratitude of you of being able to reduce my paperwork to a mere two inches. You can go home now, if you want." The Hokage smiled softly at me. I gave him one of my famous shit-eating grins. Most of the time, people freak out when they see this type of smile but oji-san seems okay with it.

"Bye, oji-san." I said softly before becoming engulfed in a puff of smoke.

The Hokage was the only one who knows that I know more than an ordinary child should. But he brushed it off as one of the teachings my parents taught me, which I'm grateful about. I don't want to be put in the Torture and Interrogation unit so early.

As I walked back to my apartment, I was startled to see an Uchiha shinobi waiting for me.

"I'm here to escort you back to the compound." The Uchiha said tonelessly.

"Hn." I said, passing by him and making complex hand signs that I hid skillfully from his prying eyes as I undid the numerous seals and traps I placed in my apartment.

"Wait here." I stated calmly, disappearing to my apartment and packing everything under a blank large scroll. After securing the scroll in my back, I spotted kaa-san's large scroll.

I should open it soon. Not now when the Kyuubi attack is very near.

Soon. I sighed as I put kaa-san's scroll on my back along with the other scroll containing my belongings.

Taking a sweeping glance around my apartment and making sure nothing was out of place the next time I came, back, I met up with the Uchiha shinobi and together we walked in silence on the way to the compound.

Since the compound was leaning a little ways away from the village, it was quite a bit of walk.

But since I had new weights on my legs and arms that I was quickly adjusting to, it sort of makes the walk look like training.

As we neared the gates of the Uchiha clan compound, Death's voice reverberated in my head, startling me slightly but showing no effect I on the outside.

I have explained everything to Isobu. The Kyuubi attack shall take in six months' time, during which you will exercise your control over Isobu's chakra as well as battling a tailed inside your mental landscape. Which means, you virtually have no sleep so be prepared to look like a raccoon. Death said, snickering a bit on the end.

Hey, do you think I can meet up with the other tailed beasts since me and Isobu can talk to each other mentally? I asked him, choosing to ignore the comment.

Not yet. You have to strengthen your bond first with Isobu, which will happen in time when you train with him. Death answered.

A stray thought flew over my head.

Death, what did you do to Yagura? I asked, suspiciously. Yagura, if I remember correctly, was the host of the three tails.

He has a part of the three tails sealed inside of him but if we are talking about how many in percent, he only has ten percent of Isobu's chakra and you have ninety-five percent. Not bad, I would say. Death replied thoughtfully.

Do you think it's enough to subdue the Kyuubi when he will break free of the seal? I asked quietly, a million strategies coming up on my head and storing them away for later use.

I think it will be enough. Though you are going to suffer severe chakra exhaustion because of it. Not to mention, I have a feeling Tobi is going to appear. Death hummed, making me scowl mentally at him.

Why do I get the feeling that Life is going to lecture me after this happens? I sighed wearily, already imagining the beating I would take if Tobi ever shows up or if the Kyuubi manages to know that I host the three tails. I think that it would be more painful than just being trained mercilessly by tou-san and kaa-san.

I sighed forlornly.

Naruto better appreciate the things I will do for his sake. I growled mentally to no one.

Death snickered. Sure he will. We'll see when he grows up.

Where's Isobu by the way? I asked, noticing the absence of the three tails.

Sleeping. He needs all the energy he can get when he starts to train with you. Which by the way, starts tomorrow. Death said, making me nearly lose my composure in shock.

Fuck you, Death. I grumbled belatedly. I give up.

Aw, I love you too, Sesshomaru. Death cooed, before disappearing in the recesses of my mind.

Just in time for us to reach the clan head's house.

The Uchiha shinobi bowed to me before teleporting away.

Quickly summoning a cupcake, yes, I force my parents to make the tools and teach me how to use the oven so that I can be reunited with my sweet tooth; I ate it while opening the door.

Detecting three chakra signatures, the other one very faint (probably Sasuke), I head to the kitchen.

"Sesshomaru! You're here! I didn't notice you." A very pregnant Mikoto said, surprised at my entry as she cooked some dinner for us.

"Kaa-san drilled it into my head to always suppress my chakra. It's a subconscious trait." I said, shrugging and sitting down next to Itachi and shoving my half-eaten cupcake into his mouth.

He spluttered a bit before a twinkle appeared in his eyes before disappearing.

"This tastes good, Sesshomaru-kun." Itachi commented quietly, making me narrow my eyes slightly.

Every time Fugaku was present, he would always act like this.

"Hey Fugaku," I said, making said man narrow his eyes slightly at the lack of honorific, "stop being a grumpy ass."

It was like the world had stopped. Mikoto was looking back and forth between me and Fugaku, frantically trying to diffuse the situation. Even Itachi looked taken aback.

"Stop being a smart-ass, Sesshomaru." Fugaku said bitingly, venom practically coating his words.

Unfazed, I challenged him, "Why are you so worked up about it, grumpy ass?"

Fugaku gave me the Uchiha death glare and scowl. "Stop calling me that."

"Not until you relax." I retorted smoothly. "I wonder how you and Mikoto managed to have sex with one another with you being so uptight and all that." I said, making Itachi confused and Mikoto and Fugaku to look horrified and feel embarrassed.

"I bet you wouldn't even stand up to attention." I continued, unaware of the blush on Mikoto's face deepening.

"Where did you manage to know about...that?" Fugaku stammered slightly, his face having a very faint blush.

"I walked in on haha-ue and chichi-ue." I replied without emotion, shuddering internally at the scarring image. "Haha-ue had the decency to invite me."

Itachi looked like a lost puppy, looking back and forth between and me and his parents. The parents winced in sympathy. Kaa-san is a very straightforward person and is very blunt about her wants.

"Sesshomaru-kun, what is sex?" Itachi asked innocently, his onyx eyes peering at me in curiosity.

"Itachi, dear, don't ask what sex..is." Mikoto said awkwardly, unsure on how to approach Itachi about sex.

"But why did tou-sama and kaa-san looked embarrassed when you said that?" Itachi asked in confusion.

"Itachi," I said bluntly, "I'll tell you when you became a jounin. Unless you want me to beat you to a pulp."

"W-What? Why?" Itachi stammered. Mikoto and Fugaku looked also taken aback at my threat and a bit relieved knowing that Itachi had sort of let go of the topic about sex.

"Because you're a kid and you wouldn't understand." I replied bluntly, flicking him in the forehead hard.

His hand immediately went up to massage the reddening spot while giving me the famous Uchiha death glare.

For a kid, that glare sure has powers.

"I'm older than you Sesshomaru." He stated calmly, glaring daggers at me.

"By one year. But it's no difference when you're talking about the level of experience." I shrugged. "My parents died and yours didn't. I was molested and you aren't. I host the three tails and you aren't. You are a full-blooded Uchiha and I'm not. You're going to have a sibling soon and I'm never going to have one. You'll inherit the title of the clan head when your older and I'm not since I'm not a full-blooded Uchiha. What makes you think that being only a year younger than you automatically makes you seem older and wiser?" I said calmly, making Itachi blink his eyes and bow his head apologetically.

"Forgive me, Sesshomaru-kun." He murmured, shame and sadness clear in his voice.

I lifted his chin up and touched his forehead with mine. "It's not your fault. Don't burden yourself with my experiences."

As I let go, his posture became lax and calm like mine. Kaa-san and tou-san used to bump foreheads with me whenever I felt extreme emotions and couldn't reign them over.

It always relaxes me.

"So," I said after a moment of silence, "are we going to eat or not?"

Heh, I should have a job that involves helping parents whenever their child brought up the topic about sex.

By now, Itachi completely forgot the topic of sex and was mulling over my words deeply as we ate in companionable silence.

"Oi, don't think about what I said, baka." I sighed, making him look at me, "I only said that because you always compare yourself to me. Do not deny it, I could see it in your eyes."

He sighed and nodded.

I groaned mentally and decided pull one quotes out of my sleeve.

"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things." I quoted bluntly, making everyone look at me with varying expression on their faces.

"Something for you to mull over other than my life." I replied, eating a rice ball sedately.

They sighed in unison, making me smirk slightly.

o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o

I was sleeping peacefully on my bed when I was rudely wakened up by Death's voice shouting in my head.

WAKE UP, SESSHOMARU! Death said, making me cover my ears and growled.

Tell me one good reason why you fucking woke me up at four in the morning or else I'll kill you. I threatened. No one disturbs my sleep even if they are supernatural beings. I'll find a way to kill them and I'm not even joking when I said it.

Death chuckled nervously, obviously feeling the waves of killer intent I was currently releasing. Time for your training...?

I snarled in anger, cursing him in multiple languages at the same time inside my head.

Wah! I'm so sorry Sesshomaru-kun! Death blubbered. I could already imagine him crying inside my head and probably giving me another migraine. Where was the Death that was mature and calm?

Shut up, Death. It's way too early. Isobu grumbled, making me imagine him bristling in anger as he heard Death's rather rude wake-up call.

No use in crying over spilled milk. Let's get started. I finally relented, dragging my body over to the bathroom and washing up quietly.

After an hour or so, we finally reached my private training grounds. I was munching on a red velvet cake as me, Isobu and Death conversed with each other mentally about our strategy plan.

We're here. I announced, effectively cutting off any conversation we were having.

Great! Let's start our training! Oh, I can't wait to see you get beaten up by Isobu! Death said happily, making me scowl.

Fuck you, Death. Me and Isobu stated in unison.

Wah! Why are you so mean? Death said, anime tears streaming down his face.

That's because you're annoying. Isobu stated bluntly, making Death cry harder.

Oi, stop crying. You might flood my mind. I said lightly, making Isobu chuckle at the bluntness of my tone as well as nonchalance.

You two are so mean! Death cried, pouting and crossing his arms childishly.

I don't care.

Neither do I.

Hey, are we going to train or what? I asked, making Isobu smirk.

Oh how I wish I could take back what I said.

O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O

It been a long while and I'll just summarize what I did on the fast five months.

Me, Death and Isobu trained on my training grounds everyday at the brink of dawn and stopping at around noon. After that, I will go to D-Rank missions with my team and then pay a visit to the Hokage. Next, I would train a bit with Itachi and spar with Shisui before eating dinner at six o' clock and read some scrolls that kaa-san and tou-san kept in the large scroll before going to sleep. Other than that, I get to babysit baby Sasuke.

I already knew from the start on how much hold he has over Itachi, if the way Itachi's eyes turn soft when they spotted him said anything. So yeah.

That's pretty much what I did.

Anyway, I was present when the Third made Minato the Fourth Hokage. I had to resist the urge laugh as I saw Minato's expression morph into surprise before fear. I have a gut feeling that Kushina might beat him up because of this.

Next, Itachi had finally let go of the topic of sex and asked, no demanded, to make me train him. Shisui also took it upon himself to spar with me regularly so that he might improve.

I practiced my seal techniques with Minato once a week and help him out in paperwork whenever I had time. Which I don't. With all the things I do today, it's a bit of surprise that I haven't landed myself in the hospital yet.

I literally had to work myself to the bone in order to drain all of my chakra and saying it was an understatement. I would be very tired and my chakra isn't even close to depleting. Damn.

But Death always told me to use chakra-draining jutsus most of the time so that my chakra will deplete faster.

Anyway, even though I'm very tired, I force myself to train with Itachi and spar with Shisui and read some scrolls before going to bed and repeating the same process again.

My headphones became a problem sometimes when I train since if I ever part with it, I would die. Though Death assured me that it was all a huge bluff but I have to keep up the act so that everyone will know that I have a huge disadvantage and use to get the upper hand. Also, to have an alibi and not to worry everyone, I explained that I was trying to control Isobu and excercise using his chakra. Everyone had been apprehensive about it and I had to explain to them that I will be fine and that Isobu won't take over my body because of the seals so that they won't send someone to watch my train.

ANBUs had been watching me like hawks ever since I showed Team Minato, Itachi and Shisui a glimpse of the many jutsus I have in my arsenal. They make it harder for me to show my true powers because I have no doubt about it that I would immediately be placed into ANBU for recruitment.

Right now, I was currently meditating silently on my private training grounds. Ever since month five had came, I had been on edge and always expected the worst.

Kushina was heavily pregnant and very temperamental but that's the least of my worries.

Since my connection with Isobu has deepened, I had also begun to feel the Kyuubi's chakra coming in waves from Kushina. I still haven't had a proper conversation with the rest of the tailed beasts mentally but from the way Kyuubi's chakra swirled, he knew that I knew that he was going to break free soon and that I'm the host of the three tails.

I always avoid Kushina because of the open hostility and anger I could feel coming off of Kyuubi. No doubt, when he found out that I'm a half-Uchiha and half-Uzumaki, he would surely try to kill me. Add to the list that I was a host of the three-tails too, it's no wonder he would try to target me first and Minato the next.

Not to mention, I was going to have a part of him sealed inside of me so that Naruto won't be burdened with the Kyuubi being sealed inside him. I really wasn't looking forward to having an intense headache from him trying to take over my body. It's best to not provoke him any more than I was.

Currently, I was meditating on my private training grounds. I had been more than on edge this day. And I'm pretty sure I know the reason why.

Today, when me and Isobu trained with each other, I nearly got burned into a crisp with the intensity of his chakra. He was pretty upset because of it and me and Death took turns encouraging him to train with me again.

So far, he still hasn't and I'm stuck to reviewing my knowledge about this world and practicing my ninjustu, genjutsu, taijutsu, and fuinjutsu.

I tensed when I felt a chakra disturbance.

Death? Is it time? I asked quietly.

Yes. It seems Tobi is paying us a visit. Be prepared, Sesshomaru. Death warned me, making Isobu stir slightly in my mind.

Isobu? Are you okay? I asked tentatively.

Okay as I'll ever be. Sorry if I hurt you. Isobu said quietly, making me heave a sigh of relief.

You idiot, it was just an accident. We're bound to make mistakes. These mistakes is what makes us stronger. I scolded him lightly.

You are quite right, Sesshomaru. Quite right. Isobu chuckled in dry amusement.

Oi! We're in the middle of something big here! Hello? Death interrupted, making both of us chuckle.

Of course.

I opened my eyes just as Tobi appeared in front of me.

"Hiya Sesshomaru-kun! My name's Tobi and Tobi is a good boy!" Tobi said enthusiastically.

"Cut the act, Tobi. What do you want from me?" I asked smoothly, making Tobi stop and look at me. I saw a glimpse of the Sharigan on his eye hole, making me narrow my eyes minutely.

"It seems Sesshomaru-kun saw through my facade. I was hoping he didn't." Tobi sighed.

"Chakra never lies, Tobi-san. You of all people should know that." I replied calmly. He nodded in agreement.

"I suppose you are right, Sesshomaru-kun." He said.

"What business do you have on Konoha, intruder-san?" I asked politely, resisting the urge to let loose my killing intent.

He tutted. "A shinobi must never reveal his cards to his opponent. But then again, I only come for two things: you and the Kyuubi."

"You are right. But then, I would have to report to you since you plan to take me and the Kyuubi." I said quietly.

Tobi chuckled darkly. "I'm afraid I cannot let that happen, Sesshomaru-kun."

"Tch. Troublesome." I sighed, pulling out a few kunai.

"Very." He agreed.

I made the first move, throwing kunai in his general direction. He dodged, catching my leg just as I flickered beside him to deliver a powerful kick.

"That wasn't nice, Sesshomaru-kun." He said, pushing me away.

I said nothing, making hand signs at lightning speed.

"Doton: Sando no Jutsu (Earth Release: Mountainous Earth Technique)." I whispered so softly.

In an instant two rock formations came on either side of Tobi, threatening to sandwich him.

He escaped, unfortunately.

"My, my, Sesshomaru-kun is using B-rank offensive techniques. It seems he is not playing around." Tobi mused.

I gave him my signature smirk. One that sent numerous persons cowering at the ground at the sheer intensity of it.

"Who ever said I am playing around, Tobi-san?" I asked tauntingly.

Making handsigns, I whispered inaudibly again, "Doton: Tekkenrō (Earth Release: Iron Fist Prison)."

Once we were safely enclosed, I crossed my arms and looked at him.

"I do not wish to fight you." I stated quietly.

He chuckled. "Of course you don't. You don't want to reveal your aces."

I stiffened slightly. "How long have you been watching me?" I asked softly.

"Ever since you were born." He replied lightly. I gritted my teeth slightly.

"Why?" I asked.

"I can't tell you that." He answered.

"Fine then, why do you want the Kyuubi?" I asked, slightly irritated that my interrogation is nearing a dead end.

"I'm afraid I can't reply to that either." He said.

There was a moment of tense silence before Tobi stiffened.

"I'm afraid I have stalled long enough. I'll see you later, Sesshomaru-kun." He said, bowing slightly to me before disappearing in a swirl of darkness.

My eyes widened. Fuck, I completely forgot that Tobi had to force Kushina into releasing the Kyuubi.

Running through the trees at the speed of light, I cussed in multiple languages as I realized my slip-up.

Don't worry, Sesshomaru. Death assured me.

Easy for you to say. I have to fucking save Minato and Kushina from getting killed. I grumbled back to him.

I supposed you are right about that. But I will be there to help along with Isobu. Isn't that right, Isobu? Death cheerily.

Isobu grunted in reply.

Uh huh. I have to worry about Tobi and Kyuubi injuring me along with saving Minato and Kushina and trying my best to control the Kyuubi and you are being awfully cheery about it?! I snarled at Death. Add to the fact that Tobi might kidnap me?

Come on now. It isn't that bad. Death soothed me.

I chose not to reply, landing on a metal post and surveying the state of the Village. The malicious chakra was already rolling in waves as the ninjas ushered the civilians on the Hokage Tower. I have yet to see the Kyuubi but I have a feeling it will be soon.

Isobu... I called out to him.

When you're ready, kid. He replied.

I closed my eyes and took a deep, shuddering breath and let Isobu become one with me. I vaguely could feel red chakra cloaking my body and my eyes becoming sharper as well as my canines becoming longer.

When I opened them, my lips curled into an amused smile.

"Time to play." I breathed out, spotting Kyuubi ahead.

I didn't dare move from my perch until Gamabunta appeared with Minato on top of his head. Once they appeared, I grinned demonically.

I flared out my chakra, grin widening as Kyuubi let loose a loud angry howl.

"ISOBU!" Kyuubi roared in anger. I ran at blinding speed towards them, delivering a powerful kick on the side of Kyuubi's face. Kyuubi stumbled slightly as I spotted Gamabunta and Minato gaping at me in shock.

I crouched on the roof of a nearby building, turning on my Mangekyo Sharingan as Kyuubi turned to face me.

He growled as he saw my Sharingan. "I'll kill you, Uchiha!"

One of his tails tried to wrap themselves around me but I evaded capture.

Solid red chakra chains wrapped themselves around Kyuubi, the ends being held by my hands.

Kyuubi howled, trying to escape.

Kid, are you okay? Isobu asked me.

Fine and dandy, Isobu. Fine and dandy. I replied lightly, unfazed by Kyuubi's threats..

He chuckled in reply, amused by my morbid humor even at a time like this.

I gritted my teeth, leaning back in order to gain more ground. Damn fox wouldn't even look at me so that I can paralyze him with my Sharingan.

"DAMN YOU, UCHIHA!" Kyuubi growled. My grin faded as I saw a huge tail coming towards me, not giving me enough time to evade before slamming against my side painfully. I was then forced to let go of my chakra chains lest I want my arms to be ripped off permanently.

I sailed through numerous buildings, destroying some of them by the force of my impact. Even with the cloak protecting me, it still hurts as hell.

I finally stumbled through a stop, darkness surrounding my vision before clearing. I shook my head, looking at the holes I made before smiling in sadistic amusement.

Well, Kyuubi asked for it. Who am I to deny it?

I created a chakra ball in my mouth, putting it in my hand as I finished. Angling myself in the direction of Kyuubi's face, I threw the chakra ball. I laughed as the ball exploded, making Kyuubi screech in pain.

"Serves you right, damn fox. You fucking threw me halfway across Konoha." I mumbled, standing up.

It's time, Sesshomaru. You must go to Kushina now. Death urged. I managed to reply an affirmative before standing up.

Isobu, promise me something, okay? I asked tiredly.

It depends on your promise. Isobu replied.

Promise me you won't fight with Kyuubi when he is sealed inside of me. I don't want to have migraines everyday. I sighed.

So long as he doesn't insult me then I will not fight him. Isobu replied after a moment.

I groaned.

Choosing not to reply, I took off in the direction of Kushina and baby Naruto.

Please hold on a little longer.

O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

I cried out in pain as Tobi landed a painful kick to my ribs, the red cloak doing little to alleviate the pain and only healing it.

We were currently fighting one another as I was greeted with a sight of Tobi trying to kill Kushina.

Oh hell to the no. I will not let this motherfucker kill all the hard work I've invested in making sure Kushina and Minato will live after this.

I grabbed his leg, throwing him to the other side as he attempted to kick me again.

I was almost out of chakra, which is saying a lot since I have humongous chakra reserves for a normal kid and person.

I wiped the blood from my mouth, cringing slightly as pain flared on my body.

The chakra cloak had long since receded since I don't want to strain myself in trying to keep the connection with Isobu and at the same time, fight with Tobi.

I tried to call Death numerous times but he still didn't answer me. Right now, Kushina was very weak and attempting to protect Naruto from me all the while keeping Kyuubi in place as he thrashed about. From the way Kushina's chakra was vanishing rapidly, I think that she was nearing death soon.

Gamabunta fought with the Kyuubi while I hadn't seen neither hide nor hair of Minato.

I gritted my teeth.

What the fuck is happening?

Brace yourself. Death's voice suddenly reverberated throughout my mind. I had barely comprehended his messaged before sharp pain resonated throughout my body as Kyuubi was forcefully sealed inside of me. Pure unadulterated pain pierced my body, making me scream in agony.

Vaguely, I heard Kushina scream and Naruto cry loudly as the weaker part of the Kyuubi was sealed inside him. Through blurry eyes, I saw Tobi walking towards me with a calm stride.

"DAMN YOU YONDAIME!" Kyuubi screeched in the background.

I felt myself being lifted up and made the ultimate mistake of looking at Tobi's eye.

Pure agony washed over me in waves as I was thrust into the Mangekyo world, making me activate my Mangekyo Sharingan in a desperate attempt to reverse it.

It proved futile. I remained screaming my head off as blood poured out of my eyes as Tobi's Mangekyo overpowered mine.

I screamed until I was thrown away, landing near Kushina's unconscious form and Naruto's crying body. I tried to reach a stray kunai but a foot crushed my fingers, making me gasp in pain as tears gathered my eyes.

Make it stop.

So much pain.

Make it stop. Please.

I can't take it anymore.

I sensed someone carry me gently before knocking me out. I thanked the gods as the pain faded and darkness welcome me with open arms.

Who carried me though?

I hope Minato and Kushina was alive.

I've already experienced too much for it to go to waste.

O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

I was drifting in out of consciousness, vaguely aware of someone wrapping my body in bandages and brushing my hair as I writhed in pain.

Everything was like static. My senses were dulled and I couldn't speak to Isobu and Death.

Which worried me to no end.

I dislike not knowing things but for now, I bared it since I am in no condition to complain.

What happened to Kushina? To Minato?

Are they alive?

Where am I?

I groaned as my consciousness forced me to wake up, grateful for the dim lighting on the room. My vision cleared after two point four seconds and I was able to observed the unknown room I was being held in.

I looked around, spotting a statue of sorts in front of me. It was shrouded in shadows but I could clearly make out the grotesque structure of the statue. Outer Path.

I shivered slightly. Ew.

"Glad to see you're finally awake. Brat." I heard two different voices speak to me. I looked at Zetsu wearily, still dazed and a bit tired from my self-induced coma.

"You're been sleeping for three weeks." Tobi's calm voice said beside me. I felt the bed sag a bit as Tobi sat on the edge.

"Where am I?" I asked softly, my voice a bit hoarse from being unused.

"You're in our hideout." Tobi replied.

"Again, why am I here?" I deadpanned, repeating the question for like three times ever since I encountered this lollipop man.

"Sesshomaru-kun is really curious, ne?" Tobi said in a singsong voice.

"Shut up, Tobi." Zetsu's black half said.

"Aw, Zetsu-kun is so mean to Tobi!" Tobi's calm aura changed into a childish one, anime tears pouring out of his eye hole. I resisted the urge to sweatdrop.

"Are you bipolar?" I asked bluntly, already feeling the starting effects of a headache.

"Maybe, sometimes. I don't know!" Tobi replied, bouncing slightly on the bed. My eyebrow twitched in irritation.

"Stop that, please." I said as politely as I could.

I could imagine Tobi pouting before complying to my request.

"So, why am I here again? This is the fourth time Tobi-san, if you ever try to divert the subject again, I will personally see to it that I will find a way to restrain you and torture you for information. I don't care how old I am, what matters is I will get it done." I spoke monotonously, not even showing a speck of emotion on my face.

"Don't make threats you can't keep, Sesshomaru-kun." Tobi tutted, waving an index finger in my face.

"I don't make threats, Tobi-san. I make promises and I intend to make it so." I replied smoothly, clearly showing what my parents and Tsunade would call as "My True Mask" and readjusting my headphones.

This facade actually makes me seem older than I am, minus the calm and carefree part on my prodigy attitude. This one shows my true age and my occupation, not that they know about it.

"Very well, Sesshomaru-kun. You are here simply because we want your power." Tobi sighed.

"Why do you target me specifically?" I asked. He read the underlying meaning behind it.

"With your power, you can easily beat a Kage and beat the Nara clan in terms of strategics and battle plans. And with your mixed heritage, you have become the most powerful shinobi ever been created. All your powers will no doubt improve even more when you grow up. All we ask is for you to join our side and in return, we will be in debt to you." Tobi explained.

I pursed my lips in thought.

I then looked at myself and immediately did a double take.

"Who the fuck undressed me?!" I demanded, bandages decorating all of my body with only my boxers to cover my intimate area.

Tobi chuckled.

"That would be me, Sesshomaru-kun." Tobi said happily.

"Pedophile..." I muttered, blushing slightly in mortification as Tobi was the one who redressed my bandages and undressed me.

I shook my head and focused.

Death? What do you think? I asked tentatively.

No answer for a minute.

Tell him you want to talk to the tailed beasts. Death's calm voice reverberated throughout my mind.

"I will talk to the tailed beasts about it. If I manage to get Kurama to agree with me, then I will also agree to join your side with some conditions." I spoke after a moment of silence.

Tobi's chakra swirled a bit in irritation but he nodded nonetheless.

"Call on Zetsu whenever you're ready." Tobi murmured, standing up and vanishing into a swirl of darkness.

"See you later, Sesshomaru-kun. Behave, brat. Be nice, Zetsu! I am!" Zetsu argued, sinking through the ground and leaving me into this dim, musky and rather large room.

I slumped back to the bed, closing my eyes and focusing on my mental landscape.

When I opened them, I was immediately tackled into the ground by none other than Death.

You're alive! You have no idea how much we're worried about you! The connection was severed shortly after you passed out and we couldn't heal your injuries! Death exclaimed, his calm voice completely masking his true worry.

Get off of me. I said, my voice dangerously low. I've had enough of people touching me for one day.

Death chuckled nervously and let go.

Are you all right, Sesshomaru? Isobu rumbled from his cage, his eye peering at me in slight concern.

As I have said, fine and dandy. I waved him off. Is Kurama done bitching about the unfairness of the world?

I heard that you ungrateful Uchiha. Kurama's irritated voice said, glaring daggers at me.

Course you do. Otherwise, you'll be deaf if you don't. I said cheekily, having way too much fun in riling him up.

Why you- Kurama started to rant but I cut him off.

Don't be a prissy just because you got sealed again. Remember that there would've been worse. You could either die or cease to exist so be grateful that your alive and kicking. I snapped at him. And I won't even abuse your power, for fuck's sake! Who do you think I am? A motherfucking son of a bitch asshole that doesn't care for anyone feelings?

Sesshomaru- Isobu said in shock.

I know. I just gave the inspirational shit talks I resented to Kurama. I sighed, rubbing my temples tiredly. I really don't know what possessed me to say that.

Kurama stared at me for a moment before giving me a foxy smirk. Well played, Uchiha.

Thanksm, Kurama. I replied slowly, not quite sure what brought this sudden change.

You are quite a peculiar human, Sesshomaru Uzumaki-Uchiha. I have never seen a tailed beast look at their host with concern and affection since we we're sealed against our own will. I hope that you will not go back on your word that you won't abuse my power. Kurama stated, looking at me with morbid amusement in his eyes. And it seems that you have quite a peculiar life before you got here, no?

I never force Isobu into doing something he doesn't like. That won't make you any different even if you are like him or not. Trust me, I know what it's like to see and taste freedom but never actually receive it. It's a cruel punishment. I said quietly, my eyes becoming unfocused as I remembered my last life.

Ho? Are you sure you already experienced it? Kurama taunted me, making me sigh softly before nodding.

I'm an assassin in my past life. It's not like I've always wanted to be one, but rather, how I wish I wasn't one. I was very famous and there was a huge bounty on my head so I couldn't go out freely like any other people can. It's like watching how people take their freedom for granted when I can't even be guaranteed of one. Even if I tried to turn my back to my assassin life, I still won't have a freedom like theirs because of my crimes. It's a very cruel punishment but I think I just have to make the most of it. After all, you only live once. Or in my case, twice. I said, snorting a bit at the last sentence.

Kurama looked at me with unreadable eyes.

I resisted the urge to fidget as the silence grew. Death was nowhere to be found again and Isobu was watching our reactions carefully with one eye.

I banged my head slightly as I remembered a song that fitted my life perfectly.

I believe it was "Brave" by Sara Bareilles or something.

You can be amazing I started to sing softly, making Kurama and Isobu look at me with varying expressions.
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug
You can be the outcast
Or be the backlash of somebody's lack of love I saw Kurama had a slightly pained expression but I couldn't be too sure since it went too fast.
Or you can start speaking up
Nothing's gonna hurt you the way that words do
And they settle 'neath your skin
Kept on the inside and no sunlight
Sometimes a shadow wins
But I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave I sang lightly, walking to Kurama's cage.

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave I stopped in front of Kurama, looking at him.

Everybody's been there, everybody's been stared down
By the enemy
Fallen for the fear and done some disappearing
Bow down to the mighty
Don't run, stop holding your tongue
Maybe there's a way out of the cage where you live I looked at Kurama with unreadable eyes but they showed a hint of understanding.
Maybe one of these days you can let the light in Kurama gave a minuscule smile in my direction, his eyes soft.
Show me how big your brave is

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

Innocence, your history of silence
Won't do you any good
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don't you tell them the truth? I said, looking at Kurama with soft eyes and with silent conviction.

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
See you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I stopped, raising a hand tentatively in Kurama's direction. He looked a bit conflicted but he finally nuzzled my small hand with his large and furry snout.

I couldn't stop a childish giggle as his fur tickled my palm. My face went aflame as Kurama stiffened and looked at me with amused eyes.

It's n-not me! I squeaked, my voice a bit high pitched. He chuckled.

Sure, kiddo. Sure. Kurama said, clearly enjoying seeing my embarrassment.

I coughed, willing my blush away with all my might.

You are quite feminine and cute for a boy though. Kurama commented offhandedly, once again making me turn red furiously and Isobu to chuckle.

You are not the only one, Kurama. Isobu chuckled.

I heard a masculine cough and I saw Death grinning widely at us.

I have a plan! Death exclaimed. Me and Isobu changed hesitant looks and it didn't go unnoticed by Kurama.

What's wrong? He asked, frowning a bit.

When Death has a plan, it usually leaves us severely drained and hurt. Not to mention, mentally traumatized to the point a normal person will have an insomnia because of nightmares. I think this is a very good reason to be hesitant. I said dryly.

Kurama only raised an eyebrow.

Come on Death, let's hear this amazing and traumatizing plan you concocted for us. Isobu said with dry humor.

Okay! Let's see, when you... Death immediately launched into a wide explanation about his elaborate plan.

O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

I rubbed my temples tiredly, wondering yet again why I had agreed to this plan.

Death's plan consisted of me refusing Madara's offer and as he predicted, I was immediately handed to Orochimaru so that he can break my will and force me to agree. After undergoing torture for at least a week, I would "attempt" to contact Tsunade through the communication scroll my kaa-san and tou-san invented themselves for my own safety in case I was kidnapped or trapped. The seal itself makes the user see the condition of the one who holds the other end of the scroll and talk about their escape and plan.

Tsunade has the other scroll and I could only hope that she is in Konoha right now and currently in the Hokage Tower with the shinobi council and with Minato and Kushina so that they could all know where I was.

I raised my head tiredly as the metal clanking of the door was heard. I was chained to the wall with almost free movement, except that the chain has a seal that was steadily draining my chakra.

"Kuku, nice to see you again, Sesshomaru-kun." Orochimaru said, gliding towards me and crouching down to my height.

I stiffened, the memories slightly making me feel a tiny hint of fear for the man.

"Why are you here?" I murmured, my voice still hoarse from my recent torture session with Orochi-fuck-you-maru.

My eyes widened as he held out something akin to a wrench. No, don't tell me that he is planning to do that. The one that literally broke Kaneki Ken from Tokyo Ghoul.

Taking in my fearful and wary expression, Orochimaru explained happily, "I noticed how you immediately regenerated whenever I cut you. Remember when I ripped you arms off with a chakra scalpel? I noticed how a red blob of chakra took the shape of your arms and minutes later, you back with newly regenerated arms. I'm going to test that right now, starting with your dainty toes."

"No, no, please don't." I begged, my eyes going wide in fear as I scrambled away from him. He tutted, immediately reappearing behind me and the next thing I know, I was chained to a wooden chair.

"Count for me, Sesshomaru-kun." Orochimaru purred, ruthlessly taking out one of my toes. I screamed in pain, tears streaming down my face.

Vaguely, I could hear Kurama, Isobu and Death say some things on the back of my head as the pain corroded my sense of rationality.

Give me a break. I had never experience this type of torture before.

"ONE!" I sobbed, as I heard the sound of flesh ripping and bones snapping.

"Look at me while you count, Sesshomaru-kun." Orochimaru purred once more. I looked at him with wide and fearful eyes I saw how my toes were mutilated and repaired by Isobu and Kurama's chakra.

"TWO!" I cried. "STOP IT! STOP IT! IT HURTS! PLEASE! LET ME GO!"

It continued like that for the next three hours, until Orochimaru bid me farwell and leaving the wrench lookalike on the floor. My toes were newly regenerated, making it hyper sensitive and bringing tears to my eyes.

Slowly but surely, I started to lose my sanity.

I never heard from Death, Isobu and Kurama anymore and it only made me even more lonely and scared.

Where are they?

I screamed once more as Orocimaru mutilated my toes once more. This has been going on for about three weeks or so? I don't know how much time had passed.

Where are you, Death? I sobbed into my mind.

No answer came, save for the comforting presence of Isobu and Kurama inside my mind.

As soon as Orochimaru left me, I gasped as tears continued to pour from my eyes. I was still chained to that damning chair and I noticed that I was steadily growing thinner and thinner as time passed.

Orochimaru, as far as I can tell, never brought me any food from my stay here.

Death? I asked out desperately once more as Orochimaru left.

Kid! What happened?! Death demanded instantly, making me gasp in shock.

Death, is that really you? I asked, tears once more making their way down on my face.

I'm here, Sesshomaru. I'm here. Death soothed me.

Wh-Where are you? I asked softly. Why can't I talk to Isobu and Kurama?

Sesshomaru, there had been a large number of deaths happening in your world recently. And I was suddenly called to reap them, in my haste, it appears I ripped the communication seal between you and Isobu and Kurama. I am truly sorry about that, Sesshomaru. Death said, shame and self-loathing clear in his tone.

Damn right you are. Sesshomaru, are you all right? Isobu's irritated and worried voice suddenly interrupted us.

Oi, don't scare us like that. Kurama's voice said.

I can't reply. I felt something drain out of me.

Shit. Sesshomaru, you have to activate the seal now! You can't last any longer! Death said.

I ca-can't. I said breathily, my head leaning back to rest at the head of the chair. I'm in too much pain.

Try, Sesshomaru. Don't lose hope. Remember when you promised that you would prevent the deaths in this world? No one's going to prevent those if you die. Death encouraged me.

I'll t-try. I managed, breaking the connection and bringing myself back to reality. I gave a nasty glare at the wrench and to my mutilated feet. They still haven't healed yet but I really don't want Tsunade to see this.

Oh well, I guess I just have to do it like this. Taking one last look at my bloodied and beaten form, I activated the seal on my left palm as I checked the area around me.

I watched as the walls in front of me faded and in it replaced the Hokage's office. I saw Tsunade, Jiraiya, Minato, Kushina, Kakashi, Obito and the shinobi council. Mikoto was there too.

Tsunade was the first to spot me.

Just seeing them was enough to make me forget my pain and what I was currently going through.

"SESSHOMARU!" She shrieked, taking one look at my form and immediately releasing killer intent.

I managed to smile weakly. "H-Hi, Oba-san."

Everyone jumped and their eyes widened as they saw my bloodied form and mutilated feet.

Kushina stifled a sob as she saw my broken form. Jiraiya tensed in anger and absolute fury rolled off of him in waves as he saw the bruises and cuts on my body.

"Who did it?" Minato asked, his voice shaking a bit in barely restrained anger.

I opened my mouth to speak but stiffened as I heard the footsteps. Casting an S-Ranked genjutsu in the walls, I shushed them and look at the door in apprehension and slight fear.

"Nice to see you are fine Sesshomaru-kun." Orochimaru's slithery voice made itself known to everyone.

Instantly, everyone tensed as they saw Orochimaru.

My eyes widened in involuntary fear. Is it me or did his eyes glint dangerously when they landed on my body.

"You are such a strong boy, Sessho-kun." Orochimaru purred, stroking my cheek with pale, spidery hands.

I whimpered as he suddenly gripped my hair and held it up. Tears sprang to my eyes as my arms were broken off from the way he held me, the crack resonating throughout the room. My arms were bent in an awkward angle, making me cringe in disgust on the inside.

"I'm not going to play with you, yet." He said, pausing a bit. "I will give you time to rest. Five days will be enough, perhaps. Then, we will resume our game."

He released me before patting my head gently and walking out of the room. Once the footsteps faded, I dropped the genjutsu and looked at the shinobi before me with tired, weary eyes.

"Please help me." I said hoarsely, watching as everyone winced at the dead tone of my voice.

Tsume Inuzuka clenched her fists. "No pup should be tortured like this." She growled.

"I'll torture that snake." Mikoto said with conviction. Fugaku nodded in agreement. But I knew him better. From the way his eyes glinted dangerously, and the way his hands were twitching minutely, he was itching to destroy something.

"Not if I kill that bastard first." Tsunade retorted quietly, making me look at her.

I shook my head. "Get me out of here first."

Tsunade gritted her teeth before nodding.

"Sesshomaru-kun, do you think you can tell us where you are?" Shikaku asked kindly, looking at me. But his eyes showed his anger for Orochimaru.

I struggled to move my broken left arm, managing to let my hand touch the ground.

"I'm exactly seventy-five kilometers from Konoha. You are to travel in strict eastern direction and stop when you see a funky-looking rock. Make the snake seal and stairs will appear. Once you go down, walk three hundred steps then stop. A right hallway should be on your right. Go to that direction and walk another twenty steps. Stop. You will see a metal door with numerous seals on it. Once you deactivate it, open it and I will be inside that room. Be careful, though. Orochimaru did extreme lengths to make the hideout virtually hidden and very well-guarded. There are ten of his experiments wandering around the hideout. Be warned though, they are mentally unstable and have volatile chakra. Even if I did escape, I would be killed or beaten severely by his experiments. And do not underestimate their abilities. From the way their chakra is dangerous alone, it is safe to say that their jutsus will be lethal at most. So please be careful." I murmured, taking away my hand and looking at the gaping faces in front of me.

"Sesshomaru-kun, h-how did you know about that?" Tsunade asked weakly.

"Ever since I was little, I was sensor-nin by nature. Out of sheer curiosity, I tried sensing using the vibrations the ground. Soon enough, I was able to pinpoint the exact location of tou-san and kaa-san and what they were doing, basing solely on the vibrations I felt. I can sense the vibrations using my bare hands and feet since the vibrations are impossible to be heard by even the most sensitive ear. Vibrations are also virtually untraceable since they disappear when a object counteracts their waves, thus making me have an upper hand because my hands absorbs most of the waves even if I didn't use chakra because I was the object that counteracts their waves. If I combine my sensing skills with charka sensing ones, I can literally predict and pinpoint the whereabouts of enemy-nin by focusing solely on the vibrations on the ground." I said, shrugging carelessly.

The Aburame, Inuzuka, Hyuuga clan leaders stared at me in shock.

"Look, by just knocking on the ground," I said, demonstrating my words, "I can tell that I am in the basement of the hideout and beside my room is where Orochimaru keep his experiments. If there are no vibrations returning to my hand, I would most conclude that I am in the basement since there is no object that can bounce back the vibrations I did. You might not sense the vibrations first with your hands at first, but you have to be patient and you will sense the vibrations eventually because your senses sharpen at your minds' will."

Tsunade shook her head, chuckling, "You finally took off your mask, at last."

"What can I say, desperate times calls for desperate measures." I shrugged.

"Wait, what do you mean by mask?" Kushina interrupted our conversation, looking confused.

"I have a complex mind that is so complex that I can understand what you are saying when I'm just barely a few hours old." I answered bluntly, remembering the first word I heard when I was born in this world: I win.

Kushina stammered. "W-What?"

"Sesshomaru-kun had admittedly the highest intelligence ever recorded." Tsunade explained, making Shikaku look at her.

"How high?" Shikaku asked.

"One hundred and seventy." Me and Tsunade deadpanned in unison. Shikaku raised his eyebrows disbelievingly. We knew this was coming. Even my parents didn't believe Tsunade at first but when she perform the intelligence test on me, I passed it with flying colors. And I was like two years old at that time.

"I don't believe you." Shikaku stated bluntly. Just as I predicted.

"I'll run some intelligence test on Sesshomaru-kun once he gets better. When the results show, you will treat me with sake." Tsunade challenged cheekily.

"So troublesome. Deal, then." Shikaku sighed.

I blinked as I remembered something. Tobi used to come to me after me and Orochimaru's torture sessions, telling me about his plans and thinking that I won't hear it since I'm too drunk on pain to process it.

Well new flash bro, I can process things even if I'm dead tired and delirious on pain.

I've already been used to the pain.

"That reminds me," I paused, effectively breaking the lightening atmosphere as my voice grew serious, "do you know the one who released the Kyuubi?"

Minato and Kushina tensed.

"It was the orange-masked man." Minato said shortly, clenching his fists.

"Well, that man has a name." I spoke bluntly, making Minato jerk in surprise. He gaped like a fish as his anger was forgotten fairly quickly.

"What?" He asked dumbly.

Is he really the one who sealed me? Kurama demanded angrily.

Yes, now kindly shut up so I can speak properly to them.

Spoiled brat. He grumbled unhappily.

Bitter old fox. I shot back.

"His name's Tobi. He was the one who landed me in this hideout in the first place." I said, frowning at the thought of the bipolar man.

Minato looked shocked. "T-Tobi is his name?"

"He is planning something big," I replied, remembering the one-sided conversations I had with Tobi, "He wants to capture all the tailed beasts' hosts and extract the chakra monsters from the jinchuuriki's body."

Everyone stiffened. Minato, Jiraiya, and Fugaku's eyes widened simultaneously as the same thoughts ran through their head: With the tailed beasts at his disposal, he would literally be the god of the shinobi world. And add to the fact that he has the Sharingan, we are really in deep shit.

"Tobi is an Uchiha." I said slowly, making the council erupt into chaos. Murmurs and whispers passed through my ears, making them twitch in annoyance.

"ENOUGH!" I shouted in anger, making everyone freeze. My patience was already stretched to the limit. And their chatter wasn't making it any better.

"Tobi is an Uchiha because he trapped me in the Mangekyo world." I explained bluntly, "He told me that he plans to resurrect the Jubi."

Everyone looked at me in shock and a bit of fear.

"He told me this because I was the only house who housed two tailed beasts inside me. He plans to recruit me and make me his right hand man. Not that I want to." I said, scowling at the thought of Tobi being my superior. Seriously, that's just several shades wrong.

"There is another reason, isn't it?" Jiraiya asked, looking at me.

I nodded.

"If Tobi has me, Orochimaru will join by his side." I said bluntly, looking very pissed off. I'm not some toy to be handled around. Fucking Tobi and Orochimaru. I'll make them pay.

Everyone immediately started talking to each other, but I had long since tuned them out. I had long mastered the art of tuning out everything while being aware about everything at the same time. Kaa-san told me it was a very useful skill.

I cocked my head to the side as I felt the air shift ever so slightly. With barely a twitch of a finger, I cast very powerful genjutsu on the walls. Everyone tensed and stopped.

A black swirl appeared in my peripheral vision, making me sigh quietly. I could already feel the headache coming.

And when that happens, I'll be there to chase it away! Death butted in cheerfully. I barely resisted the urge to snort.

"Hi, Sesshomaru-kun!" Tobi said happily, stumbling out of the portal.

"Hello, Tobi. Why are you here?" I asked as politely as I could. Which wasn't much, I could tell.

"Tobi has been very lonely ever since Orochimaru-sama took you away. Zetsu doesn't even want to play with Tobi! He told me that I was very annoying and I should leave him alone! Why is Zetsu very mean to Tobi if Tobi is a good boy?" Tobi sniffled, anime tears pouring out of his eye hole.

I sweat dropped.

"Tobi, if you want Zetsu to play with you, then stop referring to yourself in third person. To be frank, it is very annoying when you do that." I deadpanned.

"Tobi will do what Sesshomaru-kun says because Tobi is a good boy!" Tobi said happily, hugging me tightly before letting go, not even noticing my insult. I winced at the slight pain.

A short moment of silence ensued.

"Tobi, did you tell Orochimaru that you will be visiting me?" I asked quietly.

"No, Tobi didn't didn't tell Orochimaru-senpai that Tobi was coming because Tobi wants to see Sesshomaru randomly and heals him too because Sesshomaru-kun is Tobi's best friend! Is there something wrong, Sesshomaru-kun?" Tobi said cheerily.

On the corner of my eyes, I saw Minato, Fugaku and Jiraiya wearing skeptical looks directed at Tobi. Same with the other clan leaders.

I repressed the urge to face palm.

You have go to be fucking kidding me.

Now they didn't believe in me?

"You do know that Orochimaru is going to kill you when he sees you, right?" I asked as Tobi wrapped my feet in numerous bandages as well as my torso and abdomen. He popped my arms back into place and started putting five layers of bandages all over them.

He hummed happily in reply, choosing to babble about how he found a pretty butterfly one day. He made me put on an over sized white shirt that reached my knees and handed me a clean set of boxers. In a flash, I changed.

He then gave me an apple which I devoured quickly and a bottle of water that I drained in minutes.

All the while, Tobi watched me through his eye hole.

"All right, cut the act. What do you want, Tobi?" I asked irritably, annoyed by his gentle and caring handling of me. This is too good to be true.

Immediately, his happy-go-lucky aura was replaced by something more sinister and more dangerous. Immediately, everyone tensed but me.

"You are quite an unusual kid, Sesshomaru." He spoke in a deep voice, more to himself than to me.

I said nothing.

"I never knew you are able to eavesdrop on my conversations with Orochimaru even when you are high on pain. I know the way your eyes glint even when you are looking down." Tobi stated, looking at me. I hung my head in defeat.

"Mind over matter." I blurted out suddenly, catching everyone's attention.

"What's that?" He asked, looking at me questioningly.

"The mind can do many things. Even when your body is protesting, your mind can convince it to do something. That's how the mind works. The mind can make the body do something against their own will." I explained.

"Oh?" I definitely caught his attention.

"I can see things that you don't. I know things that you don't. That's how my mind works." I replied cryptically.

Not getting my meaning, he asked, "So you are saying that you are insane yet at the same time, sane?"

My eye twitched slightly but otherwise, I was the epitome of calmness. "Do you really think that I would still be sane after being under Orochimaru's care for so long?" I asked in a deadpan voice. Seriously?

"Point taken." He said, nodding slightly.

"Anyway, I am a prisoner in my own mind. I am trapped by my thoughts, never to let go. But at the same time, my mind is my home. It is there to shelter me from the harsh clutches of reality. It is very cowardly way of escaping reality, isn't it?" I asked in a snark voice.

"That is understandable, Sesshomaru. You have been through a lot that would make even the most seasoned of shinobi cry. You have every right to avoid reality. It is not a cowardly way." Tobi replied.

I shook my head. "The mind creates false illusions that makes us feel as if they are true. When we face reality, we found ourselves mentally destroyed because we expected too much from life and reality. In the end, it only makes us feel foolish of even thinking that what we expect will come to us immediately. The mind is a prison just as much as it is a home. You must learn to not be become the prisoner of your mind. Otherwise, you will go insane because of your thoughts and slowly lose your sanity."

"And why is that?" Tobi questioned.

"Our minds hold too many secrets. Secrets that we forgot and long since abandoned. When we uncover them, we would be overwhelmed by our emotions and thus, spiral down into the path of madness. It is better to leave them where they are." I answered quietly.

"You are quite wise for your age." Tobi commented after a moment of silence.

I shook my head in negation.

"I am not wise. I only interpret what you failed to see in every person you see in your everyday life. If you start paying more attention to the people you see, you will know their pain, regret, loss, longing, loneliness, helplessness and anger." I spoke truthfully.

I'm not a talker, just a quiet observer.

"Well spoken." Tobi praised me.

"It is my favorite to observe other people and try to interpret their thoughts. It quite a fun game, if I do say so myself." I said, my eyes becoming unfocused because of my thoughts.

"You are quite an enigma, Sesshomaru. But remember, the mind can be just as devious as you want it to be instead of it being just a prison." Tobi said, ruffling my hair slightly and breaking me out of my reverie before opening a portal and walking over it.

I dropped my genjutsu, meeting the slightly awed gazes of the people occupying the Council Room.

"I will contact you once more, but for now, I have to take a nap." I said, yawning a bit before waving them goodbye and deactivating the seal before they even got a chance to reply.

I slumped in my chair tiredly.

Wise words for someone your age. Death said, his calm voice reverberating through my mind.

I only speak from experience. I replied.

But still, you are quite very powerful in using your words. Death tried to reason with me.

That's because I know why I even spoke in the first place. And that is also the reason why I don't speak much. I replied calmly.

You do have a point but, you should start acting like your age. You make a couple of people suspicious. Death warned.

I have no intention of degrading myself to the level of a normal kid. I've had enough bruises on my pride as it is. I pointed out irritably.

People might think your insane. Death retorted.

Let them have the assumption that I am insane. It is very advantageous on my part, if you ask me. I said smoothly.

Touche.

Now go away, I need to rest.

Feeling Death recede to the depths of my mind, I closed my eyes and slept on the wooden chair.

I really hope I will be out of this hellhole soon.

Mission 1 of 100 is accomplished.

Onto Mission 2: Prevent the Uchiha Massacre and if possible, threaten Danzo's postion as Council Elder.

Easier said than done.