Disclaimer: I do not in ANY WAY own Naruto or Naruto: Shippuden.

Note: This story is a direct sequel to my previous story "To Be a Ninja." It is highly recommended you read that first, as that sets up the world and plot this story is continuing.

A/N: And we continue along this AU with the sequel! Hope you all enjoy!

Also, please review!

Never Yield (Chapter 1)-Homecoming

Third-Person P.O.V.

Itachi Uchiha has had simultaneously the best, and worst, month in quite some time.

It's the best month because he's finally been called back home. In a message from Lord Hokage (and apparently Tsunade and Jiraiya of the Sannin), he's been called to abandon his current mission of spying on the Akatsuki and to come back home.

But it's also been the worst month because instead of going home, he needs to do something first. He needs to get someone back – someone who is the second most important in the world to him, only after his little brother.

And that's why it took him an extra month to get home. Two weeks to go to Iwagakure to get her, and two weeks to get home.

And just before reaching the border of the Land of Fire, Itachi finds a private spot and undoes a sealing scroll – with Mikoto Uchiha being released from it.

She has no idea who Itachi is. She doesn't even know her name is Mikoto Uchiha – she thinks her name is Keiko Nushi.

She's terrified as she sees the stranger who abducted her.

"Mother...I love you." He says as he activates his Mangekyou Sharingan, looking straight into her eyes.

It takes hours – long, painful, sickening hours, but he undoes the elaborate genjutsu he placed on her years ago when he got her out of Konoha during the massacre.

And when she finally whispers his name, "Itachi..." he knows he finally got his dear mother back.

Everything comes back to Mikoto Uchiha – her eldest son explaining his orders to kill everyone, but refusing to kill her and Sasuke. He says he has a way to make sure she lives so she can see him one day too – placing her under a genjutsu with a false identity. To live as a civilian refugee in another village.

She doesn't remember much of her life as Keiko Nushi. She remembers enough that she will miss some of her friends, but not enough that it matters.

But the fact that she knows everything now, with her son right in front of her, coughing and spewing blood from his mouth all while blood also leaks from his eyes, means that they are both going back home to Konoha...

...She can see Sasuke again.

She tries to help Itachi. She uses basic medical chakra to ease a little of his pain, and she helps him clean up. But there's not much else either can do – there's just too much internal damage from prolonged usage of the Mangekyou and some unknown illness.

"Mother...you need to go back in the scroll for now. I will release you when the time is appropriate, after meeting Lord Hokage." Her son explains to her, and though she just wants to rush home and demand to see Sasuke, she knows she has to play by Itachi's plan.

"Just be careful, son. Please." She asks of Itachi, because she doesn't want him to harm himself anymore than he already has.

"I will do my best, mother."

Itachi had alerted his Hokage that he has arrived in the village. And after some time, he feels the burn on his arm from the ANBU seal he received long ago, he knows that that's the signal to go to the Hokage Tower.

"Welcome home, Itachi." Hiruzen says as comes in through the window.

"Thank you, my lord." The teen responds.

"And you should know this now, I am no longer Hokage. Tsunade is my newest successor." Hiruzen corrects him, and Itachi is only slightly surprised.

"I apologize, milady." Itachi corrects.

Itachi wants to let his Mom out. He wants to see Sasuke. He wants to know why he was summoned back. Itachi is an extremely patient man, but when it comes to his family, he is anything but patient.

But he holds himself back.

"Itachi, let's get down to it. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and I am not about to let this one continue. I told Tsunade everything about what happened. Danzo is now dead – we learned he was responsible for your clan attempting the coup. I took you out of the bingo book. Officially, you are welcome back in the village." Hiruzen says, not wasting any time at all, much to Itachi's relief.

And hearing that is almost enough to make Itachi weep right then and there.

"Danzo was responsible? How did he die?"

"We executed him. He kidnapped and experimented on one of my jonin and was discovered by Kakashi Hatake. After interrogating Danzo, we also learned he was responsible for what happened to Shisui Uchiha." Hiruzen adds, knowing how close Itachi was to his older cousin.

Tsunade just observes. She wasn't a part of this, but she has to deal with it now.

"Shisui..." Itachi whispers to himself. "If I am officially welcome back, I think it's time I tell you something." Itachi says, and pulls out the scroll containing his Mom. "I need to unseal this scroll."

He lays it on the floor and undoes it, and Mikoto Uchiha is there, standing tall with her Konoha headband on.

"Mikoto!" Hiruzen gasps, utterly shocked. "You're alive?!"

Itachi and Mikoto explain what Itachi did. They explain the genjutsu, her civilian life, and then waking up again with Itachi sick.

"We had Mikoto Uchiha's body buried. How did you fake that?" Hiruzen questions.

"Before I left, I placed a genjutsu on whoever was there, making them believe that one of my aunts was my mother instead." Itachi responds, and Hiruzen nods in understanding.

"What are your symptoms?" Tsunade speaks up for the first time since the meeting began, referring back to when Mikoto woke up.

"My biggest issue is that I am very nearly blind. Continued use of my Mangekyou has weakened my entire chakra and immune system. I have difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, hypertension, low white blood cell count, and dizziness." Itachi responds, and Tsunade closes her eyes in thought.

"Sensei, what about the Kyuubi's chakra? Could we use that to treat him? Gekko hasn't had any relapses or issues." Tsunade asks Hiruzen.

"Kyuubi's chakra? What do you intend to do to Naruto now?" She scowls at Hiruzen – not forgetting that she was forbidden to take in her best friend's son when she and her husband died.

"Naruto Uzumaki had donated Kyuubi chakra to the hospital for research. However, Danzo stole it and used it for experimentation on an ill captive – the one we told you about earlier. It has healing properties, and it's healed someone I have been unable to treat." Tsunade explains, calming the situation down.

"I know he would be willing to donate some more. The procedure was painless for him and he was very eager to help someone." Hiruzen adds.

"Alright. I'll send an immediate recall order to them as soon as we're done here." Tsunade says, making a mental note.

"Will the boy want to help the man who killed his own, entire clan?" Itachi asks.

Itachi doesn't feel like he deserves to be healed. After everything he's done, he feels like he deserves to die and suffer. But only die after he's done as much as he can to atone for his sins first.

"That depends – do you want to be known as that? We have a plan for your reputation, so you can be freely allowed around the village again. So maybe your brother would forgive you, if you can deal with lying to him." Hiruzen counters.

The shock to Itachi is evident on his face.

They have a plan?

"I have been lying to him his whole life. What's another lie?" Itachi asks, hopeful.

Itachi can deal with another lie. He'll hate it but he can deal with it. But what he can't deal with is not being able to be with Sasuke any longer. His misses his little brother so much.

"The only people alive that will know the truth will be us four, Jiraiya, and two of our most trusted interrogators. But the story is that Danzo is the one that killed the clan. You took the blame as an opportunity to become a spy against our enemies, knowing that it meant banishment. There was never enough proof against Danzo until now, and now that he has been executed for his crimes, you are free to come home with vital information that will make us stronger, especially after the recent attack." Tsunade explains.

"That's what will be announced to the village. That's what our history books will read. That Itachi Uchiha suffered great sacrifice in the name of the village to become a spy, taking the blame for a horrible crime committed by the traitor known as Danzo Shimura, who was executed for his crimes by his old teammate the Third Hokage." Hiruzen says, and Itachi and Mikoto stare at each other.

"I accept that plan. Now, when can I see my brother?" Itachi asks, his heart aching. His reputation doesn't matter to him if he can't see and talk to Sasuke.

"I'll summon his Jonin-sensei tonight and we'll have the meeting. But until then, I need to run a full physical examination on you and start treating you with the Kyuubi chakra we still have." Tsunade says in a voice where it's an unstated order, and Mikoto and Itachi comply with their new Hokage.

"Mom?" Sasuke asks. Itachi and Mikoto can't believe it – his eyes...the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Seeing his mother just activated Sasuke's Mangekyou.

Sasuke starts to move toward them, anger in his eyes, and he's held back by Kakashi.

"NO! LET ME GO! IT'S NOT REAL! SHE'S DEAD! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME YOU BASTARD?" Sasuke screams in rage at Itachi, and Itachi's face remains plain.

But his heart is completely broken.

"Sasuke, calm down! I gave you an order!" Tsunade speaks up, and Sasuke turns to her, Mangekyou spinning but he calms down and his eyes return to normal. She continues to speak, unfazed by the disappearing Mangekyou. "I know it's hard to believe, but the truth is not what you think. Itachi did not kill your clan. It wasn't him. He only took the blame as an opportunity to become a spy. He saved your mother's life before she was killed too." Tsunade explains, and Sasuke can't believe what he hears.

He starts breathing fast, looking around at everyone. Sakura and Shino gather him into a hug, trying to calm him down. All Shikamaru can do is apply pressure to his hand, and after a minute of hyperventilation, Sasuke's breathing calms.

"Who...did it...then?" He asks.

"Danzo Shimura. We killed him the moment we had proof. We knew Itachi was always innocent, but we didn't have enough proof to convict Danzo, and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to gain a deep spy either. Your brother has suffered so much for something he didn't do." Tsunade explains, while Itachi and Mikoto just look at Sasuke and wish they could comfort him.

All Sasuke does is look at Itachi.

"Is she telling me the truth? Look me in the eye and tell me the truth." Sasuke demands of Itachi, shaking, wishing.

Itachi looks him dead in the eye and says one word.

"Yes."

Lying is the better option.

"Big brother, Mom!" Sasuke cries and Kakashi weakens his hold on Sasuke, knowing he won't try to attack. Instead, he runs up and hugs Itachi, sobbing into his shirt.

Mikoto joins the hug, finally reunited with both of her sons.

Tsunade had left the room once the tears began – she doesn't need to be there for that private moment.

"I'm so sorry, little brother. I made you hurt so much." Itachi says, and Sasuke just cries into him even more. "But I will never hurt you again. You are the most precious thing in the world to me. I love you, Sasuke." Itachi swears out loud.

The rest of Team 7 and Shikamaru have no idea how to feel. They are of course happy for Sasuke, that his mother is alive, and that his brother was actually innocent.

But that doesn't excuse all the hurt. That doesn't excuse the fact that Sasuke is in tears right now after having his whole world up-ended again.

He was finally starting to heal.

"Oh, my sweet little boy You've grown so much. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you." Mikoto says, the one now holding the crying Sasuke. She's crying too, but Itachi is just staring at the three other teenagers and his old captain.

After a few more minutes, Sasuke and Mikoto's crying both calm down enough for Itachi speaks.

"Is this your team, Sasuke?"

Sasuke turns a bit out of Mikoto's hug to look at everyone. Suddenly he's scared because one of them is his boyfriend. After this reunion...would his brother and mother accept him having a boyfriend?

"They are! Kakashi-sensei, Sakura, and Shino. They're amazing!" He says, pointing to each one. He hesitates before getting to the Nara. "And that's Shikamaru, my-" he's cut off.

"I'm his best friend – well as good as a best friend can be outside of a team, anyway." Shikamaru says, noticing Sasuke's hesitation, and understanding it.

Though it hurts Shikamaru to have said that, he knows it's better than forcing Sasuke to lie about it or possibly get hurt for telling the truth.

"No! Shikamaru...it's okay. You don't have to lie for me. I'm nervous, but not ashamed. He's my boyfriend." Sasuke says calmly, shocking not only the Nara but his...family?...too.

"Boyfriend? Oh, Sasuke, I don't care about that. Maybe your...your father would have...but I don't. Does he make you happy?" Mikoto asks her son, hugging him again.

"He does. Very much." Sasuke answers, blushing. "Brother?" He asks, turning to Itachi.

"...I'm relieved. I was always concerned I had taken away your ability to love or be loved. To see you here with your 'awesome' team and your partner, it gives me such relief. Of course I have no problem." Itachi tells his brother, who visibly relaxes in his mother's arms.

And the thoughts that have been a non-stop onslaught on Itachi's mind for the past four years have finally come to an end. His brother isn't permanent harmed or stunted – if he's able to have a romantic partner, then he isn't completely destroyed mentally.

Itachi feels like he could weep in happiness.

Team 7, Shikamaru, Itachi, and Mikoto all sit down and start talking. The two Uchiha get to know Sasuke's team and boyfriend. They were initially shocked to hear Sasuke is living with Shino and the Aburame, but are happy to hear he's being cared for and understand why he wouldn't live in the Uchiha clan compound.

But since this whole discussion began, one thing each has been on Sasuke's and Shikamaru's minds.

Sasuke was the first to ask.

"Why did that man – Danzo – want to kill our clan? And if you could save Mom and me, why couldn't you save Dad or any other the other kids?" Sasuke asks, wishing an answer could somehow change things.

"The police force – led by our father – was close to uncovering some of his illegal doings. Just one of the things he did was murder our cousin Shisui. He killed Shisui for his sharingan – and when father was about to corner him he decided to kill everyone, father first." Itachi says, looking over to Mikoto to continue.

"Your father stalled Danzo long enough for me to be able to get away and meet with Itachi, who already made sure you were safe out of the clan compound. There wasn't any time to save anyone else. And I couldn't stay around or even say goodbye to you while Danzo was around. And your brother took the fall to become a spy." Mikoto finishes.

Sasuke just takes a deep breath and accepts the answer wordlessly.

And then Shikamaru decides to ask his question, partly because it's relevant to this conversation and partly because it would let his boyfriend process that answer.

"A spy? So you were never truly with the Akatsuki?" Shikamaru speaks up, causing everyone – including Sasuke – to focus in on that,

Because nobody in Team 7 forgot about Akatsuki, and what they have done and tried to do.

"No, I was not." Itachi responds, knowing where this is going.

When he heard that Deidara and Hidan had almost killed Sasuke and his friend, Itachi nearly killed them right then and there. But that would break his cover and he couldn't do that.

"Alright. Then, would you mind telling me exactly why there is a group out there hunting my teammate for the Kyuubi?" Shikamaru asks, needing to know.

"What? Itachi – someone's after Naruto? Is he safe?" Mikoto interrupts, never forgetting the fact her best friend's son was forced to not only carry that burden but also forced to live in the orphanage when she begged to take him in. Shikamaru begins to answer her question.

"He is safe right now. I know you wanted to raise him after his parents died – I was with him when Lord Third told him everything. He's outside of the village right now on a mission with Master Jiraiya." Shikamaru reassures Mikoto of Naruto's safety.

Mikoto takes a calming breath, accepting that answer.

"The leader is after all the bijuu as a way to have 'peace' between all the shinobi nations. But his idea is flawed. Pain wants to do it through fear, antagonism, and insecurity. To control all the bijuu is nearly infinite power – the power to force the world into uneasy submission." Itachi answers.

"Did you say Pain? The one who killed Hanzo of the Salamander and took control of Amegakure?" Shikamaru asks in shock. He hasn't heard or even thought of that C-Rank mission in months now.

"You're familiar with him?" Itachi asks in mild curiosity.

"Our team encountered a rogue shinobi from Ame who was loyal to Hanzo. He would have completely ambushed us if it weren't for Hinata, our other teammate. We also learned about his 'angel' who is a sensor-nin." Shikamaru follows up with the details of that encounter.

"Konan. She is his second-in-command, friends since childhood. That's all I know about them. They are very secretive – I don't think I even truly met Pain. I think he was controlling the body I did meet." Itachi says, unable to provide any more intel about the group.

"Why did you talk to Orochimaru about Akatsuki, bragging how they almost killed Sasuke and Shino? He attacked Naruto during the Chuunin Exams and put a horrible seal on his neck. He said he did it to send a message to Sasuke about accepting his power to be able to defeat you." Shikamaru continues the questions.

"I never knew Orochimarru did that to Naruto. But I had to keep the charade up that I was a traitor, and I had to give him details so he would share information with me. Information, that I have used to get closer to where he keeps his base of operations." Itachi answers.

"So you know where Orochimaru is?" Kakashi asks, wanting to personally kill the snake.

"As much as I can when I was alone. Now that I'm back here, it shouldn't be that much of a challenge with a team." He says, everyone trying to process everything that's been said.

Everything that they've known for years has been completely thrown upside-down. Itachi was never a traitor. He's a victim just as much as anyone else.

(Not all lies are bad, and many lies are based in the truth anyway.)

"...The real traitor was Danzo Shimura! Nobody goes unpunished for their crimes! Itachi Uchiha is a hero who endured great sacrifice, and he should be acknowledged as such!" Tsunade finishes her speech to all of Konoha, with Hiruzen's shadow clone by her side.

The gathered crowd cheers as loud as they did after her speech at her coronation. The villagers and shinobi alike believe the lie that the two Hokage came up with for everyone.

And the only people alive that know the truth beside Itachi and Mikoto are Hiruzen, Tsunade, Ibiki, and Inoichi, with the latter two sworn to secrecy.

After the announcement, Team 10, Team Gai, Hinata, and Kurenai are summoned and are surprised to see Shikamaru, Team 7, and the two older Uchiha waiting.

(That night, Itachi performed a genjutsu to finally undo the one that caused Sasuke's recurrent nightmares. Itachi and Mikoto encouraged Sasuke to continue living with the Aburame if he wanted, as it is still currently too emotionally draining for him to go back into the Uchiha compound.)

Everyone is told the information Itachi gathered about Akatsuki and Orochimaru. All four teams, all involved one way or another with these events, swear to protect each other and Naruto no matter what happens.

They are also informed that Naruto and Jiraiya were recalled from their mission two days prior and should be back in as soon as a few days, much to the excitement and relief of everyone. They all really missed the blonde Tokubetsu Chuunin.

"Hey, I have an idea. How about we all call ourselves something? Like a group name for all of us – because we're not just four separate teams. We are all one team!" Kiba suggests, an everyone there likes the sound of that.

"How about 'The Skulk' - it means a group of foxes!" Ino suggests, the reason for foxes being obvious.

"'The Skulk! It sounds most youthful!" Lee announces, tears already in his eyes.

"It does have a nice ring to it..." Sakura agrees as well.

"I like how it makes us sound sly and secretive!" Tenten voices her opinion.

"Well, that settles it! We are all members of The Skulk!" Kakashi announces, and for a brief moment, everyone laughs and relaxes.

Everyone finally has an idea of what they're dealing with. Naruto will be home soon, and he will learn what was told here today. And everyone can't wait to hear what he learned about his clan and about his training in Whirlpool.

The Skulk, along with the now vindicated Uchiha, decide to all have a group meal to celebrate their group formation and friendship.

"May I suggest a toast? To the Skulk and to Naruto – as long as we're together, we will never yield or submit to those trying to hurt our friends." Kurenai voices in honor of her student.

"To The Skulk and to Naruto!" They all, minus Itachi (though he loves his brother and is so immensely happy Sasuke is participating in this group activity...he just finds it so bizarre) toast their drinks.

Though on Itachi's mind is still one thing that hasn't been addressed yet since it happened – Sasuke's Mangekyou Sharingan.

Whatever happens, Itachi won't let it ruin his brother. The Mangekyou Sharingan is a curse disguised as a gift.

But for the moment, he can have this meal with his brother and his friends. He can be himself in the village, no longer a target.

It was worth facing all the pain he has had to suffer just so he can see his brother laughing at a joke the Akimichi kid told, leaning on his boyfriend, and being happy. And having their mother there just makes everything better – she loves both her sons and they love her too.

(Not all lies are bad.)

A/N: So that was the first chapter of this story! The sequel is officially a go!

Let me say this – figuring out a title for this story was impossible. Usually I can title stories well enough, but I had no idea what to call this. I still have no idea what I'm calling the series listing in AO3...

Anyway, this is the first chapter in the "Itachi Returns" arc. I have some rudimentary arcs somewhat planned out, but for now this story is just going to happen as I write it, much as how "To Be a Ninja" was.

Also, I'm changing the day of upload for chapters. Instead of Thursday, chapters will now be uploaded on Saturdays instead starting next week. It'll just be easier for me on Saturdays now.

I don't have much else to say, except that I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and will continue following along like the first story. Thanks for reading!

Also, don't forget to review!