A.N. I suggest you check the previous chapter for a preview to remember where the story started and where it last ended. Just a suggestion.

XXX

I'm no good in a crowd, I've got skills I can't speak of.

Things I've seen will chase me to the grave.

Backs to the wheel, there's granite to shove. I will build for my family a bulletproof room.

How does it feel, the weight of the steel? The weight of the steel, of the flat of the blade?

How does it feel, to kneel at the feet? To kneel at defeat of the choices you make?

Backs to the wheel, there's granite to shove, take it they give it, rivet for a rivet,

I will build for my family a bulletproof love.

Chapter 22

The weight of the flat of the blade

While Sasuke sat unmoving alone in a room, Itachi continued to observe him, study his face and silhouette in search of a reason for actions his brother took. He knew that he made many mistakes in regard to this boy but he believed that in the end it would protect Sasuke from the same future that Itachi has to face. He believed that there are other people that might protect him even better and he trusted them. But it looked like he almost lost him to his own foolishness. It was actually Shirushi, that helped him in that regard. Taking Sasuke to headquarters exposed him to other Leaf ninja that became aware of his unexpected presence, and that prevented Sasuke's escape.

Deliberately, Sasuke did not look up at him since he entered. Pretended that he didn't exist. Going through his memories of last several months and both of their behaviour toward each other, Itachi came to inevitable conclusion that he only had himself to blame.

He ignored Minato's advice and avoided ever making their encounter long enough for explanations. As a result, his brother became vulnerable to suggestions, manipulations and all other kind of influence.

Itachi looked around the room. It belonged to one of leaf jounin in Suna headquarters. One simple futon rolled in the corner; a table, that now was in a centre, a chair that Sasuke occupied, brooding and keeping himself locked with arms crossed on his chest; a window, now blocked by wood slabs and guarded in shifts outside; and another chair, that Itachi did not dare to sit on because it meant he'd want to stay longer and attempt to say something. But he still didn't. For now, he managed to accept his mistakes, and wasn't ready for more. How does one explain that they replaced their brother with someone else? That they stopped caring for family and built a wall around their heart to stop feeling longing? That most of those cutting, hurting words they said before were not a lie, but honest, painful truth? That he chose self applied duty over one he had over Sasuke?

"I will not ask you why, because it's evident and most of all my fault. But I want to know who. Can you tell me at least that?" He finally asked, somehow knowing that he will not get any answer, maybe ever.

Sasuke showed no reaction that he heard. He continued to stare at the table top.

"Whoever they are, they apparently abandoned you. At the moment you're in big trouble, with lots of eyes on you. there's no escape from attention like that." He spoke and waited for response. When in several minutes none came, he sighed and moved to walk out.

"You don't really care so why should I answer? They might've chickened out but you abandoned me first. It's always about you and your inability to care .I don't know why I ever wanted to be like you. Why I gave you another chance. you certainly don't deserve it."

Sasuke made sure to stay impassive. His voice was steady. He was so angry that he couldn't even show it. Just seethe. It burned in him and stay still and collected was all he could do not to lash out.

"I don't."

He walked Konoha evening streets with bag of groceries, wondering how much better it would've been to be there and participate in chuunin exams. They lacked a team member, though. And in moments like these he was mad for bad luck that followed him. First he lost family then he lost himself. Then however strong he became it was always too little, too weak, and never enough. Later he got weird teammates.

A stupid civilian girl and even stupider old nurse, who later, as it was uncovered, appeared to be a well trained agent and traitor.

He got an even weirder teacher, who specialized in hand combat, but that left him feeling incomplete in regard to education. All of that plus some shit about Uchiha failing in their duty since god knows how ancient times and he felt like a piece of garbage, thrown away, and forgotten.

Streets leading to district were emptier the closer he got, until there was nobody. Steps he made created noise touching concrete, bag in his hand got heavier. Walls and buildings became uglier. Why did he insist about coming back to this place again?

"It is always sad to see you walk these streets alone, Sasuke." Someone said.

Sasuke was surprised to hear the quiet voice that came from nowhere. He looked around and seeing no one, for a moment thought that he might be losing his mind and it was his own insanity playing tricks on him. So it was stupid to ask some air to reveal the face. Long, tiring silence where he stared at empty houses solidified his belief that he imagined voices and quite wary, he continued onward.

"Everyone pretends to care about you, while in reality, they couldn't care less." The voice spoke again. It was actually a relief, he wasn't losing it, Sasuke thought. "Show yourself. It's impolite to speak without introducing ones self. Unless you're a stalker or something. Or fan? I got some of those. You people are crazy."

A chuckle filled the air, and the sound came from all sides. Sasuke turned round, looking for the source, but not even his sight could help him find it.

"A fan? Maybe. I sure do want to meet you personally, and change your miserable existence." This time the voice had to come from somewhere closer. Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Fingers tightened on his bag of groceries. He carried a kunai, and a pouch of shuriken, just in case, like any sane shinobi, but something told him that it might be not enough against potential danger here. "Miserable you say; what do you suggest then?" He hoped that a little cooperation was key to bait out whomever he got on his case.

"A change of scenery, for the start." The disembodied voice said. Still Sasuke could not pinpoint location.

The boy tilted his head and carefully nodded. "Yeah, I thought about moving out of the district. it's kind of empty here."

The voice chuckled again. Sasuke was getting nervous. He could play laid back but there was no guarantee that their little talk will

be just that, a talk. What if he got himself a stalker that wanted to play with him first, then kill him? Or another agent that came to finish what others started?

"I have further destinations in mind."

Sasuke turned to the voice that came from behind to see a tall, dark haired man. He was quite old, but his posture and lithe body said he was a shinobi. His dark attire made him blend with surrounding grey of old district. His long black hair moved in the soft wind and Sasuke realized it got chilly. The expression on the man's face was serious and dangerous, so the genin could not even pretend to be friendly.

Sasuke gulped and tried to remember what the man said. "Like, what?"

"Other villages, other countries." Came the answer. Slowly the man raised his arms so this movement did not startle Sasuke, and spread them wide. "Other loyalties."

The boy blinked and tried not to grimace. He remembered being approached a couple of years ago by someone who represented 'a friend' that wanted to offer him something better than academy and standard curriculum. It was still too soon after massacre and he feared it was a test of loyalty to the village or that some third parties wanted to use him. Not much changed anyway. And he knew now that one of those interested people was Shimura Danzo, apparently one of those guilty of what happened to Uchiha. He didn't recognize this man though.

"Don't you feel like they always keep an eye on you, just waiting for one wrong step, one mistake?" The man studied Sasuke, and the boy studied him in turn. "Don't you think you could do better, if you had a well balanced team, a proper teacher? Isn't it strange, that here you are, an heir to the clan, with the future in front of you, a possible seat in the council if you just go and take it, and people around simply avoid and ignore you." The man made a couple of steps and sat on the bench that saw better days. He clapped a seat beside him but Sasuke stood immobile. The man shrugged accepting that for a moment, and continued.

"They don't give you answers . But they are perfectly fine with your murderer of a brother walking among them and clouding the mind of their Hokage."

It was a painful topic. It hurt so much he couldn't hide it. At this moment in their talk he noticed he was shaking, so he sighed, took a deep breath and walked to the bench. He sat on the furthest end not believing it will save him if it came to running away, but it never hurt to be careful. "Some people say Itachi is actually innocent." He said at last, wary and lost, but willing to listen to someone who could shed light on situation. Even if the source was questionable and so very obviously dangerous.

"And you believe this? Why did he run away then, and work as mercenary? Why did he come back now, after what, four years? Why did he leave you alone here? And lastly, why doesn't he explain what truly happened here?"

Sasuke had no answer, so he looked at the man, into his dark, foreign brown eyes and waited for some version of events the man was visibly willing to give.

"Maybe he felt he sacrificed enough for you to last him a lifetime, and felt no obligation to help you further. You see, he took the blame for massacre in exchange for your life and safety. Then he played in bad boys games and planned revenge. And in that time away from home, he found new family. And he has a new younger brother now. You became a memory."

Sasuke stared at the line of empty houses in front of him lost in thought. Street lamp created soft yellow light that enveloped a circle area of the bench below it and because of that, everything around seemed to be hidden in the darkest black.

"New younger brother?" Sasuke frowned.

"That blonde child that suddenly appeared in Konoha and is often seen in company of Hatake Kakashi. The son of the Yondaime." The man offered.

"The rumoured son of the Yondaime. No one confirmed this, especially not the Hokage." Sasuke replied. He actually believed the rumour to be true but had to stay close to facts while dealing with this man.

"Does he need to? It's obvious. Even went so far as to have the boy with him while overseeing chuunin exams in Sand."

Sasuke frowned again. If he were the Hokage he would have left his son in Leaf. It was silly to take him somewhere where there were more of foreign ninja than his own. He looked into the bag on his lap. Unless the Yondaime had a different plan and enemies in this village. Traitors of Danzo calibre for example. He looked at the man beside him. Or enemies like this character.

"So, you mean to say the older brother I knew is dead."

The man shrugged. "Ask him yourself. I think his sudden presence makes you believe things have changed, or will change soon. But they will not." The man stood and gently dusted himself off. "You will not find your future here. Not one you deserve and are capable of.

They will forever treat you with suspicion, never let you rise above a certain level they feel is safe. Isn't it a time for change? You are a master of your fate. Don't let others guide you on a leash."

"I'm not a dog to be on a leash. All I did was of my own volition."

"you let Itachi wrung it tight enough to hold you back while miles and years apart."

Sasuke seethed with more force than before. twisted words the man said made a strange sense. Meanings he didn't see until those ' were pointed out. he wasn't ready to admit it though.

"Itachi is not in Konoha at the moment, he can be found in Sand village."

Sasuke looked up but the street was empty. Nothing indicated that the man was there in the first place. It was quiet and he didn't hear any steps. Just he, his bag and light of street lamp.

"I cannot take my words back either, and don't plan to." Itachi continued."I do care about your well being, but cannot take part in your life. I suppose, I want you to be independent of me and my choices."

The boy sighed, it was a very sad sound. "I get it."

"But, if there's ever something I can do for you, and I don't mean revealing a story of my life or my nin techniques, then ask." The older brother added, a little unsure but thinking that he was making a step in the right direction.

He walked out and immediately spotted the Yondaime at the far side of the corridor. The man stood on a side of a round window, his back turned to Itachi. The young man reached him and was surprised to find a familiar tobacco smell coming from him. the man turned around, and sure there was a pipe, similar to one the Sandaime carried with him to all places. Itachi stared at it dubiously, hoping his expression wasn't too reprimanding.

"Smoking. Really." Their eyes met. "You continue to surprise me, Hokage-sama."

The blond released a cloud of smoke in the air above them. "Either that or I get a heart attack since there's not a moment of peace for me and my golden age of reign."

In two minutes of silence that followed Leaf ninja that passed them in that corridor exchanged worried glances and made sure to move far away from the pair.

"Can you explain to me, in simple words, how Sasuke became disguised under genjutsu that made him look like Naruto, between you seeing my son after I sent him your way, and you taking Sasuke into this building?" The blond man spoke at last. It sounded casual, like he expected to hear report that resembled all others. But he must be ridiculously mad. Everyone would be.

Itachi needed a moment to use words that had smallest impact."I wasn't in the right state of mind at that time to see who put him under it. Shirushi forced me to leave his self there."

Minato studied Itachi's face, tried to read his mind. "Who taught him that, I wonder?"

"Someone who did it skilfully and way too soon."

Quietly, Minato continued to smoke and very quickly, Itachi felt the smell of tobacco sink into fabric of his clothing, hair and skin.

The sensation was unpleasant and he absently thought how long it would take to wash it off.

"And what about the crystal I hear. You said in your report that he didn't explain the reason for stealing, hiding, and stealing it again. But you must have some ideas?" The man continued to prod.

Itachi looked out the window, he suddenly realized he left many things unsaid about Shirushi. His skills, and some of his achievements. as well as the morbid way the boy looked at the world, and games, he sometimes liked to play.

"He probably found a use for it, the kind that was omitted before."

xxx

"Come on, pretty lady. Give it your best shot! I am here, standing waiting! So you better not disappoint!" The man shouted making weird gestures.

Konan tried to ignore how irritated this manner of speaking made her. He had this bravado about him that normal people saw as overestimating one's abilities. The man no longer had swords at his disposal, all of them either broken or too large a distance away. Though his chakra levels continued to awe as a matter of fact she noted him become tired of constant use of ninjutsu. Also, his aim was a little off, he had not managed to eliminate the problem of perception completely, after losing one eye.

It let her get past his line of defence and administer a poison that weakened him for a minute, long enough for him to gain a couple of injuries.

Sadly, those healed with unbelievable speed.

"Is that your best shot? Give me all you got!"

It concerned her that Nagato sent only her and Zetsu for this job. None of them were front liners the type of which is required for this task. More and more, as battle went on, she suspected Pain of testing her power and loyalty. If they succeed, then she was still useful, if not, then Zetsu was capable of escape while in her case it'd be death either way, from the hands of jinchuuriki, or cloud government, or Akatsuki itself.

She breathed out a stream of fire and paper she managed to hide on his body ignited. She aimed to give him third degree burns, but her spirits fell when he ignored the flames completely.

"Can stand a lot of damage, can't he." Black Zetsu commented.

B marched on under the cloak of eighth chakra, smashing surroundings and lashing out with black bullets that could flatten a small village.

Thankfully they were on the outskirts of civilization so there was little amount of victims and little chance of shinobi troops closing in on them fast enough to stop the battle. It encouraged the man to use his full power too. For the first time she observed Zetsu use his skills in battle when cornered. Nature energy he used for spying and tracking was nothing in comparison with sheer power of body he had when using something opposite. He hasn't revealed this level of power before, neither in a way where he fell apart in two bodies to use both of those abilities at the same time. It also seemed to prove to her that Madara could not be trusted. He and Zetsu were a team with many unknowns and it concerned her how far they got into Nagato's heart and mind. Or maybe it was her that could not move forward. Maybe she continued to live in the shadow of Yahiko and his dreams. Maybe she was the one that could not see the big picture, the global change that can be achieved, the grand scheme that needed final touch to become reality. But why should I accept it all and follow all this show at the cost of my ideals? She thought. This wasn't what she signed up for years ago, when she was young and walked the edge of precipice. It was about life then, about children, about a future. It was about having what they could not have before.

Paper knives distracted B while white Zetsu assaulted the man throwing boulders that must've weighted a ton. It wouldn't kill the juggernaut but it might tire him out.

It was about building the cities, rebuilding the country, not destroying the whole world.

The black Zetsu appeared in the background, then flickered inside the man and disappeared, a moment later B's stomach exploded.

Intestines flew out in fountain, dripping blood.

Konan stared.

It will kill him, without major organs he will not survive.

Like fire, dark red chakra ate and filled the hole the explosion created.

B charged on, like a bull. As if he wasn't close to being torn in two pieces mere second ago.

She escaped thanks to her new protection of improved paper wings, otherwise those tails and bullets the man used might kill her by simply flying by in close proximity. She had to give her thanks to Sasori for using seals on her weaponry. It was unexpected and kind of him to offer. She agreed because she saw underneath the story he spun that he actually cared. And given a chance, could become an ally.

Another explosion tore B's ribcage.

It was about saving lives, not about taking them.

B's body fell and became a large bubble of red chakra, though it looked to be struggling. He tried to rise and fell, tried to breathe in but all they heard was a terrific gurgle.

Zetsu stopped several meters away and inspected the jinchuuriki in his usual detached, weird manner. Then he gave her a sign. She reached into her cloak and quick like lightning, unsealed a tent made of diagrams created by Sasori and Madara right above the man. Then she landed beside him and folded her wings. Her face a cold mask of indifference, that didn't show her hurting because of a broken arm, dislocated shoulder and massive internal bleeding, or because of the way they treated a shinobi that deserved respect. Always a professional, she behaved like a heartless soldier, while in reality she was sick of going down the path to hell. More and more, Akatsuki resembled Hanzo, and she was party to creating this monster.

The air was heavy and oppressive around them, clouds of dust settling down and bringing quiet to area. The blanket of eighth's chakra no longer dulled their senses and the body under paper tent stopped moving.

"He's still alive. It's all that matters." She voiced tonelessly and spread her wings. She gave the pair a look and both of them tied the tent around the jinchuuriki.

Zetsu merged himself into one and caught B's limp body in his flytrap.

This is the last jinchuuriki Akatsuki had to track. Does this mean it's over? Does it mean Shirushi is next? Konan lifted herself into the sky with intention of getting to the base as soon as possible.

xxx

This base of operations either did not exist a couple of months ago, or its existence was a well kept secret. He had no recognition of ever visiting the place, or hearing about it. It was very humid, and on the dark side. As usual a hole in the ground to stay true to natural landscape, and tradition. A cave that led to secret passages and chambers. This one was smaller than the rest, though but there was one thing that he hadn't seen before. All of it was made under water.

It brought a new pile of trouble. Firstly, he couldn't orient himself as well in here as in other places he knew. Secondly, he actually had no idea where this place was. As in, where on the map exactly he was supposed to be. It also implied that Itachi knew of this neither, and as a result, no one expected any outside forces to surprise them with their appearance.

Other than that, it was ridiculously empty, save for Nagato and the statue Nagato prepared for extraction.

He didn't see it and was not led to it by Dad while taking a tour of the place. He simply felt it's presence.

It still wanted to eat him.

Gross.

...But he had a plan.

Of sorts. To survive. But there were complications. If there was not a soul for miles. If no member of Akatsuki came back sooner than his extraction, it actually meant he'd die.

"It'd mean your plan was absurd and short sighted." The fox grumbled.

One blond brow twitched.

"Thank you. your sound advice is irreplaceable. Whatever would I do without you in my head?"

The demon growled.

The boy frowned. His best options, Kakuzu and Zetsu, were not available. His allies, if he had them, did not have enough resources and knowledge. It was time to change that. He concealed his presence as well as he could, which meant he was almost untraceable, and stopped outside of Pain's doors. Finding them in this labyrinth was a task that took an hour, and he did not remember what turns he took to go back. All the doors resembled this one. But the sweat was worth it.

"...they got the eighth jinchuuriki, but it's too soon to gather everyone."

Just in time to hear Pain's monotone and eavesdrop on exchange of very important facts.

"...had to seriously injure him to bring down. We'll give him time to recover a little for extraction to be successful."

That's... soon. He didn't even know they were ready to capture him. Last he heard from his spies, Ichi was under observation. Now that he was on the way here, it meant the clock beat an alarm.

"...then proceed as we intended."

Shirushi waited for Pain to reveal more, but nothing new was said. Only general gibberish about amount of needed chakra, traps outside the area and Kakuzu asking for Hidan's replacement since he was getting tired of the guy never stopping talking. Madara walked out obviously too deep in thought to catch his presence, which was a relief. Then went to the entrance of the hideout. Shiru gave his attention back to Pain and then followed a thread of chakra to the main source, down the corridors and blind walls, to the bottom of this layout. He found what he was looking for and without hesitation walked out of shadows into a dark chamber. He stepped forward out of negative shadows to be seen, and a pair of grey rippled eyes looked at him.

Nagato was still forced to be tied to construction with wheels that gave him meagre of mobility. His legs were still incapable of walking. Dark red rods pierced his body, which had to be hard to bear, and only his force of will kept him alive and moving forward. That and something else.

It's been quite a big effort of thought Shirushi gave to weighing pros and cons, possibilities and outcomes. He had to put on Rikudo's shoes for a minute to come to sensible conclusion and make a decision that might change the course of quiet war.

Nagato didn't want to destroy the world of his own volition. He was possessed by the demon he released in time of need, out of desperation and fear. As a result it consumed him and as time went on, he became a shadow of the man he was, just a puppet he believed he was master of. In reality, it was just the opposite. The power he released used him for its own purpose. And if he were to be free of it, he might become just the person Shirushi, no, the world, needed.

He stepped even closer to Nagato and let the man come to his own thoughts and conclusions in silence.

His first choice was father. But of course. Why would he ever choose otherwise? Bring his Dad back to sanity and all will be fixed. To what sanity, though? Was Madara ever adequate a leader? Was he ever up to changing the world for the better, or keeping peace, at least? All the history said is that the man was hungry for blood and power, jealous, kept a grudge and all he had was never enough. His ambitions knew no end. Not that it mattered to Shirushi much. The world could burn for all he cared. But did he fit in the picture of Madara's world? Alive? Given freedom, and clarity of mind, would Madara change the course or not? If he will free his father, will Madara stand beside him against Pain? Or join him still?

Is this the choice Rikudou had to make while looking at his sons? While giving one power over the other? Condemning his descendants to bearing his sins. One inheriting demon's body for safekeeping, the other inheriting demon's mind. Both of them hating each other with a passion, and cursing their father for the fate he burdened them with.

"You've never visited me like this, Shirushi." Nagato spoke, very quietly, and stopped Shiru's train of thought. "You don't look like someone who came to plead, nor like someone who came to say goodbye."

The blond smiled; and after a moment reached out to touch Nagato's forearm. He noted that his body was very thin and powerless. Malnourished even. How could he continue living on in these conditions was beyond him.

"I'm a very selfish person." He answered, in a way. And drew back his hand. Then he moved to the other side. Rippled eyes followed his movements but saw no threat. "I'm also very knowledgeable person." He continued, and touched the surface of crude construction. He frowned and retreated his hand.

"And?" Nagato prodded, patiently waiting for the point the boy wanted to make.

Shirushi tilted his head. "Some people say I'm kind. Some people regard me as devil incarnate." He paused. "I think I'm just practical, logical and curious. And so very selfish." He closed his eyes. "Why then do I make decisions that are not easy?"

Nagato observed him without understanding, but with growing dread and suspicion.

The blond reached for his hair and ripped out several strands. Then he reached into his pocket and drew out a blue stone. Carefully, slowly, he made a necklace and held it in his hands. "It's a gift." He said, and raised it up, silently asking for permission.

Nagato frowned. But Shiru ignored him and carefully reached out with a little jump to put it over the man's head. It looked very out of place on Nagato's chest who let it adorn him having come to no idea as to why the boy would do such a thing. Shiru patted it and gently jumped down. When he landed, it was with a smile. "Pretty, isn't it?"

Nagato looked up. "What is it?'

Shiru paused, looking a bit disappointed. He expected something more, something grand, an explosion, magic, or reaction of sorts. But it still looked like a simple crystal, just a necklace. "It's very special to me. And to you." The blond replied, smiled again and went back to shadows to get lost in labyrinth of empty base.

Nagato remained alone in dark chamber. A little lost about this encounter, but stoic like he always seemed to be. He frowned a little in thought, and so very slowly, his arm raised and weak fingers prodded a rod embedded in his shoulder. ...it fell to the floor.

Xxx

Awakening was rough and disorienting.

Sound of ruffled clothing filled his ears and he did not understand why it was so cold. A second later he saw the shining silhouette of his father and dull walls of his temporary room. A rush of memories of yesterday, or was it only a couple of hours ago, filled his head and he was completely unprepared for whatever might wait beyond the doors. Madara shook him awake and remained standing by the bed. The mask was still covering his face so he seemed battle ready to Shirushi.

"Come." Dad commanded and went out.

Before he could process that, his legs already made decision and followed. Thankfully he fell in sleep in proper Akatsuki attire minus the cloak, and not pyjamas that he preferred. Otherwise he'd look ridiculous.

They quickly made their way through corridors and mind numbing pathways to destination and it wasn't a hunt Shirushi expected, just a tour to the biggest chamber in the base he knew existed here.

He stopped paralyzed at the threshold and it took Madara a couple of steps to realize that. He quickly rectified that and was in front of the blond, kneeling, putting hands on the boy's shoulders, a boy who paled and looked forward without seeing.

The man took his mask off, revealing old, wrinkled face. "Shirushi."

The boy looked at him though made no sound in response, only his mysterious, purple eyes pierced the surface of flesh his father hid within.

One large, wrinkled palm touched the boy's cheek. "Don't be afraid." The man whispered, encouraged and prodded his son forward still. Shirushi could not move. Surprised at how fast events proceeded and gradually mad at his own stupidity for not realizing it sooner.

Dad effortlessly picked him up and moved closer to the statue that shone like a large bonfire. It was very ugly. He didn't want to be any closer to it. Curse Ichi for being so weak and easy to obtain, because of that he had no time to prepare. Now he was numb and brought to die.

Dad jumped high and moved from finger to finger. Then he stopped on the statue's ugly face. It's eyes moved, greedy and crazy. It's chakra said that it was so close to becoming whole that it felt it could move if it actually wanted to. It almost screamed obscenities for having to wait for so long.

His head hurt from all that screaming. He absently noted the way his Dad put him down gently. He looked up and felt very weird. It was both darker and lighter in this strange hole. No, not a hole. Through the opening on the right, he noticed a pair of hands and gleaming fingers. He was in the... mouth of the statue. A bloody, screaming, ugly mouth of the thing Akatsuki believed was made of stone. The source of all those hungry sounds he heard pounding in his head.

"Don't be afraid." Dad repeated in calm voice, but it sounded ominous when he heard other voices, and the room was empty so how will he extract the fox lord if he's alone? Why doesn't he say goodbye or something? Apologies? Where are confessions and explanations?

Crunch.

Black void.

Madara backhanded him hard, right on the temple. Knockout. Don't be afraid, he said. ...Right.

...He opened his eyes to see that he was back in his room in Minato's house. It was white and wood and orange.

Beautiful sunrays attacked the inside of the room and he felt peaceful. It seemed like Itachi was waiting in the dining room, Kakashi read his porn at the kitchen table, Neji sat on the steps to the entrance, Minato was hiding in his workroom covered in ink spots and Aloa pretended to be a housemaid while checking Minato's schedule.

He'd get up and be fed up with their presence in his life, not knowing how much he will miss those quirks of theirs.

He got up and sighed. Then he fought an urge to lie comfortable in hammock and forced himself to get down.

The house was quiet and empty, like everything in his life, lately. Very clean and rich, like Minato's golden image.

He checked the dining room and kitchen, dojo, and workroom. Then he went to library. Then to hidden library. There he found the stupid lock and opened the safe, what Aloa looked for, was not there.

Actually, there wasn't anything of importance.

He slammed it close.

Right. Fine.

He went back to strolling the corridors and observed the few decorations there were. Finally, he stopped under the portrait of his biological parents.

She was beautiful.

Her hair was reddish orange. His favourite. Like Kyuubi's fur. Like Nagato's creations' hair. Hmmm, must be a reason he liked the man. A reason he listened to damned demon fox.

Shiru touched the frame and pulled. The portrait moved and opened, revealing a passage.

He sighed and jumped into it, a little tired and in no way ready to face reality.

The passage changed colours several times before he reached the main chamber with dark poles that symbolised a cage.

Sight of it was actually welcoming, despite many arguments he and the fox had in short time they've known each other.

Bright, warm light illuminated the whole room, and Kyuubi of course, was the source of it. No longer tied to walls by chains of Shirushi's creation, the demon accepted the role of mellowed demon advisor and spent his days sleeping, thinking, planning and observing. However Shiru knew that rather sooner than later, the demon will take on active role. He apparently had a plan how to gain freedom, or control over being that will devour them. The blond doubted he'd have a luxury of being aware after dying. His soul would probably disintegrate in ocean of chakra that formed other demons. The prospect never frightened him, though, the thought still brought distaste.

"Why don't I feel any pain?" He asked, when he passed boundary .

The giant animal didn't answer immediately. For a while, the fox merely observed him from its position on the floor, maw on paws, visibly bored. In reality, the demon was astonished, and Shiru wanted very much to learn why. He expected this to be the end of his short existence, since he had no time to gather means of survival. He thought that between him being here, Akatsuki regrouping and preparing for extraction, there was suitable amount of time. And now it looked like father planned to do everything on his own without the rest of the group present. How he'd manage that feat anyway?

"It is not extraction technique being used." The demon finally stated.

The blond tilted his head. "It isn't?" He frowned, looked upwards and sideways, as if it might let him see and feel clearer. Nope, the ceiling is still high and unfathomable, brown corners, shadowed, walls decorated with intricate patterns, nothing new there. The fox gave him a look that spoke many unsavoury words about the boy's intelligence. Shiru sighed, openly rolled his eyes. "Clearly, if it were it, we'd be aware and greatly suffering at the moment. So, what is it then?"

Kyuubi looked away and frowned. He stayed silent for so long that Shiru became concerned. It was unlike usual behaviour. Normally he expected his tenant to brag, express disdain and boredom. Now he actually seemed lost.

Shiru's expression cleared. "I see. Whatever's happening is not included in either of our plans."

"That would be an understatement." The fox finally looked at him. "As I see it, Madara does not resign his grand plan of reforming Juubi. On the other hand, I wonder how he plans on making such transformation stable."

"What transformation?"

Xxx

It surprised Itachi how calm Minato looked and generally behaved when knowledge of his son being in enemies hands hanged over him. Instead of losing composure, the man turned into determined machine that worked in full capacity. If he was given more information, the man would be out there, fighting. Instead, he was drawing points on the map of the world.

"Agents have put the seals in required areas and if equations are correct, no matter where they are, we will get the signal." Minato voiced.

"No matter how fast you use it, Pain is sure to become alert of our actions. More so, it will confirm my involvement in Orochimaru's disappearance. It could also make them move elsewhere. As I told you before, there are numerous bases and each one has potential to turn into headquarters." Itachi was sure to sound sceptical in his comment. He snorted. "Scratch that, without a doubt the moment we use it the base will either disappear or become a trap." He added and turned away. A crow on his right shoulder juddered its wings as if to agree, and then became still. He continued to observe the man and felt satisfaction in seeing Minato seethe. He didn't even know why he started feeling hostile towards him, since Shirushi's disappearance was his fault too. Maybe it was this whole idea that none of his actions prevented the boy from being abducted. On the other hand, Shirushi showed that he wanted to be found and did not help his saviours with their job.

"It's the only lead we have, anyway." Minato replied without looking at him. "None of the places you remember are in use."

Itachi stayed quiet, and watched the blond grab the edge of the table so hard his knuckles turned white. He finally showed more of his state of mind.

"Why did he go back there? He must know that it's a suicide."

"Of weird kind, that boy is. Maybe that was his idea of adventure. Or maybe he believes that were he to put on the cursed necklace, he'd survive." Both Itachi and Minato looked up at Jiraiya who lazily crawled into the room through the window. The white haired man gave a distrustful glance in crow's direction.

"That last theory is as good as any." Itachi noted and petted the bird. Minato gave him a dirty look.

"Both of you give me impression that you don't care about whether he lives or dies."

Minato's statement produced a pregnant pause in which the trio present considered each other very carefully. After a minute, Jiraiya shrugged and Itachi disinterestedly looked away, ignoring the jab. It might seem to the blond that his allies had veiled intentions, and he would be right in that assumption. Most probably, Jiraiya still viewed Shirushi as a threat, and his trust in Itachi was not complete. At the same time, Itachi knew that if push came to shove, he'd be on the off list and none of his usefulness and loyalty would matter. Itachi himself, was not sure whose side he stood on. His own, probably. He learned to see a bigger picture and in grand scheme of things Minato was a player that could still lose, and Shirushi was an object everybody was after. A very dangerous, mysterious, powerful object that could bring more harm than good, no matter the hands it'd be in. So, no, neither he nor Jiraiya cared if the boy died. It would be a pity, and the child deserved better, but Akatsuki and tailed beasts were a bigger problem than that.

"Our interference might stop them from performing extraction, even mid-process. So we better direct their attention towards a threat we present than do nothing." Said the toad sage, diplomatically.

Minato nodded and went back to equations, while Itachi shared a meaningful look with Jiraiya, who just became a potential ally. "How did my dear Tsunade react to news of putting on the Hokage's hat? Even if temporarily?" The man continued, casually, with an obvious leer.

"The happiest I've ever seen her, really. She even threw her precious bottle of sake at me, aiming at my head." Minato replied, without looking at his teacher. "With every day I appreciate her presence more and more. And her temper starts rubbing off on me, you know. Change topic one more time and it will be you putting on the hat and staying in the village, Jiraiya-sensei."

Itachi withheld any comments that danced on a tip of his tongue. He felt that it was a wonder anything was done on time with these people. They spent so much time on bunter and pointless talks that he'd be there and back twice before they started looking. And this was his answer why Akatsuki reached such heights and gained attention of all elemental nations. They did not sit idly and chat, they acted.

Two shinobi entered the room and carried in a heavy device that they placed on the floor. It looked like a metallic box with many irregular seals on its sides. On top of it, sunken into the surface, was a large compass, and above it, attached on legs to corners of the top, was a small pole with a set of rings that rotated one around and inside the other. The pair left, and the blond straightened. He closed his eyes for a moment, and then pointedly turned to Itachi. He raised his hand, palm up.

Itachi replicated the gesture, to his summon. The bird jerked its wings again, and then spat out a pair of rings into his hand, those the young man gave to Minato.

"We're ready to leave at moment's notice." Jiraiya said, arms crossed and pose relaxed, but his eyes shone, expecting to see battle, and soon.

Xxx

I wish to know the answer to... four, questions.

Not willing to admit it, really, but honest with himself enough to acknowledge it in his thoughts, Shirushi knew he felt way too safe sitting by the front paws of the gigantic fox. He found a justification to that, though. It was in front of Kyuubi's cage. Beyond similar bars. It was just tad bit smaller in size which in no way made him feel adequate in comparison to something so big.

It felt like it's been hours since it started and he found shelter in the fox's room. They had believed in high probability that this something could not leave its cage and enter Kyuubi's. So at the moment he was relatively safe.

For a while he played with his tenant in game of hide and seek answers, until the answer appeared, itself. It was bright and loud, and appeared out of nowhere. Considering the thing happened in his head, he had a valid excuse to freak out and seek protection from the only companion he had there. And when he received an apt reply as to what they observed, hearing the fox growl 'neighbour', he started to get a vague idea of what it came down to and that dying might be least of his problems.

Sometime later, which seemed like hours, a rain of incomprehensible words attacked the space of his mind bringing headache along. For a while it seemed horrifying, then amusing even, until it was just irritating. The damn thing was whining. And the fox wanted his prison to be big enough so he could hide in a dark corner, but it was impossible. Why the demon lord believed it would be a good idea Shirushi didn't know, but he suspected he might want to hide too, for the same reasons, even if those were unknown. So he did.

And a glare the fox shot him, confirmed it.

As time passed words resembled curses, whining turned into screaming, and bright light started to take shape and form.

From his shadowed corner behind the Kyuubi, Shirushi could still watch the towering form of another demon that took residence in his mind, and most probably, in his body as well. A raccoon dog, his memories whispered, Shukaku, was the name, but the boy admitted it was one of the ugliest things he's seen yet. Big, fat, and visibly malicious. It was mad. Livid. Does not resemble raccoon dog at all, he thought. Someone's made a mistake in description.

"..Illmurderyouill!murderyouillmurderyouillmurderyou!.."

Shiru raised a brow but did not go out of his hiding place. Screams went on for a while and he expected the fox to shout 'shut up' at some point, but he never did. At some point Shirushi realized that his companion did not want to gather attention which might lead to this madness directed at him, so he just tolerated the noise and enjoyed anonymity while it lasted.

But the noise did not look to stop anytime soon.

Incredulous, the boy asked the Kyuubi with his gaze alone, if the new neighbour ever stopped ranting. In reply to silent inquiry, the fox gave him a pitying look.

Shirushi decided that he deserved more than this type of annoyance in his head, so he chose to give it a go and try diplomatic approach.

He was mediator, after all. So he gathered his resolve and confidence and went out of hiding, despite the fox showing it was a bad idea. One long, orange ear was pressed very low to the ground. The boy stroke it on his way to the bars. He passed them and walked forward, until he stood handful of steps from the other prison.

Shukaku continued to wail without seeing him.

Shirushi grimaced. "Shut up!"

There, he said it. It was good feeling.

For a moment, blessed silence.

Then suspiciously, slowly, ugly yellow eyes turned to take notice of him, pinned him to the ground, narrowed.

And next he knew bars were grating, gigantic clawed fingers were frantically trying to reach him through holes between poles, the room was shaking because the demon was jumping, actually lifting his large arse, and the Kyuubi was rolling his eyes and snorting while watching that show.

He jumped back so quickly that he tripped and landed on his back. Thankfully out of the beast's reach.

"...littlebug!wasteofspacebagfullofuselessrottenfleshandbones!getherecomeherecomeherecloserletmeeatyayoupatheticlittlecreaturegonnaturnyouinsideouteatintestinesbeenawhilesincedidthatdoyouhearme?!..."

It screamed and cursed louder than before and Shirushi only had himself to blame. He understood only some of what the demon had said but he got the gist of it. He rose, patted his clothes to get rid of imaginary dust and fixed his hair.

"...gonnatasteyourblood!andwritepoemonthesewallswithitorbetteryetimgonnaturnyaintotoothpick!nobbeterplaceforyouthaninbetweenmyteethyoumortaldirt..."

The rant continued but Shirushi stood his ground resolutely. He inspected the bars, searching for familiar piece of paper and seal that was behind him and noticed how he scratched his chin in thought and how much it reminded him of Namikaze and his habits. Also it reminded him that the seal behind him was also there due to man's actions and the whole situation started to annoy him even more. He gritted his teeth and tried to focus on task at hand.

There was no visible seal he could study and improve. So how the hell did this new prison appear? He went to the Kyuubi's cage and gave a glance to the piece of paper there.

To his astonishment, it wasn't there.

His expression must have revealed enough for the fox to notice it too. They were so used to it always being there, that none of them paid attention to its disappearance.

Suddenly, all the noise that annoyed him held no significance in comparison to this new development.

His heart leapt to his throat in fear of what it might've meant.

"Where are you?" He whispered and looked around. Brows furrowed, he started checking corners, studied demons' bodies wondering if it was there, but in between them there was nothing to indicate that, until finally, he gave his attention to ceiling.

It was dark there, very dark, very high up.

He looked into there for so long that it became lighter in response, or maybe his eyes adjusted to shadows. The pattern was there, no mere piece of paper, but a picture so huge it encompassed the whole space above and between two cages. He recognized it for what it always was. A tie of souls under Shinigami's power. Now it just included one more.

He glared up, ignoring the screams of Shukaku and proximity of his claws. "What are you doing there?" he inquired quietly, second later, considering it silly to talk to object made of imaginary, spiritual ink residue or whatever.

But he continued to glare up at it.

It offended him, after all.

"Come down here. Stop insulting my height, dammit!" He demanded, arms crossed. Then, impatient, since it did not reply, he tapped his foot. He ignored the Kyuubi's expression from the corner of his eye that clearly said 'now you've lost it' .

"Do as I say, or else..." He muttered, very annoyed, and glared at the floor, that now was a rightful place for the seal.

His foot stopped tapping. He continued to glare just because.

Then he gave a quick glance upwards to confirm that yes, there was no seal on the ceiling, anymore, and studied this one properly, and close.

Now three and half metres in diameter, round, it was exactly in the middle of the... hall, he'd say. Very precise, very pretty, very clear. It was nice that way. He circled it slowly, to take in its beauty and power. At the same time, he started paying attention to curses and threats that continued to flow from Shukaku's mouth and took notice of very curious thing.

"...godcurseyouyafreakingovergrawnballoffurdontempressmemuchyourtailsfuckingtailshowmanynineisnotanumberstuffyourfaceiaintgonnashareanyroomwithya!andhowdidyougetcaughtanywayagreatkuramaneverimprisonedinpunyhumanbodyyeahrighttalkbigandnofactatallthatswhatyouare!sameasallothersnobetterbetyaseethatnowdontya?mwahahahahahaha!..."

Oh, yes, his favourite fox had a name too. Curious, that. Not that there was ever any doubt about it. He just expected to hear it from the fox himself, not this maniac of an old friend. He looked at the Kyuubi pointedly, still circling the seal on the floor.

Feeling his gaze on him, the fox, who pretended to be bored, took his eyes off the pattern on the floor and gave him his attention. Guarded, wary.

"Power's in the name, isn't it?" Shirushi voiced. Suddenly glad that he hadn't silenced Shukaku yet.

Kurama looked away. Taking away Shirushi's chance to gloat while looking him in the face.

The boy huffed. He made another circle and touched the symbol that pointed at Shukaku, like a clock. He pressed his palm and observed the bars of the new tenant glow with his own chakra. Purple. Very nice.

The beast quieted and stepped back a little.

Shiru grinned. He went to the side of the demon's cage and demonstratively bit his thumb, then, with all grace he could muster, drew a seal on the wall, then slowly, purposefully went to the other side, and did the same.

After that, he took position in front of Shukaku's cage and linked his hands behind his back. "Still adamant about making noise, Shukaku?"

The raccoon dog considered this question for a moment quite seriously, before attacking the bars again. Didn't get there though, because chains appeared from all corners of the prison and restrained him. They glowed and burned the beast, just enough to secure and make him uncomfortable, not enough to actually hurt. While that happened, Shiru stood watching, unmoving.

"Wrong answer." The boy voiced and turned away from this picture. He looked at Kurama, and went into his cage. When there, he scratched the demon's ear affectionately. "He will learn."

XXX

A.N. and where did the 'insert line' disappear? That thing was actually very useful...