59. I'm Not a Puppet

The day I reach the 69th chapter... I shall write a small scene in it depending upon the  situation going on. Y'all want that?

I'm pretty sure you do.

Edit: Actually, Imma just wait for the movie arc because B O I, that shit's gonna be HAWT-

On wid da story!

Enjoy

<3

UNEDITED

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Flashbacks

"My child, what brings you here?"

The rain had stopped and I peeked from under my lashes to see a gorgeous purple haired woman standing next to a man with piercings all over his face. Their hair were drenched with rain and I vaguely realized the blood running down my face.

I was crying blood.

"I have nowhere else to go." My voice was hoarse from all the crying and screaming I'd done, prior to the time I reached Amegakure.

As Konan looked at my face, she couldn't help gasping.

"Do I still have the offer of joining the Akatsuki? This is why you wanted me, didn't you Pain?"

As he gazed at my rinnegan eyes, he nodded before whispering. "Absolutely fascinating. Welcome to the Akatsuki, Akina Senju Uchiha."

I lowered my eyes and wiped the blood. Konan gently grabbed me and covered me with her chakra lathered paper, serving as a temporary umbrella. Excited whispers of the Angel visiting the city broke out as people bowed down to us. 

Pain was no where to be seen. He was probably already back at that tall building. Konan emitted a warm chakra, as she gazed down softly at me but I didn't care.

Every time I closed my eyes, I remembered Seijuro dying in my arms, his red hair which I loved to play with, sprawled across the white floor.

I didn't realize we made our way to the top floor of some building and sat down on the bed as Konan instructed me too. Her eyes seemed to understand my silence, as she started to boil water and prepare some tea.

I could feel rinnegan eyes staring at me from a distance, unblinking.

Flashback Over

My eyes fluttered open and I could see only darkness.

Like my soul.

Blinking my eyes, the hazed black vision disappeared to show me in a cave with low lighting and I let out an audible groan as my head started pounding. It was as if someone took a brick and slapped me silly with it.

Lying still for a minute, the pain dulled to a throb and I tried to get up using my right hand. 

Bad idea.

"Fucking hell!" Cursing, I glanced at my right hand to see it wrapped in a white gauze, a peek of blood visible in the red stain. My ribs ached and the only thing I could do was lie still.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Looking up, I saw Tobi sitting on a chair silently, his orange mask facing my direction. 

"Tobi?"

"You will refer to me as Madara Uchiha."

I stared at him confusedly. "What happened? Where am I? How did I get hurt?"

"Hm, try and recall everything by yourself." He turned his gaze to my right and following his vision I saw an unconscious Sasuke. 

"Sasuke?"

His breathing was even and his bare chest was wrapped in bandages, much like mine. 

Wait a min-

His name hit me like a brick as I doubled over and took deep breaths to calm myself down. "I-Itachi..."

"Oh, seems like you do remember. I was afraid you'd had gotten amnesia." His voice was filled with dark mirth, almost undetectable but undoubtedly there. 

"I-I need to see him! I need to see Itachi's body. Madara-"

"No." 

"And why the fuck not?!"

"Do you really think...that I'll allow you, someone with the rinnegan to go near him? Itachi needs to stay dead and I do not trust you near his corpse."

As I opened my mouth to protest, Sasuke came to his senses as he sat up straight. 

"I treated your wounds, and Konan treated to Akina's. Sasuke, you won but sustained great damage as well. We've met once before but now, we meet on the same side of things."

"I brought you in order to tell you something. About your brother, Uchiha Itachi."

I lowered my head. What do I do?

Sasuke seemed extremely pale and he looked down, almost as if he was out of it. 

"Hm, lets start with the introductions. Like you, I'm a survivor of the Uchiha clan. And I know the truth about Uchiha Itachi." Madara tilted his mask slightly to show the sharingan and I caught wind of his half destroyed face.

Obito..

As Sasuke turned to look at him, his sharingan evolved into a MS as blood appeared in his eyes. The Amaterasu flames covered Obito instantly as black flames surrounded him and he stumbled, his mask falling down in the process.

Now!

"Sasuke, we have to run! Lets get out of here." I got up, ignoring the pain in my body and looked at him. He stared at him, confused.

"What does he mean.. by the truth?"

"TELL SASUKE THE TRUTH! I CAN'T SEE YOU GUYS ANYMORE LIKE THIS! PLEASE ITACHI!"

"What.. truth?"

I glanced at him softly before speaking. "Remember this, Sasuke. Itachi loved you very much and I tried my hardest to tell him tell you the truth."

"The Amaterasu Itachi implanted in you.. that's Itachi for you, surprising people even when he's dead. To think he planned this far ahead." Madara walked from the shadows and picked up his mask, putting it back on his face.

I sat back down next to Sasuke. There was nothing I could do now except to listen to the conversation.

I'm done.

"In his last moments, Itachi transferred his ocular powers to you in order to.. protect you." 

Sasuke's eyes widened as Madara continued. "You think you know everything about your aniki, but you know nothing."

"If you continue speaking such nonsense, I'll kill you." 

Guess who said that. If you guess right, ten points to you.

"Itachi mentioned he had an accomplice that night, didn't he? That's me, Uchiha Madara."

Sasuke kept silent. He was listening avidly, a stark contrast compared to how he was screaming profanities in the anime. 

"Let me tell you the truth about how Itachi Uchiha lived his life in Konoha, how he was used by the corrupt system and how the Uchiha clan fell."

"Why am I here?" I glanced at Madara. "Let me go."

He chuckled softly. "Ah Akina, your heritage is a beautiful masterpiece. The sole descendant of the Uchiha and Senju clan who awakened the legendary doujutsu, rinnegan which the Sage of Six Paths himself possessed. You're a natural, unlike Pain."

"A natural?"

"Yes, it was implanted into his eyes by me, however it takes a major toll on his body as you've already seen. You on the other hand can activate it and deactivate it as per your wish. Along with that, you are a quick learner and also possess Wood Release making you have two kekkei genkai. I would be a fool not to keep you by my side where I can keep an eye on you."

My voice wavered as I spoke the next sentence. "You want my eyes? Then take it, but in exchange give me Itachi's body after I revive him."

He remained silent as I continued.

"My eyes are powerful. You're an Uchiha and it can be used to your advantage as much as you want. Hell, I'll even give you a part of my DNA. Just let me-"

"No. As tempting as that offer is, no and you will not be getting a reason why. I have other plans for you.."

The last line made shivers run down my back. I was in too deep to get out now. But if I was getting out, I'm taking Deidara with me. He doesn't deserve this shit.

"Now, back to Itachi.. It starts from the beginning of the foundation of Konoha, with the Senju Clan and Uchiha Clan's rivalry..."

As Madara explained Itachi's entire life history, I curled up into a ball of shame and self loathing. He answered Sasuke's every question and explained every decision he'd taken. The hatred of my clan was evident in his very behavior.

"I-I need to go." My voice broke in the middle and I rushed out of the cave to see the sea, its waves splashing around and hitting the rocks. I could feel the mist spray on me as I finally let my tears come undone, walking towards the edge of the cliff.

I remembered Sasuke's shocked and horrified eyes when Madara said that this was all a mission.

"FUCK YOU KONOHA! FUCK YOU HIRUZEN SARUTOBI AND DANZO FUCKING SHIMURA! FUCK YOU TOBIRAMA! BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPID RIVALRY AGAINST THE UCHIHAS SO MUCH SHIT HAPPENED. ARE YOU HAPPY NOW, SEEING KONOHA'S DESTRUCTION?!" I screamed into the silent waves, rage overwhelming me and I slid to the ground.

"FUCK YOU GUYS FOR DRIVING MY PARENTS OUT OF THE VILLAGE! I HATE YOU ALL! YOU GUYS MADE ITACHI A VILLAIN, DANZO FUCKING SHIMURA I HOPE YOU STAY IN HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY!"

"I should've... what were we thinking Hiruzen? I can't do this, I'm not powerful enough and I can't deal with this shit anymore. This mission will be the death of me. I can't save the world! In fact, it doesn't even need saving because everything works out in the end. I just wanted to save them and I couldn't save Itachi. I'm so weak."

My sadness turned into rage and absolute fury after a while, at myself or the world, I'm not so sure.

"Fuck all of this. I'm fucking done with this crap. From now, its gonna be rash decisions only since my plans never seem to work out. Rash decisions and some sake.. Maybe I need a bottle of sake. Yeah, I really need to try it."

I don't know how long I sat there with the cool wind blowing on my face, but soon enough Sasuke's footsteps deemed closer to where I was sitting.

After Akina Left...

Madara's eyes followed her retreating figure as she furiously wiped her tears, rushing outside. He turned to Sasuke.

"Hm, you know what's interesting?" 

Time to push him to the edge.

Sasuke didn't answer as he tried to process the information he'd just received and Madara hummed. He knew the younger Uchiha was listening attentively to his words.

"She seemed pretty upset over Itachi's death. In the Akatsuki, Akina used to hang out with him and Deidara the most, followed by Hidan, Kisame and me. Kakuzu and she weren't on good terms and she despised Rou."

He continued speaking. "In fact, now that I think about it, she and Itachi were a little too close.. But if I am correct, I recall that she left you abruptly, didn't she?"

Sasuke's sharingan flared and he growled lowly at Madara. 

"She used to wear his cloak all the time, he'd smile at her and pat her head. So I wonder when Itachi told her the truth. He could tell her his reality but he couldn't tell you?"

He was making him angry. Anger fuels revenge. Anger is sweet. Anger at everyone would make him leave Konoha and join the Akatsuki.

Now that Sasuke knew Itachi was ill during the fight, his pride was damaged. And at this point, he'd do anything to restore it and take revenge on Konoha.

"She's special to both of you and I respect that. Alas, I expected better from the last two Uchihas. Both of you falling for a.. Senju.. Useful, yes but that wretched clan and that fool's granddaughter."

Sasuke remained silent for a while before speaking up, his voice hoarse. "I.. need a few days to consider this."

His plan was done and Obito smiled under his mask.

Oh Kakashi, your students are quite pathetic. So gullible. Even though Sasuke got played, its like he's asking for more, to become a puppet again.

Sasuke made his way outside the cave as a cool gust of wind hit his face and he took a deep shuddering breath. Walking towards Akina, he saw her tear stricken face turn towards him before she got up and placed her hand on his shoulder, pausing him.

"He loved you so much. He loved you too much."

I wasn't enough to keep him here. 

And she released him, walking away to give him some privacy.

"Wait." His voice was steady, filled with brimming confidence but he was anything but. Akina paused, turning around. He was already facing the ocean, his shoulders shaking slightly and she bit her lip.

Should I comfort him... or just stand here?

Deciding to wait, she sat down once more on the gravel and waited for him to finish his warning. As she closed her eyes, the image of a swirling mangekyou sharingan appeared in her mind and she pulled her knees towards her body, resting her head on them.

I'm fine. I have to act fine.

No more weakness.

Thirty minutes later, Sasuke finally turned around, his usual poker expression plastered on his face. But his eyes were a blood red with a pattern swirling in the pupils, his aura screaming danger.

"Akina, get up. We need to talk."

She raised her head up. "I don't think I agreed to anything of that sort." Her refusal lacked real enthusiasm and he could see she was tired.

"You owe me this much at least. I need answers from you, not him. He doesn't know Itachi."

"Fine." She patted the seat beside her, signalling him to sit down.

"What do you want to know?"

"You haven't told Madara about your future seeing abilities, have you?"

"No, and I don't plan to."

That means.. Itachi didn't tell her shit. If she was truly on Madara's side, he'd have known the truth.

"Did Itachi regret his actions? Choosing Konoha over us, his family?"

"I think, the only thing he regrets is not being able to see you grow up and spend time with you. He regrets not cherishing every bond he made in Konoha, and not spending enough time with you when you were younger."

"If he really loved me, he'd have told me the truth. Don't you agree that he's selfish, Akina?" His voice had taken a sharp turn, his eyes glinting dangerously. He was using her emotions to his advantage. 

It was rare to see Akina so.. emotional.

She hesitated slightly. "Yes, but.. he didn't see any other way out."

"A pacifist. My brother's a pacifist. Would you see yourself as a pacifist?"

"No. I think I've developed a knack for seeing blood get spilled. I'm not innocent."

"When you were with us in Konoha, you called Team 7 your family. Is that true or did you lie?"

"Truth."

"So whatever Itachi did, you agree with it?"

"Why are you asking me this?" She was suspicious now, but he waved her question aside.

"Another two questions, you don't need to answer if its too personal."

She nodded, before a yawn took over her features.

Perfect. Her guard is down.

"Danzo Shimura. You ran from Konoha because Danzo Shimura was murdered on that night. Kurenai said she saw blood on you. If you were innocent, you would've gone to Tsunade immediately. She's your sister and you could trust her, but it rules out that factor. That means, you killed Danzo Shimura, who ordered Itachi to eliminate the Uchiha clan. Am I right with my assumptions?"

Akina's face paled and Sasuke knew he got it right.

"No."

"Hm, whatever you say. Then tell me, if you were in Itachi's shoes, receiving a mission from the Hokage to protect the village in a twisted, pathetic way, would you take it? Would you pick the world over your family?"

"No." Her eyes were bright, her mind and heart relaxed. She was paying attention now. Sasuke turned away, licking his lips slightly.

"That's all I have to ask you."

He figured her out. Now, all he had to do was get her to admit it.

"Oh, as a little award for being honest with me, I'll tell you something. I met the masked man. The one you're after."

"Tell me everything." Her eyes which were an onyx black a moment ago was filled with rage as her rinnegan was activated. 

He chuckled mirthlessly. "No, not in a mood too. Maybe later."

"Don't fucking test me, Sasuke." 

"A piece of advice for the future. Are you sure you want to kill him?"

"Sasuke." He turned towards her voice, nodding at her to show he was paying attention before he resumed chopping the tomatoes.

"Pay me some attention. I'm fucking bored Sasukeeee! I need some love." Akina whined.

"Fine, I'll pay you attention if you tell me about Itachi."

She scowled. "Why do you bring him up every time? Jeez, one day I'll kill him just to shut you up."

He snorted. "You can't even get out of a genjutsu."

Sasuke winced as Akina punched his forearm. "Fine, here's your daily horoscope from the all time seer. Are you sure you want to kill him?"

Akina frowned, her rage forgotten. "W-what? Are you mocking me? SASUKE COME BACK!"

But he was already gone and walking away from her. He knew what to do now. 

And if Madara was as dangerous as he claimed to be, he was getting out of here and back to Konoha fast. His revenge on Danzo was already claimed by Akina, but that didn't mean Homura and Koharu were dead.

They'd die mysteriously, in their sleep perhaps, or probably katana slashes would decorate their body when they are found washed up in the river inside the Forest of Death.

Or even better, he'd gouge their eyes out in a genjutsu. They were scared of his power, right? Now they'll get to experience it first hand.

"I'm not a fucking puppet. I've had enough of being manipulated."

A warm hand grabbed his arm and he turned around to see Akina. "Do you really think Madara will let you leave?"

"No."

"Well what the fuck are you gonna do?"

"Fight him."

Akina giggled, releasing her grip on him. "Okay look, Madara is fucking powerful. He's literally God and only Hashirama can defeat him."

"Not if we work together."

"I know his abilities. Trust me when I say that you can't even land a hit on him, no matter how fast you are."

"I'm not joining the Akatsuki. I'm going back to Konoha."

"I know. That's why, follow me."

.

.

Akina, when you were answering my questions, was it you talking or my brother?

And that's a wrap!

The last sentence.. Hope it made some sense. The answers she was giving were her own as well as Itachi's, you see.

Oof, major character development for Sasuke. You all know the brash, revenge seeking Uchiha with dicks for brains. This is him who actually used his brain instead of letting the Curse of Hatred consume him.

So this was Sasuke centered and omfg I LOVE writing him this way.

You know how everyone says that Sasuke could've turned out like Kakashi if he had love and support and how Naruto could've turned out like Obito if he was alone.

That's basically what I did.

Also, the Curse of Hatred has been slightly dulled for him. Its there, but he can actually use his brain now.

And guesses why? Any theories? This is probably the biggest plot twist and my lips are sealed.

No news about Itachi has been revealed yet and we're still yet to know if Kisame is alive or dead like a cooked fish.

Maybe Zetsu took him for some sushi, well with Kisame being sushi of course.

Lmao that'd be entertaining ngl.

Idk when imma update the next chappie because another exam is coming up from Monday and it won't end till the 18th of December.

Guess who says what.

Upcoming Chapter...

"What the fuck, un! Why's there an Uchiha next to you Akina?" Deidara yelped, his blue eyes narrowed with disgust. Akina rolled her eyes.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Is there something wrong with being an Uchiha?"

"Itachi's brother, right? So tell me, what's your view on art."

"Its shit."

"Compared to Itachi, you're as useful as a dictionary is to a blind man."

"Brash, annoying people like you are the reason I've given up on any chance of evolution."

Akina covered up her wince. Electricity crackled between the two and she realized that she just made the worst mistake of her life.

"Guys, can you listen to me?"

"No."

"Fuck off."

"OH MY GOD STOP WITH ALL THIS GLARING TESTOSTERONE CRAP! WHY DON'T YOU WHIP OUT YOUR DICKS AND COMPARE SIZES SINCE THAT'S THE ONLY THING LEFT! I HAVE TERRIBLE ANGER MANAGEMENT ISSUES SO DON'T FUCKING TEST ME!" 

"..."

"..."

"Okay, that's bett-"

"I'm actually six point eight inches-"

Akina screamed.