Strongest Shinobi

Itachi POV.

As soon as we arrived at our home, I was shocked to see my father being taken down by the masked man. Of course I knew this man, as I had promised him I would take down my own clan to stop the coup. In exchange for helping him with this, he would spare my little brother and Izana. It wasn't surprising he would agree with this, as he had revealed his identity to be Madara Uchiha, the progenitor of our clan.

Still, seeing my father as he was on his dying breath, I couldn't help but feel my conviction waver. My father had tried so hard to stop the coup along with many others, and I was helping the enemy with killing my clansmen.

I already started to doubt my choices when I heard Izana speak of what the enemy was doing. I was certain Danzo had reached his hand further than he had promised. Now, seeing this all play out in front of me, I already knew my choise had been the wrong one.

Luckily I was the only one to make this mistake, as Shisui had made sure that the attack was delayed for as long as possible. It is a shame that my actions have undermined that hard work.

While I had been contemplating my choices, my cousin Izana had taken action and was trying to heal my father. When I saw his hands change into claws I was ready to stop him, as Madara was still present, but I was too late. I could see Madara watch my cousin, though his face was hidden, I could still discern his rising intrigue.

"Itachi. You didn't inform me of this."

Madara said as he continued to watch Izana's actions. When multiple Uchiha attacked him, their attacks just fazed through him as Madara struck them down just as easily.

I gritted my teeth as I never intended Madara to get his eye on Izana.

"He wasn't part of the deal."

Madara chuckled as he stepped forward, step by step coming closer to Izana.

"Perhaps." Madara said, not caring how Itachi thought about this.

"Still, you should have mentioned he was a Jinchuriki."

Madara said, his tone becoming harsher.

I kept quiet as the nerves in my body tensed, ready to protect Izana even if it cost me my life. Madara must not get his hands on Izana.

Holding on to this thought I readied my kunai.

Yet my time to act did not come as another shadow sweeped forward, dragging Izana and Fugaku further backwards. A pale green light emanated from said shadow as a ghostly soldier appeared all around him. Red jade hung from the soldiers neck as it formed completely around the Izana, Fugaku and the familiar shadow.

"Itachi, I am disappointed."

"Shisui."

Itachi murmured, glad his friend could save his father and nephew.

"There is no other choice, Shisui. The Uchiha have become corrupt right from the core. The village will be destroyed if this continues."

Please Shisui, know that I don't really want this to happen. There was no other choice than to cut out the bad parts, while keeping the good parts. I had no clue Madara would get involved, until I met him today.

I tried hard to convey my inner turmoil towards Shisui, who didn't seem to know completely what I was thinking. Yet I could still see the trust he had towards me in his now completely recovered eyes. His Mangekyo was as good as it had been, if there was a change then it was the vibrant color that was brighter than before.

"Even then, how could you attack your own family. Allow the enemy to attack your father." Shisui said as he continued on with the scene I was trying to play out.

"I don't intend for you to understand my thoughts. Just know it's for the betterment of the village."

I said as I drew my sword. Shisui as well readied his attack as his ghostly soldier, the Susanoo, held up its sword.

"Hohoho, I see everyone is getting started without me."

Another uninvited guest entered as the clacking of wooden sandals was heard. The tension in my heart lifted a bit as I knew who this man in front of me was.

"It seems we are at a disadvantage."

Madara said as he still looked at Izana who finally retrieved his hands, revealing a completely healed Fugaku. Though there was a smile on Izana's face, it had become ghastly pale as buckets of sweat dripped down his face.

"That you are, for you are facing the mighty toad sage from Mount Myoboku, Jiraiya-sama!"

Striking the weird pose again, I wanted to facepalm at Jiraiya's usual antics.

"It would be best if we retreated for now, Itachi. We have fulfilled our intentions anyway."

Madara said as he walked towards me. Despite knowing my play had gained a bit of his trust, I still didn't let my guard down.

Like that, Madara and Itachi seemed to disappear from the Uchiha manor.

***

Jiraiya POV

After arriving on the scene, the enemy left as soon as I introduced myself. I saw the disheartning attention my disciple had gotten and I felt my worry increase. If I was right, and to be honest I was most of the time, then this was the same enemy Minato had faced from what I have heard from Izana.

Walking to my deathly pale student, I grabbed his arm and took him and Fugaku towards the hospital. I had taken care of the enemies attacking the Uchiha manor, while leaving a few toads for insurance, so I left without any worries. Even if something happened, Shisui was still there to take care of it.

Izana smiled slightly, yet there was also sadness in his eyes. I had a feeling I knew what he was thinking. After all, he saved his uncle but lost his nephew.

Leaving the two in the care of the capable and gorgeously well endowed medical kunoichi, I left to report to the Third. This night wasn't over yet and I was sure I wasn't going to get a good sleep any time soon.