Scroll 3: The Third Uchiha [Naruto]

Chapter 68: The Uchiha Prodigy [Shippuden]

**Authors Note: 

So, I know many of you wanted me to keep Itachi alive. I had a plan to kill Sasuke but seeing the direction the original series took it just wouldn't work. Also sadly Itachi's death is necessary for both Sasuke and Rin's character growth. 

BUT I did feel that Itachi deserved more redemption than what was explored in the actual series, so I will say that this is not the last time we will be seeing Itachi. 

Now we proceed with the truth. Someone did ask in the last chapter if Rin knew and no, she does not but she also never accepted that Itachi would kill the clan for power. So she does know there's something he never told her. 

Now then please vote, comment and of course enjoy!

**

Zetsu

I returned to the hideout knowing that he would already be there. I couldn't really shift as quickly as he could, but I'm sure he was tired of dealing with those leaf shinobi. I formed out of the ground and sure enough, he was already at the edge of the building, sitting on a stone as the rain poured around us.

"You're late" He noted and I sighed.

"Well I can't exactly shift as quickly as you can" I replied. His gaze moved to the three Uchiha. Itachi stared with empty eyes towards the sky, Rin lay beside him her body seeming to quiver as dark chakra seeped off her skin. Like she was having trouble containing it. Sasuke lay still on the other side of her unaffected by it all.

"Since you were present, you better have recorded the battle," Madara said as she stared at the three.

"Don't worry, I captured the whole thing. Every moment." I assured him and he nodded.

"Good, I'll review it later" He replied before jumping down from the stone he sat on.

"I'll take Rin and Sasuke, we're also taking the body" I nodded slightly.

"We better get going, alert Kisame and Sasuke's team of our relocation"

"Right away" I replied before sinking into the ground. It took a few seconds to reach the outskirts of the hideout. Kisame and one of the men on Sasuke's team had their swords drawn.

"Kisame quit wasting time" I started, gaining his attention as I pushed out of the ground.

"Zetsu, so it's all over then is it?" He asked placing Samheda on his back.

"Yes, it's finally settled' I confirmed.

"How's Sasuke?" The redhead demanded as his team ran forward.

"Sasuke's fine, he won the battle and is being relocated as we speak to the Akatsuki's eastern hideout. I suggest you all head there too, the hidden leaf will arrive shortly I'm sure." I explained.

"Alright" They agreed and I glanced at Kisame.

"The Princess is also alive," I told him and he seemed somewhat relieved.

"Well if she is, Sasuke may not have much longer" He replied.

"How so?" Zetsu asked.

"Rin may have cared for both her brothers but she's never lived in a world where Itachi wasn't there to have her back, Sasuke has left her time and time again but the bond she shared with Itachi was something else" He explained and I nodded slightly.

"Would you prefer to take her as your new partner?" I asked and he chuckled.

"I doubt she'll be with us much longer, besides with Itachi gone I might as well spread my wings and see where fate takes me" He replied.