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The Butterfly Effect by Yui1

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In chaos theory, the butterfly effect is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions; where a small change at one place in a nonlinear system can result in large differences to a later state. The name of the effect is derived from the theoretical example of a hurricane's formation being contingent on whether or not a distant butterfly had flapped its wings several weeks before.-Wiki



~A Son's Appeal~


Being an Anbu is extremely demanding. I come home late as usual. Everyone's already had dinner. Mine is laid out neatly on the table, prepared by mother who greets me at the door. She always waits up for me no matter how late it gets. At times when I have to be out on mission for days, she waits anyway, at least until past midnight. I don't think she gets much sleep.

"Tadaima."

"Okaeri. Go wash up. You must be hungry."

"I am. Is Sasuke asleep?"

"Yes, he has school tomorrow. He's very excited about it you know. He seems to be doing well."

"That's great, Father must be proud."

"I'm sure he is, but you know him. He couldn't help but say you had better grades at that age."

I frown at this. It would've made Sasuke happy to receive a little compliment from him from time to time.

"Oh, I know that look," mother says. I wasn't aware that I had that look.

"Don't worry. He didn't say that to Sasuke. It was only between us. I told him that he should feel proud nonetheless. After all, Sasuke is top of his class, as he should be."

"Hmm. Is Father asleep?"

"He's in the bedroom, but I'm sure he's still awake."

I wash my hands then I sit at the table. I must talk to Father. Surely, I can reason with him. We've been living relatively peaceful lives. Why would they want to disrupt it now? Nothing good will come out of it. It doesn't make sense.

"Itachi, you've been staring at your food for a while now, aren't you hungry?"

"Huh? Oh, yes. Yes I am. I was just -"

I pick at my food. Mother's always been a good cook, but I can't seem to taste anything lately, not since I learned that the clan has been planning a coup. I take a sip of lukewarm tea. I must do something. I have very limited time.

"I'm done. Gochisousamadeshita."

"But you hardly ate anything. Didn't you like it?"

"It was good. I'm just…I'm not that hungry after all. Uh, I need to talk to Father for a while, okay."

I didn't wait for her answer. Instead, I proceed straight to Father's room. I have to do this quickly before my nerves falter.

"Father-" I say behind the shoji screen. "May I speak with you a moment?"

"Come in, Itachi."

I slide the screen. Father is writing something on a scroll as I enter. He's always had an imposing presence that would make a grown man weak at the knees. He emits a kind of aura that's almost frightening. And as such, I've always been careful not to disappoint him.  I've done my best at everything. I've always obeyed his commands. But this…

"What is it?"

"Father, I - "

I hear my voice quiver. Get a hold of yourself. He's your father. He'll listen to you.

"Father, please stop them from going through with it."

"Stop who from what, Itachi?"

"The clan. The leaders found out about the coup. You have to stop them."

It's a lie. The leaders don't know yet. But it's worth a shot. It might cause him to reconsider.

"I will not stop them, I'm leading them."

"But it's senseless!" I hear my voice go up but I immediately check myself. I have to be careful.

"Father -" Keep your voice low now. "Can't we just live peacefully with everyone in the village?"

He's looking at me with serious intensity. I feel my heart thumping.

"Haven't you learned anything? This village has trampled upon the Uchiha name for decades. We will have no more of it."

"What are you talking about? The Hokage's been more than kind to us."

"Enough! You are an Uchiha. You will do what I tell you to do."

"Father -"

"This conversation is over."

It's useless to continue, I know that much. I nod my head and I exit. I close my eyes and shake my head after I shut the screen behind me. Somehow, what went on inside doesn't surprise me. I had to give it a shot anyway.

I enter my room and change my clothes. Sasuke's sound asleep on the futon next to mine. I rarely see him awake these days. I always leave before dawn and come home when he's already asleep just like tonight. I wonder how he's doing. Mother said he's enjoying school. That's good. I hope he makes a lot of friends. I could hardly do it when I was in school. My constant attempt to make father proud prevented me from engaging in any extra curricular activities. Good thing Shisui's always been there. One good friend is enough. I would have liked to have made more though, if I could. I stare at my little brother's sleeping form. Almost nine years old. He's gotten really big.

Make a lot of friends, Sasuke.

I lie down on my futon. Ow! My neck hurts. I think the stress is more from confronting father tonight than any action I've engaged in today. Aaah, why won't he listen? Stupid question.  He's never one to bend once his mind is made up. And it's been made up for as long as I can remember.

But what should I do? If father won't listen then no one in the clan will. Shisui already warned me that talking to my father won't help. Sheesh! My friend knows my own father more than I do.

I guess the answer lies with the leadership. I should let Sarutobi know. But a major issue like this will also have to be relayed to Danzo. He could prove problematic. But I have no choice now but to go to them. I'll talk to Shisui again before I do. I hope he comes up with a better idea. If civil war breaks out, a lot of people are going to suffer. We must stop this coup before it's too late.

~A Friend's Counsel~


It's nearly dawn. I'm meeting Shisui by this part of the Naka River in a few minutes. This is where the two of us have trained on our spare time since we were little. Somehow, no one else has discovered this place yet, probably because one has to go through endless muck and thorny vines just to get here.  Shisui and I managed to smooth out a certain trail over the years and the course is well hidden. Along the river's path, two giant logs are lodged 5 kilometers south so no one sails along here. It's very isolated; therefore, this is also where we hold our secret conferences about village activities.

I was ordered by my father to join the Anbu to spy on the leaders. Shisui was recruited by the Uchiha Police to help strengthen the clan's military force. Neither of us wants to be where we are but we have no choice but to keep an outward appearance of unquestioning obedience.

Initially, my sole objective was to obey my father's orders but overtime, I've gained respect for Sarutobi and his pacifist stance. It was then that I started to question my father's principles. Slowly, I began to feel uneasy about the clan's unrest.  Why are they so bent on overthrowing the current leadership? Hasn't the Third Shinobi War taught them anything?

Shisui shares my sentiments. In fact, he may have contributed greatly to how I see things now. Before Sarutobi, Shisui was the only person I know, besides myself, who actually dreams of peace. And by peace I mean, getting along, or at the very least, just accepting others' existence despite their differences.

I only have an hour before I have to report to my unit. I spot Shisui as he emerges from the row of trees ahead. I have to get straight to the point.

"I told my father the leaders know about the coup. I was hoping he'd pull back but he's determined to go through with it, just like you said. Do you think I made it worse?"

"It can't be worse than it already is."

"So do you think I should report this?"

"I'm not sure either, to be honest. But our best hope is with the Hokage at this point."

"But telling Sarutobi means Danzo will also know."

"True. But that's the risk we may have to take. I'm more in touch with the clan members than you and I can tell for certain that none of them are going to cooperate with us."

"I'll do it then."

"Itachi, you must be ready for the consequences. People will get arrested."

He's right. Once some evidence is gathered, proven conspirators will get picked up by the Anbu for questioning. The trail will most certainly lead to my own father. That is IF evidence is found.

"The clan's been careful, right? All meetings have been oral, all documents burned after being confined to memory, right?"

"Yes, as far as I know."

"Then, it should be okay."

"You know better than that, Itachi. The Anbu has its own means of gathering information. It's what Danzo's Root operatives do best, you told me so."

"You're right." It was a moment of wishful thinking on my part. Nothing's ever easy.

"At best," Shisui says. "Sarutobi will try and hold a peace talk with Fugaku-san."

"And at worst, my father will be charged with treason and sentenced to death," I lament.

We stay silent for a few moments trying to figure out what to do. It's like being stuck between two boulders that are slowly crushing you in. Weighing unknown consequences of a formless course of action is an impossible task. But I still have to make a decision and I have to do it now. I begin to analyze the personalities to be involved.

Sarutobi will definitely be lenient. I recall the time when he talked about Orochimaru after being caught experimenting with forbidden jutsu. Everyone else was cursing at the rogue after he escaped. I witnessed Sarutobi's sad expression while telling the story. I really felt he just wanted to bring Orochimaru back to his senses, not kill him.

Danzo was the one out for blood. I was still at the academy then. There was a big commotion after Orochimaru left. I couldn't blame Danzo's position at the time. Orochimaru's actions were despicable and he had to be stopped.

I favored Danzo's side over Sarutobi's. As much as I despise Danzo now, he seems to always have Konoha's interest at heart. Unlike Orochimaru, the issue with the Uchihas is merely political. Perhaps, he'll take a less than drastic stance, or maybe not. It's hard to tell.

The elders are the wild card. They always dip their hands into matters they know nothing about. But they have voting power which will prove crucial should I take this to them. There's no telling how they'll react.

I consider my options for the final time then I stand up and face Shisui.

"I think I'll put my faith in Sarutobi. He is the Hokage. What he says should have more weight than all the other leaders."

"I agree. Let me know what happens. Let's meet here again tomorrow, same time before dawn."

I nod, we say our goodbyes and head out to our daily tasks. Tonight, I'll go to Sarutobi and tell him what I know. Please Hokage-sama, do not fail me.

~The Council's Decision~


I'm running as fast as I can, almost flying across the trees. I sent a message to Shisui by courier pigeon to meet me as soon as possible. I'll be waiting for him by the river. We agreed to meet before dawn. That's just a couple of hours from now but this can't wait. I have to speak to him. Now!

I arrive at the usual place. Shisui better get here right away. How can everything go wrong so fast?

Thirty minutes has passed but it feels like forever. Finally, he arrives.

"Itachi!" Shisui calls out as he runs toward me. "What happened?"

"It's bad. Danzo and the elders have ordered me to eliminate the entire clan. As if it was so simple. I shouldn't have gone to them. This is our clan we're talking about, our family! How can they order me to do such a horrible thing? I can't. There must be another way. There has to be another way!"

Shisui has a look of shock on his face. We love our clan but we also love our village. Why can't there ever be a peaceful resolution to these conflicts?

"What did Sarutobi say?"

"He was against it, but they put it to a vote and he lost. They debated all night and I just stood there. They were still arguing when I left."

"Your father's making his move soon. I just came from the meeting."

"Damn his pride!"

"The entire clan shares that pride, except for the two of us, it seems."

"What do we do? They're not just targeting the leaders. They hate the entire village, anyone who's not Uchiha."

"If civil war breaks out, a lot of innocent people are going to die."

"What are you saying? Do I kill my clan to prevent that? My family? Do I kill even her, is that it?"

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

"I'm sorry. I'm feeling desperate right now."

"I know. Calm down. We'll think of something."

I can never act distraught in front of anybody except Shisui. He's more than a friend to me; he's more like my older brother. He's definitely wiser, seen a lot more than I have. We've faced the Third Shinobi War together. If there's anyone who can think of a solution, it's him.

I try to calm my nerves to no avail. I told the leaders about the coup hoping that they would try and hold some kind of peace settlement with the Uchihas. But it seems only Sarutobi favors that option.  How could I have known that they would order me to kill my own family? Arrests I can handle but the massacre of an entire clan? My clan! And they ordered me to do it. I slump against the ground as I felt my knees buckle. I grab my head with both hands and tried hard to think. I breathe hard. I can hear the river flowing beside me.

I'm starting to figure some things out. They want me to do it because it will look bad if Konoha authorities get associated with genocide. The village will forever be tainted among its neighbors. The whole country will be disgraced. They need someone within the clan to do it in order to mask their involvement. I underestimated how strongly politics come into play into the decisions rulers make. Damn their politics!

I try to recall everything that happened and I relay it to Shisui as the pieces come together.

I told Sarutobi first tonight about what the clan was planning. He listened calmly, nodding his head in parts and giving me a sympathetic look at times. I knew he would understand so I made a bold request after.

"Hokage-sama, is there any way to keep this from Danzo-sama?"

His expression was apologetic. He knew what prompted me to make the request but his answer was what I expected from the beginning.

"Unfortunately, a security risk of this scale cannot be kept within my sole discretion. If violence erupts, I will need Danzo's help to control it."

A council meeting was called immediately and I was made to repeat what I had earlier reported. I remember the elders' reactions.

"There is no end to the Uchiha bloodlust."

"We have tried many times to make peace but they're the ones who keep pushing this on us."

Then Danzo spoke. "The answer has been obvious for quite some time now."

Everyone turned to him. Sensing that he got everyone's attention, he began again. "We've long suspected that an Uchiha was behind the attack on Konoha eight years ago, setting the nine-tailed fox loose to destroy the village. Sarutobi, you've known it as well."

Sarutobi did not speak. I was surprised at this revelation. There have been rumors among the Uchihas that we've been relegated to a separate part of the village because of one bad reason or another. So that's why.

"It's not what you're thinking, Itachi," Sarutobi said as if he read my mind. "We suspect that an Uchiha was behind that attack but we've never blamed the entire clan for it."

So Sarutobi knew what people have been talking about. They've been watching us all this time.

"Yet, you've been suspicious of us from that moment on," I said.

"We had to take precautions but I've never lost hope that people will choose to live in peace in the end. I've always believed that the Uchiha Police is a great asset to the village. I'm saddened that they still harbor these resentments."

I tried to analyze Sarutobi's face. There was no lie in it. He believed what he just said.

"Sarutobi," Danzo began again. "It is not the first time we've gotten word that the Uchihas are planning a coup. Isn't that why you've been trying all this time to talk with Uchiha Fugaku secretly? He refused to hear you out, did he not?"

I looked at the Hokage. His face betrayed his frustration. So Danzo was telling the truth. They already knew even before I told them. Sarutobi himself had been appealing to my father and he failed. My hope was crushed.

"From man, woman, and child," Danzo continued, "The Uchiha clan is united in its dissent. They are bent on destroying the village and everyone else who are not of their own."

"That's not true," I protested.

"You are exaggerating Danzo-san," I heard Sarutobi say.

"We elders have witnessed more than any of you and we say Danzo speaks the truth."

I didn't like where the discussion was going.

"Itachi," Danzo said. "We have lost hope in the Uchihas but not in you."

I really didn't like where it was going at all.

"For the sake of Konoha, the Uchihas must be eliminated."

I felt myself go numb. I heard Sarutobi protesting but the words were muddled in my head. I tried to search for some words to repair the damage.

"Danzo-sama, there's not enough evidence to support the strength of their plan," I said. Desperate words to my mind.

"You have confirmed their plan by your own testimony, Uchiha Itachi. What further evidence do we need?"

I didn't fail to note how he stressed my clan's name in addressing me. Danzo didn't need to dispatch his Root Anbu to gather more evidence. I was enough for him.

"But why the whole clan?" I asked.

"You tell me." Danzo answered. "This is an order Anbu Itachi."

I stepped back. Sarutobi, Danzo and the rest of the elders continued their debate. They paid no more mind to my presence so I left.

"Shisui," I say to my friend who's now sitting on a large boulder two meters in front of me. "What do we do?"

He's quiet, elbows resting against his knees, his right hand curled to a fist as he slowly knocks it back and forth against his lips. It's a habit of his when in deep thought.

"I have to leave," he suddenly tells me.

"Where are you going?"

"Nowhere. I have to think alone."

His words seem odd to me.

"Go home, Itachi. You don't have to do anything for now."

Once Shisui clams up, I won't be able to pry anything from him. But I know he doesn't act rashly so I just nod. "You go on ahead. I'll stay here for a while."

He leaves quickly, this time, applying the body flicker he's always been famous for.

~The Man with the Strange Mask~


Somehow, I'm glad to be alone here by the river, listening to the gentle sloshing sound of water. A sudden wisp of wind detaches a single leaf from a tree just across from me. I watch as it falls to the river and it gets washed away to an unknown place up north. I wish I could get washed away with it.

What should I do? As an Anbu, I have to obey the command. But I'm not just an Anbu. I'm also an Uchiha. Sarutobi-sama, why didn't you tell me sooner?

But what would have I done if he did? What Danzo said had a tinge of truth in it. The dissent has somehow been ingrained in everyone's mind from childhood up. But is it enough reason to get killed over? Father, how can I get through to you?

"It seems you're having some problems, Itachi."

I step back. I didn't even notice him. He just appeared out of nowhere.

"Who are you?"

"An ally. For now, you can call me Tobi. Struggling with our conscience, are we?"

"What do you want?"

"I want to help."

"Nobody knows this place. How did you get here?"

"Ah Itachi, I can go wherever I want to go."

"What did you hear?"

"Let's just say, I know everything."

I must be wary. He's a strange-looking man. He addresses me with familiarity but neither his voice nor appearance rings a bell. There's no doubt he's heard everything Shisui and I talked about. For how long? If he's been watching us all this time then he knows what we can do. He won't be facing me now if he's not confident of his own abilities. I must be careful.

"If you're an ally, take off your mask."

"I will, but not now. Now, I will tell you a story. The title is The Tale of Uchiha-The Curse of Hatred."


~Mother, My Last Hope~


I come home from what seemed like the longest day of my life. Damn that Danzo! What does he know? He's nothing but a warmonger. And damn that Tobi, whoever he is. There is no way I'll kill my own family. Are they crazy?

I've thought it over. I'll speak with my mother. She should be able to convince my father somehow. I'm sure she doesn't want this stupid coup to happen. I breathe a sigh. I can't let frustration set in.

I take a deep breath before I open the door. I sit by the genkan to take off my shoes, take another deep breath then I proceed into the living room to find mother waiting for me as usual. She's folding fresh laundry when I enter. Father is likely in his bedroom. Good. This will give me a chance to talk to her privately.

"Tadaima."

"Okaeri. I'll heat your dinner."

She stands up and heads to the kitchen. I follow her. I sit as I watch her set the table. I don't know how to start. I've never talked to her about matters like this. Come to think of it, I've never really talked to her that much at all, not since I was little. It's always the usual tadaima-okaeri greeting or just the usual pleasantries. But despite that, she's always provided me with strength just by being there; strength to go on when I find it hard to do so. Her presence gives me assurance that I will always have someone who will love me even if I fail.

"Tired?"

"Yes, a little. How's Sasuke?"

"Oh he was talking about how four boys got in trouble with the teacher for skipping class. I told him how proud of him I was that he's not like those boys."

I had to smile upon hearing that story. I've always wanted to skip class. Seemed like fun to do just once. Of course, I couldn't do it ever, not unless I wanted father's wrath to go down on me. I shake my head. Enough of that. I have to get this over with.

"Mother-"

"Hmm?"

"You're aware of what the clan is planning, aren't you?"

She stares, waiting for me to continue.

"Can't you talk to father?"

"What is there to talk about, Itachi? You're father is doing what he thinks is best for this family."

"They're planning a coup d'état."

"So?"

"There's going to be civil war if they go through with it, mother."  

"You're father has thought it through. I will always support him."

"You don't have to follow every decision he makes just because you're his wife. If anyone can convince him, it's you."

"But I'm not following your father just because I have to, Itachi. I agree with him."

I step back. "Not you too. Mother, a lot of people are going to die!"

"The Uchihas are strong warriors. They can hold their own."

"Not just the Uchihas, the rest of the villagers."

"What do I care about them?"

"How can you say that?"

"Whenever I go out, I can feel their hatred of the Uchiha clan. So I hate them back. I can just hear them talking about us, despising our abilities."

"You heard them talking?"

"I don't have to. I know they are. The way they look at me, I know they envy our clan's talents. I don't want Sasuke to grow up in that environment. I'd be happy to see them all rot."

The walls seem to be spinning around me. Since when has the paranoia crept in within this family? This is my mother, my kind, gentle mother speaking of people's lives as if they're nothing.

And this very same sentiment has spread throughout the whole clan—from the officers to the regular vendor and down to the children. I know because I hear them too, joking about it, cursing about it.

But I see nothing of what they see. I've never felt the hatred that they've felt. The rest of the villagers treat us no better or no worse than anyone else…

*Flash*

I recall my mother's words a few days ago when she talked about Sasuke.

"After all, Sasuke is top of his class, as he should be."

"as he should be."

"he should be."


Top of his class as he should be?

That must be it. The Uchihas don't want to be treated like everyone else. They want to be set higher than other people. Living peacefully with everyone will never be enough for them. They would rather be feared than get along. The age of rivalry between Uchiha and Senju are long since past but their pride has blinded them to the truth. Is this the Curse of Hatred that Tobi was talking about?

I look at my mother and notice how cold her eyes have gotten. She touches her cheek with her palm and closes her eyes at the same time. I've upset her I know and it made me feel really bad. But then she takes a deep breath and smiles at me.

"Itachi, I know you'll do the right thing. You will obey your father like a good son, won't you? You've always done so. You know your father's always right. I know you'll do the right thing."

I couldn't say anything. Any attempt to counter her now would only betray my own misgivings. What is the right thing? Is it to let my clan destroy the peace which everyone else had worked to achieve for years? Or is it to kill my entire family for the sake of that peace? Neither of those choices seems like the right thing.

Next: Chapter 2 ~A Betrayal of Trust~


Passage from things to come:

The Uchiha Coup d’etat was a page in Konoha’s history to be marked as one of the bloodiest internal conflicts the ninja world has ever seen. Barely eight years after the kyuubi attacked and Konoha was on fire again.
Chapter end notes: I guess we know where this is going, right? The "unknown" story, in reference to the title, is yet to unfold. But it won't have much significance if we don't lay the groundwork on Itachi's internal struggle.

When Itachi says "kill even her", it's in reference to something I read about Tobi mentioning that Itachi had a lover. I try to be as faithful to the original characters as much as I can before I flip their world over. Feedback is appreciated. I think Itachi's story is quite interesting, just don't know if I presented my theory well enough. Hope it's not too boring. I may make minor edits later to correct sentence structure, spelling etc. Pls. point out any mistakes.
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