The things that Itachi remembers most about his little brother’s birth are his mother’s pained screams and angry curses directed at her husband; Kusuri-san’s frantic orders to Kakashi and Yondaime-sama to bring the supplies she would need; Kokoro-san’s worried, pale face; the red liquid that clung to his hand after he helped remove the umbilical cord from around the baby’s neck. Itachi didn’t know that the liquid was called blood or that it would became a constant in his life. He had just turned five a little over a month ago.

     After all the panic was over and mother and child declared healthy, Itachi was allowed to have his first look at his baby brother. His mother cradled the small, fragile infant to her bosom. She smiled at Itachi and said, “His name is Sasuke. I’m sure you two will become very close.” Itachi got on his knees beside her and peered curiously at Sasuke’s face. The baby opened his eyes and peered back. The two brothers stared at each other for a few moments and then Sasuke smiled. Itachi blinked in surprise. The breaths of the three women in the room caught. Kusuri-san whispered in awe, “Babies that young don’t smile.” Itachi considered this for a minute and then smiled in pride. “Of course he’s advanced. He’s my brother.”