Almost 4000 words... I spent my whole day writing this XD. I wanted to finish this 'arc' so I put everything in one chapter instead of making two parts of it. Enjoy!

I'm sure there will be errors in here since it's such a long chapter (and Wattpad was also acting weird) so if you see one don't hesitate to correct!

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''Asami,'' Mito started, wiping her tears as a small smile formed on her lips. ''You've changed quite a bit." Mito took a few strands of her sister's hair in her hand and let them fall again. ''Your hair is shorter and you don't wear the red kimono you used to wear all the time. It'll take me a while to get used to your new look.''

Asami chuckled and looked down at her clothes. She was just wearing a thick coat with a sweater underneath. ''I still wear the kimono sometimes.'' She spoke. ''But since there is no reason for me to wear more formal clothes anymore, I just wear regular ones more often now.''

Mito's smile faded slightly and she looked down. ''No reason anymore, huh?'' She whispered softly. Asami realized her poor choice of words and grabbed Mito's arm firmly, giving it a reassuring squeeze. ''It's fine really.'' She spoke softly. ''It's fine this way.''

Mito pressed her lips together, not entirely buying it. Asami's expression also didn't match her words. She didn't look fine.

She looked sad.

Suddenly, Mito took Asami's hands in hers, which made Asami look up from the ground to her sister's face. A smile reappeared on Mito's face and she rubbed her thumb over Asami's fingers. ''I can give you a reason.'' She offered her slowly, hope and optimism obviously visible in her eyes.

''Come back to Konoha with me.''

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Madara stared at the clock on the wall, getting annoyed by how slow time was passing. It's been about 80 minutes since Asami left with Keiji to meet up with Mito. He felt disappointed and frustrated when he first find out about this secretly arranged meeting, but after these feelings of indignation subsided, he started to understand why Asami chose not to say anything until after her return.

That didn't mean that he was okay with it, though.

He wasn't okay with it at all.

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''E-Excuse me?'' Asami stuttered, blinking in surprise. For a mere moment, the offer sounded very, very appealing to her. Being surrounded by people, by familiar faces, and the way the village that was her previous home evoked feelings of warmth, coziness, and security seemed suddenly so alluring to her. There was no denying that Asami had thought about going back before, she was even thinking about it now, but these short moments of nostalgia quickly passed after she reminded herself that she now had the most precious people to her in her life, which she couldn't have if she lived in Konoha.

Since combining her wishes was impossible, she had to choose. And it was a choice easily made.

Keiji started to worry when Asami seemed so seriously consider Mito's proposal. ''Asami.'' He hissed, grabbing her attention. She turned her head to look at him, still with the same expression on her face, waiting for him to say what he wanted. Keiji, who stood a few meters away from the sisters to give them more privacy, shook his head in a rushed manner, telling Asami to turn down Mito's offer. Asami chuckled inwardly. Keiji didn't need to tell her what to do. She didn't even have a choice to begin with. Everything was already decided when she left the village.

Mito noticed Keiji's frantic movements and looked at Asami, who nodded at the Uchiha, in confusion. ''Asami?''

The youngest of the three pursed her lips and pulled her hands out of those of her sister, grabbing them instead. ''I really appreciate the offer, Mito.'' Asami started, smiling softly. ''But I have to say no. I can't go back with you.''

Now Mito was the one to be surprised. She definitely expected her to agree and come back with her. She didn't understand the reason why she'd refuse. ''Why?'' Mito muttered, feeling quite disappointed. ''There is no reason for you to stay out here in the middle of nowhere. Madara died, he's been gone for a few years now! You're free now!''

Although her words hurt Asami a bit, hearing her talk about Madara as if he forced her to come with him, she understood it as well. To Mito, Madara is a cruel man who betrayed the village and tried to destroy it, which is also the truth. But Madara also had this other side which only Asami knew and loved very much.

''Didn't Keiji tell you?'' Mito asked, even more confused than before. ''Why are you still in the forest?''

Asami let go of Mito's hands and looked down at her own. While Mito saw only two normal hands which belonged to an innocent person, Asami saw hands which were covered in blood, displaying all the sins she had committed.

Those were the hands of a criminal.

''Free?'' Asami mumbled, the word almost sounding foreign on her tongue. In some way she was free, but there were a lot of things holding her back from going to the village. ''I may be, but I still can't go back.''

''Then tell me why!'' Mito urged, growing frustrated. She didn't understand her sister's words and actions at all. ''You're a resident of Konoha! Why are you living alone in this forest?"

Asami pressed her lips together when Mito said she was still an inhabitant of the village. She was happy to hear her say that she still saw her as a part of the community. If only she knew what really happened... Would Mito's opinion still be the same?

Probably not.

''You're wrong, Mito.'' Asami murmured, looking up from her hands to her sister's face.

She had to tell her the truth. She deserved to know it.

''I'm a traitor.''

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Madara looked up from his cup of strong black coffee when he heard weird noises coming from the hallway. After sighing irritably, he quickly drank the last bit of the liquid before standing up, shoving the chair away from him.

He strode into the hallway and grunted when he saw Kouta trying to open the front door. He was able to reach the knob, but opening the door was impossible.

''It's locked,'' Madara said, grabbing Kouta's outstretched arm, pulling him away from the door. ''You can't go outside.''

''But I want to play!'' Kouta whined, trying to pull his arm back. It was useless; Madara was way stronger than him, holding him easily in place.

''Last time you went outside you were spotted by rogues who tried to steal your eyes, remember?'' Madara grunted. He knew this wasn't how he should treat a kid, his kid, but he was incredibly annoyed and didn't feel like sugar-coating his words.

When he saw tears forming in Kouta's eyes, he let out a sigh and crouched down in front of him. His words were too harsh for such a young child, he knew that, but he couldn't help himself. Madara was good with words, but not in situations like these.

''Hey,'' He muttered, rubbing his thumb over Kouta's eyes. ''It's too dangerous.''

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Mito's eyes widened in shock and bewilderment. ''A traitor?'' She whispered, puzzled. ''How so? You were taken away! Nobody thinks that you betrayed them!''

Asami felt sorry for Mito. She was already freaking out, while the majority of the truth was still untold. It was understandable, though. A lot happened and Mito was left in the dark.

''Asami,'' Keiji spoke, coming closer. ''You don't have to te-'' He stopped talking when Asami put her hand up and smiled at him. It was a sad smile, one filled with remorse. She didn't regret telling Mito a part of the true story, but she regretted not telling her earlier. ''It's fine, Keiji.'' She said, looking back at Mito, making eye contact. ''She deserves to know.''

''Asami, stop acting so weird.'' Mito whimpered slightly. ''Tell me it's not true.''

''I'm sorry, Mito.'' Asami breathed softly, heaving a sigh before continuing. There was no going back now. ''I wasn't taken away. Madara didn't kidnap me or force me to go with him.''

''..He didn't..?'' Mito mumbled in disbelief.

''I went with him willingly,'' Asami said, now a small smile forming on her lips. She still remembers that way very clearly. ''I chose to go with him on my own will. I chose him over you and the rest of the village. Therefore, betrayed you all and don't deserve to go back.''

Mito was speechless. Asami didn't only choose Madara over her, but she also chose him over the rest of the village, including her own clan and friends. Mito wanted answers, but the more Asami told her, the more it confused her. ''Why would you something like that?'' Mito asked slowly, almost inaudibly. She felt betrayed and hurt, and those feelings were clearly visible on her face.

''Because I loved him.''

Not only did the answer shock Mito, but also the directness of her words and the determination she spoke with. There was no hesitation, and Mito noticed that Asami meant it. Mito swallowed thickly, taking in her words and processing them. ''You loved him?" She asked, as if she wanted to make sure if she heard it correctly. ''You loved Madara?''

Asami pressed her lips together and nodded. ''Yes.'' She said, and quickly corrected herself after. ''I still do, even if he isn't in this world anymore.''

Keiji gritted his teeth. He was rather unsure if it was a good idea to tell Mito all this. So many things could go wrong and result in Asami not being able to continue the life she's living now. She was not only endangering herself, but also Kouta and Madara.

''W-Why didn't you tell me?'' Mito stammered, trying to comprehend it all. She couldn't imagine her kindhearted and honest sister together with someone ruthless as Madara. But it seemed that Asami wasn't as honest as she thought she was. Mito knew that Asami was pretty close to him, but to think that they used their friendship to hide their true connection.

''It was better to hide it. Madara also thought that people would look at me differently if we were open about our relationship. I mean, who would approve?'' Asami asked slowly. ''Nobody was fond of Madara. Being in love with him would be seen as a sin.''

Mito couldn't deny it. She would have been disappointed and displeased if Asami told her. Why Madara? What did she see in him? And to think that Madara actually accepted her. Mito didn't think he was capable of loving someone. He didn't seem like such a person at all.

He was the manipulative type.

''Did he fool you, control you?" Mito inquired hesitantly, not wanting to anger her sister. ''Did he make decisions for you or did you make them yourself?''

''Everything I decided, I decided myself.''

The certainty in Asami's eyes told Mito that she wasn't lying. Pursing her lips, Mito tried to put together all the information she received this afternoon. Asami was in love with Madara and went with him when he decided to turn against the village, becoming a traitor herself. After Madara's death, Asami decided to stay in the forest because couldn't come back. It's been about three years since then.

It's been long enough.

''Asami.'' Mito started, stepping closer to Asami, hoping to convince her this time. ''You can still come back.'' She spoke sanguinely, while she actually felt pretty hopeless inside. She was desperate. ''It's been three years. You've punished yourself enough! They'll surely forgive you. I'll talk to Hashira-''

''Stop it, Mito.'' Asami said, sounding rather curt. She appreciated her proposal, again. This time even more because she still wanted her to come back after everything she just told her, but the answer was still the same. ''This may sound harsh, but I'm not sorry for what I've done. I don't regret my choices, so asking for forgiveness is unnecessary. I don't want to go back.''

Mito closed her mouth and clenched her jaw. She was expecting this, so why did it still hurt so much? ''So you're going to be staying here all on your own for the rest of your life?'' She asked. ''Why are you doing this to yourself?''

Asami smiled, surprising Mito. ''I'm not alone.'' She spoke, a joyous expression appearing on her face. ''I have someone waiting for me at home.''

''But I thought Madara was dead.'' Mito muttered quietly. ''Or is it someone else?"

Asami's smile widened. She actually felt pretty excited that she got to tell her sister about her son. He was the source of her happiness and she couldn't be more proud to have him. She can finally share those feelings with someone. ''It's someone else.'' She beamed.

Mito couldn't help but notice how glad she looked even though the current situation wasn't supposed to be that way. The harsh truth had been told and Asami was happy to tell her more about it. She didn't know how to feel about it, but she was relieved that there was someone out there who made her feel so exhilarated.

Suddenly, Asami's smile faded slightly and she took a deep breath. ''I'm sorry for getting so cheerful all of the sudden.'' She apologized. ''I've just always wanted to tell you, but I just realized that this might upset you even more.''

Mito frowned, not understanding why something that made her sister so happy could make her feel troubled. ''How so?" She questioned.

Asami opened her mouth to explain, but already quickly realized that it was probably better and easier to show her. Closing her mouth, she pressed her lips together as she searched for her wallet in her pockets while Keiji and Mito both watched her, not understanding what she's trying to do.

Asami's eyes lit up once she found what she was looking for and she took it out of her pocket. Her wallet was completely empty. It was not like she could go to a nearby market or shop after all. The chance that she got recognized was too big and it was thus too risky to visit nearby communities; the only place where she was able to spend money. She didn't even need money since Keiji had been providing her with food ever since she moved away.

There was only one thing she kept in her wallet, and that was a picture of Kouta.

After pulling the small photo out, she walked closer to Mito and handed it to her. "This is him."

Mito looked at Asami's face for a few seconds before taking the picture from her. The color had faded a bit and there were a few creases in the picture which Mito tried to smooth out. After she removed her from the surface, she took a good look at what Asami gave her and her heart started to flutter.

''He's cute, isn't he?'' Asami whispered as she stood next to Mito, glancing at the picture as well.

A young boy with dark hair and pale skin was lying on the couch, half asleep. Through half-lidded onyx eyes, he looked at the person who held the camera at that moment. Mito had to agree with Asami, the boy was undeniably cute, but that wasn't the only thing she noticed.

He had the characteristics of an Uchiha.

''His name is Kouta.'' Asami continued softly. ''He's my son.''

Mito couldn't tear her gaze away from the picture as Asami spoke. All this time, he had a nephew and she didn't know. ''How old is he now?'' She asked quietly, still finding the fact that there was a new family member unreal.

''He's about 32 months old.'' Asami answered. ''This picture was taken a year ago.''

''He's Madara's?'' Mito said, bringing the photo closer to her face. It sounded as a question, while Mito actually said it out loud to confirm it. She still needed time to grasp her sister's current situation.

Asami hummed in reply. ''I found out I was pregnant a little before I left Konoha. He's all I have left.'' She whispered. ''And he's what keeps me connected to his father.'' That's how it was a few weeks ago, so it wasn't exactly a lie. Even though Asami wanted to tell Mito everything, telling her about Madara being alive wasn't an option. That was way too risky and it would certainly disrupt the current peace in the village since Mito would definitely tell the others. He was a threat to the village after all.

''Did you raise him on your own?"

Asami glanced at Keiji and smiled at him, remembering how much of a struggle it was when Kouta was just born. ''Kaede and Keiji helped me a lot.'' She said, and she saw Keiji grinning back at her. ''I wouldn't have been able to do it on my own. If Kouta wasn't such a calm and sweet child, it would have been even more difficult.''

Mito smiled, handing the picture back to its owner. ''He seems indeed very sweet.''

Asami felt a wave of relief come over her when she saw Mito's expression. She was smiling, she wasn't mad and also didn't look disappointed. Telling her wasn't a mistake. ''Mito.'' Asami spoke, suddenly sounding quite serious, grabbing her sister's attention by calling her name. ''I have to ask you to keep this a secret.''

Mito didn't reply immediately, which worried Asami. It'd all be over for them if Mito wouldn't agree. ''Please, I beg you to keep our existence a secret.'' She implored her desperately. ''I want to be able to continue this life. I want to keep Kouta safe. In the village, he'll surely get nasty looks and hurtful comments since he's Madara's son. I also won't be able to live there in peace. This is the only place where we can live calmly, so please Mito-'' Asami had to stop in the middle of her sentence because her throat started to hurt again from all the talking. After a few coughs and worried glances from both Mito and Keiji, Asami continued. '' So please keep silent about us, Mito'' She spoke, sounding hoarse due to the coughing.

At this moment, Asami had grabbed Mito's shoulders firmly, looking her straight in the eyes, hoping that she'd see the desperation and the will to trust her. Tears formed in her eyes. It's been a long time since she was so anxious. She should have let Mito promise her this before she started telling the truth.

''I won't say anything.'' Mito said, a small smile appearing on her face. Asami sighed in relief and leaned her head on Mito's shoulder, pressing her lips together in relief. ''Don't scare me like that.'' Asami whimpered. ''You should have answered immediately.''

She heard Mito laugh softly and closed her eyes when she felt her hands on her head, stroking her hair. ''You're too impatient.'' Mito murmured, and Asami wrapped her arms around her, embracing her. ''Thank you, Mito.''

Mito returned the gesture and pressed a kiss against Asami's temple. ''I'm glad to see you doing well.''

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Once again, Madara's peace was interrupted by a noise. This time, it wasn't the sound of someone trying to open a door, but it was a bang, followed by a lot of loud cries.

He got up from the couch and headed to the hallway where the sobs came from. He didn't even need to enter the corridor to know what happened.

There lay Kouta, at the end of the stairs, crying his eyes out. Madara sighed and carefully placed his hands under the boy's armpits, lifting him in the air. After placing him on his chest, he looked down at him, looking for injuries.

Luckily, there was no blood, but Kouta did seem in pain. It was likely that bruises were going to form on his skin. Falling from the stairs was painful. ''Where does it hurt?" Madara asked as he started to carry him back to the living room.

Kouta kept wailing as he talked, making every word coming out of his mouth impossible to understand. Madara sighed and put Kouta down on the table while he went to the sink to wet the towel which was used to dry your hands with. Turning on the faucet, Madara soaked a part of the towel in the cold water briefly before turning it off and going back to Kouta.

Madara didn't even need to ask Kouta where he hurt himself anymore when he saw him holding his elbow. ''Let me take a look at it.'' He muttered as he took the arm in his hand. Aside from the red and slightly skin, nothing seemed wrong. Madara applied the wet towel to his skin to reduce the swelling and looked at his face. Kouta's sobbing started to cease and he rubbed his nose, his lips still trembling.

Madara knew this was bound to happen. Kouta still hadn't learned how to climb the stairs properly. Madara often saw him struggling to get up and down.

He was also sure that this wasn't the first time it happened.

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Asami couldn't help but sigh in relief and exhaustion when the house came into sight. She was glad that she was able to return before it got completely dark outside. Encountering someone hostile during the day was already bad, but at night would be even worse.

She took the key out of her pocket as she approached the front door, sticking it into the hole once she stood in front of it. After a lot of exhausting hours of walking, talking and worrying, she now had to deal with another exhausting matter; explaining everything to Madara.

For a moment, she was debating whether she should go inside or not. Asami didn't feel like talking anymore. She just wanted to sleep. Heaving a sigh, she opened the door and stepped inside. Procrastination wasn't an option. She had to go inside at some point anyway.

She silently took off her jacket and hang it back where she took it this morning and stepped inside the room, trying to draw as less attention as possible. She didn't hear any voices and wanted to assume that they fell asleep, she was hoping for that. Then she could go to bed as well.

Unfortunately, only one of the boys were asleep, and it was the wrong one. Asami stared at Madara's broad back as he looked out of the window, carrying Kouta in his arms. It was funny to see such a tall and intimidating looking man as Madara holding a small and innocent looking child. Not only did the sight made her heart flutter, but it also made her smile and feel warm inside. Asami leaned against the wall, deciding to gaze at the two a bit longer before announcing her presence.

Kouta's cheek was pressed against Madara's shoulder, his lips slightly parted. Only his face was visible to her, since the rest was hidden behind his father's body. Madara held his hand on Kouta's back, holding him in place. They really seemed like father and son now, while Asami couldn't say that a few days ago. She bit her lip, the sight making her happy.

''I expected you to come back earlier.''

Asami gulped when the silence was ended by Madara's voice. She opened her mouth, wanting to reply, but she was still looking for the right words to say. ''I, uhh I-I'll explain everything.'' She stammered nervously, hoping that Madara wouldn't be too angry with her.

''There's no need.''

Asami looked up in confusion, seeing Madara turn around. He moved Kouta so he could hold him with one arm while he raised the other one. Asami's eyes widened slightly when she noticed the paper in his free hand.

It was the letter.

''I already understand the situation.'' Madara said, surprisingly calm. ''Now I just want a few answers to my questions.''

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