For years Naruto sought to save Sasuke from himself. After Itachi's death he succeeded in bringing the Uchiha home at last. But the village under Danzo's leadership isn't forgiving to runaway traitors, and he soon finds himself torn between his loyalty to Konoha and his feelings for his captive friend...
Prologue
Dark eyes gleamed at him from behind steel bars. He was reminded of the Kyuubi's foul glare from within his transcendent cage. It was dusky. The room was windowless and mildewed, with inter-spaced yellow lighting at the end of each hall. They were deep in the heart of the prison beneath Konoha, a place reserved for the feared to be forgotten.
The last Uchiha had been leaning against the back corner of his cell, but rose now to face him. Naruto wrapped his hand around one of the cold metal bars separating the two. They observed each other. The gentle drip of a damaged pipe occasionally broke the silence.
"What can I say to you?" Naruto asked finally. He leaned his forehead against the bar. His eyes dropped to the cold stone floor.
The Uchiha remained where he was, face hidden in the shadows of the cell. He made no move to acknowledge that he'd heard the question. Silence reigned.
Naruto turned from the cage and left without another word. He felt the dark gaze follow him as he walked away. At the top of the stairs he pushed through a heavy doorway, back into the light of day.
The door guard smiled weakly, brows pushed upward in pity.
"See you tomorrow." He said.
Naruto nodded, not breaking stride. His pace quickened as he swept through the hallway. Down to the first door on his left. Then up the stairs. Another left. Wide double doors rose up before him. Made intimidating by the presence within them. Naruto glanced at the clock across the hall. He was right on time.
He pushed his way into the office. Danzo's gaze hardened as it met his, irritation in every creased line of the aged face. Sunlight streamed into the room from behind the heavy wooden desk, casting a long shadow that reached across the floor.
"Lord Hokage-" Naruto began. His words had become a part of the room, paired with the fading sunlight and Danzo's aged glare. For weeks they had completed this afternoon ritual.
"Enough." The old man waved a wizened hand. "How much of my time do you intend to waste on behalf of a traitor?"
Naruto was quiet, his blue eyes trained down at the elder. Danzo seemed different today, on edge. Beads of sweat gathered near his temple despite the October chill.
"As much time as it takes." He responded.
Danzo leaned back, observing him from under the red and white Hokage headdress.
"Why are you so dedicated to him?" He asked. His voice was graveled with age. Tinged with dislike.
"He is my friend." Naruto answered without hesitation.
Danzo's jaw clenched with irritation. He swiveled in his chair to look out over the village.
"I have spoken to the council on the issue."
Naruto stepped closer to the desk, listening.
"They are grateful for your efforts in the battle against the Akatsuki leader. You have won their esteem." Danzo grated the words out.
"They have approved the Uchiha's release."
Naruto's whiskered face broke into a wide smile, the first of the day.
"I shouldn't need to tell you what will happen if he gives us any reason to think he may be planning an escape."
"He won't." He croaked, relief rushed into his voice. Danzo did not turn to acknowledge him.
"Prepare yourself. I do not want to hear any more on this matter."
Naruto backed out of the room, turning on his heel to rush down the tower.
Stories below them, Sasuke paced circles in the darkness.