Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
The red moon hanging in the dark night sky above Konohagakure spoke of ill omen. A sense of tragedy was in the air. In the apartment of Naruto Uzumaki something was happening that would change his life.
"Itachi, why? Why do you have to go?" A seven year old Naruto asked, his cerulean eyes full of tears of sorrow.
"I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. If I could take you with me I would. But it's too dangerous." Itachi said as he knelt down to Naruto's height.
"I don't care, Tachi. I love you. Don't you love me, too?"
"Of course I do." Itachi said remembering when he had told Naruto his feelings.
Flashback
"Tachi-kun?" A six year old Naruto said.
"Yes, Naruto-kun?" Itachi said, his feet dangling over the dock they were sitting on.
"Well, I heard two people say something and I don't know what it means. They said 'I love you.' What's love?"
Itachi's eyes widened. "You don't know what love means?" he asked, staring in amazement.
Naruto shook his head, his golden hair falling in a halo around his face. "No. Is that bad?" he asked looking worried.
"No, Naruto-kun, you never had anyone explain it to you. Well, love is like affection. You could feel it for family, friends, comrades, or your precious person."
"Precious person?" Naruto questioned.
"Yeah, your precious person is the most special person to you. You spend your whole life with that person. It's not easy to explain but they usually get married."
Naruto's brow furrowed. "Then that means that Tachi-kun is my precious person and I'll marry him one day." he declared.
Itachi looked stunned. "Why do you say that, Naruto-kun? Your precious person is someone you would risk your life for or die for. You have to spend your whole life with the person."
Naruto grinned. "Tachi-kun is my most precious person and if I had to be with someone forever, I would pick Tachi-kun. I love you, Itachi."
Itachi smiled. "I love you, too, Naruto-kun." he said, holding one of Naruto's hands in his own.
Flashback end
"I do you love you, Naruto and that's why I want you to stay safe. Stay here, become a ninja, become stronger, and fulfill your dream. Become Hokage and maybe one day I'll be able to come back."
Naruto nodded with tear filled eyes. "I'll do it for you Itachi. I promise." he said seriously.
Itachi smiled and kissed Naruto on the forehead. "No matter what they say about me tomorrow, don't believe it. I will see you again someday, I promise."
Naruto gave Itachi one last hug before Itachi leaped out the window. "Bye, Tachi." Naruto whispered, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I'll become stronger. For you."