Enough
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Summary: The Konoha Central Library was not known for being large or grand, but to them, it was enough.
Info: Due to the fact that this is a slight AU, one must assume that certain liberties will be taken with the characters. Years have passed, Itachi did not kill off his clan, and therefore his character is based more on the idea of what he did to protect his village and the love he showed his brother. Itachi is clearly loyal and compassionate, although due to his skill set, his emotions are much more guarded.
Seen through the jump into Naruto Shippuden, Naruto had grown much more professional and less childish, so I tried to keep that rate going. Although he will still be the silly Naruto we all know, he's much more mature than his previous counterparts, as age and skills due to anyone.
Naruto's POV
It had been a long time since Naruto felt the need to be accepted by the village. After becoming a ninja, Naruto had worked endlessly to show everyone that he meant his promise to protect the village at any cost. Being Hokage had been a dream of his past, a child's dream. He knew he was no good at sitting with paperwork. After all, if Tsunade-baachan couldn't do it, he definitely couldn't. Naruto leaned his head back against the park bench and found a shadow blocking his view. Opening his blue eyes, Naruto faced the red sharingan that stared down at him.
"Uzumaki-san, Hokage-sama would like you to come to her office regarding your latest mission," Itachi stated. He turned around and left without even looking to see if he would follow.
"Ah, wakatta*," Naruto nodded, stood up, wiped his hands on his pants and followed quietly.
Itachi's POV
Itaci was a good ANBU captain. He knew how to read people and reacted to situations accordingly. His loyalty to his team and his village made him a force to reckon with on the field, and he knew it. Even with it, Itachi knew that his loyalty and determination to protect the village was outshined by the boy who walked beside him.
No, Naruto was no longer a boy. Naruto had become strong. He had taken the resentment of the village and somehow used it as a reason to get stronger, and turned them around to become his loyal allies. Naruto had created his own family, a family that comprised of uncanny people from all over. Their belief in his skills had pushed him to become a skilled ninja and a valuable asset to the village. His determination and his Kyuubi abilities allowed him to make him one of the village best. Even Itachi could admit it, although perhaps not verbally.
Having worked with Naruto a few times before, his silence today was an uncharacteristic contrast to his normally exuberant personality.
"Uzumaki-san, something is bothering you." It wasn't a question.
"Ah… hai." Naruto seemed sheepish in admitting the weakness before him.
Calmly, Itachi stated, "It is not something to be ashamed of to have emotions. Although we are elite ninja of Konoha, we are human before all else. If you wish for someone to speak with, I am available." Itachi had learned at a young age that simple gestures of kindness and praise went a long way in building a team mentality and loyalty amongst ninjas who only saw death around them.
Strangely, Naruto was still quite somber. "Uchiha-san, where do I belong?" It was a seemingly simple question, but Itachi understood he had to tread carefully here. "I will not making a good Hokage. I do not have the patience you hold or the intelligence Shikamaru holds or the diplomatic skills of Sakura. I have nothing to offer the village." These names were names Itachi recognized as other contenders for Hokage at the retirement of Tsunade-sama.
"Uzumaki-san. Is it not your dream to be Hokage?" Itachi asked.
"It was… but it is no longer my place, I see that now."
"Then where do you belong?"
It took a moment for Naruto to find a response, "I belong where I can best serve the village."
"Uzumaki-san, listen carefully for I will not repeat myself. Your unwavering loyalty to the village and your commitment to your team has shown that you indeed have much to offer. If your only true wish is to protect the village and if you truly no longer wish to be Hokage, you should consider taking over my leadership of ANBU. I will not hold this position forever, and you would do well in it." Having arrived in front of Tsunade-sama's office, Itachi gave a curt nod and walked off, leaving Naruto to ponder their conversation.
Naruto's POV
Perhaps he had been wrong his whole life. All he had ever wanted to do was protect his village and be accepted. As a young boy, Naruto had thought that being Hokage would be how to accomplish this. He wanted nothing more than to serve Konoha.
He thought about it and decided he could do it. He could be ANBU captain. Many of his friends were Jounin or ANBU now, and as captain he would be able to protect them. For Naruto, the dream wasn't as strong as the one of becoming Hokage, but being ANBU captain would be enough.
Itachi's POV
Itachi's face noticed the change in Naruto's demeanor. Naruto stood straighter and gave off his usual aura of happy exuberance that was much more characteristic.
Yes, Itachi knew he had done the right thing. Naruto would make a fine replacement for him. Itachi had been ANBU since he was 13, and it was about time he looked towards other options.
* Wakatta – "Got it"