Pairing: Itachi x Naruto
Warnings: Character death (not Itachi or Naruto), slave references, slight references to unwanted sexual contact.
The Cord
(from me to you)
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Part One
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Itachi leant forward as the cry came, the sound of a horn drawing the party together. His horse drew its head in, Itachi pulling at the bit to slow it down as he sat back. The fur on the collar of his jacket brushed his ears and mist escaped his mouth, warm breath hitting the cold air of the winter forest.
Another horn was sounded and the hunting party rallied their horses, a few of the mounts whickering in anticipation. Itachi's horse wheeled round on its hind legs, causing him to rise in the saddle. This was the only problem when in a hunting party; the horses never behaved as well as they did when schooled alone.
"What is it?" someone said and Itachi recognised the voice of Obito, one of many cousins. There was no answering shout and the party waited quietly, drawing the horses together and placing hands on the swords they carried.
The sound of a deep horn came through the forest and the members of the party looked to each other. Everyone was taught to know the sound of that horn, even as a babe.
"Form a line!" One of the heads of the party shouted and the group responded to the order, forming the line they would take to ride back. Itachi glanced over to the man next to him, seated on a thick set chestnut.
"What do you think it is, Shisui?" Itachi's horse snorted, pawing the ground as the remainder of the group settled to an order, flanking Itachi and keeping their eyes looking out for any threat they may meet on the way back to their village.
"I don't know, but whatever it is, it's enough for your father to call us home." The chestnut shrieked and Shisui clucked his tongue, patting the horse. They could feel the nervousness too.
The huntsmaster called out then, pushing the flagstaff he held upwards. It held the crest of the Uchiha family, boldly printed on a blue background. It was the emblem of their village and homage to the ruling family.
The horses set off, hooves thundering through the woods the way they had come. Itachi kept his eyes sharp as they charged the woods, bent over in the ornate saddle he was required to wear due to his status of Crown Prince. The riders around drew a little closer to him as the trees thickened, making quick work of the forest trail.
They exited onto a thick meadow, the grasses stretching up to brush the horses' stomachs and the riders' feet. They spurred the animals on, seeing the thick walls that surrounded the village. A call could be heard through the village and the mighty gates opened slowly, allowing the riders to pass onto the cobbled courtyard.
"Get Itachi to the palace," someone said and Itachi was hauled from his horse, treated like a child rather than the adult he was.
"Come on Prince," Itachi turned to the person beside him, recognising the scarred face of his uncle, Madara. "Fugaku obviously needs us back for something."
Itachi frowned. That was rather stating the obvious, but as captain of the guards, Madara wasn't a man to whom you told such things to. In a fight, years ago, he had been scarred on his face and usually chose to wear a mask to battle. Today, however, they had been on a simple hunting expedition and he had chosen to forgo the usual coverings. A hunting party was no battlefield and with so many trusted men it was assumed that no attack - and so no intimidation disguise - was needed.
They reached the entrance to the family's castle, the guards letting Itachi through easily. Madara nodded to them and the pair marched through the grand halls until they met with the other people summoned in the war meeting chamber, where Fugaku had said they would meet in the event of the Royal Horn being sounded.
The War Chiefs of the clans that made up the village had gathered round the rectangular table that sat in the centre of the war chamber. Fire-staffs burned around them, keeping the chill of the room just at bay. Even so, Itachi shrugged his furs higher as he moved to sit at his father's left hand side.
"You will be wondering why I called you here," Fugaku said, voice deep and loud across the stone room. Everyone's attention was fixed on the King, wondering if they would soon be under attack from someone and was it necessary to begin plans to combat the enemy.
"One of the squadrons took to the forest earlier in search of our illusive threat." The War Chiefs stiffened at that and Itachi's eyes darted from person to person, suddenly wary at where this conversation was headed. Something wasn't right in the way the King was speaking.
"They managed to find an old stronghold of the Senju forest-dwellers and so set to destroy the relics the betrayer clan left behind. Halfway through sacking the area, they came across a member of the clan."
Fugaku tilted his chin, a smirk settling on his face as he looked to the side. Two heavyset guards entered, chains held tightly in their hands. With cries of struggling and protest, a man was brought in - dragged really - and taken over near the King. Fugaku rose, his eyes cold, and Itachi recognised the expression at once.
His father had always seen the forest-dwelling clan, Senju, as betrayers of the Uchiha his ancestors driving their evil from the walls of the village and fighting forevermore to keep them away from the good people of the land. It was why Itachi was always surrounded by a huge hunting party, all guards trained to kill any Senju on sight. It was said that they possessed unnatural strengths and stories had taken flight about the mysterious clan.
A heavy kick to the back was delivered to the Senju member and he leant forwards, head hanging as a cough ruptured from his throat. If not for remembering where he was, Itachi would have protested to the treatment of this man. No matter who he was, he was a prisoner of Konoha yet was hardly being treated as such.
"This runt was found and captured. He is the reason I called you all here. We are to get as much information out of him as we need." Itachi didn't need to look around to know most of the War Chiefs were ecstatic at the possibility. They would be pleasing their King and so become more favourable. Being more favourable meant more money and power, two things the village thrived on.
The Senju member looked up slightly, bright blue eyes piercing through his unruly hair. Itachi's eyes widened and he realised he couldn't let anyone hurt this man.
Unlike the King, Itachi had been raised predominantly by his mother instead of a cold-hearted ruler. Mikoto had instilled kindness and peace in her son's heart, rather than the anger and hatred that twisted at his father's. The King held the people's best interests at heart, true, but he had forgotten kindness and had no use for love. After Mikoto had been killed in a surprise attack from a neighbouring nation, any hopes of Fugaku rediscovering his kindness was killed.
Fugaku had launched an attack immediately, combating the nation that had killed his Queen, and had won. It had been a close call, though, as Suna were well equipped, but the King had forced them into a treaty, bending the council of Suna to his will and practically enslaving the nation to Konoha.
Itachi had looked over the treaties and seen where Konoha could make amends, atone for what they had done in the past, conquering nations harshly and unjustly. Suna had been punished enough for a crime that was never an intentional one, but his father was unlikely to give up his hold on power for them.
Itachi was waiting until he inherited the throne. Eventually he'd help the people, but what could he do when the whole of the army of Konoha was faithful to this cruel man? His father wasn't a true father to him, but a husk of a man he had once loved.
He could even remember the very moment he had realised Fugaku wasn't a nice person. It was when he was six and they had been touring a neighbouring kingdom. His mother was alive, yet she remained inside of the carriages and tents the whole time, recovering from giving birth a few weeks before. Sasuke, the new prince, had been greeted warmly by his own people and Fugaku had taken both of his sons with him.
It had been the period before Fugaku crushed all neighbouring kingdoms and resistance against the Uchiha village had been at a peak, rebellions against Fugaku patching together to form a small yet deadly army, believing the King a tyrant rather than a ruler. Rebels had snuck into their overnight camp and stolen Sasuke, threatening to kill the baby if Fugaku stepped closer onto their land.
Itachi had watched as the guards rallied around Fugaku, looking at their King, unsure how to act. The King had stood there, in his sleeping clothes, hands fastened to a sword. He had smiled and Itachi had shrunk back, hiding further away in his tent. It had been a horrible thing to see, but he hadn't been able to tear his eyes away.
"So do it," his father had said, the smirk never leaving his face. The man holding Sasuke had paused then, looking between the quiet baby and the leader of the Uchiha.
"But he's your son?" came as a slow question, the rebels staring in disbelief as a father said the man could kill his child.
"He's no use to me if he gets himself caught," was all Fugaku had said before he attacked, preying on the hesitant nature of the rebels.
In the skirmish that ended with a massacre of rebels, Itachi had picked his way through, using the training his father had insisted upon. He had been pushed to the ground, yelled at and stomped on countless times, but he was lucky, and managed to get to his crying brother without any blood being drawn.
Sasuke's face was scrunched up, but he looked unharmed. Itachi was quick to bundle him up, eyes darting around in terror as he tried to locate somewhere safe.
He moved quickly, ignoring the blood that was spilling onto the ground and some of the rebels who had been cut down. He just needed to get them out of there and to their mother, then they'd be alright.
Itachi had been so close to leaving the tiny battleground when Fugaku had stopped them, his leg pushing backwards as he moved to attack another rebel. Finishing the man off, the King had turned to his frozen son, looking down in contempt at the baby.
Itachi had hated the look in Fugaku's eyes, the coldness he looked at his children with, and swore that he would never become like the man in front of him. The King was a bloodthirsty man, a warmonger and Itachi had seen, in that moment, a man who would have killed his sons if it benefitted him.
It was those same cold eyes that peered around the room now, challenging anyone who dared oppose his method of interrogation. Even the members of the village who petitioned against the King's treatment of others on the grounds of human rights would not dare stand up to him, but it took one last look from the Senju boy and Itachi had made his decision.
For once, he wouldn't wait for Fugaku to step down before changing this. He would stand up to the King and help this man.
"Sire, may I be in charge of this... thing?"
Fugaku's eyes flickered to Itachi, looking him up and down. Itachi knew this was a test and he kept his gaze level, looking just past the King's shoulder, avoiding any disrespectful eye contact. Practicing the look he had seen in Fugaku's eyes, Itachi feigned cruelness, smirking slightly as he downcast his eyes to the blond on the ground.
A few murmurs broke out around them, no doubt wondering whether Itachi's request was seen as a challenge or whether the King would deem his son an appropriate punishment.
After a few lengthy minutes, Fugaku closed his eyes, nodding his head once.
"Very well. You have two days to break the Senju filth. I shall have him taken down to the prison cells, from then on he's yours Itachi. The rest of you are dismissed!"
Itachi remained behind, even as guards dragged the boy away from them, his knees scuffing the ground. Even through all of that (and Itachi noticed a guard pointedly tread on his fingers) the blond didn't make a sound, simply went along with it.
"I doubt I need to tell you that this is a test?" Fugaku had made sure that no one else was around before he spoke, yet his voice was still low. "This is a prisoner. We need to make a statement to that clan of filth once and for all. They're about peace, we'll shatter their peace. Do whatever it takes, and if he dies... it was an accident."
Fugaku left, his deep blue cloak swirling around his ankles as he moved through the door, slamming the heavy oak. Itachi heard him summon his constant guard and looked down to his feet. His father was expecting torture, but Itachi would never stoop to that level. He had saved the Senju member on a whim, but what if the Senju really were as horrible as they'd been portrayed? What if the blond was really a ruthless killer, sent to kill them all?
No. It didn't matter. Itachi had saved him from a horrible fate, no matter what he was planning underneath. The tales of the Senju had always seemed a bit far-fetched for Itachi's liking, tales of cruel demons and monsters in human flesh, attacking the noble kingdom the Uchiha ran.
Well, he wasn't going to discover anything by just standing here, was he? Itachi moved from the room, walking across to the dungeon entrance. It was down here where his prisoner would be, ready and waiting.
The prison guards greeted him merrily, no doubt knowing that he was in charge of the Senju prisoner. They probably expected him to ask to use the torture room, the next chamber over, close enough that the other prisoners could hear the screams from whoever was in there.
Itachi breezed by with an air of authority, knowing it was expected of him. He had to get the Senju out of here and to a more private location before he could decide what to do. His father would never admit it, but sometimes they needed to simply talk to others before launching an attack. Itachi could make it clear to the blond he was in a difficult position and needed to cooperate if he tried anything.
Thinking again of the haunting blue eyes, Itachi was positive this boy didn't want to cause harm.
"I'm taking it with me," Itachi commanded, stopping by the cell that held the Senju. A guard looked startled for a moment, looking to his fellow colleague and back to Itachi.
"Bur sir-"
Itachi focused a glare on him, "My father gave me the rights to this thing. By denying me this you face a possible charge of treason." It was far-fetched, but Itachi needed these men to comply. If he had to be cruel, then so be it. "If you hand it over now I'll be happy to look past the minor slip."
The guards swallowed heavily, unlocking the cell door a moment later. "Of course sir," one said, stepping through and opening the second cell door, a sign of maximum security. The door opened to reveal the silent prisoner, head down. His arms and legs were attached to chains, legs spread as he sat and arms raised upwards, away from his body.
The guards moved to unlock the chains, releasing the Senju's feet, but keeping his hands shackled. They passed the heavy chains to Itachi, pulling the boy onto his knees and most likely skinning them. Even so, the blond didn't cry out, or even raise his head. The prince made a show of being violent as the chains were passed to him, pulling the blonde's arms forward and causing the Senju to fall onto his stomach, arms above him.
Itachi smirked as the guards chuckled, watching the prisoner attempt to stand without the use of his arms. With bare feet, the boy slipped, elbows cracking on the floor as he stumbled. The sickening feeling in Itachi's stomach grew as he continued to watch the display and instead nodded to the guards, pulling on the chains. With the added pull, the blond was able to stand and he did so on shaky legs, head still downcast.
The guards handed him a small key for the chains and he nodded, thanking them silently.
Itachi walked through the prison, pretending he owned the place. He forced a sick smirk onto his features, as if he was imagining all the terrible things he'd be doing to the prisoner he was dragging behind him.
The Crown Prince walked undisturbed, people bowing as he passed by. The chains connecting him to the Senju jangled sickeningly and Itachi was fighting to keep from checking if the boy was okay.
His maids and servants came rushing forwards when he entered his private chambers. He shooed them away angrily, hating the fact they doted on him the moment he stepped inside his rooms. Sometimes he just wanted some peace, but how could he have it with ten people milling around?
"You're dismissed for the night. Do not enter and do not let anyone else in unless it is the King." His servants left hurriedly, casting a few pitying glances at the prisoner. Itachi retained the cool facade until they had gone, dropping the chains once the door had closed.
Now that they were alone, Itachi didn't know what to say. He turned his back on the Senju (something his father would have shouted at him for), looking around his room for inspiration. There were open doors that led to the bathroom, the wardrobe and the bedroom and Itachi knew what they needed.
"Come with me," he said, not bothering with the chains. The Senju would most likely follow him anyway and he wanted to get those things off as soon as he could.
The sound of metal dragging on the floor informed Itachi that the boy was following and he entered the bathroom with a smile, turning the large, circular bath on and watching it fill with steaming water from a central stand that held a large number of taps.
"Hold out your arms," Itachi said, reaching for the key he had placed in his pocket. The blond did so, his head tilted away from Itachi, as if expecting pain and accepting this fact. He was truly remarkable. Itachi had seen a lot of men who knew they were about to be tortured give up their secrets simply because they were threatened. This one, however, seemed to have found an inner calm.
Itachi unlocked the chains, wincing at the loud clang they made, echoing around the porcelain room. The blond stiffened, obviously expecting retribution as it was, of course, his own fault the noise had been made, but Itachi stepped away a little bit.
"It will sound strange, but I'm not going to hurt you."
Itachi caught sight of blue eyes once again, marvelling at how clear and beautiful they looked. The boy - a man really now that he could see his features properly - looked to Itachi in slight confusion. For once, Itachi was surprised and didn't bother to mask it. For all his father preached about a barbarian clan and half-human creatures, the Senju man's eyes were incredibly intelligent.
Itachi was further surprised as the man's mouth moved, muttering something under his breath.
"What did you say?" Itachi asked, wondering if his father really denied all truths with this clan. He had stated profusely that they were unintelligent beasts who only understood their language a little, communicating in grunts to other members of the clan.
"I said of course you fucking aren't," came the sarcastic reply, mirrored with a glare of hatred that looked strange on the man's face.
"Why do you think I asked my father to let you into my hands?" Itachi asked carefully, turning the taps off and checking the water temperature with his hand. "No one else would even try to understand you, but I..." Words failed him and Itachi sighed.
"The bath is for you. I'm guessing you're pretty dirty and have a few wounds that could do with cleaning. I'm going to leave for a moment so you can get in yourself, but I'll be back soon to make sure you don't drown yourself." Itachi had to make sure the Senju member obeyed him under this roof, even if he had to keep a tight grasp on him. Itachi didn't want to be cruel, but he didn't want the man hurt by other people either.
Itachi exited for a few moments, reentering the bathroom when he heard the tell-tale sign of a person getting into the bath. He strode back in, sitting on the floor next to the bath. From his position he couldn't see much of the man, but his hair had been pushed back. Three marks on each cheek stood proudly now that his face was slightly cleaner.
"My name is Uchiha Itachi and I'm the Crown Prince. I do not believe in the same methods as my father, however, and won't be treating you as he may."
His words, however, appeared to have an opposite effect. The blond sneered in disgust, curling his lip in contempt. "Despite what you barbarians think, we're not a clan of inbred whores. Don't you dare treat me as such."
Itachi's eyes widened at the perfect speech of the man. He was better spoken than half of the people on the council, and they were supposed to be 'educated'.
"I want nothing of the sort." Blue eyes flickered to meet Itachi's, searching him for sincerity. "I have a different approach."
The water sloshed as the blond moved slightly, eyes narrowing on Itachi.
"You're not like we've been told. We're all told you're the barbarians, the people who wanted to kill us in our sleep. We've been told that we drove you from the village as one does demons, because that is all you are." Itachi paused, looking down at his hands. "You looked at me back in the war room and I knew you were different to what we'd all been told."
Itachi took a deep breath, sighing heavily. He almost believed his spiel to be a lost cause until the man spoke.
"Naruto," was offered before the man - Naruto - turned his back to Itachi and started cleaning himself.
It was a start, which was more than Itachi had expected.
"Thank you. Towels are to the side, once you're done just let me know and I'll bring some clothes in."
The prince left the bathroom and padded over to his bed, where he fell back, sighing as he hit the plush fabric of his sheets. Now that he had the prisoner he wasn't too sure what to do. He'd have to talk, but from there on?
"I'm done," a voice called out and Itachi hastily gathered some old pyjamas he had found. They should fit Naruto, despite his slightly thinner frame. He moved to the bathroom and entered, holding the clothing out.
Naruto was standing with a towel wrapped around his hips. He was skinny, ribs poking through on each side, a consequence of his stint in the prison and living in the woods. Despite the skinniness, he was muscular, most likely from foraging as the wild clans did. He had a large, spiralled tattoo on his abdomen and Itachi wondered if it was a mark of his clan.
Naruto grabbed the clothing, turning his back on Itachi and slipping the clothing on. He faced Itachi with a grim look, cold and unfeeling. For some reason, it looked wrong on his face and Itachi hated his father for putting it there.
"You can tuck yourself up in the bed. I'll sleep on the chair by the window," Itachi said slowly, not wanting Naruto to think he was propositioning him.
The window in the bedroom was quite small and the chair, a padded seat. It would be a fairly uncomfortable night's sleep, but Naruto deserved the bed. It was Itachi's way of apologising for the ignorance of his family.
For his part, the blond didn't say anything, moving to the bedroom robotically and slipping under the plush sheets once he got there. Itachi hovered, unsure what to do. He wanted to talk, but was the prisoner too tired? Should he call for food? Should he-
"Just talk. It's what you said you wanted to do, so get on with it." Itachi's eyes widened slightly at Naruto's voice and he caught blue eyes, unable to tear away his gaze.
"What did your clan do that is so terrible that the Uchiha cast you from the village and preaches you as barbarians?" Itachi saw a fire in the blonde's eyes and knew the answer would be explosive.
"What we did? How about what you did? What the Uchiha family did?" Naruto's lip curled in anger and Itachi found himself captivated once again.
"What did my family do?" he asked softly, desperate for the answer. Knowing his father's personality as he did, there had to be more to casting a whole clan aside.
"Your family took something from us. We..." Naruto paused, tightening his jaw. "I'm forbidden to say everything to an outsider, especially an Uchiha," he looked as if he was about to reconsider before shaking his head. "But I owe it to you."
Itachi knew that must have taken a lot out of the blond, to admit that he owed the clan against his something.
"My clan holds something special, as well as the Old Lores." Itachi knew of the Lores, tales concerning the old Gods. Uchiha had wiped the records from public knowledge, preaching them to be ramblings of madmen, but Itachi had made sure he was schooled in all areas, even in 'myths'.
"Your family didn't like it. They-" Naruto stopped talking, unable to continue. "Took something, destroyed something. When we overpowered them, the whole lot of you slaughtered my family, banished the rest and told everyone we were little more than animals."
Itachi looked away, unable to atone for the sins of his family. He'd known that they'd done something terrible to banish a whole clan, or at least the survivors, but he'd always assumed they were in the right. Now, piecing everything he'd learnt with this small statement, Itachi was more inclined to believe a stranger's story than what his father had told him.
Just as he was about to speak, a harsh call sounded around the room. Naruto flinched at the noise, hand shooting to his waist, but coming up short with what probably would normally be a knife or some other weapon.
"Don't worry," Itachi whispered, looking around for the source of the noise. He held his arm out and, a moment later, a dark shape fluttered onto it, adjusting its wings as beady eyes looked around. One more call sounded and Itachi nodded to the crow, thanking it.
"He keeps a look out for guards." Itachi stepped away from the chair, moving to the bed. "Please don't think any less of me for this and play along."
The last words were whispers in Naruto's ear, Itachi having crawled slightly across the bed to cover Naruto's body with his own. Blue eyes were startled and denial was about to spring from Naruto's mouth when Itachi kissed him, kissing any protest into silence.
"Sorry," he whispered again, pushing Naruto back and straddling him. He hurriedly took his top off, revealing pale skin, and bent back over Naruto.
"What the hell-" another kiss to silence the noise and Itachi trapped the blond fully, crushing him slightly with his weight.
"I told you, just play along. Be the good little prisoner." Itachi voice was barely a hiss, yet Naruto heard it, panic lacing into his eyes.
Itachi could hear the sound of his door open, some relative coming to check he was in bed and prepared for tomorrow. It had happened every day of his life - since before he could remember. His father had never come in, but various relatives had entered, informing Itachi of the main duties for the next day.
Today though, they would be checking he was using the prisoner properly. Which was why Itachi was attacking Naruto now, pressing a little too hard for emphasis. It mattered right now what Naruto did. If it looked as though he was enjoying it, he would be hanged and Itachi would face charges of treason, none of which would end up good.
"Stop it!" Naruto cried, sobbing dryly as Itachi moved to kiss him. Itachi was startled for a moment before he caught the slight tilt to Naruto's lips. He had understood after all.
"I told you to shut up," Itachi said harshly, pushing Naruto's arms against the bed's headboard, banging the bones on wood and causing a hiss from him.
"You disgusting wild-man. You know what we do to things like you?"
Naruto whimpered at Itachi's words, kicking his legs as much as he could.
"Anything we like." Itachi paused, chuckling darkly. "No one would convict me."
Itachi could feel the stare on his back and he wheeled round suddenly, fixing the intruder with a stare. Madara stood there, mask on fully and arms crossed.
"Yes? Can't you see I'm busy?" Itachi snapped harshly, holding Naruto down as he struggled against the one-armed hold.
"Of course, sir." Madara turned slowly, visible eye raking over Naruto once before he was gone. It had been a strange visit and Itachi wondered if Madara suspected anything.
Letting go of Naruto, Itachi kneeled on the bed and turned away from the wild-man. He felt horrible, he should have explained to Naruto before, but instead he'd forgotten and forced himself upon the prisoner.
"I'm sorry," he muttered quietly, aware of the silence in the room. A rustle was heard as covers shifted, Naruto moving through the sea of fabric and to Itachi's side. In an odd gesture, he took Itachi's hand, tugging gently.
"Don't be. I think you just saved my life, again." Naruto's head bowed, blond hair falling over his eyes. "Why did you choose to save me? You could have been rid of me without a care, I'd have gone to the King and been tortured... but instead you've chosen to torture yourself."
Itachi nodded slowly, gathering his words. "I don't want to be like my father. I want to be a just King and I don't understand the matters between Uchiha and Senju. It's not right..."
Itachi wanted to say more, explain about his father and how he could be so cruel, so cold. He couldn't though, never. To be able to get the Senju involved he'd have to talk to the leaders, find out the real reason behind the hatred.
Naruto was his key out of the fortress, if only they could exit the palace carefully. He'd be gone only as long as he needed to, apologising when he returned. His father wouldn't like it or approve, but there wouldn't be that much time before he died, or was killed. After that, Itachi could take the throne and forge an alliance.
"We're going to get out of here." Naruto started at Itachi's voice. "I'm going to get us out of here and you're to take me to your clan."
Naruto looked as if he was about to hesitate until he saw the seriousness in Itachi's eyes. He nodded slowly, unsure as to why a royal Uchiha was helping him. What Itachi was saying he would do was commit treason, no matter how he pushed that though aside, he would still commit the crime. He would betray his family, everything he held dear and had known for a prisoner?
"What are you saying?" Came the quiet response from Naruto and Itachi looked at him.
"It's not right. You're hunted like beasts, which we all believe you are. No one knows that you are humans too... it's not right," Itachi repeated, standing from the bed and moving to his wardrobe. He looked through the selection before digging out an old bag and shoving a few items inside.
"Put this on," he said, throwing Naruto some thick clothing. It would be ideal for the colder weather and escaping in it.
"We'll take two horses as well." Itachi looked around for a second before he let out an imitation crow call, summoning the bird. "Go down to the stables and let them know we want two horses." Itachi tapped the bird's beak twice, answered by two grating caws.
"Go on then," Itachi said, letting the bird fly off. "They'll get horses saddled for us," he added, explaining the use of the bird to Naruto. He had trained the crow to fly to areas, such as the stables,he couldn't as he was being watched. So many people assumed he had freedom, yet what freedom did a prince have when he was constantly guarded, watched and silently inspected to make sure he upheld his father's rules?
Itachi stood up straight, exiting the wardrobe and slinging the bag onto the bed.
"Put those clothes on and get ready to leave." Itachi's voice was commanding, the voice he used when speaking to people in the army. He needed to be forceful, pretend that he was in complete control.
"What do you mean leave?" Naruto sounded confused. It was an odd decision, to leave his Kingdom, but Itachi wouldn't end up like his father. He wanted to know what was happening to the Senju clan and why his father was so afraid of them.
"I mean we go." Itachi looked outside, to the growing dark. He'd wait a few more minutes before leaving, riding off as darkness settled. Shapes were harder to pick out in the growing twilight, just before the large lantern pyres were set up to look out at the border.
Naruto's eyes were wide as Itachi moved around the room, packing what they'd need. Despite being royalty, he had very little that actually mattered. A single rosewood box contained the most important things, small paper drawings of his family, or rather his mother and brother, and a few other relics of his childhood.
Glancing out of the window, Itachi shrugged a thick cloak on. Naruto seemed to be able to stand the cold outside, yet he wasn't so lucky. He was susceptible to the cold, but a highly trained warrior. He'd deal with what he had and plough onwards, like the brilliant Konoha soldier he was supposed to be.
Moving over to Naruto, Itachi placed his hand in the blond locks. He closed his hand into a fist, grabbing the hair and tugging lightly.
"I'll walk like this. Struggle the whole way and we're less likely to be asked what we're doing." Itachi's voice was low and Naruto simply nodded, ignoring the way strands of hair caught a little too tightly. He was grateful though, and honestly surprised by the turn of events.
Itachi slung the small pack onto his shoulder and they left the room. Itachi forced them to a brisk march, settling his face into a slanted frown, in hopes that anyone they came across would assume he was taking Naruto to a torture chamber.
They were lucky and Itachi didn't have to resort to using his smaller sword under his cloak. It wasn't his main sword, but if he was travelling then it was lighter and easier to conceal.
Moving quickly, Itachi managed to sneak them from the main castle and to the stable block, slipping inside and closing the main door to the individual stables. It was strangely quiet and Itachi had been expecting one or two people here, tending to the horses or waiting to greet him. His hand slipped from Naruto's head as he noticed something in the dark and a metallic tang to the air.
Itachi could see that Naruto sensed the danger as the blond crouched down, eyes wide and head moving around, trying to pinpoint their unease.
Slowly, Itachi knocked the hilt of his sword up a little, the metal slowly moving out of its sheath. He turned his back to Naruto, confident that the man could hold his own (he did, after all, belong to a tribe that Fugaku feared), but he didn't want to take any chances. Naruto was his only hope to resolve issues between Senju and Uchiha and he couldn't turn up with a dead man and claim he wanted peace.
"It was a very well-staged plan, Itachi," a voice called out and Itachi curled his lip.
Madara stepped out of the shadows, eyes cold as he looked at Naruto. "They've infected you. You're diseased, the same one that caused the madness of the Senju. It won't be hard explaining why the Prince died, perhaps even in a fit of madness he killed himself."
Itachi's eyes widened as he caught onto what Madara was saying. The King's aid would have no stipulation with killing him here, much like he had killed whoever was tending to Itachi's horses. That was where the tang of blood came from and why him and Naruto had been on instinctual alert.
"If my father knew-"
"Enough, Itachi." Itachi spun round, his hand lowering as he stared at his father. Shadows covered most of him, but his face was clear in the darkness. Itachi had never seen madness so clear.
"I'm sure there is a proper explanation," the King continued, raising a hand to signal Madara. Itachi felt Madara take a few steps closer, clearly waiting for Fugaku's orders.
Itachi grit the back of his jaw, eyes darting between both men and preparing himself for whatever they would throw his way.
"Kill the vermin and we can forget all of this happened." Fugaku smirked, eyes raking over Naruto. Itachi stiffened, realising that he wouldn't be able to bluff his way out of this. He was driven up against a wall with nowhere to go. He'd have to fight his way out.
"I can't stay here while people are in danger. All of these wars you fight in, these battles you go away from and come back gloating about how many people died... I don't want a part of that! There has to be some other way than continuously killing!" Itachi's voice had risen to an angry snarl;, stepping backwards, closer to Naruto.
Naruto watched quietly, noting the three Uchihas and their movements. There wouldn't be any hope that he could sneak out between them and just run;, but even so, he couldn't leave Itachi after all he had done. If need be he would fight with his hands, but he wouldn't be able to get very far in that way.
"Of course," Fugaku said, the sound of sliding metal filled the stable;, horses shifting nervously around them. "A fit of madness is a likely cause of death and after impaling himself on his own sword, it is with regret that you shall announce the new position of Crown Prince Sasuke," he said to Madara, tilting his head as he angled his sword towards Itachi.
Itachi sucked in a breath, preparing himself to fight the King and his highest ranking official. It wouldn't be an easy battle, but he could perhaps cause enough distraction to escape. There was no turning back at this moment, Itachi was considered dead to Fugaku.
It hurt, but he couldn't think about it at this moment. He had to focus on getting out of there with Naruto.
The attack happened suddenly and a horse shrieked out at the clang of metal. Itachi felt something slice his sword arm and he winced, reaching down with his free arm and pulling a dagger from its sheath in his thigh. At least now he had the potential to attack both of them, regardless of how pathetic the small blade seemed against the swords Madara and Fugaku used.
Itachi was pushed back, nearing Naruto. He wouldn't last much longer, not with Madara attacking him like this, but he could let Naruto escape.
"Go!" he roared over his shoulder and Naruto darted out, moving out of Itachi's sight.
Now it was just the three Uchihas, Madara jabbing out with his sword and Fugaku watching with fire in his eyes. His father would finish the job, Itachi knew.
Muscles seared in outrage as Itachi was pushed down, Madara knocking his sword free and taking it up. Itachi was on his knees now, Madara's hands pushing down on his shoulders as Fugaku approached, holding Itachi in place.
The King approached, standing before Itachi. He brought his sword up, preparing to run it through Itachi. Despite struggling against the hold on his shoulders, Madara was insanely strong and managed to keep him down.
"Such a shame," Fugaku commented, moving his arm through the air. Fresh blood splattered onto Itachi's face and he gasped, eyes widening in shock.
Slowly looking up, Itachi saw the thin blade of his sword, blood running down the silver metal. Madara held it triumphantly, a sick grin on his face as he twisted the hilt. The King stumbled to the side, gasping. His eyes fluttered as he collapsed to the ground, wheezing his final breaths.
Itachi could only watch as his father died, ignoring Madara and ignoring the nervous neighs of the horses around them. His father was dead; the King was dead, moments before he drove a sword through his son.
Itachi looked to Madara warily, unsure whether he had helped him or not. Naruto shifted into focus a little ways away, looking at the scene worriedly.
"I wonder what the people would say when they learn the Prince murdered the King?" Madara's voice was smooth, one of a man who did not deem himself guilty of a crime he had committed, or was simply just beyond caring.
Itachi started. In a beat he had gone from being killed to being framed.
"The guards should be here soon, you have no hope of escaping now." Madara chuckled darkly. "Sasuke is easy to influence, nobody noticed I'd been doing it for months! Convincing him of a plot against him, you and your father planning to assassinate him. And look where I am now! A King until Sasuke reaches the right age... and even then..." Madara trailed off and Itachi realised he wasn't afraid of committing another murder, killing Sasuke to keep his position as King.
"Leave my brother alone," Itachi commanded, his voice shaky and lacking in the power he had hoped for.
"And what exactly are you going to do when hanging from the gallows?" Madara commented, moving forwards with his own sword and smirking.
In a flash, Naruto had tackled the man to the ground, fingers scratching at his mask. Deep welts appeared in the material, splintering the mask and causing Madara to groan in pain.
Itachi didn't have time to wonder how Naruto had done it before his hand was encased by something warm. Naruto had left Madara on the ground and grabbed Itachi, pulling him over to the end stables where two tacked horses were waiting. Evidently the stable hand had managed to tack the horses up before dying.
"Can you ride?" Naruto shouted above the noise of the guards. Shouts erupted around them, the King's body found and Madara explaining that Itachi was the murderer.
"Yes," Itachi said quietly, hauling his body into the saddle of his favourite horse. The horse snorted as Itachi spun her round, looking to Naruto. The exit of the stables was thankfully open, but guards were gaining on them and they had yet to leave the village.
"Go!" shouted Naruto and Itachi spurred his horse on, sitting to the lurch of gallop and setting off at a fast pace.
They clattered through the streets of the village, drawing the guards after them. A few had mounted horses, though they were a way behind as they'd had to tack them up.
Itachi overtook Naruto, guiding them through the village and to the gate. The patrol seemed to be aware of the impending attack and Itachi prepared to slow down, wondering if they could get out of the village some other way.
"Let me handle this!" Naruto shouted, dropping the reins and taking his feet from the stirrups. Itachi watched in amazement as the blond stood up, balancing in the saddle and angling his arms to point to the gate.
What looked like two red darts of fire blossomed from Naruto's hands, shooting towards the gate supports and shattering them. The gate fell with a loud crash and Naruto fell down into the saddle, grabbing madly at the horse's mane for balance.
They rode towards the gate, galloping past the soldiers darting around, trying to figure out whether to run from the threat of the red-fire or attack. Enough of them were unsure that Itachi and Naruto's escape was easier and the drawbridge gate clattered under the horse's hooves.
"We need to get into the forest," Naruto shouted, drawing their horses up slightly to point at the forest, picking up speed again. Strangely, Itachi trusted Naruto. He'd never felt this level of trust for someone before, but he was willing to be led to the forest, somewhere that had been off limits his whole life, except with a huge hunting party.
As Naruto had predicted, the soldiers pulled back at the forest, calling out with angered voices.
"You'll die anyway!"
"Don't even think about stepping out of there!"
"You're a dead man!"
Itachi was gently pulled away from the direction of the voices by Naruto leaning over, taking the reins and making sure their horses were headed the right way.
"I'll take you to my home," he said softly, not knowing what else to say to the banished Prince.
Their journey continued in silence, heading further and further into the heart of the woods. Underneath the pain Itachi felt, he could feel the hum of the forest around him and wondered why it felt so good to be following Naruto, almost as if he had found his home.
.
Notes:
This was written a long, long time ago and I plan to finish it finally soon. Reviews are always appreciated, thank you for reading!