Apathy

by berry5tz

Fugaku thinks he has parenting down perfectly. Minato doesn't believe so. Sasuke has lost interest. Due to a traumatic event, Sasuke has given up on his father. . Can Minato and Naruto help the Uchihas?. Alternate Universe. Ninja universe. Profanity. Some child abuse (Not explicit)

1. Chapter 1

A/N: The funny thing is…this was meant to be a one-shot. Oh well…

Warnings: Contains some content of child abuse. Mild. Verbal abuse.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Naruto is the work of Mr. Kishimoto. I have only the plot of this fan-fiction. I own nothing else.

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Apathy

Of Hearts and Minds

First day at the Ninja Academy 7:35 am.

The instructors at the ninja academy were getting excited. This year was a promising year. The children coming in were brimming with new potential. The best crop of youngster coming through these doors in years. It wasn't to say that children of past generations weren't any good. No, far from it, however this crop of youngsters held the greatest amount as a group than ever before and the instructors were nearly jumping with excitement at the opportunity to be a part of honing these new ninja and their skills. Still they needed to get things ready before bringing the children inside. There was much hustle and bustle as they went about getting ready and also chatting excitedly about which children they would receive in their classes.

Outside on the playground with their parents in tow were this year's newest students of the ninja arts. Most of the children were from ninja clans and had already been taught a few basic things to give them a head start. You could easily pick them out from the rest of the students. They all had on clothing specifically designed for their clan or they had facial marking or other tattoos. For yet others it was their physical appearance alone that set them apart from everyone else. These children had physical characteristics that naturally made them stand out in the crowd. The new students weren't all from clans however. Some of them were children from the civilian population of the village. This group was a small one in comparison, but still did their best to represent their segment of the village population. These children had been tested to see if they possessed enough chakra to be considered for the ninja program. All that were able to pass the test were welcomed to come and take part in this year's enrollment.

Finally, after what seemed a long time to the parents and students alike. A young man of medium height, who appeared to be in his early twenties came out to meet everyone. He had a distinguishable scar that ran across the bridge of his nose. It should have marred his looks, but it did nothing to harm they young man's handsome face. He raised both of his arms and then clapped his hands twice above his head to gain everyone's attention. This did the trick as everyone turned to face him.

"Greetings everyone and welcome to the Leaf village's Ninja Academy." The young man bowed and then continued. "My name is Iruka Umino and I am one of the instructors here at the academy. I am also your escort to the auditorium. Where the Head master will meet with all of you. We are very excited for this year's new students and we hope that you all will be excited to be here. Now if all of you would kindly follow me into the building I would be grateful."

The new students began making their way from the playground where they passed the time talking with friends and their parents and headed inside. Once inside everyone followed Iruka as he led them down the hall. Students saw classrooms lined up on either side of the hallway as they went and as some of them became nervous, their parents gave their children words of encouragement as they made their way along. There were no decorations on the walls. No happy pictures of animals and flowers and the like that you would find in a civilian school. Only an occasional sign posted here and there telling students to not run through the halls or some other rule.

Iruka made it to the end of the hall and turned left. The group following him turned as well and continued to gaze at everything around them. Once again when Iruka got to the end of the hall he turned. This time he went to the right and before him were a stair case that led down into the auditorium. He started down them and went to the center row down front. There were already a number of older students that were already seated in other rows right and left down front and then all three sections of the back. The interesting thing was that these kids' parents weren't with them. It seemed that only the first years came with their parents.

The headmaster was standing off to the side on stage talking with some of the members of the academy board. He noticed the fresh new members of potential ninja being brought in by Iruka. They exchanged silent greetings as Iruka made the front of the center row. He turned to speak with the group.

"Okay everyone please file in and have a seat here in this section. The headmaster will be ready to speak with you in a few minutes. At the end of the speech, please remain seated. An instructor for each class homeroom with come and stand were I am right now and call out the names of the students that are assigned to him or her. Each student is to line up alongside that instructor and he or she will lead their group out and to their homeroom. The parents of these students are permitted to follow the group to their new home room. Thank you."

The village streets at 7:50 am.

Three blocks from the academy, one little boy was trying to pull his big brother along in an effort to make him go faster. They were late leaving this morning and now were rushing to the academy. The little boy didn't want to be late, but their father had said that he needed to talk to his big brother before they left and now they were running to school. The little guy was wearing a dark blue high collared shirt with the fan symbol on the back and white cargo shorts. His hair was black and spiked in the back in three proud spikes. The sides hung and framed his determined face. Big brother was dressed with the same style shirt but the color was a dark brown with its own fan symbol on the back. Black ninja pants were worn and his legs were wrapped in white wrapping tape to the ankle. The boy was considerably talker than his little brother with long black tresses that were tied back in a low ponytail. He also had the fringe of hair that framed his face. Two very dark and amused eyes were looking down at his little brother.

"Sasuke, everything will be just fine. Please just relax."

"Relax! Relax, Itachi, This is my first day in the academy. I wanted to make the right impression. This isn't it." Sasuke gestured to the two of them and their surroundings.

Itachi let out the laugh that wanted to come out. Sasuke never failed to make him laugh. The little boy was far too serious about things. He noticed that Sasuke was still trying to pull him to run faster and decided that it was time to slow his brother down.

"Here, Sasuke, let me take the stress out of your run for you." He said half laughing and have serious.

He immediately stopped them both by pulling Sasuke to a stop. The sudden movement made Sasuke, yelp. Itachi went and stood in front of his little brother and knelt down. Without warning, Itachi reached back and pulled his little brother forward until Sasuke's chest was against his back. He then grabbed his little brother's legs and in one movement moved Sasuke up onto his back as he stood up. Sasuke quickly wrapped his arms around his brother's neck before he fell back and ended up hanging upside down. Itachi then positioned the little boy, so that he was now on his back getting a piggy-back ride to school. Sasuke was exasperated with his big brother.

"Itachi! Please put me down! Do we really need to add embarrassment to the list of my turmoil this morning?"

Again Itachi let out another laugh as he began his run again. Sauske was yelling the whole time while people were watching them and shaking their heads chuckling at the two boys antics, as they sped on passed them. This was not how Sasuke imagined his first day of school. Late and the entire village talking about the spectacle that his big brother, Itachi had just made of them.

The Hokage brings his son to school. 7:50 am.

The Fourth Hokage was busy walking his son to his first day of class at the ninja academy. Several people were out this morning already busy doing what they needed to do. Each and every one of them waved to their Hokage as he came down the street. Some even wanted to give a verbal greeting and to ask how the Hokage was doing. He was a man that stood over five foot- eleven and he was wearing his Hokage robe and hat. He has blond hair and the brightest blue eyes that can twinkle with amusement one moment and then flash like lightning the next when angered. Over-all though, he was a kind and good-natured man. The village loved their Hokage and always wanted to show their respect and appreciation by talking and waving to him.

However, the Hokage wasn't alone. A little, near replica of him was walking alongside him and wasn't at all pleased with this turn of events. Their walk had begun well enough. They had even left early enough to be sure to be on time, but the little boy found himself getting exasperated once they reached the half way point of their chosen route. When one man finally left them to go on about his business. The little boy decided that it was time to speak up.

"Poppa, we are NEVER going to make it in time to school. At this rate, I'll be lucky if I make the last class of the day before school is out." He said sulking.

The Hokage or Minato Namikaze, chuckled sheepishly at his son.

"I'm sorry, Naruto. Maybe your mother should bring you next time. I seem to draw a lot of attention to us."

"Poppa, it is because you wear that robe and hat when we go out." Naruto said as he gestured to his father's garments. "It's drawing attention to us every time we go out and besides you know that if mom brings me she is going to be the one that is stopping to talk to everyone and I'll still never get there!"

Minato couldn't help but laugh at this statement. It was true that he had to wear his robe when he was out and that Kushina loved to talk.

"Ha, ha-ha, okay son you do have a point there. Maybe I should talk to Kakashi about bringing you to school."

"Kakashi!" The little boy yelled. "Kakashi is the King of Tardiness! I'd be lucky if I made it to school by the third day of the week. You and mom would probably be sending out a search party to look for us. Only to find us only three blocks away from our house!"

Minato again let out a laugh. Naruto was funny when he was trying to be serious. He was also right about Kakashi. The young man couldn't make it to his own party on time. The only thing that Kakashi could make on time was a mission. Other than that, the young shinobi was a dud when it came to being accounted for.

"Here, Naruto let me make this up to you."

"How, poppa?"

"You'll see, son."

"Now just stand still for a moment."

Minato did a quick hand sign and made sure that he was touching his son as he did so and in a swish of leaves the two were gone. They reappeared in front of the academy and Naruto, with eyes wide was immediately moving his hands over himself to make sure he was all present. His father let out a hearty laugh this time. Naruto was embarrassed, but what could he say? This was the first time that he had ever experienced the teleportation jutsu. He would have said how cool it was, but he was more concerned to know if he was still in one piece.

The duo wasn't alone they soon realized, as another pair had just arrived. A boy looking to be about thirteen was carrying his little brother piggy-back. The two boys were definitely brothers as their physical characteristics made them a close resemblance to each other. The little boy had been yelling until they arrived and saw two people just suddenly appear only a few feet away from them.

Sasuke was sure he was going to punch his brother once they got there. He wanted to run on his own two feet not be carried like a sissy through the village. 'Oh well at least we-.' The thought was broken due to two people suddenly appearing before him. Now Sasuke has seen teleportation jutsu before but he had never been so close when someone appeared. It was kind of creepy to him. One minute you're alone and the next someone is standing right in front of you. Thus, Itachi felt his little brother's shudder and the sudden pressure that wasn't painful nor threatening, but definitely tightening around his own body, as Sasuke instinctively hugged himself closer to his big brother.

"Hello, Itachi." Minato greeted with a smile.

"Good morning, Hokage sama. I see that you also had the duty to bring your relative to school this morning."

"Yes, this is my son, Naruto." Minato chuckled and then added. "Naruto meet Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha. It looks like you and Sasuke will be in the same class perhaps?"

"It's possible." Replied Itachi as he let his brother down on his feet. "Sasuke, please be polite and say hello to our Hokage and his son."

Sasuke was feisty when he was at home, but out in public the little boy was very shy and quiet around people he didn't know. This was partly due to the fact that, their father didn't permit Sasuke to leave the Uchiha district. Sasuke's father demanded that Sasuke get permission from him to go and only with either their mother or his older brother. Within the district, Sasuke was even more limited. He was obligated to remain at home. This was where Sasuke was most of the time and their father didn't seem to have a problem with this rule.

Sasuke had gone and hid behind his big brother as soon as Itachi had let him down. Now he peered around his brother's leg to look at the two people. The little boy across from him seemed okay enough. He was standing next to his father and was offering his hand to him to shake. Sasuke then looked up at their leader, the Hokage. The man didn't seem threatening at all. He was smiling at him in the kindest way. A way that only Sasuke's brother ever gave him. 'It must be okay then if Itachi says so and besides they look nice enough.' He thought as he moved out from behind his brother's leg and reached for Naruto's hand.

"Hello, I'm Sasuke." Sasuke felt stupid that instant. Didn't Naruto's father just tell him who he was?

He blushed beet red at his mistake. If Naruto or his father thought it was funny or thought that Sasuke was stupid, neither of them let on.

"Hello, Sasuke, like my poppa said, I'm Naruto and it's nice to meet you." Then Naruto looked up at Itachi.

"It's nice to meet you too, Itachi. I hope we can all be friends."

Itachi smiled at that and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"That would be very nice Naruto. I think we will take you up on that offer. Shall we, Sasuke?"

Sasuke couldn't speak. Words were leaving him as he was feeling embarrassed again at his own awkwardness, but he managed to nod his head vigorously in agreement.

Minato smiled at the little boy and then glanced at his watch.

"Well, we better head on in and explain why we are both late on the first day. The headmaster has started his speech five minutes ago."

"Aaah, poppa see. I told you, you should have left your robe at home." Exclaimed Naruto.

"Now, Naruto look at the bright side. If we had come earlier than we would have missed meeting both of the Uchiha brothers… right?"

Naruto was suddenly embarrassed again. He reached up and rubbed the back of his head. A habit that he had acquired a couple of years ago when he was nervous or embarrassed.

"Ah, yeah you're right poppa." Then he went and bowed to the Uchiha brothers. "Sorry Itachi and Sasuke. I didn't mean to be bad."

"There was no harm done, Naruto. Now we better go on in." Itachi replied has he took his brother's hand to lead them in.

"You're right." Minato added.

The four started walking into the building. Naruto walked next to Sasuke while his father was to his left. Itachi was on the right of the two little boys. Naruto looked over at Sasuke and thought. 'Wow, maybe I have just made my first friend at school. This could be fun.' Sasuke glanced over at Naruto from time to time and thought. 'This is my first friend ever. I hope that father will allow me to play over at Naruto's house sometimes or that Naruto can come over to play at my house. Maybe big brother can help make father okay with it.' Thus began the first day of Naruto's and Sasuke's friendship.

September 2nd at the academy.

School was now into its eighth day and Naruto and Sasuke were fast becoming the best of friends. They had ended up in the same classroom, as Naruto's father had thought. This was the good news. The bad news was they sat in different rows. Naruto ended up in the third row higher up as the room was designed in stadium style where you climbed steps to reach the next row of desks. There were three rows. Each row divided by a set of steps that led to the top row. The boys were placed in the row closest to the entrance of the classroom.

Sasuke ended up seated at the first row. This was disappointing enough, but it was made worse by being made to sit next to a pink haired girl that couldn't stop making those 'I've found my dream guy' kind of eyes at him all the time. The little girl's name was Sakura Haruno and she wasn't the only one that was giving Sasuke this look. Sasuke was a fan-favorite among all of the girls in the academy much to Sasuke's growing annoyance. Naruto thought it was all kind of funny at first, but after a while he began to feel sorry for the kid; that's when Naruto started to get annoyed with the girls.

They never failed to follow Sasuke around. They never failed to giggle and flirt every chance they got. They never failed to get into fights over who was going to be Sasuke's girlfriend and last but not least. They never failed to try to worm their way between the best friends. Whenever they went out for recess or lunch or any time that was down time momentarily at the academy. After eight days of this, the two friends were both frustrated and decided that something had to be done about the girls in their class. So it was Naruto who had come up with a plan to get the girls off Sasuke's last nerves.

A plan however wasn't needed. Things would take a turn all on their own and it happened at lunch time that very afternoon.

Sakura had been pestering Sasuke all morning about ditching Naruto and coming and eating lunch with her. Sasuke kept telling her no all morning. Sakura would be crestfallen for a moment and then would rebound and come back at him with the same request ten minutes later. This was bad but it got worse when Iruka sensei, caught sight of a note that was being passed from a frustrated Sasuke to a very happy pinkette.

"I'm sorry that my lessons this morning have been boring the two of you, Sasuke and Sakura." A sarcastic Iruka replied.

He had been watching all of his students during this morning's lessons and noticed a lot of note passing between the two children. He could tell that Sasuke had been getting increasingly annoyed with the letters. So it must have been Sakura that had originally began to pass the notes. So he decided to put an end to it and to make an example out of them to the whole class. The students watched their Sensei walk over to Sasuke and Sakura. Most of the students watched in amusement. They knew what was about to happen next.

"You aren't boring, Sensei, but Sakura is annoying and keeps passing notes." Sasuke said in anger while looking at Sakura with a menacing glare.

Sakura had never seen this expression from Sasuke and was taken aback by it and ended up stuttering.

"I-I am sorry Iruka sensei. It won't happen again." She was looking up at Iruka with a pleading look, but Iruka wasn't in the mood to forgive.

"Give me the note."

Again Sakura began pleading for her sensei to cut her some slack, but Iruka held out his hand and while Sakura just sat there stuttering and mumbling. Sasuke grabbed the note swiftly out of her hand and handed to their Sensei. He really didn't care if the class heard what was read out loud or not. Iruka took the note and without a ceremony began to read the note out loud.

"Please Sasuke, please come and have lunch with me. I brought an extra bento just for you. I thought we could sit and talk and eat together." As Iruka read the note out loud nearly all of the class was in a fit of giggles. The boys in particular got amusement out of it. Most of the girls laughed as well as they saw Sakura as a rival to their crush, but not everyone was happy.

Naruto, just sat with his arms folded on his desk shaking his head. He really felt bad for his best friend. Fortunately for him girls didn't find him at all appealing and that was just fine with Naruto. He figured that he would never understand girls not even if he lived thousands of years. While Naruto thought about it. Ino, was also none too pleased. Even though, Sakura was her rival in love. She didn't think it was right for Iruka to read the note out loud in front of the class like this nor did she like how Sasuke just grabbed the note with no regards to Sakura's feelings and gave it to their Sensei. If she thought that was bad then she was in for it for the best part of the note was about to come.

"I really like you Sasuke." Iruka continued to read. "I just knew when I first set eyes on you that I had found my soulmate and true love."

Now at this statement everyone in class began laughing loudly with some of the boys making cat calls and jeers on top of it. Sakura was in tears and Sasuke was uncaring. Iruka decided to stop there and not read what Sasuke wrote back in answer to her. He could see that it was enough. He crumpled up the note and turned to pitch it with perfect aim into the wastepaper basket. Then he walked back up to stand in front of his desk. Raising his arms he began to regain control of his class.

"Class that is enough now. Please quiet down." Iruka calmly called out.

The class did as they were told and the laughter died quickly with a few girls still giggling. One serious look from Iruka and they stopped. Iruka folded his arms in front of his chest as he leaned back against the desk.

"Look, I'm sorry, Sasuke and Sakura that I did this to you, but I'm also not sorry at all." Iruka began. He was now back in teaching mode and this lesson was a life lesson that he was about to give.

"Why did you come to this academy? What is your purpose for being here? Are you here to make fond memories of school day fun with your friends? Are you here to find the love of your lives? Is that why you came here? Some of you are obliged to come here, but most of you aren't. So why come?" Iruka shook his head. The classroom was very quiet and each student now very attentive. Sakura had quieted somewhat now as well as she dutifully listened.

"I'm sorry to tell you that you are in the wrong place, if this is what any of you think. This isn't junior high. You don't live in one of the regular cities that have these types of schools where children go to learn and eventually further their education in the civilian things. For example going to school to learn how to own and run your own business. Or learn to be a chemist or maybe say, an architect. These are all good and fine, but this isn't were you are. This isn't what you will be doing. A nice safe job that pays sometimes ridiculous salaries.

You are hoping to become ninja of the hidden Leaf village. We are responsible for protecting not only each other and this village, but we also protect all of the land of Fire. This includes those kids that are going to a regular school. You are different from them because you are being taught your occupation right now. Therefore you don't have as they do the time for fond memories with friends and going on dates and having boyfriends or girlfriends. This school, this academy requires your full attention and focus and will. It demands that you give your best every time you walk through the front doors. It demands you to be disciplined enough to know that you aren't here for fun and games. Because the occupation that you have chosen will kill you. It will kill your comrades if you haven't' been paying attention and haven't realized the true reason why anybody comes here."

Iruka paused for a moment to let what he had just told them to sink in. He looked over the room and everyone was quiet and sitting up straight and giving him what he hasn't had since eight days ago when this group of students got placed together in this room. He finally had their FULL attention. Now it was time for him to deliver the most important part of where he was going with all of this.

"Yes, you can die on the job. Ninja die all the time and that includes our most experienced and strongest shinobi. It isn't always an unfortunate incident were a ninja has given his all and it wasn't enough. It isn't the shinobi that died because he was protecting others. Yes, ninja die this way and it is an admirable way to go, but that isn't always what happens. For example, sometimes an experienced shinobi becomes distracted due to something that is happening at home. Instead of leaving it there until he returns home from a mission. It becomes one of the things he packs and takes with him on the mission. This becomes the distraction that will cost him his career or maybe even his life. All it takes is for you to forget your training for a second. For you to become careless or reckless and you're gone."

Iruka paused as he looked over his class. He was constantly reading their reactions to what he was telling them. It was part of his job to know the mindsets of his students. Some of the children looked shocked at hearing this others were in disbelief and a few knew exactly what Iruka was talking about. Sadly, they had lost either one or both of their parents due to missions that had gone wrong.

Iruka glanced over at these children and a ping of sadness touched his own heart. He knew of these children's parents. Some of them died because of the negligence of others on their teams. Some had died because they were the ones that caused for things to go wrong. 'This is exactly why I must be hard on these kids now. It isn't a game that, I'm playing with them just to gain some perverse satisfaction out of their embarrassment or misery. They need to fully understand why they are here.' Iruka thought, as he resolutely continues on.

"There will be presentations given here. These things will be presented by shinobi that survived a mission; but they were badly injured and are no longer shinobi. Some of these presentations will be presented by us instructors. The presentations will be of slides or video obtained of missions gone bad. These things you will be shown isn't for the faint of heart. I don't say these things to scare you, but I say these things to warn you. IF you came here thinking of having nothing but a good time and maybe pull a few pranks or if you think that you are going to find your soulmate here. Then get up and leave right now. You aren't fit to be here and you will become a liability to your team mates once and if you manage to graduate from this academy. We screen students very rigorously here and if within three months of being here you start to show signs that you don't have what it takes to be here. You will be told of what it is that is the problem. If you can't or you refuse to change. You will be asked to leave by the end of your first year here." Iruka moves away from his desk to stand only a few feet away from the center row.

"Make no mistakes about this students. We take our roles here at this academy very seriously. We are responsible for turning out genin that are disciplined, focused, willingly to learn and understand and value teamwork. If you came here for anything else. You will be asked to leave."

"Again, Sakura, I'm sorry that I made an example out of you in front of this class, but this was necessary. You are one of the ones that are in trouble already and it's only been eight days. I only did this to warn you and to warn all of you." Iruka waves his extended right arm out over the entire class.

"Now I will give all of you ten minutes to think on what I've told you. If you come to realize in that amount of time that you aren't' ready for this then leave. I won't hold it against you. If after ten minutes no one has left the room. Then I will understand that all of you are staying and we will continue on with class."

Iruka then went and sat behind his desk. He opened up a lesson book and began marking off the section that he wanted to cover this morning and how far he wanted to go. The students glanced around at each other at first. Then some began to pensively go over the speech in their own minds. Some bowing their heads as they did so. Others stared out the window as they thought. While others kept looking around nervously hoping that someone else would stand up and head out. Then they could get up and follow them out.

Iruka looked up discreetly from time to time during the ten minutes just so he could gage who were mostly likely to be gone by year's end. He saw quite a few that were determined to remain, however he also saw a few that would definitely not make the year. The ten minutes were up and Iruka wasn't surprised that the kids that wanted to leave didn't have the courage to. In his mind, if this had been a mission were volunteers were needed to go on a dangerous assignment. These kids would have failed. They lacked courage. They weren't capable of leading a mission. They weren't even capable of following orders. These kids would fail because they would be too afraid to do what was required of them. The way they were too afraid to make the right decision and leave this classroom. A decision that will now have to be made for them by the end of the year.

Getting up from his chair and with lesson book in hand, Iruka began class once more.

"Now I want all of you to open you ninja strategies guide textbook. We will read chapter two part four together. We will then hold a discussion on it afterwards. So please pay attention to the material as we read it together. Every one of you will have a question that you will have to answer."

The discussion ended up being the best that the class has had since it was first formed. Iruka was very pleased. It seemed that his speech this morning was what was needed. He glanced over at the clock on the wall just above the door. The large timepiece showed that it was now time for lunch.

"Okay, students that was an excellent job from all of you." He praised happily. "Now you may all go out for a half hour lunch break."

There was a cheer from the students as they all rushed to get their things put away and grabbed their bento boxes. Iruka watched them all go out before turning back to his desk to pull out his own lunch from the bottom drawer.

Naruto rushed over to his best friend's side and they made their way over to a table that was near the taijutsu training area. This table was the furthest away from every other table and wasn't desirable by the rest of the students because the taijutsu area had a natural dirt ground floor. A decent breeze can make dust fly up and over where the lunch table was and thus wasn't a popular place to sit.

Here the two boys sat across from each other as they pulled open their lunches and began to eat. No amount of dirt was going to make them worry. They ate and talked and were having a pleasant time; that was until Ino decided to ruin it along with Sakura and most of the girls in their class. Sasuke instantly knew that they were on their way over before they even had started in their direction.

"Heads up, Naruto. I believe girls are coming our way and it promises to be bad."

Naruto half choked on his juice as he struggled to say something.

"What!?...what do you mean, Sasuke?" Naruto looked around wildly.

"Trust me. I can see Ino and Sakura at their table and the conversation they're having is going to bring trouble to ours."

Naruto groaned and then he groaned even louder as he saw the girls in question heading their way just as Sasuke had predicted. Ino was in the lead. She was angry and that was probably an understatement. She held Sakura's hand pulling her along with her while most of the girls of the class followed behind them. All of them either angry themselves or upset. Ino came up and stood in front of the table side that the boys were seated and began in a low growl.

"How dare you, Sasuke!" She spat. "How dare you make poor, Sakura cry and embarrass her like that in front of the entire class!"

Sasuke went and took a drink of his juice. He wasn't about to feel sorry for something that Sakura started and Iruka finished. Naruto wasn't nervous but was feeling the adrenaline begin to kick in. He had a knack for sensing other people's deeper emotions and he knew that both Ino and Sasuke were about to get into a physical confrontation. Naruto wanted to be ready in case any other students decided that Ino was losing the fight and decided to jump in and help her.

"I didn't do anything." Sasuke said calmly. "Sakura knew that we are not allowed to pass notes in class. She brought this crap on herself." Now Sasuke was leveling Ino with a very determined glare.

Sakura was about to cry again. She stepped forward to stand beside Ino as she contributed to what would become a fight.

"-But Sasuke! I only wanted to ask you to eat lunch with me. When was there a good time to ask? Class had started by the time I finally could get near you to ask you." She said upset.

All of the girls agreed by nodding their heads and some even verbally agreeing. Ino only stood and fumed. Her eyes near leaving Sasuke. She couldn't believe how cold he could be and to think that she had a crush on him too!

At this point, Sasuke got up from the table and moved away from it a little. The girls following him to stay right in front of him. Naruto got up as well and moved to be beside his friend.

"I don't know why all of you can't get it." Naruto said frustrated. "Sasuke is tired of your constant harassment all of the time."

"Harassment!?" Ino shouted.

"Yes, that's right harassment." Naruto fired back now angry. "You don't see how stupid all of you look. You follow him around everywhere uninvited. You never stop with the flirting and begging for his attention. You never stop drooling like rabid dogs and you never give him any space. He is practically suffocating from all of you. Imagine what it would be like, if it was any of you being harassed like this. Tell the truth. You wouldn't like it either."

"Shut up, Naruto." Ino shot back. "You don't have any right to say anything. You are always standing by Sasuke's side. You're the one that gets all of Sasuke's attention and gets to do things with him." Ino stopped abruptly as though a sudden thought crossed her mind. Then an evil smirk suddenly appeared on her face and Naruto knew that it was going to be something nasty that came out of her mouth next.

"-Maybe." Ino began still with an evil smirk on her face. "Maybe, Naruto is gay. I guess you would love to have Sasuke screw you wouldn't you Naruto."

All of the girls present began to laugh.

Naruto went from being angry to being pissed in less than a second.

"Fuck you, Ino. You sleazy bitch."

Sasuke laughed at that and this made Ino shove Naruto back. Except that Naruto didn't budge an inch. He was prepared for this when he verbally retaliated against her. This got Sakura speaking again in defense of her best friend and her crush.

"Yeah, Ino is right." She snapped. "Naruto has to be gay otherwise he would leave my Sasuke alone. Why don't you just die you freak!"

Now Sasuke was pissed. He was so tired of Sakura. Of all the fan-girls, she was the worst he had to put up with and he wondered why he ever did. So without further thought about it. He slapped Sakura. He would have punched her, but his mother always told him to never hit a girl. The exception being if she was a ninja and chose to start a fight first. In Sasuke's mind, Sakura was never going to be a ninja. He just couldn't see it. So he slapped her instead. This caused Ino to fly into a rage and moving away from Naruto, she tried to jump kick Sasuke, who moved faster to avoid it. Now Naruto made a punch that grazed Ino's face. This got Sakura involved and everyone else began to make a ring around the combatants to watch a fight.

Sakura tried to drop kick Naruto while Ino was throwing punches in rapid succession at Sasuke who, blocked each of them expertly. When she made to hit him with a roundhouse kick, Sasuke moved faster and gave Ino an uppercut that sent her high in the air and backwards by three feet.

Naruto didn't bother to entertain, Sakura either. He swiftly kicked Sakura hard in the chest with force enough to send the little girl also flying back along the ground to land beside her friend.

The noise out in the playground was far too excited and loud to mean anything good. Iruka was the first to get up and head to one of several classroom windows. Looking out and seeing what was happening, Iruka launched himself through the open window to be the first one there to break up the fight. He was pissed not only at the children, but also at his fellow instructors. The two that were supposed to be keeping an eye on all of the children. They were far to engrossed in talking about a mission in the land of wind to notice what was taking place right in front of them. By the time they realized what was going on the fight was under way and much further away than were they were currently standing.

Iruka grabbed Sasuke's arm and jerked him back.

"What are you doing Sasuke?!"

Sasuke didn't startle as he was grabbed by his sensei. He had sensed him coming along with several other instructors. He answered his sensei calmly.

"Naruto and I were teaching Ino and Sakura a lesson that probably won't stick."

Ino had gotten up and wiping the blood from her mouth and giving both boys a wild glare.

"You two are such jerks!" See if I have anything to do with either of you creeps." She shouted as she had to be restrained by one of the instructors.

"Silence!" Iruka shouted angrily and immediately it got very quiet. Iruka's temper was legendary at the academy.

"Now the four of you will go back to class right now. We will get to the bottom of this there and then I will hand out the punishments if I deem that necessary, which from all accounts seems to be so. Now let's go."

Iruka nudged Sasuke forward and gestured at Naruto to come also. The Instructor that had to restrain Ino gave her a light push forward and told Sakura to follow them. The rest of the students were told to go and finish their lunches before the lunch period was over.

Sasuke and Naruto both walked obediently off towards the classroom. One fairly confident that everything would work out okay. The other worried about what would happen once he got home from school. If his parents found out about what happened here today, the punishment Iruka would come up with will pale in comparison to what could be expected at home.

Uchiha police headquarters. 1pm.

Fugaku Uchiha was a serious looking man in his mid-thirties. He was of a height of five foot eleven and possessed dark brown hair and an athletic build. He was head of his clan, but he was also the Captain of the police force. The man was very prideful. Far too prideful if you asked Minato. Somehow these two men were the best of friends. In public they were careful to always address each other properly, but when left to themselves they dropped the titles and the honorifics as neither was necessary among good friends.

Today Minato had come over to the police station to pick-up his friend for lunch. The two hadn't had time to hang out much lately due to both men being very busy, but today was different. Today they would get the chance to have lunch together. Minato wanted to talk to Fugaku about his family and invite them over for dinner later in the week. Kushina would have the biggest meal ready for them when they came. She was excited that Minato had agreed to have the Uchiha family over as she too had been busy and hasn't had the chance to talk to her gal-pal, Mikoto.

Fugaku was waiting out in the lobby area of the station when Minato arrived. Everyone bowed as their Hokage came into the building. Minato still wasn't used to this behavior and he guessed he never would either. He gave a small smile and a nod in return and the men and women of the force went back to their work.

"Why it's certainly been a while since I have last seen you, Hokage Sama." Replied Fugaku as he walked forward with an outstretched hand.

Minato took his hand and shook it.

"Yeah it has been a while, but today we can rectify that."

"Yes, let's go. I'm done here for now and I need to get out and stretch my legs a bit."

The two men walked out of the station. Their conversation already beginning with what they would like to eat and where to get it. Their desired lunch was found in a place called the Red Crane. It was a fine dining experience that wasn't brutal on a person's wallet. It wasn't five star, but it was close enough at four and nobody ever complained about the food served there. So it was here that the two friends came and were taken to a private table. One of the perks of being the Hokage for sure. Fugaku didn't let this fact go either. He teased Minato about it as they were led back to their seats. Minato slightly blushed of embarrassment at this which only made his friend laugh.

"You're just too easy, Minato." Fugaku said with a smirk.

"What can I say?" Minato shrugged. "It's been seven years since I was named Hokage and I still find things like this a little uncomfortable."

Fugaku gave Minato a firm pat to the back that made Minato look away from where the hostess was leading them to give a quick glance at his friend.

"Don't worry, Minato. There is nothing at all wrong with being a little modest. I wish I could say the same for myself, but I'm just not the type."

"Yeah you do like to live life bold and proud, but again I don't see anything wrong with that either. We are meant to be different. The world would be a boring place if we were all the exact same."

"True indeed, my friend."

The hostess brought them to their table and moved aside to allow them to access it. Once the men were seated she handed each of them their menus.

"Thank you for choosing the Red Crane, gentlemen. A server will arrive shortly to take your orders. Please enjoy your meals." She said very cordially before bowing and leaving.

Minato looked around at the place as he opened up his menu.

"It looks very nice here. I wonder if the food will be as good."

"You mean you haven't tried this place yet?"

"No, I haven't. I have been wanting to bring Kushina here, but we never seem to get around to it." Minato shrugged. "It seems like Hokage business always gets in the way of us doing something like this now days." Another shrug from Minato followed.

Fugaku looked over at his friend intensely and after a few minutes of a stare down. Fugaku sighed deeply.

"Man, I tell you that you have to take charge and let your flunkies understand that, they do the grunt work and not you. Hell, that's what you're paying them for in the first place." An exasperated Fugaku let out.

"They do their work just fine, Fugaku, but there are things that require my attention and a subordinate can't stand in my place in those times." Minato says unperturbed by his friend's gruff answer. He continued to look over the choices as he spoke.

"Anyway, you should understand something about this type of thing yourself. I understand that being the Captain of the military police force is no joke or push-over either."

"Hm…you're right about that one." Fugaku said as he placed his menu down. "There are days when I wonder what would happen to the force, if I ever got sick and had to miss a few days. The place would probably be in shambles when I returned."

"Maybe you should consider a second in command that is actually worthy of the title? I know that you felt obligated once for Izuna, but as you have told me before the man isn't working out."

Fugaku raised an eyebrow at that, as if he was going to say something brash but changed his mind. Instead he smirked mischievously.

"I'll do that when you consider a successor."

Minato frowned and started to say something, but then the waiter arrived and effectively stopped the conversation.

"Good afternoon, Gentlemen, my name is Kento and I will be your server today. May I start you off with something to drink?"

"Yes, please, I would like a large glass of iced tea with lemon and sugar." Replied Minato. While looking over at his friend who gave a snort at the choice of a drink.

The waiter quickly noted the order onto his pad and then looked over at the arrogant captain.

"-And you sir?"

"I'll have a fresh bottle of sake."

Minato raised an eyebrow at this but didn't say anything as, his friend only gave him an even bigger smirk. The young leader only sighed and shook his head in response.

The waiter jotted Fugaku's order without noticing the silent interaction that was going on before him. When he finished writing, Kento looked back up from his note pad and asked.

"Are we ready to order our meals or should I give you gentlemen more time?"

"No, we're ready." Fugaku said matter of fact, though he didn't know if Minato was ready or not. "I'll have the roast chicken."

"-And you sir?"

"Um, I'll have the salmon and rice please."

The waiter bowed after writing down both men's orders.

"Thank you for your orders. I will bring out your drinks at once. Your meals will be ready in about thirty minutes.

The men thanked the waiter and he bowed and left their table to go place their orders.

As soon as the waiter had gone, Fugaku laughed at his friend. Minato couldn't help letting out a chuckle himself as he once again shook his head.

"What? You don't think I can handle a little alcohol at lunch?" Fugaku asked with amusement. "Trust me, Minato, I'm the master at drinking while on the job. I only do this at lunch time and I only have four shots. It doesn't affect me unless I go over that limit and I'm not stupid enough to jeopardize my position or shame my clan."

"I know my friend, but it still amazes me that you are willing to do this knowing that your men and women of the force aren't allowed. You're the one that made the policy of no drinking while on the job!" Minato laughed. Fugaku only shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm the captain. I make the rules not them." He said with a bit of arrogance that was typical of him. Minato was going to comment on it and then thought better of it. Then he remembered that he promised his wife that he would ask the brash captain if he wanted to bring his family over. He leaned forward against the table.

"Fugaku, there was something that I want to ask you."

"Yes, I'm listening."

"Kushina and I would love having you and your family over for dinner later this week. Say maybe on Friday perhaps?"

Fugaku thought about his friend's request for a moment while staring at the table top. After a couple of minutes of debating with himself, he answered.

"I have a couple of meetings that are on Friday, however, I can get out of the second one and reschedule it. What time do you want us to be there?"

"Does four thirty sound good?"

"Excellent. We will be there. My wife has been talking about either coming over to your place or inviting you over to ours. She really misses Kushina a lot."

"Ah, so does Kushina. She wants to see the kids so much as well. Itachi is doing very well and Kushina wants to talk to him about joining Anbu, also she hasn't seen Sasuke in such a long time either. Speaking of which, Naruto and I saw your sons this morning at the entrance of the academy. It seems they were late getting there as well as ourselves."

"Humph, I'm not surprised." Fugaku replied while he shook his head.

His tone reflected a tinge of annoyance. To the point that, he pinched the bridge of his nose and Minato couldn't help but feel a little bad for Sasuke. The little boy was trying so hard to please his father. All he wanted was his father's love and approval. Two things that he should have had from the beginning. Fugaku released his grip on his nose and reached up to run a hand through his hair.

"Sasuke has a long way to go if he ever wishes to stand beside his brother as an equal."

Minato wanted to snap on the man for that comment, but again this wasn't the time or place and he didn't want to alienate the two of them. He did value Fugaku as a friend and the man was a friend most of the time. Only when it came to his family that he and Minato would have an issue and the issue was always about Sasuke. It was kind of funny to Minato, that it wasn't Mikoto having these kind of concerning talks with Fugaku instead of him. He brushed the thought aside to deal with the matter at hand. Minato decided to stay on the path of a diplomat as he said.

"I'm sure that he will grow to be a fine shinobi. One worthy of his name and clan." Minato assured.

Fugaku looked away as he said.

"Yeah, well… we shall see about that. The brat hasn't even awakened Sharigan yet. Itachi did so at the age of five years old, Minato." Fugaku raises a hand with the palm exposed showing all five digits of that hand as he reiterates. "Five years of age." This ended with a snort of disgust.

Minato knew that there was no point in continuing on about Sasuke. He didn't like the way that his friend treated the boy. It was almost as if the man despised the child because he wouldn't ever bring him a second shot at glory from the eyes of his father's peers. Fugaku liked to boast a lot about Itachi. He was proud of him and never failed to let everyone around them know that Itachi was his son. The more this went on the more Minato was convinced that it was more about making their father look good then anything that the boys accomplished on their own. He decided to let the subject drop of its own accord.

The waiter thankfully returned with their drinks and Minato wasted no time in squeezing the lemon into the tea and then stirring the drink, as he did so, Minato's mind raced with thoughts unspoken. 'I don't know how to approach this subject without Fugaku having a meltdown. He can be so damn stubborn that, it ends up hurting him in the end. I need some time to think on this some more before I try this topic again, but try again I will. Sasuke needs someone in his corner.'

"Something on your mind, Minato?" Fugaku asked with a curious tone inflected. The earlier exchange now seemly forgotten.

"I'm sorry. I was thinking of my son and how brash he can be sometimes." Lied Minato easily.

Fugaku poured himself a shot of sake as he thought on it.

"You know, Minato… I don't think that Naruto gets enough discipline from you and Kushina. Don't get me wrong. You both are fine parents, but you have a son that takes a little too much after his mother and that woman can get out of control at times. I understand that you don't want to touch this issue with your wife, but honestly, Minato, you should get your son under more control. How will he ever be a great ninja like yourself if he can't even control his emotions?"

Minato was taking a sip of his tea and unlike a lot of other people. He didn't spit that tea in Fugaku's face. The thought didn't even cross his mind because he knew his friend. Fugaku was trying to help by giving what he believed to be sound advice. Minato understood this from being friends with the Uchiha for such a long time. This didn't mean that what he had just said didn't sting a bit. It did. Minato was well aware of the fact, that Fugaku wasn't even acknowledging the existence of his youngest son as he chose only his eldest as being worthy of attention. So he really didn't have any right to lecture Minato about how to raise Naruto.

'This is just the point though isn't it? Aren't I trying to lecture him about raising his sons?' Minato mentally argued with himself. Another part of him answered from within. 'Yeah, but Naruto is loved and it isn't like we don't know or care about what Naruto says or does. We do discipline our son, but with love and care not total disregard for the outcome of what damage could and will be done and we don't give a damn.' This made Minato sour a bit, but he let none of it show as he continued speaking with his friend. The Uchiha's weren't the only ones who could master the art of hiding their true emotions.

"Yes, we both have things that we need to work on I guess. Still, I'm glad that we can talk like this about our families so easily. There are many people that can't do this at all without fighting."

"Yes, this is true. We try to help each other out with parenting. It isn't like there is a manual on how to be the perfect parent." Fugaku concurred.

"That's for sure." Minato said and mentally added. 'That is very true. I need to keep this in mind also. If only we could see eye to eye about children. Then this friendship would be perfect.'

The waiter now came forth balancing a large tray in his right hand held just above his shoulder.

"Alright gentlemen here we go." The waiter smiled and grabbed Minato's plate first off of the tray.

"Here sir, is the Salmon and rice special." The waiter placed the meal before Minato who thanked him.

Then the waiter reached up and grabbed the roast chicken.

"-And for you, sir, the roast chicken."

Fugaku only made a grunt sound as acknowledgement and immediately dug in. The waiter tucked the tray under the right arm as he said.

"Will there be anything else?"

"No, we're fine for now." Minato replied happily.

"Very well sirs, I will come back and check on you a little later."

The waiter bowed and then left the men alone to enjoy their meals. The two men ate in silence for a while but as they became more satiated conversation began to return once more.

"So what do you think of the place, Minato." Fugaku asked before taking another bite of the pickled plums that came with the roast chicken.

"I have to admit that this is very good. I will most definitely bring my wife here for a meal sometime."

"I'm glad to hear that. Perhaps we can both bring our wives here together sometime? It would be more fun that way though maybe not as intimate."

"Yes, I think that it would be nice to get away from home and bring both of our wives out. This place really has a nice atmosphere as well as good food and certainly the company would be wonderful. I think they would have an excellent time."

"I agree."

Conversation stopped briefly as the men finished their meals and were now sitting back in their seats. Minato waved down their waiter Kento, who immediately came to their table. He asked for a refill of the iced tea and Kento rushed off to get him another. Fugaku simply poured himself another shot of sake. Feeling good from having ate a good meal and having good company, Fugaku decided that he wanted to talk about his favorite subject. Itachi.

"You know, Minato, I am very proud to have a son like Itachi. He is learning things quickly in Anbu. They have told me that at the rate he is progressing, Itachi will make an Anbu captain sometime this year."

"Congratulations early, Fugaku. I have no doubt that he will make captain by then. I have ordered the commander to keep me up to date on Itachi's progress. I know that some of the members weren't very welcoming of him. So I'm keeping my eye on him to make sure that he is treated equally and fairly."

"Ah, I appreciate that of you my friend." Fugaku said genuinely. "Itachi can handle himself in a fight, but no one can fight prejudice on their own. I knew that there would be some that would baulk at having such a young member join them. Most of them believe that he should still be a Genin not at the level of an Anbu. An elite like themselves."

"Yes, I agree there." Minato said as he watched Kento return with the new glass of iced tea. "There are quite a few that are having a hard time seeing him as a genuine shinobi capable of giving them support or even lead in a fight or mission. They have yet to get over his appearance to look inward." A small voice in the back of his mind made a comment that rushed across Minato's mind. 'Like the way I wish you would do about your youngest son, Fugaku.'

The waiter placed the cold drink on the table in front of Minato and bowed and left.

"I agree with you, but they will have to come to terms with this new reality in their midst sooner or later." Fugaku said with annoyance. 'Why can't they see the greatness that is my son?' He thought bitterly.

Fugaku swallowed his shot of sake. He placed the shot glass down a little harder than he meant to do. He looked at his shot glass and frowned. He was nearing the end of his drinking time. He decided not to dwell on it. It didn't matter anyway.

"I want to make Itachi our clan's future clan head." Fugaku went on as his friend once again squeezed the lemon into his tea before stirring it.

"He is going to become an excellent shinobi, Minato. I can feel it. A true gem to his people." Fugaku poured another shot of sake and then quickly downed it. He stared at the shot glass for a moment thinking of something before he slowly placed the glass down. "You know, when I look at that boy. I always feel like there is so much that we can accomplish as a clan. The things that I am doing now for our clan. Itachi will do even better with in the future. I can't help but feel so proud of him."

Minato had a revelation at that moment. 'Sasuke isn't the only one that is feeling the pressure of his father. Itachi is too. It's in a different way but there is no way that it isn't there. Perhaps I need to have a talk with Itachi. I need to see if what I'm thinking is correct.' Again Minato hid what he was truly thinking by saying something else.

"Itachi does have great potential, Fugaku. I wouldn't even try to deny that. The boy does have a brimming future as a shinobi.

"-But?" Interjected Fugaku slightly annoyed. 'This is going to be about Sasuke again. I can tell just from the man's demeanor right now.' He thought bitterly.

Minato glanced up from stirring his tea to his friend and could tell that he was already onto him. So Minato changed what he was about to say. 'Keep in mind, Minato that this isn't the time or place for this kind of conversation. There will be a better time.' Assuring himself again, Minato shifted the conversation.

"My wife and I look forward to seeing you and your family on Friday. As I have said earlier, Fugaku, Kushina is wanting to talk to Itachi about his induction into the Anbu. She is really excited for him."

'Ah, yes, I can't say I blame her one bit." Fugaku replied with a bit of relief in his voice. "Mikoto and I are such grateful parents." He glanced down at his watch to see what time it was.

The conversation between the two friends had somehow managed to become slightly uncomfortable all of a sudden and Minato knew the moment he saw his friend glance at his watch that, Fugaku was about to make up an excuse and leave.

"Well…Minato it has been an enjoyable lunch, but I'm afraid that it is time for me to go."

'Yeah, I blew it. I have managed to chase the man off. This topic of his younger son is going to be more difficult to breach then I first thought.' Minato internally surmised.

"Yes, I should be heading back to the office as well. Those subordinates of mine are going to wonder just how long I intend to leave them to themselves."

Fugaku let out a laugh of contentment. 'Good. We are still okay. No harm had been done.' He mused.

"Then I will see you on Friday then?"

"Yes. We will be there and we will bring dessert. So please tell Kushina that for us."

"I will."

The friends stood up from the table and bowed to each other. Then Fugaku left. Minato sat back down and deeply sighed. 'Fugaku when are you ever going to realize that Sasuke is just as precious? He is your flesh and blood that alone should make him valuable to you. That is reason enough to accept him as he is and see what he becomes and Itachi isn't your trophy child.'

The glass of iced tea was downed in one gulp and Minato reached in his inside pocket of his robe and pulled out his wallet. He drew out enough to make the tip for both men since, Fugaku failed to leave one and then got up and headed for the front to pay before leaving.

The walk home.

Sasuke was upset, but he kept his emotional state well hidden. It was the one thing about being an Uchiha that he had gotten down quite well. He was upset because the meeting in the classroom didn't go well. He knew that it wouldn't. The memory of the event still moving like a tidal wave hitting the shore line over and over in his mind.

Sensei and students walked into the classroom silently, but the minute she was no longer moving, Sakura's mouth took over. She immediately was on the defensive. Even before Iruka could ask them anything.

"Sensei, this is all Naruto's fault!"

"What the hell, Sakura!" Naruto abruptly yelled out.

"Yes, if you would have just stayed out of this then there wouldn't have been a fight to begin with." Ino now interjected.

Naruto looked at her in disbelief.

"You're the one that started all of this, when you decided to come over to our table and ruin our lunch. So don't go pinning this on me."

Iruka's blood vessels were beginning to pop at his temples. A bad sign.

"ENOUGH, SAKURA, YOU WILL WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED WHAT HAPPENED!" Then looking over at Naruto, Iruka continued. "NARUTO, DON'T SAY ANOTHER WORD."

"-But they-."

"I SAID NOT ANOTHER WORD!"

Naruto cringed.

"Yes, sir."

Iruka took a moment to calm himself before continuing. Once he was ready he began the iniquiry.

"Now I'm going to ask for each of you to give your account of what happened one at a time. While that person is speaking everyone else will remain quiet. Should you disobey me, you will be sent immediately to the headmaster's office. Understood?"

"Yes, Sensei." They all said in unison.

"Okay, Ino." Iruka gestured with both hands towards the girl. "We will begin with you."

Ino straightened herself up as she was slouching a bit with her arms folded over her chest. This was the chance to set things straight.

"It was all Naruto's fault." She began with an accusatory glare at Naruto.

Iruka was feeling annoyance already, but he kept an even tone as he pushed Ino for a better explanation

"Ino, I need a better explanation than it was Naruto's fault."

Ino huffed and went back into a slouch as she began explaining.

"I felt bad for Sakura this morning. So when we all went out for lunch. I tried to console her about what had happened. She was really devastated and was blaming herself. So I decided to ask her if she wanted to go over and apologize to Sasuke and see if we could patch things up between them."

At this, Sasuke let out annoyed sigh. 'Here we go again. The princess of delusion is once again spinning the tale of her undying love for her chosen prince. What will it take for her to understand that I'm not interested in her like that? We might have been friends if she wasn't so obsessed with me. Besides, there isn't anything special about me anyway. At least that's what my clan and even my family says. So why me? Why is Sakura so fixated on me?' Another sigh left his mouth before he could get it stopped and this made everyone look in his direction. Sasuke only shrugged and looked away. There was no way he was in the mood of sharing his mind's thoughts with the group.

Iruka looked back at Ino.

"Ino, please continue."

"Yes, sir, as I was saying we were only coming over for Sakura to apologize and then that's when Naruto got involved." She spat angrily. "He got up and confronted us and told us that we are stupid and that we couldn't take a hint. He made Sakura cry again!" She shouted.

Naruto wanted to puke. He hated lies. He hated them even more when they were given in such bold unashamed tone such as Ino was doing now. She knew that she was lying, but she was doing it anyway believing that somehow, Iruka would be stupid enough to fall for her act. Naruto wanted to punch Ino right then and there, but he couldn't afford to get himself in any more trouble. So he grit his teeth so hard he thought they would crack from the pressure. 'I like girls, but I'm really starting to dislike Ino and Sakura. They're two witches that I'm going to have to watch out for in the future. Now that I have seen their true colors today.' He bitterly thought.

"Alright, Ino that's enough now." Iruka said as he turned his head to look over at Sakura.

"Sakura is this account that Ino gave true?"

"Yes, sensei it is. I just wanted to apologize that's all. I didn't want Sasuke to be angry with me anymore. I'm really hoping that we can be friends. So I was hurt when Naruto attacked us the way he did. It was so uncalled for. I hope he gets a big punishment for what he did today."

Iruka studied both girls pensively for a moment. 'They are not telling the whole truth if any of it was true. Naruto is obnoxious at times and blunt at others, but he is also compassionate. He would never have said the things that the girls are accusing him of unless they had started something with him first. Naruto believes in forgiveness and friendship. He would never attack the girls over something like that. He's a good kid. Either way, I will learn the truth here in the next minute.'

He leaned back onto his desk behind him with his arms still crossed.

"Sasuke what happened?"

Sasuke was sort of relieved that he was going next. He didn't want any doubts about what really happened in that yard.

"Naruto and I went to our table and was minding our own business. I could see Ino talking to Sakura and the two were becoming increasingly more animated at their table. I warned Naruto that they were going to be coming over to our table soon and to brace himself."

Sasuke could tell without even looking at Sakura that the girl was giving him those puppy dog eyes, but he wasn't going to lie about what his friend did just to appease her. He grimaced at the thought and continued on.

"It didn't take long for both girls to get up from their table and head in our direction. Most of the other girls in the class also coming along with them. Once they arrived. It was Ino who began the confrontation by accusing me of being heartless and making Sakura cry."

"-And what did you say to that?"

"I told her that Sakura had brought what happened in class this morning on herself. She knew that we are not allowed to pass notes in class and that she went and did it anyway. I refuse to feel guilty for something that I did not cause."

"Sasuke!" Ino snapped more angry that before.

"Silence, Ino. One more outburst from you and you are going to the office."

Ino didn't say anything else but she didn't stop her glaring at the both of the boys.

Iruka went on with his questioning.

"Sasuke please continue."

"Yes, Sensei, so I got up from the table. At this point, I felt that things were possibly going to turn physical as they followed me. Staying in front of me the whole time. It was then that Naruto got up and stood at my side. He told them that they all looked stupid for following me around and drooling and fighting over me and the like. That's when Ino shouted for him to shut up and then accused him of being gay and wanting it from me."

Sasuke didn't bother to choose different words for what he had just said. Ino was blunt in the yard and Sasuke felt that two could play that game. He wanted Iruka to know just how bad the girl's insinuation was. Ino, was now looking for the first time since they arrived in the classroom scared.

The academy had a very strict policy about sexual orientation of students. There was to be no harassment of any students that are thought of or might be gay. Everyone was to treat each other with respect and dignity. This wasn't just because of political etiquette that it was this way. It was also a simple fact of life for ninja. You may find yourself on the same team with people of different color or sexual orientation and the like. If you can't get along as ninja. You are a liability on missions. Enemy ninja are trained as well as the Leaf in observance. An enemy can spot in a blink of an eye any discord within their opponents. They can and will use that to their advantage and kill them. This holds especially true, if either party is carrying a valuable scroll containing a prized jutsu or are on an important mission to stop the enemy's advancement into their territory. Being able to pick out any weakness is taken full advantage of. Therefore, any kind of intolerance within a person's conduct is met with swift discipline and even expulsion from the academy or shinobi ranks.

Iruka was frowning now at Ino and the frown deepened as he learned more about the incident in the schoolyard.

"Sakura was the one that sent the whole situation into a tailspin." Sasuke continued. "She agreed with Ino, saying that Naruto was a freak and that he should kill himself. That's when I slapped her without thinking and the fighting began."

Sakura was now pale. She looked over at Ino, who was equally pale and looking back at her. They both realized that they were in much bigger trouble than either of the boys. Iruka's expression simply confirmed it.

"Ino, Sakura, you both know the code of conduct do you not?"

"Y-yes sir. We do."

"Then why did you let remarks like that leave your mouths? Can you even confirm what you said out there? Does it even matter in the end? I'm disappointed in both of you right now. You have slandered a person's character and over something that we don't persecute. Do you know why that is?

"Yes sir. We aren't to discriminate because it causes discord within the ranks and death or severe injury on the field. Each person no matter their background is demanded to uphold the code of conduct and treat each other with dignity and respect. We are not to harass each other nor do personal harm to each other either physically, mentally, sexually or emotionally. Anything that falls below these standards will be met with punishment comparable to the degree of the harm."

Tears were in both girls' eyes as they finished. And Iruka sighed deeply.

"Alright this is the way it is going to be." He said calmly and evenly.

"Sasuke and Naruto, the two of you are not permitted onto the playground at all for the next two weeks. There will be no recess for you and you will have your lunches here in the classroom with me. Is this understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good."

Iruka then looked over at the two girls.

"Ino and Sakura, the two of you are on suspension for the next three days. When you return you will apologize to both of the boys here and to the entire class for what you said and for the disruption that you caused. Also, you two will have detention every night for the next two weeks once your suspension has been finished. Finally, I want all of you to know that, your parents will be notified of the incident that took place and the punishments that have been handed down."

This last part made Sasuke sick at his stomach as he continued on home. He knew that his father would be waiting for him when he got there and he wasn't going to be happy to see Sasuke. The little Uchiha walked slowly ignoring the people around him as he made his way towards the path that led to his district. 'I wish Itachi was here. He would stand between me and father over this incident.' Sasuke thought sadly. 'Itachi knows that I was only trying to defend my friend and myself from two troublemakers. Father on the other hand isn't going to see it that way.' Sasuke sighed as he kept moving towards his home dreading every step he took.

Homeward bound

Naruto was met at the gates by his mother, as soon as school was let out. She was standing tapping her left foot with her hands on both hips. He could tell she was angry just from this, but he could also tell that the level of anger wasn't as bad as he thought it would have been. She was upset with him, but she wasn't furious and that was all the difference Naruto needed. He would receive a lecture from her and nothing more. Still, Naruto knew his mother's temper. He knew it well because he had inherited it from her. So he knew to be agreeable and tell the truth and everything would work out fine. Lie to her and she would tan Naruto's ass the color of her own hair.

"Hi, mom." He said cheerily.

"Don't you play that game with me, Naruto! What happened in there today?" Kushina said angry. Then realizing that they were in public and this was meant to be a private conversation, Kushina abruptly added. "No, on second thought I don't want to know right now. You can tell all about it at home where we're going right now."

Naruto was about to protest, but like his mother could do. He suddenly changed his mind. They were supposed to be going to the weapons and accessories shop to purchase Naruto a supply pouch. Now thanks to the girls' stunt this afternoon, Naruto wasn't going to get one. At least not today and that was disappointing to the little boy.

"Okay, mom then let's go home." He said dejectedly.

Kushina was upset first for having learned that her son had gotten into a fight that wasn't part of the instructed activities and now she was upset that she couldn't take Naruto as promised to get the new pouch. Instead they were going home to first hear his side of the story and then hand down a punishment. Kushina thought that not being able to go to the store today will probably be punishment enough and that after talking with her husband, she was sure that they would both take Naruto to get the pouch in a few days' time. This made her feel much better about the whole thing and her son picked up on the happier mood. Naruto was grateful for it. He hated to upset his mother, especially since she worried about him a lot. The two walked home talking about happier things like what special dessert did Kushina make today or guessing what Minato's day was like.

Sasuke came home and found his father waiting for him just as knew he would. The man was leaning against one of the post supports of the front porch near the steps. He had his arms folded over his chest and since he was leaning at an angle. Fugaku had one foot crossed over the other as he waited and watched his son approach. The stance alone was intimating to Sasuke, but it was the expression of his father that was even more so. Sasuke tried not to look away from his father as he approached. He knew that this was considered a weakness in his father's eyes and Sasuke wasn't weak. When the boy came near the steps, Fugaku finally moved from the post to stand up straight. His arms were still crossed over his chest and the expression never changed. An expression of intense disappointment and anger.

"I'm sitting in my office at work." He began. "I was in the middle of conducting a high level security meeting with my top officers. When low and behold the meeting is interrupted." Fugaku was now starting to walk down the steps. The man's arms now at his sides with hands clenched in fists.

Sasuke was trying not to be scared, but his father was so big and strong and looking so angry right now. The kind of anger that has been on a slow boil all day and is just about to unleash itself on him. He couldn't help it. Sasuke looked down and backed up three steps. This made his father let out an irritated sigh.

"Sasuke look at me boy when I'm talking to you."

Sasuke did as he was told again trying to hide the fear that they both knew he felt.

"Can you imagine my embarrassment to learn that the cause of this disruption wasn't some top level security breach or some suspects trying to resist arrest inside the station or even some other important event." Now Fugaku was at the bottom of the steps and slowly stepped off the last one.

"It turns out to be you, Sasuke. It's you." Fugaku leaned forward until he was nearly bent in half and looking directly into his now terrified son's face. "Do you know how angry I am right now? Can you ever remember a time when I was this angry with Itachi? DID ITACHI EVER ACT UP IN THE ACADEMY, HUH?!"

Sasuke winced at his father's shouting but he refused to let tears fall. He was scared, so scared but he wouldn't cry.

"ANSWER ME BOY!"

Rage rose up within Fugaku and without warning. Fugaku's right hand raised up and came back down with force against the right side of Sasuke's face. The little boy's head went to the left with enough force that Sasuke was knocked to the ground hard. He immediately reached for the right side of his face gingerly with tears streaming down. He struggled not to let out a wail along with the tears. This would only fuel his father's anger more. Instead the little boy struggled to get out the words that his father wanted to hear.

"N-No, f- father, no. Itachi was a-a-an excellent student and son."

"Damn right he was and is, Sasuke." Fugaku leaned even further down over shadowing Sasuke as he spoke. His arms out at his sides making him look even more intimidating to the young child.

The desire to hit the boy again was strong, but Fugaku resisted the urge. As it was, the boy now has a red mark on his face that promises to become a full angry bruise in no time. He knew he already went too far and would have to go and get one of the clan's healers to come and heal the bruise before the child went back to the academy. He also didn't want Itachi to see the wound. He didn't feel like explaining things to his eldest son. Fugaku straighten back up to full height. Looking at the little boy on the ground cowering before him made him look away. The urge was so strong to hit him again right now.

"You know there are times when I wonder, if you will ever be worthy of the blood that flows in your veins. Sometimes I even wonder if you are really my son." Fugaku says with bitterness.

"Go to your room. You will have no supper tonight. I will send a healer to your room in a few minutes to take care of the bruise. Don't ever embarrass me like this again, Sasuke. Now get up."

Fugaku moved back away from the little boy. He didn't trust himself that he wouldn't knock the child back down on the ground. So he moved away from him. Sasuke quickly got up. He knew that being slow to respond to his father's demands would only bring more pain. He stood unable to look at his father. He bowed his head ashamed that he couldn't meet the man's gaze.

"Tomorrow when you come home from school we will talk about what you have done. Right now I'm tired of looking at you."

"Yes, father." Sasuke felt the tears begin to flow harder now. He knew that the sound of sobs was imminent. Thus, he quickly made his way into the house and to his room.

He didn't even stop and greet his mother as he rushed passed her. Mikoto heard the yelling of her husband and decided that she wouldn't say anything to Sasuke right now. He was to upset. She would wait until later and talk with him then. Preferably later this evening while her husband is out training. She was fearful for both of her sons, but especially for Sasuke. He was so young to have such a heavy burden placed on his shoulders.

A burden that was so unreasonable and stupid. Yet she felt powerless to stop what she knew was going on. She loved her husband and no matter what happened she would always stand behind him. Even if what he was doing wasn't right in her eyes, Mikoto would stand by him. She needed to find a way to get her husband to turn from abusing Sasuke. She just didn't know how without breaking up their family. Something was rolling down her face. She reached up with her right hand to wipe at it. Looking at her hand she saw a tear that had become a wet streak on her hand. She quickly wiped her eyes and got back to preparing supper. Fugaku wouldn't be happy if the meal was late because of their youngest son.

Friday September 6th at 11 am.

The incident at the academy remained a sour fruit to the taste of Fugaku all week. He thought about it often and was short of patience with Sasuke. He repeatedly found himself snapping at the boy for no reason. For his part, Sasuke stayed away from his father as much as he could. There was no reason to be in the presence of someone that clearly didn't want you near them. So the little boy stayed out of his father's way and remained quiet all week. Still Fugaku was angry anyway and he had decided that he didn't want to go over to the Namikazes for dinner on Friday.

The thought of taking his family over after what Sasuke had gotten himself and Fugaku's best friend's son into was too embarrassing for words in his opinion. He knew that the academy had handed down a punishment as well to Sasuke. Something that had never happened with Itachi.

It was Mikoto who had called on behalf of her husband since he had left that Friday morning to go to work. Kushina had answered the phone and was disappointed to hear the news. They talked for a while and Mikoto had promised before the conversation ended that she would talk to her husband and see if they could still meet up for dinner at their house. It was Mikoto's way of making amends for her husband's brash decision.

"Did we do anything in particular to upset Fugaku?" Kushina asked concerned.

"No, no you didn't Kushina, don't even think that way. It's just that Fugaku feels comfortable around Itachi mainly because the boy is practically raising himself. Itachi's always been this way. Sasuke on the other hand, needs more attention and Fugaku doesn't know quite how to handle that."

"I see. I feel so sorry for Sasuke. This incident at school must have been hard on him."

"Hm, yes you could say that Kushina. The girls at the academy have made things nearly unbearable for him from the day he started there. I knew that eventually Sasuke was going to grow tired of their unending attention and snap on them one day. It just happened sooner than I expected."

How's he doing now?"

"He goes to school and then he keeps much to himself when he comes home. Itachi has come home from his mission in Anbu and I told him the situation. So he is trying to make up for what their father lacks. I swear sometimes that Fugaku acts like a bigger child then our children." Mikoto sighed and wanting to change the subject. Mikoto asked Kushina.

"How is Naruto doing?"

"He is upset that he upset me that day, but we talked about it. I had him tell me everything once we were home and Minato spoke with him later that evening. He wasn't punished for the fight though he is grounded for a week for using profanity. It's just that now Naruto is worried about Sasuke. You know how Naruto can sense a person's deeper emotions."

"Yes, I do remember …that would be kind of hard."

"It is and I just keep telling Naruto to just be there for Sasuke and don't worry about the other kids at school."

"Yeah, Itachi managed to get Sasuke to open up to him a little. He has told me that Sasuke and Naruto are hating not being able to go out for recess or lunch because of Ino and Sakura."

"Speaking of those two girls can you believe that they had the nerve to say such things?"

"Yes, well it turns out that Ino only said that because she was angry and she wanted to hurt Naruto. All the girls are jealous of each other over my son. They all want to spend time with him and have his undivided attention and it's Naruto that gets Sasuke's attention. It must be exasperating to them."

"Well, girls that would stoop that low as to say some off the cuff remark like that need to be disciplined and I'm glad that those two got a three day suspension to boot. If I had been there they would have gotten their ears tweaked in the bargain."

Mikoto laughed at this statement.

"I'm sure you would Kushina. I'm sure you would."

Kushina found herself laughing now. She pulled herself back together as she said.

"Well I have to go now, Mikoto. Thanks for calling and letting me know that you won't be able to make it.

"Yeah I need to get off here too. I have errands to run before getting supper ready later today. You and your family take care and I will call you tomorrow with an answer to when we will be over for dinner."

"That sounds good. I'll see you then."

Kushina hung up the phone and sighed. 'I knew that once we got word of the fight. I just knew that Fugaku would pull out of coming over to see us. He can be so predictable sometimes.' Another sigh escaped Kushina. She then let the thought go as she went to prepare lunch for her husband. Today she would take lunch to Minato at his office since he was far too busy with an important peace treaty agreement between Konoha and the land of Rice Patties. He had told Kushina that he would probably be late for their lunch time rendezvous. Thus, Kushina had said that she would just bring lunch to him and if they could eat together then it was fine; if not she would leave his lunch at the receptionist's desk. With that decided she got busy as in thirty minutes it would be noon and Minato may or may not be waiting for her and their lunch.

The academy at lunch time.

'I wonder why things like this have to happen.' Naruto thought as he watched the class file out to go outside for lunch. Some of the children were looking back at both Naruto and Sasuke and snickering. A sigh left Naruto and he looked away only to end up viewing the two worst people in this entire academy in his opinion. Sakura and her sidekick Ino. The two girls gave him a glare and stormed off behind the rest of the class. They had been given their suspensions and had been missing from class from Tuesday until today, Friday. Naruto looked over at Sasuke who wasn't looking at anyone. He was busy reading over a passage from the strategies text book. Naruto figured it was better than looking at the losers that just left the room. He would never understand those two girls even if, someone handed him a manual on how they operated. While they had been out for the past three days it had been peaceful. Their classmates didn't mind them one bit and still talked with them before class started and when it ended. However, once Ino and Sakura returned today. All of that changed. Most of the girls in the class were borderline hostile to Naruto blaming him for not only causing Sakura and Ino to get suspensions and trouble at home, but also for turning Sasuke against them.

For Sasuke it was business as usual. Ignore the problem even though you know it won't go away. There was nothing he could do about the way these girls acted, but he wasn't against girls. Hinata, was a shy but very kind hearted girl who never played the part of a fan-girl and was an honest person. Sasuke loved honesty above all else, that was one of the reasons he liked and got along with Naruto so well. At first, Sasuke tried speaking with Hinata and including her in their company, but the other girls soon started treating Hinata like a third class citizen and he quickly gave it up. There were a few other girls that came from civilian families that were great to hang out with too. Still the same thing would happen and Sasuke didn't want those girls to be picked on either so he went to just ignoring the girls altogether. He didn't know how else to deal with the situation and confronting the two witches responsible for this whole mess wasn't a possibility anymore.

Sasuke had gotten into trouble with his father over them. The week has been anything but pleasant at home and he wasn't interested in a repeat of it. Itachi, was a pillar of strength to Sasuke, who came home just at the right time from his mission. That early Thursday morning, Itachi came through the door and went straight to wake up his little brother. Sauske was glad to see him. He had felt so alone all week. His mother had tried to talk to him about his father, but Fugaku made her go with him on training sessions all week and the rest of the time he was at the academy or something else would happen that wouldn't permit his mother a chance to speak with him.

Sasuke had felt like crying. He was only seven years old. How was he supposed to deal with all of this? The demands of his father for perfection in everything. The girls at school that were a nuisance. The trouble that Ino and Sakura has caused. How was he supposed to deal with it all? He managed through sobs to tell his big brother, Itachi everything, but only through time. He wasn't able to tell Itachi everything at once and Itachi knew to be patient. Something that their father lacked greatly.

In many ways, Itachi acted not only as big brother to Sasuke, but he was also in a lot of ways like a father figure to the little boy. Sasuke looked up to and respected Itachi's opinion on everything. He never lied to him. He never made him feel as though he was worthless. Itachi always encouraged Sasuke to be the very best that he could be. Itachi never told him that he needed to be somebody else in order to succeed in life. This was the reason Sasuke loved his brother the most.

For Itachi's part, he didn't want to go on the mission. He had felt for some time now that things weren't right at home anymore. He knew asking their father was a waste of time. The man would lie or try to flatter Itachi which would only piss Itachi off. Asking Sasuke about it never got him anywhere either. The little boy was evasive and if Itachi pushed the matter. Sasuke would become very withdrawn and quiet.

So when he saw one of his crows circling high above him while he sat at his campsite. Itachi knew that this wasn't going to be anything good. When Itachi read the message sent from his mother. He had to restrain himself from going and doing something stupid at that moment. He was on a mission and his team would be beginning the second part of their mission within the hour. He couldn't therefore go run off to punch a few trees into splinters or pulverize a few large boulders to take out his anger and frustration on. He had to stay focused on the mission that was about to begin, but when he was able to finally turn for home. Itachi was going to have words with his father.

Upon returning home, Itachi didn't report straight to his father as he normally did. Fugaku always wanted a report from his eldest of how the missions had gone. Itachi would always meet with him in his home office to give his report. Thursday morning however, Itachi went straight to Sauske to check on him and to let him know that he is loved and not abandoned. Then he went back out and sat on the roof of their home until Sasuke was ready to go to school. Once Sasuke appeared outside their home, Itachi leaped down and walked his brother to the academy despite his father's protests. When Itachi came home. He and Fugaku would have their first of many fights.

Outside the Hokage's office. At 12 noon.

Kushina wasn't able to meet with her husband after all. The delegation from the Land of Rice Patties, were being a bit stubborn about just where the leaf shinobi could go within their borders. Minato was being patient; but even he had limits and at some point he would let them know it. Thus, Kushina was stopped at the receptionist's desk that was placed a good half way down the hall from the office. The person behind the receptions desk may be a paper pusher and a person who answered calls, but that didn't mean that she couldn't kick your ass if need be. Everyone that worked on the top floor with the Hokage were top level shinobi. In a sense, they were as much body guards as they were office personnel and every one of them was either Jounin or Anbu in rank.

"I'm sorry my Lady." The young woman with long dark brown hair that was tied half way down with a bow said as she stood and came around the front of her desk.

"- But Hokage-sama is busy with the delegation and isn't ready to receive any visitors as yet. I'm truly sorry." She said as she bowed politely.

"Oh…well that's okay, Mina. I didn't think that the delegation would be the most easy- going of people anyway." Kushina said with disappointment. "I've seen them when they arrived here and they seemed far to stuck up for my tastes. Oops, I shouldn't have said that aloud. Sorry." Kushina blushed and let out a giggle of embarrassment as she added. "Now we see why Minato is the more appropriate one to deal with diplomacy."

"No problem my Lady and yes I have to agree with you about the delegation. I have never seen such snobs in all my life. Hokage-sama should be given a reward after this day is over." Mina couldn't help but let out a soft laugh of her own. She was half way down the hall, but she was still keenly aware that the Hokage was trying to conduct business in his office.

"Well I better go than. I'm keeping you from your own work and I will probably get you in trouble on top of that since I tend to get loud. Oh, please see that my husband gets this lunch. At some point, I think even those snooty patty people will find themselves getting hungry and needing a break." Another short laugh escaped Kushina and Mina laughed with her.

"I agree with you again my lady. I will see that he gets this and that it was from you."

"Thank you."

Kushina bowed as Mina herself bowed again also. Then Kushina smiled and left heading back to the entrance that led to the stair case. She soon made her way all the way down the three flights of stairs to the first floor and was heading out the front door when Itachi grabbed the door handle from the opposite side and pulled. Kushina was startled as she had been lost in her own thoughts and let go of the handle the second her hand felt the pull from the other side. It made her look up from the handle to see who was on the other side of the glass door.

Itachi was mildly surprised as he too was lost in his own thoughts. He felt embarrassed at the moment but in true Uchiha fashion he didn't let it show. He opened the door all the way and stepped aside while still holding onto the handle and gestured for Kushina to continue on through the door. Kushina stepped outside the building and greeted the eldest son of their family friend.

"Good afternoon, Itachi. It is so good to see you."

"Ah, the same here Mrs. Namikaze. How are you and the family?" Itachi asked politely.

"We are doing well though Naruto got into some trouble at the academy, but other than that everything is good."

"I see." Itachi said with a frown. The smile that was there a moment earlier quickly replaced as the mentioning of the trouble at the academy made him think of his father and the fight that they had that morning.

"Itachi? Is something the matter? Did I say something wrong again?"

Itachi looked up at the fiery redhead with a small smile.

"No my Lady, you haven't done anything. It's just that the trouble at the academy has been very hard on my little brother and father is to blame for all of it."

Kushina's expression showed surprise at this and Itachi knew that he had better explain.

"You see mother had sent me a note by one of my crows that father was being extremely hard on Sasuke."

Itachi was careful about saying more than that. He didn't want to tell Kushina about the abuse at least not yet. He needed to see if he could get things turned around on his own with his mother's help before he started telling others what was going on. He continued on seeing that Kushina was taking in every word just as carefully.

"She also told me that father wouldn't permit her to speak with Sasuke or console him about the incident either." Itachi wanted to punch something at that moment, but knew that he needed to stay in control and swiftly calmed his emotions.

"I'm sorry to hear about this, Itachi. I didn't know. We were upset at first too when we got the news from the academy that our boys were in trouble, but then I talked with Naruto and later so did his father and we realized that the other party was more responsible though I did have to punish Naruto for using foul language. That one he did all on his own and I washed his mouth out with soap!" At this last part, Kushina was merely joking and let out a telltale laugh.

Itachi didn't join in on the laugh that followed Kushina's statement.

"Itachi, are you okay? If Fugaku hit you or anything I'll-"

"No my lady it wasn't like that. I'm sorry if I have implied that to you at all. It's just that when I came home. I was angry. I was so angry with father. He insists that Sasuke live his life exactly like mine and if he can't father will disown him and kick him out of the clan. It isn't fair and I will fight on behalf of my brother because Sasuke has no voice. There is nothing that he could ever say that, would make our father listen to him and there is nothing that he can do to change father's mind either."

"Well you know that Minato and I will do everything we can to help you and your brother. Your father is stubborn, but he means well.

'I wish that were only true.' Itachi thought sadly.

"I know. I just wish that he would listen to someone." Itachi looked up at the sky a bit sad as he said.

"You know it's funny really. He holds me up in such high regard, but not high enough to hear even me when it comes to Sasuke and that's why I'm worried. I can't help but feel that he hates my brother because he knows that Sasuke cannot give him another prodigy. Sometimes I feel as if things would have been so much better for my little brother if I had never been born at all."

Kushina reached up and placed a hand gently onto his shoulder.

"Itachi, don't say things like that. Even if your father is an ass about this situation. Trust me. Sasuke and your mother love you. Especially, Sasuke. You are the most important person in his life and if anything happened to you, Sasuke wouldn't be able to deal with it very well for a long time. My little family would miss you equally as much. So don't say things like this anymore. We'll get through this somehow together."

Itachi was grateful for Kushina's words and therefore reached out and embraced her.

"Thank you. I needed to hear this. Sometimes I feel so isolated and alone at times, as if I have to do everything on my own. I need to be reminded sometimes that this isn't the case."

He let her go and stood back.

"No need to thank me, Itachi. You are considered as part of our family. If you ever need to talk to someone about things at home or within Anbu or whatever it is. Please know that you are always welcome to come over to our place anytime day or night and we will always hear you and try our very best to help."

Itachi couldn't help saying it again.

"Thank you." Then a smirk lit his face and he shook his head and chuckled.

Kushina laughed as well.

"Well I better go on in and give my report to the Hokage. I have delayed this long enough."

"Good luck getting in. I just came from there and Mina told me, that he was still in a meeting with the delegation from the Land of Rice Patties. Who knows how long you will have to wait."

"Oh well I better get comfortable than. Since this mission was given directly from the Hokage, I have to give the report to him alone. Besides, I don't have anything to do anyway and to be honest I'm not really ready to go back home just yet."

"Well then take this you will probably need this while waiting." Kushina says matter of fact as she hands him her bento box. The box was wrapped in a pink silk scarf with little white rabbits all over it."

Itachi took the box carefully while examining the design on the scarf. Kushina laughed again good naturedly.

"Itachi, if anyone teases you over the covering just punch their lights out and tell the by-standers that it was Kushina who said to do so."

"It's nice to have your official approval my lady." Itachi smirked.

Kushina just laughed again and waved good bye as she headed for home. Now that she thought about it. She could just have that favorite strawberry yogurt that was tempting her in the refrigerator for the past couple of days now.

Academy at the end of the day.

The day had not been the best; but not the worst it could have been either. Sasuke kept quiet most of the day. He only talked with instructors when they asked something of him or Naruto. He ignored everyone else. He may not have given them his direct attention, but Sasuke never missed anything that went on that day. For one thing he noticed that all of the boys in their class pretty much got tired of joking around about what had happened earlier in the week. For them the incident was just funny as hell. They all thought that Naruto and Sasuke handled the situation the way it was called for, but they couldn't help but tease them a bit about it. This wasn't something that happened every day and they milked the incident for all it was worth. Sasuke let them have their fun. He couldn't do anything about it anyway and from what he was hearing. The boys were pleased with how he and Naruto handled themselves anyway. So no harm done there.

The girls were a divided camp. Those girls that didn't much care for Sakura or Ino were inclined to just stay away from them and not give them the time of day. The rest were on their side all the way and unfortunately for Naruto, that was most of the girls in the class. Sasuke had noticed that since their return. The two girls seemed to have developed a strong dislike for Naruto and have most of the girls in the class sharing in this dislike. They send him evil glares and if given an opportunity will say the meanest things they could.

The afternoon sparing session told Naruto that he was a permanent target for the two girls' wrath. The instructor by the name of Hideo, had chosen Naruto to spar with Sakura. For whatever reason, Hideo had thought that this would be a good pairing to start off with. He either didn't know about the incident between them earlier in the week or perhaps he didn't care. Either way, the two students squared off and the fight was joined immediately. From the start it was clear that Sakura was going for blood. She was building her chakra carefully and purposely for powerful blows that would injure an opponent permanently.

Naruto realized this as he had just been grazed by the side of his jaw with her fist. He could hear as well as feel the chakra infused strike as he jerked his head hard to the right. The strike was strong enough to leave an instant bruise to his right cheek. 'What the hell is wrong with her?!' He thought angry and surprised. He swiftly put distance between the two of them. The shocked look was clearly evident on his face as he gingerly touched his right cheek instinctively. Sakura only grumbled low in her throat as she prepared her next attack.

Everyone that wasn't in Sakura's group was also shocked. These sessions are never meant to do serious or permanent harm to each other. This didn't mean that a sprung wrist didn't happen or even a broken bone, but it wasn't life changing or even life ending and was never intentional. Fortunately for Naruto, the instructor saw through what was happening and quickly jumped in to stop the fight.

"Sakura, I haven't been here the day that a certain incident took place between you and your classmates. I don't have all the details, but I'm guessing the object of your hatred is Naruto. Attempt such a thing again and I will not only end this spar, but your bid to become a ninja here. There is no excuse for this sort of nonsense and trust me I'm not bluffing." Hideo's words were cold as ice as they left his mouth. "-Also remember this as well," He said as he slowly released his grip on her left wrist. "Everything that is done in such a manner is documented and is brought before the academy board and the Hokage. This incident will be marked as strike two against you. Try not to make anymore."

Sakura was shocked that the instructor would write her up over this. To her, it was just being over eager to do well in the spar and nothing else. She tried to feign innocence at his assumption. The look on the man's face however said that he wasn't going to buy anything that she said on this subject and she bowed her head in defeat. She wasn't going to win this one.

Naruto kept a blank face. He was hurt that Sakura really wanted to end his career and dream of becoming a ninja. He couldn't lie to himself and say that he didn't expect this from the girl either. She wanted to be next to his best friend and she could have been. It was her own out of control obsession that was causing her to be pushed aside and ignored by Sasuke. Naruto had nothing to do with it, but he also knew that Sakura would never see it that way. He let out a sigh and got back into a defensive stance. He wanted to see if she would try the same mistake twice. Again he wasn't surprised when Sakura pulled back after being caught by the instructor. She wanted him gone from the academy. He knew this, but he also knew that she won't do anything else now that she has been warned of this incident being her second strike. This was little comfort to Naruto though, Sakura still disliked him and now Ino will be trying to get even for her friend next time.

The school day had finally come to an end and the two boys were heading for home. Itachi had arrived that afternoon to pick up both boys and told them that he was going to walk Naruto home and then he and Sasuke would head for theirs. Naruto was pleased with this arrangement. Minato always drew attention just because of his robe and hat and his mother, Kushina drew attention just because she was loud and talked to everyone. Having Itachi walk him home would mean he would actually get there before the dinner hour for once.

They walked and talked at a leisurely comfortable pace. They didn't draw any attention to themselves though some of the people nodded in greeting to Itachi. The two younger ones ambled and chatted on without noticing. They arrived at Naruto's house and his mother had come out onto the porch to greet them and asked if Itachi and Sasuke would like to have some cookies before they headed home, but Itachi politely declined saying, that their mother was adamant about them not having any snacks before supper. The two families waved to each other and the Uchiha siblings made their way for home.

Itachi wanted to talk to his brother now that they were alone. There was something that he was needing to tell Sasuke before they arrived. Their father would be waiting for them both on their return and of course, Itachi wouldn't be permitted to converse with Sasuke then.

"Sasuke, how went school today?"

"Oh it was okay, Itachi." Sauske said with a sigh.

"From the way you just said it. I don't think that it was all that okay."

"Well, Sakura and Ino came back from their suspensions and they seem to have it out for Naruto."

"How so?"

"They have nearly the entire class of girls on their side believing that somehow this mess is Naruto's fault instead of where it belongs."

"I see. So how is Naruto taking it?"

"He knows that he has to watch his back from now on. Today's sparring session almost gave him a serious head injury if Sakura would have connected. The instructor, Hideo sensei, stopped the fight and warned her. After that she settled down and behaved the way you're supposed to act when it's friendly sparring."

Itachi glanced over at Sasuke when he saw movement out his peripheral vision and saw his little brother making the quotation marks with both hands to emphasize 'friendly sparring'.

Hm…so it's that bad is it?"

"Yes, big brother it is. I don't know what to do to help Naruto. I know what would make it work, but I'm not Inclined to do it."

"-And that is?" Itachi asked as he nodded in silent greeting to yet another villager.

"It all comes down to Sakura wanting exclusive attention from me at all times. Even if I agreed to do this it wouldn't stop the fighting. It would just be Ino or some other girl in that group of theirs. They each think that they should be the one and only." Sasuke shrugged his shoulders showing that he wasn't sure what the girls thought. "Whatever it is they want to believe that they should be to me." Sasuke gave a frustrated sigh and placed his hands in his pockets as he continued to walk.

Itachi smiled at his little brother. He understood well what Sasuke was going through because he had been going through the same thing when he was his age. He would like to tell Sasuke that it would get better but he couldn't. It hasn't stopped for him either, howbeit it has slowed down somewhat thanks to a girl he met named Izumi.

"I wish I had some grand gem of wisdom to give you little brother, but I really don't. All I can tell you is to keep doing what you are currently doing and don't give them any sense of false hope."

"I will, Itachi."

The two siblings walked on for another block before Itachi could get comfortable enough to say what he really wanted to say.

"Sasuke…there is something else that I wanted to say to you before we get home."

"Yes, big brother?"

"I know that father holds me very highly. He thinks I can do no wrong that I'm perfect in every way, but Sasuke don't believe that for a second. I make mistakes. I have regrets and I don't always know what the right answer is to something. Father sees what he wants to see and then pushes you to be like me. I want you to strife to be the very best you can be, Sasuke. I want you to be the best Sasuke Uchiha, you can be. I don't want to see another me that's just younger."

Sasuke didn't know what to say to that, so he stopped and turned to face his brother. Itachi stopped also and mirrored Sasuke as he continued on.

"No one in this world, Sasuke is perfect. We all make mistakes. We all wish that we could go back and redo some of the things that we screwed up in our lives. We all wish we were better people. I'm no different. I train hard and I study. I try to remember what manners are and use them constantly. I want to treat others the way that I want to be treated. I want to be my own person not what father wants me to be. Still, I struggle at times with all of these things." Itachi could see that Sasuke was trying to hang with him and understand what he was trying to tell him but somewhere in his speech, Itachi has lost his little brother. He kneels down and places his hands gently on Sasuke's shoulders.

"Sasuke learn to be you. Don't try to be someone else. This is what father is trying to do with you. There is nothing wrong with you. Remember this for me okay?"

Sasuke wasn't sure of all of what his brother was trying to tell him, but he understood that Itachi didn't want him to live his life imitating Itachi. He wanted him to be his own person. This he understood. Father on the other hand, Sasuke wasn't too sure what Itachi was trying to say. For Sasuke was still at the age where he was trying to impress his father. At the age where he still needed his father's approval of him. So the little boy couldn't quite grasp fully Itachi's speech. Still he wanted to show that he understood some of it even if it was just a little. Placing his forehead up against his older brother's, Sasuke gave him a small smile.

"I understand, Itachi. You want me to grow up being my own person and nobody else."

"Yeah, that's what I mean, Sasuke. Are you okay?"

Sasuke nodded lightly causing Itachi's head to move with his and this made Itachi smirk.

"Okay then, let's head home quickly." He said as he stood back up to his full height. "We don't want mother to worry."

"No that wouldn't be right." Sasuke replied and then added. "I'll race you home Itachi."

"You're on little brother." Itachi said as he got into a starting position by bending his knees a little and leaning a little bit forward.

He raised his left hand up towards Sasuke preparing to start a count down on his fingers.

"On the count of three." Sasuke nodded and mimicked his brother's stance. He watched closely as Itachi began the count down.

"One. Two." Itachi didn't wait for three he charged forward.

Sasuke was shocked for a second before he took off after his brother yelling that he was a cheater and Itachi laughed and kept going. The two made noise the whole way home. Itachi laughing and Sasuke yelling at him that he was a cheater and an idiot too.

The Uchiha house at 6:30pm.

Fugaku and Mikoto had talked that evening about having dinner with the Namikazes. Mikoto had remembered her promise to her friend that she would ask her husband. That opportunity to ask came that evening right after supper. Once Itachi swisked Sasuke away from the table and out of sight. Mikoto decided that now was the time. Fugaku was once again being stubborn about the whole thing and Mikoto was being patient and persistent about going. In the end, Mikoto won the stand-off and got her husband's approval. The catch though was that it would be the following week. The date would be Friday September thirteenth. This left Mikoto with a creeped out feeling, but Kushina wasn't worried about it. She was just glad that Fugaku was finally willing to come over. She and Mikoto said their good-byes for the evening and both women hung up the phone. Mikoto looked over at her husband who was seated on the sofa with the evening edition of the Konoha times in hand and reading about the latest news on the Rice Patty delegation.

"Thanks for agreeing to go honey. I know that after what has happened you were upset, but Minato and Kushina are friends of ours and they are looking forward to seeing us again. 'Besides, if you keep pushing away our friends'. She thought worriedly. 'We will truly be all alone. No one wants to deal with a childish adult forever.'

Fugaku didn't bother to put the paper down as he spoke.

"It is because I respect our friendship with the Namikazes that I'm going at all. You know how I feel about what Sasuke had done that day."

"Yes, I do honey, but you have to understand that it was the two girls that were more at fault here."

The paper was folded over in an instant and Fugaku was giving his wife a mild glare.

"You can't make excuses for the boy, Mikoto! He didn't even pay heed to your rule of no slapping girls. He was out of control and he allowed it to happen. It just shows how pathetically weak he is and what we have to work out of him."

"Those girls have been obsessing over Sasuke since he first arrived there, especially the Haruno girl. She was clingy and following him around everywhere and it was only a matter of time before he snapped." Mikoto countered back.

"Yeah, well he still fell for it and he got Minato's son involved in it. Doesn't he know who the kid is? He's the Hokage's son for crying out loud. Everyone at the station was making jokes all week over what Sasuke had done. That's why I couldn't go over there now, but I promise you Mikoto, for you dear. I will go next Friday. I want you to be able to see their family again. I also want to show Minato that I hold no grudge against his son either."

"You think that Minato would hold Sasuke responsible?"

"I admit I don't know for sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did. After all, it was our brat that started this whole mess when he slapped the girl. If Minato blamed Sasuke for getting his son in trouble at the academy and all of the tower staff making jokes behind Minato's back. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he did blame Sasuke."

Mikoto was upset at this point. Her mind began an internal dialogue of its own.

'I know that the circumstances are what pushed Sasuke to do what he did and it wasn't like Sakura and Ino weren't at all at fault. I can't beli-.' Mikoto stopped in mid rant in her mind. It suddenly dawned on her that her husband said that he didn't hold a grudge against their friends' son. 'You don't hold a grudge against Naruto! What are you talking about Fu!?' Mikoto finally was able to stop the internal dialogue to ask her husband what he meant.

"What do you mean Fu by saying that you will hold no grudge against Naruto?"

"Exactly what I had just said, Mikoto. I won't hold a grudge against their son." He said smugly.

Mikoto was looking at him with disbelief in her eyes and then they flashed with mild anger.

"What did Naruto do that was so wrong?"

Fugaku folded the paper in half-length wise and then folded it over so that he could conveniently read the article that continued on the next page. A picture of his friend, Minato was on this page with the written story running alongside the picture. The man was looking very serious in the photo as it was take just outside of the Hokage Tower after the delegates left for their home land. 'If only you were this serious when it came to your son, Minato. The boy is going to be your down fall one of these days.' He internalized but outwardly he spoke something somewhat similar.

"I believe that Naruto isn't disciplined enough. I believe that he has too much of his mother in him and that it needs to be disciplined out of him."

"You mean that it should be beaten out of him." Mikoto corrected in an angry tone.

"Watch your mouth, woman. I don't want to have to start disciplining you too. Unlike Minato who lets both his wife and his child run amok. I won't stand for such disobedience within my household. I'm the one in charge here and I know what's best and I'm saying that Naruto is a bad influence on Sasuke. I will talk to Minato about this behavior of his son, but if he continues to ignore the foolishness that is coming from that boy then Sasuke will not be allowed to remain friends with him."

Mikoto was shocked. She couldn't believe that this was coming out of the mouth of the man she loved. 'Who is this? Is this the man I married? Has he been lying to me all these years and what about Minato? What is their friendship?

"Fu, honey, you can't force people to be what you want. It isn't fair to them or yourself." She said gently.

"Well, if he wants to still call himself my friend then, Minato had better learn to take my advice seriously. I know what I'm talking about here and I know that if he doesn't get that boy of his under control at least. He will regret it."

Fugaku was done talking to his wife on this subject. He raised the paper back up in a huff to hide his face as he began to read where he left off. Mikoto sat staring in shock for a long time. A very long time.

The Namikaze household at 6:30pm.

Kushina hung up the phone and walked back into the kitchen. There her husband was seated at the head of the table drinking a cup of coffee. When he saw his wife, Minato placed his cup down and reached for the pot that was placed on the table with a large ceramic coaster under it. He began to pour his wife a cup.

"So are the Uchiha's coming over anytime soon?" He asked cheerily.

"Yes, Mikoto said she had to be persistent, but Fugaku gave in to her and they are coming over next Friday at the same time." Kushina replied happily as she sat down to Minato's right.

Reaching for his own cup once more, Minato took a sip before continuing their conversation. Kushina watched him take the sip and noticed that the cheery disposition a moment ago was gone and now something akin to worry had taken up residence on his face and in his tone of speech.

"Kushina, I am happy that they are coming over and I love their children very much." Minato said as he slowly placed the cup down on the table. He looked solemn and serious and Kushina knew from experience that when Minato looked like this it was due to having been thinking of something for a long time.

"-But?" She interjected gently.

"I can't shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong in that household and that something is someone."

"You mean, Fugaku?"

"Yeah. We have been friends for a long time and I thought I knew my friend well, but I'm not so sure of that anymore."

"Is there something specific that is making you feel this way?"

"Sasuke." Minato looked into his cup. He gripped the sides of the cup and stared into as if it had all the answers that he needed to fix his friend's family.

"Kushina, I know that I don't have all the answers even, if I wear the hat and robe that says that I do. I know that family is something that is different for each of us and that each of us goes about doing the best we can for our families."

Kushina took a sip of her own cup now and waited for her husband to continue.

"I have always known that Fugaku was an arrogant bastard. It never bothered me though because there have been so many times when he watched out for me on the battle field during the third Great Ninja War and I did the same for him. If we had never been shoved into that mess. Then we would've probably never have become friends. When people go through a traumatic and harrowing ordeal it makes them bond in a way that is irreplaceable for most. I honestly thought that Fugaku and I would be friends forever. I thought that this was a fact and that it would never change, but after hearing him talk about Sasuke at lunch the other day and then about Itachi. I realize that this may not be the truth at all."

Kushina reached forth with her hand and placed it tenderly upon her husband's wrist. He gave her a sad smile and she returned it herself.

"He changed Kushina. He changed and it wasn't for the better. I can also tell you at exactly at what time it happened too."

"It was when Itachi awakened the Sharigan." Kushina answered for him.

"Yeah until then, Fugaku was a jerk but he was a good friend. He loved his family equally and Sasuke had been born by then and I remember Fugaku being so proud to have another son. He was so proud of Sasuke then, Kushina. Now…now he hates the boy."

Kushina sighed and took another sip of her coffee. She knew that she had to tell Minato what Itachi had told her earlier today. Thinking about it made her sad when she remembered his face as he was telling her what he said. A tear was already forming in the corner of her left eye. Minato saw it and leaned forward and kissed the tear away.

"What's wrong, Kushina? What happened while I was away?"

"I had stopped by your office with lunch for us, but Mina said that you were unable to get away right then. So I left your lunch with her to give to you and I left. When I got downstairs and went to open the door. Itachi was already pulling on it." Another tear started down from the left eye. Another kiss removed it.

"I went on out and we talked for a few minutes. It was only for a few minutes, but Minato I haven't been able to stop thinking about that conversation or the expression that Itachi had as he told me about home."

"What did he say?" Minato asked softly as he brushed his wife's hair back away from her face. The burette she used to pin it back wasn't there for some reason.

"He said…he said that sometimes he wishes that he had never been born. Then his little brother would have a better life." Kushina was sobbing now and the tears flowed down both cheeks unabated.

Minato knew that he could not kiss all these tears away. So he moved his chair over closer to his wife and embraces her. Kushina sobbed uncontrollably for a long time and Minato held her swaying her gently and speaking words of comfort and love, but in his heart he was angry. He wasn't angry at his wife but at his best friend. 'It's true.' He thought. 'Itachi's life is being ruined by that man but in a different way. I have to get him to see reason somehow before he destroys both of his sons in his arrogance.'

Naruto was in his room working on his homework when he heard the unmistakable sound of his mother crying. This immediately had him on his feet and rushing through the house to the kitchen to see what was wrong. When he arrived he saw his father sitting close to his mother swaying her gently and his mother with her arms wrapped around his neck. Her face buried deep into his shoulder. Naruto could feel a deep sadness. A sadness that he had never felt so strongly before and it was coming from both of his parents. It distressed him and it made him start to run to them.

"Poppa, momma are you both okay? What's wrong?

Minato looked over to their son and reached out an arm for him. Naruto went into his father's embrace immediately and Minato wrapped that arm gently around his son pulling him close.

"Naruto, I want you to be the best friend you can be to Sasuke, okay?"

"Yes, poppa, I promise but what happened? Why is momma crying?" He said bewildered.

"Everything will be okay, Naruto. I promise. I just want you to be good to Sasuke and support him at school. He needs to know that you're there for him."

"I will. I promise I will poppa."

"You know that your mother and I love you very much and we'll always support you through anything?"

"Yes, poppa. I know and I love you both very much too."

"That's my boy." Minato hugged his son closer.

Naruto was confused. He didn't understand what had happened but he knew it had something to do with Sasuke. He wanted to ask his father more about this, but there was a knock at the door.

"Naruto would you go and see who it is for me?" Minato asked.

"Yes, poppa."

Minato let him go and Naruto took off for the front door almost glad to get away from the scene. When he got there he opened the door and looking up he saw the one person that Naruto loved as much as an older brother. Kakashi Hatake was standing there with his Icha-Icha book in hand and looking somewhat bored.

"Hi, kiddo are your parents' home?"

"Yes, but momma is crying."

Suddenly the book was snapped shut and Naruto had Kakashi's full attention.

"What happened?" Kakashi's tone was now serious.

"I don't know and I get the feeling that neither momma nor poppa will tell me about it, but they will probably tell you Kakashi. Come on in."

"Thanks."

Kakashi stepped inside the home and sure enough he could hear Kushina in the kitchen crying. 'I don't know what's going on but Naruto is probably right. They will tell me and if there is anything I can do. I will do it for them.' Kakashi thought determinedly.

Knowing that Minato was there also and that he was consoling his wife at the moment. Kakashi decided to entertain Naruto for a while.

"Hey, kiddo wanna go over to the training grounds with me. I want to show you a new jutsu I learned while I was away on that mission."

"Wow, really?!

"Yep, really."

"That's so cool! Yes! Yes, I want to go. Give me a minute to find my jacket and we can go."

Naruto took off like a shot through the house heading for his bedroom. Kakashi took that time to head over to the kitchen to check on the two people that were family to him.

"Yo, is everything okay?"

Minato looked over at the tall jounin that stood off to his left.

"No it isn't' right now, but don't worry Kakashi. It will be soon, Kushina is grieved over the Uchiha's."

"The Uchiha's?"

"Yes, I promise I will tell you later after Kushina calms down and Naruto has gone to bed."

"Speaking of Naruto is it okay if I take him with me over to the training grounds? I want to show him a new jutsu I learned from an enemy ninja while I was there."

Minato chuckled at that even as he continued to sway his wife.

"Okay just don't have it out more than an hour. I don't think he has finished his homework yet."

"We'll be back in thirty minutes then."

Naruto came out of his room with the jacket on and a large grin on his face though it fell the moment he saw his mother again. She was beginning to calm down now at least, but she was still in no mood to really talk with anyone just yet. Minato gave his son and the older one that was like a son a reassuring smile.

"Go on now and have a good time. I promise by the time you come back your mother will be much better."

"Okay, poppa take care of momma."

"I will son."

"Are you ready kiddo?"

"Yes."

"Good then let's go."

The two waved to Naruto's parents and then headed out the door. They made their way to the training ground number five as it had large flood lights. Ninja who needed to train at night often used this and some of the other grounds that had the flood lights. Usually these are occupied and held by reservation, but tonight a fellow Jounin owed Kakashi a favor and so he had decided to cash in on that favor for Naruto's sake.

Minato continued to console his wife until she was barely even sniffling anymore.

"You okay now hon?"

"Yes, I'm sorry it's just...it's just."

"I know hon, don't think about it anymore. We will work through this somehow."

"I want us to stay friends forever, but what if it doesn't happen?" Kushina said as she sat up. Minato letting her go.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. If nothing else I want those boys to be our main focus. They're the most important priority right now. It is probably best if we don't let on, that we know anything at this point. They are coming to dinner next Friday and I don't want Fugaku suspicious of us."

"You're right, Minato." Kushina wiped at her eyes and gave her husband a small smile. "What do you suppose Kakashi is teaching our boy now?"

Minato gave a chuckle before he answered her.

"Honestly, honey, I don't know. Kakashi has just come home from his mission. So he told me that he wanted to show Naruto a jutsu he learned from an enemy ninja and knowing Kakashi, it must be something pretty spectacular as well as useful."

Kushina laughed at this. She loved Kakashi's sense of adventure even in finding and learning new jutsu. The teen maybe quiet and aloof, but he could surprise you sometimes and Kushina loved to watch him grow and develop as the young man he is.

Dinner at the Namikazes.

A week had passed and it was now Friday the thirteenth. Fugaku was in much better spirits after Itachi managed to capture a rogue Nin single-handedly on his latest mission. His superior has had nothing but high praise for Itachi, as he told his father of his wonderful deed. This bolstered the man's ego back to the stratosphere once more. Sasuke had kept out of trouble as well, at the academy and hasn't said a word to the man in all this time. This was very much to Fugaku's pleasure. Now he could face his friend with the confidence that was rightfully his. He knew that he was raising Itachi right. He also knew that his son was superior to Minato's son, Naruto. He could confidently tell Minato how to raise a proper son by showing the example that he showed everyone. Itachi. His Itachi.

At present, the family was preparing to leave for the Namikazes home. Mikoto was trying to help Sasuke get ready while Itachi kept their father away from Sasuke's bedroom and thus needlessly picking at the young child. Fugaku would always scrutinize Sasuke whenever he was getting ready to go out in public. He didn't like it that Mikoto fused over him. He wasn't worth it. If the boy couldn't dress himself at seven years of age, than too bad for him. Fugaku went to the kitchen to wait on the little fool. Waiting on Sasuke was annoying and if his real son wasn't there with him right now. Fugaku would be yelling and throwing things at Sasuke at this very moment.

Sasuke hurried about trying to get ready to go. He always felt nervous anymore when he went out with his family. He knew that his father would be angry, if he said the wrong thing or did something that his father didn't approve of. It wouldn't be so bad, if Sasuke knew what things in particular were on the not to do list with father, but he never knew what would set his father off. In public, Sasuke knew that his father wouldn't say or do anything to show he was angry, but once they got home it would be a different story. He couldn't stop thinking of the possible danger, if anything went wrong while they were out. It was so hard and Sasuke became extremely nervous to the point, that he needed his mother to come and help him get ready.

It wasn't always like this. There was a time when Sasuke could feel somewhat relaxed around his father. There was a time when he felt that he belonged, but now everything seemed to hinge on him being the perfect child or more like the perfect little Uchiha and he knew that he was failing.

"Come honey and put on this shirt. We need to hurry a little bit." Mikoto said a little bit of anxiousness in her tone. She immediately cursed at herself internally for letting the emotion slip into her voice. She didn't want her youngest to sense her fear.

After the conversation that she and her husband had last Friday night, Mikoto felt truly powerless. So she has been trying to keep both her son and husband away from each other as much as possible and helping Sasuke with his chores whenever he got into difficulty. Itachi kept a sharp eye on their father as well, but he couldn't always be there. Missions with Anbu were every few days and some of those missions demanded that he be away from home for weeks on end. Fortunately this week as been a week of short missions lasting only up to two days tops.

Now he sat at the kitchen table with his father listening to his father go on about how great he would make the clan. Something that was beginning to wear Itachi out.

"Yes, Itachi, I believe that with you showing the whole village of your strength. They will have to acknowledge our might."

"Father, please remember that we are a part of this village and that we protect all of it and not just ourselves."

Fugaku smirked at his son.

"You have a lot to learn my son. The village has been ignoring us for years, but now they will have to acknowledge us and respect us. There are so many things we can achieve for this village and for ourselves and we will in time."

Fugaku glanced up at the kitchen wall clock and grimaced. Sasuke was holding them up. Itachi could tell that his father's mindset was souring and decided to take action.

"Father, please excuse me for a moment. I will go and check on mother and Sasuke."

"No, son I will do it. That boy had better not be stressing his mother about getting ready to go."

Fugaku made to stand but Itachi was faster.

"No, please father I insist. Let me do this for you." Itachi said to appease him with hands raised in front of him. "I don't see any reason for you to trouble yourself with this. Please allow me."

Fugaku let a satisfactory smile express itself. He visibly relaxed leaning back into the chair.

"Very well, son. Tell those two to hurry up or we will be late and you know how I hate to be late."

"Yes, father."

Naruto was waiting patiently on the sofa. He wasn't sitting on the sofa; but rather he was resting against the back of the sofa. The boy's knees pressed deeply into the cushions. His arms were folded and resting on the top of the sofa. His head rested on top of his arms as he stared out the window looking for the arrival of his friend and his family.

Naruto has been excited ever since he learned, that the Uchiha would actually be coming today. However, as the day got closer and closer, Naruto had detected worry and anxiety in his parents, especially in his mother. Naruto hasn't forgotten what his father had told him about being a good friend and support for Sasuke. He has suspected that something is wrong within the family and it probably has something to do with the damn girls, which caused Sasuke to get into trouble. Sasuke hasn't been quite the same since then and it has made Naruto utterly hate Sakura and Ino right now.

His parents were busy finishing up the meal and transporting the finished dishes into the dining room. He had helped earlier by setting the table for them. Now he was doing nothing but waiting. He could hear laughter coming from the kitchen and then sometimes from the dining room. His parents were putting up a good front, but Naruto could tell that it wasn't the same, that it was a bit fake. He wished Kakashi could have been there. Kakashi was great at distracting him and Naruto needed that now. He sighed softly and was getting ready to leave the window to see, if maybe there was still something he could do to help. That's when he saw the Uchiha family. They were coming down the street. Fugaku and Mikoto were holding hands and seemed to be chatting happily. Itachi was walking close to his brother. Sasuke seemed to Naruto very nervous as they came closer. He could feel the confirmation of what he observed deep in his being. Sasuke was nervous… very nervous but why?

The more he looked at them the more Naruto concluded, that it had to be the parents that were the real problem. Suddenly Naruto wasn't in the mood to entertain, but his own words came back to him as the memory of their first meeting played back.

'Hi, Itachi, it's nice to meet you. I hope that we will all become friends.'

'That would be nice Naruto. I think we will take you up on that offer. Shall we, Sasuke?'

"Yeah, that's right Itachi is a friend too and I should be a friend right now to both of them." He said aloud as he got off of the sofa. Looking over in the direction of the dining room, Naruto shouted.

"They're here!"

The dinner went very well that evening. The meal was delicious and as promised Mikoto had made the dessert which was a strawberry and crème cake. Everyone was very polite to each other although, Fugaku was a bit brash as usual. He wasn't overly offensive nor did he attack Minato's character. This was a blessing to Mikoto, who feared that her husband was going to show his true colors right there to the horror of his family.

Sasuke and Naruto went and played quietly in Naruto's room. Once away from his parents, Sasuke began to relax some. Naruto wanted to ask him so many things, but refrained himself from doing so. This wasn't the time. Sasuke needed to relax and forget about whatever it was that was eating at him. So the two played video games and chatted about nothing in particular. After an hour, Sasuke was laughing at Naruto's jokes though softly as to not draw attention from his father. He enjoyed his friend's company and was glad that he was allowed to come over.

"This is the first time that I have come over Naruto. I hope that I can come over again."

"I hope so too. We could play ninja in the back yard or pirates, but not in the house though." Naruto shrugged. "Momma would tell us to go outside to do that stuff."

Sasuke let out a chuckle at that. He was beginning to like Naruto's family already. They were much more laid back and seemed to enjoy things more. He wished his family could be more like them. Everything in his home was always so tense all the time.

"I wish-." Sasuke never got to finish the sentence. He was interrupted by his father.

"Sasuke! Get out here boy. It's time for us to go home!" Fugaku shouted with mock cheerfulness. The tone was right, but Sasuke knew that he better not linger.

"I'm sorry Naruto, but I have to go."

"I understand. Maybe I can come over to your house sometime?"

"I hope so." Sasuke gave a small smile and got up.

Naruto got up with him. He could turn the video console off in a minute or two. Right now he needed to see his friend off. They made their way out of the room and back down the hall into the living room. There the rest of the Uchiha along with Naruto's parents where all waiting. Fugaku looked briefly in Sasuke's direction before turning to Minato.

"Thanks for having us over, Minato. It has been a lovely evening."

"Thanks for coming over. We enjoy having you over."

The two men gave each other a hug and then stepped away. Fugaku giving Minato a pat on the back as he did so. Mikoto hugged her gal-pal, Kushina.

"It was a wonderful evening, Kushina. I hope to return the favor soon."

"I'll hold you to that, Mikoto." Kushina said with a chuckle as she released her friend.

"Well family of mine let's go. I have to be in early tomorrow for work and you have a mission, Itachi."

"Yes, sir." Itachi said calmly and looking over at his brother.

Fugaku frowned slightly but it disappeared in a flash. He thought no one had noticed but Naruto did. 'Now I know who the problem is in that house for sure.' He mused silently.

The family said their good-byes with promises of more get-togethers to come and then they were out the front door heading home. The Namikazes watched them go.

"I hope we do get to have them over again sometime." Kushina said absently.

"Yeah, me too." Minato said as he kissed his wife's temple. 'I believe that this friendship is now become a mere farce. Minato thought sadly. 'All the posturing and fake cheerfulness on both sides. A charade masquerading as a longtime friendship is all this has become now. From now on the children are my only concern.' Minato watched, as the family disappear around the corner.

When the Uchiha got home, Sasuke went straight to his room. He didn't want to cause his father to become upset with his presence lingering around. He got undressed and put on his pajamas and slipped under the covers of his bed. He grabbed the green dinosaur plushie that was beside him and hugged it close. He was feeling sad now that he was back in his own , it didn't take long before the tears started to flow. 'When will things ever be right again?' He thought dismally.

Sasuke lay in bed an half hour when there was a soft knock on his door. Since the knock was soft it had to have been his big brother. Sasuke immediately sat up and called to him.

"Come in."

The door opened slowly and Itachi appeared from behind it and entered the room. He closed the door softly behind him.

"Hey, little brother are you okay?" Itachi said with concern. He noticed the tear tracks on his little brother's face.

"I'm good, Itachi."

Itachi started to say "Then why the tears?" but thought better of it. He knew why and he knew that Sasuke was trying to put on a brave face for him right now. He walked over and sat near the edge of the bed. A hand reached out and brushed the fringe of bangs out of Sasuke's eyes.

"I think we need to get you a trim soon, little brother."

Sasuke only gave a barely there smile.

"Itachi?"

"Yes, little brother?"

"Help me."

"Help with what?"

"I want to go over to Naruto's again and I know that I can't ask father. Could you ask him for me, please?"

"Consider it done, Sasuke. I'll even see to it that Naruto can come and visit you as well."

Sasuke's face lit up for the first time in over a week.

"You mean it!?"

"Yes little brother I do. I will even talk to our mother about it. She can work some wonders sometimes. Now you should stop those tears and get some sleep. I have a mission tomorrow like father said, but it is only for a day. Our Hokage is giving me missions that will allow me to be able to come home sooner at least for now."

Sasuke was shocked at this news.

"Really?!"

"Yes, I was shocked too, when he called me in his office to tell this news. So cheer up little brother things will get better. In the meantime, we both will take it one day at a time. Now get some sleep."

Itachi wiped away the last of Sasuke's tears and hugged his little brother tight. Sasuke held on tight as well. It felt so much like it was just the two of them more and more these days, but now it seemed that Naruto's father, the Hokage was fighting for them too.

Sasuke lie awake after Itachi left for another twenty minutes before he drifted off to sleep. His last thoughts left him without sorrow or worries.

'I am so glad to have met you Naruto. You and your parents are like angels to me and Itachi.'