"Speech."

"Thoughts."

Emphasis on the word

A. N. Remember that this chapter starts with the flashback, continuation of memories Inoichi's looking through.

The inspiration for that chapter was the amazing song "Judas" by Depeche Mode


Examined and checked out by Warrior of Sangre


Is simplicity best
Or simply the easiest
The narrowest path
Is always the holiest
So walk on barefoot for me
Suffer some misery
If you want my love
If you want my love

Man will survive
The harshest conditions
And stay alive
Through difficult decisions
So make up your mind for me
Walk the line for me
If you want my love
If you want my love

So open yourself for me
Risk your health for me
If you want my love
If you want my love

Chapter 2 The hands I kissed

The sunlight insisted on warming his eyelids and instead of darkness, his closed eyes saw red. It was annoying and after the third attempt of trying to fall back asleep Naruto grimaced and sat up. He widely yawned not bothering to cover his mouth and scratched his neck and chest with his left hand. Then he blinked and looked around. He sighed a moment later remembering that he didn't share the room with his perverted teacher this time. Yesterday the stupid man kept bubbling about finding some women and inviting them to the room "where little irritating brats should not be." So he was in the room next to his, and probably drunk, naked and stinking.

They rarely rested under the sky, because Jiraya preferred the comfort and perfect conditions for writing his books. That meant that he needed a hotel with the hot springs. For ladies.

The blond shook his head and strode to the bathroom, where he sleepily performed his routine rituals, wondering how to wake up his teacher this time. He could get the bucket of water, like the last time, and splash it over his teacher, claiming, that he stinks too much. He could replace it with the paint, or get a cat or a dog inside a room, to annoy him, or… he could summon the tens of small toads and perform some crazy prank involving singing, oil and fire. The blond loudly snickered, imagining what the picture would look like. He'll get a lot of fun doing that, all right… And he promised Gamakichi to invite him for that occasion, the pranks he makes are legends for the young generation of the green jumpers, and Gamakichi and his brothers are waiting to be summoned for that 'special mission'.

With that thought in mind, Naruto looked up in the mirror, and saw the blond with the wide grin, who looked back at him mischievously. He nodded to himself and washing his hands, thought on how many summons he will need. He reached for the towel and drying his hands, scratched his chest. The itching was getting as annoying as he can be and he looked down frowning. What he saw surprised him at first, but it soon turned into fear, with the thought of the demon seal changing. He quickly looked at his stomach but there, everything was ok. So what could that be? That thought led him to his teacher and he scowled, realizing that pervert must have done something in his drunken state as he was asleep.

He got angry and sharply turned back to the room to put on the pants and storm into his sensei's room to show him what he thinks of it. It took him less than a minute and the loud bang of the roughly pushed door as he entered spread through the corridor of the second floor.

The scene he came to see was another shock, though less troubling. By the window, at the table, Jiraya talked with Itachi, and they had a tea. They didn't speak to each other at all before, so that surprised him. But even though he was confused, he had to take care of the business with his teacher first. He turned to the white haired man and glared as much as he could.

"What the hell did you do?! Pervert! We had a deal! No messing with a fucking seal, remember!?"

His teacher brought his brows together and shouted."You're making too much of a hustle, close the door at the least!"

The blond glared some more, and angrily turning, pushed the door closed with a force.

"Don't get angry, Naruto-kun." The guest asked softly, and the boy looked at him with the narrowed eyes that had a warning of not messing with him. Seeing that expression, the man smiled, liking the fact that the boy could be serious and tried to seem intimidating.

"The hell are you smiling at." He spat a lot quieter, but the tone got angrier. Itachi smirked and Jiraya soundly sighed. The boy turned to him and then again to the guest, he looked at them closely and his face lost its malice when he pouted.

"You both have something to do with it, aren't you?"

His teacher pressed his lips together and turned away, refusing to start the explanation. Itachi saw that and inwardly cursed the man for leaving him to deal with the blond.

"Come here, Naruto-kun."

The boy reluctantly complied and sat by the table. The man ignored his orange pants and shirtless chest for a moment and after the strange silence, that covered them for some time, his right hand rested on the seal above the boy's heart. Naruto's gaze fell on his hand quizzically.

"That seal, was placed by me." He said and pulled back. The blue eyes followed his hand and then rose to his black ones. They stared at each other in question, Itachi waiting for any reaction, the boy waiting for an explanation.

"We didn't ask you because I knew you will be against it." Stated the white haired man, turning to his student."You don't have to worry about it, the seal isn't active yet."

Naruto frowned and his gaze turned to Uchiha again."Then, what did you seal there?" He asked knowing that Itachi did something his teacher approved of, and it captured his interest.

The man tried to form some complicated sentences in his mind to make the boy lost in the meaning of his actions but he just knew that in the end, it would be pointless, so saying the truth was better. He looked up and hesitated, what if Naruto really didn't want for their souls to be… 'Inseparable'? He should have asked first, but Jiraya said that they didn't have time to deal with it, and even if the boy wanted, he would still be against it. But you can never guess what his reaction will be. It is always strange when you don't expect it in the least.

The older man got tired of waiting and looked at his student."Didn't I teach you anything? Look at it, what do you see?"

"You prefer spending your time behind the wall of the hot springs, not teaching me." Muttered the boy looking down at himself. Hearing that the raven haired man coldly looked at the hermit from across the table and his eyes dangerously started to spin as they turned red, revealing Sharingan. Jiraya noticed that and turned away, thinking "now he's protective over the brat, I swear this child will be protected by the whole Akatsuki before they decide to capture him!"

Puzzled, the blond stared at the new addition to decorations on his body.

"Well, it seals chakra, that much is evident… and… something spiritual too… but, eh, separately? Then there's… some… troublesome… and complicated circulation system… Don't know… What did you mean it's inactive? It's not finished yet or what?" He asked, looking up at his teacher.

"Yes, you won't use it for quite some time." Said the man, turning his gaze back on their guest. Seeing that, the boy got a little scared, he still didn't know what they sealed there, but if Itachi had something to do with it that must be something serious. He gulped glancing at Itachi and then their eyes met.

"The seal will activate when I die." The man softly admitted."And when it does, you will receive my abilities, and among them, Uchiha bloodline."

Shocked, the blond had widened eyes and his mind processed the said sentence time after time until he realized what that meant.

"Are you crazy?! I don't need that thing!" He shouted waving his arms stressing it."What do you mean after you die?! You're still quite alive god dammit!"

The hermit smirked at the missing nin and tilted his head."Told you so."

"This will make you stronger, Naruto-kun, don't you want to be strong enough to bring back Sasuke, to protect your friends, Konoha?" Inquired the raven haired man frowning. The boy stood up from his sit angrily.

"Not this way! I want to get stronger on my own! Not because someone gave me their power!"

Itachi blinked, then quietly sighed."There's more to it than that. You will have my knowledge, and …"

"Are you insane?!" The blond incredulously stared at the man, not understanding why he would do something like this, and then he just shook his head and as loudly as he entered, left.

Completely shocked about his reaction, Itachi dumbly stared at the space in front of him, while Jiraya started to pity the man. He stood up and awkwardly put his hand on the man's shoulder, trying to comfort him for a brief moment.

"Stay here, Itachi. I'll talk with the brat and we'll be back." The hermit voiced and left to find his student.

"I just knew it." He thought walking out of the building and looking around. "He doesn't care if it was Itachi's soul, heart or whatever else sealed inside. He just wouldn't take the power like that. Like Kyuubi. It is with him, inside, but he wants to prove that he will win no matter what without using its chakra. And with the gift Itachi gives him it will be the same. He may later have those abilities, but it would take extremely important, dangerous and hopeless situation for him to use it."

He saw his student on the roof of the highest building, not too far from his position, and made his way there. He quickly appeared behind the blond and started to lecture him"Don't be stupid, gaki! The chance like this appears once in a lifetime! The guy wants to give you his power! Just take it for God's sake!"

The blond turned around to face him and his distress was clearly seen."I don't want it! It's his! Why is he doing it? He feels he's in debt with me? I don't care! It's too much!" A bit of moisture formed in the corners of his eyes.

Jiraya scowled and placed his hands on his student's shoulders, to keep him steady in place. He spoke in a serious tone.

"Now listen to me. I don't care why he's doing this; I don't care if he's in debt or just wants to share. I care for you. And that means that I want you to take what he's offering!"

The blond turned his face away, not willing to look at his teacher.

"He's everything you're not. Smart, precise, dangerous and heartless; he will become a part of you …give you everything, Naruto." The man continued in a whisper. "He seals his soul here, do you understand?"

The boy was ready to cry. Did he understand? Of coarse he did. Shinobi of different nations are dreaming of gaining the bloodline of Uchiha or Hyuuga clans. To all of them Hatake Kakashi was the example of power it gave a ninja who wasn't born with it. If any of them was in his position they wouldn't have any objections. Quite the opposite, they would seek that kind of offer and situation. But he always had to prove to people that he is what he is. Not a demon, not an idiot, not a failure. If he uses the fox's power, and then Itachi's, no one will ever consider him a true shinobi. They will think of him as lucky guy who uses someone else's power.

"I checked everything. You won't turn into a killer or anything, he will never control you, and you won't hear his voice inside your head. Yes, you will have his memories, even his… feelings, but it will always be your choice what to do with it." The older man said, and crouched in front of the blond. He sighed and shook him slightly, making the boy look at his wrinkled face. "Look, maybe he gives you strength to protect his younger brother, maybe he hates Akatsuki and this is his little revenge, or maybe he's just that noble. The fact is… he trusts you with his afterlife and this is the greatest gift I saw anyone give to anybody."

Staring for a minute at his white haired sensei Naruto was looking for lies, deceiving, or signs of manipulation, but found none. The man was sincere and he really wanted what's the best for him. He looked down at his feet and wiped his eyes with his left hand, before any single tear slid down.

"So… a soul, you say." The man nodded."And… I won't turn into a brooding Uchiha who's betraying the village once he gets a chance?" The man grinned and shook his head in negative. "All right."

Jiraya let out a breath he was holding and, relieved, stood up."Come on. The seal isn't finished." He turned and started to walk off in direction of a hotel."We have to add his chakra to that circulation system."

Back in the room where they left their guest, they found Itachi still sitting by the table, but his posture was different. He leaned on the table with elbows, and his entwined fingers of both hands were pressed to his forehead, effectively shadowing his face. It looked like he spent in that position the whole time they were gone. Jiraya guessed that Itachi prepared himself for rejection and didn't hope for Naruto coming back with a changed mind. The hermit decided that his student must take care of it since he was the cause of it so he pushed him forward slightly, and turned to leave."I have to get a drink."

The door closed, and Itachi slowly lowered his hands. The blond, wearing a mesh shirt on his torso now, strode to him hesitantly.

"I am sorry." He mumbled and Itachi shook his head.

"No, don't be. I should have talked with you first."

"I know Jiraya convinced you not to." The boy replied biting his lower lip."It's not about me not wanting power. It's about me not wanting to use what does not belong to me." He explained.

Itachi's features relaxed, and the corner of his lips raised a little."I didn't say you will have to use it." He pointedly looked at the boy."Just have it, Naruto-kun. There may come a day when you will need it, so if that happens, consider that me helping you."

The boy silently nodded.

"Did Jiraya-san tell you about the seal?" Itachi asked, hoping that he wouldn't have to explain everything.

"Yeah." Naruto scratched the back of his head."Though… I wonder…"

"Yes?"

The blond sighed closing his eyes and let his arms fall at his sides."Why me? I mean, why not Sasuke or… whoever you know longer and better than… me."

The man stared at him.

What should he say? There was absolutely no reason for that decision, Naruto-kun? Or, 'Why do you think there is anyone I know longer and better?' He could say that Naruto shouldn't know his reasons, but that would be suspicious.

"I trust you." He simply said. That could mean a lot of things. 'Trust you to keep my secrets, trust you to make the right decisions, trust you with my knowledge, my heart and my feelings. Trust you to take what I give and keep it.'

Orange clad Jinchuuriki blinked to that, and nodded, once. Itachi didn't know how the blond interpreted the meaning behind his words, but the boy seemed satisfied with it. Maybe the trust in itself was enough to explain his actions. He decided to change the direction of the talk and spoke.

"We'll seal some of my chakra today, it will be stored until the moment you unseal it, and only then will it cause the physical aspects of the seal to appear. That means that until then, it will be inactive."

"How do we do that?" Asked the boy glancing at his chest and frowning. Itachi stood up and walked to the bed; he sat and beckoned the blond to sit by him. Naruto raised a brow at that. The man frowned not understanding the look.

"I'll show you the hand seals. The technique you'll use will open your chakra circulation system to take in the foreign chakra. The technique I'll use, will direct my chakra to the seal, and keep it there."

Naruto exhaled relieved and strode to the man; he sat on his right. The man could only guess what the boy imagined a moment before but he didn't want to ponder over that so he turned to him and started to show the hand seals. There were eight, easy to remember, and the blond repeated them about five times, to make sure he didn't make a mistake.

"W… what it will feel like?" The blond asked the moment Itachi was ready to start. It stopped him in his tracks and he frowned.

"I don't know."

Shocked, the blond glared at him."What do you mean you don't know? What if it hurts!?"

Itachi frowned deeper, but then he relaxed and raised his right brow."Are you scared of pain, Naruto-kun?"

"No! But you can warn me!" The boy shouted childishly.

"All right, it may hurt." The man answered tonelessly.

The blond stared at him for a long moment but then he sighed tiredly and started to make the seals. Itachi easily caught up with him and after the last seal he took Naruto's left hand in his. They didn't move and Naruto observed Itachi's hand that was holding his.

"Do you feel anything?" The man inquired watching the blond. The boy shook his head, and after a minute he frowned.

"Maybe that didn't work? I don't feel anythi… oh."

"What?" Itachi asked, seeing the boy's surprised expression.

"My head is spinning." Was the response. Itachi firmly held his hand and observed him.

"That won't take too long." He muttered, but then the blond started to slightly swing. His blue eyes rose to the ceiling and he gulped.

"I don't like that, Itachi." He whispered."I'm falling…" His swings got wider and he almost fell on his back. Itachi turned slightly and pulled the blond on his lap. He held him close. The blonds head fell on his shoulder.

"You're not falling. I am holding you." He said feeling his chakra leave him.

It took only a minute longer for the last of his reserves to transfer to Naruto, and he put the boy, who was unconscious, on the bed, pulling the sheets over him. The seal on the boy's chest was gleaming, and his left hand unconsciously touched it. Seeing that, Itachi had the urge to smile.

He gave all of his chakra, and was tired, but he had to go. He leaned over the blond and let his lips touch his forehead. Then he rose and walking slowly left the room. Downstairs he saw Jiraya sipping coffee by the table, in the dinning-room. He walked to him and without looking up, the older man lifted his arm and in his palm was a small scroll. Itachi took it, and Jiraya got back to the drink. On the table were notes and other scrolls, it looked like he was writing another of his books.

"What is this." Asked Itachi glancing at the scroll. From the corner of his eye, Jiraya looked up and scowled.

"This is your alibi." He turned back to his writings and scribed something."You parted with your partner to meet with an informant, but I assume you don't have one in here. There you will find all the recent news and rumors of the rock country. I don't want anyone to know of what's transpiring in here. Not even Hokage. And I expect of you the same." He said sternly and Itachi nodded once, to show that he agrees with this decision. He took a soldier pill from his pouch and swallowed. Then, without saying goodbye as before, he left.

...

Three days later found Jiraiya and Naruto in the town on the border of the Rock country, after an intense training they had a meal the blond insisted on, and sat by the table in a small tavern, where the older man kept repeating that he's not satisfied with the old women that served the food there. It was evening and Jiraiya let himself get a bottle of sake, muttering that it made the world look prettier. Naruto guessed that meant that his vision blurred when he was drunk so at that point all the ladies were beautiful in his opinion. He himself whined a bit about the food being made of vegetables, while he as always wanted ramen. All in all, they were quits. He picked something green and almost grimaced chewing the meal. His teacher would've smirked if he noticed that, but he was lost in thoughts and his gaze was directed at his student's chest, making the teen uncomfortable.

"What are you thinking of, Itachi?" He asked, hoping to wake the hermit. The man blinked, and looked at the blond.

"I think I won't teach you nin jutsu, or anything about weapons." The man replied casually.

"What?! You can't do that!" Shouted the boy indignantly and waved with his hands. He was ready to jump from his sit and hit the pervert.

"Calm down, when you'll get Itachi's memories you'll know more jutsu than I could ever possibly teach you. So why lose our precious time teaching you something you'll get later anyway?"

The blond stared at him stunned. He was shocked but that quickly turned into anger.

"And what if I get those memories of his like, in twenty years?"

The hermit choked and coughed, but he held his emotions inside, and it was his turn to stare at his student with shock.

"Are you calling Itachi stupid?"

"I didn't say that!" The teen quickly answered.

"You think he would be stupid not to realize that he could find someone else in the future?" The man asked incredulously. He shook his head at the boy's foolishness and continued."He did that because he knows that he will die soon. I don't know how he's going to die or how he knows that, but it must happen pretty damn soon. That's why he's in a hurry."

Naruto leaned back in his sit, shocked even more.

Jiraiya was right; it was the only logical explanation of Itachi's actions. And these strange questions he asked… He asked what he thought of Sasuke; how he was going to find him, save him, protect him… What's behind it? Did he… test him? What for? What Itachi really wants? He gives him his soul and his abilities, and wants to know how far Naruto will go to save his friend… He… wants to… help Sasuke…? He wants to save Sasuke. He wants to help him protect his friend, because his friend is Itachi's… brother. What the hell all that meant? Isn't Itachi the bad guy that kills his family, hurts his sibling and hunts down the innocent vessels of the bijuu? Despite his cold exterior, Itachi is not crazy, and he is not a heartless killer, even though he is… perfect shinobi. And the fact that he helps Naruto and wants to protect his brother says entirely different story about the man.

Who is Uchiha Itachi? And what is really behind the façade of a killing machine?

...

One month later

The training of odama-rasengan went nicely, even though it caused a lot of destruction around. The noon graced the field somewhere in a Tea country with the burning sun and a slight, warm wind, that didn't help in dispersing the dust that covered the area after another explosion. All around were the pits in the ground and destroyed trees, showing the level of damage the technique could cause. The blond coughed and waved his hand, grimacing at the result. He glanced further with the narrowed eyes and they widened, seeing the familiar face.

"Itachi!" He greeted, widely smiling. The man stood by the tree that was yet to be touched and he softly smiled at the beaming face of the blond. He walked forward toward him through the dust.

"Naruto-kun."

"Found a time to visit?" The teen asked, even though it was obvious. The man slightly nodded and unzipped his cloak. He stopped by the tree behind the blond and put his cloak under it, revealing him in black clothing; black shinobi pants, black t-shirt, black mesh shirt, sandals… black too. His necklace, as Naruto noticed before, was grey but as dark as the rest. He saw all that since the day he put the first bandage over the man's injuries, but Itachi was healthy now, and his looks were somehow different. The man sat on his cloak under a tree and looked up at the teen.

"I have a bit of time. We'll seal my blood today." He announced and noticed that Naruto's face paled.

"Blood? …The hell? Why didn't you tell me earlier!" He asked surprised. Itachi calmly gazed at him.

"Chakra is not enough to transfer the bloodline. It requires the blood itself. I didn't tell you earlier because I thought you realized it from the beginning." He muttered tonelessly, which angered the blond even more. Not wanting to throw his anger at the man, the blond went across the field to another tree, where he sharply picked up his jacket and headband, and then he got back to the man and put it there. Instead of anger he felt nervous now, and Itachi's silence didn't help. He still stood by him not knowing what to do, but he somehow felt that Itachi was amused by that, even though he didn't show it.

"Sit down, I'll show you the seals." He softly motioned for the blond to get down, and Naruto sat in front of him with the legs crossed. The man raised his hands and very slowly made the twelve hand signs, repeating them for the teen."This technique will tie the blood to the seal and keep it inactive until the moment you unseal the physical aspects of it."

The blond nodded and repeated the hand signs. He almost shrieked when Itachi pulled him closer and he could swear he saw the grin on the man's face when he pressed his back to his chest. He couldn't see Itachi's face now, because the raven haired man was behind, but he lifted his right pale hand for the blond to look.

"You want to cut or to bite?" Itachi asked seriously, but in his tone was the slight note of humor, as if he wanted to laugh, but held it in. The blond looked at the hand presented to him and grimaced.

"Cut." He answered and Itachi took kunai in his left hand.

"Make the seals." He said cutting his wrist under the blonds eyes and Naruto did so, noticing that the seal on his chest for a moment gleamed. He gulped, seeing the blood stream out the small cut, and hesitantly, his hands touched the pale hand of the man. He prepared himself to feel strange sensations, unpleasant headaches, and whatever else may come, and under the man's stare he gently lifted the hand and his lips covered the small wound on the wrist.

Just as he expected, the taste was metallic, salty too. What else there was to expect? Itachi was human too after all, and his blood couldn't be different. He carefully let the blood flow into his mouth, sipping. A moment later, he felt warmth spread through him, and he relaxed, liking the feeling. He closed his eyes and sucked a little, to get more of it. Itachi's left hand encircled him and pressed him to the man's chest tighter, but he barely noticed. He swallowed and had the urge to hold the man's hand more firmly, to get more of that taste and bite his skin, letting his teeth sink into it, but he didn't like the fact that he wanted it, so he continued to be careful and gentle, he didn't want to bruise the man's hand.

Itachi waited. He felt as Naruto relaxed and started to like the drink. He prepared the blood pills beforehand, and enjoyed the sight of the blond reveling in the taste. He looked engrossed in the action and even though he was gentle, it didn't look like he planned to let go. He gave him one more minute, before deciding that it was enough.

"That's enough for now, Naruto-kun." He whispered.

The blond opened his eyes and saw Itachi's left hand raise the prepared bandage. He stopped sucking and instead lightly licked the wound. He heard a sharp intake of breath from the man at the action, and repeated it with pleasure.

Itachi suppressed a shudder and saw the blond take the bandage and wrapping it around his wrist carefully. Then, making the last small knot, the blond placed his hand down over the left hand that was above his stomach, letting Itachi's hands fully encircle him and leaned back to his chest, sighing with content. Itachi could stand up and leave him like that, but he didn't want to. He looked down at the face of the teen and wondered if he fell asleep. His left hand rose and found a blood pill in his pouch. He swallowed it and looking down again he found the blue eyes opened, half lidded, but still. He could see the reflection of the tree they were under and the cloudy sky in them, and remembered that his own black eyes never reflected the world around. The blond lifted their right hands and looked at Itachi's bandaged one. He straightened the palm and fingers and looked at it closely.

"People say that if fingers are longer than a palm, it is the sign that the person relies on his mind and logic. And if the palm is longer than fingers, it is the sign that the person heavily relies on his heart." The blond muttered, stroking the man's pale and long fingers."You're very smart, Itachi." The man looked down at their hands and had to agree with that logic.

"Then it means that you have a very big heart." He replied, and frowned when the blond entwined their fingers and raising their hands …kissed Itachi's.

"Also, you're a good liar." The teen added and fully turned around, facing the man. He let his legs almost encircle Itachi and he let his hands rest against the man's chest. He continued in a whisper."You've managed to convince the whole world, everyone, that you're a heartless killer, murderer, criminal." He said leaning closer to Itachi's face."Everyone, but me."

He stared in the man's eyes, and then his gaze fell on the lines that traveled from under his eyes to his cheeks. His hands gripped the man's shirt in fists, and he leaned even closer, pressing his lips lightly to the man's for a short moment.

Itachi was lost. The moment the teen breathed out the last sentence his heart stopped. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. And then those lips touched his, as if to prove the said words. He stared at the face close to his and noticed that the blue eyes were still half lidded in tiredness.

"You're affected by the seal, Naruto-kun." He stated, and at these words the blue orbs widened in surprise, but a moment later the blond smirked. He leaned in again.

"Maybe." His right hand rose to Itachi's face and his thumb traced the line on the man's face."You think I didn't notice? The way you touched your headband, the way your fingers traced the symbol of the village …gently …lovingly…" He breathed out and his thumb slowly slid down the man's jaw line. "That gesture… is done by those who love their village… and you are… one of them." He leaned to the man's lips again.

"Don't." Itachi managed to whisper back and his left arm rose to the boy's shoulder to stop him. He felt his heart start to beat loudly in his chest, scaring him. The left hand of the blond gripped his shirt even tighter and the fingers of his right appeared behind the man's head; those fingers combed the black hairs.

"No 'don'ts'…." The teen whispered back and firmly pressed their lips together.

...

When Jiraya got back to the clearing he raised a brow seeing his student walk left and right, nervously pressing his left fisted hand to his mouth. It looked like he paced in that manner for the last half an hour, not seeing the world around. His jacket was left under a tree and the dust that should have covered the field in a mist and smoke was absent. The narrowed eyes of the blond danced looking seemingly nowhere and Jiraiya wondered what happened while he was away. He patiently waited for five minutes, hoping that Naruto would notice him and say what got him distressed, but he got tired of lack of attention and sighed.

"Brat!" He loudly called and the blond looked up. His blue eyes widened and after a short pause in his steps he strode to the man, with his expression of a mix of embarrassment, anger and fear.

"That fucking seal of yours has side effects!" The white haired man frowned at that proclamation and crossed his arms. He waited for the rest of the monologue and the details."I'm a freaking gay now!" Jiraya, surprised, frowned even deeper.

"What? You can't be serious."

The blond faced the man and anxiously raised his arms in the air."I am in love with Itachi!" He covered his face with his hands and made a strange sound. That followed a short silence, in which Jiraya started to believe the blond wanted to pull a prank on him, though the nature of the joke surprised him, and the fashion in which the blond did it was unlike him."I kissed him. Oh my God, I feel like an idiot." The boy continued through his palms, sounding scared.

The hermit gazed at him stunned, as he processed the information frozen in place. Naruto kissing Itachi? No, that must be some sort of joke.

"Wait, why do you say it's the side effect of the seal?" He managed to ask furrowing his forehead and the hands of the blond slightly slid lower, down his face.

"What else could it be? Besides, Itachi stated so when I…" He stopped in midsentence and closed his eyes. He was utterly embarrassed. His behavior probably scared Itachi off, and freaked him out… He himself was shocked. When he woke up, and came to his senses, he realized what happened, but Itachi was gone and he didn't know if he should feel sad or happy about it. He wanted to apologize but at the same time he didn't know if he could face the man. How did Itachi react to that? He didn't expect that, that was for sure. But was he angered or didn't care? No, there was definitely fear in those black eyes, but it could be caused by his words too… Oh damn, what the pile of shit did he throw then?! There's no way Itachi will ever feel safe around him again! And the man tried to stop him, too. Though… he didn't try hard, but he was shocked, so that's understandable. The whole thing just went completely wrong. Thank heavens it didn't go further! Though, he couldn't deny that he liked the position they were in… NO! Stop that train of thought! What the hell is going on? That seal must be the source of these stupid emotions…

"Truth be told I didn't think that adding his chakra and blood would cause a physical attraction… that's really interesting, I have to make some notes about it and check if it's right." Muttered Jiraya, stroking his chin with his forefinger, as he watched the sky above, not paying that much attention to his troubled student. The blond stared at him dumbfounded, as his hands were still covering the most of his face.

"Did you hear what I said? I. Kissed. Itachi." Spoke the teen, not comprehending the reaction of his teacher. The man looked down on him quizzically, and then, as if remembering what was the situation about, he opened his mouth with an 'oh', and said.

"So, what? Do you want me to stay close the next time he visits and make sure you don't get to make out?"

The blond had eyes widened and his jaw fell as he gaped at his teacher. He couldn't get how Jiraya took the situation so lightly; didn't he care if he was involved with a man? Did he think that it was a joke?

"No, thanks, I'm embarrassed enough as it is. But if you would be so kind to check this seal and fix that problem I'd be grateful." The blond replied in a rare serious tone, still shaken about what happened. He just knew the man was amused and was inspired with that for that book of his, but he could do nothing to change that, Jiraya was a pervert after all… And he definitely wouldn't let the man observe them when they were… well, together. He got used to the intimacy and secrecy with Itachi and he didn't want to lose that, even though today happened something that could destroy their relationship. But… knowing Itachi and Uchiha as a whole, he would bet that the next time Itachi appears, he will behave as if nothing happened…

...

One and a half months later

Sitting by the table in a hotel room, and writing the last chapter for his new novel, Jiraya smirked. He felt that chakra again, and it meant Itachi appeared once more. He could swear the kid was looking for the reasons to spend time with his student. It was almost funny how these two were so much alike and unlike each other. Maybe that was the thing that got them together. He frowned remembering the time of the Uchiha massacre and the rumors, events, and what's more important, quietness behind it. He was always suspicious of that thing, and he felt that there was more to it than some young, perfect and loyal shinobi going on the rampage. Especially, when that young shinobi is so good at controlling his emotions, and is quite sane. Or, maybe he didn't need to know what was behind it; some things are better left unsaid, like the fact that there existed the seal that could transfer not only soul, but abilities from one man to another. He scowled, realizing that keeping Naruto conscious about what was transpiring was risky. The teen sucked at illusions, and anyone skilled enough could force him to spill everything. He himself could keep the greatest secrets and no one would ever get a hold of it, while Itachi had Sharingan, and that said all, not mentioning his abnormal skills in genjutsu. But Naruto… While the brat could keep his mouth shut, it wouldn't stop the other shinobi from getting inside his head, and finding out about things that Jiraiya wished were kept locked. There was a knock on the door, and Itachi entered, emotionless as always.

"Naruto's in the next room, I won't disturb you. I believe, this is the last time you visit?" Jiraya asked, looking up from the papers. The raven haired, cloaked man nodded and turned to leave, when the hermit spoke again.

"I will take away his memories, before we get back to Konoha. Just to be safe. He will receive them back with yours."

Itachi thought for a long moment, thinking over the matter. He didn't reply to that, agreeing with Jiraya's reasoning in the end, and without another word, he left closing the door behind him.

Without a knock, he entered the next room to find Naruto reading a scroll on his bed. He was focused to the point of scowling and didn't show that he heard someone entering. The room was a mess, and the blond was in orange pants, and the black mesh shirt, while his headband rested on his pillow again, and he didn't place his sandals in the proper place, by the door, but under his bed, which seemed to be Naruto-like. Itachi softly closed the door and strode to him, wondering if the blond knew who was in the room. He casually sat by the teen, on his left, and waited for being noticed. Naruto thought that it was Jiraya, who never knocked entering, and after rereading the complicated line he couldn't understand again, he glanced to the left to confirm it but saw the red cloud on the black fabric and almost shrieked and jumped realizing that it was someone else. His eyes looked up and he saw Itachi's face. That relaxed him somewhat and he sighed relieved, pressing his left hand to his chest to somehow stop his racing heart. He could swear he saw amusement in Itachi's eyes, and he glared in response, to show what he thought of that kind of unexpected entrance. He saw that amusement in those eyes did not disappear, so he gave up and turned away, putting the scroll aside. He looked back at the man, and between them formed a soft silence, as they gazed at each other. Finally, it was broken by Itachi.

"We'll perform the last sealing today."

The blond nodded and to get more comfortable, Itachi took his cloak off. He let it fall on the floor, not really bothering with creating more mess.

"We'll seal the spiritual chakra, and it may cause you the giddiness, like before." He continued sitting down, and raised his hands. Naruto looked down at them, knowing that he had to remember the seals, and Itachi started to perform them slowly, observing Naruto's eyes. Then he observed his hands, as he repeated the signs, and inwardly, somehow wished he could hold them again. The blond nodded, showing that he was ready, and Itachi hesitantly, carefully, pulled him closer, on his lap. Naruto didn't struggle against it, he even preferred to sit like this, knowing that his head may start to spin, and he felt better, knowing that Itachi will keep him steady. He made the hand signs and the seal gleamed, as he rested his head on the man's shoulder.

Itachi looked down and asked."Are you affected by the seal now?"

The blond scowled and looked away."Don't ask me that."

The man tilted his head."But I have to know if you will behave like the last time."

"You just want to embarrass me!" Muttered the teen shutting his eyes and grimacing.

Itachi smirked down at him."Hnn."

"Don't answer me with that Uchiha syllable!" The teen shouted glaring sideways, refusing to look at the man, because he felt that he blushed. Two seconds later he heard a very quiet laugh, and surprised, he quickly looked up. But Itachi's face was stoic as ever, as if he never ever smiled. Looking closely, the blond saw the corner of Itachi's lips quiver and he knew that he caused him to laugh, though, he regretted not seeing it. He grinned and sat with his legs on either side of the man, and rose on his knees slightly, to have a better view of Itachi's face. The man noticed the glint in Naruto's eyes and wondered what trouble that meant.

"You laughed." The blond started, and pressed his hands on the man's chest."So, let's see…" He mumbled and grinned even wider."I ask Sasuke, 'Hey, Sasuke, are you tired?' and then I hear 'Hnn." The blond noticed Itachi's lips quiver a bit more, so he continued. "And then I ask, 'Hey, Sasuke, are you sure we chose the right road back?' And he answers me with a 'Hnn.' Damn, how the hell the human being is supposed to understand if that means YES or NO?!" He shouted at the end and Itachi trembled as he pressed his lips so hard it looked like a grimace, it lasted for a second because then, he laughed loudly with his eyes closed. It was so natural and unnatural that Naruto stared at him, stunned. The man shook so hard that he fell on his back and held his stomach. The blond grinned at that and saw Itachi try to raise his right hand to cover his mouth; try, because Naruto stopped him and held this arm, to see the face of the man clearly.

After what seemed like eternity, Itachi calmed down and with a small smile stared up at the boy. Naruto stared back, still grinning, and then, he leaned down and after a moment of hesitation, started to kiss the man.

The shock was absent, the technique was done. Itachi was doubtful again, and he didn't respond to the kiss even though he wanted to. He couldn't believe that it was anything but the seal influencing the teen, and it made him feel uncomfortable. The blond pulled back and stared in his eyes.

"Don't want to, or scared?" Quietly asked the blond, gazing down. Itachi didn't want to speak, his expression turned serious, and the teen saw the fear and pain in his eyes.

"You're scared." The blond muttered and smiled sadly; he straightened his back, so that he sat on the man."I'm not affected by the seal. Well, not enough to be controlled by it. Ero-sennin checked it and confirmed it." He gazed down at Itachi and waited for any kind of response. The man just stared back, as if examining the picture presented to him. The teen sighed and closed his eyes."If you don't want to, forget everything and we part like friends, if you want to-," Before he got to finish the sentence, Itachi was up and claiming his lips feverishly. He pressed him closer, holding his back and the blond smiled through the kiss, feeling that the man was finally losing control. Itachi licked the teen's lips and he parted them, encircling the neck of the man with his arms…

...

While on the mission concerning finding Sasuke, who at that time found Itachi

When he saw the blond in the forest, he didn't know how he should react to this. He didn't know if he should hide from his eyes, or let himself be seen. He knew that it was only a clone, one of many around, and he knew that it is the last time they meet. He made a slow intake of breath and formed an illusion, letting the teen see his body form from the ravens. And while the blond was under that technique, he got closer to him and fought the urge to change everything, to change his plans, his ambitions, change the future he put ahead of himself, his brother and Naruto. It hurt him, when he thought on what Naruto will feel. He was causing him the greatest pain a person can experience. He was so… sorry. He closed his eyes and stilled his heart. He knew that both of them were stronger than that. He smiled and asked aloud.

"What will you do, if Sasuke attacks Konoha? Will you protect your village, or will you protect your friend?"

"I would do both!" Was the answer; the same as before. Itachi sadly smiled at that, and made a step closer, facing the teen.

"I will gift you with a bit of my power." He said aloud and kissed the blond, still keeping him trapped in illusion. It was him saying goodbye, and he prayed that Naruto will understand him and forgive him. He quickly left after that, to find his sibling…

...

Back in Konoha, Naruto's apartment, when he knew that Sasuke killed Itachi

He lay in his bed thinking back on the moment when he met Sasuke's brother. Itachi trapped him in genjutsu again but he couldn't place the man's behavior. His clone didn't find any details, he didn't know if that was Itachi's clone or if there was a particular reason for the man to act strange. He knew that there was something more, but what? He asked himself time after time why Sasuke killed his brother.

He was utterly shocked, because he believed that his former teammate would never commit that act. After all, despite the fact that Itachi was a murderer, the man was still his brother. Why not settle their problems once and for all without bloodshed and behave like normal people? Why kill each other? He couldn't believe his friend got so far with his revenge.

He wasted the half of his life for it and what now? Did it make Sasuke happy? Has he calmed now and travels back to Konoha? Why did it seem like Itachi didn't share that hatred with his brother? Wasn't it strange that he kept telling Sasuke that his hatred was always too small, always not enough…? As if he wanted Sasuke to hate him so much that Sasuke would kill him…

He closed his eyes, confused, and turned on his other side. He was sure he will get a headache if he continues to think over the matters so hard, but he couldn't help it. He scratched his left shoulder and chest, and frowned at his train of thoughts.

He could talk with Sakura about it, but she would take Sasuke's side and state that Itachi deserved it. He could talk with Kakashi, but he didn't know how the man would react to that topic. And then there was Tsunade or Jiraiya, but he didn't want to bother them when they had more important things to ponder on.

The itching got annoying and he frowned, scratching the skin over his heart. He rose slightly and lifted his shirt, wondering what sore or the dirt could get there. He looked down and stared at the strange gleaming marks that softly pulsed, scaring him somewhat. And then out of nowhere, in his mind appeared a picture of Itachi, it was him smiling.

And then more, and more, and more… and he knew it couldn't be his imagination, it was too real. Itachi glaring, Itachi scowling, Itachi smirking and even pouting… Why did he see these scenes? Where did it come from? He gasped remembering the laughing face of the man, and then he just sat on his bed dumbly, numb. One scene after another entered his mind and he panted, shocked by this. He couldn't move, or make a sound. The moments of Itachi's life, so beautiful and ugly, scaring and stunning were before his eyes and he was speechless at the truths, lies and suffering around him.

Behind that mask was so much pain and hurt that he wanted to stop it, erase it, and do something just to take it all away… He felt the trembling inside the man's hand every time he raised it to kill but his movements were fluid and perfect, unlike the emotions he hid so well. Everywhere, all the time, the blood, the red color, the screams, tortures where was the end to this?

Itachi washed his hands off blood, off the liquid that followed him, pursued him, haunted him everywhere he was, everywhere he went. He wanted to run, to hide from it and he couldn't. He wanted to stop to forget all this and he couldn't.

…And then, Itachi was calm. He held the form of Naruto in his arms as he slept, and didn't want to let go. He stroked the tanned skin, and suddenly there was nothing he feared. And then his hands were kissed, and there was nothing in this world he would want to feel in exchange for this.

He saw as Itachi's hand, slowly and gracefully, lifted in the air, and got closer to the trembling form of Sasuke, utterly scaring him. But then, it turned out to be just a fillip on the forehead.

Sorry Sasuke, there won't be next time. It was over. Sasuke did this. He killed Itachi… he… killed… 'Tachi… The tears appeared in the corners of his eyes and quickly slid down his face, to his chin, and he wanted to scream, to shout so loud to free the emotion that gathered in his chest and was causing him so much pain that he thought his body will rip itself into pieces. He was gasping for air but it wasn't enough to breathe and he shook violently, feeling his soul tear and burst out of him in anguish.

It was too late. There was nothing he could do. There was no one he could stop. He wanted to, he'd pray to but he knew too much, he knew it was too late. And there was no hope for anything. And in his suffering, he was alone. Who knew the truth? Who could do anything? Why there was no one close to Itachi to stop it? Why he didn't remember all of this?! If he did he could… he would…

He raised his hand to his mouth to stop the scream that threatened to release itself out of his body, and quietly wept.

"…Sasuke… you bastard… you mother fucking son of a bitch…"

He didn't know how long his mind and attention were gone, but he knew that it was only the start of his reaction to what happened. He was still in shock and only vaguely comprehended the situation… He didn't want to leave his apartment, he didn't want to see anyone, and what's more, he couldn't let anyone see him. He was a mess, and he didn't want to change that. He wanted to suffer and cry, and he wanted to do so alone.

Some time later

He summoned the small toad, having a careful plan formed in his mind. The green and smiling animal appeared in the puff of smoke and waved with its foot in a greeting.

"Hi, Naruto!"

The blond was sitting on his bed and writing something on the piece of paper. The toad frowned seeing his expression, it was different from those he saw seeing the blond before, and it was more than sad, it was filled with pain and the new level of loneliness.

"Are you all right?" The toad asked.

"No, but I will be." was the quiet reply, and the voice almost cracked.

"You look like shit!" Exclaimed the animal shocked.

"Yeah, thanks for reminding me." Said the blond and slightly glared at the animal. He finished writing and turned to the waiting toad. "Gamatsuki, I'll put on you the transformation technique, turning you into Katsuyu. With that list, you'll go to the market, to the medicine centre." Here the blond took some money and gave them to the animal." If they ask you any questions, you'll say that it is for Tsunade. You'll buy these things and bring it to me, ok?"

The toad nodded and took the items. The blond made some hand seals and touched the summoned animal; the toad turned into the slug and uncharacteristically disappeared through the window.

End of flashback


Konoha hospital, present time

Inoichi opened his eyes, and blinked down at the sleeping form of the teen. His fingers pulled away from his temples and the man looked up, noticing that everyone was still in the room, though, the pink haired girl was sitting in a chair now and Danzou leaned on the wall. He guessed that some hours had passed since he started to use the memory viewing technique. Tsunade noticed him moving and turned to look at him, waiting to hear what he found out. He inwardly cringed, realizing what consequences his speech may have. The occupants of the room watched him questioningly, and Danzou tapped the floor with his cane lightly.

"So, what did you see, Inoichi, what took you so long." An aged man asked, narrowing his eye. The jounin bit his tongue and quickly formulated his response. He shrugged closing his eyes, and spoke.

"I had to break through the barriers, created by Jiraiya-san; he made a deal… with Uchiha Itachi, over a year ago. He created a seal that transferred the Sharingan and Itachi agreed to use it in exchange for information Jiraiya-san gathered on the four nations, excluding the fire country from the five. The seal was activating after Itachi's death, so he wasn't losing anything from the deal, and Naruto didn't know about it till he got back to Konoha." Explained the blond jounin and everyone looked at him wide eyed.

"What kind of seal was it?" Inquired the aged man, narrowing his eye in suspicion.

"I am not sure, Jiraiya-san was a seal specialist and he created it himself, but I didn't see the details of it in Naruto's memories."

"Then, what is it called?" Asked Tsunade, hoping that she would get a hint from the name of it.

"It's called The Touch of Sharingan."

Tenzou hummed and looked on the floor, seemingly lost in thought. The pink haired teammate of the boy sighed with relief and relaxed in her chair. After a minute of silence the sixth Hokage pierced Inoichi with his gaze again.

"So Uzumaki has no other abilities of Uchiha Itachi aside from the bloodline itself? No techniques, no memories?"

The jounin sported a confident look and nodded. "Only Sharingan, Hokage-sama."

The old man hummed, satisfied, and turned to leave. "Notify me when he awakens, Tsunade." He ordered, and left the room.

When he did, Inoichi let out the breath he was holding and leaned with his hands on the bed of the patient. He closed his eyes, tired, and tried to gather the thoughts in his mind. Tenzou noticed the change in his behavior and looked at him quizzically.

"Something's wrong, Inoichi-san?"

The man absently shook his head and looked grim. He looked down on the face of the blond and shook his head disbelievingly. Seeing that, Tsunade raised a brow.

"What else was there?" She asked curios. The jounin sighed and still looking down on the teen, answered.

"Nothing that much important, Godaime-sama." He said knowing that even walls had ears, and any word that falls will be delivered to the active leader of the village."I just start to respect Jiraiya-san even more, God let his soul rest in peace." He added. At his words everyone looked down on the floor in the minute of silence, while by the opposite wall in the room, hiding behind a powerful genjutsu, the two red eyes stared at the scene narrowing, digesting the information. Uchiha Sasuke patiently waited to hear more, but the jounin stayed quiet, and his followers behind him, Karin, Juugo and Suigetsu, bored, yawned not understanding what he was waiting for. He looked at the occupied bed and his gaze turned hateful.

End of chapter 2