Chapter one:

On top of a hill a little ways from a village called Rashens, a boy in his mid teens appeared to be sleeping underneath the shade of a large Sakura tree. Soft spiky blonde hair danced in the warm ocean breeze as a small smile displayed itself across his whisker-scarred face.

The boy lied in the lush grass, content with the warm rays of the sun that gleamed through the blossomed branches of the tree, all the while feigning sleep. His eyes were shut in mock slumber as he soaked up the warm rays and enjoyed the smells of the forest as well as the ocean, the two fragrances coming to mingle in the warm air.

His composure was relaxed and calm, as if he had no worries and all the time in the world. He was wearing simple black pants with a white shirt with a slight V-neck made out of a silver fabric. Over the white shirt was a rich red unbuttoned jacket that stopped just above his waist. The upturned collar was edged in black satin, and the long sleeves were folded up just past his elbows. Around each wrist he wore two metal bands that were said to be both for defending and helping to channel the necessary energy needed to perform summoning.

His mid calf black boots were discarded next to him, his toes and fingers free to enjoy the feeling of the soft grass in-between them. Minding his own business and enjoying the peace of the area the blonde enjoyed his solitude and began to reminisce about a friend that he had not seen in quite a long time. (It has been a year since I last saw him, I wonder when he will show up. If he even decides to come…)
The young boy frowned a little as he focused his thoughts back to his surroundings, immediately feeling something unnatural. It was as if something big was about to happen, and Nature was becoming restless in preparation for the upcoming event.

"I knew I would find you here." A smooth and amused voice said calmly while standing over the blonde.

Snapping back to reality the blonde was surprised to find that he hadn't noticed someone entering his domain. (Stupid! How can you not have noticed someone here! Idiot! Idiot! Wait the only one who ever comes here is…) Finishing his train of thought, the blond opened his eyes to reveal two beautiful sapphire orbs.

"Sasuke?" The blonde called happily as he suddenly pounced on the other boy, failing to bring him down. Instead the said boy caught him is his arms and continued to hold him bridal style. "Wha? HEY! Put me down!"

With a shrug of his shoulders the other boy unceremoniously dropped the blonde to the ground with a resounding 'thud'.

"OW! Hey I didn't mean like that jerk!" The other yelled, rubbing his soar bum and shaking a fist warningly at the smirking boy in front of him. It was then that the blonde really took in the others appearance. One year hadn't changed him that much but he had definitely grown taller and had lost more of his baby fat. The other's raven hair was still as wild and unique as it had been when he was younger. His eyes were the same as well; intense eyes that spoke volumes of confidence and leadership.

He wore similar attire to what the said boy's brother had worn the first time Naruto had seen him. He wore a long sleeved black shirt with black pants, and a silver cape that was embroidered with a navy blue dragon holding an Uchiha fan, draped over both shoulders; the dragon's eyes were the same blood red eyes of the Uchiha's Sharingan. Finishing the attire was a set of silver, blue laced boots that came up to his upper calves. Sasuke had a cool, relaxed composure with a warm and yet distant atmosphere to him. A mocking smirk graced his defined and flawless
face.

Naruto sat blinking up as the older boy scrutinized him with an almost amused look. "What?" Naruto complained as he looked away with a light blush on his face from being stared at and also because he had been caught staring.

"Your still…" The other paused as he questioned his choice of words.

"I'm still….." The blonde asked feeling awkward at the strange behavior of his friend. (He looks somewhat the same but he isn't acting like his usual self. Maybe he changed? I mean it has been one year, time can do a lot to a person, it has for me.)

"Short." The other responded bluntly while waiting for his friend's reaction.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHORT!? I'M NOT SHORT!" The blonde was now sitting crossed legged, his chin held high as his lips formed into a kissable pout. His cheeks were slightly pink, whether it was from the outburst or just from plain embarrassment, no one could tell.

Laughter soon followed his childish display as the raven haired boy laughed slightly at his friend. "Still hot-tempered eh Naruto-chan?" Sasuke said emphasizing the word 'chan'. (He is still the same Naruto I remeber so predictable even after a years time. I hope he never changes…)

//Maybe not, he is still teasing me! Naruto thought pouting even more at his "friend's" words. "Haha…don't use 'chan', I'm That's for girls!" The blonde informed his friend. "So…what's new with you? Anything happen?" Naruto asked with a smile in hopes to catch up with his friend. His smile disappeared though as Sasuke's eyes looked sad and the atmosphere around him suddenly became depressing. "What happened….Sasuke?" (Something happened to him too?)

"It's nothing really….nothing you should be concerned about." Sasuke tried to avoid his friends questioning gaze without success.

"Sometimes heavy burdens don't weigh nearly as much when you have someone helping you to carry the load." The blonde said this in a sorrowful voice, as if he knew exactly the full extent of those words. Sasuke was awestruck at the wisdom coming from his friend. It was as though Naruto had the wisdom of an ancient philosopher. (Ya right, but then again, that look in his eyes is just like mine…? Maybe something happened to him too. If I tell him will he tell me?)

"It's my brother…he," Sasuke stopped; unsure if he could of even should go on. However, as soon as his eyes met Naruto's he knew that he could go on.

"He's missing." Sasuke stated. He looked down at the now ground which now seemed the most interesting thin in the world, the ruler watching a ladybug crawl through the grass.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked, fully aware of what those words meant but feeling as though there was more to the story.

"It was two months ago. He just seemed to disappear, my parents are uneasy. He had a fight with my parents the day before his disappearance." Naruto scooted over to let Sasuke sit down, knowing it would be best. Sasuke hesitantly took a seat next to Naruto and both of them fixed their gazes to the blossoms above them. "My brother was upset that my parents wouldn't talk to an acquaintance of his who came from a small village within the Dark Nation's boundaries, something about a compromise…my parents still hold grudges against those who come from Dark. I overheard my parents saying something about them having a peace treaty and a compromise was unnecessary. My brother seemed to really want my parents to at least listen to the representative but my parents wouldn't hear of it and Itachi stormed out." Sasuke's eyes seemed saddened and glazed as though he was reminiscing.

"And that's the last you saw of him?" Naruto asked a little doubtful that that was truly the end.

"No." Sasuke sighed as he prepared to continue. "That night I heard my brother talking to the person he wanted my parents to talk to. My brother was upset and the other guy looked amused, then they started talking about something…"

FLASHBACK…

"I can't believe they won't even at least hear you out." Itachi had his hands fisted at his sides as the man glared at the fountain positioned in the center of the moon illuminated courtyard.

"Choro Choro Itachi. It seems as though it is their loss. We could have shared in this newfound power." A huge man with a wide bandaged sword on his back sounded amused. He was wearing a large black cloak and a wide-rimmed straw hat that hid his ghastly features.

"They are always quick to judge, the offer they are passing up..." Itachi growled under his breath.

"Why not come with us then? Just because your parents disagree doesn't mean you have to. You're an adult- you should make your own decisions. Besides, there are other ways of finding him, your parents may know something of his true identity and location, but there are others who know. Rumors are going around. This way would have been quicker, although I doubt the Akatsuki would be so willing as to share him. Our intentions are self-gained I guess you could say. So, why not join us? It would prove to be rewarding, unlike if you were to stay here." The man removed his hat and Sasuke could see the shark like features of the man. His eyes screamed bloodlust and power-hungry.

(No! Aniki would never take this man's offer!) Sasuke screamed in his mind, desperately trying to remain hidden.

"Had you come to me years earlier with that offer I wouldn't have hesitated but as things are now, I have a duty to my Kingdom as well as my family. I am sure joining your organization would require some sort of test of both my skills and loyalty would it not? It is true I am an adult and fully capable of making my own decisions but my loyalty lies with my kingdom and empire." Itachi stated boldly and with a glare at the shark man.

"I see- Choro, Choro what a shame. With your abilities you would have made quite an addition. My offer still stands. I will wait one hour for you tomorrow morning, you know where. If you fail to show yourself I will assume this to be your final answer. I wonder though, do your loyalties truly lie within this empire?" With that the shark man disappeared in a flash, signaling that he had teleported away.

"You can come out Sasuke" Itachi stated with a mask of indifference.

Sasuke hesitantly stepped out of the shadows, afraid for some reason of what his brother would do to him.

"I must say I am impressed you managed to stay hidden from him, or maybe he was just an idiot." Itachi stated the first part his back toward his younger sibling but he turned around letting a cool yet amused smirk display on his lips.

At this Sasuke brightened with admiration shining in his eyes. "Aniki, I'm glad you didn't take his offer. You won't right?" Sasuke stated this last part with something akin to fear and hope.

"Sasuke, whatever I decide--I will never betray you or our kingdom but there are some things that you wouldn't be able to understand now." Itachi stated, looking down at his younger brother. He then turned away, black and red cape flowing in the cool night breeze as he glided across the courtyard into the castle's halls.

END FLASHBACK

"That was the last I saw of him, I refuse to believe he betrayed us. He gave me his word he wouldn't! My parents seemed saddened, not upset, they pray for his safety. I have no idea where he went, but I'm pretty sure he went with that representative to join their organization." Sasuke's eyes were hollow and saddened as he continued "I looked up to him! He was one of the few friends I had, and now, I don't know if I will ever see him again! I just want answers; I want to know why he left when he gave me his word he wouldn't betray us." Sasuke's eyes at that moment were sad yet narrowed in anger.

"If that's the case then I will do everything I can to help you out. You know this village is one of the busiest ports all year round for both Nations, if I hear something, I'll let you know." Naruto looked at his friend determination lighting up his bright blue eyes.

"That reminds me. Here Naruto, I want you to have this" Sasuke said while handing a necklace over to Naruto.

"What? But this is!?" Naruto exclaimed hesitant to take the offered item.

"Ah, it's my family's emblem, you have already been held in my favor as I have decreed, but you need the proof to back it up. As you know I developed the Sharingan when I was thirteen but I have just recently completed its form, because of this I no longer need this symbol. All of the Uchiha clan have one and on the back is a different symbol to represent us individually, this one is specifically my own, I've had it since birth. It's not custom to be giving it away, but I wanted you to have it. If ever you should see my brother, show him this and he will have audience with you, it will also prove you to be in my favor to any of our warriors or family should you ever need to. Only those within our family know of the emblem's meaning, to anyone else it is simply a trinket. The symbol represents the beginning of our clan and we don't use this symbol anywhere else except within the Uchiha Clan. We have favored the dragon as a diplomatic symbol to represent our empire, so this symbol has been forgotten by everyone except for Uchihas." Sasuke finished by gently placing the emblem around Naruto's neck.

Naruto fingered the symbol carefully flipping it over to see ancient writing engraved into the back of which he figured was Sasuke's name formed in writing only scribes and elders would understand. Naruto then carefully looked up to Sasuke and gave a sly smile.

"So is this some sort of engagement or something?" Naruto said with a grin while raising his eyebrows.

"Idiot!" Sasuke exclaimed while wacking Naruto over the head.

"OUCH! I was only joking!" Naruto said while rubbing his sore head while laughing. "I was surprised though…" Naruto stated with a more serious tone.

"About what? Its only natural I would give my Best Friend something to prove my favor." Sasuke stated bluntly in his mightier than thou tone.

"Not that. I mean I've never heard you talk this much about anything." Naruto stated just as blunt in which Sasuke whacked the blond again leaving Naruto cradling his head and groaning in pain.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Naruto." Sasuke said with a slight blush on his face as he rose and began walking back toward the village.

"Ya…" Naruto replied still cradling his head bent over on the ground holding up one arm as a partial farewell.

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Within the Takai empire's walls
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A man with long, black silken hair sat on a black marble chair settled directly at the head of a large table. The man wore the traditional Takai layered black robes, a red dyed kanji for death on his right shoulder, a dangling skull earring in his left ear and an Akatsuki ring on his left hand. He had ghostly white skin that stood out against the dark colors of his attire, his face defined and sharp while his golden, silted eyes resembled those of a snake's. He let his eyes roam around the castle's dark meeting chamber as his gaze finally settled on the other members sitting around the large oak table.

"My Lord, We have recently discovered the whereabouts of the boy. He is located within a small village called Rashens. Unfortunately we were unable to choke out anymore information as our sources were stubborn and died before revealing anything else, so his name and looks remain unknown. However, we know the target is male and around the age of fifteen." One of the men informed.

"I see. Then, in that case we'd better go collect the boy as soon as possible right?" Another spoke up. And soon everyone was joining in the chat.

"Yes, yes, the sooner the better for us!"

"I can't believe it is finally within our grasps, after all these years of searching."

"Choro Choro, I think we owe that to our newest member eh, Itachi?" Everyone in the room agreed and turned to look at the said master of the Sharingan eyes who was currently wearing a black and red outfit, similar to what he used to wear, instead replaced with red clouds- the symbol for the Akatsuki.

The man named Itachi remained silent as he set his gaze upon the leader of the Organization.

"Yes, Itachi-kun, I do think you have proven your loyalty to us." The said leader stared back at the Sharingan user with an evil smile. "Kabuto!" The man called, his voice echoing throughout the large stone room.

The sound of a large and old wooden door opening soon filled the room, the summoned man walking in. He was a tall man in his early twenties with silver hair and a pair of glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. He was wearing the traditional Takai warrior's uniform, attire that screamed dark and skilled. He wore black pants and a fitted, long sleeved black shirt, which sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. Hugging his torso was a thin, dark red metal vest with a black kanji for death adorning the back. A black bandana with a skull in the center was tied around the man's forehead and a black cape was draped over one shoulder as to not hide the kanji on his back. The man had piercing eyes that showed how skilled he was. This was a man who had many encounters with death. "You called Orochimaru-sama?"

"Tell your forces to prepare to invade a village." Orochimaru commanded his best officer.

"Right away Orochimaru-sama." The man bowed and then left to carry out his orders.

"Is that necessary Orochimaru? Kabuto and his troops are of your best forces. Rashens is a small and peaceful village is it not? I don't see the need to send out…"

"Are you disagreeing with my decision Kishio-san?"

"No! Of course not my lord, it is just that I don't…"

"Well then allow me to explain, it is true that the village is small and peaceful, but it is always full of Light's warriors, do you think we won't be spotted, or that the boy will come with us willingly? We are going to start a war, and the best way to get ahead of the game is to attack the enemy's resources first. Rashens is not part of either nation, but it is a major supply unit to the Light nation due to its rather large and busy port. Also the villagers most likely know of the boy and won't let us take him for destructive purposes so easily."

Orochimaru paused before continuing on, giving the men sometime to process his words. "Thirdly, The Doragon Empire is rumored to meet there annually with the strongest councilman alive-- the third. This has been confirmed. The third councilman, my former teacher, resides in the village to help supply the Light nations with information, and keeps peace between the neutral villages. If we were to take him out, chaos would ensue with the village relations, and the supply of imports and exports would become chaotic. He will also not be so willing to hand the boy over. Therefore, my forces are necessary. I would advise you not to question, or doubt me again Kishio-san, I will not be responsible for the result of your actions." Orochimaru explained all of this with the same evil smile on his face.

The man he had addressed broke into a cold sweat and gulped. "Yes of course Orochimaru-sama, I had no intentions of being unfaithful in your decision."

"My Lord, what if the Uchiha's are in the village during that time? Surely they are too powerful to take on all at once?" One of the men asked.

"They won't be, not if you attack within in the next two and a half weeks, or in five weeks or later. They set off for Rashens, two and a half weeks from now. They will arrive there at the end of the third week, and they plan to stay one week." Itachi informed the rest of the Akatsuki members.

As Itachi finished, Kabuto came back into the room. With a quick and respectful bow he began "Orochimaru-sama, my troops are preparing to be deployed upon your command."

"Good, good. Give them half a week to prepare- your mission is to invade the village of Rashens, make sure to destroy as much of the village as you can. I want those ports to be unusable, wipe out the entire village if you must. Your troops are allowed to take what and who they want, however, tell them not to kill randomly. I want him alive and unharmed if possible. Don't upset him, or you may have more trouble than you want, or quite possibly, can handle. Knock him out if you must. Take any possible hostages that might give us an advantage in war. You leave in half a week and will arrive there in another week. You then will have one week to finish this mission, or you may run into even more trouble. Once he is in your possession, make a hasty retreat back here. Kabuto, I want him alive." Orochimaru commanded, expressing the word 'him'.

Kabuto nodded in understanding and with another quick bow, left to report the full mission to his troops. Orochimaru chuckled darkly as he thought. (If things go right, the kid's abilities shouldn't awaken just yet but if they do, I may have more trouble then I expect, or want. Soon my little tool you will meet your new master.) Orochimaru finished his thought with dark laughter that echoed within the council room.

TO BE CONTINUED……

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