Before the chapter begins, I'd like to thank those of you who have offered very insightful and helpful reviews. I love the strange support that we all gave to all ladies in the previous chapter.

Women are just fantastic. Sometimes. God, I hate bitches though.

Even bitchy men are better than bitchy women, amirite?

Chapter 6.

Naruto's psyche struck the walls of his own body like an iron mallet, forcing him physically back in his chair. Sasuke pulled in a violent breath, a feeble cry on his lips. His body was ferociously shuddering, the contoured couch creaking on its hinges while the golden restraining field pulsated in an attempt to keep its unstable charge still. Naruto slammed a fist down on the emergency release panel, extinguishing the field with a hissing motion. Sasuke's body shuddered ferociously; his eyes were rolled back into his brain, while his mouth was open in a soundless cry.

Naruto worked fiercely, grabbing the boy by his shoulders with one hand and putting another on his forehead. "Sasuke, easy," he whispered. "Follow my voice; calm yourself. I know it hurts." Naruto blinked repeatedly, his own heart suffering from Sasuke's emotional discharge. It was so powerful that no matter how he retracted his Chakra, he could still feel Sasuke's pain, as raw and angry as it had been the day Itachi had slain himself. The emotional trauma and resulting loneliness of Sasuke's every day existence would have broken any other human, Naruto was sure. But the boy to this day felt no resentment to Otogakure, despite the circumstances leading to both his parents and his brother's cumulative demise.

Naruto pressed two fingers to Sasuke's temples, lowering his forehead to touch the boy's, despite the incessant shaking. Cautiously, he allowed a trickle of his own Chakra to flow into the boy, soothing away the pain, replacing it with the warmth of his presence and assurance. It was all he could offer Sasuke's trembling cognizance.

For long, unsure minutes, there was no change. Finally, the boy calmed. He drew breath in hiccupping gasps, tears flowing freely from both eyes. The swollen orbs glittered a honey brown, so full of pain that Naruto felt he might collapse under the weight of it. Could a boy so scarred truly be saved?

Naruto could understand fully why Sasuke was desperate for his own demise. He clenched his jaw in righteous wrath, while bending to administer Sasuke a few drops of water. Sasuke seemed to have lost the ability to speak coherently, the few words he did voice were jumbled and confused. Naruto stayed with him for over an hour, placing carefully measured doses of Chakra into Sasuke's awareness to soothe him.

"K-kill me," he panted at last. "You have your information. I'm of no further use to you."

The older man shook his head slowly. He knew full well that diving deeply into the boy's subconscious had left him emotionally compromised, but he couldn't stomach the idea of Sasuke dying.

"You don't have to die. The Federation is fair and honorable to its prisoners of war. You could seek asylum here, assume an alias." He placed a warm cloth on Sasuke's soaked forehead. "In time, you could still be a great help to us."

Sasuke snorted, then shuddered and closed his eyes. "I have no hostage value, General. I am under Seppuku orders— to be finished. The virtual signing of my death warrant took place w-when Orochimaru had his second born, and I was bumped to f-fifth in the succession." He sighed and turned his head away. "That is how it is with Misslings."

"Why?"

"I just told you—"

"Why, in the name of all that is good, do your people see fit to kill the extra heirs? Why not disinherit them?"

"Yes…" Sasuke swallowed. He voice still quaked, yet his words did not falter, as if he had repeated them to himself many times before. "Many generations ago, after we'd obtained Oto V into our system— under the old system— there was an uprising lead by two heirs, who very nearly succeeded. They were popular, while the current ruling regime was not. As fifth and sixth to the line of the throne, they were too long down the line to hope they would rule during their lifetime and so they attempted a coup on the current regime. Their rebellion, however, spanned into a fifty-year civil war that nearly tore Otogakure into pieces. The death toll was catastrophic: entire cities reduced to rubble, civilians treated as dogs, women and children forced into servitude and worse to people who had once been their neighbors. Both parties refused to submit or engage in truce talk. Otogakure is a proud system. Winner takes all in our wars. Eventually the rebellion was overthrown, and by Electorate decree, the policy was—" Sasuke choked. —"changed. To protect the succession and to ensure that such a catastrophe never occurred again."

"But when your parents—"

"When my parents were murdered, Itachi was sixteen, two years from his coming of age and two years too young to take the throne. Madara, our uncle, took his place as king; it was to be a temporary situation. But instead of acting as a mere steward, Madara had the Electorate vote to shift the royal line to his sons to protect the succession. Itachi and I were young, and his argument that we were unfit to rule was sound enough to gain support. As such, Itachi and I were demoted down the line. It was then suggested that another uprising could occur as Itachi and I grew older –that we might become jealous of our cousin's places in the line— and attempt a coup, so we were declared Misslings to… to protect the succession." Sasuke clenched his jaw. "But with my brother's suicide, the kingdom was in a planet-wide state of grief, and my life was spared by popular demand. However, over time the grief lessened, and I was still a Missling. I cannot escape my orders."

Sasuke glanced up at him. The weariness in Naruto's eyes induced him to add, "But flying was one of my dreams growing up. I was assigned to the first wave. First line, right into the fray, is a common use for Misslings. No drone can shoot quite as well as a trained human being. But now, Naruto, my survival confuses the succession. To protect it, I have to die. I would die a thousand times if it meant preventing another civil war."

Naruto clenched his jaw, blue eyes alight in rage. "But you have no intention of leading a coup. You should allow—"

"I personally may have no intention," Sasuke cut him off, "but there are those who would use my name to rebel in one way or another. My very existence is an example of mutiny that could easily be blown out of proportion. Other Misslings could refuse their Seppuku orders; the common class could begin a rebellion as a result. I could throw Otogakure into complete chaos without lifting a finger, even against my will."

"That's absurd."

"That is politics," Sasuke said with a laugh.

Naruto bowed his head, closed his eyes and sat quietly. Somewhere nearby, a mechanical hum changed its pitch.

"Would you like something warm to drink?"

Sasuke shook his head. Naruto pressed another overhead panel with the stretch of his long arm. A moment later, he pulled a cup from slot on the side of Sasuke's head, drained it, then keyed for another.

"We cannot ignore Otogakure any longer," he finally said at length. "Sasuke, we're going to need someone who can advise us, understand Otogakure thinking and policies."

Sasuke once again turned his head away. "You know all there is to know."

"I know what you have been feeling and experiencing recently," Naruto countered, "along with a few other memories, but the will that guides your decisions is beyond my reach. May I be frank with you, Sasuke?"

The boy nodded sagely.

"During mind access, I have never delved as deep as I have with you. Likewise I have never come from an interrogation feeling as if I know nothing at all. It's as if you're an iceberg, Sasuke. I dove only a little under the water's surface to see your intellectual prowess, but for every bit I saw, I could feel you hide another, greater mass beneath it. It's both frustrating and captivating."

Sasuke found himself suddenly fixated under the Jounin's intense gaze and was almost lost in its depth. He sat up slowly from his sedentary position on the couch. "N-nevertheless, I cannot betray my people," he whispered. "I've done enough damage as it is. If Otogakure were to be destroyed in this war, there would only be one to blame."

Naruto recoiled as if struck. "You don't understand us at all if you think we'd do that. Even in war, to destroy an entire system is both sadistic and wasteful. But you do know that there's a stark difference between the people of Otogakure—" Sasuke felt his face flush and his heartbeat quicken. —"and the government of Otogakure?"

"I… yes, I am aware."

"And are you also aware of the cruelty, greed, deception and arrogance that has surrounded you your entire life, Sasuke? To bring down a corrupt regime like that would ensure peace and advancement to your people, no matter their history—"

"You are speaking of my home, Jounin! Of my nationality and my family! The Uchiha name! What do you know of honor? You're Federate! You sold your soul and your name to be part of a mere cooperation of planets. You think you know something of national pride? When's the last time you even gazed upon your home world?"

Sasuke hadn't realized it, but during his tirade, he'd brought himself to a near standing position. Now Naruto had risen to his feet as well, towering over Sasuke by a full head. Sasuke was no small man. But this Jounin was massive.

"I may be Federate," Naruto said in a deep growl. "But first and foremost I am of Konohagakure, the Fire system. My brothers and sisters are each person aboard this ship, if you wish to speak of family. And it has been six years of tortured longing since I've laid eyes on my home world." He leaned over Sasuke, blue eyes flashing. "I won't have you insult what is important to me."

Sasuke didn't back off an inch. "I'll make you eat those words. You claim to have familial love and pride for your home world and then insult mine?"

"I only would insult the same regime that wants you dead!" Naruto shot back, but his expression crumpled the moment the words left his mouth. He'd stepped over a line.

Sasuke's spirit broke instantly, and he lowered his eyes. He couldn't fight back against such an argument, and despite his intense loyalty and unwillingness to change his ideals, Sasuke knew that to the Jounin he must look the complete fool. What sort of man fought passionately for the same system that could discard him like rubbish? It was a constant reminder of the unrequited love Sasuke held for his home.

Naruto stepped closer, wrapped his hands around Sasuke's shoulders. "I apologize, Sasuke, that was out of line."

"Though true," he said tonelessly.

That nervous hum of the overhead panel changed again.

"Under normal circumstances," Naruto said quietly, "you would be placed in cold stasis until the hostilities ended, but I wish to treat you differently. Take asylum, Sasuke. I can sign papers that will give you anonymity and time enough to make the decision for yourself."

Sasuke suddenly felt his legs buckle beneath him and took a heavy seat on the couch once more. "No," he said. "No, but thank you. I expect only death from now on, death with honor. To be honest I'll be glad to have it over with."

Naruto drew up stiffly. "If you won't accept asylum, you'll be my prisoner. The cells here are even smaller than the cabins and uncomfortable. But I will keep you anonymous. Try not to think like a Missling for a few weeks."

Sasuke's head snapped up. "You can read my mind now?"

"No, Sasuke." A smile appeared in his eyes before vanishing in the next second. "Mind access isn't so stealthy as that. It's an unmistakable feeling; you'll always know it. For my part, I swear to never encroach upon your thoughts unless it regards Federation safety. Your mind will be yours."

The dark-haired boy closed his eyes once more, wondering at the strange General before him. What sort of man was this Naruto Uzumaki, to treat an enemy with such kindness? Sasuke balked at the idea of having his heart touched, but Naruto's gestures of trying to save him had truly struck him in the most profound sense. Other than with Sakura, he could not remember the last time he'd felt warmed by another person's presence alone. He opened his eyes to find Naruto's again, to be lost in them once more. They were endless pools of azure, a window to the galaxy of a truly vast mind. Sasuke felt Naruto's proximity; the Jounin was separated from him by mere centimeters. But he felt no sensation of weight or pressure, no invasion into his thoughts. Naruto was scrutinizing Sasuke as deeply as the boy was observing him. He didn't know when Naruto's hands had settled on his shoulders, then chance their way to his neck, but he felt them at rest just at his collar bone: large calloused hands that had no doubt seen battle but now held him with startling gentleness.

"You suggested another name," Sasuke whispered, practically into the Jounin's lips. "Let's make it a common one."

"Then you can keep your given name," Naruto replied in the softest of tones. "What about Tohru? No… Akira as your surname. It's still an Otogakure name and common enough."

Sasuke slowly nodded consent but felt the weight of the gesture as if he'd signed away his love and loyalty in a single movement. Naruto wasted no time in drawing forth the necessary electronic documents, his eyes and hands persistently forceful in the proceedings. Sasuke gingerly placed his hands over the keypad, authorizing the release of the documents to Naruto's superiors and simultaneously accepting asylum amongst the Federate alliance.

His jaw clenched as over and over again he placed his hand on several different pads, finally on the pad that initiated his name as "Sasuke Akira." By the time Naruto finally released the documents into cyberspace, Sasuke's hands felt like they were on fire.

He shot Naruto a glance. If he was reading his emotional tumble he gave no sign. Loosely he perched on the metal-legged stool, both hands on his knees. "Naruto," Sasuke began. Pleased to hear his voice coming out more boldly than he felt, he plunged ahead. "If you won't release me, you owe me the dignity of letting me die peacefully here. I cannot live with the shame of treason."

Naruto blinked. His smile flattened into official impassive-ness. "Sasuke Akira," he said slowly— the new surname struck Sasuke's ears like an accusation— "I want to tell you three things. First, I am astounded that the Otogakure government is willing to waste a person of your talents, and that you are willing to comply. Sometimes an officer finds it his duty to disobey an order that contradicts all reason.

"Second, you want to be admired in memory." His frown-lines softened. "Of course. But the Federacy honors its leaders too. You could accomplish so much among us.

"Finally." He flexed his hands. "I haven't the authority to sign a capital order on one of your social rank."

"Who does?"

"The Regional Council, at Sunhagakure." He challenged Sasuke with a pointed stare.

He ignored it. "Would you ask them for authorization, then?"

"Don't even request it."

"Then, give me a blade. I know how to use it."

"Sasuke." He sounded angry now.

Sasuke's nerve failed. He sighed. "What will my people think of me?"

Naruto relaxed forward a little and furrowed his forehead. "Your fighter," he said softly, "was destroyed: launched from The Hidden Leaf and crashed on autopilot near the place where you were captured. So you are free. Your people think you are dead."

Sasuke let the shock charge through him. Free. He dropped his guard slightly. It would be good to live.

Naruto fingered his cuff tab. "You can have your honor and life, now."

"I don't want your—"

"You don't want to die, 'Sasuke Akira,'" he insisted. "Your people have odd customs, but this practice of 'heir limitation' goes beyond oddity. I find it uncivilized and disgusting to raise a child for slaughter. Look what it's done to you."

Sasuke shifted but went on meeting his stare.

"Where you could have become a leader of your people, you hope to be a martyr. You want to think of death and dying when there are people you could serve, could help, if you put that determination into a field of work.

"Then, you have your flying. Don't you realize what a gift it is? At the very least, you could live as a ferry to escort other refugees like yourself. Perhaps you could lead a cultural exchange that would bring your people into Federate prominence and make Otogakure a respected world. But look at you: standing there, asking me to have you killed. You're young and talented. But branded across your mind is the word 'Missling,' and you're proud of it."

"Of course I'm proud of it!" he snapped, suddenly upset. "My honor is at stake, Naruto. It's as much my part to insist on obeying my orders as it was yours to interrogate me."

The Jounin rose from the stool, scrutinizing him. "As matters stand, you could effectively vanish; but if I issued such a request as you want through channels, it would mean the end of your anonymity, whether or not they granted the authorization to execute."

"I'll take that risk."

His jawline tensed and hardened, and he appeared to be struggling with the decision. "All right, then," he said at last. "I'll send for it now."

He walked to the nearest transceiver, and from a slot beneath it slid a holo-book, similar to the one before. He returned to where Sasuke stood, and drawing a stylus, wrote quickly, using the stool for a table. He signed the paper and then handed it to him.

Sasuke read it carefully. It was apologetic and lacked command, but, amazingly, it was what he had asked of him. "When will you send it?" he asked.

"I would prefer to shred it."

Sasuke remained silent. The last thing he needed was the sympathy of an enemy.

"Now. If that's what you truly want," Naruto said at last.

"That's what I want."

Naruto's eyes accused him, and he knew he had lied, but he said no more.

"I will escort you to your quarters."

"The brig," Sasuke said insistently, "will do."

Naruto nodded his consent after a few tense moments of eyeing Sasuke sternly, but when the young captain refused to give any indication of changing his mind, Naruto was forced to give in. He channeled through one of the adjacent holo-panels, keying for a cell in the brig to be prepared expediently for Sasuke's arrival. The Otogakure captain showed no emotion, locking himself up firmly, as Naruto fastened a pair of steel binders— ones that Sasuke guessed were held in place somehow by Chakra, for there were no clasps or key-holes— onto his creamy wrists.

"The cells here are even smaller, colder than the quarters I could offer you if you took complete asylum here with us. You won't reconsider?"

Sasuke drew up his head sharply, decidedly fixating his attention on some fascinating item on the wall. Black eyes would no longer meet blue, and Naruto sighed once again in tacit consent.

"Come on, Sasuke."

Into the Hidden Leaf's data log, over a vast catalog of Sasuke's information taking during the mind extraction, Lieutenant General Uzumaki recorded another name of the pilot captured at Amegakure, and under Sasuke's flight registry was recorded the surname Akira. Sent along with the false information was an encrypted message to Suna, requesting Prince Sasuke Uchiha's termination.

With the promise of anonymity and the possibility of his demise as his only remaining possessions, Sasuke let the Jounin take him into a cold steel holding cell that spread nearly two strides across. His Otogakure flight uniform was replaced with simple black coveralls, his rank, ruby-crested uniform— including any personal article he had on his person or in his ship— was confiscated and placed in small holding bins inside the brig's HQ. As the tide of the battle turned from Otogakure to the Federation's favor, Sasuke Uchiha huddled on down upon a rock-hard cot and cried bitterly.

Ah, how gentleness can change a heart. Naruto must be quite proud of himself: to change a suicidal wreck into a slightly hopeful (though now heartbroken, poor dear) individual. And with only the sheer force of his charisma! But with such a strong connection nearly formed, how will the upcoming war between test their newly formed friendship?

And what if Sasuke's termination request goes through, and Naruto has to kill Sasuke?

Well that's next. Review, ask some questions. I'm partial to answering.

No females in this chapter. But this is a Man on Man Action story, so having too many females might be distracting. We can't have boobies running about! =0