10.
""love and manipulation, they share houses very often. They are frequent bedfellows."
—Suspiria.
A.
The Sarutobi are the oldest family in Konoha, so it is their responsibility to host any official gathering. It's tradition, no matter how old and outdated, so they have no choice to accept. It works out well in a way, since the Sarutobi have a large meeting house high up in the hills of the West and they can be described as the most "neutral" of the clans under the right circumstances: not openly antagonistic and unfriendly, like the Kumo. Not full of intrigue and secrets, like the Shukaku. And certainly not so maliciously ambitious, like the Uchiha.
(Did he just think that? Strike it from the record.)
Asuma is not his friend on a day like today. No matter how much the man cares for him—with all his calls and check-ins over the past week to make sure Naruto was healing alright—today, he is cold and distant, careful not to reveal his ties with one too many lingering glances.
Konohamaru is more of the same, for once embodying his namesake while wrapped in the traditional trappings of the Sarutobi. Even though Konohamaru's ambition has always been to run with the Uchiha, he is Sarutobi at heart. By choice or by force, it is hard to say.
They are all business, and Naruto tries not to take it too personally when his arrival is met with grim nods and averted eyes.
He is mostly healed, now. Physically, at least. His skin over the past week has gone from an angry red to a dainty pink, still quite tender to the touch, but it's better than nothing. The cast around his wrist remains, as it will for a number of weeks, and there's a slight, persistent limp that follows him around no matter how much he tries to force his legs straight.
It's embarrassing to be seen like this—especially by such important people as they discuss the very fate of their city— but Fugaku gave him no choice but to be present for the proceedings. He is the acting head of the Uzumaki, after all. Even though that is news to him.
Of course he is, since he is the last remaining son of his clan. He had cousins, once, that maybe could have taken his place, but they are long gone. Buried deep in that circle of coffins that he can still see whenever he closes his eyes.
He has no choice but to carry his name like a brand— just like Neji, who wears his own colors for the first time in a long while. Just like Hinata and Hanabi, even though they fled these fields like fire was on their heels, shying away from Clan business ages ago.
They're only here because of duty. It's as simple as that.
The walls of the Sarutobi house are lined with white marble. The floor shines where they walk on it, reflecting their frowning faces. Naruto resists the urge to whistle in appreciation at the sturdy arches curving high over his head or the crystal chandelier glittering beautifully in the daylight. The meeting house is impressive to say the least. It screams of wealth and prosperity. A nice switch from the rows of abandoned buildings and crater-like potholes that plague most of the city.
The foyer they stand in is large enough to hold all of Konoha's puppet masters, those who reside in the shadows and those that don't. The lot of them talk in low tones, waiting anxiously for Hiruzen Sarutobi to make an appearance and announce the beginning of the summit. Naruto tries not to stare too hard at faces he hasn't seen in years since everyone here is on a hair trigger. It wouldn't do to start a fight before they even get started, even though it'd be the most fun Naruto's had in weeks.
Sasuke grumbles on his right, adjusting his obi for the fifth time since they left the compound. He's never been very good at tying them himself and refused to let Naruto or Neji help when they offered—too proud on a day like today, where he must show off the might of the Uchiha as it's second son. Such a fearsome hound doesn't require assistance, forever standing on his own two feet.
The large fan displayed on the back of his robes must feel like a lead weight, something that forces his back straight and makes each step heavy. Or, maybe Naruto's projecting, since the orange stripes that line his sleeves feel almost like a scar.
"Neji," Fugaku says lowly, mouth ticking up in slight irritation. "Take Sasuke to the bathroom and help him fix his robes. I won't have him falling out of them today."
Sasuke catches a flinch, pursing his lips in embarrassment as his face colors. Neji nods dutifully before grabbing Sasuke's arm, fully ignoring his protests. He sends an almost amused look over his shoulder to Naruto before they disappear, one that Naruto pretends not to see so he doesn't get scolded, too.
Minato slaps Fugaku's arm, chuckling under his breath. "Give him a break," He says lightly. "We rarely have to wear these stuffy things so he hasn't had much practice. I know today is important, but that's no reason to snap at him."
Anyone else would probably lose their jaw if they questioned how Fugaku speaks to his own son, but he lets it slide when he's around his best friend. If that's what they are at this point. Brothers, really. Family.
So instead Fugaku says, voice carefully controlled like it's forcing itself through his teeth: "Everything we do right now is being watched and analyzed. Even the tiniest mistake can be perceived as weakness. I will not have them thinking such things about my son or this clan."
Kushina rolls her eyes at his dramatics. She raises her billowing sleeve to her mouth to hide her laughter, voice slightly muffled when she speaks. "Well, I doubt anyone's forgotten how you used to fall out of your sandals when we were younger. Didn't you knock over a priceless vase at the Shukaku estate? If I recall correctly, you still owe them a new one."
Fugaku stiffens, sending her a sharp look of warning that's only slightly tinted with mortification. Kushina keeps right on laughing while Mikoto bites her cheek, shaking her head with a cheshire smile.
Naruto smothers his own smile, still wary of Fugaku's foul mood since he's barking at anyone that moves. But he can't help but be curious since he's never heard that story. He'll have to remember to get the whole tale from his mother when all this drama as calmed down. It can be hard to see Fugaku as a normal person, but moments like these remind him that he's just that. Kind of.
Naruto spots Gaara over by one of the large bay windows, looking regal in his red robes that match his hair. He's standing next to brother and sister, both equally bright against the white background.
At first glance, Kankuro Shukaku doesn't seem to favor his siblings, but with a longer look, it's easy to pick out the similarities. Naruto isn't sure how it's possible that they can look so alike yet so different. But maybe he's biased, since Mikoto must have used a copier to make Sasuke and Itachi, and Hiashi must have done the same with Hinata and Hanabi.
He catches Gaara's eyes without meaning to, and from one blink to the next, the other man is breaking away from his murmuring circle and taking purposeful strides in his direction. Naruto momentarily panics; What the hell is he doing?! Doesn't he know that they aren't supposed to know each other? It's more than an open secret that all the clans intermingle, but for posterity's sake, they're made to pretend like they don't. Them's the rules!
But clearly Gaara's never cared much for rules. He doesn't fully approach, instead gesturing only with his eyes for Naruto to follow him behind one of the large columns by the hall. Naruto sighs, trying to figure out a good excuse so he can have a reason to step away. He can think of none and Fugaku will have his head if he knows he's trying to go shoot the breeze with one of the Shukaku heirs.
"Is he a friend of yours?" Hinata whispers softly into his ear, startling him. She's always been incredibly observant just like her cousin, probably noticing his straying attention and the minor panic he felt when he thought Gaara was going to walk right up to them, appearances be damned.
"Yeah," Naruto mutters, nodding. There's no reason to lie to her since she's already figured it out.
Hinata smiles gently, patting his forearm. "Don't worry," She says sweetly. "I'll distract Fugaku-san so you can have a word. You won't have the chance once the meeting starts."
Naruto grins, wishing he could fall to his knees and sing her praises for being perfect as always. Since that would raise some eyebrows, he settles on kissing her cheek instead, whispering a quick: "Thanks, I owe you one." before she steps away.
Hinata pretends to stumble into Fugaku's side, catching herself before she puts too much weight on him. He reacts predictably: he grips her arms for dear life and immediately begins to fret.
It's a bit of an underhanded tactic, using her health like a weapon: Hinata had a weaker constitution when they were younger. She was prone to fainting spells and nosebleeds, often having to stay in the house because the heat would exhaust her easily.
It isn't the first time she's feigned her illness to get what she wants—they were all problematic teenagers, okay?—and her charade works like a charm. All the adults are cooing over her, questioning if she's well enough to attend, and it's enough of a distraction that Naruto slips away mostly unnoticed.
Mostly, because Hanabi notices his hasty retreat and rolls her eyes, catching on immediately. She doesn't rat him out, though, so he'll count that as a win.
Gaara's eyebrows are low when Naruto steps behind the column. His arms are crossed tightly across his chest and his foot taps in a steady, irritable beat.
"You were supposed to run." Gaara says roughly, not looking at him. It takes a moment for Naruto to understand what he's referring to, and he scratches the back of his head sheepishly when it clicks. "I thought you were dead until your friend told me otherwise, three days later."
"Yeah, sorry about that." Naruto says, voice quiet and small. He's been chewed out plenty but everyone he knows, and that sucked, but coming from Gaara it somehow feels worse. Naruto raises his arm so his sleeve falls, revealing his cast. "I was pretty messed up so I couldn't reach out like I wanted to."
Gaara looks at his arm in uncomfortable silence, teeth gritting behind his pursed lips. Eventually, he sighs, eyes softening into something gentle.
"It's done. There's no reason to torture you over it." He says. Which, all things considered, is a poor choice of words. Gaara notices this, grimacing in apology.
Then quieter he says, nearly shuffling his feet in embarrassment: "I'm glad you didn't die."
Naruto grins, feeling warm at what he considers the closest declaration of friendship he'll probably ever get from the other man.
"Awww, I love you, too." Naruto says playfully, clapping Gaara's shoulder companionably. He only grins wider when Gaara rolls his eyes—affectionately, of course.
He sees Sasuke and Neji emerging from the bathroom from the corner of his eyes. Sasuke's robes are expertly tied now, much to his chagrin, and Neji's smug mug shines brightly against the polished tiles.
Of course they're at the perfect angle to see Naruto in his hiding place have an illegal conversation. Of course they are, and he can only sigh deeply when he sees their faces screw up in confusion and their paces quicken as they make their way over.
"Gaara Shukaku, I presume?" Neji asks politely, stepping forward with his hand outstretched in one fluid motion. Neji subtly angles his body so that he's standing in front of Naruto—or, he thinks himself subtle. It doesn't go unnoticed by Gaara or Naruto that he's purposefully doing so.
Sasuke's not even being polite about his mistrust. He looks down his nose at Gaara, raising an eyebrow at Naruto and Gaara's proximity. He crosses his arms and shifts his feet into a blatant defensive stance, and Naruto resists the urge to bury his face in his hands.
"There's no need for introductions," Gaara says, mouth ticking up into an amused smirk. "We've all met before."
Like Naruto, Neji and Sasuke don't immediately recall that they have, if the looks on their faces are any indication. Neji blinks, obviously combing his brain for some clue but ultimately coming up with nothing.
"Then forgive me for forgetting," He says lightly, tilting his head in a way that never fails to charm whoever he's talking to. "I can see that you and Naruto have managed to get reacquainted since."
There's almost no hint of accusation or suspicion in his voice when he says it. Almost, but Naruto's no fool. He knows what to look for. Gaara does too, apparently, because his smirk only slides wider and he chuckles lowly into his fist.
"I had thought you were only involved with Uchiha since he was so hostile when we spoke," Gaara says bluntly, appraising Naruto as if he's seeing him for the first time. "But I can see now that you've managed to snag Hyuuga as well. Impressive."
Gaara pauses, shaking his head in mock disappointment as Sasuke and Neji squawk in indignation. "Here I thought we'd be able to have one more go, but I can see that there's too many dragons guarding this castle. What a shame."
With that, he shrugs and playfully winks at Naruto like the magnificent fucker he is, before he's sauntering off to rejoin the crowd.
Oh, that son of a bitch.
Naruto's going to wring his neck when he gets the chance. The bastard really just left him holding the bag for his own amusement. Granted, he probably should have told Sasuke and Neji about his...thing with Gaara so they wouldn't be caught off guard like this, but he was single then! It doesn't count, right?
Right?!
Sasuke and Neji stare at Gaara's retreating back, fury robbing them of their voices. Oh, they're pissed, and Naruto's sure that he's going to hear an earful about this later on when they have the time.
Or maybe he'll hear it now, because Sasuke narrows his eyes and turns them to Naruto, question forming on his lips.
"Don't you dare slutshame me." Naruto mutters seriously before Sasuke can get a word in. Sasuke stops short, blinking in surprise while Neji snorts out startled laughter.
"I wouldn't dream of it." Neji replies with his hand over his heart, slowly coming down off of his chuckles. His gaze is warm where it sits on Naruto's face.
"Shut up, idiot." Sasuke grunts at the same time, but there's no bite behind it.
He gives a valiant effort to let it go since this isn't the place to have such a conversation, but he can't help himself.
"Him?" Sasuke asks after a slight pause, face screwing up in distaste. "Really?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Naruto replies, fully confused. Is he blind or something? Gaara's fucking smoking—
But you know what? That's not what's important here. They're both taking the news surprisingly well. To be fair, they've only been officially dating since last week, when Naruto had his heartfelt declaration of love. It must be obvious to them that whatever took place with Gaara happened before they reconciled (especially since he's been basically bedridden for days), so they aren't too upset about it.
You know what he calls that? Growth.
Sasuke doesn't get the chance to answer his question because a bell rings from somewhere in the foyer, announcing Hiruzen's presence. The three of them quietly agree to put their conversation on hold and hurry back to join their group as subtlety as they can.
Hinata shares a secret smile with him, one that Naruto's happy to return. Fugaku narrows his eyes when he sees Naruto reappear, but thankfully he doesn't question where he's been.
Itachi materializes almost out of nowhere, striding forward to take his place by his father's side. His hair is loose and falls well past his shoulders, making him look younger than he is. It's been a long while since Naruto's seen him like that and he can't help the way his heart actually skips a beat.
Wrong brother, he reminds his fluttering chest, calm yourself.
"Everything is in place?" Fugaku asks him quietly, but the rest of them hear anyway. Sasuke raises an eyebrow while Neji watches from the corners of his eyes, clearly curious. Naruto can only blink in confusion. What does that mean? What's in place?
"Of course, Father." Itachi says, face carefully blank. Naruto desperately wants to know what they're talking about, but he won't ask and Itachi certainly won't offer, so he'll leave it alone.
"Good, good." Fugaku says, patting Itachi's arm. He no doubt sees Naruto and the others' questioning looks, but he tactifully ignores them. Instead, he runs a hand through Naruto's stubborn hair in a last ditch effort to get it to lay down. Naruto resists the urge to bat his hand away and lets it happen, even though almost everyone has tried in vain today.
Minato smiles, shaking his head at Fugaku's budding frustration. "You must know that it's pointless, right?" He asks.
Fugaku sighs heavily, looking to the heavens for a sliver of patience. He's going to need it, especially since the large oak doors to the meeting hall creak open in front of them with dramatic flourish.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stands in the open doorway, hands clasped tightly on his walking stick. His face is grim and his posture is rigid, poised and proper like a royal posing for his official portrait. Naruto feels himself stand up straighter at the sight of him, immediately intimidated without exactly knowing why.
"Come," Hiruzen says lowly, beckoning them inside with a wave of his frail hand. "We have much to discuss."
B.
They sit around a gigantic round table, like the ones of old.
That way, there is no "head" seat at either end—a show of respect for each clan leader here, as they are all kings in their own right. There is still some protocol to follow though, as each current head sits in a high-backed chair while the highest ranking members of his or her group stand behind it.
For that reason, Naruto gets to sit, flanked by his mother and father. Kushina smiles bittersweetly when he settles into his intricately carved chair, a complicated look passing over her features like a shadow before it disappears.
Neji fits perfectly into the backdrop of tapestries that line the wall, spotless as he is. His eyes catch on his family crest that is enshrined over the large fireplace in the corner. Hinata squeezes his shoulder from her place behind him, eyes gentle when he looks up to her with an unreadable expression.
(The Sarutobi have always kept record of those that have haunted these halls before, so there are many crests of those that... no longer exist. They still exist here and always will, symbolically burning over a well-tended fire.)
Naruto sees the Uzumaki crest sitting not far from the Hyuuga. He sighs, a strange feeling in his chest that's hard to shake. He tries to distract himself, making a game of identifying the crests of the other clans currently in the room.
Sitting at the round table are the brothers Hashirama and Tobirama of the Senju Clan, an equally ancient family located in Western Konoha. Kaguya of the Otsutsuki Clan sits stiffly in her chair, long hair nearly reaching the floor even though it is piled high upon her head. She is surrounded by her twin sons who share the name Zetsu. Both clans are allied underneath the Sarutobi.
The Shukaku have invited Danzo and Sai, who represent what's left of the Shimura Clan. Naruto has never been sure of their exact relation and there's never been a good time to ask. The Akatsuki Clan of the North also attend, it's members present being the cousins Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko. They lack any shared features, but make up for it with a similarly thick aura of danger.
Inoichi and Ino of the Yamanaka Clan sit with Kumo, which is a fairly new development. For a long time they were much too prideful to allow themselves to be absorbed, but Darui didn't give them much of a choice. Since they still planned to stay in the South, they had to fall in line. It's a simple as that. They are accompanied by Shibi and Shino of the Aburame Clan, a father and son who have always been the odd men out—much too strange for everyone's taste, though no one has the balls to say it.
The lot of them are minor clan heads and only exist under the banners of the larger territory leaders, just as the Uzumaki and Hyuuga exist under the Uchiha clan. Regardless, these clans still hold rank, even in their weakened and...reduced states. Therefore, they are represented.
Hiruzen waits for everyone to take their respective seat and settle in, hands tapping steadily on the table in front of him. Asuma shifts from foot to foot as he stands on his uncle's right, already looking bored out of his skull. Konohamaru hovers uncomfortably, pointedly not making eye contact with Naruto or any of the Uchiha.
Poor thing. Either he's still embarrassed about what happened between them, or he doesn't know how to be casual about the fact that he'd rather be sitting across from his grandfather, rather than standing behind him. It's probably a bit of both.
"Welcome, everyone." Hiruzen begins once they've all taking their rightful places. "Thank you all for coming. I'm sure we all have other things we need to be doing, but we understand what must be done."
"This is well overdue." Darui says lowly, fist forming on the tabletop. "The Yakushi have long-since overstepped their bounds." His own attendants, Omoi and Karui, nod stiffly from their place behind him at his words.
Of course they'd feel that way after finding out that Orochimaru set up shop in their neck of the woods and has been doing so for quite some time. Anyone here would be rightfully pissed if they discovered the same.
"That they have." Kaguya concurs, nodding in Darui's direction. She cuts her eyes to Fugaku when she speaks next, a judgemental twist of her mouth that sets the room on edge.
"But is this not more of a personal matter? The Uchiha took to the streets before we were called here, since one of their own was taken. Now that he's returned, is this really necessary? Revenge is such a petty thing, isn't it?"
Naruto can almost hear Sasuke gritting his teeth from where he stands behind Fugaku, but he's wise enough not to speak out of turn. As is Neji, who works his jaw but he refrains from saying anything.
Shibi Aburame shakes his head and goes to speak. His words are careful and concise, while his dark sunglasses hide whatever his true feelings may be.
"Orochimaru's been stealing the children of Konoha. That is not something to take lightly. This may have began as a personal matter, but it shouldn't end as one."
"True," Hashirama says, tipping his head in concession. "But we've come to discuss their total annihilation, haven't we? Not just simple retaliation. That will be...messy."
"Undoubtedly," Fugaku murmurs, weaving his fingers together in his lap. Naruto finds himself holding his breath in anticipation, already wary despite the talks just beginning.
"But I'm prepared to shoulder the responsibility for suggesting it. I do not wish to dispect any of you by intruding on your territory without permission. If you wish to stay out of it, that's perfectly fine," Fugaku slowly turns his head to look to each clan in the room, one by one. "But do not attempt to stop me." He finishes frostily, as if daring any of them to argue.
There's a charged pause after his words. Naruto can tell that the others are wisely going over their responses in their heads, as not to set off a bomb. Darui scoffs, waving his hand limply as he says:
"Or what? You'll take the rest of us on, too? You Uchiha are tough, but not that tough." Then lower he says, eyes narrowed and body taunt: "I don't take kindly to being threatened. If you—"
"That's not necessary, Darui." Hiruzen interjects sharply before he can continue. "I heard no threat; he's only stating that he plans to move forward regardless, but he'd rather we approve before he does what he feels is necessary. Isn't that right, Fugaku?" He asks, raising an eyebrow in Fugaku's direction.
"It is," Fugaku replies snipplily, eyeing Darui carefully in case he's ready to hop across the table.
(Hey, it's happened before.)
"I find no issue with it." Gaara's father Rasa says, stifling a cough in his napkin. Kankuro helps his father sit up straighter and Naruto forces himself not to look in Gaara's direction. No one is supposed to know about Rasa's weakened condition and somehow Naruto thinks he might give it away just by staring too hard. "He tried to sell my daughter to the highest bidder. I won't allow that to go unpunished."
"If you're in need of extra men, we can provide them." Nagato adds with murmurs of agreement from his cousins. "There's no love lost between our clan and the Yakushi. They've been a thorn in our sides for a long time."
"It seems that most of us are in agreement." Danzo says, sending a pointed look to Kaguya. She sneers at him but doesn't reply. "But what of the East, once they're gone? Are we to leave it unattended or will we divide it amongst ourselves?"
That's a good question, isn't it?
"Of course you'd be in agreement," Kaguya says dryly. "As you all stand to gain from this. We in the West have no claim to the East, but the rest of you will almost double your territories if it's divided into thirds."
"A few more scraps of land isn't enough to agree on destroying an entire clan, Kaguya," Inochi mutters, nearly rolling his eyes. "That's hardly why anyone is agreeing to do this. Be reasonable."
"I'm trying to be," Kaguya spits, whipping her head around to stare at Inochi. "It's the rest of you that are—"
"And if we were to offer you some of their holdings?" Itachi interjects, cutting her off. Kaguya huffs indignantly, ready to fly into a rant about how rude it is to interrupt, but Itachi produces a stack of folders from the folds of his robes, distributing amongst the table.
"What's this?" Hashirama asks, quickly looking through the thick packet that is presented to him.
"We've prepared a list of Orochimaru's legitimate businesses and ventures," Fugaku explains blandly. "What sits in front of you is your portion of them, based on the type of business your clan conducts. We managed to get get the percentages fairly even. The highest difference is only about 3% of whatever he has his hands in."
Fugaku pauses for effect, taking in the surprised faces of those around him. "I also have a list of his illegitimate businesses, if anyone is interested. I'll remove myself from any bids for territory as well. I have no need for such things. Land or not, we all have something to gain. Take what you want, leave what you don't. Whatever works."
Then quieter, said so lowly that only those sitting closest to him hear it, Fugaku mutters: "Most of all, I'm really just after some peace and quiet."
There's a bit of a stunned silence as the other clans read over their portions. Darui breaks it by laughing loudly, shaking his head in mirth.
"Well, we were certainly foolish to think you hadn't thought this through." He says, looking down at his packet with a grin and gently running his fingers across the pages. "Alright, I'm in. I'll stay out of your way, but call me when you shoot him between the eyes. I don't want to miss that. "
We must find something to offer or he'll find something to take, Itachi had said. Naruto guesses that's why Itachi was mysteriously absent over the last week, too busy compiling their ace in the hole. At the same time, this answers another question of his, about what changes when Fugaku's on the frontline. He'll sacrifice anything if it means that he can, thoroughly and meticulously—
Get what he wants.
Kaguya sniffs haughtily, though she eyes her own packet with poorly disguised interest. Not quite won over yet, but she's clearly softened considerably now that she has some stake in this.
"It's settled then," Inochi says, clapping his hands together. "When are you planning to strike, Fugaku?"
Fugaky doesn't blink when he says: "Tonight." surprising the hell out of everyone in the room.
Tonight?! Since when was this the fucking plan!?
Shouldn't they have discussed something like this first?!
Naruto starts, sharing a concerned look with Neji before he can stop himself. Neji's eyes are equally wide but he schools his expression almost immediately.
Sasuke's brows lower in confusion while Minato makes a noise in the back of his throat that almost sounds like a protest, but Kushina elbows him in the stomach to make sure he keeps quiet. Itachi fakes a cough into his fist to hide his own surprise, staring at his father like he's grown a second head.
"That's good," Asuma says, speaking up for the first time since the meeting began. "I've pulled all the strings I could but they won't be able to hold Orochimaru much longer. We'll have to act as soon as possible, while the going's good."
Danzo sighs heavily before he grumbles: "Understandable. I had thought we would have a little more time before this town descends back into hell, but the theater of war doesn't wait to call on its players to fill their roles. "
The elders nod sagely at that, taking a moment to reflect on what those words mean to them. It's Inochi who speaks up first, turning to look curiously at Naruto when he says:
"Speaking of roles…" Shit, Naruto thought he was in the clear and no would require him to speak. He was perfectly fine with all the elders doing the talking. So close!
"What say you, Uzumaki? I honestly didn't think you'd attend, given your...unfortunate departure from our ranks before. This began because of you, didn't it? And now you have nothing to say? Forgive me for putting you on the spot, but will you abandon your post again once this ends or stay to carry on your family name?"
This is exactly why he didn't want to come, you know? Especially since the spotlight is on him and the rest of the clans are watching on with varying degrees interest as Naruto freezes solid in surprise.
The worst part is that Inochi isn't exactly wrong when he says this began because of him. If he hadn't got himself kidnapped they probably could have continued in this uneasy coexistence with the Yakushi. Maybe. Such strained ties could have torn for another reason even if he never came back looking for Haku, but it's hard to say. All he knows is that he's sweating like a whore in church since he can't easily answer the man's question.
"Uh…" Is all Naruto can manage, face coloring like a tomato.
"I don't see how that's relevant to this discussion." Neji replies tightly, hands fisting in his lap. Sasuke looks like he's about two seconds from telling the Yamanaka head to fuck off, but he doesn't get that far.
"He can speak for himself, can't he?" Inochi fires back hotly. "And it's certainly interesting that you'd be the first one to jump to his defense. Interesting and predictable." Neji sits forward in his chair, riled and ready to bite his head off, but Shibi's speaking up before he can.
"It is all of our responsibilities to uphold the traditions our ancestors left behind." He mutters. "I also would prefer that such a proud clan like the Uzumaki not end here because of the misfortune that befell it. The Hyuga as well. That being said, it is both of your duties to provide heirs, as well as our duty to guide you since—"
Whoa, that's a hard left you just took, Shibi. Slow down a minute!
There's a sudden swell of indignant voices, all talking overtop one another, and Naruto can almost see these delicate negotiations crumbling right in front of him. All at once, everyone's carefully maintained facade of decorum goes up in smoke.
"That is not what we came here to talk about," Kushina booms, stepping forward menacingly. Minato uses himself like a meat shield, stopping her from putting her hands on somebody. "Shame on you for ganging up on children! You will not attempt to humiliate them by—"
"Children? Pah. We were all married by their age!" Kaguya sniffs, shooting Kushina a disapproving look. "They are more than that. They are all that remains. Now, I won't go so far as to ask who they'll be sleeping with—"
Each other wouldn't be a good answer to that question, would it?
Naruto doesn't think so, so he wisely keeps his mouth shut.
"—but I do think we have the right to know what their plans are for the future. Such things affect all of us and the future of our great city."
"Let's not pretend like any of you care about this "great" city all that much," Konan grunts, sounding exasperated. "Inochi only asked because he's vying to find his daughter a husband. He knows the only way that will happen is by forcing someone else's hand."
"Fuck you," Ino hisses, stopped short when she lurches forward only by her father's vice-like grip on her arm. "You're pushing forty with no partner to speak of. You've got no room to talk!"
"Well, if both the Uzumaki and Hyuuga need heirs, can't Blondie just marry one of the Hyuuga girls, pop out a few boys and be done with it?" Darui muses, mostly to himself, but everyone hears it anyway.
Kushina nearly explodes, face blooming red to match her hair. Minato's frantic voice trying to calm her down can barely be heard over the sound of steam coming out of her ears.
"Oh, hell no." Hanabi mumbles angrily, fists balling at her sides while Hinata gasps. "You all have some fucking nerve telling us what we need to do—"
Naruto can only blink stupidly, trying to figure out how this conversation got away from him. Weren't they just talking about premeditated murder? Why has the hot button issue changed from that to how he has no plans to be fruitful and multiply?
"That's not a terrible idea, actually." Hashirama says with a shrug.
"Yes, it is!" Sasuke and Neji growl in unison. They both look like they're going to pop a blood vessel and Naruto worries this might soon lead to physical fighting.
"No one asked you." Itachi says at the same time, staring daggers at Hashirama. The man barely catches a flinch, raising his hands up in surrender.
"This is entirely inappropriate!" Rasa exclaims, shaking his head in disgust. "This is hardly anyone's business but their own, and you all should be ashamed of yourselves for pushing the issue!"
"It would be you come to their defense, Rasa," Tobirama sneers, rolling his eyes. "Since you've never cared for what's good and proper. We all know your daughter is carrying a child of the Uchiha. Knocked up by the son of a "cleaner" no less; he can manage to clear every detail of a crime scene, but doesn't even notice a burst condom."
Oh shit.
Wait, how does he know that?
(One should never underestimate the power of Konoha's grapevine. It's felled bigger men than them.)
Gaara's halfway around the table before anyone can blink, raising his fist in preparation. Temari snatches his hand out of the air with the practiced ease of someone who's seen this too many times before. She grabs her brother's arms and drags him backwards so they can reclaim their place behind their father.
There's a fire in her eyes that says she's not completely unaffected by such hateful words, but she doesn't comment.
"You'll watch your fucking mouth," Kankuro spits at the same time, slamming his hands down on the table.
Yep, it might be about time to wrap this up.
"Did you really just try to attack me?" Tobirama murmurs in disbelief. He looks utterly scandalized, like a man not used to having consequences for his actions.
"Yeah." Gaara's replies gruffly, rolling his shoulders to test the mobility of his stiff formal wear. "But don't worry; we all still have to leave through the front door. You better hope I—"
"That's enough!" Hiruzen shouts, standing up to command the room's attention. "This behavior is childish and vile. You're all guests in my home and I will not allow for any of you to be so blatantly disrespected."
Hiruzen huffs, much too old to be shouting like he is. Asuma's brow creases in concern and he guides his uncle back down into his chair.
Well that certainly escalated quickly, didn't it? Naruto might have enjoyed it more if he didn't become the main topic of discussion.
Hiruzen rubs his forehead, for once feeling just as old as he looks. He sighs heavily and talks slowly, like he knows that he's dealing with a bunch of children.
"None of us are our fathers." He says softly, shaking his head. "We do not have to stick so closely to the customs that were forced upon us. I'm sure that everyone here will do what is best for their clan, and it is all of our right to have some privacy regarding such delicate matters. This was completely uncalled for, and most of you are setting a terrible example for the next generation."
The others look at least somewhat cowed, bowing their heads as they listen to Hiruzen's words.
"I should have known better than to think any of you could pretend to be civilized for even a moment." Kushina mumbles lowly.
Thankfully, only Minato and Naruto hear her. It would no doubt lead to another spirited conversation if someone else caught her words, and Naruto can say with certainty that he does not want to see where that one would go.
Especially since Gaara almost took Tobirama's head off. Granted, Naruto was hoping for a little action, but not that; it would probably start another war right here in this room before they finish the first one!
(Gaara still might make good on his threats, since his fist are still clenched and his teeth grit quietly behind his lips. Naruto sends him a look that he hopes comes off as supportive, but it might just read as an awkward grimace.)
Hiruzen continues speaking while Naruto blanks most of it out, still thoroughly offended that he was placed on the hot seat. If he's honest, he knew such a question would arise eventually. He just didn't expect for it to be today, not when they have much more important matters to discuss.
It's an uncomfortable thought, knowing that he is the last one who can carry on the Uzumaki name. That will be a little difficult, seeing as how he has not one, but two boyfriends at the moment—and one of them is in the same predicament that he is.
Can Naruto really stand by and—
Nope! Nope! Let's not go there!
Things to worry about when this town isn't about to fall down around their ears.
(He can't help but notice the pensive look that seems permanently fixed on Neji face, sure that something similar is painted across his own. Naruto quickly looks away before he sees something that he shouldn't.)
"Now, if we're to strike tonight we will need a suitable plan of action," Hiruzen says after a moment. "I suspect you have already thought of this, Fugaku."
Fugaku only nods, seemingly struck a little dumb by the way this whole thing tumbled out of control. He sighs so heavily that his whole body sags with it. He looks like he wants to be anywhere but here and Naruto couldn't agree more.
"Let's hear it, then." Danzo says tiredly, rubbing at his temples. The other leans forward almost excitedly to hear what Fugaku has planned for the night.
…
"Believe it or not," Minato says gleefully after they depart. Kushina still fumes in her seat, glaring out the window like it's the cause of all her problems. "That went better than the last one."
Naruto doesn't believe him for a second.
C.
A Blitz.
That's the plan for tonight. Simple and easy.
Usually, there'd be much more formality—maybe a few one on one duels, followed by a rally of champions—something dramatic and ridiculous to display their swordsmanship and honor. But they don't have that kind of time.
So, like Hashirama said, things are going to get a little..messy.
See, it starts like this:
One of Orochimaru's most trusted advisors, Kidomaru, has been absent from the city for quite some time, handling business god knows where alongside god knows who. He returned once the big boss was taken into custody, in an effort to restore order. He's been seen around his usual haunts and rumor has it that he's looking to be promoted for his efforts.
Kidomaru began as street-level don on the illegal side of Yakushi business but worked his way up until he has the Snake's ear, using his pretty words to get whatever he wants. No one knows what heights he wishes to climb to from here. All they know is that plenty of the rough-rowdy boys that play in the dark look up to him and follow his lead as Orochimaru's unofficial proxy.
Taking out someone like that sends the message that none of them are safe. It will also lead to plenty of internal discord, as any goon with the slightest bit of ambition will be clamoring for the chance to take his place. Too bad they won't get that far.
This will make them uneasy and unorganized, distrustful and divided. The Uchiha are going to take advantage of that, hitting hard all at once to eliminate the ladder rungs of Orochimaru's organization until they are left with only him and Kabuto.
They're going to watch as their empire crumbles beneath them, and then they will follow it right to hell.
Sasuke and Neji will lead the charge to eliminate Kidomaru. Fugaku makes sure to reiterate that they are both assuming command— partially to avoid in-fighting between them, and as a quiet warning for Sasuke not to lose control.
Naruto can only feel a heavy sense of dread when Fugaku shares his plans. The last time Sasuke was left to his own devices, he ended up in jail and the rest of them ended up fucked in the head. Did everyone magically forget that part? Naruto sure didn't. But apparently it's just fine when Fugaku commands it— just another unfortunate sacrifice in the pursuit of victory. What could possibly go wrong?
How the fuck did Naruto get here, he wonders?
(Through a stumbling series of missteps and mistakes that he won't torture himself by reliving now. He can save that for later tonight, when he tries to sleep.)
Hell, he's already traumatized enough. What's a little more blood on his hands?
(It's plenty, but he's already gone and convinced himself he can do this.)
Fugaku knows better than anyone that Sasuke's not always working with a full deck, but he still trusts him to get the job done, so there will be no changing it. Naruto knows that even if he tries to convince them otherwise, no one will listen. Least of all Sasuke. He's always so eager to please his father, to prove his power and worthiness. While Fugaku's always out to prove that his son isn't a liability.
(A little too much misplaced faith maybe, or it could be something else entirely.)
So, even though Itachi sighs with the weight of the world on his shoulders, even though Neji looks uncomfortable and unsure, even as the others shift in uncertainty since they're all too aware of what Sasuke's capable of when he's set completely loose—
There will be no changing it.
Because secretly, his friends crave moments like this, despite their reservations. Even Sasuke—with all his vows to be better when he and Naruto are alone— still yearns for this carnage. The beast embedded inside of them asks for its due whenever it wants.
They all were twisted so early around Fugaku's whims that they're hopeless to escape. Taken under a monster's wing from the time they were babies, unpolished and untethered. Turned from wild beasts of boys into men.
Now, they scratch at the doors and howl at the moon while stuck in these perfect skins, itching for release. Itching to show all they've learned. So, Fugaku will let them loose back into the night and watch from the windows, waiting for the first bite.
(Yet still, they'll remain, clawing and praying at his feet despite this cruelty and twisting of their nature, waiting to see what he'll change them into next.)
Fugaku will join them on the hunt tomorrow, when the sun rises. He'll rest peaceably in his bed and let them do as they were taught. After tonight, there will be barely a whisper of the Yakushi left, and he will emerge in the daylight to silence the rest. That almost seems unfair, twisted and backwards, unfitting of the promises they were made about standing tall together, shoulder to shoulder, back to back.
But in truth, that's what his friends were waiting for. This is what they expected from the moment this decision was made.
They have no master when their master is sleeping, and they fully plan to take advantage of it.
Naruto understands this. He understands, even though he wishes for things to be different. This is the way of the Uchiha. He was raised on these same principles, on this borderline insanity that follows their every step.
It will never be so easy to shake off the years of conditioning. Can he fault them for knowing no different when they never escaped as he did? Can he truly think of them as monsters when he still feels that same bloodlust—deep, deep down if he's not careful to discipline his thoughts?
That's not something he can hope to answer, and now isn't the time.
(When will be time, Naruto? When you wake up in a cold sweat, faced with everything you've done, drowning in all the feelings you've done a shitty job of hiding?}
(…..Probably.)
"I won't let you down, father." Sasuke says resolutely, clenching his fist at his sides. Watching him from the sides of his eyes, Sasuke seems taller and darker than he remembers. There's a glow in his eyes that makes goosebumps erupt on Naruto's skin.
"We'll finish this." Neji mutters hollowly, his voice absent his usual fire. Naruto feels something cold drop in the pits of his stomach, something that shouts of warning but it's hard to hear over his tumbling thoughts.
Neji's head is bowed, eyes staring holes into the floor beneath him. He accepts his duty with a nod, but doesn't look up. He's been distant since the end of the summit, like he's barely listening to anything they say. His thoughts are clearly on something else entirely.
There's a slight horror in his eyes that is telling of his true feelings, but he knows better than to try to change Sasuke or Fugaku's mind, either. He's watched this same scene unfold longer than Naruto has, at this point. He knows better than anyone how this ends.
"Good, good." Fugaku says, eyes bright with something like pride. "I expect no less."
For a moment, only a moment—so quick and fleeting, Naruto sees Neji's gaze transform. It's not empty, like he expects, but red-hot with rage and grief. It takes him a second to realize that those fiery eyes aren't directed at just the floor; instead, He's looking sidelong at Fugaku with his fists clenched so hard that red almost seeps between his fingers. Then, it's gone. His eyes flutter back to the ground like they never left, carefully void.
...
Naruto pretends he didn't see.
…
There's a short ceremony when Naruto redons his jacket. Itachi was only joking with him when he said they might have to alter it, because of course it's a perfect fit. The kanji letters emblazoned on his back glow brightly under the light of the moon.
A battered orange ribbon is still in one of the pockets, stuffed there for the last time years ago and completely forgotten. Despite the strange, ambivalent feeling that grips his chest when the heavy denim sits his shoulders again, Naruto mutters a quick fuck it and ties it around his forehead so his hair spikes up just like it used to.
He might as well be all in since he's messed around and sold his soul back to the Devil. He's already too far in the deep end to pretend like he's fighting very hard to get out of it. His signature on the dotted lines speaks loudly enough.
Kiba grins, pumping his fist in the air. "Fuck yeah!" He shouts happily, punching Naruto in the shoulder companionably.
Sasuke smirks with something like victory, mumbling something vaguely encouraging. Shikamaru chuckles and rolls his eyes, even though his gaze is full of love. Choji ruffles Naruto's hair playfully, while Neji watches on with a gentle smile.
Itachi stays just long enough to witness this in an almost holy silence. He has his own orders and will soon disappear into the night with his band of minions —don't tell them he said that— because Fugaku knows better than to leave them off of their leashes for too long. Those that follow Itachi are usually reserved for the most violent of years, and for good reason.
They stand off to the side like always—not separated, but certainly not included. That's how it's always been and Naruto isn't exactly sure why, but he sees no reason to change it now.
Deidara winks at him regardless, flashing a thumbs up like he's proud. Sasori watches, quietly appraising, before solemnly nodding in Naruto's direction. He's never been much of a talker, so Naruto knows that's the highest praise he's ever going to get. Kisame couldn't care less, but that's to be expected.
Itachi pats Naruto's shoulder gently, cupping his cheek so he can look him in the eyes. There's a special tenderness in his gaze that's always been reserved only of Naruto. " You're still healing so don't overdo it," He says, tone stern and commanding like that of a father.
"I know, I know." Naruto replies, not really in the mood to be lectured. Itachi's the one who asked him to do this in the first place! If he had his way, he'd still be lying in bed!
Itachi tuts, shaking his head. "Do you?" He quips lightly, before his face changes into something dark and complicated. He pauses, collecting himself before he speaks next.
Then quieter he says, in a voice so haunted that it sends shivers down Naruto's spine: "No matter what happens, it's not your fault."
Naruto can only nod grimly, swallowing down a large lump in his throat. He hates that they're all expecting the worse but can't bear to speak of it. There's only a heavy tension that shudders around them, making them avert their eyes and gnaw at their lips, but ultimately they'll say nothing.
Just like always.
The older man doesn't linger long. He hesitates for a moment, his eyes still glued to Naruto like he wants to say something more before he thinks better of it. He turns on his heel and approaches Sasuke, whispering something to him that only he can hear.
Neji gently grips Naruto's wrist to get his attention. The strange, vacant look from earlier is back and Naruto shifts uncomfortably at the sight of it.
They didn't get to talk about anything said back at the summit. Naruto wants to know how Neji feels about what is expected of them, but the afternoon was a flurry of finalized plans and orders, so he never got the chance to ask. Sasuke was too busy hanging onto his father's every word, so he didn't get the opportunity to speak with him, either. He doesn't know how to feel about that.
"Are you okay?" He asks before Neji can get a word out, concern coloring his tone. It's rare for Neji to be distracted or dispirited, so Naruto can't help but think this is something serious.
Neji sighs, closing his eyes briefly and shaking his head. "I'm tired." He mumbles softly. Such heavy meaning behind such simple words. Naruto's sure that he's referring to more than just the day.
Neji crowds into his space, holding his gaze so deeply that it nearly makes Naruto flinch. "You don't have to do this, you know. There's still time to walk away. You don't owe us anything."
Naruto said something similar before, didn't he? Strange, how that statement would come back to haunt him. He's not sure of the validity of those words anymore, since he's found more and more reason why they're untrue.
He owes his mother, since she held up their house alone for so long, giving him the time he needed away from this place. He owes his family, for the blood they spilled when acting as his shield. He's only alive today because they took the fatal blows meant for him.
He owes himself, because he's only ever run away when things got tough, and there's nowhere left that he can call safe—not with his home gone, not with his ruined thoughts, not even the house that he lived in with his father, since that too is absent it's owner tonight.
"I know I don't," Naruto says softly, even though it feels like a lie. "But I'm going anyway."
Neji smiles ruefully, ducking his head. The grip he has on Naruto's arm tightens until it's almost painful before he lets go. "I knew you'd say that."
The look in his eyes nearly breaks Naruto's heart, and he's never seen so glad for someone to interrupt.
Itachi and his men are gone, and Shikamaru and the others have already started walking up ahead. Only Sasuke hangs back, watching sidelong as Neji and Naruto have their quiet conversation. Naruto wonders how much he heard before he's calling out:
"C'mon." He beckons them forward with a wave of his hand, an odd look on his face that Naruto can't hope to decipher. "It's time."
Neji sighs heavily before stepping forward, sparing Naruto one last wistful glance before he moves away. Naruto feels rooted to the spot; he is made of lead, something dark and dreadful climbing up his throat in the worst of ways. He shakes himself and forces himself forward, using both of their backs as a beacon to convince himself to keep moving.
As usual, he can do nothing but follow.
Kidomaru is a hard man to pin down.
Even though they have a fairly good idea of where he usually lingers, it still takes a bit of digging to find exactly where he's holed up tonight. His secrets are well hidden, but everyone has a price.
Money is what makes his life so interesting, earned by doing the dirty work of a rotten man; crowds part for him as he passes like way of the Old Testament. All the planes are private, the "friends" are plenty, and enforcers melt from dark corners when the commoners get too close.
He lives the party life almost every night, surrounded by his hired muscle and a slimy entourage that stays for the money and girls in place of genuine affection and camaraderie.
Kidomaru loves to be at its center so that's where they find him; he's sitting on the outdoor patio of a local hotspot, throwing his head back at his own jokes while palming the nearest girl's breast as she teeters uncomfortably. He calls her a slut in front of all the men around him and they all cackle at her discomfort.
They're all drunk, which will make this easier.
Some of the partygoers notice the tide of Uchiha as they approach, catching sight of their matching jackets and matching expressions. Naruto sees their faces pale like ghosts, but no one immediately gives them away to the blissfully unaware Kidomaru as he laughs the night away.
They know better than to get involved.
Instead, they quietly retreat in the opposite direction— careful not to run so they don't draw attention to themselves—but power-walking swiftly like their life depends on it. It will in a moment, so they have the right idea.
Shikamaru takes on last drag from his cigarette before extinguishing it on the pavement. He snuffs it out with the toe of his boot before looking to Sasuke, quietly asking:
"Ready?"
Sasuke smirks, eyes as black as the night sky when he replies: "Always."
Kiba grins, cracking his fingers before he slides on a pair of brass knuckles. He flexes his knuckles experimentally to test their mobility. "No rules, right?"
Sasuke nods while reaching for the piece in his waistband, checking it one more time to make sure it's ready to go. He doesn't put it away after his inspection, instead leaving it cocked and down at his side.
"You heard my father," He says simply, "He wants this finished by morning. We have no choice but to get a little wild."
That's as good an answer as any, Naruto guesses. Their deadline leaves no room for mercy.
A complicated expression passes over Sasuke's face then, and he opens his mouth to speak before closing it again, much to everyone's confusion.
"What?" Choji questions lightly, looking at him carefully like he's unsure what to expect.
(They never are, in all honesty)
Sasuke sighs deeply as if he's gathering his resolve, biting his lip in uncharacteristic nervousness. He looks to Naruto first underneath his lashes, before quickly looking away.
Then he's addressing all of them when he says: "I know you're all thinking it, but I'm not going to allow myself to get...like that tonight. We can't afford to fuck this up, especially not because of me."
He pauses, staring out into the night to avoid looking at anyone. "I'm going to make sure things are different from now on. None of you should have to walk on eggshells around me. It never should have been like that and I promise that you won't have to worry anymore."
Everyone blinks in surprise, poorly hiding the fact that they were worried about just that. The others immediately brighten at his words, the unspoken fear they all felt diminishing slightly.
"I just felt like I needed to say it before we do this, but I won't waste anymore time."
Something clears on Neji's face like the sun peeking through clouds at Sasuke's words. He's been watching Sasuke like a hawk and is still rightfully wary, but hope pushes through just enough for him to lose some of the tension in his body. He claps Sasuke on the shoulder tightly and they share a look that speaks volumes.
Naruto smiles softly, nodding at Sasuke as a swell of warmth blooms in his chest. He knows that such a promise is all but empty—it's impossible to just will away mental illness, after all—but the fact that Sasuke acknowledges that he wants to change so openly in front of the others makes Naruto believe that maybe, just maybe, he won't be trapped in the darkness much longer.
"That's great, chief." Kiba says gently. Usually he'd crack a joke whenever things get too serious, but he knows better than to minimize a moment as monumental as this.
Sasuke grumbles, obviously feeling a little shy after his declaration. "Let's go."
The others put their game faces on, nodding grimly as they prepare themselves for that they're about to do. Naruto tries desperately not to lose his nerve—it's too late to back out, if he ever truly could. He already told Neji that he has to do this, already convinced himself over and over that he's not too weak to see this through.
Itachi told him that it was alright to just witness, so he doesn't have to kill anyone himself. He barely has to do anything at all. He can handle that.
Yeah, because watching his friends do it is so much better, right?
Too late to protest now. It was already far too late this morning, just as it was a week ago. It's been too late for years, and the fate of the Yakushi was sealed as soon as they stepped foot in Konoha for the first time. They just didn't know it yet.
It was never going to end any other way.
They fan out, climbing the stairs of the patio two at time in loose formation. Sasuke stays centered, casually strolling up to Kidomaru's table like he has all the time in the world.
Naruto catches the attending waiter as he passes, grabbing his arm tightly and whispering: "Get out of here." In the most serious voice he can muster. The man stares back at him with wide, frightened eyes—not understanding at first, but he only has to look down to see the fan sewn into Naruto's sleeve before realization floods into his system, all at once.
He doesn't need to be told twice.
Kidomaru turns his head with his mouth open. He was about to yell something to that same waiter, obnoxiously demanding another drink. The words die on his tongue when he sees who's standing in front of him.
He blinks stupidly, mind too addled by the alcohol in his system to fully understand what he's seeing right away. His breath catches at the sight of Sasuke; a quick intake of air that almost sounds like choking, eyes expanding and brows furrowing in an almost sweetly confused way, like he's not sure how this can be happening.
"Fuck!" He nearly shouts, scrambling up and reaching for the gun at his waist. His fingers slip once, twice before he manages to grip it in a weak attempt to defend himself.
It's not nearly quick enough.
Sasuke raises his arm up almost like a salute, leveling his glock so it's aimed perfectly between Kidomaru's ribs. There's barely any cruelness in Sasuke's gaze—no dark malice or a misplaced sense of victory—when he fires two rounds into his chest. There's only a quiet resolve because this simply has to be done. His eyes remain clear and focused, unblinking as the others charge forward around him.
Kidomaru stumbles, hands absently reaching for his wounds. Naruto sees his wrist go limp, sending his gun clattering to the ground. His eyes are wide with horror and shock as blood bubbles from his mouth in one long, syrupy drip; it curves down his chin to meet the blossoms of red-stained flowers on his chrisp, white shirt.
He falls to his knees like he's praying, a flailing arm catching a tablecloth on it's way down. Wine glasses hit the wooden planks, smashing on impact as Kidomaru sways back and forth, eyes fluttering as the life begins to leave him.
The pulsing music stops abruptly in a record scratch kind of way. It would no doubt make Naruto laugh in any other situation, but his attention is too fixed on what's unfolding in front of him.
The sudden rush thundering of feet is deafening as the partygoers scream and run for cover. They knock over tables and chairs in their haste, climbing over the railing of the patio with shaking legs and sweaty palms.
A woman faints, dropping like a lead weight where she stands. Kiba hurdles over her expertly, the steel on his knuckles glittering gold underneath the patio's bobbing string lights. He raises his fist to smash against the nearest enforcer's face and a faucet's worth of blood springs out of the man's nose instantly. He goes down hard with Kiba on top of him.
The sound of metal meeting flesh, again and again—
And again and again and again and—
Is loud and wet; a sickening, unnatural sound that is certainly hard to stomach. A cowering man nearby covers his mouth in horror, bodily flinching when the final, resounding crack that follows echoes up to his ears. Kiba stands, victorious, charging like a bull to finish off another.
One of Kidomaru's men rushes at Choji with a yell, brandishing a gun that he foolishly doesn't try to use until he's up close. Choji easily disarms him by twisting his wrist back until the man yelps in pain, kicking the gun away so that it slides underneath a table. He uses his other hand to reach for his own weapon.
Choji's knife is short but serrated. Full of jagged edges like a shark's white teeth. He plunges it deep into the man's chest in rapid succession—a flurry of strikes, quick like a blink—twisting it with each thrust until blood spills over his hand and covers it like a glove. He guides the man down by his neck onto the ground and leaves him there to leak, already moving to the next attacking force that runs up from his right.
Neji has always been an opportunist. He uses the environment to his advantage, if the chance arises. The shattered glass on the ground presents itself as such; the halved stems of the wine glasses point upward, and Neji only has to sweep out the feet of his target, sending him tumbling down to land face first onto the shards.
The man rises with a guttural, gut-wrenching yell, clawing at his face as red zigzags down from his cuts. Neji calmly grabs the back of his hair and holds him in place, staring out blankly into the night as the man struggles fruitlessly and gasps for air. Neji's gaze sharpens into something calculating before he drags his mark up to the nearest table and smashes his neck against it sharply, crushing his trachea with expert accuracy.
Naruto doesn't see Shikamaru take down two of the guards. He's too busy watching the others— eyes lingering on Neji without meaning to. He looks over after the fact and sees them lying in a pool of their own making, weakly twitching as the light leaves their eyes.
Naruto shivers despite the warm air surrounding them—equally awestruck and intimidated because his friend's moves were too quick to be witnessed or anticipated, like always.
Mere moments before it's over, but it felt like hours. Mere moments for fate to decide the victor. He only felt a second's worth of concern for his friends—they could be hurt or killed being on the offensive like this, after all. But he should have known better.
It was never going to end any other way.
Sasuke makes his way forward through all the commotion, weaving around bodies and overturned tables so he can stand over Kidomaru as he wheezes from his place of the ground.
There's a crowd forming on the street, watching them. The people — neighbors, shopkeepers, the random faces that couldn't help their curiosity, or maybe they just couldn't run fast enough—They're staring. They look horrified, scandalized, deeply disturbed and afraid. But none of them move. None of them try to help. They stare and cover their mouths with their hands, but no one's willing to get involved.
Because they're afraid they'll be next, when Sasuke's done.
Not this time, though.
This time, it's just business.
(This is not a game of wrong or right. Of what's fair and what's not. There will only be a winner and a loser. It's as simple as that.)
Kidomaru looks up—the fear of God in his eyes, black fear and red-hot pain turning his face an array of colors— and then he laughs. Loud, booming laughter that ends in a wracking cough, blood and spittle flying out to land on Sasuke's shoes.
"I knew this would happen," Kidomaru rasps, shaking his head in bitter disappointment. "Too fucking far, this time. He didn't listen to me."
He hisses, closing his eyes against the wave of pain that hits him like a freight train.
"Get on with it, then!" He shouts, grinning up at Sasuke because that's all he can do. He accepted his fate long ago, when he signed up for this job. He flings his arms out spread eagle and waits for death, still proud up until his last moment, never begging or losing face once.
Sasuke grants him wish, leveling his gun between Kidomaru's eyes without another word and firing once, ending it.
...
…
…
Silence, of the heavy sort. There's a palatable tension that rises between them like it always does after a fight, when they're faced with the aftermath. Naruto stands with his brothers as they survey the scene, offering no comfort or pointless words. He could not bring himself to speak right now if his life depended on it
Bodies litter the patio—twisted in death and riddled with wounds. Tables are flipped up like shields, all their contents flung to far corners, speckled red with both blood and wine. The string lights breaks loose from the canopy and fall, flickering once before going out, plunging them into darkness.
There are sirens in the distance—a formality, since Asuma has already told his boys to look the other way until this is over. The townspeople still expect them to come when called though, as not to reveal how owned they are.
Naruto can feel his heart beating wildly in his chest. It's over faster than he expected. He's not sure why he thought it'd be some long, drawn out thing. He forgot who he was dealing with, honestly.
Naruto cannot help the way his blood sings in his veins, a strange sort of satisfaction coming to him in waves. He does not relish in this violence, but he cannot lie and pretend like some part of him doesn't... appreciate it.
(He is a wolf, too, after all. Secretly now, but a wolf all the same.)
He sees the glow in the other's eyes as they understand the same thing he does in this moment: Orochimaru's men have always seemed like untouchable boogeymen, but they can die just like any man around here—choking and gasping with his back to the ground and his face pointed up at the sky.
There is no time to dwell on it, since they'll be seeing much more soon. Kidomaru is only one cog in the machine, and the night is wasting to find the rest of them. They still have much to do before the sun rises, as Fugaku expects them to, so they have to get a move on.
Shikamaru makes his rounds once, making sure that the men they've killed actually stay down. He checks for pulses and listens for hollow breaths, but there are none to be found.
"Good," Sasuke says, nodding once. He slides his gun back into his waistband and readies to leave. "Let's go."
Naruto releases a breath, turning away from the dark scene in front of him. Sometimes rustles behind him—a small sound that might escape his notice if he wasn't so trained to hear such things. The others are already moving in the opposite direction with quick strides so they don't seem to hear it.
"Naruto?" Neji questions, making his way back when he notices that Naruto isn't following. Naruto holds his hand up to silence him, listening hard to see if he's mistaken.
He turns, looking to the source of the sound. It comes from behind one of the upturned tables. The table cloth that still manages to cling to it is quivering so Naruto knows that someone is behind it.
He sees eyes staring out at him—the girl's glasses are eskew and her face is stained with tears. She peeps out to check if the coast is clear, scrambling back when she realizes that it isn't. They both flinch at the sight of each other. Recognition floods in her eyes and she gasps at the same time Naruto does.
Oh.
Oh.
The girl from the alley.
The redhead who tased Zabuza and just barely escaped Naruto's grasp. The one who knowingly lured the girls into Orochimaru's trap. This was the last place he expected to see her, since it hadn't crossed his mind that they'd run into each other again
She must be in deeper with the Yakushi than Naruto initially thought. Probably a child of the clan, or an overzealous recruit.
She must see his face change—going from startled surprise to something...else. He isn't sure what—because in the next moment she's shaking her head frantically, begging with her eyes not to ratted out and killed.
Naruto could easily let her go. Pretend he didn't see. He's done enough of that, what's a little more? She's young, only a little older than Konohamaru, but not by much. She's probably no one important. No rank to speak of.
Hell, maybe she's in over her head, maybe she was forced to do what she did under the threat of being sold herself if she didn't. Maybe she needs money to help her family or something like that, so she'll go to extreme lengths to do it. Maybe she'd learn her lesson after seeing something like this and get out of the life for good. So many maybes, but—
"Sasuke," Naruto hears himself call tonelessly. Sasuke pauses, turning back to look at Naruto with question in his eyes.
Naruto points at the table without breaking eye contact with her. He swallows heavily before he speaks, his voice nearly a whisper when he says:
"We missed one."
She isn't innocent and he isn't, either. So there's that.
The girl wails, crawling back on her hands to retreat further behind the table. Pointless, she must know, but she's going to try anyway. Scared as she is, she's going to try anyway.
Sasuke sighs and quietly reaches for his gun. He doesn't bother moving closer— only firing once, twice, and a third time in her direction, just to be sure. It feels like overkill, but it leaves no room for mistake. She goes down with a hard, echoing thump.
She does not get up again.
Naruto checks her body, feeling cold and distant in his own skin. No pulse. No movement. Her eyes are open and unseeing as they face the sky, lips parted forever in a silent scream.
Naruto nods in Sasuke's direction as he watches on for confirmation. Neji waits for him at the bottom of the stairs, face eerily blank as he offering his hand. Naruto gladly takes it.
He can't be sure which one of them is shaking.
They hurry to rejoin the others, rushing on to their next hunt.
…
Eradication.
This is no time for mercy.