Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Title: Hyakumensou
Author: Agni
Warnings: Yaoi. Ita/Naru. Characters may be OCC because they are older and wiser than cannon.
Summary: A contract signed eighteen years ago has turned Naruto's life upside down. How will he cope with this new, troubling development in his life that he cannot escape?
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The scent of blood and the faint odor of medicine was not something Itachi ever wanted mingle with Naruto's soft, sandalwood scent. It was an unpleasant reminder that Naruto had been injured and yet Itachi could do nothing to prevent it.
He looked down, ignoring the slight pain that came from the heat of Naruto's body slipping through the bandages and irritating his wound. It had been a struggle to bring Naruto in his arms. Every step he took with him had to be calculated and precise. He lowered his head a little, pressing his nose against Naruto's hair and his arms tightened possessively.
Courting Naruto was not for the half-hearted. Underneath the innocent looking face lay a man with subtle but razor-sharp intelligence. It had taken Itachi a long time to recognize it but he did. Naruto was a befuddling mixture of strength, insecurities, cunning, restraint and passion.
It was taxing to wade through all that but it was worth it.
Sitting there with Naruto comfortably sleeping between his legs, his head trustingly on his shoulder, Itachi felt triumphant. It was not the triumph of a mission well accomplished even though it started out that way. It was the triumph that he had finally earned the treasure that was now in his arms.
It was satisfying to note that there was something more than obligation that created a relationship between them.
Quietly and gracefully, his combed his fingers through Naruto's hair, keenly observing the golden strands with the fascination of a man who was enchanted.
Slowly, his hand traveled down Naruto's back, his peaceful expression souring when Itachi felt the bandages under the thin material of his betrothed's yukata. Carefully he rolled the younger man under him and pulled at Naruto's clothing, pushing the yukata off his shoulder to take a better look at his wounds.
Itachi hissed, Sharingan flaring in his eyes as he saw patches of brownish red staining the white bandages. Just by looking at the size of those stains, it was evident to Itachi that the wound was not as shallow as Naruto's casual manner had led him to believe.
His narrowed eyes traveled up to Naruto's face, noticing that the younger man hadn't even twitched at the movement. It was obvious that Haruno had given Naruto some powerful painkillers or sedatives to force him to rest. He would have to thank the thoughtful young woman sometime. From what he had noticed while observing the behavior of the former Team Seven, Haruno was very vigilant in ensuring the safety and good health of her team-mates.
With a slight frown, Itachi glanced out of the window before smoothly sliding out of the bed. Absently, he covered Naruto with the warm quilt to save him from the early morning chill. He didn't even bother to resist the impulse to brush his lips against Naruto's forehead. It was almost a habit now. Touching Naruto seemed… natural.
Softly, he brushed a few strands of gleaming blonde hair off Naruto's closed eyes before walking into the bathroom to finish his morning rituals.
His body felt sluggish and stiff as he walked out of his room. The pain from the wound seemed to have increased but he decided not to pay any mind to it. The painkillers would be wearing off by now. With a sigh, he rolled his right shoulder, a light hiss escaping him when his body complained.
Itachi frowned as he walked past the destruction caused by Naruto's fight. The stench of dried blood lingered in the air and several pieces of furniture were destroyed beyond repair.
"Well, they can be easily cleaned and replaced." He thought as he entered the kitchen.
As he set about making some coffee and breakfast, he pondered over their current predicament. He had expected Danzo to eventually discover his presence in Konoha but he had been hoping that he wouldn't find out until it was too late.
Unfortunately for them, Naruto and Tsunade hadn't been able to even start their plan to deal with the council yet. Itachi had no doubt that Danzo was suspicious. It wouldn't take long for that old bastard to realize that if Itachi was under Naruto's protection then he was under Tsunade's protection as well.
What bothered Itachi was the potential danger that Naruto faced because he was associating with him and Sasuke. Politically, Naruto was untouchable. As the Hokage's heir, the apprentice of the Hyuuga clan head and the best friend of the Kazekage, he was too strong a presence to challenge directly.
However, it was well known that the blonde would do anything to protect his precious people. Itachi was well aware that Danzo was not above utilizing that particular fact to his advantage.
With a faint frown, he took a sip of his coffee, relaxing slightly as the warm, aromatic beverage soothed the mild ache in his temples.
His current circumstances made Itachi uncomfortable. For the first time since he became a ninja, he was in such a powerless position. While he certainly trusted and loved Naruto, depending on him so thoroughly did not settle well with Itachi.
He didn't have any power. He was still an ANBU captain, however, he couldn't exercise that power completely until the entire situation with the Uchiha massacre was dealt with. It was true that he was the Head of the Uchiha clan but as long as the suspects were still a part of the council, he couldn't take over the hereditary Uchiha seat. While Sasuke could take over in his stead, Itachi concurred with Naruto's assessment that while Sasuke was a skilled Oinin, he was not a skilled politician.
Before the massacre happened, he had the admiration of almost everyone in the village, be it young or old. Unlike Sasuke, he did not underestimate the influence of popularity. He was well aware that he wouldn't be able to regain that respect for a long while after the entire mess was cleared.
After the Uchiha massacre, his reputation had become fearsome and that wasn't something that encouraged people to trust him.
Tapping his fingers on the kitchen counter, he realized, he was itching to escape Konoha once again. He felt old beyond his years and strangely helpless. Closing his eyes with a fierce scowl, Itachi combed his fingers through his hair, feeling a little frustrated.
The pressure was getting to him. The constant necessity to disguise himself as someone else, the fact that his hands were tied, and that he had to hide behind Naruto as though he was some child was not settling well with him.
Suddenly, he stilled, sensing Naruto's presence before he felt the tender touch on his cheek. "You seem troubled."
Itachi, for a small moment, resented the sound of Naruto's voice but when he opened his eyes, the feeling melted away. Gentle blue eyes would never draw anything less than the feeling of contentment from his soul.
"Hey." Naruto whispered with a frown, pulling the taller ninja so that he could look into Itachi's eyes, "What's wrong? Are you still hurting from your wounds?"
Itachi paused for a moment, staring into Naruto's gem-like gaze before a rare hint of mischief entered his eyes. "After this is over, we'll be going for a long honeymoon."
Naruto stilled before his face took on a rosy hue and he glared at Itachi. "You sound awful certain of yourself."
Itachi hummed in amusement, wrapping his arms loosely around Naruto and lacing his fingers behind the younger ANBU's back.
Naruto didn't seem to mind the touch and for once the perceptive eyes didn't catch the serious expression on Itachi's face.
The Uchiha leaned forward and pressed his lips gently against the sensitive skin of Naruto's neck, smiling faintly when he felt Naruto shiver and whisper his name softly. "I have reason to be confident when you respond to me so willingly." He whispered, his hand slipping underneath Naruto's loose shirt and caressing the strong muscles of his back.
Naruto grumbled, "Over-confident bastard. I think Sasuke's bad habits are rubbing off you."
Itachi snorted, "Sasuke would never dare to do this." He replied before capturing Naruto's lips in an intense kiss.
The younger ANBU moaned appreciatively, parting his lips to receive Itachi as he wrapped his arms around the Uchiha's waist. Naruto closed his eyes with a soft murmur, gently caressing Itachi's cheek. "No he wouldn't." he whispered against Itachi's lips, "You'd rip him to shreds if he did." He stated in amusement, staring into those intense half-lidded eyes. Itachi's eyes glowed with restrained passion and swiftly reversed their positions, pushing Naruto against the counter.
Naruto let out a husky laugh, his eyes bright as Itachi pressed soft, caressing kisses along the strong line of his jaw. "He knows you're mine." The Uchiha whispered, parting his legs and pressing against the slender blonde, drawing a shaky breath from Naruto. "And I don't share." Naruto let of a choked gasp as Itachi's hand boldly slipped into his pants, his cool fingers pressing possessively against the soft but firm flesh of his behind.
Blue eyes became hazy as the heat of Itachi's body assaulted him. He arched against Itachi, his lips parting as he swallowed. He could feel him, cradled between Itachi's thighs, their bodies were as close as they could get. As his arm traveled up the Uchiha's back, he felt the powerful muscles flex at the touch. "Yours, am I?" he asked even as his mind slowly succumbed to the influence of Itachi's touches.
A breathless murmur escaped him as Itachi ground his hips against Naruto's, "Mine". The Uchiha whispered decisively. Naruto could feel Itachi's hot breath against his neck, heavy and passionate. His moist tongue was icy against Naruto's warm skin, making him shiver, extremely sensitive to the teasing brushes of Itachi's lips and the thrilling press of his teeth.
Another sensual grind of Itachi's hips and Naruto felt his knees buckle. His fingers fisted his Itachi's hair as he let out a sharp moan, feeling his body tremble in response. Itachi's groaned, his arms tightening around Naruto.
"Ow!"
That was an affective dampener on his ardor. Itachi recoiled instantly, his sharp eyes looking at Naruto's pale, sweat moist face. The blond ninja placed his hand delicately on his stomach, grimacing in pain. "I guess I'm not well enough for a make-out session." He said jokingly but his voice was hoarse.
Itachi fell to his knees in front of Naruto and quickly lifted his shirt, watching with narrowed eyes as the patch of blood grew a little bigger. "Go to Tsunade-sama." He ordered, rising smoothly to his feet, resisting the urge to throttle his little blond. It was frustrating to see Naruto so nonchalant about such grave injuries.
"Sorry, Itachi." Naruto said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Maybe next time, huh?"
The Uchiha narrowed his eyes, "Not until I'm convinced that you'll suffer no pain."
"A little pain's not exactly a bad thing." He murmured and Itachi stilled completely.
"What?"
Naruto smirked at his Uchiha saucily and instantly stepped away from him, "If you didn't understand what I said then you're disappointingly innocent, Ita-chan." He winked and disappeared from sight before Itachi could react.
The Uchiha gazed at the spot where Naruto had been standing before his lips curled into a dangerous smirk. "Oh, I'll make you pay for that, dear Naruto…." Intense onyx colored eyes gleamed as Itachi caressed his bruised lips with his thumb, "You just gave me permission to make things very interesting."
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Naruto was still grinning when he knocked on Tsunade's door before walking in, without waiting for her to give him permission. He was in a good enough mood to be a little less cautious and a little more insolent.
He was rewarded with a scathing glare that he waved off with ease though he was surprised to see Hiashi sitting in front of Tsunade, looking at him in disapproval.
With a sheepish smile, he rubbed the back of his head. "Hiashi-sama, am I interrupting anything?"
The Hyuuga arched a brow while Tsunade's glare intensified. "Brat, shouldn't you be asking me that?" she asked with a scowl but narrowed her eyes when she saw how he stiffly he was carrying himself.
"Come here." She ordered, "I was just about to call you anyways."
"Oh?"
"Yes." Tsunade nodded as he gestured him sit down and remove his shirt. "Sakura told me everything she knew." She responded absently as she knelt before him and started to cut open his bandages.
"Er…" Naruto stilled her hand, "Is it really necessary to remove the bandages?" he asked, "It's a nasty wound."
"That I gathered." Tsunade stated dryly and slapped his hand away. "Let me do my work, brat."
Naruto rolled his eyes and let her do her job.
"I heard that Itachi-san was injured on a mission." Hiashi asked, "Is that true?"
The blonde nodded, "Yes. He's pretty upset about that."
Tsunade snorted, "Understatement. When Itachi gets angry, he doesn't rage, he stares silently. Believe me brat, he was giving me this flat, keen stare that was freakier than Orochimaru's strange obsession with little boys."
Naruto and Hiashi shuddered, looking at Tsunade with slightly wide eyes.
The ANBU shook his head and pointed at Tsunade accusingly, "You! Don't compare my poor, saintly Itachi to that… that… creep!"
Tsunade sighed, "Your poor, saintly Itachi?" she asked in resignation, "Does that Uchiha brat ever get tired of your protectiveness? I'm surprised that you even let him out of the house."
"With the amount of enemies he has…" Naruto murmured to himself, "I'm surprised, myself."
The Hokage let out a satisfied sound and wrapped Naruto's injured torso with a smile, "Since you aren't going on a mission anytime soon, I'll let it heal naturally. That's really the best way."
Naruto nodded in agreement and breathed a slight sigh of relief as the pain that was a constant stabbing sensation eased.
"Now that I've dealt with your wounds, let me ask you something." Tsunade sat down and Naruto nodded absently, shrugging on his shirt, careful not to aggravate his injuries.
"What the hell were you thinking!!"
Naruto started, looking at the Hokage with surprised eyes. "What?" he asked, clueless.
Tsunade practically growled in frustration. "Damn it Naruto! You killed three ANBU! Konoha ANBU without any reason and attacked an ANBU captain! You even apprehended and tortured another ANBU for information!"
Naruto's eyes cooled and a professional mask slipped onto his features. "You know that they were Root Tsunade."
"And how are you going to prove that?The captain that you rendered unconscious has a very flimsy testimony! You have no proof! You should have sent the remaining ANBU to Ibiki but you didn't! I cannot even begin to tell you how irresponsible that was."
Naruto narrowed his eyes, "Tsunade, that ANBU would have slipped through the cracks. Danzo has a way of making his Root ANBU disappear before Ibiki has the chance to evaluate them."
Tsunade scowled at him. "I know just how the council is going to look at this. Firstly, you were suspected of harboring a wanted criminal. Secondly, you killed three of the five ANBU who were sent after you to bring you in for questioning. Thirdly, you rendered the only ANBU who wasn't Root, unconscious. Lastly, you imprisoned and interrogated an ANBU without authorization and kept him in a location where people need your express permission to enter."
"Tsu-"
"I'm not done." Tsunade snapped, glaring at him viciously and Naruto leaned back, crossing his legs elegantly and favoring her with a bored, nonchalant look that told her that he wasn't impressed.
"The council is just itching to discredit you, Naruto and you just handed them the excuse on a silver platter! Heck, I'll have to do everything in my power just to keep you out of prison! Do you even think before you act, you fool?" She asked angrily, "How can you be a Hokage when you can't even think before you rush forward and do something stupid?"
"Itachi's life was at risk, Tsunade."
"I don't care!" Naruto's eyes widened, "When you are a Hokage, you need to think beyond that, Naruto! You need to think without emotions clouding your judgment. You-"
"I am not my father."
That single, icily spoken declaration rendered Tsunade silent.
Naruto observed her with a remote gaze that she knew he had reserved for people he didn't know or disliked.
That knowledge made her cringe.
"I cannot be noble enough to ignore the fact that my family needs my protection in favor of the village. I cannot be cruel and inconsiderate like that." He looked at her piercingly, "Marriage, love… these relationships exist for a reason. These bonds come with their own obligations. I have a responsibility towards Itachi and I'm not going to ignore it. I'm not some righteous pig." He spat distastefully, "I don't do noble sacrifices. Itachi was going to be harmed. I protected him. Exposing him would've risked him. It would've ruined all our plans. I wasn't about to put him in that vulnerable position just for the fear of the council."
Tsunade stayed silent for a while and then closed her eyes in silent regret. "I am suspending you for six months." She stated bluntly, "I'll write a letter to the Daimyo stating that we will have to reevaluate our choice for the future Hokage." She looked at him in the eye, "After all this, I believe that your power and influence is getting to your head and you are acting irresponsibly. Take time to reconsider your actions and thoughts, Naruto."
Naruto stiffened, looking at her with narrowed eyes before he leaned back. "You really think I am stupid, don't you? You won't even ask if I have a plan. You just keep on assuming that I am some sort of immature idiot just because I act carefree and indulge in moments of mischief and pranks."
Tsunade shook her head, "That's not it, Naru-"
"Don't fuck with me." Naruto whispered icily and Tsunade scowled while Hiashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder to calm him. "You really think that I can be swayed by power?" He reached into his utility pouch and retrieved four scrolls.
"Shall I tell you what these are, Tsunade?" he asked softly and lifted one scroll, "This the complete analysis of the ANBU Root tattoo, a thorough explanation of how it works and how to recognize it. It is attested by Jiraiya, Shikamaru, Nakamura-san from the ANBU, and Ibiki-san. They all have seen it and agreed that the findings are accurate. Without a doubt, this will prove who is a Root member and who isn't. It also contains a way to disable the seal that the Root ANBU have on their tongue."
He tossed the scroll at her and held up another one, "This contains two letters from the Daimyo, official and unofficial. He has elected me as his proxy in the council until I become the Hokage, effective immediately after my birthday. You must have gotten a copy of it as well but I'm sure…" he gestured towards the mess on her desk with a dry smile, "It is lost in there somewhere."
Tsunade glared at him but he continued, unfazed, "It also states that the present council is under full investigation and therefore stripped of their powers. He has named a few individuals who would act as a replacement to the council until the entire matter is solved. Lastly, he has stated Itachi is under the protection of the Daimyo and I am fully authorized to deal with threats to his well-being in any manner I see fit."
Tsunade paled, looking at Naruto with wide eyes while Hiashi's grip tightened on his apprentice's shoulders.
Naruto held out the third scroll, "These are the confessions of the ANBU that I caught and interrogated. He would've have died mysteriously the moment he was deposited in Ibiki's department because Danzo has the entire building under his watch." He smiled maliciously, "Thanks to that ANBU, we have enough information to neatly piece together all other scattered evidences that we have found over time. There is enough in here to convict Danzo of treachery on at least four counts, the earliest in league Salamander Hanzo and the latest with Akatsuki. There is a charge of conspiracy against Konoha on several counts and on actively trying to endanger the life of three different Hokage. We don't even need to touch the Uchiha massacre to hang that bastard, therefore keeping my Itachi safe." He held up the last scroll, "And this includes all my findings about the Uchiha massacre and what exactly happened that night. I have Itachi's version of events, Sandaime's thoughts on it, Sasuke's thoughts on it, Danzo's actions through the seal and confessions of Yamanaka Inoichi's brother."
He stood smoothly and smirked at Tsunade, "Check mate, Tsunade-sama. This is how I play my game." His lips twisted, "Think before you act irrationally, with emotions." He mocked, "Isn't that what you said? I think you should heed your own advice before pointing fingers and daring to assume that I would let you get away with thinking that Itachi's safety is negotiable." He leaned forward, "This is how I am when I love someone, Tsunade. I don't make compromises on their well-being."
He spun on his heal and was about to walk out of the office but Hiashi interrupted him. "Naruto-kun, don't be foolish. Come back here."
Naruto scowled but Hiashi narrowed his eyes and gestured towards the chair sternly, "We must discuss this without such childishness."
The ANBU sighed and sank into the chair, glaring at Tsunade.
The Hokage when she finished reading the scroll. "I'm sorry Naruto." She sighed and looked at him pleadingly, "I've been stressed and Homura and Koharu came to me this morning with a warrant for your arrest. I overreacted. I was worried."
Naruto closed his eyes, "If you really think that I'm abusing my powers then go ahead and do what you feel is right." He admitted, "If I have lost your trust, baa-chan, then I'm willing to do anything to earn it back but please…" he looked at her imploringly, "Don't ask me to ignore the well being of my precious people. If you think I'm not suited to become a Ho-"
"Naruto." Tsunade raised her hand, smiling a little guiltily, "I jumped to conclusions. Nevertheless, I suggest you be very careful from now on. I am still suspending you for a month for your recklessness. I understand your motivations but I, as a Hokage, cannot let this go unpunished. This, unfortunately, will be a little black mark on your pristine record."
Naruto shrugged, unconcerned.
"If the Daimyo has stripped the council of its powers then the warrant for Naruto's arrest as well as the order to capture or execute Itachi on sight is null and void." Hiashi stated calmly, returning to his seat now that Naruto was settled. "However," he looked at Tsunade, "He cannot act as your personal advisor if he is indeed the Daimyo's proxy."
The Hokage frowned, "Why?"
"Nidaime put in a clause that prevents the Daimyo's representative from being the Hokage's aide. Too much power in one person's hand." Naruto explained nonchalantly, "Don't matter much though. I am an ANBU captain you can ask for my opinion though that would be unofficial." Naruto frowned, "Actually, there is a little problem…"
Hiashi nodded, "Yes. As the son of a Hokage, you have a seat in the Hokage's personal council when you are of age but since you are the Daimyo's representative, you are a part of his council… you cannot hold those two positions at the same time."
Tsunade looked at Hiashi in question, "Will that be a problem?"
The Hyuuga leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes thoughtfully. "There will be a few problems, however, I feel that we can maneuver around them. However, there is one distinct advantage." He opened his eyes, smiling faintly, "The daimyo's representative has a powerful influence… he is separate from the Hokage and Konoha in general. He represents the entire country in the council." He looked at his apprentice, "The Daimyo had placed a lot of trust in you, Naruto-kun."
Naruto nodded but didn't look pleased with having such an enormous responsibility on his shoulders. He sighed, "Look, Tsunade, I'm sorry that I acted without informing you in advance but I didn't have the time. I will hand over the Root ANBU I have in custody to Ibiki… he can confirm my findings, if you like. The guy is already broken, I don't think he'll hide anything from Ibiki."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him, "Did you sleep last night, at all?"
The ANBU seemed confused, "Of course I did. I slept plenty." A small smirk crossed his lips, "I have a warm Uchiha to cuddle now… my very own giant teddy bear."
Tsunade grinned, "Careful, brat. I may just let it slip to Uchiha that you called him a teddy bear. I'd love to see how he'd react."
Naruto returned the grin, his blue eyes sparkling in mischief, "In front of you, he'd do nothing. He'll get his revenge in private."
Tsunade scoffed and shook her head while Hiashi frowned thoughtfully. "If the team attacked you last night… how did you have the time to all the interrogation and organize that information if you slept?"
Naruto arched a brow, looking confused, "A clone?"
Tsunade scowled, "Is that an answer or a question?"
"Seriously, it was a clone. I left it there to do that job for me. A simple seal on its forehead ensured that it sustained itself for at least twelve hours or until I dismissed it… whichever comes first." He shrugged, "I needed to check up on Itachi… he slept through the entire thing and I wanted to be sure that I didn't leave anyone behind who could harm him if my barrier collapsed."
Tsunade sighed, "Well then, I gu-"
Hiashi and Tsunade stilled while Naruto leapt into action, a kunai appearing in his hand as he slipped into the shadows. Hiashi activated his Byakugan and frowned when he saw Shizune hurrying towards the door, looking rather worried.
The Hyuuga silently gestured towards Naruto and his apprentice sighed, stepping out of the shadows and tucking his kunai back into its holster.
"I'm getting paranoid." Naruto grumbled to himself as he opened the door before Shizune could even knock, a charming grin already on his lips. "Hey, nee-chan, what's the hurry?"
He almost stumbled in surprise when Shizune pushed him out of the way and ran towards Tsunade, her face pale and her hands shaking. "Tsunade-sama! I just got word! Daimyo-sama has been assassinated!"
Naruto froze, his eyes wide and lips parted in shock.
"Shit."
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"You found a keeper with him, didn't you, Itachi?" Yugao asked lazily, leaning back against her seat with a smile, "He's pretty hot."
The Uchiha glanced at her, unimpressed while his other companions chuckled.
"Come now, Ita-chan!" Anko grinned at him, "Don't be such a spoil-sport! After all," she leaned towards him teasingly, "Naruto is so lively and vibrant! You need to change your dull personality a bit if you wish to keep up with him."
"Don't bother him, Anko." Genma murmured as he sipped some tea, "I don't think anyone can keep up with that brat, let alone our dear boring Itachi."
"This is your version of friendly encouragement, I presume?" Itachi asked them dryly as he placed some snacks in front of them. "Is this why you decided to bother me so early in the day?"
"Well, when you returned, we thought that we'd give you some space." Tanaka Ryuusuke, also known as Towa amongst the ANBU, admitted with a shrug, "Then you became busy… we thought that we'd let you patch things up with Sasuke."
He smirked at Itachi, "Imagine our surprise when we got the invitation to your upcoming wedding." he chuckled, "You are very ambitious, Itachi. You didn't just go for anyone, did you? You had to aim high! Uzumaki Naruto of all people! Man, that's one piece of prime-" he paused when Itachi aimed an icy glare in his direction before grinning, "He's practically untouchable! Whenever you try to get on his good graces, you get glared at from at least five different directions! You'd think he was some sort of princess rather than one of the strongest ninjas in Konoha."
"That's all Sasuke's doing, I'm afraid." Kakashi stated, giving them an eye-smile. "When he returned to Konoha, he suddenly saw people eying Naruto with less than innocent eyes and decided that it was unacceptable. Very tight knit, the three of them. You should see how well Sakura is protected. Believe me when I say that people will risk Sasuke wrath but they daren't defy Naruto."
Genma hummed thoughtfully, "I always did wonder why such a pretty girl was still single."
Anko grinned, "Naruto is dangerous." She murmured, "The least the Uchiha insect-" she brushed off Itachi's glare with ease and continued, "The least that brat will do is glare and scowl forebodingly. Uzumaki, on the other hand, will make your life a living hell full of humiliation and paranoia. You'll never know when he would strike and after he's through with you, you'll be so thoroughly mortified that you wouldn't dare step out of your house."
Itachi gave her a slow, knowing look, "Speaking from personal experience, Anko?"
She stuck her tongue out at him while Itachi smirked at her.
"Now, now, Itachi-kun." A rather pretty girl sitting beside Ryuusuke stated softly, "We are just marveling that you managed to catch the golden boy of Konoha."
Kakashi chuckled, "Golden boy. That's new, Kaoru-chan."
The female ANBU shook her head, "Not as new as your think. Seeing how the upper brass is so fond of him. Almost everyone in the village calls him that."
Ryuusuke looked at Itachi in question, "How are things between you and Sasuke?"
Everyone turned toward Itachi at that question and the Uchiha shrugged, calmly taking a sip of his tea. "As well as one can expect. We don't talk much."
Anko grinned cheekily, "Everything is normal then. I would've started worrying if the two of you started to have heart to heart talks."
Itachi raised a brow and decided that he wouldn't mention that he and Sasuke did have a heart to heart conversation a few days ago. He wasn't particularly fond of being the butt of Anko's jokes.
He enjoyed his soothing tea and gazed at his bickering friends with a small smirk of amusement. How long had it been since he simply relaxed with his friends? How long since he heard them bicker and tease each other good-naturedly?
As he felt his body and mind relax, he realized that he missed Shisui and his calm, mature nature. He missed Rin, who seemed to accompany Kakashi whenever they met. Despite everything, those times before the massacre happened seemed so innocent. They all had their own share of bitter experiences. Kakashi with his loss of teammates and his sensei, Anko with the whole mess of Orochimaru, Ryuusuke and Kaoru with the murder of their parents and so on.
Still, there had been a sense of peace and calm before Itachi had to leave Konoha… struggling under the weight of his grief and responsibility.
Yes, that was an innocent time. At least, for Itachi it was. It was a time when Sasuke looked up at him and there was nothing but respect and love in his eyes. It was a time when his mother's soft voice put an end to nearly all his nightmares and problems. Itachi had known war and hatred intimately, feeling it affect the very air of his village but he had never been tainted by until that night.
"Are you Itachi?"
The Uchiha stilled and looked up to see a toad staring at him as though judging his worth. He could hear his friends snickering at his sudden absentmindedness but he ignored them with practiced ease and looked at the toad. "Yes."
The toad seemed to scowl at him. "You're Naruto-nii-chan's mate, then?"
Itachi nodded.
The toad nudged a scroll towards him, "Nii-chan said that you need to read this urgently. He looked worried."
His mood took an instantly nose-dive as he reached for the scroll. He didn't want Naruto to get involved in more trouble than he already was.
'Itachi,
Daimyo-sama has been killed. We don't know the details but I suspect what happened. Listen to me, leave Konoha and go to one of your Uchiha hideouts. I know you have a couple. Sasuke told me. Leave as soon as you can. I don't know what's happening but I know for sure that until this is solved, both you and Sasuke aren't safe. I've already sent him a message to stay out of the village for a while. Tsunade is sanctioning his leave as we speak. Stay away until I come and get you. I promise I'll solve this as soon as possible.
Right now, I'm on my way to the Daimyo's residence. I need to speak with Kazuhiko and ensure that he is safe. We cannot risk him being harmed and I only trust myself with his protection at this moment. I'll be out of Konoha as well, on an official mission to protect Kazuhiko.
Please Itachi, I know how much you would want to ignore this letter but I'm begging you, for once, listen to me. I can't function well if I know that you are in danger.
We will keep in contact through our summons. I know where both the hideouts are so I will definitely find a way to meet you when it is safe to do so. I swear I'll be fine and I'll be careful so don't worry about me. I can handle myself and you know that Tsunade will not let anything happen to me.
Just… just stay away from Konoha for a while. I'm sorry to do this to you but please, for your own safety, heed this one request.
I love you. Take care of yourself and be careful.
Naruto. '
"Itachi?" Kakashi asked when he noticed the foreboding expression on the Uchiha's face. He could see Itachi's entire body radiating his rage. Sharingan, he noticed, was a very effective in revealing the emotions but Itachi and Sasuke wished to hide. Currently, those deadly yet beautiful eyes were staring at the paper as though Itachi was just barely refraining from using Amaterasu on it.
The Uchiha let out a slow, hissing breath and handed the letter to Kakashi.
The Jounin read the letter swiftly, his exposed eye widening just a bit in a show of his alarm. However, he couldn't afford to let the Daimyo's death rattle him now. He needed to make sure that Naruto's request was carried but because by the looks of things…
He looked up, watching as Itachi stayed in his seat, staring down at the toad summon as though he wished to convey a message to Naruto. Sharingan was still spinning wildly in his eyes, a testament of his fury.
"I won't." he whispered icily and Kakashi sighed. He knew that Itachi would refuse. If Naruto was protective of his family, Itachi was ten times more so. He could feel that everyone was watching them now, worried. He was probably the best candidate to convince Itachi but he knew that it would help if others voiced their opinion.
"Daimyo was killed, Itachi." He repeated the fact for everyone's benefit. Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see their companions stiffen and lean forward for more information. "Naruto is right… you may be in danger. Listen to what he says."
"And leave him here? Alone? He is a sitting duck waiting for someone to attack him." Itachi stated, his eyes narrowed and dangerous as he dared Kakashi to argue with him. "You think I can leave him behind after he said something like that?"
Kakashi instantly knew what Itachi was referring to. The I love you sounded too much like a final goodbye. It was ridiculous to assume that but sometimes, when it came to the people you care about, such little superstitions could haunt even the most pragmatic person. The jounin knew that Itachi would see it that way. Moreover, the constant injuries that Naruto suffered over the past few weeks had taxed his body and mind. They had no idea whether Naruto was at his peak strength or not. "We will make sure that he'll be safe, Itachi."
The Uchiha sent him a deep, penetrating look, "I can only trust myself and Sasuke with Naruto's safety." Kakashi sighed as Itachi continued, "And he wishes both of us to be away."
"Naruto-san can take care of himself." Yugao whispered softly, understanding the situation. "You haven't seen him work, Itachi, I have and I know that he can take care of himself. He has the influence that you don't and he is incredibly skilled. People will think twice before attacking him." She leaned forward while Ryuusuke and Kaoru went to Itachi's room to pack for him. "Think, Itachi. You aren't supposed to be in Konoha. God forbid it, but if they manage to get Tsunade-sama, you won't have any support until Naruto is inducted as the Hokage. That will take time."
Itachi scowled at him, "I am not a fool, Yugao. I am aware of the consequences."
"Then you should also understand that Naruto won't be able to think straight if you are in danger, Itachi." Anko stated bluntly, "That brat possesses a single-minded intensity when he comes to his loved ones and he needs his wits about him if he is to solve this problem." She looked at him impassively, "And we know that ultimately, that responsibility will fall on him. Tsunade doesn't have the patience to deal with mind games but Naruto is an expert in it."
Ryuusuke and Kaoru returned with Itachi's bags packed and sealed. "We packed everything we could find that was of importance. Clothes, weapons, all your scrolls and books… everything… " Ryuusuke leaned forward, staring straight into Itachi's eyes, "You need to leave."
Itachi stood, ignoring the scrolls that contained his packed possessions. "The wedding…"
"You cannot think about that now." Yugao stated sternly, "Surely you can postpone it?"
While others seemed to agree on that, Kakashi didn't. He looked at the Uchiha with narrowed eyes, knowing very well that the wedding and the seal had to happen on time or Naruto's life would be at risk.
"We'll figure something out." The jounin assured, "Naruto won't forget what he has to do. He'll try to get it done before the wedding but if he doesn't manage, we'll figure something out. Don't worry."
"How can I not?" Itachi asked, his entire form tense, "The consequences…"
"I know." Kakashi stated softly, "Believe me, I am not to keen on losing one of my precious students. If I have to, I'll drag Naruto to you and perform the seal myself." He whispered while their companions exchanged baffled looks. "Don't worry. I give you my word that I will have Naruto with you on that day. Nothing will stop me."
Itachi stilled and looked at Kakashi for a long time, his expression unreadable. "You break your word and I will kill you." He whispered, "Don't doubt that. If anything happens to Naruto under your watch, Kakashi…"
The jounin shook his head, "I've protected him all his life and he didn't possess even a fraction of the strength that he possesses now."
Itachi scowled before taking the scrolls from Ryuusuke. "Alright."
Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief, combing his fingers through his hair. He was used to dealing with Naruto and Sasuke, they had always been difficult and Itachi proved to be just as tenacious as the other two.
Briefly, he wondered just how long Itachi would be able to stay away before his patience left him. It wouldn't take long. Itachi couldn't stand being helpless or idle and he would be both those things if he was sent away to a safe house.
With much reluctance on Itachi part, they managed to escort the Uchiha safely out of Konoha. Yugao ensured that Itachi had some medical supplies for his wounds and food rations. They had taken a moment in which Itachi had written a reply to his lover's letter. It was apparent from the scowl on the Uchiha's face that the letter had contained some scathing words.
After all, Itachi didn't appreciate being tucked away like some sort of guilty secret.
The Uchiha narrowed his eyes as he passed the border of the village and slipped into the woods. He had done this before, sneaking in and out of the village. It had almost become his forte.
Bidding his escorts farewell, he immediately disappeared into the forest. It would be a long journey and he was hoping that Sasuke would either ignore Naruto's request or reach the safe house before him. His summon had already taken off towards Sasuke, making sure that he and his brother ended up in the same safe house.
As he ran, his keen mind analyzed his current circumstance. He was certain that he was underestimating the situation. There was something more going on or else Naruto wouldn't have sent him away. He knew that the Daimyo had sent Naruto some correspondence the other day. Three different letters, if he remembered correctly. Naruto had read the content of those letters with a grim frown and had seemed troubled afterwards.
For the Daimyo to be killed just a day after Naruto received those letters was…
"Improbable." Itachi whispered to himself.
Something was going on and Naruto wasn't telling him. It was obvious that he wanted to deal with the situation, whatever it was, alone. Itachi's instincts rebelled against the idea. The mere thought of his Naruto walking into danger was enough to make him abandon all reason and return to Konoha.
He just barely managed to restrain himself from doing just that.
He needed to think… strategize...
Itachi wouldn't be able to do that in Konoha if he had to always look out for danger and worry about Naruto at the same time. In the safe house, with Sasuke, he'd probably able to come up with a good solution.
Besides, Naruto was scheduled to leave for Iwagakure in five days and Itachi did not intend to let Naruto travel alone. If Naruto had a problem with that, he would just have to deal with it.
In time, his little love will have to learn that he just couldn't order Itachi about and expect him to obey like a docile dog.
Itachi would take great pleasure in teaching him that.
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He had been almost too late.
The Daimyo's entire estate was hiding numerous assassins. The person who had planned to kill the Daimyo had sent a fleet of skilled ninja to do the task.
No one amongst the enemy ninjas that he had encountered in his endeavor to find Kazuhiko had been weak or easy to handle. He could feel the pain coming from newly acquired wounds numbing his senses as he ran through the estate.
When he finally found the prince, the relief was overpowering. Naruto hastily checked Kazuhiko, sighing when he found no fatal wounds.
The prince was panting, struggling to stay on his feet. He could feel Kazuhiko's hands clutching onto his jacket for support and the stench of blood lingering in the air.
Kazuhiko had somehow managed to escape an attempt on his life but Naruto could see that the prince was unnerved and still laboring under the grief of his father's death.
He shuddered to think what would have happened if they had lost the Daimyo's only heir. He didn't think that Hi no Kuni would recover from such a loss for a long time. And considering how delicate the situation was in Konoha, he knew that he had to protect Kazuhiko at all costs.
Licking his dry lips, he ignored the heavy weight in his chest, his icy blue eyes scanning his surroundings.
"You're hurt." Kazuhiko whispered and Naruto flinched, bringing a finger to his lips and narrowing his eyes. They needed to be as silent as possible.
"Naru-"
"I've suffered worse." Naruto whispered harshly, "Now, shut up and stay still, Kazu or I'll knock you out!" Forming a single seal, he carefully manipulated his chakra, using as little as possible so that it would go undetected. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu."
A clone appeared before him, ready to accept all commands. Hastily, Naruto bit on his finger and drew a rough-looking but precise seal on the clone's forehead. Carefully, he channeled a vast amount of chakra into the seal, ensuring the clone would be stronger and more durable than an ordinary Kage Bunshin.
"Kazu, we need to hide you for a while." Naruto whispered, nodding at the clone and watching as it left to spy. As much as Naruto hated to admit it, he knew that they needed to hide for a while. Kazuhiko was injured and needed treatment. "Do you have any safe houses?"
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?" An amused voice stated and Naruto stiffened. "Hand over the prince."
Naruto straightened, placing himself between Kazuhiko and the enemy, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Not gonna happen."
"Too bad." The man stepped out of the shadows, his own sword poised, "I didn't want to kill a handsome little boy like you."
Naruto felt Kazuhiko stumble and hissed, his grip on his sword tightening. His friend was loosing blood and Naruto was in no better condition.
He was confident in his skills, even in his wounded condition he could take on a few enemies. However, to do that while protecting an injured civilian?
He wasn't certain of his chances of surviving that.
"Really, one problem after another… I'm starting to think that someone has cursed me." Naruto thought to himself as he swiftly cast the same shield around Kazuhiko that he had used to protect Itachi.
As he started feeling the drain the chakra consuming jutsu inflicted, he winced.
"And it was my vacation too…"