Not Alone
Sasuke's fight was going good, that was until the Curse Mark Seal started to take effect. And it did not go unnoticed by Kakashi or Itachi. Itachi tensed and was about ready to jump in but from sheer will power of Sasuke's part the Seal retreated back. At first Itachi was not convinced his brother had done it so he activated his Sharingan, and his eyes did not lie. It did seem Sasuke was able to force the Curse back into place, but it was also easy to see that it took a toll on him.
As the younger Uchiha brother gave the finishing blow to his opponent he too hit the ground and tumbled backwards only to be caught by Kakashi so he would not hit the back of his head onto the ground. Hayato walked up to the fallen Genin and checked if he was able to continue, but he knew the answer before he approached him.
"He is unable to continue, the winner of the match is Sasuke Uchiha."
Naruto and Sakura cheered for their teammate up in the balcony. Itachi let go the breath he'd been holding and a smile come to his face. Kakashi leaned down to help Sasuke get up, but of course the teen had too much pride and didn't want to look weak in front of his older brother so he only let Kakashi keep a hold of his upper arm and walk him out of the room.
"Let's get that seal taken care of."
"Yeah, I wanted to watch Naruto and Sakura's fights though."
"I'm sure they will be more excited to tell you about it in their own words."
"Hmm,"
The duo walked to a more secluded place and Kakashi began to set seals around the room.
"This is not a permanent fix, it really is up to you to fight it or let it take over and control you."
"That won't happen."
"Good, now this may sting a little."
He began the sealing and Sasuke screamed from the pain that over took his body. Yet it only lasted a mere second, but was enough to drain Sasuke of the last of his strength.
"You said it would only sting a little."
He told his teacher breathlessly and then passed out.
"Yeah that was a lie, looks like that took more from him than I thought it would."
"Kakashi, I see you can do sealing Jutsus now."
Kakashi turned to see the holder of this voice that he knew.
"Orochimaru,"
"It's good to see you Kakashi. But I'm not here for you, I want the boy behind you."
"Take one step closer to Sasuke and I'll end you right here, right now."
"Really Kakashi you think you're a match for me. I don't have to get closer to him, in due time he will come to me."
"Why, what can you give Sasuke that he can't get here?"
"The kind of power and strength that he would never be able to obtain if he stays in the Village."
Kakashi was starting to get very mad with what Orochimaru was saying, he activated his Chidori.
"Get out of here Orochimaru before I tear right through you."
The older man laughed and began to turn away but he did not leave without one last thing to say.
"Keep a close eye on him Kakashi, because the moment he loses faith in your teaching he will leave and come find me."
Without a second though Orochimaru was gone. Kakashi relaxed slightly and disarmed his Chidori.
''I'll end you', what was I thinking? There's no way I could ever be a match for him.'
Kakashi turned back to his passed out student. He wasn't going to let Orochimaru get his hands on him. Sasuke had his family and friends here in the Village, would he really be willing to leave it all behind to gain the power Orochimaru could give him. He picked up Sasuke and left in a puff of smoke, knowing beforehand about the Cursed Mark Seal, Kakashi had a hospital room already set up just in case something like this happened. The room would be guarded at all times by two ANBU and two Uchihas. Fugaku wanted no chances to be taken with his youngest son, anyone who came to that door would be checked by an Uchiha to make sure they were not an enemy. Before leaving Kakashi left a note for Sasuke to come find him when he gets out.
When Kakashi got back to the arena he had missed Naruto's fight but was just in time for Sakura's. Her match was against Ino Yamanaka, Itachi was interested to see what could come of this fight. He had always known Sakura to be somewhat meek when it came to fighting, it truly wasn't her strong suit. She was the healer of their group not only that but Ino was her best friend and now they had to fight each other. He also wanted to see what Kakashi had been teaching them in the past month to prepare them for this test. The two girls made their way to the middle of the arena, and Itachi saw Kakashi stop Sakura for a moment. Most likely to give her words of encouragement, the smile on her face from the talk said it all.
After Kakashi's talk with Sakura, Itachi noticed he made his way to him, as well as Naruto. Who just so happened to be super glued to Kakashi.
"Just sit there and watch the match Naruto, I have things to discuss with Itachi."
"Yeah, yeah be observant but don't engage. It's the same thing you've been telling us for year Kakashi-Sensei except now you're our teacher."
"Yes and sometimes I regret it."
"Kakashi,"
Itachi looked up to greet the older man, Kakashi in turn gave a nod.
"Hey, hey Itachi-Nii-san did you see my fight with Kiba? I totally took him out right?"
"Yes Naruto it was a great display of your hidden talents."
"Sit down Naruto."
Kakashi told his student who stuck his tongue out at him.
"Fine, don't be so pushy."
"Look, Orochimaru showed up and I know exactly what he wants."
At hearing this Itachi's face darkened, he had a feeling the Snake Sannin was after the Sharingan. But he truly didn't want to believe the Snake would coma after his baby brother.
"Did you engage him?"
They spoke in hushed tones so as not to draw attention. Naruto stayed very alert to the conversation.
"No. I threatened but did not engage, just like you asked. He's after Sasuke, it was a good idea for your father to add more security around him."
"There is one more thing I need from you."
"What is it?"
"I need you and a few others to keep a close eye on Yoite. I know she's not the one Orochimaru is after, but if he was desperate she would be the easiest way to get to the Sharingan. Anyone from my Clan would give up their eyes to ensure her safety."
"Itachi-Nii-San, why are people always after us. We're just kids, but because of our abilities they will never leave us alone. I kind of understand how you feel about Yoite-Chan because it's the same way Sasuke and I feel with Sakura. She's our friend and we would do anything to protect her."
Naruto had a serious air about him when he spoke.
"It's the price we pay for our talents."
Itachi's voice was low and dark.
"Those you love will always be a target, I learned that the hard way. This is why we train and strive to be better than our current selves, so we can protect the ones we love."
"That's deep Itachi-Nii-San, but it's you so I'm used to it."
Kakashi spoke to ease the seriousness that settled between them.
"Well looks like the match is almost over."
The other two turned and looked out into the arena. Sakura and Ino were about to deal ending blows to each other. They hit each other at the same time with enough force to send them both across the arena. Kakashi was fast in stopping Sakura from suffering any other damage than she already did.
"My, my you three sure like to push your self's to the limits."
"I know the boys won't say this but we just want to prove that we are good enough to be your students."
"There was never any doubt in anyone's mind that you weren't good enough. I asked the Hokage for you three to be my team."
"Heh, haha, I feel sleepy now."
"Hm, maybe it's time for a break."
Kakashi went back up the stairs and laid Sakura next to where Naruto was sitting. He ruffled her hair as she slept against the wall. Itachi watched the way Kakashi seamlessly interacted with his students. And it almost made the teen jealous, he had always had a hard time interacting with others. Yet here was Kakashi someone who was just as talented and well known as him and he gets along with all those around him so easily. Itachi was an introvert and his people skills were little to none. Which was another reason why he didn't think he was right to be Hokage. But what could he do now everything was set and done. Itachi started to feel his anxiety take a hold and he needed to get some fresh air. Lately this had been happening a lot more often than before. The other night he had an anxiety attack while he was going over some papers he Hokage wanted him to be familiar with. It was more secrets about the Village, things he needed to know. And finding all these things out made him realize how dark the Village and it's Leaders really were. All the secret assassination missions that had been conducted to keep the Village secrets. Some of which he noticed had been given to Yoite. The Hokage explained that with her in the Capital City it was easier for her to get close to the people who planned to betray the Village. She was able to get in and out of any place faster than any tenured Shinobi could hope to.
Itachi shook his head trying not to think about it. He vaguely heard Kakashi call for him but ignored it. Getting out of that closed space was all he could think about right now. Finally outside he took a deep breath of fresh air and released it slowly, looking over his shoulder though he saw the shadows of ANBU that intended to trail behind him.
'They sure aren't being shy about it anymore.'
He thought to himself as he started to walk away from the arena. If someone needed him they could come get him. Even though he was trying not to pick favorites among the Genin, Itachi had seen the three fights that really mattered to him. He continued to walk till he hit the forest once there he turned to face directly at the ANBU following him.
"I know you're there so it would be wise to just show your selves now."
Three men appeared in front of him, all dressed in their ANBU gear. They kneeled down on one knee and the leader spoke.
"Our apologies Hokage-Sama, we just wanted to make sure you were safe."
"I can take care of myself just fine within the Village."
"Yes Sir we know this, but you are going into the forest. I feel it is not wise for you to do so alone, especially with what is going on right now."
"You make a point. I need you three to keep a secret than. What you see and hear are not to be told to anyone until the time is right."
"Hai,"
The three said in unison, the group of four continued on into the forest. They didn't get very far until one of the men spoke up.
"Hokage-Sama someone is here with us."
"I know, this is the secret in need you to keep. Hoshigaki you can come out now."
The three ANBU stiffened in their stance and waited for the visitor to appear before them. They had all heard of the blue shark like man but had yet to meet him in the flesh. So now Kisame Hoshigaki stood in front of them as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"I see you brought some guards with you this time."
"Some things have changed and I have been made the Hokage ahead of time. And because of this I need you to do something for me."
"I thought I already was."
"Forget about following Orochimaru for the moment. I need you to protect someone for me."
"Oh, and would could it be. That little brother of yours or maybe his team mates. I heard about what happened in the Forest of Death I tried to occupy the Snake and keep him away, but he slipped away from me."
"I understand, it is not Team 7. They are well protected by Kakashi Hatake. It's my Fiancée, I fear Orochimaru will use her in some way to get anyone form my Clan to give up their eyes. She is not s ninja, though she has enough skill keep herself alive. Yoite is no match for him, I need you to take extra care in making sure he goes nowhere near her."
"I can do that for a price."
"Name your price, I'll pay whatever you want."
"Yes Hokage-Sama I'm sure you can. But it's not only money I want. You see I like this cute Village of yours and I would very much like to be able to come and go as I please."
"I already agreed to this."
"I know and I am grateful for that. But I want to be an actually citizen of your Village."
"Hokage-Sama you can't seriously be going to agree with this."
Itachi turned to the ANBU behind him then back to Kisame. Could he really do this, grant this S-Ranked criminal citizenship of Konaha.
"Think about it kid, I'm one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. Having me as part of your Village and loyal to you would deter any enemies you have. And I could better protect this Fiancée of yours."
"Fine, meet me at the Hokage tower around two in the morning and I will have papers written, granting you citizenship of Konaha. All you will have to do is sign."
"Hokage-Sama this is not a good idea."
"That's enough, I've made my decision and I will do whatever it takes to protect the people of this Village even if it is allowing a rouge ninja into it. But if you ever cross me Kisame Hoshigaki I will kill you myself in the slowest and most painful way imaginable. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly well Hokage-Sama."
Kisame bowed to him before leaving. And the ANBU relaxed but only slightly.
"Itachi that was the stupidest thing you could have done."
One of the ANBU removed his mask.
"Well it took you long enough to speak up, Shisui."
"I was waiting to see what you were going to do. Have you gone and lost you're fucking mind? How long have you been working with him?"
"A few years now and so far he has yet to betray me."
"Exactly little cousin not yet. But he will, he is a criminal. The man has no real loyalty to anyone, and he is part of the Akatsuki."
"I told you, I will do whatever it takes to protect this Village. You three are dismissed, and do not try following me any further."
The two masked ANBU left first, Shisui stayed a moment more to say something.
"You might trust him but I don't. I will be watching his every move, and when he fucks up I'll bring him to you. Then it will be your job to get rid of him."
After that he too disappeared and left Itachi alone. The young Hokage knew what he was doing, Kisame was a pawn he needed to get things done. He knew Shisui would fight back if something didn't sound right about the missions he could hand him. But with Kisame, he wouldn't have to explain anything. Just give the man a target and he could get the job done. No more giving these brutal assassination missions to Yoite. This was just one of the ways he would protect her and limit the kind of missions she took. He was going to keep her safe even if she didn't want it.
Alright so I know I should have updated this Sunday but it just didn't feel right so I went back over it and I'm very pleased with the outcome of this chapter. At first I wasn't going to bring Kisame into the Village till later when Sasuke tries to leave, but I figured he could be more usefully to Itachi in protecting Yoite now that he knows what Orochimaru is after. As you can see Itachi is taking no chances when it comes to Yoite's safety, he doesn't want her to get hurt again like she did when they had been younger. So by having Kakashi and a few others along with Kisame to protect her he feels Orochimaru will not stand a chance in getting too close. I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. –itachiluv89