Challenge of our Comrade Circle

Kickers-ej

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or his comrades.

Test 14: Badassery

"Excuse me?"

"I want Uchiha Sasuke," Pein stated calmly. Sasuke slapped his forehead. Great! Naruto is going to go berserk! He made his way to the front.

"I believe that is impossible," Sasuke countered. Pein swooned inwardly at the smooth voice.

"Are you allergic to handsomeness?"

"That has to be corniest thing I have ever heard. But no. I am not allergic to handsomeness,"

"Then what is the problem?" Pein asked.

"The problem is, m*derf*ker, he is married to ME," Naruto growled from the back. Everyone turned to see their emperor enter the main hall and greeted his dad, his in laws and his wife. Naruto pulled Sasuke to sit on his lap. Pein looked back at the couple before deadpanning.

"No seriously, what is the problem?"

"That IS the problem you *ssh0L#! Pein, I knew you were going to spring this crap on me! You know very well he's married to me! Heck, I even sent you an invitation!"

"It was harvest season, Naruto and besides, I thought it was a prank. But, you got married," Pein looked over to Sasuke. "Yes, he turned out to be a total hottie,"

And now, for a brief flashback montage!

"But dad! I don't wanna play with the kids next kingdom, they're jerks," Naruto whined. The boy was a couple of years older, and he brought friends to back him up. Now this was the time before Naruto formed his circle, so he had no one. But he did know Sasuke, and as many 5 year olds, Naruto was crushing on Sasuke as well.

"Go and play, Naruto. Or I'll send for Gai," Naruto was out in 2 seconds flat. On his way he bumped into Pein and his buddies. The boy huffed before ignoring Naruto and playing with his pals. Naruto became interested with what they were doing, tried to join but was declined.

"We don't play with little kids," Pein grinned.

"Hey! I'm not a kid! I'm the crown prince!" Naruto puffed his chest. Fugaku chose that moment to enter. Naruto and Pein saw him carrying Sasuke at the other end of the hallway.

"Sasuke, I'm letting you off here. Go play with the other nobles," his father put little Sasuke down near the garden entrance. Sasuke didn't see Naruto, if not he would have wobbled his way over. His brother was in school and there were no other kids nearby. He knew that the crown prince was his age, and his brother had shown him once, the boy with golden hair.

Maybe he could practice his martial arts?

Sasuke was unaware of the prying eyes spying on him. So he took off his jacket and flipped about throwing punches and kicking the air. It was clumsy and uncoordinated, but for Naruto and Pein, he looked like an angel.

"Wow, when I grow up, I wanna marry him," Pein muttered, mesmerized. Naruto snapped his head fast to glare at Pein and pushed the boy.

"No you can't! His name is Sasuke and I saw him first!" Naruto squawked.

"Whatever, he's going to like me better,"

"Nu uh!"

"Yeah uh!"

"And then Naruto crushed on Sakura," Ino chirped in. sakura made a disgusted face while Sasuke pouted.

"Well, yeah, but that is not the point," Naruto blocked.

"I did forget about Sasuke, but if I was here, I wouldn't be crushing on anyone else," Pein smoothed out.

"Look, the point is, he's mine. And if you even insinuate something inappropriate I will f#ck**g murder you," Naruto left with Sasuke in tow.

"That was such a waste of flashback quota!" Kiba whined as he and the gang left.

"I know, why can't they flashback on something more significant?"

Fugaku looked at his son being dragged away by his husband before turning back to face Pein.

"Your highness, I think you should reconsider your demand. As you can see, my son is unavailable," Fugaku smirked. There is no way he would surrender Sasuke to Pein. Even though he hated Namikaze, at least Sasuke was in the kingdom and he could see him whenever he pleases, but if Sasuke was out of the dynasty, he would be stuck here entertaining himself with his retched son Itachi and wife.

Man that's lame.

Pein simply looked back at Fugaku before giving him a blank look.

"Not if he's separated," with that Pein left with Sasori and Deidara. The parents had 3 seconds of stunned silence before Minato broke out in anger.

"That sneaky son0fabeach! I won't let him ruin my son's marriage!" Minato exclaimed. Fugaku calmed his friend down and calculated in his head, where is that blasted Itachi when things are getting out of hand?

My Sasuke senses are tingling! He must be in peril! Must finish job and get home quick!

Itachi dropped the poor traveller after mugging the guy off his lunch. Speeding his way back to Konoha, Itachi never knew that he was going to face the biggest crisis of his career as a brother.

Sasuke walked behind Naruto, contemplating on the new events. He knew that before him Naruto liked Sakura, and Hinata kinda confessed to Naruto before the whole break-apart episode.

And to think they fell apart because of misunderstandings. Even when they were facing the gods they're misunderstanding kept them from connecting completely.

So what happened between the time Naruto was crushing on Sakura and their wedding? And what happened to Hinata's confession? He wondered if he was better off not knowing. It would kill him to know if they had meant more to Naruto then he was now.

Naruto huffed as he stormed his way back to the castle. Pein had some nerve to call dibs on his wife?

It was bad enough Pein had offered him a place in his kingdom a few years back. Naruto was one of the strongest in his kingdom, and Pein had formed a secret society gathering royal bloods with strength.

Of course, Naruto had already formed his circle, and he had other purposes in life to think about. Marrying Sasuke wasn't really one of his step in achieving his goal. The circle was also created for this sole purpose.

He had already achieved one aim, and that was to free Konoha from its sacrificial needs. Just a few more to go before he could lay back and watch his land prosper. Looking back at Sasuke, Naruto saw that his queen was deep in thought, and decided that it was high time he told Sasuke, and the circle, of their purpose.

"I have something to say to you, and this may bear of many a great burden on you," Naruto talked as he sat at his study. Sasuke looked back at Naruto, hands clasped as his elbows rested on the table, opposite to his husband.

"You can question me along the way, but I hope you will forgive me and understand my course of actions the past few years,"

Sasuke nodded as he listened intently to what Naruto had to say. Hopefully, his questions will be answered as well.

"When I was 4, my father told me of the sacrificial rituals Konoha was enslaved to ensure that the land would prosper. He told me what happened to the first, the second and the third emperor, and how he became the fourth. Of course, at that time, I was too little to understand, but I grew up to hate the ritual, because I don't believe in taking of a life,"

"My father told me one day I have to make the same decisions the past emperors had, and someone will have to be sacrificed for me to take over the throne,"

Sasuke didn't like where this was heading, but he listened on anyway. Shifting slightly, Naruto's serious face made him serious as well.

And a bit turned on. Why the hell was Naruto so sexy at a time like this?

"So my father let in all these nobles from all over the dynasty to move into the capital city, and increase the chances of gaining a willing sacrifice,"

"It had always been my dream to protect Konoha, so I planned ahead. For when I do become king, I need loyal friends to support the dynasty. I befriended each and every one of you for that reason, therefore the circle was formed,"

"But I always thought the circle was formed because your father wanted one of us to sacrifice ourselves for you," Sasuke interjected.

"Yes, it was one of his reasons. But I never condoned to it, the primary purpose of the circle was always to aid me in my ruling. I was lucky enough to get all of you, each with a trait unique to your own. And then I learned to love all of you,"

"Then, it came to my attention that I also needed an heir so that I could teach him my views. To give up the throne to another family would be to put the hopes of the people to a stranger, I will be glad to give my own life up should the time come for the next future king, but if I had a son of my own, then he could pursue my aims as well,"

Sasuke now understood where this was heading.

"That was why you pursued Sakura?" Sasuke asked. He was happy that Naruto didn't technically love her, but was courting her for the sake of the kingdom he wished to rule.

"Yes, I pursued her because she could give me an heir. But she was smitten with you, so I decided to give up on her, but kept the façade up since it gave me a chance to interact with you,"

"Me?"

"Uchiha Sasuke, I've liked you since I laid eyes on you when we were 5 years old, and don't tell me that's impossible cause it's not. I know for a fact that many had fallen to your charms then too, so I didn't think I had a chance. But chasing after Sakura, I declared you as my rival just so I could talk to you,"

"And when we fell apart after that needle incident, I felt so dead that I rejected Hinata's confession without even thinking about it. Hinata would have been the perfect girl, since Sakura wouldn't even consider me,"

"My time away from you made me realized how much I needed you, and before I know it, I fell in love, with you,"

"Then why did you push me away?" Sasuke questioned. "Why did you push me away after that incident? Was it because of my brother? Did he say something to you to make you stay away?"

"No, I had a brief lapse of confidence because I felt guilty. I thought that being with me keeps you in danger so I avoided you. And when I was about to make it up to you, you lashed out,"

"You made me think that you hated me, so I just returned it," Sasuke replied, embarrassed.

"I even gave up on getting an heir since I couldn't imagine myself with another person. So I decided to make the ultimate sacrifice during my coronation,"

"Naruto, you were going to sacrifice yourself?" Sasuke gasped.

"In exchange for the gods to stop the sacrificial ritual. I didn't really think it would work though, but then you came,"

"And gave my life for you, I never regretted it," Sasuke replied, smiling. He had explained to Naruto why he did it, and Naruto berated him for thinking that he was disgusted about their first kiss. It turns out he felt shivers and had butterflies in his tummy.

"So, is that what you wanted to tell me?" Sasuke asked.

"Yes, I just wanted to clear the air,"

"Does this have anything to do with Pein being here?"

"That douche can be anywhere he wants. I just don't want any more misunderstandings to break us apart," Naruto replied. Sasuke seemed to be satisfied with this reason, rose from his seat. Making his way to his husband, Sasuke cupped whiskered cheeks before leaning in to kiss Naruto.

"Fully noted," Sasuke smiled. Naruto smiled back before grasping the Sasuke's small waist.

"Now that we have that tucked away, can we proceed to my second aim?" Naruto leered suggestively.

"Wait a second, did you just tell me all of that as an opening speech to your persuasion to get me to agree to make babies?" Sasuke huffed. Naruto chose to ignore the question before hoisting Sasuke onto his shoulder and proceed to their chambers.

"The initial idea was to share that little information, but you looked utterly delectable with that pose of yours I had to do it," Naruto chuckled darkly. Sasuke flushed a brilliant red before knocking Naruto on the head. Naruto stopped his caveman rampage to their chambers.

"Ow~ what was that for?" Naruto whined.

"That's for thinking with your other head," Sasuke replied. He hopped off Naruto's shoulder to go and catch Pein. Naruto had always been taking care of him, even went as far as losing his sight for him, and Sasuke thought he should start taking care of business by himself.

He thought that he had lost Naruto forever when he offered himself for sacrifice, but NOW that he have the Uzumaki dobe eating out the palm of his hand, he felt like he could use this as an advantage. The Uchiha has always been calculative and cunning, so if Naruto thinks he is just going to stand for what was about to be shameless flirting and bad pick up lines from Pein, then Naruto can think again.

His momentary lapse of Sasuke-ness was all due to those stupid gods wanted to watch drama, making him indecisive and weak. However he will keep the sweet demure Sasuke because a) Naruto was a sucker to that form; he can literally ask for the man's liver and he would get it and b) Naruto gets turned on easily whenever sweet Sasuke is out.

But now? It's badass time.

"Are you here to elope with me?" Pein asked as Sasuke passed Sasori and Deidara. Both of the delegates stared at the beautiful man before closing their jaws.

A smirk was his only warning before Pein was attacked by a fire ball spewing out from the petite mouth he was staring at not 5 seconds ago. Jumping out of the projectile, Pein looked back to see Sasori and Deidara attacking Sasuke to help him, but the Uchiha was too fast for them and evaded their punches.

"Cease your attacks on him! He is the queen!" Pein halted his subordinates from making a fatal mistake.

"Milord, he attacked you first!" Deidara complained.

"And you think the king will believe you? Trust me, if Naruto is still the brat I knew him to be, he's not going to listen to anyone," Pein dusted his cloak before addressing the young Uchiha. "And what is your point?"

In a flash Sasuke appeared in front of Pein, his sword (the kusanagi) aimed at the throat.

"Why am I seriously turned on by this?" Sasori asked out of the blue.

"Weird, so am I," Pein agreed. There was something about strong people that attracted him. At first he thought Sasuke was one of those trophy queens, pleasant to the eyes, but that was about it. Turns out he was a regular spit fire, but damn if his badassery only served to fuel Pein's attraction to him.

"Hn. Listen up, Pein. I don't know why you chose me, but I do not and will NOT follow you back to your kingdom. As you can see, I am perfectly happy where I am," Sasuke murmured in a clipped tone.

"But why Naruto?"

"Why not Naruto? We've had a connection since we were kids, and he gave up his sight for me once," Sasuke lowered his sword and turned. Pein watched as the man he wanted to recruit walk away.

"So if you appreciate your life and others," pausing to look at both Sasori and Deidara, "you would be best to leave me and my husband alone," Sasuke smirked.

"What do you think?" Pein asked his two advisors. Sasori and Deidara had different opinions though.

"I like him, he has a backbone," Deidara quipped.

"I prefer the shy obedient type, but his face is something else to just be ignored," Sasori added.

Pein looked back to where Sasuke exited. He had to admit, at first, he was attracted to Sasuke's face, but then when he found out that Sasuke was Naruto's, the more he felt like fighting for him. But now that Sasuke proved to be harder to tame, that's like a jackpot!

"I like him, I want one," Pein admitted.

Sasuke walked back to the castle and took the quiet route to avoid meeting people. He hoped that Pein will be de-motivated to recruit him and find someone else. Although, there might the possibility that Pein is like 70% of the male populace, and got turned on instead of off after his rebellion.

Damn. Didn't think about that.

Well, whatever action course that Pein was going to take, Sasuke would just have to ignore him. He made his point, so any blood spilt after this would be on their hands. And if everything else fails, he could always kill Pein.

He wondered where Itachi was, he could use some support right about now.

He was about to take the last bend back to the castle when an animal jumped from the tree above directly onto him. Using his reflex, Sasuke caught the animal and held it within his grasp.

"Meow~"

It was a black kitty cat, with a white tipped tail, and pink wet nose. Sasuke looked at the cat for a second before glaring at it. Last time he took an animal home it had abandoned him without even saying goodbye. Besides, Naruto had made it clear that he would not tolerate if Sasuke took strays home. Sasuke put the cat down on the road and made his way back, but the kitty insisted on following him home.

"Hn, no, stay," Sasuke commanded. The kitty sat down, making Sasuke surprised that it understood him. Perhaps the kitty was a smart kitty? No! Naruto would be angry. He then turned and walked away. The kitty started following Sasuke again.

"Bad kitty! Stay," Sasuke scolded the cat, and the feline cowered before turning its back to Sasuke and slinking away. Taking one glance at Sasuke, the kitty meowed pathetically before disappearing.

Sasuke frowned at having to turn away such a cute cat. The Uchiha's were known for their connection with cat demons, the animal protected their clan since early times. He was about to continue back to the castle when he heard the cat hiss and growled angrily.

Dashing to find the small feline, dread crept in Sasuke's heart at the thought of the kitty being attacked by vicious beasts. He reached a clearing and pushed apart some bushes.

The kitty was being attacked by a wild boar! Sasuke was about to set fire to the boar when the kitty made a totally unexpected move.

The kitty charged at the boar and then jumped until it was eye level with the boar before scratching the thing like a curtain.

The cat then jumped on the boar's nose; using it to gain momentum; made a double flip in the air and flying-kicked the boar's head.

When the kitty turned to see the Uchiha boy, the young man had stars in his eyes.

Score.

Here is the next chapter! Sorry it took soooo long! I had a string of stuff to do, but, I managed! RnR please! I love everyone!

Iamhappytojustbealive : Sasuke is not going to be the victim anymore! Rest assured, he's back to being a bastard. Naruto felt like killing someone when Pein said he wanted Sasuke. But being the sensible king that he is, he decided to not do anything until Pein does something drastic. I kinda like having Sasuke handle it by himself instead of waiting.

. : Itachi's personality in a pet? To die for! I would love to have one that's just like him, all cool and calm. I kinda imagine Minato to be a bit silly, but he's serious when he wants to be, but Fugaku is juts fun to portray OOC. Imagine him and Minato being like Gai and Kakashi. I reckoned they have bigger things they will face after the gods. Yup. Naru is furious. I would be too! Haha.

Azh Hikari : sorry for the cliffie, but I'll update until it finishes this time! Thanks very much!

harborseal54 : Haha, I love your comments. Sorry about the delay though. But I'm pretty free now so I'll update faster. And you are right! Sasuke does seem meek in my fic, but that only serves to make Naru more overprotective, right? He'll be his usual self after this though, although time to time he;s gonna be a manipulative bastard and make Naruto does what he wants by being weak. Bad Sasuke! The smirk is his trademark. This is for you...3

zakunai : Yes, I love torturing Sasuke, only to have it going well for him! people are a sucker for poor sasuke! even Kyuubi! Hahaha! It was a bit fluff...hehehe. Thank you for being with me! Sorry bout Sasuke being OOC, but want to make Pein see him as a good guy (guilty)

Brown Eggs and Green Ham : Thank you sooo much! Here it is!

Ookami-Papillon : Yes, Pein wants Sasuke, but after this he won't anymore~