Ugh... well...

第十一章
Eleventh Chapter

Naruto was groaning, his head splitting with all of the craziness going on. Just that morning Aiha was a baby, clearly appearing no more than a day or two old. She had been that way since he 'gave birth' to her over a hundred years ago.

But now she appeared to be around a year old, just like that.

"I don't get it!" Naruto wailed as he hunched by the crib Aiha was now getting too big for, holding his head in his hands. "Where the heck is Tsunade when you need her. Damn old hag needs to make herself useful and explain this."

Sasuke stood over her, watching her thoughtfully. He hated to admit it, but he was new to all of this youkai business, so he had to confess he had no clue what was going on. It aggravated him, being in completely new territory. From his memories of his past life, the blond was beautiful but dense, and it didn't sit right with him that the blond moron was giving him all of the information.

And of course he would be of no use now.

Sasuke ground his teeth in irritation, both at how useless he felt, and how annoying his idiot was being.

"Alright, shut up a minute," he finally growled. He rubbed his head, wondering if now would be a good time to see his grandfather. Maybe he had some helpful stories. Then he realized what he had just thought, and reached for Naruto. "Get dressed and meet me at Ichiraku. I'm going to get my grandfather."

As unhelpfully as ever, Naruto latched on to the one word that meant the least. "Ichiraku? Ramen!" He jumped up and immediately went for clothes.

Sasuke sighed, but he also couldn't help being a little happy. He loved the idiot, no matter how stupid and irritating he was. He made his way back to the bed to finish pulling on his own clothes before heading toward the cave entrance.

"Oh, let me guide you!" Naruto called, still struggling to pull on pants in his excitement.

Sasuke forced himself to keep from rolling his eyes. "Don't worry about it. I remember the way."

"Eh? But it was just once, and it was foggy."

"Unlike you, I have more than one working brain cell." He had taken his first step over the edge to make his way down by the time he heard the indignant "Hey, jerk!" from the cute but slow blond. He smirked, then kept going.

He retraced his steps along where Naruto had guided him, before making it back to the spot where Naruto had appeared from the early morning mist. By now, the sun was far up in the sky, past noon, and he vaguely wondered if any of his family wondered, or cared, where he had gone off to.

He figured likely not.

Usually the Uchiha didn't bother too much with him, so long as he didn't cause any trouble for them, and especially for their precious heir. He didn't usually care one way or the other either, what the rest of his family did, except for his grandfather. They could all worship his elder brother all they wanted, so long as they didn't make him fawn over him, too.

He dismissed the pointless thoughts as he peered around for the rest of the path. Naruto had mentioned he had actually gone through traps on the way up, but they hadn't hurt him, so he decided just to keep going. If they didn't hurt before, they likely wouldn't hurt now.

The way down was easier, he didn't feel any of the strange warmth on the way.

Sasuke wasn't sure what exactly that meant, but he decided not to worry about that too much either. The thoughts that began to assault him now had more to do with what he was going to tell his grandfather, especially about Aiha. He had mostly accepted that she was his, somehow, but like Naruto, he wasn't sure how they were supposed to explain that.

How would his grandfather react to hearing he had a great-granddaughter?

That was technically hundreds of years older than him.

Sasuke shook his head, clearing his mind again. Maybe they could get around it without actually mentioning her. That would at least make for a few less headaches. Especially from Naruto, as his own confusion on the matter would just make everything worse.

There was too much to think about. Too much had happened in the last two days.

Finally the trees began to part and the first of the buildings which dared to be close to the forest came into view. He continued on into the town, the streets now bustling. As usual, those who passed him bowed in deference, though he ignored them. The thoughts were still swirling, trying to put everything together.

"Ah, Sasuke-kun!"

He flinched.

For a moment, he debated whether he should turn around or ignore her. He figured if he ignored her, she'd keep following him, so he stopped.

"Haruno."

She appeared before him, her cheeks flush as she peered up at him coyly. "I haven't seen you recently," she said.

"I've been busy."

She nodded, fidgeting nervously. "Of course, I'm sure Sasuke-kun has lots to do for the Uchiha."

He latched onto that. "Extremely. Of which I need to get to now." He hoped she'd take the hint and kept moving. He never liked to say much to her. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he hoped his short curt responses would register in her that he wasn't interested, that he didn't want to be near her at all.

Of course, she was too blinded by her supposed 'love' for him she never got the message.

He held back the exasperated sigh, especially as he realized she was walking beside him. He stopped short again.

"Did you need something?" he asked irritably.

He had too much on his mind, too much to think about, worry about, he didn't have time to deal with her, too.

"Um, well," she flushed, fidgeting again. "I was hoping… you would have time to have lunch with me?"

Sasuke held himself back from snapping at her. He forced himself to take a deep breath. "Actually, I have lunch plans. With my grandfather."

"O-oh." She looked unhappy for a moment, then looked up hopefully. "Perhaps I could… join you?"

"No."

Her expression fell again. "Well, then, maybe next time."

He didn't reply, but started walking again. "As I said, I have lots to do. If that's all-"

"Um!"

He stopped, and again had to hold himself back from growling at her. Sasuke could feel something different about him today. His senses were a bit of a mess, a sort of bubbling irritation, rage even, just under the surface. It was a little odd; he hadn't felt that way earlier. But then, that morning he had been making love to his blond.

The memory calmed him.

He caught himself when he noticed Haruno's expression. She must have noticed his small smile and thought it was for her.

"What."

"O-oh," she flushed, blinking flirtatiously at him. "It's just… Since… we'll be marrying," and her face went more red at the words, "I just thought-"

"We won't be marrying," he cut her off. She blinked up at him.

"Um, but-"

"Despite what my parents may say, I have never agreed. Nor do I intend to." He didn't wait for her to say any more. "I really have a lot to do today." He left off the 'stop bothering me', and started walking again.

"S-Sasuke-kun!" she called again. "I really do love you!"

He stopped, his irritation flaming. He turned back to her, "For the last time, stop saying that." He wasn't stupid, and she really was aggravating him. She took a step back, gasping as she looked up at him.

Again, he forced himself to calm. He wondered vaguely, as he turned away from her for the last time and kept walking, if the sharingan had appeared. Or maybe it was something else…

After all, Naruto had said he wasn't human anymore.

At last the Uchiha home came into view, and he skillfully made his way through, straight to where he assumed his grandfather would be. Whether or not the rest of his family cared where he had been, or noticed, it would give him less stress to just not see them at all. He could do without his mother's pestering if he had seen that annoying Haruno girl, the thought of which encounter still irritated the hell out of him, or his father's 'hints' that he should be doing more as an Uchiha. Or his brother's causal dismissal, or look of silent indulging.

Out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw Kakashi, who for a moment seemed to want to say something to him, but the return of the irritation of having been seen by the perverted man yesterday caused a scowl and his strode faster by.

He definitely didn't want to deal with him.

Just as he was expecting, his grandfather was seated under the usual tree, immersed in a heavy book. He had fully approached and stood before him before Hattori looked up.

"Ah, Sasuke."

"Ojii-san," Sasuke greeted, bowing respectfully. "Hungry?"

"Hm? Oh, well-"

"Because Naruto is waiting at Ichiraku for us." Again, the mere thought of his blond cheered his mood.

Hattori startled at that, and he hastily put down his book. Sasuke helped him to stand, and they headed out.

Kakashi was standing in the doorway of the gate before they could leave.

He bowed to the two Uchiha, but didn't let them pass.

A curious white brow rose on Hattori's face. "Is there something you need, Kakashi-kun?"

Kakashi cleared his throat nervously. "Er, well."

But Sasuke was impatient, and still irritated. "Whatever it is, it can wait until after Ojii-sama has eaten." And he pushed his way passed.

"Oh, well…" Kakashi didn't really look like it could, but Hattori was the previous Uchiha head, plus his age demanded respect as well. He paused. "It really is… quite important."

Hattori wondered what it could be that had Kakashi so nervous. But Sasuke couldn't care less. Naruto was waiting, and he had a lot to discuss with his grandfather.

"If it's really so important, you can find us at Ichiraku Ramen when it becomes urgent. Where we're going, now," Sasuke replied. He pushed passed Kakashi.

"Oh, Sasuke-kun-"

Sasuke glared back, making it clear with expression alone he was upset about the day before. Plus, he'd had enough of interruptions. Kakashi knew him well enough to clearly get the message, and he backed off. He tried his best to smile pleasantly, "Yes, of course. Please enjoy your lunch."

Hattori gave Kakashi a curious look and a grateful smile, and he and Sasuke continued on through the gate and into the street toward town.

Sasuke was silent as they walked, but that was nothing new. Hattori didn't trouble himself to fill the silence, but he couldn't help but steal the occasional glance at his youngest grandson. The questions filled and circled his head, but he figured the answers would come in due time. No need to rush it.

The town came into view, the people on the street giving due space to the two Uchiha now in their midst, and the pair made their way to Ichiraku Ramen, where the blond from Sasuke's dreams and Hattori's childhood would apparently be waiting.

The restaurant came into view and they entered, and Hattori did a double-take.

At the bar counter sat the blond, the same, from so long ago. The light wasn't falling on him as it had been then, but even so, there was a distinct otherness about him. It took the breath from Hattori, and he couldn't help but stop and stare.

Then the blond turned, and the blue eyes became clear. Hattori found himself caught, just as he had been all those years ago by the color and depth. But they weren't the same. The eyes then had held a strange sadness in them, but that sadness was no longer present. They went from Hattori to Sasuke, and they seemed to erupt in brightness and happiness. He practically glowed.

Hattori swallowed thickly at the sight.

"Sasuke! It really is Ichiraku. Hurry up and eat!"

He turned back, apparently done with the pair, and Hattori did another double take, finally realizing the blond had been eating, fervently. Looking more carefully, he spotted what seemed to be at least five empty bowls stacked up next to him.

Sasuke was frowning as he took a seat beside his blond. "How much have you eaten?"

Naruto shrugged as Hattori sat on the other side of his grandson, watching the exchange curiously.

"It's Ichiraku! Can't take any chances!" the blond managed to say between energetic bites and slurps.

Sasuke's frown turned into a scowl at the display of such messy eating. That was the Sasuke Hattori knew, so his curiosity continued to peak. How could these two, so different, fall in love?

He could understand how the blond would have fallen for Sasuke, that was obvious. Not just because Hattori loved him as his grandson, he figured it was easy to understand because he was Uchiha; good looking, smart, and all of those other things that made Uchiha popular.

Though even he had to admit his 'perfect' grandson had his faults. But many usually fell for him long before those faults became obvious. To many of his devoted fangirls, they either refused to see his faults or completely dismissed them. They weren't in love with Sasuke, they were in love with the image or idea of him they had in their heads.

But for Sasuke… Yes, the blond was beautiful, but Sasuke wasn't so shallow. There were plenty who were attractive enough, though admittedly the blond was in a league of his own. But still, for someone as nit-picky as Sasuke, looks alone would never be enough.

"Honestly, you're a slob. That's disgusting," Sasuke grumbled, edging away from the blond he supposedly loved.

Naruto finished a mouthful and gave a scowl right back. "Hey jerk, it's been ages. I have every right to pig out on this deliciousness as much as I want!"

Hattori nearly fell out of his seat at hearing someone, anyone, address an Uchiha so callously. He couldn't ever recall that ever having been done before. Everyone treated Uchiha with respect and due deference.

He glanced at Sasuke to see his reaction, only to watch in astonishment as Sasuke only smirked. "'Pig' is right, moron."

And then Hattori understood. It was like a light went on in his head, and his eyes went wide at the realization as he watched them continue to bicker. It had nothing to do with the blond's beauty. Naruto was the only one who didn't think of Sasuke as special for being an Uchiha. He didn't sugar-coat his attitude around him. Naruto didn't worship him as others who claimed to love him did.

Naruto could see straight through to Sasuke's faults.

"Prissy, sheltered bastard just doesn't understand. I've eaten yummy food from all over the country, and even further than that, and nothing beats Ichiraku Ramen!"

The owner seemed to have heard that, and Hattori could see the man flushing in embarrassment at the praise.

"Oh?" A strange look came to Sasuke's face as he leaned closer, and Hattori didn't catch the whispered "Nothing else?" that caused the blond's face to erupt in red.

He shoved Sasuke away, pointedly looking away from the perverted jerk. "W-we're in public you know," he grumbled.

Hattori continued to watch curiously. They were so comfortable together. Naruto had no problems calling Sasuke out, and Sasuke didn't have to pretend he was nice. They could both be themselves, and as Hattori watched, he realized they fit.

He couldn't help but let out a small huff and a smile. No wonder Sasuke had fallen in love so completely.

"Idiot," Sasuke said as the owner came over to take the order of the newcomers and replace Naruto's now empty bowl in what had apparently become a process not needing words. "You haven't said anything to my grandfather."

Naruto pulled the new bowl toward him and then looked up at Hattori. He gave the old man a once-over, then nodded. "Yup, you've gotten old."

"Moron!" Sasuke hissed at him.

But Hattori couldn't help but laugh. "Unfortunately, not all of us are unaging."

Naruto shrugged before digging his chopsticks into the fresh pile of noodles. "It's not all bad. I mean, it worked out for me, but I envy you a bit."

They both watched the blond in surprise. "Think so?" Hattori asked curiously.

Naruto nodded. "The long years stretch and blur together. You lose track of days and weeks and months. And you lose appreciation of time itself, and how short it is. Especially when you're alone. Sometimes, you just want it to end already."

Naruto looked a bit distant, wistful, for a moment. Then he abruptly went back to shoveling noodles into his mouth.

Sasuke sighed. "For a moment, you almost seemed like you weren't a complete moron."

"I'm probably smarter than you are, jerk."

"Ha, that I'll never believe. I can believe you can reach epic levels of stupid. I've seen that already just today."

Naruto glared at him over a mouthful of noodles, before view was blocked by the bowl as he gulped down miso.

Hattori laughed, intrigued by the display. The blond was different from how he had been when they'd met. He supposed, now that he thought about it, that was a Naruto who had grown weary of time, weary of traveling and searching. Like he had just said, that was a Naruto who had just wanted it all to end already.

But it hadn't, and so he had no choice but to keep searching.

All those years Hattori had been concerned about Sasuke, but now, he was glad. He was glad Sasuke had always been so obsessed. He was glad Naruto's search had finally ended happily. He was glad, after all of the trials and hardship, they were together again.

The food was placed before Sasuke and Hattori and they broke their chopsticks, said an 'itadakimasu' and began eating.

After a few bites, and Naruto was presented with yet another bowl, Sasuke glanced at his grandfather and cleared his throat.

"Ojii-san, there was something we wanted your opinion on."

"Oh?" Hattori asked.

Sasuke shifted a bit nervously, then glanced at the still completely unhelpful blond. "Well, you're the font of knowledge on youkai. Kitsune especially."

Naruto paused to glance at Sasuke, then resumed eating.

"Hm. I've spent a great deal of time learning about them." Hattori nodded.

Sasuke cleared his throat nervously again. "Right."

Hattori's brow raised curiously, wondering what it was Sasuke was trying to get at. He wasn't usually one to dance around the subject, unless it had to do with… Well, Naruto.

The older Uchiha glanced again at the blond who had yet to stop eating. But his pace had slowed, and he was obviously paying careful attention to the conversation.

"There were some… aspects of youkai we were hoping you could clear up for us."

"I see." Hattori smiled. "I'll do what I can, but I would expect the youkai himself to be much more knowledgeable."

Naruto nodded, finally putting his bowl down to actively join the conversation. "Yeah. I mean, a lot of the knowledge of kitsune I know I learned about 'cause I am one. The fire breathing," he ticked off a finger, "the tails, the claws, the roar, the transformations," he finished his hand. "I get all of that. Probably most people know about those because of me. 'Cause, you know, I was pretty angry. For a really really long time," he flushed. "But this one… this has even me stumped. It had even a kami stumped."

"A k-kami?" Hattori stuttered.

Naruto nodded. "Baa-chan isn't all that reliable, though. She practically runs on sake."

Hattori wasn't sure they should be speaking of a kami so disrespectfully. It was his turn to clear his throat nervously. "Yes, well. I'm not sure what help I can provide, in that case."

"We thought we'd try anyway," Sasuke continued, frowning. "Though… how to explain it at all…" He glanced at Naruto, who shrugged.

"I already explained. Your turn."

"You can't hoist this on me, idiot."

But Naruto had already buried himself in another bowl of ramen.

Hattori couldn't help but smile again at their exchange.

Sasuke made an irritated sound, then turned back to his grandfather. But whatever the fuss was about, Hattori didn't get to hear.

At that moment, the door to the establishment opened, and Hattori's son Fugaku entered.

He couldn't say he wasn't surprised to see the stoic man enter a ramen shop, especially as small and plain as this one. "Fugaku?" He recalled Kakashi and his nervousness pertaining to something 'important', and that Sasuke had told them where they'd be. Clearly, he thought, as he looked at his stoic son, that was why he was here now.

Sasuke stiffened, and Naruto lowered his bowl carefully.

Fugaku bowed respectfully to his father, pushing back the ceremonial blade strapped to his waist. "I was told you were here Chichiue(1)."

"Oh? You were looking for me, were you?" Hattori asked cheerfully. He glanced at the two seated with him. Whatever this was about, and he had a vague, worried feeling it pertained to them, he had to diffuse the situation. For Sasuke's sake, at least.

Fugaku's stern gaze turned to Sasuke. "And Sasuke."

Sasuke stiffened further, if it was possible. Hattori's heart sank at the near confirmation.

"What would you need me for?" Sasuke asked.

Fugaku's dark eyes fixed on his youngest son, a look of complete disapproval shining through. "There is something of great importance which must be discussed with both of you. I'll ask that you return to the manor with me immediately."

Hattori didn't like this, as he glanced from his son to his grandson. Both were stubborn, and he knew this wouldn't go well.

"Surely it can wait until after our meal," Hattori replied, still trying to be pleasant, trying to keep the small restaurant from getting any more frigid than it was already.

"Unfortunately, Chichiue, it cannot."

Hattori glanced between son and grandson again, wondering what to do. Fugaku wasn't making this easy, and Sasuke looked ready to battle it out here and now. He must have realized what was going on as well, from the dark look in his eyes. He was already on the defensive.

Hattori glanced at Naruto who still hadn't done anything. He was watching the exchange, but otherwise hadn't moved. He had stopped eating, however.

Still, somehow, the room felt much warmer.

"What is this about?" Sasuke asked. It was clear he knew, but it seemed he wanted to hear it. Confirmation.

But Fugaku's brow crinkled in irritation his orders weren't being immediately obeyed. "We can discuss this at the manor."

"I think I would like to hear the answer to that now, Fugaku," Hattori interjected. The way Sasuke was tensing up, and the way Naruto's gaze was fixed on Fugaku, made him nervous. He knew Sasuke was willing to fight, and Naruto… Well, he suspected the famous kyuubi no kitsune wouldn't let this go without destroying a town or two.

Fugaku bowed to his father again. "I have heard some distressing news about Sasuke."

"Concerning?" Hattori asked.

"From who?" Sasuke demanded. They could only think Kakashi, but he had spoken only to Hattori. They didn't think he would then go to Fugaku about it. He wasn't the sort to betray their trust.

Fugaku didn't look pleased at being addressed so disrespectfully from his younger son. "Itachi, who learned the information from Kakashi."

Both Hattori and Sasuke froze, understanding the situation much better now. Kakashi wouldn't betray their trust, willingly.

"Sasuke," Hattori murmured. "Pay the bill. We had best return."

But Sasuke grit his teeth and held his ground. He glanced at Naruto, who was still focused intently on Fugaku.

"Naruto," he murmured.

Fugaku noticed the exchange, and turned cold dark eyes to the blond. "Are you him, then?"

Naruto didn't move.

Fugaku examined the blond coldly. "I'll have you come as well, then."

Sasuke stood abruptly, looking ready to launch himself at his father, but Naruto stood, too, and a steadying hand rested on Sasuke's arm.

Sasuke looked at his blond, whose eyes were still on Uchiha Fugaku.

"Okay. We'll go."

"Naruto."

Finally Naruto turned to him, a small smile coming to his face to reassure his lover. "Don't worry about it. Just trust me."

He turned back to the owner, who had stood back, watching in concern over the fierce battle between three Uchiha. "Ossan, put all three of us on my tab. I'll be back to pay you later."

The owner nodded, nervously agreeing. Though he had to wonder if the blond would really be back. If he had earned the ire of the Uchiha…

But then they were all heading out of the door, Sasuke still hesitant about following but being steadily led along by Naruto and Hattori.

"Naruto," he murmured again.

Again, Naruto smiled up at him, but this time didn't say anything back. Then his gazed turned back forward, and they followed along back to the Uchiha manor.

(1) 父上 Father (esp. used in samurai families prior to the Meiji period)