Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me under international copyright laws and taking it is plagiarism. Don't steal and don't sue. Thank you *Phantomness bows*

Warnings: Hashirama x Itachi, Suzaku! Itachi x Sasuke, branding

Chapter 35: Fallen Idol

Seiryuu was the first god, the eldest god; Sasuke remembered learning from the Clan Priest, Sanji-sama. He was represented as the lightning that struck the holy tree, his element was lightning, his secondary element wood. He embodied war, the same way Suzaku embodied love. The azure dragon of the east, he brought the spring rains that nourished the earth and men went to battle in his name. But to Sasuke, all he knew was that this was the man that Itachi – Suzaku – wanted, needed, loved. His eyes hardened, as he looked at this sleeping brother.

"Don't worry, niisan," He whispered, pressing a chaste kiss to Itachi's lips.

"We'll find him together."

"This is the real reason you brought me back, wasn't it?" Sasuke asked as he faced Hagoromo. "It wasn't to save the Uchiha Clan. It was to awaken Itachi as Suzaku, to face a coming threat with the combined force of the Four Gods."

"You always were a clever one, Sasuke." The Sage of the Six Paths met his eyes.

"Now that Itachi has awakened as Suzaku, it makes the most sense for us to find Seiryuu first, isn't that right?" Sasuke continued, ruthlessly quashing the jealousy he felt. "Seiryuu is the eldest of the four Gods. He should have already awakened before Itachi did."

Hagoromo nodded solemnly. "Yes, he should have. Unfortunately, there have been… complications. Seiryuu has not awakened yet. He may never awaken."

"Fine," Sasuke crossed his arms. "Can you at least point us to the dimension where the next threat is?"

"You have already defeated the first threat." Hagoromo said.

Sasuke tilted his head to the side, puzzled. "Was it Madara, or Kaguya?"

"No," Hagoromo chuckled. "Suzuki Mahri."

Sasuke's jaw dropped. "Her? But she was…" He trailed off as he realized what a woman like that could have done with the power of a god under her control. "Oh…" He said quietly.

"The next threat has not yet come to pass, and unfortunately, we have no way of knowing which dimension it will strike in." Hagoromo told him soberly. "Seiryuu could have been reborn in any world, within a strong shinobi – or kunoichi – who wields lightning and wood."

"Wood and lightning," Sasuke said thoughtfully. "Thank you." Thanks for nothing, he thought, and then, he woke.

Of course, Sasuke thought. The strongest shinobi that had ever existed was the First Hokage – Senju Hashirama – the one who had created the Mokuton. He had to be Seiryuu. He had defeated Uchiha Madara, after all, and the Kyuubi. Sasuke slipped out of Itachi's embrace, washed up, and went to make breakfast. He would explain the importance of finding the other gods to his brother when he awoke, if he wasn't already aware, and then they would go and find Byakko and Genbu.

Itachi listened quietly to Sasuke's assessment of the situation, sipping the miso soup Sasuke had made, appreciating the warmth. Within his heart, Suzaku agreed. After a moment, Itachi set his empty bowl down. Sasuke's words made sense. As Suzaku, he did have the power to cross dimensions more easily, and there was a threat out there. Gathering the other gods made tactical sense. Yet, he sensed Sasuke was hiding something from him.

"Sasuke, what are you not telling me?"

"I was brought back, not for atone for my sins, or for our Clan, but to awaken you as Suzaku." Sasuke met his eyes unflinchingly. Itachi knew without a doubt that Sasuke was telling the truth. What a blow it must have been, for Sasuke to discover that…

Itachi reached across the table, taking Sasuke's hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Sasuke…"

"It's all right, niisan." Sasuke gave him a smile. "I've always known you were perfect." And I'll never catch up to you, his eyes spoke the rest, but I've accepted that.

Itachi felt a pang inside his heart. Why was it that Sasuke could never see how strong he had become? How was it that even with the eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and Rinnegan, his command of the Mokuton and the Hyouton and the new Kinzokuton, he still felt inferior to Itachi? Why was it that even after defeating Mahri Suzuki and acquiring medical ninjutsu that perhaps surpassed that of Tsunade herself, he could be so blind? If Itachi had not through some sheer chance manifested his power as Suzaku…

Suddenly, Itachi found himself speaking in a voice not quite his own.

"We have no time to waste, Sasuke." He stated imperiously. "We will seek out the strongest version of Senju Hashirama in existence, to see if he indeed holds the power of Seiryuu within him."

"As you command, Suzaku-seikun," Sasuke bowed his head submissively.

"Be ready to depart within the hour."

Sasuke nodded. He cleared the table of the breakfast dishes, and then went to pack. Itachi found himself of his body once again, suppressing a slight shudder. Suzaku was strong, and growing stronger. "Sasuke…"

"It is all right, niisan." Sasuke's eyes were sad. "As long as I still have my niisan sometimes… everything will be all right."

Weeks flew by in rapid succession as they flickered from dimension to dimension, rarely stopping for more than a day or two. Apparently, it was impossible to judge without directly entering a dimension, the strength of the version of Senju Hashirama within it.

Finally, they found the right one. In this world, Uchiha Madara lay dead at Hashirama's feet. Hashirama's eyes were red, his face exultant. His chakra was different, and in an instant, Sasuke realized why.

Hashirama had sealed the Kyuubi within himself.

Sasuke hid himself easily. Hashirama looked at him, and then looked right through him. He wasn't paying attention to him, anyway. The only one he saw was Itachi.

"Another Uchiha," He tilted his head to the side. His lips drew back in a cruel smile. "What do you want? Vengeance, I suppose. Don't bother; you'll die just like Madara did."

"No," Itachi's voice was soft. Hashirama studied him. A pretty boy, he thought. Delicate features, long hair, pale skin…

Sasuke's breath caught. Surely Itachi couldn't mean…

He closed his eyes. He covered his ears. Like a coward, he hid inside the King of Hell. But he couldn't block out the knowledge of what was happening. When it was all over, he emerged into the too-bright light, looking up at Itachi.

"Was he the one?" He asked.

Itachi shook his head.

Sasuke wanted to scream, to hit Itachi, to pound his fists on his chest like a jealous child. Was it really necessary to let Senju Hashirama fuck you to find out if he was Seiryuu? Are you planning on letting other people do that to you too?

But Sasuke was a shinobi, so he kept silent. Well, he thought bitterly, now we know for sure it's not me, because I've fucked Itachi plenty of times and nothing ever happened.

"Perhaps we should visit Tenzou next," Sasuke suggested. "He's the only other person I know of with Wood release, unless you want to try Madara or Tobi or Danzo – they did transplant Hashirama's cells into themselves…."

"No, Hashirama was the creator of the Mokuton, the others are all copies," Itachi stated. He looked as though he would have said more, but then both of them felt the slight shift in the atmosphere, and sprang apart, dojutsu activating.

The man – if he were a man's – resemblance to Suzuki Mahri was unmistakable. The hair was different, red, like blood. The eyes were different – one as black as night, the other as golden as the sun. The clothing was different, an elegant cut suit, but the expression, the supremely confident, sneering expression – that was the same.

"So you're the ones who killed my sister," He chuckled. "I'll be sure to kill you slowly…"

Sasuke responded with a hostile barrage of lightning, Itachi effortlessly exhaled enough fire to set the forest aflame. Instead of countering with wind or water or a combination of both, the man simply opened his mouth, impossibly wide, revealing a gaping black cavernous maw, and swallowed every drop of their elemental fury. He then closed it and licked his lips, smiling widely, showing his teeth. He did not spit the energy back out afterwards, either. "Mmm, delicious, but that was only an appetizer…" He yawned.

All right, Sasuke thought. He must be different from Mahri. So he absorbed ninjutsu, as the Preta Path did. He summoned Shibuki, ripping off a roll of explosive tags. Geri didn't even bother to try to dodge them. He opened his mouth again, heedless of the explosions that went off. Sasuke's eyes widened as he swallowed them effortlessly. That didn't even hurt him?

"Sasuke, fall back," Itachi ordered, and of course, he obeyed.

The two of them literally flew through the forest. "What's your plan, niisan," Sasuke asked, as they leapt from branch to branch. He remembered how difficult it had been to defeat Mahri. The drain on his chakra had been incredible, and he had consumed soldier pills like candy just to stay one step ahead of her. With her ability to heal, it was only because he had secretly incapacitated her ahead of time that he had managed to survive, and Itachi had saved him in the end. Mahri had not been immune to ninjutsu. This man was, and Sasuke did not believe taijutsu and genjutsu alone were going to cut it.

"Stay by my side," Itachi replied.

Sasuke didn't quite understand, but he was willing to trust Itachi, so he nodded.

Geri was already waiting when they emerged into a clearing. He yawned, buffing his nails on his coat. "Are you two quite finished running like rabbits?"

Itachi's Susanoo blazed into existence around both of them. Sasuke stayed right by Itachi's side, as he had instructed. Susanoo drew the Sword of Totsuka.

Geri looked at it, impassive. "If you think a mere sword will stop me, you're sadly mistaken." He informed them. "In fact, why don't I show you… my power works on any type of matter and energy, so don't try to fool me with illusions, either." He casually yanked a tree up by its roots and swallowed it in one gulp.

Susanoo stabbed him with the Sword of Totsuka.

Geri looked at the tiny cut it had made. "…You call that an attack?" He laughed. "Pathetic! I can't believe Mahri lost to you two! She must have…" His gloating cut off, abruptly, as he began to disappear into the sword. Itachi watched impassively as Geri was rapidly sealed into the gourd. Sasuke fervently hoped that the gourd would never run out of space. It was starting to get crowded in there, what with two versions of Orochimaru and the newcomer.

Susanoo faded away, duty done. That was a tad anticlimactic, Sasuke thought, but perhaps he was thinking too much. The Sword of Totsuka was a legendary weapon, after all, just as the Yata Mirror was.

"We'll rest here for the night," Itachi decided.

"What if there are other Senju or Uchiha around?" Sasuke did not mean for his tone to come out quite that sharp. Itachi, fortunately, did not look angry. He closed his eyes, extending his senses. Then, he gathered Sasuke close, and they disappeared in a flash of fire. When his eyes opened, they were near the banks of the Naka River.

"We are alone now."

So Sasuke busied himself setting up camp. He let Itachi rest while he gathered firewood. He fetched water, set up their tent, and then headed to the river. He was cleaning and gutting the third fish with a kunai when he felt Itachi's presence behind him.

"Suzaku-seikun," He did not look up.

"You are angry with me," Itachi stated.

"No, niisan," Sasuke said, Mangekyo Sharingan and Rinnegan flaring to life as he stared at Itachi. "I am angry because Suzaku-seikun is using my brother's body to find his lover!"

"That's enough, Sasuke," Itachi felt his lips move as he spoke coldly. "It is not your business to meddle in the affairs of gods."

"As you command, Suzaku-seikun," Sasuke whispered.

Suzaku did not seem satisfied. "Your arrogance must be properly punished. Remove your clothing."

Itachi struggled inside his own body as Sasuke silently stripped off his clothing. Suzaku moved Sasuke onto his hands and knees, mounting him like a beast, but the worst was yet to come. Itachi felt the chakra burn in his fingertips, the intense heat radiating through Sasuke's skin as the god casually placed three fingers against Sasuke's right hip, burning his mark into his flesh, branding him like an animal. The horror of what had been done to his pure, precious little brother gave Itachi the strength to break free. He tore into Suzaku with the force of a raging storm, consuming him with a fury so strong it frightened him, but he accepted it all. He ripped and tore like a hawk, feasted on the shreds of divinity like a carrion crow. Perhaps it had taken only a minute; perhaps it had taken an eternity. All that he knew was that Suzaku would never, ever hurt his lover again, for now hewas Suzaku.

Itachi opened his eyes. Mercifully, Sasuke had passed out from the pain. He carefully gathered Sasuke into his arms, staring hatefully at the vermilion bird branded into his skin. Gently, he brushed his fingertips over it, soothing the irritated skin and encouraging it to heal. He dressed him in his clothing, brought him water to drink and finished cleaning and cooking the fish Sasuke had caught, adding some wild herbs and tubers to make a stew.

When Sasuke woke up, he was surprised to be alive. He was even more surprised to find Itachi watching him, with an expression of concern on his face.

"Eat your dinner," Itachi told him quietly, handing him a bowl of stew. Sasuke picked up his spoon, and ate. He felt surprisingly healthy. Had Itachi put him in the Naraka Path's King of Hell after Suzaku's punishment?

Speaking of Suzaku… was he still safe? Maybe it would be better for them both if Itachi left him behind. "Niisan, I think I should go home." He whispered. "It will be better for both of us. I will only be a burden for you, and Suzaku-seikun."

"You don't have to worry about Suzaku-seikun any longer." Itachi reassured him. "He will never hurt you ever again."

Sasuke's eyes were wary. "Niisan…"

"I killed him for you," Itachi purred, pulling Sasuke into his arms. Sasuke's eyes widened. He knew Itachi was telling the truth, even without activating the Sharingan. But how could that be possible? One couldn't kill a god!

Itachi activated his Sharingan, showing Sasuke the memories of the battle that had taken place within his mind. Sasuke watched in awe as the two of them fought for control of Itachi's body, until Itachi finally emerged the victor.

"Now," Itachi spoke, his breath soft against Sasuke's lips. "There is only one mistake that must be corrected." Slowly, he eased Sasuke's pants down, showing him the vermilion bird branded upon his right hip. Sasuke scowled furiously at the sight of his weakness.

"When I destroyed Suzaku, much of his power was dispersed. I am not strong enough to remove his mark… but I can alter it." Itachi told him, voice tinged with regret.

Sasuke thought for a moment. "Then mark me with your colors, niisan," He whispered huskily. Itachi understood, and gave a nod. Slowly, the vermilion bird shrank, became angular. Vibrant red darkened to jet black, the only spots of crimson in the eyes.

When it ended, Sasuke gave Itachi a smile, and Itachi smiled back, before their lips met.

End Chapter

Started 3/11/16

Completed 3/11/16

Kinzoku is metal, thus Kinzokuton is metal release