Summary:

' "Please Itachi… I know I can't save Sasuke but I can save you." Itachi considered these words before knocking Naruto's hand away.' Redemption begins in the form of salvation, at least that's what Naruto believes. ItaNaru Spoilers for Manga Chapters 365+

Pairing:

ItaNaru

One-sided SasuNaru

Challenge From:

xXxFrostyIceCubexXx

Warnings:

Character death, Manga incorporation, predictions as to 'what happens next', sexual situations later on/eventual Yaoi.

Cursed Salvation, Descending Redemption

Chapter Thirty Five

Reality

resemblance to what is real

現実

The rain pattering against the windowpane was the first signal to Naruto's sleepy head, the cold bed sheets were the second. They lay in a creamy pool around his legs, fabric twisted and wrinkled from where Naruto had been sleeping.

Clouded blue eyes opened slowly to stare at the empty space in the bed he had shared with Itachi not so long ago. The rain beat a steady rhythm, signalling Naruto to the calming and aching weather, ringing one sentence home repeatedly; Itachi was gone.

He knew it without even seeing the letter on the desk, the scripted characters that spelt out Naruto's name. There was emptiness not only in the bed that had been theirs, but the emotions – and dare he say heart? – that Naruto had dared open and share with Itachi.

There had been small signals for a long time – Itachi had been slightly offset whenever Akatsuki was mentioned, even more so when Naruto returned from Fukasaku. Itachi had tried to reassure him it was simply because of meeting Kisame under those circumstances but Naruto did not think that was the case.

There was also the long 'talk' that Itachi mentioned he had had with Team Karasu. Naruto had not seen the team since then and couldn't help but wonder what exactly they had been talking about. Could it be possible that Itachi had seem them as a threat to whatever plans he perceived and killed them?

Impossible, Naruto chastised himself; Itachi's cold front was an act, nothing more. Of course he's ruthless but he wouldn't do that if it held a double swing. If he had destroyed Karasu then that would have put Konoha's Hokage in an unfavourable position, and therefore Konoha. Itachi loved Konoha, loved this village almost as much as he loved –

"Sasuke."

The word only had to be muttered for Naruto to realise how foolish he had been. He had wanted to believe in Itachi so much that he had forgotten the Uchiha's main pendant for everything he had done. It had all been for Sasuke, Itachi had chosen Sasuke over Konoha before and it appeared that history had a strange way of repeating itself.

Sasuke was with the Akatsuki and Naruto couldn't shake off the belief that Itachi had gone back to them, back to his brother and Madara. After all, the three of them were the only Uchihas remaining in the world and blood was thicker than water. Even if they hated each other, family should be there.

Naruto only wished he had stopped himself from feeling like he should be the family. He was just a Jinchuuriki, just a Hokage and just another plain attachment to Itachi. Naruto had allowed Itachi to grow into something more than a simple bond, as he managed with most people, even knowing in the back of his mind that Itachi wouldn't stay.

Fukasaku had warned him and had he listened?

No, he had ignored the Sage and turned his back on the supposedly insulting comment.

But what was so insulting about the truth? Was it because it hurt? Of course the truth damned well hurt, and the saying 'no pain, no gain' wasn't just there for decoration.

So what could Naruto obtain 'gain' wise?

The Hokage didn't know and moved out of the bed, filing his emotions away.

Unlike in stories and tales, there was no absence in his heart, no gut wrenching pain or saline trickling down his cheeks. He was Namikaze Naruto and the one who left was Uchiha Itachi. On some subconscious level they had both known that it wouldn't be forever, that this was simply a repayment for Naruto's salvation.

Looking at the note, Naruto's eyes grew darker and he remembered the dream. Was everything coming back to that? Was it really a foretelling? If it was, could this then shape the world into the dream?

With a heavy sigh, Naruto brought a palm up to his face, running it firmly over the skin. Loosening the muscles in his shoulders by rolling them and stretching to click his back, Naruto was engulfed in memories of the night before. He had never had sex with a man before and, if he had been a woman or the man had been anyone but Itachi, he would have thought that Itachi's departure meant he was a poor lover.

Yet he knew this had not been the case; from the moment Itachi pressed their lips together, Naruto knew he would be leaving. The thought had been dwelling in the back of his mind, forbidden by pleasure, but it had festered and grew. Naruto knew, without a doubt, that their act last night had been a farewell, a parting of two people who could have been so much more.

Ignoring the letter on the desk and slipping out of his house once dressed, Naruto walked around the quiet streets, hood of his jumper pulled up against the rain. Almost all shops around him were closed, with only a few beginning to set up. There were a handful of people milling about as most were in their warm beds but the Hokage wouldn't be able to think in his bed.

Instead, Naruto walked the familiar path to the Memorial Stone. A shadow loomed over the stone and Naruto was only half surprised to see his former Jounin Sensei standing next to the stone, both hands in his pockets and back slumped slightly. Neither man acknowledged each other until Naruto slumped against the elder slightly, eyes focused on the names of the stone.

"Naruto? Are you okay?"

Turning his head so that he was looking into Kakashi's single eye, Naruto blinked as the rain droplets began to cover his cheeks, tracing the paths that sweat, blood and tears had crawled down so many times.

"Is the rain a sign Kakashi-sensei? I heard that Pein could control rain…"

It wasn't really a question; both of them knew that Pein was coming, most likely moving towards Konoha now, but it needed to be said.

There was a small collection of rocks over to the side of the stone and Kakashi gestured to them simply. Naruto nodded and the pair made their way to them, both still facing the large stone.

"There's something else isn't there Naruto?"

Naruto nodded slightly as Kakashi hit the nail straight on the head. He had never been able to hide from Kakashi, even after the amount of training he received with Jiraiya. Kakashi had tutored him in elemental manipulation but he had made it clear that the teachings he performed were for someone of a higher calibre. Naruto had struggled slightly – yes – but seeing Kakashi's proud face after he completed a seemingly daunting task made the burden bearable.

"I haven't been completely honest since we came back from our last mission together."

Kakashi's head snapped to the side and he looked questioningly at Naru, asking him silently to continue.

"You probably know by now that I used a replacement technique at some point between meeting with Tobi and Zetsu and going to find Sasuke and Itachi, don't look at me like that I know you know." Kakashi smiled under his mask and nodded, "Well there was a reason for this; Itachi came to me just as the fight started and showed me something unintentionally…"

Naruto took a deep breath before turning his eyes up to the soaking sky.

"I saved him and he helped. I brought him back and saved him, Kakashi-Sensei, but he's gone now. He left last night and I fear…"

Naruto didn't need to continue the rest of the sentence as Kakashi drew the younger in a hug. He knew that Naruto was a powerful Shinobi – even so to be leader of a whole nation, and Tsunade-sama would not have chosen a mere chump for her successor – yet he was still a teenager; a teenager who had lived through so much and aged mentally, but not exactly emotionally.

Although they may appear it, many Shinobi never learnt to grow emotionally. Yes they could remain stony faced through torture and grief but this didn't mean they had dealt with the emotion, shouldered it and worked through the consequences; they shielded themselves from them and hid the emotions deep inside until it was too late and they were lost.

It was obvious Naruto was scared, most likely scared that Itachi had returned to the Akatsuki. He didn't know the circumstances in which Itachi was saved, but for Naruto to trust him, a man who had been trying to catch and kill him for years, so readily, Kakashi would follow Naruto's judgement. After, he wasn't only his student but his Hokage and friend.

"If the inevitable occurs sooner rather than later, know that you team, your village will be behind you. There is nothing to fear when you know that this many people would willingly fight against such a force."

Kakashi released Naruto and looked deep into his eyes,

"Remember that it is not the strength of our arms, but the strength that comes from within us."

Everything was silent as Naruto mulled over the words yet was broken at the incredulous look on the Hokage's face and the mirth in Kakashi's eyes.

"I can't believe you stole that line and remember it! That woman and her damned cat… still she was good with words and that makes sense."

The men sat in silence for a while, contemplating former missions and memories from times long ago. Kakashi stood suddenly and offered his hand to Naruto,

"You know, I think Sakura makes a good hot chocolate. She'd be pleased to see you as it's her day off from the hospital. I was thinking of coming along myself later to see how she was and if she wanted a little training session… we could always do with someone else and I believe you have some skills that you've been hiding from me."

Naruto chuckled at the normalcy of their conversation and smiled thankfully at Kakashi's semi-attempt at distraction. For some reason, the Jounin always seemed to be able to interpret Naruto's feelings and tilt them so they were balanced again; he just surmised that it was most likely a teacher thing.

As he nodded to Kakashi's suggestion, Naruto wasn't sure if the slight lift in rain was reality or just an illusion.

現実

The girl was annoyingly bitchy, the guy was obscenely loud and the brat was deathly quiet. Pein resisted the urge to growl at the trio as they walked at a diagonal to him, Karin and Suigetsu flanking the brat as though he was king of the world.

They had been travelling for hours now, flitting between running and walking. Pein hated to run but it stopped the annoying chatter between the other pair of their makeshift team and that was what really mattered now.

Kisame had been easy to put into place; Konan hadn't talked either, her mind focused solely on revenge for the war. Obviously her path had become distorted at the end and it was because of her that Pein knew his position in this war even more than he had. He was a God, higher than Madara's claim to kingship, and he would govern over all.

"God, why can't you just grow up!?" One of the Paths winced at the high shriek and Pein rolled his eyes. They were at it again. Deciding that he didn't want to be caught in the crossfire of this stupid babble, Pein decided to remind the brats of a few important rules,

"Shinobi need the advantage if they are to take on the population of Konohagakure. I'm going to be discussing plans now so if you do not wish to know, carry on as you have been."

His tone was cold and deject yet it caught their attention, the flabbergasted female closing her jaw as she was reprimanded in such a way. Obviously she wasn't used to full domination by an authorative leader than Orochimaru and Sasuke.

"I will have three of my paths work on distraction and infiltration while the other three – and you – search for the Jinchuuriki. I will not disclose the divisionary tactics with you in case you get caught; Morino Ibiki threatens this plan if that should happen."

Taking a breath, Pein was amused at the expression on Sasuke's face. Surely the brat should know that he wasn't without his sources. After all, Konoha was one of the largest Nations in the country and homed the Nine Tailed Bijuu. It would be hard work to take on all of Konoha so Pein had prepared years ago.

"Sasuke I want you taking to places you know he went, Karin and Suigetsu take one side of Konoha each – decide amongst yourselves – and I will go to the one place out little Hokage may just be; the Hokage tower."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed and Pein knew that he was about to question something.

"Why do you get the place where he most likely will be? Won't he trust me more… they don't know I work for the Akatsuki now."

Pein stopped suddenly and turned to face a Sharingan-eyed Sasuke. Obviously he was expecting confrontation, but that wasn't what Pein wanted this time.

"Then you truly are ignorant. We believe that the Hachibi – that you failed to seal, may I remind – set up a consultation with the Kyuubi; that the pair have an open bond. Of course this only works if the Bijuu and Jinchuuriki are in a state of synchronicity which leads us to believe that Namikaze Naruto is far more powerful than we ever paid tribute for. Given the fact that he became Hokage at such a young age also indicates this… need I go on?"

Sasuke scowled, the frown lines on his face becoming more prominent.

"Considering that he is this powerful, and chose not to show it when fighting against you, we should assume that he is above the Godaime Tsunade's level… he also beat Kakuzu in a fight, singlehandedly killing him, twice was it?, and then managing to perform so many hits with one technique… he is simply amazing and unworthy of your fight. If you were to fight him he would turn everything against you and we would lose."

There were plenty of other reasons why Pein refused to allow Sasuke to be the one to capture the Kyuubi but if they continued in this fashion, they would never reach Konoha.

"I'm going to put up a chakra scan system. It'll notify me when we reach the outer protection borders to Konoha. Sasuke, you may be able to get in unidentified but I'm not going to risk that chance as you have been a registered Missing Nin for three years, give or take."

It unnerved Pein when Sasuke agreed with him and forced his legs to take up a walking pace once more. The bickering couple had been quiet ever since the conversation had started and was slightly surprised at the amount of authority he instantly had from this team.

These kids, really. They were young and impressionable because they lived in peaceful times, not knowing the horrors of war, especially that of a civil war.

A civil war differed from a national war because nowhere was safe. Your very streets – the streets you had played on the night before with friends – became death traps and each time your parents opened the door to collect the paper, it ended in them being stripped of everything and murdered simply because they believed in something different to that of the executioner.

It was what had happened to them; Nagato, Konan and Yahiko. Konoha would never truly understand unless the decrepit councillors managed an uprising… which looked very doubtful seeing as they had lost their troops; ROOT.

Without a word, Pein signalled to the team that they should pick up the pace. They were drawing closer to the heart of the Fire Country with every passing step and Pei's smirk grew along with the shortage of the distance.

現実

Naruto skimmed over puddles, resisting the urge to jump in them. His eyes rested on the house before him and he smiled, knowing Sakura's face would be pleased at his arrival. He raised a hand to knock at the door but stopped short as he heard voices;

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then." Well that was definitely Sakura's voice…

"Yeah, shame Naruto didn't allow me a day off too but I have so much work to get through. Filing cabinets," a deeper voice explained and Naruto found himself nodding along in agreement. For some reason, he knew that voice and yet couldn't place it. He inched closer, fully intent on spying the old fashioned way.

"I'll cook dinner tonight then, I think Kakashi wanted to come by… see you around seven then?"

There was a long pause and Naruto wondered why the mystery man hadn't replied.

And then it hit him; Sakura was most likely seeing off her secret lover, kissing him passionately up against the door as he was thinking this… and he had to walk through the threshold knowing what they'd just done.

Just as he was about to bolt for the nearby bushes, the front door opened and Naruto's mouth fell open at the sight of Sai.

"Naruto!" Sakura cheered and smiled at him, the face he'd known she would make. Sai smiled too yet the pair froze as Naruto looked them both up and down critically.

"Uh, Naruto?"

The Hokage held up a hand and peered at both of their faces, intent on spotting any signs they had just been in 'a fiery, passionate kiss'. Giving up, Naruto decided to simply plunge in,

"You know, I'm a little offended that the two of you didn't tell me."

Sakura's face fell and she looked guilty immediately. Sai frowned and looked at Naruto as if he had pronounced he was a pink elephant on a war path.

"I'm so sorry Naruto… I didn't think you would have time anyway and Sai told me that you already have plans which is why I didn't extend it to the three of us… but you should know that you can always just join in! Kakashi-sensei's coming over for it tonight so you're welcome too."

Naruto froze once more; how had he never known Sakura was up for group sex? Sure she was a confident woman but to gloat about it this openly? He failed to notice the dark, critical eyes of Sai and turned to him as he spoke,

"I think we've got the wrong idea… Naruto, explain what you mean."

Naruto scrunched his face up and looked between the pair,

"So you're not dating then? Is it just casual sex? Sakura! You're a she-devil!"

Sakura's face grew to a deep pink as she rolled up her sleeves, fully prepared to punch the living daylights out of Naruto. Naruto, sensing the danger, hid behind Sai and apologised. It was a few minutes before Sakura calmed down enough to explain the misunderstanding.

"Sai and I have been having dinner recently, it just so happened that it was late last night so I suggested that he could stay over in the guest room. Kakashi-Sensei declines most of the invitations but he's coming over tonight… I'm sorry Naruto. Sai did say that you had dinner with someone else though but you're welcome to join us whenever."

Naruto looked at Sai and smiled weakly. Sai met his eyes and then looked to Naruto's shoulder for the familiar presence of Itachi, only to look back into blue eyes with a questioning look. Sakura was continuing to apologise and Naruto mouthed the word 'gone'. It was all that was needed to explain the circumstances.

"Can I spend the day Sakura? Dinner would be most wonderful… my friend has gone now so I think it will have to be a regular occurrence."

Sakura shouted out loud and hugged Naruto tightly, thanking him. When she released him, Sai bobbed his head in thanks for the night before and left, declining Naruto's offer of taking a day off. Naruto didn't blame him; if he skipped out one day of filing then everything could go wrong from that point.

Sakura led Naruto inside and they moved into a comfortable room with two beanbag seats as well as the traditional tea sets and low table. Sakura excused herself to make the tea and returned with a full kettle to compliment her beaming smile.

Tilting the angle of the kettle, Sakura poured the green tinted liquid out into two cups, passing one to Naruto and setting hers before her. The two sat in companionable silence as they waited for the steam to cool off. Naruto decided that he should make the first effort; after all he had neglected his friends slightly since having Itachi in his life.

"How is work at the hospital? I haven't heard any complaints since you started so you have to be doing something good," Naruto said. Sakura chuckled in response and took a tentative sip of her drink.

"It's hard work some days yet rewarding. I get to save people, diagnose others and heal everyone who comes in. I get to help nurses who need an extra boost of confidence and talk to those who need a little taking down… I wouldn't change my job in the world, except to be out on the field of course."

Naruto smiled grimly, deciding to free a few classified topics up.

"Well it's good you're ready to face being out on field as we'll need all the medics we can." He set his cup on the table and leant a hand against his cheek, staring straight into emerald eyes. "Pein's coming for Konoha and it is our, my, belief that Sasuke is with him."

Sakura gasped softly, fingers falling short of her cup and closing in on thin air.

"What will you do?"

Naruto shrugged and Sakura caught the message; even by revealing one thing there was still a lot of concealing that was done and she couldn't dispute with this.

The day passed with conversations and delicious teas. They spent the time inside, reminiscing about certain things and Naruto explaining concepts of the Hokage job to Sakura. She had had experience with Tsunade yet it was completely different to the time with Naruto controlling Konoha; it appeared that there were so many secret schemes and it was odd to see Naruto knowing and memorising the little facts.

It wasn't that he was incapable of this, more the fact that Naruto had always been one to do things rather than sit and plot. It made Sakura wonder how much she truly knew her friend.

"The door was unlocked so I just let myself in."

Naruto and Sakura smiled up at the voice and greeted Kakashi. For once, Sakura commented a little while later, he wasn't late. Kakashi had replied that it wasn't often the Rokudaime visited them and that he could enjoy the few moments away from peace, yet he look in Kakashi's eye said that he wanted to take Naruto's mind off of the subject they had discussed earlier and as both a teacher and friend, Kakashi would be damned if he let Naruto wallow.

"Sai should be coming at seven so I'll go start dinner now. It'll be something simple but hopefully it'll be enough. It's nice to cook for a lot of people. If I need any help, I'll shout okay? You guys play nicely and Kakashi will get drinks if you need them won't you Kakashi-sensei?"

The old teacher manipulation trick; works like a charm; Kakashi grunted and seated himself on the floor opposite Naruto. In an undertone he asked Naruto how he was and Naruto relayed that Sakura did not know of the situation, but he was fine.

Seeming satisfied by this answer, Kakashi ducked his head and called for Sai – who had been standing outside of the door – to come in. It wasn't long before the three men were sitting together, tea in hand and speaking in undertones about Konohagakure's future.

As Sakura entered the room with a tray laden with food, Kakashi smiled warmly at Naruto,

"Remember Naruto, the reality can shape you, change who you are, but it will never take away your essence. We will be here for you, no matter what, and not even burning the city to the ground can change that."

Naruto nodded in thought, counting the hours until Konoha would face the inevitable first strike. The rain outside had picked up and, as the first roll of thunder pealed about the land, Naruto's stomach jolted and all four paused in their eating; the message clear…

It was coming.

現実

Notes:
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and the next chapter finally gets onto the challenge parts of the story. :) Have a great weekend!