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Chapter 30: Dinner Party
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Itachi glanced at the note in his hand; his midnight black eyes furrowed in concentration as his frown deepened. While he wanted to celebrate their victory over Wave's council, the recent development at the bridge had him worried and thus hurriedly, in secret, sent a crow back to Konoha while his brother spent time with his omega and Wave's emergency defense council.
Thankfully Shisui's birds have become faster and more agile over the years, allowing them a mode of communication that's faster than the standard messenger hawks prevalent in the ninja world. Shisui doesn't dote on his birds for nothing after all and while Itachi himself have seen how his lover tended and trained the avian creatures over the years, he's also aware that the man has his own secrets.
In fact, Itachi himself doesn't know just how these birds can seemingly appear out of nowhere without warning. He tried understanding them but all he really know is the commands that Shisui taught him and how the birds will always do to the best of their ability to perform the task given them. But then again Shisui is a prodigy beyond Itachi himself; the man's secrets are sometimes beyond what Itachi can comprehend at times. He's the one who trained him after all. Still… he's not sure what the man is thinking sometimes. Only recently, everyone thought that he's dead. Itachi would know first-hand because that had been the time that he activated his mangekyo sharingan- so consume was he by grief into thinking that he lost Shisui for good.
And now, this. Just what has Shisui been doing during his long years of absence in Konoha? And just how did he come to know of this information?
Itachi sighed as his midnight eyes turned red for a second. And in an instant, the note in his hand was consumed by black flames. It would appear that this deal with Wave is something more than they bargained for.
Still, there's always a way to make something good of a dire situation. Silently thanking Shisui for his efforts, Itachi closed his eyes as he tried to formulate a plan in his head. A few seconds later, he decided to summon a raven this time, he gave another message to the bird with a special seal on it. It had been a long time since they last met but he's confident that that man will recognize this raven as Itachi's. And he would know the gravity of situation. It's time to deal with Akatsuki. At least Itachi knows that as reclusive as they are, he will always be on his side.
As the raven made its way to Amegakure, Itachi released another sigh as he relaxed on his soft leather chair. Why did this slip through their spy networks? Trying to recompose himself, he prepared himself for dinner time. He has to keep up the appearance after all. The Uchihas are here to make an impression- an impression of strength and power.
Going to dinner shaken is the last thing he'd want.
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It was lively at Tazuna's house when Itachi arrived. He remembered a bit of this house from the mission reports of old and it appeared that after Tazuna completed the bridge, he himself, along with Naruto became somewhat of a celebrity amongst the people of Wave. So the small quaint house that was mentioned in those mission reports is now a big structure, with an attachment to the administrative complex of Wave.
Itachi learned first-hand just how influential the bridge builder have become when throughout the council meeting, his voice as well as Inari had been greatly respected. Even as dissent were mounting, just Tazuna and Inari's voice alone were able to calm the council down, even to the point of them accepting Sasuke's sudden proposal of installing Naruto as a daimyo with no hesitation.
Of course Naruto's status as their war hero has helped with that tremendously, too. But Itachi had been content in having Wave as a tributary or a protectorate. Them accepting an ANBU of a foreign nation as the head of their country is beyond what he expected. He briefly mused if Konoha, a simple ninja village will even be enough to maintain influence over an entire country.
But then again, Wave is a much smaller country than the other nations like say the Fire country for example. So maybe Naruto, his clones and the Numbers division would be enough to maintain it for quite a while.
"Ahh Uchiha-sama! You're just in time. My daughter Tsunami got carried away with her cooking and look what we ended with!"
Tazuna proudly gestured to the long table at the dining hall as he led the Konoha's former Hokage in. Some of the councilmen were there too, talking with Naruto and Sasuke as they laughed freely together, as if the tense meeting earlier on hadn't occurred. The former Hokage attributed the lively atmosphere to Naruto's boisterous bragging and talking.
"And this bastard just had to hog all the action back then too!" Naruto laughed as he elbowed Sasuke's ribs, recounting just how they fought off Haku and Zabusa. "Of course I had to do my own share, my pride is at stake, you know!"
"Dobe… we nearly died that day! I don't think that's something you can joke about so easily!" Sasuke interrupted, but his smile was still plastered on his face as the curious councilmen listened in.
"You nearly, died teme! I had to save your spoiled ass, remember? "
"Whatever… usoratonkachi." Sasuke rolled his eyes as he snaked one arm around the omega's waist possessively and pulled the omega closer to him. This action seemed to have agitated the two clones that's standing guard behind Naruto however but the omega was able to placate them with reassuring tails as he delivered food into their mouths, which they chomped on happily as they edged closer to their tousan and leaned into his soft velvety tails.
"It's okay Yondai, Godai. How about you two eat with us now, huh?" Naruto pulled the two clones with his tails and sat them on his lap as the omega leaned back into Sasuke's chest.
Itachi noticed that Menma, Sarada and Himawari were also laughing and talking with the Numbers clones, not minding the aggression that has happened just a few seats from them; it appeared that they have gotten used to the clones themselves. When did that happen by the way? He frowned as he saw how the children were interacting with what Itachi has come to recognize as the Uchiha's human tools so carelessly. After all he had been the one who organized the Numbers division into what they are now following the omega's rescue. And he's not used to the idea of these tools interacting with their betters so freely.
"Tousan gave us a feast like this too, Menma-niisan!" Itachi heard Shodai exclaimed. "We played a lot that day, ne Tousan?" Naruto turned to the Shin clone and extended a tail to pat him on the head. Itachi's frown deepened as he saw the clones expressing more and more emotions as they interacted with Naruto, Sarada and Menma.
"Hai hai, Shodai! That was fun, too! And now you get to have the same feast with your brother and sister!" Shodai just leaned into the omega's tails as a faint blush dusted his cheeks. "So just for tonight, you all have my permission to train and play together until midnight."
"Really tousan?"
"Of course! We're celebrating already. And you all did such a great job at the bridge today that you deserve this night too." Naruto grinned widely at his children. "And that goes for you too Himawari, Inari. You can join Menma, Sarada and their little brothers tonight."
"Thank you Naruto-san/Naruto-niichan." Himawari and Inari chorused. And by the way that Himawari and Inari's eyes twinkled at his invitation, they're obviously pleased by it.
"Hehe, wait til I show you guys my new techniques!" Menma bragged as he ruffled Shodai and Nidai's hair, imitating his papa's gesture of love to his little brothers.
As Itachi neared the dining table, the more he came to notice that this is not a traditional welcoming party that he's been used to as an official delegate. On the corner of the room were some of Naruto's clones and on their lap are some of the Number's clones as they laughed and pulled at the clones' ears and tails while eating.
He was so shocked at the complete lack of decorum in the room that he hadn't noticed when a group of clone children ran past by him; only noticing them as they shouted from behind him. "Tousan, we're done eating, we're going outside to play!"
"Hey, wait for me, Nanadai, Hachidai, Kyuudai!" Naruto's clone ran past Itachi as he chased after the clone children. "The boss said you're not supposed to go out alone unsupervised!"
Itachi pinched the bridge of his nose as the clone disappeared behind him, feeling an impending headache at the rowdiness of the room. The child clones are trained soldiers. Why is Naruto-kun so concerned with them anyway? He precisely brought them here to act as a garrison for this country, not be baby sat by Naruto and his clones.
He sighed as he made his way to the table.
"Oh hey, niisan! About time you showed up. You should taste this grilled squid that Tazuna-san cooked. It's delicious!" Sasuke said as he pointed to a dish on the long table and just seeing a glimpse of his younger brother's smiling face, flushed faint red with happiness at the night's merriment as his eyes darted back and forth to his omega and the children was enough to dissolve all the tension from Itachi's shoulders.
He finally relaxed and joined in the festivities. Mind you, he's still a little bit troubled at the total lack of organization in this supposedly official dinner but he allowed himself to relax throughout the night, happy for once that the Sasuke he knew in their childhood days has been let loose by the night's events; carefree and happy at his omega's side.
"I'm happy that you appreciate that dish, Sasuke-sama. That was a special breed of squid found only in Wave's waters." Soon Tazuna joined in the conversation as Tsunami along with two of Naruto's clones entered the room with more food.
"Room for more? Sorry. It's been so long since we had visitors like this so I can't help but go all out." Tsunami said apologetically as she and the clones set the food on the table.
"Nonsense! Now come and eat! There's no need to hold back when it's Naruto and his friends after all. We can never have enough food. Do you remember just how much this kid can eat?" Naruto blushed at Tazuna's comments. The rest of the councilmen also laughed at this.
"Now let's have fun everyone! For a few days from now, we'll have a new daimyo!" Tazuna exclaimed with a big smile as the other Wave officials cheered. Just as they started digging into their food some more, a mischievous grin graced Tazuna's face once more.
"Oh and if you think this is too much, Naruto-kun wait until your inauguration. We'll be celebrating for days!" Tazuna laughed as the Wave councilmen nodded in agreement. They're definitely going to have fun planning the next few days.
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Dinner was soon over and as Naruto promised, he let the children have their fun with his clones' supervision. And judging by the sparring noises at the forest nearby or the loud boisterous laughter that permeated through the woods, it's apparent that the children were having their fun. The glow of a bonfire that illuminated the dark forest was unmistakable, too, as is the voices of Naruto's clones as they supervised the children.
He and Sasuke on the other hand were back outside walking hand in hand as they admired the scenery around Wave. Sasuke has invited the omega out for a stroll, feeling nostalgic at the town that held so many memories for both of them. Itachi has excused himself earlier, drained by the energy of the night's dinner giving the alpha and omega duo a chance to spend their moment together alone. As the pair walked through the busy streets, a few jounin and chuunin from Konoha can be seen patrolling the edges of the town and if it weren't for the attack at the bridge, one would think that Wave is a town in its golden age.
Still, one can't help but admire how far the country have come from a mere backwater area mired in poverty
It's really amazing how the country has progressed in such a short time. It had become a shining jewel in its own right- a testament to its economic potential after being freed from Gato's stranglehold. Where there was once decaying wood and gloomy streets, its marbled streets and oakwood walls now rivaled some of Konoha's busiest streets and even at night there are still tourists, traders, and workers bringing all sorts of shipments and economic activity throughout the town; a stark contrast to the lethargic people that once greeted them when they went here for their mission all those years ago.
The pair noted too, the carriages streaming in from all the directions, some from the docks, some entering from the Naruto bridge and some from the train station that connects to the Land of Rivers to the West.
As the pair continued their nightly walk, they stopped at a familiar place, something that has always been a part of their and has shaped their relationship into what it is now. Naruto leaned further into the bridge's railing to gaze at the pristine waters enveloped by the cool evening's mist.
"Do you remember this place Sasuke?" The omega asked as they stood by the bridge. Sasuke nodded as he snaked his two arms around the omega's torso, the alpha hugging the man from behind as he kissed the man's neck tenderly.
"Of course, Naruto. This had been the place where I really realized just how much I don't want to lose you." Naruto smiled as he turned around and met the Alpha's gaze. The love that he felt regarding the alpha strangely welling up in his chest as waves of memories hit him.
Sure, it had been a very long and chaotic ride, but he sees just how much the alpha is trying his best to return to the omega's life. Sasuke had been nothing but supportive of him and even when the alpha messed up from time to time, Naruto can't help but feel just how much the old Sasuke is returning, the alpha that he loved without question.
And besides, the man has helped him fulfill his dreams. Sasuke helped him with Boruto and that should have been enough. But now… He now has an entire country who accepts him for who he is. And he can't help but be overwhelmed at the thought of it. He glanced at the golden ring on his finger before meeting the alpha's gaze; resolve burning into his deep ambers, almost to the point where they're now glowing crimson.
And maybe it was just because of the night's joyous atmosphere or the Wave's nostalgic environment but the omega's heart was floating and he'd never been this ready and sure in his life.
"I think I'm ready Sasuke."
Confused, the alpha looked at his omega questioningly, briefly surprised when Naruto took off the ring that he had relocated to his right finger after that fateful night. Naruto handed the ring to him before he said.
"Ask me again." He simply said. And Sasuke's eyes brightened in comprehension at what the omega's asking. Shaking his head, he put the ring back on the omega's right finger. He pulled the hand gently to his lips and kissed the knuckles slowly and tenderly.
"You're mistaken Naruto."
The omega looked at him confused.
"What do you mean?"
"That's a promise ring. Don't you remember? You'll get what you deserve I promise you. But you'll have to exercise a little more patience, love." Sasuke said as he held the omega in his arms. "Because I want to do this right… I don't appreciate having proposed to you in a freaking alley, of all places."
And despite his initial disappointment, Naruto can't help but chuckle as the alpha growled.
"Alright, teme, we'll do it your way."
Sasuke smiled at his omega. This time, there'll be no Sakura to ruin it for him.
"I love you, Naruto. So for tonight, will you promise to say yes when I ask you to marry me?"
Naruto snorted, realizing what Sasuke wanted for the night.
"Alright, alpha. I, Naruto Uzumaki promise to say yes when you ask me to marry you. I love you, too, teme."
And Naruto's heart nearly stopped at the smile that his alpha gave him.
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Meanwhile in Konoha…
A man crumpled a piece of paper in anger. "How could he do this?" His fist met the wooden desk violently.
"An eyesore isn't it?" Green bitter eyes greeted the old and tired patriarch as he dismissed the messenger bird.
"My dear, what are you still doing here?"
A playful smile came to greet him. She's an alpha. And alphas don't just take things lying down after all.
"Painful isn't it?" She paused to look at the man, a confident look in her face as she looked at him confidently. "When those who you love can't return your feelings… won't give you what you want."
"What are you talking about?"
"I know a way of a way that you can get a say again, Fugaku-tousama."
Her green eyes gleamed dangerously as she looked at the man in front of him. She'll get her revenge anyway she can. And this is the perfect chance, especially when Sasuke and Naruto aren't here and left a measly omega to protect someone so important. What a laugh. She always did know that alphas are superior. And this beta will play into her own hands.
She'll make sure of it.
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Preview for the Next chapter:
Shisui's eyes widened as he felt his knees weaken. He trembled at the unmistakable scent that permeated through the room. He watched on at the intruder with one thought in his mind. I'm sorry, Naruto, Sasuke.
"Bo-ruto…" He whispered as he felt his strength leaving his body.
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A/N: I'm sorry for my lack of updates. Things came up for this week and I'm not sure if I can write for the weekend. So I rushed this one for this week's update. I hope this didn't turn out too bad because my brain's a bit fried at the moment haha. I promise I'll do better next week. As always feel free to tell me what you like or don't like about it. And have a happy weekend!