Disclaimer: Still not mine.

Chapter 14

He read the latest report from the few spies he still had within the Village. Interesting…very interesting. Poor Sasuke-kun being replaced on his team and untrusted to take the chūnin exams. Perhaps now was the time to approach him again.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harry and Naruto stared at the board and then looked at each other. Neither of them had ever thought this would happen. Sure Harry had figured they may end up facing each other, but as the final match? He had never expected to last so long. Harry could feel Itachi's eyes on them and managed a wan smile. Naruto was still staring around in shock so Harry nudged his shoulder.

"Come on kiddo, we better get down there," Harry told him quietly.

"Good luck you two." They both managed smiles for Kakashi's comment, and then headed down to the arena floor.

The two teens faced off as the referee looked at them, waiting to begin the match. Harry occluded his mind, locking his doubts and nervousness away behind his shields and watched as Naruto did the same, although not to the same level since he was still learning.

"No going easy on me nii-san," Naruto stated, earning a few looks from those in the crowd who knew his name, mostly from his first exam.

"Likewise kiddo," Harry responded as the match began. It appeared that Harry still held a slight speed advantage but it wasn't by much as the two clashed.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Itachi watched as his lover and Naruto fought proudly. Both teens had come a long way since they had met. His one fight with Naruto was not enough to fully gauge his abilities back then, not with Kisame simply absorbing his chakra and trying to cut his legs off, as well as Sasuke's appearance… and how he now regrated what he'd done to his brother. When Harry had found out, it was one of the few times he had been truly angry with Itachi.

Harry had made it plain just how much of Sasuke's messed up emotional and mental state was his fault, that Sasuke would likely have been stronger if not obsessed with his death. He had sought to protect his beloved brother and he had failed, if not for Naruto's stubbornness, Sasuke would be with Orochimaru. He would not have allowed him to take Sasuke's body though, he would have killed him first and then dumped Sasuke at the gates of Konoha. He owed Naruto a lot for making that unnecessary. Orochimaru would surely go after Sasuke again, especially while he still bore the Cursed Seal of Heaven.

He shook those thoughts off, focusing fully on the fight, seeing how much Naruto had grown since their first meeting. That was good, he would need it. The majority of Akatsuki was dead and they were doing what they could to ensure the organisation could not rebuild but Naruto held one of the bijū…for those like him there were always threats. Itachi was considering going after Orochimaru to ensure Sasuke's safety, knew the snake would snatch Naruto too if the opportunity arose, but he was wary of the sannin. He had almost killed him once, it was why he had left Akatsuki, but he now had a village and allies and that Kabuto…there was something about him that made Itachi wary. He had warned Harry about Danzō but for now there was nothing to be done about him, not unless he moved against Team 7 or the Village. Everything was a waiting game, except cheering them both on in the final match of the exam. He thought all three genin of Team 7 could pass this time and it hurt to know Sasuke could too now but wasn't given the chance.

He knew he could take the credit for a lot of Harry's training but not all of it. He was so proud of Harry for everything he had gone through and survived. A lot of people would have simply given up upon finding themselves going through half of what his lover had during his life, but Harry had never given up and had emerged stronger. Itachi didn't let himself tense even slightly as he felt a familiar presence behind him. He readied himself to run though, he didn't want to fight in the middle of Suna, but something told him it wasn't necessary.

"You really love him, don't you?" Not exactly what he was expecting but he nodded anyway.

"More than I ever thought possible," he admitted to the man who had once been his Captain. Of everyone in Konoha, it was Kakashi who had understood him best, they had both been geniuses pushed into the ranks far too young. "He's never been afraid of me, even when we first met. He just…accepted me," Itachi answered Kakashi softly, not wanting to draw attention. He felt more than saw Kakashi's nod of agreement.

"You should have seen him when he learnt of Naruto's 'condition', he looked ready to knock sense into the entire village, physically if needed," Kakashi chuckled and Itachi felt a small smile spread over his face, his back still to the older ninja. "I hate to admit it…but he's done more for my team than I have. He's managed to get Sakura to back off in her pursuit of Sasuke, he's taught Naruto while learning himself, and he's been talking to Sasuke as well as helping him deal with his seal. He should be Team Seven's sensei, not me."

Itachi shook his head. "Harry admires you, even though he doesn't think much of your attitude most of the time. He couldn't teach them alone, he's not ready for that. Helping them is one thing. He…he's happier now than in the whole time we've known each other and it's because he doesn't have any real responsibilities. I'd love to have a few words with Tsunade about the way she pushed him into this."

He could feel Kakashi staring at him, probably over how much he'd said but he didn't care. They had to know not to keep pushing Harry, that everyone had a breaking point when it came to their freedom and Harry had been pushed too close to it too often. He wanted Harry to be free to do what he wanted in a way he never had been before, in a way he himself had never been able to be.

"He doesn't talk much about his past, even to those of us who do know," Kakashi commented softly.

"It's painful, not just because he was ripped from there but because of the way he was used. He was their Saviour, their weapon and when he behaved in a way they didn't like…" he trailed off, hoping Kakashi would understand, would be able to stand up for Harry in a way he couldn't.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"They cut him down," Kakashi finished slowly, understanding more about his oldest student now, and almost wishing he didn't. No wonder the kid had reacted the way he did to learning certain things about his teammates and the way Tsunade had made certain choices for him.

"He's never been free and the Hokage has once again caged him. I wouldn't blame him for hating her for that, hating Konoha and yet he doesn't. His capacity for love…he never even truly hated the man who made his life hell."

Kakashi could feel Itachi's sorrow from where he was standing, just behind the younger man. "You didn't do it, did you?" he asked, he had never understood that night. He had known Itachi loved his brother, that explained Sasuke being spared, but to kill everyone else? If anything, he would have understood killing Fugaku to get out from under his expectations and to protect Sasuke from such things.

"I thought Harry had already told you that much. But it doesn't matter; even if I could prove it do you really think I'd be allowed back? After everything?" They both winced slightly as Harry was slammed into the wall hard enough to break bones but a split second later he was up again as if nothing had happened.

"He's the only person I've seen that can keep up with Naruto's healing rate. Gaara doesn't count since he never really gets hit without a ridiculous amount of effort," Kakashi commented.

"He's gotten better at healing like that since coming here," Itachi responded quietly.

"Who do you think will win?" Kakashi asked, honestly curious.

"It depends, in some ways Harry is better prepared for this since he was thrown into a war at eleven with no training, so he does have more practical experience. If it comes down to stamina it could go either way since Harry's inheritance. Pure power wise they're equal if Harry uses his magic and Naruto doesn't tap too deeply into his tenants' power. It'll come down to who makes a mistake first in all likelihood."

Kakashi nodded in acceptance, knowing that Itachi probably knew Harry's abilities better than he did, even if he was his teacher officially. It was strange to have a civilised conversation with his one-time subordinate, but he would take it over a fight he didn't think he'd win. Then again, he would have back up, was Kisame around too?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harry gasped silently in pain, but forced his magic into the wound, healing it quickly. He saw the flash of guilt in Naruto's eyes and gave him a quick smile. Their fight had turned into the longest one of the exams, not that anyone was complaining. Quite the contrary actually. He'd caught a glimpse of Kakashi standing behind Itachi a while ago and had felt a moment of panic but they were simply talking.

He refocused fully on Naruto and had to fight a grin. It was obvious that Naruto was enjoying himself, even if neither of them was truly going all out, no reason to destroy the arena after all. Not to mention a lot of people would be mad if they wiped out the audience and a good portion of the surrounding village, at least. But no matter how much the spectators were enjoying themselves he needed to end this and soon, before he had to rely too heavily on his magic to continue the fight since that would raise a lot of awkward questions. He couldn't use the same trick he used on Souta; Kyūbi on a bad day was worse than a hundred Dementors, and none of the other tricks he'd used in his other matches would work since Naruto knew them. So he had to come up with something and fast. Unfortunately he wasn't given that time.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Gaara watched his first friend fight against his new teammate…or more? He had heard Naruto call him his big brother before they began. How had that happened? Still, he could see just how far Naruto had come since back then and he was proud of him. He had beaten the blond to the rank of Kage but he didn't doubt he'd make it, maybe not Rokudaime but he'd definitely be the Nanadaime.

For now the question was who would win this fight?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kakashi and Itachi froze as Naruto's Rasengan slammed into Harry and sent him flying to lie limply on the ground. Kakashi instinctively placed a restraining hand on Itachi's shoulder, even though he knew it would do no good if the younger man really wanted to get away. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, to see if the older teen could shrug off that attack as easily as he had the others, but he remained unmoving even as Naruto ran to his side.

,,,,,,,,,,,,

Naruto dropped to the ground, hesitantly touching his nii-san, searching for his pulse even while fighting tears. He really was a monster, a demon that hurt those he cared for. He gave into the tears and collapsed on top of the one he considered his brother, praying for him to wake up.

"Please wake up nii-san, I'm sorry. Please be okay. Please…" Naruto ignored the medics as they tore him away so they could reach Harry and continued to sob even as Kakashi appeared and gathered him up.

A low moan from where the medics were working had Naruto freezing in hope. Sure enough the one limp hand they could see suddenly twitched.

"Nii-san!" Naruto yelled in relief, but Kakashi kept a firm grip on him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Up in the stands, Itachi felt his heart start to beat again at Naruto's relieved cry. Sure enough, he could see faint movement coming from where Harry was laying. He knew that Harry's magic could heal about anything given even a split seconds chance to start so he allowed himself to relax a bit. He began to chuckle slightly as the movements became stronger and the medics fell back in shock. He smiled as Harry slowly rolled over and pushed himself up to his knees and then shakily to his feet, the entire stadium utterly silent since most had been sure he was dead a not even a minute ago.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"Nii-san!" Naruto cried again, tearing himself free of Kakashi's grip.

Harry turned and gave him a shaky smile before wrapping his arms around the crying teen. "Shh. It's okay Naruto. I'm all right," Harry was quick to assure the younger teen. He held Naruto as tightly as he could, hiding a wince as his body continued to heal the damage. Harry looked over at the referee and smiled. "You going to call the winner or what?" He questioned loudly.

The referee stared at him, surprised and Harry looked down at Naruto and then back up. "Yes, right. Winner Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto pulled back in shock as the words registered. "But…but you're back up."

"And if you think I want to continue you have another thought coming. I feel like I just went ten rounds with a mountain troll kiddo. You won, fair and square," Harry told him quietly and smiled as a brilliant grin slowly spread across the blonds face.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kakashi studied Harry closely, checking for any injuries. He paused as Harry chuckled softly.

"I'm fine Kakashi. You do realise I'm probably going to get a thorough check up later tonight don't you?" he teased.

"Yes well, I am your team leader plus your flatmate. So I do have some responsibility for your health," Kakashi answered, moving up to stand beside Harry at the balcony rail.

"Thanks," Harry said softly.

"Because you got up so quickly you could have continued the fight you know."

"I know. But what would have been the point? We would have kept going like that for a very long time considering our available power levels and healing abilities. Better to stop at the first 'fatal' strike," Harry shrugged. "Besides, I don't like fighting those I consider friends or family."

Kakashi nodded slightly, that had always been obvious.

"I saw you two talking," Harry stated lightly, but Kakashi could feel his nervousness.

"A very good henge he's using," Kakashi offered, and could have sworn he heard a low growl coming from the teen beside him. "We…talked. If it helps I believe him about the massacre. He's different than he used to be and I feel safe saying that's because of you." Kakashi was nice enough not to tease him as Harry blushed lightly.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harry relaxed into the familiar embrace, letting his lover support his weight. He smiled as he was lifted and carried over to the bed before being placed on it gently. They remained silent as Itachi slowly stripped him, searching his body for any sign of injury. Once satisfied that Harry had healed Itachi moved up to claim his lips in a gentle kiss.

"I think Kakashi was scared I was going to kill Naruto today," Itachi smiled as he spoke, but Harry could see that Itachi had truly been scared by what had happened earlier.

He pushed himself up enough to kiss Itachi softly. "I think what happened scared Naruto more than anyone else. Do you know how long it took to get him to go to sleep? Kyūbi had to help me and it still took an entire vial of Dreamless Sleep. Hopefully he'll sleep through till morning."

"But you're okay?"

Harry smiled up at is lover. "A bit tired but otherwise fine. I promise," he reassured Itachi.

"Good," Itachi whispered and then they stopped talking.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kakashi leant back in his chair, listening to the debate, wishing Tsunade was there instead. None of the various Kage's had managed to get away to observe the third stage which meant each village participating had given a representative from among the sensei to help decide on the promotions. They didn't have a say in the decision for anyone from their own Village though and now…Team 7 was under discussion. Naruto and Harry's fight had gotten a lot of discussion since they had been fighting. They had definitely displayed the necessary fighting prowess; would their other abilities make the cut? He thought so.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harry placed a calming hand on Naruto's shoulder as the younger teen tried not to bounce from either excitement or nerves. Sakura was a lot calmer, standing on Harry's other side, although she was clutching his hand slightly. He didn't really blame either of them, he didn't care one way or another for himself, but the results meant a lot to most of the people there.

It had been two days since Harry and Naruto's match and the results were finally being announced. They'd be returning to Konoha tomorrow morning and, while it would be nice to sleep in his own bed again, it had also been very nice to spend every night curled up with Itachi. He could feel his lovers' eyes on him even if he couldn't see him in the audience.

Harry smiled fondly at Naruto as the blond waved at the entering Kazekage who nodded in return. The redhead pulled out a scroll and began ready the pre-prepared speech before moving on to what they were all there for, the names of those who were to be promoted. The three clapped when a leaf genin they didn't know, younger than them, was promoted, and Naruto began moving more as the list got closer to the 'P's'. Harry had felt Sakura's disappointment at not being called and gave her hand a tight squeeze in comfort.

"Potter Harry, Konoha."

Naruto let out a yell of joy and then went red with embarrassment, causing Harry to chuckle. Harry stepped forward, accepting the scroll with his name on it, and then bowed before joining the others. As they approached the end of the list he held his breath. Yes, Naruto had wanted to progress with Sasuke but at the same time the blond really wanted to be a chūnin.

"Uzumaki Naruto, Konoha."

Harry smiled at his little brother as the blonds' face went blank in shock. He coughed softly to get Naruto's attention and then motioned him forward. The teen suddenly grinned and all but bounced forward to the amusement of most present. He then darted back to Harry's side and he wrapped his arm around his shoulders.

"Congratulations," he whispered, and Naruto just grinned.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"We did…oops?"

Harry froze at the sound of the familiar voice, his lips still firmly latched onto Itachi's left nipple. He could feel the way Itachi tensed and put his hands on his lovers' shoulders to hold him down, even as he raised his head to stare at the other leaf-nin. Naruto was staring at the two older, half-naked, males in shock before he suddenly went bright red and turned around to face the door.

"Sorry, really really sorry," he babbled, and Harry laughed even as waved his hand, re-clothing them.

"It's okay kiddo, you can turn around now," Harry offered as he sat up, making Itachi grumble before also sitting up. The twenty-one-year-old looked more than a little annoyed at being interrupted but he wouldn't say anything since it was Naruto. "Could have been worse, at least it wasn't Kakashi or Sakura," Harry whispered before walking over to the still stammering blond. He wrapped his arms around the smaller teen and began whispering to him. Naruto eventually calmed and looked over at Itachi.

"Hi?" Naruto said hesitantly.

Harry threw Itachi a glare over the smaller teen's shoulder and Itachi sighed.

"Hello Naruto-kun," Itachi greeted, and Harry smiled.

The wizard knew Itachi was uncomfortable around people but he wanted his family to get along. Naruto grinned and walked closer, sitting on a nearby chair. Itachi sighed; so much for the night he had planned.

"I am sorry about our last meeting, Kisame is too," Itachi apologised awkwardly.

"It's okay," Naruto shrugged. The three fell into a slightly uncomfortable silence.

"Congratulations on making chūnin. A step closer to your dream?" Itachi offered, earning a brilliant smile from his lover.

"Thanks! I'm sure Sasuke will pass easily next time too. It's stupid that he wasn't allowed to come." Naruto glared at the wall.

"I'm sure he will, but I understand why they decided the way they did. Sasuke was willing to turn his back on the village for power and revenge and he nearly killed you in the process. With my actions that would make them nervous," Itachi explained.

"But was he really willing? I think that seal messes with the bearers mind quite a bit," Harry pointed out. "The Dark Mark did the same unless you knew how to fight it. He's been…calmer, more thoughtful, since I reinforced Kakashi's work. Either that or because Sakura's finally leaving him alone," Harry grinned as Naruto laughed.

"But you'll get rid of it soon, right nii-san?"

"Soon Naruto."

"Good. Then we just have to convince him Itachi's innocent."

"No!"

Naruto jumped and stared at Itachi with wide eyes.

The eldest Uchiha sighed and looked at Naruto sadly. "He can't know Naruto. He can't go after the real culprit, he'd kill Sasuke."

"And you won't kill him. But he hates you Itachi."

"Naruto's right love. His hatred of you is a big part of the problem and from what I've heard is why he wanted to go to the snake. As much as you don't want him getting hurt, this lie is hurting him just as much. Without trying to kill you he could always focus more on his second goal, reviving the clan since you won't be able to." Well, there might be a way, if he was willing, but at the moment he wasn't sure about going that far.

"Why not?" Naruto questioned, and then went crimson as Harry raised an eyebrow. "Right, forget I asked." The blond muttered, embarrassed.

Itachi chuckled and Harry shot them both a fond smile.

"Well, I'm gonna go now. Have fun…er whatever." With that Naruto bolted, and Harry collapsed, laughing.

"Poor Naruto," he gasped between laughs.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"You okay?"

Sakura looked up at her green-eyed teammate and nodded.

"You'll make it next time Sakura, you and Sasuke," Harry encouraged, and she smiled.

"Thank you Harry." She answered softly

"Harry is right, you barely missed out this time, and it was more politics than anything unfortunately. They did not want to see an entire Konoha team promoted in the one exam, especially when we already had the most promotions," Kakashi-sensei spoke up, and it made her feel a lot better.

She looked ahead to watch their blond teammate run excitedly across the sand.

"Sometimes I wish I had half his energy, I get tired just watching him!" Harry groaned, and she laughed, her mood mood lifting further.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harry grinned and let himself fall into step with their teacher. "So what'll happen now?" he asked his flatmate.

"Iruka was planning to put your name down for teaching at the Academy if you want it. Apparently the kids adore you and as seen with Naruto you can teach."

"I've been teaching on and off since I was fifteen so I'm not surprised. What about Naruto?"

"He'll stay with the team unless needed for something else. You can still join us as far as I'm concerned."

Harry smiled at the older man. "Thanks."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

They walked in silence for a while but Kakashi could tell there was something the teen wanted to talk about.

"Naruto made a good point the other night. Sasuke believing Itachi is guilty is doing more harm than good. How do you think he'd react to the truth?"

Kakashi actually froze for a split second, unnoticed by anyone other than Harry. "He won't believe you without some rather extraordinary proof."

"Yeah, so if I tell him I'll have to tell him everything. The proofs in my memories and the only way to show him those is for him to know who and what I am," Harry said softly.

"He'll feel betrayed when he finds out about you and his brother."

"And the fact that you, Naruto, Iruka, and the Hokage know as well. Yeah. But he deserves to know the truth and maybe it'll help his emotional problems." Harry shrugged. "Personally I'll be happy if he doesn't try to Chidori my arse. Why you ever taught him that I'll never understand."

Kakashi shrugged, it was something he had wondered about after finding out Sasuke had used it on Naruto.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"IRUKA-SENSEI!"

Harry winced at Naruto's volume as the blond tackled the teacher as they finally entered the gates of Konoha. The older man laughed and hugged Naruto warmly, looking up at the rest of them and nodding in greeting.

"How did it go?" He asked as he began to walk with them towards the Hokage tower.

"It was great! Harry and I fought the last fight! It was the longest fight of the exams and I won," Naruto chattered.

Iruka smiled broadly and offered his congratulations. "So who advanced?" he asked.

"Naruto and I did from our team, two of the others also made chūnin." Harry answered him as they walked; smiling in greeting to Sasuke as the teen suddenly joined them, Sasuke nodding slightly in return. Harry walked beside him and moved closer to whisper.

Harry hesitated but the longer he left it the worse it would be. "I need to talk to you later, alone. Meet me where I helped you."

Sasuke nodded slightly, curious but willing to wait.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tsunade smiled proudly as she handed Naruto his chūnin vest, the other blond grinning widely. She was proud of him, proud of them all. She was a little upset for Sakura, especially with the reasoning given but if she had her way, Sakura and Sasuke would earn field promotions before the next exams. It wasn't like they'd be sending teams to Iwa anyway, still too much bad blood from the last war and Minato. Naruto might not carry his name but the older he got the more he was beginning to look like his father and putting his teammates in Iwa's reach? Probably not a good idea. He would need to be told about his heritage now that he had been promoted.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harry fingered his new vest as he paced the clearing, waiting for Sasuke to show up. He had no weapons with him, not wanting Sasuke to feel threatened when he learnt of Harry's connection to his brother. It wasn't like he'd need them to restrain the teen if things went badly and he knew they would. Harry turned as the younger teen emerged from the trees and shot him a nervous smile, a big improvement from when Harry had first met him. He sighed only to put Sasuke immediately on edge. He threw himself down on the grass and motioned for Sasuke to sit.

"Okay, do you want the good news or the sort of bad but also good news first? Forget that we'll go with the good. I can remove the Seal now."

TBC…