Author's Notes: Ok some of you might notice that I use the original names of stuff in Japanes since I don't like to change it. I don't know why but I feel that I'm changing the meaning of the word if I use the English version of it as it really has a deep meaning to it. Chapter One is divided into 3 parts depending on how the story goes. But it basically deals in the growing friendship of the two to the start of the betrayal of Itachi.

Disclaimer: Naruto is ours! He's our boyfriend; Sasuke stinks – he's basically an over-used, cold-hearted character. No offense meant. XD Hehe…duh, this is why it's called a "disclaimer"…. :D

Author/s: Me, with Klaine tagging along at some point.

Caution: still not edited KLAAAAAINE!

Brief explanation:

This story is definitely AU…you could say it's somewhere in the Tokugawa era but…it's still wouldn't be right…hmm…there are no Ninja academies just guilds where squires trine to be genins and become elites…in this case it's called Shinobi's No connection with the anime ok…Yondaime is the right hand man of the king you could say General…but still…don't sound right….you'll get there roles as the story goes

Chapter One: Blood Murder

(Part one: childhood rivals)

Climbing the mountain, never coming down.

Break into the contents, never falling down…

Blood.

Crimson…

It tainted the UchihaPalace. The Clan is dead. The king is dead but one was kept alive…

" Niisama! Why!"

A young boy of nine is sleeping peacefully under an Oak tree. It's a warm sunny day. The breeze is cool and perfect for taking naps.

"Naruto." A faint vice was calling through the forest but the child ignores it. Sleep was too sweet to resist.

"NARUTO!" the next thing he knew is the owner of the voice was pinching his ears.

"Ite..Ite…Iruka-sensei." He moaned while rubbing his abused ear.

"Naruto! You missed your morning training." The usually gentle teacher argued. " This is the third time this week." He continued.

The nineteen year old care taker was furious. You could almost see the smoke coming from his ears. "Oh! And let's not forget the frog trail you left behind inside the maid's quarters." Iruka was tapping his right foot.

The blond snickered at the mention of his latest prank. "That was a pretty good prank. Neh, Iruka-sensei!" His eyes were shinning. " Did you see the maids run for their LIVES! They were like maniacs and…ITE!" he was enjoying his little skit in re-enacting his victims when he suddenly felt a blow to his head.

"Baka! Naruto!" His sensei scolded. "You're supposed to train with Sasuke-sama today."

For some odd reason the child's cheerful mood disappeared. The observant young adult naturally didn't miss this. "Why bother. Sasuke-sama is more skillful than me. He mastered more Justus than me." The blond sighed. "I can barely make a bushin no jutsu. Why bother if I know I'll loose"

Iruka bent down to the sniveling form. " Naruto…" Iruka used a gentle and soft tone. He knew his charge is a sore looser but he didn't expect the blond to let it affect him this deeply. " I know what I say won't matter much but I know you will be able to beat him." He pats Naruto on the head and the child's snorts in reply.

" No. Listen." He tenderly grasps the child's unmarred face and looks at him face to face. " Sasuke-sama is no doubt better that you in skill and talent but…" Iruka extended his arms to invite Naruto into his arms which the boy hesitantly complied. "I swear I'll beat the crap out of him!" he said as he tried imitating his protégé's voice. " Naruto-kun will find a way and Naruto never backs down on his word. That's your way to become a Ninja neh?"

"Iruka…sen…sei…"

Gives Naruto a noogie.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Iruka-sensei!" the boy whines while his mentor just laughs and walks ahead of him. " Come now Naruto-Kun you're already late."

"Hai…" was the dependents only reply.

Unaware of his presence, a man in his thirties hid his charka to mingle with the trees. He had almost the same features as the blonde child and certainly same in hair color. Although calm and relaxed looking he still held resemblance to the energetic prankster. He smiled gently. Hearing the whole ordeal he shook his head at his son's predicament.

----

Nearing the training grounds, Naruto noticed a foot dangling from a high branch. He already knew who it is. There is only one person besides him who slacks of during training. ' He's probably asleep' yet this thought didn't stop the blonde to greet his friend. Shikimaru Nara is the son of one of the king's seven Shoguns.

" Shikimaru-niisan. Good Morning." And to his surprise the shadow master greeted him back. Sure it was just the slight raising of the hand but it was still a greeting. Naruto was even more thrilled when the other spoke slightly above the usual boring tone.

" Slacking off again Naruto." The shorter stuck his tongue at this. " Hehehe. Next time find a better sleeping spot….waaaa AAAhhhh…! Watch it!" a rock was thrown at lazy ninja. "Don't teach him useless things." Iruka fumes.

" Yo. Your hahaue is really strict you know." A masked silver haired Jounin unexpectedly appears behind the fuming Chunin. "Ka…Kakashi-sensei." Iruka made a hundred and eighty degree turn and took a step away to look at the other Mentor. The said Nin just curved his eye in reply as he walks towards the blushing man.

"STAY AWAY FROM IRUKA SENSEI!" without warning and by some miraculous ordeal, Naruto manages to shove the former ANBU away from his Sensei. He didn't know why but something about the silver haired man gives him the chills every time he looks at Iruka. It's like his going to eat him. But the greatest mystery Naruto has to solve yet is that why is his sensei tuning red every time he sees this weird man.

Naruto felt a hand on his shoulder. "That's enough Naruto-kun." Blush still evident on his cheeks." You have training remember."

" Oi…Naruto!" the boy up the tree called.

"Hai" Naruto turned in reply with a look of curiosity on his face.

"Try to beat him this time k?" he gave the younger a thumbs up. Shikimaru maybe lazy and considers most of the things unentertaining he is one of the few people who stops the annoying bullies that taunts Naruto when he was a toddler. He really didn't understand why most of the people despise the little tyke. Sure he was a bit of a brat but he's sweet brat.

"HAI!" Naruto gave him a thumbs up as well.

----

" I though you were cowering out." the oh so great prince of the Uchiha clan stated.

"Shut up you bastard!"

"Do you even know what that means?" the dark eyed boy smirked while "Don't call Sasuke-sama bastard you brat!" was heard from one of the ground trainers but the blonde ignores this. He was trying to figure out what the word meant. Hey! He was nine.

"I uh…um…" at Naruto's confused state the black haired boy's smirk grew wider. " Grr. Well Chichiue uses it on your Kakashi-sensei every time he tries to peek on Iruka-sensei's bath time so it must be a BADWORD that fits you!" A loud " What!" was heard somewhere but the blonde was to engross in his reasoning out. "And do you even know what that means!"

Sasuke's left eye twitch a habit tat Naruto lately discovered happens when he hits a nerve on the usually stoic boy. I don't use such savage words usuratonkachi."

At the background a certain with a scar across his nose was fuming FLAMES. The masked one tried to calm him down but it was futile. The silver haired Nin was attacked with a thousand slaps to the face. By a very angry and very embarrassed Iruka…of course the two rivals were paying no heed to the two as they continued arguing.

"HA! You see you don't know what it means too!" the blonde crackled.

" Aa. So the dobe admits that he doesn't know what the word means." Sasuke accused.

"No I didn't!" he defended.

" You said 'too' that means you also don't know what it means."

"Aha! You said also! You don't know what it means too." Was Naruto's quick come back.

"Don't try to change the facts you uncivilized moron."

"BOYS!" both boys turned to the direction of the booming voice only to find out That Sasuke's sensei's cheeks were blown up like a blowfish courtesy of Iruka.

"Kakashi-sensei…" his student was to shock to say anything else. So much for the famous copy-cat Nin. The attacker was still panting behind getting ready for the next blow of slaps. He needed to save himself FAST!

"You brats have a sparing lesson today and I don't think Hokage-sama would be very disappointed if the match would be put off again." At the mention of the Hokage both boys including the angry Iruka calmed down. They respected the cool and composed Yondaime far too much. People would really try not to disappoint him. Kakashi mentally thanks the deities for sparing him.

"Iruka-sensei I'm borrowing Naruto for a while." It was Yondaime who suggested that Naruto and Sasuke to spar. Rivalry is a fast way to improve he said. Naruto needs more motivation though.

"Naruto-kun." His Sensei called.

"Hai? Iruka-sensei?"

" If you do well I'll cook up a nice warm bowl of ramen for you." This made the boy's blue eyes shine.

"HAI!"

----

As the three reached the training grounds it started to drizzle.

"Ok boys. We're already late as it is so might as well begin the spar."

The soil was starting to get muddy. Kakashi god a dead branch and drew a large ring on the ground. " This will serve as your pitch. So the first one to step out of the ring looses. Taijustu in the only technique allowed."

" We'll I guess you already know who it is dobe."

"HA YOU WISH!"

Three hours later…

The rain was pouring down hard. Both boys were exhausted. " I got to hand it to you dobe your pretty good for lasting this long." The dark haired boy stated.

"That's because I'm gonna beat you today!" The other exclaimed.

Kakashi was under a tree during this whole ordeal and reading the famous 'Icha Icha Paradise'.

"AAAAAh" they both shout.

It was Naruto who delivered the first punch although Sasuke has the winning hits Naruto's stamina Kept him standing. Sasuke blocked another kick but he didn't see the left fist aiming at his gut."

"Aaaaahhhh…."

"Got you!" the younger smirked. " yeah you did…but…" Sasuke gave a slide kick to hit Naruto's shin. This made the other loose his balance and fall to the ground his body going over the line.

"Aa I see we have a winner." Kakashi was suddenly at their side.

" Oh my! You boys are all muddy." Iruka stated in concerned as he neared the three. " You should take a bath."

"I'll be happy to bathe with you!" The masked sensei said only to receive the handle of the umbrella in reply. "Sasuke-sama, Naruto-kun the others are in the bath house already. Please go and have yours too."

"Hai." They both said in unison. Although Naruto, Sasuke and Itachi were the sons of high official men they never get any special treatment. Except for special training. They both ran to the bath house unconsciously competing in an undeclared race.

"Aa…wait!" Both stop at the call. " be ready tomorrow afternoon the genin exam is coming." Sasuke looked happy while Naruto looked like he'd seen a ghost.

----

In the bath house other trainees were already in the baths.

" Naruto…?" Sasuke searched for his loud adversary. He just finished dressing up in his gi and had already washed up. He didn't really feel like joining the others in the bath's hot tub. He might not admit it out loud but he'd rather have Naruto's company than this hero worshiper freaks.

"Sasuke-sama" A young blonde girl in a bathing kimono robe called. Sasuke didn't give a damn about her name.

" Aa. Naruto?" he asked. "Ei? Why would you look for that trouble maker Sasuke-sama?" Sasuke glared at her although he didn't understand why. " He's Obviously friends with you co'z he's hokage sama's son. Other than that he might as well be labeled a dumb brat who's not worth a thing." Sasuke's fist hardened but the girl continued. " Maybe because he doesn't have a mother to teach him manners…" That did it. That was the last straw. THIS DAMN WOMAN. " Urusai… I hate you. You don't know anythi…" he said in a icy voice. But before he could say another word a wooden bucket fell. And a dazed and still muddy Naruto was standing there eyes wet with unshed tears.

" Na…ru…" Sasuke took a step towards him but suddenly the boy got out of his trance like state and run like hell.

---

He didn't care were he was going all he knew is that he was hurting. Muddy and still in his bathing robe Naruto ran bare foot across the hall. He didn't notice a dark figure of fifteen stealthily walking towards him.

" Aaaaaah" the boy collided with a another dark haired man who strangely looks like Sasuke with red eyes. " Itachi ouji-sama…" he said in panic. Although he was the one to fall and Itachi was not even out balanced Naruto started to apologized. " Sorry Ouji-sama."

"Naruto-kun…" Itachi looked down to see the filthy child sprawled out on the floor. He bent down to inspect him more. " I got your clothes dirty." The child stated sniffing as he saw the crowned price's robes soiled with mud. "That's because you're dirty as well." Naruto looked down in embarrassment. Itachi gently smile and carried the child. "Come let's wash you up." Naruto was red in embarrassment.

" No please not in the bath house." Understanding the child's distress Itachi nodded with a pat to the blonde's head. This made Naruto's tears fall.

Itachi carried Naruto to Sasuke's room since he could borrow some of his little brother's clothes for Naruto to wear. After he cleans him up of course.

As they entered the bedroom Itachi noticed that Sasuke had collected an impressive sets of Shurikens. He remembered it was him who gave Sasuke his first set. He laid a towel down on the bed and placed Naruto on it. He got a basin and a face towel to wash of the mud on the sniveling child's face. " I'm really sorry Itachi Ouji-sama."

"What are you sorry about? You're the one who got hurt." he continued to wash Wipe the dirt off. " And didn't I tell you to call me Niisan." At this Naruto bowed his head down again. " Hush. Let's get you dressed." Itachi went to Sasuke's walk-in closet to find the youngster some suitable clothes. " Itachi Ouji-sama" a servant called. " Your team is waiting and the quadrangle for you."

"Aa I almost forgot." He gave Naruto some clothes. " Here Naruto-kun. It should fit." He said and left. A few seconds after leaving he saw a frantic looking otuoto run but didn't miss a greeting for his Oniue. " Good afternoon Ni-sama." He greeted eagerly but with a hint of worry in his voice and Itachi knows exactly why.

" He's in your room Sasuke." He stated but he knew his little brother heard it as he heard a faint " Thank you Ni-sama"

---

"Naruto." Sasuke peeked inside hi room. He couldn't spot him but he heard faint sobs. He cautiously entered the room. "Naruto…" he called. A little louder this time.

"Sasuke-sama?" There hiding below the left side of the bed was Naruto curled up and wiping hi tears.

"You're crying." He sat beside him.

" No I'm not" he countered. " Naruto…" he tried to reach for the younger boy but he got slapped away. " WHAT THE HELL"S WRONG WITH YOU!" Sasuke screamed in frustration.

" Oh I don't know maybe because I DON"T HAVE A MOM REMEMBER!" Naruto tears began to flow again and hid his face in his hands. Then just as suddenly Sasuke's anger melted.

"Naruto…" he gently began. " I don't have a mother either." The boy looked up. " You don't?"

" Yeah. She died giving birth to me?" he's eyes was starting to water as well. " I don't know her that much but my obasans and otoojis tells me she's a very beautiful lady." Naruto's tears stop flowing now. " I guess it's my fault she died."

"THAT'S NOT TRUE!" Naruto blurts out. " It's not Sasuke-sama's fault! If you say that your hahaue will feel sad." Sasuke smiled at Naruto's outburst. He pulled Naruto close to him for a hug and gave him an innocent kiss on the forehead just like what his brother does when he gets as a reward when he stops crying when he got a booboo. The other blushed at this having never been receiving one.

"Naruto…"

"hmm…" he was too comfortable to move.

"When some one teases you about that again just remember that I'm the same way and you won't feel as lonely. Ok?" He looked down at the endless blue.

"Nn." Was the dozy response.

---

Itachi was nearing the Quadrangle when he saw the usually compose Hokage looking frantic about something.

"Hokage-sama?"

"Aa Itachi Oujisama…" from his voice you can tell he was in a hurry. " Have you seen Naruto-kun anywhere?" Itachi lightly laughed. " He's ok. But I don't think he'll be coming home." At the mention of not coming home Yondaime paled out of worry that and of a vision of a young Chunin screaming at him for Loosing Naruto. "Um…"

"hehe…Don't worry Hokage-sama he's with Sasuke-kun. They are both tiered so I guess they are asleep by now." Itachi wanted to laugh at the Hokage's relieved face. " You can check up on them if it makes you feel better."

" I hope you wouldn't mind."

"Not at all." And they went on their ways.

---

Peeking inside the Blonde Hokage couldn't help but smile at the two boys sleeping on the bed without a care in this world.

The prince was lying on his back wit his right hand extended while his son was lying sideways facing Sasuke his head lying on Sasuke's arm.

"Yes. They will become very good friends."

---------TBC------------

Nisan/sama, Oniue-big brother though different ways to use

Obasan-aunt

Otooji-uncle

Bunshin no Justu-duh…clone technique

Did I miss anything?

Seph: WAAAAAAAAAH Klaine pakshyet! Iruka's like a VIRGIN WOMAN!

Klaine:….

Seph: Sasuke became OOC

Klaine:………………

Seph: Probably co'z his whole clan's not murdered yet.

Klaine:……

Seph I'm talking to myself aren't I?

Klaine:………

Seph:….sigh……….

Waaaaaaah about the sweet Itachi we believe that he really is a sweet guy especially with Sasuke.

Preview: the genin exam will start. Naruto is being singled out and can't seek Sasuke since the other has his own problems to deal with mainly being compared to his older brother Itachi. Itachi also begins to question himself and his strength.

PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!PIKA!