Disclaimers: Naruto is obviously not mine!
Warning: HUGE OOC-ness ahead! For Itachi's part the most. Maybe some for Naruto as well.
Author's notes: Kyaa!!! I made one horrible wrong typo! I'm very sorry! Kakashi wasn't supposed to call Naruto as 'Naruto' over and over! Kyaa!!! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! That was my one big mistake! Please forgive me!
Alright. To make up for that mistake, I'm doing my best to update this day. I hope that you would all like this chapter. I also hope that there would be no more confusions here. I guess I was too much in a hurry at the previous chapter that I wasn't able to notice the mistake. Sorry.
Neways, I'm very glad! I already got more than a hundred reviews just for five, I repeat, FIVE chapters! That was very surprising! I'm so, so happy!
Anyways, I can't reply to every reviewer since there are so many of you! But I would really like to give you all my thanks! Thank you for your support, guys!
Alright! I won't delay this chapter any longer! Let the next chapter start!
"Blah" Normal talking
::Blah:: Kyuubi talking
/Blah/ Naruto replying
-Blah- Summon talking
'Blah' thoughts
Blah letters
Chapter 5:
Naruto walked over to his hotel room and sat down on the bed. He took off his cloak and placed it in the stand. He stood up and entered the bathroom. He took off the mask and inhaled deeply.
"Ahh… at last I breathed fresh air. It was hard to breath and talk with this stuff covering your mouth and nose. Now… what am I to do next?" He thought.
::Hello, kit.::
/Whoa. Don't talk that sudden, Kyuubi. Someday, I swear I'm gonna die of shock./ He joked.
Kyuubi chuckled. ::Well… congratulations on passing, kit.::
/Thanks Kyuubi. That's part one of the mission done. The start of part two will occur soon./
::Hey, kit. Why don't you send your 'dear Itachi-niisan' a letter?:: Kyuubi teased.
/Kyuubi??? Is that you???/
::Why yes it is, kit. Why do you ask?::
/Well… you just made a joke./
::Oh. I did, didn't I? Well… you must have started to rub off on me.::
Naruto chuckled at what Kyuubi said as he sat down on his chair and took out a scroll and a pen. /Funny thing you must be the one rubbing off on me instead of me rubbing off on you./
::Nah. You're fifty percent correct. We're both rubbing off on each other.::
/Right./
Dear Itachi-niisan,
Hi! It's just been a day ever since my last letter, ne? But hey! Who could blame me if I miss you guys? You guys are my family! And besides, I've already told you that I would be sending you letters even though it's unnecessary. Well… that's how I like it. The real reports would be sent once a month. Expect all the other letters to be 'hello' letters.
Anyway, I would like to say that I'm now an official genin. The final test was so easy that it would make me flip! Well… not exactly easy. I still need to save your 'foolish little brother's a - - for him to pass. I think that Kakashi-san's getting a bit rusty.
Well… I think that you would like to hear of your official little brother's achievements, ne? Why official? Well… the two of you are biological brothers so I say official. I know that you consider me as a little brother as well, but since we're not really related, I'm the unofficial. Hey! Don't be shocked on how I know that. You know that I'm good at seeing other people's feelings. Even you said that to me yourself.
Anyway, I think Sasuke already have the skills of the average genin, though he still has a really long way to get to your level. I think he's good for a genin since he manages to almost get the bells from Kakashi-san.
Yep, yep! Our final exam was the go-get-my-bell training.
Augh!!! I really don't like our female teammate. You know, the girl Haruno Sakura that I mentioned in my last letter? All I can say is that she's just a prissy little sad excuse for a shinobi and she's really obsessed with your little brother. And you know me. When I say really, I mean really.
Sasuke's really angsty. I could say that he really hates you, niisan. And I mean really. I guess that he really believes that you were the cause of the Uchiha massacre. I really want to tell him that you weren't the cause of it all, but I guess you don't want that, ne? I know that you also want him to grow strong so you want him to believe a lie.
But niisan, just my opinion. I really believe that this is wrong. A person, any person, must not live in a lie. Your little brother is living in one heck of a lie right now, and he's suffering because of a lie. I know that I really mustn't be saying this as an Akatsuki member, and I really am not saying this as one. I am saying this as your little brother. Oniisan, this must be stopped. Even though you may not believe this, I also care for your brother.
Don't mind me, niisan. I was just overreacting over there.
Alright. I'll cut this letter off now. Anyway, please reply. It feels really lonely here since I can't do anything exciting here. I also miss the killing sprees that we always do there at the organization.
-Naruto
p.s When I use Naiki as my name, just don't mind it. That's my alias here.
"Done! Now…" Naruto rolled the scroll and used his chakra to seal it shut. He then bit his thumb, swiped the blood on the falcon tattoo on his arm, and made a few hand seals.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" With that, Fen the falcon came down and landed on his shoulder. Naruto smiled at the falcon that cooed then after. He took the scroll and tied it on the falcon's feet.
"I'm sorry to make you into a delivery guy… err… falcon again, Fen. But I don't have any other connection to the Akatsuki except these letters and you are the only way to send these letters to them. Is that alright with you?" Naruto asked the falcon.
-Coo… it's alright, Naruto-sama. I am at your service. I'll make sure to send this to Itachi-san.- The falcon replied.
Naruto smiled. "Thanks Fen. Anyway, would you please stay a while with Itachi-niisan so that you would be able to deliver me Itachi-niisan's reply if there is any?" He asked.
Fen nodded. – Of course, Naruto-sama. –
"Arigato."
With that, the eagle flew away. (a/n: That sounded lame.)
The blond stretched a bit and wore his mask and cloak once more. ::Kit, where are you going?::
/I'm going to the forest. Something bothered me after I wrote the letter. It made me want to train./ He replied.
He received no reply from the fox that means that Kyuubi approves. Naruto then exited the room, making his way towards the dark forest.
The night sung around in wordless whisper, making non-shinobi people stay away outside in fear of the silent night. A turf of blond hair skillfully passed by the closed houses and the silent streets without a speck of trace or a single note of sound being heard.
As Naruto made his way towards the entrance of the clearing, he saw a familiar person training his heart out that night. What he saw made him secretly impressed.
The one and only Uchiha Sasuke was there, trying on several fire jutsus on logs. Practicing basic jutsus, advance, and weaponry skills without rest. Sweat was running down from his forehead towards his back - his heartbeat heard by every breath he took.
The blond was secretly smiling at the Uchiha with admiration and impression. Just then, the Uchiha slumped down on the grass in exhaustion. Naruto chuckled to himself as he allowed his presence to be known.
"Tired now?" The blond's quiet voice startled the night, including the now panting Uchiha. Sasuke turned his head around in secret suppression of his surprised feeling, his eyes widening a bit as he stared at the cloaked masked blond, but not enough to be seen.
'Why haven't I noticed his presence? How long was he standing there? Drats. I'm lowering my guard.' The Uchiha thought. His stare stiffened at the blond. "What do you want?" He asked with his coldest voice possible.
However, that didn't faze the blond. The blond smirked. "You would never get your revenge on your current position, Uchiha." He said.
Now that line must have struck a nerve on the dark haired boy. He glared immensely at the blond. "You don't know anything! So shut the heck up! You have no right to mention anything about that topic! You don't even know anything about me!" He exclaimed.
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly. 'I know a lot more that you think, Uchiha Sasuke.' He thought to himself, but decided to leave that thought for himself. "Uchiha, I'm sorry if I offend you. But what I'm saying is that you would need more training to achieve your goal." He said.
"And your point, Uyoma?" Sasuke sneered.
Naruto sighed. "My point is that I am offering you help in training."
Deep inside him, the Kyuubi was starting to growl in retort. It was obvious that he didn't like what his kit just offered to the younger Uchiha. ::Kit, what do you think you're doing?!:: Kyuubi growled.
/I'm offering, Uchiha Sasuke some help in training. What does it look like?/ He replied.
::Kit, that kid wants to kill Itachi-san. Isn't that Itachi one of your precious people?::
/He is./
Kyuubi's growl grew louder. ::Then why do you want to help the person who wants to kill Itachi now? Do you see the consequences that might happen once he knew that whole truth about you and Itachi? What do you think will he think? What do you think Itachi himself will think about what you are about to do?::
/Kyuubi, I thank you for your concern. But in doing this, I and doing Itachi-niisan a huge favor./
::And what favor would that be, kit?::
/Kyuubi,/ Naruto sighed to himself. /Remember that Itachi-niisan allowed his younger brother to believe that he was the one who caused the massacre of the Uchiha clan so that he would get stronger. He did not say the truth that he was just framed so that his brother would get stronger. By doing this, I will be able to help Itachi-niisan by training Sasuke to be stronger./ He explained.
::But kit, what if he grows stronger than Itachi then? There is a possibility that…:: However, Naruto cut off Kyuubi's line before the fox could even finish.
He sighed to himself. /I'll make sure that he wouldn't get stronger than Itachi-niisan. I swore to protect him, remember that. I will make sure to make Sasuke strong, but not strong enough that he will be able to defeat Itachi-niisan or I. Even I am not strong as Itachi-niisan. I may be just as strong, if not weaker, as Kakashi-san and Kisame-san, who are both weaker than Itachi-niisan./
::But there is just one problem, kit.::
/What is it?/
::I'm sure that Kakashi would train Sasuke as well. Don't you think that will be a tough thing to encounter seeing that Sasuke learned from you and Kakashi at the same time?:: Kyuubi questioned.
Naruto sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time that day. /Kyuubi, I think you misunderstood my concept. I am not saying that I myself will teach Sasuke. I will just be a sparring partner to him. I will not teach him any of my jutsus that I have learned personally from Itachi-niisan and you./
::But kit,:: Kyuubi's voice was a mixture of worry and seriousness. ::I'm not sure this is a good idea.::
/Kyuubi, whatever the consequences are, I will make sure to face it. So there's no need to worry. Remember my nindo: I will make choices that I will not regret. I will make sure that I will not regret my actions. I will make choices that I am sure that I will be happy with the outcome. I will never back down on my words./
Kyuubi did not reply after that. Naruto smiled slightly at Kyuubi's caring for him. It was an unusual way of showing you care, but it was still a way of showing it. Because of that, Naruto was greatful.
/Thanks Kyuubi./
"So… Uchiha… what do you say?"
Sasuke 'hned' and turned away. "I don't need help. Especially not from a dead last like you."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Dead last? Well if you'll excuse me, who was the one who passed on our first trial? Who was the one who helped you get up from your buried position? And besides, I didn't even join the academy. I just joined the graduation exam. So don't you call me dead last without knowing my… well… skills yet. You don't have the right to judge others."
'Sheesh. Typical opposite of Itachi-niisan.'
Sasuke stayed silent. Naruto sighed and crossed his arms. "Look here, Uchiha. You would be able to improve more if you do it alone."
Sasuke glared at him. "What are you getting at?"
Naruto smiled behind his mask. "Well… what I mean is, it would be better if you have a sparring partner, no? And besides…" Naruto's smiled widened a bit seeing the interested look on the Uchiha's face. "This would be a good opportunity for you to show me how strong you really are."
Sasuke smirked. "Oh really…"
He then faced the blond fully. "Then show me yourself how good you are, Uyoma Naiki."
With that, Sasuke immediately dashed towards Naruto as he threw his fist to attack. Naruto decided to block it instead to see how strong his attack is. Naruto winced slightly.
Deciding by that one attack that Sasuke, even though he just became a recent shinobi, is not your average genin, he decided to go on a bit.
"Hey Naiki." Sasuke called.
"Yeah?"
"Why don't we spar?" He asked.
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "We are sparring."
"…with taijutsu alone." He finished.
Naruto smiled and nodded. "Sure thing Sasuke."
Sasuke then rolled his other fist and tried to attack Naruto's cheek. Naruto then opened his palms and used his arm to deflect the attack while pushing Sasuke's fist away.
::Kit, are you going to use the Hakishomeo?:: Kyuubi asked.
/Yes Kyuubi./ He then blocked another upcoming fist. /I am using the defensive. I do not intend to go on offensive. The offensive of the Hakishomeo will only be used against very strong opponents like Kakashi-san, other jounins, Kisame-san, Itachi-niisan, and other stronger opponents. I do not intend on going on offensive against Sasuke./
Naruto then blocked another attack from Sasuke. Sasuke then attempted to kick Naruto on the head, but Naruto then crouched low.
Sasuke then made another kick from below, but Naruto then jumped up and jumped away.
Kick by kick, strike by strike, and block by block, both of them can see that the two were on different moves. Sasuke was irritated that all that Naruto was doing was to block and evade.
Sasuke then made a fake attack using his fist coming towards Naruto's face. Naruto's mind seemed going elsewhere so he didn't see the fake movements. Sasuke smirked as he saw the opening that he needed once Naruto moved his arm away to block Sasuke's fist.
Sasuke then made a somersault kick towards Naruto in order to hit his chin. Kyuubi, seeing this, decided to make a move to wake his little kit.
::Naruto!:: Kyuubi shouted.
That made Naruto snap out of his awake-sleep (get it?). He cursed himself for not paying attention, and used his other arm to block Sasuke's foot before it reaches his chin. But then, the force of the kick sent Naruto flying back. He then landed gracefully on his feet, but widened his eyes as he saw that Sasuke was able to wound his arm.
Kyuubi sighed. ::You know kit, that's one of your greatest weaknesses. You always tend to doze off when fighting someone weaker than you. Remember that even weak people can do some damage to stronger ones. An example is an ant. It maybe small, but it can bite. What caused you to doze off anyway, kit?::
/Sorry about there, Kyuubi. Well… I was thinking about the organization. I miss them badly. And I wonder if Itachi-niisan already got my letter./
::Kit, remember to never underestimate your opponent.::
/Sorry Kyuubi./
"Naiki!" Sasuke called. "Is that all what you can do? Then you really have such big words for a weakling like you." He said.
"You want me to attack you, Sasuke? Remember that what you did wasn't even a direct hit so don't go high and mighty on me." He then stood up and brushed his cloak off excess dust. "You want me to attack you, then you got it."
With that, the two of them dashed at the same time. Sasuke's fist was about to his Naruto's face when he suddenly crouched down, used his open hand to even push Sasuke's fist past his head (a/n: Remember that Naruto's head is below while Sasuke's fist is above so Sasuke will not be able to hit Naruto.) to make Sasuke go closer to him.
He then raised his elbow to hit Sasuke in the stomach, which succeeded, and sent him flying back down on the grass.
Naruto stood up, slightly panting, not because Sasuke was a tough person to fight with, but because of using the Hakishomeo. ::Kit, are you alright?::
/Yeah. I'm alright, Kyuubi. Don't worry about me. The Hakishomeo just drains me out of energy. The Hakishomeo does not require chakra but it requires the user's stamina and energy./
::Kit, I advice you to not use the Hakishomeo for the time being.::
/Alright./
He walked over Sasuke while panting slightly and extended his hand forward. "Here. Let me help you." He offered.
Sasuke was looking at him with wide eyes. He doesn't understand. His teammate had just defeated him and still he acts as if the fight never happened. "Don't worry, Sasuke. I still respect you…" 'Because you remind me of a person that I most respect and admire.' He added silently on his head.
Sasuke unconsciously took his hand and stood up while narrowing his eyes. 'This guy's strong. Another challenge for me. If I defeat him, then that means I'm stronger. I must defeat him.'
'Sigh… Sasuke, Sasuke, you need more than training to defeat Itachi-niisan. And if you're thinking that if you defeat me then you'll be able to defeat Itachi-niisan then you're wrong. Because this person in front of you is Itachi-niisan's apprentice and companion. Either way, you're strong for a genin. I know that Itachi-niisan would be happy with this little piece of information.' Naruto thought.
"Good fight, Sasuke." Naruto said with a smile.
Sasuke smirked as he took Naruto's hand in a handshake. "I'll make sure that I'll defeat you someday, Naiki." He said.
Naruto smiled. "I'll be looking forward to that day, Sasuke."
With that, the two separated ways. Naruto then went back towards his hotel room, took off his mask, placed his cloak on the stand, and lay down on his bed. He glanced at the clock. It read 12:35.
"Hah. I can't believe I went out for that long." Naruto murmured.
-Naruto-sama…-
Naruto glanced at the window and saw Fen pecking on the glass. Naruto chuckled as he opened the window, letting the falcon inside the room.
"So how did it go, Fen?"
-Itachi-san told me to give this to you.- Fen said as he gave Naruto another chakra covered scroll. –He told me to tell you to burn that scroll immediately after you read it.-
Naruto nodded and used his chakra to open the scroll. "Hmm… Itachi-niisan made his reply that fast, huh. Let's see here…"
Naruto,
I just want to say congratulations for passing the graduation exam. I don't care about what kind of exam Hatake gave you, and I don't care about your female teammate. Well… I see that my foolish little brother is fairing well. Angst huh? That's good to here. Anyway, would my unofficial little brother do me a favor?
Naruto raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "'Niisan made a joke? You got to be kidding me."
::But he did.::
"Oh well…"
Train Sasuke for me, but make sure not to teach him any of your techniques. Just be a frequent sparring partner alright?
/See? Told you I would be doing a favor if I become a sparring partner for Sasuke./
::Fine.::
Don't tell Sasuke about the frame up on me. That's a direct order from your superior.
"Sheesh. 'Niisan, you don't have to tell me that."
That's all I have to say. Don't forget to start part II of your mission. And don't forget to burn this scroll after reading this.
-Itachi
"Alright. I'll burn the scroll now." Naruto said as he set flame on the scroll by a burst of chakra. It was a mistery on why his hand isn't being burned. (a/n: Think Orochimaru when he burned team 7's scroll.)
Naruto then turned to Fen and smiled. "Thanks for delivering the letter for me, Fen."
Fen seemed to smile at her master. –No problem, Naruto-sama. Just call me anytime you need me. Oh. And Kisame-san said 'hi'.- With that, Fen disappeared in a puff of smoke.
::Aren't you going to reply to the letter, kit?:: Kyuubi asked.
Naruto shook his head. /Nah. I'll reply some other time. I'm sleepy./
::Alright then. Good night, kit.::
/Night Kyuubi./
'The start of part 2 will begin tomorrow.'
Author's notes: Well… how is this? Are there some other mistakes? Does this chapter seem lame to you? Are there any more confusions? Feel free to give your suggestions and comments. Though please, no flames. I really hate flamers so no offense to flamers out there, though I respect constructive criticisms. Alright then. I hope I did well in this chapter? Did any of you spot some mistakes? If so, feel free to tell me. Please tell me what you think. Reviews please.