Okay, I want everyone to remember that the Konoha scenes preceding the dispatch of ANBU are taking place about four weeks before Sasuke and Itachi are actual on talking turns and past eating each others faces for no apparent reason. As I don't have access to internet as I'm writing I can't name names and I really want to I want to thank the person who said I should give Sasuke more credit because he was smarter and would have some concept of Itachi; YOU ARE SO RIGHT! Thank you; that is exactly the type of constructive criticism I need and that keeps me writing this story. I'm going to gradually develop Sasuke's character and I have a few scenes in mind for interaction and gasp Dialogue! I HAVE EDITED. My dad reformatted my computer with word processing so now all the editing's gonna…Scratch that, I got Microsoft word! YAY!

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---Konoha POV: Sandaime---

(AN: remember, in my story he doesn't die; blows raspberry Nyahh!)

Sandaime felt the beginnings of a headache clearly. "Are you sure?"

"Hai, hokage-sama."

As much as he hated to even open himself up to the possibility, it was very possible that Itachi had returned. However, if Kakashi believed it was him, whether it was just because of the familiar chakra or not, Sandaime would assume that it as fact. Itachi had proven himself capable of mass murder at thirteen, and four years later there was no way of knowing what he was capable of and no doubt of the threat to all of Konoha.

Taking note of the two anxious Genins outside the door Sandaime

was careful to mask his voice. "What do you think?"

"What do you mean?" Kakashi knew very well what he meant; he was simply reluctant to say anything in the presence of prying ears. Sandaime had no doubt that the ANBU could keep Naruto and Sakura out of the meeting room; not to say they could make them leave, but the two guards were some of Kakashi's own team so they were efficient enough.

"I have strong suspicions regarding this particular situation, but I want to know what you think; you were on the same team with him for several years and you were both child prodigies." Frowning, Sandaime paused, "Why would he spare Sasuke all those years ago, why would he come for Sasuke now? I believe that there is more to this than we have seen."

Kakashi visibly hesitated, "...I was never very close to Itachi, as you know the Uchiha clan were less than enthusiastic after..." Kakashi gestured to the left side of his face. "I remember Uchiha being arrogant, full of himself, more powerful than any or his line I've known..."

The conversation went down from there.

---

He was going to die, slowly. There was no doubt; he was going to absolutely murder his brother when he saw him. Weeks on the road were getting boring, alternatively insulting Kisame and being harassed by Itachi was weighing on his sanity. Not to mention said brother had an undoubtedly unhealthy fixation with his ass in various positions of indelicacy. Itachi had been gone four hours and the silence was freaking him out.

With a sigh Sasuke banged his head against the tree trunk. True enough he really should be running; but one, he was tired, two, he didn't have a clue where the hell he was and three, he had absolutely no unspeakably suicidal desire to have two high ranking terrorists chasing him through unfamiliar territory; he was frustrated, not stupid.

For all that he remembered about Itachi, about Missing Nins and about the last few weeks he couldn't come up with an acceptable explanation for Itachi. Itachi was barely a few years older than him and yet he knew him to be cold, callous and unfeeling; he was purely mercenary and anything he wished to accomplish had some connection to his own advancement, his own goals. That explained just about shit. Sasuke was an avenger; a bitter one, but he knew that in the position of people and ranking, he meant nothing; besides being a Sharingan he had nothing that anyone would want.

Besides Itachi wanting to fuck him senseless he had come to the conclusion that there was no explanation. Okay then, fine; his brother who was a terrorist four years older than him was after his ass and had kidnapped him from beneath his sensei's nose.

"Damnit Itachi, will you hurry the fuck up!" Sasuke's eyes darkened. What pissed him off even more was that he still wanted to kill Itachi, still wanted to avenge his parents. He had the same power Itachi had, the same blood and the same training. At the age of thirteen, Itachi had been a prodigy of the Uchiha lien and an ANBU. Faced now with the result of that, years later Sasuke knew he couldn't beat Itachi in a fight; no way; however Itachi was being strange, and that seemed good, because now he could gather information. Sooner or later he would get back to Konoha and he would find a way to kill the bastard.

"Your so impatient, Sasuke. I was just getting dinner."

Sasuke grunted, glaring once again. He may have called him but that didn't mean he had to talk...TO hell with that. "When do we reach the Sound village?" He was careful to keep his eyes down; he hated the piercing looks Itachi gave him; as though he was trying to read his mind. Not that the Sharingan could do that, not by what he'd always been taught, but it was unnerving.

Sasuke kept his expression innocent as Itachi glanced at him thoughtfully, skeptical and searching, as though telling him he obviously wasn't going to tell him. Upon finding no falsehood in the boys expression he answered; "Less than a week. I may send Kisame ahead just to let them know we're coming. We are behind schedule." Itachi was crouching down, effortlessly lighting the fire and preparing the food to be cooked. Sasuke knew that under normal circumstances Itachi would never cook for himself, he hated cooking; upon seeing what the blue giant had called fine cuisine Sasuke had understood his acceptance.

Sasuke's face tightened visibly but he showed no other sign of acknowledging him. He could feel Itachi's stare but ignored it as he usually did. It was becoming increasingly harder to remain impassive. This reminded him, this situation where he was in such close proximity to his brother, of the times at home when they would just sit and be brothers. He had admired his brother so much back then, before he had known he was a cold hearted bastard that is...

"Sasuke." Sasuke turned so that out of the corner of his eye he could see Itachi put...Whatever the hell it was supposed to be...over the fire. "I was wondering if you could tell me; why you don't have the full Sharingan yet."

What the HELL? Sasuke jerked abruptly back towards the elder in surprise.

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I tried really hard to not make Sasuke seem like a worried wife, waiting for her husband...Cuz that would be weird and we all know I'm not by any means. I have found a solution to the classic Uke-helpless and pathetic complaint. Someone complained in not so many words but I got the point. I admit to being a victim of loving Ukefied Bishies and their pathetic attitudes; however upon thinking bout it, Sasuke IS a Uke to Itachi, but he doesn't have the stereotype attitude; he kicks ass. And so he shall...I think you guys will like that scene...LATER.

...I need someone to tell me about Itachi! I picture him as smart, devious and sadistic, single minded on whatever his current mission is. If I get no response to this request I'd better not Fucking get reviews complaining about his character or I swear to god I will spay and/or neuter you with a blunt Spork while talking animatedly to my Plushy Sesshoumaru doll about Samurai Champloo episodes.

This is SUPER late...I know. I have been writing but not this...I have the 1st two chapters of a Jir/oro fic written and chap 1 posted and I have posted my first Yaoi lemon; an FF8. The lemons I write now are in preparation of a possible lemon in this story later...On My brain ahs been attacked, invaded and thoroughly infested with PINK, GLITTERY, PLOT BUNNIES. They have threatened the sanctity of my Yaoi manga collection therefore they cannot be ignored.