Title: Covenant
Author: bubblytokki
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimers: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters in this story.
AU. Why stay in a village that loathed him?
Pairings: Probably none. I find that pairings or focusing on them hinder my stories… so gomen nasai. ^^
Chapter 2-Journey
Itachi was awesome.
Naruto had been wary at first and traveled with Itachi prepared to flee at the slightest provocation. Itachi was not exactly kind, but patient and he knew soooo many jutsus.
Naruto had only Academy training, so he only knew the basics such as replacement jutsu, a very useless bunshin no jutsu, and a few other pointless elementary skills. He had avoided people during his lonely trek and ran away with Kyubi's amazing speed when he was confronted.
They were still in the desert and Itachi seemed disinclined to leave their quiet isolated haven. Haven as in an obscure oasis surrounded by towering rugged cliffs with only one entry back to the sandy desert. It was here that Itachi had forced him to train.
Seriously… it was tough.
What kind of crazy person trained by running ten kilometers in the heat of the blazing noon sun of a burning desert? Seriously, that wasn't the worse of it… all their training, whether it was to learn a jutsu or strengthening the muscles was to be done in the middle of the day. To top it off, Itachi magically produced a set of weights weighing a total of 20 kilograms and forced him to wear them while training.
The first day… had been hellish.
The weights made his movements sluggish and he could barely even stand straight. How could he run when he couldn't even stand and walk to get out of the enclave?
Naruto had complained bitterly, and Itachi merely brushed aside his cloak to reveal twice the amount of weights on his own body.
He shut up immediately.
No wonder the guy was somewhat short for this age…with all those weights, he must be.. stunted or something. He mentally snickered, not daring to laugh in front of Itachi.
It seemed as if Itachi wanted him to gain some muscle mass. Sure he was bony and starved looking. Not that he liked looking the way he did (as seen from the reflections in the water), still… it would have been nice to have a more gradual training session…spread over a few years rather than this intensive training he did. For instance, five kilograms instead of twenty.
A glance at Itachi quelled that thought. Itachi was gazing at him steadily as if he knew that Naruto was contemplating rebellious thoughts.
"Stop stalling and run Naruto," Itachi commanded coolly, turning away to jog toward the dunes.
"…" Naruto tried to step forward… and fell on his face. He punched the floor in anger.
Kyubi… will you help me? He asked plaintively. With Kyubi's help, it would easy.
It would not help you kit for me to aid you. There was a finality to the reply and Kyubi ignored his following pleas.
Resigned, he struggled to his feet, and crumbled. Cursing under his breath, he crawled to the cliff side and placed his callused hands on the rocky surface. Slowly, he raised his arms and pulled his body higher until he was barely standing.
Smiling in triumph, he laughed out loud.
"What you are doing?" Itachi's voice was laced with irritation.
He face vaulted and winced. He had to crawl up again!
A hand grasped the back of his shirt and pulled him away from the wall. Then dropped him.
"It will not do for you to rely on the wall. Use your own muscles."
It was a bit of advice and Naruto reluctantly heeded it. Slowly, albeit painfully, he pulled his body upright.
"Good. Now if you manage a jogging pace, I will give you more bread." If he didn't know any better, he would say Itachi's voice was amused.
Still… food!!!!!
He struggled to walk with more energy as the thought of that bread invigorated him.
Beaming at Itachi, he declared, "Well… if you say it that way then, let's train on!"
Several hours later, Naruto was regretting his declaration. They had jogged for hours. Itachi had matched his pace to Naruto's by walking. It was soo insulting.
Once they returned to the oasis, Naruto eagerly drank water from the pool. The water was refreshing as it cooled his parched throat.
"Naruto, come here," Itachi beckoned.
He automatically walked over to Itachi, head cocked to the side in innocent query.
He barely dodged the fist as he ducked hastily.
"What the hell oni chan!" Naruto screamed out indignantly, fist raised in anger.
Deftly avoiding the kick at the side of his stomach, Naruto jumped away. Itachi seemed to flow like the wind as he appeared in front of Naruto and flicked him away with his finger. Flying in the air, Naruto twisted his body to soften the landing and landed with a thud on his bottom.
"Itai~~" he muttered disgruntled. This was all very sudden, and he was unable to cope with this new meaner Itachi.
"Get up," Itachi dictated as he stepped closer to Naruto.
"Yada," Naruto replied defiantly. "I don't want to travel with you if you plan on using me as a toy to beat up!"
"Naruto. I am training you to be stronger."
It was the best explanation he would get, filled with heavy meaning. Itachi extended a hand to help him back to his feet.
He looked up at Itachi warily and tentatively grasped the proffered hand. Itachi casually brushed away the clinging sand and stepped back.
"I'm coming," Itachi stated as he rushed toward Naruto, arm stretched out to attack.
Naruto dodged quickly and sought an opening as he deftly deflected the speedy punches. Itachi left no opening whatsoever and avoiding the punches were becoming tiresome.
He had to think of something, but what? Noticing the sand, he skirted a roundhouse kick and leaned down to throw sand at Itachi's eyes.
Itachi gracefully leaped away and smiled.
It was creepy seeing him smile. There was a wrongness to that smile. As if it didn't belong there. It was a little sad that Itachi didn't smile very often. His life must have been full of difficulty and sadness too.
"Good job Naruto. You didn't even think of your weights."
He was being praised and he brushed off his concern for Itachi in lieu of the rare compliments.
"Yoshi!" Naruto exclaimed happily.
This person brought out feelings he didn't know he was capable of; loyalty, familial love, and joy. Itachi was quickly becoming a precious person to protect.
Itachi's eyes darkened as he turned his head to the sky.
"Naruto, we will not have a fire tonight. Why don't you take a bath? You reek of an unpleasant stench," Itachi said softly. Itachi was deep in thought, as if he was remembering a past he did not care much for.
Naruto nodded eagerly, it didn't matter as long as he got some of that bread. He whooped joyfully as he threw off his clothes to jump into the water to bathe. It was actually his first bath in a long while and suddenly the grime on his skin, and the weird things in his hair were unbearable. He threw back his head as he emerged and waved to Itachi.
"Oy! Oni chan do you have any soap?"
Once again something was thrown at his face, but he was able to grab it before it reached his nose. He looked at his hand in awe, his reflexes were getting better. Whistling out of tune, Naruto proceeded to wash himself and ignored the swirl of brown water around him. Luckily, this pool of water was well circulated and soon the water surrounding him was nice and clear. After scrubbing himself raw, he climbed out of the pool and draped a towel around his waist that Itachi had placed on a nearby rock.
He was clean and it felt almost heavenly. He turned to stare at his own reflection and was delighted to see that his hair was blond again.
Ne… Kyubi… do you think Itachi is all right?
His eyes flashed a crimson red as the Kyubi answered.
…be careful kit, he has a darkness inside him too large to ignore…
He seems lonely and on .. what was the word again Kyubi? When someone is way up high or something like that?
Kyubi's tone was amused as he replied.
On a pedestal kit. One would think you would know your own language better.
Ehehehe… It was more than a little flustering when Kyubi teased him.
Naruto's thoughts drifted back to Itachi's gloomy aura.
Ne Kyubi… I think, I want oni chan to smile more.
Kyubi did not comment.
Because.. I have you to console and strengthen me. He doesn't seem to have anyone. Naruto thought morosely, almost pitying Itachi.
Kit… you continue to amaze me with your heart. Worthy to be called my own.
Naruto smiled wistfully. I'm getting so many compliments today… it's weird.
Hardening his resolve, Naruto firmly declared to Kyubi, I want to stay by his side Kyubi. I want to make him smile more.
Kyubi stirred inside his prison, and chakra began to circle Naruto.
That is not a statement to say lightly. Relationships are difficult, he may betray you.
Even so… I would like to. He has been the first to really care for me. Naruto's eyes turned distant as he admired the brilliant orange-red hues of the setting sun.
Then do what you will kit.
Thank you… Kyubi… otousan…
Chakra flared in response.
Thank you….
**********
Several weeks passed in the same fashion. Mornings were leisurely and restful. Itachi was a late starter and disliked early mornings, which was perfectly fine for Naruto. He, conversely, enjoyed watching the sunrise. The initial stages where the sun would slowly set the desert ablaze with its beautiful fire were worth waking up early for.
Once Itachi stirred, they would eat a light brunch. Itachi seemed to have an endless supply of bread and dried meat. It was actually somewhat amazing. Naruto was still curious what else was in that mysterious pack that appeared when Itachi needed something, but it was an adventure for another time.
Then in the afternoon they would sprint about 25 km across the desert to build up endurance and strength. At this point, Naruto was able to keep up with Itachi, although it strained him to do so.
Right after the sprint, came the most entertaining part.
They would spar and Itachi would teach him jutsus during this time as well.
He had learned so much in the past few months, it was boggling. Naruto learned that he was weak in controlling chakra and Itachi taught him means of controlling said chakra. Walking on the Cliffside was fun and a bit disorienting, but it did wonders for his chakra control.
Dancing atop water was amazing. He couldn't even fathom that it was possible… but it was.
Although nothing could top sparring on water with Itachi. Just the thought of having that much control in just a few weeks to be able to battle on the water, was exciting. He was eager to learn more.
But… Itachi did not smile again during these two weeks. He felt the pride from Itachi's speculative glances, but it was melancholy. There was affection in Itachi's gestures; a hand to tousle his hair, a pat on the shoulder, and the insistence that Naruto become stronger.
Still, there was a heaviness in Itachi's expression. The darkness Naruto strove to reach in Itachi was elusive.
Someday, Naruto promised himself, Itachi will smile easily.
Today however, he thought as he evaded Itachi's kick, just being by Itachi's side was enough.
Naruto bit back a groan as he saw the other leg move toward him. He wouldn't be able to move quickly enough to avoid this one and braced himself for the impact, unconsciously closing his eyes.
Seconds ticked by.
He tentatively opened his eyes and peered at Itachi. Itachi was sitting on a rock a few feet from him amused. Naruto sighed as he walked over by Itachi to sit on another rock, playfully resentful toward Itachi for tricking him again.
They both did not speak as they sat, each contemplating their thoughts.
"Naruto."
He looked up surprised. Rarely did Itachi instigate a conversation. Itachi was one of those stoic silent cool people.
"Be careful," Itachi cautioned as he stood abruptly.
"Eh?!" Naruto cried out in surprise, jumping to his feet as well.
"Do not think as you kill. Do not let emotions could your mind. You must survive. Do you understand?" Itachi urgently advised.
Naruto looked up at him in confusion. What is going on?
Itachi sprinted toward him deflecting a rain of kunai with the grace of a coiled panther.
Naruto jumped away surprised. There were intruders. Four.. no five of them were within visual range and approaching fast. He glanced over at Itachi in understanding. He would kill.. for Itachi.
So he did. He flew toward them, kunais in both hands. He did not want Itachi to soil his hands. Although he had a feeling Itachi had killed many times before, Naruto decided to take the darkness of killing on himself. From now on¸ I will do this, Naruto thought darkly. To save him.
The five adversaries surrounded him in a loose formation. Smirking at their openings, Naruto swooped down at them and attacked them one by one in their vital points. Amazingly, it was really easy to kill and in mere seconds, all five intruders were dead.
Drenched in blood, he looked up at Itachi.
Itachi gazed back almost tenderly.
"Let's go."
And they disappeared.
**
AN: I know Itachi seems suspiciously mushy… but please consider it as brotherly, because that's all that it will be. There will be no mushy love scenes or real pairings. I suppose I will inadvertently hint to some, but.. I guess that is the nature of my writing style.
Kyubi has paternal affections toward Naruto even though he is sealed… because I said so. ^^
Hmm.. I think that is it for my notes.
Response to reviewers:
(Once again, I apologize for those who cannot sign in and review or was just too lazy to. Thank you for your reviews… but I will not reply to them)
Animelass: Thanks...
Kuroi Kitsune: Thanks for your review!
Drownin' in my tears: Thanks~~! I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
Skittles the Sugar Fairy: I will try to update, but it really depends on my work schedule.. ^^ Although this story has priority right now… so I'll probably update again really soon…
Af-zero: Your comment drives me to be better. Thanks~~! J
Pyr00tje: Thanks~! I'm happy to see people are reading my stories…
Xd: Thank you for your critique. I caught it now and I'll try to fix that soon. (Wow… people are nit-picky like me too.. J ) I really like AU's in that Naruto has sooo much potential. Unfortunately I'm not really into Sasuke. Itachi is more appealing. Anyways, to justify the deaths, I made Itachi seem more responsible than his entire clan. Even though that may seem contradictory by his abandonment of Sasuke. ^^;;;
Suckers: Itachi is nice to Naruto out of obligation. Technically… err… the title has a lot to do with this. *twiddles thumbs debating on spoilers or not*
Well.. you have to wait and see.. I'll probably post it in the next chapter.. ^^
Silverknight7: I'll try to! Thanks for reading… although don't expect me to update as quickly on the next chapter… ^^;;;
Moonfairy: Thanks~! Hmm… although Naruto would probably meet Haku… and Gaara at a later date, they probably won't end up being teammates. It just doesn't work very well in my storyline and my attempt to keep Itachi as in character as possible to everything except Naruto.
Well.. for anyone else who reviews chapter two, I will try to respond to your reviews in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing.