Have you ever Chapter 21
Have you ever been in love
Been in love so bad
You'd do anything to make them understand?
Have you ever had someone steal your heart away
You'd give anything to make them feel the same
Have you ever searched for words to get you in their heart
But you don't know what to say?
And you don't know where to start?
In a clearing near the farmhouse
Itachi had moved a little closer to Kisame, searching blindly for his hand in the darkness. Being able to see the handsome young man he had become and the tenderness in his eyes when he looked at Naruto, he was delighted. The jinchuriki was truly special. Through his influence, he was able to make his brother give up his darkness and forget the idea of revenge toward Konoha. Itachi did not know what the impact of his revelation would be. He hoped that his otouto would understand why he made this decision. Naruto would probably be shocked, but there was nothing he could do. Itachi needed to empty his heart before he disappeared.
"Sasuke... What I'm about to tell you tonight is the whole truth. Listen to me all the way to the end, it affects you as well, Naruto-kun."
As he moved closer to Sasuke, the blond nodded soberly. Sasuke embraced him quickly while nodding. Kisame handed him a canteen. He took a few sips before handing it back to him.
"Since I was a child, it has been my role to protect Konoha. For you, Sasuke, I worked for the Clan and for the third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. In addition, there was Danzo Shimura in the shadows. It is imperative for you to understand that I had to tell the Hokage of the moment everything I knew. When I was working with Father, I learned the Clan was planning a rebellion against Konoha. I had to convey this information to him."
He lowered his head, seemingly taking a moment to gather his thoughts. Before looking in the direction of the two lovers, Itachi took a deep breath and raised his head. They listened to his story, but Sasuke hadn't reacted yet.
"After reporting to my Hokage, I returned home. It was peaceful for a few days because I didn't get sent on a mission. I was able to spend some time with you, Sasuke, for your training."
Like his brother, Sasuke remembered those few days. Itachi didn't spend a lot of time with him at that time. He was extremely happy when he had him all to himself for several days. These were probably the last few days of happiness he had before Naruto found him again. Naruto settled more comfortably on his thighs as he placed his head on them. Sasuke knew his blonde was tired. His use of rasengan must have exhausted him even if he had not fought. It seemed like the child growing inside of him required a lot of energy. In order to adapt to the growing miracle inside him, Naruto's body had to work twice as hard.
"Five days later, Danzo called me into his office to discuss a plan; I was to kill all the Uchiha in my district to save Konoha from a civil war about to break out, saving my life and preserving my village's reputation."
His otouto was pale, his lips trembled, and his hands were shaking. Although Sasuke was delicately brushing Naruto's hair, who seemed to have fallen asleep. Itachi wondered whether to continue the story. He could disappear with Kisame, and then go on with his life. He knew deep down that if he did this, he would never be at peace, no matter where he was or even who he was with. It will not be easy to tell or hear the next part of his story, but the two Uchiha brothers need to hear it.
"I agreed to one condition. You have your life and Sandaime will protect you. When the Hokage and Danzo both confirmed your protection, I carried out my mission knowing you would be protected."
At one point, the elder brother thought his brother would react. He then saw the hand of the Uzumaki take his hand and gently bring it to his lips. A tender smile spread across Sasuke's face as he looked down at his kitsune. He kissed Naruto's forehead briefly. Itachi was once again astonished by the bond between his brother and the jinchuriki. Thanks to Kami, Sasuke was able to meet someone so amazing as Naruto.
"I also planned for you to witness all of this. I wanted you to be able to hate me, Sasuke. This is so you can kill me in order to atone for my guilt over the slaughter of our people, but I also wanted Sasuke to be a hero in the eyes of the Konoha people."
At this point, Itachi's voice broke, Kisame handed him back the canteen, and the shark-man put a comforting hand on his back. Except for his hand on Naruto's head, Sasuke was like a statue of salt, not moving. Slowly, Naruto stood up and placed a soothing arm around his shoulders. He did not seem to notice. The young man stared blankly into the distance, lost in the memories of that fateful day in his life. He wanted to get closer to his otouto and hug him. Giving him the brotherly love that he had missed so much in the past. The time had not yet come for that, so Kisame held him by the hand. If he approached Sasuke now, he might react badly. His voice remained neutral as he continued.
"I was always watching you, Sasuke. When you left the village in search of more power, I was there. During the time you studied under Orochimaru, I was there. When you fought Naruto at the Samurai Temple, I was there. Your life was more meaningful to me than Konoha."
Sasuke made a mocking throat sound; his eyes were wet with tears barely contained. It was difficult for him to absorb all the information his brother gave him. Naruto jumped up, both fists on his hips, facing Itachi, his whole body shaking.
"You're saying... You're saying all this happened because of the Hokage and Danzo? That the solution to an internal problem was to slaughter an entire clan?"
Despite the tears streaming down his cheeks and his trembling arms, Naruto's voice was strangely composed. Itachi nodded in agreement. He didn't have to add anything else to that, he had made it very clear. Itachi was shocked by the jinchuriki's reaction. He was known for his unwavering faith in Konoha. As a result, Itachi had thought that he would not admit his story, or at least would try to soften the impact of their former Hokage's decision.
"Why... Why didn't you engage in combat if you so badly wanted me to be the hero of Konoha?"
Sasuke's voice was barely audible, hoarse from tears. Looking into his brother's eyes, he leaned in closer.
"While I had decided to die by your hand to buy my forgiveness for the Clan, I did not take into account my meeting with Kisame, who saved me. As Naruto did for you, I found some light in my darkness through him."
Four ninjas stood silent. As he stared at the starry sky, Naruto was still weeping. The blond boy began screaming, falling to his knees and grabbing his hair with his hands. Sasuke was by his side in a flash.
"Naruto! Naru?"
He was brutally pushed back when he tried to take Naruto in his arms. This surprised Sasuke. He looked up at Naruto. His eyes were wet, he was struggling to breathe, and he seemed to be trying to get his heart out of his chest. Even though the jinchuriki was struggling, Sasuke continued to hold onto the young blond man. The struggle seemed to last forever. Uchiha was unable to understand what was going on in his lover's head. He turned his head toward his brother and the man with him. Neither of them moved. Kisame had taken off the cloud coat and placed it on his brother's shoulders. He rested his head on his forearm, which was on his lap, while his eyes were closed. After about ten minutes, Naruto seemed to be calmer. Naruto got up and pushed his lover away. Walking towards Itachi, he dropped to his knees in front of him and bowed.
"My apologies, Itachi. I am neither a Hokage nor a notable person from Konoha, but I am disgusted by what you revealed in your story today."
Naruto stood on his knees in front of Itachi. Itachi looked at the jinchuriki with amazement. Kisame was equally surprised. However, Sasuke looked as if he had become a statue. As the jinchuriki turned to face his lover, he held out his hand for him to join him. In a mechanical manner, the younger Uchiha walked over to his lover, grabbed his hand, and took his place beside him.
"Itachi, Sasuke, I refuse to return to Konoha. Not after what I have learned today, and especially not after what is pending for us in the future. I do not want him to live in hatred and corruption. Especially not with people who have betrayed their own."
Taking Itachi's hand, Naruto placed it on his stomach. Nukenin looked at him confused and then at his brother who was watching him. In an attempt to figure out what his brother and the jinchuriki wanted him to find out, Itachi closed his eyes. As Itachi pulled his hand away sharply, he almost fell backwards with wide-open eyes.
"This is impossible, how can it be?"
Kisame had no idea what was going on. Itachi grabbed his hand as he was about to ask for explanations. The two ninjas in front of him nodded in agreement as he put his lover's hand on Naruto's firm stomach.
"Feel the chakra," he whispered to Kisame.
Kisame's eyes widen in surprise after just a few seconds. As he drew back his hand, he stared at the other three, totally shocked.
"Having to kill his own Clan for the sake of keeping his little brother alive is not something I want to return to. They had several other options if they wanted to avoid a civil war."
Taking a deep breath, Naruto exhaled.
"I am repulsed by their choice. Sasuke, you must forgive your brother, especially after what he just said."
Sasuke got up and softly touched Uzumaki's shoulder before disappearing into the dark night without saying a word. Itachi attempted to get up, but Naruto's hand stopped him.
"As soon as he heard about me, he reacted the same way. Let him be. He needs time to think."
"Kami!"
Kisame exclaimed lowly.
"A baby Uchiha."
Kisame spoke for the first time since the battle. When he spoke, his voice was full of tenderness, and he kissed his lover on the cheek. The Hoshigaki then turned to Naruto, who was blushing slightly as he observed them exchanging this innocent gesture. The elder Uchiha placed a hand on Naruto's belly once more, asking for permission with his eyes. Naruto smiled and nodded.
"How is that possible?"
Itachi watched Naruto. He couldn't comprehend how this was possible. It was his revelations he thought would be the most surprising. It is clear that his brother and his lover would be the only two people who would never do anything like everyone else. There would never be an end to their surprises.
Itachi asked, careful not to disturb the baby with his chakra, only reaching towards the surface. He couldn't believe the Uchihas would have children after all. Furthermore, it was the result of an affair between two men. His plan to protect his brother as well as the jinchuriki became even stronger. A miracle child, and unfortunately Naruto was right, Konoha should not know about this child. The child would also be exceptionally powerful having the genes of the Uchiha and the Jinchuriki. Itachi noticed the tenderness in Naruto's eyes when he looked at him. Naruto was determined to abandon his village because of a tragic event that happened years ago. Besides, he had asked for his forgiveness. This blond boy was really a special person. His brother was really blessed.
"It's likely Kurama had something to do with this unlikely pregnancy. I'm sure he did want to help, but he wouldn't admit it."
He jumped at the sound of Naruto's voice. Itachi stared in admiration. Naruto was carrying his future nephew or niece. He shed a tear.
"I have no words to describe what you see on your faces when you look at each other. I will never be able to thank you enough. You saved Sasuke. You gave the Uchiha a bloodline. And most importantly, you love him so much. What can I do for you?"
With his head to the side, Naruto looked at him curiously.
"My village, our village, has done an abominable thing to your family. I will never forgive them. I love Sasuke more than my life. All I want is that he can make peace with you, with us together."
Once again, Itachi was surprised by the demon bearer's words. He had never met anyone more generous and compassionate than Naruto. He hoped he would be able to make peace with his brother, but that would depend on him. Itachi knew he wouldn't force anything on him; he was glad he was able to tell him what happened. Those who had destroyed their lives, the real villains. A final glimpse at him before his eyesight was completely lost. Sasuke's image of a happy man smiling fondly at his beloved would be preserved by Itachi. In contrast to the image of hatred he had previously pictured. Waiting for the young Uchiha to return, the three ninjas stared at the burned-out fire. Kisame noticed that the blond boy was falling asleep while sitting down. Therefore, he got up quietly and took a blanket out of their bag and approached Naruto.
"Let's lay down for a while. We'll wake you up as soon as Sasuke returns."
Naruto was startled by the blue ninja's husky voice, but he nodded in thanks. Naruto grabbed the blanket and wrapped himself in it. They smiled at the tender picture as they heard him snoring slightly with his mouth half open a few seconds later. He had more things to talk about before they parted again, so he hoped his otouto would return soon. After waiting for a while longer, Sasuke finally appeared in front of them. Immediately, he leaned over to Naruto to make sure he was okay. Before taking his place at his side, Sake smiled tenderly and laid his head on his thighs. Sasuke gently stroked the blonde hair of his lover. It was pleasant to feel Naruto's breath on his thighs as well as the soft strands between his fingers. After a few minutes, Sasuke looked up at his brother, then at Kisame.
"I wish you could have confided in me, aniki. It's a lot to process in one evening, but I can forgive you. I want to live without regret, and without grudges."
As Itachi listened to his brother's last words, he thought his end had come. Sasuke looked at him without animosity, anger, or resentment. His face was open, showing a small smile. Sasuke lowered Naruto's head gently before standing up. He stepped forward confidently and extended his hand to Itachi. Kirisame helped Itachi to his feet. They looked at each other for a moment before falling into each other's arms. While holding each other's backs, Itachi and Sasuke cried uncontrollably. Shark-man secretly wiped a tear that had escaped from his right eye.
"It's wonderful, isn't it?"
In silence, Naruto appeared near Kisame. Because of his surprise, Hoshigaki almost punched Naruto in the nose. However, the blue-skinned man simply nodded. The blond boy was smiling with all his teeth while placing his hand on his stomach as he watched him from the corner of his eye. The first step of Itachi's plan had worked, and Kisame hoped that the second step would be just as successful. After about five minutes, the two Uchihas let go, and Sasuke went to hug Naruto. He kissed him ferociously. Naruto's legs turn into cotton; Sasuke always created so many effects.
"My kitsune, thank you.
Sasuke's lips pressed once more against Naruto's as he attempted to contradict him. After that, Sasuke turned back to his brother and Kisame with a smirk. When Sasuke and Naruto joined them, the other two ninjas had resumed their positions by the fire.
"Otouto. Now I have to tell you the reason for coming to see you today."
He was invited to continue with a nod from both ninjas of Konoha.
"First of all, the Akatsuki are searching for the Kyûbi. Fortunately, they don't know where you are yet. Orochimaru was the only person who was able to track you down thanks to Sasuke's curse. Now that he is dead, the group has no way to track you down."
Both young ninjas looked at each other relieved, but there was still a chance the Akatsuki would find them in the future.
"The chances of them finding you are very slim if you keep a low profile, as you have been doing for the past few weeks."
After Naruto had said he didn't want to go back to the village, Sasuke thought he should ask him more questions. It was a question of whether he truly meant it or if it was an emotion-driven statement. Uchiha would like to never return to Konoha, so he can raise their child away from the shinobi world. And all the shenanigans that go with it. Uchiha did not want this miracle child to undergo millions of tests like a common laboratory animal. Sasuke knew that he would crush Konoha if that happened. Sasuke would like to live with Tsuchi until their child is born, if Naruto agrees. He will figure out what to do then.
"The second thing is actually a request for Naruto as well as his biju."
A curious look crossed Naruto's face as he looked at Itachi.
"How can I help you?"
"I have been studying the bijû a lot since I have been with the Akatsuki. At first, I was trying to understand their strengths and weaknesses. But now, that is not necessary since Kisame and I have the same feelings."
As he gave his lover a light punch, his cheeks turned a beautiful pink color.
"I learned that your bijû Naruto can make a person's chakra undetectable. I would love for you to use this power on Kisame and me, as well as you two."
His mouth was half open, he was surprised by Itachi's request. Kurama hadn't even mentioned to him that he was capable of that. Turning his head to Sasuke, he looked at him intensely. In his eyes he saw the hope that he could grant his brother's wish. In that case, all four of them would become ghosts. No one could find them because they disappeared from the map without a trace.
After sitting comfortably, the jinchuriki closed his eyes to enter his subconscious. Whenever he needed to talk with Kurama, he could do so here. It was usually the fox who talked directly to him. As the blond boy closed his eyes, the three ninjas watched as he seemed to be in a trance.
"What do you think the fox is going to say, otouto?"
Itachi's question was exactly the same as Sasuke's, he had no idea. The bond between Naruto and Kurama wasn't flawless. It was still difficult for them to understand one another. They were trying to find a healthy balance between them. Kurama liked Naruto, and the dark-haired man trusted him. Since the Uzumaki was carrying a child, the fox had become even more protective. He would sometimes appear in Sasuke's dreams to lecture him.
"I'm not sure."
The clearing was silent again, no other sound could be heard. Everything around them seemed to be sleeping. Tsuchi came into Sasuke's mind. The old man would not sleep for the rest of the night. He would wait for them to respond. He summoned a small snake to reassure the farmer and told him to write to their friend. Sasuke quickly lost sight of the snake in the darkness surrounding them.
"Kurama agrees, but there are a few conditions I must share with you. First, he made me promise not to return to Konoha for any reason. If I ever break this agreement, our chakras will be visible to everyone again.
They looked at each other carefully. Both Uchiha and Kisame understood the magnitude of the demand. The weight of the request would be on the blonde's shoulders. Should he accept such a sacrifice? Despite what he had said earlier, the two brothers knew how attached the young man was to Konoha and the ninjas living there. Due to his jinchuriki status, if Naruto did not return to the village, he would be declared a nukenin and placed in the bingo book. Like before, Sasuke and Itachi looked at each other, and the elder let the younger speak.
"We can't ask you to make such a sacrifice. You are attached to Konoha, Tsunade, Kakashi, and the others. You agree now because you are angry, but in two weeks or six months or after the birth of our child, you will want to go back, and you will not be able to."
As Naruto's blue eyes glazed over, he stood up and looked at the three men around the fire.
"You have so little faith in me? In my love for you? Do you think I can't live without them?"
Naruto's voice was cold and sharp. Sasuke had never thought he would speak like this. Standing up, he tried to approach Naruto.
"Sasuke, answer my question."
Although he hadn't physically pushed him away, his aura was very obvious. If Sasuke wants to avoid getting slapped, he should answer.
"Of course, I..."
"Then we'll take Kurama's offer. I don't want to wait to talk about my "supposed" regrets ever again, am I clear?
The jinchuriki was immediately covered with red chakra after the three ninjas nodded rapidly. Naruto's appearance changed, the marks on his cheeks were more pronounced, and his canine teeth as well as his fingertips had grown longer. Three tails appeared. The strength of the biju was palpable in the air around them. Itachi was speechless, and there were only three tails.
"Listen closely, you three."
It wasn't Naruto's voice that came out of his mouth.
"The three of you will still be able to use your current abilities. The conditions I imposed on Naruto, together with the consequences, also apply to you."
They watched as a form in front of them raised its arms before hitting the ground with force. It opened its mouth and revealed a black orb. They fell backwards, breathless, before they realized what was happening. The night became black, calm, and silent. Sasuke was the first one to get up and run towards his lover's still form.
"Naru?"
A small, satisfied smile adorned his lips as his lover turned to him.
"We are free, Koi. It's done."
Jinchuriki fell asleep peacefully in Sasuke's arms as he sat more comfortably. He still had a smile on his face. Kirisame and Itachi approached the lover's holding hands.
"Thank you so much, otouto."
Sasuke didn't respond, taking Naruto's still form to approach the fire. Then he sat down, ensuring that the blanket was properly wrapped around Naruto.
"I suggest we go to bed now. The sun will rise in a few hours. We'll decide what to do then."
Sasuke said to everyone before he laid down.
As the young Uchiha slid under the blanket, he took his man in his arms without waiting for an answer. Before closing his eyes, Sasuke kissed the top of his head. They took out the second blanket they had brought with them. Itachi stoked the fire before lying down in front of it. His back facing the forest, Kisame wrapped an arm around him to protect him from the cold and potential attacks. This had always been their way of sleeping since they were together. Kisame couldn't believe how well the plan had worked for his lover. First time in years, the Hoshigaki were at peace. They had simply vanished from the face of the earth, to the outside world. A lot of people assume they're dead, which is fine. Nobody bothers looking for the dead. Before tightening his grip on his lover's body, he even allowed himself a small smile. Before falling asleep, Kisame kissed Itachi's neck. Tomorrow is the first day of a new life for them.
