**Chapter 9**
Kakashi felt stiff, he rarely slept in his clothes and mask because he knew how uncomfortable it was. He looked down at the slender body that fit perfectly against his own with a masked grin.
'Totally worth any discomfort,' Kakashi thought. He could hear people's panicked calls and shuffling feet outside, he ignored them in favour of focussing on Iruka. He ran a hand through the halo of dark hair that spread across his chest and brushed his thumb across the scar.
'Kyuubi…. He'll pay for hurting my Iruka….. 'My' Iruka?…. Soon,' Kakashi thought seriously. The sounds in the hallway grew louder and Kakashi was sure he heard someone talking about him, he reluctantly slipped out of Iruka's grip; he wanted to stop the noises before they woke the brunette. Iruka rolled over and into the warm space that Kakashi had occupied, his hand curled under the pillow that the prince used and pulled it to his chest with a sleepy sigh. Kakashi smiled at the cute display and opened the door to a small crowd.
Mashimizu's eyes narrowed at Kakashi, he shut the bedroom door behind him and prepared himself for the avalanche of questions. Obito's lip curled back into a smirk and Sakumo shook his head heavily, his son had the worst timing.
"What are you doing coming out of Iruka's room?" The professor grunted, his could imagine his poor nephew crying over his lost virginity behind the door. Mashimizu's eye ticked and his hand formed a fist, Kakashi saw these signs and gulped.
"Nothing, we talked and I comforted him and that's all," Kakashi said blankly. He received 3 dubious looks and he felt insulted. He knew he was irresponsible and uncaring but that all changed with Iruka.
"Honestly! What's with all the noise?" Kakashi changed the subject sharply.
"Kyuubi did make his move last night but he made more progress then we anticipated…." Obito trailed off and Kakashi could fill in the blanks.
"He's inside the city!" the Prince exclaimed and Sakumo nodded.
"His troops breached the walls, we have an advantage - we know the city better then Kyuubi however we're also at a disadvantage, there are innocents out there and Kyuubi's troops are far too willing to take hostages," Sakumo explained.
Kakashi suddenly wished he was back in bed with Iruka and snuggling into the younger man, he knew Iruka would freak out when he discovered Kyuubi was close.
"What's our plan?" Kakashi barked and Sakumo nodded to Mashimizu.
"We've evacuated the outer ring of the city and Kyuubi has set up a temporary camp, we should strike before they attack us. The black smiths are working on extra weapons and armour, researchers are trying to use everything available to help and the soldiers are gathered in the large courtyard," Mashimizu said in once breath.
"What about Iruka-sensei?" Kakashi questioned.
"He still wants to leave?" Sakumo asked and Kakashi gave a quick nod.
"He's not leaving, his family is here," Mashimizu pouted. Iruka was stubborn and Mashimizu knew he had a fight on his hands once they had dealt with Kyuubi.
"Hm…. We can deal with all that later, we kill Kyuubi now," Obito cheered, he left the group and rushed down the hallway. Sakumo grasped Kakashi's wrist and tugged at it, motioning for him to follow.
"We have to meet up with the other fighters, Mashimizu will take Iruka-san up to the tower to help the researchers…. Don't worry, it'll be tactical things for a while and then you can speak to him later," Sakumo answered the worried look in Kakashi's eyes. Sakumo and Kakashi raced down the hallway, leaving Mashimizu to peek into the room. He saw Iruka curled up in bed and grinned.
'I'll let him sleep a while and then I'll convince him to stay,' Mashimizu plotted.
Kakashi never felt angry at himself, he was vain and proud and he didn't have problems with self esteem. But when he was conversing with the main generals and trying to memorise the battle plan he found his mind wandering back to the body he awoke to. He hated that every thought he had was consumed with Iruka and not centred around this important battle. Shikamaru seemed to sense the Prince's inner turmoil and he noted down the complicated instructions in a simple list for him. He was the royal advisor so he knew the royal family very well.
'I hope Neji is okay,' Shikamaru thought. He knew if something bad happened that the Hyuuga men and Nara men would protect his husband but he had heard of Kyuubi's power and skills, it genuinely worried him.
Ibiki had detonated some special bombs that would keep the enemy busy for a few hours while they ran over details. The allies had more men but Kyuubi had a large group of ruthless killers with no remorse.
Iruka fussed over some artefacts, the laboratory was full of researchers who were running around with arms full of explosives and various weapons. Mashimizu sat in his office with his fingers locked together, eyes piercing into Iruka's back. Mashimizu had woken the teacher just after 1 o'clock and Iruka's good mood dissolved when he was told of Kyuubi.
To make matters worse, Mashimizu had launched into a lecture about how Iruka should stay in the dimension because nothing was waiting for him. Iruka had let his temper flare and the pair hadn't spoken since, he appreciated his uncle's concern but he missed his students and Tsunade and Jiraiya.
A large black beetle landed by Iruka's hand and the brunette stroked the top of it gently, he was used to Shino's various insects.
"Where's your master?" Iruka whispered, a small flash of red caught his attention and he apologised to the beetle and flipped it over. He untied the blood red paper and set the beetle right again.
**Helping Kiba with the war dogs, tell Head researcher that I've placed the darts and venom in the safe. Combination 3982.**
Iruka recognised the neat calligraphy, he watched the beetle fly away and he walked briskly towards his uncle. Mashimizu caught the small piece of paper that was thrown at him and read it.
"Good," Mashimizu smiled happily, he was glad to get any good news. He felt his nephew slipping through his fingers and having Uzumaki Kyuubi; killer of his family nearby made him anxious. Iruka turned to leave but the head professor cleared his throat.
"Iruka-kun….. Do you have to leave?" Mashimizu said quietly.
"Yes…. I'm sorry, I miss my students and Tsunade-hime and Jiraiya-san," Iruka said.
"You aren't even tempted to stay?" Mashimizu asked. Iruka laughed and picked at his nails.
"Of course I'm tempted. I've discovered some wonderful supernatural things, met some unforgettable friends…. I've been….. Very tempted….. But I can't stay," Iruka said softly. Mashimizu bit his tongue but nodded understandingly, Iruka had been on his own for years and he couldn't trust or rely on others easily. He couldn't be expected to make such an important decision based on one month in a strange place.
The clock tower struck 2 and the large army fell silent under the cloudy sky, Sakumo paced back and forth in front of them all. He wore his full armour with a long red cape flowing behind him, his fingers closed around the hilt of his sword and he pulled it out with a flourish.
"We will reclaim our city from Kyuubi, for our friends, families and Konoha!" Sakumo announced. The men roared in agreement and Obito took his place next to his husband.
"Battalion 1 to the east side! Battalion 2 will flank them from the west. We will win this battle, the gods smile down upon us," Obito shouted. The large groups saluted and marched off in the right directions. Sakumo and Obito were left alone in the abandoned courtyard, the older man could feel the Sharingan eyes staring at him, the goggles did nothing to kill the intensity.
"I'm coming too," Obito stated.
"You're not. I need you to remain here," Sakumo said seriously.
"I have the Sharingan, I should be able to help! Uchiha's were ninja many years ago, we may not be great swordfighters but we are good at spying. Let me go find the hostages Kyuubi does have," Obito whined.
"No, I've already summoned the espionage team. You need to stay here in case…. In case Kakashi and I don't return," Sakumo ground out. Obito's eyes watered behind the tinted glass and he turned away.
"You better come back Sakumo…. I won't forgive you if you die or if you let our son die," Obito choked out. Sakumo watched his husband with concerned eyes.
"I-I have something in my eye," Obito pouted. Sakumo pulled the smaller man against his chest and rested his chin atop the raven spikes.
"Watery eyes? Really? You should get the doctor to look at you," Sakumo teased. Obito bowed his head and let out a weak chuckle.
"Speaking of doctors, the espionage team is getting checked out. Kakashi is also up there, fetch them for me. We must set out and if things go well then we should be back in a few hours," Sakumo reassured.
"Of course, I'll do it now," Obito replied. Obito tried to pull away but Sakumo held tightly to his waist.
"Eh eh eh what about my goodbye kiss?" Sakumo laughed.
'And I thought I was meant to be the childish one,' Obito thought.
"You're not getting a goodbye kiss…." Obito trailed off, Sakumo frowned and Obito stroked his cheek.
"You're getting a 'see you later' kiss," Obito grinned, the kings joined together in a sweet kiss.
Kakashi tapped his foot anxiously against the throne room's floor, the doctor was examining the remaining soldiers. He wanted to go see Iruka but he was confined to the room, he couldn't leave without permission. A curious eye looked at the door to the doctors office, Sasuke had been in there for a long time. Itachi and Naruto had noticed as well but neither said anything. Itachi already suspected why Sasuke was being kept back and if Naruto wasn't so worried about having to face his uncle he might have realised too.
"This is borrring," Kakashi yawned.
"I know! We could be out kicking some bad guy's ass!" Naruto shouted.
"What are you even doing here? You're a gre…. Okay swordfighter, not spy material though," Kakashi said flippantly.
"Why not?" Naruto puffed out his cheeks in anger.
"You're too loud and clumsy and bright and stupid and…" Kakashi droned on. Itachi watched with a smirk as Naruto chased the prince around the room.
"Missing your current omocha?" Itachi said to the pair, the other men in the room ignored the obvious statement. Kakashi ignored Itachi's jibe and managed to trip the blonde up.
"Yep… not ninja material," Kakashi gave an upside down u smile. Naruto clambered to his feet and pouted.
"I'm here as your escort not as a spy," Naruto said childishly. Kakashi blinked a few times before snorting behind his mask.
"_You_ protect me?" Kakashi joked but he had lost Naruto's attention. Ocean blue eyes stared longingly at the doctor's pure white door, he wanted Sasuke to come out.
Dr Kusushi looked down at the clipboard in his hands in disbelief, his knuckles turned white and he sighed. Sasuke was sat on the edge of the examination table with his nose in the air, he didn't want to look at the medic.
"Sasuke-san," Kusushi said firmly, the dark eyes avoided his gaze. Kusushi set the clipboard down on a side and pushed his glasses up his nose, he had treated Sasuke for shock when Kyuubi had attacked so he was fairly close to the raven.
"You….. I'm speechless," Kusushi admitted and Sasuke jerked his head in agreement.
"Did you honestly expect to come in here, get a physical and for the medic not to notice?" Kusushi scolded. The Uchiha shrugged and looked out the window, a sign that he didn't want to talk.
"How far along are you?" Kusushi sighed.
"About 2 months," Sasuke whispered.
"You didn't think to see a doctor? Sasuke there could be complications if you don't have regular check ups," Kusushi said. Sasuke rolled his eyes but didn't look away from the window.
"I've been seeing Neji's doctor; Dr Hōshō. Stop worrying," Sasuke muttered. Kusushi's eye twitched and he tried not to throttle the proud noble.
"So Nara Neji knows?" Kusushi asked and Sasuke nodded "What about Naruto-san?".
The silence was a strong enough answer for the medic.
"I see," Kusushi said curtly.
"I'm going to fight," Sasuke told the window and Kusushi shook his head.
"You aren't," Kusushi frowned. Sasuke finally looked at the doctor with his famous glare.
"Kyuubi….. It's Kyuubi. I'm have to kill him," Sasuke said angrily.
"No you're not. I know you need your revenge but the soldiers have been told to capture Kyuubi and not to kill him. Wait here and you can get your revenge when they return," Kusushi urged but Sasuke laughed darkly.
"You're a fool if you think Kyuubi will allow himself to be captured…. He'd rather die then be at the mercy of another," Sasuke spat.
"I can't let you go in your condition,"
"Neji was allowed to spar and train right up till 5 months, why can't I?"
"Neji was training with people who wouldn't really hurt him. You want to go fight cold blooded killers that won't hesitate to kill you,"
"….."
"Sasuke-san please just stay here and…"
"No. Either give me the 'all clear' to fight or I'll just escape and fight anyway and if I escape then I'm wasting energy I could be using to defend myself,"
"Sly brat,"
Sasuke smirked, he knew he had won the verbal battle and his mind drifted to the physical one he would soon engage in. He wanted to tear Kyuubi's throat out and watch him bleed to death. The thought of blood and anger made him think of Neji and his reaction when he found out about Sasuke's condition.
**~Flashback~**
Sasuke watched in horror as Neji smiled warmly down at his rounded stomach, he almost didn't recognise the former Hyuuga with a smile on his face. They were sitting out on the back porch of the large Japanese house, Neji sat on a plushy chair and Sasuke was settled on the wooden planks of the floor.
Both men were sat in the shade of the porch, the October sun beat down on the extravagant garden.
"So how is the 'growth'?" Sasuke smirked. Neji knew Sasuke didn't like anything involving kids, babies or pregnancy but he also knew Sasuke was joking about most of the hurtful things he said.
"Fine, I can actually feel him properly. Like a connection," Neji said.
"Now you can feel it? So all that complaining for the last 5 months about it moving about was a lie?" Sasuke's smirk grew wider.
"Shut up Uchiha, I'm not allowed to fight but even in this state I could kick your ass," Neji snarled, his pregnancy temper showing through. Sasuke nodded and held his hands up to pacify the situation, Neji accepted the gesture with a smile. The Nara rubbed small circles in his growing belly and sighed wistfully.
"Isn't pregnancy….. Hard?" Sasuke asked, he tried to sound indifferent but Neji could feel the emotion in his voice.
"Hard? That's an understatement, I'm fatigued, nauseous, I need to go to toilet every 10 minutes, I feel sore and swollen and tender and faint…" Neji complained. Sasuke looked down at his feet with a scowl, he had come to Neji to confirm the symptoms. Sasuke was only a month and a half pregnant and he had thought that Neji could make the news seem good but that plan failed.
Neji noticed that his friend wasn't listening and he clenched his hands in the loose black kimono he wore.
"Did you hear about this Iruka-sensei? Shikamaru said he's a kind person but I'll be the judge of that," Neji sneered. Sasuke snapped out of his thoughts and nodded, his cousin seemed besotted with the new man.
"I've heard he's a gentle person but has quite a temper, he threw a beanbag at Kakashi before he knew he was the prince and when he found out Kakashi was royalty…. Guess what he did," Sasuke gossiped.
"Apologised?" Neji said and Sasuke shook his head.
"Didn't apologise, called him a pervert instead. Well at least Iruka-sensei is intelligent," Sasuke chuckled.
"I didn't know he did that…. I think we'll get along just fine, I'm tired of all the condescending, brown nosing idiots. He's attending the ball tonight so we'll be able to meet him," Neji said. Sasuke felt vomit rising in his throat and he swallowed it down, he had recently discovered what a pain morning sickness was. Hiding it from Naruto was easy enough, Naruto knew he liked time on his own occasionally so rushing away to throw up was simple.
An equally pale hand rested on Sasuke's forearm, he looked up into the white eyes and sighed.
"What's going on?" Neji said coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"… I'm pregnant," Sasuke whispered. The hand dropped away in shock, Neji watched his usually proud friend tremble at the admission.
"Sasuke…. Congratulations," Neji said. Sasuke dug the heels of his palms into his eye sockets with a bitter laugh.
"Don't say that, you make it sound like something good. If your going to say something then say 'My condolences'," Sasuke said seriously.
"It's a shock Sasuke so you need to let it settle down. How long have you know?" Neji questioned.
"A week or so probably happened at that autumn festival on September 1st," Sasuke explained.
"But it's perfect! Naruto's birthday was last week so it would be the best present ever," Neji said stubbornly, he couldn't see why Sasuke was so upset.
"Don't act like this is okay, this is far from okay! You and Shikamaru are married and you planned to have a baby, you have this… soft…. Mushy…. Maternal side under your pride but I don't. I can't stand kids," Sasuke snapped.
"It's different when it's your own kids," Neji reminded him.
"There's no guarantee of that…. I couldn't handle carrying that child just to feel nothing when I held him in my arms…. I won't bring a child into this world when I don't love it," Sasuke glared.
"You will love him, you need to calm down because from the way you're talking…. You sound like your going to…" Neji couldn't finish his own sentence, the child in his stomach kicked him wildly.
"What else can I do? I don't have a maternal bone in my body. I know Naruto will be a great father, the best father anyone could ask for…. But I'm not…." Sasuke stood up and brushed the dirt off his outfit.
"You're lack of confidence amazes me, I've known you for years but this is the first time I've seen you so…. Vulnerable," Neji said loudly. Sasuke shook his head and his mask returned to it's rightful place.
"It's my decision…. Do not tell anyone Neji," Sasuke threatened but the former Hyuuga wasn't intimidated.
"I won't….on one condition," Neji stood up with slight difficulty and walked inside. Sasuke followed Neji inside and saw him fussing around a bookcase.
"I want you to check in with Dr Hōshō, he's very discrete and the health of that baby comes first," Neji said firmly.
"Fine, I have to go meet Naruto for training," Sasuke turned away, a blur flew towards him and Sasuke caught it quickly. He looked down at the baby book with a grimace.
"Read it, your appointment is tomorrow morning so no drinking at tonight's party and don't do anything _stupid_," Neji warned. Sasuke nodded in defeat and left the pregnant man to rest.
**~Flashback over~**
"Sasuke-san…. I'll allow this but promise me you'll check in with me as soon as you get back," Kusushi said. Sasuke jumped off the table and walked towards the door.
"When I get back I want you to get rid of it," Sasuke's voice echoed around the small room. He could hear the doctor laughing behind him but he didn't turn around.
"You're very lucky that I was the medic that you said that to, any other medic would have taken you seriously," Kusushi laughed louder.
"I am serious," Sasuke croaked.
"No you're not. If you wanted to get rid of that baby then it would be gone already Sasuke-san, you want this baby," Kusushi pushed his glasses up and Sasuke bowed his head. He grasped the door handle and pulled it open with a neutral look, Naruto grinned at his pale lover and Sasuke felt his heart breaking.
"Is everything okay otouto?" Itachi asked knowingly and Sasuke nodded.
"He's got low blood sugar and is slightly anaemic but I'll let him accompany the espionage team," Kusushi lied. Before anyone could question the doctor, the door flew open and Obito stood in the doorway with a smile.
"How much longer? We're ready to leave," Obito sang. The clipboard appeared in Kusushi's hands and he hummed in thought.
"Only 1 more, everyone who had been examined please go to the courtyard," The doctor ordered. People pulled their anbu masks on and filed out the room quickly, the last member of the team disappeared into the room with the doctor. Kakashi turned to his still smiling mother with a raised eyebrow.
"Mother?" He said hesitantly, the smile was a little too wide and the goggles didn't hide the redness around the dark eyes.
"You better come back Kakashi," Obito smiled.
"I will mother, I don't like leaving things unfinished. Can I be excused? I need to talk to someone before I meet father," Kakashi said solemnly. Obito admired his son with a genuine smile, since Iruka had arrived the prince had improved. He was more generous, caring and serious about his position.
"Of course, I wouldn't want to keep you but I'm coming to check on you in 10 minutes so nothing naughty," Obito teased. Kakashi blushed scarlet under his mask and left the room in embarrassment, his mother knew how to mortify him.
Iruka had finally escaped his uncle's clutches, he knew he had to get ready to leave. He shut the bedroom door behind him and looked around the room he had come to call his own.
**You can't leave now! Konoha is under attack!**
We have to leave now while everyone is busy…. Otherwise they'll gang up on me and I'll be forced to stay.
**They won't force you to do anything…. Well except uncle Mashimizu…. They want you here.**
I have students and responsibilities….
**Screw them! You're happy here.**
I won't be selfish, it was a wonderful learning experience but I don't belong here.
**You're just scared of what will happen if you stay…. Just because he's a prince doesn't mean he won't…**
Shut up, it's a simple chemical attraction and it's just from being in a dimension full of men. When I get back to other Konoha then I'll be attracted to women.
**Yeah right.**
A rushed knock shook Iruka from his thoughts and he opened the door. Kakashi stood in the doorway wearing his royal armour and looking very handsome.
'Bad thoughts! Stop it,' Iruka scolded himself.
"Kakashi I was just getting ready to leave," Iruka said simply, Kakashi pushed into the room and slammed the door behind him.
"Iruka we need to talk,"
"I thought you had left already? You're going to be late!" Iruka said trying to push the silver haired man from the room but Kakashi didn't budge.
"You can't leave," Kakashi stated. Iruka's heart fluttered but he ignored the feeling.
"That's my decision, I beat your little bet. I lasted an entire month," Iruka beamed. Kakashi lifted his finger up and pulled his mask down around his neck, Iruka nearly swooned at the sight of Kakashi's face.
'It's strange seeing it in person again,' Iruka thought, his eyes unconsciously tracing over every curve of the face. Iruka blushed and looked away in fear, he knew he'd been caught openly staring at the prince. He waited for the jibe or joke but neither came.
"Don't act shy, it's not like you haven't seen it before," Kakashi grinned.
'Whhaaaaatttt?' Iruka's mind screamed.
"**A scarecrow never forgets**," Kakashi said smoothly, he stepped forward and Iruka felt the urge to escape was melting away.
"You remember that night…. Then why did you say you didn't?" Iruka asked.
"You were really freaked out and it would have made things awkward between us," Kakashi said softly. Goosebumps erupted on the back of Iruka's neck and he blushed at his feet.
"Are you going to apologise for kissing me?" Iruka said and Kakashi chuckled.
"Are you going to apologise for kissing me back?" Kakashi smirked. Iruka laughed at the words, they were very much like the conversation the pair had when Kakashi was revealed to be a prince.
"N-No, I won't," Iruka stuttered.
"Then there's your answer," Kakashi smirked. The masked smirk made Iruka feel like jelly but the un-masked smirk made him feel like he was Kakashi's prey. Adrenaline and lust coursed through his veins and he bit into his bottom lip. Kakashi watched the movement and stepped even closer to the brunette.
"I have to go now but promise me you'll wait…. Wait until I get back before you leave," Kakashi pleaded.
'I can't…. If you're here when I leave then you might change my mind,' Iruka thought helplessly. He had no idea at the beginning of the month that he would become so devoted to the prince.
"I'm not sure I can," Iruka said honestly.
"Iruka," Kakashi rumbled and the timid brown eyes locked with both of Kakashi's. His gloved hand cupped Iruka's cheek and leaned in.
"Try," Kakashi begged and he closed the distance between them. He kissed the uke eagerly, trying to coax a reaction from him while Iruka was trying to do the opposite. Iruka hated how much those lips affected him, he had to hold back tiny whimpers and moans that threatened to burst from his throat. Iruka kept both his fists down by his sides, shock and fear consumed him.
'He's not drunk this time but I don't understand why? Is he trying to humiliate me or hurt me?' Iruka thought. With adept skill, Kakashi slipped his tongue into the sweet mouth and ran his fingers up Iruka's ribs. He swallowed the gasp of shock and tilted his head to taste more.
The prince's brain was close to short circuiting, he was finally kissing the lips that had haunted his dreams since the ball and there wasn't a single taste of alcohol on either of them. Iruka wasn't responding enthusiastically but there was still a response. Kakashi could feel the smaller man shyly kissing him back and it made him smile into the kiss.
Kakashi reluctantly pulled back and was on his guard in case Iruka decided to attack him for his little stunt. But Iruka just stood there with a shocked look in his rich eyes, his skin was tinted a delicious shade of red but it was Iruka's lips that stole Kakashi's attention. They were swollen and moist from being kissed and Kakashi resisted the desire to rub his thumb along the sensitive flesh.
"We'll talk about this when I get back okay? Will you be here?" Kakashi said. Iruka finally caught his breath and he looked up at the pleading prince.
"I'll try," Iruka murmured. He felt loneliness engulf him when Kakashi withdrew his hands and pulled up his mask.
"I'll see you in a few hours Iruka-sensei," Kakashi smiled. Iruka just nodded dumbly and Kakashi winked at him before leaving.
Iruka sank to his knees and touched his lips gingerly.
"What the hell just happened?" Iruka asked the empty room.
Sasuke adjusted his leg wrappings and strapped some kunai's to his hip, a shadow fell across him but he ignored it.
"We infiltrate the strong hold while the soldiers are fighting, it'll give us cover and a distraction. We save the hostages and take them to the castle," Hiashi ordered, he was the team leader for this mission. Hyuugas and Uchihas were well known ninjas, everyone else preferred sword fighting but they liked being in the shadows, cleverly taking out their foes with logic and skill.
"When the hostages are safe…. You may join the battle or use your basic medical training to help any injured," Hiashi glanced over at the Uchiha brothers who nodded in response. The small group of 12 continued to get ready but the shadow gripped Sasuke's arm and pulled him aside. Sasuke growled and glared up at his older brother, the knowing smirk that Itachi wore made Sasuke feel sick.
"You know," Sasuke stated and Itachi nodded.
"Such a pleasant surprise," Itachi drawled. When Sasuke didn't reply to him, Itachi sighed and looked around suspiciously - he didn't want people to hear how weak an Uchiha he was.
"How are you feeling?" Itachi whispered. Sasuke looked around as well and when he found it safe to let his walls down he did.
"Not good, I don't want to be mother," Sasuke said in a hushed tone.
"Fate has a funny way of screwing up what you had planned. Naruto would have wanted a child eventually so why is it a problem?" Itachi asked. In truth he already knew why Sasuke was troubled about it, he was one of the few that knew Sasuke better then the younger Uchiha knew himself.
"I'm too young, I'm a soldier, a ninja…. I said I never would have a child," Sasuke ran a hand through his spiky hair.
"I remember…" Itachi smiled.
**~Flashback~**
Itachi crossed his arms over his chest with a glare but the 15 year old didn't acknowledge it.
"So you and Naruto are finally together? About time," Itachi said seriously.
'Memo to self, have a little talk with Naruto about what will happen if he hurts Sasuke,' Itachi thought.
"Hn," Sasuke hummed, he knew why his brother had called him. He just kept his eyes glued to floor and swung his legs off the wall he was sitting on.
"We have to think about this Sasuke," Itachi said knowingly.
"I refuse,"
"Sasuke…"
"You're older so you should bear an Uchiha heir,"
"I'm not having little blue Uchihas," Itachi pouted.
"I won't have whiskered Uchihas," Sasuke replied slyly.
"Sasuke think about it,"
"Uncle Obito had Kakashi, let him have a kid,"
"Kakashi? With a child? _Pfft that's likely_. Anyway he's a Hatake now,"
"You aren't going to marry Kisame so you give birth to an Uchiha,"
"You aren't going to marry Naruto, you value our family name too much"
"So! I'm not having a baby,"
"Not now but maybe when you're older…."
"No, not ever!" Sasuke snapped, he jumped off the wall and stalked away. Itachi shook his head as he watched Sasuke run off. They both knew they had to carry on the name Uchiha, they were too proud to let the name die out.
**~Flashback over~**
"Oh how things change," Itachi smirked.
"Not funny, I can't do this," Sasuke confessed.
"You're an Uchiha, Sasuke," Itachi said seriously "You can do anything,". Dark eyes stared up at his older brother and he took a deep breath.
"I don't want to think about this right now… this time is for retribution. To prove I am worthy of the name Uchiha," Sasuke declared.
When Kyuubi had attacked the Uchiha compound, Sasuke woke up to his parent's screams and the clashing of weapons. He had rushed to the door and seen Naruto's uncle slaughtering his family, he should have ran forward and joined the fight but he couldn't. His feet felt like they were nailed to the floor and his blood ran cold. He saw one of his uncles fall to the floor and it woke him from his trance. The 12 year old ran back into the room and tried to find a weapon but he could hear Kyuubi coming closer and closer. He abadoned his task and ran into another room, he hid inside a cupboard and tried to be as quiet as he could.
"Aniki," Sasuke whispered, tears dropped from his eyes. He hated himself so much, he couldn't stand up to Kyuubi and he was crying like a child.
The door creaked open and Kyuubi stepped inside, blood dripping off his clothes and a maniacal grin on his face.
"Did I kill everyone? That's no fun but I've still got to kill Obito and his son," Kyuubi said to the empty room. He lifted up his wrist and Sasuke saw a strange bracelet hanging from it. It was made of pure black pearls and had a flat silver disc attached to it, the disc flashed and a face appeared in it.
"Orochimaru," Kyuubi greeted. The snake man smiled evilly back at the Uzumaki man.
"Kyuubi-sama, what about the Uchihas?" Orochimaru asked.
"All Uchihas have been eradicated, I just need to kill the king and their playboy prince. What about Itachi?" Kyuubi said. Sasuke felt his heart stop, his big brother was in trouble and he couldn't gather the courage to save him.
"I'm following him and his seme right now, I'm about to attack. Orochimaru out," The snake said. His face disappeared and Kyuubi nodded approvingly, he scanned the room once more and left the house.
Itachi could see his brother was reliving the nightmare and he placed a hand on his shoulder, Sasuke jolted and returned to reality.
"He will pay for what he did, we will regain the honour you believe you lost ototou," Itachi vowed. Sasuke nodded and rubbed his stomach unconsciously.
"I won't stop you being part of this battle, you are too stubborn to listen to me….. But be careful," Itachi continued. Sasuke ignored him and walked toward their leader, Hiashi could sense something was going on but he didn't question it.
"Anbu espionage team, move out," Hiashi announced.
A man stood under a large canopy of oak trees, he was perfectly poised in his white robe and his large hat obscured most of his face. He looked up at the clock tower, 2.45 p.m. Iruka was usually on time so he wondered where the teacher had got to, he needed to get Iruka back to his own dimension or he'd be in trouble.
'Orders are Orders,' Hiruzen reminded himself. He saw a figure approaching and he sighed in relief, he had thought Iruka would be harder to convince. His dark hair was tied back in a high ponytail and he donned his usual outfit.
"Hiruzen-sama," Iruka bowed and Hiruzen smiled, there was something about Iruka that he genuinely liked.
"Iruka-sensei are you ready to go?" Hiruzen asked and Iruka scuffed his foot into the ground below.
"Ummmm…. Can I ask you a favour?" Iruka said timidly and Hiruzen nodded.
"I can't leave Konoha while it's in such a state, could I stay a few more hours…. Just to help out as much as I can?" Iruka suggested and the guardian frowned.
"I think…. We should talk before I grant your request, there are a few things you should be informed of," Hiruzen gestured down a woodland path and Iruka felt uneasy.
"Things?" Iruka repeated but the guardian said nothing more, he turned and started walking down the path and Iruka was forced to follow. They walked for a few moments until they reached a small clearing. Tall trees with shining silver leaves surrounded the area and the ground was covered in purple orchids and black tulips. There was also some strange violet buds that Iruka didn't recognise.
In the middle of this nature's sanctuary stood a tall mirror, almost identical to the mirror that belonged to Iruka. A few silver vines curled up the sides of it but Iruka could still recognise it.
"The mirror," Iruka's voice carried across the field.
"This is the Delphinus mirror, named after the rare constellation…. Very rare," Hiruzen stepped forward and the flowers parted to the sides, revealing a marble path up to the mirror.
"Delphinus! Are you sure?" Iruka exclaimed, the old man looked taken aback at the sudden yell.
"Yes," Hiruzen said.
'The Delphinus Key, that's what that tarot card said,' Iruka thought nervously.
"The Delphinus constellation only appears in this dimension once every 4 years, when it does appear it weakens the barrier on this mirror," Hiruzen explained. Iruka looked away from the mirror and waited for Hiruzen to continue.
"Is that the reason I was able to come through the mirror?"
"Partly, it's also to do with your blood,"
"My blood?"
"Many years ago the Umino's were entrusted with the portal to this dimension but as time passed they forgot what the mirror was. Mashimizu was able to research old documents and he discovered what it was. The main reason the Uminos were given the mirror was because their blood was the key,"
"There were bloody handprints on the mirror, he was testing our blood…."
"After Kyuubi killed the Uchiha family he ran into your uncle and they engaged in a fight that Kyuubi won easily. Sakumo was able to step in and Kyuubi fled into this forest to try to escape, he came across the mirror and because he had Mashimizu's blood on him…"
"He was able to pass through…. You can't tell him! He'll blame himself,"
"I fear he has already connected the pieces. "
"He's scared that history will repeat and I will be killed, isn't he?" Iruka realised. The guardian nodded and Iruka rubbed a hand over his scar, he knew how close he was to death that day.
"You and Mashimizu were the only Uminos with the right blood, your blood is slightly different to your mother or father. It's the way fate made you," Hiruzen said.
"It allows me to pass through the mirror but why couldn't I pass through before? I've cleaned that mirror and touched it so why didn't I fall through it?" Iruka questioned.
"It was a strong barrier but the constellation made it weaker although…."
"Although?" Iruka pushed and the old man shook his head with a far away look.
"It still should have been strong enough…. I don't know why the barrier broke. Heika thought it was to do with the incident that happened the evening you arrived," He said. The guardian launched into his tale before Iruka could ask.
"An enemy broke into the castle, he was believed to be a spy for Kyuubi but his intentions were never discovered. He escaped into this area and wasn't seen since, Prince Kakashi was worried about the mirror and rushed to see if it was okay. He returned with you in his arms," Iruka blushed at his words and Hiruzen frowned. He knew the pair had got closer but it would end badly if they'd fallen for each other.
"You think he did something to the mirror," Iruka said and Hiruzen agreed.
"My point is…." Hiruzen cleared his throat.
"The Delphinus constellation leaves the skies tonight, if you're going to leave then it must be before then. The mirror is slowing bringing it's barrier back up and whatever Kabuto did to the mirror is wearing off," Hiruzen sounded panicked.
"Thank you for telling me this…. When the barrier is up I won't be able to return will I?" Iruka said softly.
"No. Go help the others and I expect you back here in exactly 3 hours," Hiruzen dismissed. Iruka bowed, cast a final look at the mirror and rushed back along the path.
'I'll check in with the Kages, they'll want to be kept in the loop regarding Kyuubi. I wonder if they figured out what that blank card was about?' Hiruzen thought.
