"Why do I have to wear this thing?" Naruto fussed with the cloak as Itachi pulled the hood over the blonde's head.
"We are going to be in a place packed with demons, someone is bound to easily pick up your mortal vibrations if they have a clear view of you. The cloak is hexed and it will disturb the frequency enough to keep them from pinpointing where it's coming from at least." Itachi exited the elevator and picked up a set of keys that Ino had waiting for him.
"My brother should arrive shortly see him up to my office and then you may leave early for the festivities." Itachi waved at his receptionist as he walked out the front door and down the steps to a sleek black Maserati waiting for him on the curb.
"Woah" Naruto whispered at the sight of the car. Itachi gave him an impatient glare, as he held the passenger door open. Naruto caught on and slipped by the door man carrying a garment bag from the building to Itachi's car, and slid into the seat unnoticed.
"Thank you, Morgrim." Pride took the garment bag and hung it in the car before shutting the door and taking the wheel.
"Where exactly are we going?" Naruto moved the garment to rest in his lap so his view out the window was no longer obstructed.
"You've heard of the seven deadly sins, every century we have this public ceremony to officially announce who's up for nomination to become the next seven." The demon joined the evening traffic as it flowed into the twisting speedways.
"I remember seeing a book about the Sins in your office. So there isn't a set group of people who do that forever?" Naruto absently searched for a seatbelt as he saw the looming road filled with speeding vehicles ahead.
"This car doesn't have seat belts, I'm not a bad driver either." Itachi watched him give up looking for some form of safety restraint out of the corner of his eye. "To answer your question, would you like to have the same job for all of eternity?"
"Good point. So someone is going to take your place then?"
"Maybe. Depends on if they show up in time or not." Itachi took a turn off that lead to the center of the city.
"I don't think I understand. Can't you just give up your job if you are tired of it? Why do you have to have a ceremony or tournament? This place has so many complex and shitty rules you know…." Naruto laughed at Prides annoyed glare.
"Did you read the origin story to how the seven became the seven?" the sin inquired and watched the mortal shake his head.
"When Lucifer fell from heaven along with third of the angels, God had cast him out for the seven obscenities found in him. Those were Pride, Lust, Gluttony, Sloth, Envy, Greed and Wrath. Lucifer decided to build his empire on these seven cardinal sins and in contrast to God gave each of them a vessel and life to be used of their own accord. The seven were grateful for being given their ability to decide their fate and choose to plead fealty to Lucifer and help build his empire. Of course up until the Order was created a few centuries ago, the sins would feed information to Lucifer and the other powers that be for political power and whatnot. It was eventually deemed unfair as the power continuously became unbalanced between the seven and the Order was created to monitor us and demonic influences on the mortal plane."
"Ok, but how does the tournament fit into all of this?" the blonde stared out the window momentarily distracted by the cityscape.
"There are a few major rules in regards to the position of the seven. A tournament takes place every century and if any of the sins decide to nominate someone to takeover their position they must be tested to ensure they are worthy of the title. If the current figurehead chooses to keep their position then they compete for the leader position, and usually try to kill off as many candidates as possible. Candidates have to be either adult half breeds, they cannot be a full mortal. If a direct descendant of one of the original sins is present they must participate in the trials, no exceptions. There is no lying to the Mother of Fates who chooses the names during the ceremony, she sees the truth behind the bloodlines. Other rules are a bunch of gibberish you probably don't care about, but yes you are correct. We have an obscene amount of complex rules here, but it's better that we have a good form of order than running amuck don't you think?" Pride felt like he was droning on, with the various details.
Naruto nodded, satisfied with his response. "Okay, so what's the big deal with the Order?"
"Think of the order as hell's military or policing force. They receive direct orders from the powers that be. They follow rules, and see right and wrong as either black or white. In reality there are so many shades of grey in between, and we often have to work by trying to commit the lesser evil to keep our powers in check. They are what I am trying to hide you from as well. The only person you can trust to not damn you to a lower circle of hell from the Order is the Leviathan." Itachi explained as he gracefully parallel parked in a his designated spot. He reached over and took his uniform from Naruto before he exited the car.
"You mean that blue guy in your office earlier? He looked like he wanted to break me in two." the mortal fell into step with Pride as caught up and they walked to the locker rooms ahead.
"Hn. Make no mistake, Kisame is dangerous but he's an ally of mine behind the scenes. He doesn't agree with with the way they work so he helps me stay a few steps ahead." Itachi opened the locker room and checked it for any other occupants. They were alone. He opened his locker and sat on the bench to remove his shoes and don his uniform.
"I'm guessing that crest on the uniform he was wearing is how I can tell who's in the order?" Naruto fidgeted as he leaned against a wall waiting for Itachi to finish changing.
"Yes, The red cloud is the Order symbol. All members wear it on their uniforms." Pride finally stated absently as he finished lacing up his boots.
"Got it, Stay away from the cloud people and keep my hood on at all times." Naruto flashed a smile as the Sin fixed his sleeve. Itachi now wore a uniform of all black. His pants were a thick material, the ends were neatly tucked into combat boots that were polished to perfection. His long sleeved shirt clung to his body and his hands now sported fingerless gloves. The mortal blinked at the demon, Naruto saw a completely different version of Itachi than the intimidating businessman in an expensive suit a few moments ago. He looked like a master assassin, calculating, merciless and capable of taking lives without a second thought.
Naruto inhaled, he needed to get a hold of himself. Just a few more hours and he could go home. He watched as the dark figure draped a collared cloak over his shoulders and fasten the clasp. There was a lone symbol on the back of the material, the only color in the monochrome uniform.
"What's that fan looking symbol? I remember seeing it on the doors to your building." he asked as the Sin closed his locker signaling he was finished.
"The Pride crest. More recently it's known as the 'Uchiha' crest, since my family have been the only ones to be successors to the Pride position. Every Sin has their own designated crest, and only those who have held the position are allowed to wear it." The raven haired man walked over to the mortal.
"Uchiha? Wait, are you related to a Sasuke Uchiha?" Naruto's head snapped up at the mention of the surname.
Shit. Itachi thought to himself. "Sasuke is my younger brother." The demon watched the varying emotions that the man expressed across his face. Realization, anger, sadness. As expected his brother had kept his true nature a secret from his ex-lover.
"Well, I guess he wasn't kidding when he said his family was complicated." the blonde joked.
"No, he wasn't." Pride sighed and sat next to the mortal for a moment. "My brother is on his way to help get you back to your realm in one piece. I understand you feel betrayed but please wait until all this is over before you never speak to him again. We will need all the help we can get in order for you to make it back."
The hooded figure nodded and stood to follow Itachi out into the stadium.
"Don't get careless" the demon whispered more to Naruto but partially to remind himself, before exiting the room.
Sasuke dusted off his shoulders as he descended the platform and briskly walked down the street. He pulled the hood of his jacket up over his head, grateful that the streets were empty at this time of the evening. A few things had changed since he had last been to hell, but it was generally the same layout. He saw the building in a distance with the familiar Pride crest, although the building had gotten a facelift the location hadn't changed. He entered the lobby area and approached a familiar face.
"Ino." Sasuke looked blankly at the receptionist.
"Sasuke, It's been a while." The succubus nodded and stood to lead him up to Itachi's office, her long hair swinging as she walked. "Your brother mentioned you may be visiting."
"Hn." The halfbreed grunted in response. He took the time to observe the lobby, fully aware that his brothers receptionist was observing him. The chandeliers were the same but the marble floor was a new sight.
The elevator dinged, breaking the silence. Sasuke followed Ino in and pressed the button that would take him to the top floor.
"It's good to see you." The succubus tucked a piece of hair behind her ear as she turned to face her old crush.
"Hn." Sasuke took a side glance at the demon. She had always been so obsessed with him back then. He remembered how it annoyed him to no end. A small flash on her left hand caught his eye, it was a ring.
"You're in a union?" He kept his gaze on the elevator door when he spoke.
Ino blushed and showed him the back of her left hand, a perfect view of the diamond ring.
"I'm engaged." She smiled wide with obvious joy at the thought.
"Congratulations" he turned to face her finally. She looked genuinely happy about it. Part of him was still annoyed but to a lesser degree now that he knew she wasn't trying to seduce him.
She nodded and turned back to face the elevator door. "Thanks. If you're still here you are more than welcome to attend the union ceremony. It would be good to have you there."
"I will attend if possible." he promised as the elevator reached it destination and opened its doors. Sasuke stepped out and looked back at the succubus still in the elevator. Ino gave a small smile and wave before mouthing "Good Luck" and pressed the button that would take her back down to the lobby.
He turned and opened the doors to his brothers office, walked in only to find Kisame standing by the window staring out over the city. The tall figure didn't turn as Sasuke approached, but the halfbreed knew that the Leviathan had heard him come in.
"Where is he?" Sasuke stood next to the blue demon observing the city he grew up in and how it immensely changed over the past five centuries.
"He has an event tonight. I'm here to take you to him and the mortal." He turned to face the shorter figure waiting for a response.
A sigh escaped the younger man. "Is Naruto safe?"
"For now. Itachi is taking precautions, but he will need your help if he is to get back to the mortal realm soon."
Sasuke crossed his arms and frowned. "I know, that's why I came. I'm risking a lot just by being back here. If Madara catches wind of my return before my name is called in the ceremony, he'll make sure I can't shame the family name anymore by participating in the tournament."
Kisame nodded. "Here you'll need this." He pushed a familiar sword into the Uchiha's hands.
"Just in case" the Leviathan said as an afterthought although both knew that was a lie.
"Let's go" Sasuke turned and slung the sword into its place across his back as he followed the blue demon from the office.
Itachi and Naruto were seated in a balcony reserved for the current Sin of Pride. The blonde looked out across the arena and saw six other similar balconies with different crests displayed across the railings. The was another longer balcony that had dark tinted glass windows and no symbols displayed.
"That is where the High Council is, the original cardinal sins." Itachi watched Naruto take in the sights of the vast stadium as best as he could with a hood covering his face.
"I'm guessing the other balconies are for the other Sin's in power?" the mortal watched the white haired demon in the balcony next to them with interest. He had a similar black uniform like Itachi only the crest on the back was different and his mouth was covered with a thin material. He was leaning over the railing with a book in hand and a bored expression across his face. Naruto caught the title and turned to Itachi."Is he reading porn?"
Pride nodded, unfazed by the blonde's question. "That's Kakashi, current figurehead for Sloth. He's a relentless procrastinator and would rather be reading at home with his dogs than doing anything else, but make no mistake he's got one of the sharpest minds in all of existence."
Naruto stared at the man, he seemed harmless enough, but then again so did Itachi to a certain extent before he changed clothes. He continued to observe the other balconies watching the interactions of demons.
"Is the one eating potato chips Gluttony?" He watched the husky figure munch as Itachi responded.
"Choji. Yes he is Gluttony. He really does have a compassionate heart, and a rather tender nature for a demon. He gives a much needed perspective to keeping the balance on certain topics. Just don't call him fat. Not even I will step in to try and save you from your certain death." A smile played on the demon's lips as Naruto laughed. Itachi went down the row describing his team to the mortal as they waited for Shisui to show up.
"That's Yamato, Envy. His intimidating expression is just for show." Naruto saw the death glare Itachi was talking about and gave a shiver. "He has a certain determination he brings to the team, although he can be immensely stubborn 75% of the time. I've found that he and Kakashi work best together for some reason. I suspect they have some relations going on that they have yet to disclose to me, or maybe they simply have a lot of respect for each other and a good dynamic." Pride gave a small shrug and continued to the next balcony.
"Anko is Greed. She can get intense at times, which is a little overbearing but she has has a fearlessness even I covet. She also has no filter, and speaks her mind regardless of who it offends. The perspective is refreshing from time to time I suppose." The female sat on the railing with her legs crossed, and dangling. She casually conversed to another demon in her private box. Naruto understood the fearless aspect he spoke of when he saw how she sat on the metal rail so freely despite being at least 40 floors from the ground.
"Let me guess, Lust?" the mortal took in the built man with lavender eyes and long dark hair. The figure was standing with his hands resting on his hips, his features were that of a model straight from the runway.
"Correct. Neji is a genius and a prodigy in his family. He has little patience for anything frivolous, which in turn helps us stay focused on the task at hand. His arrogance is tiresome at times however." Naruto nodded sensing that from the figure Itachi was describing.
"'Tachi" Pride turned at the familiar voice. Shisui had entered the private balcony and smiled at his husband. The Sin rose to meet his better half with an embrace, and accept the kiss planted on his forehead.
Naruto turned to look out again, giving the couple a moment of privacy. Movement from an empty balcony caught his eye, he hadn't been aware that there was someone in that one before. He watched as a mysterious figured walked into view to look over the stadium. Light reflected off the various metal bars and rings that decorated his ears and mouth, as glass green eyes encircled in smudged black eyeliner flashed to Naruto's direction, capturing his stare momentarily before continuing to roam over the other balconies. The blonde released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The mortals interest peaked as he continued to observe the unknown demon, the intensity of his gaze setting the man on edge. The redhead crossed his arms and allowed his eyes to continue to observe the seats that were quickly filling up, unaware that blue eyes were fixated on his every move. A splash of ink became slightly visible as the demon moved and the sleeve of his dark shirt rode up on one of the arms across his chest.
"Naruto? Did you hear me?" Itachi placed a hand on the distracted mortals shoulder.
"Who is that?" Naruto's spoke softly eyes still on the figure.
"Hm? Gaara, he holds the title of Wrath. A bit of a wild card really, I can never tell what he is thinking, however he is the first person I send on missions of high status. He holds a strong sense of honesty and influence over others when he speaks despite his obviously controlled and guarded emotions." Pride watched Gaara's eyes move and lock onto him. The Uchiha gave a small nod in greeting and watched the demon turn and disappear from sight, not returning the gesture.
Itachi turned back to the blonde and repeated his original statement. "I think we've come up with a plan to get you back home. We are just waiting for our distraction to get here so we can put it into play."
Shisui began explaining how it would work out. They would have to wait until the distraction had begun, with any luck nobody would take notice of his leave. Naruto would stick with Shisui as they would follow Itachi, at a safe distance, out of the stadium and get back to the portals, make their deal and be done.
"Now there is just the matter of deciding on a deal." Pride took his seat and considered the options.
"Could it be anything? Could we do a sort of trade?" Naruto looked up, obviously still in thought
"Trade? It would have to be something of equal value. What do you have in mind?"
"Give me one of those history books you have in your office." The mortal watched Itachi think for a moment and turn to look at his husband for input.
"What would be of equal value that you could provide?" Shisui asked.
"Hmmm… is there something specific that you want? I'd offer a mortal history book but I doubt you'd even want one of those. What's the norm for a trade like this?"
"I suppose I could pull the favor card for this occasion." Pride glanced to see Shisui think and then nod in approval.
"Favor?"
"Yes, I give you what you desire and you owe me a favor for later. I can call on you at any time to fulfill whatever I need." The Sin explained.
"Honestly I'd rather never see you guys again. No offense."
Shisui laughed. "Believe me kid, we'd rather not see you again either. But it's a quick fix for now until we have more time to think up an equivalent favor for the book."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Fine"
It wasn't ideal but it would have to work. Sasuke's surprise arrival and announcement as a candidate would be a good enough distraction to the crowd, the order and the hierarchy council for Itachi to take leave while Shisui and Naruto followed closely behind. All that was left was to wait for the younger Uchiha to arrive and put the plan into motion.
The chime of his phone pulled the garnet haired demon back into the shadows of his balcony. He pulled it out of his pocket and accepted the call.
"Yes." Wrath answered.
"Boss, I've got something you won't like." The witch's voice came through the line.
"Last time you said that I had to bail you out of trouble with the Order." The demon chided
"Seriously, can nobody let that go today? I didn't raise the dead again, besides it was your ex, Fuu's fault. Not mine." she made her exasperation obvious in her tone
"What is it?" he grew tired of the meaningless conversation so far.
"Uchiha, Sasuke." He could hear the amusement in her voice.
"He's back?" He halted his train of thought at that name.
"Came looking for the portal and passed through it a while ago. He should be well on his way to the stadium, looked like he's serious about it." Shizune reported.
"Hmmm. That's doubtful, he's been running from his problems ever since Madara called him a disgrace on the Uchiha name for not being as good at his brother." Gaara paced as his mind began to process in the new factor of having the young Uchiha in the trials.
"I dunno, but I can tell you that something else is going on. There's been a tremor and everything feels off, something isn't right about it." Words of caution, he knew better than to ignore the witches intuition.
The demon watched his assistant walk into his balcony and take a seat, noting his slightly displeased expression.
"Fine, let me know if anything else happens." He ended the call and looked over to Temari.
"I take it there's a change of plans?" She smoothly mused, not looking up at him.
"It seems there will be a Pride candidate this year after all." He took a seat next to her, positioning his elbow on the arm rest and let his fingers gently tug at the curved barbell in the middle of his bottom lip. A tell his assistant knew quite well that he was deep in thought, trying to perceive what course of action that meant for him in the trials.
"Why would Itachi hide this from you?" She asked purposely trying to gauge his emotions as he so often concealed them from everyone.
"High Lord Madara wants Sasuke's head mounted on a wall for the shame of not becoming like Itachi. He wouldn't have told anyone except his husband about it, it's too risky to notify us of his brothers arrival. That's not what I'm worried about. There's something else Shizune said..." He was cut off by the lights dimming and the sound of drums signaling the start of the ceremony.
Temari pulled out her phone and sent off a quick message to Kankro to tighten up on security, knowing well her boss wouldn't want to bother with it. Whatever it was that had him worried she would have to wait to find out after the event was over, Gaara was expected to be visible and at attention the whole time. She watched her employer stand and make his way to the railing to watch the ritual that would take place down below. He was so hard to read and careful about his emotions. No matter how much she thought she knew, it would be a small comparison to the large parts of him would forever remain a mystery.
Sasuke was able to disappear well into the crowds and made his way to the balcony as Kisame had instructed. He slipped into the private box just as the lights dimmed and the music sounded. Two heads turned up to look at the man, a small smirk setting on his older brother's face.
"Glad you could make it, I was getting ready to send a search party after you." Shisui laughed as he addressed his brother-in-law
"Shisui" the young Uchiha gave a slight bow in greeting.
He watched his brother give him an approving glance before making his way over to the balcony railing to take his place and watch the ceremony.
"Naruto?" Sasuke whispered and raised his brow in question, not seeing his ex with them.
The taller demon gestured to the back corner of the box with his hand, obviously entertained at the coming interaction. The half breed turned to find the blonde pulling a hood back from his head, revealing an irritated expression set onto his face. An awkward silence took over as the Uchiha struggled to find something to say to lighten the tension. Naruto continued to glare at him obviously upset at the entirety of the situation and the secret he had kept from him.
"Well I take it you've met my brother already." He watched the mortal sigh in frustration.
"At least you didn't run off and leave me to suffer alone this time." Naruto said harshly as he moved to take the seat next to Shisui.
"Hey, you have no idea what I'm giving up by being here right now just so you can get the chance to go back home." Sasuke moved to block the mortal from taking another step, forcing them to look each other in the eye.
"Some of us would just call that being a decent person and having the balls to do what's right." the blonde scoffed watching the man before him try to build up his defences like he always did when they argued.
"I fail to see how any of this is my fault." the young Uchiha narrowed his eyes challengingly.
"Stop playing the fucking victim, you are always so ready to blame other people for things that are your responsibility." Naruto knew he struck a nerve with that statement.
"I should have stayed back in New York and let the demons have you." Sasuke muttered bitterly
The blonde pulled his fist back, ready to knock his ex into the next dimension. A tall figure interupted the confrontation and stood between them.
Shisui's tone was light but his face was full of warning. "Let break up this touching reunion and save it for later, ok?"
"Whatever" the mortal grunted and took a seat watching the large tv mounted on the wall that played the events that were currently taking place on the stadium floor.
The drumming had finally stopped and an announcer dressed in a horrendous green spandex suit took center stage. Sasuke shoved his hands into his jacket pockets as he watched Naruto proceed to ignore him. He shouldn't have said that last part, he knew it was like throwing salt into a very deep and already infected wound. The mortal has suffered enough abandonment in his life and the last thing he needed right now was to ruin the little hope of friendship they had left. His nerves were on edge, he just wanted this night to be over already. He leaned his head back against the wall and shut his eyes as he listened to the over exuberant announcer ramble on about the ceremony tradition. He inhaled and mentally prepared himself for what was to come. Please don't let this be the death of me.
