A/N: not much to say... enjoy. :-)

Another reincarnation story

28.

Shisui and Tenzou jumped apart when Itachi flickered into his cousin's living room. The older Uchiha's face blushed in record time while Tenzou turned around to fix his own collar.

"Can't you knock?" Shisui barked, stuffing his shirt back into his pants.

Itachi averted his eyes when Tenzou started doing the same. "Sorry," he muttered, his own face heating up. "I sent a raven ahead."

"Ten minutes is not enough!" Shisui snorted but nonetheless welcomed his cousin by leaving to make a pot of tea for Itachi. He shouted from the kitchen a moment later, "Next time, try an hour."

Itachi wanted to argue that ten minutes were enough to move whole squadrons, but bit on his lip considering the private moment he just barged in on. It appeared, Shisui and him are destined to interrupt each other.

"Good evening, Itachi-kun," Tenzou finally said, turning around to greet him in proper manner. "Long time no see. How is suspension?"

"Boring," Itachi made himself comfortable in the armchair he usually occupied when in Shisui's home. "I'd rather be Ametake again."

Tenzou chuckled, "It couldn't be that bad, could it?"

"She at least has a purpose," Itachi rubbed his temple, "I have a lot of time and nothing to do."

"Did I hear someone mentioning Ametake?" Shisui returned, putting an empty teacup in front of Itachi. "Didn't know you were interested in maikos, Itachi."

Itachi and Tenzou exchanged an alarmed gaze. Though stories of his performance was known throughout ANBU, they were very careful not to let it spread into other ranks. There were some rumors that better stayed hidden, especially those which could compromise an identity. It would be less than ideal should it be known that the ones operating with the currently famous maiko Ametake were in truth shinobi from Konoha. Or that Ametake herself was a male shinobi of the Uchiha Clan.

Their silence did not escape Shisui's attention. He lifted a brow at them, demanding answers. "You two know about Ametake, something I'm not aware of?"

"Nothing really," Tenzou waved dismissively and Itachi palmed his forehead. Really, Tenzou should be able to lie better. Not even a Genin would have believed him right now.

Shisui gasped, placing two hands over his heart. "Oh please tell me she's still in business! I thought after her masterful performance for that Lord Gorimura, she's earned enough to give up the profession!"

Again, Shisui was jumping to conclusion. For a change, Itachi didn't intend to correct him. "Since when do you take interest in the Geisha business?" Itachi asked instead.

"Hey, I can appreciate the finer arts," Shisui argued, heading back towards the kitchen for Itachi's tea.

The genius took the time to glare at Tenzou instead. In a low voice, he hissed. "Really? That's the best you can do?"

"Never claimed to be good at lying," the other shrugged. "Spycraft is more your thing."

Itachi couldn't argue with that. Tenzou was convincing when in another identity, but lying to people he cared for was another thing completely. When Shisui came back with a pot of tea, Itachi hoped his cousin wouldn't talk about artisans anymore. His hopes were dashed when Shisui demonstrated his skills at pouring tea which could be considered somewhere near the level of a Geisha apprentice. He grinned up at Itachi with pride and winked.

"See, I know something about being pleasant," he sat down on the rug and crossed his legs. "So, how do you know about Ame-chan?"

"How do you know her?" Tenzou asked as the same time Itachi said, "She's a maiko. Ametake-san would be the proper way to address her."

Shisui ignored Itachi's lecture. "The last time I was away, we had to pass through the Hanamatchi. A famous artist made a portrait of her and it was on display."

"So you've seen her image?"

"He made that portrait from memory he said, so it wasn't completely accurate. She's so pretty in it already and he said that she was even more stunning in person." Shisui sighed dreamily. "If I were a Lord, I'd want to marry her too."

"Should I be worried, Shisui-kun?" Tenzou chuckled.

"Like I have the money to keep myself a maiko!"

"So there is no need to mention her any further," Itachi tried to direct the conversation away.

Shisui shook his head in refusal. "She's worth mentioning. A girl of her depth needs to be investigated."

Itachi almost burned himself on the hot tea. "What makes you say that?"

"She's good, almost too good." he took his cup of sake and downed it. "A young maiden at the tender age of 14, perfect in everything she does and enchants a Lord so much he spends months looking for her. I heard he's hired professionals to do it. Sounds like he's really dedicated to the idea of having her for a concubine."

"Perverted old man," Itachi growled, "he was old enough to be her father."

"Since when does it stop a maiko from..." Shisui stopped, his eyes fixed on Itachi. "How did you know that? Unless..."

"Shisui," Itachi begged, trying to stop him from saying.

"Oh no, it was you!" Shisui shouted, jumping up towards Itachi. He grasped both of Itachi's shoulders and shook him violently. "Please tell me it wasn't you! Not again! Dammit, but it fits! You were away when she appeared. Your age is roughly the same, she has an entourage of older men. And then the black hair, the big eyes and now that I think about it, her kimono does look familiar."

Itachi softly brushed Shisui's hand from his shoulder. "Shisui, please don't involve me in your escapades. I have no interest in your premature theories."

"Was that aunt Mikoto's kimono?"

"Shisui..."

"I have a kimono here," Shisui stood and looked around, "I bet you can still look like one. And there must be a fan somewhere, I've always wanted to watch a maiko dance. And if you're good enough for a daimyo, you're good enough for me."

Itachi kicked his cousin in the shin. "That is a yukata, it's hardly the same."

"Choosy aren't we?"

"Shisui-kun," Tenzou cut in, slightly unsure of himself. "That's classified information. Konoha wasn't officially involved."

"Don't worry, I won't tell," his cousin grinned, then threw himself onto the couch, next to Tenzou. "Just sort of happy that I might get to see her after all."

"Over my dead body," Itachi mumbled, determined to ignore the rest of the conversation. He directed his focus towards the quickly approaching shadow and counted the second until said shadow formed into his former captain at the window.

"What is with you ANBU never using doors!" Shisui shouted, throwing his arms up in exasperation. "The door is literally just two yards to your left!"

Itachi opened the window for his friend and accepted the bags of drinks and snacks. "I wasn't expecting you until midnight."

"I overheard some of your conversation with Hokage-sama," Kakashi only stated, jumping down from the windowsill. "It warrants an emergency."

Shisui and Tenzou both tensed, every sense of humor vanishing from their faces. "What's wrong?"

"Itachi?" When the younger genius nodded, Kakashi continued. "I think Sandaime wants to groom Itachi for Hokage."

Shisui choked dramatically on his own spit. He gasped and gagged, his face turning purple with each breath. When he finally recovered after the awkward pause, he rasped. "Are you serious?"

"I wouldn't say grooming," Itachi frowned, "but he certainly considers me a possibility."

The silence in the room was pressing. Shisui fell back into his cushions, his face suddenly pale. He blinked at the empty space in front of him, then fixed his gaze upon Itachi. "Is that possible? I know you're not currently on duty, but you're still ANBU. Aren't you guys excluded from the vote?"

"Technically yes," Kakashi said, "we usually remain neutral in the vote, but ANBU agents aren't excluded from succession. Nidaime Tobirama was an ANBU agent, in fact the first, when he became Hokage."

"But he was also Shodai-sama's brother." Tenzou added.

"So technically Itachi could become Hokage," Shisui breathed out, as if saying something completely outrageous.

"Technically, every shinobi could become Hokage," Kakashi reminded him, "with the emphasis on shinobi. Which Itachi isn't right now."

"I'm just suspended, Taicho, not fired." Itachi put his teacup down.

"Does it really matter?" Tenzou asked. "If Hokage-sama wants you to be his successor, he could easily reinstate you. No offense Itachi-kun, but I don't really understand why?"

"I don't either," Shisui said honestly. "We are an Uchiha."

"Is that important?" Tenzou blinked. "I thought it's because Itachi is 13."

Shisui frowned. "I guess the issue of his age comes second to the fact that we are Uchiha. I doubt the council of elders will easily agree to an Uchiha in power."

"I thought that's dealt with," Tenzou frowned.

"Not completely," Itachi sighed. "Many in the village still suspect us of releasing the Kyuubi. But even before that, the resentment towards my clan existed as long as the village stands."

"Even though Fugaku-san and Hokage-sama reached some kind of agreement, we Uchiha still aren't treated fairly." Shisui's face darkened. "We're cooped up in a little compound at the edge of the village without the freedom to live anywhere else in the village. Though we aren't officially excluded from the central structure of power anymore, I don't see any Uchiha rising above the rank of Chunin beside me and Itachi. You can't say it's because we're talentless. It's because the fear and suspicion towards the Uchiha still linger."

Itachi frowned. "That will change when I'm Hokage."

Kakashi coughed and then cleared his throat to cover it. "You're serious about this?"

Shisui shook his head in disbelief. "I see, you still haven't given up on that dream of yours?"

"What dream?" Tenzou asked.

"When Itachi was little, he really, really wanted to become the strongest in the world, which meant Hokage for him."

"The foolish dream of a once foolish child," Itachi sighed. He swallowed the rest of his lament. Now was not the time to think about what he had strived towards a lifetime ago. "But it makes sense he would choose me."

"How?" Kakashi asked. "You don't strike me as Hokage material."

"Senpai!"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Taicho." Itachi deadpanned. "I'm the best candidate he has right now."

"Enlighten us, Itachi-taicho."

"It's exactly because I am an Uchiha he chooses me." Itachi lifted his head and started his lecture. "I am the heir to our strongest clan, even though we're not of higher rank. The hostility of my brethren and their dissatisfaction towards the village will cease immediately when an Uchiha is considered for leadership. In other words, the radicals amongst the younger shinobis of my clan will start to bet on me, instead of focusing their strength on a coup."

"A coup? Is it that serious?" Tenzou didn't look to comfortable with the idea.

Shisui shifted closer to his boyfriend. "I wouldn't say a coup, it's more like some protest, some form of rebellion."

"They'll only stop when their demands are met, Shisui. You know that." Itachi said. "And they know that I can get it for them."

"Yashiro and you aren't exactly on good terms."

"Then I'll make him."

"Itachi..."

"Despite the obvious benefits within Konoha," Itachi continued, ignoring his cousin's warning. "The Uchiha name is feared throughout the world. Knowing that a true son of the Sharingan is Hokage would discourage any enemy from attacking."

Shisui nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on an empty spot on the couch table. "Makes sense. And considering your own reputation and your known distance to your father, no one could claim that he has too much influence over you. You're stubborn enough not to give into his or Yashiro's unreasonable demands, but also considers the future of our clan carefully. Politically, it is a good choice. But even if your skills and position is beyond reproach, don't you think you're still too young?"

"I don't think he wishes to retire soon," Itachi explained. "He's merely testing me, trying to see the depth of my capacity."

"You still have a lot to learn, if you want to be Hokage," Kakashi said, patting Itachi's head. "Let's start with being good to your friends and how to be social."

"Yeah, how come you're so anti-social when we know you can be very pleasant company?" Shisui's eyebrows danced up and down at Itachi, making the younger glower. No doubt he was referring to Itachi's skills at impersonating a maiko.

"Just because I mostly dislike crowded places doesn't mean I'm socially incompetent." Itachi grumbled. "I can be social if I want."

"Oh but you so rarely want," Kakashi chuckled. The glass in his hand was almost empty, yet Itachi didn't see him drink. Kakashi must be needing a lot of Sake for this conversation."Besides, there's no need to think about being Hokage just now. You're still a civilian right now. So what's the emergency you called us here for?"

"Weren't you present, Senpai?"

"I didn't hear everything."

"That wasn't the emergency?" Shisui downed his own glass and put it on the table with a loud clank. "What else could be more shocking than you becoming the next Hokage?" then he barked out a laughter. "Damn, I already pity Konoha's enemies! I doubt there's another Kage who can glare his opponent to death!"

"You're such a lightweight, Shisui-kun," Tenzou chuckled nervously, but still poured more Sake for his boyfriend.

"Tenzou-kun, you're so good to me!" Grinning up at Tenzou, Shisui's eyes were sparkling. Itachi wondered if he looked this stupid when he looked at Kisame. Speaking of Kisame...

A loud knock on the door dispelled the moment, interrupting the pleasant banter. Shisui's attention was fixed on the entrance almost immediately as Kakashi's hand subtly wandered towards his weapon pouch. When the Jo-nin peeked through his peephole, Itachi could see the moment a vein on his forehead bulged.

"What is he doing here?" Shisui hissed, his hands balling into fists.

"I invited him," Itachi stated, calmly sipping on his tea.

"You told him where I live?"

"No. I trusted he would find his own way."

"But why?" Shisui almost whined, rubbing his face in his hands.

Another knock just from the other side made his cousin jump. Itachi smirked at the force of his boyfriend's statement, telling them that he heard everything and wasn't pleased. Throwing Itachi a last irritated glare, Shisui pulled his front door open.

"What do you want?" He barked, forsaking all social manners. And he dared call Itachi anti-social.

"I'm here on Itachi-san's invitation," Kisame announced melodically, not betraying his annoyance. "May I come in?"

Shisui reluctantly stepped aside, letting the man enter. Kisame thanked him with a nod, clearly knowing that he was being watched closely by at least three of Konoha's elite. His confidence was arousing as he moved through the space as if this was his own domain. When their eyes met, Kisame's controlled expression slipped.

"Hello, Itachi-san," he greeted first, giving Itachi a broad grin. "It's been a while."

"It's good to see you, Kisame," Itachi replied politely. Had he not seen his lover just yesterday and made love to him in the woods, he might have jumped up to embrace the swordsman. Instead, he restrained himself and extended hand with the ring for Kisame to hold. "Thank you for coming."

Kisame accepted the invitation and remained standing at his armchair. "You summoned me, how dare I not respond?"

"Excuse me," Shisui said loudly to Tenzou, "I'll go puke."

"Forgive my manners," Kisame chuckled softly, "seeing Itachi-san after so long, I'm simply overwhelmed. I believe we have not been properly introduced. I'm Hoshigaki Kisame, nice to meet you."

"Uchiha Shisui, bane of your existence, nice to meet you too!"

"Shisui!"

Kisame managed a laugh instead. "I believe you're quite right on that front, Shisui-san."

"Yo," Kakashi raised a hand. "Hatake Kakashi, you might have heard of me."

"Indeed, I have," Kisame said and inclined his head. "Sharingan no Kakashi, master of a thousand jutsu, I'm honored to make your acquaintance."

"Hi," Tenzou said at last, extending his hand in polite manner. "I'm Tenzou, I'm sure you haven't heard of me."

"On the contrary, Tenzou-san," Kisame shook his hand briefly, "I take great interest in Itachi-san's friends. The legacy of the first Hokage would not have passed my attention."

"Now that we are all here and the introductions are out of the way," Itachi rose from his armchair like a king rising from his throne, "I believe we can discuss why I've called you here."

"I'm intrigued, your message was most promising," Kisame mused.

Shisui slammed a glass down in front of Kisame and poured some drink for him. "Careful not to choke, Hoshigaki!"

"I won't make it easy for you, Shisui-san," Kisame replied and Itachi massaged his temple. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to get them in one place.

"So, what's the emergency?" Tenzou asked loudly, trying to defuse the sparks flying between Kisame and Shisui. It looked like they were about to have a drinking contest.

Itachi gathered his strength, praying to all Kami to let him make it out of this night alive. He banished all emotions from his face and addressed his four warriors. "I wish to be married by the end of the Chu-nin exam and I ask you help me achieve it."

Shisui choked on his wine. "What?" he shouted. "What the hell, Itachi? Can you maybe stop dropping bombs on us? First you decide to become the next Hokage, now this? Are you trying to kill me?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Hokage?" Kisame only lifted a brow.

"A discussion for another day," Itachi told him. "Right now, I wish to conclude the business of our marriage as fast as possible."

"And here I thought I could enjoy the process of a proper courtship." The glint in Kisame's golden eyes betrayed what he really thought about Itachi's decision. Behind his teasing words, he was delighted.

"Would you rather we continue this pointless dance for three years?"

"Not if you do not wish me to," Kisame retorted. "Though I find it rather entertaining, playing this game of blushing maiden and dashing hero."

Itachi rolled his eyes. "I despise games. No courtship can move my heart if I do not allow it. I have no use for the gifts you include in your tribute. To me, it is all empty prestige and a waste of time."

"How unkind of you to say that. I thought the kimono suited you."

Itachi sent him a death-glare. Shisui did not need to know that he willingly put on a robe for Kisame, or that it was a gift and they made love in it. Instead, he announced, "the certainty of your heart is enough for me. There is no need to prolong our separation. Once we are properly married, things will return to normal."

"As you wish, Itachi-san."

From the other side of the room, Shisui made a gagging sound. Tenzou gently patted his back, looking apologetically to them. Kakashi slapped his forehead and hid himself behind his book, muttering something about hating being the third wheel. Itachi looked over his friends in multiple states of drunkenness and awkwardness. They were just a bunch of orphans and damaged soldiers thrown together by the tides of fate. Together, they were Konoha's most elite, capable of just anything. And if they liked it or not, they will help Itachi get married in less than three weeks time.

-xXx-

Two days later, his little assembly dubbed "headless chicken squad", courtesy of a tipsy Shisui, was still nowhere near the solution of their current task. As it turned out, when a group of highly trained killers came together, all their solutions contained at least someone being hurt or threatened. Even then Itachi knew clearly in his heart that their slow progress wasn't only due to their poor understanding of social diplomacy, but because not everyone was as dedicated as the lovers were.

Taken from Shisui's silent glaring in Kisame's direction during their meetings, he wasn't about to help at all, though he didn't sabotage their plan either. Tenzou was as creative as a tree for which Itachi couldn't blame him. Before he became part of their little gang, he hardly had any friends. The worst of all was actually the one man Itachi had been counting on. Instead of being helpful, the pervert copy-nin chose to treat his dilemma as a joke.

When he came up with the worst of his ideas, Itachi had shouted. "What?"

"I said if you were a girl, we could just get you knocked up. Then you'll have to get married before you lose your slender figure."

"I hate you!" Itachi muttered from under his covers, hiding his face from the fellow captain.

"Ow, don't say that," Kakashi whined from his bed. "Those words hurts me."

Itachi threw his pillow at him. "Then don't say stupid things!"

That marked the end of the discussion with Hatake Kakashi. Now counting the days to the end of the Chu-nin exam, Itachi was growing more frustrated by the hour. Only 16 days remained until the big event would take place in the Konoha arena. If he was lucky, the Mizukage would remain another three, letting her injured heal before attempting a long journey.

"Why 'headless chicken'?" Kisame asked, sprawled out next to Itachi after their lovemaking. Again, they had paid for a room in the hotel on the outskirts. Neither commented on why the one-eyed woman charged them extra.

"Because Shisui likes chicken and thinks I act headless," he snorted, pinching the root of his nose. "Which isn't so inaccurate. I'm in over my head."

"I don't understand why you wouldn't just make him. It certainly is in your capability." Kisame always has a certain admiration in his tone when he spoke of Itachi being brutal. It was because Itachi's strength had always excited him. "Is it because he is your father? Killing him once is enough?"

Itachi sighed out. "I don't always want to resort to my eyes. If I am to be Hokage, I have to learn to resolve political conflict with words. Otherwise, I would be no better than the man who ordered me to kill my family."

"Striving to be more?"

"Learning from my failures."

"It makes me happy," Kisame pulled him closer, placing a gentle kiss on his hair, "that you would trust me with your inner thoughts. If I can be any assistance to your solution, you need only ask."

"I'm afraid there is not much you can do," Itachi returned the kiss to his chest. "The ultimatum is clear and so is his intention. It's all a test for my diplomatic skills. Sandaime wishes that I resolve this business quickly and elegantly, preferable without bloodshed," Itachi calculated for a moment. "Is the Mizukage pressuring him?"

"Perhaps,"

"Kisame..."

"Taking me back to Kiri would be problematic," Kisame explained. "After having me presented here, it would seem she got served with an empty promise. Clearly your old man thinks you'd change your mind if we wait three years and Mei fears he's right. Nothing I say could convince her otherwise. She doesn't even want to consider the possibility of leaving me here, an unattached stranger in enemy territory."

"At least she is dedicated to the idea of us."

"Love Stories tend to leave their marks on her. Also, by having us married, she'll become the next Uchiha Leader's or the future Hokage's sister-in-law by proxy. That's a powerful statement."

"Hm, not to be ignored. So would my father be a parent-in-law to the great swordsman and friend to the Mizukage."

"Rehearsing your arguments?"

"I don't need rehearsal," Itachi smirked, guiding Kisame's hand towards the lower part of his body, "just a clear head."

"You make me very happy, Itachi-san." Kisame said and fell over him in an instant. Between his kisses and love bites, he still managed to say, "Let me speak to your father. It's about time I make a proper appearance."

Itachi moaned when Kisame push one thigh between his legs. "I doubt it would be of any use."

"You underestimate me, Itachi-san," Kisame smirked, taking their manhoods into his hand. "I can be very persuasive if I want."

Itachi couldn't answer to that, he was too occupied with the sensations in his eager body. Kisame was as forceful as an ocean wave and Itachi easily allowed himself to be taken in by the tides. He was soon enveloped by the storm that was Kisame, knowing only the direction his lover guided him towards. Itachi gasped when Kisame pushed into him and cried out his bliss with each thrust. He would think about their problem on another night. Right now, he wanted only to drown in blue.

The world needs more KisaIta. :-D