..Chapter Two..

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A lone figure dashed through the night; leaping through trees and under brush. He did nothing to hide his presence, though he could quite easily. A hushed footing, a bare whisper of clothing, a graze of fingers across a wooden tree trunk. He was one with the night, moving faster than he'd ever done in his youth. His actions were flawless, perfect even. He wasn't an egotistical man, but he knew his own abilities and took confidence in them unspoken. Tenten had commented more than once that she'd always admired that about him. His ability to know himself and yet never boast of his skills.

He jumped, kicked off of the side of a large tree and landed on the grassy cool earth. Without missing a beat or pausing he began to run onward into the night, closer to his ordered destination. Whatever it was, his orders had been direct and clear. He had to move quickly. There was no time to waste, he'd been told. And you didn't leave Tsuande-sama, the Hokage, waiting for anything. Especially this late at night. Especially when she had been the one roused from her sleep. He glanced at the moon, cold ivory depths lacking any pupil narrowing slightly. He watched as clouds moved in. It looked like it might rain so he needed to hurry. Rain would hamper his speed.

He picked up his pace, making sure to take the shortest path. He knew which one, he'd taken it on more than one occasion in his youth. He almost wished Tenten was here, egging him on to move faster, quicker. She only did it when Lee wasn't around. That boy had enough enthusiasm for the both of them to last a lifetime.

And then he was there, leaping over the wall. He could have gone through the front gate, but Tsunade had been specific that no one could know he was coming in the middle of the night once he reached the compound. Soundlessly he lept from rooftop to rooftop until he reached the center of the compound.

He dropped down then, using chakra to hang in a crouched position upside down to make sure the guards weren't making the rounds. Some of them were ANBU level. And though they might take no for an answer when they wanted to know why he was sneaking around the Head's door, he still didn't want it to be known. Tsunade would want to rip him a whole new asshole verbally.

He waited a moment and when he finally saw no one he dropped down, once more crouching and glancing carefully. Then, silently, he slid the door open to the room and stepped in. He grunted though as he found a kunai at his throat. One of his hands were grabbed roughly and pulled upward and tight against his back. He realized who it was immediately. "Hinata-sama..." And then he felt those soft hands release his. The room was dark and he hadn't bothered using Byakugan to see inside considering he already knew. This was the result of not knocking he supposed. He'd known she was coming for him just as she did him. He could have reacted, but he wouldn't have.

He rubbed his wrist absently and saw a soft light. Someone was lighting a candle. He looked up into the mature blue eyes of one of his best friends. His short blond strands had gotten longer in the years, making him look more and more like his father everyday.

He arched a brow at Neji, his voice sounding only slightly tired. "Why are you here? And in the middle of the night at that, Neji?"

Neji knelt immediately, almost having forgot his reason for being here. He addressed them both. "Naruto-bushi, Hinata-sama, Tsunade-sama has requested your presence at the tower immediately."

Naruto sighed and lit a few more candles. "Will you stand up already? I hate it when you do that, Neji. I think we're a bit beyond that."

He did stand though. As more light pooled into the room he was finally allowed to see them both clearly. He glanced over at the Head, Hinata and she smiled at him. She'd grown beautifully, her hair no longer short and chopped. It was long and reached at least her waist. Her bangs still elegantly kissed her features, some wisps of it dancing around her cheeks. Two large bits of hair on either side matched one another, wrapped in metal bangles at the ends. They reached just past her breasts.

Tonight she was clothed in a white robe just as Naruto was; slightly large orbs contained haphazardly. But then, she'd always been large on top. In her youth she'd been too afraid to show them, too shy. That had all changed when she fell in love with his best friend. He couldn't have approved more. Her figure had turned out nicely; long legs and tight abs. He'd been taken aback when she dared to finally wear a stomach showing shirt, revealing her toned midsection. You could actually see depth between the muscle and each ab. And on her, it looked just perfect when you considered how shy she'd once been; how soft spoken.

He turned to look at the blond who married his cousin. The man who'd changed his life during the Chuunin exams. The man who had given Hinata the strength to take her place as the Head when his uncle retired to the council. The same man who had kept his word, despite the fact that he still wasn't Hokage and had abolished the slave system that had given Neji the mark of the caged bird. It had since been removed, it's secrets revealed to Tsunade. He'd never felt more free in his life than he had on that day.

He smiled and responded to Naruto. "You've never been one for respectful gestures, Namikaze-bushi."

Naruto sighed, but smiled and nodded nonetheless. Neji, Hinata as well as Jiraiya and Tsunade were the only ones that knew the truth about who his parents were. He refused to let the village know, still wishing to seek acknowledgment on his own. "Quit calling me that. Not only will someone hear you in passing, but I haven't earned it yet."

"Why are you here, Neji?" Hinata looked over at her cousin. "You said Tsunade-sama wished to see us?"

Neji nodded. "Yes, and we can't waste any more time talking. It's urgent. And no one can know we've left the compound. I haven't even let anyone know I came in."

"I was wondering about that..." whispered Hinata.

"Why? what's this about?" Naruto rubbed his chin idly.

Neji shook his head. "I don't know. All I know is when I came back tonight from a late mission, she had me come to get you ASAP. Whatever it is, it's urgent and she's not happy about being woke up."

Naruto chuckled. "No, she wouldn't be." He idly glanced at the clock. It was three in the morning. "Alright, let me get dressed. Hinata too. And we'll go." He went into the next room, his wife following behind him. They changed quickly.

When they finally came out, Neji took a moment to look at their attire.

Naruto wore an orange Jounin vest. He just couldn't seem to shake the color, no matter how much Neji goaded him. Beneath it was a dark blue shirt, the top the sleeves emblazoned with the leaf symbol. His hands were covered in the same fingerless gloves Kakashi sported. They had metal plates which also bore the same symbol as his shoulders and headband. The shirt was tight, showing much definition and just how much he'd filled out and grown as an adult. His pants were black and slightly loose fitting but fit snugly around his hips and abs beneath the shirt. His feet were covered in boots that had metal clasps on them which also sported the same leaf symbol. He grinned charismatically at him, showing that in some way, he was still that twelve-year old boy who kicked his ass and changed his view of life during the Chuunin exam.

Hinata sported black pants as well with the same boots as her husband. But about her waist was a soft lavender sash with fringe that reached her knees tied to the side. Her top was covered in a black fishnet mesh, the sleeves belled and going just past her hands It hugged her curves tightly and reveal those tight abs he thought of earlier. Over this, and covering her breasts from view was a loose black top. It only went just past the curve of her breasts and was ripped there as well as at the sleeves. On the back of it he knew there was the same leaf symbol, stitched in with soft lavender thread.

"Let's get going," he stated. Without a sound, without being detected, they blew out the candles and dissipated into the night.

ooo

Six and a half months ago...

The ground erupted with a blast beneath her, crushing rock and sending shards flying in many different directions. She lept up and he dashed up and backwards red Sharingan eyes narrowing heatedly at her.

The cavern was dark and dank, but had been their home for the last few weeks. It suited them just fine. At least until they knew what to do about their 'problem'. she hated calling it that though.

Ha came at her, throwing out and open hand towards her face. Her face twisted with a flat line and a slight twitch of her lips as she bent over backwards to avoid the hit. She swept down, kicking low to knock his feet beneath him. They were both so fast, so damned fast.

He jumped up, flipping back and landed in a crouch. He came at her without missing a beat, resisting the urge to use Chidori. She was so damned strong, but they both knew they had to hold things back to keep from hurting her. They both hated that. She hated it more though.

Ha dropped to the ground as she threw several kunai at him. She was fast. Easily as fast as him. He heard the kunai strike the back wall, imbedding in the rock and breaking both the weapons and the wall. She looked angry that she hadn't hit him, but they were both caught in the moment. Had they hit him half his side would be gone.

Clap... clap... clap...

They both jumped up, turning swiftly as the sound of two hands hitting one another was heard just beyond the darkness the candles couldn't reach. Sasuke narrowed his eyes and Sakura's lips twisted into a slight scowl. She was so beautiful she was mad.

"I came as requested. I didn't expect to see you however... little brother." He stepped out from the shadows, black cloak with red clouds emblazoned on it. His face was hard and worn, looking as tired as ever. His eyes still the same red Sharingan he always displayed. One might wonder if he ever saw through coal ones like his brother anymore.

Sasuke's face twisted in instant anger. "You..." He started to move, but a hand stopped him. He looked over at Sakura, eyes narrowed. "Explain yourself now." His voice was demanding and harsh.

She looked over at him. And then back to Itachi. Her voice was even and calm as she stood slightly to the left, but in front of her lover. "I hadn't expected them to send you. But, this does work to my advantage."

Sasuke's blood boiled and he glared at Sakura. "You've betrayed me." It was an accusation, his voice cold and even.

She didn't take her eyes off his older brother. "No. I have my reasons for calling him here. And I ask you, for the sake of that you hear this out. If you still want to fight him afterward, I won't stop you."

He grit his teeth together behind a closed and tight mouth. He didn't like this. Everything in this room right told his him to move. To fight. To kill the man responsible for all his plaguing thoughts, for all his drive and solitude. He wanted to do what he wanted as he had always done. But... there was another person involved in the loop he called his life now. He supposed... for that reason alone, he could hear this out. He cross his arms over his chest and closed his eyes as he turned and moved to a wall, moving to sit on a ledge of rock. "Get on with it."

Sakura dropped her arm and placed her hands on her hips as she addressed the Akatsuki member with eyes almost as cold as her lover's. "Itachi... First, let me say I'm intrigued. This is the first time I've seen you in person." She smirked. "You're not your brother, but it's apparent by your eyes how... alike you are."

"Don't insult me, Sakura." She heard his harsh voice behind her, but she let it go.

"Hn..." Itachi began. "I'm here on your time. I'd not waste it on idle chatter about my brother."

She sighed. "Very well." One hand rested on her hip. "As you know, for the last few years we've been working with Orochimaru. I know before Sasuke got involved with him he defected from your little... club... I also know your group wants him dead. Am I correct?"

He didn't move, his voice as even as ever when he spoke. "You are." It hung in the air, as if to say 'what of it'.

She smirked again. "Good. Recently, we were given some thought to leaving him. We've taken a short leave of absence under the pretense that we're getting information your group. The real truth is, we want him gone just as much as you do. We're willing to strike a deal, if necessary."

Itachi seemed to weigh this knowledge. "That won't be needed." He turned to go. "You're time is up."

"I know the truth about you, Itachi." She called out to his back.

He took pause, eyes narrowing but did not turn around. "What could you, weak as you are, know about me?"

She crossed her arms over her chest, speaking quickly. "I know about the deal the Third made with you, Itachi. I know about the ANBU Black Ops mission and the coupe de ta planned on Konoha. I also know you didn't want to kill all those people, but did it because you loved Konoha more. You left Sasuke because you couldn't bring yourself to kill him. Instead, you left him, making him think you were enemy number one so he could revive the clan, kill you and one day be named a hero."

He came at her so fast she didn't know how to react for the first time in six years. She stepped back and Sasuke was in front of her, blocking his brother. She swallowed a gasp and kept her composure. It'd been hard to get that out.

"Why?" Sasuke said quietly and harshly but Itachi ignored him.

He seemed angered, his eyes filled with the heated passion of rage. but, he contained himself and stepped back. He stared hard at the pink haired woman his brother had chosen to carry on their family name. She had balls, he'd give her that.

"How did you know that, girl." His voice was hard and deep, unemotional and yet demanding at the same time.

She stood firm, her eyes narrowing on him as she spoke. "Your group isn't the only one who likes to dig things up, Itachi... I've had people working on getting me some information on you for years in Konoha. I admit, I'd done it so I could give Sasuke some type of advantage. But, when I learned the truth a few weeks ago... it wasn't what I was looking for. But, it was what I needed." She stepped past Sasuke and all she could feel was his hard, and yet weak eyes on her back. It was the first time in years he'd had those eyes. She would have told him sooner. But, she didn't want him stopping her. It's why she didn't tell him she'd sent for Akatsuki in the first place.

"How far along are you?" Itachi asked, his eyes staring at her stomach. It hadn't begun to show, but she was getting a bit round about the waist. In another week or two she'd have to change her clothing choice.

Her eyes seemed to go soft for a moment. "I had a feeling you'd know. I'm too far along for those eyes not to catch it." She paused. "We don't know what to do. We can't let Orochimaru know. We can't raise this baby in that environment. I'm too worried he'll use it against us."

His eyes never wavered. "You're asking for my help?"

"I'm not asking you for anything but to help us do what you already want to do. We always planned on killing Orochimaru when the time was right and moving on to find you and complete our mission..." She looked over at Sasuke. "His mission." And then she looked back at his brother. "We can't stall forever." She hated acting this weak in front of the man her lover seemed to hate so much. Did he still? Now that he knew the truth? He wasn't saying anything, it had to be a lot for him to take in.

He was quiet for a long while, seeming to think her offer over. He no longer had a reason for his brother to hate him. It seemed as though she'd taken care of that rather quickly. He now no longer seemed to have a reason for being in the Akatsuki since the only thing that drove that mad idealism was wanting Sasuke to hate him more. He hadn't expected his day to take this wild turn and he wasn't entirely happy about it. But, he did love his brother. He always had. And somehow all those years of making him hate him seemed to weigh on him all at once as he learned he had a niece or nephew on the way.

"I see why my bother chose you."

She arched a brow.

"Very well, Haruno Sakura. I will help you." He walked over to her and she seemed to falter, stepping back as he reached for stomach. But a hand reached out. Sasuke's. He took his brother's wrist, eyes cold and confused as he watched Itachi.

He looked at him in return, hearing his words. "Don't touch her."

Itachi smirked slightly, the first emotion Sasuke had seen cross his face in years. "I won't hurt her."

Sasuke paused a moment, still entirely too confused about all this. He didn't know if he could trust him or not. Even after everything that had been laid out by Sakura, he was still unnerved. He'd gone so long hating him it was hard to shake it. But, he let go, begrudgingly.

Itachi placed his hand over her stomach as he stared down into her eyes. He looked there for a long while. Then, after a moment longer, a 'hm' passed his lips and he stepped back.

"What?" Sasuke muttered, his eyes narrowed on him. He was surprised to find fear slicing through him that something might be wrong with his child.

"Nothing. She's perfectly fine."

Sakura blinked out of the daze he'd had her in with those eyes. "She..?"

He nodded. "It's a girl." He looked over at Sasuke as Sakura seemed to take some comfort in that knowledge. "I have some things to plan. I suggest you stay low until the child is born. I'll keep in contact with you as I can."

Sasuke came forward. "Let me walk you out."

He nodded, but did nothing more as they moved towards the exit and into the darkness.

Sasuke kept his gaze forward. "Why did you do it."

Itachi was quiet for a long while. But, when he spoke it wasn't a complete answer. "She's a persistent woman. I hadn't expect her to do that..." He paused again. "When I was ordered by the Third to keep an eye on my people I didn't know what to think of it. I had been called a star student by more than one person in and out of the clan. I loved Konoha and I loved my family. Most especially my little brother."

Sasuke kept quiet, but couldn't help but allow the information to sink in. Despite his cold unfeeling expression, that knowledge ran through him.

"Then... I was asked by the clan to keep and eye on Konoha. I was told to get information because they were planning an attack on the village. They were going to take it over." A few shots of moonlight sliced through the holes in the tunnel as the neared the entrance to the surface. "I loved Konoha more, Sasuke. My loyalty was to them. So, I decided to I would do what I thought was best for the village. I killed them not because I wanted to, but because I hadn't much other choice... and when I came to you... Well..." His eyes seemed to soften just a bit behind the high collar, he stared forward and stopped as they reached the exit. "I couldn't bring myself to do it. So, I left you with that hatred, that lie. I made you hate me so you would be driven to one day kill me and avenge the clan. Make it what it should have been from the start and not what Uchiha Madara wanted it to be." He looked over at him then, turning to face him as he met his eyes.

"We were never noble, Sasuke. But, you can change that. One day, I will die and it might be you who does it still. And on that day I want you to take my eyes and achieve the Immortal Mangekyo Sharingan."

He just sorta stared at him, taking it all in with an expressionless face. His whole life had been a lie. Each dedication. Each drive and every moment of solitude. If he had known the truth... "How can you say that with such an expressionless face?"

"I could say the same about you." He looked off in the distance. "I have to go, but I'll be back for the birth. If I don't see you before then don't come looking for me. My niece is more important."

Sasuke nodded, still unnerved by everything.

He glanced back at him. "And when she is born take her to Konoha."

"Why?"

He smiled softly at his little brother, his face still cold and barely expressionless as he explained. "We don't know how long this thing will last. Find someone you can trust to take care of her. You don't want Orochimaru finding out and using it against you before we have time to form our plan." He placed a hand on his shoulder and reached out.

Sasuke blinked and closed his eyes as he felt a poke to his forehead. A gesture his brother had not done since he was a child. He opened his eyes to find him still smiling. Itachi released him and went off into the night.

All he could do was stare. Stare into the night at his brother's retreating form while the wind rustled his clothing and hair. In the pass of almost three months his life had changed drastically. First the child and now Itachi. And he still felt Sakura had a lot of explaining to do. He turned then, walking back into the dark cavern.