Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Enchanted...
Chapter four: Rocky path.
"Arrogance."
A firm whisper rang throughout the silent room and the Uchiha started. Ebony eyes, seemingly void of life lifted off the still figure on the bed to gaze sharply at the man that stood leaning against the door frame. The man he had seen conversing with his blonde just a few days ago stood, silent as a cat but far more dangerous.
"Both you and your younger sibling assume far too much about your own power. You know she is an Uzumaki heir and will be well protected yet you insist to crawl your way into her bed chambers." a taunting eyebrow was raised as the flame haired man walked over the sleeping girl and ran a gentle finger along her cheek. Itachi felt his eyes narrow at the stranger, a possessive growl working its way through his throat.
"Who are you?" The Uchiha asked blandly, ebony eyes bleeding red with the infamous Sharingan. Rich golden gaze lifted to meet his and for the first time in his life Itachi felt small. The power in the man's gaze was incredible, he made him feel as though he had no right to touch the one he had chosen as his.
The stranger tucked the blankets firmly around the blonde girl and said, "I should ask you the same question, however, I already know the answer. Uchiha Itachi, Anbu captain, abandoned Konoha after being forced to assassinate his own family. A duty I am certain must be immensely painful to follow."
Sharingan faded unconsciously, as the stone cold face twisted in a myriad of emotions. He had been certain that this particular information had only been known to the third Hokage. His painted fingernails dug into his palm, trying to reign some semblance of control over his emotions that were on blatant display on his visage. Glimmering gold gaze narrowed at him as the stranger questioned, "Have you confessed to her of your innocence? Or is it that you wish to warrant her pain and confusion for caring for a man whose hands are stained with the blood of his kin?"
The formidable Uchiha winced at the accusation. What could he say to such a statement? His normally organized mind whirled in disarray as he gaze back blankly at those inhuman eyes. Years worth of pain reflected in his eyes but the regal gold never released his gaze from their dark magic. The red haired man leaned forward and grasped his chin in a bruising grip and said, "Gather your courage boy and face her or leave her to someone more worthy. I'll not have some foolish brat soil what I have worked hard to achieve."
Releasing his chin the older man spoke softly, "She has just begun to let down the walls that she had built around her heart. She has stopped pretending."
Itachi finally spoke, his voice soft, somewhat hesitant. "How can she trust me when so many are against me? She would think of it as a barefaced lie. Will she forgive me?"
"There is nothing to forgive." the older man replied softly making his gaze glance sharply at him. He knelt beside the bed and fed chakra into the still form, trying to heal the more stubborn of wounds that the young girl received from her recent mission. She lay unconscious and blissfully ignorant of the vital conversation between two of the most important men in her life. Clawed fingers brushed back her gleaming gold of hair tenderly, an action that none would warrant a demon such as Kyuubi.
Itachi waited patiently for the man to finish healing his little blonde. "Naru may have been brought up as a boy, but underneath it all still lies a heart of a woman. And a woman my boy is one of the Lord's most baffling creations. You may win small battles with a woman, but rest assured, she will always win the war." chuckling slightly the man sat down on a chair by the window, gazing at the full moon almost longingly. Crimson hair gleamed, a few stray strands escaping the top knot that held his long hair back.
"They are like the moon, mystical, alluring. They'll dominate the darkness of your world, guide you though the forest of despair and lead you to the ocean of hope where everything shimmers in their brilliance. Naru is no different, she still possesses the magic that females are given by the moon. She gave you the right to touch her, do you think she would have done that of she believes what she hears?"
Itachi frowned, dark eyes clouding as they glanced at the precious life nestled cozily in the warm comforters. "Their greatest strength and yet their greatest weakness is that they listen to their hearts first and foremost. It gives them a perception a man can only dream of."
The man stood up and moved to leave the room and murmured, "She shall wake any moment now. I'll leave you two alone. Be careful, it wouldn't do to anger me further than you already have." and just like that Itachi believed him. Just like that he believed that it would be his death, if he did in fact harm the blonde.
Itachi had no intention to do that.
Cold features relaxed somewhat as the beautiful face in front of him showed its first signs of wakefulness. The Uchiha leaned forward, as if drawn by some power to the gorgeous blonde. His fingers itched as he brought his hand forward to trace her fine features in feather like touches. His effort earned him a soft moan and the gift of seeing those glorious eyes opened once again. They groggily met his and clouded in confusion, dark lashes blinking rapidly.
"Itachi?" she questioned and the Uchiha nodded. "Getting hurt on a simple c-rank mission Naruto?"
The girl smiled softly at him and said, "Not Naruto anymore Itachi-kun. You are talking to Uzumaki Narumi now." The Uchiha blinked for a moment then stood up from his seat and settled himself on her bed. Fingers soaked in invisible blood caressed her innocent skin as though the devil was stroking an angel's feathers. His coarse fingers felt sinful against the divine smoothness of her pale cheek yet he pressed on, wishing to bathe in the innocence that can never be his.
A, sad, almost painful smile hinted at his lips as he wondered out loud, "Even if I were to die a thousand deaths, I wouldn't be worthy of your trust. So tell me, Naru, why do I deserve it without penance.?"
Narumi tilted her head to the side and blinked in confusion. Looking up at the ceiling she ignored the slight burning of the wounds that healed rapidly. "Trust.." she mused thoughtfully, rolling that single words about her tongue. "Trust, love, hate. Such words should not be used lightly Itachi. They are emotions, different for different people."
She transferred her solemn cerulean eyes on him and said, "I trust you because my heart tells me to do so. I listen to it even though my mind warns me that I have been betrayed before. I trust you to not break my trust, and I trust you to trust me in return. Which you don't." Smiling softly at his transfixed expression she closed her eyes.
Tensing up her body, she hissed as she pulled on her wounds. She sat up and rested her back against the headboard with a small frown on her face. Leaning her head on Itachi's shoulder she whispered, "I don't know why you suddenly decided to pay me a visit before the meeting, I don't know why you kissed me. I don't know why you are here tonight and I won't ask cause I trust you to tell me someday, when you finally find me worthy of it."
Itachi closed his eyes, recognizing the pain so skillfully hidden under those beautiful words. It annoyed him, yet intrigued him, the fact that Narumi could affect him so much. He wasn't used to having his decisions taken away from his mind and actions committed by his heart. Yet, his being had been surrounded by sin for so long that the allure of Naru's innocence was like a drug to him.
Gathering his courage about him he said finally, "What if I told you that I killed my clan as a duty an Anbu captain had to perform?" The heiress's eyes narrowed calculatingly at him, seeing right through him. He never knew how unnerving Narumi's gaze would be, he now understood why people like Gaara squirmed under her steady gaze. He had witnessed it once, when the other demon vessel paid a visit to Konoha after becoming the Kazekage. Everyone had gazed at him distrustfully, everyone except the blonde.
Gaara had been subjected to her assessing gaze for a full minute and he had never seen the impassive sand-nin so uncomfortable.
There was a superiority in those cerulean eyes, some inner understanding which could only be attributed to Narumi. The strength that was so similar to Yondaime when he had seen him. There was no doubt about it, his blonde was the legendary Hokage's daughter.
"So this is what you have been hiding? What was their crime?" her voice was steady, yet there was something underneath those calm words. She knew what was their crime.
He wondered again, 'When did she become so perceptive? Or was it always like that?'
He knew she acted differently around him, in private. Yet how differently, he did not have a clue about. "Rebellion." he murmured smoothly. It was a sort of rebellion, even planning to kill Narumi was a crime worthy of death. There would be no trial. If you even spoke that you are going to kill the blonde and any Anbu heard it, his sword would separate your head from your body. That was the order of the Hokage.
His blonde's lips twitched into a sardonic smile, "Rebellion, huh? How much more blood is spilled on my name Itachi? Why at that? I am just one person." Closing her eyes she shifted away from him, a little blood tainting her white sleeping gown.
"Aa," Itachi said softly. "you are just one person. Just a little girl. Just the daughter of Yondaime. Just a girl who is next in line to become the Hokage." Silently he wrapped his arms around her waist. He knew this was the reaction he was bound to get. He nuzzled her neck and whispered harshly, "Woman, you steal my breath away. You make me loose my calm, my balance and his frustrates me."
Narumi hissed when his arms tightened around her wounded body, yet she did not complain. "You make me act outside myself and it irks me. Who gave you so much control?" Itachi hissed through clenched teeth. Naru really didn't mind the sudden change of mood. She just submitted, she submitted to his whim. With her back to him, she relaxed, eyes closing in an unknown bliss of pain. Itachi's possessive arms reminded her that she was needed, she was craved. That was enough for her. She needed nothing else.
His warm breath tickled the fine column of her throat, she could already feel the blazing Sharingan eyes staring at her skin hungrily. She turned her head slightly to look at him with large expressive eyes. Just as she suspected he was watching her with his hungry gaze that brought a slight twitching smile to her lips.
She raised her hand and brushed fine ebony strands off those bleeding red eyes and smiled tenderly. "Gomen." She whispered and kissed his forehead softly. Yawning slightly, she dug her face in the junction of his neck and shoulder.
Itachi licked his lips as he looked down at the blonde cuddled in his arms. There was no mistrust, she just believed and he couldn't comprehend how. Growling softly at his confusion he dug his fingers into silky blonde hair and pulled her head back so he could have a look at her face. Glaring into her exquisite eyes he spoke, "Why do you believe me! Why would you give your trust to me so blindly?"
Hauntingly blank eyes greeted her and he spoke in a soft, bland tone, "You shouldn't trust me, I killed my father, my mother with my own hands. And many after that. I killed Sasuke's innocence." Naru closed her eyes so that he wouldn't see the guilt that tainted their beauty and asked, "What do you want me to say to that?" Looking at the man she had come to adore, despite his flaws she said, "Yes, you killed them and to put it simply, you did what was necessary. Don't think your brother is any better than you, in fact he is even worse."
Shrugging Narumi cast the Uchiha an emotionless glance and said, "I ask you to trust me, you still don't. Both are you are so pitifully weak it disgusts me. You call yourselves elite ninjas. I have killed too, I have killed people who just innocently follow their leader's commands. I killed Haku in a fit of rage." Locking her gaze with the Uchiha, she said, "And if you betray Konoha and we face off in battle, I'll kill you too. However, unlike you I'll not regret it. Its a ninja's duty. The purpose of our life. It will always be like that."
Suddenly she found herself pinned by Itachi but she didn't react. Looking at the face that was just a breath away from hers she said dangerously, "What do you think Uchiha? I am not going to coddle and coo over you like your fan girls. You screw up, I'll tell you, you screwed. I'll not sugar-coat my words just to make you feel better." Her fingers buried themselves in his silky hair she tugged him forward non too gently and whispered harshly, "You got problems? So does everybody in the world, running away only makes you a coward and as you can see I don't like cowards very much."
Itachi just stared at her for a moment before his lips curled in amusement. Leaning forward he claimed those cherry lips with his. Now he knew why he couldn't keep his hands off her.
Tsunade rubbed her temple tiredly as she glanced at the fuming Uchiha sitting in front of her. Yes, the great Uchiha Sasuke had to nerve to demand something of the Hokage, and that something was Naruto. Sasuke's ever-present shadow Sakura was right beside him, scowling slightly.
After the meeting with the elders, Tsunade was still not able to convince the elders to relent. Hiashi was the most stubborn, he made it clear that Sasuke should not meet Naruto, or Narumi now, under any circumstances.
"Where is the dobe? I haven't seen him for a week." Sasuke questioned through clenched teeth. His ebony eyes were glittering, demanding an answer which Tsunade could not give. Before she could even open her mouth to answer, there was a soft knock on the door and a very grumpy Narumi walked in. She flicked a glance at Sasuke and Sakura who were watching her intently and shrugged, she was not surprised they were here.
Turning to the Hokage she said, "I'll come back later." She was about to turn and walk away when the decision was taken out of her hands. "Naru sit down."
Narumi sighed and sat down beside Sasuke, watching Tsunade warily. Her blond was hair tied up in a high pony-tail, blue eyes narrowed calculatingly making her look like a strong ninja. Her fingers drummed impatiently against her arms which were crossed over his bosom. The Hokage turned towards her team-mate and asked, "Why do you want to meet Naruto so much?"
Narumi stiffened and glanced at Sasuke with a scowl marking her lips, 'Both Uchihas are out to make my life miserable.' Her hand unconsciously traveled to her neck where there was a slight discoloration. She swore she'd pull out each of those teeth the next time he attempted to mark his property.
"He is our team-mate, if the dobe is slacking off again, we wouldn't be able to progress on missions." Tsunade's lips tightened as he glanced at the icy countenance of her beloved blonde. One mask had been replaced by another, she knew. Kyuubi had done a good job of releasing Narumi from her own curse only to have her bound in another curse of her own making. Albeit a smaller one.
Tsunade went straight to the point, "Elders have forbidden him to meet you." All three genins froze at the statement. Sasuke's eyes narrowed into ebony slits while Sakura's eyes widened. "Why!" she exclaimed.
"Is it because they think he is a bad influence on Sasuke-kun? I heard something like that after Naruto brought Sasuke-kun back." Tsunade glanced at Narumi again, this time her eyes were icy. She stood up and walked over the picture of her father and stayed silent, staring at him. Her fingers itched to trace the trace the features of the man who she never met, but loved more than any one in her life. She couldn't understand why, she suspected she never would.
The room was silent, observing her. Tsunade finally broke the silence and said, "No, the didn't order that to protect Sasuke from Naruto. They wanted to protect Naruto from Sasuke." Sakura instinctively jumped and asked, "What? Why would they do that? I thought they hate Naruto, so why would they care?"
'Father...' Narumi whispered in her mind, oblivious the conversation going on around her. In all the confusion in her life the only solace she thought she'd find was in this man she had never seen in person. She didn't notice Tsunade glancing at her worriedly. Biting her lower lip, she turned away from the face and looked over her shoulder at two baffled genins and the Hokage. At the question in Tsunade's eyes Narumi nodded.
The Hokage turned to looked at Sasuke straight in the eyes and said, "A few days ago th council had a meeting with Naruto since he had recovered. They questioned him about the fight and he answered them sincerely." Sasuke tilted his head to the side and sneered, "That still does not explain why Naruto is being separated from us."
"I am coming to that." Tsunade answered irritably. "The council knows you had full intention of killing Naruto when you used the Chidori." Sasuke didn't even wince, he started right back at Tsunade and said, "An error in judgment that won't happen again."
Tsunade twitched, 'An error in judgment! Who does he think he is?'
Crossing her arms over her ample bosom she said, "Well, that error cost you. Since the whole village is going to know, I should tell you." She glanced at Narumi again, but the girl was impassive, leaning against the wall, her eyes closed. Sighing, she said, "Naruto is no ordinary kid brat." The Uchiha twitched and said, "I know, no ordinary kid has two chakra sources."
Sakura looked baffled by that and Narumi was still impassive against the wall, but her eyes were open. Tsunade caught her gaze and watched as cerulean blue flashed in warning. Narumi didn't want her deepest secret revealed. Turning back to the other genins Tsunade said, "To them Sasuke, Naruto is more valuable than you are." Sakura's eyes widened at that and Narumi frowned.
"I don't think it is wise to beat around the bush Hokage-sama." Sasuke stated, not fazed.
"Uzumaki family, also known as the Konoha royal family. They are not hugely populated as the Uchiha and Hyuuga clans were. Uzumaki family is small, members vary from three to five. The last Uzumaki known is Uzumaki Arashi, or to say Yondaime." Narumi spoke softly. Tsunade who had not expected her to speak was surprised and so were others. Sakura was the first who caught on, "Oi, are you saying Naruto is somehow related to Yondaime? That's absurd! Naruto isn't even that strong to actually belong to a strong clan."
Narumi smiled a bit sardonically which was only caught by Tsunade as she said, "No, Naruto is not just related to Yondaime, Naruto is Yondaime's child. The last heir of the Uzumaki family. If he dies, Uzumakis will be lost."
Looking straight at Sasuke, Narumi said, "He didn't want this Uchiha-san. The elders are still doubtful of your loyalty towards the village and they wouldn't let the last Uzumaki heir near you. They suspect you still crave the power of Mangekyou. I... Naruto tried... he tried a lot but even his Ani seems to agree with the idea."
Sakura glared at her and said, "Alright then! Who needs that brat. If he is so mighty belonging to a lost clan than we need nothing to do with him, Right Sasuke-kun? We never like the guy anyways."
Narumi's gaze went eerily blank at that statement, but she said nothing. However, she let out a start of surprise when Sasuke banged the Hokage's desk in a fit of anger, growling low he said, "Why... He is my friend. He is my only friend!"
Narumi's eye widened in surprise. She never suspected Sasuke would go straight out and admit it, much less in front of others. She knew he considered her a friend, but she thought he never admitted it to others.
The Hokage narrowed her eyes and said, "That's exactly the reason he is made to stay away from you. The council knows what is required to obtain the Mangekyou Sharingan. They knew Naruto is your best friend. Like Naruto, I too tried to reason with them. But as I don't even have the support of Ryu-san, it didn't work out that well."
The Uchiha's eyes narrowed at that name. He was shocked to say the least about the elders' behavior yet in some corner of his mind he always knew that Naruto was a very important person. Receiving training from Jiraiya, having close relationship with Tsunade, Itachi wanting to capture him. Heck, even Orochimaru knew who Naruto was. But who was this new person in Naruto's life?
He raised one eyebrow and asked, "I saw this Ryu person with Naruto once. Why does he matter so much? He just came out of the blue claiming to be Naruto's brother when he doesn't even remotely resemble Yondaime or Naruto."
"Adopted brother." Narumi said without hesitation. "Ryu-san was Yondaime's close friend and is Naruto legal guardian. He was gone on a long spy mission for a year before Kyuubi's attack and didn't know of Yondaime's relationship and Naruto's birth. When he did return to Konoha a few days ago he found him unconscious and officially took over his guardianship."
Ebony eyes narrowed at the unknown girl and asked, "How do you know so much about Naruto?"
Amusement flooded in cool cerulean eyes and immediately Sasuke knew the answer to his question before the girl opened her mouth.
"I am Naruto."
And Sasuke believed her, just like that. It wasn't that difficult for him to. No one could even dream to have Naruto's eyes. Even if they were related. It was not possible so have such pain and anguish mingle with such contentment and strength. Naruto's eyes reflected that, it had always reflected that. This was Naruto and there was not doubt in his mind.
Sharingan whirled in his eyes only to have a frown of confusion grace his fine brows. There was no henge, this was not Naruto's Sexy-no-jutsu.
His gaze was intent on the beautiful girl in front of him, their eyes locked in a battle of wills that had been fought so many times before. Only this time, the blue gaze was immensely strong, superior in any and all ways. He couldn't understand what had changed between them but the Naruto in front of him did not seem like the attention seeking ninja he had always known. No, this girl was composed, elegant yet unmistakably Naruto.
The stare was broken when Sakura hit Naruto's head, hard. "Naruto no baka! Release that jutsu now!" To their surprise the girl did not react. She just glanced coolly at the pink haired menace, "Jutsu Sakura? Are you certain I am using a jutsu?" Turning her back on the fuming girl she walked over to the door and opened it calmly to let Kyuubi in.
Tsunade gave a start of surprise when she found the regal looking demon frowned disapprovingly at the small gathering. She never understood how he managed to be at the right place at the right time. She wouldn't be surprised if she found that he had a sixth sense regarding Narumi. However, she got rid of that notion when the red-head came forward and gave her a report of his latest mission in writing. An A-class. Completed in half a day.
She didn't know whether to be thankful for having such a competent shinobi or curse her luck to have such an unnerving demon.
Kyuubi raised an eyebrow at her and asked, "If there isn't anything else to speak of Tsunade I am taking Naru with me." Without asking Narumi stood from her seat, it didn't even take a glance for her guardian for her to obey the silent command.
"Naruto will not leave until she answers questions." Sasuke said with firm finality in his voice that made Kyuubi stop in his tracks. Tsunade let a shiver crawl up her spine when impassive gold eyes passed over her and landed on the Uchiha. Narumi was still, silent. Tsunade marveled Kyuubi ability to so easily tame the impulsive blonde, yet manage to preserve her enthusiasm and independence.
The demon sat down in a rustle of fabric. He was dressed in white traditional Japanese clothes made of rich silk. She never understood why he wore clothes that made him stand out so much, then again, who was she to argue. Narumi sighed and shook her head. This was getting to troublesome for her.
Golden gaze narrowed as he looked at the one with pink hair. She was glaring at his little charge and that was something he would not tolerate from such an insignificant being. Sharp eyes glanced at Tsunade as he spoke, his voice soft and dark, "Haruno Sakura, get out."
Sakura started in surprise and said, "Why! I too want answers from that baka!"
A growl that sounded almost inhuman resounded throughout the room that made Narumi's eye widen. She could feel the anger that Kyuubi felt coursing through her veins and whispered, almost desperately, "Nii-sama! Please..."
Kyuubi's lips tightened. The little blonde had been unusually happy when she left the soundly sleeping Itachi in her room this morning. He could feel her happiness course through him and was pleased. He wounds had healed in the morning itself when he found her in the protective embrace of the missing-nin.
It all shattered when she entered this room. He was on the way to deliver his report when he felt it, like a broken glass falling on the cold hard floor it resounded through his mind. A quick flash of pain like lightning.
That displeased him, it angered him. He had sworn as he silently observed the events of her life through the empty bleakness of his cage that he would never allow anyone to hurt her. He would never allow Naru to suffer anymore and he had taken careful steps to ensure that. However, it seemed he couldn't save her from everything and it enraged him for he was The Kyuubi, and he couldn't protect his child from pitiful humans who seemed to take delight in hurting each other in a way that couldn't be healed.
He could practically hear the scars ripping again, he could almost feel his child's heart tearing. Blood-lust clouded his eyes as the demon blood roared through his veins, his eyes bled crimson with demonic heritage.
Reigning control over his wild instincts, he smirked. "They say plain truth is all we need to bring a person to his place. Lies have been running rampant for far too long. Uchiha Sasuke, I give you my word. Today when you leave this room, you'll leave with all your illusions destroyed and the realization that you have been lied to all your life. Even by your very own brother."
"Nii-sama... no!" Narumi's eyes widened as she observed Sasuke's eyes narrow and his whole body go rigid. Tsunade cursed under her breath and called in an Anbu guard.
"Take Haruno-san out of here and make sure no one disturbs us for a while." The Anbu nodded and took the protesting Sakura away, firmly closing the door behind him. Tsunade let out a wary sigh and looked at the blonde girl whose gaze was firm on her guardian. In A pleading whisper she spoke, "Please... He.."
"Shut up Naruto." came a harsh hiss from Sasuke. Glittering ebony eyes looked at Kyuubi and asked, "You were saying?"
The demon turned serious and crossed his arms, his steady gaze on the Uchiha did not waver as wheels of Sharingan spun. "Uchiha clan massacre was not a crime."
It was a simple sentence, yet the impact was monstrous. Sasuke's eyes widened at the implications of that particular statement. Panicked eyes landed at the blonde girl who was observing him with something close to sadness in her eyes. With a sigh she got up from her brother's side and sat next to him, taking his hand into her and giving it a gentle squeeze. "What does he mean Naruto?" His voice sounded raspy and weak, his complexion paling a great deal.
"They committed an S-class violation Sasuke. Punishable to death without trial. They unwittingly became a pawn in Orochimaru's scheme." Tsunade said quietly, hoping that the news would not effect him as much as she suspected.
Sasuke felt a warm hand pressed against his cheek and his distraught gaze landed on Naruto. He bored in the calming cerulean depths as she said softly, "Itachi caught them red handed along with his Anbu companion planning to assassinate Yondaime's legacy, his only child. Me." Beautiful eyes flashed with guilt as the warm hand was about to slip away from his cold cheek.
Sasuke caught it and held it there, gazing at her guilty countenance. She sighed and continued, "They were guilty of association with an S-class missing-nin and breaking the law which warranted death to those who even so much as planned to harm me. The whole clan was involved Sasuke, your uncles, aunts, mother and father. While his fellow Anbu left to gain reinforcement, Itachi followed his duty and killed everybody save children. The only child in your family was you."
"But they were the law Naruto, they wouldn't do it... they couldn't... they were the police force for crying out loud!" Sasuke argued.
Narumi's heart shattered at the moment, her calm eyes visibly darkening as she whispered, "They thought I was a demon." Kyuubi's fingers fisted around the armrest of his chair while Tsunade looked at the blonde worriedly. With a shaking breath Narumi continued, "Father did not kill the Kyuubi Sasuke, he couldn't. So he sealed it in me using a forbidden sealing technique the day I was born. He laced the seal with a genjutsu that would grow with me, maintained by Kyuubi's chakra. That genjutsu made me look like a boy. He did it to protect me knowing that although I was holding the demon in a prison, villagers will consider me the demon instead. That is exactly what happened."
Looking at his shocked countenance she extracted her hand from his grip and stood up. Facing her father's picture again she said, "The Uchihas did not have any different opinion of me. They thought I was a monster and Orochimaru knew I wasn't. He used this as a bait to end the Uzumaki bloodline, and to gain the Sharingan. He used this as a bait to get back at the Third Hokage and also to gain favor of the people of Konoha. After all they wanted me dead."
With a soft sigh, she closed her eyes. Her voice wavered a bit, sounding husky, "Itachi couldn't handle staying here. He left and Hokage had no option but to declare him as a missing-nin. The Third wanted to tell others the reason, bit Itachi had made him give his word not to speak of it. He wants to die Sasuke, and he wants to die at your hands." Licking her lips nervously she said, "Council was told when I was unconscious by some doctor that my blood-tests prove that I am Yondaime's daughter. They knew that my last name is no fluke."
She turned around and looked at him with a sad smile on her face and said, "Gomen ne Sasuke. Its all my fault."
At that last whispered sentence Narumi disappeared in a swirl of wind.
"Matte! Naruto!" Sasuke called feebly. His eyes turned to Naruto's guardian who was just sitting there with a blank expression on his face and he demanded, "What are you doing just sitting there!" The red-head's expression softened marginally as he said, "She needs some space Sasuke."
The Uchiha shot to his feet and said, "She's in pain! I am going after her."
"Leave her be. She is stronger than you think otouto." Itachi said calmly to the now shocked Sasuke.