Recipient: adaina for itanaruswap on livejournal!
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Both ItaNaru and NaruIta
Warnings: Mentions of underage (post puberty) as their relationship started in the past before Naruto was 16. Also, Tobi = Uchiha Madara here (without upgrades and whatnot).
Summary: On the night of Naruto's birth, the Kyūbi is taken by Akatsuki and Konoha is sealed away for good. Sixteen years later sees Madara searching for the one to revive the Jūbi and conquer the world, and the only people in his way are Itachi and Naruto. The only problem is Itachi's carrying one too many secrets, Naruto's hearing voices calling to him in his sleep and all the while they need to keep their relationship a secret from their rival clans.
Author's Notes: Thank you to totallysweetfantasy for the amazing beta!

Caught up in the Stars

.

They moved to the futon laid out. Naruto threw the covers back and lay down, closing his eyes. Their meetings usually followed the same pattern; they rested, ate and then moved onto sex. For now, Naruto was content to curl up and sleep for days beside Itachi, despite what the world would let them get away with.

"How are the Akatsuki?" Naruto asked, rolling on his side to face Itachi.

"Deidara's giving up his rivalry with me to pursue Sasuke," Itachi said with a smirk. "It's a fight that would be interesting, one that I'd have to watch if it ever came to pass."

Itachi frowned for a moment, before opening his mouth slightly. He was clearly debating whether to tell Naruto something and Naruto waited patiently.

"The bijū spoke to me," he said quietly, completely unexpectedly. "There has been a disturbance within the sealing statue so Pein asked me to look it over, see if I could shed any light." His brow crinkled again and Naruto scanned Itachi's eyes, trying to understand what had happened.

"I've been looking for the right person who could merge their chakras and not fall to Madara's goals. The bijū – the Kyūbi more specifically – told me that I'd already found that person and that I need to bring him or her to them." Itachi's voice was flat, but he looked at Naruto with emotion in his eyes.

"I don't know who it is," he admitted and Naruto shuffled closer, resting their foreheads together. He could see the fine hairs on Itachi's cheeks and the odd mark or scar here and there, every tiny little cell that made up Itachi.

There was nothing Naruto could say, but he kissed Itachi gently, reassuring him he wasn't alone.

"Let's have these days," Itachi said, rolling Naruto over and half-lying on top of him. His hair fell over one shoulder as he leant down, kissing Naruto fully, teasing him gently with tongue and teeth.

"No fight?" Naruto muttered as they parted, Itachi moving to the underside of his jaw. He felt the smile and fought to keep down one of his own.

"Think of this as a celebration of our new-found status," he muttered, pulling away to straddle Naruto and undo his jacket.

This was something they both understood. Sex between them had been a game before yet had evolved and it was something they did for pleasure and distraction. Let the world bay at the window for a little while longer. They could be selfish and wanton for a while before going back to duty and complications.

"A celebration?" Naruto repeated, shifting himself up long enough for Itachi to pull his top off. "We'd need a week for a celebration."

Itachi smiled and took off his yukata. He was naked underneath and Naruto raised his eyebrows.

"Were you expecting something?" Naruto said, mock-flustered. "I assure you, I don't usually put out-"

Itachi kissed him and Naruto chuckled against his lips, wrapping his arms around Itachi's shoulders and pulling him close.

"Only every time," Itachi muttered, tugging at Naruto's trousers before he vanished for a moment, grabbing a small toiletries bag and taking lube out as Naruto threw the rest of his clothing away from the futon.

"Should take it as a compliment," Naruto muttered, settling on the futons and leaning back. "Perhaps you're just that irresistible."

He laughed as Itachi bit his shoulder lightly, inhaling deeply as Itachi moved down, kissing over warm skin until he flicked his tongue over Naruto's nipple.

"You're such a tease," Naruto muttered as Itachi looked up, mouth taking the whole nipple in and sucking tightly. Naruto twitched at the feeling and shifted his hips a little, cock hardening as Itachi reached down lazily and cupped his balls.

"It feels far too long since we did this," Itachi began conversationally, calmly, but Naruto could see the desire in his eyes and felt the evidence heavy and wet against his thigh when he pulled Itachi up for a kiss.

"We should run away, find a shack in the middle of nowhere and live on vegetables we grow in our garden." Naruto bit his lip and moaned as Itachi wrapped firm fingers around the base of his cock and rotated his hand, moving upwards with a flick.

"Unfair," he muttered, shuddering as Itachi continued. "Here I am planning our future and you won't even let me-" he broke off with a deep moan, shaking his head and wriggling against Itachi a little.

"You're supposed to talk about our future after you've been fucked silly," Itachi said softly, kissing Naruto's temple and then moving down to his lips. "Not before."

He kissed Naruto then, slipping his tongue between lips and pressing down with his body. Naruto moaned and shifted upwards, catching Itachi's cock in heated friction as he did so and drawing a hiss.

"Careful," Itachi whispered as Naruto guided their erections together, smoothing the tips of his fingers over the head of their cocks and keeping a slightly jilted rhythm going.

"When am I not?" Naruto quipped back, biting his lip as Itachi grabbed the lube and coated them both, slicking his hand against Naruto's and taking over. Naruto let him, stretching his arms up before he wrapped them around strong shoulders.

Itachi pulled away slightly, removing his hand to slide down and between them further. Naruto wriggled upward a little, giving Itachi better access as he ran a finger over his thigh and down.

"I won't last long the first time," Itachi cautioned in his ear and Naruto gave a huff of laughter, spreading his legs a little more, wincing at the feel of lube being spread over him.

"After the week I've had, neither will I," Naruto muttered, closing his eyes as Itachi pushed in gently, fingers probing ever so slightly before something bigger, warmer and better, replaced them. "But you don't need to prove how great you are in the sack."

Naruto moaned as Itachi slid deeper and he grabbed onto his shoulders for a minute, taking sharp, shallow breaths. Itachi was kneeling on the floor, Naruto's legs either side of him, and Naruto shifted a little more, sinking down and groaning gutturally, languishing in the feeling of being filled and completely overtaken by Itachi.

Pushing in slowly, Itachi let his chin rest against Naruto's shoulder, pulling him closer until Naruto was practically in his lap. They paused and Naruto looked at Itachi, skin flushed and heart pounding, to brush away hair from his eyes and kiss him softly.

"Itachi," Naruto whispered, just as strong arms supported him and Itachi shifted, moving his hips as his mouth fell to graze against Naruto's neck.

"I know I don't care for much in this world," Naruto said, gasping the words out as Itachi fucked him slowly and kissed an invisible train up his neck. "But I think…"

He shuddered, gripping Itachi's shoulders as he came. It was unprecedented and he closed his eyes, gripping Itachi tightly as he moved closer to Itachi, ignoring the come and sweat, to kiss him deeply. Itachi groaned and came with a wet pant against Naruto's lips, closing his eyes and sucking Naruto's bottom lip before lowering them down until they were side-by-side once more.

"I'm afraid," Naruto said suddenly, staring up at the ceiling. He didn't bother with cleaning himself and while it was slightly uncomfortable, for whatever reason, Naruto suddenly didn't want it gone.

Itachi was silent, but he moved onto his side and looked at Naruto carefully, the Sharingan faded to his normal eyes.

"I've deluded myself for years, claiming I felt nothing for anything." Naruto covered his eyes with his arm. "When Jii-jii told me that my father was the Yondaime Hokage, I felt angry. I've never been that angry in my life, but it overtook me."

Naruto turned his head to the side, searching Itachi's eyes as if he held all the answers.

"I was angry because he left me – us, Senju, Uchiha – without Konoha. He is the reason Jii-jii refuses to look me in the eyes and refuses to fully love the clan." Naruto laughed, bitterly. How long had he been hiding this from everyone, including himself? This was years of locked away feelings and memories that Itachi was taking the brunt of.

"I was angry because everyone acts as if our time in the woods means nothing. It's as if we're simply waiting for the gates to open and that's it!" Naruto sighed, smiling ever so slightly. "And then I realised I really did love my clan – that I really did love those who were close to me. I don't need a village or a name for it to be love though, unlike how it seems for everyone else."

Though he didn't expect Itachi to answer his musings, his true feelings, Naruto wanted him to know. Itachi needed to know how he felt underneath the apathy and supposed detachment. Naruto had so much love – he could feel it, churning inside of him – but no one to really show it to.

Itachi closed his eyes and pulled Naruto close.

"When we run away, what pet should we get?" The question was so innocent and mild that Naruto laughed, rolling to face Itachi and hit his arm gently.

"A big, loud dog that scares everyone away," Naruto decided, grinning. "It'll take a while to find a good one though."

Naruto allowed his eyes to close as Itachi's arms wrapped around him. He clung back, knowing there was so much they had to get through before they could even think about a future together. Unless Konoha unsealed, Uchiha and Senju would never have reason to even try to get along. Even if Konoha was free though, it would take great effort to get the two clans to merge back into one and that completely discounted Akatsuki and Madara's plans.

"There's so much to do," Naruto muttered quietly and Itachi hummed, the sound vibrating in his chest.

"If we can find the one who can hold the Jūbi, everything else will follow," Itachi said, voice thick with sleep. Naruto murmured a reply, slipping into a normal sleep, as he did every time he was with Itachi.

They could think about serious matters later.

.

"We should set up a meeting now," Naruto said suddenly, looking up from his lunch. "It'll be harder to send a message now that they suspect something."

Itachi nodded, frowning at his own food. "Did you take some of mine when I was packing everything up?" he asked and Naruto snorted.

"I didn't think you'd notice," he said, offering to refill Itachi's rice bowl from the mountain of rice he was digging into. Itachi waved him off. He had more than enough and the thought of returning to the Uchiha clan after four days of uninterrupted time with Naruto was a little sickening

"It can't be too soon," Itachi said regretfully. "In a month and a half?"

He was pleased to see that Naruto wasn't pleased with the time shift, but understood why it was needed.

"Senju will probably know that I'm with you as well," he said around a mouthful of pork. "I was thinking of trying to convince them I'm gathering intel on your clan."

It was a sound idea and as much as Itachi hated to belittle their meetings, it was a step he knew they had to take in order to have this tiny bit of freedom.

"Of course I'll make it seem as if we've only been in contact for months rather than years." Naruto smirked. "And I'll make sure that they think it's only on a professional level that we meet."

Itachi rolled his eyes and began eating the half-full bowl of rice he was left with.

"I'm going to have a hell of a time back with the clan," he said and Naruto shook his head in sympathy.

"How annoying will Sasuke be?" he asked, but Itachi had no idea.

"About the Akatsuki and my involvement? About my relationship with Pein and Madara? About my relationship with you?" he shrugged his shoulders. "If I thought that Senju would let me pass without killing me then I'd just come back to the clan with you."

As soon as it was said, Itachi could see the wheels turning in Naruto's head. He couldn't hold back the small chuckle and shook his head quickly.

"It won't work, Naruto," he said, voice light for once. "Regardless of the impossible scheme you're inventing in your head, the clan elders would tear the shinobi world apart to try and find me."

Naruto was silent for a moment before, "it was a really good plan this time. It involved a bird and a pair of shoes; you would have loved it." He grinned, showing Itachi that he understood what he meant.

They parted after lunch, Naruto heading back to his clan to fabricate a story so he could get permission to see Itachi (and wasn't that a strange thing to think of, considering their situation) while Itachi prepared himself to face Sasuke and Fugaku.

"Get inside," Fugaku hissed as Itachi entered the grounds. He closed his eyes, willing the Sharingan down, and walked to their family home, not bothering to call out to Sasuke or his mother. They'd know soon enough that he was home from Fugaku and Itachi felt as though he would throw up if he dared open his mouth.

"Where were you?" Fugaku asked, gesturing for Itachi to follow him to the room they used for meetings. It wasn't private and Itachi knew that Sasuke – if he was home – would be listening in.

"Taking care of business," Itachi replied quietly. He thought of Naruto and of Madara and realised that there were bigger things than the clan that he needed to do. Even if he was struck from the Uchiha clan (and he wouldn't be; Fugaku wouldn't dare allow that amount of shame rest on his shoulders), Itachi would still be a part of the Akatsuki and be able to work on finding the one to control the Jūbi. Perhaps it was time to let Fugaku know how he really felt.

"Business?" his father hissed, hands clenching at his side. "You vanish for five days after however many warnings you've received so far and return to say that it was just business?"

Fugaku's Sharingan was blazing and Itachi returned the challenge. It would do nothing for his 'credibility' to be so aggressive, but he had had enough of pretending to be the clan's poster boy. He needed to be able to move freely and if that meant he needed to break away from the clan, then it was long overdue.

"You've been on thin ice for a long while now," Fugaku continued, voice low. This was the man who had led the Uchiha clan to split from Senju, uncaring what it might mean should Uchiha not have been prepared enough. He had led them through hard times and survived… but he had closed his mind off from the world long ago.

"Do you know how many times I've had to convince other members of the Uchiha council of your loyalties?" He shook his head, Sharingan spinning ever so slightly. "Even I have no idea where your true loyalties lie. I've lied to the council because of your mother and Sasuke. Do you ever think of what you're doing to them?"

Itachi closed his eyes a little. Two people mattered so little when there was the world at stake, but Itachi did think of what he was doing to them.

"I don't deserve them," Itachi said softly, startling his father. "But I cannot change the path I am on now."

Fugaku was about to speak again when the door to the room slid open. His father turned angrily and Itachi knew who it was from the reaction. There was only one person Uchiha Fugaku would become so respectful to in a mere moment.

"Madara-sama," he said. "Forgive us for interrupting your session with Sasuke."

Itachi glanced over, noting Sasuke's wide-eyed look behind Madara. They'd been using the hidden room them, perhaps looking through forbidden scrolls.

"It's no worry," Madara waved off, turning to Itachi. "But I thought I could shed some light on the situation at hand."

Fugaku stiffened and Itachi narrowed his eyes. Was Madara about to trap him or would he offer an olive branch to give Itachi the freedoms he'd needed until now?

"Itachi has been an invaluable member of the Akatsuki for years," Madara began and Fugaku turned to him in shock.

"I-Itachi?" he stammered, eyes ridiculously wide. Itachi nodded curtly, not bothering to look up.

Everyone in the Uchiha clan was well aware that Madara ran the Akatsuki. They praised him for it, called it a sign of his ultimate power, though they had no idea that the power would be used against them in the end.

"It was on my suggestion that Itachi kept it hidden and I see the slight error in my ways." Madara spread his arms, almost apologetically. "He's been loyal to me the entire time and I'm truly sorry that his allegiance within the clan has been question. His disappearances were upon my request, including the latest transgressions."

It seemed that Fugaku couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Itachi was a member of the Akatsuki and he turned to his son with wise eyes, shaking his head ever so slightly.

"How many years?" Fugaku asked, looking at Itachi as if he had no idea who he was anymore.

"Seven or eight," Madara said conversationally, entering the room fully. Sasuke trailed in behind him, eyes never leaving Itachi. Itachi remained submissive, eyes downcast as he knew this was not his fight. For whatever reason, Madara was prepared to go up against the clan head in this matter and it meant nothing good.

It meant that Madara wanted Itachi out of clan and that in turn meant that he was going to escalate Sasuke's training so he could obtain he Jūbi quicker. On the other hand, it would give Itachi time to try and figure out who he had met who was compatible, so while not the fairest of trades, it would give Itachi some freedom.

"And you never thought to tell the clan?" Fugaku was as close to disrespect towards Madara that Itachi had ever seen and he fought to not look up.

"The clan wouldn't even know that I was part of the Akatsuki if I could have helped it." Madara's reply was accompanied with a crushing shrug of the shoulders. "That's just how the Akatsuki works."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed and he glanced down at Itachi before turning back to Madara.

"And his strength?"

Itachi looked up then, rising from where he'd been sitting to join in, finally. He should have expected his father would care more about his power level, but it stung enough for him to dig his heels for once.

"If he possessed the mangekyō and unlocked its full potential then I have no doubt that Itachi could defeat even me." Madara turned to Itachi and he stiffened, trying to look past Madara's 'flattery' for the truth.

"And if he had mastery over the mangekyō then he could control the Jūbi." Madara laughed as Fugaku stilled. If not for the shallow breaths Itachi could hear, he would think his father had died of shock.

"His body may be weak and unable to hold the nine bijū, but Itachi's prowess as a shinobi is unlike almost any other." Madara gave a soft chuckle. "Not just anyone can join the Akatsuki and even then it takes more work to become part of the inner circle."

When Fugaku's faze settled on him, Itachi met it unwaveringly. He didn't have to hide as much anymore and with Madara backing him, Itachi had risen in his father's estimation.

"I really do apologise from the depths of my heart that I caused this rift between you." Madara walked to Fugaku's side, clasped his shoulder and nodded his head. "But you have my personal assurances that Itachi is one of the most loyal people you can meet."

It was true – though Itachi was glad Madara had kept out whohe was loyal to.

"I need to think about this," Fugaku said, walking out of Madara's arm's range. "It will need to be reported to the clan council," he warned and Madara waved him off.

"I will speak to them later then. If you could prepare them?" Fugaku nodded sharply, still avoiding Itachi and glancing to Sasuke on his way out.

Madara waited until Fugaku had left. Judging by how openly Sasuke was waiting at the door, Itachi figured their mother was out at the moment. Sasuke would never be so open in his eavesdropping had Mikoto been in the house.

"I dislike lying so brazenly," Madara said and Itachi looked at him, Sharingan taking in everything it could.

"Then why do it?" Itachi commented, knowing he was treading on thin ice right now.

"Because, unfortunately, I need you." Madara took a deep breath of air and shook his head. "I need you to combine the Jūbi. Perhaps after that…" Madara trailed off and Itachi closed his eyes, allowing his Sharingan to fade.

"You have some questions from Sasuke to answer," Madara said. "I'll be leaving now."

Madara didn't even glance at Sasuke as he left, throwing a hand in the air to wave goodbye. It didn't seem to trouble Sasuke at all though, but that was probably because his eyes were bright red and he wore a frown that only spoke of trouble.

"Akatsuki?" he managed out, practically hissing the word. "All these years and you never told me?"

Though they were the same age, Naruto was much easier to deal with than Sasuke. Well, perhaps it was Itachi's method. He couldn't exactly drop down to his knees and give Sasuke a blowjob, like he did with Naruto.

With a sigh, he pushed the thought aside and sat down on the floor. This would take a while and they might as well get a little more comfortable.

"I didn't even tell father," Itachi reminded gently. "And I still can't tell you all the details."

Sasuke was undeterred from his questioning.

"And Senju clan?" he demanded. "You voluntarily spend time with scum from that clan?"

Itachi looked at Sasuke sadly.

"We used to fight alongside them. They were on our brothers and sisters; together we were a family. I understand how Naruto feels now. Even our clan cares too much about gaining access to the village than the people we left." Itachi pushed past Sasuke and began walking to his room. He needed peace to think and find the one person who would be able to stop Madara.

"Madara with his warmongering, Uchiha and Senju with their rivalry… I had hoped you would understand on your own." Itachi rested a hand on his door, looking over his shoulder slightly. Sasuke seemed so young and he wondered if he should have been there to help him on his path.

"You'll see soon enough," he said instead, knowing that he could never control Sasuke's life in such a way. He couldn't bear that much responsibility alone.

His room was calm and peaceful. It wouldn't last; Sasuke may have backed off for the moment and both Mikoto and Fugaku were out, but all three would soon turn on Itachi and ask him question after question after question.

It was just something Itachi had to take though. It was his burden – the price of changing the world.

.

Guards were stationed at every entry point to the Senju clan and Naruto took a deep breath before he stepped out of tree cover. The guards went into a flurry of activity, one running off and a young man coming to meet Naruto, looking as if he was about to piss himself in fear.

"U-Uzumaki Naruto," the man stammered out, hands shaking around his clipboard. What the hell had Sarutobi said about him that had them so flustered?

Naruto knew there would be people waiting for him when he got back. He'd vanished for around five days without a word, thrown off his trackers after copious warning from the clan leader. Naruto suspected they could also sense the Uchiha chakra on his skin (a deliberate act) and were even more unnerved.

"I'll take over from here," a cool voice said and Naruto smiled pleasantly as Kakashi clasped the guard's shoulder.

"Kakashi-taichō," Naruto said softly. "Though I have a feeling I'm to be escorted there anyway, I wonder if I could have a word with Jii-jii before you flood me with killer intent?"

Kakashi looked Naruto up and down for a moment and nodded curtly. He allowed Naruto to fall into step beside him as they passed the guards and headed for Sarutobi's office.

"What kind of monster do they think I am?" Naruto said, tone light-hearted and eyes open. He was no threat to Senju or Kakashi, despite what Sarutobi thought. Naruto might not like the clan in the way Sarutobi wanted him to, but he could admit now that he cared greatly for its people.

"Sarutobi-sama has heavy reason to suspect you of being a traitor," Kakashi said, voice dull. "You're smart enough to know why. While I think it's unlikely, you do have a lot to answer for."

Naruto nodded with a smile. "I'm not an enemy. My views are slightly different and perhaps some of the company I keep is questionable for most people here, but I would fight with my life to protect those who need protecting."

He felt Kakashi's considering gaze on him and turned in curiosity.

"When you first joined my team, Sarutobi-sama warned us that you might be very uncooperative. He mentioned your views briefly and suggested that you would never work well in a team." Kakashi was smiling, the first, honest smile that Naruto had seen and it felt strangely heart-warming. "But I think he was wrong about you. Even in our first meeting it was clear where your loyalties lie and despite your insubordination and vanishing acts, only to return reeking of Uchiha Itachi's chakra. I can tell your heart is loyal to the people of this clan."

Naruto only raised an eyebrow, not surprised Kakashi was able to pin which Uchiha Naruto had met with. The Sharingan – even one not of natural birth – was a very interesting eye.

"Thanks Kakashi-taichō," Naruto said and Kakashi nodded in return, opening the door to Sarutobi's office and entering first.

"Naruto!" came an angry voice and Naruto winced before following Kakashi in.

Sarutobi was waiting for him, standing at his desk with a furious look on his face. Kakashi stood impassively, but Naruto noticed his eye carefully tracking Sarutobi's movements.

"You've gone too far this time," Sarutobi said, thumping a fist on the table. "Not heeding to my summons, vanishing for five days and returning in such a way that flaunts the fact that you've been with an Uchiha!"

Sarutobi paused for a moment and Naruto waited, knowing he was about to tread over his line of tolerance.

"Your behaviour has always been reckless, but have you finally slept with so many people that you need to turn to thatclan?" Sarutobi's eyes were harsh and Naruto couldn't take it anymore. Even if it meant stepping out from his image and giving a damn, he would do it.

"I let you think otherwise because it was convenient for me, but the only person I've ever slept with is Uchiha Itachi." Though Kakashi had to have had some idea of what Naruto had been doing the past few days, he stiffened along with Sarutobi.

"So you can take back everything you were thinking about me entering a relationship with them and leaving this clan. You can take back everything you were thinking about how reckless I am when I've been trying to forge bonds with a clan you gave up on years ago and you can take back everything you want to say right now." Naruto looked down, trying to control himself. He'd never lost control like this, never cared so much about his image and the people close to him.

Telling them he was simply there to watch Itachi wasn't good enough. He had to show Sarutobi that the Uchiha weren't just 'that clan' and that they were people just as much as Senju.

"I don't know how the Uchiha clan split from us, but I do know that Itachi is a person like anyone in this clan." Naruto looked down at his feet. "I don't know anyone who has sought peace more than he has."

Sarutobi was silent so Naruto continued, smiling slightly as he remembered how he had met Itachi.

"I thought he was so cool when I met him. I was about ten, he about sixteen. Ero-sennin had assigned me a mission, but when I was about to return to him, I met Itachi and followed him around like an annoying kid." Naruto looked up, laughing at himself a little. "I wanted to know why he – an Uchiha – was so different. He sat me down and listened to my questions and even promised to meet me again."

It had been a warm day and they'd spent hours at the teahouse. Jiraiya had eventually come to collect Naruto and had apologised to Itachi.

"Ero-sennin was respectful to Itachi and apologised for my questions. Instead of just walking away though, Itachi said that he found my views interesting, found it refreshing that I didn't care about unsealing Konoha." Sarutobi's eyes were focused on Naruto and he met his gaze unwaveringly, unafraid to show who he was now.

"I've learnt so many things from being with Itachi that I don't care what you think of me or if I 'shouldn't' be doing it. It's better than rotting away in a tiny group just because you can't unseal an abandoned ruin." Naruto stilled and closed his eyes, taking a breath to calm himself. If he had to run away and take Itachi with him, then he would. Perhaps this was just a way to do that, judging by the fury he'd seen in Sarutobi's eyes.

"Jiraiya knew?" he asked, but Naruto shook his head.

"Not everything. He's never known our relationship extended a handful of meetings, though he probably had suspicions," Naruto said, wincing at how he'd put his foot in it for Jiraiya. Sarutobi would have wanted to hear about anything and everything relating to Uchiha and Jiraiya had failed to mention Itachi at all.

"If I may speak, Sarutobi-sama?" Naruto had almost forgotten that Kakashi was in the room and looked at him, wondering what he had to say.

After a nod of Sarutobi's head, Kakashi began. "I believe our initial thoughts on Naruto to be misjudged. Though he has been meeting with Uchiha Itachi, Naruto has never failed to return to the village. The Uchiha clan has never been able to gain anything over us either. It's clear that Naruto's intentions are far from devious."

Though Kakashi might have changed his opinion of Naruto, Naruto had never expected him to actually speak up about it, and definitely not to Sarutobi.

"It doesn't change the fact that he has been consorting with the enemy-"

"They're not the enemy!" Naruto let out, hands wide. "The clan isn't your enemy. Uchiha Madara may be, but he's affiliated to himself more than anyone else. Worry about the Akatsuki, not the Uchiha clan."

Though Sarutobi looked as though he wanted to speak, Naruto didn't let him; he still had more to say to Sarutobi.

"The Uchiha clan are our family. They have the same Will of Fire burning through them, but you have just let them fade away and now you claim they're your enemies?" He shook his head. "That is why I can't bring myself to love the village Konoha; if all it stood for, in the end, was two clans who hated each other, then I'd rather live out here in the forests forever."

The room was silent and Naruto let out the breath he'd been holding. Sarutobi wasn't barking back at him (yet) and Naruto figured that he could outrun the old man if it came to it. And, if worst came to worst, he still had a favour that needed reaping in from Gamabunta so he could use the summon to make a get-away.

"You're dismissed," came Sarutobi's voice and Naruto looked at Kakashi, expecting him to walk out. Kakashi simply stared back at Naruto though and he frowned, looking to Sarutobi in slight confusion.

"I need to speak to Kakashi, but I've heard all you have to say." Sarutobi wasn't looking at him and Naruto wondered if he really had gone too far this time. "You're dismissed. I expect you to remain in the clan grounds for a few days though," he added and Naruto nodded, turning and leaving without delay.

What he'd said must have shaken up Sarutobi more than Naruto had thought it would. The fight had left Sarutobi and Naruto had simply been dismissed. An unusual circumstance, but Naruto wasn't going to question it.

Someone was waiting at his home and Naruto scowled as he entered.

"It was a mistake to give you a spare key," he muttered and Jiraiya turned from where he sat on the ground, tucked under the kotatsu with tea set out on the table.

"Where else would I hide when Sarutobi's out looking for me?" He grinned and waved for Naruto to join him, pouring another cup of tea and resting his elbow on the table.

"He let you go?" Jiraiya asked and Naruto shrugged his jacket off, nodding.

"After my little outburst, yes." Naruto frowned, unsure where to start with Jiraiya. How much did he need to tell and how much did Jiraiya know already?

Jiraiya sighed, as if he could read Naruto's mind.

"You're not good at hiding things when someone knows you as well as I do." He sipped his tea and looked at Naruto with a warm smile. "I know you've been in a relationship with Itachi for a while. You trust him and I've always know that kid wants peace more than anything. I remember his face when the Uchiha split from Senju." Jiraiya's face was troubled for a moment before he returned to his smile.

"Sarutobi's still stuck in the past. You remind him of Minato and he thinks that his inability to undo Minato's seal means he's failed the people." Jiraiya poured out more tea. "It's what happens when you get old. The useful parts of your brain get trampled by your past regrets."

Jiraiya looked over to Naruto, a keen glint in his eye.

"How have you been sleeping?" he asked and Naruto started, looking at him in alarm. "Tell me the truth and then I'll explain."

Naruto hesitated for a moment before he spoke. This was what he'd been waiting for – a chance to tell Jiraiya about the dreams and reassure himself that he wasn't going crazy.

"I don't think I fall asleep properly," he began, expecting Jiraiya to laugh. He was silent though, respectful, and that was almost worse than laughter.

"I go to this place… and there's something calling for me." Naruto looked down at his hands. "It's been peaceful recently, but some nights I never get any rest."

Jiraiya nodded and Naruto looked at him.

"So what is it? You know something, or at least suspect somethng." Naruto crossed his arms over his chest and Jiraiya nodded.

"It's only rumour, mind," he began. "But I think it has something to do with the failed sealing performed on you when you were born."

Naruto's eyes widened and his hand fell to his stomach. The Kyūbi had been taken by the Akatsuki; Sarutobi wouldn't lie about something like that. Itachi wouldn't lie about the Akatsuki having all nine bijū so there wasn't any possibility the sealing had begun on Naruto.

"Whatever happened that night, you were supposed to be the Kyūbi's jinchūriki. Even if the sealing stopped, the Shinigami was summoned for the seal and you were supposed to become a jinchūriki." Jiraiya looked so serious that Naruto wanted to turn away and shut out his words. They were possibly the most important words Naruto would ever hear though so he simply nodded.

"I have a theory – and bear in mind that it is just a theory – based on the whisperings I've heard of the Akatsuki and what I know of your birth." Jiraiya paused and smiled. "Uchiha Sasuke was selected to become the container for the Jūbi, correct?"

At Naruto's nod, he continued.

"He won't be able to contain it. Everyone knows it, probably even Sasuke himself. It's why Itachi's been searching for the 'right person', isn't it?" Naruto wasn't surprised that Jiraiya knew so much. His network spread far and wide, picking up every gleam of information it could.

"Whether you are aware of it or not, the fact that the Kyūbi was almost sealed in you created a bond between you. It is my belief that the Kyūbi is using this bond, along with the other bijū, because they believe that you will be the one to create the Jūbi and unleash their malice on the world."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. It made a sickening sort of sense, but there was something wrong in Jiraiya's equation.

"It's not that," he said and Jiraiya looked at him sharply. "When I'm in that place, all I can feel from the voices is loneliness and desperation."

Jiraiya opened his mouth as if to say something, but Naruto cut him off quickly.

"It's as if they're asking me to help them, and not for some nefarious purpose. They want me to help them because they're in pain and lonely." Naruto was adamant. Even if he was scared of the voices, he had never sense that they would outright attack him. If they really were the bijū, Naruto knew it was a cry for help rather than a call for him to summon the Jūbi.

"Naruto, the bijū are masses of chakra. There's no good in them and without a doubt they will want to use you to unlock their greatest evil." Jiraiya's voice was strong and Naruto supposed he would have agreed if he hadn't heard them for himself.

"But I can't feel malice from them," he persisted and Jiraiya's frown deepened. "They hate what's been done to them as much as we do and they're looking for a chance to end their trapped existence." Naruto shook his head.

"There have never been reports of a jinchūriki managing to control its bijū. Kumogakure tried and thought they might succeed, but the Akatsuki got to the Hachibi before it could be placed inside the current Raikage's brother." Jiraiya gave a heavy sigh. "And that's only trying to control one bijū, not all nine that would then form the Jūbi."

Naruto looked down at the table. He knew what he was thinking was utter madness to everyone else, but he couldn't help it. He'd never told anyone this, not even Itachi. Itachi had never considered Naruto to be one of the prospects for merging the Jūbi, but Naruto couldn't think of anything else the voices were.

"Whatever is happening out there, it'll be over soon." Jiraiya's voice was grim and Naruto winced, not liking the tone. Jiraiya was often very optimistic and to hear such a downbeat line was unsettling.

"Do we even stand a chance?" Naruto asked and he felt Jiraiya's considering stare.

"I'm not a man who will admit defeat, you know that." Naruto nodded, gut clenching. "But even if Uchiha Itachi manges to gain control of the bijū with his eyes and overthrow Madara, there is almost no hope that anyone can survive its power."

It was the answer Naruto had been expecting and the answer he had least wanted to hear.

"Hopeless situations bring out the best in us all though," Jiraiya said as he stood. "Even with Konoha split as it is, if it's the last stand then perhaps the impossible isn't unachievable. Look at you and Itachi, for example."

He ruffled Naruto's hair as he left. "I suppose the old man will want to talk to me. I'm off to see if I can find Tsunade and bring her back. I'd want to take you with me – we all know she adores you – though Sarutobi would skin us both alive knowing that you're going to leave again." Jiraiya shrugged his shoulders. "We'll go out drinking when I'm back. You can even bring Itachi if you want. Tsunade's been hinting she wants to size him up."

The laugh Jiraiya gave was infectious and Naruto smiled fondly. Perhaps he could bring Itachi to see Tsunade and Jiraiya. He'd told Sarutobi, after all, so why not mingle with two people he trusted implicitly?

"See you around, kid," Jiraiya said and he left, locking the door behind him to save Naruto the job.

With Jiraiya gone, Naruto could think about the bijū and what he could do. If, somehow, he could help the bijū or even destroy them… it was impossible though and Naruto knew he needed to talk to them if he ever hoped of helping Itachi to stop Madara.

Sleep was difficult to find, but eventually Naruto found himself in the other world – perhaps it was the world of the sealing statue. The air was still and the atmosphere the same as ever, but Naruto had a mission here this time.

"I need to talk to you!" he shouted out, looking around for any sign of life. "You're the bijū and you're contacting me to help you."

Silence met his words and Naruto narrowed his eyes.

"Where's the idiot fox? I know you're out there listening and I know you were almost sealed into a defenceless baby." Naruto snorted. "Imagine that! The powerful Kyūbi reduced to being sealed inside an hours-old baby-"

"You're an awfully cocky brat for someone who's only here because we allowed you here," a deep voice said and Naruto turned, smiling satisfactorily. The world had changed and instead of endless land, there was an oval shaped cage. Inside was none other than the bijū he had been seeking, colossal and cramped against the bars of the cage.

"Nice of you to finally show yourself," Naruto replied, taking steps towards the cage. "I thought I was going insane with the tricks you and your friends have been playing on me."

The Kyūbi hissed, attempting to move his leg to claw at Naruto and settling for pressing his muzzle against the bars when he couldn't move.

"They are not my friends!" the fox roared and Naruto shut his eyes, stopping a few paces from the bars.

"Perhaps you should make them your friends then," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "It seems lonely enough in here as it is."

Naruto looked around for the other cages that were, presumably, holding the other bijū. He couldn't see them though and turned back to the Kyūbi, question on the tip of his tongue.

"The others are weaker than me. While their voices would be able to reach out to you, only I have the strength enough to reach out with my body and spirit." The Kyūbi shifted and Naruto moved closer, brow furrowed.

"How long have you been inside of that seal?" he asked and the Kyūbi paused in what he'd been about to say, looking down with narrowed eyes.

"Why, boy?" he asked and Naruto rolled his eyes.

"Stop trying to be so scary. It won't work on me anymore; you're nothing but a trapped fox, malice and supposed terror aside. I want to know because you can't move inside of there and yet it's taken you so long to ask for my help?" Naruto looked at the Kyūbi. He wanted the fox to know that his help wasn't just for ninja gain, but for the bijū too. Naruto knew that seals worked as traps, but he'd thought the bijū could at least have room to move.

"Your help?" the Kyūbi repeated, eyes wide. "You came here to offeryour help?"

It was an odd thing to say and Naruto simply nodded. The Kyūbi seemed to consider something before he closed his eyes, shaking his head ever so slightly before opening them to peer down at Naruto.

"You were simply the body – the power – we needed. We had no intention of calling you so you would help us of your own free will." The Kyūbi trailed off, tilting his head. "And yet you have that look in your eyes."

"What would you do with all our power?" The Kyūbi's voice was low. "Divine power, never ending power… you could rule this land. You could rule the universe. What would you do, boy?"

The way the Kyūbi spat the word 'boy' from his mouth was as if it was a curse. The word itself riled Naruto up, but he hadn't come this far to let it deter him from what he needed to say.

"I have no need for your power," he said honestly. "I don't need it. I don't wantit. We all have our burdens to share, but anyone who believes they can control even one of the bijū's power without consequence or fear has to be an idiot."

The Kyūbi looked at him as if he wanted to laugh (or eat Naruto up, but Naruto preferred to think it was the former option).

"Your power is to be merged and I came to ask you if there is any way to stop it." Naruto looked down. "But now that I'm here… I want to help you."

He looked up, thinking of the times he'd wondered why he was alive or what the village even meant. Why had so many people put their trust in the village rather than the people? Why was it so hard for two clans to remain as brothers? Why did he have to hide how much he loved Itachi?

"I can't begin to imagine the loneliness and hatred any one of you must feel, but I understand a little of it. The world doesn't make sense to me. People leave their families just for a mere patch of land… they wage wars and trap you here in the belief they can control you and so control the world." Naruto shook his head sadly.

"I stand before you now, just a humble human. I have no fancy titles and while I have strength, I have no name for myself. I was supposed to be your jinchūriki and perhaps in that lifetime we could have become great partners, but that wasn't our path. I don't know you," Naruto said as he looked the Kyūbi in the eye. "And you sure as hell don't know me, but I will never give up. Even if every cell in my body is destroyed, I will find a way to stop Madara and free you."

His speech was over and Naruto closed his eyes, taking a deep breath of air. He wanted to help the bijū now, not just for ninja gain, but for their own gain. They'd been trapped here and were now a tool for Madara's plans. Naruto couldn't walk away and not do anything, not now.

"You're different," the Kyūbi said and Naruto noticed that his mocking and malice had faded away. "You came here to ask us what you could do?"

Naruto nodded and the Kyūbi's face spit into a grin. Naruto doubled over in pain, clutching his stomach as something burnt through him, ripping through him in agony until it suddenly vanished.

The room he opened his eyes to was light and he sat up slowly, looking around. He started when he saw nine huge creatures around him, but broke into a smile when he met the Kyūbi's eyes. The fox as still grinning and he began to explain.

"Only bijū and their jinchūriki can enter this space. While the seal the Yondaime began failed, you have always been my jinchūriki, just one whose bijū was taken before the process could fully begin." The Kyūbi looked around them and Naruto followed, staring at the legendary creatures.

"We have some important things to tell you, but first, I think it's about time that I re-joined my jinchūriki." The bijū around them nodded their heads as the Kyūbi moved forwards, extending a paw until a long, pointed claw touched Naruto's belly gently.

"It will take a lot of chakra to do this," the Kyūbi said. "And it will cause a lot of pain."

"What does it do?" Naruto shot back, gripping the Kyūbi's claw with his hands, holding it in place.

"I was ripped from the sealing and placed in this seal. If you break it – which you should be able to – then I will return to my rightful place inside of you, at least until we defeat Madara." The Kyūbi shifted his claw slightly and Naruto winced at the scratch it left.

"Will you teach me what I need to do?" he asked and the Kyūbi raised an eyebrow.

"I just told you we had some important things to tell you." He sighed and let the paw Naruto held onto relax a little. "We do not have the strength to go against Madara. But it seems like you can be, though you may need a little more than my guidance."

Naruto narrowed his eyes at the dig at his intelligence and dropped the Kyūbi's claw. His smile fell from his face as his paw hit the ground and Naruto saw him grit his teeth, most likely in annoyance.

"We don't have time to waste, Kyūbi," Naruto said. "Get this process done and then we'll take it from there."

"Just what I expected from someone who'd been chosen to be Kurama's jinchūriki," a voice said from the side and Naruto turned to them with a smile, looking back at the Kyūbi a second later.

"Your name is Kurama?" he asked, but the Kyūbi's only reply was to pick his paw up again and ram a claw through Naruto's body. Naruto felt pain wrack through him and he shuddered, opening his mouth in an agonising scream.

The process had begun.

.

As Itachi entered the clan's meeting room, he felt the stares on his back and ignored the whispers around him. Madara might have vouched for him and his loyalties were so far ignored for the time being, but it didn't hide the fact that no one trusted him at the moment.

"Settle down," an elderly voice called and the council sat down, Itachi taking his place in the centre. His father was at the front of the room while the others – aside from Kagami, the oldest surviving Uchiha aside from Madara – sat down at tables, long ones that ran down either side of the room.

"Madara-sama has told us that Itachi-kun here is part of the Akatsuki." Kagami looked around for a moment before nodding. "We're here to hold an informal question session."

The room broke into murmurs and Itachi noted Kagami's frown.

"It is not an interrogation," he said sternly and Itachi looked down again. He was kneeling, prone before the rest of the council, but he could bear it if they would not question him further after this.

"What were your intentions when you joined the Akatsuki?" came the first question and Itachi looked sideways, noting Yashiro's voice. He was an analytical man, sharp, and Itachi could see the red glimmer of his Sharingan.

"Yashiro," Kagami said. "Informal does not permit the use of your Sharingan."

No one moved as Yashiro turned to Kagami, Sharingan still blazing. He curled his lip and looked back at Itachi, ignoring the reminder.

"Your intentions," he repeated, voice stern.

Kagami looked as though he was about to speak, but Itachi cut in.

"I will accept the use of Sharingan if it helps reassure the clansmen," Itachi said, glancing at Kagami. "And my intentions remain unchanged. I strive for peace."

Though Yashiro looked as if he wanted to say something more, he sat back in his seat. Another member of the clan – this time one of the few women present – spoke.

"We understand that the Akatsuki are privy to exclusive knowledge, but why did you let us believe you were remiss in duties rather than state you were part of the Akatsuki?" Her voice and face were kindly, but Itachi didn't place too much trust in her to be nice. She was part of a council known for its ruthlessness and he didn't doubt that she would do anything if it suited her whims.

"While I believe Madara-sama has already touched upon the issue, everything surrounding the Akatsuki is secret. If our enemies found out the identity of any member of the Akatsuki, that member would instantly be a target." Itachi looked down at the floor, trying to stay as unthreatening as possible.

"That makes sense," someone said and Itachi looked in Tekka's direction. "The Senju would do anything to bring us down and if they knew Itachi was in the Akatsuki, they might be a bit more active in trying to take him out."

Itachi couldn't help the wince that crossed his face when Tekka spoke of the Senju as if they were common scum and he hoped that no one had seen it.

"Where are you when Madara-sama comes back?" Yakumi said, frown on his face. "Surely if the two of you are both in the Akatsuki, you would return at the same time."

Itachi shook his head politely. "There are others aside from Madara-sama in the Akatsuki. I also have my own tasks to attend to in order to ensure the Akatsuki's continued success." Itachi bowed his head again. "Though I cannot reveal what these tasks are, so I hope my word is enough."

It wouldn't be, not for those gathered as they would always want more, but Itachi wasn't giving out more. He might not be completely loyal to the Akatsuki or its members, but they were comrades of sorts and Itachi wouldn't reveal anything about them.

"And you're committed to helping Madara-sama with his goals?" Inabi asked and Itachi paused, searching for the right words.

"I have been committed to the cause since I joined," he began carefully, avoiding Madara's name. "While my views will never be exactly the same as Madara-sama's, I will work alongside him until the end."

His words, though a mix of a bluff and half-truths, seemed to put the council's questions to rest. Itachi supposed it was a combination of Madara's words backing what had been said today and the fact they thought Madara was on their side. If Madara was looking over Itachi then any threat he was would surely be nipped at the bud.

If Madara was on the clan's side, that was. Which, as only Itachi knew from the Uchiha clan, he wasn't.

"Then we can call an end to this council session," Fugaku said, voice neutral and eyes avoiding Itachi. It had been that way since Madara had revealed Itachi's 'secret' yesterday and Itachi was predicting a serious discussion some point in the close future.

Itachi waited until the council had filtered out before he stood, dusting down his trousers and sighing. He wasn't alone and he looked before him, nodding his head respectfully to Kagami.

"Thank you for your kindness," Itachi said softly, referring to the fact that Kagami would have had the clan tame down their Sharingan for Itachi's sake.

"Come, sit," Kagami said in reply, gesturing to the chair Fugaku had departed. While it wasn't against any rules or code to sit in the clan head's chair, Itachi felt uneasy about it.

"Come, come," Kagami said again, waving his hand. "We have little time before someone comes in thinking I'm senile and have forgotten where my home is."

Kagami's smile was wide and Itachi sat down, though he felt uneasy all of a sudden. He'd thought Kagami had believed him, but perhaps that wasn't the case.

"I don't think you know much of me," Kagami said softly, turning to Itachi and leaning closer. "Only that I'm an old man who is practically useless in battle now." He laughed and shook his head.

"I'm sure if you had something to protect, you would do so until your death," Itachi said quietly and Kagami nodded, eyes suddenly sharp.

"Funny you should speak of things to protect. It's what I wanted to talk to you about." Kagami's smile faded and he became serious. "I was part of Senju Tobirama's team in the First Shinobi War."

Itachi looked at him quickly, recognising the name of the second Hokage.

"Sarutobi Hiruzen was also on that team," he added and Itachi swallowed thickly. "While some may consider it traitorous, I still keep up correspondence with Hiruzen."

Kagami sighed fondly. "We never delve into too much, just skim pleasantries and check to make sure each other's alive and sane." Kagami chuckled, shifting his robes a little. "The rest of the Uchiha clan seems to have forgotten that we once shared everything with the Senju clan"

He fixed Itachi with a wise stare. "Apart from you."

Itachi's heart raced in his chest. Kagami stood and groaned, stretching himself a little.

"I'm far too old to be of any use." He smiled sadly and Itachi could see every regret he carried as a line on his face . "But if I'm correct – and I believe I am – then you have already achieved far greater than I could ever hope."

Kagami moved slowly, shuffling his way towards the exit.

"I only hope that I see the day when Naruto-kun is by your side, Konoha or no Konoha." He smiled again and Itachi could see what he would become if he didn't stop Madara. Kagami had lost the will to do anything – his Will of Fire – but was praising Itachi for what he was doing.

Itachi left after Kagami and headed home. He was tired although it wasn't even midday yet. He sighed, knowing there was still so much to do.

His mother was leaving their home when Itachi returned home and she stopped him, tucking a stray piece of hair behind his eye.

"You look so tired," she said softly, tucking her bag under her arm as she stroked his cheek. "Your father's waiting to give you yet another lecture and Sasuke looks as if he's about to burst with all the questions he has… why don't you come with me?"

.

Notes:

You know what. The next chapter will be out probably in two or three days. I'm terrible at scheduled updates when it's a completed project.

Thank you for all the support, again. It means so much to me!