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

.

Itachi's eyes widened. His mother had never invited him on a shopping trip before and he'd never wanted to, but the thought of returning to Sasuke and his father was overwhelming.

"Father will-" Mikoto let her hand fall from his face before she linked it with his.

"Father will nothing," she said firmly. "If he asks, then we'll simply say that I needed your help to carry things."

The market square was bustling and no one paid attention to Itachi. It was nice, this feeling of anonymity, and he was glad that Mikoto had been determined to take him with her.

"Shall we have some lunch in the back fields?" Mikoto said, handing Itachi another bundle of vegetables and looking over to one of the cafés. They were selling hot dumplings and Itachi nodded, stomach making its hunger aware.

They paid for their food and Itachi adjusted the bags he was holding so they could move through the clan grounds until they reached the grassy fields. They were man-made, carved out of the forest and originally used for agricultural purposes, but these fields were on rotation and abandoned for the year. They were an ideal picnic spot and Mikoto helped Itachi to set everything down gently.

"It's nice just to get away from it all sometimes," she said softly, a soft wind picking up around them. "As much as I love the clan, it's all a bit too heavy some days."

She shook her head with a smile and turned to Itachi, passing him one of the dumplings she'd been holding.

"Not that I regret splitting from the Senju clan," she said and Itachi looked at her sharply. He'd never imagine his mother would talk about something such as this. "I have to support your father and the clan one hundred per cent of course… but sometimes I wonder what life would have been like if we had stayed and been content."

Itachi said nothing in reply, instead took a bite from his dumpling. It was still warm and the meat inside welcome.

"I do wonder how things would have turned out if they had lived," Mikoto said softly, lost in reminiscence. "I suppose I was never thatclose to her, but I considered her a friend."

Itachi swallowed and spoke softly, "who?"

Mikoto looked at him with a smile. "Uzumaki Kushina. And her husband, the Yondaime Hokage. If things hadn't happened how they had that night, perhaps the Uchiha clan would have stayed."

Itachi took another hurried bite, looking away. He didn't want to think of what might have happened and how easily peace had been torn away from them all.

"I looked for her after the attack. It took a while for them to find her body but… well." Mikoto frowned and looked down at the dumpling in her hands. "It's never nice to lose a friend."

Pulling out two bottles of water, Itachi passed one to his mother and waited for her to continue. She was trying to tell him something, but it was more important with the story behind it.

"She was to have a baby," Mikoto said, looking out to the clan grounds. "I don't know if she'd given birth to it or if it died in the chaos of the Kyūbi, but I do wonder what the child would have been like."

Mikoto smiled, closing her eyes. "Kushina had a way with people that filled you with warmth. It would be nice to see someone like that in these dark times."

Itachi bit his lip. He couldn't reveal anything to his mother, not when all she'd given him was a wistful comment. He could, however, acknowledge how she felt and reciprocate.

"I wonder what it would have been like too," he said quietly, looking at her and smiling gently. "And how nice it would be to live in a time of peace."

Though neither of them said it, Itachi knew that Mikoto was thinking the same things as he. She at least had to suspect that Itachi would do anything for peace, even if it meant turning his back on his family and the power of the Akatsuki.

"I worry about you," Mikoto said fondly, taking a bite of her dumpling at last. "But you're strong. No matter what path you take, you'll persevere."

They finished their food in silence and Mikoto was the one to stand first, offering Itachi a hand to help him up. He took it, enjoying the warmth and softness of her skin – a touch he hadn't felt for years – before they both picked up the bags and set off home.

Predictably, Fugaku was waiting for them. They called out to the family when they entered and Sasuke poked his head around the corner. Fugaku was standing in the hallway already, arms crossed over his chest.

"Where have you been?" he demanded of Itachi, but Mikoto was the one to step forward.

"I needed help at the market place. I didn't give him a choice." She smiled charmingly at her husband and gestured for Itachi to take the bags into the kitchen.

Mikoto kept with Fugaku – most likely to keep him away from Itachi for as long as she could. Sasuke darted from where he'd been lurking and into the kitchen, hovering behind Itachi as if he was debating whether to speak.

Setting down a bunch of carrots, Itachi turned to him with a questioning look.

"Can you teach me some meditative stances?" Sasuke asked meekly, unlike himself.

"Why would you need them? Isn't that something that Madara-sama would teach you?" Itachi turned back to the carrots and frowned, picking a big clump of dirt from the biggest one.

"Usually, yes. Only… he told me that I needed to do this training in my own way and he wasn't going to help me." Sasuke was still meek, which meant he was holding something back from Itachi. He put the carrots down with a sigh.

"Why wouldn't he help you?" Itachi asked, looking at the bag of potatoes. Depending on what they were eating for dinner, Itachi could start peeling them now. It would take his mind of the growing list of duties he had at least.

"He needs me to work out my own way to deal with…" Sasuke broke off and Itachi noticed he was staring at the potatoes.

"With?" prompted Itachi and Sasuke looked up at him, meekness no longer visible.

"I'm to start trying to synch with the Gedō Mazō and the bijū chakras." Sasuke looked away and Itachi paused in reaching for the potatoes.

"So soon?" he asked softly and Sasuke nodded.

"Madara-sensei says that the Senju are trying to wipe us from the planet and the only way to defend ourselves and bring peace to the people is to use the Jūbi." Sasuke was smiling, enamoured by whatever fantasy Madara had whispered in his ear. "Imagine all that power, the power to open Konoha and claim it as ours."

Itachi let his hand fall to his side. "I will not teach you," he said firmly and left the kitchen, passing his parents as he made for his room. He felt so tired and decided on a nap, even though he would likely be summoned soon to have another conversation with his father.

He made sure to lock his room before lying on his bed, covering his eyes with an arm. Everything was moving too quickly and Itachi knew he wouldn't be able to find the right person in time now. Madara was accelerating Sasuke's training to the point that he didn't care if Sasuke died after he'd merged the Jūbi.

Itachi sighed and rubbed his eyes. He'd have to trust that the bijū had made plans other than contacting him and that his mangekyō could out-manoeuvre Madara's. It wasn't completely impossible. Insane, definitely insane, but not impossible.

He smiled and rolled onto his side. Whatever happened, Itachi couldn't become like Kagami or his mother. He couldn't wonder what would have happened if he'd only been brave enough. Whether he lived or died, Itachi was going to do the best he could to bring peace to this world.

.

Naruto woke slowly, frowning against light as he opened his eyes. He heard a noise to the side of him and turned, groaning as every muscle in his torso protested to the movement.

"Don't move!" a voice said hurriedly. "You're in hospital, Uzumaki-san."

Naruto hated hospitals. He hated them to the point that he avoided them at all costs and couldn't think of why he was here now.

"Why am I here?" he asked the nurse and she looked down at him, jotting down numbers from one of the machines nearby.

"One of the medics will be in soon to talk to you further, but no one's quite sure as to the reason for your lack of consciousness." She nodded her head and left.

The medics wouldn't be around for a while, despite what the nurse had said, so Naruto settled back on his pillows and sighed, trying to remember what had happened to warrant an extended stay in hospital.

There hadn't been any fights that he could have hurt himself in. He hadn't eaten anything suspicious or drank anything questionable. He didn't have any enemies that would be able to strike him down so efficiently within the clan grounds.

Naruto jolted upright when he remembered and placed his hand over his stomach. A moment later, he wrenched the covers back and looked down in horror, expecting a scar to cut along the line of his torso.

Nothing was there, though. Naruto rubbed the skin and it felt untouched. Even if medics had healed him (and there was only one who would be able to heal such a large wound and not leave even a trace of a scar), there would have been a cooler feel to his skin, something different that Naruto could place. His skin felt normal and Naruto knew it had never been pierced in the first place.

He had met the Kyūbi though. He could remember everything the Kyūbi – Kurama – had said to him, had taught him. Naruto had gone to that world to offer his help and he had gotten his wish. No matter how hard it would be, Naruto knew what he had to do now.

"We're coming in, Uzumaki-san!" a voice called and Naruto pulled his covers up as a medic entered. Behind her followed Sarutobi and Kakashi, both wearing grave looks.

"Kakashi was the one to find you," Sarutobi explained as the medic jotted down a few notes in his hospital records. She nodded and took over.

"You were admitted to hospital with poor vital signs and chakra almost depleted. We've managed to rule out any disease or infection that might have caused it and you have been recovering very well so it's unlikely it was a jutsu." The medic nodded to Sarutobi. "Sarutobi-sama wishes to ask you few questions. If you feel like you need a rest at any time then just press the call bell and I'll return."

Taking his notes with her, the medic nodded to Naruto and closed the door as she left. Naruto turned to his two visitors, skipping over Sarutobi to smile at Kakashi.

"Apparently I have you to thank for my continued existence," Naruto said with a laugh.

"Well it would look bad on records if the newest member of my team died so soon," Kakashi replied, smiling back. Naruto could hear the sincerity in his tone though and nodded, knowing that Kakashi thought of him now as a friend.

"What we're here to determine," Sarutobi cut in, "is how you came to be in such a state in the first place."

Naruto placed his hands behind his head and gave a chuckle.

"I did some training on the way back to the clan grounds. I was trying to master senjutsu while moving and wasted a lot of chakra before I accepted it was still impossible." He laughed and shrugged. "I also haven't eaten in a while, probably since the morning I left? And even then it wasn't much."

Sarutobi's eyes narrowed and Naruto raised an eyebrow.

"Your medical report states that there was an unfamiliar chakra presence when you were brought in." Sarutobi frowned and looked at Naruto's stomach. "Minato never did complete the sealing, but perhaps there is a chance…"

Naruto shook his head, grabbing the covers. He'd forgotten that Sarutobi was so damn clever and if the old man knew of the deal he'd struck with Kurama then Naruto had no misconception that he'd be chained to Senju and unable to physically help.

"You'd think I'd have noticed if there was a seal on me," Naruto said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Sorry but there's no way you're looking at my stomach when there's nothing wrong with it."

Sarutobi's eyes narrowed for a moment before he sighed.

"It is impossible for a bijū to be in two places at once… and the sealing statue the Akatsuki use is hardly going to let the Kyūbi slip from it." He shook his head. "It still doesn't explain the unknown chakra signature.

"Ah, well that would be because I was trying to get in contact with Itachi." Naruto gave a shaky laugh, nerves at the situation playing along. "We use a crow to communicate between us and so that's probably what you felt."

"How can we keep up with you young ones," Sarutobi muttered, turning away with a slight smile. "There are still things we need to talk about, Naruto, the mission I'm about to assign to you is more important."

Naruto looked down at himself and wondered if Sarutobi had finally cracked. A glance at Kakashi revealed nothing (he still had his nose in Jiraiya's damn book) so Naruto was left to stare at Sarutobi instead and ponder the man's sanity.

"In truth, you're simply going to join Jiraiya on the mission. I fear he won't be enough to get Tsunade to return, and perhaps she can shed a little more light on what happened to your chakra." Sarutobi gave him a hard stare, as if he clearly didn't believe anything Naruto had said.

"Why?" Naruto asked, not buying that Jiraiya would need help to bring Tsunade back, even though it was something Jiraiya also believed. Tsunade was stubborn – enough so to rival Naruto's own stubborn nature – and if she didn't want to come, then no amount of begging or pleading would work. Naruto suspected that Jiraiya had just wanted him on the trip so that he could steal Naruto's money.

For a moment, it looked as though Sarutobi was going to ignore the question, but he nodded to himself and spoke.

"We have heard rumours that Uchiha Madara intends to commence his plans soon. We only wish to be prepared and having Tsunade in the clan's grounds will help a lot of people feel more relaxed." Sarutobi looked at Naruto. "It will be the last time in a while that I can afford to let you free of the grounds."

Naruto's eyes widened and he nodded wordlessly. To think that his words had affected Sarutobi so much that he was giving Naruto time to say (and do) what he needed before Madara's war was on them.

Sarutobi and Kakashi left and the medic came back in. She held out a bundle of paperwork – discharge papers, though she looked a little disgruntled that she hadn't been able to keep him in for longer.

He'd only been unconscious for a day and Naruto made his way home quickly, packing what he needed and checking that Gama-chan was full of money. With that done, he clipped the senjutsu scroll to the bottom of his pack and tightened his forehead protector, nodding to himself and locking the door.

He made sure to leave through the gate he'd come in before and smiled wickedly at the chūnin he'd scared shitless. Naruto stifled a laugh and waved his hand when he was past, continuing onwards. In theory he could contact Jiraiya using a toad summon, but Naruto's luck was always good and he wanted a bit of a challenge. If he couldn't find them in two days, then Naruto would ask for help in finding Jiraiya and Tsunade. For now, though, he would simply walk by himself and mull over a few things.

Madara's plans were coming to fruition and Naruto doubted he'd have time to go back to the Senju clan before he had to act. He smiled to himself. There was a warm feeling on his chest and Naruto knew it was the feeling of having something to protect and cherish.

Now Naruto knew what his strength was for.

.

A hand clasped Itachi's shoulder and he smiled.

"I never thought father would have let you go on a mission," Sasuke said as he watched Itachi slip his remaining shoe on.

"As long as there are conditions, father is more than happy to let me regain any popularity I might have dropped recently." Itachi stood and ruffled Sasuke's hair.

It had been a few days since Sasuke had started training with Madara for the bijū chakras. In that time, Fugaku had continued to avoid Itachi and home life had been surprisingly calm. Sasuke had, of course, bothered him for techniques, but for the first time in a long while, Itachi felt as though they were a family without the pressures of Madara's war hanging over them.

"I never thought he'd be okay with mother going with you though," Sasuke said, frowning slightly. "I know she was a jōnin-level kunoichi, but she hasn't been on the field for years."

Itachi nodded and looked over to where Mikoto was packing the last of their provisions. She was wearing basic Uchiha clothes, fan printed on the back of her shirt, and her hair was tied back from her face. Although not in her prime, Mikoto was ideal for keeping an eye on Itachi.

"But she'll tell father everything," Itachi said grimly, twisting the truth a little. He doubted their mother had told Fugaku that she wondered how things would have gone if they hadn't split from Senju, after all.

"Take care anyway," Itachi said as Mikoto joined them, handing Itachi a small pack of food. "And don't let Madara-sama work you too hard." Itachi looked hard into Sasuke's eyes, trying to tell him that he didn't need to be Madara's puppet. He doubted it worked, but Itachi had to at least try.

Fugaku nodded to them and Mikoto led their way. She had been chosen to accompany Itachi on this mission purely because she had convinced Fugaku she was the best person. She had confessed to Itachi that she would enjoy time away from the clan and Itachi's mission had been the perfect excuse.

"It's a lovely day," she said softly and Itachi looked at her, nodding in agreement. The birds were calling out and the sun was warm; a beautiful day.

Their mission was simply to deliver a scroll to a family they did business with. As Fugaku had made clear, this was a mission simply to get Itachi's image out there once more, to make great the Uchiha clan, so to speak. They'd need to wait for a reply (that could take up to a week) and use the time to get Itachi out and about once more.

It was pathetic and left Itachi with an uneasy feeling in regards to Madara and what he might do while Itachi was away, but it had to be done. Itachi had defied his clan enough and one more foot over a line he couldn't explain simply would be too far.

"There's a small village over these hills," Mikoto said, about three hours after they'd set off. "We can stop off there for tea. I know you enjoy teahouses."

Itachi thanked her gratefully. It was nice to spend time with his mother, even if conversations were usually minimal. It felt even better to be away from the clan and the inescapable feeling that something was about to land heavily on them all.

The teahouse was a small place, dark inside and with private booths. It was comfortable and Mikoto grabbed a booth for them while Itachi placed their order. A serving waitress brought their tea and dango over, smiling and bidding them a good day before she returned behind the counter, tending to the guests who had decided to sit up at the bar.

"It's laughable that they've given you this mission," Mikoto said as she took a bit of her dango. "I know it's insulting too, but there are reasons I suppose. Image counts for a lot, apparently."

She rolled her eyes and smiled, wiping the corner of Itachi's mouth as he swallowed.

"Oh you've grown up so quickly," she said fondly, looking at Itachi warmly. "I remember when you and Sasuke were just bumps inside of me. Look at you both now!"

Itachi smiled and took a sip of tea. It was bitter and it reminded him of Naruto, for which he had to hide his smile.

"I am glad your father has dropped the idea of marrying you off though," Mikoto continued quietly and Itachi's smile fell from his face. "I married young and while I don't regret it, I do wish I'd had a bit more freedom." She smiled and tapped the side of her head.

"I have no idea if my Sharingan will work anymore," she said and sighed, more mocking than real. Itachi had never thought that his mother might miss life as a kunoichi, but he could tell that she missed being able to use her bloodlimit.

"I've had the feeling for a while that you'd already found the one you wish to spend your life with," Mikoto announced suddenly and Itachi looked at his mother sharply, pushing his tea back a little in alarm.

"Excuse me?" he whispered hurriedly and ignoring her laugh. "Why would you say that?"

"It's nothing to be ashamed or upset about," Mikoto said gently, patting his hand. "Some days there's something different about you, as if you're thinking of someone. And you get this look in your eyes… it reminds me of the way your father used to look at me before we were married."

Mikoto sighed fondly, taking another bite of her dango. "Whoever she is, she's a lucky woman."

While he had never had the intention of living so long that he'd be able to divulge his sexual preference, there was no specific reason to hide it from his mother. She'd never cared about a marriage contract and Itachi doubted she would care if he told her.

"And if it's a he?" he ventured and Mikoto's eyes widened. A moment later she relaxed and smiled, squeezing his hand gently.

"Then he's a lucky man," she said, causing Itachi to smile and return to his tea.

They spent a while there, relaxing in the cool shade of the teahouse and taking pleasure in the conversation around them. Itachi found himself properly relaxing as he talked with his mother about simple things, keeping away from the clan and the pressures on them both. Even Mikoto knew that something big was approaching and Itachi thanked her foresight and love that she wanted to make the most of their peaceful time.

"I'm just going to ask the owner about this type of tea," she said, picking up the empty teapot. "It's rare to find such a fresh blend that is so delicate. I'll bring back some more as well." Mikoto stood and walked to the counter, striking up pleasant conversation with one of the girls behind the counter.

Itachi watched her for a moment before closing his eyes. The bell sounded as a new customer entered. Itachi could sense no malice and instead continued to relax, dozing off slightly. If need be, he could be at attention a split second later, but he knew rest would be in short supply in the imminent future.

"Don't mind if I sit here, do you? Only it's pretty busy in here and-" the voice broke off into a laugh and Itachi opened his eyes, amused at how events had taken shape.

"Well since it's you, I'm not going to bother being polite anymore," Naruto muttered, pulling off what was presumably a travelling pack and passing Itachi a thick scroll to tuck away in the corner. "I'm exhausted and seeing as fate has brought us together once more, I demand that you take me to the nearest onsen and then out to dinner."

Itachi merely raised an eyebrow as a waitress brought over Naruto's drink and food.

"I'm looking for Ero-sennin and Tsunade, but apparently they don't want to be found." Naruto took a sip of his tea and sank deeper in his seat. "To be fair I'm not looking all that hard, but that's beside the point really."

Naruto slid the plate of dango between them and Itachi took one of the sticks, smiling in gratitude.

"At some point I also need to have a serious conversation with you, but I think it can wait until after the first round of relaxation," Naruto said, conscious that they were in a busy teahouse. "You know, this tea is really good."

Itachi laughed. "My mother said exactly the same thing." Naruto looked up. "In fact she's speaking to the owner about the recipe now."

Naruto's eyebrows shot up and he ducked low, as if that would solve any problems.

"You're on a mission?" he said quickly, eyes scanning the bar and narrowing on the door to the back. Itachi assumed his mother had gone through a little while ago, before Naruto had arrived. "I had no idea… I can pretend not to know you?"

Shaking his head, Itachi set the stick the dango had been on back on the little plate. He felt strangely calm at the thought Mikoto could meet Naruto. While it was a risk, Itachi felt that she would appreciate seeing that there was still some warmth from her old friend left in the world. And if they both survived this war, rivalry between Uchiha and Senju or not, Itachi was determined to spend more time with Naruto in public.

"I think she'd like to meet you," Itachi said honestly. "And I'm sure you're just as tired of lying as me."

Naruto's soft smile was all Itachi needed to confirm his thoughts. He was about to speak when he felt his mother's presence draw closer and he looked to the side. Mikoto held a bag in her hands and was laughing with an elderly lady – the shop owner – before she parted and began making her way back to the table.

"Another pot of tea will be making its way over in a minute," she began, reaching the table and stopping as she saw the travel bags. Her eyes widened as she looked at Naruto and the bag of tea fell softly onto the table as her hands slackened.

"Minato?" she whispered, but then shook her head. "Forgive me, you reminded me of someone."

Itachi felt his mother's glance and smiled warmly at her.

"It is a little busy here," Mikoto said, slightly reluctantly as she took a look around the teahouse. "One more at the table is no trouble." She smiled and looked at Naruto. "My name is Uchiha Mikoto."

Ever polite, ever courteous. Itachi knew that his father would have cast out anyone who dared join their table, but Mikoto had always had a far more gentle touch.

"Actually, Itachi's told me a lot about you, Uchiha-san," Naruto said. Mikoto blinked in surprise and Itachi took the teapot from the waitress, thanking her and pouring some for his mother.

"Just Mikoto will be fine," she said softly, frowning and glancing at Itachi. Her curiosity was full to the brim and Itachi found it highly entertaining, if a little cruel of him.

"Oh, sorry," Naruto rushed out. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. Pleased to meet you!"

Mikoto's eyes widened further and Itachi looked at her, wondering if perhaps he should have stepped in earlier. He watched as she inspected Naruto's face and shook her head, almost in disbelief.

"Kushina's son?" she asked softly and Naruto looked at her in curiosity, smile fading a little.

"You knew my mother?" he asked curiously and Mikoto nodded, slipping along the booth seats until she was a little closer to him.

"I wish I'd known her better, but that's always the way when someone is lost to us." She looked at Naruto fondly before narrowing her eyes and turning to Itachi.

"He's the one you were talking about, isn't he?" Mikoto asked and Itachi simply nodded, pouring his own tea at last.

"I'd never have thought a Senju and an Uchiha would ever be happy together," she said sadly, looking between the two of them. "I hope that I survive whatever is coming, if only to see the world that you two will create."

Mikoto stood up, picking up her bag and kissing Itachi's cheek.

"I'll complete the mission by myself. I can give you around three days, as long as you promise to meet me." Mikoto glanced over at Naruto as Itachi summoned a small crow, offering it to his mother.

"When you've arrived at the place you want to meet, just ask him to dispel himself. I'll be able to track you from that." The crow waddled onto Mikoto's hand and cawed merrily. His mother nodded and smiled.

"It was nice to meet you, Naruto," Mikoto said as she tucked the crow away, head poking out of her bag. "Things are changing, I feel, and when they do, I'd like for you to meet the rest of our family."

Naruto nodded brightly as Mikoto tucked the tea away.

"I'd like that," he said and Mikoto spared one last smile for them before leaving.

"Your mother's a nice person," Naruto said a moment later.

Itachi knew how much Mikoto was risking, but she'd done it so quickly and so fluently that Itachi had barely had any time to tell her no. If Fugaku – or any member of the Uchiha clan for that matter – found out that Mikoto had let Itachi neglect his duties there would be trouble enough, but to know (and condone) a relationship with a Senju clan member?

Itachi smiled.

"I have a lot to thank her for," he said quietly, finishing up his tea and looking at Naruto with a gleam in his eye. "I know a nearby onsen that has very comfortable accommodation."

"Let's go then!" Naruto said and began packing up, eager to sequester away for the last moments of peace they would get.

.

The pillows were comfortable and Naruto was only half-awake. He could feel Itachi at his side, warm and with an arm slung around him, and he took a deep breath before letting his mind slip back into slumber.

"You'd do well to remember what I tell you," Kurama said, his eyes roaming over the bars of the cage. Naruto was sitting on the ground clutching his stomach.

"It would have helped if you had explained what you were going to do before you rammed a claw into me," Naruto groused, but Kurama paid him no heed.

"The seal needed modifying and you're no seal master. The quickest way was to push my chakra straight into it and let your body cope." Kurama grinned and settled his eye on Naruto. "You're strong and part of the Uzumaki clan. You would never die so easily."

Naruto rolled his eyes and winced as another wrack of pain shot through his belly. Kurama had said it was his chakra preparing to move the entirety of his body into the newly completed seal, but Naruto was almost convinced that it was simply a game Kurama wanted to play.

"It's why you've got to be the one. You're the only one who can hold all nine of our chakras and merge us into the Jūbi." Kurama grinned, pressing his cheek against the bars of the cage. He narrowed his eyes and pulled back when the bars bent a little.

"See, your seal is strengthening as this is weakening. Soon I'll be inside of your belly and Uchiha Madara will be unable to use me at his beck and call." Kurama snarled and continued pushing against the bars of the cage, nine tails lashing out.

"So I'm to be the holder of the Jūbi, fine." Naruto groaned at the pain in his stomach. "But how exactly am I supposed to get the other eight in me? I wasn't supposed to be a jinchūriki for them so this way isn't going to work."

Kurama stilled and looked at Naruto.

"When the sealing process is complete, I can take you to meet them. If they believe in your sincerity to help us then you might learn a few names." Kurama grinned. "I have no intention of making this easy for you, kid. We have to be sure you really are the one."

Naruto opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. Dawn was beginning to break and it wouldn't be long before Itachi woke too. There was still time to get more sleep, though, and Naruto closed his eyes once more.

While the pain in his stomach hadn't fully vanished, it was easier to deal with. Kurama had announced the process was finished when he'd smashed completely free of the Gedō Mazō cage, toppling Naruto over in the process.

Eight huge figures sat in a tight circle and Kurama led Naruto to them, pushing Naruto into the centre.

"My jinchūriki wants to help us," he said, baring his teeth and narrowing his eyes. "I know I'm not the only one who can feel things are about to change."

The other bijū shifted and stared down at Naruto.

"He must be something to get your approval," the Ichibi said.

"Or Kurama must be desperate," the Gobi said, laughing.

Kurama said nothing, but Naruto couldn't remain silent. Even if they'd only met a short while ago, Kurama had offered him a chance to save the bijū and the shinobi world. Naruto would do his best to uphold the promise he had made.

"I need your help. I'm strong, but not strong enough to defeat Madara. I know he's chained you in the Gedō Mazō statue and used you against your will, but that's not fair." Naruto shook his head, emotion wracking through him. "Even if it results in my death, I want to help you and put an end to Madara's madness."

There was silence.

And then one of the bijū ducked lower, breath hot against Naruto's cheek.

"Then we shall tell you what to do, Uzumaki Naruto," the Nanabi said and Naruto grinned up at it, ready for whatever he needed to do.

Itachi sighed and Naruto opened his eyes to look at him. He was on the cusp of waking so Naruto rolled over and kissed his shoulder, drawing a smile out.

"Morning," he said quietly and Itachi mumbled a reply back.

"You don't have to go back before tomorrow so we can take the time today to relax," Naruto said, smiling as Itachi gripped his waist, rolling them over a little.

"Mm," Itachi hummed, kissing Naruto's neck and licking a train down to his nipples. "Relaxing can wait for a little later though," he continued and took a nipple into his mouth gently, sucking it as Naruto let out a breathy laugh.

"Playing a little dirty today with sneak attacks?" Naruto asked, running his hands through Itachi's hair. It was loose and he sank his fingers into it, gasping as Itachi practically worshipped his nipple, licking tenderly around the nub before sucking the tip gently.

"I always fight dirty," he muttered and pushed the covers off of them, revealing Naruto's skin to the cold air.

He hissed and drew Itachi closer, his cock pressing between them. Naruto groaned as Itachi's hand ran down his ribs and over the small of his back, running over his bum cheeks until they cupped his balls. The angle was slightly awkward, but Naruto moved until his knees were either side of Itachi's legs and Itachi had no choice but to retract his hand and bring it around the front.

"I want you to fuck me," Naruto whispered in Itachi's ear, catching the skin between his teeth and pulling gently. "I don't care how or what position, but I just want you to fuck me."

Itachi pushed Naruto back and over until he was on all fours. Naruto smiled as Itachi lay over him, head by his ear and hard cock pressed between his cheeks.

"Who am I to refuse," he muttered and Naruto shuddered at the tone in his voice. This was the Itachi who had gotten into the Akatsuki; the Itachi who could do remarkable things. He was dangerous and he was all Naruto's.

Some point during their previous escapades, they had lost the lube in the covers. Something cold ran between his cheeks an Naruto knew Itachi had retrieved it.

"That's fucking freezing," Naruto muttered, but Itachi curled back over, covering Naruto's cock with a lube-slick hand and jerking his wrist. Naruto shuddered and pushed back, smiling widely as he felt Itachi settle between his cheeks, pumping his hips gently at the feeling.

An arm wrapped around Naruto's chest and he braced himself as Itachi slipped his cock between Naruto's legs. He groaned as Naruto moved his legs closer together, effectively trapping Itachi's cock underneath his own. His plan lasted merely a moment, for when Itachi moved, he moved against Naruto and the sensation was incredible.

Heat curled in Naruto's belly and he moved down onto his elbows.

"We can be a little more inventive with intercrural later, but I could use a good, hard fuck." Naruto wiggled his hips a little and looked back over his shoulder. Itachi's eyes were blazing red and he smoothed his hands over Naruto's arse, pinching the flesh a little.

"If it's too much then say," he said with a smirk, posing a challenge to Naruto. Naruto simply grinned in return and sighed as Itachi poured a little more lube and pressed a finger inside of him, stretching him out a little.

Itachi kissed Naruto's shoulder blades as anticipation rose in Naruto's throat. He groaned as Itachi curled his finger and then removed it, pressing something larger and far more welcome instead.

As always, a little sting accompanied the pleasure. Itachi began slowly, letting Naruto adjust around him, but began to pick up the pace, skin slapping against skin. It was almost overwhelming, but Naruto managed to keep his whimpers to a minimum as Itachi pumped his hips, gripping Naruto's waist tightly and pulling him closer.

"I'm not a fragile girl," Naruto mumbled and Itachi bit out a laugh, pausing cock-deep to lean over Naruto fully.

"I've met plenty of women I bet would be anything but fragile in bed," he muttered, pushing his hips out and then slamming back down. Naruto whimpered and his arm bent around until his hand was against Itachi's cheek.

"It's not enough," he mumbled, breath coming in pants as Itachi picked up the pace again. "You need to make me shout out your name," Naruto muttered, groaning as Itachi pushed him down a little, angling him slightly until very thrust hit his prostate and sent pleasure sparking through him.

Naruto's breath grew sharper and fainter and he clutched desperately for Itachi as he felt himself on the brink of coming. All it took was one deep thrust more and Naruto lost all sense of control. His knees buckled as he came and called out for Itachi, needing him more than ever.

Itachi's arms were wrapped around him when Naruto's breathing began to calm down. He opened his eyes tiredly, noticing that they were on their sides again, and he kissed Itachi, licking his lips and suckling them gently.

"You're amazing," Naruto muttered as he pulled back. Itachi's eyes were still vermillion red and the tomoes moved gently at Naruto's words, proud and loving at the same time.

"Only for you," Itachi mumbled, looking away humbly. "And always for you."

Naruto grinned and pulled the futon covers up once more, glad that Itachi had cleaned them both in Naruto's lapse of functionality. They could afford to sleep for a little more before going about their day and that was just what they did.

.

It was the middle of the night when Itachi woke. He frowned, wondering what had caused him to wake and glanced over at Naruto. He was fast asleep and Itachi smiled, deciding to have a drink of water before he went back to bed.

As Itachi moved through the room, a shadow passed across the window and he turned his head, watching as one of his summoned crows faded, slipping through the crack between the windows. It reappeared in the form of a symbol and Itachi's eyes widened when he saw it.

It seemed that it was time. Madara had finally chosen to make his move and Itachi could waste no time. He left his things and took only what he needed; travelling cloak, weapons and a small portion of rations for the journey.

Madara had preached over and over again how he would be the one to take Konoha and destroy it for good and Itachi knew he would summon the Gedō Mazō statue outside of its gates in effort to revive the Jūbi inside of Sasuke.

Leaving, Itachi cast one look back at Naruto. He had hoped that they would be able to spend their three days together before the world tilted, but perhaps this was for the best. Naruto wouldn't try to stop him or follow him this way because he was already gone and Itachi could relax knowing that Naruto was out of harm's way. It was selfish of him, but if anyone lived through this, he wanted it to be Naruto.

The night was eerily still and Itachi picked his way through the wilderness, moving swiftly towards Konoha. He wouldn't be there until dawn began to break and he only hoped that was enough time, that he'd been prepared enough and given himself enough warning. He wondered how Sasuke was, if he had already started to try to combine the bijū or if Madara was waiting until their goal was in direct sight.

Dew caught on Itachi's shoes as he ran and the sun began to rise. Just as Itachi was closing in on Konohagakure, an almighty roar sounded, accompanied by a plume of smoke and the towering figure of the Gedō Mazō.

The forest around him woke instantly, animals fleeing for their lives and the chakra of countless shinobi springing into action. Both Uchiha and Senju were too far away to do anything, even if they got near enough to watch it happen. They weren't strong enough and any people would die uselessly to protect the shell of a village.

The statue was hunkered down by the time Itachi reached the space outside of Konoha. It had been cleared of trees and flattened by Madara. The gates loomed a little way off and Madara faced the village.

"I warned you not to get in my way," Madara said lazily, half-turning as Itachi continued to walk onwards. Itachi's eyes scanned for Sasuke and located him on his knees, head down and hands covered in seal markings, the same markings that drew a square box around him, trapping him.

So this was how Madara planned to contain all nine chakras. By forcing them into an impossible space and channelling them into Sasuke.

"It's a shame you didn't notify the Akatsuki you were going to do this so soon," Itachi said, coming to a halt. "It would have been interesting to see you try to outmatch them all."

Madara laughed and shook his head. "I could take them all on and live," he said, with so much arrogance that Itachi frowned. "But that's neither here nor there. Nagato and the rest aren't going to make it in time to stop me."

The orange mask Madara wore was gone, replaced with a grey one. It had Sharingan markings on and revealed both eyes, glowing with the bloodlimit. He turned away from Itachi and began to walk towards Sasuke.

Thinking quickly, Itachi moved between his brother and Madara. A battle of genjutsu wouldn't work against the calibre of Madara's Sharingan and so Itachi was forced to use his ninjutsu and taijutsu skills. He had no real idea of Madara's level in those areas, but Itachi had faith in his own abilities.

"So you really are planning to go against me?" Madara asked, halting. Itachi cast a look over to Sasuke, narrowing his eyes when he noticed Sasuke's breathing was laboured.

"What have you done to him?" he asked, turning his eyes back to Madara.

"He discovered my real intentions," Madara said, laughing. "At the moment I should think he's fighting my seal, but it'll only be a little longer before it will all end. Sasuke was never going to be the right vessel for the Jūbi, but he's almost perfect."

Itachi moved forwards, kunai in hand. His intention was simply to push Madara back, back as far as he could, and he succeeded in gaining a step.

His attack was the cue to start their fight. In the first few clashes, Itachi knew that he was outmatched and gritted his teeth, pushing onwards with force. He wouldn't resort to his mangekyō until there was no other choice, but Madara could easily walk circles around him in their current state.

"You and Sasuke were their shining glory," Madara said and he moved away from Itachi, turning his head to the forest. Itachi followed his line of vision and wanted to groan at the sight.

On both sides stood various members of Uchiha and Senju. Only a handful was present at the moment, but Itachi knew they were simply the first of many. It was perfect for Madara's plans, but Itachi had wanted to keep outside casualties down completely.

"What better way to destroy the Uchiha clan than take their glory out?" Madara laughed and Itachi could see realisation dawning on his clansmen's faces. "And after the Uchiha clan was destroyed, I could then rid the world of the abomination of Senju!"

Itachi crouched low, hurling a great fire technique towards Madara and following its path, kunai already in hand. He attacked as the flame hit, curling his lip as embers grazed his skin. It hardly affected Madara, but it kept his attention away from pushing the others into attacking him.

"You're not going to take this seriously unless we get rid of everyone else, are you?" Madara said and crouched down, hands against the ground. "Very well then, a sealing barrier similar to the one the Yondaime Hokage used will suffice."

As soon as he'd said the words, Madara ran through a series of handseals and slammed his palms on the ground once more. This time, a barrier began to form, stretching out to the border of the trees and higher than the Gedō Mazō. It stopped before the barrier against Konoha's gates and moved underground, separating Madara, Itachi and Sasuke from the others.

At least he only had to worry about Sasuke now, Itachi thought.

"What is the meaning of this?" someone shouted – and Itachi couldn't tell whether they were Uchiha or Senju. Madara chuckled and spoke, loud enough so everyone could hear.

"Today is the day I revive the Jūbi! I will kill those who stand in my way, starting with Uchiha Itachi. I will destroy Konoha, destroy the Uchiha clan and destroy the Senju clan." He paused, stretching his arms out wide. "The world will be mine! No one, not even the Akatsuki, will be able to stop me!"

Madara turned to Itachi, lowering his voice slightly.

"My will is divine," he said and Itachi felt the pull of his own mangekyō as Madara activated his. Itachi hadn't wanted to bring out his trump card so early on, but if Madara was to use his mangekyō then he had no other choice.

"I would have liked you to see the demise of your clan," Madara said, reaching for the gunbai at his back. "But you're not likely to sit quietly and wait. Better to deal with you now," he continued, almost to himself.

Itachi was ready for the blast of wind Madara sent his way and braced himself. He could use Susano-o, but even then there was a risk. Susano-o was powerful, but it would consume too much chakra too early on. He might be able to defeat Madara, but he had to stop the Jūbi forming too.

Tsukuyomi would be useless against Madara. They were both too high-level to fight with genjutsu, even with the mangekyō. Amaterasu was all that was left and while it would be a gamble, Itachi knew he could at least wound Madara. Even if he used his space-time ninjutsu, the black flames of Amaterasu should still be able to affect him.

Still, Itachi couldn't bet on anything. He had one chance to use the element of surprise and attack Madara with Amaterasu and he had to make sure he did some damage.

Running to the side and beginning a circle around Madara, Itachi used shuriken to try and goad Madara out. He began preparing Amaterasu, holding the mangekyō back until he absolutely had to release it.

"It's useless," Madara said, swinging his gunbai again, just what Itachi wanted him to do. He dodged the blast of wind and began another attack, narrowing his eyes as he finally let the mangekyō come forward. He tracked Madara's movements and paused when Madara's hand tensed around the gunbai, bringing it forwards to prepare another attack.

At once, the pressure in the area changed. It was too late for Madara to comprehend and Itachi felt blood trickle from his eye as he sent black flames towards Madara.

"Amaterasu!" he called, stumbling back as the wind of Madara's attack hit him full on.

When Itachi opened his eyes, he took in a deep breath and surveyed the damage he'd been able to do. He felt a jolt of victory when he saw where Amaterasu had hit. Madara's left arm hung by his side as the flames began spreading from his elbow, consuming everything in their path.

"You managed the hide the mangekyō from me?" Madara mused as he pulled out a small sword from his side, making quick work of slicing his arm off. It fell to the ground with a dull thud, blood seeping down and pooling in the dirt. "And managed to target the same arm the Yondaime Hokage destroyed. I'm impressed at your planning, but it's too late to stop me."

Madara was looking away from Itachi and he followed Madara's eye line to the Gedō Mazō statue. All of its eyes were open now, pointing solely on Sasuke. The seal on the ground and Sasuke's hands was beginning to glow, brightening with each passing second, active at last.

"Sasuke!" Itachi called out, attempting to move over to his brother, but Madara followed him, cutting off his progress. His gunbai was in his other hand and Itachi had no illusion that he wouldn't be able to use it well, dominant hand or otherwise.

Itachi grit his teeth, preparing himself to use Susano-o. He had his Totsuka no Tsurugi and that would be able to stop Madara once and for all. It would be risky and Itachi needed to do it quickly in order to stop the Jūbi before it became too powerful, but it was the only way now.

Around them, Itachi could hear the noise of the onlookers. They were scared yet brave, trying to break through the barrier to help Itachi. He smiled at the thought of Senju and Uchiha finally working together, wondering if their temporary truce could last past this battle.

Madara moved quickly and Itachi knew he wouldn't have time to deflect the blow with Susano-o. He didn't have much practice with the technique, but he thought he'd be alright. Madara was quicker than he'd factored in for and Itachi prepared himself for the blow, Susano-o beginning to form around him just that moment too late.

The atmosphere suddenly changed and Itachi's eyes widened. Something huge was happening and, judging by the surprise in Madara's eyes, it was just a mystery to him as it was Itachi.

Susano-o formed partially as Madara cut his technique short. He didn't look over to Itachi though, looking as dark chakra began to swell over Sasuke's body.

"What is this…?" he said quietly and Itachi could only stand and watch as the chakra began to bubble over Sasuke's skin. Sasuke screamed out, pushing up from the ground until his face was turned to the sky.

Something had gone terribly wrong.

"Sasuke!" Itachi shouted, moving past Madara. This time, Madara made no move to stop him and Itachi began running through every technique he knew, trying to find something that would stop the bijū chakra taking over Sasuke's body.

A sudden flash of light and an explosion rocked the area. It came from the sky and Itachi had only a brief moment to watch something smash into the Gedō Mazō before the world was blinded by light.

"Bijūdama!" someone shouted and Itachi blinked heavily. He felt as though he should know the voice, but he was still recovering from the explosion and his mind couldn't put two and two together.

"You look like you're holding up well, Itachi," the voice said and Itachi looked up, narrowing his eyes as he saw a figure standing on the remains of the Gedō Mazō statue. "But I've been waiting for this for a while. You'll have to forgive me later for interfering."

The figure jumped down from the Gedō Mazō, closing the distance between them and Itachi. Itachi's eyes widened as his brain finally righted itself and he realised it was Narutowho was walking towards him, casually as if he hadn't just used the bijū's ultimate weapon to destroy Madara's sealing barrier and the Gedō Mazō.

"I'll deal with the Jūbi if you keep one-arm occupied for a while," Naruto said with a grin, spreading his feet wider as chakra began to form around him.

Itachi nodded, turning to face Madara once more. The seal above them was beginning to repair itself from where Naruto had broken it, but the people outside were no longer clamouring to help. Itachi could hear their encouragements and he felt Naruto move directly in his path behind him.

With a smile, Itachi moved back until he bumped shoulders with Naruto. It was only the slightest touch, but it reinforced his belief that Naruto could save Sasuke and stop the Jūbi. Itachi wasn't sure how he had missed it before, how he had been so close to finding the one who could bring peace to them all, but Naruto was here now.

"You will not be able to stop the Jūbi," Madara said, voice low and eyes narrowed. "You are nothing before me! Nothing!"

This time, Itachi had Susano-o ready and waiting. He ducked low, preparing to move the instant Madara did.

There was no way he was going to let Naruto down.

.

Notes:

Only one more part after this! Thank you for all the amazing support! I actually wanted to do a story where Pein/Tobi/Akatsuki captured all the bijuu pre-series and I'm just glad that I had that opportunity during the ItaNaru swap!