Disclaimer:As usual...I don't own Naruto or something else. I wish I could own Itachi. Damn, now even the Konoha shinobis are alive again, but Itachi is still dead T^T

Otouto – Sasuke's comments

Otouto – Thoughts (mainly Sasuke's and Itachi's)

Chapter 5 – Memories: It's my chance! Part one

Well, while I was waiting for the test I laid in the grass and enjoyed the silence. There's only one thing that's left for me to enjoy – the beautiful silence without anyone but just myself with my mind floating freely in the mist of ease. And the worst thing what can happen to this rare luck of mine is: that it was broken, the wonderful silence around me.

"Good morning Sasuke-kun!" Greeted Sakura while waving her hand in the air and with a blush on her cheeks. Rolling his eyes in pure annoyance the young Uchiha ignored her and closed his eyes again until the next voice came up.

"Sasuke-teme! You're already here? Damn, and I thought I would be there before you." Naruto sighed putting his hands behind his neck.

"Never in this life." Sasuke said cooly, as he opened his eyes and stood up. He immediately put his hands in his pockets and turned his look away from them.

When Sakura and Naruto arrived I remembered that I was in this place for a certain reason – Itachi. But, he was late. That's just so unbelievable, he is never late. The only times where he was late were when he broke his promise that he'll spend time with me the moment he's back from his mission. Guess what, he came back in the middle of the night or had important things to do and so no time for me. Yeah, always the same excuses with him.

One minute past six - he is late. Is he on a mission again? Would be no surprise.

"He is late." Sasuke stated all of a sudden without realizing that he had said it out loud.

Is this already a test? Testing our patience?

"Damn!" Naruto ranted suddenly. "Where is our Sensei?" Impatience stained the blonde's voice. "Calm down Naruto, it's just six o'clock, he will be there in a few moments." Sakura explained annoyed.

"No." The Uchiha said quietly. Sakura and Naruto turned around, looking confused at Sasuke. "What no?" Naruto asked. "No, he is NEVER late. That's why I said no."

You don't know him. There must be something going on, but what?

A sudden breeze winded up, making the bushes rustle and a cloud hid the sun behind its mass. The surrounding was getting darker for a moment, letting the air become fresh and the mood cloudy.

There was it again. This strange feeling, heart beating faster. It's really hard to describe, but somehow it feels… comforting.

Naruto let a sigh pass and laid his hands on his hip. "Then it's the first time that he is-" The blonde began and stopped when he noticed something. He felt a cool material pressed against his neck.

"…Two…" Said a stranger with an familiar emotionless voice. Sakura and Naruto could only gulp and were trying to turn around.

#There you go!#

#You're always so right,#

#It's all a big show,#

#It's all about you!#

Does he really think that something like that could startle me? Then he is so mistaken.

I have to admit that it did work. My heart was pounding loudly, but somehow in two different ways. Maybe I was just excited, maybe because of something different.

The sun was now free again, shining down on the four ninjas. Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto now stood face to face to their captor, eyes widened.

"Now you would be dead for the second time. Rule number three, completing rule number one: Never let your guard down, even if you wait for someone familiar in a familiar surrounding. Just never." Itachi said and released his shadow clones. The shadow clones disappeared with a puff as the prodigy walked over to his students.

Why has he always to be that exact? Can't he just forget about his job for one time? Oh, I forgot, that's his life after all. He can't do anything else.

Itachi gazed at his students and saw different expressions: Naruto was impatient but listened to him at least, Sakura as a clever girl listened carefully to him. Both of them looked directly into the obsidian eyes of the elder Uchiha. Only Sasuke was uninterested and had his undescribable expression of his eyes just fixed into the blue sky above him, avoiding the gaze of his big brother. "Morning. Today is the promised test, but before I tell you the plot of it I will first-"

"Just get to the point!" Sasuke interrupted unpolitely, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Naruto was about to complain about Sasuke's rudeness and took an vexed step forward, but was stopped by Itachi's arm in front of him, stopping his intentions.

Yeah, my rudeness was getting the best of me or better said - my hatred. I really don't understand myself sometimes. It was like that hurting and being an ass to Itachi was the reason for my existence. But in truth, I didn't understand the real reason behind my hatred. It's hard to explain but after four years you forget the reason behind your emotions. You forget why you hate something and you just go on with your hatred. So strange. Why do we forget the reasons of strong emotions like hatred?

"Fine. Your job is to take this from me." Itachi started taking out two strange golden things. "Bells?" Sakura asked confused. "Exactly. You have to steal these said bells while fighting with me and…"

When the words 'fighting with me' fell my lips curled up into an mishievous smirk and my eyes shone with thrill, an quiet malicous chuckle escaped my lips. I was kinda excited. Maybe I just wanted to punch him. Really, my excitement for fighting came to light. My first chance to let out all my anger on him was finally there.

"…and then you have passed, then you will be an official part of Team 7 and do some missions." Itachi finished and fixed the bells on the left side of his belt, which he had added to his usual ANBU outfit and hung diagonal over his hip.

"That's all?" Naruto asked, not believing that this was the end of the explanation.

"You're right Naruto, something is missing. You must do this in one hour, until circa 7 o'clock. That's all." Crossing his arms he let his eyes close, waiting for an remark.

"And what if we fail?" Sakura asked, fearing the answer.

"Then you will stay in the acedemy forever." As Itachi opened his eyes he saw a shocked expression on Naruto's and Sakura's face. A long silence followed and the wind brushed past the ninjas, letting the leaves dance in the air. He didn't want to have them uncertain so he let a sigh pass and came up with something.

"But…" This word catched their attentions and so they listened to what he wanted to say.

"But I think, no, I know that you will pass the test." Relief washed away the shock on the two genin's faces.

"And one more thing…" He began again and rose his right index finger in front of his face, making them listen even more carefully. Sasuke had to admit that he was a little curious about this though he knew that it only will be another 'I-know-so-much-more-than-you-all-and-will-warn-you' sentence again, but even so he listened.

"This is not a normal test. This is something to test your skills as a real shinobi. You have to find out what it's about and what skill is required. Because you don't have the required skill yet. None of you. But, when you have found out what the test is about and what skill you lack then you are really a real shinobi and then maybe I can say 'I knew that you had the potential to make it'." Content with his explanation he knew that they will make it. He was sure of it, but he had the sneaking suspection that Sasuke will only concentrate on destroying him and showing him 'his skills'. Sighing mentally he crossed his arms again and thought about it.

#You think you know,#

#What everyone needs,#

#You always take time,#

#To criticize me!#

"Enough of your talk." The unpolite and impatient tone made the prodigy come back to reality. "Give the signal!" Sasuke demanded, his right hand went to the shuriken pocket and waited for the signal to come up. Itachi saw this and raised an eyebrow, shaking his head in his inner. Impatient, aren't we Sasuke? Well, I won't make you wait any longer. I know you want your fight.

Taking a deep breath the elder Uchiha let his eyes close. "Always remember that you are in an enemy's area, expect everything and I mean really everything. Have that always on your mind." He clarified before opening his eyes and starting to continue. "Well then…" Naruto and Sakura were tensed, the wind was brushing, the leaves whirling around and a sweatdrop slid down on Naruto's throat.

I will accomplish the test and then someday become the next Hokage – 'ttebayo!

With Sasuke on my side I can't fail and if something will happen to me, I'm sure that he will protect me – cha!

Whatever happens, I will make it. I will show you what I'm capable of and beat you!

I think we were all a little tensed at this moment, waiting for his signal while imaging how this could turn out. I did never doubt for a second that I won't make it, I mean, I was blinded by my fury. The image of Itachi, beaten before my eyes, made a pleasant shiver run down my spine, blood rushing through my veins. I could almost feel my victory - but only almost.

"…START!" Came Itachi's signal, voiced out like a command and only in a blink of an eye he disappeared.

You won't escape me Itachi!

Throwing shurikens in way Itachi disappeared and hitting a tree, Sasuke let an angered sound pass his lips, cursing himself for letting his brother escape that easily.

Damn, too late. He is already gone.

The young genin wasted no time and ran after him.

"Sasuke-teme!" Naruto called after him. "What are you doing?!" He asked, angry that he went after Itachi without caring about his teammates. "My job you moron!" He called back, still continuing to run after his brother. "But Sasuke-kun what should we do then?" Sakura asked shyly, feeling left out. "The same, isn't it obvious?!" Sasuke called back again and disappeared out of their sight.

Argh! Uchihas! God, why have I to be in the same team as him? Naruto ranted in his inner, almost blaming Iruka for the choice of this team.

Putting his hands on his hip the blonde kitsune turned towards Sakura, a small smile played on his face. "I don't want to admit it but he is right. Let us do that together Sakura-chan!"

"No!" Sakura contered as cold as usual and ran after Sasuke, letting Naruto alone on the spot. The blonde boy just blinked, disappointment coming up in his body. "What am I supposed to do now?" Naruto asked himself with a groan and sighed deeply. "Okay! Then I will do the job on my own! I will proof that I'm strong enough and worth it being a ninja!" Walking three feet forwards he stopped abruptly.

"By the way, when anyone of you reach five, you're done for it, remember? That's why you should better watch out." Itachi remembered him and flipped his hair back, waiting for Naruto's reaction. The blonde didn't disappoint him. He turned around and threw a fist at his Sensei.

"I won't let that happen, I have a dream and that will come true!" Catching the attack with ease, the prodigy let a sigh pass.

"Then show me your strength, Naruto." Obsidian eyes looked directly into sapphire ones and a provoking smile appeared on Itachi's face. "I'll show you!" Now in even more fury Naruto attacked with his other free hand and was also catched by his Sensei. The Uchiha's smile widened into a little playful smirk as he slowly spoke one single word.

"…Three…"

Anger streamed through Naruto's veins, making him growl. Itachi only smirked at that but his smirk faded and instead his eyes widened, a third fist came to punch him.

"Kage Bunshin?" Surprise filled the Uchiha's eyes as the first drew nearer. "Got'cha now!" Naruto called out, but then he felt a pain in his fist, he made impact with something hard. The clone disappeared with a puff after it. "What the-?!" Then he saw it, he punched a piece of wood.

"Replacement Technique." Itachi whispered hidden in a tree.

I must admit a Genin with such a Jutsu is unbelievable, but when you want to be the best and to hide your not so well skills then you must learn a Jutsu of a higher level to have an advantage. Well, times have changed. The kids nowadays learn Jutsus of their own to gain an advantage. Like Naruto. So he could pass the Genin exam and have an individual technique for himself. But, he is not the only one with this.

"Kuso!" Naruto exclaimed angrily ruffling his fingers through his blonde hair. "He run away again! Kuso!" Bewilderd he run across the place, searching for a trace of the Sensei. He looked around, turned around, even looked into the air for an sudden attack. He searched and searched and found nothing. A wave of fury rushed through him and Naruto fisted his hand in anger. But he didn't want to let this emotion get the best of him, because he knew that it would only cause negative effects on him. So he let his eyes close and started to think straight.

Suddenly his eyes snapped open and he took a few quick steps forward and stood exactly under a tree. Then it happened. A small thread broke and a rain of kunai came from every side. Naruto quickly caught it and jumped high above the attack and landed ten feet behind the trap.

Smirking, the blonde rubbed triumphantly his nose. "Sensei, do you really think that I'm that stupid? Then you're mistaken." He said and was suddenly lifted into the air. Headfirst he hung loosely in a snare trap above the ground. "Damn it." He growled angered and crossed his arms in front of his chest. He tried to open the rope around his ankle but it didn't want to get loose. Then a person appeared before his eyes, though his apperance was now the other way round he could still tell that it was Itachi standing in front of him.

"Well, not stupid but too cocky I would say." Itachi said with a playful smile on his face. Naruto growled now in more anger at this and his cheeks turned into a light red shape. Itachi's smile only widened into an now playful smirk, slowly he only spoke one word, which let the blonde's eyes widened at this in shock.

"…Four…"

Naruto fisted his hand and closed his eyes in shame and anger as he let out a loud growl from his already dry throat. Itachi sighed and closed his eyes as well. "I've told you, always remember that you are in an enemy's area, expect everything and I mean really everything." The Uchiha turned around and could still feel the blonde's glare on his back but it didn't bother him. "Try to get free and then start again." With that he started to leave this place.

"Great! And how do I do that?!" Naruto asked with sarcasm combed with anger. The prodigy stopped at that and turned around to look in his eyes. "Find it out." His obsidian eyes became more serious and shone with confidence.

"But-!" Naruto tried to start, but Itachi quickly interrupted with an now harsher voice.

"You are a shinobi, don't forget that." He took one last glance at the Genin and then walked away and disappeared.

Naruto went silent. He forgot. He forgot it. He is a shinobi. "You're right Sensei." The blonde said quietly to himself and his hand went to his kunai holder. Taking out a knife he cut up the rope and landed ninja-like on his left knee supported by his left hand on the ground, head lowered.

Raising his head his eyes shone now in a clear sapphire certainty. "I'm a shinobi."He put his kunai back and began to search for Itachi to finish this test.

I wonder… He thought while running and checking his surrounding at the same time. I wonder what's the meaning behind this whole event? What skill do we need? What is it?

The required skill, I didn't know it. I didn't know what I lack, I didn't know. The only thing I knew was that I had to find it out or else I would not pass his stupid test. But worse, I would proof that I had not the strength to catch up with him, that I'm weak, weaker than him. This thought drove me mad, making me insane all over. I wished for nothing else than to be as talented, as strong, as recognized than him. I wanted to be like him and yet at the same time not one little bit. I wanted to be better. I wanted his… admiration. But between two brothers does nothing exist but rivalry. At least this is what I thought. But I will never know, because I never knew Itachi's side, his thoughts on my opinions.

Many feet away in a clearing stood Itachi, thinking about his next step. Well, what should I say? Naruto failed in Tai-Jutsu but he surprised with his new technique – Kage Bunshin No Jutsu. Interesting. I wonder how it will be with Sakura and Sasuke? Will they manage their 'special test'? He thought and leaned back against a tree. Closing his black eyes he thought about it. Then he sensed something. He lifted one eyelid and saw the next Genin walking carelessly and open for an attack across the field.

Sakura, I wonder. I used Tai-Jutsu against Naruto, I knew that this was the best skill of him. But Sakura, she is clever and not a fighter. Well, I think I know what to use. Smirking lightly, he watched Sakura from a good distance. The pink haired Genin still looked around hoping no one will spot her. Then she stopped when she heard the bushes rustle and turned around, holding a kunai in her hands to be prepared for whatever will come.

"Who is there?" She asked scared, hands trembling, almost dropping the metallic knife. The bushes still continued to rustle. Now a sweatdrop slid down her neck and a knot was forming in it, making her throat become tighter. The pink girl gulped while her eyes searched for an enemy. "Who… is…there?" She uttered out slowly. Then suddenly the leaves on the ground were blown into the air and whirled around, seeming to illuminate her. Her head was filled with a dizzy fog and then she lost her consciousness. Green eyes were closing and her body going limp. Slowly she was falling back, but before she hit the ground she was catched by something warm and something pounding.

"…Three…" Itachi whispered emotionless. He looked at the pink girl who 'sleept' innocently against his body. The Uchiha took her bridal style in his arms. "I think it was too much, my Gen-Jutsu is just a bit too strong." He carefully carried her to a tree and leaned her body against it.

Oh well, I overdid it even when I held back. Naruto failed in Tai-Jutsu, Sakura in Gen-Jutsu and Sasuke… now only Nin-Jutsu is missing. I wonder if he will make it. Well Naruto and Saskura didn't really fail they are just Genins and just got this title. I overdid it really. It's really difficult for a Genin to stand up against an ANBU. That's why I held back and that's why I will still hold back. That's why I won't use IT. Itachi thought with certainty.

He hasn't used it up to now. He still hasn't used it. His powerful technique, his speciality… the Sharingan. The Uchiha's Bloodline Limit, mine and Itachi's. The last specimen of the once existing number one clan in the history of Konoha: the Uchiha Clan. Our all feared, powerful, famous and wonderful Bloodline Limit - crimson eyes with swirling black tomoes. I've always admired them, but I think most of all Itachi's ones. I could never describe the sight of them not even when I saw them for the first time. They are so undescribable. So very much.

Sighing Itachi turned around and took a few steps until he stood in the middle of the clearing. A breeze came to wind up, the bushes were rustling and the leaves on the ground were lifted into the air und blown away. He closed his eyes, letting himself set free, forgetting about everything around him. He stood there, head leaned back in a welcoming gesture. The soft blow erased everything in his mind but then a picture of Sasuke flickered before his eyes and they snapped open. The first sight he saw was a great amount of kunai flowing towards his direction. Itachi quickly reacted to that and jumped out of the way.

"Too predictable…" Looking up the prodigy saw a figure jumping out of the tree, landing on the ground and staring back into his eyes. The sun now shone on him, letting the blue shade of his black hair shimmer in the bright light.

"…Sasuke."

AN: 5. chapter done. Phew, things are slowly getting interesting, aren't they? Oh yeah same as before - it also will NOT be ItaSaku! Let me make my pairings clear to you: NaruSaku one-sided, SasuSaku one-sided, ItaSasu. Always the same, Naruto loves Sakura, who loves Sasuke and there is also Itachi who loves Sasuke who loves no one (he wouldn't show if it was not the case, ne ;) ?) The song you have read was split up and will continue to the next two chapters (up to chapter seven) and there you can read what song it was (if you haven't figured it out already^^) See ya next chapter!

Japanese words: kuso – damn teme – bastard

And I don't own the one-fourth #song# ;)