Okay, here I go: I love you all and a big thank you for everyone who is sitting behind the pc and reading this.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the Naruto world, they belong to Kishimoto. If so I would own my dear and dead Itachi.
Chapter 13 Memories: Bad news?
Dark clouds covered the black sky, the moon never ceased to illuminate as the white light caused the night to brighten up. No sounds waved through the weary area except for the animalistic ones. It was a time of silence when six shinobis and their precious patron paced through the thick forest, aiming straight for the heart - Konoha-Gakure. In the middle of the skilled ninja squad the captain suddenly halted his movements, his strays fell down to veil his porcelain skin as he jumped to the ground followed by the others.
"Again enemies?" Broke a voice the long silence as he crossed his arms, eying the stoic reaction of the prodigy.
Itachi turned around, meeting his brother's eyes as he let out a soft sigh. "We will take a break because Takeru-san isn't used to travel long journeys. It will take a few more hours to reach the hidden village but for now we will rest." He explained and gave no room for any protest Sasuke just wanted to voice out.
The young Uchiha watched his companion, the four ANBU already started to set up a camp for the night as the elder one gave them more instruction for Takeru's comfort. Sasuke sighed mentally and laid his hand on his hip in defeat.
"Do what you want." He muttered and could swear he heard a chuckle of amusement coming from his brother but as he eyed him he already had his mask of indifference on his face.
Now I was acting childish. Telling my brother to do what he wants was the most useless statement so far. He is always doing what he thinks is best. So why saying this? I think it was just my frustration that Itachi stopped to take a break for 'that' man. He sure is useless if it weren't for his position as an ambassador of the fourth Kazekage.
The four men set up a tent for Takeru as Itachi searched for wood he could use for the fire. The elder Uchiha walked to a big stump and pulled out his sword slowly. The blade reflected the moonlight when he tilted it to the side and with a few slashes he had enough wood for the whole night. Each piece was equal in shape and size something that made Sasuke growl in envy when Itachi came back with it in his arms. He put the material down to the ground and formed his seals to create a smoldering fire. Takeru watched in admiration as the prodigy finished his job and turned around to find an even more envious Sasuke.
"You forgot the food." The younger one stated with a smirk but it faded the moment the ANBU squad came back with a big and dead deer. Takeru laughed, enjoying the one-sided fight between the two similar Uchihas.
"Kid, you are really amusing. I think you are just envious at Itachi-kun. But don't worry little one you sure will grow up into an equal skilled man. Will you get that handsome too? I wonder." He finished, putting his index finger under his chin and lifting it up in thinking.
Growling sounds emitted from the younger Uchiha as his fist shook, his teeth clenched. "Me and envious at Itachi?! No way in hell! And I hope I will not grow up into someone like him for my own sake! If so I'm sure you would put your dirty hands on me too!" He shouted in anger, his eyes burnt with displease. The ANBU turned off from the conversation, not wanting to be involved into something that is not their business. Itachi stood up from the fire, using the fact that the dinner was ready to prevent more outbursts of his brother.
"Sasuke, stop it now. You have said enough. Takeru-san please sit down with us and eat something. I apologize for everything that my brother said." The elder Uchiha said with no traces of emotions and bowed down in a apologetic manner. Takeru smiled at him.
"It's okay, don't worry Itachi-kun. Your little brother is just so much fun to tease. His exploding temper is something that I've missed in my time of being an ambassador. I enjoy his and of course your presence and I'd love to sit down with you altogether to satisfy my empty stomach." The Suna nin explained, his face has lit up with content joy. He then sat down, taking his offered meal from Itachi's outstretched hand as Sasuke hissed displeased, crossing his arms again.
Seriously, I started to hate this man. Of course I already hated him the moment I first saw him. But now that guy made it even worse. His voice, his words, his perverted imaginations - I could alone throw up at the thought of him molesting me like he did with Itachi. I will definitely cut off his hands if he ever dares to lay them on me. And by the way, if he has such a boring life than he should change his career and go to the acedemy to become a teacher. This will be sure more exciting. But then again... poor kids.
Clouds hid the moon and its beams but the fire brought back the needed light. Takeru shared a few funny stories with Itachi, the ANBU squad sat with more space to the fire and Sasuke went off after having enough of this and without eating anything at all.
He walked more into the forest and stopped his wandering at a clearing. He lifted his head and gazed at the sky. When a cool breeze swept against his face he felt a tug at his lips. He always enjoyed his time alone. Sasuke's anger from earlier disappeared and beautiful rest lingered in his body again. Everytime he felt his mind exploding or his temper and emotions raging he would walk off to a quiet place and settle down, breathing in the soothing atmosphere. He smiled an unseen smile. Footsteps appeared and interrupted his thoughts, his mind losing the welcomed comfort.
"Sasuke." One word said enough. Itachi's voice was able to cut everything down and interrupting him in his most pleasant times. The sounds got louder and Sasuke could feel that his brother stood behind him, probably only three metres away.
"If you're going to lecture me for being honest to this man then leave." The younger said, his voice loud enough for only Itachi to hear. The prodigy couldn't explain it but even though his words were cold he spoke them with a calm voice as if he had no intention to start an argument this time.
"The contract is on the line and you know that. I don't want to cause unecessary trouble for Konoha by breaking our developing relationship with Suna." The elder spoke in a stern voice, thinking about what next to say as he let his message sink into his little brother's mind. Sasuke took another long breath, sighing out quietly as he responsed.
"When will you stop with your disgusting way of sucking up to others? You disgrace our Clan and you know that." Sasuke said as sternly as Itachi did. The younger Uchiha then turned around to face the stare of his elder brother, his eyes slightly narrowed, showing that he was serious and refering to the scene with him and that Suna guy.
Silence filled the already silent clearing, another breeze came by to caress their faces. Itachi's lips moved but no words came out as he stopped before saying them. But when Sasuke rose an eyebrow, urging him to start, he spoke up in a quieter tone.
"I am aware that my behavior is not what you expect an Uchiha to be but sometimes you have to act different due to the situation you are in."
"Stop with your nonsense!" Sasuke snapped. He was angry again and ready to speak his mind as it poured out in harsh words.
"You always have a pathetic way to explain your actions! And you never make mistakes! No matter what you do it's right! When you fought the enemies from earlier you only showed me how weak I am!" He went on, changing the subject without realising it and could then see Itachi lightly tilting his head to the side, eyes closing slowly as he let his brother vent his frustration on him.
Do I always change the topic when I don't understand what Itachi is trying to say? Am I just unable to see through his words? And why do I always keep yelling at him? I seem to be the one who should stop with the nonsense. For example: I'm not content with myself, then Itachi is trying to explain something to me and then I throw at him the first thought that crosses my mind, mostly an insult that has nothing to do with the conversation. Isn't that called nonsense?
The prodigy took a long breath before he met Sasuke's angered expression and countered it with his emotionless one.
"I'm sorry." He said softly and the younger one's face immediately softened in surprise as a small gasp escaped his lips.
"I didn't mean to cause you to think that I wanted to show off or else. I noticed how you trembled when the enemies appeared. You were nervous, it was your first fight. I heard your yelps of pain I knew that the enemy had hurt you. And when I stood in front of you, killed this shinobi and faced you I saw that your body shook because you were unable to defense yourself. It was as already mentioned your first time of being in a real battle. You could have lost your life because they were more experienced in fights than you. I never meant to humilate you I just wanted to help you out." Eyes widened as the elder Uchiha said this, causing the younger to fell silent and falling back to his own thoughts. And as Itachi continued after a few moments of silence he cut the other's thoughts off, making his little brother paying attention to what he has to say.
"You protected Takeru as I instructed. He didn't get injuried but you and you even sheltered him from all of this. But the most pleasant sight is that you gained your Sharingan. I'm really proud of you." Sasuke was left speechless after Itachi finished his explaination and he never broke eye contact while it. The younger Uchiha averted his gaze in shame. He once again let his rushed emotions get the best of him while his brother let him have his way and even spoke with a calm voice when his own had risen up.
Itachi never ceases to surprise me. First he said that he is sorry and that's rare to hear from him. He isn't the type to apologize to others but lately I have the feeling that he changed. A lot. And second: did he just compliment me? Yes he did and that for the second time ever since I followed him. Was he really proud of me? Was it really his honest mind? Or am I just falling for his beautiful words again?
"Show me." Itachi said in his usual calm voice, catching the other's attention. "Show me your Sharingan."
Sasuke mumbled something in response barely heard by the elder. "It's not better than yours I didn't get it at the age of eight." His tone changed, calm like it was at the beginning but now with disappointment.
Itachi sighed softly, knowing what his brother was about. "I'm glad that you are different from me in this point. The day I gained my Sharingan is a memory I don't want to remember for that I had to fight a Chunin while protecting a three years old boy. That we made it out alive is somewhat a miracle." Again the younger Uchiha was left speechless when Itachi told him a piece of truth, a piece of himself.
I remember that day. I was three years old and he was eight. We were both very young and had to taste the bitter reality. The reality of being an Uchiha. What exactly does it mean to be an Uchiha? It's easy: you'll never have a peaceful life, never. As long as you live under that name you have a life full of fear and sacrifices. It may sound exaggerated but that's just how it is.
"A memory I want to forget as well." Sasuke voiced out quietly and closed his eyes only to re-open them again. Instead of obsidian two blood red eyes stared directly into another pair of blood red ones.
Beautiful. Smooth crimson eyes with two pitch black drops in their glowing mist. Truly a sight to behold and with you Sasuke it's just perfect. The most beautiful eyes together with the most beautiful person in this world. You are so much better than I could ever be.
Itachi smiled inwardly as he crossed his arms and an almost painful pause followed. Sasuke could feel his body growing nervous under his big brother's gaze. It would make him more comfortable if the elder would say something, anything to lessen the feeling of uneasiness inside him. Then finally he unfolded his arms and walked the last metres towards the younger to put a hand on his shoulder.
"To tell you the truth, when I first activated my Sharingan I had only level one but you started with level two. Something you can be proud of. You surpassed me in this point." Even though it was only by halves true and even though Sasuke knew this he couldn't help but let a small smile pass his face. Itachi withdrew his hand and with it the warmth it caused on this spot.
And that's not the only point where you surpassed me. You are better in many ways. So don't compare yourself to me because I'm not as perfect as you think I am.
The elder Uchiha shook his head lightly, brushing off his thoughts to concentrate on more important things like his latest mission.
"Your food is getting cold." And with that they both headed back to the camp and Sasuke finished his meal, ignoring both Takeru's curious stare and the always silent ANBU force. Itachi had night guard and stood alert in case of a second ambush. The night quickly fell down on the escort team as the young Genin laid back on a blanket and drifted off to sleep, still hearing Itachi's words echoing through his mind.
The morning sun greeted the seven ninjas as they continued their journey. It would take them one more hour to reach Konoha-Gakure and when Itachi gave them the signal they speeded up more.
-Konoha-Gakure gates-
"We've reached our destination. Welcome to Konoha-Gakure Takeru-san." Itachi stated and went first through the wooden gates, followed by the Suna man and Sasuke, the four ANBU close behind.
Takeru took a look around. The streets were filled with many people, tending their life, some kids played with a ball and some other were disguised and played 'ninja'. The Suna guy smiled unseen at the peace in this village and let a content sigh fall from his lips.
"It's been a while since I've last visited this town. I'm looking forward for you to show me this place. Will I get to see where you sleep too?" Takeru asked with a seductive tone in his voice, making Sasuke twitch while Itachi stayed impassive.
"I mean you don't expect me to finish my work and then leaving after it? I will stay here for the night at least. Can I stay at your place? I think your duty will be to protect me then this would be the best way to do it." Sasuke clenched his fist and then looked to his brother, silently pleading to not let him stay at their home.
Don't you dare Itachi. I will not sleep in the same place like this man! Not at my home!
"I will talk about it with Hokage-sama what's best for your safety but I think it's the best if you stay at a place where our ANBU force can protect you." Itachi explained with his monotone voice, not looking back at Takeru.
"Why not with you?" The man protested.
"Because the Uchiha district is not safe any more." The elder Uchiha reasoned and Takeru let out a disappointed sigh.
"What a pity. Can I see your team then? I really want to see who are the lucky ninjas to get you as their Sensei."
Sasuke hissed. "You mean the ones who are cursed."
Itachi ignored the usual insult and continued to pass through the streets, going straight to the Hokage building. But they never made their way to it as a loud voice pierced through the crouds.
"Teme! You are finally back huh?! How dare you to cowardly leave your training?!" Shouted the voice, not caring if people would stare at them.
"Because I am not as stupid as you to deal with useless training." He responsed, crossing his arms. Two figures stood now in front of the team, one had his fist clenched at the insult while the other one blushed, happy to see her crush.
"Hello Sasuke-kun and Itachi-Sensei." She greeted softly, smiling at Itachi and blushing when she met Sasuke's not very pleased eyes who rolled them at an instant.
"Sakura, Naruto. Was your practise for today canceled? I don't see Kakashi-san with you." Itachi asked, looking around to notice that they were alone.
"Kakashi already left and mentioned that he has something 'important' to do. I don't believe him but he said that you would be back for today so it's not that bad. Will we begin our awesome training now?" Naruto's eyes shone, thrilled to get stronger to become the next Hokage.
"So that's your team Itachi-kun?" Takeru took a few steps forward to have a better look at them. "A young girl, a loud boy and your little brother? Seems like a lot of trouble." He said and Naruto clenched his fist again, Sakura was not pleased either but hid it with her will power and Sasuke hissed at his words.
Shanaroo! How dare this guy?! I'm not a young girl! I'm already twelve! Shanaroo!
'Tebayo! Who does he think he is?! If he doesn't have a good explaination now I will beat him up, 'tebayo!
Little brother, a lot of trouble? You are really lucky that you are under Itachi's protection otherwise I would show you what a little brother is capable of.
"Who the hell is he Itachi-Sensei?!" The blonde shouted, voicing out Sakura's thoughts.
Itachi looked around, people already have turned their heads towards them. If it wasn't for the Uchiha blood flowing through his veins and his always perfect emotionless face he would have blushed of embarrassment by now. The four ANBU gave him a look and the prodigy understood. He went ahead, followed by Takeru and the rest.
"He is our client, an ambassador of Suna-Gakure and will hand over our demands to the Kazekage for the contract between our countries. It's an important mission for our all sake."
Shit 'tebayo! And I was so stupid to insult him! Now our contract will be broken because of me! I will never be the next Hokage with this mistake I did.
"Did I... mess up everything?" He asked quietly, head lowered.
"No." Itachi assured him and the blonde Genin let out a relieved sigh.
-Within the Hokage office-
The Hogake has put her ellbows on the desk in front of her, leaning with her lips against her folded fingers. Itachi stood on one knee with his eyes meeting Tsunade's amber ones as he spoke up with his usual collected voice.
"I escorted Kageyoshi-san as told. He is willing to take the demands now but asks to stay here for the night before heading back with our team to Suna-Gakure." He reported and Tsunade leaned back, retreating her position and glancing briefly at Takeru before her gaze lingered at Itachi again.
She sighed out softly. "Of course. Kageyoshi-san, it will be best if you stay where you can be protected and this will be..." She trailed off, thinking about the best option, considering every idea. "At the Uchiha district under Uchiha Itachi's protection. You have my full trust Itachi. Don't disappoint us." She finished and stood up.
The Uchiha did the same, raising up slowly from his position as his obsidian eyes meet Tsunade's, his face without any emotions.
"Of course not, Hokage-sama." And Takeru smirked broadly when the prodigy replied calmly.
Tsunade turned to look out of her window and crossed her arms behind her back. "You may leave now."
Itachi bowed lightly and turned to leave the room. When he opened the door to meet his brother's awaiting face he told him the news. Sasuke's eyes widened and his form was filling with disbelief and hidden anger. He snarled lightly, supressed by his fading control as he pulled himself together to not shout out loudly which he managed only halfway.
"He will stay where?!"
AN: Done. Sasuke is so priceless lately :D I love his temper somehow. He is so jealous and doesn't even realize it (stupid as usual). In my opinion the line with "poor kids" was the best in this whole chapter. To Takeru: I like Takeru now though I hated him at the beginning. But his behavior is so funny, he flirts with Itachi and is teasing Sasuke. And now he has to spend the night with a pissed Sasuke and his dear Itachi-kun. *is rubbing hands in a evil planning manner* See ya next chapter ;P