A quick and a bit shorter update. I originally planned to make it longer but in the end decided not doing so. Uhm... I'm as changing as our weather.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the Naruto world, it belongs all to Kishimoto. If not I would own my dear Itachi.

Chapter 18 Memories: Not as obvious as it seems

He gave another 'hm' sound before speaking up in a whiny voice, eyes big and blurry from tears that were gathering in the corner.

"...where are the waves?"

A 'you can't be serious' stare from the pink haired kunoichi and Itachi's usual blank expression were the following reactions to Naruto's 'question'. Sasuke only smirked evily. It was too much of an opportunity to prove the dumbness of the blonde as to let it pass.

"And where is your brain? If it even existed in the beginning that is. It's true that you never paid attention to class if so you would have known by now that a center of an island never contains water or waves. But if you need them so badly then do us all the favor by going back to the shore and therefore giving us some peace. It's getting loud and annoying with you being here, dobe."

Naruto growled in anger, teeth clenching and his hand tightened into a fist in the process as he stepped closer to the provoking Uchiha. He stopped though, feeling an arm held out before his chest that prevented him from doing as he intended.

"Rememeber what I told about 'friends shouldn't ever fight each other'? Think about it Naruto. And you Sasuke, you should stop provoking your comrades." Itachi explained leaving no room for arguments. Sakura sighed in relief glad that her Sensei could stop this useless fight.

"We are in open public as Konoha ninjas, present that status with pride and good manners. Plus, we are here not only because of our mission but also to strengthen the bond between our countries. Always think of that when you travel past borders. Let's go now we need some information for our duty."

...

-Flashback-

Heavy pants, exhausted obsidian eyes watched and then closed in disappointment. A young boy fell back to the ground trying to catch his breath, his arms spread fisting the grass beneath.

"I still doesn't work. My kunais won't hit the aims. What am I doing wrong nii-san?"

No reply but instead a sigh. Itachi departed from the tree he was leaned up while watching his otouto's training. He gathered the throwing knives back together and put them into his pocket. "You need more training but let's continue another time. The sun begins to set. I promised mother to be back in time."

Upon hearing this Sasuke rapidly stood up in protest. "But you promised me to let me train until I am able hit the target in the dead center! You promised me! You can't break it now just because it's getting late! You said it yourself that you don't want to be mean any longer!"

Another sigh. "I'm not being mean. We can train tomorrow again. Where's your problem?"

"My problem is you breaking a promise to me!" Tears gathered in Sasuke's eyes, starting to flow down his cheeks. "Why do you always have to hurt me? I hate you!"

Itachi gasped when those words left the other's mouth, he stepped up to his brother in an attempt to calm him down. He wanted to put his hand on the young boy's shoulder but was slapped away before doing so. Glasy, from crying red eyes glared at him.

"I hate you so much! I don't want you as my brother any more! I want someone who cares for me like mother does and someone who always keeps his promises!" The little Uchiha yelled with tears rolling down as he dashed off afterwards, passing his brother.

"Sasuke! Don't run away!" Itachi shouted after him but the little boy was ignoring it and kept running until he was out of sight.

/"Be careful out there and come back before the sun sets."/

/"Don't worry kaa-san we'll be back in time."/

I know I promised you mother but understand... I promised that we 'both' would be back.

With that thought in mind the elder Uchiha quickly left, trying to catch up with Sasuke as he ran even deeper into the forest that was turning darker each passing minute.

...

-Present time-

"Here we will get the information we need." Itachi stopped in front of a store that had a sign with 'Evening Events' above the door. Sasuke raised an eyebrow, not wanting to believe where they were standing.

"A pub? Are you serious? So I was wrong and your true mission is to get drunk? Wow, that's very difficult and demands your every skill. Stop fucking around Itachi. Do something like that afterwards and not now."

Said person just flashed the all famous 'don't-underestimate-me' Uchiha smirk in return, letting all insults fall off. "You're too young to understand this Sasuke but bartenders know all rumors going on. People tend to talk too much and too loudly. It's easy for them to overhear some conversations. If something like a rumor about a riot is going on he will know it. Explanation enough?"

No room for arguments were left and Sasuke found himself out of sarcastic remarks. He hissed, crossing his arms in unseen defeat before diving them back into his pockets and entering the pub first. Naruto grinned at this, silently enjoying the show of the younger Uchiha losing to his elder brother. Itachi followed and Sakura had to drag the blonde behind annoyed by his childish behavior once again.

The pub was not very big but held a few tables with chairs circled around them and some in front of the large counter where a man stood behind, drying a glass. It was morning time so there weren't any customers. The air smelled of alcohol and smoke evidence of the activities that must have occured the day before. Weird pictures hung upon the wall, drawing the attention of the blonde and pink haired team members towards it. Itachi walked straight to the man running this place and Sasuke watched in distance as the bartender looked up from his work, his eyes lit in recognization.

"Uchiha Itachi. What gives me the honor of your presence?"

"I need to ask you a question." Itachi started and reached into his pocket. He leaned in and gave something to the man in front of him in a hidden act. "Do you know anything about a rumor that seems to be going on in this country?"

The bartender took what was being offered to him out of the other's hand that Sasuke could identify as money by looking closer. His eyes wandered around, watching the three Genin for a short moment before nodding, gesturing all of them to follow him to the back room.

"What exactly do you want to know?"

Itachi stopped his usual habit of scanning his new surrounding before thinking of the most fitting question. His face blank like a paper, voice emotionless as ever. "Who are they and what are their intentions?"

The man closed his eyes in thinking, lifting his chin with one finger for better concentration. "I can't remember them exactly any more and I don't want to give you false information so it's better if I tell you only this one thing..." He started, meeting Itachi's gaze when he opened his eyes again. "They want to meet at the port, discussing a few things for their upcoming plan. That's all I know."

Crimson eyes narrowed for a short moment and then relaxed.

"Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke listen up now. I'll go and check the situation whilst you busy yourself in the city. We will meet up in an hour at the bridge." Itachi took out more money and handed it to his brother.

"Have fun and make sure to follow my instructions this time. You are responsible for the others, take care." Sasuke didn't even have time to response or remark for that matter seeing that the elder Uchiha has already left the pub.

"How about we eat somewhere first?" Eagerness in the blonde's voice. A new city means new fun to discover and without an empty stomach that would be pointless.

"And I saw some pretty stores. After we are done eating we could see them, ne Sasuke-kun what do you think?"

Said person thought about it or at least pretended to do so. His mind was pondering, a person he didn't like to think about appeared before his mental vision.

The look in his eyes when the man told us what he knew about the riot... there was something flashing inside. There was something going on within his mind. He was pretty quick at leaving and pushing us aside. I wonder what's the cause for his sudden rush? I need some information for myself.

"I will decide when we are outside. Let's go."

"I don't like you being all bossy again but Itachi-Sensei said that you are the one in charge so I don't have much of a choice."

Sasuke gave an arrogant smirk at this and together they headed out with Naruto and Sakura debatting over what they should eat and see first. The bartender watched them leave and his smile changed into a smirk the moment they were out of sight. He lifted his hand and brought it under the shirt that covered his neck to push a button that was hidden there.

"The target subject is heading to the arranged place."

"Well done, tell the others then." Another voice came out of the device.

"What about the kids?"

"They will be of my concern now. Your money is where I told you. You are dismissed."

"Hai, thank you Oosawagi-sama."

...

Itachi was running down the streets. He had only one hour to get this finished. No more buildings were present, no people walking by. He left the city and went further until he saw nothing but water. He stopped then and was met by the shore and a footbrigde. His Sharingan eyes wandered around and a sigh left his lips.

/"I can't remember them exactly any more... They want to meet at the port, discussing a few things for their upcoming plan. That's all I know."/

"Way too obvious. A bartender who can't remember the faces of his customers but the place where they want to meet up."

He lied to me. It's definitely a trap I'm about to fall in but that's the only way to get what I want.

"Are you going to come out of your hiding place or are you comfortable staying there and watching me?" Itachi asked, directing his question to a nearby tree. Three Kiri shinobis jumped out, lining up on the opposite side of where the Uchiha stood. Smirks were playing on their faces as the one in charge stepped closer.

"Uchiha Itachi." He addressed with anticipation in his voice.

"Seems that you were expecting me."

"And it seems to be true that you are Konoha's favourite mission slave. They let you check out the situation first before sending their force."

Itachi could only smirk in amusement at his 'nickname' as his crimson eyes watched the mocking ones of the leader.

"Nice guess. Allow me to continue then: you knew of that and that's why you created this 'rumor'."

A clap of fake admiration. "Bullseye but there is still something missing."

An emotionless expression, his left hand lingering on his hip. "Your boss odered you to kill me."

"Correct. I wonder if you are really as strong as everyone keeps saying or if it's just an huge rumor?"

"Why don't you try to find it out?" Itachi asked back with indifference compared to the arrogant tone his opponent held.

Another moment of staring passed and then without warning the fight began. The three Kiri ninjas created hand seals at the same time.

"Water element: Blasting water orbs!"

Itachi's Sharingan whirled, forseeing the attack to dodge every shot directed to him. He jumped high above them and was then on the ground one moment later when the water hit his replacement. He watched their every movement until the time they let their guard down for a short moment. That moment was enough for the Uchiha to pierce his sword through them. Two of three opponents died a quick death due to blood loss. The remaining leader glared at him and Itachi swung his blade to the side to free it from the staining red liquid. He growled first but then began laughing as the prodigy walked up to him.

"What's so funny?" Came the question asked in an indifferent tone.

A smirk in return. "You. You haven't figured out yet what our true goal is."

"You need to get rid off me in order to kill Mizukage-sama without someone to interrupt you."

Lips turned up into a mocking grin. "Why do you think our boss isn't here then?"

"Because he doesn't want to stain his precious hands with blood."

"No..." That single word being spoken in utter calmness made Itachi narrowing his eyes slightly, his mind set to ponder about that.

"He's after the true target."

The true target? If it's not me and not Mizukage-sama then who else could it be...?

Eyes widened in shock after a certain picture flashed through his mind, a picture consisting of three Genin.

"No."

An malicious smirk. "Correct."

"My... team?"

He still couldn't believe it but that was the only possibility. The rumor that was created to pull him into this trap and not because to kill the Mizukage. Then the fact that they tricked him to come to this point - to seperate him from his students.

Teeth clenched together as a feeling of discomfort settled down within his body. Itachi drew nearer, gripping the man around his collar.

"Why them?"

"Why don't you try to find it out?" The enemy used the exact same words that the prodigy had said to him earlier. The grip was now around his throat, dangerously threatening.

"I will ask you only once: what are your intentions? Why pulling three innocent Genin into this?"

It was getting harder for the man to breathe and he gave up struggling. His eyes shining evily as he looked up and slowly forced his words passed his almost crushed throat.

"Find. it. out. Uchiha."

"You...!"

Loud chirping noises filled the air, blue lightening appeared in Itachi's palm. He pulled the said hand back and thrust it with full force through the others heart. Blood gushed out madly, a splash landed on his own face as the body grew limp and fell to the ground after the grip was released. No more time was being wasted as the Uchiha dashed off, rushing the way back into the city again.

How can I be so stupid? I knew it was a trap but I thought that they only planned on killing me! Why my team? Why them? How did they even know they were with me?

"The man from the bridge must be the boss then. I have to hurry!"

Itachi increased his speed more, teeth pressing down on his lower lip, eyes narrowed in anger. If that man dared to lay a finger on his students and even worse his brother he will make him suffer - badly.

Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke... be safe!

AN: It's getting dramatic here. The mission slave thing has a background story. When I played the 'Ultimate Ninja' game and made some missions to gain money I always chose Itachi for that. He was the best choice due to his abilities. After a while I called him 'mission slave'. When you think of it he was one in the anime too. Itachi was always on missions to ensure the safity of his village. So why not? Btw, a dramatic and typical ending line wasn't it? Well enough babbling... see ya next time. BB