Sorry everyone! This took a lot longer to write than I thought it would. But it's actually a good thing because I ended up writing the next couple chapters while I was it! so I'll look over them a little bit, and post them up soon! Feel free to leave a review telling me what you thought :D
Oh~ and I thought I would let everyone know I have heavily revised the first few chapters in order for it to make sense and flow better. So, if you're interested, feel free to check it out! Enjoy the story~
Itachi knelt before the Hokage and the elders, head bowed and sword slung across his back as he received his latest mission. As Sarutobi relayed the details, Itachi instantly felt his stomach twist into a knot and he looked down, his eyes reflecting his uneasiness at the situation. It just happened to be around the time the Uchiha intended to take take action against the village as well as his mission to murder the entire clan since the council had failed to reason with them.
Just as Danzo started to raise a hand to disagree with the Hokage's words, his facial features growing harder by the minute, Itachi quickly glanced back up, regaining his stoic demeanor.
"I don't understand your reasoning. Why would you have me escort a civilian family at this time? Especially now that the tension between my clan and the village grows worse with each passing day." He paused for a few seconds before saying, "They plan to overthrow Konoha any time now."
"I understand how you must feel on this subject but we have strong reason to believe they won't try anything without you there."
"But what if they proceed with the plan anyway?" Itachi protested, his voice starting to crack at the very thought.
The Third sighed as he lit a pipe. "You've known from the very beginning I did not want to put such an unfathomable burden on your young shoulders. Have some faith in others Itachi."
"Do you really believe there's hope? I know how my clan works, and my father's position," his voice faltered, "...hasn't changed."
"The only thing you need to worry about right now is your mission involving the Haruno family. Leave the rest to me."
Itachi, preoccupied by his own thoughts, failed to notice Danzo glaring at him and the Third Hokage the entire time.
When he returned home that night, Itachi told his father about his newest orders, knowing the sooner he told him the better.
"The time to act is now," Fugaku hissed into his ear. "Without you, we will sustain heavy losses."
"I'm sorry, but I if I disobey orders straight from the Hokage, it could be deemed suspicious," Itachi replied without emotion.
"You are the key to the entire plan. I expect you back as soon as possible. Or else we will be forced to proceed without you."
"I understand father."
Sasuke, who had been hiding behind the door eavesdropping, hoping Itachi would play with him for once, had heard everything.
It was the weekend. Sakura had been running all over town the entire day, searching everywhere for the hyperactive blonde, from the ramen shop to the training grounds. After her parents finally gave in and allowed her to invite two friends to bring on their vacation, Naruto was the first person to immediately pop into her head. He was the only one who could truly make Gaara see the light. Of course, she didn't know how corrupted Gaara might already be – from what the Naruto in her original timeline had told her, Gaara's father had started sending assassins after him once he turned six.
Perhaps he already lived for himself and hated others. He was seven currently, and she didn't know how much of a difference one year made but she couldn't wait any longer. Introducing Gaara to another Jincuuriki, someone who understands his pain and loneliness so well, would hopefully be the best thing for him. Especially if he accepted them all as friends. Then he wouldn't have to feel so alone his entire childhood.
Of course, Naruto didn't actually know the Nine-Tails resided in his body yet. And Sakura had no clue what information Gaara possessed about himself, but she felt the right thing to do in this situation would be for them to meet. Now she just needed to find said blonde and ask him to come on vacation with her.
Unable to find any of his friends that morning, Naruto had wandered over to the park out of boredom, hoping to find someone to hangout with. The kids had seemed more than willing to play, but as soon as their parents had caught sight of him they pulled their children back by the arm and led them away immediately saying things such as, "I've told you not to play with that kid. He's dangerous." And they didn't hesitate to insult Naruto or remind him no one wanted him in the village as they exited through the gate. As he stared at their retreating backs, hot rage surging within him, he thought making friends with the kids at the school would help change the townspeople's opinion of him. To see other children playing with him and enjoying his company. But clearly he had thought wrong.
Naruto walked through the streets, fists clenched, anger radiating throughout his entire body as he thought back to that scene on the playground, wanting nothing more than to rip something apart violently. He kicked rocks out of his way, causing dirt to rise up around him but he didn't care. Why did the townspeople detest him so much?
He glared angrily at the people passing around them, figuring they would avert their eyes like usual. Instead, they stared at him, some with patronizing expressions, others protectively wrapping their arms around their children out of fear. "What the hell is it!? Why are you all looking at me like that?" Naruto demanded of them, desperately wanting an answer. But, like always, no one responded to his pleas, but instead gazed at him like he was a monster.
"Why doesn't the Third just send him away?" one woman whispered to her friend as they turned and walked away from the scene.
"I know, right? Doesn't he ever think of us and our safety?" the other one replied. The woman had spoken in what they assumed were hushed tones, but Naruto clearly heard it all. He instantly fled from the scene, wiping his eyes as he did so, and sprinted off toward the Hokage Monument, ignoring the random insults the townspeople shouted out as he ran by.
Without realizing it, Naruto raced right by Sakura, who saw him out of the corner of her eye.
"Naruto!" she shouted, seeing the look of hurt on his face.
"Just leave me alone already!" he snapped as he continued to race off down the dirt pathway.
But she chased after him, and when she got close enough grabbed him by the back of his shirt, causing him to jolt back and she crashed into him, sending them tumbling down to the ground together. Naruto rubbed the back of his aching head, ready to yell at the person who caused him to trip, but instantly stopped and averted his gaze when he realized it was Sakura.
"Are you alright? What happened?" she asked with concern embedded in her voice.
He shook his head, eyes downcast, staring off into space. "Nothing. You wouldn't understand."
"You know you can tell me anything."
"All I want," he said through gritted teeth, "is to make the village see how great I am. Once I become the Hokage. Then everyone will notice and like me."
"Naruto...just ignore them. You don't need to prove anything–"
"But why do they treat me like this? It doesn't make sense! I haven't done anything wrong. So why!?" he demanded, talking more to himself than he was her.
"I-I don't know. But you have people who care about you. You have us!"
Naruto stopped in his tracks for a second. It was true. They had acted nicer to him than anyone ever had before. But he felt too angry at that moment to believe her.
"How do I know you're not just pretending!" He accused.
Sakura grabbed his hand in an effort to try and make him understand.
"I'm not going to leave your side Naruto. And it's for that reason – I'll do whatever it takes to make you feel acknowledged. I'll always accept who you are."
Naruto gasped, stepping back for a second to let the words soak in. Then a genuine smile reached his lips and he pulled her into a warm, bone crushing hug. "Thank you, Sakura."
"By the way, the reason I came to find you – do you want to come on vacation with my family next week? They said I could bring two friends."
"Whoa really? I've never been anywhere cool. Yeah! I'll definitely come!"
"That's great!" Sakura laughed.
"Your parents are so cool! They must like me huh?"
"Yes, they love you Naruto. You only eat over three times a week," Sakura grinned, playfully punching him on the shoulder.
"I can't wait," the blonde exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air.
The next day, Sakura, Kiba, Hinata, Naruto, Choji and Shikamaru were hanging out in their usual spot in the training area, talking about their vacation plans. Sakura wanted to bring Sasuke with her as well, but she didn't know if it was the right choice just yet. She didn't want the others finding out there was still another spot available out of fear she would hurt someone's feelings. Unfortunately, Naruto couldn't keep his shut. Once everyone arrived, except for Sasuke who mysteriously never showed up, he burst out, "Guess what! Sakura invited me to go on vacation with her and her family. I don't really know where we're going but who cares! Oh yeah, Sakura. Who else are you gonna invite to go with us?" Sakura slapped a palm to her face, shaking her head, then went back to hitting a tree, hoping to improve this weak body of hers.
"It sounds like fun but my mom probably wouldn't have let me go. She's crazy," Kiba explained. "Besides, my sister Hana said she'd let me help her take care of the dogs and teach me how to treat them. And one of them is supposed to give birth soon! I can't pass that chance up."
"I'd love to but my Father has to take care of some business with the leader of some village a few towns over. And he requested that big brother Neji and I go with him."
"That sounds kind of boring," Kiba commented nonchalantly as he threw a stick far into the woods. Akamaru bounded after it happily, tail wagging.
"I guess there is a really huge festival being held there so I'm looking forward to it. And I think Neji is too," Hinata smiled serenely.
Shikamaru and Choji both agreed they'd rather relax and do nothing the entire week.
'Some people never change,' Sakura mused. She thought of Sasuke and grinned because this meant she could invite him and not feel bad about leaving the others out. After everyone left for the night, she and Naruto headed over to the Uchiha compound on the outskirts of the town.
"May we please get by? My friend lives here and I need to ask him something," Sakura politely asked the guards standing at the entrance.
"Sorry, but you need permission. And that," one said, pointing at Naruto, "is definitely not allowed inside."
"They're with me," a friendly voice called out from behind her as Naruto clenched his fists tightly and growled, but the guards didn't lower their defenses.
"Shisui?"
"That's right," he grinned, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Takeo. Noriaki. Stand down. I said these two were with me."
The one named Takeo hesitated, but he dropped his arms and moved aside to let them pass. Noriaki followed suit.
"So, who are you here to see?" Shisui asked them once they were inside.
"Sasuke!" Naruto exclaimed. "We're inviting him on vacation!"
"Ah. I see. That sounds like fun," Shisui commented, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
They walked until they reached a good sized house, the Uchiha symbol emblazoned on the front door.
"Well, here we are! I'll be over there," Shisui pointed to marketplace a short distance away. "Come find me when you're done." Before they could say anything, he vanished.
"Well, I guess we should knock," Sakura suggested. Nartuo then proceeded to knock so loud Sakura covered here ears, praying they wouldn't be forced out of the compound. Thankfully, Sasuke answered the door right away.
"Hey, we can't stay long. What are you doing for vacation next week?" Saskura asked right away.
"Hpmh. Leave me alone." Sasuke crossed his arms, refusing to look at her.
Naruto frowned. "What the heck is you problem Uchiha!?"
"It's not fair!" Sasuke burst out. "Sakura is going away for vacation and gets to spend time with Itachi. I heard him say it myself! And I never get to see him anymore because he says he doesn't have time for me!"
"Sasuke...," Sakura started, "I don't know how you found out your brother was escorting my family...but we came to invite you to come with us! We're going to Suna!"
"Oh...really?" His entire demeanor instantly changed, and he felt bad for acting like a stubborn kid. Putting his hand behind his head awkwardly, he said, "Sorry for my behavior. Itachi's just been acting really dumb lately."
"Don't worry about it," Sakura smiled reassuringly.
As much as Sasuke wanted to go, he didn't have faith his parents would say yes to letting him stay with strangers. Even though Sasuke ate at the Haruno household all the time, their parents had never once interacted or acknowledged each other's existence.
But to his surprise, Itachi's father agreed after mewling it over in his head for a good ten minutes. Fugaku realized this could potentially be a good thing if his youngest son went with these people. If Sasuke was safely out of the way...and with Itachi...
"I'll meet with your parents later in a few days to discuss the details," Fugaku said as he led Sakura and Naruto to the front door. Sakura was positively beaming since she didn't think Sasuke's parents would actually agree. And he hadn't even mentioned Naruto!
Once they exited the Uchiha compound, after being escorted out by Shisui, she and Naruto parted ways. As she was heading towards her house she heard a familiar voice in the distance.
A lone man, wearing a maroon cloak, stood on a bridge that connected two ponds, waving a hand through the air menacingly and yelling into a device Sakura didn't recognize. It piqued her interest and she found herself wondering who the person was. His voice sounded so familiar...yet at the same time it didn't.
"I'M GOING TO BREAK YOUR FUCKING JAW THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU," the menacing voice reached her ears. " DO YOU HEAR ME? YOUR FUCKING JAW. I'M GONNA FUCKING BREAK – Hold on. There's a little girl walking by."
The man took leaned back against the bridge, intending to let the pink-haired child pass through but when Sakura recognized his face she immediately stopped in her tracks. "Olivier!"
"Oh," he paused, not seeming shocked in the least. "It's just you, Sakura." Turning in the opposite direction, he held his arm up to his mouth and spoke into a strange device wrapped around his wrist. "I have business to take care of. I'll deal with you later."
Olivier pressed a button, sighed and faced her once again, running a hand through his curly blonde locks.
"Sorry you had to see me like that." He smiled down at her, quickly regaining his composure.
"So...who were you shouting at?"
The smile on his face instantly vanished and he scowled. "My younger brother..."
'Yep,' Sakura thought. 'Beneath his calm exterior was definitely a violent and sadistic psychopath.' Sakura truly didn't like or trust him. Olivier may have given her the chance to start all over, but she didn't quite believe it was for her benefit. She needed to find a way to work around the little game he was playing.
"Why are you even here?"
Ignoring the question he grinned, waving a brown cane with purple designs flamboyantly through the air. (Where had that even come from?) "I see you've made progress in that younger body of yours." When Sakura looked confused, he added, "I was watching you earlier. Your punches were nice and on target."
"Actually, you helped me with that Olivier." Sakura face broke out in a wide grin.
"Oh really?" He asked, genuinely surprised, but pleased.
"Yep. Every time I practice punching or kicking something I pretend it's your face!" she sang happily.
"You really do hate me don't you," he murmured after a minute or two had gone by, hanging his head in mock shame.
"You're treating this whole thing like it's a game...so I don't particularly trust you. I know you've been hiding important stuff from me."
Olivier wagged his finger teasingly in front of her face. "Of course I am. I'm only using you silly girl. But you're also using me to save your little friends. So really, all is fair."
"Are you plotting something terrible?" Sakura demanded, not bothering to beat around the bush.
"Come on, I'll admit that in the past I was rather nasty, but you'll find I've repented and seen the light," he said, hopping up onto the railing, kicking his feet back and forth like a child.
"Yeah right," Sakura muttered, her face impassive, clearly unimpressed.
"Look, I don't want to see you suffer. In fact, I hope your little plan works out. It's no fun to sign contracts with people and have every single one fail."
Sakura registered the double meaning behind his words but chose to ignore them for the time being. "Why can't you just leave me alone? Do I have to live my whole life here in this time-line worrying I'll run into you every now and again?"
"Sigh. You know, I think we could have gotten along rather well. But no, no. There will come a time when you'll never see me again," Olivier said with a twisted smile, his piercing gray eyes fixated on her.
"Good."
"You are one uncute brat."
"Good," Sakura repeated, crossing her arms.
"Let me give you a word of advice before I go. A loyalty that holds fast will become a blade, and will pierce someday those you hold dear. So open your eyes wide. That is, if you... don't want to end up like me..."
Sakura's arms unraveled out of surprise as she sputtered, "Wait...what?"
"Sorry, I must be off!" Olivier said, leaping off the ledge gracefully, his cloak flowing behind him.
"You didn't even tell me why you were here! Don't leave!" Sakura reached out to grab him but her hand went through his body.
With a small wave and a blinding flash of light, Olivier once again, completely disappeared, leaving her alone and confused as ever.
A week later, Sakura, her parents and Naruto, stood waiting by Konoha's front gates for the Uchiha brothers to had expected Itachi to show up wearing the standard issued ANBU uniform, but instead he arrived at the front gates donned in casual Uchiha attire, a knapsack slung over his shoulder, and Sasuke glued to his side.
"Hey Sasuke!" Sakura greeted happily as she and Naruto ran over to him.
"Hi guys! This is my brother," the raven-haired boy gestured to Itachi.
Sakura's father stepped forward, extending his hand. "Nice to finally meet our escort. I'm Kizashi Haruno. And this is my wife, Mebuki. My daughter Sakura. And Naruto, who may as well be my adopted son." He smiled as he ruffled Naruto's hair affectionately.
"The pleasure is all mine," Itachi replied, nodding in everyone's direction politely.
"Only thirteen and already in the ANBU huh? You must be really powerful for someone your age," Kizashi said conversationally.
"Being the best isn't all it's cracked up to be," Itachi commented nonchalantly, however, his eyes reflected his inner turmoil, something that only Sakura picked up on. She felt a pang in her chest, worried how this entire situation would mess up the future. Sakura knew the Uchiha were planning to overthrow the village any time now and could only imagine how Itachi must be feeling in regards to the subject. It must be extremely difficult to leave the village knowing your clan could attack the village at any moment. In fact, she was worried herself, but she hoped they wouldn't dare try anything without the prodigy of the Uchiha clan there. She just didn't want him to suffer anymore. Just like Gaara.
"Don't the ANBU normally wear masks?" Naruto suddenly pointed a finger at Itachi. "Do you have it with you? Can I try it on!?"
"Yes. Usually. However, those are reserved for special missions. " Itachi replied. "And I don't have it with—"
But Naruto rudely interrupted him, simply ecstatic to be talking to a Black Ops member in the flesh. "What kind of—ow!" he yelped as Sasuke pulled him backwards by the collar and whispered into his ear. "Idiot! Stop asking my brother so many questions! He probably thinks you're annoying!"
"Well, is everyone ready then?" Mebuki asked, and everyone nodded their heads in unison.
About a ten minutes into their journey, Sakura's dad broke the silence.
"Oh come on Itachi," Kizashi said throwing an arm around the older Uchiha. "There's no need to look so stiff. Relax a little and have a good time. Just because you're our escort doesn't mean you can't have some fun too."
Walking behind the adults and Itachi were the children, who were already bored of walking. Naruto punched Sakura on the arm and whispered into her ear. "Pass it on."
She turned to Sasuke and jabbed him lightly on the side, repeating Naruto's words with a grin on her face.
But he frowned and shoved her hard so that she gave a little yelp as she knocked into the blonde.
Soon enough, all three of them were on the ground and on top of each other, biting, kicking, and hair pulling.
Itachi glanced back, shaking his head the kids antics, but quickly reverted to thinking about the coup again. He didn't feel comfortable traveling during this time, but he could only hope his father wouldn't resort to foolish measures. Before he left, he met with Shisui, his best friend, and the only person to see Itachi for what he really was.
He had clasped the back of Shisui's neck and leaned forward, their foreheads touching.
"Please," Itachi begged. "Don't let the clan do anything stupid while I'm gone."
Hope you all liked it! Next time, prepare yourself for festivals, dancing, and bath houses ! ;)