AN: Just a quick note. I have been doing my best to keep manga spoilers out of my stories because I know not everyone reads the manga. I myself used to refuse to read the manga until I realized that it's hard writing stories without the help of wikipedia. That being said, I came across spoilers on wikipedia one day so I ended up reading the entire manga. So...maybe their's a spoiler or two in the future or maybe not. I will never blatantly put manga spoilers in my fics. I just may play on the ones I know. But if you don't know or haven't the slightest idea what I'm talking about then don't worry. I haven't ruined anything for anyone. All of this is my doing. Now for those of you who DO read the manga, I have you to know that if a certain someone doesn't die in the end, I WILL kill that someone in several fics. That is all.

Itachi stood to his feet shortly after and began pacing. It was getting harder and harder with each passing day to keep living the life he'd grown accustomed to since he was 14. Why? Why now? Why did it have to happen now, especially now that I'm so close! Itachi leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. He was immediately hit with a flashback from his childhood. He was only ten years old but it was a conversation with his father that always seemed to give him mixed feelings when it crossed his mind.

flashback

Itachi watched his father closely as he prepared to toss the knives. His father leaped into the air and with both eyes closed, managed to hit six of the seven targets that were strategically placed on some trees in their training woods. Itachi smiled, his eyes wide with awe. Father…He's so amazing!

"Alright son. This is what I want you to do from now on when you have free time. I want you to practice as hard as you can to hit all seven targets."

"Hai! Yes father." A couple of guys ran past the training woods laughing and playing tag. Itachi watched with sad eyes as they ran on by without giving him a second thought.

"Itachi." Itachi was brought from his daze and he eyed his father humbly.

"Yes father?"

"You must not let what others are doing cloud your mind. They are out playing mindless games when they could be practicing to make the clan stronger and better. Someday Itachi, you will be the head of this family and this clan. It's up to you to be strong for them all. That is your purpose in life. To become the strongest Uchiha ever. Make that your nindo."

"Ye...yes father."

--

--

Father. Itachi let a cruel smile grace his lips. He was only ten and was as blind as Sasuke is today but he couldn't really blame anybody but himself. He was so caught up in being 'the perfect son' or 'the peacemaker' that he failed to realize how other families watched his own with malice or sheer terror. I should have known then…but it's too late now.

flashback

"Itachi? Itachi, why won't you play with me anymore?" Sasuke sat down on the porch steps next to his older brother eyeing him sadly. Itachi knew that Sasuke was to the point of tears which is why he continued to sharpen his knives without looking up.

"As you can see little brother, I am getting ready for a very important mission."

"Oh. I get it. All of your missions are more important than me right?" he snapped.

"Sasuke…"

"It's true!" he yelled. "All of you treat me the same way! You all treat me as if I'm such a bother to you! You hate me! Even father…"

"Enough Sasuke!" Itachi slapped his brother across the face and he shut up. He looked away from Itachi holding the side of his swelling jaw. Itachi let out a sigh. He hated seeing Sasuke so miserable but he knew that Sasuke had the better life. Sure their father never paid Sasuke any attention but it was for his own good. Plus, Sasuke had friends – something Itachi could only dream of having. He also didn't have to carry a heavy burden of guilt and he would never have that burden. Never. Because Itachi was going to fix it that way. It was the least they could do especially since…

"Sasuke. Let me see your face." Sasuke obediently turned to look his brother in the eye. "Does it hurt little one?"

"No, not anymore. I'm sorry Itachi for yelling at you."

"No. Forgive me Sasuke." They both stared up at the sky. It was nearing sunset and Itachi knew he needed to get going soon. "Sasuke."

"Hmm?"

"I want you to dwell on the good times and remember the bad. The bad will make you stronger and the good will help you realize what you're truly fighting for. Never let selfishness or pride get in the way of what's right and always, always see with your heart and not with these eyes for these eyes have a tendency to deceive."

"But brother, I thought the Sharingan sees all? That's what father said." Itachi looked over at his brother and sighed. I can't expect him to understand now but maybe someday…

"Remember my words. Anyway, time for you to get back inside now. I have to get going."

"Ok. Bie big brother!" Itachi watched as his brother ran inside. A single tear rolled down his face before he disappeared into the night. Yes. Good bye Sasuke.

--

--

Itachi didn't realize it but he had started pacing again and it was starting to worry his friend. Kisame stood at a distance as he cleared his throat. Itachi suddenly looked up frowning at his friend…or partner rather.

"What is it that you want Kisame?"

"Nothing. I just…you've been pacing for quite sometime now and I was beginning to worry."

"No need to worry about me Kisame. I'm fine. Just have some things on my mind that have been troubling me."

"Oh. I see. Well um…I have some…news."

"Oh?"

"Yeah um…it seems that a group from Konoha are nearby. According to my source, it's a team headed by the legendary sanin himself Jiraiya."

"Who else is with him?"

"Uh…Kakashi and that brat of a brother of yours." Itachi's eyes flashed dangerously and Kisame half wondered whether or not he should fear for his life.

"Is that all Kisame?"

"Uh…not really. I wanted to ask you…well, how long are we going to keep those kids captive? If we don't report back to the leader soon we're going to get…"

"Kisame, I know you don't think I'm afraid of Pein right?"

"Uh…well no but…"

"Then don't worry about it. I am apart of the Akatsuki true enough but I answer to absolutely nobody. Is that understood Kisame?"

"Hai!"

"Very good. Now go away. I need to think."

"Hai!"

When Kisame left, Itachi let out another sigh. Kisame knew something was up and that made Itachi feel slightly unsettled. He normally kept his uneasiness to himself but after being around those two kids for so long, he was starting to lose his cool. He knew Pein was going to get a bit suspicious if he didn't do something but quite frankly he was getting sick of Pein's stupid ambitions. Damn him! I'll do whatever I want which means…Itachi let out a loud laugh as he turned to face the kit's door. I think I'll miss the kids when they're gone but, I have to do my duty despite how I might really feel.

x-x-x

Naruto sat on his bed staring out the window. It was beautiful day and how he longed to be out there doing some training. He thought about asking Itachi to let him train but he highly doubted the older Uchiha would let him. After all, there was a chance he could escape, especially if even one clone could be conjured. But I'd never dream of running away especially knowing what I know about him. Naruto sighed and leaned back against his pillow. Not even a second later his door was opening slowly. He sat up quickly as the older Uchiha guided closer to him. Itachi stopped near the edge of the bed and began unlatching the rest of the chains that held Naruto to the bed.

"I…Itachi! What are you doing?"

"I'm freeing you," he said flatly.

"Freeing me? Like…like I'll be free to go?"

"Yes. That's right." When Itachi undid the last of the chains, he moved away from the kit and sat down in the chair next to his bed. He looked down at the floor and let out a sigh. Naruto stretched his arms as he crawled off the bed. He hurried towards the door happily but then he stopped just as quickly. He turned around and saw that Itachi was still staring down at the floor as if lost in some troubling thoughts. Itachi felt Naruto's gaze so he lifted his head meeting the kit's eyes.

"Why are you still standing there? I said you were free to leave. If you don't go, I might change my mind." The kit stayed rooted in his spot looking back into the cold eyes of the older brother. I am certain those eyes held warmth before. He closed his eyes and thought of his home. He thought about how worried Sakura must be even though she pretended to hate his guts. He thought about Ichi Raku ramen and how much he longed to have some. He thought about that pervy sage and his equally pervy sensei Kakashi. Last but not least he thought about Sasuke. He was his very best friend in the whole world. Like a brother…maybe. The thought of Sasuke saddened him a lot. Ever since Sasuke returned from his stay with Orochimaru, they'd become a lot closer. Sure they still fought a lot but for some reason their friendship had reached a whole other level. Well…it did for me, but Sasuke, how did you really feel? Guess I'll never know unless…

"Itachi." Naruto slowly approached the older Uchiha and kneeled in front of him. Itachi's face twisted in confusion and for some reason he felt somewhat uncomfortable from the closeness of the kit.

"What is it Naruto? You should know by now that I'm a very impatient man."

"Hai, I know but…I'm not leaving," he answered softly.

"What?"

"I said I'm not leaving. I…I don't wanna go." Itachi stared into his sparkling blue eyes completely at a lost for words.

"Why wouldn't you want to leave? It's not everyday that I give people their freedom. In fact, you could say it's never been done before. I usually kill my captives and you're not much different Naruto. I could kill you and not think twice about it." His tone of voice almost changed and he had to fight hard to maintain his monotone. Why? Why won't he leave?!

"I…I know and…just hear me out."

"Make it quick."

"Well…uh…being stuck in this room for days gave me plenty of time to think and sort some things out. I had heard from Sasuke that you were a strong shinobi but I never figured anyone could take down Kakashi like you did. You took him down without even breaking a sweat." Naruto paused for a few seconds as if he was afraid to continue but Itachi urged him on.

"Continue."

"Uh…right," he said nervously. "Well um…you know Sasuke left to train with Orochimaru and when he came back he was a lot stronger than me. I never told anyone but pervy sage because I was just happy to have my brother back ya know?"

"Brother?"

"Well…Sasuke had always been like a brother to me. I mean, we fought all the time but we still cared for each other and I…probably cared more than he did," he added sadly. There was another long pause before the kit grinned. "Sorry about that. I just…enough about that. Anyway, I asked the pervy sage to train me because there was just no way I was going to let Sasuke be better than me but…"

"But…"

"But pervy sage was never around much. After Sasuke came back, pervy sage would leave to make sure you guys weren't after me. They kept me in the village all of the time, never letting me go on any big missions. So…I was stuck training all by myself or with the team. It was cool and all having the old team back but…so much has changed."

"I'm a little confused about why you wish to stay. No one in their right mind would…"

"You should know by now that I am different. I do the unexpected all the time. That's what makes me me. I want to stay here with you Itachi and I want you to train me. I want to be as strong as ever so that I can become the strongest hokage."

"I hear what you're asking Naruto but I'm afraid that is impossible. For starters, even if I did let you stay, we would not be staying here. I'm still a part of the Akatsuki and that's where I'd be. Secondly, you're what the Akatsuki wants. They'll try and kill you as soon as they lay eyes on you."

"But I'd be willing to join the Akatsuki. Whatever you want. Just let me stay with you." He was starting to sound a bit more urgent which startled the older Uchiha. Is this kid mad?

"You want to join the Akatsuki?"

"Yes. I…I wanna join. I figure you can train me and by the time they try to kill me, I'd be strong enough to get away."

"That's not even…that's the most suicidal thing I've ever heard."

"I don't care," he said hotly. "I want to stay. Just…please. Let me stay! I'll…I'll do whatever you say. You let Hinata go and I'll go back with you. If I disobey orders then you can always just let me die."

Itachi studied the kit desperately trying to find some reason to say no. The kid had covered all of the basics and while he could easily just say no, the offer was far too tempting. He could easily train the young kit to be better than Sasuke. Just by observing him before, he knew the kid had excellent stamina and with all that extra chakra at his command, the kid could master things even he could never hope to master. Plus…it was crazy – the whole idea was just crazy and yet, maybe…maybe this is just what he needed to accomplish his goals.

"Are you certain this is what you want? I will not ask you again and this is your last chance to walk out that door and be free until I hunt you down again." Naruto looked up into those cold eyes and smiled.

"Hai," he whispered. "At least when I'm with you, I won't feel so alone and I won't have to deal with one-sided feelings anymore." Itachi slowly stood to his feet and glided across the room. He stopped at the door and spoke softly.

"We will be leaving shortly. I trust you'll do as you're told?"

"Hai."

"Very well then." Itachi left the room closing the door tightly behind him. He leaned back against the door and released a deep breath. He had been holding his breath ever since that kit got so close to him. "At least when I'm with you, I won't feel so alone…" A genuine smile crossed his lips startling him.

"I'm thinking too much," he mumbled before starting towards Hinata's room.

x-x-x

Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Sasuke travelled in silence almost the entire time. None of them knew what to say and the older men were afraid they'd set Sasuke off. Sasuke of course, knew they had been avoiding conversation and it kind of tickled him that they were being so protective. After an hour of the silence, Sasuke couldn't take it anymore.

"Hey old guys, what's up with you two? I know the both of you are just dying to discuss the plot line for your next smut novel so why the eerie silence?" Both Kakashi and Jiraiya just looked at one another.

"Uh…well…my next book is top secret," Jiraiya chuckled. "Besides, the only person I'd ever discuss my book with is Na…ruto." He stopped talking after realizing what he just said but Sasuke only laughed.

"You guys are terrible liers," Sasuke grinned. "You can talk about Naruto. I won't get mad. You guys act like I'm going to freak out or something."

"Uh well…knowing your track record…" Kakashi started.

"Yeah well we'll be getting him back soon so it's all good. Besides, I know you're itching to talk about the lovely Hinata and that body of hers," Sasuke joked. Kakashi looked absolutely horrified making the other two guys laughed.

"I…I don't know what…"

"Oh Kakashi sensei I'm not stupid. I know about you and Hinata. You guys have been sweet on each other ever since she joined the team. I'll admit that I tried to get friendly with her but it was pointless. Even if I wanted to be with her I could never love her. The same thing happened with Sakura. I tried but…it's no use. Once that idiot gets inside your head it's hard to get him out." Kakashi and Jiraiya stopped in their tracks and just stared at Sasuke.

"So…so you mean…you like Naruto in THAT way?" Jiraiya asked.

"Oh please," Sasuke mumbled as he continued to walk. Of course I love Naruto. I've always loved him 'cept it took me long enough to realize it. I can't wait to get him back. As soon as I get him back, I'm going to wrap my arms around him and let him know that I love him. I'm going to…

"Sasuke!"

Sasuke looked up suddenly and his heart began racing. He glanced over at Kakashi who was damn near the point of tears. Itachi and Kisame were standing side by side at the other end of the bridge they were trucking across. Itachi had one arm around Hinata and the other one around Naruto. Funny thing was neither of them looked frightened at all. In fact, Sasuke was almost certain it was an illusion.

"No, it's not an illusion Sasuke," Kakashi said softly. "I've already checked." The question is, why? Why wouldn't they be frightened?

"Kakashi, Sasuke, Jiraiya. I have something you all want but…" He held the two kids tighter before laughing.

"What's so funny?" Jiraiya asked. All three men readied their weapons but Kisame held up his hand.

"There will be no need for fighting you morons. Besides, don't you find it odd that Itachi hasn't used his Sharingan on you yet? All of you have looked him dead in the eye yet you are all still standing." Kakashi thought about this and cursed himself silently. Yes, Kisame was right and it was very foolish of them not to mention very careless. He looked over at his love and she smiled at him. His heart just wanted to melt at the sight of his love. He'd almost forgotten how sweet her smile was.

"What the hell is going on here?!" Sasuke screamed. "Let them go now!"

"What if I told you they'd rather stay with me? Tell me little brother, what would you do?" All three men's eyes went wide with shock. He's lying….He's got to be lying…? Kakashi stared wildly from Hinata to Naruto. What is going on here?