Whether We Are Chapter 17, a naruto fanfic

There is no song in this next chapter. I was listening to "STRIKE Shutsugeki" from Gundam SEED Original Soundtrack II, and it gave me the needed inspiration. Naruto and Sasuke do fight, and they are going to be interrupted by the elder people. This is where Sasuke realizes he's not the one with a bad past; Naruto really needs someone with him. Oh and there's a special surprise. - So special, some Fangirls might faint if they see it.

This next chapter is so exciting, I can barely thing straight. I'm thinking… crooked.

◦◦◦˚˚˚˚◦◦˚¤ Seventeen ¤˚◦◦˚˚˚˚◦◦◦

He leapt into the air, and released his bloodline limit. The Sharingan flashed brightly, as he rushed forward at Naruto. His breath was hastening, as he tossed for kunai at Naruto. Blood spurted from the wounds the kunai caused, but Naruto didn't move. Sasuke then noticed the wounds receding. H-he's healing… s-so quickly! He had to find a new strategy. Naruto wasn't going to be easy to defeat, and the older people would take a while to appear. In other words, Sasuke had to keep Naruto busy.

Instantly, the two clashed into close battle. Naruto using frequent Taijutsu, quicker then a normal person and Sasuke just barely dodging the moves, that too because of his Sharingan. The amount of the red chakra surrounding Naruto was increasing, and the animosity of Naruto's actions was turning worse.

Sasuke instantly jumped back, determined to keep Naruto here. "I'm telling you the truth! I want you here with me! No matter how rude I act, I can't exist without you! You're my rival, my enemy, my everything", Sasuke shouted! He was putting his heart into those words, and he hoped they reached Naruto. All he received was a deep growl, and Naruto only creating a large mass of that deadly chakra. I'm never letting anything get in our way, Naruto. Not even your stupidity! He used his chakra, letting it protect him from the corrosive chakra. He escaped, but with a few burns.

He then produced a windmill shuriken, and tossed it at Naruto. This was a trick he used many times before, as he tossed three kunai as well. Naruto dodged all four, and in seconds, found strings attached to them. He pulled, and they struck Naruto hard in the stomach. He landed on his knees, howling in pain. Sasuke was exhausted; it took so much energy just to stop Naruto. He was low on chakra, and he could tell, Naruto had nearly limitless chakra right now.

"You're Naruto Uzumaki; you said you'd never lose, right? Well prove it to me, dobe! Prove to me that you're not going to lose to him."

"Who told you I'm leaving, Usuratonkatchi? We're going to get rid of this madman, and then we continue our fight."

"I have a fucking bleeding hand… because I had to chase you down… and break through a window. Do you honestly know how much you're making me work?"

"Then it's safe to say that I don't love her either. I love someone else."

He stared at Sasuke, unable to move a bit. Instantly, he lunged forward, growling in anger once more. Sasuke barely managed to kick Naruto off himself, pushing him away. He leapt up, and instantly shouted a technique called Phoenix Flower Jutsu. A flower-like flame hit Naruto, causing him to howl in pain. Sasuke then pinned the small boy, not stopping for a moment. He stared down at Naruto, taking slow breaths. "I said I'd never let you go… never ever", Sasuke mumbled, before he felt a pain in his right thigh. He instantly jumped off, as Naruto stood up, his small figure shaken.

And then, a large covering of sand surrounded Naruto, holding him in place. Sasuke looked behind Naruto, only to see Gaara standing there. The Sand nin only nodded to him, before closing his eyes. Within the sand barrier, shouts and screams emerged, before it died down to simple howling. Sasuke closed his eyes, not liking this at all. Naruto… why Naruto? What's wrong with you?

Sarutobi and a doctor looked at Naruto's and Sasuke's wounds. "If anything, he has more internal damage, and you, boy, need extra rest", the doctor concluded, "You two handled each other well… if only this damned monster would have died". Sasuke instantly felt some part of him close off. "Monster, eh? If anyone is a monster its you. How can you assume someone like Naruto could be a monster", Sasuke scoffed, "Just heal him to some extend, and let me take him home". "You, take the monster to your home? That's a risk to you", the doctor said. "Too bad, I'm keeping him at the Uchiha Estate", Sasuke answered, dryly.

Sarutobi walked over to Sasuke, placing a hand on his shoulder. "He needs rest… I believe you can give him some of that", he said, softly. "I know I can… something no one else can do", Sasuke growled. I can't trust them with Naruto… that doctor was insulting him so easily.

He felt another set of eyes on him, and he looked to his right, staring at Gaara's small figure. With a curt nod, he walked to the red haired shinobi. "I owe you", he admitted. "No… I owe him", Gaara replied, pointing to Naruto. "I still owe you… you helped me and him. If you ever need any help, just call for me", Sasuke said, "I've… got a question to ask you". Gaara raised a nonexistent eyebrow. "Naruto… what's going on? Why is he like this now", Sasuke asked? Punishing us for our sins? What is with him? "I told you before… he'll keep changing", Gaara answered, "It's always with him, and he needs something to inspire him. It… inspires him, because it's always there".

It. People are always referring to something as It. What is It? That must be the reason why Naruto's acting this way. I have to find out what It is, and once I do, this mystery will be solved. I can have Naruto back… as Naruto.

Sasuke placed Naruto on his bed, staring down at the small blonde haired boy's current tranquility. He's asleep… and so calm. He couldn't imagine why this was happening with Naruto. All of these problems began at the Chuunin exams, and are becoming so much more dreadful. Sasuke only wanted Naruto to be himself. If only those exams hadn't occurred… he might be the Naruto we knew. I want more then anything for him to return to normal.

He sat at the edge of the bed, and looked up and down the small form of Naruto. Naruto was very small in size, something Sasuke didn't mind too much. It was Naruto's late actions that really scared him. Claws, fangs, red eyes; what does this all point to? I'm here to protect him... but how can I? He scared me… I was afraid when he said all of that stuff…

He closed his eyes, sighing deeply. He then looked around the room, at the lonely pictures of himself, his brother, his mother, and his father. He would never have stepped back here, but, with Naruto like this. Naruto and I need to be away from the village. It would help his condition more then anything else. I can protect him here… and in a sense; he can help me get over what Itachi did.

I'm sorry, Itachi-aniki… your death is nothing compared to making Naruto mine. Nothing…

"He's… he's a beautiful baby, Hokage-sama. But… but it's a shame he'll hold the monster…"

"I know… I only wish I could be here for him… but alas, it's too late. He will be the hero of our village."

"Hai Yodaime-sama… You do what you must. Do what you must."

Naruto's eyes opened, as he let out a small scream. Instantly, he felt a hand grasp his own, and another hand on his forehead. There was mumbling he couldn't make out, and instantly, the hand holding his hand squeezed. He felt relaxed, and he let out soft breaths. Instantly, the voice spoke a bit more clearly. "Protect… forever." Protect… me? Why would anyone protect me? He felt something connect with his forehead, and realized it must have been a pair of lips. He felt a chest press against his own, as he felt a steady heartbeat. Every heartbeat was fast, and he knew this person felt worried.

Who is protecting me from those nightmares? Wh-who are you?

Sasuke felt Naruto's temperature go down, and let out a soft sigh. "I'll protect you Naruto… forever and ever", he whispered. He then leaned forward, pressing his lips into Naruto's forehead. I'm never letting anything harm you… not anymore. He closed his eyes, listening to the gentle breathing of the boy beneath him. His worry for Naruto was never-ending. He would do anything to protect Naruto from harm. Whatever It is, I won't let it hurt him. I promise you Naruto… It can't hurt you while I'm here. He stayed that way, not wanting to move anymore.

Instantly, he felt something squeeze his hand lightly. His eyes flickered open, as he found Naruto's hand squeezing his ever slightly. A smile graced his pale face, as he felt light in the small situation. I don't care if you don't love me… I don't care if there's someone else in your heart. I'll be your protector… your Sasuke. He felt a light tear trickle down his cheek. I-I don't care about avenging my clan… I-I just want you to be okay… I-I swear, I'll do everything in my power for you… only you…

He found sleep overcoming his body, and let out a soft sigh. I'll… I'll stay like this for the night… just this one night… okay Naruto-kun?

Sun flickered through the single window, bringing light on the two boys lying asleep. The one with raven hair had his head placed on the blonde's chest, his eyes closed in peace and harmony. The blonde boy was lying there, his hand intertwined in the raven's hand. The two seemed so deep in sleep, and so tranquil in their small heaven. The ebony haired male outside the small window shook his head sighing.

You've finally done it, otouto-chan. You've found true strength… I've accomplished my goal. Now… now protect the boy from himself.

He jumped off the single window, and landed on the ground. A small smile was on his face, one that refused to disappear. I'm proud of you, otouto-chan…

Sasuke's eyes flickered open, as he looked to his window. The sun was shining into the room, illuminating everything in its powerful grasp. It was like a giant switch had been turned on. He gently unclasped his hand from Naruto's, and stood up. He brushed off his clothes, and looked once more, at the blonde angel's face. All he could see was serenity, and a sort of unending courage. If I could wake to you like this every morning… you'd have no idea how happy it would make me. He then looked to the clock hanging on the wall. 7:20 AM. I should make dinner for us both… he might be hungry when he wakes up. I owe him an explanation too.

He walked downstairs, heading to the kitchen he'd always used as a child. His mother, Mikoto Uchiha, would always be in there, cooking something for breakfast. He hadn't been here in years, and it felt almost awkward. He walked to the stove, standing at the spot his mother always did, smiling down at him when he woke up. "Sasu-chan! Go call your aniki-san, I made us pickled radish!"

He smiled absently at the memory of his mother, always standing there, smiling. In his memories, she was like a broken tape recorder. Always saying the same thing, always cooking pickled radish. Today, he'd be standing here, waiting for Naruto to walk downstairs. He would tell him to sit down, so they could eat pickled radish. He would get into some argument with him, and instantly, Naruto would fume, like always. He would smile, and they would eat their breakfast. That picture… it would never be a frozen picture. Naruto and I would be different every day… and maybe, we could adopt two children. We'd raise them, and Naruto would always tell them I'm a bastard.

He smiled to himself, imagining his dream world. Ah… for now, I need to cook some pickled radish. So Naruto can eat healthy, for once. It only struck him then, that he had no food in the house. A-ah… what do I cook with? Instantly, the thought of having Naruto sitting with him for breakfast shattered. I won't let it happen! Wh-what do I do?

And then the door was knocked on. He blinked, curiously. No one knows where I am here… who could that be? He walked to it, and opened it up. Instantly, his calm composure broke, as he almost face planted. There, smiling softly stood his aniki-san, holding four grocery bags. "N'nn… I figured you could… use a hand… at breakfast, otouto-chan", the elder man asked? Sasuke stared for a few moments, looking for any sign of a lie.

He found none.

Oil was dabbed on the frying pan, as an omelet was placed to grill. Sasuke fried it, keeping an eye on Itachi. Itachi was busy cutting a pickle, the older Uchiha remaining calm. "How did you know I was here", he asked? Itachi looked to him, before smiling dryly. He then reached into the back of his pocket, pulling out a brand new Konohagakure headband. "I left them", he said. Sasuke's eyes widened, as he blinked twice. "I was… spying on it, for Konohagakure", Itachi explained, "Mama-san and Papa-san were members of Akatsuki… they wanted to destroy Konoha. I was asked to assassinate them, yet I couldn't kill you, otouto-chan".

It was all a lie… my anger, my fortitude. Itachi-aniki was just… doing this for a mission?

"I have a letter from Sarutobi-sama… if you need it", Itachi asked? Sasuke shook his head, still swallowing this piece of information. Could aniki-san know about It? Could he be able to tell me what It is? Instantly, there were footsteps from upstairs. Sasuke sharply looked to his left, to see Naruto standing there. The boys cerulean eyes widened, before instantly, he fell backwards. He landed with a thud on the stair steps, and Sasuke could guess what shocked him.

Things aren't going my way today… definitely not.

Near the end of the day, Itachi was about to leave. Sasuke stood at the door, as the two brothers faced each other. "So, you're headed back to the Akatsuki", he asked? Itachi nodded. "My mission as a spy must remain till its fall… look after yourself and the boy", Itachi spoke, "I may be your enemy, but I am really your ally. Take care". With that, the eldest Uchiha walked away. Sasuke stood, staring in some sort of sorrow. I have a brother, I have a family… now I just need Naruto.