The Road of One

by Raijuu

One can only take so much pain in life. What if Naruto experienced something he couldn't brush off. Naruto tries to end his own life.. will there be anyone to save him? What does kyuubi have to do with it? Main Pairing NarutoKyuubi female discontinued

3. Chapter 3

Notes: uhh review

Disclaimer: ... chapter one must be twiddling his thumbs by now

Itachi on his back half on/half off the ledge. He gives me a quick glance and returns to the sky. He acted the same way we first met, not bored, not exited, not upset, not happy, just simply at peace. Being one of the few to see this side, I didn't complain. Especially after I found out why he acts like he normally does around others. His father is a stuck-up prick who cares about nothing but social and clan status.

I know, no matter how much Itachi says he hates the assignment, on the inside he rejoices. 2 weeks of reprieve is something he will cherish more then anything. His missions are few and far between due to Konoha being so peaceful. His ANBU stuff usually has him spying, missing-nin hunting, or ambassador protection. When he isn't on duty his father has his 13-year-old son train until he drops.

Say something

'Who asked you?'

Shut up and do it

'Stupid fox'

Damn brat

"You would look good in a skirt you know that."

The snort I get from Itachi told me I was free from pain for my words.

I lie down next to him but below the ledge. "I really didn't mean to start the fire"

"I know"

"So was today day 1?" I smirked inwardly already knowing the answer

"In 1 hour, 46 minutes, 12 seconds, day one begins no sooner no later."

Another thing I found about my weasel friend here was that he could tell time like he had a clock implanted in his brain.

Searching for a topic to get him to talk more, I hit gold.

"So how's your bro doing'?"

He grunts before answering "his inferiority complex took a big hit when I joined ANBU a few months ago. He now trains just as hard as I do now but without the right way of going about it he gets in a rut. He refuses all help and boxes himself in even to my advice."

"What kind of advice?" there was no way he was stopping there.

"To take a skill and master it before learning another." Itachi sighs slightly and turns letting me see the frustration on his face. "He told me 'if I can do it once I can do it again'"

I was going to ask him more about his brother when he stood up and spoke before me. "We should get inside, and YOU should go to bed."

"ahhh but it's still early!

"Too bad, now get going or I'll throw you down."

Itachi Pov

In a flash Naruto was at the door to his apartment.

I walked over to the fire escape, taking one last look at the stars before heading down. When I entered Naruto's abode my mind was shaken. Everything here was either old, shitty, or broken. I also figured that the living space was way too small for a family. So Naruto had to be living alone here.

'Naruto has no family, how does he get money, shouldn't he be in an orphanage, he didn't steal all of this, did he?!'

My head was so deep in thought I didn't hear what Naruto said.

Shaking the train in my mind I ask, "What was that Naruto?"

"I said you can sleep on the couch. You ok?"

"Yeah just thinking."

"'Bout what?"

'He just wont stop!'

"Nothin, now get to bed."

"Yes mother!" Naruto seemed fairly pouty about the whole set sleeping schedule.

I watch 'little man' go back to the bedroom before I take a look around. I gave up and just settle for a short description.

One real shitty apartment.

It was clean but not much was there to clean. The whole of the living room was a lopsided couch and a table with one short leg held up by books.

'I am talking to the Hokage about this.'

I lie down on the couch and think of all the reasons why Naruto could live like this. But by the time I fell asleep none of them made the least bit of sense.

Naruto Pov

Dreamland

"Iziri where are you?"

The field before me was empty save the flowers and occasional tree. I feel a tail wrap around my mid section and lift me just prior to slamming me back down. I was lifted once more and dropped limply on her back; she was now the size of my house (loves to change size). I snuggle into the soft as a cloud orange fur of my tenant before some small talk.

"Hey"

Hey kit

"What do you think of Itachi?

Interesting

"... Sorry about the fire"

It's ok but remember to control the fire with your mind not chakra, and keep it cool.

I wriggle deeper in her warm fur and mutter incoherently into it. And for a time unmeasured we enjoyed each other's company after Iziri placed a fluffy tail over me.

Day 1

Wake up

My eyes open to a cracked ceiling. I grumble for the dream being cut so short. I get up and pull a shirt with the leaf symbol on over my head and leave the room.

I see Itachi sleeping soundly on my couch, both hands behind his head. Slowly a goofy grin forms on his face, and slurs "Here..kitty, kitty..here...little fella..."

I was biting my arm to stifle the gut-breaking laugh. In my mind I already had a plan forming using this 'valuable' piece of information.

'Oh yeah dirt ready to be dug'

Sometimes I really wonder if you can be called 'innocent'

'Quiet'

I put on my sandals and head out with one last fleeting look at Itachi and his goofy smile.

I toss the spent Strike to the ground and enter the same library I have been almost every night from 2-7 am for the last year. When I get passed the front counter I remember the reaction of the guy librarian the first time he saw me.

Flashback

I was about to leave after finishing another book of poetry when I see the guy (no name tag still never asked his name) leaning on the counter looking over at me. His eyebrows raised before asking me my name.

"Ain't you that Naruto kid?"

I got apprehensive real quick. "Yeah, you don't mind me being here right?"

The tired look he usually has plastered on was back before shrugging, "hhmmmmm just read something, stay quiet and I don't care"

End Flashback

I walk over to the fantasy section and pick out a book I started a day earlier called the 'The Last Samurai'

Itachi Pov

I wake slowly upon the sun hitting the ceiling at its rising angle. I stand and stretch and start heading for Naruto's room. Giving a quick knock I voice my entry.

"Hey Naruto I'm Com-"

XXXXXXXXX

I land and start running from the 3-story drop from Naruto's floor. Being ANBU made it easy to follow the path of size 5 sandals and cigarette butts. Now standing in front of Konoha's second largest library I check my time. 2 minutes 26 seconds

'Not bad for half way across town.'

I walk in and see the librarian with his head down on the counter snoring. I walk up and tap his shoulder... or would have had he stood straight with a stance saying 'who needs sleep.

"Can I help you bro?"

"Man why do you still keep this job?"

"Love books man, you know how it is."

'Same old Shisui.' "Yeah man, have you seen a kid with blonde hair and goggles on?"

"You mean Naruto, he's over there."

Shisui points off to the west half of the building. "Thanks, catch ya later."

XXXXXXXX

Naruto Pov

I just got past page 153 when Itachi makes himself known. He leans against the table for a moment before ending the silence.

"You could have left a note."

I smirk wide "and make it easy for you, dream on."

He returns the smirk whole heartedly with one of has own nodding to the book, "you gonna read that or you going to do your daily training?"

I close the book and nod my head, but an instant later voice a thought "did you get a change of clothes?"

He shakes his head, "I was thinkin we could stop by my place so I could wash up and change, you cool with that?"

"No problem." With that we left and I had the book kept on hold with the help of Shisui.

XXXXXXXX

We made it to the Uchiha district in under a half hour. It took us only a few minutes to get to Itachi's home. The aforementioned goes in saying he won't take long.

It doesn't take long for the Uchiha outside to notice me and less time to shoot the look. I stare at the ground and sigh hopelessly.

'Taking long or no time at all won't stop the glares.'

I feel myself about to cry, and rub my eyes to keep the tears back.

But when I drop my hands I'm in the field. The usually clear sky was covered in a blanket of clouds. I spin to see the fox swinging her tails about slowly with little vigor.

Kit, do you hate me?

"What do you mean"?

All those looks are given to you because of me. Her head sinks down to lie on her front paws.

I approach her and put my arms around some of her neck and talk into it.

" It never was your fault, I told you this before."

But-

I squeeze "SHUT IT!"

I am never angry at you for what others do to me.

Fine brat, hey Itachi's back.

I open my eyes and true to her word there was Itachi giving me an odd look. I stare right back with eyes that could bend steel. He just shrugs and leads the way to a training location.

On the way he told me the place will be my burn zone. Extra safe when pulling out the flame of the fox.

We get there at 7:16:28, knowledge of the Uchiha. The very tall talking clock takes a sword out of the duffel he brought along and begins practicing katas. I walk a ways away and start my list.

I opt to have the run later that day or ask Itachi about it. I breeze through the three ups, and tree jumping before doing the mediation. Just after I start molding chakra into my hands I hear 2 things embed in the ground next to me. I open my eyes and identify 2 kunai.

"Its much easier to control chakra when you have a purpose in mind, handstand on top of those having chakra protect your hands."

I turn to him and go bug eyed to see Itachi with one finger hold his whole frame on the tip of his katana. The butt of the katana balancing on ceramic ball.

XXXXXXXXXX

It took nearly 2 hours to achieve 1 minute of continual uniform flow of chakra though not enough to stop getting injure. My hands were cover in blood but most of the small cuts healed already. Though I can still feel the throb when my left hand got impaled.

'This shit hurts to learn'

Be patient

'Patience is not one of my virtues damn it'

Quit your bitching and start dancing

'Sometimes I truly wonder if you're a girl'

I only managed an hour of dance after a break and bandaging... and the extreme migraine. I wrapped up the dancing with some more tai chi moves before moving on to taijutsu and swimming. After completion I told Itachi about my run and was off.

When upon returning my pupils catch the Uchiha with a fire engulfing his right hand before extinguishing it by whipping his arm. He looked finished to me so I asked.

"You want to grab something to eat now?"

"Man, I was pondering when you would end, how about Ichiraku my treat?"

"Bet I could beat you there."

Those words signaled the start of a muscle-burning sprint. It took only an instant for our slow walk to mutate into a tree dodging rush. For the first time ever I have him parallel with my depthless speed. It was still neck and neck after we got into town.

To anyone possibly looking the right way all they would see was the flap of shirts and the feel of the air in a vacuum affect. We dodged people, dogs, under hangs, overhangs, and carts. Neither gaining a lead, nor losing ground. At least until I looked at Itachi to check his standing and clipped Shikamaru. The aforementioned just coming out of an alley, bored look carved in. And clipping anything going the speeds we achieved causes... interesting results. Considering the Nara and I went spinning for about 15 meters before I hit a building with Shika not to far behind.

The second time that day by the same person I experience the phenomenon that was The Uchiha Itachi laughing. Laughing so hard he couldn't breathe. What I couldn't see though were the tears coming down his face and him clutching his stomach in pain. I can't I am on the ground gasping and he hasn't broken a sweat.

'Ass hole'

I get up, slowly, but I get up. The first thing to appear before my eyes was Shikamaru on one knee clutching his head. I stumble over and help him to a bench. We sit down, but an instant later I feel a pair of hands encompass my throat.

"Naruto if you ever do that again ill rip the flesh off your bones before you have the chance to scream." And with that cold flat tone I couldn't help but shiver. That with the tongue flopping around like lazy dog got me. When he stopped I look over to him and he's chuckling softly.

'Jesus Christ, Shika's weird, I must be rubbing off on him.'

You rubbing off on anyone is a scary idea

'What ever'

Itachi comes into my field of vision now trying to stifle the laughter and slowly calming down. "You ok Naruto, Shikamaru-san?"

"Yeah" "so damn troublesome"

He can't help but let out another chuckle, "you got that right."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

After the incident the three of us came upon the ramen stand. It was now getting to be 3 o'clock; she only had one customer before Ayume took our orders.

"What could I get for you?" She was still helping him when we sat down. (Shikamaru-Itachi-me) Mean while I was for the first time taking a good look at Ayume and noticed a small freckle under her left eye along with the rest of her smooth features.

'hmmm now that I take notice, Ayume is kinda cu-ahhhhhh'

The instant before the thought was concluded my head was on the counter and I was moaning in extreme pain. The migraine was more agonizing then I had ever had or could ever comprehend. It was still there when Ayume came for our order but nothing she said made any sense to me.

Luckily Itachi saw my dilemma and spoke for me, "he and I will have beef ramen with vegetables, please." Shikamaru gave a swift swivel our way but only spoke his order of pork. He lays his gaze on us again, "so what were you two running faster then falling stones for, that's very dangerous as you may have noticed."

I am still down for the count when Itachi takes over thankfully, "we were racing to see who could get here first, very hungry." Shika didn't seem surprised at all considering how I act around him. "hmm so Itachi-san from the vest you wear you're a jounin right?"

"That is correct."

"What type of missions do you deal with on the average?"

Itachi leans back in his tool and takes a moment before replying, "well that would-" All I could figure was jounin talk but all seemed to mesh together like a big pot of gumbo. The pain was starting to ebb away and my vision started to become clear once more. My short hell was over and I was glad to have it never happen again. I lifted my head and looked at the old man making ramen for a while trying to center my focus in stronger. Itachi and Shikamaru were still at the mission talk when the ramen came.

'This ramen has vegetables in it what's up with that?' My mind wasn't moving fast enough for I knew I hated vegetables yet I still stuffed my face with what was in front of me. Itachi and Shika end their conversation and begin chowing down.

General Pov

The three ate the meal with little talk. Naruto finally came around his stupor at his third and the Uchiha mentioned last bowl of ramen. Shikamaru spoke after finishing his one. It looked like he was curious of what the other two had for plans after this, "so what you guys up to later?" The sun told Naruto four o'clock was close to being.

'How time flies' Naruto couldn't believe how long they had been there, "well I don't know off hand what we could do, do you have any ideas Itachi?" The sharingan user takes his focus down from the sky and turns. The look on his face exampled what it might look like Naruto grown a third head. Shikamaru noticed the odd tension and tried to break it. "Why don't y-"

"You guys ever heard of rugby?"

The pair of youngsters glance at each other before giving Ichiraku their full attention. The man was looking at his trio of customers while wiping a bowl clean. Itachi doesn't seem any bit perturbed by the strange foreign word. He even spoke a piece, "I've only heard of it in the grass country. How to play or the rules used are beyond me." Shikamaru and Naruto currently sport looks of interest while Itachi had his eyebrows raised (better then nothing), as they wait for more details. "Well its rather simple really, one person has a ball that he/she keeps. Then they must run to keep it away from the other players." Thinking the pause ended the description the three lean back to absorb only to find Ichiraku still winding up.

"I am not a 100 percent positive how the scoring goes but the way my friends play is who ever held it the longest total time wins." This inquiry for activity had Itachi giddy and Naruto's mind reeling. And yet in some elusive way Shikamaru never left his trademark lazy eye. It was Naruto who spoke above the mix of opinions toward a physical game, "Itachi, Shikamaru you up for it."

Itachi's face when he stared down at Naruto returned indifference, even when giving his affirmative to the matter. Shikamru on the other hand had plans of his own. "You guys can if you want, its too troublesome for me to contest with you Naru-ack" With a shout Shikamaru was yanked off the stool and dragged the same direction they came from. All that was left behind was a chuckling Uchiha.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Apparently it was an unsaid understanding the game would be held in the forest. For Itachi was waiting for them with an oval shaped ball under his arm.

He spoke evenly, "Lets begin" yet his grin put Naruto and Shikamaru on their heels.

6 hours...

Six hours of running, tackling, and more running. Three boys were resting on the cool grass breathing in gusts to keep up with their heart rates. Though Naruto and Itachi were drained from training and the game of constant dodge and run, Shikamaru held himself like one might before kicking the bucket. It took Naruto and Itachi 20 minutes to get Shikamaru to participate. And being a duo of slightly cruel individuals chased and tackled him for half the duration of the game.

Now you probably are thinking, how could the master of lazy play such a 'troublesome' sport. Well with Naruto promising a brand new glass and cedar shogi set he would agree to many things normally considered too troublesome to do in life.

Shikamaru couldn't stop himself and fell asleep while resting. And by the time they got up to leave it was a half hour past the sunset and Naruto was taking a drag form a cig. The two still awake held their voices in favor of their minds, keeping an accepting silence as they walk into town. Shikamaru over Itachi's shoulder.

Naruto Pov

It was a few minutes past ten when we reached the Nara household. To say Shinobu was interested in her 'Shika-kun' was an understatement. She went wild with questions waving her arms around so fast I was surprised she didn't start flying.

"What happened!" she was freakin.

And it's Itachi to the rescue! "It's alright Nara-san we were just playing a game that involved a little rough activity." Soon after she heard the explanation she calmed down but gave us a slow suspicious once over before resuming her questions. "How did you get Shika-kun to play along?"

"Me promising him a new shogi set got him motivated enough." This time I got a word in. She looks at me and lets a thought out, "you truly work wonders Naru-kun, well its late, get some sleep alright."

Itachi and I walk out and are en route to my apartment. Though Itachi's mind had him discombobulated until he vocalized it.

"Naru-kun?" he was met quickly with a flat response. "Not a word." I could hear him chuckle softly before all the night chatter invades us and we trot on. I could still hear the noise in my ears when I came out of the shower. I was drying my hair wearing only a pair of torn up jeans entering the living room. Only to catch sight of my 'supervisor' clad equally with sweat pants, leaning against the wall.

What's with you men and not wearing shirts to bed?

'I still have a conversation with our names on it I so keep quiet.'

Iziri did as she was told when Naruto noticed Itachi had been gazing into nowhere the entire time.

Itachi Pov

I couldn't get it off my mind. The situation Naruto is in and yet he says he's going to buy Shikamaru a new shogi set.

'He doesn't have a half decent piece of furniture and he's going to buy an expensive game? He isn't going to lift it is he?'

I look up to see him staring at me. 'Hmm must have been to deep in thought, well better in the face then behind the back.'

Naruto seems to be getting anxious, "hey what's up?"

"Naruto, do you mind if I ask you some personal questions?" I didn't want to barge in on his life but I wasn't going to let him steal expensive shit like the set. "Sure." "Why do you live alone?"

I see Naruto flinch and resume his smiling façade so quick it was almost imperceptive. "I don't want to talk about it." Naruto made it clear he wasn't so hot on the talk. "Naruto believe me when I say that you are a fukushin to me and I hope to be one to you, if you need help- umph," before I could finish Naruto had buried his head in my chest in a tight hug. All I could do was smile as the moment stayed and stretched.

'I guess mentioning that I trust him hit home.' "Naruto you don't have to talk if you don't want to." I feel him squeeze and start to loosen up. He untangles himself from me wiping the tears away before he asserted himself, "I trust you." I motion for us to sit upon the couch, on Naruto's comply we plop down on the squishy substance some could call a couch.

Naruto fidgets in place while getting ready for the complicated explanation. "I... I live alone because my parents are dead. My father died when the Kyuubi attacked. My mother died of a terminal disease when I was three. I didn't know where to go so I stayed here." In ending I couldn't pry my eyes from his blank stare. I knew he was holding back, but it wasn't my place to push it. "Well I'm ready for bed how about you?" Naruto doesn't even wait for me to answer when he gets up and heads for his room.

I grunt in frustration and lie down on the couch. I put out a blanket I brought along over my prone form willing to take a long rest. Today had exhausted me physically and mentally. Before I leave the conscious realm for my own I give one confirming notion of talking to the Hokage.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naruto Dream Pov

I let my eyes fall with the snow to the ground in front of me. It's the field like always but now... snowing? I twist my head to find what was expected, Iziri, 'why is she always behind me'. I barely dodge the tail she whipped at me and walk over. I get right up in her face to give her a piece of my mind.

"What the hell was the migraine for! I didn't do anything."

I didn't like her and I didn't want you associated with her she's bad news.

"What do you mean bad news?"

Call it a hunch

'Who she foolin. This could get fun I'll play along'

"Well sheesh you could have said so and not make an ass of yourself"

Shut up runt

I just gave up and got down on my hands and knees. I snuggle in between her paws and yawn loudly "sleepy sleepy sleepy"

'Thank god he didn't notice'

Rest easy kit

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Day 3

Itachi Pov

'Note to self be very careful when pissing Naruto of.'

Now why would I ever think that? Maybe if you wake up wearing something you never put on. When you wake up wearing a suit. A cat suit. A full out calico cat jump suit complete with paws, perky ears, and fuzzy tail.

'This is beyond cruel this is unfathomably diabolical.' I think back to yesterday and how I got into this predicament.

flashback

Naruto and I are exiting the theater after watching Gladiator. I'm chuckling and he's fuming. "I'm telling you to shut the hell up!" I could have stopped there, no should have stopped there but the temptation was greater then kami, "Oh but Naru-kun you're just so 'kawaii!'" the sarcasm from my voice was dripping so bad I could coat a wall with it. The core to all this strange behavior was Naruto's only clean shirt he had on. A chibi husky was planted dead center with its rear up in the air, its head down close to his paws with its tongue flapping out. Given the shirt was screaming, "make fun of me" I even added Shinobu's pet name to increase his torment.

"Oi, Naru-kun you want to get that shogi set now or do you want to flounder yourself among that group of girls coming our way." I didn't get past "girls" when he's behind me hiding.

But as they got close I went into an alley with Naruto, hearing my name spoken. The girls came up and turned looking our way and started yelling at each other in annoyance. "Where did he go?" "I swear I saw Itachi-sama come this way" "Lets hurry he can't get away!" On that note they ran past us with the speed of a jaguar. Naruto turns at my voice mimicking my disguise "How troublesome" and the look he had made me curious.

End flashback

'Well now I know what the look was all about, damn... what's that?'

Straight ahead of me was a picture of me in the suit. 'Oh please kami no' I stood up fully and went for the door. Wasting no time I henge into acceptable clothing of a dark shirt dark pants and jounin vest, typical. I jump from building to building to the Uchiha sector for a pair of real clothes.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Coming out of my house with identical clothes to my disguise I freeze and take notice to the limit of the damage Naruto performed.

'Kami I don't deserve this'

What stood before my family's home was a long fence showing equally spaced Uchiha clan symbols. What the boards now show is myself in the position I woke up in, sprawled out in the way not unlike a cat would if it fell over. Ok think, the task ahead of me, destroy every picture in town. Most likely covering every inch of Konoha considering its Naruto here.

So at the speed of a sailing kunai I make my way around the city systematically burning the pictures off the flyers using Denohira no Enkora no jutsu. I started this undertaking at 9:45:58 and finish 11:13:07. Passing every street to double check up until 11:49:10, at which I came to the same theatre I exited the previous afternoon. To have one of the flyers fall in front of me.

Naruto Pov

"Say Itachi-sama you're just the cutest little thing I have ever seen." 'Oh yeah feel the burn' I lay over the edge and give him an evil grin. "I have another stack lying around here somewhere," waving it off like it was inconsequential. An emotion flares on his face so intense it would stop an oncoming sword. "You destroy every last one I didn't and your alias will be forgotten, understood?"

I give a warm laugh before answering," yeah yeah, hey you got that done really fast how did you do it?" it was hard to believe he got all the ones I hung up in little over an hour, but this was 'The Uchiha'. "My rank is not just for show, baka." Yeah he got that right, I jump down and we start walking in some aimless direction. It seemed as though my ANBU friend here had something on his mind still.

"How did you get so many copies?" Reasonable question. "Shisui had his hand in that one, he never stopped laughin' as he made hundreds of them at the library." The response I got from that was to say the least, strange to me, "that little fuck will scream before I'm through with him, oh excuse me" The bug eyes and gaping mouth were a dead give away for my freaked out state toward his outburst.

Not truly headed to any real destination, we opted to go thru ought the park and locate a not so distant bench. We sit and watch little kids frolic and glomp each other. I had been having the same thought since the start of the day and I had to ask him, "why do you like cats?" He responded calmer then I would have expected," when I... wait how did you know I like cats?" My returning grin had him shifting in his seat." A few days ago I heard you playing with one in your sleep."

'OH SWEET KAMI this cannot be! THE UCHIHA ITACHI JUST BLUSHED, small-fleeting but a blush! This is unprecedented'

"When I was still really young, before 4, my mother bought me all kinds of things with cats on them" More then one person this day had a curiosity "why didn't I wake to you putting that suit on me, or you taking my clothes off?"

"Hmmm you know that pop you drank last night, I put a few crushed extra strength sleeping pills in them, and for your clothes ... your Kunai are really sharp." Surprise was a far shot from where my mind was when I heard Itachi start to chuckle, "Naruto you sure are a devious one."

"I'll take that as a compliment, so what's next?" Itachi stayed silent for a few moments. The kids at play were gone now replaced by a couple taking a slow stroll on a beaten path, "We could go get the shogi set since you didn't seem so-" All good things must come to an end.

"It's him, its Itachi-sama. Itachi-sama! Sign our kittens pleeeeezee!" In the next few passing moments I saw Itachi experience many things. First wonder, then confusion, then irritation, after they spoke fear, anger, and absolute rage. The last one I understood fully. Complete with the sound of iron grates being grinded as his head turned towards me and the unfathomable pain of his fist breaking into my face, which lifted me up in the air 5 feet. And finally as I fell he kicked me over 100 meters outside the park's stonewall.

Picking my self up I brush off only to hear someone approaching. I glance in the direction of the footsteps to see a kid my age. He had a mask covering his mouth, baggy black jeans, baggy skull imprinted shirt, and spiky hair. "So how about that shogi set Naruto?" Voice calm as Buddha.

'Ahh Itachi', "yeah sure it's a little ways to the store, hope you can keep that henge up for a while."After an indignant huff from the 'stranger,' we walked on.

It didn't take as long as I thought to reach the 24-hour hobby shop. Itachi still in disguise might have seen my nervousness but didn't show it so I went in trying to shrug the feeling off. We walked around for fives minutes before finding the board game section. As we came up the to the shogi part my mind predetermined the chunk of cash about to go down.

'I promised the set therefore I will buy it, a man is nothing without his word.'

I grab a redwood with glass because there weren't any cedar. We backtracked to the main door where the register slept. We advance on the counter when the guy on the other side of it said to me, "you can't buy that." 'Fuck, this shit now?'

"Why can't he?" my friend was sticking up for me when I won't. 'Fuck'. The middle-aged man looks like he was going to blow a gasket. "I own this place and I can turn down anyone I want." "Then will you sell it to me?" "No!" Itachi still wouldn't back down from the stare. "I said no now get lost, buy your toys some place else."

The quick transformation Itachi made from his henge to his normal self set the not so gentle men on his heals. Itachi's look darkens to one of promised pain as he starts to roll his hand around the hilt to his sword, "are you sure you wont sell it to me?" Showing the few bills in his other hand.

The adult was sweating bullets when he gave The Uchiha his change. I exit with the icy aura shrouded man next to me. It took several long blocks of walking for Itachi to calm down enough for speech. "Naruto I'm going to say this once, what ever someone keeps inside will only build if they don't let it out. I saw the look in your eyes, I don't care what it is but it will only grow until it hinders you. So be it to someone or something you must let it out." I couldn't help but be awed by his logic and hoped I could adhere to his advice.

The whole walk back to my place kept the slightly bearable quiet, excluding Itachi's deep words. I couldn't think of any thing to say with my mind in such a turmoil the he left me in. Even when we dropped off the set to go train it was like one long green mile for my mind to stop. Nothing registered, right up to entering the forest area.

'Man I need to stop spacing out and concentrate'

You keeping your concentration is about as likely as you forgetting the taste of ramen

'...' That's right you got nuthin

The invert argument ended on reaching our training ground. Like always Itachi begins his kata and I get down and initiate my push-ups. At 2:33:00 the session began.

All in all, the workout was half assed. I could do the taijutsu, the ups, and trees. But chakra control, foxfire, jutsus, or dance was impossible with my inability to hold my will to the tasks at their moments. Itachi seemed to have little problem in his performance of controlling a blade made completely of flame coming out the opposite end of his katana's hilt. ANBUs sure can be impressive.

We jogged together through most of our hometown in the fast ebbing twilight. The run was good for my legs and endurance but the silence of the trip kept my mind open for its friend called 'daydream'.

'Should I tell Shika about Iziri? What will he think? What will he say? Will he still be my friend?

The inner questions had me on such an edge that the rest of the night was like the walk home from the store. Just a daze where I was there and wasn't. All was fuzz. The end of the run, getting home, not even my head hitting the pillow got past the fog, though I did yell a good night to my new room mate. Not until the dream.

Dream world

The all too familiar field came to my opening eyes with a slight change. Iziri wasn't behind me this time but right up front. Her eyes hiding something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I hope she's going to say something about it.

"Well" impatience winning over.

What will you do?

'Absolutely...no...tact

"What ever I want now buzz off"

Wachk! Flat and on the ground was slightly off from my original plan. One of her nine tails wrapped around my feet and lifted me high dangling my limp form. You should be careful what you say runt. "..." Brat? "..." Maybe I hit him a little to hard, awww shit.

Feeling slightly on the guilty side the demon brought my blonde haired form onto the small of her back and wrapped the tail around the rest of him. Giving the realm one fleeting look about she laid down having a single thought escape.

'Sleep well kit.'

The night pasted without incident for Itachi and me. At least until my blonde noggin rose from the soft surface with a yawn.

Day 6

The morning routine was guided by the schedule of the 2 previous days.

Wake

Eat

Read

Train

Eat

And for those two days the entire afternoons were taken by the trial of my mind and soul. For hours on end one could find Konoha's # 1 at surprise fighting and working up the nerve to tell Shikamaru of the demon inside of him. The mornings were stolen by his mind in constant thought of the dreams the night prior.

Both dreams had the fox nagging away to have me spill my beans to someone, namely one lazy-shit. Having such an affect on me to even obstruct proper training. I couldn't protect my hands for longer then 12 seconds.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Walking toward the more rural part of the village, the anxiety took very little time in establishing its front starting with the hesitant doubts. The shogi set tightly held under my arm gave me little assurance at distracting the cloud watcher. It seemed only my hand thought so holding it so rigidly I couldn't feel my, by now, chalk white fingers. To get a better measure on my current state I have already dropped of 1½ packs worth of cigs, and starting on the other half: I couldn't even see the field yet.

In the end the field came to my eyes with my remembrance of Iziri's words of some time back. "Never hesitate"

50 meters out I stay my nerves and stand tall. He doesn't seem to notice my presence as I approach his prone form until I'm almost on top of him. "Hey Naruto." The simple greeting was accompanied by an intrigued glance at the set.

I sat down to his right with the set between us and mimicked his skyward gaze. Nothing is said, the tension like a brick we didn't want to touch. Never hesitate "Hey Shika here's that shogi set I promised." Inside I was beating myself with a bat 'no hesitation huh'. The guy just took it from my hands and set it on his other side leaving open air between us, not once removing eye contact with his blue canvas.

'Fuck it all' I keep my gaze straight up as I let the words fly, "Shikamaru uhh... you ever heard the story of Iz.. err the Kyuubi no Kitsune?" I could practically feel his brows raise themselves to nearly ripping off heights. "Demon attacks Konoha, kills many, yondaime kills it... that story?" Wait for it "He never killed her"

The feel of his gaze burning into me was an odd sense connected to the questioning look on the brunettes face. 'If I stop now I wont finish' "She was too powerful and nothing could shake her from her chosen path, so the fourth made the decision to seal it... to seal it inside a baby boy." I could feel my shakes cease when I hear her reassuring voice. Its ok, finish it

"That boy was me." His response and speed with it was highly unexpected "Does she like shogi and go?" Shikamaru chances a look at me and a look of confusion meets him. "Does she like shogi and go?" Yes I do "uhh...yeah." Returning his gaze to his clouds he smiles, "Then its all good, right?"

A feeling of absolute serenity flooded me ascending me onto cloud nine and beyond. I lie back down and watch the clouds in bliss. "Right man."

Unbeknownst to both a crimson eyed nin was disguised and watching his blonde charge "Hmmm that answers a few questions, still need to talk to the third though.

'And I better get to it right away.'

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The thicker side of the tree detached itself and silently headed for the hokage tower. The way chosen was quickly traveled to reach its destination with haste. Coming upon the location in minutes one Sharingan fused ANBU straightened his black pants, net under shirt, and black shirt before acting.

Hand raised to knock mere inches away from the door when Itachi heard a voice. "Come in", slightly miffed at being noticed so easily, nonetheless he did as the Hokage demanded. Upon entry he saw the old man at his desk leaning back in a plush chair. A plume of smoke emanated form the seated as Itachi stepped forward.

"What can I do for you Itachi-san?" The genuine smile was off faster then one could blink and had him standing when the words hit his ears. "Naruto knows and has told Nara Shikamaru of the situation." The unquenchable space between was deafening. "How did he find out?" The question went ignored, "Why does Naruto live alone in a shit hole apartment?" This had him with a quizzical look. "It's inhospitable, but he should be getting 34000 yen ($300) every month." The look from Itachi still held firm, "I don't know about the money, but why doesn't he live in an orphanage"? The third said nothing as he returned to sitting down with a pair of sad eyes looking back at The Uchiha. "No orphanage would take him, I as the hokage had no power to force anyone in taking him in." With a deep sigh he continued, "he suggested the current solution of solitude himself."

Neither spoke a word for many moments. Both deep in thought about Naruto's situation. It was the brunette that gave a sharp exclamation in light of the situation, "I have nothing else to report and if there isn't anything you need of me I will be off." And just like that he was gone leaving the Hokage to his musings.

XXXXXXXXX

With a wave to Shikamaru I leave him in near twilight. Shika and I had plain many a match due to little cloud coverage. Sporting 14 new loses behind the belt I couldn't be happier now that the weight was off my chest even for just one person.

I am very happy for you Naruto

'Woahhhh...'

What

'Its weird this really big fox just spoke my name for the first time'

..You know I could turn this right around brat

'oh calm down I was only playin , and thank you'

No problem...Naru-chan

'..Ok I deserved that'

Letting the mockery go for the one before hand we both went out to an empty hill to enjoy the sunset. It only took another half hour to lose sight of the burning ball of flame.

'The sunset never looses it beauty, no matter how many times'

(sigh) ... Wish I could see it

'Don't worry when I finish the jutsu you will, I promise'

A voice out of no where gives itself presence, "Naruto you taken to yourself?" "Yup, what you been up to Itachi." He sits down next to me following my eyes to the last purple lights of the sun already gone. "Not much. You?" I knew because of his shinobi level would alone have kept him busy doing something but I didn't push, probably something top secret. "I got a load off my shoulders and it feels great."

"Always does man," giving his nod he silently questioned for my leave. I nodded as I rose with him and marched. It was still a pretty young night and the energy level was just high enough for us to start inventing crap to do. So we began to see who could out run this, dodge that, jump over those, roll past this group of people, or just shove each other everywhere. Now standing in front of the portal to my living space I was covered with coffee stains all over and Itachi's head was dripping wet smelling like flowers and fertilizer.

Having all thoughts turned to the matter of sleep Itachi readies for bed and I hop in the shower. I had so much smell to get out it was longer then one would wish to spend in a bathtub. By the time I got out Itachi was lying down seeming in thought. Now in my room I throw on my Pajama bottoms and lower and fall into my futon. Giving one last glance to the tiny clock on the floor I close my eyes at 11:21:30 and count the ticks. I got to 8.

XXXXXXXXXXXXx

Day 10

I was shaking into the 2nd minute of the hand stand when I felt myself slip, so I stop and go over it again. Training alone today due to Itachi had to have his blade sharpened by a smith and having some other business I wasn't told about. In little time I couldn't keep up the chakra to my hand for even a few seconds, thus concluding my training for today, happy that I pretty much mastered henge during jutsu training. Now onto the next task; food. Lets see what on the menu or today.

Well we have ramen, ramen, and ...more ramen

'what a list huh'

Indeed

Sighing at the simplicity I started the trek toward Ichiraku's ramen stand. But Ichiraku wasn't the only one I saw once reaching visible distance. A four-foot Uchiha Sasuke beat me to my favorite middle seat.

Getting up close enough to feel the steam from the yet uneaten noodles. I give a small yell, "Oi, old man one extra large bowl of miso please!" In seconds the owner comes into view and takes no time at all in welcoming his favorite customer, "Oh ho, Naruto-kun coming right up." And to the back the cook went. Leaving Sgt. Stiff and I alone. Turning to break the ice, I was beaten to the punch. "Naruto... aren't you the one that tagged that name on 137 building walls?"

"The one, the only Uzumaki Naruto Number one at everything." The glory was kept for few moments sadly being so rudely butt into by Itachi's little bro, "Including number one fool". Ok, maybe I should have expected it. Holding back a biting remark with what I could only associate with iron will, 'hmm what would get Itachi riled up?' still thinking I tried to engage in some mild conversation, "you're Sasuke, right?" "hn" was the only thing this Uchiha would sacrifice for the sake of human emotion. Being over hyper and slightly annoyed I made my choice, 'time to break this guy.' "You know what I hear, I hear that the Uchiha's are all just talk." The hmph coming from him meant I had to work harder at his shell. But I was momentarily prevented when my ramen arrived. Though Sasuke's reprieve was short-lived see how I finished the bowl in 10 seconds flat. Some would call it sickening, I call it efficiency.

"Yeah that sharingan thing is total shit if you ask me." The response was immediate, "you better shut the hell up if you know what's good for you." 'hmmm a crack in the system' Sasuke now glaring at me with great annoyance in his eyes. I shrug and slip a few bills next to my bowl and pull out a 'buy one get one free' coupon asking for chicken. "yeah and what you gonna do about it?" His voice was surprisingly calm and slow, "I have no beef with you, lets keep it that way." He turned back to his bowl and resumed eating, I followed suit.

It didn't take long for him to finish his already fast depleting bowl of food, so I didn't have to wait long for him to stand and leave. Still wanting to be slightly more vocal I walked along side him. The feeling of pure aggravation wafting off of him and the good humor of the situation was lost. "you never told me, you strong?" "Look just buzz of ok I don't have time for you." "No time for me, man you got all the time in the world."

What has a walk had Sasuke in a full out run trying to get away from me. But as previous ANBU chases have concluded, I am plenty fast myself. Keeping up wasn't a problem in wait for him to tire, and tire he did. The pace becoming as it started out and with an angry person in tow, "look just leave me alone already, what's your problem!" We were still in the business section of town when I felt a chill run down my spine but paid it little heed. "All I want is to get to know-" "Sasuke-kun!" Shout from behinds us belonged to none other then Haruno Sakura and the mob behind her, all of witch moving at a grueling pace to their 'goal'.

An examination of Sasuke told me the situation was the same with Itachi seeing as they experienced the exact same emotional flip flop. I thought quick and shoved him into an alley we stopped at and went with him. Coming out I run away from the fan girls them keeping on my tail for the whole run.

General Pov

Sasuke slowly stood up and tried piecing together the confusion that wrapped him like king Tut. 'Why did he do that for me' the only musing manifested in seeing Naruto henge into himself and run away keeping the girls on his trail and not Sasuke's. Something like that never occurred to the 8 year old. His movements were mechanical still in a quandary. Only to be stopped short when a bruised and bloody youngster came trudging up. "Man, fan girls can get real vicious when they find out they were played hehe."

"You look like shit" Sasuke saying the obvious also came with a 'no shit' look from the wounded. Naruto turns and shuffles on his way before have a hand grab his shoulder. "Why did you do that?" the question though simple could never be answered so easily. "well...why do you wear black clothes?" "I feel like it." Keeping on his way he answers the first question, "There you go." Strangely enough it was the Uchiha that was the follower now. Now having his curiosity invoked it needed to be settled, "I can usually catch you being chased or in the act of doing something dumb, why are you so loud?" Naruto would have answered but someone else felt qualified to respond for the goggle boy. "Because everyone else is so quiet, ototo." Sasuke spun around instantly, hearing his brother voice.

Naruto Pov

"Hey Itachi, you sure took awhile, what were you doing anyway?" Without missing a beat Itachi spoke coldly, "if I told you I would have to kill you." Sasuke had an alarmed look on his face as we glared each other down. Being that Itachi was a man that could be caste in boiling steel and not give a flinch he broke a smile and I bust out laughing. During our humor induced behavior Uchiha little kept looking back and forth between us, "aniki you know him". My laughter slowly goes down and Itachi says smiling, "yeah he is my temporary charge, to much trouble this one is."

"You mean you have to baby sit him to keep him in check? Sure he does some outrageous pranks but he isn't dangerous." The look that came into Naruto's eyes was difficult to determine, "he doesn't believe, hmmm looks like I am a man on a mission." Itachi's eyes were setting on his brother at the words spoken with a semi-serious look on his face, "you should worry when he has that look."

"Hmm maybe I will enlighten him later, for now lets enjoy a fan girl free moment." And enjoy it we did. Well tried to enjoy it, but everything just seemed a bit.. off. No birds chirping, no leaves rustling, no people talking. The silence was only broken by are lungs, the breathes taken in and out sounded more like gale force winds going to and fro. The feeling was unsettling, unnerving, and absolutely mind wrenching. And I soon fount out why.

I smell death

Oh my god that has to be the best cliff hanger I could ever create. Now stew in your own muck and review.

first week--2k 3 days ago to now----7k :) do you tink it is safe to talk to you in the storry i think i read it somewhere it isnt aloud too bad i am a very impatiant reader and agreed to rules without paying attention :P

Note: the more reviews the more I write. The more reviews the more I know how to write. And wanted flames will tell me how not to write. So please everyone tell me something, bad, good, or... neutral?

from first to last

ruby-sama: uhh already ansered

ShadowCelest116:cant say just yet

Dairokkan:ummm answered

Samurai demon-god Sekikage: this one knows sleep is for the week

Skuld's Sentaro4: all angry people now the tongue of rage/ you have no idea how hard it ws for me to go back to 1 pack a day

Deathsyte01: sorry i took so long

kyuubirocks: it took awhile

PGRS: i love happy people

Dairokkan: forgiveness please i beg it was only 9.1k not 10, and uhh just waitand see

ruby-sama:not this fic maybe a small inbetween the storys ficlet just for you, i can see you having fluff on standby

Kymaldurie Raine: could you by chance be my beta checker

big daddy cool:'( i want reviews, reviews are good, i might have mentioned this before but i cuddle with the reviews before sleeping, better sleep better story, more reviews better sleep circle repeats itself/ Also i try to keep my writing slower and not rushed but i still feel i am going to fast

Skuld's Sentaro4: a little pain can help people sometimes, and the release after beating someone up toojust maybe

Cyberwolf: new things are usualy good tryin it out/ character display very important, i say throw alittle ooc for spice to much makes it lame/ it aint done yet OO

Xeno-freak:well reading the same stuff over and over gets monotonious

TeHTasteofBlood:uhh thanks

The Spore Whore:Itachi is deprived of stage time i agree

Too everyone who reads sorry it took so long i had a tumor for the first week when my stupor ceased and i started again