I do not own Naruto nor do I make any money off of this.
"talking"
'thinking'
Flashback/Memory/Dream
Chapter 16:
"I'd like to welcome Prince Itachi Uchiha to our kingdom," Akunin said. "He is here to court Prince Kurama and hopefully win his heart. Upon the marriage of Prince Kurama or his eighteenth birthday, whichever comes first, Prince Kurama will ascend the throne!" Several people cheered. "Please enjoy the party." He went straight to a group of nobles. Music soon filled the air.
"Can I have this dance?" Itachi asked.
Kurama blushed. "Sure." He took Itachi's hand and the two headed to the dance floor.
"They make a good couple," Naruto said.
"Hn," Sasuke grunted.
Naruto stared at Sasuke then looked back to the dancing couples. Even Neji and Gaara were dancing together. Naruto wanted to dance with Sasuke. He turned to the raven again. "Um... would... would you...l-like to dance... with me?"
Sasuke smirked at the nervous boy. "Why not." He grabbed Naruto's hand and walked to the center of the room. He pulled Naruto towards him. Naruto wrapped his arms around Sasuke's neck while Sasuke put his on Naruto's waist. The song was a slow one. Sasuke helped Naruto move to the beat. Naruto blushed when he felt a hand lower to his butt. Sasuke gave a squeeze then continued to dance as if he hadn't done anything.
When the song shifted to a faster pace, Itachi and Sasuke spun their partners. Both laughed, enjoying the dance. Soon, the song returned to its original slow tune. Kurama's eyes met Itachi's and he gulped. He was already falling for the raven. He didn't know why, but he wanted Itachi to win his heart. Giving into his own desire, Kurama leaned upward and pressed his lips to Itachi's. Itachi's eyes widened at the sudden kiss. But he then smirked and deepened the kiss. Kurama closed his eyes as he allowed Itachi's tongue to explore his mouth.
A scream forced Kurama to open his eyes. He frowned when all he saw was darkness. Sasuke had lowered his face closer to Naruto's when the lights went out. A woman screamed. It was clear she was afraid of the dark.
"Everyone remain calm," Akunin said. "We'll get the lights back on in a second." Several maids ran in with candles. The guests moved to sit down. Just as Sasuke is about to sit down, something slammed into his stomach. He coughed and fell to his knees.
"Sasuke!" Naruto yelled. He made to move towards him, but someone grabbed him. A gag was put in his mouth as he was lift off his feet. Naruto gave a kick, but his captor only grunted before slamming a fist into Naruto's stomach. The blow caused Naruto to lose consciousness.
At Naruto's yell, Itachi ran to his brother's side. In the candle light, all he saw was something red, white, and silver. He shook his head and turned back to Sasuke. "Are you alright?"
"N-naruto," Sasuke said. "Where is Naruto?"
Itachi looked around, but couldn't see the boy. "We'll find him. Don't worry."
The lights finally turned on and Kurama walked over to the Uchiha brothers. "You two ok?"
"We are fine," Itachi said. "Can you go get Naruto?"
Kurama frowned. "I thought Naruto was with you." He looked around. "I don't see him."
Sasuke's eyes widened. "He was kidnapped! Someone took him!"
"What!?" Kurama yelled. All eyes fell on the group. "What do you mean he was kidnapped?" Tsunade, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Iruka ran over to them.
"Someone hit me to separate us," Sasuke said. "They must have gagged him."
"This is all your fault!" Kurama said. "You should have protected him!"
"Prince Kurama," Tsunade said. "Please calm down. We will find Naruto."
"That's what you said eight years ago!" Kurama yelled. "I won't wait another eight years!" He turned to Ebisu. "Get the soldiers ready. We are going after Naruto."
"I won't allow you to go with them," Akunin said. Everyone turned to the King of the Namikaze Kingdom. "You are needed here. I'll send out a team to find him." He motioned to Ebisu to get a tea ready. "Everyone, I'm sorry to say that this party is over. Please be careful on your way home, and I hope to see you all again." The guests left leaving Gaara's group, Neji's group, the Uchiha party, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Shino, Lee, Kurama, and Akunin in the room. "Now, lets wait. My men will surely bring Naruto-san back soon.
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Hours later, Akunin's men came back empty handed. Kurama fell to his knees, tears running down his cheeks. Itachi tried to comfort him. Sasuke punched a wall, almost braking his hand. Iruka tended to the hand. Tsunade had also broken down. Jiraiya was trying to stop her from breaking his ribs. The other women also cried, but more silently. The rest of the men kept themselves together since they hadn't known Naruto long. Akunin had a small smile on his face, but he kept it hidden from the others.
"We should go to bed," Akunin said. "I'll send another team out in the morning." The others hesitantly agreed. Shino helped Kurama to his room, while Itachi helped Sasuke.
When Sasuke got his room, he let himself brake down again. He had lost the love of his life. Itachi wrapped his arms around his little brother. "I'll send a letter to Father," Itachi said. "We will find Naruto. I promise you that, Sasuke." Sasuke nodded, letting himself fall asleep in Itachi's arms. Itachi tucked Sasuke in then went to check on Kurama. Kurama was crying into his pillow while a picture of himself and Naruto was in his hand. Itachi rubbed circles on Kurama's back until the red-head finally fell asleep. Itachi sighed. 'Naruto, you better be safe.'
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Several miles away, Naruto awoke to darkness. His stomach still hurt from the hit to it. He groaned as he moved to sit up. He blinked, his eye adjusting to the darkness. He notices that he was in a cage. Naruto began to panic. It had been the second time in eight years that Naruto had woken up, unexpectedly in a cage.
