Mysteries of the Heart Chapter 2: The Rivalry Begins, a naruto fanfic

Title: Mysteries of the Heart

Full Summary: Due to the recent breach in security, everyone is in a mad scramble trying to get answers. Throw in some unsuspecting victims into the batch, along with a of couple paranoid folks, people who have contrasting personality issues, a sinister plot, a sprinkle of some chaos and misunderstanding, and viola! The ingredients for a disaster are all set and accounted for.

Rating: T – M

" Talking "

' Thoughts/Lyrics '

Warning(s): Might include typos, a slandering of the English language, profanity, maybe some OOC-ness with some characters (It's fanfiction people! I'll write them to I see fit for the story, if not, then I might as well re-write the whole Naruto plot instead if you want them to be so perfectly in character! O.O) yaoi (in future chapters), putting up with my humor, and a mighty helping of suffering for some characters. But hey, you torture those you love best right? –cricket cricket- …right…-coughs awkwardly- Okay, on with the story!

Author's Note: Thank you to all of those who reviewed, favorited, and story alerted! I'm glad you're liking the story so far! ^^

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. –pouts- Way to rub that in…

Read, Review, and Enjoy! And now without further adieu here's Chapter 2!

Chapter 2: The Rivalry Begins

.-.-.-.-.

Confused.

Insulted.

And downright pissed.

These were the emotions that simultaneously inflicted a certain raven as he re-read the documents that were given to him for the second time now. His onyx eyes skimmed past the petty details and formalities as he went straight to the part that was affiliated with him.

'…Our top analysts and computer technicians are currently deciphering and re-evaluating the weak spots in the main frame to prevent another assault, while our agents have been dispatched to track down the criminals responsible.

Although, due to lack of information we currently have regarding about the issue, we are sending this notification to the main branch as a warning about a potential attack. To ensure that this will be solved as soon as possible I find it is necessary that your head detective be partnered up with one of our agents.

I am subjected to believe that another attack will be launched sometime in the near future, so with the co-operation of both branches and a heightened security can we prepare ourselves for this situation…'

Sasuke stopped reading and glanced toward his clock that was in his office.

It read 3 p.m.

Perfect.

That gave him plenty of time to get to the bottom of this and figure out what the hell was going on; all before dinner might he add.

He grabbed his black jacket from the coat rack near the front door and stormed out of his office. One would think he was on a search-and-destroy mission, but Sasuke could tell you that guess wasn't too far off from his real objective.

As he made his way out of the building the intimidating aura emanating from him made the other workers cower in fear and step aside to avoid his silent rampage. That was fine with him though, the less people getting in his way toward his destination the better.

.-.-.-.-.

Naruto was gently nudged in the shoulder as the captain's voice boomed overhead through the speakers notifying the passengers that they would begin their descent and to buckle up.

"Oi, Naruto! We're landing, wake up!" Jiraiya shook his shoulder with a bit more force this time hoping to wake the sleeping blond up.

"Nngh…five more...minutes…" Came the drowsy reply.

Jiraiya frowned as Naruto turned in his sleep facing away from him and toward the circular windows. At this rate he'd have to carry the blond out of the plane, but there was no way in hell that was happening. Not only would it attract unwanted attention, but he was sure he'd hear an earful from his chiropractor if he heard word of Jiraiya suddenly suffering from back pains.

So with a determined huff Jiraiya leaned closer to Naruto and whispered, "Naruto…wake up! I'm treating you to ramen!"

Then faster before he could blink the blond shot up from his seat and was frantically moving his head left to right while calling out his precious ramen's name.

"Ramen! Where? Where!"

Naruto stopped trying to locate the desired food once he heard his grandfather's chuckling, and realized there was no ramen anywhere.

"Haha, very funny old man." He yawned as he rubbed his left eye in attempt to brush off the after effects of sleep, "How long was I out for?"

"For about ten hours," Jiraiya answered glancing at his wristwatch.

"Damn…that long?" Naruto asked stretching his body and hearing satisfying cracks as he did so.

"Yeah, but at least we're here already."

Naruto froze and immediately glued his face to the airplane's windows. Whoa! No kidding, he could even make out the faint outline of neighborhoods and buildings down below. It was a reminder that he was just that much closer on re-uniting with his old friends. God, how he missed them, but would they still remember him? He hoped so.

A sudden downward motion signaling that they were descending shook Naruto from his thoughts. He clutched his stomach as the plane went down once again in altitude and clamped his eyes shut. Right…no wonder why he chose to sleep rather than stay awake during airplane trips, he hated how all these sudden lurching motions would make him feel queasy.

He then felt a warm hand rubbing his back in a comforting manner. Naruto cracked open one eye slowly and glanced to his left seeing Jiraiya rub slow circles on his back in attempt to soothe his pains. He gave him a weak smile of appreciation before he grunted in pain as he felt his stomach jump up to his throat after the plane took a rather big dip downward. Fuck, when was this thing going to land?

And lo and behold, the tires screeched as it met the runway pavement underneath. The roar of the jet engines and the frequent bumps encouraged Naruto that it was almost over. The blond released the breath he was holding as the plane's course smoothened out to a slow run as it made its way toward its designated gate.

They've finally arrived.

.-.-.-.-.

Naruto shifted from balancing on one leg to the other as he uncomfortably squirmed in his spot in line to exit the plane.

'God dammit! I really have to use the bathroom!'

He huffed impatiently as people filed out of the plane at a snail-like pace.

'Shit, I should have known I'd have to use the bathroom after being immobile for ten hours!' Naruto crossed his legs and tried to think about anything that was non-related to liquids.

Ramen…no wait shit that had soup in it! Uhm…okay, where are we right now? Japan. Yep, good, distract yourself from the urge. Okay, let's see Japan; it was his home for 14 years, he'd meet all of his old friends again...

Hm what else? Japan was an island. An island is a tract of land surrounded by…water…

"You've got to be kidding me…" Naruto muttered as he resisted the urge to slap himself. He was going to explode if these people didn't get out of the plane faster! Just what the fuck was holding them up? Was there someone who needed help getting their luggage out from the compartments above? Well then move aside he'd get it down in a minute! Shit, he'd do anything to make this god damn line of people move faster!

Subtle movement in front of him caught his attention as he noticed that he was closer to the front of the plane now.

Yes! Salvation! He would make it!

As soon as he exited the tunnel connecting the plane to the airport he bolted for the nearest men's room, ignoring Jiraiya's shouts of 'Where the hell are you going?'

He sighed in relief, thankful that he was a guy. That meant he didn't have to wait in ridiculously long lines to use the bathroom.

Sorry ladies.

.-.-.-.-.

After the whole bathroom episode Naruto re-united with his grandfather somewhere near the escalators that would take them to the place where they would pick up their belongings. Spotting their suitcases was an easy task; Jiraiya had chosen a rather unique suitcase that had interesting oriental designs. Finding Naruto's suitcases were like spotting blotches of white on a black tailored suit, yes they stood out that much. Why?

His were the only orange ones on the whole conveyor belt.

Needless to say, they got out of the baggage claim area pretty quickly and headed off towards the front of the building where someone was supposed to pick them up.

Naruto leaned against his orange suitcases tapping his feet impatiently as Jiraiya surveyed the crowd of people searching for the person who was assigned to meet them once they arrived.

"Did you find the person yet Jiraiya?" Naruto whined. He was feeling a bit famished due to his hunger-strike on the plane. God, he hated airplane food, plus he knew it would only upset his stomach even more if he planned on filling it with anything while they were in that flying metal contraption people ruefully called a plane.

Hey he loved flying as much as the next guy, except if said next guy was a plane enthusiast then hell no this comparison would not qualify for him, but he hated how he was forced to be cooped up and had little moving distance. He couldn't stand staying in one spot for long periods of time, and it was just fate being cruel that any movements he made on a plane would cause his stomach to feel like it was being squeezed. Nevertheless, he was glad they finally arrived and he was back on the ground.

Where he belonged.

You don't see people floating up in the air right?

Nope.

They were here, on the ground, the stable ground.

Yes, Naruto was happy it was over, but now he was hungry and that was a whole other problem that he would like to deal with as soon as possible. Now only if that guide would show his damn face he wouldn't be starving right now.

"No I don't think I see him…" Jiraiya answered still scanning the row of people who were holding up signs in attempt to locate family members or their passengers.

"Fine, I'll go get something to eat then. Holler if you find him!" Naruto shouted as he made his way back into the airport looking for a shop or vending machine. He wasn't feeling all too picky today.

With that said Naruto happily sipped on a cold beverage after finishing a burger while he walked toward where he last saw his grandfather. He had been gone a good 30 minutes and hoped that Jiraiya didn't leave without him.

Naruto approached a trash can and deposited his empty drink. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his blue faded jeans and searched for his iPod. He was too busy looking through his playlist to notice the person that suddenly materialized in front of him until it was too late and he ran into the person.

"Ow! What the hell?" He groaned getting up off the floor and raising his head to glare at the person that had gotten in his way, but he froze once his eyes settled on the tall man before him.

"Holy shit! They sent you to come pick us up?" Naruto yelled pointing an accusing finger toward the person whom he rudely bumped into.

.-.-.-.-.

A fuming raven entered the massive building and marched right past the secretary who was too shocked from the sudden appearance of another Uchiha to even stop him from entering the room where the Head Executive resided in.

The door slammed closed behind him as he approached the desk and toward the man who was staring at him with an amused expression on his features.

"Well, well isn't this a surprise? To what do I owe the pleasure of receiving a visit from you Sasuke?" A grin broke out on the man's face as he watched the younger raven ominously walk closer.

"You know why I'm here." Sasuke answered slamming down the documents in front of the older man.

"Now, now Sasuke don't tell me you're a delivery boy now." The other teased not helping Sasuke's current mood.

"Obito, I'm not in the mood for one of your games right now," Sasuke growled out unleashing his infamous death glare as Obito shrugged and leaned back in his chair. If it were not for the situation they were in Sasuke would have reprimanded his cousin for the unprofessionalism he was exhibiting, but he had questions to ask and unfortunately this man was one of the two who could give him answers.

"Games? What games?" He grinned. Oh it was just so much fun getting his little cousin all riled up.

Sasuke stared back at him un-amused with situation, "Don't try to avoid the subject, I know he told you something about this Obito."

Obito pouted slightly, "Jeez…Sasuke lighten up, I was just having a little fun."

How was this man an Uchiha again? Or better yet how did he get the exclusive position of being the head of the successful and prestigious company of Konoha Inc.?

Oh, that's right because he had refused the position and his older brother Itachi chose to run the American branch instead. That was fine with him, the farther the bastard of a brother he had the better. The raven frowned as he gazed at the pouting man in front of him. Now only if he would leave Sasuke alone as well. But it was too good to be true; ever since his older brother left him Obito made it his job to check up on Sasuke whenever he could, and fuck being the head of a well-established company Sasuke thought his older cousin would have his hands full and wouldn't have the time to check up on him.

Boy was he wrong.

Turns out Obito still kept tabs on him all these years even after he tried to close himself off to the outside world, which he was still trying to achieve, but the fucker would not leave him alone. Always making home phone calls or sending a secretary to the Intelligence Department where Sasuke worked at. He was a grown man for god's sake! He was more than capable of taking care of himself! He did not need anybody; they would only slow him down. Which brought him back to the current matter at hand.

"Obito," Sasuke's cold voice resonated throughout the silent room as he finally managed to reign in his emotions and keep them in check.

The older raven frowned as he heard the emotionless tone in his younger cousin's voice. He meant business now.

Just great.

"I know about the breach in security from the documents Itachi sent," Sasuke paused momentarily clenching his knuckles a bit, "but why was it insisted that I need a partner?" Sasuke venomously spat out the last word, trying to make it evident of how much he was against the whole 'co-operating with someone else' idea.

He worked alone.

But before Obito could answer the door to his office was unceremoniously opened and a blond stumbled through the door while shouting profanities to a person outside before he stiffened and turned his head toward the two other occupants in the room.

Well, this was turning out to be an interesting meeting indeed.

.-.-.-.-.

Naruto glanced at the two men that were sitting across from him in the limousine, one was his grandfather, and the man next to him was none other than his former teacher Hatake Kakashi. He was quite surprised when the latter showed up at the airport to come pick them up.

'That explains the lateness though,' He thought scrunching up his nose. Kakashi tried to explain that he was helping an elderly couple load their suitcases into a taxi and due to his knight-in-shining-armor personality he was overwhelmed with a need to help them…or some shit like that. Naruto didn't buy that excuse for a second, though inwardly he chuckled at the knight comparison and at how his former teacher's behavior was still the same from back then. Lame excuses and all.

"So…Kakashi-sensei, where are we going?" Naruto finally asked as he stared outside the window mystified by all the shops and buildings they passed by. Ah, a life in the city. It reminded him of his old home back in the states.

"We're going to Konoha Inc., there you will be debriefed about this mission of yours," Kakashi answered while shuffling around some papers that were on his lap. After sorting through the whole pile he neatly placed them in a manila folder and handed it to the blond.

"All of the notes and codes that have been deciphered from the American branch are in that folder, don't lose it Naruto." Kakashi lectured feeling a bit nostalgic at seeing his old pupil again.

Ah the good old days…

No wait, technically that was calling him old too right? His silver hair was in the name of fashion – it suited him – and not because of his age! Kakashi cringed remembering one of his buddies from the past, and his whole speech about youthfulness. Oh, what a memory that was.

"Oi! Kakashi-sensei! I was asking you a question!" Naruto leaned forward from his seat waving his hand in front of the man's face.

"Mah, sorry there Naruto-kun, I was just re-visiting memory lane," He grinned, but one could not tell due to the mask he wore. He claimed it made him look mysterious and when he was helping people out, it would come in handy because the bad guys couldn't see his face – then again how many half-masked people are running around these days? – thus his identity was protected while he was on his conquest to defeat evil.

Again…his former teacher was an odd one.

"Well stop reminiscing Kakashi-sensei, it looks like we're here," And truth be told the limousine stopped in front of a grand building that towered over the rest, but Naruto had no time to be amazed by the sight as he was suddenly pushed out of the car and into the building by Kakashi.

"Come on now Naruto-kun, we have to go see Uchiha-san since we're already an hour late."

" 'We'? What do you mean we? You were the one who was late in picking us up!" Naruto dug his heels into the carpet in attempt to stop, but Kakashi grabbed his elbow and dragged him towards the elevators ignoring the protests coming from the blond.

"Good luck Naruto, you'll need it," Jiraiya chuckled as he watched his grandson's confused and annoyed face disappear as the elevator's doors closed.

.-.-.-.-.

"Kakashi-sensei let me go! And what do you mean Uchiha-san? Are you saying Itachi is here?"

The people inside the elevator stiffened at the mention of the Uchiha prodigy and once they arrived at their floor Kakashi continued to pull Naruto toward their destination choosing to ignore his questions at the moment.

"All will be explained Naruto-kun." Kakashi tried to calm the protesting man.

"Then start talking!" Naruto struggled harder from the grip his former teacher had on him, but damn, the man was strong!

"I'm afraid it's not my place to tell you Naruto-kun, but instead Uchiha-san will explain it all to you don't worry," Kakashi smiled again making his one visible eye look like the letter 'U', and before Naruto could speak out again he was roughly shoved inside a room.

"Kakashi-sensei! God damn you stop throwing me around like a rag doll! I fucking demand to know what is going on!"

The silver-haired man laughed and handed Naruto the manila folder, "Well if you'll turn around you'll see that the people you are looking for and who can answer your questions are right behind you."

Naruto's anger immediately defused as he whipped around and noticed two pairs of striking black eyes looking at him. One held amusement, while the other was menacingly glaring at him.

Oh dear god, what had he gotten himself into?

.-.-.-.-.

Obito's lips twitched into a small smile as he gazed at the blond who was standing a couple of feet away from them. Ah, so this was Sasuke's new partner, neh? He seemed pretty interesting. It was not often he met someone with that shade of blond hair, but then again he had his fair share of meeting unique people during business trips…

"My dear boy, come over here. Please have a seat!" He motioned to the chair near his desk that was currently un-occupied. The blond walked timidly to his seat and sat down, occasionally shifting from his current position now and then. Obito frowned. Was he nervous? Surely, he wasn't that intimidating was he?

From the corner of his eyes he noticed the blond glance to the right of him and then quickly back to the folder he was holding onto.

Ah.

That's right.

He forgot his cousin was also in the room, and said cousin was shooting imaginary daggers at the blond.

"Sasuke! Stop that!" Obito scolded not even flinching when the raven re-directed his glare toward him instead. Oh please, he was an Uchiha himself and after spending years with Itachi and Sasuke, he was practically immune to the so called 'Uchiha Death Glare'.

So Obito glared right back at Sasuke challengingly before the younger raven stopped and turned his head toward the side, probably deciding that this silent stare-off was too troublesome to even continue. He then turned his attention back to the fidgety blond and smiled, "Hello, I'm Uchiha Obito, and you are?" Obito asked holding his hand out toward the man as a friendly gesture.

Naruto stiffened as he saw the older Uchiha smile. He did not know they were even capable of smiling! Let alone being nice and friendly as this one, surely he was not a pure-blooded Uchiha...?

"…Uzumaki Naruto, nice to meet you Uchiha-sama." Naruto hesitantly shook the man's hand before leaning back into his seat more as he heard the raven next to him growl. Just what the hell was that guy's problem?

"Oh please call me Uchiha-san or Obito," He stood up and walked toward the other raven placing his hands down on his shoulders, "And this fellow over here is my cute little cousin Sasuke-kun!" He laughed and jumped back before Sasuke could grab him and quite possibly strangle him in the process.

Naruto snickered at the scene before him. He may have not known this Obito character for very long, but he had a feeling they would get along pretty well with each other, unlike that prick over there who continued to ignore him, unless you count glaring at him from the moment he walked in, then yeah he was paying a lot of attention to him.

"Uhm, sorry to interrupt this family moment you two are having-"

The raven next to him scoffed in disagreement, but Naruto ignored him feeling that two could play at that game, "but, why am I here?"

The man named Sasuke immediately sat up straight and stared pointedly at Naruto, "You mean you don't even know why you are here?"

"Sasuke…" Obito started, his voice taking on a warning tone.

"Fuck. I should have known he would pair me up with some dumbass loser that has no clue what's going on." Sasuke grounded out as he crossed his arms in defiance.

Remind him again, how was this supposed to be beneficial in solving the case? Having a clueless moron as your partner? He already knew he didn't need a partner, and now he definitely decided he wasn't going to have this one even if they forced him to get a partner. He outright refused.

Obito sighed and sat down in his chair waiting for the blond to bolt from the room because of his arrogant cousin's snide remarks that would usually have anyone running out the door by now.

But Naruto was not just anyone, and these two Uchiha's were not prepared for the response that was to come.

Naruto fisted his palms in his lap, gritted his teeth, and pivoted his head toward the brooding man next to him.

"What did you call me!" Naruto glared back at the raven equally matching the intensity of Sasuke's stare.

Sasuke smirked, always ready for a challenge and leaned closer to the blond.

"A. Dumb. Ass. Loser." Each word was clearly enunciated and that was when Naruto decided to wipe off that annoying smirk by punching the raven square in the jaw.

Sasuke faltered clearly not expecting the punch. He then noticed the blond pull back his fist for another swing, though this time he caught it easily, but what he failed to anticipate was for Naruto to grab his arm and pull him forward meeting his foot head on.

Sasuke grunted in pain as he was kicked in the stomach. With a guttural growl he grabbed Naruto's foot that was still in mid-air from the kick and quickly flipped the blond over, successfully knocking him down.

Naruto's head smacked against the wooden floor beneath him as he watched his vision blur for a moment before they re-focused on the smug looking Uchiha hovering right above him. "You fucking bastard!" he spat out as he quickly stood up and caught the raven in a headlock.

"Holy shit! It's like watching live T.V!" Obito exclaimed watching the spectacle before him.

Damn, now only if he had some popcorn for it wasn't everyday you could witness a fight break out right in front of you. Except during board meetings, but those were usually verbal battles, and if the other executives ever decide to physically lash out at each other they would courteously take it outside or hire some lackeys to take care of the person. Yep, his job was fun.

Sasuke's usual pale face tinged red as Naruto failed to relinquish his hold, depriving him of the precious oxygen human beings needed in order to continue living.

Fuck.

He needed to end this now.

Sasuke effectively elbowed Naruto hard in the chest making the blond cry out in pain and stagger back carefully nursing the soon-to-be bruised spot. Sensing the opening he quickly executed a low kick that made Naruto's knees buckle and he landed on the ground with an ungracious thud. Sasuke instinctively pinned him down (1) while grabbing his hands and placing them behind his back while he shoved Naruto's face into the floor. He leaned in closer to the blond and just as he was hovering right above his ear he whispered, "You can't beat me, dobe."

"Fuck. You!" Came the muffled reply underneath him.

Some of you may be wondering where was the supposedly responsible adult, since it seems Sasuke and Naruto aren't acting that way at the moment, Uchiha Obito? Well he's currently watching the two mouth agape in a un-Uchiha fashion. Wow, he did not expect this encounter to turn out into to a full-out brawl! If he did he would have brought his camera dammit! It was not often Sasuke was pushed to the edge and up to the point when the young Uchiha would finally snap and release some of the pent up anger and frustration toward a poor, defenseless victim nearby.

Obito was surprised though that this was not the case, well not entirely. He deemed Naruto as a shy and timid person judging only by how the man acted during the beginning of the meeting, but jeez was he wrong! The little firecracker had spunk in him! Nobody had ever stood up against an Uchiha, let alone dared to face against one, and yet here was this quirky little blond who actually put up a good fight against Sasuke.

Shit, he even landed a punch on his face! This guy was all aces in Obito's book, that was for sure!

He then looked toward his cousin who was currently sitting on top of the struggling blond and released a tired sigh. He knew Sasuke was near his breaking point due to all of the dead-ends and red hearings they were given. The young Uchiha was the head of the Intelligence Department of the company and their best detective, if someone figured out a mystery; Sasuke could figure it out faster. Sasuke had solved everything – up until now that is – and with that in mind the raven probably felt the pressure with his reputation and the company's on the line now since everybody looked to him to solve this.

And with Konoha Inc. as the leading producer in technology, not to mention with the rising interest in nanotechnology, there were many envious competitors who would do anything to get their hands on their blueprints and files. It was all for naught though, for they had hired specific people to prevent these hackings. If an attempt was made, not only have the computer technicians set up a re-enforced security system, those who were in the Intelligence Department were in charge of tracking down the hackers before they could strike again.

Their system of defense had been working effectively for years, it never failed them nor did it fail to keep hackers out; that all changed five months ago when there was an attempted assault that managed to get through the system's firewalls but was quickly found when it triggered one of the main frame's back-up defenses. This was a wake-up call to the company that someone out there could be capable of breaking down their security system. They got too cocky though when a second attack failed to appear months afterwards, feeling that they won and that the first attack was semi-successfully due to pure luck.

Their confidence in the current security system lead to the downfall in the American branch. It seemed the hackers were just bidding their time when they would lower their guards down enough to attack.

And attack they did.

They hacked right into the mainframe and his cousin Itachi suspected this was all done right under noses as well. He also believed that there might be spies working within the company, secretly leaking out information to whom they work for and were just waiting for the perfect time to strike.

Obito stared at the two men who were currently bickering in front him.

Their best detective partnered up with an agent Itachi recommended, and he respected his relative enough to trust judgment, though at the moment he couldn't help but feel a bit unsure of the whole situation.

"Get off me, teme!"

"Hn."

" 'Hn'? What kind of response is that?"

"Shut up, dobe."

"My name isn't dobe! It's Naruto! Get it right you pompous bastard!"

"I'll call you whatever I feel like calling you."

"Oh…just wait until I get out of here, you are so going to get it!"

"More of the reason why I shouldn't get up then, dobe."

"You're so infuriating!"

"And you're annoying."

"I hate you!"

"Likewise."

These two were their last hope? Obito grimaced, for once in his life he feared what would become of the company since it was now in the hands of those two.

"God help us all," he muttered glancing back toward the two who were being forced into co-operating with each other, "we'll need it."

.-.-.-.-.

After their little scuffle and more verbal jousting between the two, Obito finally deemed it was enough and separated the pair. He even had to move them on opposite sides of the room, since they clearly were not handling this very well. They were behaving like a bunch of children! So that's how they were going to be treated.

As soon as the two settled down, Obito took that time to formally introduce each other – effectively avoiding another brawl – and both were more than surprised to know of what the other was capable of. Even Sasuke seemed a bit more at ease hearing that the blond was an agent of the American branch and was chosen by his older brother.

Although, looks can be deceiving.

Obito ignored him as he tried to soothe Naruto, who also heard the comment, from instigating another fight with the raven. By the end of the day Sasuke and Naruto were both sporting bruises and the eldest of the two was coming down with major migraine from dealing with the both of them. Thus, he sent them off on their way, effectively silencing any arguments that may arise when he notified the two that they would be living together.

"You two are partners now, so start acting like it." Obito's mother of all glares shut them both up knowing the usual playfulness the older Uchiha had was now gone. Sasuke as well seemed to be a bit put off by his cousin's serious demeanor. Not that he'd ever tell anyone though.

Once the meeting was adjourned Obito literally kicked them out of his office and Sasuke did not bother waiting for the bumbling moron of a partner he had now as he walked down the stairs.

At the lobby he was greeted by the blond – he made it down faster since he used the elevators – and walked stiffly in front of him toward where he parked his black BMW M1.

Silence engulfed their ride back home, but Sasuke could not enjoy it due to the blond who was messing around with the dials and constantly kept changing the radio-station.

Sasuke took a deep breath and loosened his hold on the steering wheel, "Dobe. Chose a station and stick with it."

Naruto stopped tinkering with the dial and folded his arms in annoyance, "I hate listening to the commercials or the radio announcers though." He really wished he had his iPod with him, but they were in his suitcase in the trunk thinking that he wouldn't need them anymore, but now he needed them more than ever as he so desperately wished to drown out this insufferable silence with his music.

"Hn."

Naruto frowned and Sasuke inaudibly sighed as the blond went back to switching the stations again.

Damn Sasuke and his cold bastardness.

Damn Naruto and his absence of a mind.

.-.-.-.-.

Naruto could not help himself from gasping as they entered through the iron gates that swung open as they drove into the Uchiha Manor. There, past the circular driveway, lay atop a magnificent mansion. Its porch lights illuminated the white-stoned bricks that went up three stories high, while the driveway path was highlighted with small little lights of their own reminding Naruto of the run way strip. He was too busy gawking at the enormity of the house that he barely noticed Sasuke parking the car until he came up to his door and opened it.

"You'll catch flies if you keep your mouth open like that, dobe."

And the mansion-admiring-mode he was in quickly dissipated, damn you Sasuke...

Naruto puffed his cheeks in annoyance and ignored the raven as he stomped up the steps and toward the front door. Sasuke fought the urge to roll his eyes and followed suit. He fished out his keys from his jacket and unlocked the door strolling on inside.

Cue another gasp from the blond as he took in the house's interior decorating. A glistening chandelier loomed over his head that could be seen from the outside through the arch windows that seemed to dominate the majority of the mansion. In front of him was a grand staircase that split into two different flights of steps as they headed out in opposite directions (2). The marble stone floor was finely polished as he stared down at his own reflection. Excitement bubbled up inside of him as he surveyed his new home. This sure beat living in an apartment!

Suddenly a piece of paper was shoved in front of his face.

"Wha-?" Naruto mumbled as he looked at the paper that looked to be a blue-print of the house. He wondered quietly why two of the rooms had an 'X' on them.

"That is a map of the house," Sasuke stated as if he was referring to the obvious.

Well. No duh.

Before Naruto could ask why he was giving him this Sasuke continued, "As you can see I'm a very busy man, I don't have guests over often-"

'Or at all,' Naruto corrected silently in his head.

"-and I don't have time to play tour guide. So with this map I expect you to refer to it instead of coming to bother me if you need to find something." Sasuke explained walking away from the blond.

Naruto's eye started twitching as he watched the arrogant man before him spew out all the house rules, and just when he was about to end his little lecture he asked something that the raven failed to mention earlier.

"What's this 'X' on the map for?" It made the paper look like some kind of treasure-hunting map!

Sasuke quickly looked at the map and then back to the blond, "Hopefully, that mind of yours is not registering that piece of paper as a treasure map, 'X' does not mark the spot for treasure, dobe." Shit, was this guy a mind reader? Oh wait, he was still talking. Right, best to listen to his majesty.

"The 'X's' on the map points out all of the areas that are off-limits to you."

"There are only two off-limits areas," Naruto noted spotting only two 'X's on the map.

"Indeed. This one is my room," Sasuke pointed to the 'X' located in the west wing of the mansion, "I'm pointing this out now so you don't 'accidentally' stumble upon it. So no excuses will be tolerated if I find you in my room."

Well touchy, touchy. Someone sounds like they are hiding something.

"And the other is the attic located on the third floor."

"Why is no one allowed there?"

Sasuke ignored the question and turned around walking toward the grand staircase, "Dinner will be ready at six and I expect you not to be late."

Naruto watched Sasuke ascend the stairs and noticed the backside of the map.

"Wait! What's this on the back?"

Sasuke's steps did not falter as he continued to go upstairs, "That is the bus schedule. As I've told you before, I'm a very busy person. Do not expect me to wait for you in the morning, if you chose to sleep-in…well let's just say you better have that list memorized then, dobe." The raven then vanished into the west wing of the mansion his words echoing in Naruto's ears.

'That no good for nothing selfish – ugh!' The blond growled as he picked up his suitcases and trekked on upstairs toward the guest bedrooms that were located on the east wing.

'He probably arranged it that way, so that if he ever came in contact with people he would still be far away from them as possible.' Naruto thought scathingly.

Sasuke was such a bad host.

And he did not even offer a helping hand with his luggage either!

Again, what a jerk his partner turned out to be.

Naruto finally decided on a room and grabbed a pair of his pajamas deciding that he would un-pack everything tomorrow instead. He was both physically and mentally tired from this whole ordeal. As he laid down on the soft king-sized mattress his mind drifted back to the piece of paper that was on his nightstand.

Stupid prick and his rules. He'd show him, oh yes, you don't mess with Uzumaki Naruto! Sasuke wanted a challenge? Oh he'd give him one.

Yes.

Let. The. Games. Begin.

.-.-.-.-.

Side Comments:

(1) - I guess this answers the question of who's the seme in this story huh? ;D

(2) - Try to picture the staircase from "Beauty and the Beast" at how it's displayed as one big staircase at the bottom, but then branches out as one leads to the west wing and the other to the east wing.

Author's Note:

Damn, my hands hurt from typing! Dx My brain also hurts a little, sorry this took a bit longer to write. I really wasn't sure how I would approach the two's destined meeting should be. Hell, I had to discard 3 drafts since I didn't like them, though I never originally had a fight planned out, but I was watching this new OVA called "Black Rock Shooter" and there was a fighting scene and I couldn't help it xD

I gave an overall gist as to why the two need to work together, but as you can see Sasuke is reluctant, due to his lone-wolf personality thing he's got going on xP

And Naruto's just Naruto o.o Just acting on impulse at times xD

But, nehhh, the two forces of nature (lol what?) finally meet, and already as you can see there's chaos. So stay tuned for more disputes from our favorite quarreling duo! ^^

.-.-.-.-.

What's to Come:

Sasuke and Naruto go over the clues and facts inside the manila folder that Kakashi gave them.

Naruto goes with Sasuke to work since they are now partners.

A re-union with old friends (remember who works there as well, it's not just Sasuke in that building ;])

Oh and it's Sasuke's and Naruto's first day of working together...let the fun begin! :D

Keep an eye out for the next chapter, "A Chaotic Partnership".

SilverxStarlight