Note: Okay! So here it is dear readers. The long chapter. It was practically two chapters put together. So I hope to make each chapter from now on about 3 quarters as long as this, maybe a little longer or shorter. Uhm, that whole part in the end was in the first episode. And I took what they were saying word for word. I'm changing the rating to teen now because of the content in this chapter. And as they both grow up, which is beginning to happen now, more violence and adult themes will be added. If this story even gets that far. Yes, there was a time skip in the middle of the chapter, Itachi is now 17 and Naru is 12. (At end of chapter, beginning they're almost 15 and almost 10) So I hope you enjoy this chapter. It has a lot of fluff in it. I thought it was kinda cute. And thank you so much for the reviews. I'm answering them at the bottom from now on. I love you guys! =)
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. If I did, all the guys would be gay! Except for a couple.
It had been three days since their last encounter. So when Itachi heard his name being called by his favourite blond, his heart raced.
''Itachi-sama!''
''Hello, Kitsune.'' Itachi was standing in his doorway, half clad in his Anbu uniform. He had just come back from a mission. It was meant to be a short mission, an assassination, but it had turned out him and his team had been gone for a full day and a half. The person they were to assassinate put up a good chase. Itachi had made sure to take off the most obvious accessories of his uniform before presenting himself to Naruto, but he had failed to notice one thing. His Anbu tattoo was perfectly visible.
''What's that?'' Naruto inquired, pointing at the tattoo. A feeling of dread replaced his usually (Somewhat) cheerful attitude around the blond.
''This? This is... a symbol of the Uchiha clan.'' Itachi said clearly, sending a warning look towards his little brother standing awkwardly beside Naruto. Sasuke nodded at Itachi, but not before sticking his tongue out at him.
''Is it really? Does Sasuke have one?'' Naruto asked, looking over at his best friend.
''No...'' Itachi answered, struggling to come up with a reason. ''It's because... he's not old enough.''
''When will he get one?'' Naruto just kept belting out questions.
''I got mine when I was... 13.'' Itachi said, thinking back to when he became an Anbu captain. It had almost been two years now.
''Will Sasuke get one too, then?''
''I'm not sure.''
''Why is it a tattoo though?''
''To show our complete devotion.''
''Did you have to get it?''
''Yes.''
''So you don't get a choice.''
''Yes and no.''
''What do you mean?''
''Naruto.''
''Sorry. Bye, 'tachi. See you later. C'mon, Sasuke.''
Itachi watched as the two walked away. A thought struck him once they were out of view. 'Tachi? Well that's a new one. Itachi grinned at himself and continued to take off his uniform. Once he was done thinking about his Kitsune that is. When he had stored it all away, he changed into some more comfortable clothes and was standing in front of his mirror in the dark, the grin still plastered on his face.
''What are you grinning at? And with the lights off? Creepy.'' Mikoto laughed, stepping into her son's room and turning on the light.
''Oh, you know, things.'' Itachi whispered, his mind still in a faraway place where ninja's didn't exist and Naruto and him were completely in love.
''Things like Naruto-kun for example?'' Mikoto laughed, looking out the window. She was watching the scorching red orb drift to the west.
''Maybe. I've got to get some sleep though, Oka-san.'' Itachi said. He had taken the band out of his hair and was running his hands through the sleek curtains of black that covered his face. He turned to look at her and gave her a small smile. She understood he needed his sleep, especially after having been awake for a day and a half.
''Alright, have a good sleep. Dream of angels, Itachi.'' She quietly turned out the lights, walked out of his room, and closed the door behind her. When Itachi heard the door click into place, he settled into the mountain of blankets inhabiting his bed and breathed deeply.
''Angels. Angels like Naruto.'' He whispered into the darkness. Itachi Uchiha fell asleep to an image of a blue eyed child bearing wings watching over him.
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''Itachi?'' He heard a familiar voice whisper, ''Are you awake?''
''Hngghhhhh.''
''Guess you are now.'' Itachi heard them chuckle, not too far from his bed. He was too tired to lift the blankets and check who it was. In the end, the blankets were lifted from his thin body and a cold gust of air made him shiver. He opened his eyes, and Naruto was standing over him.
''I'm sorry to wake you, but Sasuke said to ask you where the towels were.''
''N-no. It's a-alright.''
''...''
''Zzzzzz...''
''Itachi! I'm really sorry, but if you tell me now you can go back to sleep.''
''Ri...ght. They... they're... in, in, in that... that closet.''
''Which one, 'Tachi?''
''That one.''
''That doesn't help me.''
''The one... r-right outside the door.''
''Thanks. Sleep well.''
''Wait, Kitsune.''
''What is it? You need your sleep, I don't want you dying of sleep deprivation.''
''Stay...''
Naruto remained quiet. He wanted to stay, but he really needed to take a shower.
''Alright. I need to go shower, but I'll be out really quick, okay? I'll come back after.'' He whispered, wrapping the blankets around Itachi.
''Okay... I'll... wait.''
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It felt like an hour later, but in reality it had been only 17 minutes.
''I'm back, 'Tachi.'' Naruto said quietly. He sat beside Itachi on his bed and debated whether or not to wrap himself up in one of the blankets. Before he could make a decision, a hand was wrapped around his waist, and he was pulled into the bed with Itachi. He kicked and punched him, but nothing would make him let go.
''Itachi,'' Naruto breathed, ''I need to go to Sasuke's room before he gets worried.''
''No.'' Itachi said sternly. He only held on tighter. He could feel Naruto's dripping wet hair soaking through his shirt, but he could care less, as long as he was with him.
''Itachi, please.'' Naruto pleaded. He was already feeling tired. It was so warm underneath the covers, and Itachi's body heat was only making it more comfortable.
''Hmmm... fine.'' Itachi sighed. He loosened his grip on Naruto enough for the blond to slip out of his grasp. Naruto made sure to tuck the blankets around Itachi once again, not wanting him to be cold. He then hesitantly leaned over Itachi's forehead, and after a couple seconds of uncertainaty, he pressed his moist lips down. Itachi trembled a bit when he felt Naruto's lips brush his forehead.
''Night, 'Tachi. Sweet dreams.''
''Good night, Kitsune. I love you.'' But they were unspoken words.
''Good morning, Nii-san.'' Sasuke chirped, wiping his mouth with a napkin.
''Morning, Otouto.'' Itachi said back.
''Are you and Naruto like best friends or something?'' Itachi automatically perked up at the mention of Naruto's name.
''I wouldn't call it that... why do you think so?'' Itachi answered. He was curious to hear his brother's answer.
''He's always talking about you.'' Sasuke stated. He was picking at his breakfast.
''He talks about you all the time as well.'' Sasuke looked up at his older brother. Could he be telling the truth?
''Does he really, Nii-san?'' Sasuke asked, his eyes shining.
''He does.'' Itachi raised an eyebrow at his younger brother. Itachi knew that just by saying this, he had made his brother's day. Sasuke beamed.
''I have to go to the academy now, Nii-san. I'll see you later. Bye, Oka-san, Oto-san!''
''Bye, Otouto.''
''Don't forget your lunch, Sasuke! I love you!''
''...''
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''It's okay, Naru.'' Itachi whispered, wrapping an arm around the blond.
''It's not okay, Itachi. I actually tried this time, and I failed.'' Naruto retorted, staring disappointedly at the village beneath him. Itachi and Naruto had come to the Hokage Monument on Graduation day, to discuss Naruto's failure.
''It is okay. You'll simply have to try harder, and you'll get it. I know you will.''
''I won't.''
''What happened to your dream of becoming Hokage? You can't be Hokage if you don't try hard.''
''I know.''
''So, what will you do about it?''
''I don't know.''
''Naruto.''
''What?''
''Naruto.''
''Itachi.''
''Don't be upset. I'll treat you to ramen.''
''Ramen? Why? There isn't anything to celebrate.''
''Of course there is. There's more to Graduation day than just becoming a Genin or not.''
''Like what?''
''You've been at the academy for 3 years.''
''Meh. I can't anyways.''
''And why not?''
''Mizuki-sensei asked me to meet him in a bit.''
''Why?''
''I'm not sure. He said something about graduation.''
''Hmmmm...''
''I should get going then, 'Tachi. I'll see you later, kay? And thanks for making me feel better. I can always count on you.'' Naruto smiled at Itachi and wrapped his arms around his neck. They stayed in that position for a couple seconds before Naruto pulled away.
''Bye, Kitsune.'' Itachi called out into the sunset.
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The next time Itachi heard about Naruto was a couple hours later.
''Itachi-kun! Uzumaki has taken the Scroll of Sealing. We must retrieve it before it gets into enemy hands, they could destroy everything the village has worked for!'' A female shinobi yelled as he was taking a walk. He nodded at her and took off towards the Hokage tower, where Konoha nin usually met in case of emergency.
''As you all must have heard, Naruto Uzumaki, a student at the academy, has stolen the Scroll of Sealing. This could harm the village, so we must take action. Find Naruto and retrieve it. Scatter!''
Itachi leaped gracefully from branch to branch. Where are you Kitsune? Why did you do this? He jumped to the ground and broke into a sprint. The only sounds in the forest were his rapid breath and frenzied footsteps. What do you hear, Itachi? What is it? It's... a voice. No, 2... 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8... So many voices. Who are they?
Itachi jumped onto a tree branch, infusing his feet with Chakra to soften his landing. He activated his Sharingan and scanned the trees for any sign of movement. Where are you, Naruto? I can't see you. Please, just- an orange jumpsuit. There you are.
Itachi hurried in the direction he had seen Naruto. Trees hurtled passed him in a blur as he ran even faster. When he saw an orange-clad ninja lying on the ground looking all worn out, Itachi froze and stayed crouched behind a tree. He was laying beside a small wooden building. Why are you so scratched up? What happened? Have you been training... you didn't. You wouldn't.
Itachi noticed that the large scroll sitting beside him had been opened, and ran up a nearby tree to get a look at it. Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu? But that's the forbidden form of Kage Bunshin no Jutsu! He was about to call out to Naruto and reprimand him, but Iruka beat him to it.
''It's all over.'' Iruka said, laughing angrily. He leaned down in front of Naruto and placed his hands on his hips. Naruto smiled sheepishly and stood up, scratching the back of his head. ''Already, not bad. You're quick, sensei. I only had time to learn one technique.''
''Listen, Iruka-sensei!'' Naruto looked up at Iruka before rambling. ''I'm going to show you this amazing Jutsu and you're gonna let me graduate and then everything will be okay! That's the way it works, right?''
Naruto jumped up in excitement. ''Anyone who learns a Jutsu from this scroll passes!''
What? Who told you this?
''Huh?'' Iruka asked incredulously, ''Where'd you get that idea?''
''Mizuki-sensei told me about it, Believe It! He told me where to find the scroll, and this place...'' Naruto trailed off.
Mizuki? Manipulating a child?
Iruka stared disbelievingly into the distance. He whirled around just as a shower of Kunai was coming straight at them. ''Look out!'' Iruka yelled, pushing Naruto out of the way. Itachi watched as the Kunai lodged themselves into Iruka and pinned him against the wall behind him.
''I see you found our little hide-away.'' Mizuki said coldly.
''So that's the way it works, huh? I should've known!''Iruka winced as searing pain came from every wound in his body.
Mizuki was sitting crouched on a tree branch, a large shuriken strapped to his back. Naruto stared in terror at Mizuki.
''Naruto! Give me the scroll, now!'' Iruka shouted, his eyes set on Mizuki.
''Wait a minute... what's going on here!'' Naruto asked uncertainly, looking back and forth from his sensei to Mizuki. What does Mizuki want? Why Naruto? Itachi thought to himself, ready to jump in if any harm came to Naruto.
Iruka gasped as he pulled a kunai out of his flesh. ''Naruto! Don't let Mizuki get the scroll! It contains forbidden Jutsu that could put this village in grave danger! Mizuki used you so he could get the scroll for himself, for his own power!''
Naruto tensed in disbelief.
''Naruto, Iruka's just trying to scare you because he doesn't want you to have the scroll!'' Mizuki said calmly. Naruto gaped at the men.
''Stop lying, Mizuki! Don't let him trick you, Naruto!''
''Oh I'll tell you who's really lying!'' Mizuki laughed. No. No, no, no. He can't. He wouldn't. Not that. Itachi got into a fighting stance.
''No, Mizuki!'' Iruka screamed. Panic was clear in his voice.
''They've been lying to you your whole life, Naruto. Since the decree twelve years ago.''
''W-what decree?'' Naruto asked. He was staring at Mizuki, curiosity evident in his eyes.
''Everyone knows except you, Iruka's trying to hide it from you even now. He'd do anything to shut me up!''
"What is this decree? Why does everybody else know about it?"
"Don't tell him! It's forbidden!" Iruka yelled anxiously.
"The decree is no one can tell you the Nine-tailed Fox is inside you!"
Naruto's eyed widened as he processed what had just been told to him. No! Why? Why is he doing this to Kitsune! Itachi trembled with rage, but stayed where he was.
"The Fox spirit that killed Iruka's parents and destroyed our village has taken over your body. You are the Nine-tailed Fox."
"Stop it!" Iruka yelled furiously.
"They've all been sneaking around, hiding things from you your whole life! Didn't you think it was strange how they treated you? Like dirt! Like they hated you for just being alive!"
"No! No, no, no, no, no!" Naruto shouted, chakra circling his body. Naruto. Kitsune. Naru.
"Naruto..." Iruka said helplessly.
"That's why you will never be accepted in this village! Even your beloved sensei hates your guts!"
Iruka writhed in pain and placed his hands over a bleeding gash.
"Die, Naruto!" Mizuki yelled, spinning the shuriken around his fingers and aiming at the shaking blond. Itachi watched as the Shuriken flew towards Naruto. He got ready to jump in, but stopped himself.
"NARUTO GET DOWN!"
Naruto shut his eyes and crouched low to the ground. Itachi stared at Naruto's trembling body. Iruka was kneeling over top of Naruto. A shuriken poked out from his back.
Mizuki gasped. Itachi frowned. Naruto gaped. Iruka cried.
"Why?" Naruto asked looking up at his sensei.
"Because we're the same. When I lost my parents, no one seemed to care. They didn't have time for me. They just forgot I was there. My grades dropped, I became the class clown, I just wanted them to see me, to know my name." Tears dropped from one face to another. "My schoolwork wasn't good enough to get their attention, so I did crazy things. And then I had to pay for it. It was hard. I know that's how you feel, Naruto. You feel lonely and it hurts inside. And I could've been there for you more. I let you down, I'm sorry. No one should have to suffer that much. No one should be alone like that." Iruka finished, sniffing.
Mizuki laughed cruelly. "Don't make me laugh! Iruka always hated you! He was orphaned because the Nine-tailed Fox killed his parents. And that beast is now inside you. He'd say anything to get the scroll from you!"
Naruto pushed Iruka off of him and broke into a sprint. ''Naruto!'' Iruka shouted after him.
Naruto. You've suffered so much. I'm sorry. Itachi stood up from his place in the tree and ran off after the blond. Naruto ran as fast as he could, but the weight of the scroll prevented him from running very far. Naruto stopped in a slightly less crowded area when he heard voices and two 'Poofs' as if they were dispelling a Jutsu. Naruto leaned against a tree, clutching the scroll in his arms and trying to quiet down his breathing so he could listen to what they were saying. Little did he know, Itachi was sitting in a tree nearby, staring at him.
''You're a fool! Why are you protecting that freak! He's the one that wiped out your family!'' A familiar voice yelled. Mizuki.
''I don't care what you say. You're not getting your hands on that scroll.'' Another voice said. Iruka-sensei.
''As if you could stop me. Don't you get it, Naruto is just like me!''
''How's that?''
''He wants the scroll for his own power, and his own vengeance. That's how beasts are. He'll pour all his rage into the scroll and destroy everything.''
''You're right.'' Naruto gasped. Itachi watched Naruto bow his head.
''That is how beasts are,'' Iruka continued, ''But that's not who Naruto is. He's nothing like that! Naruto's one of a kind. Works hard, puts his whole heart into it. Sure he messes up sometimes, and everyone jumps on him. But his suffering only makes him stronger. That's what separates him from being a beast. So you're wrong; he's nothing like the nine tailed fox. He's Naruto Uzumaki, of the Village Hidden in the Leaves!''
Naruto was crying at this point. Oh Naruto. Itachi sighed at the young boy whom he had developed a crush on.
Mizuki stared carefully at Iruka. He grabbed another shuriken from his back, pointing it at him. ''You really believe that drivel? Iruka, I was gonna save you for later, but I changed my mind. You're finished!'' Mizuki ran towards Iruka.
Just as he was about to reach him, Naruto came out from behind the tree and sent Mizuki flying with a kick in the face. The shuriken was thrown into a group of trees.
Both Mizuki and Naruto skidded on the ground, struggling to stand up. Naruto now stood protectively in front of his sensei, his hand holding the scroll upright against the dirt.
''Not bad, for a little punk.'' Mizuki was crouched on the ground.
''If you ever lay a hand on my sensei, I'll kill you.''
''Such big words. I could completely destroy you with a single move!''
''Take your best shot, fool. I'll give it back to you a thousand fold!'' Naruto countered, lifting his hands in front of his face in a cross shape.
''Let's see you try! Show me what you can do, Nine-tailed Fox!''
''Shadow Clone Jutsu!''
Iruka stared in disbelief as the student who he had failed just earlier that day easily made thousands of shadow clones appear. They were not illusions. They were solid. Itachi moved out of the way before the clones saw him. Naruto... I had no idea! He shook his head and grinned.
Mizuki was horrified at the sight of so many clones.
''What is this?''
''Over here!'' ''Come and get me!'' ''I'm right over here!'' ''Come on!''
''If you're not coming, then we're gonna come after you!'' The clones yelled in unison. Itachi closed his eyes and listened to the terrified screams of Mizuki as he was beaten to a pulp. When he finally heard the clones disappear, he opened his eyes again and saw Naruto approach Iruka, who was leaning against a tree.
''I've got something I want to give you.'' Iruka said.
''What is it?''
''Just close your eyes...''
''Sensei, how much longer!''
''Okay, you can open your eyes.'' Iruka was now standing up in front of Naruto.
Naruto just stared at him.
''Congratulations, you graduate! And to celebrate, I have a surprise! We're going out for ramen tonight!''
Naruto still only stared.
''Huh?''
''Iruka-sensei!'' Naruto launched himself at Iruka. Itachi smiled and got up from his place in the tree. I really shouldn't disturb the moment, but I need to talk to Naruto...
''Naruto?'' Itachi called. Iruka and Naruto looked up. From the expression on Itachi's face, Naruto could tell he would have to do some talking.
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''So?'' Itachi asked, placing a hand on the blond's head.
''So nothing. I've got nothing to tell, Itachi, really.'' Naruto shook the hand from out of his hair and put his head on Itachi's shoulder instead. Itachi wrapped an arm around Naruto. They were sitting on top of the Hokage Monument again, their favourite place to talk.
''Alright. Fine.''
''Are you mad, 'Tachi?''
''Not at you. Never.''
''...''
''Naru?''
''Hmm?''
''I... I... I, uh Lo-...''
''Just spit it out.''
''Nothing. We should get going, Kitsune.'' Itachi said, getting up and catching Naruto to make sure he didn't fall.
''Itachi! What is it!'' Naruto whined, grabbing Itachi's hand and pulling him back down. Itachi lifted Naruto up bridal-style and ignoring Naruto's complaints started walking down the long set of stairs.
''Itachi!''
''Naruto.''
''Itachi!''
''Yes?''
''Teme.''
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Saya420: Yeah, I'm really glad too. Thank you very much!
SanctumSyte: Thank you very much! I'll try my best!
Lemrinth: Go ahead, I'll laugh with you. Their relationship is progressing so fast! And I'm guessing you mean that in a perverted way? Haha.
Another note: You guys meet a lot of new characters next chappy, so look forward to it. It might take a little while because I have to get all of their personalities just right! Love you! :D