A/N: Ah, hello my lovelies. I'm a little bit very late. Again. I've been going through kind of a funk, I wish I had a better excuse for you but that's really it. I've just been dealing with some personal shit and life and, you know, all of that garbage. Anyway, I just want to give a shoutout to all the babes who reviewed, favorited, or followed this story so far (and in the future), you guys make writing so satisfying. I fucking love the shit out of you guys. Seriously. Hugs for all of you.
DISCLAIMER: Kishi-sensei owns the rights to the Naruto franchise, yo.
~0~o~0~
It was late in the afternoon when Suigetsu had come to Sasuke's house. Naruto was waiting there with him, his weapon pouches freshly packed, and sporting all of his ninja gear. Suigetsu hadn't seemed to be all that surprised to find him there and simply shrugged when Sasuke had informed him of their tag-along.
It only took a few hours to arrive at the base. Naruto was both relieved and slightly disappointed that they hadn't run into any danger along the way. After all, he was raised as a shinobi and the lack of action these days was beginning to make him restless. Although, there were more important matters to attend to, so he didn't dwell on it.
He followed along behind Sasuke and Suigetsu as they followed a descending path leading to the base's entrance. It was partially hidden by large boulders and some forestry, crickets singing their songs of the night in the background as the moon lit their path. The two in front of him seemed very relaxed and cool, while Naruto was looking around in curiousity and swallowing nervously. No matter how tough the blond acted, Orochimaru still really creeped him the fuck out. Hence the reason he was so opposed to Sasuke joining his ranks again.
When they finally reached the entrance, Suigetsu made a hand-sign which caused the large double doors to creak open, and signaled for the other two to follow. Naruto hesitated at first, his lack of motion alerting Sasuke. The raven simply turned his head and winked at him, smirking. Naruto took that as an effort of comfort on the Uchiha's part. The action itself didn't make him feel the slightest bit better, but the fact that Sasuke had even attempted to ease his mind got his feet moving.
Naruto followed the two down a twisting hallway that led to a big open room. It looked almost like a lounge of some sort. There were sofas and tables carefully organized around the room and several taper candles flickering around them. Was that vanilla and lavender he smelled? He stood next to Sasuke in the center of the room while Suigetsu wandered off to alert Orochimaru of their arrival. Although, he could probably already sense them by now. But, whatever.
He took Sasuke's hand in his own and squeezed it. He was feeling much more nervous than he thought he would be. There was this strange feeling in the pit of his stomach that he just couldn't shake. Like, that feeling one gets when something big is about to happen but to place the reasoning for it is impossible. He sifted through his memories of the pale snake-man, and couldn't imagine a way for someone like him to be non-threatening. After everything he'd done, was it really possible that he had truly changed?
Approaching footsteps snapped Naruto out of his thoughts. He and Sasuke turned to find Orochimaru and Suigetsu emerging from a dark hallway, the candlelight flickering across their obscured figures. Orochimaru greeted the both of them with a wide grin and a nod. He embraced Sasuke, pulling the less than enthusiastic raven into an awkward hug.
"Sasuke-kun!" He stepped back, smiling. "How nice of you to come see me." Now that he was closer, and could be examined more properly, his appearance was different than the two remembered. He looked a little younger. And, slightly more feminine. The change was very slight, but noticeable nonetheless.
"You're the one who summoned me." He deadpanned. "Let's skip the small talk and get straight to the point. What's this about? What are you trying to achieve with your experiments and why are you requesting my permission to use my DNA?"
"Ah, and you've brought Naruto-kun with you as well! What a nice surprise. Would the two of you care for a lemon square?" He grinned and placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, an action that earned him a scowl and a bone crushing grip on his wrist from a fuming Uchiha.
"Lemon squares?" Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"See? You see? I told you!" Suigetsu called from the other side of the room.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening. "You're dodging the question. What's going on? Just what the hell are you up to?"
"As impatient as ever." Orochimaru smirked and gestured toward a hallway. "This way."
He led them away, following the dark path for several minutes before he opened a thick metal door and nodded an invitation to enter. Once inside the room, Naruto and Sasuke took in their surroundings. There were several operating tables and countertops adorned with various medical tools, viles, and test tubes with interesting colored liquid inside of them. There was a faint humming sound coming from some machinery with flashing red buttons.
"What is this?" Sasuke asked, turning towards the snake-man.
"This is my laboratory." Orochimaru stated simply. He approached one of the tables and picked up a thick scroll that looked as though it had seen better days. "I've been doing some research."
"Yeah, with DNA. I know that much. But what is it you're using it for?" Sasuke crossed his arms, an eyebrow raised.
"Well, simply put, I've been dabbling in the world of cloning." He smiled, unrolling the scroll and scanning it's contents. "I've still got a long way to go, but I've discovered that I can make human clones using DNA. The problem is, every experiment I've tried has failed. The fetus would be disfigured in some kind of way or wouldn't develop at all."
"So what does that mean?" Sasuke asked.
"I believe it's because I haven't used DNA with strong enough genes. That's where you come in."
"So, you want to clone me?" Sasuke's jaw tightened. He felt Naruto tense beside him.
"You're a pure-blood Uchiha. Your genes are strong and would most likely be dominant in reproduction. You're the perfect subject for my experimentation. Mind you, I'm only doing this to collect information and to further my research. I've no need for a clone of you. Well, I suppose I'd be lying if I said I couldn't think of some uses...but, I'd rather not piss off the five great nations after somewhat gaining their trust. I'm done with the villain role, Sasuke-kun. I'm simply a curious man with a passion for experimenting and learning." He licked his lips, setting the scroll aside.
"So, if you don't need the clone, what are you planning on doing with it if it's a success?"
"Well, if it's a success, the clone will start out as a fetus and grow at a normal human rate. In other words, I'll be creating an actual human life without a woman's womb. It would be a breakthrough in medical science! Imagine woman who are unable to concieve given another option. And the child would be a clone of her, or her spouse, so it would inherit any bloodline traits passed down in the family. Or a man who's partner has died in battle will be able to pass on his family name-"
"That's all very fascinating. But, you're dodging my question again. What do you plan to do with the clone?"
Orochimaru blinked, a frown tugging at his lips. "Well, isn't it obvious? I'd let you keep it."
"Let me...keep it?" Sasuke asked, confusion covering his face. "What the hell would I do with a clone of myself?"
"Well, it wouldn't be an exact clone of you. It would only look similar to you. Besides it's physical appearance, it would have a mind of it's own. It's not artificial intelligence, Sasuke-kun, it's an actual human life that thinks for itself and has no difference from any normally concieved person."
"Wait..." Naruto's eyes widened. "Are you sayin' it would just end up bein' a baby? Like, a real baby that someone could raise as their own kid? It's not like when I make a shadow clone and another 'me' appears...it would be just like if a woman had a baby? There's no difference?"
"Precisely." Orochimaru nodded. "But it could take a few years to develop. After all, this isn't exactly simple. By the time it would develop into a fully functioning human baby, you'd both be the proper age to take on the responsibility."
Naruto and Sasuke immediatly looked at each other.
"What are you implying?" Sasuke asked, eyebrow raised.
"Oh, please." Orochimaru rolled his eyes. "As if I didn't know. I thought you'd be thrilled to be offered this opportunity. Obviously two men cannot reproduce on their own. So, I'm giving you the chance to have a child. A chance you'd never have otherwise."
Naruto's jaw dropped. His heartbeat picked up a speed he feared would go into overdrive and kill him. "Seriously?"
Sasuke frowned. "How did you know?"
"Suigetsu." Orochimaru nodded towards the doorway where the white-haired man stood examining his nails. He looked up and waved a hand, grinning.
"I mean, it's kind of fucked up, but whatever." He shrugged.
"So." Orochimaru said, re-focusing his attention on Sasuke. "You help me, and I'll help you. Do we have a deal? You've always said you wanted to restore your clan. You can't do that with Naruto-kun unless you take up my offer."
Sasuke glanced at Naruto to find him frozen and speechless. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "While the offer is tempting, I can't accept it just yet." He said, placing his hands on his hips. "There's a good chance I won't be able to be with Naruto. In fact, I may not be welcome in Konoha at all. If this happens, I can join you here and help with your experiments as long as they aren't harming anyone and you aren't up to anything. So, as of now, I'm unsure of what my future may hold."
"I see." Orochimaru nodded. "I had a feeling something like this might happen. You know, Naruto-kun is welcome to join us as well."
"Suigetsu was sure to inform you of my private life but failed to mention my current situation with Konoha. Typical." Sasuke shook his head. "And, I'm sorry, but there is no way I'd let Naruto come here with me. He's going to be Hokage one day. He needs to stay in the village."
"I don't want to be Hokage if you're not there with me!" Naruto's fists shook, he stared at the tiled floor. "I want to go where you go, Sasuke!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Sasuke grabbed the blond's arm, forcing him to meet his eyes. "This is your dream. Don't let me hold you back, idiot. Besides, I'll be close by so it isn't like you'll never see me again. Don't be dramatic."
"But how can I be Hokage if I can't even help one person be accepted? How will I keep an entire village together if I can't even do anything about this one little problem? I don't deserve to be Hokage if I can't fix this one thing! Besides, the vision I have for the future involves you! I want you there so we can work together! If you're banned from Konoha how could that happen? If I were Hokage I couldn't just go behind the village's back and work with someone they don't trust, that isn't right even if I know they're wrong...they would feel betrayed...Sasuke, I-"
"Enough!" Sasuke tightened his grip on the blond. "Forget about me."
"I don't want us to be seperated! Please just-"
"Shut up, Naruto. I'm done talking about this." He released Naruto's arm and turned back to Orochimaru. "I'll help you with whatever you want, as long as it isn't a threat to anyone. If I get banned from Konoha, you'll let me stay here?"
"Of course, I'd be happy to have you back, Sasuke-kun." Orochimaru grinned.
"I swear if you hurt him..." Naruto forced through gritted teeth. He'd never forgive the bastard for what he did to Sasuke. A heat spread through his body, his fists shaking, jaw clenched. The idea of letting Sasuke come back here was infuriating. And Sasuke seemed to be perfectly fine with it. How the hell could he accept that?
"I know we have a not-so-great history, Naruto-kun. But, rest assured, you can trust Sasuke-kun being here. Besides, he's a big boy, surely you know that he can handle himself. And with as close of an eye Konoha is keeping on me, I couldn't betray them if I wanted to. And, you're welcome to visit any time."
"Whatever." Naruto grumbled, his eyes fixed on the tiles.
"Now, if you like, I have a spare room. You can stay here for the night." Orochimaru offered. He smirked at the notice of Naruto's scowl and Sasuke's nod.
"That would be for the best. I'd like to wait until Kakashi's carried out his plan before we go back." Sasuke said, ignoring Naruto's obvious disagreement.
"Wonderful. Well, I'm sure the two of you have a lot to talk about, so I'll just show you to your room." He smirked and headed towards the door. "Right this way."
~0~o~0~
"You gotta be fuckin' kiddin' me!" Naruto shouted, throwing his weapons pouch across the bare room.
Candlelight flickered across Sasuke's face, his features slightly distorted but the stony disposition did not go unnoticed.
"You don't even care do you? I almost think you'd rather stay here...after everything he did...and you're totally cool with comin' back here and bein' some fucking lab rat?! Why is this okay? Of all people, you should be the last one to want to work with him!"
"You're an idealistic child. Grow up." Sasuke growled. He pulled his shirt over his head and folded it, setting it utop his gear in one corner of the room. He sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, pulling off his sandles.
"Why are you so calm? I just don't get it...how could you even consider comin' back? Isn't there any other option?"
"If there was another option, I'd take it. Coming back here isn't exactly appealing to me, Naruto. You know why I've made this decision. I hate repeating myself, so I'm not going to. You're just going to have to trust me."
"You're not the one I got a problem trusting! It's that creepy bastard I don't trust! He's just going to use you!"
"Do you take me for a fool, Naruto?" If looks could kill...
"Well, he was able to manipulate you once..."
"I was a twelve year old fucking kid! And, maybe you've forgotten, but I'm the one who outsmarted him in the end and went my own way. I'm coming here to keep watch over him and put Konoha's mind at ease. If they can't accept me, or him, then this is the best option. Get rid of the both of us and keep tabs to make sure nothing suspicious is happening. It'll shut the council up and it'll get the villagers off Kakashi's back. What the fuck else can we do?"
"We can convince them that-"
"I'm going to stop you there. Not everything can be fixed with words. Not everything is going to go your way, that's life. You need to stop acting like a child and start thinking like a Hokage, doing what's best for the majority. Face reality, Naruto. We fought to stop Madara's ideals and yet you can't let go of your own." He was standing now, practically nose to nose with the blond.
Naruto bit his lip, shoving the raven away. "I just wanted you to come back home. That's all I wanted. So fucking sue me if I'm kinda upset about you leavin' again." His body shook slightly, his shoulders slumped and eyes on the floor.
Sasuke's eyes softened. "I'll humor you for a moment and suggest that maybe Kakashi can fix this." Naruto looked up, hope glistening in his eyes. "Maybe we should talk about our future if that happens. Orochimaru was right when he said we had a lot to discuss."
"Yeah..." Naruto whispered.
"So, this offer of his...what do you think of it?"
"Well, I dunno. It's kind of a big deal, right? I mean...having a kid. That's, like, a really big decision, isn't it?" He scratched the back of his head, frowning.
"It is." Sasuke half-smiled. "It's a huge deal. That's why we should talk about it. Do you want kids, Naruto?"
"Are we really talkin' about bein' parents right now?"
"We are."
"Well, yeah, I've always wanted a family." He smiled, locking azure with obsidian.
"And I want to restore my clan."
"But, it's kinda weird to be thinkin' about this right now, isn't it?"
"It is." Sasuke agreed. "It's definitely not something I thought I'd be discussing with you so early in our relationship."
"Crazier things have happened." Naruto smiled. "But it wouldn't be for a few years though, right?"
"I believe that's what he said, yes."
"So it's not like a baby would be thrown into our laps tomorrow. We would have time to mentally prepare and stuff."
"We would."
"I don't know anything about bein' a dad though." Naruto frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I have no idea how a family works. What if I suck at parenting?"
Sasuke frowned and grabbed Naruto's wrist. He led him to the bed and sat down on the edge, pulling the blond down with him. He sighed and locked eyes with him. "You have a good sense of right and wrong, you're strong willed, you're loyal and protective, you're kind, and you're compasionate. You'll do great."
"But..what if-"
"Naruto. You'll do great." He repeated firmly. The blond shrugged and sighed. "I mean it. I have more faith in you than I do in myself if I'm being honest."
"I bet you'd be real strict." Naruto chuckled.
"You bet your ass I'll be strict." Sasuke agreed.
"I'd be the favorite for sure." Naruto grinned. "You'd be the scary one and I'd be the fun one."
"As long as one of us isn't afraid to do the diciplining."
"I'd totally dicipline our kid! And, it would be way more intimidating comin' from me 'cause they wouldn't see it comin' since I'm so fun and cool all the time. You're such a serious jerk-face that they'd get used to you bein' strict and it wouldn't even bother 'em anymore!"
"A fair point. I suppose I could mix up the punishments and lectures. Surprise them every time to keep it interesting. I'd definitely be a better teacher though, since I'm better at explaining things. You can't even explain things to yourself, let alone another person." He smirked and crossed his arms, looking as smug as ever.
"Hey! That's so not true! I taught Konohamaru the Rasengan, remember?! I'd be an awesome teacher! You'd probably be real impatient and mean. They'd pick me over you any day." Naruto scrunched his face up, narrowing his eyes.
"Yes, but you and Konohamaru think alike. Anyone else would've been confused. And speaking of training, if we do end up with a kid, you're not teaching it that jutsu."
"But it's my legacy! I have to! It's the greatest jutsu of all time and it's totally useful!"
"How is the sexy-jutsu useful?"
"Distraction! You catch the enemy off gaurd! Works like a charm." He flashed a toothy grin. "The only reason it never worked on you is because you're a total homo."
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "It's distasteful."
"You're distasteful." Naruto mocked childishly, sticking out his tongue.
"You think I'm very tasteful, don't lie."
"Kinky." Naruto laughed, punching Sasuke lightly on the shoulder. "So, we're really talking about this." He looked up at the ceiling, an unreadable expression on his face. "It's fun to imagine this stuff, ya know? What it would be like if we could really be together...if we could have a family."
"It's a nice thought." Sasuke agreed, leaning back on his hands. "You know I think the chances of that happening are slim..."
"Yeah. I know." Naruto frowned.
"But, even if it's slim, there still is a chance." He turned towards the blond, taking in his expression and sighing. "No matter what happens tomorrow, you aren't going to lose me. At least, not completely. You know that, right? I won't be far away."
"I liked it better when we were planning for you to be in Konoha." Naruto mumbled. "I don't want to think about that right now."
"I know. It's not something I'm happy about either. But, it's the practical thing for me to do. And it'll be better for you, too."
"...I guess...I, well, I know you're right. You're smarter than me, and, you're more realistic. But, I'm just not one to give up so easily."
"Trust me, I know."
"But, if it comes down to it, and there really is no other way, then just make sure you keep in contact. And, I'll visit you all the time. Don't let Orochimaru do anthing evil or whatever and don't forget about me or who you really are...don't go down the wrong path again..." His voice cracked and tears formed at the corners of his eyes. He could feel his chest tighten and his cheeks become warm. "And please, I'm begging you, don't ever cut yourself again, ya know! If you ever feel like you want to, just tell me and I'll be here as soon as I can and we'll do that thing that releases tension or whatever, like Pervy Sage said, and-"
"Naruto." Sasuke grabbed the blond's hand, squeezing tight. "I give you my word. I won't cut. And, it's not the sex that helps, it's you. As long as you're a part of my life, I can find the strength I need. Seeing how much I hurt you by doing that to myself, I think that's what really made me never want to do it again. If I ever feel tempted, I'll just imagine your pathetic sniveling face, okay?"
"Jerk." Naruto wiped the tears away with his sleeve and smiled. "You really won't do that anymore though?"
"I promise you."
Naruto found comfort in his words, the clear honesty solidifying his trust. He took in his expression, searching for an indication of how he was really feeling. Reading Sasuke had never been an easy feat, not even for him. But, somehow, he could always guess his mood by something he couldn't quite explain. Vibes? He wasn't sure what it was exactly, but sometimes he could feel what Sasuke felt without being able to see it on his face or in his body language.
That was just how they worked. They connected in a way that was much deeper than words or expressions. When they had learned of their reincarnation situation, neither was surprised in the least. If anything, it made everything make sense all of a sudden. They were drawn to each other because their souls were connected, and they could always feel it, but until then, they'd never been able to figure out what it was that made them feel so close despite everything.
Sasuke seemed to be reading his expression too. The both of them remained silent, just taking each other in. Naruto could feel sadness in the air. A sadness that filled him, threatening to overflow like a glass of water that was about to spill over. Whatever it was that Sasuke was thinking, he knew he shared more of what he felt than the raven would ever admit out loud. He could just sense it. He knew this calm demeanor was a mask, a mask that hid the fear and the anxiety that emanated from him.
He wanted nothing more than to kill that sadness. He wanted to take all of it from Sasuke, and endure it himself, if that's what it took. Anything to keep Sasuke from hurting. In that moment, he desperately wished to protect him from everything bad in the world. To keep him safe from the darkness, to show him all of the brightest, warmest things in life and to see that smile. That smile that was so incredibly rare and even more beautiful. The smile that could melt away the entire world and be the only thing left, and that would be enough for Naruto. He'd do anything, anything, to see that smile.
Suddenly a feeling swelled up inside of him. Something so warm and overwhelming, he felt he could absolutely burst. A feeling he couldn't contain, it bubbled inside of him and pressed against his chest. His heart raced as he scanned Sasuke's face. His skin so fair and delicate, his eyes so sharp and intense that they were intoxicating, and his lips, those lips that were so soft and yet somehow so masculine. Yet, he didn't yearn to kiss him. He didn't long for his touch or anything physically intimate at all. What he felt at that moment was something else. He longed for something more. He wasn't getting turned on, no, that wasn't it. It was a different feeling. A feeling he felt often when Sasuke was around, Hell, even when he wasn't around. Just thinking about him was enough. Then it dawned on him. He knew what that feeling was.
"I love you."
Onyx eyes widened, pale lips parting slightly. "W-what?" His expression was clear now. The mask had vanished. Shock was written everywhere.
"I love you, Sasuke." He said it clearly, confidently. He wasn't nervous at all. Not like one might be during a confession. No. He was certain now of his feelings and he wanted him to know.
He watched as Sasuke's eyes scanned his face. The raven was silent, but clearly thinking. He pressed a hand against Naruto's cheek and leaned in. He could feel his warm breath fanning across his face, their eyes locked on each other's lips.
"I love you too, Naruto."
He pressed their lips together. It was a gentle kiss, one filled with a quiet sort of passion. The kind of passion that was strong and warm but not aggressive in any way. As if their usual hungry desire had transitioned to something softer but not any less intimate. If anything, it felt more intimate than ever. It was pure love.
~0~o~0~
Well this is it.
Kakashi ran a hand through his hair as he stared out into the crowd. After Naruto and Sasuke had left the night before, he instructed some Jounin to spread the word of a "big announcement" at noon the next day. He urged them to spread it like wildfire and make it sound important. Well, it worked. There was a sea of people anticipating what their Hokage had to say. Some looked frightened, others looked indifferent. Either way, he thought, they're in for a surprise. He doubted anybody would see this coming.
Now that the time had come, he felt almost...stupid. Was he really trusting himself to make a huge inspiring speech to change the hearts of the entire village? This was really his big trump card? His big master plan to stop the hate? A speech? This was more of Naruto's forte, not his. Okay, now he was freaking himself out. He could do this. Probably. Well, he was putting their loyalty and respect to the test, he was about to find out just how much they valued his opinion.
"Hey." He waved lamely. Great start, Kakashi. He wanted to face-palm.
The crowed was awkwardly silent. A few smartass kids said 'hey' back.
"This isn't something I thought I'd ever have to do as Hokage." He said, his voice riging with authority. Suddenly, he was feeling his confidence as a leader come back to him. He just needed to remind himself who he was doing this for. "There's been a major problem here in Konoha and I intend to fix it. But I'll need the cooperation of all of you. I'm going to need you all to be understanding and to trust what I have to say."
He felt the aura change. The crowd had worry painted all over their faces. Clearly, they had the impression that there was some sort of threat they were being warned about. He almost felt bad for freaking them out. But, then again, he sort of didn't.
"I want to talk about Uchiha Sasuke." Chatter errupted immediately following that statement. He could make out some of their words, mostly things like 'I knew it' or 'what's that traitor up to now?'. He sighed and raised his voice. "He is not a threat to this village or any other! He is a comrade of the Hidden Leaf and I expect you all to treat him as such."
Another erruption. There was anger and skeptisism ringing in their voices. This wasn't going well, but he hadn't really expected otherwise.
"Sasuke is a former student of mine. I know him well. And I know more of his struggles than any of you possibly could. I witnessed first hand just how much he contributed to the war and I know of his new outlook on life. I can say with absolute confidence that he is trustworthy. If I had a single doubt in my mind, I wouldn't have allowed him to return to this village. Many of you don't know this..." He sighed. "But there was a time when I took it upon myself to take his life. There was a time when I thought he was too far gone to be saved. But, he's changed. Naruto has changed him and he is a new man."
The mention of Naruto stirred up another ruckus. Disgusted looks and murmurs were all around, the crowd clearly gossiping and voicing their personal opinions of this new found relationship. Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. This was the part he was really dreading. The fact that it was such an issue that he, as Hokage, had to address it publicly just felt sort of strange to him. Definitely not normal Hokage business.
"Which leads me to the next thing I need to talk about." Immediate silence. Well, at least they were obviously ready to hear what he had to say. "I can't believe I even need to talk about this publically. Normally, I'd never consider addressing some petty gossip. But, since the situation escalated so quickly and has even inspired some illegal activity and attacks on Konoha's own comrades, I think I should take a stand." He drew in a sharp breath and exhaled. He looked up with a new intesity in his eyes and raised his voice, booming with authority. "Naruto and Sasuke are to be left alone. Yes, they are in a relationship. No use tiptoeing around the subject or pretending it isn't happening. Because, it is. And everyone knows it. This isn't something to get violent over. If you disagree with it, that's your own personal problem. But to openly express that disagreement in a way that is harmful, will not be tolerated. It's childish to say the least. Love is love. Leave them alone."
The sounds of awkward shuffling and uncertain whispers floated up from the crowd. Their faces holding a mixture of anger and confusion. It was clear to Kakashi that they were reluctant to accept his words so easily. He sighed and snapped his fingers. Immediately following the action, A group of Jonin emerged from behind him, the four criminal ANBU members tied up and being pushed forward.
He didn't like playing the bad guy. But what other option did he have at this point? He was the Hokage, damn it, and he needed to put his foot down.
"This morning I was forced to arrest members of my own ANBU Black Ops." His voiced boomed, surprising even himself. The crowd silenced immediately, mouths shut tightly and eyes wide and observant. "These ANBU are guilty of conspiring against Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto. Despite my wishes, they decided to take it upon themselves to 'take care' of Sasuke and to ruin the reputation of Naruto. Even going as far as physical attacks. As long as I'm Hokage, this sort of behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone caught with similar actions will face the same punishment." He took a breath and scanned the crowd. There wasn't a sound coming from them, every eye was focused on him. "If the council had it their way, this information wouldn't be made public. They'd like for me to keep this under wraps. But, I think it should be known. I think you should know what has been happening and how I feel about this and the punishment that comes with it. I want to prevent this sort of thing from happening in the future."
The silence was broken after a short moment. An uproar of questions and concern finding their way to Kakashi's overwhelmed ears.
"Okay, fine, they're gay. But what about Sasuke?"
"We're really meant to accept Sasuke's criminal status?"
"How can we trust that traitor so easily?"
"You're just bias because he was your student!"
"He'll betray us again!"
Kakashi rubbed his temples. So many words tangling and weaving through his mind, creating a pounding headache that he really didn't need right now. Of course they'd be this stubborn. He'd thought he was prepared for this. Apparently, not prepared enough. He needed to do something about this, right now. He was about to do something he didn't think he'd have to resort to. Something he knew had to be a last-ditch effort. But, it had come to that.
The council was going to rip him apart for this.
But, this was the right thing to do. After all, was it really fair to keep this secret? What was that old saying? History repeats itself? Yes. It had to be made public. He didn't want this cycle of hatred to continue, there was something to be learned from this. He had to make them understand.
This is for you, Sasuke. God, I hope this works...
Please, let this work...
"It's time you all knew the truth." He inhaled sharply, bracing himself. "You need to know the truth about Uchiha Itachi and what drove Sasuke to do the things he did. This is what really happened all those years ago, when the once powerful Uchiha clan was massacred."