Arigato for the reviews, favourites, alerts and C2s. I really can't believe how well this story is doing and I thank you all for being patient with me. I know that the review replies that I sent you said that this chapter would have been finished quicker than this, but, unfortunately, I had an elder brother to look after this week. Along with the job quirks and my sister's computer habits, it was a little hard to write and check so fast. Gomen.
ddd - Uhm, thanks. XD
Shinigami - Hehe, I like you. As such, I will tell you that I'm a huge Gaara fan, but aren't the best at writing him…at all. Either way, I made reference to him earlier and have planned an appearance, (let's be honest, a story without Gaara is virtually a crime!) just not right now. Gaara does play a relatively important part, though. As for Ino; when I wrote her so depressed, my mind immediately started thinking of other pair-ups for her…And to think that she wasn't going to have a lot of appearance in the beginning. At least Shikamaru's 'other half' is Temari…Hm, I'm sure she has a brother…;-p Thanks a lot for your review and ideas.
Vampire - Well, that was certainly short, but okay, I suppose I can write more. xp
NARUTO
"I don't think I can do this." The whisper came from soft lips. "I'm not ready."
"After convincing me to come this far, you want to turn back?"
"No! Just, just give me a minute…Ow, not so hard!" The hand pulling at him loosened it's grip slightly, but stayed strong in it's task. "Ah, just stop for a minute, would you?"
"Tch, fine; but once we start up again, you're coming whether you like it or not."
"But I'm not prepared yet!"
"I don't prepare, and neither should you." Itachi moved his hand quickly to grab Naruto's wrist. "You'll get worked up and explode before the main event. Besides, we can't delay and make Iruka-san wait for us any longer." A mouth opened to protest, but before words had taken form, Itachi dove into the blond's mouth and dominated, parting the desperate lips with his forceful tongue easily. "You'll come out the better off in this."
"I approve of your boyfriend Naruto. He speaks so perverted-ly."
"What, Kakashi-sensei?! When did you get here?" Naruto jumped. "And no he doesn't. He's not you."
"I'm offended, Naruto. I'm here because I wondered why my Iruka-sensei was looking at the entrance of our tent so flustered. And what do I find but my old student having a very interesting conversation with his boyfriend."
"I was not!"
"Then maybe next time, you shouldn't use 'hard', 'preparing' and 'coming' in the same conversation. People might misinterpret their meaning." Kakashi smiled, showing it with the arch his eye turned into.
"W-What?" Naruto turned to Itachi to see a gleaming amusement hidden well in his eyes. "You knew about this, didn't you, you bastard?!"
"Naru-chan; don't accuse me of such things!" Itachi pouted. "And…Kakashi-san, I presume? Shouldn't you be with Sasuke?"
"Yeah, about that…" Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. "He isn't here yet."
"What? Why?"
"If I knew that, I'd know where he is, and I don't. This is why I never turn up early." Kakashi made sure to make a point of that statement, causing sweat drops on Naruto , while Itachi remained displeased.
"Explain." The Uchiha demanded.
"Well, usually I'm late-"
"About Sasuke." He further glowered.
"See, Sasuke is a brooding emo-"
"Find him, Hatake; because if he comes within twelve feet of Naruto, I can't promise that I'd be able to control my actions." Naruto looked over to Itachi, shocked that he'd act so well as to say such a thing.
Turning serious, Kakashi straightened, looking dead into Itachi's eyes, as if trying to gauge something from them. After a few minutes and Itachi narrowing his eyes further in his fury, Kakashi spoke. "I have two shadow clones out searching. Do you plan on doing the same?"
"Kage-bunshin is a Kenjutsu of Konoha. Why should I know it?"
"Yeah, Kakashi. Benito's from-"
"Konoha. The correct answer for that question would be 'I don't know the layout of Konoha' or 'I don't know Uchiha Sasuke's habits'. Kettou Benito has never been recorded entering or exiting this village. So, either you're a Konoha citizen or you're an intruder. Which story will you go with Benito-san?"
"K-Kakashi-sensei, it's not what it looks like. I bought him here. I-It's just, Benito, he can't be found, you know? There are people after him - dangerous people-"
"Naruto." Itachi interrupted. "Go and join Iruka. I wish to speak with Kakashi-san alone."
"I…Are you sure?" Naruto nervously glanced between the two ninja before him, unable to discern who he was more concerned for. Itachi could be caught or Kakashi disposed of with one glance…And both outcomes would be his fault.
"I will be fine, Koi." The deep voice held a danger and the seriousness in Itachi's borrowed face did not waver, eyes also never leaving his aspiring opponent.
"But I bought you here. If something happens-"
"If something happens, it happens." Itachi stated, before turning harsh eyes upon the blond teen. Irises of worried, apprehensive and anxious eyes also portrayed an accusing taint beneath the surface, making Itachi realise that he was not only thinking of their secret being discovered or that Itachi may be captured and killed as he was, for some reason, continuously trying to prevent, but also fearing for the safety of his former sensei. "We will meet you shortly, Naruto-kun. Both of us."
Apprehensively, Naruto moved between the two older males, facing the fake appearance of his current lodger. With his persistence in remaining there and Kakashi's eyes moving to question his back, Itachi lowered his gaze to the blond. With doubting in the gleaming of his blue orbs, he wearily stepped forward; his arms raising slightly to clasp at the folds of Itachi's Kimono. Gauging the Uchiha's reaction, Naruto continued, without negativity becoming apparent, and leant up to the taller man's left ear.
"Thank you." He whispered, pulling back with closed eyes and a sweet smile.
As his head was tilted further back with a finger under his chin, Naruto opened his eyes once again as dry, warm lips met his own in a chaste kiss and Itachi's tongue traced the corner of his closed lips. Surprised with the tenderness of it, Naruto froze, delayed in his own racing mind. He was actually here and about to watch the only person he'd ever opened his heart to make a life with someone else. And yet, with him was the one man said person despised, warming up the very essence of his life.
With renewed vigour, Naruto encircled his arms around the neck of the older Uchiha and threw caution to the wind as he dragged those addictive lips down to his violently. It suddenly felt as if he were starved of human affection and interaction, while the only root to ground him in this devastating place of emotional decline, was to reaffirm his reason and purpose; protecting his unborn and surviving for such a point of their existence; with his mouth so intricately connected to the one responsible for his present, future and that which represented what his life had become meaning for.
Deep in the control of someone else should have scared him beyond all hope and fear; yet as Itachi leant him over his arm and dipped his body backward so he could dominate their interaction and physically connect with as much of Naruto's frame as he could, whilst keeping his tongue down the blond's throat, he found it somewhat liberating. To be alone. To be unneeded and unwanted. To be cast aside and forgotten within the raging world around him. The feeling of being lost and unknowing how to operate with the people around him. They all faded away, as if they were as unimportant as he sometimes felt.
One touch from those slightly worn hands upon him now and he was content in his life within them. To, for once in his life, not to have to enforce control and make decisions was…refreshing. He felt…free. His liberator, condemner and stabilizer all had the same accursed name in Uchiha Itachi.
"Naruto. Iruka is probably waiting." Itachi let out, as he separated from the young blond; somewhat surprised at his bold and forward actions, though not showing it to his present company, nor adverse to it. "I will meet you in this tent before the start of the ceremony." He finished his unknowing demand with a short dismissal connection between their foreheads.
"You're so mushy." Naruto pulled away, enjoying the annoyed look he'd accomplished in putting on his hunter's face and smirked at his minor revenge.
"Come, Kakashi-san. We have a groom to find." Itachi returned his eyes to the only one showing, of his opponent and gestured of to the side.
Both Shinobi turned to take their confrontation away from the others of the Wedding event; walking alongside, but not near each other. After all, it was a simple rule of engagement to never turn your back on the enemy. Barely two steps had been taken by the pair when Itachi felt the presence behind him, too late. Arms encircles his waist and the side of a head rested between his shoulder blades. Though he was uncomfortable in this vulnerable position, he did not show it or retaliate to it. Fortunately, he recognised those kimono sleeves, or his would-be-attacker and therefore, little blond host, would be dead by now.
Naruto smiled slightly against Itachi's back. Maybe having crazy hormones wasn't such a bad thing; he could get away with anything. Removing himself, he ran from the forced embrace and into the tent, leaving a thankful Itachi for the blond having too great a pride, that he had to confront his enemies. Who knew that the loud-mouthed and bad-tempered Uzumaki could be so talented at stealth? If ever he could learn to control his wild emotions, he could become a great ANBU stealth operative.
Kakashi stopped dead in a strategic distance from the ceremonial area. Even the people in Konoha with the best hearing, shouldn't be able to hear them from this location. Immediately, Itachi's guard was up full.
"Henge? Benito-san?"
"Very good, Kakashi-san. But what else should I expect from a master of the Sharingan. One would assume you actually had Uchiha blood in your veins to achieve a Mangekyou form."
"Oh? And what would you know of the Uchiha clan?"
"Merely what I have heard and discovered. Secrets in hidden villages aren't as confidential as one would think."
"Maybe so, but that doesn't explain why you are hiding your identity."
"Is Naruto's word so weakly trusted recently? I am sure he has already explained my position; whilst in my presence, non-the-less."
"If Naruto does not know your real identity, how can I trust his judgement?"
"On the contrary, Naruto-kun knows me quite well. My identity, home village and reasons for this change are known better by him than anybody. I suppose, one might say that he is the closest person to me."
"As Tsunade-sama has to marry the Uchiha and Sakura, she wants you to be monitored until after the ceremony. I'm sure you understand the need for interrogation."
"I am here for Naruto. Nothing less and nothing more. I am no threat to this village. Some people, however, might pose a problem."
"Is that a threat?"
"Despite what it may seem, I was talking of ignorant people that come between my fiancé and I; of which, by the way, I am sure Naruto will want Tsunade to be the one to marry us. I can think of no better for him. Can you, Kakashi-san?" He asked in a voice that could be considered a warning tone.
"Don't you think this is a little sudden?"
"When his life is in constant danger, you think I shouldn't express my ideas and propositions for the future? Life is a fleeting moment and can be taken within a flicker of carelessness. Maybe you should think about that."
"He's too young for a lifelong commitment." Kakashi glared, losing his patience.
"Where were you when he needed that advice?" Itachi asked calmly, walking away from the Jounin.
"I'm supposed to apprehend you." Kakashi tried to state uncaringly, though malice toward the figure before him seeped through.
"Oh? Naruto-kun wouldn't be pleased."
"I want to believe you but you're not making it easy for me."
"And if I take off the Henge? Would that satisfy your selfish curiosity enough that I can keep my word to Naruto as he has for me?" Itachi's eyes narrowed.
"ANBU will still be waiting for you upon our return."
"Then I hope you can prevent their movement because I will not tolerate acts toward my removal."
"My first duty is to my important people, or have you not spoken enough with my ex-student to know this fact?"
"You will not recognise my face."
"I will judge that."
With a smirk, Itachi dropped the technique shielding him from being viewed by the older man. No changes in features were upon Kakashi at the henge's removal. In fact, he seemed rather impassive with the release, though slightly irked. With a dismissive hand gesture, Itachi Henged once again into Benito's form. He was thankful that he was born with such a great recognition for other chakra signatures so that he could stop his own chakra flow in the presence of another genius, yet remain to have always been 'Benito' in others' clueless mind.
"I assume the name to that face is something that I'd have to investigate?"
"My appearance had changes somewhat since the time in which I first donned this Henge."
"That is a lot of time to need a second identity."
"Perhaps. Now, if you don't mind, I think our better halves deserve our presence."
Kakashi chuckled nervously. "I don't think Iruka would give me such a warm welcome with Sasuke missing and all."
"That is your own fault. I have my own Uke to deal with." Itachi dismissed and walked a few steps. "Are you coming?" He turned back toward the grey haired Shinobi expectantly.
"Maa, maa. You're so brutally unrestrained, Benito. Iruka-sensei would kill me if I called him an Uke so calmly." Kakashi made a small talk as they walked back.
"Oh? I suppose he's against female kimonos, also."
"Hm, now that you mention it, how did you get Naruto in one?" Kakashi asked, a little too eagerly.
Itachi smirked. "A little enthusiastic, aren't we? He was surprisingly compliant, actually. With persuasion, of course."
"Hm, I can survive with Iruka-sensei in uniform."
Itachi raised one brow. "Kinky."
"Ah, did I say that out loud?" He chuckled.
Itachi smirked at Kakashi's freedom and ease, even though he could sense that the older man had kept his guard up reflexively. He expected nothing lower from a child genius and future Hokage candidate. If Kakashi had his Sharingan showing at the time of the Genjutsu activation, Itachi may have been caught in his deception. That was, if he had mastered that aspect of the cursed Dojutsu. His brother really was a fool to betray the only person willing and able to teach him the ways of his bloodline limit; which was proved a mistake in his own inability to recognise a simple Genjutsu trick upon their last meeting.
Before Itachi had even dropped the Henge, he'd trapped the silver-haired man in a rather complicated Genjutsu, so as not to take any risks in being noticed. Being a Genjutsu master, it was easy to control the image in Kakashi's mind to drop the Henge in time with him and show a completely different person than who he was. It wasn't time, just yet, to reveal his identity and to his 'guard' , the chakra usage ceased and the person to identify was shown; A person who didn't exist.
A chakra pulse suddenly raced through him. Chancing a glance at Kakashi, the Jounin fixed his eye on him. Immediately, they both broke into a run. That surge of Chakra was Naruto's…
………………………………...
"Iruka-sensei!" Naruto chirped when entering the marquee, launching toward his old teacher with enthusiasm and barely restrained hormonal joy. He was getting the hang of using his change in hormones as an excuse for spontaneity and irrational impulses, and getting away with it; even though some of them were just a part of his own restrained randomness. He was also using the presence of company to his advantage. Who in their right mind would make a scene in public?…Maybe he should stop meddling with Itachi.
"Ah, Naruto…Are…you wearing a female Kimono?" Iruka smiled politely, purposely.
"It's that moron, Benito's fault. It's not fair, Iruka; he made me wear it!"
"How can he make you wear something? It's not like he forced you…right?" He wearily asked.
"All my clothes miraculously disappeared." Naruto grumbled. "And when that pervert said he'd rather me wear nothing, there was no way I was letting him hide this, too! Sadistic bastard."
Iruka shook his head, surprised that his ex-student still succumbed so easily to simple reverse psychology. "How did you manage to arrange it so accurately? I thought you had trouble with Kimonos?" The prominent flush that overcame Naruto's face in that moment described fully the scenario in which the clothing was donned. Iruka resisted laughing at Naruto's embarrassing predicament. Men weren't really the ones to dress their 'wives', but rather, the opposite.
"He shouldn't even know how to put this thing on; the know-it-all sadist." Came through in a growl.
Iruka sighed. "You should really come up with better names for peo-"
"I-Iruka-sensei. Could I, maybe, talk to you?" A voice interrupted in a much too resigned manner for one so cheerful and confident as Ino.
"Ino? Well, I…" Iruka looked to Naruto for reassurance.
"Go, Iruka-sensei. I'm not a kid anymore." Naruto smiled gently, eyes softening due to the Chuunin's blatant affection for him; basking in the only fatherly comfort he'd ever known.
"Naruto." Ino grabbed attention with the unsure placing of his name, forcing his own blue eyes to meet her watery and emotion-riddled own. "Congratulations, Naruto!" Came with a heavy sob and a body flung against his own in a sign of fondness, rare toward him. The hug was brief and apologetic, despite the near yelled words. And Naruto froze as the meaning of such said words escaped him. The Kimono showed his state of pregnancy; though, those who didn't know would conclude a weight issue. But, pressed against him as she was, wouldn't Ino be able to differentiate? Did she know? Was it so obvious as to connect the idea so clearly?
Frozen in his own panicking mind, he was absently aware of the duo's departure from the back of the tent, accompanied by Ino's trail of tears. Tears of an unexplained nature, as they weren't for pity or joy on his part, but a sadness and desperation on Ino's. Fire fuelled in Naruto's veins as the urge to run began swallowing him again, as it already had so many times that day. The fire at first concerned him to the point of confronting Kyuubi about it's origin. To seek whether or not the cause was the deadly potency of the Fox's own Chakra.
Kyuubi had laughed at him then; as It always did, to mimic and cause doubt within him. The fire was apparently an animal's instinct to escape and protect the unborn young. An action he'd refused to do when younger was now the encouraging dependency for his Kits. Kits; a name subconsciously installed by Kyuubi for his children, It's alleged legacy. Beings born from his and Sasuke's DNA, but regulated and controlled by the beast within him. Naruto was merely thankful that his Kits were all human, even if the Fox was messing with their growth and chakra.
A deep and sinister laugh echoed through his senses and mind, resulting in the urge to run coming back full throttle, as he whipped around to face his adversary, only to find nothing in the suddenly bleak and grey overhang of the tented dwelling. His voice failed him in it's command to shout at who he knew to be Sasuke, just as his feet failed to run desperately to any of the two pairs of people that had left him alone and his eyes refused to hold their fright at bay.
"Scared, Dobe? You should be." Came the deadly growl in his ear.
Naruto jerked away, spinning to nothing and realising he had a voice to scream with, too late, as a hand clasped over it with angry fingers digging harshly into the flesh of his face; allowing him only to whimper at the abhorrence of his ex-team mate.
"Here I was, going to be nice and not punish you for avoiding me. After all, you had to be confused with my surprising confession of love for a monster like you." Sasuke spat. "But then I go and hear that you're getting married." He dug tighter, one nail piercing the soft flesh of Naruto's cheek. "To another guy, no less." Sasuke hissed out through gritted teeth, easily catching and subduing the blond against the table, previously laying so innocently near the far 'wall' of the tent; all because of the constricting Kimono, that was definitely not for fighting.
"While I was suffering because of your selfish need to rid me of you, you were going out getting fat and engaged. How could he even want to touch that pathetic body now? I have no choice with you forcing me to love you, but that unlucky soul should have ran while he could." He bared his teeth menacingly and pushed further against Naruto. "No matter. I will soon remind you who you belong to. You'll serve your purpose and you'll enjoy it." He sneered.
It was at that moment of panic that Naruto's Chakra remembered it's own existence and flared. Naruto, too preoccupied, didn't even notice it's activation because of it now being his second nature, once in danger. A wisp of Chakra became his weapon and Sasuke was it's target. Vengeful, Kyuubi Chakra, screaming the promise of pain…but so was the look in Sasuke's eyes.
NARUTO
Hehe, I told you I'd do an extra long chapter…by my usual standards anyway (minus the many review replies, too!). Not only that, but Itachi said he was only there for Naruto, but he gave the impression to Naru-chan that it was because of his brother! Hm, I know which I think is true…Now if it wasn't for that bastard Sasuke, I might be happy about now.
TIMELINE
October - (Late) SasuNaru begins.
November - (Early) Pregnant, (Around 10th) Party, (Mid) Day mission, SasuIno (Late) Mission starts.
December - (Early) Mission ends, Sakura Pregnant, (Week later) SasuSaku marriage told, Naruto moves teams, (Late) Failed visits, Observe NejiHina, KakaNaru talk.
January - (Early) Kakashi makes a lie, NejiHina told to be false. (Mid) Sakura tries visiting. (Week later) last failed visit.
February - (Early) Questions of father stop, (Mid) Sakura's baby's sex, Sasu rapes Naru, Naru moves. (Late) Meets Sakura, Stops training.
March - (Mid) Finds Itachi, Saves Itachi, finds Itachi's curse seal, InoSaku talk, Stag do (interrogation), SasuSaku wedding
August - (Early) Naru's due date.
September - (Early) Sakura's due date.
In order of occurrences (bold is this chapter), tell me if I've missed anything and I'll add more as it's revealed.