"If you're looking for Sasuke he's not here." Naruto grunted. He stood glaring at Itachi, expecting nothing more than a battle. Of course, Naruto knew Itachi wasn't here for Sasuke. He had no reason to seek out his little brother. Rather, it was Sasuke who sought Itachi, primarily for vengeance against his clan. So the only explanation that Naruto could come up with was that Itachi was after the Jinchūriki- him. However, the atmosphere was different this time around, Naruto noticed as he observed the lone Uchiha from the distance.

Itachi was not in battle-ready formation. He just stood there, gazing at Naruto as if he were having a friendly conversation amongst friends. His body was lax, his eyes remained black. That wasn't like the elder Uchiha. Although he was normally the silent type, Itachi hadn't said anything besides 'Naruto Uzumaki.' His cloak and ring were missing also. It wasn't like the Akatsuki to disband their symbol and pride of their organization.

Something was up with this setting. Was this a new battle strategy to catch him off guard? Not a chance that would happen. Naruto tightened his fists, remaining fully alert and aware of his surroundings.

"What are you after?" Naruto demanded.

Itachi remained lax against the harshness of Naruto's tone. Not much frightened Itachi, especially not the nine-tails Jinchūriki. He wouldn't fight Naruto, not any more. He swore to it.

From what Itachi could tell without the use of his sharingan, there was nobody else around for quite a distance. That was good. Itachi didn't need an unnecessary battle to break out right now. He had things he needed to figure out, a future to plan for. Hinata's gentle smile came into his mind's eye and there was a fluttering in his stomach. She had the most precious smile that wrapped around your heart. If Itachi wanted to keep seeing that beautiful smile he had to prevent any conflicts from occurring. Well, it seemed the trouble was finding him this time.

Itachi raised his hands in a non-threatening gesture, palms outward. Naruto didn't budge from his stance, not believing this act of 'niceness' for a second.

"I do not want to cause you any trouble, Uzumaki Naruto." Itachi had never uttered those words in the same sentence before. He couldn't believe he was attempting to play nice with the Leaf Village's Jinchūriki. He chuckled inwardly. What a turn of events. But if he couldn't believe it, could Naruto believe it?

He could only hope.

"Yeah, right. And you really didn't slaughter your entire clan and leave Sasuke all alone without any family. Give me a break, Itachi. You're nothing but scum." Naruto spat the word as if it were poison on his tongue. Itachi saw how Naruto perceived him, the worst kind of human being out there. Naruto grew up alone and without a family, so he understood what it felt like to be left alone, without any family. Itachi understood why Naruto attached himself to Sasuke, not only as his rival but also as his best friend, whether Sasuke admitted to it or not.

"Sasuke was never alone."

"What do you mean he wasn't alone? His parents were killed right in front of him and his only brother, the brother he looked up to. How do you call that not being alone?" Naruto was shouting, his blood coming to a boil. Itachi watched him, eyes unblinking.

"He had you, Naruto. You were, ARE his family. More than I could ever be. I gave up my position as brother and you fulfilled it."

Naruto seemed to be digesting this because he didn't say anything for several minutes. It was true; Naruto did fill that gap that Itachi left behind. But how good did it do? Sasuke was filled with hatred, no thanks to Itachi, and he was still out for revenge. But at least he had someone like Naruto to fight for him and want him to be happy, even though they were rivals.

When Naruto spoke his voice came out in a whisper. "Sasuke needed his older brother, he needed you. I was just in his way, trying to get one step ahead of him…I wasn't the brother he was looking for."

Itachi's reply was quick and ready,"Is that not what brothers do? Try to outshine the other and be stronger than the other? You were there for Sasuke while I merely watched from the shadows, provoked him. Yet he still seeks to rip my heart out."

"Why wouldn't he?" Naruto spat, his disdain showing on his face, "I'd be pissed at you, too, if you murdered my entire clan."

Itachi smiled at this. "Of course. I would, too."

"So what is it you want? What did you come to the Leaf Village for?"

The truth? "I wanted to die where I was born."

Naruto took a step back, shock and confusion written across his face. At first, Itachi couldn't understand why he was here at the village. He just came here when he was on the verge of dying. But, he realized that the only place he wanted to die and buried at was his home. He wanted to be with the rest of his family when it was his time. Maybe he didn't even deserve to share a space with the other Uchiha. He was the outsider after all.

"What-What do you mean?" Naruto inquired.

"I was almost dead. It is a long story, one I do not wish to go into right now, but I was attacked and on the verge of death. I thought I would die, alone here in the forest, but then an angel found me and nursed me back to health. I owe her my life after that." Itachi had his eyes closed, picturing the angel known as Hinata.

"Wait a minute. Just hold on a second. You were attacked? By who? And what angel? There's angels flying around? How come one never saved me when I was in trouble?"

Itachi was surprised at Naruto's sudden rambling. Such a child, Itachi thought with amusement. He didn't understand what Itachi was talking about, not one bit. He must have never been in love before.

"The details are for a time that is not today. The important thing is that I am not here to start a war. I just-"

His words cut off as his entire body became stiff. Itachi's muscles became restricted and were being controlled by a second party. He attempted to move his head to find the jutsu-user but he found only his eyes could move. The wielder was out of his sight-range and so he could only stare at Naruto, who looked as equally confused.

"We got him, Naruto. Thanks for the distraction."

Distraction?

Coming into Itachi's peripherals was the shadow-jutsu user, Nara Shikamaru. How could Itachi be so foolish as to let himself be shadow casted? Fuck. This was not good. Itachi was so blinded by his own peace that he didn't realize Naruto may have been bullshitting him the entire time. FUCK!

"Lady Hokage will be glad to have a member of the Akatsuki under her supervision." Said Shikamaru, grinning with the pride of their simple victory.

Itachi said nothing as they went straight to the cells where criminals and prisoners were kept. That's what he was. A criminal. As they bound him in chakra-vanquishing ropes, Itachi thought he saw a glimpse of regret in Naruto's gaze. Did his words really get to Naruto? He doubted it, because if they did, Itachi probably wouldn't be sitting in this cell right now.

A/N: Hi all! I know it's been infinity since I updated this story. I got a job that's five days a week, 8 hours a day, plus online classes, so I'm a bit exhausted all the time XD However, I found new motivation to try and finish this series because I just love HINATA AND ITACHI AS A COUPLE SO MUCH! Argh! Anyway, here's another chapter, I hope you like it and are still interested. Let me know please! I love you guys!

xoxo