Serendipity
Thirty-One
Since he found out that he had a son, Menma had a lot in his mind. So much that it was spilling over and had to tell someone.
It couldn't be just anyone.
He was hesitant in approaching his brother over what was bothering him, but there was no one else that he could think of when it came to his newest issue.
"Hey Naruto, can we talk," Menma stopped Naruto before he could retire for the night. The blond was eager to get back to his wife, worried about her. He paused, surprised that Menma wasn't glaring or spitting fire at him.
He genuinely looked like he wanted to talk with him.
"Sure, what do you want to talk about?" Naruto blinked, curious. He couldn't remember the last time that his brother had cared to share anything with him. Not since he had placed the ultimatum that he choose, either him or Kyuubi to be his brother and he couldn't choose them both. Naruto had refused it, telling him that he'd never choose. Thus, it led to both standing at odd ends where they either didn't talk or if they did it was to be mean and nasty to each other.
Menma lowered his head. He felt weird talking to Naruto like this. "Let's talk in the living room," he suggested.
Naruto nodded and led the way.
Menma took a deep breath as he prepared himself for what he wanted to say.
He wasn't the kind to rely on other for help, not even his family. He hadn't bothered to come to Naruto over the trouble he was facing with his company. In fact, that was the least of Menma's worries. He had a great team and they would get things back on track. No, his business nor his life were things he ever needed advice in.
This was different.
He just couldn't get the image of his son- Fuck he had a son- out of his head. The fact that he had a hybrid son out there, alive and hating him should be reason enough to want to get rid of him.
And yet Menma didn't want to locate and kill him.
That feeling bothered him.
He should want such a stain dead.
He should want to get rid of that child, so no one ever knows that mistake.
Instead...
He wanted to get to know his son and try to amend things. He knew he could never go back on what he had done, but at the very least- perhaps he could let his son have a father and that in itself was crazy.
He wanted to be a father.
Menma had never been able to accept Kurama for being half creature, so why would he want to do that with his son. Yet the feeling was there. What he had thought he'd lost completely wasn't all gone. He still had a son and he desperately wanted to apologize and try to be a family.
"I...this isn't' easy. What I am about to say." He started after a moment of Naruto staring at him, patiently and eagerly. His brother wasn't one known for his patience, but he did have a grand compassion that allowed him that moment of respite when necessary. "You see, I..."
Confessing everything to Naruto was like a weight lifted from him. He told him about his past love, who she was, and how he had killed her. It felt like an evil confession spilling from the depths of his soul, through his teeth.
"No... how could you..." Naruto expressed incredulous anger easily. Menma took a gulp of air, looking away from his righteous brother. The blond proceeded to scream at him- called him names and things that Menma felt he deserved- and then agreed to help him for the sake of his child.
"So..." Menma was shocked. After the initial anger and the pacing his blond brother had done, he hadn't expected help.
"I said I'll help you. Look, I don't understand why you did what you did but I know you had your reasons. I might not agree with you but if you truly want to care for your son…that I can agree to." Naruto said, throwing his arms around his brother. "We will tell mom and dad and conduct a search for your son. You won't have to do this alone, for your sake and your son's," Naruto softly said while hugging him.
Menma hadn't noticed when he had started crying but tears were spilling from his eyes. He couldn't even remember the last time he cried as much as he did in that moment. He didn't feel like he should be forgiven for his actions. A part of him felt like he needed to face a punishment bigger than the one his son had intended for him.
Silly child.
He was probably out there still mad, hating him, and he was willing to take the brunt of it all. If there was anyone who knew what kind of punishment he needed to face for his actions, it would be his son. There was no law against killing a creature.
That was going to have to change.
"Thank you, brother," he whispered once he felt better.
"Hey, what is family for,"
"I don't know," Menma shrugged, and then scrubbed his tears away, "Let's continue talking about this tomorrow, you should go check in on Hinata. She looked devastated after she learned that Amaru tried to poison her,"
"Yeah, I should." Naruto nodded in agreement. "But are you going to be okay,"
"Fine," Menma nodded, "I'll be fine,"
"Okay," Naruto bid his brother a goodnight and went to check on his wife. Menma lingered a bit longer before going back to his room. The room he hadn't been to in a while and remorse turned in his belly the second he came in.
The reminder of everything he had done in the past that he was starting to regret, now stared back at him. With determination, he decided it was time to clean out his room.
He wasn't sleeping tonight.
"Did you idiots collect the damned Uchiha," Danzo barked.
"No sir, sorry sir," His men cowered in fear. Their gazes downcast as not to meet Danzo's piercing glare.
"AAARRGGGHHH" Danzo screamed, slamming his hands down on his desk.
These idiots.
Why did he even keep them around? He would have personally collected the Uchiha but he'd been too busy escaping and getting himself to safety to do that. To think that his men weren't yet smart enough to do their job and get at least this right.
Danzo gritted his teeth.
Damn it.
He really wanted Uchiha Itachi's eyes. He'd never seen an Uchiha with such clear and sinister eyes. The wonders that they still hid were a mystery he wanted to own.
He knew all about the Uchiha and their ocular prowess. After years of research, he'd perfected just the thing that would knock any of them out. He smirked. Such a vulnerable trigger they had but their eyes learned and soon that trick wouldn't work on Itachi. His time was limited. He had no idea how fast Itachi's eyes could be a second time might not work on him.
"Find out what hospital he gets admitted to and report to me. I want to personally visit him." Danzo commanded.
"Yes sir," His mem dispersed, eager to be the first to locate the wanted weasel.
Danzo sighed, willing himself to calm down. No matter the first time it took a few days for the Uchiha to wake up again, the eye would be busy trying to understand what had happened. Busy learning to prevent another shut down.
Itachi's friends will be nervous when he doesn't immediately wake up. Scared for their comrade and once they admit him to a hospital, then Danzo would have access to him. He had a few personnel that could slip into hospitals, and they would be ready for him to get his precious eyes.
They won't see it coming.
At the shock of the sudden explosion, Kisame had made his way over to it.
The criminals that had been caught along with Dokan had been knocked unconscious and placed under arrest in special cages. The reinforcement team was called in to ensure that their transportation to the holding cells would go smoothly. As usual, once initially capturing the culprits they were handed to the local authorities. Officer Hayate would take it from there and report to his head chief and Pain to discuss what would happen next.
One way or another, these demons will be punished for their illigal trafficking.
Their mission was practically finished, except for one key component that Itachi had decided to pursue on his own. Deidara and Sasori were helping load the criminals when Kisame couldn't help but think that his partner could currently be facing some sort of trouble and he had to go and help.
"Guys, I'm going to go check on Itachi," Kisame waved to Deidara and Sasori who gave him the go ahead. They too will have to report in soon.
Kisame ran towards the warehouse he had seen Itachi enter, when suddenly there was a loud explosion. The bright light and impact of it shook the ground he stood on. His eyes widened in fear when he looked back up and the warehouse was now demolished.
"Itachi!" he called out, jumping up through the fiery remains. He waved his arm up to douse the flames in a torrent of water. Once at the other side, he was met with a large cloud of dust. He covered his nose with his sleeve, and eyes narrowed.
He didn't spot Itachi right away, but he caught sight of Danzo's men scurrying about, looking for something. Panic painted their faces when they saw him and ran the other way.
"Aargh!" Kisame drew Samehada and sent a sharp gust of wind at the scavengers. The men flew back, harshly, and were wounded with gashes on their bellies.
"Retreat!" they yelled. Like the cockroaches that they were, they were running towards their getaway vehicles. Kisame ran after, gritting his teeth when they easily got away. There was no sight of Danzo, and he still couldn't see Itachi.
It wasn't until the air cleared that he finally saw him. Itachi was on the floor, unmoving.
"Fuck, Itachi, are you okay!?" KIsame called, jogging his way over to the fallen Uchiha.
He looked around, noticing red splotches of surface wounds littering the pale skin of Itachi's body. A nasty shot wound to the stomach and a line of blood from his lips and the corners of his eyes. Making sure that the area was clear, Kisame leaned in to check on Itachi. The man was breathing, steady. He tapped his shoulder and called his name, but there was no response. Cursing under his breath, he wondered how Itachi ended in this state before leaning in to pick him up and throw him over his shoulder.
He needed to get Itachi help.
Running back to the others, he told them it was time to go. He rushed them towards the jeep. Deidara and Sasori didn't hesitate, their eyes locked on the strange sight of Itachi hanging over Kisame's shoulder.
"What happened to him?" Deidara asked, concern etched on his face.
"Don't know, let's strep him down and get him to Pain and Konan." Kisame said.
Sasori moved to catch Itachi in his arms when Kisame started to place him down. Deidara opened the backseat and climbed in, ready to assist Sasori when he placed Itachi inside.
He briefly checked him but found no rhyme or reason for Itachi's sudden condition. He had some nasty wounds but nothing that would explain why he was out cold. The blond then reached for the seat belt in order to strap Itachi safely down. He tilted his head, hoping that Itachi would just open his eyes and say an irritating remark to piss him off.
"I'll call in," Sasori climbed in next, sandwiching Itachi between them. His eyes roved over the clammy pale state that Itachi was in. Something was wrong. He and Deidara locked eyes, feeling hopeless.
Itachi wasn't the kind of demon that could easily be knocked out, not even with an explosion. Judging by the rapid eye movement happening under his eyelids, Itachi was processing something. A demon in that state could have been injected with something. Or worse, drugged in some form. He let Pain know everything that he noticed about Itachi's condition and when he had his instructions, hung up.
"Pain and Konan want Itachi to go see our private doctor." Sasori said. "They said to meet them at our workplace."
"Got it," Kisame nodded, making his way back to their headquarters.
"Are you sure you're going to be, okay?" Neji asked as he watched their staff scramble about preparing the private jet for Hanabi's departure. She turned sharply to him and crossed her arms, jostling the bag that she didn't know a certain kitten was hiding in.
"Of course," she stated. "Why wouldn't I be, okay?"
"Just saying. That old man should have gone himself instead of sending someone lacking experience like you," Neji remarked with a scoff.
Hanabi rolled her eyes.
"What do you mean lacking experience, or have you forgotten that I've been conducting big meetings and most of the company now that father is thinking of retiring," Hanabi shot back.
"I just don't think that you are ready to deal with something like this. You are about to talk to some shifty company about what they do and offer to fund them on top of that," Neji crossed his arms, "I don't trust them,"
"Neji, you well know that there aren't many companies advocating for the safety of all, not just demons or humans," Hanabi gave her cousin a pleading look, "You can't be suspicious of everyone and besides, I'm a good judge of character, I will immediately know if they are bad news."
"And if they are and you end up in a dire situation," Neji gave her a look that showed all his concern.
"Hey, I'm not going completely alone, I have my security guards with me," She jabbed a thumb over to the five burly men carrying her bags into the Jet.
"That's reassuring," Neji commented dryly and Hanabi laughed.
"Calm down cousin," Hanabi dropped her mirth for a more serious tone, "Besides, if Akatsuki is not what they claim be then they will become one of the first companies that brother Naruto will have to irradiate," She smiled once more, "Well, time for me to go,"
Neji swallowed hard. He hadn't realized how scary Hanabi had gotten.
"Lady Hanabi," the guards bowed as she passed them by and onto the jet.
"Have a safe flight," Neji whispered, watching her. Hanabi was so different from Hinata. Her confidence and the way that she conducted things around her was amazing. She was going to be alright, and yet, he couldn't help but worry.
She was their youngest and she was already taking on the world.
Neji stood there, worrying all the way even when he could no longer see the private Jet in the sky.
Sasuke groaned when the bag he was in was dropped on the floor. Hanabi took her seat and immediately went to command that her staff get her drinks and food. She was hungry even after the party.
It hadn't taken as long as Sasuke thought it would. Taking a deep breath, he tried to relax where he was, but instead he found himself restless. His chest was hurting and something felt wrong. His entire being felt cold and empty in a way it hadn't before.
Like he'd suddenly been dipped into a dark, soundless, abyss and it scared him. Dread crept up his spine, but he chalked it up to this being his first time flying on a jet.
For the rest of the flight Sasuke didn't notice the way that tears sprung to his eyes. Nor the way that his tiny kitty claws would dig into the fabric under them, destroying it. Like he was having some form of anxiety attack, he remained stark still and barely able to catch his breath.
He tried to blame it on the flight, on being in a stupid luggage bag, but above all he couldn't fathom the loss he felt.
The only thing that kept him grounded was that he constantly reminded himself that he would be seeing Itachi soon. That in a matter of hours he would be back within Itachi's reach. He'd be able to see, hold him, and hear him.
Soon.
"How is he?" Pain asked.
The night was waning into the morning now and Itachi had yet to wake up. Kakuzu and Zetsu, their personal and trained medics had already ruled out any kind of drugs or poisoning. Despite a few broken bones, a gunshot to the stomach, and burns, Itachi should be alright. Once treated, the small wounds would heal quickly.
"He's doing well," Kakuzu said, slight confusion as he looked at the analysis of Itachi's brain waves. The results showed an abnormal amount of activity happening in Itachi's mind. Many would chalk it up to him dreaming, but that was not exactly what the result pointed to. No, something else was going on.
"We've concluded that Itachi will be alright in a few days, maybe hours, but" Zetsu prided open Itachi's eyes to show the rapid eye movement happening. It wasn't even normal REM of sleep, but more like his eye was seeking something. The Wheel in the center kept splitting into several tomoe before fusing again and spinning. "This is freaky,"
"That is strange," Pain conceded.
Zetsu closed Itachi's eyes again, "If anything it's like his eyes are taking in information and trying to figure something out," It made no sense. Not with a demon like Itachi to say the least, but if Itachi was processing something all they could do was wait.
"This makes me think that what Danzo has done is for a reason, did he perhaps expect for Itachi to go to a hospital for this?" Konan wondered.
"What do you mean?" Pain looked at his wife with confusion, and he wasn't the only one.
Konan looked at them and then shook her head. She crossed her arms over her ever-growing belly, "After you mentioned that Itachi had gotten information on Danzo's dealings and how he'd corrupted an orphanage, I started to think just what else could that man think of," Konan shuddered in disgust at the thought, "He'd need people of all kinds if he is in the market for selling top tier."
The others bristled, "Well, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for medical personnel to be corrupt," Pain said.
That was one of the reasons why they had thought ahead when they decided a few of them would educate themselves and get a degree in the medical field. Besides having to deal with creatures and injuries, Itachi had also been one of their concerns. When he'd decided to join them, they worried about how they would care for him.
Itachi came from a prestigious family of demons that spawned fiery warriors, and only every hundred years or so gained a new leader. A patriarch to their family. For the Uchiha, the current head Patriarch that oversaw their family was Fugaku, Itachi's father. For the head to spawn whom they considered to be their next leader was expected and welcomed.
Truly, losing Itachi was a big hit on the Uchiha, who were worried that they might have to name someone else as the patriarch.
No- That wouldn't do.
No one could take care of their next leader better than Uchiha, but Pain had wanted to prove them wrong.
Pain and the others knew that Itachi had to be protected because he was a demon with a unique bloodline. Not in the sense of blood, but in the fact that Itachi had rare abilities gained to him because of his genes. Because of his family who coveted him so dearly.
Special eyes, special attributes, Itachi held some precious myths of the world in the palm of his hand.
"Danzo doesn't only collect creature parts, he also collects demon parts," Konan added. "Someone like Itachi would carry a high caliber in his books."
To Danzo, Itachi was something to be sold.
A high price tag.
If there was a market for it, then there was a peddler for that.
Taking a deep breath, Pain moved to comfort her. He rubbed her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her cheek. He decided to not tell her, but he already had in mind to have the hospitals checked for anyone searching for an Uchiha. He would do it when she wasn't listening and send a discreet team.
"Don't worry, we won't let anything happen to one of us," Pain assured. "Itachi will safely stay here and recover as needed. I'm sure Kisame, Deidara, and Sasori will be worried when they hear the news, but for now, this is all we can do,"
"Hey, now. Itachi will pull through," Zetsu chirped in, trying to lighten the situation. "The kid is stubborn, this isn't going to bring Itachi down."
They all smiled, knowing that it was true. Despite Itachi being the silent, calm, kind, serious shadow of their group, he was just as stubborn and determined when in the face of danger.
They decided that they would each take turns taking care of Itachi.
Neither of them were willing to leave his side for too long in case his condition changed for the worse. That is how it was when the person in dire need was someone, they considered family. To them, Itachi was their family.
Hidan took the first shift, while the others headed upstairs to work. Pain and Konan made the heavy decision to inform Itachi's parents of his current condition. Fugaku had thanked them for letting them know, but Mikoto insisted that she needed to see her son.
Konan had to be harsh and told her that Itachi was no more ready to see her than he had been five years ago. Fugaku apologized while holding his crying wife. Konan assured him he didn't have to. She understood Mikoto's pain. There was no mistaking it, Mikoto missed Itachi and regretted her actions terribly. She just wanted a chance to talk to him once more and make things right.
What hurt more was that she too had been seeking Kitty, as hard as she was sure Itachi had and still hadn't found a lead to him.
What they could promise was to let them know when Itachi would be better. They also asked about any information they might know about the condition Itachi was facing. When they mentioned Danzo's name, Fugaku was quick to divulge information that was helpful to them.
"Sir, we've checked all the hospitals in the area and no one by the name Uchiha Itachi has been checked in," Danzo's men reported.
Danzo frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "Have all the rooms checked. They might be smart and have checked him in under an alias," he said.
"Yes sir!" His men left to do as he said.
Danzo looked out the window of his office and smirked. He hadn't truly expected that getting his hands on Itachi would be easy, albeit it was a bit annoying. Half the fun was the thrill of the hunt, and sooner or later, he will get his hands on the Uchiha.
It was just a matter of time.
When Konan and Pain returned that evening, they found that Hidan had placed strange relics all around Itachi's bed and was in the middle of chanting his strange prayers.
"What's going on?" Pain asked.
Deidara, Kisame, and Sasori where there as well. They looked just as somber as they had when they had gotten scolded earlier. They felt guilty for letting something like this happen. At least one of them should have gone with Itachi as backup. Konan had tried to assure them that the blame wasn't all theirs. As their leader, Itachi had failed as well.
A fact hard to accept since Itachi was still unconscious.
"Hidan thinks that his prayers will guard Itachi's soul while he sleeps," Sasori said.
"I see," Pain muttered.
"Why don't you gentlemen head out for a bit and get us some take out," Konan suggested, secretly desperate to take one of the chairs. "Itachi's going to be fine." she assured them.
"Are you sure?" Deidara asked.
"Yes, now go. I'm hungry," She stated. "Get me lots of food, you guys know what I like,"
Kisame, Sasori, and Deidara knew better than to argue with the pregnant woman.
"Oh. I called Itachi's boyfriend to let him know," Kisame said before he stepped out. "He said he wanted to come see him, if that is okay."
"Oh," Konan and Pain were both surprised. They had completely forgotten that they might need to let Itachi's boyfriend know about his current condition. It still didn't seem real that Itachi suddenly had a boyfriend. Either that or it was because they didn't think he was suited for Itachi. That wasn't right of them, they needed to be more supportive.
"That's fine. He's welcome to check on Itachi," Konan said, taking a seat. She let out a breath of relief once she was off her feet.
"Okay," Kisame smiled with a nod.
"Please make sure that he is checked thoroughly before he's allowed in here," Pain commanded.
"Yes sir,"
Kisame sighed with disdain while Deidara and Sasori shot him looks. They thought they had made it clear not to let the boyfriend know. It would worry him needlessly. They didn't need that.
"Oh, come on, like you guys wouldn't want to know if your loved one was doing alright or not," Kisame shot them a withering look, "Besides, I lied. I haven't called him. I wanted to see what Pain and Konan would say," Kisame said, waving Itachi's phone at his friends.
Deidara and Sasori dropped their glares.
"I suppose I would want to know if something had happened to Sasori," Deidara mumbled, wrapping his arms around one of Sasori's. The sentiment was returned. Sasori would want to know if his beloved Deidara was hurt.
"So, its okay?" Kisame asked.
"Go for it," Sasori sighed.
"Isn't it weird that Saisu hasn't called at all to check in on Itachi, though?" Deidara asked, "That husband of yours, Suigetsu, has called you and even came to see you the moment we got back,"
"Well, we are married, our relationship is different." Kisame said, while fiddling with Itachi's phone. The device was a bit outdated since in the last five years Itachi hadn't changed phones. The poor thing was on its last legs with the cracked screen, chipped paint job, and lack of memory. Kisame sighed with frustration at all the saved numbers under 'Potential lead to KItty'. Even now, despite not showing it, Itachi was still obsessed with that cat of his.
"Where did Suigetsu go?" Sasori asked. Now that he thought about it, the last time he saw Suigetsu fussing about Kisame was a few hours ago.
"I told him to go home and rest. He's got to report to work in a few hours and besides, I should be home soon," Kisame explained. "Honestly the real injured one is Itachi- fuck," Kisame started to click the buttons of the phone hard, "Even the keys on this thing are done for,"
"I still can't believe that he refuses to upgrade his phone just because he thinks he would lose sight of Kitty if he does," Deidara rolled his eyes. They had explained to Itachi that just because he changed phones didn't mean that he would change phone numbers. Of course, Itachi's concern all along had been that what if in the time it took to activate the new phone he got a call that would finally be a lead to Kitty and he missed it.
They had thought about getting him a new phone behind his back, but Pain and Konan had intervened and told them to mind their own business. This is how Itachi was coping and they weren't going to let them jeopardize his progress.
Not that it was much progress.
At first, they thought Itachi had just returned to his quiet and out of the way self, but that was far from the truth. Itachi wanted to ignore the whole world that he threw himself excessively into his work, no matter how menial it was. It was almost as if he had forgotten how to function like a normal human being and disregarded his own health.
If his lack of personality was shit before, it was even more now.
"How do you spell that guy's name?" Kisame asked.
"Saisu, so I guess how it sounds," Sasori said.
"Real helpful, because it's not here," Kisame gritted his teeth. It wasn't until they returned with food for everyone that Kisame finally found Itachi's boyfriend's number. Not that it made sense as to why Itachi would name his boyfriend's number Shit. It was also the only functioning number besides the gangs.
"Found it," Kisame cheered when the call went through.
"Cool, we'll go in first." Sasori motioned for Deidara to enter the room first, and received a flirty smile for his efforts. The blond was balancing several bags full of food. Sasori had a few as well, but managed to take Kisame's bags so that their friends would be able to start eating.
"ITACHI! It's about damned time that you called me, do you know how long it has been since I heard from you?" Saisu answered the phone.
"Hey Saisu," Kisame greeted. "Sorry, this isn't Itachi,"
"Oh...why do you have his phone?" Saisu's tone didn't change from the annoyed one he had adopted from the start, "Who are you?"
"I'm Kisame, Itachi's fr-"
"Are you some bitch Itachi's cheating on me with?" Saisu cut Kisame off. "Because if you are, I will kill you. Itachi is mine,"
Kisame gaped, shocked. He would have thought that Saisu would remember Itachi's friends, but that didn't seem to be the case.
"No... I'm his friend," Kisame slowly said, getting annoyed with Saisu.
"Really, put Itachi on the line. I want to talk to him," Saisu said. "Just to be sure."
"No can do, that's why I called,"
"What..."
"Hold on," Kisame cut Saisu off this time. "I just called to let you know that Itachi's been hurt in our latest mission, that's all,"
Saisu went silent on the line before he asked, "Nothing of his got disfigured, did it?" the man finally asked. "His body is still intact?"
Kisame felt confused at the question. "Huh... he's fine,"
"Oh good," Saisu breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good to hear,"
Kisame waited for more but when it didn't come, he asked, "Would you like to come and make sure that he's alright?"
Saisu made a humming sound like he was thinking about it. "I'm kind of busy at the moment," he said, "Just have Itachi reach out to me once he's fully recovered. I don't get why he does a job like this, if anything I think he should quit and come do an easier job here. I know, I can get my dad to give him a job," Saisu giggled, "Let Itachi know that I am putting a word in for him, bye,"
"What..." Kisame stared at the phone with wide eyes. He started to feel anger bubble up in his chest as his disbelief hit him. How did this guy not even care to know what was wrong with his boyfriend?
What would he have said if he told him that Itachi had been disfigured?
Annoyed, Kisame entered the room and ranted off to his friends about what had just happened.
"So, he isn't coming," Konan stated, just to be sure. It was a stupid thing to repeat, after what she heard, but that was how much in disbelief she was.
"No," Kisame huffed.
"I don't like that guy." Deidara angrily screamed, "Why is Itachi dating that loser!"
"Damn if we know, their whole relationship has been fishy from the beginning." Kisame mumbled around the food in his mouth.
"Swallow jerk," Deidara glared at him, disgusted at the crumbs of food flying from the shark demon's mouth.
"I've done some research on him, and I can't figure it out either," Pain admitted. Itachi and Saisu were completely different from each other. Not in the way that would enrich a relationship, but in the sence that Saisu stood for everything Itachi didn't. IF they were slotted into a dating app, or something, they wouldn't ever match.
"Maybe he's just got a good ass," Kakuzu crudely said while Hidan agreed next to him.
"You know how it is, when you find a piece of ass so good, you just kind of date them because of that," Hidan said.
"I've done that plenty," Zetsu laughed, "I mean it would be fine if that is all it is. Itachi's a high-strung guy, maybe he just needed to release a little,"
"I don't see Itachi as the kind of guy that has flings," Kisame defended, "He's been raised by a family that values their mates. Itachi would seek a relationship for the long term, not something that is easily thrown away,"
"I have to agree," Pain nodded at Kisame's words, "Itachi's family has a blood limit that is well protected and not just anyone can be carelessly chosen to help him carry that," as he said that a message dropped in his phone. "Speaking of which,"
"Well you don't have sex escapades to reproduce, so," Zetsu muttered under his breath but was ignored.
"What's going on?" Deidara asked when Pain opened the message with a smirk.
"We called Itachi's parents earlier to let them know what had happened. Fugaku and the others have faced problems with Danzo in the past and said that they knew a way to quickly help Itachi," Konan explained.
"The message says that we have to get Itachi to watch the attached video." Pain said.
"How are we supposed to do that when Itachi is unconscious," Deidara tilted his head, eyes narrowed as he clearly thought it would be impossible to do.
"Well, that doesn't matter." Zetsu said, "We just have to open his eyes and he will be watching. He should kind of be there."
"Really?" Kisame and Deidara were in disbelief.
"Sasori, would you assist us?" Kakuzu asked, standing up to prepare what he had in mind.
The red haired blinked, surprised "Oh sure,"
After a few minutes, they had their set up. Sasori was a puppet master, making him skilled with strings. While they would have used a different set up to pry Itachi's eyes open, this was less of a hassle and a lot faster. Kisame and Kakuzu sat Itachi up and supported him through the process.
When Kakuzu gave the signal, Sasori gently pried Itachi's eyes open. They had been instructed not to look at the video or at Itachi, unless they wanted to lose their minds. Looking into Uchiha's eyes was dangerous, and Itachi's father was as deadly as they came. Pain stood steady, ensuring that the phone screen was in line with Itachi's sight.
"Okay, I am starting the video now," Pain warned. Everyone scrunched their eyes shut hard.
The video description said that it had Fugaku's eyes recorded, glowing with the Sharingan. None of them knew what the video showed except that Fugaku said it would be his Sharingan. It had made them hesitate, scared of what suggestions the video could have. There was no doubt the Uchiha wanted Itachi back, but they had to trust that this wasn't going to force Itachi to do anything against his will.
"What's going on?" Itachi suddenly asked. The video had gone dark and Itachi who'd been trapped in his own head for a while now, finally managed to come back. He sat still, slowly feeling his fingers, sensing that something was holding his eyes opened, he dared not move so suddenly.
Sasori released the strings, gently releasing Itachi;'s eyes.
The man blinked before pressing his hands into his eyes with a slight hiss.
"How are you feeling?" Pain asked. Konan walked over to Itachi, grabbing his hands to stop him from scrubbing at his eyes too much. It wasn't good for him. She gently squeezed them when he tried to pull away.
Itachi blinked a few more times before focusing his eyes on the floor. He had a stubborn look on his face that said he was thinking about what had happened. Finally, he muttered, "I'm fine."
They all sighed in relief.
"Itachi!" Kisame was the first to run to the raven-haired demon and squeezing him into a vice like hug. Everyone else, not wanting to feel left out, decided to get in there and make it a nice group hug.
"We thought we lost you kid!" Hidan said.
"Hey, I told you he'd be okay," Zetsu boasted.
"You guys are crushing me!" Itachi complained. With that, everyone let him go but not before getting a good look at him.
Itachi looked around. He knew that he had been in his head for a while. He had known the world he was in but he had no sense of how much time had passed. He couldn't even be sure of what had happened after the explosion hit.
"Did you catch Danzo?"
"Sorry Itachi, he got away," Kisame said.
Itachi gritted his teeth, knowing that this was all his fault. He still wasn't sure what had happened, but judging by how Pain and Konan were standing over him, he was about to get scolded over it.
He wasn't wrong.
Everyone had gone back home for the night, at the request of Itachi.
The only two that stuck around were Kakuzu and Zetsu, who refused to leave. They wanted to monitor Itachi for a few more hours before they released him. Itachi understood their worry, so he let them do what they felt was needed.
Besides, his mind was all over the place. He kept thinking back to that moment when he was battling Danzo. He'd been so close to capturing the man. He had him cornered, and yet. Itachi gritted his teeth.
He couldn't help but blame himself for letting Danzo get away. The man was a huge threat to the world, and he was still out there, free.
If he ever got his chance, Itachi was going to catch him and bring him to justice.
Really though, he got lucky. Pain and Konan had threatened to never let him out on the field again before taking it back. They hadn't wanted to be that cruel, but they had told him that he, Kisame, Sasori, and Deidara would have to go back to the basics and attend training.
Apparently, they needed it.
Itachi groaned, pressing a hand to his aching head. Tomorrow he was expected to attend an important meeting with a powerful client they had been waiting for. She had come in sometime today and would be meeting with them tomorrow evening for a meeting and dinner. After that, he would spend the next few months under retraining. He wasn't looking forward to any of it, he just wanted to disappear from the world.
Hanabi hummed to herself as she her security escorted her to her room. She was finally landed in Konoha after flying for hours and she was tired. She wanted to check out her room. She was looking forward to a nice hot shower and some sleep.
"We're here," Her head security guard said. Hanabi smiled at him. The man took his time to open the door and inspect that the room was clear of any threat. Not that it was needed. She had already checked that no one or anything dangerous was waiting in her room. Lastly, her bags were placed in her room and she was bid a goodnight. She thanked her guards and told them to take some time to themselves.
She already knew that most would be on edge, keeping an eye on her closed door, but she couldn't care.
The moment she was alone, the door locked, she dropped her bag and stretched her aching limbs. It felt so good to be back on solid ground. Hanabi placed her phone on 'do not disturb', collected some of her clothes from the luggage that had been left by the door and headed to the bathroom.
Sasuke groaned softly when the bag hit the floor. He waited until he heard the shower going before crawling out of Hanabi's bag. It was a hard task since he had to get the zipper open, but he gulped in air when he was free. She was so cruel to the poor thing and in turn to Sasuke. At some point he believed that Hanabi knew he was there and was making sure to hurt him.
He shook his head and made sure to close the bag up again.
Sasuke still wasn't feeling all that well. There was a sick feeling in the pit of his belly that made him feel overwhelmingly worried. Had something bad happened and he was having feeling about. He stretched his cat limbs before making his way to a window. He climbed up to the furniture and looked outside.
They were in Konoha, but it felt like a dream. Just a look around he could tell that they were in a hotel room, high on the top floor. So, it wasn't like he was going to be able to recognize anything from up there.
His nerves churned in his gut along with the sick feeling. Itachi, I'm here. I'm back. He thought. Despite everything else he was feeling, he was also excited. He wasn't yet sure what he would say or even do when he saw Itachi again.
Would Itachi remember him?
Should he go as kitty?
Or himself...
He knew he had already decided to leave things to the moment. See what would happen on its own. But if he went as himself, Itachi wouldn't know him. But maybe...it could be like in those romance novels? Sasuke's nails dug into the furniture, imagining how he and Itachi would see each other and lock eyes. Itachi would be mesmerized by him and think...it's fate.
Although they had met once before, Sasuke had been a child so no that didn't count. He was grown now, and so many told him he was beautiful. Would Itachi think the same?
In his imagination, Itachi would approach Sasuke and ask for his name. He would ask him out on a date and the two of them would have a great time. Itachi would have no doubts that they were meant to be...
Or maybe Itachi would be skittish, and Sasuke would have to be the one to approach him. That scenario seemed more plausible. Itachi would feel confused as to why he wouldn't be able to refuse such a beautiful man who would be asking for his help. Then he'd act possessive without reason...
Well, it didn't matter how it happened. Just as long as it ended with him in Itachi's embrace, warm and home, where he belonged.
Sasuke kept dreaming of all kinds of crazy scenarios, blushing and getting giddy about what could happen between him and Itachi. When he heard Hanabi getting ready to exit the bathroom, he decided to get ready for bed as well.
There was no chance for him to escape.
He was well aware that Hanabi had a bunch of security watching her and the room. He couldn't just walk out, not right now. Once she was gone, he would be able to. Instead, he snatched a thin blanket and rolled himself around it, under the bed. His kitty ears flickered, listening to Hanabi as she prepared to go to bed.
When finally, the room was silent, filled with the slow breaths of Hanabi sleeping, Sasuke glanced across the room, towards the door that kept him locked up like a prisoner. Time was ticking by so slowly and driving him crazy, waiting for the hours to pass. He was anxious to see Itachi again.
Calm Sasuke, patience. He reminded himself.
It was a few hours into the morning when Hinata realized that Ramen was missing.
Naruto and Menma who'd been preparing to talk with their parents were stopped when she ran into the living room, looking frantic.
"What's wrong Hinata?" Naruto asked her, concerned. He looked his wife over, ensuring that there was no harm done to her. He had only just left her for a few minutes, if someone dared to-
"Have any of you seen Ramen?" she asked. Her usual routine to shower him and dress Ramen up hadn't been able to happen because she couldn't find him. It reminded her of when she hadn't found him that other day and Ramen ended up being in danger.
"No..." Naruto frowned and turned to the others, his eyes asking if they had.
Menma shook his head.
"We haven't seen him," Minato answered for himself and Kushina who now had a thoughtful look on her face.
"We should check at the neighbor's house, he likes to hang out with those cats, right?" Kushina said. She already had a theory that Ramen perhaps had a crush on of those cats. It's too bad they were all boys, or they might get kittens.
"Right," Hinata agreed, ready to go get him back. "Yeah he probably escaped that way again,"
"Hinata wait," Naruto stopped her before she could go. "You should get properly dressed and then go. IT is going to start raining again soon," He reminded. Hinata's face went red as she realized that she was still in her pajamas.
"Right," She squeaked, running to her room first.
"I'll go help her," Kushina chuckled.
"Wait mom, we have something to say," Menma stopped her.
"What is it?" Kushina looked at her two sons with a raised eyebrow. It was odd to see both getting along. Not that she minded, but when this happened it meant that something bad had happened.
"Well..." Menma told them everything.
It was early evening the next day, it was time for her meeting with Akatsuki. Hanabi had spent the day in her room and even had a light lunch while preparing her contracts. She would never admit it, but she was nervous about the meeting with Akatsuki. Checking her clothes one final time and that she had everything she needed, Hanabi headed out.
When she reached the lobby of the hotel, she was greeted by two Akatsuki agents who introduced themselves as Hidan and Kakuzu.
"We hope that everything was up to your standards?" Hidan asked. They had booked the room for her in advance. They obviously wanted her to be comfortable during her stay.
"It was, thank you," Hanabi smiled at them. "Now, where is the meeting going to be held at?" She asked.
"It will be a short drive from here, we hope you don't mind us taking you there?" Kakuzu asked.
Hanabi shook her head. "Not at all," she said, feeling relieved that she wouldn't have to go around trying to guess what building belonged to the Akatsuki. The work district in Konoha was so dense with buildings that looked too like each other, she always wondered how they were able to tell them apart.
She was grateful when Kakuzu and Hidan explained to her how they could tell buildings apart. She was delighted to learn that the windows of the Akatsuki building were slightly tinted red instead of blue, like many other buildings. They were so easy to get along with that by the time they got to the meeting room, she felt like she was meeting up with old friends.
The ride there had truly been short. No more than two minutes. She was impressed by the accommodations they had. A large parking lot for employees, an welcoming lobby with a friendly receptionist.
The meeting room was intimidating. Around a large table, several demons were seated and waiting.
"Welcome to Akatsuki, I am Pain," The leader greeted, offering his hand to shake hers. "It is great to get to meet with you miss Hanabi."
"Likewise, it is great to be here," Hanabi said.
"Let me introduce you to the rest of my team, then we can get this meeting started," Pain said.
Hanabi agreed, looking forward to greeting all the new faces she was meeting.
Once Hanabi left the room, Sasuke crawled out from under the bed.
This was his chance.
He quickly transformed into his demon self and went to take a shower. He wanted to look good when he reunited with Itachi and that meant getting clean and dressing up. It wasn't until he was half way done with washing that he realize that he hadn't thought things through. He'd just impulsively decided he would come to Konoha, no matter what. Weighing his options, he decided he had no choice but to borrow something from Hanabi.
When he was done with his shower, he dried off and wearing only a towel, walked over to Hanabi's bags. The woman had packed so many clothes, that Sasuke hoped he would find something decent to wear.
It turned out to be harder then he expected it to be.
"This looks okay..." Sasuke muttered, looking himself in the mirror. "I think," He groaned softly.
He had already tried on several outfits, making a mess of Hanabi's bags before he settled for a cute, simple black romper that dipped low on the neckline. Like many of Hanabi's other clothes, her romper was also too short for him. It exposed a lot of his legs. Given, he was taller than her by a bit, but thankfully he wasn't the kind of guy that was super broad shouldered or anything. He was shorter than the average male, slender, and feminine. He often got mistaken for being female because of this and it irritated him. They told him that he was too pretty to be a boy, but whatever. At the end of the day, if Sasuke got his way, then it didn't matter what they thought.
He didn't want those kinds of situations to impede his search for Itachi.
All that mattered was what Itachi would think.
While living in Senju he'd learned to properly get around by reading maps and using GPS. Which was great since he currently had his cell phone. The romper he chose also had pockets, making it a useful outfit. He stuffed his cell phone and charger inside. Traveling in his demon form was already the most efficient and preferred form. As a cat he might get kicked or looked at funny. There would be people trying to capture him or point him out with an accusation of being a creature.
To finish the look, Sasuke pulled on a cropped jean jacket, and a pair of Ugg boots that Hanabi had received as a gift from who knows who. She had complained that the boots were too big on her but kept them to hang around the house. Hanabi had told Hinata that she kept them because they secretly made her feel small and cozy.
Sasuke was just glad she kept them because right now they fit fine, not perfect, but they would do. Hanabi was such a dainty woman, and her pointy heels were so small on top of uncomfortable. Short of going barefooted, this was his saving grace.
With a final check to his short, spiky raven hair and outfit, Sasuke walked out of the room. He locked the door and pretended that he was where he needed to be so no one would suspect him. Once he was outside of the motel, he looked around. It took him a moment to realize where he was.
The business district.
This was around Itachi's workplace.
He knew that because he'd always be hanging from Itachi's shoulder when it was his turn to pick up dinner. Itachi and Kisame would walk to the restaurant that was the teams favorite. The Akatsuki members always ordered from there. It was the only restaurant in the area that had a large selection of food that fit all their needs.
The business district was literally called that because it had several work buildings, with a variety of restaurants. Everything was within a fifteen minute walk or less. To get to Akatsuki, it shouldn't be much more than a five to ten minute walk. Sasuke tugged self-consciously at his shorts, pulling out his cell phone to check his current location, before turning left onto the slightly crowded pavement.
Crowds of men and women in business suits littered the area, making him feel out of place with his outfit.
Sasuke decided to ignore it and started to search for the Akatsuki building. Turning his cell phone upside down, he hoped he was heading the right way. He sometimes had trouble telling the left from the right when it was the cell phone trying to show him where to go. Not because he didn't know his right from his left, but the map could easily be orientated in the opposite direction, and in made him get turned around.
Not that it mattered, He might run in circles for a bit, but Sasuke had confidence that he would be able to distinguish the building he was looking for. If her remembered right, it was the only building with a tint of color in the windows only noticeable from the outside. With the sun already gone he was sure it would be looking even redder.
What he didn't notice was that he was being followed.
The meeting ended well.
Hanabi was happy to do business with Akatsuki and couldn't wait to report that they would be joining them in support of Naruto and his vision.
With papers in order and contracts fitted for review, their business was finished for the day.
"We will have dinner brought here, if you don't mind." Konan told her, handing her several menus. "Please feel free to choose what you like,"
"You eat in your meeting room?" Hanabi asked with surprise. Her father would never allow such a thing.
"We find that it helps keep our members, as well as our partners close." Pain said. "Besides, I think you will trust that this is the best decision,"
It was an odd thing to do, really. Honestly, they should want to take her out and show her the restaurants that their area offered, but at the same time, it wasn't exactly the best idea either, as she was told. Sadly, a lot of the other buildings had boisterous workers that would litter the restaurants at this hour.
They would get drunk and not act in the most cordial way.
They knew that cleaning up that issue would take time and effort, but that wasn't exactly under their jurisdiction.
This was safer.
Hanabi had agreed with how Pain put things and looked through the menus. Once she had decided what she wanted, she blushed when she realized the one taking her order was Itachi.
The man was striking, and extremely handsome. She had been unable to keep her eyes away from him, so much so that she felt embarrassed about it. Sadly, Itachi didn't look at her twice at all, despite the fact that her eyes would follow him.
When Kisame and Itachi excused themselves, she decided to do the same.
"Where is the restroom," She whispered to Konan.
Konan smiled, "I'll show you," She offered.
"Oh, I don't mean to bother you," Hanabi was apprehensive of the woman. Konan looked incredibly pregnant to the point that it kind of scared her.
"Oh nonsense, I have to get something from my office anyways," Konan said.
"Oh thank you," Hanabi followed her out of the room and thanked her when she reached the restroom.
"No problem," Konan said before she headed to what Hanabi believed to be her office. She briefly wondered what kind d of work Konan did for the company. Pain hadn't elaborated her position. She made a mental note to ask later.
Hanabi walked into the restroom, letting out a breath now that she was on her own. She felt so nervous and giddy. Things were going well but what surprised her was the fact that she suddenly had a crush.
This excursion might just end up being an adventure.
Shaking her head, she reminded herself why she was here. No, no fun adventures, shw had work. Once she got a hold of herself, she took a moment to freshen up.
Her cheeks still felt like they were burning, and her heart was racing, "A man like that shouldn't be allowed anywhere, how illegal," she muttered to herself. "He needs to be arrested,"
Hanabi giggled, thinking that she was being silly.
She finished her business in the restroom, washed her hands, and then checked her phone. She frowned when she noted that she had several texts waiting for her. She had forgotten to remove her phone from 'do not disturb,' meaning the only thing that could reach her was the texts. She returned her phone to normal but before she could check her messages, a phone call dropped in.
"Hello?" She answered.
"Hanabi!" She was met with the frantic voice of Naruto, "Ramen...He's not here!...He, he, you know missing, and we believe that he is you! No I mean, he's got to be with you!" the blond said, jumbled through his explanation of what was going on.
"Wait, Naruto, what are you talking about," Hanabi sighed, growing frustrated when the blond repeated the same thing, "calm down!"
"RAMEN!" Naruto screamed.
"Put Hinata on!" Hanabi yelled in return, frustrated with her brother-in-law.
"Naruto, give me the phone." She heard Hinata say on the other end. The blond eventually gave the phone to Hinata.
"Hanabi, listen closely. Earlier today I noticed that Ramen was missing when suddenly..."
Hanabi listened and glanced at herself in the mirror. Disbelief was clearly painted on her face as she heard Hinata's story.
Earlier that day, Hinata and Kushina had headed to their neighbor's house. It turned out that Kaguya still hadn't returned, but the cats that Ramen usually spent time with were there.
But no Ramen in sight.
"I'm sorry madam, but I have not seen that little cat of yours," The butler sniffed. Hinata couldn't help but feel like he was looking down at her, but that could have been just her imagination.
"That's alright, if you see him please notify us," Kushina asked.
"Of course," The butler agreed and closed the door behind them.
"Okay, where should we look now?" Hinata wondered, worried. The last time Ramen had been at the border and nearly drowned. If Naruto hadn't been there, he would have been dead. Either by the water or because he got caught. Even now, no one could fathom why Ramen had been there in the first place. When he should've been home.
The investigation launched by Naruto still hadn't come through.
"Well, we don't know where he could be, but we can set up missing posters, if someone saw him, they can call it in and we can also go look in places that he might go to," Kushina offered, slightly shaky.
"Are you alright?" Hinata asked. She had noticed when they had left the house that there was something distracting her mother-in-law, but she wasn't sure.
The red headed woman paused before shaking her head and offered Hinata a smile. "I'm alright, I just have a lot to think about," Kushina said. "It's nothing to worry about,"
"Okay, I'm here for when you want to talk," Hinata offered.
"Thank you Hinata," Kushina pulled her into a hug. She was so thankful that Naruto married someone as sweet as Hinata. "and don't worry I'll help you find Ramen. He'll be home before you know it."
When they returned to the house, they let Naruto know that Ramen was still missing. They made the posters and then split up into groups. Menma, surprisingly, was there to help as well. The man had gone on his own to post up posters.
It wasn't until late noon that they came back. No one had seen Ramen, and no one had called in saying that they might have found him. Hinata and Naruto were worried about him.
"We're sorry," Minato said. "I'll make some chocolate milk to calm us down, someone has to see him and call," he said with positivity and went into the kitchen.
Menma was the last to return. He was with a red-haired woman that they might have seen before. The girl had glasses and was very pretty. Kushina and Naruto were sure that she was a distant cousin of theirs, but they couldn't recall at the moment.
"Hey," Menma greeted.
"Any luck?" Naruto asked.
"No, nothing," Menma shook his head. The woman next to him looked a bit confused.
"Is something wrong? Maybe I can help." she offered.
"Right, I brought Karin because she has the ability to sense and track down the energy patterns of any living thing," Menma said, looking proud about that. Karin shot him a shy smile. "if anyone can track Ramen it will be her."
"If possible, please," Hinata got up and offered Karin a picture of the missing Ramen. The picture was of Ramen, looking towards the camera with his large red eyes. The red eyes struck something in Karin, and she smiled. She could never forget such an adorable cat.
"Hey it's Kitty," she said. "I didn't know you guys knew Kitty."
"…" Everyone stared at her oddly.
"What...did I say something wrong?" She asked.
"Um no..." Menma assured her, "But...are you sure you know the cat in this picture?" he asked. Karin raised an eyebrow at him before shaking the picture under his nose.
"Of course, there isn't another cat in the whole world that owns eyes as red as Kitty," Karin said. "He's the prize possession of a very powerful demon at that...wait is Kitty missing?" She asked.
"Well, for one, we don't know who this Kitty is," Menma snatched the annoying picture out of her hand, "This is Naruto and Hinata's cat Ramen, he has been for the past five or so years, and yes he's missing. We're hoping that you will be able to locate him,"
"Are you sure?" Karin asked.
"Yes, you know I don't play," Menma bristled.
Karin flicked his nose and turned away from him. She pulled her phone from her pocket and dialed in a call that was clearly on speakerphone for them.
"Karin, what a surprise," a voice said from the other end, "I thought you had forgotten all about me when you and that guy decided to move together,"
"Suigetsu, is Kitty missing?" Karin cut to the point.
There was silence on the line before, "How did you know?" came through. Suigetsu and Karin hadn't talked much since she moved. She hadn't even attended his wedding. As he understood, she was trying to get her life in order. "It's been five years now,"
"What happened?" Karin asked.
"We're not all that sure, but we suspect that Itachi's mom had something to do with his disappearance," Suigetsu said, "Why are you asking all of this, do you know where he is?"
"Maybe," Karin looked at the Uzumaki family. "Let me send you a picture."
It took a moment for Suigetsu to receive it. "It's Kitty..." The man breathed in awe.
"I think something is going on," Karin turned to the others, questioning them.
"Obviously, because I am confused," Naruto said.
"Are the cameras recording?" Menma asked. It had been a while since he had been in this house. He wasn't sure if security was upheld.
Hinata nodded and they went to the s0ecurity room. They looked through the footage starting from when Hinata had last seen Ramen.
It had been the night of the party.
The night before Hanabi left.
Clear as day, three troublemaking cats assaulted Neji. While Ramen had gone for the food, the other cat had snatched Neji's car keys. When Naruto approached and told Neji to go clean up, the cats ran outside.
Checking the outdoors camera they found footage of those three cats stopping at Neji's car. The one from next door suddenly transformed. He lifted kitty and opened the trunk. They had been after Hanabi's bag. He opened it and Ramen stowed away inside. The white haired male checked around before closing the trunk carefully and transformed back to a cat.
"He is with Hanabi," Hinata muttered, shocked at the sight. "Hanabi who is now in Konoha," She didn't know whether to worry about Ramen or the fact that the cat next door was some sort of creature shifter.
"Let's call her," Naruto said. Both rushed to find their phones so they could call her. They'd worry about getting Ramen back before questioning the other cat.
Menma held back, turning to Karin. After seeing the white cat shift into a man he had ideas running in his head. His past lover had been a cat creature. The kitten in the footage...
She looked away from the screen and turned to her boyfriend. "What?" she asked, curious about his intense stare.
"Nothing, I just find this situation weird," Menma looked away, unable to utter the words that were running through his head. Karin moved closer to him, bringing him into a hug.
"Hey, it's weird, but things happen," Karin said, "Strange as they are,"
Menma smiled, "I suppose." he said. He wasn't sure, but if it was the case, then soon enough the truth will come to light. By the way that his family worked, no matter what, family was family. Whether things were strange or that cat was the one that was strange. He had a funny feeling. He remained silent for a while before he said. "We should book a flight to Konoha, something tells me we will have trouble getting that cat back, "
"Yeah, we need to clear up who Kitty or Ramen or whatevers owners should be," Karin said.
This situation was truly troublesome.
Sasuke felt like he had gotten lost.
He didn't quite remember the area he had gotten into. The buildings came to a very close off passageway that secluded him from the main street. Was this some kind of alley way?
He thought about turning back around, but he sensed that he was suddenly not alone. Sloppy footsteps made themselves known as well as the giggles of old men. They were coming incredibly close to him. He took a few more steps when he noticed he had come to a dead end.
Cat calls fell on his ears and Sasuke looked over his shoulder.
There he found a group of half-drunk businessmen. They had large, creepy grins on their faces, like they had just won something. Sasuke felt a bit of fear spike within him, but he wasn't the kitten that he used to be. This situation was bad, but nothing he couldn't handle.
They were just drunk men walking by...a dead end for some reason. Sasuke narrowed his eyes before turning fully around, determine to walk past them.
He held his head high and took a step forward.
"Get out of my way," he bossily said, "To one side, coming through," he snapped, only for his arm to get snatched. Sasuke hissed when he was pulled close to one of the men. "Watch it buddy," Sasuke hissed, and moved away from the offending hand.
"Well, well, look it here gentlemen, we've got us a feisty little kitten," The assumed leader of the group said, getting a round of laughter.
Sasuke scowled, shooting them a glare. "Well, well, looks like we got a bunch of idiots that don't know the meaning of get the fuck out of my way means," Sasuke retaliated.
The laughter doubled.
"Oh, I know at least one of those words," The man replied, smirking.
"Which one is that, boss," a big bellied man barked, slapping his hand on his boss.
"Fuck,"
Cat calls and sound of encouragement sounded through the group.
"Look at her pretty legs," someone commented.
"So pretty, we rarely see delightful little things like her out here all alone,"
"What luck,"
"What's the matter pretty, don't you have a man to escort you?" One asked.
Sasuke crossed his arms. "I don't need anyone to escort me. I can take care of myself," He was trying hard not to look scared, but he was starting to doubt that he had this situation under control. There were so many of them and only one of him.
"Oh, really," The boss licked his lips, "I think then no man has shown you just how wonderful it is to be taken care of. We real men could do that for you," He licked his lips, slowly moving to crowd Sasuke.
Comments of approval went all around. Each men appraising Sasuke from head to toe, like the perverts that they were.
"I'm not playing, get the fuck away or you'll regret it," Sasuke hissed. "My boyfriend is Uchiha Itachi,"
There was a pause at the mention of that name.
"Lies,"
"Lies!" everyone jeered.
"We all know Uchiha is taken and dating that little shit stain Saisu,"
Sasuke flinched, now the boyfriend had a name. No, he refused to believe that Itachi was dating someone already. It had to be a mistake.
"He's not!"
The men started to come closer and there was no time, he decided he needed to act. Sasuke attacked, punching the one closest to him, which happened to be the boss. Then he moved past him to punch the big belly in the gut. Just as quickly, he released jolting electricity to hit the whole group. Sasuke sprinted forward, intending to get past them, but his ankle was snatched and he tripped.
His electric attack hadn't done anything to these men. Sasuke looked at his fists with shock but the sudden laughter of someone in the group caught his attention.
"Yummy," the man muttered, looking electrified but in a way that he enjoyed it. Like he was eating the electricity, maticating it between his sharp teeth.
"Let's see what else you can do!" The leader said. "Men, it's time for us to play! Hold the little bitch down," he commanded, "Bad girls like her like it rough,"
Sasuke's eyes were wide, and he was shaking in fear. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't scared. That this moment was reminding him of when those rat demons had jeered to end his life.
It was just like that.
HIs heart was in his throat, and he scrambled to get to his feet. But they had him. He couldn't kick because there were two men already grabbing each of his legs. Three more moved to pin his arms over his head and his torso to the ground. Sasuke was trapped.
"Let me go!" he bared his fangs, biting at them and fighting to get away despite his restricted movements. He tried his best to use more of his powers but found that he was unable to.
He was powerless.
He was weak.
His breaths came hard and fast as he tried to figure out how to get out of here before his panic took over.
Why couldn't he use his power?
"She's all yours boss," someone said. That's when Sasuke noticed the problem.
His hands were bounded in energy created cuffing rings that snuffed his power. His ankles had long ago met the same fate and he had failed to notice.
"I swear Itachi is going to end you!" Sasuke growled, realizing his position, his heart hammered in complete fear now.
They had him pinned on the dirty cold floor. The leader was standing on top while two others were keeping Sasuke's hands up over his head. He cursed when he felt his legs be pried apart.
"I find it funny," the boss said, "but just so you know. You're not the first to threaten us with Itachi's name. And there is no way he would care to waste his time saving you."
Sasuke simply continued to try and get free, no matter how impossible it felt with his small frame compared to how big they were. He had no weapons and whatever tactics they were using had left him powerless but he wasn't going to stop fighting.
Sasuke hated this feeling.
He knew he had stronger over the years, so he couldn't understand how he'd let his guard down enough to find himself in this position. How could he let this situation get out of hand so fast! No... he was alone. He didn't have his brothers with him. It was only one of him and twenty or so of them.
He had been stupid to think he could do this on his own.
Itachi!
"Hold his face, I want a kiss," The leader leaned in. "Let me show this little girl how a man can taste her with desire"
Sasuke felt his hair pulled back harshly, his head tilted up. The leader moved in, his ugly face coming closer to his. Sasuke bit his lips, trying to move his face away.
He screwed his eyes shut.
The big ugly man was about to press their lips together when the man was sent flying back. A sick crack filled the air, and the leader slowly scrapped down the wall. Blood splattered past his lips, and behind his eyeballs. Finally he fell with a hard thud onto the cold floor. There he lay unmoving, probably good a dead, but it was anyones guess.
The other men had the sense to feel fear in that moment, swallowing hard when the air chilled. Trouble had just found them. They thought about running, but the moment that they took a step- black flames circled around them, trapping them.
They immediately knew who had caught them.
That damned kill joy Itachi.
Had the kid been telling the truth about the weasel?
Then again, Itachi was just a nuisance they all knew because of him their fun was now nonexistent. Itachi always foiled their plans, standing in their way and while they hated him for it, they feared him too much to do something to him. Right now, there was no doubt, they were good as dead if Itachi decided that they deserved it this time.
Pleading for mercy was the only thing they could do.
"Hey man, we weren't doing anything bad," the one that had locked the girl in place said. "See, no foul," he snapped his fingers and the rings holding Sasuke's wrist and angles vanished. He was free.
"Hey Itachi, we were just playing. Nothing was going to happen to her," another said. "Look, she's fine, tell him you're fine,"
"Yeah, tell him that you asked for it!" another commanded.
"Yeah, she was asking for it, look at how she's dressed!"
The others agreed all around.
Sasuke bristled, electricity sparked at his fingertips. The more they spoke, the angrier he became, ready to take them out.
"Sorry if you thought we were doing something –AAAAHHH"
Itachi wasn't in the mood to hear any of their idiotic excuses. He could clearly see the bruised girl on the floor looking scared. He was distracted for a second by her, but in the next second he had locked all these perverts in the world of nightmares. The men were now trapped in their mind, and they wouldn't be getting out of it- ever for daring to touch this person...
Itachi paused, surprised with himself.
This person...
He had a burning anger inside of him, mixed with panic and worry that he had felt before. So briefly, but he had felt it before—was this…the person that always called out to him...
"Damn, so cutthroat Itachi," Kisame said as he came up from behind Itachi. "You know Pain doesn't want you picking fights anymore," he said when he noticed all the men on the floor. All passed out but sporting horrified expressions that suggested they weren't sleeping. They deserved it for attacking an innocent person but at the same Itachi needed to stop being everyone's savior.
Itachi turned to Kisame with a slightly annoyed expression. "I had warned them before," he hissed.
"True, but still,"
"They should have headed my words-"
"ITACHI!"
Sasuke had shakily gotten to his feet. He couldn't believe it. There he was, the person he thought he would never see again, Itachi was here, within his reach. His body ached and felt cold. His fear had vanished to relief and all he could do was run to Itachi.
It had to be pure adrenaline that spurred him forward, arms open and he slammed himself against Itachi's familiar chest. His face nuzzled there, filling his nostrils with the scent of home- a home he had missed dearly.
"Itachi, Itachi, Itachi, Itachi," He chanted until the name melted into an indistinguishable word.
Itachi for his part stood frozen, unsure of what he as supposed to do. Soft, echoed in his head, followed by MINE. Two strange feelngs that he had no idea what to do with...
Kisame gaped.
Surprised at the sight of the cute girl Itachi had saved, clinging to the raven-haired demon and hugging him like he was her lifeline and not someone to fear. Other girls in her position had been more scared of Itachi than the men that had attacked them. They had screamed and run off instead of thanking him for saving them.
Then again, no one in their right mind would just hug Itachi.
Sasuke for his part, he didn't care. He felt complete relief and happiness to see Itachi again. He was so damn happy to be back home!
And then everything went dark.
...o...