Summary:

While under house arrest in the Palace. Soraya finally learns the truth about Itachi.

Notes:

Happy Halloween. And Happy NaNo Eve for NaNoWriMo Participants. If you don't see an update until December that is why. I may post the next chapter because it's almost finished if I am having writer's block. However, November is busy with me writing a novel, a golf tournament and hosting writing sessions for NaNo. So Sorry for the wait for the next chapter. Just know the next few chapters, you are going to meet the rest of the Rui Clan, Drama in Amegakure and Naruto and Sasuke have the foundations of a true friendship. See you in December and enjoy

Chapter 29

A Truth Revealed

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored."
― Aldous Huxley

"We found absolutely nothing sir", said the man appearing in front of the royal court and Hanzo. Perspiration dripped from his forehead. Hanzo was displeased, to say the least. Currently, the Queen and his heir were under house arrest within the palace. They had minimal contact with the outside world. Hanzo didn't understand as both he and the man in front of him had planted evidence of treason. It wasn't there, he had severely underestimated Masaru's telepathic prowess and ingenuity.

Protest could be heard from the outside within the palace of the arrest of one of the heads of The Akatsuki from nobles and commoners alike. However, if he released them now, it would be another mark against him as a leader.

"How are our honored Guests", inquired Hanzo to the current speaker.

The speaker straightened himself at the impromptu question. "The Queen and Leader-

"There is no current woman leading anything in Amekagure", Hanzo interrupted his voice starting to rise. "Women have NO RIGHTS IN THIS VILLAGE", he threw a glass that he was holding. He exhaled to regain his composure and go back to his regality. "She is the Queen, she is above all women and the mother of this village, nothing more, nothing less" He paused as he gazed around the room. The room was silent, and he could feel the fear and anxiety in the room. It was intoxicating. "Continue", he waved his hand as he felt his point got across to the royal court.

"The Queen has been in deep mediation for three days, she only stops to eat and drink", the man said softly but his voice still echoed throughout the room. "Princess Soraya of The Akatsuki has only requested books and writing materials to occupy her time, but as they have been accused of treason, we only gave her books as a courtesy of being heir to the Throne and the Village"

"The heir is nothing but a woman-child, and I'm but 40 and Konan 36 I have many years to go, and plenty of time for Konan and I to create our own children, and when that happens the current heir will have no claim"

"If that child survives your grace", said Misaki. "We can only look in the present", she affirmed. Hanzo sent his sister/concubine a dangerous look.

"Speak what's on your mind, dear sister"

"It is not custom to disturb anyone who is doing their religious duty, especially for the nation, but it is custom for a father to visit his daughter after being away for so long, especially if you plan to train them, and I personally know that she does not partake in our religious customs often, preferring her own, wherever she is from ", her sultry voice echoed in the royal chamber.

Hanzo sat back in his chair and thought over what she said. An evil smirk came over his face. "As always you have the best ideas"

She chuckled darkly and started to take her to leave. "I will be waiting for you afterward", she waved her fan and walked out with her servants behind her.

"This assembly is dismissed.

Soraya had been locked in her private quarters for three days. She sat on the bed reading the same exact line of Jiraya's, novel " The Tale of The Gutsy Shinobi" . Whoever, Naruto's parents loved the book because it was the main character's name. " Too bad it was an utter failure ", she thought as this was one of his least popular books of his.

She had no word about her mother, except for the one servant that was an Akatsuki sympathizer that told her that she was okay. That was two days ago. However, she could tell that her mother wasn't too far. Thankfully, Konan was in range and Soraya could tell she had been in deep meditation for three days, only stopping briefly in intermittent periods.

The bolted door opened again. It surprised Soraya as it was late and she already had dinner. Instead of a servant with a tray of food as she expected, it was Hanzo himself. The gliding doors closed again.

"Suprise to see me", Soraya stared at him cautiously for a minute and quickly got up and prostrated herself as was the custom for a royal visit.

"Sorry your majesty, but the hour is late, and I wasn't expecting you", Soraya stared at the ground not daring to look up, and waited for him to release her to rise.

"I came here for an informal visit, royal etiquette is not necessary for this meeting.", he said smoothly. Soraya turned her head to the side as she noticed gourmet snacks and..." hair products? ", she questioned to herself. She saw a wide toothcomb, a brush, oils, and a water spritzer.

"How do you know what products I needed?", she asked suspiciously walking back creating more distance.

"You know my mother had hair exactly like yours. She had a warmer skin tone. She was a reserved but fiesty thing, just like Konan.", he paused. Gaging her reaction "And you", he smiled as he sensed her worry and slight fear of him. He relished the moment but resumed speaking. "It was so long and thick, I helped her every night, do you mind if I reminisce with you?", Soraya could sense he was telling the truth but there was something duplicitous within his aura. When he motioned for her to sit down, she realized that she didn't have a choice.

"Yes, my Lord", she sat and watched in the mirror his tall, strong frame glided to her like she was prey. He wore a light robe with pants. The robe was slightly open so she could see the middle of his chiseled chest. If it wasn't for his reputation Soraya would have put him in the attractive category. However, she was indeed uncomfortable and this wholly felt taboo. Her fathers hardly ever came to her room or had private audiences with her so she knew at the very least this was strange.

He undid her hair and it was slightly matted as she wasn't able to do it for three days. Nevertheless, she was surprised at how gentle he was as he started to detangle her hair.

"I see you like to read, I'm surprised that you aren't reading Jiraya's other series", he stated.

Soraya shifted her gaze to her hands and held them together. "I hardly read romance, because the relationships tend to be superficial, and I find people who like it are dissatisfied with something in their love life", she explained. "I do like a good character arc and if there is a romance I think it's a plus", she said trying to lighten the mood.

"Interesting, so I take it you are satisfied with my pick for you", a dark chuckle started to arise from him, as he was referring to Itachi.

Soraya decided to stay silent for a moment and think of an answer because she knew that Hanzo thrived on the displeasure of others. "All relationships have their ups and downs", she said diplomatically dropping her eyes to make it look like she was in turmoil. Her feeling was anything but that when it came to Itachi. Thankfully, she was so stressed about being under house arrest that he probably couldn't pick up the slight happiness she had.

"Your path is down to the abyss with him.", he contended. He started to brush in the direction of a bun as he spoke. "That man annihilated his whole family, " he said, gently brushing her hair and getting out the last few knots. He watched her face in the mirror switch from confusion, to shock, and then he saw her try to hold back tears. "Oh you didn't know?", he questioned feigning concern. He grabbed the outside of her shoulders as if mocking some type of comfort. "My apologies it's quite common knowledge"

Soraya didn't say anything as her thoughts usually went blank when strong emotions were involved. She was doing her best to real them in as she knew Hanzo could feel every fleeting emotion. Hanzo started to rub oil in his hands and started to massage her scalp, just like her biological mother did when she was alive. She couldn't help the tears that escaped her eyes and she closed them trying to calm down.

It made sense, the reason Itachi hardly talked about his family. The reason his brother wasn't with him. It's because he was the cause of everything. She thought back to their fight with The Janjira and how he defeated the formidable foe. Blood, organs, and limbs are everywhere. It was like a scene in a horror movie and her beloved Itachi did that.

"Did you honestly think I would arrange a marriage that would benefit you?", He laughed darkly massaging her temples before starting to put it in a ponytail. "I bet he is waiting just to fill you up with his seed, just to kill you with a baby in your arms"

"Itachi would never", she said glaring at him through the mirror.

"Soraya, your smart, somewhere deep inside you must know what he is capable of, and guys like that never commit a crime like that just once" he goaded. "It's too much of a rush", he confessed. "It's an addiction"

"Take me for example, I fuck anyone I want to- women, men, sometimes children because the mixture of someone's pain and pleasure is so exhilarating", he expressed, his whole body seemed to light with vigor. He put her hair in a nice bun before bending down to her level. "Like you currently, you thoroughly enjoyed me touching you didn't you", his question was more of a statement as he knew the truth. And it was true his fingers felt good on her scalp, it was the only thing that kept her from going into panic mode. But it felt so wrong. "But you feel betrayed, lonely, anger", he laughed. "All those conflicting emotions are like a drug to me"

She spat in his face and he laughed at her antics and simply wiped it away. His hands were then around her throat. "You know what I love most" he whispered in his ear. "Erasing the fire in a woman's eyes, over and over again", he raised her beyond eye level and then brought him closer to his face. "I'll confess the only reason I don't ravish your body and hum to your cries is that I know Itachi would not be pleased that I messed with his toy"

Soraya headbutted him and broke out of his chokehold and she landed on her feet and crouched down. She coughed and took a huge intake of breath. She was unable to say anything for the time being.

Hanzo was surprised at the action and tapped his head and noticed the blood. He took a handkerchief and wiped his head. No one had drawn blood on him for quite some time. Especially, a woman. He pointed to her with a shaky hand, controlling his anger, and then it rolled into a dark laugh. "I'm not worried about you because, your marriage assured me that you won't live long enough to be a threat", he smoothed out her hair a little bit before he stepped back. "Goodnight princess", he started to walk out. "Oh and by the way I was coming to express my delight of giving you and your mother permission to participate in palace activities, but that little stunt, maybe you need three more days to know your place", he finally exited leaving Soraya alone for the night.

Soraya watched him leave and finally, she let out a huge wail. She felt her heart beating fast and sweat started to escape her skin. She grabbed the hairpin that Itachi prepared to stab herself to get out of the cycle of panic. Then, the voice of her friend Suzume ran through her head.

Flashback

Soraya was still in an induced coma but she could still hear what was going on. Suzume read to her daily, and Orochimaru the day before told her that it would be best if she started taking on more caregiving responsibilities as well. So it was the first day of Suzume changing her. Suzume thought nothing of it and she started to change Soraya's clothing. It was then she noticed the scars on Soraya's legs and it became very clear why they were there. Suzume paused and finished dressing her. She then cupped Soraya's face.

"I know you can hear me, please don't hurt yourself like this"

End Flashback

Soraya dropped the hairpin and it dropped to the floor, and she sank to her knees. Tears started to stream down her eyes and Kakashi's voice rang through her head.

Flashback

Kakashi bent down to Soraya after as she was having a panic attack after the destruction caused. "Whenever you feel like you are about to break", he crossed her arms over her chest and put her hands on her shoulder. "Do your arms like this and tap your shoulders" She did as commanded. "Good that's it", he complimented his one eye staring at her with concern. "It's a self soothing technique"

End Flashback

Soraya stared out of the window and did exactly what Kakashi taught her to do. She crossed her arms and started to rhythmically tap her shoulders and it started to tap to a familiar song, and she could feel her heartbeat returning to a normal rhythm. She looked out at the window and concentrated on the night sky.

She cursed herself as the man responsible for her inner turmoil was not here, but she couldn't deny that she wanted Itachi here in her arms, embracing her and comforting her. She brought her knees to her chest and fell asleep in a fetal position crying.

Hanzo had finished their lovemaking when a messenger got to the door. Hanzo rose and told the messenger to enter. A smile grazed his lips.

"Well seems that's one way to get rid of our current problem", he let Misaki read the letter, and a grin found her lips.

"It seems our little heir will have the first taste of battle", they both kissed passionately.

A knock was heard at the door. Konan ignored it and continued her mediation. She wore an all white hanbok, but she felt a familiar presence and a tickle in her thoughts.

A gentle touch was felt on her shoulder. It seemed odd as no servant was allowed to touch her during prayer.

"Mother"

Her eyes flew open to a taller Masaru. A growth spurt that she missed. She rose and hugged her son. "What are you doing here?", she exclaimed softly. "You can be killed sneaking into the palace"

"I only came because of the urgency. The Land of Iron has declared war", Konan furrowed her brows.

"How do you know this", the war bells had not been rung. So this information is very fresh. "Hanzo will use this to try to get rid of Soraya"

"He is planning to put her on the front lines, she will die...", he said in a soft urgent voice.

"No, find some way to make contact with her and form a plan, Yahiko and Nagato should be here soon, but Soraya will have to prove herself to the public", she dusted some stray small items off his cloak. Konan held back tears as she wished she could go home, and not be held prisoner. She grabbed Masaru's hands and held them to her chest. "Do not fret over Soraya, nor me, we are survivors", she cupped his cheek and kissed the other one. "Now go", she commanded.

Masaru backed away and morphed into the shadows and disappeared.

Kisame and Itachi had decided to rent a boat under a pseudonym to get to their final destination. The dense fog could be seen from miles away. Itachi stared blankly along the horizon his thoughts on Soraya and on the mission and back again. He needed to do this quickly, but there couldn't be any mistakes.

"You alright Itachi?", Kisame asked because Itachi had not said a word since he got that note. He had periods of intense anger and then melancholy. Itachi blinked and sighed.

"I should be asking you that", he deflected. This was the first mission outside of the Uchiha massacre that his personal life coincided with a mission and it was bothering him. If he was there Soraya wouldn't have been kidnapped, but this mission was also important for her survival as well. There was also another worry..."The Mother of Your Child and her harem will not be safe if things go South, if we fail she will surely die. Are you ready for that risk?"

Kisame for once pondered what he had to say next, as his heart was heavy. But a loud laugh came out of him. "Don't underestimate the harem", Unlike other villages that had concubines, the Harem of The Mist was usually the deadliest, most intelligent, and prettiest women. For a male to obtain a woman like Kage he must fight her and win. Women were usually chosen from the upper Chunin or Jounin rank who could bare children. Sometimes there were festivals that held competitions to be in the harem. Even with the current dark Kage's reign, The Mist still held on to this tradition. It's one of the things that made them deadly. Nevertheless, the Kage has backrolled a lot of rights for women, including the Harem. This is what The Akatsuki were banking on for the coup to succeed.

"You do your job, and The Mist will do ours", Kisame said with finality. " Yagura's reign ends in a fortnight", Itachi watched his partner of five years. It was rare to see them on missions without either of them being close by, except for ones that he specifically sought out Kakashi or went to Konoha of course.

He fiddled with the red bracelet that was originally Soraya. Something that kept her chakra in check so it wouldn't eventually kill her. A bracelet that he helped create. Now, it would aid him in the battle to come. A returned gift, with her own chakra and jutsus. This conversation and this bracelet made him realize that Soraya, his wife, as his mind has already surrendered to the title, was not to be underestimated as well.

"I never told Soraya the true reason why I'm one of the last Uchihas", Itachi finally admitted.

Kisame blinked in disbelief. "Wow", as Kisame had nothing else to say. "That was dumb, very dumb" he furrowed his brow. "Why"

"I wanted to be just Itachi, for just a brief moment, not for her to be afraid of me", he said slightly ashamed. Kisame thought back to their first meeting, he wasn't there, Itachi was with Orochimaru, but at that time he had his Sharingan on almost always. He pondered how she wasn't afraid of red eyes, but he decided not to vocalize his thoughts. Then he remembered, that she did try to stab him at their first meeting according to the mission file.

"She's gonna be pisssssssed.", Kisame didn't really have any words of comfort. He himself knew that the reserved Soraya could be very cunning when angry. She also got even with him by intentionally feeding him shark fin soup with laxatives for two weeks because of training her brother without her permission. The soup was really good. But to his utter horror, after giving a rare praise from him, she revealed the contents of the soup and told him not to cross her again, also he had a drinking problem and that he needed to be a better role model. The revelation traumatized him. Nevertheless, her input was good on her brother's further training. It also did in fact make him drink less alcohol.

"I never thought that great Itachi could make such a stupid mistake" Kisame shook his head in disbelief. He thought Soraya knew and loved him despite Itachi's sin. But it was the reverse. She feel in love with him, she might of not said the words yet to him, but it was disgustingly obvious that she was infatuated with Itachi. Kisame started playing out scenarios in his head. Either way, he knew this was going to be emotionally and/or physically painful for Itachi. "You are royally fucked"

"Kisame, everything you are saying, I already said to myself, I need you to tell me it's going to be okay"

Kisame gave him a look of disbelief. On what planet did Itachi think that he was the comforting friend? However, he would try his best. "You know I bet she's a forgiving person, Masaru was telling me that the leader of their religion tells them to turn the other cheek if someone slaps you.", Kisame shrugged. Itachi exhaled and put his head into his hand as he felt a migraine come on.

"Yeah that same leader flipped over tables", dismissed Itachi.

Kisame was in disbelief that they were actually having this conversation. "You are usually very wise, gotta say I'm kinda glad that you were a dumbass because now I know your human"

Itachi let out a small chuckle. "Even a wise man, can be a fool for a day"

Kisame nodded at his statement. "Well", he started as he was trying to give good advice as this was one of the only times Itachi opened up to him. "I would tell her shortly after your arrival, but do something romantic first, then break it down the next day", Itachi thought about it and decided that Hanzo would allow visits if he requested. No, it wouldn't be a request but a demand. The burning in his chest started again at the thought of his bride anywhere near Hanzo. He exhaled again as he remembered all noble women had to be supervised by another man and that Konan was there with her. Additionally, the palace guards were formidable, but he could sneak into her quarters once he knew her location.

"Hey some women, would die for a serial killer to love them", Kisame said with a fake smile that tried to lighten the mood

" Not Soraya ", they both thought but not out loud.

"I'm surprised Masaru didn't tell her", Kisame concluded. "He must really like you, he told all the dirty secrets about Shigure to Soraya"

"I might have threatened him to not read my mind", Kisame shrugged as has done the same thing several times, but whatever Itachi did was the best/worst method depending on the perspective.

"Yeah, don't tell Soraya that", Kisame deadpanned.

"God I'm fucked", Itachi exasperated. Kisame nodded in agreement.

"Focus on getting back to her", Kisame going back to the matter at hand. "Yagura is going to be tough, even for you", Yagura was not only strong, but he was a jinchurki and under his iron rule and strength was able to conquer all of The Land of Water into one solid foundation. Hopefully, they could keep this as diplomatic as possible. Nevertheless, he didn't think that would happen as Hanzo and Yagura were eerily similar in their thirst for blood and violence. Itachi looked for a final time at his bracelet before their boat disappeared in the Mist.

Suzume walked alongside Sound Shinobi and Guardsmen on her way to Amekagure. She had been in her palanquin all day, as Orochimaru wanted to arrive in style. She was pretty sure it was her grandfather, Daeshim, idea. They were excommunicated nobles after all. And Suzume was sent as a diplomat as well as a wedding attendant. She was nervous as Misaki, Hanzo's sister was her former aggressor. But she smiled, as she now outranked her in every shape in form.

A hawk flew to her and landed on her shoulder. Luckily, it had been trained not to dig its nails into flesh, as she only felt the heavy weight of the padding of his claws. She grabbed a treat and untied the letter attached. It was strange because she wasn't expecting any correspondence and Orochimaru usually used snakes to discuss things with her.

As she read the contents of the letter she discovered it was from Soraya's brother recounting that Soroya was now in the palace, based on treason, charges were dropped but Hanzo kept giving excuses for her and Konan to stay there. This was not good for her friend. If Suzume knew Hanzo, he would isolate Soraya until she broke.

She smiled and quickly wrote a letter back to Masaru. She got back into her palanquin. "We must get there by the afternoon assembly tomorrow, it's time Hanzo receive us as guests", the Shinobi nodded and started to run towards Amekgaure. " That's one way to infiltrate the palace ", she thought to herself. A hiss and rattling sound was heard behind them as they made their way to the main city.