TWENTY THREE

War: Part VI

"Teme," Naruto smirked.

"Dobe," Sasuke replied.

Naruto slightly chuckled to himself. Even after all these years, he still kept his promise to Sakura, even if it wasn't in the manner he originally planned. Sasuke didn't say a word as he watched the blonde; after all said blonde was the one who put him in here. That blonde was the one keeping him from accomplishing his goal.

"So, teme," Naruto started.

"What do you want, dobe?" Sasuke snapped.

"Someone's a bit cranky today," Naruto laughed. When Sasuke didn't reply, Naruto just continued, "I just came to see how you were doing is all."

Sasuke scoffed, "that's bull shit."

"Alright, you caught me," Naruto shrugged. Again when Sasuke didn't say anything Naruto continued, "I actually came to give you a proposal."

"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked distrustfully.

"I mean I will let out you out of this jail and out of Konoha, as long as you do something for me," Naruto explained.

Sasuke pondered for a moment. As much as he hated the thought of helping Naruto or having to have Naruto help him, but it maybe his best option. It would only depend on what he had to do for Naruto. Plus he could also be let out of this prison, then leave Naruto in the dust. The thought of just killing Naruto after he got out did occur to the raven, however if he was able to take out Orochimaru and Kabuto, then right now it wouldn't be worth the effort or time to try and kill the blonde. So Sasuke would just have to listen to the rest of this proposal.

"And what would that be?" Sasuke asked.

"There is something of Orochimaru's that I want, however I don't want to waste my time searching through all those hidden layers the snake had," Naruto explained, "so, I'll let you out of here, you show me where it is, then we are even."

"What are you looking for?" Sasuke asked, more out of curiosity than anything else.

Naruto shook his head, "we will discuss that later."

"Why would I want to help you?" Sasuke asked.

"Do you want out of here or not?" Naruto snapped, his patience was running thin.

"Well, I don't know if it is worth it not," Sasuke smirked.

"Well, if not that's fine," Naruto smirked.

"How you do know if you let me out of here I won't turn on my word?" Sasuke asked.

"Ah, I figured you might do something like that," Naruto smiled, a smile that Sasuke hadn't see a very long time, "you want to kill your brother, yes?"

"Yes," Sasuke relied hesitantly, "why?"

"I can guarantee the fight you want," Naruto explained, "Itachi is my partner. I can get you that fight, with no interference from anyone."

"Why would you do that?" Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

"Let's just say it benefits me in away," Naruto shrugged, "plus I need a reason for you to actually do as I ask."

Sasuke closed his eyes and shook his head and agreed, "fine."

"Alright," Naruto smiled, "let's get started."

Naruto took a stance, made several hand signs and called out, "Fuuton: Kaze Kunren." A wind drill started to form in front of Naruto. However Naruto had sensed the bars were made from chakra infused iron making them almost impossible to break with such a simple wind technique. Knowing this Naruto had placed nature chakra into the wind drill. Being as quiet as possible the drill started away at the iron, quickly chewing through the metal, creating a whole large enough for Sasuke to step through.

Once the raven was free, Naruto motioned for him to follow quietly follow behind him. The basement was filled with too many chakra suppressant seals for Naruto to flash both him and the other out of there. Making their way passed a really pissed Kabuto, then up the stairs to the ground floor of the building (after passing several shinobi which were knocked out before they became a witness to anything), Naruto placed his hand on Sasuke's shoulder, flashing them both to the outskirts of the village where Naruto had left on of those famous three pronged kunai.

Turning to Sasuke and holding the kunai up to him Naruto tells him, "Go to the boarder, as far as you can without leaving the Fire Country. I've got one more thing to do and I will find you once I am done."

Sasuke nodded and took to the kunai from him, "actually there is one more thing that needs to be done."

"Which is?" Naruto asked as Sasuke took the kunai from him.

"My sword, Kusanagi," Sasuke stated then continued when Naruto had a confused look on his face, "Tsunade took it from me when they put me in that jail."

"I see," Naruto nodded, "I have a feeling I might know where it is. I will find it."

Sasuke nodded, and then in one swift movement took off in the opposite direction. The blonde turned back to the village and sped off in search of a certain, lazy shinobi.

000

Shikamaru was pacing. Why was he pacing? Well, it was due to the fact that this would be the first time in a very long time; Shikamaru didn't know what to do. The evening was an odd one; the Hokage, his captain, his sensei, Naruto's old sensei, and his father had interrogated him. They had told him their plan, but how in the world was he supposed go along with it? How could do that to Naruto?

"Shit…" Shikamaru whispered to himself as he continued pacing while the scene from earlier that evening played in his mind.

FLASHBACK

"Love makes us do stupid things, Shikamaru," Tsunade snorted, "I should know."

"What?" Shikamaru looked up in confusion.

"Never mind that," Tsunade said crossing her arms and taking a deep breath, this was the hardest part of her job, "now, dealing with an S-ranked rogue shinobi unauthorized is punishable by death or exile. So, what are we going to do with you?"

Shikamaru just looked up at the blonde Hokage in look mixed fear and pain, then he squeezed his eyes shut and looked down to the ground once more and prepared himself for what was to come.

"I think we might be able to use this situation to our advantage, Tsunade," Jiraiya spoke up.

"Oh? How so?" the Hokage replied glancing over.

"Well, having any connection to the inter-workings of a criminal group could be an advantage," Jiraiya thought out loud, "maybe we use Shikamaru to gain some information on the Akatsuki."

"I see," Tsunade nodded.

The group of older shinobi thought for a moment and waited for the Hokage's response. Shikamaru was on the breaking point.

"While it is true that we would gather information from Naruto through Shikamaru, it doesn't discount the fact that one of my shinobis has been having unauthorized meetings with a missing-nin," Tsunade said sternly.

"I know, I know," Jiraiya shrugged, "However this is Naruto we are talking about, Hime. Plus, forcing a men to betray someone he loves is punishment enough, is it not?"

"You're asking me to betray Naruto?" Shikamaru asked with a shaky voice.

"Would you rather be put to death or be sent into exile?" Shikaku asked with a slight anger in his voice.

Shikamaru looked at his father and yelled, "What would you do if they asked you to betray mom?"

"Your mother isn't missing-nin, is she" Shikaku yelled.

"No, she's not," Shikamaru replied looking away.

"Well, then Shikamaru," Tsunade sighed, "I will over look your past choices, if you agree to meet with me later and give up any and all information you have gathered from Naruto, including any information you may gather in the future. Is that clear?"

"Hai," Shikamaru nodded.

"You are allowed to continue to meet with Naruto if the opportunity presents it self, however I shall be informed of all meetings as soon as possible after it occurs, is that clear?" Tsunade continued.

"Hai."

"Good," Tsunade nodded, "I believe this is all we came to speak with you about. You will report to me an hour before your schedule meeting time tomorrow to discuss any information you have gathered so far."

"Hai."

Tsunade nodded and headed for the door followed by Kakashi, Jiraiya, and Asuma. Once they were gone, Shikamaru was left alone with his father. His secret was out and how he dreaded his father's reaction. Shikamaru leaned up against the wall while his father was standing a little father away with his arms crossed and face towards the ground. It was an eternity of awkward silence before one of them spoke up.

"I'm heading back to bed. I've an early morning," Shikamaru said as he turned to walk up the stairs.

"Shikamaru, wait," Shikaku asked.

"Yes?" Shikamaru turned with a little bit fear in his eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I... I…I couldn't tell anyone," Shikamaru shook his head.

"No, not that you were with Naruto, but that you were... um… gay," Shikaku replied.

"I don't know. Maybe I thought you would be disappointed in me, or something like that," Shikamaru shrugged.

"You are my son and a very fine shinobi, Shikamaru," Shikaku smiled, "You may make mistakes or choices I don't agree with but, you are and will always be my son. How can I be disappointed in the shinobi you have become?"

"Thanks," Shikamaru smiled then headed up the stairs.

END FLASHBACK

"Shit," Shikamaru repeated, and then took a deep breath. He stopped pacing. He didn't have to make a decision right now. He didn't have any information that would endanger himself or Naruto, or even the village. He would meet with the Hokage in the morning and the next time he sees Naruto he would decide what he would do then. Being almost satisfied with his decision, Shikamaru got ready for bed.

Just as soon as he was about to get into bed, he heard a faint tap on the glass of his window. His eye widened as he turned to face a certain blonde haired man sitting on the windowsill of his bedroom. Shikamaru felt a rush of emotions, fear, anger, guilt, and relief. He really didn't expect to see the face of the man he has betrayed so soon.

Taking deep breath, he walked over to the window to let in said blonde.

"Shika," Naruto whispered as he stepped through the window and embraced his lover.

Shikamaru's stiff posture gave Naruto a hunch that something was off, "what is it?"

"I… what was that look you gave me at the Kage summit?" Shikamaru asked, forcing Naruto to let go and stare him in the eyes.

"Shika… look… I," Naruto started but then lost what he was going to say.

"What did you do?" Shikamaru asked.

Naruto shook his head and turned away. Shikamaru crossed his arms as he waited for Naruto's answer. The silence made Shikamaru think about what he was going to tell Naruto. Shaking his head, he knew couldn't say anything. It would get back to Tsunade, and then he really would be killed or sent into exile.

"Naruto, answer me," Shikamaru ordered, and when there was no reply he continued, "there is someone else isn't there?"

Naruto turned around and stared into his eyes trying to judge his reaction, "how did you know?"

"Instinct, gut feeling, something like that," Shikamaru shrugged.

Naruto sighed, "I see."

"Who is it?" Shikamaru asked.

"Why is that important?" Naruto asked as little angry.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes slightly signaling to Naruto that he wasn't going to give up.

"Itachi," Naruto replied.

"Itachi!" Shikamaru repeated, "Uchiha Itachi, as in Sasuke's brother? As in the man who murdered his entire clan? His own parents!"

"Yes, Uchiha Itachi," Naruto confirmed.

"Oh, Kami, Naruto," Shikamaru shook his head, "why? Why him? What have I done to make you choose a man like him over me?"

"I haven't chosen anyone, Shika!" Naruto replied.

"Then why?" Shikamaru asked again.

"I don't know," Naruto shook his head, "I really don't. At first it was to satisfy desires that I couldn't do with you. Then I guess… it turned into more."

"I see," Shikamaru replied, "I don't know what to say. Do you love him?"

"No more than I love you," Naruto replied.

"That doesn't make it any easier for me, Naruto!" Shikamaru replied.

"I'm sorry."

"No, I am," Shikamaru shook his head and started pacing again.

"Shikamaru…" Naruto started.

"No, I don't want to hear it. I know its easier for you to be with him right now. But what is going to happen if you succeed in what you are planning?" Shikamaru asked, "If you do, he will most likely die."

"Then my decision will be made for me," Naruto smiled slightly.

"And who said I will still be waiting for you?" Shikamaru asked.

"No one, I guess," Naruto replied, "even if you aren't waiting for me, that doesn't mean I will never stop loving you."

"I know," Shikamaru whispered.

"You aren't your self tonight," Naruto said breaking short silence between them, "What's going one with you? Did something happen?"

"No, nothing," Shikamaru said.

"That wasn't convincing," Naruto looked at the other curiously.

"Why did you come here tonight?" Shikamaru asked trying to change the subject.

"To see you of course," Naruto smiled.

"That doesn't make sense," Shikamaru said looking at him, "you don't just swing by and break in to Konoha because you want to see me. What are you really doing here in Konoha?"

"Proceeding with my plan of course," Naruto said with a sly smirk, "so I can be with you after its all said and done."

"Naruto…" Shikamaru warned.

"I came to take something I had previously given is all," Naruto chuckled at Shikamaru's annoyance.

Shikamaru's posture softened as Naruto walked over to him and embraced him. The familiar embrace of his lover, Shikamaru relaxed but the thought of Naruto embracing Itachi never left his mind. Naruto pulled back slightly to cup Shikamaru's face and bring his lips to his own. But the feeling of hesitation was very clear to Naruto.

"I think its time for you to go," Shikamaru said as he pulled away.

"I'm sorry, Shika," Naruto said, "Please know that I love you. Never forget that."

"I do love you, Naruto," Shikamaru replied, "But I've got things to think about. Remember that I am risking my life to be with you and to know that you are in the arms of another is… is something that I can't think about. Naruto, I don't know whether or not I will be here waiting for you, know that."

Naruto cup the brunettes face and kissed him once last time before he left to finished what he started here in Konoha.