The Arena…

Itachi watched as the rounds were set and the first match would begin.

Sasuke and a strange-looking boy from some unknown village…

Itachi had a feeling that this opponent was more than he seemed. The mark of his head guard… a note, meaning music or sound. Where has he seen that before?

Then there was his little brother, Sasuke. That mark that snake gave him… he knew something was going to happen to him, alter him into a dangerous monster or a puppet for whatever that demented Sannin needed for whatever obscene plan he has. Itachi could not interfere, despite his concerns, the exam must continue, even if something is crawling in the dark.

Itachi watched… and waited to see.

Sasuke showed great skill, but the other shinobi were shown not to be underestimated. This was the perfect thing for Sasuke to learn how to adapt and change. The battle has proven to show great skills from both young warriors.

Then…

That mark…

That mark the snake left, it began to alter his brother, making him aggressive and…. Sasuke turned into a different person. He was beating down his opponent, torturing him with great… pleasure. What did that awful monster do to his brother?

It didn't take long before Orochimaru ambushed them both. As he was close to killing his former student, Anko, Itachi had him on the ropes.

"You don't look please to see me." He pointed out.

"I told you the next time I see you, I would kill you." He reminded.

"Yes, you are truly a deadly fighter. Too dangerous for me to take, but your brother… he can be quite useful."

"What did you do?" He snarled at him coldly.

"You already know."

Itachi slashed his cheek, aiming for the neck as the snake nearly evaded his attack.

"If I kill you now, then my family is safe-. COUGH! COUGH! HACK! HACK!"

Itachi was having a coughing fit as blood dripped from his lips. When he spotted it, he realized it was something bad.

"It seems you are not as strong as you used to be. I wonder… will you be around long enough to see your precious village destroyed and your brother mine?"

Itachi and the others were forced to intervene.

"Sasuke, enough! You win." One of the shinobi ordered as they tried to stop Sasuke.

But Sasuke still continued his attack as the three of them tried to stop him. But then… it was Naru's voice that stopped this madness.

"What the hell are you doing, you Teme!?" Naru screamed at him as Sasuke lost his energy and the curse receded.

Itachi would never be more thankful to his bride and now… he needed to get Sasuke to a doctor.

"Let's get your brother help before he kills someone," Kakashi advised as the battle declare Sasuke the winner.

But everyone seemed a little frightened by what happened before their very eyes. It even startled Itachi, who vowed to rip the snake in half the next chance he would get.

The sparing ring…

Naru watched as the matches went on as she was eager to make it next to the ring.

Itachi returned shortly after as he looked at his bride's excitement. She was always such a bright thing…

"Remember, you must do everything you can to keep her. This is the good of the clan." His father ordered his son quietly.

Then the boy marveled at the beauty in her eyes and the inner strength he could see.

"I am Itachi of the Uchiha Clan and I am pleased to meet you." He bowed as the girl was surprised that the boy was talking to her that way.

Maybe he was just playing nice in front of his father and the Hokage.

"I'm Naru Uzumaki and I'm going to become the next Hokage, Dattebayo!" She proclaimed as the Hokage sighed a bit at her enthusiasm.

Then Itachi did something that surprised Naru even more.

"I believe it."

Then he kissed her small hand.

He was the first person to ever say that to Naru, to treat her with respect. Itachi saw her as a person, not a monster, and was… nice to her. He never met anyone like Itachi and it made her heart flutter. It couldn't be a lie, no matter how much Naru thought it would be, his face was too genuine.

"Do you wish to tour with me around the village? I would be happy to escort you." Itachi offered the young girl whose face felt extremely warm.

She took his hand and followed him wherever they went.

He was the only person she knew who believed she can become Hokage.

That was the seal that would form their relationship and the first fiancé to capture her heart.

Naru was excited as she finally became a Shinobi.

She wanted to look her finest, to be certain that everyone would remember her face. With some white and some red, and a tiny dash of orange, she was ready. Itachi acted as if his heart was going to flatline after seeing the beautiful face of his beloved.

"How do I look for my photo?" She smiled as the older Uchiha was stuttering like a fool as he could not think of any words to say.

Naru looked very confused at the boy as his face was red as a flower. Before Naru could ask if he was okay, she noticed what time it is and decided to get a move on, saying goodbye to a bewitched Itachi, who stood as still as a statue.

"Got it." All three of them agreed as they got ready for battle with the creature.

It was a fearsome battle as Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke were introduce to a whirlwind of scratches, bites, and bruises from the animal! It howled like a lion as the beast was agile and unforgiving towards the ninja with the fierceness of a tiger! It knew no mercy and expected none from the enemies! It was painful and dangerous as it seemed impossible to capture the creature who slashes through the skin like paper.

"Come here, Kitty, Kitty!" Naru squeaked as she held out her hands for the animal with warmth and delight.

The beast, so vicious and frightening, then transforms into a cute and darling kitty cat, releasing the face of Sakura, who was pretty clawed up by the cat and hopped to the blond-haired ninja. The cat became putty in her hands as she was purring and cuddling up to Naru as the Blond Girl petting the sweet kitty. They were all shocked that such a deadly devil could turn into an angel by the most hyper-activate ninja in the entire village.

"I can't believe you guys left without me, believe it!" Naru huffed in childish annoyance that Itachi loved.

It seemed his lover seemed to have her own share of battles. Of course, Gato would send someone to try to hurt the Bridge Builder's family. Luckily, Naru was there to keep them safe and sound. After the battle was over, Itachi will have a few choice words with the man and then make certain he learns the errors of his despicable ways.

"Sorry, beloved. Next time, I will be certain to include you, but we did not wish to disturb your beauty rest." Itachi apologized as Kakashi coughed 'whipped0, not caring about the punishment he would get.

Zabuza asked for Naru's kunai as he did something that surprised them all, he killed Gato! Without a master, they decided to raid the small village, but the people had enough! With Inari leading the charge and Naru with her clones to back them up, they would soon be over as Itachi would take them in for questioning.

Itachi and Kakashi brought the dying Zabuza near Haku as he spent the last moments with him, the look on his face was one Itachi knew well, it was love, the love he has.

Sasuke stirred then awakened as his brother and sensei were looking at the damage done.

"Naru, Naru, Sasuke's alive!" Sakura told her as Naru turned around to see her friend alive and started to cry.

Then she ran up and hugged the injured boy.

As they had their tender moment, and everything was in order.

"Sasuke, Naru, you are both grounded." Itachi calmly told them.

"Ah, what!?" Naruto whined as Sakura giggled at their reactions.

"Oh, I almost forgot! I got you something. I wanted to give it to you when we got back, but you came with us." Naru remembered as she pulled out something from her pocket.

From the land of waves was a souvenir from one of the shops, a painted shell with stars to make a pendant.

"It's wonderful, Beloved. Thank you." He gently grinned as he plucked it from her hands and wore it, earning a smile he loved so much, "But you and Sasuke are still not off the hook."

"Ah, what?"

Naru has such wonderful energy.

He loved her completely and he sees that she will continue to win over hearts.

"Uzumaki Naru vs Inuzuka Kiba!"

Itachi then watched Naru walk down, spotting bits of sand tripping her, causing her upper clothing to… oh dear. The blond yelled as her outfit was ruined but Itachi and Iruka moved quickly! Itachi spotted the dirty look on Gara's emotionless face. Right, he will seek retribution for this later.

"No one looks at her! Not a single one!" Iruka ordered as he was trying to keep the boys from seeing her-.

"Naru, try not to move until you are properly dressed."

Luckily it didn't take long before Naru was given a new attire and they could finally begin the fight. Kiba would keep the memory of Naru without her shirt…