I do not own these series, nor do I make any money off of this.

"talking"

'thinking'

Chapter 90: No Decision is Worse Than a Bad Decision

Itachi joined Naruto, Older Naruto, Uen, Kurama, and Kyu for lunch. At first, Kurama and Kyu didn't get along, but Older Naruto silenced them. Kyu wondered if his chakra level was really less than Older Naruto's. Guessing what Kyu was thinking, Kurama explained that Naruto still had his chakra inside him making it so they shared Kyu's chakra. This meant that Kyu had less chakra than he normally would have if he was fully set free. Kyu didn't like the thought that he was weaker than anyone but it was clear that Older Naruto was stronger, even if he didn't brag about it. Itachi and Uen watched as the other four ate so much food that they lost their appetites. Older Sasuke arrived at the end of lunch to inform Older Naruto that Sakura was looking for him again. He sighed before leaving, Older Sasuke going with him. Itachi made tea and led the others into the living room. Uen opened up about his world to Naruto, giving him even more details than he'd given Itachi. Itachi didn't seem to care. He was too busy wondering if Sasuke was ok. The raven entered the house a few seconds later, silently taking a seat next to Naruto. The blond introduced Uen to Sasuke who barely registered his existence. Uen understood that Sasuke wasn't really interested in him right now and he decided to ignore it. He simply sipped his tea and answered all of Naruto's questions.

Older Sasuke arrived an hour later, grumbling. He had been kicked out of Hokage Tower after Sakura caught him distracting Older Naruto from his work. He sat down on the floor near Itachi, his arms crossed. Naruto found the expression on Older Sasuke's face cute.

"Got kicked out again?" Kurama asked. Older Sasuke glared at him. "I think that's the eighty-seventh time Haruno kicked you out. I don't see any wounds this time though."

"Naruto healed me," Older Sasuke admitted.

"Heh, so the Uchiha brat gets his ass kicked by a little girl," Kyu mocked.

"I wouldn't joke about it," Kurama said. "That 'little girl' is strong enough to send Naruto flying even if he uses a minor barrier." Sasuke shuddered. Naruto had told him that Sakura was able to break up the ground just by punishing it, but to hear that she could break Older Naruto's barrier, he couldn't believe it. He pictured what this meant and he wondered just how many people Sakura killed simply by hitting them. "Too bad she was pregnant during the war. I bet if she got her hands on Kabuto, she would have beaten him to death. She nearly did once before. And he took Tsunade's punch once." Naruto's eyes widened. He remembered that when Kabuto fought Tsunade in his world, she had broken several of his bones. Jiraiya had told him that Tsunade nearly killed him once when she'd gotten mad at him for spying on her in the baths. If Sakura was stronger than Tsunade… Naruto shivered. He didn't want to think about it. "How strong is your Haruno?"

"She can knock down trees and break up the ground with a single punch," Naruto said.

"So she's about two years behind in her training then," Kurama said. Naruto and Sasuke made a mental note to never piss Sakura off ever again. Even Kyu agreed with them.

"Hey Kurama?" Naruto asked. Kurama motioned for him to continue. "The uh… the other me said you found a scroll about the Uchiha Massacre. Where was it?"

"The Kit and I were going through some documents looking for information on Wood Style," Kurama said. "It was mixed in with the scrolls Tsunade gave us. It had the council's seal on it and since I'm a fox and not a cat, I broke the seal. So, if I had to guess, it was in Tsunade's office at some point. The rest of the scrolls were Anbu ones so the Kit and Tsunade were the only ones to have access to them. I doubt the Elders could have broken that seal anyway. It's clear that the Third is the one who actually sealed it."

"It's a good thing Danzo didn't get his hands on it," Itachi said. "He would have destroyed it."

Naruto nodded. He kept glancing at Sasuke who was glaring at the floor. Older Sasuke stood up and walked over to Naruto. He knelt down and lifted Naruto's chin up. "Even if you can't find it, there is a jutsu you can use to get the truth out of the Elders. I can teach it to you."

Naruto smiled. "Thank you Sasuke-san."

"Hn," Older Sasuke grunted before standing up. He was feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Naruto tilted his head to the side. "Sasuke-san? What's wrong?"

Itachi and Kurama smirked. "It seems my little brother finds you quite appealing."

"Aniki!" Older Sasuke yelled. Sasuke tried to hide his blush, but it only went unnoticed by Naruto. Naruto was also red. He stuttered out a thank you before looking down. "Anyway, the jutsu I was talking about allows you to tell when someone is lying. Ino and other members of her clan are able to enter the minds of others and search for the answers to their questions. It is similar to that, only that you don't have to enter the target's mind. The mind can be a dangerous place after all."

"So it forces them to tell the truth?" Naruto asked.

Older Sasuke nodded. "However, they will only answer questions asked by the jutsu's user. Also, the user has to remain calm no matter what answers they get. The jutsu will fail otherwise and once it fails, it cannot be used against the same person again. It is categorized as an Anbu jutsu."

"I've never heard of such a jutsu," Kyu said.

"That's probably because the Kit made it," Kurama said. "It's one of his many jutsus."

"He made some jutsus?" Naruto asked in amazement.

"Why are you so surprised?" Kyu asked. "You made that Sexy Jutsu of yours remember?"

"Oh yeah," Naruto said, scratching the back of his neck. Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Anyway, I'll teach it to you," Older Sasuke said. He held out a hand. Naruto grabbed it and followed Older Sasuke into the kitchen.

Sasuke made to follow them, but he was stopped by Kurama. "I don't think so. You're not going to learn it."

"Why not?" Sasuke glared.

"Because you aren't ready," Itachi said. Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Your hatred is too strong." Sasuke clenched his fists. Itachi moved over to Sasuke and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure that Naruto will teach it to you."

"All you have to do is use those cursed eyes of yours," Kyu said.

"It's so strange," Uen said. All eyes turned to him. It was clear that they had forgotten that he was there. Uen shrugged it off. "In my world, all of you got along. Well, that's not completely true. Kurama and Sasuke did argue at first. But then again, Kurama didn't know that Naruto was his brother."

"His brother?" Kyu asked. Sasuke also looked at Uen in confusion.

"Yes," Uen nodded. "Kurama and Naruto were twins. Due to certain circumstances, Naruto was raised as a girl and he ended up in the Uchiha Kingdom as Sasuke's concubine." Kyu made a disgusted face while Sasuke put on a straight face. "Kurama found out that the girl he loved was really his brother." Uen shook his head. "Kind of sad, but Itachi won his heart in the end." Itachi and Kurama couldn't help but smile. They had already heard the story before, but being reminded that even in another world, they were together, it made it clear that they were destined to be together.

'Another world where I'm together with Naruto,' Sasuke thought. 'Is it possible that we're…'

"Done already?" Kurama asked, making Sasuke lose his train of thought. He looked up to see Naruto and Older Sasuke walking back into the room. Naruto looked tired.

"He's a fast learner," Older Sasuke said. "Almost as fast as Naruto."

"Thanks for the compliment," Naruto said, panting. Older Sasuke helped him to sit down.

"You used Tsukuyomi, didn't you?" Itachi asked.

Older Sasuke nodded. "It was the fastest way possible."

"Wait!" Sasuke nearly yelled. "I thought you needed the Mangekyo to use Tsukuyomi." Older Sasuke looked at Sasuke, his eyes shifting into the Mangekyo. Sasuke looked between Itachi and Older Sasuke. "How?"

"I have Shisui's eyes," Itachi said. He activated his own Mangekyo Sharingan. "I took them to prevent myself from going blind."

"So you have both of Shisui's eyes," Sasuke stated. "Danzo had one of Shisui's eyes implanted. It was destroyed in our fight."

"Our Danzo was the same," Itachi said. "Naruto killed him before he could use it against us. Tsunade was able to preserve it."

"And the other eyes he had on his body?" Sasuke asked.

"We had them destroyed," Itachi answered. "Shisui entrusted his other eye to me before he died so I was able to make a pair." Itachi smiled. "Did he also keep one of Shisui's eyes?

Sasuke knew Itachi was asking about his Itachi. "Yes." He pointed at Naruto. "It's inside the Dobe." Itachi raised an eyebrow.

"He force fed me a crow!" Naruto yelled. "A crow! I mean, who does that?"

"I think he did it because he wanted to use the Kotoamatsukami on me," Sasuke said. Itachi and Older Sasuke looked at each other. They could guess why and how the other Itachi planned to use it. Sasuke didn't say any more as he still didn't like the thought that his brother planned to force him to protect Konoha.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt when you're talking about such serious things," Uen said. "But I have to be going." He stood up and turned towards Kurama. "Mind bringing me back to the inn?"

"Sure," Kurama said, standing up. He grabbed Uen's arm. They vanished in a flash of fire.

"I think it would be best if Naruto was to get some rest," Itachi said. "He looks like he's about to fall asleep." Older Sasuke nodded. He lifted Naruto up and carried him to his room. "I'm going to start making dinner." Itachi quickly went into the kitchen. This left Kyu and Sasuke alone in the living room. Kyu remained silent as he looked around at all of the photos. He was tempted to check on Naruto. He felt Older Sasuke's presence leave the house. Kyu guessed that Older Sasuke was going to see Older Naruto. He glanced over at Sasuke. Not wanting to be around Sasuke, Kyu made his way to Naruto's room.

Now that Sasuke was alone, it gave him a chance to think about everything he had learned since coming here. This world was very different from his own, and yet at the same time, it wasn't. If a scroll about the Uchiha Massacre really did exist, he was sure Naruto would find it. Sasuke wondered if Older Naruto still had that scroll and if he'd let Sasuke see it. He doubted it. The thing that bothered Sasuke the most about this world were the things Itachi briefly mentioned about Naruto. 'Itachi had mentioned there being an Incident that involved Older Naruto, one he clearly didn't want to talk about. He also mentioned that Akatsuki had managed to capture Older Naruto. It had to be before the merger they mentioned. Did the Incident have something to do with Older Naruto's kidnapping?'

"What is on your mind, Brat?" Kurama asked. Sasuke nearly jumped since he hadn't felt Kurama's presence. Kurama grinned. "You know, I might be able to help you." He sat down on the love seat, laying down so his legs were over an arm. "That is, if you're not afraid to ask." Sasuke glared at him. "Now, now. Don't be mad. You two are more alike than either of you'd like to admit." Sasuke guessed he was talking about Older Sasuke. "That's probably why he doesn't like being around you. He doesn't like seeing what could have been."

"You think my decision is wrong," Sasuke stated.

"Well, yes," Kurama said. "Your decision is hurting the Kit, and if the Uchiha had made the same one, I would have killed him." Sasuke's eyes widened at that. "Itachi would have been mad. Hell, the Kit might even hate me for it. But I wouldn't have cared. Everyone knows that I'd do anything to protect his happiness, even if it meant destroying a little piece of it."

Sasuke stayed silent for a few seconds. "Itachi mentioned that Naruto has killed a lot of people. As far as I know, the Dobe hasn't done so."

"He mentioned an Incident, didn't he?" Sasuke nodded. "And I'm guessing you linked that with when the Akatsuki captured the Kit?" Again Sasuke nodded. Kurama sighed. "He had just become an Anbu when they caught him. They brought him to their hideout. I'm sure that you know that all members of the Akatsuki are S-Class Rogue Shinobi. Well, they weren't exactly kind to their captives. They wanted me, but he refused to let them have me, no matter what they did." Sasuke's eyes widened at that. "They made a mistake and gave him the chance to escape. He gave into his anger and slaughtered all of the two hundred and six lesser members of the Akatsuki. And he did it without batting an eyelash." Kurama stared at Sasuke, watching his face as several different emotions appeared on it. "Anyway, I think you should go wake up your Naruto. I can smell that dinner is almost ready." He swung his legs back over towards the floor, standing up. He glanced at Sasuke once more before walking into the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around Itachi.

"Are you sure it was ok to tell him all that?" Itachi asked.

"Who knows," Kurama said.

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Sasuke did what Kurama suggested and walked up the stairs towards his parents' old room. He hesitated before the door, unsure if he should knock or just enter. He didn't know if he was ready to even do so. However, Sasuke never got the chance to find out. Kyu swung open the door and looked down at Sasuke, his red eyes shining. "What do you want, Uchiha?"

"I'm sure you already know why I'm here," Sasuke said, gathering his courage. "Dinner is almost ready." Kyu let out a sigh before turning around and walking over to Naruto. The blond was sleeping in the bed, sheets pulled over his form.

"Kit, it's time to wake up," Kyu said. He gently shook the blond until his eyes opened.

"Hey Kyu," Naruto said with a smile. He sniffed the air, his stomach rumbling at the smell. "Guess I'm hungry." He pushed the sheats to the side and moved to stand, but his knees buckled. Kyu managed to catch him.

"Careful," Kyu said. Sasuke watched the scene with anger bubbling in his chest. He turned away and headed down the stairs, knowing they'd come down on their own.

Itachi looked up when he saw Sasuke walking into the kitchen. Kurama looked over his shoulder at him before taking a step back. "It's fine," Sasuke said. He walked over to where the plates were. Grabbing some, he walked over to the dining room table and began to set it. Kurama and Itachi looked at each other. Itachi just shrugged and motioned for Kurama to help.

"Are the other two not joining us?" Naruto asked.

"Naruto is busy with his Hokage duties," Itachi said. "And I doubt Sasuke wants to leave his side."

"Why doesn't he just make a bunch of clones to help him work?" Naruto asked.

"Oh," Itachi looked at Naruto with a hint of awkwardness. "I guess you can't sense them since Naruto's chakra is highly concentrated in the barrier around the compound." Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Naruto has several clones all around Konoha helping people."

"That's not all," Kurama added. "He sent some to Suna and Kumo as well."

"How many?" Kyu asked.

"Let's just say enough that he doesn't want to make anymore unless absolutely necessary," Itachi said.

"You don't have to hide it," a voice said. The group turned to see Older Sasuke walking into the room. "Naruto will be here soon. Shikamaru and Sakura agreed that it would be ok for him to make a Real Clone."

"That's a bit surprising," Itachi said. "He hasn't made a Real Clone since your honeymoon."

"Sakura actually suggested it," Older Naruto said, appearing in the room. "She said I needed a break." He looked around. "What's wrong?"

"How many clones can you make?" Naruto asked.

"I don't really know," Older Naruto answered.

"He once made enough to surround the entirety of Konoha," Older Sasuke said. "That was on top of the ones already around the village, Suna, and Kumo." Naruto and Sasuke looked at Older Naruto in amazement. The older blonde scratched at the back of his neck.

"Enough about me," Older Naruto said. "Dinner seems to be ready." Itachi nodded. He carried the large bowl of curry over to the table. Older Sasuke grabbed the container of rice. The two brothers began to serve everyone.

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Sasuke walked towards the kitchen, wanting a glass of water. Older Naruto was there, cleaning the cabinets. It was clear that he heard Sasuke, since he turned towards him. He smiled at the raven. "Good evening Sasuke. I hope I didn't wake you."

"Why are you doing that so late?" Sasuke asked.

"I couldn't sleep," Older Naruto admitted. "When I can't sleep, I tend to start cleaning things."

"Did you have a nightmare?" Older Naruto gave him a look of confusion. "N-nevermind." Sasuke looked away, blushing.

"I don't have nightmares anymore. Sasuke keeps them away." Older Naruto jumped off of the chair he'd been using. "Do you have nightmares?"

"Sometimes. Mostly about the Massacre and… when I killed Itachi."

Older Naruto nodded at that. "Do you want to talk about them?" Sasuke shook his head. "Alright." Older Naruto grabbed two glasses from a cabinet, poured some fresh water in them, and handed one to Sasuke. "Sasuke, he used to have nightmares too. They were always about someone he loved getting killed. The ones involving me tended to be the worst. He'd wake up with a Chidori in his hand or his Mangekyo Sharingan activated. I can't tell you how many times I've had to buy new furniture." He shook his head. "But once Sasuke knew I was safe, he'd calm down. I'd let him cry on my shoulder if he needed it."

"He seems… different."

"He's seen some terrible things. He stayed with Orochimaru for six years after all."

"Why? Why did he stay an extra three years? Why didn't Orochimaru try to take his body after the three years ran out?"

"Sasuke had been sent on a mission by Orochimaru. He ended up staying in a town for longer than necessary. It made him miss the transference day. Orochimaru had to take over someone else's body."

"He never let me leave the hideouts without someone he trusted to keep an eye on me."

Older Naruto nodded. "Those three years made all of the difference. In that time, I became the captain of the Anbu, gave Kurama his own body, and learned the truth about Itachi and the Uchiha Massacre. I also got a lot stronger." He then looked to the side. "But not everything went well."

"The Akatsuki kidnapped and tortured you."

Older Naruto's head turned so quickly that Sasuke thought he'd have whiplash. "Who told you that?" Sasuke gulped, not sure he should really answer that. "No, I suppose it doesn't really matter." He took a sip of his water. "It doesn't look like your Naruto was put through the same. I'm glad." Sasuke wanted to ask Older Naruto to elaborate about what exactly happened, but he chose to stay silent instead. "Do you really hate Konoha?"

Sasuke clenched his fists. "They've been laughing at the expense of Itachi and my family."

"Sometimes that is the price of peace." Older Naruto grabbed Sasuke's empty glass. It joined his in the sink. "I think you should go back to bed." That sentence came out as if it was an order. Sasuke decided not to fight Older Naruto on that and he headed back towards his room. He found Older Sasuke standing next to the door with his arms crossed.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. He wasn't in the mood for another lecture. But Older Sasuke didn't say anything. He allowed Sasuke to enter his room without a single word. Sasuke looked at the door, knowing Older Sasuke was still there. He wondered why he'd been silent. Shaking his head, Sasuke got back in bed, praying the nightmares would stay away for the rest of the night.