With What You Knew
Chapter 1
AU
Constructive Criticism appreciated! Flames will be ignored.
A/N: Back yall, have a ton to catch up on, including some of my older stuff. WIP, life just keeps getting nuttier. Family and my pup is old and making his way to the dog house in the sky and work has been a clusterfuck. Busy af.
Soooo . . . please grant me some patience and know I am working on a bunch of existing stories. This one just kind fell out on the page well in order already, so why not post.
Prince Sasuke was bored.
He was successful, desirable and second heir to arguably one of the most successful known lands.
But for all of his successes, he found almost all people . . . boring, unchallenging, not creative or powerful enough to keep up with him or hold his interests. Or they were simpering fangirls he would rather drown than interact with.
But as he sat here, he read the most recent military report from a battle just off the edge of their lands by one of their smaller ally countries and its heir apparent.
And the only conclusion he could come to was that he was fascinating.
Prince Sasuke was amused by the wild young Heir apparent of Uzushiokagure (The Land Hidden in the Eddies – Eddies being whirlpools of water), a small but powerful country to the far East of Konohakagure (The Village Hidden in the Leaves).
He had heard of amazing techniques and strategies in other battles as well, but their most recent battles with the Hi no Kuni (Land of Sky) and how they had ingeniously used gravity seals with water. Sasuke wasn't even sure how. But not a single soldier had been lost on either side.
And the brilliant if deadly exchange to some slavers from the Land of Forests in Far East country that learned the wrath of the Uzushio shinobi; which only heightened Sasuke's admiration. While he'd love to not kill enemies, it wasn't a luxury he couldn't afford. It was good to see Uzu seem to understand and balance both.
Their current Heir Apparent's name was Naruto Uzumaki and like all Uzumaki's, they were said to be powerful at fuuinjutsu (Art of Sealing), with a massive chakra and strong vitality.
The Uzu were also said to be a loud, loving red-headed people, most on the island being within a few generations or cousins of the Uzumaki, though there were other branch clans that lived there.
And like the tales of old, it was said that the Uzu were gorgeous, many being attributed to Sirens due to their beauty, their talent with water, wind and sailing, and their voices.
Because of this, it was common in the past to have Uzu's residents kidnapped off the island. As such, Uzushiogakure had become near impenetrable in their response, fierce fighters, but known the world over for their defense and barrier spells and seals and for being a largely closed set of islands to all but those with trade or mission purposes.
They had been able to continue to live this way due to their self-sufficiency. Luckily, the islands within the Land were vast, though only a few of those islands were heavily inhabited.
The Uzu Lands were also rich in resources, minerals, and metals, uncommon in the mainland areas around them, but fruitful within Uzu. It made them a wealthy land too, not that they left often enough to boast about it.
The Uzu specialized in many things.
Sealing of course was the largest, most versatile, and most lucrative. It was also one of the most secretive Arts and they were the very best.
Though they were very rarely allowed to be married to Nin Clans in outside lands, it was much desired for any Ninja clan due to the Uzu people's beauty and unique and non-competing attributes. Their vitality, large chakra pools and extensive ability to understand and use Fuiinjutsu while hereditary, did not appear to conflict in any way with other dominant or recessive Nin clan traits, such as doujutsus (Eye specific skills inherited, like the Uchiha's Sharingan and the Hyuuga's Byakugan).
The last Uzumaki's known to marry outside of Uzu had been Mito Uzumaki, their military leader the Shodaime's wife. After that, it had been the Yondaime (Konoha's 4th Military leader) who had left with the Royal Family, the Uchiha's blessings, for Uzu to join his Uzu wife, due to the impending war to strengthen ties among the two nations Nations. And from what they now knew, the Yondaime's wife, Queen by blood of the Royal line of Uzu, one Kushina Uzumaki, had been pregnant with their first-born child.
It was only understandable that they wished to protect their line, looking back.
They also made weapons of some of the strongest, lightest metals, that could also conduct chakra, had medicines only found on the islands, as well as herbs and spices unique to Uzu.
And the silk. Supposedly there was an island filled with silkworms, that cast a silk that could be imbibed with chakra, that could fool even doujutsus, and grant invisibility. Sasuke was unsure if this was rumor or fact, as so much of the tales of the Uzu had begun to morph with myths due to their isolation.
He knew however that they produced unparallel, highly desirable and expensive silk. Even his favorite shirt was made of Uzu silk and it was like water on his skin, with the finest color, rich and had not faded in all his years of owning it.
They also were talented ship farers, known to be the very best due to their home environment being filled with deadly Eddies (whirlpools) and if one sought the fastest and most difficult sea routes, they came to seek at least guidance, if not assistance in the form of ships, sailors and shinobi from the Uzu.
Luckily for Konohagkure and its Princes, they were one of the few public allies of the Uzu and as such allowed more allowances than most. Sasuke however, had been too young to remember the last time they had visited the foreign land. His brother, Crown Prince Itachi however, did.
It had been when Sasuke was barely 4, Itachi 10 or 11. He would have to ask his brother again, as it was Sasuke being asked to go and trade and interact with its Prince and Heir Apparent.
Sasuke wished he had any personal knowledge to go off.
But shortly after their family's visit when he was just 4, the 3rd Shinobi War had broken out. Uzu had admirably lent its aid as the staunch and fierce allies that they were, but to their extreme detriment.
They had lost their King and Queen in Konoha's defense, while their people had suffered egregious simultaneous attacks on their homeland by both Iwa (Stone) and Kiri (Mist) while their leaders and much of their fighting force were helping to support Konoha.
Konoha had been saved most of the damage intended for it, whispers of the glorious fight of the King, Konoha's own Yondaime and the beautiful and fiery Queen of Uzushio, shared during the annual festival, where stories are told of them taking down a demon with the fuuinjutsu, as it was unleashed to decimate Konohagakure.
With a sigh, the tall, alabaster prince stretched his long limbs as he brushed some of his blue-black hair from his refined features. Striding out of his chambers to seek out his aniki (older brother), his cool visage darkened to a glower at the twittering of some of the female staff and court members.
He knew his impending decision on a bride was the talk of the courts, hell Fire County and Countries beyond, he and his parents having received requests and missives for years. But all of the contenders he was aware of were . . . . lacking.
He mentally groaned as his glare intensified externally from his internal musings. He noted banners going up. He had forgotten, having been away on mission the last few years. It was the Fall Festival and as such, a banquet would be held on the morrow. And while the intent may be to celebrate the year and impending Fall, he knew it would be used by many as an attempt to schmooze his family and his attentions.
There were a few particular individuals in mind, he knew.
He had been glad to hear that the Heir of the Hyuuga, a quiet, somewhat powerful but extremely shy Hinata had accepted the request for her hand from one Kiba Inuzuka, a powerful clan of brash if extremely talented trackers. The only ones that had been near their skill were the Hatake, one of his teachers, and the last of his line. Hmm . . .he would have to discuss that further with his father. But he was grateful her families interest in tying their houses would not longer be something he would have to manage.
Next had been one Ino Yamanaka, however she had fancied one of Sasuke's fellow ANBU, the talented if odd Sai. She had been enamored with Sasuke for years and while it was a bit creepy in some of the physical similarities with Sai, he was glad for the reprieve of her attentions. And Sai was a talented Shinobi and ANBU.
The most troubling to Sasuke was one Sakura Haruno. While it was said that she had accepted courting from another, she had been nearly obsessed with him for years. She had become a talented Medic-nin of which he admired her skills under the Legendary Sannin Tsunade who now reigned as their Godaime and 5th military leader. He also knew she still made efforts to engage with him that were less than appropriate while accepting courtship from one of the village's top taijutsu specialists, one Rock Lee. He hoped for her sake her continued interests in him would fade.
There were others strengthening ties and Konoha's position through budding relations. As his mother would say, what will be will be and it will all balance out and for Konoha, the large number of Heirs within his generation had led to a prosperous age and era for Konoha.
Their village contained the oldest and most numerous of the known Nin clans of any one village with the highest number of doujutsus as well.
They shared close ties with the Uzumaki and Uzu as well as with Sunagakure (Village Hidden in the Sand). Their own tactician and Jounin Commander had fallen for Suna's Kazekage's (Sand's 5th Kage's) sister in fact.
As such, along with the fact that Shikamaru Nara being the Heir of his Clan, Subaku no Temari had come to Konoha to marry him. Konoha had pledged both of the now Naras' skills should needs arise, as well as Konoha's formidable forces of which the Kazekage, Subaku no Gaara, accepted.
Chouji Akimichi, Clan Head of the Akimichi also instilled ties with a 1st cousin of the Kumogakure's (Village Hidden by Clouds) Kage, A-sama. They had been married just a few months prior.
There were others, though those were the most prominent he was aware of at the moment.
As he stalked the halls of the training grounds, lost in thought, he noted his brother sparring with his amour (love), the techy if uniquely talented and androgynous blonde, Deidara.
Sasuke appreciated his parents' support and forward thinking, accepting the shinobi and person his brother is. Itachi was truly Sasuke's most important person and had been since he could remember. But with his brother's choice in partners being male, Sasuke was left to the pressure and pestering of the many fangirls and proposals that seem to grow by the day.
He was now 22 and had followed his shinobi career all the way to the ANBU with his parents blessing, just like his brother. However, they had finally begun to convey his need to find a bride and wife. To carry on the family. Especially in light of Crown Prince Itachi's choice in partners being male.
And while conceptually Sasuke was willing, even wanting of a companion . . . the women set forth for companionship were . .lacking. . . . hell more like annoying to the point of insanity for him.
He didn't want a simpering bitch at his heels.
But that was the aristocracy.
The Uchiha, for all of their stiff, quiet, controlled upbringing, bred warriors. Warriors who believed in what they did, not just said it. Warriors who died for their kingdom, even its Princes. Warriors and a King and Queen who believed and lived in the concept of Yin and Yang and that all things come with cost.
It is what kept them in power, a respect that they would serve Konohagakure to the last drop of their blood, that they would honor their word, no matter its consequence.
And they would, he would.
-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-
The Fall Festival was in full swing.
As Sasuke sat in a corner with a group of noble men sipping on libations, his eyes drifted over the glittering silks and tulle filling the ballroom, uninterested in the flying fabrics and simpering women and the men boasting their latest acquisitions and women.
His parents sat at the Head Table still, regal and calm and where he had departed from to limit how many approached him.
As he thought back to his brother's amusement when he asked about Uzu and its young leader, he couldn't help but scowl.
It confused him, knowing his brother well enough to see the slight upturn of the corner of his usually neutral appearance to be him all but laughing at his otouto (little brother).
He had tried asking what Itachi remembered, more about its people and interests and possibly faux pas to avoid . . . but he had barely gotten out wanting to know more about their Prince before that look on his brother's face had Sasuke both annoyed and unable to get his previously amused brother to answer him any further.
Infuriating Aniki (Older brother), he mentally bit out.
Sasuke's drifting attention was pulled back to Mebuki Haruno, father of one Sakura Haruno who was standing anxiously behind her father as they approached from the side, clearly not acknowledging the wall of older men Sasuke had intentionally wedged himself into.
With a slight frown, Sasuke tipped his head to the man to speak, struggling to keep the frown from deepening on his features at the anxious, excitable, but talented merchant and his daughter.
"Would I be able to ask for a dance with my daughter with her Prince?" came his request.
Fluidly, Sasuke stood, his kimono in rich Uzumaki silks of navy and black slipping into place from his broad shoulders down to the beautiful line designs in various shades of gray along the bottom, the proud symbol of the ruling house of Uchiha emblazed on white and red on his back as well as smaller on his left chest now visible as he stood.
Sasuke had tried to lead the man away, quietly dismiss them so as not to cause them embarrassment due to Rock Lee and himself any dishonor, but the man stood firm, daughter clearly clutching the back of his top.
With a sigh and a severe look, he did the only thing he could.
"I would always be willing to dance with a daughter of this kingdom, though I do not mean to take her from her intended. Rock Lee if I heard correctly?" Sasuke intoned as a question, loud enough for the men sitting near to hear, to make his intentions or lack thereof clear.
Sakura's teal green eyes had widened in what he would guess horror and then narrow, but Mebuki had the where-with-all to interrupt his daughter opening her mouth.
"Of course, and yes, he has gone to get us drinks," Mebuki assented as he gently moved his daughter before him, her hand now resting on Sasuke's forearm.
Fucking ridiculous, he groused to himself.
With nary a word, he smoothly guided her to the dance floor, for as an Uchiha, let alone his coordination as a shinobi, he had learned to dance formally long ago.
He found her clumsy and abash, as she looked everywhere but him. He didn't mind, grateful for the silence and passage of time.
Of course, it wasn't to last.
"I don't want to court him, you know," She started as she looked up pleadingly at him.
She nearly tripped on the excessive tulle of her dress again.
It was a gaudy thing, in multiple shades of pink to compliment her unique strawberry blonde hair that due to the light red shade looked pink as well.
She was 5'6" or so without heels, maybe 5'9" with and clearly not used to moving in them. He at around 6'2" was still well above her in height.
Clearly dresses and shoes were not pragmatic and it was a ball, but he could never understand the interest to wear such things.
With a raised eyebrow that he knew looked somewhat condescending he answered her dryly.
"Then why accept his courtship?" He knew Sakura was a smart girl and he could only guess her angle today.
"Because-" She looked down, blushing as she seemed to muster her courage. "Because the man I love hasn't asked me," she finished boldly, only to trip and he being a gentleman, caught her, supporting her with his arms so she didn't end up flat on her face.
She appeared happy and flushed as she looked moon eyed up at him. And sadly for her, Sasuke only felt disdain. Not for her sincerity, but for the fact he had told her this, his lack of interest in her before. Many a time. And he did not like repeating himself.
"Sakura, you are courting. You should not if you do not accept that man's affections. As your Prince and fellow Ninja, I hope you'd not ask me to sully my and my family's reputation by suggesting I show interest in a courted woman? Especially one who has been my teammate and I hope at least a comrade whose skills I respect," he started while cooly, as gentle as he got, knowing how much his parents had insisted he stop sending woman away crying.
"And one I have conveyed I have no romantic interest in," But he ended coldly, dark eyes piercing as he glared, settling her on her feet away from his person. Sakura knew him, had been his teammate, even as close as he got to friends. If anyone should be lending him support and not trouble, it should be her.
The look on her face when she seemed to realize the deluded focus of tonight's endeavor by her, let alone the position she would be putting her former teammate and friend in was one of embarrassment, horror and humility.
With a teary nod, she mumbled an apology and was off the floor in seconds.
Sighing as he stalked to one of the balconies, he found his luck was not improving.
"Otouto, making another woman cry? For shame. Okaa-san (Mother) will have your head," he finished cooly, wryly as he noted his brother standing tucked in the shadows with some champagne in hand.
"Hn," he growled, uninterested in words or their mother's wrath, terrifying though it was.
The silence settled calmly between them for a good half an hour. It was something he enjoyed about his brother. He always seemed to know when Sasuke needed to process or simply decompress from things. It was like he knew before Sasuke himself did and it made him endlessly grateful for the older man.
Glancing out the side of his eye at his brother, he asked a question that had been eating at him.
"How did you decide on Deidara, Aniki? How did you know?" he asked quietly, frustration, curiosity and vulnerability Sasuke shared with very, very few on display, even if only for a moment.
With a raised eyebrow, the question was clear on the older brother's face.
With a sigh, Sasuke elaborated.
"I do not want a simpering puddle of admiration for my wife, Aniki. And I would love a companion, children of my own. But these women . . ." he trailed off, his teeth gnashing in a snarl as he glared out into the clear night, his hands even paler as he gripped the balcony railing tightly in frustration.
Itachi's eyes, dark like his brother's own, though skin just slightly darker, taking after their father, studied his little brother for a moment as he pondered his question.
"I knew the moment I saw him he was special. I knew the moment we interacted I would have him," his elder brother shared, almost wistfully, his eyes far away as he flipped his hand in a graceful 'so there it is' gesture, only to fold them over each other in front of him once again as he continued leaning against the outer wall.
Glancing at his little brother, only an inch or two shorter than him as he leaned against the railing a good 10 feet in front of him and a handful to his right, eyes lost as he watched the glittering lights of the land, surrounded by the dark safety of the massive trees, many born of the Mokuton (Wood style) skill of their Shodaime Hokage, Hashirama Senju. He knew how handsome they both were considered, though his brother had gotten the more refined features of their Mother that seemed to glow, chiseled into the night coloring of his features and the colors of the dark night surrounding him.
Itachi continued.
"I knew enough to know that while I never personally had shown much interest in men or women, I had been with women and not men. But I did not care what Deidara was. He was mine," The possessive tone Itachi finished with, sounding to the non-Uchiha as a bland statement, spoke volumes to Sasuke as he glanced over his shoulder and watched his brother's eyes seeped blood red, glowing bright in the night with his Sharingan, making him seem more a demon than man.
Nodding in understanding, he thanked his brother quietly as he went back to his thoughts, only to be surprised at his brother's query.
"When do you go to Uzushio, otouto?"
Pondering for a moment, Sasuke answered, unsure as to why his brother would ask.
"Within a day or two . . . . why Aniki?"
The slight wry smirk only increased Sasuke's curiosity, but he could see as his brother's eyes had returned to onyx and his mirth only growing that he would give little more away.
"I have a gift of my own I would like to extend their young heir apparent, if you wouldn't mind passing it along," he finished with a secretive, tiny smile.
With a sigh of exasperation, Sasuke nodded, scowl back from his previous pondering.
"Well Sasuke, we better return to our duties," Itachi finished, a quiet rumble of laughter at the screw of distaste from his otouto's face the only answer as they moved in to entertain guests and subjects alike.
Hope yall enjoy!
More to come!
Ja ne!
-TheFoxandHerShadow