Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Itachi knew it was coming. Sasuke's plans had always been so transparent; Sasuke would find him and they would fight until Itachi inevitably died. Itachi covered his mouth as he coughed weakly and slid a pill out from his pocket; the medication was bitter but it eased the pain and that was the thing. He couldn't die any other way than by Sasuke's hand. Sasuke couldn't discover the truth and this battle was to be far more than brother vs. brother, it was to be Itachi's careful performance finally produced upon a live stage.

Itachi's thoughts were interrupted by the rustling of the nearby bushes and he glanced through the foliage to find Uzumaki Naruto, his former prey. Red eyes trailed lazily to the blue and he watched as Naruto's features changed so dramatically; from surprise to anger with all the stops in between.

"Calm, Naruto-kun, I only wish to talk."

Naruto's lip curled and Itachi fought the urge to smirk; Naruto didn't need any goading on, especially now.

"Talk? I'll give you something to talk about," the Uzumaki charged yet Itachi did nothing to move. The Rasengan that had formed in Naruto's palm fizzled and the chakra was absorbed back into the hand it was contained to. Itachi looked into Naruto's eyes, surprised at his actions; they were only a shadow's length – at the most – apart and now would be the perfect opportunity for Naruto to bump the Akatsuki's members down.

"You're a liar."

Itachi's eyes activated the Mangekyou upon instinct. Naruto, unable to look away, was drawn into the connection and gasped. Itachi stood impassively as he saw a younger version of his self bowing down to the Sandaime Hokage, begging for his crime to be hidden from Sasuke.

Itachi focused his mind, attempting to draw both of them from the painful memory and succeeded; they were both thrown into the real world once more, Naruto crashing against his chest from the force of the Mangekyou against his mind. It was a few moments of heavy breathing that broke the silence between the two men before Naruto spoke,

"Coup d'état? How could they… how can you…?"

Itachi eyed Naruto warily; in one stupid moment all his plans could be destroyed. What had happened to the idiot of thirteen years? How had Naruto managed to place everything together this easily – and in such a short amount of time? Itachi watched coldly as Naruto looked at the ground, obviously deep in thought. If either were to move, they would touch the other and Itachi knew then that he needed to leave before something unnecessary fell into his plans. He was to die today and hand the legacy of the Uchiha clan over to Sasuke; god knows it was time.

Itachi moved away yet was stopped by a light tug on his cloak. He turned to see Naruto looking at him, eyes unabashedly shedding tears. Itachi's heart was so weakened by the saline droplets making their path down scarred cheeks that he didn't attempt to break the connection forged by Naruto. It was strange to be the source of such sorrow, yet a sorrow that was not directed because of his actions and their causes, but of the situation that led to those actions

"I never imagined something like that – something so horrible – could be covered up… to the expense of one person's suffering."

Itachi blinked; Naruto saw him as a sufferer?

"I've never been the sharpest kunai of the pouch, Itachi, but I know truth when I see it. It's easier for me to identify Uchiha's too; I'm sure you're aware of Kyuubi's history with Madara."

Naruto never ceased to amuse him; he was like a wild animal; unpredictable to the point of surprise. Of course he knew of Madara's history; the man had been keep to divulge the information that he once held the Kyuubi no Kitsune to his beck and call, yet had been surprised when the fox's chakra would automatically guard any Uchiha fortunate to be able to control the Kyuubi; Madara.

"Why did you take the blame by yourself?"

The stark question made Itachi finally sit beside the blond man. He had had many questions asked before on the subject of the Uchiha Massacre, almost all about his motives. Blame was a new one.

"To protect Sasuke; it's better for him to believe the story I fabricated than the truth. It would destroy his mind to know that everything he has done, everything I have done for him, was planned so long ago. Even my death will be exacted how I wish it to be, not by his will alone."

Itachi could feel blue eyes watching him, digging into every inch of his skin. Normally people averted their eyes from him, afraid of being dragged into the web of the Sharingan yet Naruto obviously did not see him as a threat any longer.

"I do not wish for him to place the blame upon Konoha," he continued, face turned down to the ground. "Sasuke is not one who can let go of his emotions – even as a young child he found it hard to abandon habits and mannerisms. It's part of who he is and I loved the village too much for him to forsake it like he undoubtedly would have."

They sat in silence until Itachi felt a spark run through his head.

"It had begun, Naruto-kun; my final act."

Naruto frowned before nodding.

"Stay here."

Itachi looked at Naruto as he crossed the first two fingers of each hand over each other and smiled at the Uchiha. The clone disappeared into smoke and Itachi shielded his eyes momentarily. Even if he too was a clone, he was still linked to the original and he coughed, blood slipping between the rows of white teeth and onto his hand. It was like an ironic gesture of his life, the blood collected in the slight dip of his white palm, crimson red against an almost white canvas.

It was a short time later that Naruto returned, the real one this time, and appeared to be out of breath. Itachi looked up, letting his hand drop and the gathered blood slide down his fingers and towards the ground. He watched Naruto's eyes follow its path and blue eyes looked up in sad curiosity.

"I'm alone; I managed to slip away and replace myself with a clone. Itachi, you need help. Even if it was unintentional, you showed me the extent of your lies… I want to help you."

Naruto stretched his arm out, the hand turned as if waiting for Itachi to grasp it.

"Please Itachi… I know I can't save Sasuke but I can save you."

Itachi considered these words before knocking Naruto's hand away. He stood smoothly, fighting the urge to cough. If he had been alone, he would have taken another pill yet with the Uzumaki right there… he couldn't be pitied even more.

"I'm not looking for salvation, Naruto-kun; I'm looking at protecting the remainder of my clan. Now if you'll excuse-"

Itachi was cut off by the cough he had tried to hold back and the globule of blood that was spat out onto his hand shone dangerously.

"Please Itachi…"

Itachi winced and pulled another pill from his pocket. He shoved it into his mouth with a bloodstained hand and swallowed it.

"I must take my leave now, if I am to execute my plan I need as much chakra as I can get. Sayonara, Naruto-kun, I am glad we had this opportunity to talk. As a last request, please do not tell anyone about the Uchiha clan or even about this meeting, I would be very grateful."

Itachi's body split slowly into the ravens he was often compared to and he allowed a soft smile to grace his lips as he saw fresh tears on Naruto's cheeks.

"Not that a dead man's thanks is worth anything…"

He closed his eyes and the clone vanished from sight.

Naruto bit back the anguished wail from his mouth and ran blindly forward. The clouds overhead had begun to gather and instincts told the Shinobi this was where the Uchiha brothers were fighting.

Naruto wasn't as stupid as many people believed him to be, he often wondered why they didn't catch onto the fact he wasn't an idiot. Some of the things he had said in the past made him cringe; if it had been anyone else, suspicion would have arisen. As it was, Naruto was known for being an idiot and, even during his time away with Jiraiya; no one had changed that opinion.

It was in fact Jiraiya who had drilled the common sense and knowledge into him; his training methods had expanded not only chakra capacity but brain capacity and ability. Naruto was able to calculate complex problems and formulate strategies that were of a good quality on the spot; maybe not as brilliant as a Nara's but still better than those of an average Shinobi.

When Naruto had returned to Konoha, he had chosen to conceal this hidden power of his; if Konoha preferred the Jinchuuriki to be a bumbling idiot and wouldn't open their eyes to see the man behind the face then that was fine with him. The only people that hadn't underestimated Naruto and assumed him to be something he wasn't were, ironically, the Akatsuki.

Though, he supposed, their mission was to capture him and underestimating their target could have disastrous aftershocks, especially with the way the Akatsuki seemed like they were kept on a tight chain by their leader. Seriously, that guy had some issues… and Naruto hadn't even started on the hats.

He had enough common sense to back off from the scene when Amaterasu – he would never forget the black flames that had burnt through Jiraiya's Toad Summon stomach so long ago – curled around the surrounding areas. It wasn't long that a huge lightning strike, accompanied by the announcement of the Jutsu's name 'Kirin' (an oxymoron in itself to the destruction the Jutsu caused) and the crack as the electrical surge hit the ground.

Naruto then saw the huge figure of Itachi's trump card. The colossal creature (Naruto really wasn't sure what else to call it) was both beautiful and horrifically ugly at the same time. Naruto closed his eyes, wishing the image of the creature away from his mind. It was strange how this teen could stand his ground with the hated Kyuubi yet flinch from this technique.

When the creature disappeared, Naruto's heart leapt into his mouth. Naruto knew that this meant Itachi's death but he refused to believe it; he couldn't let another person (and most importantly an innocent person) fall into darkness.

Resisting the urge to run to the scene, Naruto waited patiently. If he ran in now and Sasuke saw him, things could go horribly wrong. Would he even be able to face the youngest Uchiha, knowing that the person he hated, (his brain supplied the next line, the person he killed) the one he had betrayed Konoha to defeat was nothing more than an exceptionally talented actor?

Naruto managed to establish an open connection with his clone - something Jiraiya had taught him in the three years absent from Konoha, not that anyone aside from Jiraiya knew anything that Naruto had learnt – and found that this Tobi and Zetsu would be coming back for Sasuke. Naruto knew he had to move between the two parties and as quickly as possible.

Naruto hated himself for doing it but tapped into the Kyuubi's chakra. This was the only way he knew how to feel the surrounding chakra without being discovered. He recoiled in surprise when the distinct feel of an Uchiha walked up to the scene of the battle and he crept closer, on all fours as if he was an animal. Blue eyes widened as he saw Tobi offering a hand to Sasuke.

And much like Itachi had earlier, Sasuke swatted the hand away in favour of standing up unaided. His face was pale and eyes were wide, symptoms of the shock that the youngest Uchiha was under. Naruto wondered if he knew that the three remaining members of his clan were all gathered at the scene of the supposed reduction-of-the-Uchiha-clan-to-one.

The Uchiha – even now Naruto could hear the Kyuubi calling the man's name; Madara – placed an arm around his youngest relation and they vanished. His clone informed them of their position and Naruto cursed; he would only have three minutes at the most.

Wasting no time, the Uzumaki darted from the cover of the bushes and over to the bloodied body of Itachi. He didn't bother to check for breathing or a heartbeat (yet willed both to be present) and pulled the man into his arms with difficulty. When Naruto stood, the weight of Itachi's body pulled him down a little and he stumbled back onto his knees.

One minute

Naruto closed his eyes against the pain his leg tendons produced when he tried to right himself without the use of hands. He hadn't noticed the scratches on them before – most likely from the bush – yet now they stung with vicious intent.

Thirty seconds

He stood and that was all that mattered. His hands were able to connect and he breathed a sigh of relief as he felt his body grow lighter. Naruto turned his head to the left and sucked in his breath, preparing for the unusual sense of vertigo that would follow this movement. His leg twitched of its own accord and started the ball rolling; a yellow flash was all there was to an outsider as Naruto used his variation of the Hiraishin no Jutsu. As long as his eyes remained locked on their position, he needed no use for the Kunai his father had used.

Naruto turned his back at the last moment and planted his feet on the ground; he had never really used the Hiraishin before and Jiraiya had excluded from completing his training with it, at least until things calmed down a little. Two deep marks were left in the earth as Naruto skidded to a halt and he looked at his former destination, pleased to note it was quite a way a way now.

Naruto placed Itachi's body on the ground and finally checked for breathing. His eyes widened as he found none, yet he knew a person could live without breathing if their heart was still beating for a short time. When he placed his fingers to Itachi's jugular – and then his wrist, just in case – he almost cried out at the lack of pulse.

Naruto knew that electricity could get a heart to beat again yet he was a wind natured type; that wouldn't have any effect on the Uchiha's heart whatsoever.

"What do I do?"

Naruto lifted his hand up as he felt heat at his fingertips. Both of his eyes widened at the sight of red sparks crackling merrily, there was only one thing that could cause this. He placed his fingers on each hand together, ignoring the slight sting that each spark brought as they collided with his skin and pressed each hand over Itachi's heart, hoping it would be enough.

"Please, please, please, please," Naruto chanted under his breath and released the pressure after two seconds, repeating the action five times.

It was then that he finally remembered the first aid training Kakashi had made them take shortly after they returned from their first C rank mission in the Wave country. He needed to get air into Itachi and to do that he needed to use mouth to mouth.

Anyone would think that Naruto would laugh or be disgusted in this situation – especially as the contact would be with another male – yet Naruto, in all honesty, couldn't give a shit. If a life would be saved then it was worth it and he sucked in a lungful of air before passing it into Itachi's lungs. The sparks crackled loudly as they pressed Itachi's nostrils together and collided with the Uzumaki's cheek yet he soon returned to the electrical compressions, establishing a routine between breathing for Itachi and starting his heart.

Naruto felt as if he was going to break; he had been trying to get the man alive with no avail. Deep inside he knew that he had spent too long trying for it to work; Itachi really was gone. The sparks gave off a large amount of energy and the sting grew stronger; it was as if they were telling him not to give up. With tears gathering in his eyes, Naruto tried once more, slamming his hands against Itachi's chest hard enough to push the man into the ground. When nothing happened, Naruto turned his back to the corpse and allowed the tears a free reign. The sparks died out, leaving an odd crackling sound as a farewell and Naruto heard the distinctive rattle of air being pulled into damaged lungs.

Naruto span round to face his patient and his mouth dropped in astonishment; Itachi's chest was rising and falling in an irregular pattern. At once, Naruto clawed at all information Tsunade, Jiraiya and even Sakura had told him about medical ninjutsu. It wasn't much yet Naruto hoped it would be enough; even if he only had basics he could fuel more chakra into it than most medics could and this was his advantage.

Naruto began at the major organs, allowing his chakra to coat the lungs, heart and brain. He once again felt a sting in his hand and looked down to see the return of the red chakra. Again it seemed the Kyuubi wanted to help and Naruto let the chakra control his hand in puzzlement. The chakra accepted his leniency and began to form around Itachi's body.

The muscles in the man's body began to twitch under the demonic influence yet it was too far gone for Naruto to pull it back; the situation was bordering on a very thin line now, it was a make or break situation.

Even though the chakra, in essentiality, belonged to him, he had no control over it whatsoever and was merely an onlooker to the healing Itachi was receiving. There was one consequence Naruto was aware of at this point in time; the Kyuubi's chakra would submit DNA into each of the damaged cells, causing them to self destruct before speeding up the growth of the cells that would replace them. Although this was the best way to heal such extensive damage, it shortened Itachi's cellular life. Naruto knew that it was no price to pay, yet couldn't be sure if this was the only setback for the Uchiha.

Naruto felt the rush of heat as Kyuubi's chakra was pulled back into the seal and he fell into unconsciousness, the only coherent thought left was one of Itachi's welfare.

It was dark when Naruto woke and he shot up off of the Uchiha's chest, checking at the same time if he was breathing. The Uchiha appeared to be asleep – or unconscious – yet otherwise alright.

It took almost an hour, but the Uzumaki managed to get a small fire glowing and pulled out his emergency rations they had been given. He briefly wondered if his clone's replacement had been discovered and what the consequences would be when he returned to Konoha.

There were going to be repercussions; resuscitating an S-Class missing Nin who was supposedly after your hide (and not to mention part of the organisation that was led by the crazy man – established earlier due to the hats – who wanted to control the world) wasn't exactly what the council wanted.

Naruto had made his choice the moment he had seen ANBU Captain Uchiha Itachi begging the Sandaime not to reveal any of the night's events to his younger brother. It had been the moment where Naruto had finally realised the weight of Sasuke's betrayal – and the fact that that Uchiha was never coming home.

This Uchiha, however, was within reach. Naruto never had been the type to leave an innocent person without support and this was what he planned to be with Itachi; support. Naruto couldn't think of any braver person, someone who had given up everything – even his own life – for his brother. Sasuke had no idea how lucky he was to have Itachi.

The man groaned suddenly and Naruto rushed to his side, afraid he would die. Two eyes opened slowly and Itachi's gaze focused hazily on Naruto.

"I never thought death would be so dark…"

The words were raspy and almost silent yet Naruto heard them. He gripped Itachi's hand without saying anything, merely allowing the Uchiha to adjust to life again. Itachi's eyelids were fully open and Naruto stifled a gasp; both eyes were a pearly blue colour. He bit his lip, trying not to say anything until Itachi was ready. Naruto remembered from the fight between former comrades at the Valley of the End and how he had been disorientated after waking up; the nurses rushing around him had hardly helped.

It took a few more minutes before Itachi's eyes seemed to clear and they darkened slightly. He looked at Naruto and frowned,

"How did you die?"

Naruto wanted to hit the man at that moment but he knew it wouldn't exactly be the smartest of ideas. It was a reasonable assumption for someone who thought he was dead but why would Naruto be there in death too? Exactly what could have killed him?

"I'm not. Neither are you."

Itachi looked so unguarded that Naruto felt exposed. Itachi had let down the walls that surrounded him and the blond doubted that anyone (aside from his mother and Sasuke, from when Itachi was younger) had seen this side of the Uchiha.

"Not… dead?"

Naruto nodded and Itachi let his head fall to the ground with a sickening crunch.

"I just healed you!" Naruto hissed and lifted Itachi's skull up delicately. He hoped that the crazy man hadn't inflicted any more damage and was prodding at the skin gently when Itachi spoke,

"Why aren't I sick then? If I wasn't dead from that battle, I'd be dead anyway. I haven't taken any medication since before then and I can't live without it, therefore I am dead."

Naruto rolled his eyes; it was a trait both brothers appeared to have, this stubborn adamant-ness.

"Believe me, Itachi, you are not dead. I'll explain it now briefly as I'm sure you'll want to sleep a little more. You did die, technically, but the Kyuubi helped in bringing you back."

Itachi's lifeless gaze met Naruto's eyes once more and he nodded mechanically.

"Well that's unplanned."

Naruto couldn't help but nod as he watched Itachi slink back into unconsciousness.

Itachi worked mechanically after he woke. He brushed as much dirt and caked blood from his clothes as possible and managed to find a rabbit that Naruto had killed the night before, presumably. He had rebuilt the fire and cooked the rabbit, testing the little meat on its scrawny body repeatedly until it was at a state of perfection, then split the meat into two.

Itachi did everything he could think of to occupy his mind. If his mind was allowed to think, it would feel the empty lull that the Sharingan had left before he passed it onto Sasuke. The deal he had made for Susanoo was his eyes (after all, what did a dead man need with Sharingan). Sasuke had gotten the Mangekyou as well as Amaterasu. The Amaterasu had been altered to react to Madara's chakra; if Madara got to Sasuke then there was a chance that Itachi's past could be revealed and if Sasuke discovered the truth…

There was the point where Itachi considered leaving Naruto here and find a situation that would kill him but, like it or not, he was indebted to the younger man. Itachi wasn't sure how Naruto had managed - after all he did say Itachi had actually died – and he wasn't sure if the illness that had infected his body was cured or not but he was willing to bet that Naruto would be more than thankful if he stayed.

It didn't take long for Naruto to wake; as soon as his sleep hazed brain cleared, he looked over to the spot where Itachi had been laying before meeting the Uchiha's gaze over the fire.

"Here," Itachi spoke calmly and nudged the bark plate of rabbit. Naruto took the offered object and chewed on the meat.

"Thanks."

There was a strange silence between the two and Itachi decided that he didn't like it.

"Why did you… how did you…?"

Naruto swallowed the last morsel of his breakfast and placed the wooden utensil on the ground carefully.

"When that… creature vanished, I knew that you we dying. You didn't take my offer before but I couldn't let you die. There was another Uchiha there, Kyuubi was shouting something about a Madara, and he took Sasuke off before the Konoha Nin got there. I managed to slip us here before they arrived using a variation of the Yondaime's famous Ninjutsu, Hiraishin."

Itachi's stranger eyes widened and Naruto couldn't bear to look into them. The Sharingan was familiar, something he associated with Itachi, and seeing his blank face without the usual crimson orbs scared Naruto more than anything had before. The Sharingan was a constant in his life, these eyes, the unidentifiable irises, were not.

"Your heart – it wasn't beating… you weren't breathing… I couldn't-"Naruto broke off, remembering how he had almost failed to save the man opposite him. "Kyuubi helped me… Kyuubi is the reason you are alive. If you don't know of any more repercussions then I'd say the only thing that's a negative is your lifespan just got a tad bit shorter with the cellular regeneration and all. It's not so bad, really, you can't even feel anything."

Itachi looked down at his hands.

"So I really am alive then." Itachi turned his head back up to look Naruto in the eyes, "Sasuke will most likely know everything by now. Madara isn't one to beat about the bush and probably suspected I would try something like this if he was the first to find Sasuke… is your clone safe?"

If Naruto thought it odd that Itachi was acting normal after his 'death', he didn't show it. Naruto merely opened the link and revealed that yes, the clone was safe.

"What do I do now, Naruto?"

Naruto blinked at his loss of the suffix yet smiled.

"Come back home Itachi. There has to be evidence, something that will prove your innocence to Tsunade and the village. Just please… don't die again. I know we're leagues apart but, when I saw that I realised that it was you I should have been chasing after for all these years. You are the one who needs the salvation and redemption, not Sasuke. I know that you care for him but he's not the only thing worth living for."

Naruto's voice softened, "Please, Itachi, pass the script to Sasuke. It's his turn to take up his role and you need to let him. Step away from that shadow and begin again… I can help you."

Itachi almost, almost, considered saying yes. The reality came crashing down and he stood.

"Thank you for everything, Naruto."

Naruto's eyes flickered red and he snarled.

"No."

Naruto was next to him in a flash of gold, hugging him.

"I won't let go, Itachi. You can help us take down Akatsuki too, you have inside information. You can even help us get Sasuke back… even if he doesn't believe what Madara says then he'll want to find out what really happened and-"

"Naruto, Sasuke thinks I'm dead. I passed the Mangekyou to him and if he's in the company of Madara he will know this means my death. He had no idea the Kyuubi intervened and will always think I am dead. You cannot just return from the grave, Naruto."

Naruto's arms slackened and Itachi stepped away from the crude embrace. He was, once again, walking away from his duty but he couldn't stay. If he stayed he might get attached and this was certainly not an option for now. Attachments led to decisions and Itachi was sick of being the one to control the fates of what appeared to be everything. Since when had one man been the one to change the lives of so many people?

"If you don't stay for my sake, at least stay for the Kyuubi. He healed you and wishes you to repay the favour. I know that you both have a common enemy, it is a known fact that Kyuubi wants Madara dead." Naruto's voice dropped to a whisper, "if not for me, at least stay for that."

Itachi felt he had no other choice.

The dull crash of water hitting rocks resounded through Sasuke's head as he contemplated his options. Madara had gone; to where he didn't know – didn't care – yet he was alone again.

He could go back to the battle scene and inspect Itachi's body, but what he would gain from that he did not know. Would he be looking for a chance of redemption – forgiveness maybe – from Itachi's corpse? Now that he knew the truth a dull ache had settled in place of the hatred that had burnt for Itachi.

It was a cold fact that Itachi was innocent; far more innocent than the cherished brother he had protected for so long. The cherished son, the lone Uchiha in Konoha, was the one to betray Konoha.

Every action Itachi had taken – every neat, calculated step – head been for Konoha, for him. Itachi had been playing a dangerous game in joining the Akatsuki, even Sasuke knew it could have been a fatal move, but the Uchiha had played his part stunningly, even to his death. Itachi partner would find the corpse and inform the organisation of Itachi's dead; to them it was another closed book, nothing more.

He wondered briefly if Konoha would thank him for this act, after all Itachi was an S-Classed Missing Nin, regardless of his guilt or not. Of course this was another option; he could go back to Konoha, allow the Dobe his victory, and start the Uchiha clan again, yet he wasn't ready – would he ever be?

Dark eyes watched as the water pooled around the rocks, spraying occasionally upon his face in a cooling and soothing gesture. Team Hebi would be expecting him, he could easily return to that Team. What would he accomplish, though, what was his need for them anymore? The only useful person in his goals would be Karin and god forbid that he even let her see an inch of his skin in any situation where they were alone.

That left only one option; to remain alone. It wasn't as daunting as Sasuke had expected, sure there was the empty hollow in his chest but that would clear. Madara had made it clear what he wanted Sasuke to do and, like he had been his whole life, Sasuke would oblige and play along. It was only in his nature, after all; something that had been nurtured inside of him unconsciously by Itachi.

The Kyuubi had once said that, if Sasuke killed him, he would regret Naruto's death. That statement made sense now; Kyuubi had known this was coming.

Long ago, Sasuke had accepted that he was the lone survivor of the Uchiha Clan. Itachi had made his intentions clear, even in death it was easy to see that Itachi wanted Madara dead; why else would the Amaterasu react so strongly to Madara that it would want to kill him on sight? Itachi had planned the next motions of Sasuke's life, enough time for him to begin a new page of his life.

Sasuke stepped down from the rock he stood upon, hand resting gently on the hilt of his Katana. Peace had overcome his mind yet this was no time for private reflection. The dawn of war was approaching, the sound of war drums as loud as the crashing waves, and Sasuke knew how to begin his part; Madara's days were numbered.

In many ways it would be a eulogy to Itachi; the caring man who had devoted his life to his little brother and received nothing but hatred and isolation in return. There were so many times, too many to count, when Sasuke would have loved to know that Itachi had been innocent – and he guessed that he'd known it deep down – but there could be no other Itachi in his mind.

From the age of six, Itachi had always carried the title 'Brother who murdered the Clan' as opposed to the simple 'Brother'. It would forever remain that way, regardless of his innocence. It was who Itachi was to him, what he represented and what his actions had done.

Maybe, just maybe, if things had planned out differently he would be standing somewhere similar to here, two sets of eyes overlooking the waters as Itachi explained various properties to whatever Jutsu they were studying but that was a selfish dream, a foolish ambition that simply could not occur.

It was time to accept the discreet proposal the Kyuubi had suggested that not so short time ago; Uchiha Sasuke was going to war, but Uzumaki Naruto would be going with him.

Itachi looked down at the ground as he turned back to face Naruto. The Kyuubi's motives had always been murky, hidden in the backs of minds, yet plans that were never executed.

Normal people would have feared the fox for this, his blunt proposal of plans that were beyond dangerous. Neither Itachi nor Naruto was a normal person, this much was gathered from the situation they were in now; one of the most famous S Class Missing Nin and the Konoha's most surprising – and faithful – Nin grouped together, an odd and slightly disturbing combination, one that the Kyuubi would favour.

Itachi met Naruto's eyes and flinched at the raw emotion gathered in them. It was startling to see how passionate the once idiotic man could be and even more so because all the emotion was directed at him.

"The Kyuubi says that you want Madara gone from this world. He was the only threat to your true identity and he has most likely revealed it to Sasuke; the one move you never wanted to happen. There's something else though, isn't there?"

Itachi's head nodded of its own accord and he spoke without thinking. He did not dwell on the fact that it felt so natural to answer in such a way to Naruto; he had accepted long ago that anything in relation to the blond would be abnormal, greater and magnified to proportions far from what they would be with any other human.

"The Akatsuki is governed by him. He is the one giving out orders to Pein."

Naruto bowed his head and closed his eyes. For a moment, Itachi wondered what was happening yet Naruto opened his eyes once again and spoke before he had time to question him,

"You've been inside the Akatsuki, had a chance that not even the Kyuubi had been able to acquire. The fox wants Madara dead, I think everyone wants him dead really, and you're the one person who can help. We'll fight fire with fire, Uchiha with Uchiha."

Itachi bit the inside of his cheek and half-turned away.

"I can't, Naruto. I no longer possess the Sharingan; Susanoo – the creature you saw – took it as payment and I passed the Mangekyou onto Sasuke. It's true I have other techniques yet it will not be an Uchiha against an Uchiha; it will be a Shinobi against an Uchiha… and a trained Uchiha such as Madara, even without his Mangekyou, is the winner in that battle."

Itachi looked over in alarm as a huge crack sounded. Naruto had obviously punched the tree closest to him and Itachi could see his arm shaking, fighting against the pooling red chakra.

"Damn it Itachi! Can't you see that there is no other way? It all comes down to Madara; the Kyuubi wants him dead because the fox has a huge ego and doesn't like people controlling him, Jinchuuriki – including myself – have and will die for his inexcusable reasons, Sasuke knows the truth because of him… everything links back to him."

Itachi remained silent and tore his gaze away from Naruto's blazing eyes. He could see the transformation happening already; the red seeping slowly into the blue and made no single move to stop him. Naruto needed the anger to seep out and Itachi was only surprised that he had taken so long to lose his composure. The Uchiha knew he had hardly been an accommodating speaker.

"I have trained to hunt and catch an Uchiha for almost three years. I've found you and have no intention of letting you go."

Itachi was startled at how strong Naruto's voice had become and was even more shocked to see pure sapphire eyes staring at him, no trace of red whatsoever. Itachi could do nothing but nod his head slowly.

"The Kyuubi brought me back from death for this purpose and I realise now that it is what I will need to do. I know a lot about Madara; he even taught me before the…" Itachi trailed off and Naruto didn't question this; it was obvious that Itachi no longer wished to talk about the Massacre.

"Our first step?"

Itachi smirked grimly as he thought of the one place they would acquire the correct knowledge on how to defeat Uchiha Madara. It could, potentially, be a risky move yet the dark haired man was willing to split hairs over something that could help them in the long run.

"We're going to pay a visit to some old acquaintances of mine. There's no doubt that we'll manage to get some weaponry there and possibly even bargain for a Jutsu… it will be an educational experience, no matter the outcome."

Itachi took in a deep breath and spoke,

"Well then, it's time to reveal one of the best kept secrets of the Shinobi world… tell me, Naruto, what do you know of the Ame-no-ukihashi (floating bridge of heaven)?"

Naruto's eyes were wide with the reference; he had only learnt about the floating bridge in classes and even then his attention span had been little. As shallow was his pool of knowledge concerning the ancient deities, Naruto knew that the bridge was the connection between heaven and earth.

"It's a bridge between worlds… Izanami and Izanagi churned the sea from that point."

Itachi nodded.

"That's where we're headed. It's where I made my deal with Susanoo and created Amaterasu… it's about time I returned there. I believe there is something there for you too, a sword that may suit you perfectly."

Itachi pulled his hands together before biting his thumb and placing the palm of his hand on the floor.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"

Naruto's eyes widened in amazement as a huge black raven appeared where the smoke left. Itachi mounted the bird, sitting cross legged on its feathered back and offered a hand to Naruto.

"Thank you Itachi."

The wind almost carried Naruto's words away as the raven flapped his wings in order to become airborne yet Itachi heard them. In a silent reply, he used one arm to pull Naruto a little closer before releasing him; not touching but too close for personal space allowance.

The only sound for what seemed like hours was the wind roaring in their ears and the occasional beat of the bird's wings. When the bird changed its path and flew at a slight angle, Naruto knew that they were coming to their destination.

Sure enough, the raven broke through a layer of clouds before everything seemed to slow down, painfully slow, and then stop. A flash made Naruto close his eyes and he saw Itachi do exactly the same thing. When he reopened them, Naruto couldn't help but let the gasp slip through his open mouth.

Three gods sat on three very different thrones, looking as if they had anticipated their arrival all along. Their faces were concealed with unexplainable shadows yet their positions screamed divinity and Naruto didn't have to see their facial features to determine them as beautiful.

"Uchiha Itachi," growled the second figure, placed upon a throne with a curved back, making the chair seem as if it was either a wind or wave caught in a storm. The detail on the chair could be seen from a distance and Naruto marvelled at the beautiful and intricate patterns as they interlocked against each other.

Naruto looked at Itachi and saw the Uchiha on his knees, bowed down to the speaker.

"I would have thought that battle had finished you off for good yet here you are… and with a companion of all things. Look Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi! How delightful."

Naruto's eyes widened to pools of cerulean as the three figures finally stepped out into the light. The figure that had sat on the golden throne was a youthful woman while the man – who had been seated on a dark throne – was an equally young man. The first person to speak was revealed and he too was a striking figure and Naruto then realized that these were the gods – the three divinities Amaterasu of the sun, Tsukuyomi of the moon and Susanoo of storms and the sea.

"We have come to collect the Sword of Totsuka as well as the sword I believe to belong to my companion."

The woman raised an eyebrow at that.

"And what sword would that be? You may have honoured me in naming a technique of yours after me but do not let that think you have won us over."

The male on the left coughed suddenly and Amaterasu – the goddess on the right – wheeled round to face him.

"Just because he names his most used technique after you does not mean we all love him. Just because you have a fascination with him-"

"Oh yeah, and you don't? He created Amaterasu from scratch; Tsukuyomi was just an inherited eye technique… I'd say you were the one to worship Itachi if-"

"You've been at this ever since Uchiha came last time, will both of you just shut the hell up!"

The siblings silenced at their brother's anger yet the evil glares did not cease; it appeared even gods and goddesses held rivalries. Naruto held back his smile, knowing that it would cause more harm than good, but took pleasure in the fact that these Divinities seemed truly down to earth (if you'd excuse the pun).

"The sword is the Kogitsune-maru (Little fox)."

Naruto looked between Itachi and the three powers. Their reactions were strange; Tsukuyomi had a slight smile in place, Amaterasu looked shocked yet Susanoo had a calm look, almost as if he'd anticipated such a move.

"You believe that he is to wield the Kogitsune-maru? Any sword and you chose the one most likely to react to the Bijuu inside of him… if he turned out to be the wrong person, Uchiha, you know what could happen."

The sun goddess turned to Naruto before speaking,

"The Kogitsune-maru will never cause needless harm. If you are to wield such a sword then the Kogitsune-maru will need to recognize you itself. Inari forged this sword and knew the Kyuubi well… maybe fortune will shine on your path."

Golden eyes flickered to a direction slightly off to the side and Naruto walked away from the group, allowing the nearby shadows to group around his body. It was obvious that Amaterasu was allowing him this option; even without words her eyes seemed to command gently, asking Naruto to direct his own body where he would ultimately find the sword.

The sound of laughter greeted Naruto's ears as the surprisingly cold darkness pressed against his skin, followed by the shrill tinkle of a bell. Not a second later, a white fox halted next to him, large eyes looking up. The fox yipped, almost impatiently, and Naruto knelt down to stroke it.

Moving from the centre of its head, Naruto's hand brushed against a dark patch of fur, so dark that it appeared to be almost black. It formed a tilted cross shape at the junction between the creature's shoulders and neck

A heat grew under his hand and his stomach burned with an intensity he had never known before. The fox morphed suddenly under his touch, the cross mark becoming a sword's hilt and fitting to his palm perfectly.

"Well, well, it seems as though the Kogitsune-maru has finally found the partner she was looking for. Do not seek for unnecessary destruction for you will destroy part of the Kogitsune-maru as well as part of yourself. This sword is an extension of your soul; treat her as you would treat yourself."

Naruto gazed up at the humanoid figure and nodded his head slowly. The light faded and Naruto made his way back to the small group, the sword gripped tightly in his hand.

"She accepted you."

The voice was blunt and Naruto knew that it was Susanoo who spoke. He wasn't sure how he had returned to the gathering but the warmth of the area soaked into his skin, the sword in his hands seeming to hum in the presence of such heat. Itachi's eyes traced the path from Naruto's hand and down to the sword with a smirk on his face.

"Naruto is nothing like the demon he hosts; do you think I would be so stupid as to bring a traitor here?"

Amaterasu looked at Naruto before shaking her head slowly. She bit her lip thoughtfully before speaking,

"I see you passed my gift onto your brother… how can we be so sure he will honour the knowledge of it as you did Itachi?"

Itachi sighed before closing his eyes. Naruto looked between the gods and Itachi before speaking,

"I'm sure Sasuke will not abuse your gifts, Amaterasu-omikami."

The goddess narrowed her eyes at the full length of her name and surveyed the Uchiha once more.

"If he so much as thinks of abusing that power I shall take it from him. Amaterasu Fire is precious and was yours Itachi. Your brother may have the same blood in his veins but the technique was allowed and aided because of who you were. If he truly wants to keep it, he had better prove to us that he deserves it."

She waited for Itachi to nod, signalling that he understood what she meant in that if Sasuke kept the Amaterasu without earning it, she would forcibly take it. Of course, one way to counter this would be for Itachi to reclaim it, or for Sasuke to prove his worth.

The tall woman looked over to Naruto suddenly and a warm smile covered her lips. Stepping closer to him, she spoke gently,

"Uzumaki Naruto… you caused quite a fuss for us when you were born; Kushina-san wanted to give you over to us yet the Konohagakure elders wished you nothing to do with us. It is ironic that her son stands before us now; wielding the very sword that probably would have become his if Kushina-san had had her way. Your mother is held in high respects; the greatest thing a woman can do is offer her own child to the gods when all else seems hopeless. It is a shame that she died but nature has a path for us all and it is not in the best interests of Gods nor Humans to claim they command the dead."

Naruto bowed his head in respect for the dead; Jiraiya had long ago told him of his parentage and the fact that he was an orphan. Uzumaki Kushina had held onto her son for two days after his birth (and after the sealing) before her hands had finally slipped, lifeless, from his body and she took her last breath. There had been a disease in her blood – the doctors said – and it had been too late to identify the area and treat it.

"Itachi, you wish to reclaim the Sword of Totsuka?" Itachi nodded and Susanoo put a hand to his belt.

"Here it is then. I have contained it to a smaller gaud as I had a feeling you would come for it… take care of her will you."

Itachi kneeled and accepted the gaud. Inside it contained the Sword of Totsuka and he would be damned to hell without it; the sword had removed Sasuke's cursed seal and was the perfect counter to the Kusanagi, wherever the grass cutter may be. Along with the Kogitsune-maru, Madara wouldn't stand a chance and then Itachi would finally be allowed his redemption in the form of death.

Itachi rose fluidly and smiled slightly at Naruto. The pair bowed simultaneously and walked away. Neither of them saw the smile that played across each of the three god's lips not the warmth that the figure in the centre gave off.

It was at that last moment that Susanoo called out and Itachi stopped dead in his tracks,

"Look up to the future, Uchiha."

Itachi's eyes turned to the god in confusion yet the reaction he got was anything like the one he wanted; his eyes rolled into the back of his head and the ground came crashing upwards.

The gates of Konoha had seemed so barren that day Sasuke had left yet the grey-scale of the clouds that shrouded the air made the wood seem murky, far sinister than that day had appeared. There was a lone figure at the gate and Sasuke knew he could get past them easily – if he wanted to.

Sasuke wanted to walk in there, free of henge, free of everything, and find Naruto but he knew that was just an ideal situation. The best he could do was to use his Mangekyou and hypnotize the guard before placing an elaborate Genjutsu about his body as he got inside the main city. From then, he would find the Dobe and somehow convince him to get out of the village.

The guard fell directly into Sasuke's trap and the youngest Uchiha smirked as he walked off. It was easy – a little too easy – to get into Konoha and Sasuke was honestly surprised. From the reaction he had received after leaving he had expected Konoha to be a little more prepared for such a situation.

There was one place that Naruto would be at this time; Madara had informed him of Konoha's attempts to find him and the fact that they would return to the village regardless of whether they found the Uchiha or not, and it was around noon. The street was lacking in people as the first few droplets of rain began to spill on the earth yet Sasuke paid no attention to it and headlined towards the Ichiraku ramen stand.

Upon pushing through the material that partially hid the stand from public view, Sasuke frowned; it was devoid of Naruto. The old man behind the counter looked up at the intrusion and smiled at the newcomer,

"Welcome sir. If you have time, please do sit down. I can cook you up something warm to eat on a day like this-"

"Do you know where Uzumaki Naruto is?"

The old man blinked at the interruption but he scratched his head in thought, eyes narrowing as he remembered the places Naruto had talked about, places he liked to go to think.

"In honesty, no. He would normally be here but… try the Hokage's office."

Sasuke nodded once and left without a second glance at the man, or the other person sitting quietly at the stand.

"Excuse me?"

The voice was hesitant but Sasuke recognized it; he would have known the owner in any situation.

"Is Naruto wanted for something?"

He turned and realized his mistake as the pink haired Kunoichi's eyes narrowed and she whispered,

"Kai."

Sasuke didn't flinch; he had disregarded such a useless action after Madara had finished his speech. Sakura, however, almost shot backwards, her eyes wider than dinner plates. With little effort, Sasuke regrouped the Genjutsu, glad that no one else was on the street to have seen the revelation.

"I would appreciate it if you kept this to yourself, Haruno. Now if you'll excuse me-"

Sasuke had honestly not seen the punch coming yet he would never admit it. Even Sakura seemed surprised that it had connected and she stood with her clenched fist almost at the ground, eyes hardened at her former crush.

Sasuke rose and turned his back on her; she was of little importance now, just a woman who had been on his team. A bitter voice interrupted his walking and his leg stuck to the ground, pinning him there.

"Naruto's probably on the Hokage Mountain; Yondaime's head."

Sasuke glanced back at Sakura and nodded his thanks; in return she screwed her eyes up tightly, fighting against threatening tears. Without another word, Sasuke ghosted past her and zipped towards the famous mountain.

It didn't take long to reach the Yondaime's head and, sure enough, Naruto sat at the top of the hill. The teen was dressed in black, not a single hint of orange except the spiral that adorned his chest. His eyes were blank and he did not even acknowledge the newcomer.

Sasuke sat down beside Naruto, wishing for the loudmouth to speak.

"Why have you come back Sasuke?"

Sasuke was surprised that Naruto had been able to tell it was him; the complexity of a Mangekyou Genjutsu was extremely high and no ordinary Shinobi – regardless of class – could tell it aside from the real thing. The Kyuubi really did work wonders.

"You're coming with me, Naruto."

The blond haired man didn't even blink; he remained staring emotionless at the village at his feet. It was odd to see Naruto in this mood; had everything changed when he had left Konoha for Orochimaru or was this simply an after effect of growing up? Not that he could confirm the Uzumaki was grown up, especially since the last time they'd been together.

"I said-"

"I know, Sasuke, and I'm tired of games. I'm tired of running, tired of losing people… I'm tired of life. You say you want me, Sasuke, but do you really want me?"

Sasuke looked at the younger male in confusion. Naruto rose almost mechanically and the raven haired teen followed the gesture quickly.

"I'm tired of these bonds, Sasuke. You say you want me… you're going to have to prove how far you'll go to find me."

The Naruto before him gave off an eerie smile before placing his fingers over each other in a cross before vanishing. Sasuke snarled; it had just been a Kage Bunshin, nothing more.

Naruto's words rang in his ear as he looked down at the village in hopes of seeing Naruto.

The air around him grew ever colder as rain pelted from the sky, soaking his clothes and flattening his hair. If he hadn't known that Konoha was in the heart of the Fire country, he would have simply assumed that this area was closer to Amegakure. It always seemed to rain here, no matter the situation.

A chill settled over Sasuke's body and he pulled the starchy cloak he had bought from a random merchant. The days were changing now; everything appeared to be getting closer to the final moments, whatever they may be.

Uchiha Sasuke was a man of many desires; all of which had been compressed into one. That had been a fledgling of an emotion and this had grown into hatred, loneliness and, most importantly, a goal. His one goal had been to kill Itachi with the hopes that, after this, everything would right itself in the world.

How stupid had he been to think the death of Itachi, Itachi, could have given him so much? Itachi had been his brother, had been his friend, and had been his dependant person, one who he looked up to. Even when the Uchiha clan was thriving had Itachi made sacrifices; threatening to drop an ANBU examination in favour of bargaining for Fugaku to go to Sasuke's Academy graduation.

But Sasuke knew now that it didn't matter that Fugaku had come to the graduation; what had mattered had been Itachi's part in it. Even as a teenager, only just a teenager at thirteen, Itachi placed Sasuke's welfare before his own. It was the type of unconditional love that a parent should show, that a father should show, yet Fugaku (because that's who he was now to Sasuke, not father or dad) had been little more than a man searching to overthrow a village, sons on the side.

If he allowed his mind to wander, Sasuke would most likely wonder what Itachi's childhood had been like. There had been obvious discontent for Fugaku there but what placed it there in the first place? Surely it couldn't just have been the fact that he wanted to tear the village apart.

Sasuke sighed; here he was with the only things Itachi had given him, the final gifts of a great Shinobi, fantastic liar and sacrificial brother. There was a mission to fulfil and Amaterasu's fire burned behind his eye, pooling into his stomach as he held it back.

He knew that the Amaterasu had been the cursed fate he would follow; Uzumaki Naruto was the pawn needed and his own curse would fuel Sasuke's desires.

Naruto looked over at his companion and sighed; there was still no sign that the Uchiha would be waking up anytime soon and the day was almost at a close. After Itachi had lost consciousness, the summoned bird had carried them to where they were now, a stone chair set upon a concrete platform. It was startlingly similar to the destroyed area that Itachi and Sasuke had fought on, even to the Uchiha symbol and the nine swirls representing the Kyuubi. It seemed Madara didn't even attempt to hide his connection to the fox; openly flaunting it and causing the seal to throb in pain as the Kyuubi smacked against the barrier, screaming bloody murder.

The sword that he had been gifted from the deities lay at his side; the blade was long and, upon sitting down, it had dug uncomfortably into his thigh. There was a constant call from the sword, a reassuring pulse that reverberated through Naruto's body. The call sounded stronger and even the fox inside of him was stilled. The air grew thicker, suddenly, and a peal of white light escaped the sword's hilt.

Naruto watched in fascination as a white fox form appeared from the light, followed by a tall human figure; like the one that had given him the sword. The light vanished suddenly yet neither the fox nor human did.

"You may be wondering, Naruto-san, who exactly we are… I am Inari."

Of course, Naruto had heard of the fox-stroke-food deity yet to have Inari before him was like a punch in the stomach. It suddenly made sense why the Kyuubi had calmed.

"In all honesty the Kogitsune-maru couldn't have chosen a better person to wield her; your soul is pure and you act from your own emotions. I'm sorry I wasn't able to talk to you in person back then but there are certain rules, only Amaterasu-omikami, Tsukuyomi-omikami and Susanoo-omikami can appear directly… we often need to pass on something to the one who we wish to see. Hence the Kogitsune-maru glowing and this fox appearing alongside me."

The face of the deity before Naruto seemed to shift and change, transforming from what couldn't really be considered a gender into a beautiful young woman.

"Is this what you would prefer to see when you talk to people?"

Naruto's eyes widened slightly and he shook his head. He was surprised that no blush rose to his cheeks yet he had a theory, one that he currently wasn't going to accept.

"Or perhaps like this?"

Inari's features changed once again, becoming far more masculine yet rugged. Naruto shook his head again, eyes growing even wider. He looked up as the woman-man chuckled to see that – she? He? – was back to the female form.

"You'll have to forgive me, the fox's mischievous behaviour appears to have rubbed off on me," she smiled and touched Naruto's hair lightly.

"I apologize for the Kyuubi's behaviour that night." Naruto had no need to question what night she meant, from the thoughtful look in her eye and the way the slight lines around her eyebrows crinkled Naruto could tell that she honestly meant the apology.

"After all these years I have wanted to see what sort of person the Jinchuuriki for the Kyuubi was and I am grateful that it is you, the one the Kogitsune-maru would select. They counterbalance one another, you know, the Kyuubi and Kogitsune-maru. Your father made a wise decision that night and the blade made one earlier."

Inari withdrew her arm from the teen's head and smiled softly at him.

"Itachi-san will most likely wake soon, you should prepare yourself. If it's anything like what I think then he may be in slight discomfort for a while. I have one last thing to mention; the white foxes are my messengers and this one," she motioned to the white fox with the grey marking on its back at her feet, "is entrusted to you. She will get your message anywhere you need it in as little time as she can… if the worst comes to worst she can even contact the three powers."

Naruto stared at the gifts as a new light was shone upon them.

"Thank you Inari-sama, I don't know what else to say."

Smiling again, Inari bent down a little and kissed Naruto's cheek softly.

"Think of it as further retribution for your tenant. It's true I love the Kyuubi as a mother would love a child but that does not excuse him for his sins… I hope that, through you, he may find a form of redemption. There is only so much a mortal body can hold."

Naruto would never have thought the word 'mortal' could ever have been used in reference to the Kyuubi no Kitsune yet he had never thought about the higher powers, powers that governed the very basics of Shinobi life. The Kyuubi was just another role – a more experienced and unpredictable one at that – in the play of life, but he was not the playwright.

"Good bye, Naruto-san. I wish you all the best."

The white light returned and the fox was taken back into the blade's hilt. Naruto noticed a small group of clear crystals, in the shape of a running fox, and returned Inari's smile. The woman closed her eyes before allowing her body to submit to the wind that had picked up, shattering her image into a thousand pieces.

The wind whispered once in Naruto's ears and he allowed his trademark grin to show on his face. True to the assumptions, Naruto's head snapped round to Itachi's figure as a pained moan escaped the elder's lips.

"This is eerily familiar eh Itachi?"

The dark haired man sat up slowly, muscles bunching together as they woke slowly from slumber. He waved a hand dismissively at Naruto before gesturing that he needed a drink.

"Here you go, take it easy. We don't need you doing too much to your body at once… speaking of which, why exactly did you faint?"

Itachi took a long sip from the water flak that Naruto had passed him and thought back to what he remembered. The last thing he could remember was Susanoo's words, 'Look up to the future,' before excruciating pain ripped through his head.

Itachi opened his eyes to look at Naruto as he passed the container back yet blinked when Naruto made no move to touch the utensil. As it hit the ground, a stone ripped into the material and water oozed from the wound, collating into a puddle at Naruto's knees.

Itachi looked at the water then back up at Naruto, wondering why the teen seemed so shocked by something.

"Naruto…?"

"It's your eyes, Itachi," Naruto replied in a disbelieving tone, "your Sharingan… Itachi, we'll be able to fight Uchiha with Uchiha after all!"

The woman walked over the worn path, judging the previous happenings by the destruction wrought upon the earth. A butterfly hovered by her side, delicate wings beating in time with her steps. It happened quickly; the butterfly darted away in an instant and over to the clear pool of water the creator had insisted be placed in that exact position.

The butterfly rested upon the hunched back of the figure and the woman knew that she might be too late; the body showed signs of being under water for longer than possible. With deft fingers, she rolled the man over and her eyes closed in pain as she saw his face.

The butterfly shot upwards as the woman hauled the body from the water's clutches and came back to hover by her shoulder.

"There we go, now we need to check."

She placed her ear to the broad chest of the man – ignoring the blood – in order to listen for a heartbeat. Her fingers climbed up the ruined throat of the man and paused, convinced she felt a weak pulse beneath the skin; it would be enough to work with.

Wasting no time, the woman moved through a sequence of hand seals and recited the name of the Jutsu that had failed so long ago.

Maybe this time it will bode well for the receiver.

Desperately trying not to think of what it had done to the last person she used it on, purple covered hands moved over the man's body, working the chakra into the wounds the man had been dealt. She knew that this – what she was doing – was wrong by all standards but there was a connection between them; she was not one to discard the bonds she forged so fruitlessly.

The blood had finally stopped oozing out – she belatedly wondered how the man before her had not died of blood loss, after all the pool behind them was dyed a crimson colour – and the purple chakra receded back to its owner. The woman straightened before turning away from the man. For once, the butterfly remained behind, even as she took long strides away from the man and – most importantly – away from her past.

Her eyes darted back to the butterfly and she frowned. It was still there, antenna twitching slightly as the wind began to pick up. The body shivered subconsciously and the woman bit her lip in a process of making her decision.

It wasn't long before the heavy man was on the woman's back, her face taunted into a grimace at his weight. Beside them, the butterfly flew calmly the delicate wings resuming the beats they had taken before the woman had taken in the man.

Itachi raised his fingers up to his face, smoothing over his cheekbones and the lines of his evident weariness before resting over his eyes. If Naruto's exclamation had been true then the Sharingan had returned to his eyes… something that Itachi had never thought would happen. When he made the deal with Susanoo, the clear intent had been the Sharingan for the deity. No going back, the true meaning of an eye for an eye.

Itachi hadn't told Naruto this, but without the Sharingan – when his eyes had turned cloudy – not only had the blood line been taken but so had his eyesight. Whatever diminished sight he had possessed disappeared in that instant. The only reason Itachi had been able to continue as before was because he knew; he knew he would need to utilize the deal between him and Susanoo in order to perfect his plans for Sasuke, and had been bordering blindness before. He had done the only thing possible; trained his other senses so that no one would be able to tell that he couldn't see. It wasn't as if he had expected to live after the battle yet he had known that he needed to get to Sasuke and pass on the Mangekyou before he died.

The only reason he hadn't automatically realised that his eyesight had returned was because he had adapted so far to using his other senses that sight had been brought up by his imagination. For someone who was used to manipulating his own world, imagination was a powerful thing and it had substituted for real sight.

"Uchiha against Uchiha…"

Itachi's voice was quiet but Naruto managed to pick the words up and grinned, teeth flashing in the dying light.

"Uchiha and Uzumaki against Uchiha, I- oh."

Itachi looked up at Naruto's face when he stopped abruptly and frowned when he saw Naruto's wide eyes. His mouth was open slightly, almost as if he had received terrible news.

"Itachi, I-I have to go back to Konoha… it's Jiraiya; he's gone against Pein. Tsunade told my clone that she would follow him if he needed help, but she's the Hokage; if she leaves the village-"

"The council will intervene and gain control of Konoha; an emergency protocol and the Godaime wouldn't be able to resume her roll. The Council would choose a worthy successor; we learnt all this during our inauguration to ANBU. Only the ANBU are informed but it's something that we will never forget."

Naruto nodded slowly.

"She knows the extent of my training and… Itachi what do you know of the Acceptance Clause?"

Itachi wrinkled his brow, trying to think that far back. There were so many rules one had to learn before one was accepted into the Konoha elite ranks yet Itachi had passed that particular test with flying colours.

"If the Hokage has chosen a successor and happens to leave their position – whether it be through death, injury or forceful means – the successor is always looked at further and considered as a first candidate. In times of war, the previous Hokage's judgement is to be accepted and the successor is to be granted the Hokage title almost immediately if they have been approved."

Naruto nodded; he knew the basics of the clause yet it was always helpful to hear things in greater detail. From what he had gathered via his clone, he only knew the basics of the situation. Being in the company of arguably one of the finest ANBU Captains in all of Konoha's history had more than acceptable perks.

"She chose me. She said that she was expecting to leave… that the village was crumbling from inside. It's not that she doesn't love Konoha but she values Jiraiya's life about the village's… she said especially as there are others who are more worthy of the position."

Itachi looked at Naruto, trying to gauge his reaction. Naruto's dream had always been to become Hokage yet now that his name was pencilled in next to the Rokudaime spot all he could feel was a strange sense of irony and surrealism.

Here I am with the supposed enemy while Tsunade has elected me her unofficial successor.

"There's only so much time between her telling my clone and her discussing it with the council – she needs to tell them of it as I'm sure you're aware – and what with my clone-"

Naruto stopped suddenly and took a deep breath.

"Maybe I should explain everything properly. Tsunade told me of this development (well my clone) and I went up to the Hokage mountain. He came back, Sasuke wanted me for something yet my clone dispelled itself."

Itachi nodded and without a single word rose from where he sat. Naruto looked up in question before Itachi sighed and held out a hand to his companion.

"We have no other option, Naruto. Tsunade-sama will follow after Jiraiya-sama and the Advisors will want to take over Konohagakure for good. They would choose Danzou for Hokage, even though they know he is hardly up for the position. Those three were the only ones apart from the Sandaime who knew the truth about the night I left and wouldn't dare speak the truth but they are connected together nonetheless. The Advisors will want someone who will be like putty in their hands and Danzou is such a man; all he wants is the power and even if he has to put up with domination from those two, he will do it. Danzou would never let that possibility slip; he has wanted to be Hokage ever since the Sandaime earned his title."

Naruto took the offered hand and was hauled to his feet. He had never really heard of Danzou before, only in brief mentions from the Hokage, Yamato-Taichou and Sai. The man had always seemed like a background character yet Naruto knew that his role was about to be upped.

"We're going back to Konoha, Naruto."

Naruto looked Itachi directly in his eyes; it was easier to establish the contact between pupils now that Itachi's eyes were normal again. His clouded eyes had reminded Naruto of a blind person, someone he knew Itachi had never wanted Naruto to see him as. For someone who depended so heavily on their eyes, it was a terrible curse to have the eyesight taken from you in such a way.

"We?"

Itachi nodded in return and turned to pack up the few things Naruto had got out of his bag when the Uchiha had been unconscious.

"There is one thing those three fear more than death and that is me. Do you remember after the Sandaime's death, when Kisame and I met you I Konoha? It wasn't just a move against you; it was to remind them that I was still alive. If anyone was to reveal the dirty little secret they kept, my secret, Konoha would be in shambles. Who would trust the Advisors when they've lied for so long? They want to keep their power in any way possible… the chosen Rokudaime siding with their greatest threat is something they would never have anticipated."

Itachi finally rose, everything stored away neatly in its place. Naruto was staring blankly at the man, nodding slowly in thought. There were so many emotions running through his head; worry for Jiraiya, annoyance that Tsunade would leave the village in the blink of an eye – yet this strengthened the love he felt for her, knowing that she would do exactly the same if he were in Jiraiya's position – amazement that his goal had come true, gratitude towards Itachi's plans and then the overwhelming anger that threatened to take control. He wasn't angry at anything in particular, just the situation and that his life had just become so more complicated.

It was no longer a matter of survival for any of the people involved, it was a deadly game of Russian roulette and the barrel had just been spun, coaxing the bullet into being fired. So far the shots hadn't been fatal but it was only a matter of time until one received the bullet and Naruto hoped to god it wouldn't be him or Itachi.

"I have one request," Itachi broke into his thoughts easily and Naruto nodded. "We need new clothes."

Naruto grinned in agreement.

The woman looked out of her window and over the crying village. While others hailed it as a sanctuary, she knew that the village was weeping. The city was dead inside, merely a shallow hole of what it should be; each and every habitable space was living, breathing, living but this one. The huge buildings rose in metallic proportions and concrete had long ago covered the earth, blocking off any access to foliage that the town could have received.

The sun was low and the village had a depressive air to it – at least to her it did. She often wondered why no one else could feel the town calling out for help (she had often woken in the night, half screaming with tears rolling down her cheeks as she heard her home call out for her help), wondering if it could possibly be the fact that she was a woman… or that her company simply did not care what they did.

Her eyes looked downwards to the butterfly at the bottom of the ledge, wings stiff and antenna stilled. No matter what, each and every night they would die, wings crumbling like paper and beady eyes dulling to blackness. Regardless of the time she had once spent trying to extend the Lepidoptera's life they would all fall to death's clutches.

With shaking fingers, she gently picked up the butterfly's body and cupped it in the palm of her hand. She walked over to the side of her room where a huge glass container – almost as tall as the room from ground to ceiling and wider than a couple of meters – stood. Inside of it there were hundreds of branches leaves and even, at the bottom, a good measure of dirt, compacted to make it seem like true soil.

The woman moved to the black case propped against the glass' side and opened it skilfully with one hand. Inside there were hundreds of butterflies, each slotted into s clear pouch. It was the evidence of her hard work and she slotted the latest butterfly into its place – number 712 – before closing the black case again and flicking the catch onto the lock.

Next she turned her attention to the glass once more, unlatching the hidden catch just at the corner. It swung open silently and her eyes darted around, locating the next butterfly. It didn't take long for her to find the chrysalis, the woven silk pad attaching it to the branch. She smiled gently and allowed a slight thread of purple chakra to wake the tenant inside and watched as the pupa split.

A short time later the butterfly had emerged and now stood on the branch, wings open and drying. The woman watched in fascination (as she always did, every night without fail) as the butterfly suddenly took flight, wings changing from the tawny brown to a striking purple-blue, marking it finally as a Polyommatini. She knew it was her chakra that enforced this change yet it didn't stop her from doing anything; they were her butterflies and served more than one purpose than just looking pretty.

Each butterfly she had collected stored memories, one butterfly for every day. Their 'jump-start' with her chakra (coupled with the fact the glass was forged with her chakra and all the foliage had been subjected to complete coverage by her chakra before it went in) linked them directly to the woman.

As the butterfly fluttered over to the window, a sight she had seen many times before caught her eye. There was a reason why she had brought ants into her butterfly environment and that was the care they showed towards the caterpillars. Even though there was no danger to them, the butterflies still showed natural behaviour, sending out vibrations to the ants to 'ask' for their protection. In return the caterpillars gave them the honeydew they secreted; a fair trade.

Her attention turned to her bed next, or rather the man upon it. She had cleaned him of blood and found some garments for him to wear, dismissing all the metal he had insisted to wear – some of it from way back then. She had removed the book he kept in his pocket and thumbed through a couple of pages before placing it on the table, next to his blood stained equipment. When she had removed his top garments to reveal the bloodied chest, her hand had lingered a little while over the huge scar there, pondering on how he could have gotten it. He had never been the sort to be grievously wounded – his name was proof of that – and she knew he wasn't one to make judgments that would get him killed… aside from the one she had found him in.

It was ironic that this man was here clothed in white much like an innocent person. She knew he wasn't innocent, he had promised so much before turning without a trail. It had hurt; even now there was a dull ache from that time, but for other reasons added to his leave. She would prove to him that he had made one mistake when he left but, above that, she would prove that she had survived and moved on.

It wasn't like a butterfly to regret the short life it was given.

There was a little town roughly three hours walk from where they had been resting. Itachi informed Naruto that the battle where he and Sasuke had fought was one of four Uchiha hideouts. The one the Uchiha brothers had destroyed was the Western hideout and the one they had just come from Itachi reckoned was the North. The raven that had delivered them there had been to the Northern hideout before and Itachi knew that the raven would most likely have returned to a place it knew.

There was little conversation on the road; each man walked with his own thoughts and plans. Naruto wondered what his reception in Konoha would be; the Council would most likely want to talk to him as soon as he stepped inside the village's boundaries. Then there were his friends; they would want to know where he had been (there was no doubt that they couldn't have noticed Naruto's presence missing from Konoha) and how exactly he got away. And then there was the dreaded question; why?

"Itachi… what will I tell everyone when I get back? They'll want to know why I slipped away from them."

Itachi's dark eyes looked into Naruto's and the Uzumaki smiled softly. Itachi found his mouth quirking at the edges and a true smile, something he hadn't done possibly since Sasuke was young, found its place on his features. Naruto gasped and Itachi's face fell back to the usual stoic expression.

"Don't do that! Come on, smile again!"

Itachi frowned; it appeared nothing could ward off the boy's natural bounce. Sure it had diminished under the Toad Sannin's tutelage but it was an essential part to Naruto; something that wouldn't just be thrown off so easily. If it had been anyone else, Itachi would have glared, but this was Naruto,

"Give me a reason to and I will. The town is just up there, do you have money?"

Naruto blinked at the sudden change in conversation but nodded his head slowly, hands reaching into the pouch on his hip. He was thankful that he had the brains to refill Gama-chan before the mission and, as it was, the little frog was full of hard earned money.

"What do you think you'll get?"

Itachi chuckled in a way that made Naruto shiver.

"I was planning on choosing both of our outfits, Naruto. I do believe that the Advisors and even Danzou himself haven't experienced enough heart attacks for their age. I'm going to show them that you are indeed your father's son… and the true successor to the title they so wish to claim."

Naruto glanced at the Uchiha and was slightly disturbed by the slight smirk on his lips. Naruto knew from experience that any Uchiha and smirking never bode well for the victim (which would be him at this current point in time) and Naruto suddenly wished he had told Itachi to get the clothes alone.

Instead, Naruto smiled, albeit somewhat nervously, and linked his hands behind his head. It had been a while since he had been out of the village like this; in the lull between events, doing something so ordinary that is seemed unordinary. Sure shopping was a necessity of life but Naruto almost never had time for simple things like that, and the fact that he was doing it with his former best friend's brother (who was a psychopathic killer in the population's eyes) almost made the scene laughable.

Itachi took one look at the row of shops when they arrived and entered one shop halfway down the line. In doing so they passed a few food stores and Naruto was practically watering at the mouth by the time they had finished. As he opened the door, Itachi leant in slightly to Naruto and whispered the words that Naruto had always wanted to hear;

"We'll get something to eat after this."

Of course what Itachi didn't mention was 'if they had any money left.'

The shop attendant whizzed over, tape measure balanced around his shoulders. He nodded curtly to the Uchiha and gave a little smile to Naruto.

"Hello sirs, what can I do for you?"

Naruto opened his mouth yet Itachi beat him to it,

"I'm looking for some tailor made clothes, basic Shinobi attire as well as two cloaks; one with a high collar and one with a hood. Preferably all clothes would be black but the collared cloak would be able to have something printed on it."

The man nodded and Naruto watched as he whisked out a notepad, jotting down everything.

"I'll take your measurements now then, please come over here."

If Naruto hadn't known that shop assistants possessed super speed, he would have thought that the man knew Kage Bunshin. He was literally everywhere, his measuring tape flying about and the pen scratching against his pad as he wrote down Naruto's measurements. The man asked for them to sit down on the chairs located at the side of the shop before darting off to the back halls. As the town was a civilian town, the Shinobi attire was kept in the back so as to make room for the latest clothes that the people of the village would want.

Itachi tapped his foot gently against the floor after he crossed his legs, waiting for the man's return. They didn't have to wait long; the man was back with a set of clothes on hangers.

"These would fit your size; I had Seiko-chan alter them with her chakra just now. If you would just try them on – and the cloak, I'll get Seiko-chan out here to fit it to your needs – we can move onto your partner."

Naruto nodded, thinking nothing of the man's words. Itachi's eyes had turned sharply at the man before lightening in humour; if the man thought that they were together in that way then he could think that. It didn't bother Itachi; he was comfortable with his sexuality, even if he had had no other lover excepting Shisui.

The clothes fit perfectly and the man, true to his word, brought out a brown haired woman to alter the cloak. Itachi had them take it up until it rested just below the backs of Naruto's knees and the sleeves just before the crease of his elbow. Itachi was surprised Naruto hadn't caught his intentions yet; this cloak would be a striking reminder to the council that Naruto was Namikaze Minato's legacy; the son of Yondaime and rightful heir to the Hokage name.

Itachi discussed the pattern in private with the woman before she waddled off and allowed the man to take his own measurements. His clothes, too, fit perfectly and he smiled as the clean material touched his skin.

"Although I would have preferred something orange, I have to say that you have brilliant taste Itachi. I never knew black could feel so… nice."

Itachi was about to say that you couldn't technically feel colours but was interrupted by the arrival of Seiko-chan. The woman held the cloak and Itachi almost smiled at Naruto's expression. It was almost the exact replica of the Yondaime's own cloak, orange fire curling at the bottom. Where the Kanji for 'Yondaime Hokage' had been on his father's, Naruto's cloak held the two characters that formed the name 'Namikaze'. Not only did it apply to Naruto's heritage, it also accounted for his affinity with wind.

"I-Itachi…"

Itachi took the cloak from the woman's podgy hands and passed it to the owner. With a nod of his head, he slipped Naruto's frog from its position in the bag at his hip and walked over to the counter, leaving Naruto staring at the garment.

"Thank you very much sir, is that all?" When Itachi nodded his head, the man gave the price and Itachi counted out the money. He was thankful that they had left over money for food; the rabbit they had the day previously could hardly have been called a meal then and the whole resurrection thing kind of took a lot out of you.

He bid a farewell to the man and donned his own cloak, leaving the hood down at the present time. Naruto had placed the cloak about himself by the time Itachi got back and the Uchiha had to admit that the man radiated power now; from what he could remember about the Fourth it was that he had an amazing aura, something he had passed onto his son.

Naruto gave an uncertain grin and Itachi mirrored it with a smile.

"See smiling isn't that bad!"

Itachi passed the frog back to its owner and tilted his head to the door,

"Food?"

Naruto grin widened and he took Itachi's hand, startling the Uchiha slightly. The man behind the desk nodded knowingly as he watched the two customers go; whatever situation they had, something had hit hard and they were probably the only two who would console each other. With a slight smile, the man scratched the back of his head before remembering what Seiko had printed upon the cloak,

"Could it be…?" he mused aloud before barking out a laugh; it was an odd coincidence that the cloak they had just made for the man came from the same shop as the Hokage robes the Yondaime himself had worn.

Outside the shop, Naruto walked with a slight spring in his step. Even though he had been told of the Rokudaime-plan (as he had named it now) it hadn't felt real to him. This cloak was everything he had hoped for; when Uzumaki Naruto returned to Konoha he would not just take the position of Hokage from the Three Oni (again as he had named them) but claim his title and show the village that he was no longer the demon brat they wished him to be.

As Itachi pushed open a door to a food hall, Naruto brushed past him with a smile. His eyes lingered on Itachi's face long enough to see the smile that was returned and knew in that instant that he would be the only one ever to see so much of Itachi as he had.

And he still didn't know if that was a good thing or bad thing.

The butterfly shot upwards as the man's body jolted. The woman smiled from her place at the window and slipped off of the frame slowly, eyes roaming over her patient's body, checking to see if any of the bandaged wounds had opened up again.

That was the good thing about wearing white; the blood was easily detected and she would be able to see it. It was a cruel thing that her attire was dark yet she knew who she had to thank for that; the very man who put her patient in this condition.

"Hey there, don't try too much at once, take it slow."

The man's eyes opened slowly and dark clouded eyes began to focus. When he saw her he instantly recognised her and his eyes widened, mouth opening and closing. His hand found a way up to his throat and she knew that the wound inflicted upon his throat had ceased his means of communication through vocalisation.

"I know you can't talk but I'm not here to hurt you. I want you to heal and then… well I'll talk to you about it later. I don't know if someone would come to you if you asked for help… we'll do that when you've healed a little more."

The man nodded and she tore her eyes away from his lips, seeing them form her name hurt a little too much.

The man reached a shaking hand out and touched her arm; she knew it was his way of expressing his gratitude. She patted the bandaged hand once before rising from the bed and taking up post by the window sill. His breathing slowed and evened yet it was only when the butterfly settled back on his hand that she knew he had fallen asleep.

It wasn't raining but the sky still took on the look of clouds that were about to dump their load, Naruto mused. The sky was grey – not even a hint of white amongst the ceaseless clouds – and there was a chill to the air that whispered a promise of rain.

Itachi pulled the hood up as soon as they crossed back into the fire country's border (the town had been situated just over the border line) and neither had talked since. The very few passersby gave them an odd look before carrying on; it was almost nightfall and with the Akatsuki on the move, not to mention other Missing Nin who had taken the time to group together, life became just that bit more deadly.

"We'll arrive in Konoha before the rain hits. It shouldn't take too long and I would suggest running though that would highlight our entrance. The Advisors would want us to enter like that; as any normal Shinobi, but we need to remember that we cannot simply be normal Shinobi. We have to be a step ahead if we want to secure Konohagakure as a safe hold."

Naruto nodded and the thoughts brought on by Itachi's words stored themselves in his brain.

"You're saying that we need to act like the heads of our clans then?"

Itachi's eyes glowed slightly as he activated the Sharingan and set the tomoes whirling. A thrill of excitement coursed through Naruto's body as he met those eyes, resisting the call of slumber they held deep within.

"I am very glad that you shrugged off your idiotic tendencies. Does anyone aside from Jiraiya-sama and Hokage-sama know of this?"

Naruto shrugged, "They never asked so I never told. I play the part I was assigned when I met them and live up to the name of my thirteen year old self. They need no reason to suspect me so I will give them none… though when they find my clone is gone from Konoha that could raise a few questions as how I managed to slip past them all…"

Naruto gave a low chuckle before swinging his hands behind his head and locking them. It was amazing what a little time and nurturing a relationship such as this could do.

"Say Itachi… we don't really know each other do we?"

Itachi grunted in answer.

"I thought, seeing as we'll be spending a lot of time together and stuff, that it would be nice to find a bit more about each other." Naruto bit his lip, "Though you probably know a lot about me, being part of the Akatsuki and all."

Itachi rolled his eyes in the depths of his hood but replied,

"I'm twenty years old, twenty one in June. I graduated from the Academy at the age of seven, mastering the Sharingan one year later, before becoming a Chuunin at ten. I carried on ascending through ranks before reaching the position of ANBU Captain only two years after my Chuunin, at twelve years. After that, I obtained the Mangekyou Sharingan and the rest you know. In all truth, Naruto, there is little to know about my life.

Naruto looked over at Itachi; in all honesty he didn't think the man would have told him anything about his personal life but he was grateful. And although he wanted to disagree with what Itachi said in regards to little bring known – for Itachi was the mystery of all mysteries, a person who was shrouded in such puzzlement – yet could not bring himself to say it, opting instead to reply,

"I'm sixteen years old, graduated at the age of twelve after three consecutive failures. Managed to master the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu in one night, Rasengan over an approximate period of one month, excluding the time it took to singlehandedly use it, and my variation of the Hiraishin no Jutsu is currently still a work in progress." Quirking an eyebrow, Naruto smirked, "From there, I'm sure you know the rest."

Itachi nodded at the repetition of his words and allowed the smile to catch daylight, exposing it for Naruto.

"Thanks Itachi. I mean, it's not important but I just…"

"Naruto, why did you save me?"

The air around them grew thicker and their tense silence was only interrupted by the foot falls as they walked.

"I've been looked at as a monster for so long for something that I had no control over. I am a Jinchuuriki – a human sacrifice – but you are too; you think that turning your back on Sasuke and killing your family equates to nothing? Not only that but you risked everything, everything, in joining the Akatsuki… even begging the Sandaime to lie about the true reasons behind your actions. In a Shinobi's world there are no second chances, I don't know how many times I've been told that, but I wanted to try. If anyone deserves it, Itachi, it's you."

Itachi remained silent before placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. There was no need for speech; actions spoke louder than words after all. The palm of Itachi's hand rested against the moving shoulder before sliding down and falling to the Uchiha's side.

"What about Madara?"

Itachi glanced at the blond from the corner of his eye before closing both eyes.

"He'll have to wait. You said that the clone told you that Sasuke was looking for you and this must mean he wants you. If we find out what he knows and why he wants you then it could well aid our cause."

Naruto replied softly, "There's another reason isn't there."

The inclination of Itachi's head agreed.

"Madara hates Konoha; he will never forget the rivalry between the Uchiha and the Senjuu clans. He may have built the village alongside them, taking the Shodai Hokage as his friend, but Hashirama was no fool and he defeated Madara at the Valley of the End. Madara always wanted to take revenge upon Konoha and if Sasuke becomes his pawn... we know what might happen and the three-"

"Three Oni. That's what I called them for practical reasons," Naruto nodded sagely, arms crossed over his chest and Itachi stared at the man with a worried look upon his face. Why the hell Naruto would think of the demonic ogre-like creatures as the Advisors seemed bizarre but it was easier to refer to them as such.

"The Three Oni then would most likely bargain with Madara to get as high as they could in the ranks of life. Madara would offer them complete rule over something in his 'new world' and they would take it like fools.

"And believe it or not, the one thing that Madara fears is Konoha; to him it represents all of his failures and weaknesses, a visual scar in his life. He will come to Konoha, have no doubt about that, and we shall get him then."

Naruto hadn't realised how long they had been talking for yet took a sharp intake of breath when he noticed that the gates had drawn closer; the wooden frame just jutted out over the trees ahead.

"Itachi I don't think-"

"You've been waiting your whole life to claim the village, Naruto. Yondaime-sama would have wanted this and Tsunade-sama knows you are more than capable. You won't be alone, I'll help you and I'm sure that when Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya-sama return, they could replace the Advisors. For now we just have to counter the Three Oni, not rule Konoha. I classify this as a time of war and wartime Hokages need to first fight the enemy; whether it is internal or external."

Naruto let the held in breath out and his shoulders slumped.

"You know what, Itachi; I think that you should become a public speaker or something. You can be bloody persuasive and stuff… plus you include all the long winded mumbo-jumbo that only attentive listeners understand. I think I can do it with your help; the village needs us."

The guards at the gate saw the two figures and called into the darkness.

"It's Uzumaki Naruto and friend."

"Naruto? I thought you came back with Kakashi-san and Yamato-san?"

Naruto instinctively raised his hand to rub the back of his neck and Itachi remained silent, eyes hidden yet regarding the two officers carefully in case they deemed him to be a threat.

"I did but it's a long story… look, I have to go see Baa-chan and you know how she gets when she's angry."

Both Chuunin visibly flinched and Naruto suppressed a smirk. He waved a hand but Izumo's voice cut in,

"Who exactly is your friend, Naruto?"

Before Naruto could reply, Itachi had whipped the hood down to reveal unfamiliar features.

"I am a friend of Naruto-kun's that he met whilst travelling with Jiraiya-sama. He told me that he'd show me the village he grew up in one day and our paths happened to cross. With all the terrible stuff with Oto and all we both agreed that there is no time like the present."

Naruto concluded that Itachi was a damn good actor and the guards smiled and waved them on.

"That was pretty risky," Naruto hissed at Itachi's side as the hood was pulled back up.

"We've all taken a lot of risks, Naruto, and the future will be no exception. Take us to Lady Tsunade!"

Naruto stopped dead when he heard Itachi's slight exclamation, Itachi's voice had risen to a slight high at the end. The Uzumaki looked around just to check that everything was alright in the world (it was likely that the apocalypse could occur anytime soon with Itachi acting abnormal and stuff) yet found not a single disturbance.

The street was almost devoid of life as the first rain drops fell down. Naruto looked upwards before tucking his head further down into his shoulder, shrugging his collar upwards to provide some form of protection against the water. Although he loved the cloak, there was a slight draw back as opposed to Itachi's in that the Uchiha could remain hidden and dry.

Thankfully the Hokage tower was only a short time away and they managed to walk the distance with little rainfall covering them. As expected, Itachi made no move to take off the hood and they walked in silence to the Hokage's office. Naruto knew she would be there; his clone had seen the way she had looked earlier that day and Tsunade was in for a night's haul of work.

They passed the wide eyed onlookers with as much dignity as they could muster and Naruto tried his hardest to block out the whispers that formed behind his back, claims that the Yondaime was back. Itachi's arm brushed against his and he smiled at the Uchiha, knowing full well that – despite the hood – the man could see him perfectly.

There were no guards at the Hokage's door, only Shizune. She nodded to Naruto and frowned at his companion yet Naruto nodded and she relaxed.

"Tsunade-sama has been expecting you Naruto…-sama."

Naruto's blue eyes widened at the suffix and he felt the blood rush up to his cheeks. He had never been one to use authorative respect upon others and it felt odd to be reminded that he would now be addressed as such. Did all Hokages feel like this at first? Had his father felt like this?

"Shizune-nee-chan, you can't call me that! It's weird… you'll always be a sister to me, even if I do become the Rokudaime."

Shizune smiled and hugged Naruto.

"You look so grown up, Naruto. I know you understand the work the Advisors and Danzou will put against you but there is no one better suited… we best go in, Tsunade can discuss the matter further."

Shizune took a key from her pocket and unlocked the door, ushering the men inside. Once the black haired woman had stepped inside, she locked the door behind her and pocketed the key again. Tsunade looked up at Naruto and smiled lovingly.

"I remember you when you were an idiotic Genin… and now I find out that you've been playing us for fools all along! You are truly unpredictable and this is just what we need against the-"

"Three Oni," chanted Naruto and Itachi at the same time. They looked at one another and Naruto broke into a chuckle, Itachi merely smirking.

"I suppose that's the nickname you blessed them with then eh? Well okay then the Three Oni was informed that you would take the position when I leave… who is your companion?"

Naruto cocked his head and turned to look at Itachi slowly. Itachi saw the question forming on Naruto's features and took a step forward, communicating he wished to explain. Naruto smiled in relief; it would be far easier than him trying to explain everything.

When the hood came down, the Hokage's jaw fell open and Shizune took a step back, both female's eyes widening considerably. It was Tsunade that was the first to recover,

"You are supposed to be dead. Team Kakashi and the others reported that you were dead, they said they thought your body had been taken for disposal by the Akatsuki."

Itachi inclined his head, "I was dead but Naruto saved me."

Tsunade's eyes bugged even more but Itachi raised a palm and began to explain,

"I need to explain a few things before we deal with questions, as it stands only four living people know of this truth, the two Advisors, Danzou and Naruto. Sandaime-sama was the other person to know but it died with him." Itachi took a deep breath,

"The Uchiha clan was planning a Coup d'état upon Konohagakure and I was ordered as the ANBU spy in the Uchiha compound. When they were found guilty of the crime, I was given orders to slaughter the entire clan. Sasuke was the only person I was unable to kill but I couldn't have had him grow up to despise Konoha… not when I love this village so much."

Itachi's eyes drifted over to the window and he closed the space between him and the glass, pressing a hand against the pane.

"I begged the Sandaime Hokage for the truth to be concealed from Sasuke and joined the Akatsuki so I could keep a track on their actions. I met with Naruto before the fight with Sasuke and he saw the truth through the Mangekyou as he accused me of lying. It reminded me of the time I had to beg for another to lie on my behalf and Naruto… Naruto… Naruto wanted to help me but I refused and went to my death."

Itachi ceased talking, the words dying in his throat.

"The Kyuubi helped me to bring him back to life and heal him; I couldn't condemn an innocent man… not when he did so much to protect Konoha and Sasuke."

Tsunade was startled by the tale and looked at Naruto as he finished for the Uchiha.

"I'm afraid to say that we need verification, Itachi-san," Shizune spoke, her voice quiet and reserved. Itachi suddenly pulled his hood up as a harsh tap on the door interrupted them and Shizune ran over to open it.

"I'm afraid Hokage-sama is busy and she-"

"Get out the way girl! We need to talk to the Hokage immediately. Tsunade, the Uzumaki is reported to be missing from the village, if we do not- Y-you?"

The Sharingan whirled in Itachi's eyes as he smirked at the two Advisors.

"I believe this is enough proof, Tsunade-sama."

There was only one place that Sasuke could go and that was to the Haruno residence. From the time back when they were Genin, Sakura had told him every detail of her house and it was now that he was thankful; somehow it had stored in a part of his brain he hadn't even known existed. With a look at the large house he walked in the growing darkness round to the right side of her house and to the top window. With a glance around he knew that it was clear outside and slipped in through the partially opened window.

It was now just a matter of time and he sat on the wooden chair by Sakura's desk. Her room contained the necessities of a woman's life; mirror, make up, a CD collection and player as well as multiple scrolls, books and even posters about the human body and aspects of healing. Sasuke found himself engrossed in the poster of the brain as the door opened and Sakura's voice called a good night to her mother. The woman turned and a hand rose to her heart as she saw Sasuke.

"Sasuke!" her voice was a whisper and she walked closer to the man. She shut the door hastily behind her and glared at the man. "What the hell are you doing!"

"It was a Shadow Clone. I want to know where Naruto is and I need your help in that."

Sakura looked at Sasuke with surprise evident in her eyes. The Sasuke she knew wouldn't have ever asked for help. But then again, the Sasuke she knew hadn't just killed the only family he had.

"You'll need a disguise then… can your Sharingan maintain that?"

Sasuke nodded and he closed his eyes to reveal the face he had used before. Sakura gestured to the window and the pair slipped out with ease.

"I hope you know how much I am risking here, turn left."

The rapidly sinking sun allowed the pair to stay hidden in the shadows as they looked for their missing team member, even trying Ichiraku ramen and Naruto's house twice.

"Sasuke… stay here. I'll go check with Iruka-sensei and then Tsunade-sama."

Sasuke nodded his head and shot upwards to conceal his body between the branches of a large oak tree. Sakura ran towards the academy building, knowing Iruka would be there at this time (the man always told her team when he would be staying late at the academy, for Naruto's benefit if anything) and hoped that he knew where the Uzumaki prankster was.

"Iruka-sensei!"

The brown haired Chuunin smiled warmly at her as he placed the keys to the academy gates in his pockets.

"What can I do for you Sakura?"

"Have you seen Naruto at all?"

Sakura's heart plummeted as Iruka frowned and shook his head.

"Sorry, not today. Have you tried Ichiraku?"

Sakura knew the Chuunin would worry himself to death if she told him that she couldn't find the teen and an easy lie slipped from her mouth,

"I always forget, of course! Thank you Iruka-sensei!"

Instantly Sakura ran towards the Hokage tower; the last place Naruto would be was the tower. There was nowhere else for him to be except the training areas and even Naruto wasn't as stupid to sleep in the outdoors when he knew that rain was coming.

The first drops of rain fell just as Sakura got into the tower and she praised her luck. Without missing a beat, the woman ran towards Tsunade's door and stopped before Shizune.

"Shizune-san… is Naruto in there?"

The woman shook her head before speaking,

"Tsunade-sama is waiting for a meeting with someone of high importance and I haven't seen Naruto since earlier. Have you tried Ichiraku?"

Sakura shook her head before walking onwards, tears threatening to fall from her eyes as the last hope flickered.

"Naruto…"

"Excuse me, Sakura-chan, are you alright?"

Blinking through the tears, Sakura looked up to see the withered face of Utatane Koharu, one of the Hokage's advisors.

"Utatane-san, I don't know how to say this…" She choked out a sob, "It's Naruto, Uzumaki Naruto, I can't… I can't find him anywhere – I tried Ichiraku and oh god where is he?"

Koharu's mouth tightened and her face drained of colour. She comforted the girl with soothing words yet her mind was milling through the worst case scenarios that could occur from this revelation. If only Tsunade had banned Naruto from leaving the village… if the Akatsuki got hold of the Uzumaki now then everything would crumble.

"If you'll excuse me, Sakura-chan, I will go and inform Hokage-sama. You go home and rest."

Sakura nodded dumbly and wiped the tear stains from her cheeks. Although the tears had dried, the aftershocks still wracked her body and if anyone chose to inspect her careful enough they would clearly see the red eyes the tears had left as a gift.

She walked slowly down the corridor, glad that no one commented on her state. She heard the voices around her whispering and she looked up to find a group of women she had become friendly with during her time training in the Hokage tower.

"Sakura-chan! Did you see him? Everyone says it's the Yondaime even though his cloak was a different colour… ah, of course! You won't remember Yondaime-sama, not that it really matters, but it could have been him! Seriously, couldn't it girls?"

The other women in the group gathered round, nodding in agreement. Sakura found it amusing that a couple of them were around her age; if she didn't remember the Yondaime Hokage then they surely hadn't either – so why were they nodding as if they knew from experience of meeting the man.

"The cloak even said 'Namikaze'," said one woman, a smug smile on her face.

"What does the Namikaze have to do with anything?"

Sakura looked between the women as the smug smile was wiped off of one of their faces.

"Namikaze was the Yondaime-sama's clan name. That man has to be linked to the Yondaime somehow, if not the Yondaime himself!"

Sakura bit her lip, "Didn't the Yondaime-sama die fighting against the Kyuubi?"

The women fell silent and they sighed.

"She's right…"

Sakura politely excused herself from the group and continued her walk. As soon as she stepped outside, the rainfall seemed to increase. By the time she was back at the tree Sasuke was perched in, her hair was clinging to her face in pink strands (mingling with the tears that had begun to flow) and the clothes were almost like a second skin.

"Where is he?"

Sasuke's voice was like a knife and she stepped closer to him, close enough to hit his chest softly as she spoke,

"He's gone Sasuke… no one knows where. He's gone and it had every fucking thing to do with you."

Sasuke drew back, eyes wide at her proclamation. Sakura had never been one to swear so violently and out of thin air; sure she had insulted Ino but that had been playful banter. This was a vicious tongue that she laid into Sasuke. She could easily blame everything on him, it seemed and his lip curled in distaste.

"Fine, you've just proved your usefulness. Not only did I leave you but even the Dobe has gone now… what do you think we're trying to say Sakura?"

Sakura's eyes widened as Sasuke's chest came into contact with her back.

"Thanks for everything Sakura but you've just wasted my time and got in my way. Do you understand now why I cut those bonds? They're useless to me."

Sakura knew what was coming next and she closed her eyes in preparation for the blow that would knock her unconscious.

She wasn't disappointed.

Koharu looked at Itachi with disgust.

"You dare show your face now? You've been claimed as a dead man, Uchiha, and you will not leave here alive."

Tsunade stood suddenly and the room quietened. Itachi allowed the Sharingan to fade and Koharu's chest rose and fell dramatically as she struggled to breathe.

"Koharu-san, please sit here," Shizune gestured to a chair and lead the old woman over to it.

"I am here to assist the Rokudaime when we are needed. We know what you plan to do and have taken a vow that Konoha will never fall into your hands. Namikaze-san will not give up his birthright so easily."

At the mention of the name, Koharu's eyes darted to the Yondaime's portrait and her lips rose into a mocking smirk.

"The Yondaime is dead, Itachi. You may have avoided death but no one can escape the Shinigami stomach."

It was Itachi turn to smirk and Naruto turned around to show the back of his cloak off to the woman. The orange characters burned into her irises and she narrowed her eyes.

"Namikaze Naruto, Rokudaime Hokage. If you do not believe us then I'm sure Godaime-sama will bring out the birth certificates," Itachi outstretched his arm and was greeted by a birth certificate.

"I had a feeling we would be needing it, so I've been keeping it in my drawer."

Koharu's nostrils flared as she read the parchment before her.

"Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina… very well then. Itachi we will keep your secret for now, Konoha would be in shambles if they found out everything; including the fact that you are alive. This is in no way over, he may be the Namikaze heir but there will be a time when you will slip, you will slip and we will rise."

The door was shut with a tremendous slam and the occupants of the room looked at one another.

"That went rather well," Tsunade said dismissively. Naruto rolled his eyes before taking the chair that the Advisor had left and draping his legs over the arm.

"So what do you plan to do Baa-chan?"

The Hokage rubbed her eyes before sitting back in her chair and folding her hands over one another.

"In a couple of days I will leave everything to you and go find Jiraiya. I want you to do the best you can to eradicate those corrupt Advisors and Danzou… ROOT too if you can. I fear we are at the brink of the war and I am just a powerless old fool; whereas you… you have unimaginable power Naruto. Jiraiya told me every detail of your training and I can no longer claim the title of Hokage knowing this."

She stretched her neck from each side before continuing.

"I was going to follow Jiraiya anyway; we both know that he is dealing with forces bigger than what one man can take on. I'll do as much as I can and take out as many Akatsuki on the way as possible… Itachi your help will be needed when discussing that."

Itachi nodded.

"If I left without an heir then the village would rot in a matter of seconds. Your father was the strongest Hokage, stronger even than the Shodai. If anyone could prevent the war and destroy Konoha's threats it would be you, his legacy.

Naruto looked down at his hands and tightened them into fists.

"There is one more reason, Tsunade-sama." Tsunade looked directly into Naruto's eyes; he was no longer playing a child's game and the new title showed this. "Uchiha Madara will come for the village and we will be the ones to stop him."

"Madara…? I think you had better keep that aspect to yourselves… to discuss such a plan for all to hear now could be dangerous. My grandfather fought Madara and defeated him; I can only hope you will do the same."

Naruto nodded his head and swung his feet off of the chair's arm. He stood and Itachi moved to his side. Neither spoke but they looked at the Hokage and she almost flinched at the determination in both of their eyes.

"You two will make a beautiful team."

Naruto blinked at the statement whilst Itachi's stare never wavered. Tsunade fought the urge to laugh as she walked over to the window and looked out to the darkness of the village.

"Thank you, Naruto. I never really thanked you for bringing me here did I? The last years I've spent here have been some of the best," she glanced at Naruto from the corner of her eye, "and some of the worst."

The Uzumaki chuckled at that and ran a hand through his hair.

"What will you tell Konoha?"

Tsunade's eyes grew serious and she turned to look at the pair, back resting against the glass.

"There are two options; I announce you as the Rokudaime and then leave. This one will be-"

"Impractical as you need time to train up a Hokage and Naruto has only recently returned from a three year absence. No higher Shinobi would trust this judgement and you would be in the face of prejudice once again."

Tsunade nodded at Itachi's words.

"The second option would be for you to be discovered as the Rokudaime after I leave. The Advisors themselves would have to announce you – a blow to their pride – yet they would have no choice but to back you up unless they wanted certain rules imposed upon them. To disobey the automatic heir in a time of approaching war is an offence, one punishable by the terms of treason."

Shizune suddenly approached the group with cups of tea and they took them eagerly. The meeting had gone on for longer than any had anticipated yet they knew it wouldn't be enough. There would never be enough time for what they needed to discuss.

Turning his back on the group, it was Naruto's turn to pad over to the glass window and he pressed his forehead against the cool material. Blue eyes scanned the horizon and caught the first rays of sunlight; wincing as he took note of the colour,

Red sky in the morning, Shepherd's warning.

The rising sun bore a warning over Konoha and Sasuke smirked as a falcon rose from the darkness, cutting across the sun's path. A harsh cry came from its beak, echoing around the area. The sunlight reappeared as the bird nose-dived down to the ground, plummeting as if it had been struck, yet Sasuke knew this was not the case and he lifted his head a little as the bird resurfaced from the shadows, a small cluster of darkness shadowing its beak.

The tree Sasuke had been resting in glowed orange as the rays of light hit it and he jumped from the tree smoothly, legs touching the ground and absorbing any impact. There was someone near – a presence he knew – and he waited for the confrontation.

"It has been only a short while, Sasuke, yet I can tell you're pining for my blood."

The orange mask glowed disgustingly bright in the sun and Sasuke looked away so as not to be drawn into the black hole of the mask. He gritted his teeth as the heat of the Amaterasu burnt a pathway from his stomach up to the left eye and fought to control the flames before they leapt out of his will; it was a painful process but he suppressed them successfully.

"There was one more thing I forgot to tell you, Sasuke. It may be of importance to you, it may not, but I want you to hear me out before you act."

An arm encircled his shoulders as Madara moved to place his mouth at Sasuke's ear. The whispered breath made Sasuke cringe but the tightened grip on his shoulder became almost painful and he remained still. With the man this close – and not being able to move – it was evident the difference in power levels; one fifteen year old against a fully fledged (and apparently ageless) man who had been the pioneer for the Sharingan. Even with the Amaterasu Itachi had given him, Sasuke was no match for the man who had brought Kyuubi down to its knees with a glance, and Sasuke had only been able to suppress the chakra.

"You're so set on revenge against me that your judgement has been clouded, Sasuke. Itachi acted as any caring brother should but in doing so, he manipulated you to get to me. It's time you took a step out of your beloved Aniki's shadow and I can help you do that. You said you wanted the truth and I told you that but I know, deep inside, you want to crush Konoha… give us time and we will do it – together."

The elder man pulled away from his younger relative and watched as his eyes widened, and thousands of emotions were laid bare for all to see. Madara knew that Itachi would never allow himself to have been in such a position, one where manipulation was evident yet emotions blocked the way. Itachi had that quality around him; emotions had been cut off when Itachi graduated and the man had such a supreme control of them that even Madara had questioned whether the Shinobi was human once in a battle mode.

Itachi would never have allowed Madara to suggest the words he had to Sasuke, or even allowed the man to touch him. Madara grinned as Sasuke's eyes flashed red and he looked up into the eye hole of the mask.

"What do we need to do?"

Most importantly, Itachi would never, ever, have let himself be manipulated in such a way; not that Madara minded, his plans had just been bumped up a step and killed two birds with one stone.

Naruto hadn't realised that he had been asleep until the door banged open and he unceremoniously fell off of the chair he had been occupying. He looked around with eyes wider than dishes before he spotted and amused Hokage with two cardboard boxes.

"As neither you nor Itachi had anything to eat last night I took the liberty of buying you some ramen. I chose Miso as I thought it would be the best, considering I have no idea what Itachi prefers and you… well you'll eat practically everything."

Naruto smiled softly and took both of the boxes. He didn't bother asking if Itachi was awake or not, simply passing the box to the elder of the two and waiting for the hand to emerge from the dark cloak. Sure enough the hand emerged and took the offered item. Naruto yawned and returned to the chair he had claimed for his own.

It didn't take long for the smell of ramen to waft through the room as the pair tucked into their breakfast; both knew that they had limited time if they wanted to come up with a foolproof plan ahead of anything the council could get a hold on. They hadn't slept for more than three hours yet for seasoned and elite Shinobi (which both of them were, regardless to the image Naruto was portrayed as) this was more than plenty. With the Kyuubi's chakra still buzzing around inside of him, Itachi was able to regain his energy faster than usual, as was the same with Naruto.

"I won't tell you when I'll be leaving, just to be on the safe side, but it will be soon. Shizune will be able to stay here and I will send you messages either via Hawk or a summon every so often, especially when I have gathered enough information. Keep all information about your plans restricted; if possible keep them only between Itachi and yourself."

Naruto looked over to Shizune to see her reaction but frowned in confusion when he saw her smiling.

"Its fine Naruto, in fact I think this is the smartest idea. I am not as skilled a Shinobi as either you or Itachi, and Danzou would have no qualms about putting me into interrogation if it would benefit him. You two have gone through trials that have strengthened you emotionally and physically and I could never match that in terms of strength. It is best if I not only look as if I know nothing but that I actually know nothing."

Itachi nodded in agreement, pleased that the woman had reached such a conclusion. Naruto's frown was still evident but it had lessened a little and he nodded hesitantly.

"For the time being, Naruto, I would like you to stay with me here – you too Itachi – but send a shadow clone to act as you would normally. We need to appear as authentic as possible and… I never thought I'd say this – please bring the orange back. Just until you're revealed as Hokage."

Naruto crossed his hands and the exact replica of what he looked like before the black had invaded appeared beside him. With a set of quick instructions, Naruto dismissed the replica and turned back to Tsunade, an expectant look on his face.

"Later today we will be holding a meeting with the Advisors so as to smooth things over with the change. Because of the threats Akatsuki and the Sound pose to the village there will be no festivals or such, just an announcement and meetings with the councils for each of the Shinobi classes. The Advisors will want to know your basic plans for Konoha and I hope to god you have a smidgeon of a plan because I don't."

Naruto turned to the hooded Itachi and grinned,

"They can't say no to my Advisor when he's the one who will provide information for our alias. Itachi will be able to provide information about the Akatsuki and Orochimaru so it should be enough to deter them for a while."

Tsunade nodded and took in a deep breath. She had never thought that Naruto would make Hokage at such a young age – he was only sixteen, younger than his father had been. Although she had complete faith in the man, she didn't want to be indirectly responsible for the burden that would be placed upon his shoulders.

There was no one else – not even Kakashi or the current ANBU Captain – who would have the wits and power to outsmart Danzou and his advisors. With the connections Naruto had made over the years, the Kazekage, a former member of ROOT and now an infamous S-Classed Missing Nin to name a few, it would be no surprise to see Konoha rise beautifully after the war around them had settled. Under Naruto's command, Konoha would flourish; she only hoped that she would be alive at the end to see it.

Tsunade looked up as the door to her office opened and the former leader of Team 7 sauntered in, arms full of Kunoichi.

"I found her unconscious on a bench near her house. I thought it would be best to take her to you rather than the hospital because I have a feeling she wants to tell you something… there is evidence of her crying."

Naruto hastily shrugged the cloak from his shoulder and pushed it down until it was crumpled and he sat upon the material. Itachi didn't move an inch, eyes locked calmly on the Jounin before him.

The Hokage moved over to Sakura and Kakashi watched as green chakra coated the woman's hands. The Jounin took a look around the room and was taken aback slightly as he noticed Naruto.

"I wouldn't have expected you to be up at this time, Naruto, though I must say it's a pleasure to have you amongst us. I think Sakura will be alright."

Naruto allowed concern to flood his eyes and he nodded silently. Although he was concerned about Sakura – she was a brilliant healer and a cherished team mate to him, as well as a close friend – the plans they were to make about Konoha's future over took Naruto's mind and he felt ashamed that he wasn't as concerned as he should be.

Tsunade's hands stopped suddenly and Sakura's eyes fluttered open. Naruto sighed in relief as the pressure that had built up in the pit of his stomach eased and he smiled in true relief. No one was expecting the words that escaped her lips next,

"Sasuke…"

Her eyes widened suddenly and she pushed the Hokage away to look around the room. A sob chocked out from her throat as she saw Naruto and he only had time to stand before the healer grabbed him in a bone crushing hug.

"Oh Naruto! He was looking for you but… then we looked together – and then, then I went to Iruka, Ichiraku, everywhere but – but you just weren't there!"

Naruto looked over at Tsunade and to the cloaked Itachi with wide eyes and a frown on his face that clearly read as 'What the hell?"

"Sakura, would you explain in a little more detail?"

Sakura wiped her eyes and pulled away from Naruto. The blond almost flinched at the pure unadulterated emotion in her eyes – all of which was directed at him – but managed to stop his body's reflex before it kicked in.

"Sasuke got into Konoha and wanted to find Naruto… we… we looked everywhere and I thought that maybe Naruto had… gone."

Naruto noticed Itachi sit stiffly in his seat and he knew that the man's expression would be sharper than usual. Naruto's eyes hardened but he displayed none of the emotion he usually would have. Kakashi looked closer at the man and narrowed his eye; something was different.

"I got a bit preoccupied training last night, what with the last mission and all."

Sakura's eyes widened and she suddenly nodded in understanding.

"I should have known… I'm sorry Naruto. You could have-"

"Got him back? He's not stupid Sakura; he'd only be here for one thing."

Sakura looked up in interest and Kakashi's eye flickered from Naruto to the strange man behind him.

"What is this thing, Naruto?" Naruto turned to the Jounin and shrugged dismissively.

"Haven't figured that part out yet."

"As much as I love your conversations, I have a few things to clear up with Naruto. The Advisors also wish me to impart some news upon Naruto and with the way I think he'll take it… well he'll request an audience with them. Go home and get some rest, Sakura, I expect you back at work tomorrow in top condition."

Sakura nodded and followed Kakashi out of the door, smiling at Naruto as she left. The door swung shut and Naruto suddenly shot out of his chair as if he'd been burnt. The cloak was in his hands and he was lovingly smoothing out the creases that the sitting period had inflicted upon the material.

"Can you get your clone to avoid Kakashi and Sakura for a while? Just until it is acceptable for you to be free of the meeting. Oh by the way, they wanted you to remain in Konoha; Kakashi knows this but you'll have to pretend to make a fuss about it. It's funny really, the situation has changed completely; they'd do anything to get you out of Konoha now."

Tsunade chuckled and Shizune rolled her eyes.

"Would anybody like tea?"

Tsunade counted the nods in the room and smiled at Itachi. She disappeared from the room, only to return moments later with a fully loaded tea tray.

"I prepared it later and it's probably about ready now. Here we are Naruto… Tsunade-sama and… Itachi-san."

Itachi looked at the steaming liquid and shook his head. Shizune retracted her hand a little before pushing the cup even closer to the man's chest. Itachi was surprised; he had thought Shizune as someone who would simply stutter along with the rules.

"You have had hardly any nourishment lately and this tea will do you good. If you refuse I'll just find another way to get it into your system and being Tsunade-sama's assistant does have its perks you know."

Itachi quickly took the cup from her and sipped lightly on the tea; she was right, he did need something like this. The tea was sweet and slightly fruity. There was definitely something exotic in there somewhere and it wasn't long before the teapot made its rounds, Itachi's cup included in the introductions.

"Koharu and Homura should be here in a short while; they're hardly ever late when it's something this important. Especially with you here Itachi, I believe you may have caused the woman to have a slight stroke. I've never seen anyone so shocked before."

Itachi inclined his head and Naruto rolled his eyes; Itachi had reverted into his 'inner shell', much like a tortoise would do when threatened. Except Itachi wasn't being threatened, it was something called a social situation, a daunting prospect to anyone of the name Uchiha.

A knock on the door announced the Advisor's presence and they entered the Hokage's room with guarded expressions. Shizune pulled two chairs out from nowhere and asked Naruto and Itachi to stand. She set the chairs up so that Naruto and Itachi sat at Tsunade's right side and Shizune stood to the left. The elderly pair was seated in front of the desk, making sure to look anywhere but at Itachi.

"Tsunade-sama, Shizune-san, Itachi-san and Naruto… -Sama."

Each inclined their heads at the title and Itachi saw Naruto stiffen at the addressal. For someone in such an uncomfortable position, Naruto was doing exceptionally well; it was no secret that Naruto hated being treated as superior to others, especially as he had been seen as inferior his whole life.

"We're here today to discuss the most important things that will come out of the change in Hokage position. Naruto, Itachi, if you'd start please."

It wasn't a mystery anymore as to how Orochimaru got the kid to agree to leave Konoha; the boy had no self respect and made snap decisions based upon the power he would supposedly accumulate. Madara chuckled to himself and Sasuke looked at him in confusion.

It was slightly painful to see a face so similar to Itachi's, even down to the now-permanent Sharingan display. Since Sasuke had activated the Sharingan upon agreeing to work with Madara, the blood limit had yet to recede. Itachi had been the same and it had led him to nothing but blindness – and an early death. For all his power, Itachi had been a fool at the end and died; now Sasuke was his to manipulate and toy with but it wouldn't be for Konoha or the protection of the loved sibling.

It would be to destroy both.

Madara had never understood the bond between the two Uchiha siblings. He guessed that he had once held it with his own brother (Sasuke did look remarkably like the brother… what was his name again?) but that was in the past, a tiny puddle under a bridge; useless and unsightly.

When he had first met Itachi, Madara thought that he had stumbled across a younger version of himself. Itachi had been young, restless but a bloody good Shinobi. Even the other members of the Akatsuki would have been pushed to beat Itachi in top form – the man hadn't made ANBU Captain at such a young age for nothing. His techniques had only seemed to grow over the years Madara had known him and the man had to admit there had been an attraction toward the younger male.

Of course, Itachi being Itachi had refused him (even after the massacre and his introduction to the Akatsuki) claiming that Madara was mistaken in his assumptions. That had been the first nail to scrape the blackboard and Madara had abandoned the training Itachi had committed himself to; Itachi could quite literally go fuck himself if he thought that his teacher would stay after that rejection.

When he resurfaced under the alias of Tobi, Itachi hadn't taken notice of him. Only thanks to the link between experienced Mangekyou users was 'Tobi' allowed to see that Itachi knew exactly who he was and this had bothered Madara even more. In the years that Tobi plagued the Akatsuki with his annoying quips and constant nagging in the Akatsuki Itachi had not even looked his way and Madara had told Pein to begin the plans as soon as possible.

His hope had come true; Sasori had been terminated and there had been a spot for Tobi. Itachi had to notice him if he was around 24/7 and Madara had got his wish. After passing each other in the second week of Tobi's stay at the Akatsuki, Itachi had hissed in his ear a warning,

"Stay away from me,"

And Tobi had listened. For a while. He had almost got the Uchiha too, after he told him that Deidara had killed Sasuke. The cool and calm demeanour that Itachi had adopted since the night his family had been killed eroded to reveal the real Itachi, a man who was suffering from emotional wounds. Madara's arms had been comfort for a short while until Itachi's mind registered what he was doing and the man had left a look of disgust on his face.

It wasn't the look of disgust when realising he had just kissed the person of the same sex; it was the look of disgust at being betrayed again. Madara had once again manipulated the man into doing as the eldest Uchiha wanted and Itachi had been aware of that, it was disgust at Madara's actions as well as his own self.

When Madara had left Itachi's body, there had been a slight throb in his system but he had sneered behind the mask. Everything the man had done had been pointless; Madara had taken Sasuke away and the biggest threat to everything (even above Konoha for the town lacked the silent brutality that Itachi possessed) had died there, the cold body had been proof. Madara had know Itachi was dying, even the man himself had known it. There were just so many times that you could slip a pill without being noticed. Itachi had had two options; die of an illness or die by your brother's hand. He had chosen the latter (even though it offered a shorter life span) and Madara had not had to wait before activating his plan; it had been the green light to go.

Looking at the brother Itachi had fought so hard to protect, Madara felt a strange sense well up inside and knew very well what it meant,

I won Itachi; your brother fell straight to me without even thinking of what you would have wanted.

It was true; Sasuke seemed to have forgotten that every step Itachi had taken had been a dual step; one shadow for Sasuke, another for Konoha. Sasuke's footprints were mere impressions on a beach when the tide was coming in, images that flickered and changed with each heartbeat. Sasuke had no real plan, no goal, nothing. The only hope he could have would be being controlled and Madara accepted this so called burden with ease.

"Where are we going?"

Madara looked sideways, the mask stopping his face from turning completely.

"You'll see in time. I've taken a short leave from the Akatsuki to help you in this goal and we each have our part to play. Though two people against the whole of Konoha will never be able to take the village down… I suggest we recruit some people."

Madara's lips twinge as he saw the glare flitter on his companion's face.

"Or you could reassemble the team you dumped, rise from the ashes of what you were and start afresh. Where two people may fail, five can surely prevail."

"You want Hebi?"

Madara grinned; the boy may be no Itachi but he wasn't all that stupid.

"Exactly. If they want to know where you have been, just tell them you wanted some time alone. If you want your team to trust you enough to take on one of the strongest – if not the strongest - hidden villages, you better pull your weight boy."

Sasuke's eyes flashed dangerously and Madara leapt out of the path of the Amaterasu, dodging the uncontrolled flames with ease. Sasuke struggled with the control for a few moments before bringing the eye back under control.

Again Madara couldn't help but draw the parallel between Itachi and his brother's control of the technique; Itachi had created it and mastered it to the full potential yet Sasuke was no idiot when it came to fire techniques. The younger male was a quick learner and had learnt a few fire Jutsu faster than Itachi had. Because the Amaterasu had been directly passed from brother to brother, all of Itachi's knowledge concerning how to use the Amaterasu to the full potential should have gone with it; Itachi wasn't a man to do things halfway. It again appeared that Itachi was at a far superior level to Sasuke, the control of the Amaterasu highlighting this fact.

"You need to control that Amaterasu."

Sasuke hissed in reply and Madara's smirk grew under his mask. The kid had fire inside of him and was not afraid of letting it out; a dangerous thing to do when there were so many things that could put that fire out in an instant.

And even though Sasuke was no Itachi (not even close to the same league) Madara was sure as hell that he was going to get some fun out of Sasuke.

Homura and Koharu sat in a tensed silence as Naruto shifted his weight a little and began to talk,

"I appreciate all the work you have done as Advisors in the past and I will allow you to keep your positions as your advice will be needed at times and you have far more experience than I. With your permission I would like to choose a close Advisor and my choice would be Uchiha-san here."

Tsunade smiled slightly at the way in which Naruto was playing the game. The elders would have no choice but to agree once Naruto specified why he wanted the Uchiha there and they would have no proof that Itachi was conspiring against them. The Advisors had been backed into a temporary corner. They would have a seat of power in the village yet be crippled of this power, a clever move that would not only antagonise the Oni, but keep them temporarily at bay.

"And why would Uchiha Itachi make a better Advisor to the Hokage than either of us?"

Naruto nodded calmly to the speaker – Homura – and acknowledged the man's statement with ease.

"Uchiha-san had firsthand experience with both Orochimaru and the Akatsuki and this will help us to eliminate those threats to Konoha. I have seen the extent that Itachi has gone to for the Sake of Konoha and one of its citizens and I would place the position in no one else's hands."

Tsunade nodded at the statement and Itachi agreed. Although Itachi had the wit to outsmart the Advisors – and the power to do it – he lacked a certain skill that one needed to become Hokage. If Itachi had been able to grow up in the normal confines of a family then he might have been a candidate for the Godaime Hokage but there were only so many events that a person could take without losing all of their people quality.

Naruto's had remained intact and his was stronger than most. The fact that he had changed so many people and been able to make friends with practically anyone he touches was a clear result of the skill one needed to become a Hokage; Tsunade remembered Minato possessing the calm manor and had to admit that Naruto's even outshone the Yondaime's. And that was no easy feat.

"You plan on tackling such larger hurdles as soon as that? With all due respect… Naruto-sama," the people on the Hokage's side of the desk frowned at the slight hesitation in the woman's voice but she continued nonetheless, "but surely the village's welfare should be your main priority. Such a sudden change will be sure to upset the balance for a while and some may be particularly opposed to you as Hokage at first."

"I understand what you mean but, to quote your own words, I will be putting Konoha's welfare and stability first. The Akatsuki are a threat to everything and it will be a fruitless effort to build up an empire only to have it crushed by that organisation. It is better to strike when we are at a lull before picking up the pieces."

Koharu had no choice but to nod to the Rokudaime's words and she slumped slightly in her chair, the fight almost leaving her.

"How can you fight the Akatsuki if none of your Shinobi will act under your command… have you thought about that?"

Naruto looked to the man and calmed down the thousands of words he wanted to call the man, none of them particularly complementary.

"I have indeed thought of that but if they cannot accept my late father's wishes, as many didn't, for honouring me as a hero, then they hardly deserve the title of a Konoha Shinobi. I do not blame them for hating me as a child, it is natural human behaviour to blame someone to hide the pain any person may be feeling yet if these feelings of animosity are revealed in plain sight I will have no other choice but to strip them of their rank.

"I wasn't chosen for Hokage just because Tsunade-sama likes me, Jiraiya-sama trained me until I was worthy of this position. I haven't suddenly taken upon the Namikaze name just to make it appear as though I am a strong Shinobi, the reason I didn't accept the clan name was before I hadn't reached anywhere near my full potential. There are things you wouldn't dream of doing that I can easily achieve."

A staring contest began, neither side backing down. Naruto knew it was childish behaviour but this could just as well be considered a battleground. Homura's dark eyes pierced into his and Naruto waited patiently until the man looked away. The first tears gathered in the elder's eyes and he looked away hurriedly, blinking back the loss of moisture.

"Only time will be able to tell us of that, Naruto-sama. We will allow the reign of Hokage to fall to you but heed this warning now; we can act if we see you as a danger to Konoha. With the Kyuubi inside of you, you will be watched from afar yet we will not approach you. Show us what you can do to Konoha that will benefit it; from what you have told us there is little but warmongering between you. We will take our leave now."

By the time the door closed, Naruto was fuming. He stormed over to the chair the woman had evacuated and kicked it across the room.

"Warmongering? Who the fuck does she think she is! It's not us who are the warmongerers it's-"

A hand over his mouth cut off the sentence and Naruto felt his body go weak as he looked into Itachi's dark eyes.

"I agree with you Naruto but we still have leverage against them. You're hardly unpopular in the village and the leadership of clans is changing. If the Oni want to over throw you they will need full support from the Council and many of the leaders would not be prepared to place you in that position. They know you Naruto."

Naruto nodded and sat down on the chair he had kicked. His head fell back to the chair's top and he sighed heavily; being a Shinobi meant that you had to fight wars and battle against a common enemy but being Hokage meant mind games, internal wars and constant battles against supposed friends.

It was hard but Naruto would rather kill himself than watch Konoha fall.

Tsunade had become twitchy within the past few hours and Naruto suspected that it had something to do with the lack of Jiraiya's information. It had been quite a while since she had sent the man off and she had at least expected him to send word even if he hadn't gotten into Amegakure successfully. It was the not knowing that Tsunade hated the most; the possibility that one of her precious people could be dead and she had no idea.

A snore broke through her trail of thoughts and she watched the pair of men out of the corner of her eye. It had been Naruto who snored and Itachi had looked over at the young Rokudaime with an almost nonexistent smile on his lips. There was such a tender look to Itachi's face that Tsunade had averted her eyes, suddenly afraid that she had stumbled into something secret, a situation that was too intimate for others to intrude.

Tsunade had met Itachi a few times, the last being before he had left Konoha. He had been on a mission and they had merely greeted one another. When she had spotted a particularly nasty wound on the arm of the young Shinobi she had decided to heal it for him. Itachi wasn't an open person, even back when he was younger, but he obviously felt as though Naruto was the closest person to him.

It made sense in a strange way; Uzumaki Naruto was the only person Itachi could truly rely on; the only person who would be able to touch the Uchiha. Itachi was almost like an object behind a glass, one that was kept under lock and key. Naruto happened to be the only human to existence that had access to the key and was not afraid to let the object out.

"Tsunade-sama, may I wake him?"

If it had been any other of her Shinobi, Tsunade knew they would have commented on the annoyance of Naruto's snores. The blonde woman nodded, knowing full well that Itachi wanted Naruto to remain asleep until his biological clock woke him but it was unavoidable in this situation. They could no longer count for the luxuries of a simple life yet… had Uchiha Itachi ever been able to?

Naruto was awake in less than five minutes and he sat up groggily, the cloak slipping from its place on his lap where he had used it as a makeshift blanket. The first thing his eyes focused on was Itachi's face and he broke into one of the most heart-warming and beautiful smiles Tsunade had ever seen.

"Morning Itachi," the blond sat up straight and the smile widened, transforming into a grin, "Hey Baa-chan."

Tsunade nodded in response and walked back to her desk. There was a stack of paperwork that had been building up and she had to make her presence known in the missions room today so there was one solution to the problem; aspiring Hokage!

"Naruto you have a task to do today. These files here will need sorting and then the Hokage's signature. If you get them all signed then you can file them away. I'll make sure no one gets the access codes until I've left so they cannot claim that you knew you were to be Hokage before the announcement."

Naruto pulled a face but shuffled over to the chair, dragging a reluctant Ex ANBU captain with him.

"Only if Itachi helps; I don't get half of this stuff; words aren't exactly my forte."

Itachi rolled his eyes at the slight lie; Naruto was perfectly fine with words. It appeared that he had already caught the typical Hokage-laziness-disorder but if he was willing to do it with Itachi there then that would be acceptable. For now.

"Good, I have to go to the mission's room for most of the day but I will be back for lunch. Shizune will be the only one allowed in here aside from me so you can have complete access to all files and documents if needed. Unless it is completely unavoidable, would you stay in here? It would make things easier and less questions would be raised over Itachi's identity and why there are two very different looking Narutos wondering around Konoha. Some people even seem to think that you're Minato, especially in that cloak… we'll avoid everything until we cross that bridge."

Naruto nodded and picked up the black pen. Tsunade had a calligraphy set but she had once told him that that was for official documents that were to be sent to other countries. For personal files such as the ones he had been given – internal files – a biro would suffice.

Tsunade slipped out of the room as Naruto took his seat in her chair and she smiled to Shizune behind the desk. The black haired woman smiled in return and walked over to the door, inserting the chakra key and locking it.

Inside the room Itachi sat opposite of Naruto and tilted his head backwards so he ended up looking up to the ceiling. The sound of pen tapping the paper and a hand smoothing across the white paper was an odd lullaby but Itachi felt his eyes grow heavy. Naruto saw the Uchiha's eyes close from underneath his spiky fringe and smiled; Itachi needed to learn to relax and allow his body to drift into a state of relaxation. No one could hold such a brittle body position for so long and be considered healthy.

The time passed quickly, the slow breathing of Itachi became the tick-tock of a clock and Naruto almost became distracted. Itachi's head had rolled onto his shoulder and Naruto found himself staring at the man for entire minutes before returning to the signing of documents.

There was no way that Itachi could be called unattractive; the Uchiha Clan itself had always been a highly respectable and good looking Clan but Itachi took breeding to a whole other degree. His eyes were pools of obsidian, framed with long lashes that would make any woman glare in jealousy. The pale skin on his face seemed ageless and stretched neatly over high cheekbones, slowly gathering into pink lips that any woman would die to kiss.

The door clicked open suddenly and Naruto looked away with a slight blush on his cheeks as Itachi snapped to attention. Faking normality, Naruto smiled to Shizune as she brought in what was presumably their lunch. Itachi walked over to her and whispered something that Naruto couldn't quite catch. Shizune smiled, looked over at Naruto once, and left after passing the tray into Itachi's hands.

"I see you've managed to get quite a lot of work done, it's a good start."

Naruto nodded and looked down to the pile of papers he had completed. Around three quarters of the white sheets lay in the pile and Naruto chuckled,

"I didn't really notice how much I've completed… it's interesting to see all of the complete mission files and reports on the civilians. I think these are left over from the annual census or something."

Itachi nodded before setting out the food; it was ramen again and Naruto's face lit up.

"They sure know how to treat a Hokage eh?"

Itachi rolled his eyes but broke the chopsticks open in unison with the blond and Naruto looked up in amusement. Itachi just shrugged his shoulders and Naruto nodded his head in compliance. It was little actions such as these that alerted any onlookers to a developing relationship. Neither Naruto nor Itachi had picked up the subtle hints but they were slowly growing closer.

Once they had finished, Itachi tapped on the door and Shizune took the tray offered from the door frame. Itachi returned to see Naruto's eyes slightly misty and he waited for the blond to snap out of his apparent day dream by his self.

"Itachi… if Sasuke wanted me, then where is he? I know he wanted to get back at Madara and my clone said he needed my help but… he just left."

It was the subject again, the one person that Itachi had tried to put out of his mind so many times. He had loved Sasuke but he wasn't sure how far he'd go anymore. Itachi knew there was a strong chance that Sasuke would do just as he planned yet he hoped to god that it hadn't come true.

"There is a strong possibility that you will never be in arms reach of saving him Naruto. There is a strong chance that Sasuke will never return to Konoha unless he has claimed it for himself. If he went up against Madara and Madara saw an opening the manipulative bastard will have done everything in his power to turn Sasuke against Konoha. If he is in that position now – which I am almost certain of – the only terms with which he will return to Konoha will be under war."

Itachi watched calmly as Naruto's eyes bugged before closing painfully. The younger man's jaw clenched and his hand balled into a fist.

"Why would he…"

"You forget that I begged the Sandaime never to reveal the true events of the Coup d'état and he lived his whole life to serve a revenge… then to find he'd got the wrong person. Emotionally Sasuke is a wreck, no matter how he appears on the outside. It's the way he has always been, like you, allowing his emotions to rule over duty. Your emotions are put on display for all to see but Sasuke hides his away, increasing the intensity by tenfold. He is still a child thrust into an adult world."

Naruto's eyes opened with fierce emotion,

"Am I not a child thrust into an adult world?"

Itachi looked away and his eyes softened.

"You were born into the adult world Naruto. You've been playing that game your entire life; manipulation is one of your hidden but perfected skills. Sasuke is little but an apprentice that has been shoved into the master's job."

Naruto cradled his head in his hands and sighed loudly. Itachi walked past the desk and over to a cabinet on the far right of the office. He unlocked it, knowing the chakra sequence off by heart, and reached in to take a thick folder from the darkness of the drawer. Blue eyes watched through fingers as Itachi flicked through pages as he walked back.

"This is a list of all the Missing Nin Konohagakure has ever sired. All the ones that are still out there anyway. There are also a few other sections on other countries' Missing Nin but they are smaller and contain only what we consider the most dangerous."

Naruto took the folder slowly and leafed through a few of the pages. He put the folder down grimly after a minute and nodded to Itachi's silent question.

"I see it. Uchiha Sasuke; the only child in the whole damn folder."

Itachi nodded; point made. He hated to be so blunt and cold to Naruto but he had to make the man see that the 'Last Uchiha' would never be coming home. He knew that deep within the blond, Naruto knew that he would never get Sasuke back, considering what he had said before;

"Please Itachi… I know I can't save Sasuke but I can save you."

It was the Hokage part – the part of Naruto that still saw Sasuke as a friend – that refused to give up and Itachi had to admit that if anyone were to get Sasuke back it could be no one but Naruto. The simple fact was Naruto was in over his head.

"Secure Konoha, destroy the Akatsuki and then go after him."

Itachi looked up; Naruto had said the very words that he had been thinking. A smile found its way onto his lips and he nodded,

"A hero can still save the day if he's late."

It had been a while since Konan had allowed a butterfly to shed the chrysalis and she sat with the wilted body of the last butterfly she had created in her hands, eyes drawn to the bed. Ever since the man had first woken up she had not left his side, hoping that he would wake again. The butterfly itself had died on his cheek and she had allowed a tear to spill onto both the skin of the man and the butterfly's wing as a farewell to the memory creature.

The reason that Konan didn't want to create another butterfly was the harsh indecency each insect suffered; only a day's life but it was forced under her will, her chakra killing any resemblance of a real butterfly when she opened the chrysalis' before allowing them to shed naturally. It was a container for her memories, not an animal. She most certainly did not want to remember this period in her life; the waiting and watching without being able to do anything.

Twice she had cursed herself for not signing the contract he had offered years ago; none of them had seen the need to. It wasn't that it wouldn't be useful but they had been three orphans that were new to the Shinobi way of fighting; it had been a slight offer that was more tongue-in-cheek than a proposal. They had declined his offer in favour of learning another skill; one that Konan hated herself for learning.

A moan on the bed made her drop the butterfly and she stood next to the man, her lip growing steadily red as she continuously played with it between her teeth. His eyes opened and she waited for them to focus before moving into his line of sight.

"I need you to do something for me, Jiraiya. Do you think you could do that?"

A chocked gargle was all the noise that came from his abused throat and Konan's eyes hardened in pain. She grasped Jiraiya's hands and placed them together with hers on top.

"If you don't… you'll die."

The image of the crumpled butterfly that now lay on the floor flickered into her minds eyes as Jiraiya shook his head and closed his eyes, pulling his hand from hers. The hundreds of chrysalis in the glass case suddenly erupted in blue flashes as Konan choked back a sob,

Shinobi rule number 25: No matter what situation, a Shinobi must keep emotions on the inside, you must make the mission your top priority and you must possess a heart that shows no tears.

"We need to make Konoha our priority… where are the lists of active and non-active Shinobi kept?"

Itachi walked back over to the cabinet and pulled out a stack of thick folders, each titled with the information they contained. He placed them on the empty table (Naruto had finished the paperwork and it was now neatly tied up with a string and placed in the far left corner of the office) and began with the ANBU classed Nin.

"I'm going to place the members into emergency teams… groups of four or five should do. I want a team that specialises in tracking, silent killing, espionage etc. and I want them to be able to get the job done swiftly. Of course they'll only be revealed as teams if the Akatsuki go on the assault and we are left in the wake of a war… how does that sound?"

"It's a good idea but how can you be sure that they will complement each other. They may look good on paper but how can that be justified through to the physical work?"

Naruto looked up at Itachi as though he was a complete idiot.

"Hello Mr. Ex-Taichou… you're going to help. Baa-chan can help too and I'm sure Shizune knows a bit."

Itachi blinked and shook his head. If Naruto thought that ANBU had changed little in these past eight years or so then the blond was in for a shock. Nevertheless he complied and walked forwards to the desk, dragging the chair he had been sitting on with one hand until his knees were touching the desk at sitting position.

Taking the first few files, Itachi noted their special qualities and suited them to jobs that would fit. When he had finished all of them into piles, Naruto checked them over and nodded, obviously pleased with Itachi's work.

"Now to match them up. It's like a dating service really…"

"In what way," Itachi's voice was bordering between annoyance and amusement.

"Well we've got to match them up. Enough said."

It was definitely annoyance at the moment.

"Okay then Naruto, who would you be paired up with at this dating service?"

Naruto seemed slightly distracted but he scratched his chin as he began looking at pile number two.

"I don't know really… I haven't seen anyone else's reports but the few people here… though I'd have to say that there is only one person for me. I'd be paired up with you, hands down."

Itachi looked at Naruto, eyes wider than usual. Naruto either still hadn't caught the hidden innuendo in the oh-so-innocent question or he was just purely ignoring it. Itachi just hoped it was the latter until,

"Oh." And here was the blush. Well done Naruto, really Hokage-ish.

Naruto caught the Uchiha's eye and both of them looked away from each other. There was an awkward silence as the paper rustling stopped but it was thankfully followed by the click of the door as Tsunade walked in, a miserable look on her face.

Naruto jumped up and laughed loudly while Itachi pushed his chair a little further away from the table. It had been an uncomfortable situation yet Itachi had no idea why; when women – and men – were gushing out their love to him before he had never felt uncomfortable, even when shooting them down. Guilty; yes, a little sad; yes, uncomfortable; no. It seemed Naruto was the only one to bring such emotions out on the elder male and it annoyed Itachi because he had no idea of the reason.

"Had a bad day?"

Tsunade grunted in reply. "Sakura seems to think that we have a chance of getting Sasuke back if I send Team Kakashi out now. She claims that he wasn't in the right state of mind, not that he ever has been – sorry Itachi but it's the truth – and that you have more chance of getting him back, especially as he wants Naruto."

Itachi frowned at the comment and Naruto's features mirrored his own. Tsunade smiled as the pair got to the same conclusion at the same time.

"So she wants to use Naruto as bait?" Itachi and Naruto spoke at the same time but whereas Itachi said 'Naruto', the blond said 'me'. Tsunade's smile grew a little and she nodded.

"I explained to her that it was a ridiculous notion and that she shouldn't even think of putting her team mate into that position. In her defence she did look guilty before she said that you would be able to handle anything the Uchiha threw at you. While that may be true, there are a number of reasons why we won't be embarking on that mission; Akatsuki are loose, we're planning on combating a civil war before it gets started, Sakura's emotions rule her too much and the fact that Itachi here would most likely skin me alive if I let anything happen to you."

Naruto choked, remembering the innuendo from before and blushed slightly.

"Is there something I'm missing…? Naruto?"

Naruto's blush deepened and he muttered an answer in the negative. The Hokage caught Itachi's eye and they shared a smirk. All three of the room's occupants knew that they would have to take whatever comic relief they could as things were about to get difficult and bonds would be strained to the limit.

Tsunade wondered if the stress and events that were to take place would destroy the Rokudaime or widen his eyes to the idea of a relationship.

After all, it wasn't as if Itachi would say no, all one had to do was notice the signs.

It had been a few days since Jiraiya had last woken up and he often flitted between consciousness and fits of awareness. He would always avoid her eyes and remove his hands from hers whenever she tried to take them. It was the first day that he had been truly aware and this time he didn't flinch away from her touch.

"Jiraiya-sensei," fuck had it been a long time since she'd said that, "we need to get you better. You have some damage that I cannot heal and I'm worried that it'll become life threatening. You lost a lot of blood and the last thing we need now it for you to start haemorrhaging but it could happen. I need you to send a summon to Tsunade-san. Can you do that? Nod if you can."

Jiraiya coughed weakly and a trickle of blood shot out of his mouth and landing on the crumpled butterfly on Konan's lap. She had stored this butterfly after the entire collection of chrysalis had erupted into a sea of blue memories. The pattern on this butterfly had been so vivid – a deep indigo entwined with sapphire – when the butterfly had been living that she wanted to keep this one with her. Now the wings were stained crimson and Konan knew that the butterfly was useless now; she couldn't even respect it in its death.

"I know you don't want me to help you but I can't do anything. I'm the only one left… that sick bastard… Pein, he's something out of this world. I miss Nagato and Yahiko, I even miss you."

Konan ignored the widening of the Great Jiraiya's eyes and took a deep breath. There were so many things she wanted to shout at him for about the past – including the change in Nagato and the loss of Yahiko – but there was no time now, this was not the place.

"I'm sick of this, biding our time and pretending that I want a war. I'm going to save you Jiraiya, I can't do anything else. Please… just get Tsunade."

The white haired man on the bed remained motionless and Konan rose up off the bed. As she was about to pull her hand from her former teacher's grasp two calloused hands grabbed onto hers and she turned around, a huge smile on her face.

"Thank you, thank you Jiraiya-sensei. If you need chakra please take mine; anything."

Jiraiya made a noise at the back of his throat before moving one of her hands onto the back of his hand. She summoned chakra to her own hand and passed it onto Jiraiya. The man began a series of hand seals slowly before the sequence was completed. Konan hadn't seen the blood on his lip transfer onto his hand before the smoke announced the arrival of a toad.

"What do you want Jiraiya?"

A bright yellow and orange frog sat on the bed. It was larger than a Labrador but not big enough to be sat upon or anything yet.

"Have you got any food?"

Konan looked at the frog and then back at Jiraiya. The man was gargling again; trying to talk. She shook her head and addressed the toad.

"Please, go to Konoha and tell Tsunade-sama that we need her presence here. Tell her to come to Amegakure in disguise and come to the hospital entrance. Tell her that the person who is looking after Jiraiya will be waiting for her there and that if she wants him to live she will have to come. No one else can help him in this condition. Do that and I'll buy you as much food as… in fact, when you get to Konoha, give this money," she attached a small bag of coins to the toad's foot, "to Tsunade and ask her to buy you something. Good luck."

With a quick look at Jiraiya – to check that these instructions were what he wanted – Gamatatsu nodded and disappeared, taking Konan's hope with him.

Jiraiya settle back down and Konan bit her lip. The butterfly remained on the floor, the dull blue and purple of its wings still coated in mess. Like the situation Konan could only hope that she would salvage the butterfly; if not, another jewel from the world would be lost.

Tsunade had left her office in favour of walking around the secret gardens of Konoha. They were situated on top of the Hokage tower and associated buildings yet Tsunade was now the only one to see them. The grass was wildly overgrown and flowers popped up in various places, claiming the territory for their own.

There was a small serenity pool in the heart of the jungle with a wire pagoda that had been Tsunade's favourite ever since she was a child. Her grandfather had loved this garden and it seemed that he had passed this love onto her.

The wind blew a curved weeping willow branch over her path and she pushed it back to reveal the murky water of the pool. To the woman it didn't matter that the water was dirty; in fact she preferred it that way. No human had interfered with this land in years and she wasn't about to start. In the letter she would leave with the Advisors to give to Naruto, she would explain about the garden.

Tsunade remembered that Minato had often brought Kushina here. The stress of being a Hokage and expecting had driven a nail in their relationship and would have stretched the pair to their wits end if they had not come here. These gardens were a secret sanctuary; a place that was untouched and free. She only hoped that Naruto would bring Itachi here and that the pair would be able to salvage the loose connections they had started to build.

The soft pop announced an intrusion and the Hokage turned her head to glare. She stopped, mouth half open and eyes wide, when she saw the toad and he calmly replied,

"Yo!"

Tsunade's face drained of colour and her heartbeat began to race.

"Jiraiya…"

The toad responded and hopped over to her.

"The blue haired lady said you'd buy me stuff with her money," a bag of coins was chucked into the Hokage's lap and she gripped the cloth bag loosely.

"What about Jiraiya?"

"Hmm? Oh well the woman said that she needed your help and that you were to go to the Hidden Rain hospital to meet her if you wanted to save him. He's in a pretty bad shape."

A tear slipped from Tsunade's eye before she had time to collect herself and she stood.

"I'll get you some food and then I'll go. We can't waste time… how did you find me anyway?"

"Jiraiya told us all how to spot his closest people's chakra. He taught us Minato's, Kushina's, Naruto's and yours. We knew Naruto even before he got the contract… me and 'Kichi were born with the ability to sense him. Pretty cool eh?"

Tsunade nodded and slipped off of the bench she was seated upon. The toad followed as she walked through the jungle and waited at the top. It wasn't long before Tsunade returned with a bag of assorted foods in and Gamatatsu paid his thanks before vanishing.

Tsunade knew it was time to tell the Advisors that she was leaving. They were to be the only pair that knew of her disappearance before the 'announcement' to her successor.

"Tsunade-sama?" Koharu looked up as the Hokage burst into their office room.

"I am going, please look after Naruto. If you would inform him of this in a few hours then that would be most appreciated."

The two Oni bowed as one and muttered,

"Of course Tsunade-sama. We wish you the best of luck."

As much as Tsunade hated stepping out of this game, there was nothing for her. Naruto had always had the best of luck and now was a perfect time to test out how lucky he could be. She left the room without a single word to either of the Advisors and went to her private room.

Inside everything had been packed up for her to take with her; medical supplies lay in neat scrolls as well as ordinary clothes. Now all she needed to do was fiddle with the Genesis seal to alter her appearance and she would be done.

As much as she hated revealing her true age, the wrinkles were let loose as she left Konoha; no one bidding her a second glance.

Everything had worked out perfectly and it was now time for Namikaze Naruto to show Konoha exactly what he was made of.

"Good luck Naruto," she whispered to the wind and turned her head away from the Hokage Mountain, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

The smile on her lips contradicted the tears and Tsunade knew that they were not tears of regret; they were tears of hope. Konoha needed a hero and it was about to receive one.

It had never been a tradition for the Hokage's team members to take seat as the Advisors but Koharu and Homura had taken the position by chance after the Sandaime had entered his rule. Sarutobi had been delighted at this; his team members and close friends were to remain by his side and offer their support.

It hadn't been until Danzou had approached them that the pair began to see things a little differently. The man commented on the way Sarutobi liked to get involved with the village and its citizens a little more that what was considered mandatory. The Shodai and Nidaime had both played an active part in the community but as they had still been setting up Konoha and smoothing the village over (not to mention the fractured wars that took place in their rules) they had little time to waste. The Sandaime seemed to have plenty of time to frolic with the villagers, even paying visits to the academy.

Each time the Advisors told Sarutobi to focus on the land around him and what was happening outside of the Fire country, he would smile at them and mutter an excuse. They had thought of this as something close to treachery to Konoha; the Hokage not looking further?

Danzou had made his point and suggested that they chose someone who would be there for Konoha, a desk Hokage who partially isolated his or her self from the village. They needed an iron fist and Shinobi that weren't weakened by emotional bonds. When Koharu had asked if they knew such a man, Danzou had chuckled and suggested they take a look at the Sandaime's main competitor.

Which was, of course, him.

When the Sandaime announced his retirement, his team had finally thought they had a chance. Danzou had been called to the meeting where the Advisors sat with Jiraiya, Orochimaru and Tsunade. The old coot had been smiling through the whole speech until – until – Namikaze Minato was announced as Yondaime. Orochimaru had grunted at the name before leaving the room, the door shutting soundly behind him.

Danzou and the Advisors hadn't acted to that degree but the smile slipped from the former candidate's face and the Advisors stiffened. Had Sarutobi noticed, he may have asked them about their behaviour but at that point he had been in an in depth discussion with Jiraiya (who had tears trickling down his cheeks, a new Yondaime in a tight hug and a smile at the Sandaime).

The day that the supposed last Namikaze fell, the Three Oni - as they were now christened – each took the cursed child in their arms. Homura had been given the child by a nurse whilst they temporarily fixed him a bed only to pass the thing onto his former team member. He certainly wasn't going to dirty his hands with the child, especially as their plans had been halted.

They had started a new plan – a new division of ANBU – and the Yondaime had had no part to play in their upbringing. Their soldiers, their elite legions, were brought up emotionless; the image Danzou wanted to create for Konoha.

The baby had been passed onto Koharu and she fought to suppress the motherly instincts that rose. Here in her arms was a child with nothing except scorn in its life. Its mother was weakened and they were to look after the brat while the hospital recovered their units and moved all patients to suitable areas of Konoha.

They were told, much later, that the baby's mother had died two days after the birth – too much blood lost and a potent blood disease could take a Kunoichi's life easily, no matter how strong they had been.

The father of the child had died for Konoha, sacrificing his life in the attempts to overwhelm the Kyuubi. Not the child; Konoha. She didn't know the exact identity of the man – or the woman for that fact – she was just remembering what the nurse had been told by Jiraiya.

There were plenty of other orphans in the unit; so many families had been destroyed by that demon that Koharu didn't even want to think about numbers. The child that lay in her arms was just that; a child. Part of her wanted to keep it and protect the creature yet she knew what was behind the pale skin. From the moment the child was born it was cursed; coming up shallow in the pool of luck.

With these thoughts in mind, Koharu slowly handed the child to Danzou; afraid of the feeling such a small bundle of ligaments would bring out in her if she touched it any longer. The man's reaction had been the most shocking; he had stroked the baby's cheek with a rough finger and almost smiled.

"We should thank him really. Now with the Yondaime dead, who is there to rule over Konoha?"

It twigged into ancient brains and they nodded their heads. For a few hours they took upon the Yondaime's wishes; the wishes that Naruto would be seen as a hero. They guarded over the child while Jiraiya and the Sandaime rooted through the rubble of their village and fought to control the destruction of the fox. For only a few hours, Naruto was part of a family; of sorts.

When Jiraiya returned it crumbled. The Sandaime was elected back into seat by an emergency protocol and Danzou returned to ROOT. The Advisors played their part, aiding the rise of a Konoha they wished to destroy.

After Jiraiya had spent time with Naruto – not near enough as much as he would have liked – he went in search of Orochimaru. Like Tsunade years before he abandoned the village to escape from the haunts of his past. It was true that he was aligned to the village; it held the only remains of the man who he had come to view as a son. The Sandaime Hokage, much to the Advisors displeasure, looked after Naruto. The boy lived in the orphanage yet the Hokage's daughter often visited him as a small child.

As Naruto grew, the visits stopped. The Hokage's daughter gave birth to her own child and the Advisors convinced Sarutobi that it would be best if they left the Jinchuuriki alone. He would want to know so many things; you had to be cruel to be kind.

When the councillors suggested Jiraiya as the Godaime, they knew he would never take the position. They had allowed him his what-was-meant-to-be-fruitless search for Tsunade in order to show that they would be the best to choose Hokage; and Danzou would be the next choice.

There was one thing they hadn't bargained for; the fact that the Demon brat would bring home the legendary sucker. Now that the brat – who sat in front of them now – was about to be officially announced as Rokudaime (just to keep up the pretences as Tsunade wished) their plans had officially hit an all time low… or an all time high, depending on how you saw it.

The first play rested in Naruto's hands but they weren't about to fold their cards just yet; the Oni could deal as well as they took and the Rokudaime would soon see that.

"What is it that you wanted to discuss Koharu-san, Homura-san?"

The elderly man pushed his glasses a little way up his nose and coughed gently. Koharu took that as a signal for her to begin,

"Tsunade-sama visited us last night, she has left Konoha. We are to pass both this letter, our wishes of luck and to let you know that the Public Announcement will be later on today. If you wish to tell anyone before then you may do so."

The Advisors rose from their chairs fluidly and left the room without a second glance at the Rokudaime. Naruto stared at the door, unable to break the silence even after they had gone. He was vaguely aware of Itachi pressing the button on the desk that would summon Shizune and the man ordered tea. Naruto caught Shizune's worried look but he couldn't figure why; his brain had just stopped.

Shizune returned with the tea and she kissed his temple with a congratulations wish. Naruto automatically nodded his head but his eyes remain blank. It wasn't until a full ten minutes later – just as Itachi took a sip of the still hot tea – that Naruto leapt up from his seat with a cry of joy and dragged Itachi round the desk; laughing and spinning around.

When the blond finally noticed that his 'dancing partner' wasn't exactly compliant, he let go of the man's arms and stopped laughing. The look on Itachi's face would have made young animals wet themselves in fear; it was safe to say Uchiha Itachi was not a very happy chappy.

"Err… um, sorry?"

Itachi looked down at the tea cup and an idea occurred to him. It would be childish – yes – but oh so worth it. With a smirk at the Hokage, Itachi poured the last few centimetres of warm tea onto blond hair. The screech that came from the act was deafening and Itachi jumped out of Naruto's range.

"What the hell was that for!"

Itachi shrugged his shoulders, "You made me spill tea on myself so I thought it was only fair."

Naruto growled and narrowed his eyes at Itachi. Suddenly it seemed that two sparks lit up in Naruto's blue eyes and a smirk overcame his face,

"You know, Itachi… as I'm Hokage I can technically order you to do anything I want."

Itachi snorted, "Two things Hokage-sama, I'm technically dead and a Missing Nin so good luck with that one."

Naruto frowned and Itachi fought the urge to laugh.

"Well before they announce us or whatever we need to change. I'll just read Baa-chan's scroll and then we'll sort it out okay?"

After he had finished reading the contents of the scroll, Naruto told Itachi of its contents. The main bulk of the letter was how to go about Hokage duties and what was expected about Naruto. It detailed a little on the inauguration process and the first few days of official Hokage-dome. There was a mention of the Hokage gardens on the top of the tower and Naruto made a mental note to go and look at those some time.

"We have a house."

Itachi's eyes looked at Naruto in curiosity; there was the true element of surprise.

"It most likely belonged to Yondaime-sama. I guess it has passed to you now."

Naruto nodded and a soft smile came onto his face.

"We'll go there tonight eh? Right, how do we get people to come here?" Naruto pushed the button to summon Shizune and the woman gingerly poked her head round the door.

"Shizune! Would you be able to get some people here so I can tell them privately?"

Shizune smiled and stepped fully into the room, "Of course, Naruto. I'm assuming Iruka-san would be one of them?"

Naruto nodded and looked at Itachi. "Can we also have Kakashi-sensei, Sakura, Sai and Yamato-Taichou?"

Shizune vanished and Naruto heard her call out to a few Chuunin that were obviously milling about in the halls. Itachi passed him a scroll and he summoned out one of the many black clothing sets he had. Itachi followed suit and the pair were finally about to be tea free.

As was the routine, Naruto walked round the Hokage desk and turned so his back was facing Itachi. They had changed fully before the Oni had paid them a visit so there was no need to do a complete swap; only the top half.

The garments were thrown unceremoniously on the floor by Naruto and folded neatly onto a chair by Itachi. Itachi had once commented on how Naruto would most likely trip and fall to his death with the clothes like that but the Uzumaki hardly cared, always waving the dark haired man away.

It was at this point in time that Naruto wished he had very much swallowed his own words; he had turned round after the top he was putting on got stuck over his head and somehow tripped on the clothing on the floor. He yelled out and fell to the ground. Even though he knew that it was impossible to fall to your death from such a pathetic height, it didn't stop his heart beat from increasing and he winced, expecting the hard floor to rush up anytime.

He heard the 'oof' of breath leaving a body but it took a moment for Naruto to realise that it hadn't come from him.

"Naruto…" Itachi's voice sounded strained and it was then that the situation hit Naruto in the face like an iron ball; he – with no top on – had fallen onto Itachi, who too, coincidentally, had no upper clothing on.

"Err, I'm…" The light returned to Naruto's eyes as Itachi pulled the dark material from Naruto's head. Because the sleeves had been through Naruto's arms, they hung upwards and Naruto partially deflated. He opened his mouth to speak when the door clicked open,

"They'll be here shortly Naruto-oh God! I'm so sorry!"

Naruto tilted his head as Shizune continued to stammer apologies, even after the door had shut. Again the iron ball rebounded in his face and Naruto realised that Itachi's hands were still on the fabric. As in making it seem as though he was pulling the garment over Naruto's head. Couple that with the fact that Naruto had landed conveniently between the Uchiha's legs…

"Would you mind getting up? In case you didn't hear Shizune-san your guests will be coming here soon."

Naruto's eyes bugged and he scrambled away from Itachi, watching in slight envy as the non-blushing male pulled his own clothes over his head and re cloaked himself. Naruto cursed the top and pulled it over his hair before he too put his cloak on. With bright red cheeks, he stalked past a smirking Itachi and poked his head out of the door.

"Um, Shizune-nee-chan?"

The woman looked up from her desk with her hand clamped firmly over the lower half of her face. Naruto's heart sunk; was she so disgusted by the accident that she felt sick?

"Yes Naruto?" The reply was muffled so Naruto shuffled out.

"It was an accident, Itachi and I never meant for it to look like that. I tripped and fell and… yeah."

Shizune's eyes dimmed and she looked away from Naruto. The Hokage could just see a slight pink tone to her cheeks and he poked one of her fingers. Shizune shook her head yet that only served to make Naruto more determined; he prised her fingers apart and his eyes bugged at Shizune's face.

"You're… you're…"

It hadn't been disgust, apparently.

"You're nose… Nee-chan… you're as bad as Jiraiya!"

Evidentially that was a bad thing to say as Shizune whacked him upside the head and wiped her nose.

"So I can't just appreciate the youth of today? It's called being a pervert now is it?"

Naruto held his hands out to her, palms up in a placating gesture. Shizune was about to strike when a voice cut through the argument,

"M-Minato?"

Sasuke had never liked the dark. It held so many undesirable things and memories that should never be allowed to surface. Black was always associated with darkness and Sasuke wondered what exactly was wrong with the colour black.

Black was always associated with evil and was often the pioneering colour of an 'evil' person's wardrobe. But if that was so then was Orochimaru good? Just because a man wore white does not make him an honest crusader; heck Orochimaru's true snake from was even white and that didn't do anything to lessen the evil he had created.

So what exactly was black? Technically it wasn't a colour but then what was it? Just a manifestation of all the evil in the world that had clumped together? Just the shadow of former people, those who were both 'good' and 'evil' respectively?

The black hair of Madara came into view and Sasuke looked up at him.

"The rest of the team are waiting. You haven't even greeted them yet."

Sasuke rose slowly but ignored the elder man completely. As far as he was concerned, Madara wanted to use him in pretty much the same way as Orochimaru. As he had done to Orochimaru, he would do to Madara; every man had a weakness.

"When will we go against Konoha?"

Sasuke could feel the man looking him up and down and willed the Sharingan to stay dormant; the man didn't need to know that Sasuke was aware of every thought that went through his head, every dirty little thing he was thinking. He wondered briefly if this man had done anything with Itachi… ha had mentioned something about his brother having a lover.

"Patience, Sasuke. We need to plan with the team and then we'll move. There has been internal movement within Konoha and Pein told me that fool Jiraiya almost died when he fought him. We think that maybe the Hokage woman will come to find him, leaving Konoha in the hands of someone who will be more than happy to work alongside us."

Sasuke frowned and Madara smiled behind his mask.

"So we'd be able to play this battle from the inside as well as outside?"

Sasuke fought the urge to shudder as Madara chuckled and slung an arm casually around his shoulders. It was a gesture that only one other person had been able to do since the Uchiha had matured and that person had been Naruto. It was a painstaking clash; Madara and Naruto, two people who would never truly mix until Naruto was unconscious and the Kyuubi being pulled from his abdomen.

"You catch on quickly boy. If we get through this, you'll do well. I have one request when we take upon Konoha. Uzumaki Naruto is mine."

This time Sasuke didn't even try to control the Sharingan and it whirled into the Mangekyou, black coils of flame shooting towards Madara.

"IDIOT BOY!"

Sasuke shut his eyes and willed the blood limit down, just to placate the man. He needed time, a lot of it, and Madara had to think he was willing to go along with the flow of plans.

"The Akatsuki need the Kyuubi and Uzumaki will be mine."

Sasuke nodded and Madara walked on a little way. The black of his Akatsuki cloak was the focal point for Sasuke's own black eyes and his mind began to wander; Madara knew his actions were evil and was intentionally using them with an evil goal in mind. He looked down at his own clothes and frowned; his were white and unblemished… what side did that place him on if the company he kept was black?

Naruto turned round to see Kakashi and he smiled.

"Guess again Kakashi-sensei."

The Jounin blinked before stepping up to Naruto's side. Even though Naruto was only sixteen, it looked as if he had still a bit to grow. He almost rivalled Kakashi in terms of height and he managed to look directly into the man's eyes.

"Are you really his son?"

Naruto nodded his head to Shizune and he led Kakashi into the Hokage's – his – office.

"I'm sorry I never told you before but I was told to keep it as close wraps as possible… it's only because of certain circumstances that I will be taking upon his name."

Kakashi sat down in the chair and Naruto watched as the man mulled thing over. He knew it would take a heavy toll on his teacher; the man had dealt with the guilt of failure, seeing his own Sensei fall to his death with the illusion that the baby he had held was a simple orphan.

"There's other stuff to come, Kakashi-sensei. Tsunade left Konoha."

Kakashi's head snapped up and he looked at Naruto. The blond man stood at the window overlooking Konoha. The way he stood, especially with the name etched onto his cloak, made Kakashi see the true resemblance between his teacher and his student.

"She left Konoha? But she's the Hokage Naruto!"

Naruto walked back to the desk and bit his lip; he would have to be careful here to make it seem as though everything hadn't been planned. Naruto had looked out the window for Itachi and, sure enough, a raven had been sitting watching the goings on in the room.

"The Advisors told me that she left Konoha to go help Jiraiya-sensei. She had appointed a successor and they used the emergency clause thingy to put that person in position. The Advisors would have to disobey a direct order and put Konoha into a state of military action before they could change her decision."

Kakashi nodded, recalling the ANBU training and what they had told them back then.

"Jiraiya-sensei told her of my training over the three years… you may not have seen it but I've changed a lot. Living in woods does that to you."

Kakashi tilted his head, a startled look in his eye,

"Are you trying to say…?"

Naruto closed his eyes and grinned at his teacher.

"I made Hokage."

Blue eyes widened as he was enveloped in a huge hug and he smiled into the embrace and even hugged back. It was nice to know that he was loved by someone enough that they would not even hesitate with such body contact.

"I've called some other people and… hey, why are you here first?"

Kakashi let go of Naruto and rubbed the back of his head.

"I heard some rumours that the Yondaime was back from the grave and I decided to pay my old sensei a visit. Turns out that it wasn't the Yondaime that wanted my presence but the Rokudaime… it's a funny world eh Naruto?" When Naruto didn't answer, he continued,

"I lived so long thinking that maybe if things had gone differently, Minato-sensei would still be here, there would be a Namikaze clan in Konoha and everything would be fine and yet it was under my nose the whole time. I had suspicions – who didn't notice the similarities – but I had heard someone talking about the type of seal and how they thought that the Yondaime passed his characteristics onto you through that.

"If only I hadn't been so blind… even with the Sharingan you managed to elude me Hokage-sama and I may just have to turn up even later to meetings from now on."

Naruto smiled at Kakashi's attempts to tell him that he was sorry, that he wished he had been there and that there was so much he wanted to do. Naruto had thought about it once, after knowing that Kakashi had been on his father's team, and wondered if Minato had lived that if he and Kakashi would have had a sibling-type relationship. It was a heart warming though and yet their relationship now was even more important because he had forged it himself, without the help of another.

Naruto chuckled and walked over to the window. He held out an arm for the raven to land on and the bird hopped over to the appendage, cawing noisily as he did so. Naruto retracted his arm and stroked the bird absentmindedly.

"You'll have a lot on your plate then… I wish you the best of luck. I would like to see the true abilities of yours Naruto someday… maybe we can arrange a spar sometime?"

Naruto chuckled before inclining his head.

"If I survive Sakura… I have a feeling she'll hit me. A lot."

"Why would I do that?"

Both Naruto and Kakashi tensed yet Naruto's was far more noticeable. The Itachi-raven flew into the air and Sakura shrieked, knowing full well who used ravens. The raven settled on the Hokage chair and Sakura looked stunted for a second.

"Where's Tsunade-sama?"

Kakashi patted Naruto on the back and took his leave, leaving the remainder of the group looking at their new Hokage without a clue. With a sigh (for the talk with Kakashi had taken a lot out of him, surprisingly enough), Naruto spoke clearly,

"To cut a long story short… Tsunade's gone to help Jiraiya and she left me as her successor."

Iruka clapped his hands and hugged the man – similar to the way Kakashi had. Naruto had a feeling that Iruka knew about the difference between twelve year old Naruto and sixteen year old Naruto. Knowing someone since their school days and caring for them in little ways was a brilliant way to notice changes in a person.

Yamato congratulated Naruto with a smile and a ruffle to his hair. Naruto then joked about the ANBU captain being his subordinate… until he had used the classic scary face. Naruto had bolted behind Iruka and whimpered. Yes, whimpered.

Sai's reaction had been somewhat unexpected. He had broken into a true smile and stood right in front of Naruto's face. Naruto hadn't seen the tongue coming until he felt a slimy trail on his cheek and he instinctively punched Sai… or the air where Sai had been.

"I heard it's what some animals do to show respect."

Naruto had groaned and the raven had cawed in agreement with the Hokage. It was odd; Itachi seemed more open in this avian form.

It was Sakura's reaction that he had been dreading and she looked at him with confusion clear in her eyes.

"I don't really understand Naruto…"

Naruto put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed lightly. It was such a monumental change, even more so because she was Sakura. She knew how he trained – had seen the amount of effort he'd put into the Fuuton Rasengan – and yet actually knew very little about him. She had been absent for a huge period in his life, the period that Kakashi had been briefed on by Jiraiya, although not to the extent that everything was revealed.

Sakura had been the one left here in Konoha while the remaining Genin on her team, their team, had taken to the real world. They had seen the world while she had been the one left at home. Of course she had grown – wonderfully too – but there were things she lacked.

She was innocently clinging onto a life she knew she had to let go of yet a few tatters remained. The recent skirmish with Sasuke in Konoha had filled her mind with pressure too; after all, Sasuke had seen her when she was ready to drop from exhaustion, had asked for her to look for Naruto which then, in turn, placed more pressure on here because she hadn't been able to find him and then panic had set in.

She was emotionally, physically and mentally fatigued; drained of life, and to have this bombshell dropped upon her as such was a little harsh… yet necessary. Naruto had to show her that he had changed, had to show her that she could develop in so many ways. After all, was he not only a Jinchuuriki but a young man? Gaara had made Kazekage at an early age with the same limitations as Naruto and now the two would have to prove they were the strongest Kages in the history of Shinobi life.

"I know and I'm sorry Sakura. When you think you can accept it, please come back to see me… I want to discuss something with you."

Naruto looked at the group. In truth he was surprised; there had been no blood, no pain and no shouts. It was the opposite scenario to what he thought would have occurred.

"The official announcement will be tomorrow I think… If you could all come back tomorrow evening, I want to smooth things over and celebrate with you."

The group nodded and Naruto smiled. These people were his family, the family he needed in such a time, and even with Sakura's discomfort and confusion, she managed to smile sincerely at his 'promotion'.

The plans were beginning to be put into motion and Naruto only hoped that Konoha would be as accepting as this small group had been.

The raven cawed once more as the group left and Naruto's reserved smile emerged.

"Thank you Itachi."

Naruto was startled as he felt a chest press against his back and shivers travelled up his spine as Itachi's low voice spoke. There was nothing else that had made him feel this way before and his mind drew back to remember the incident a short while ago before speaking to Kakashi. What was it about Itachi that Naruto was drawn to?

"That's quite alright Hokage-sama. Congratulations by the way."

Naruto smiled and he knew Itachi could see it without looking. They looked out of the window, neither attempting to shove off the half embrace. Both of them knew that these quiet periods, times when they could just be themselves were numbered and both secretly vowed to make the most of what they had.

Neither noticed the small spark that opened its eyes in each of their hearts but that didn't matter to the spark; they would notice soon enough.

The sun was high in the sky and the weather was beautifully warm. Naruto could only hope that this was a good omen for what was going to take place later that day. The announcement was to be held at midday yet the ANBU and many Jounin had already been informed partially of the situation. They didn't know who the Hokage was yet but the Oni had informed them – as protocol – that they would not need to take military action as a successor had been selected. The actual identity of the Rokudaime was disclosed but that didn't matter for now.

The ceremony itself was nothing like Naruto had ever imagined. He had walked through the Hokage tower to the penultimate floor and through the ceremonial halls. He had drunken the Sake that had been laid out as an offering and taken one sip of the chrysanthemum tea that had been imported especially. Itachi had informed him that this was due to the tea that was said to clear the eyes and liver, therefore clearing out the stress anger and yin deficiency that the liver was associated with.

Maybe he should get some of this tea for Itachi – to help with his eyes. Naruto was sure that the Sharingan would take effect again at some point; regardless to the amount Itachi used it.

Shaking his head, Naruto focused back on the ceremony. Instead of re-donning the white traditional robes, Naruto opted to retain his black and orange cloak. At first the Advisors had been against the motion but Naruto reminded them that they were hardly at the best time to be talking about cloaks; Konohagakure would most likely be going to war and there was no point in getting blood stains on a white coat.

The Namikaze lettering had been moved over to Naruto's heart and the kanji for 'Rokudaime' were grafted onto the back of the fabric. Apparently it had been easy; there had been sure skill when the cloak was made and this had made the whole process far easier.

Naruto moved over to the opening onto the balcony. Koharu was announcing the Rokudaime and Naruto could feel his heart beat wildly in his ears, almost as if it wanted to erupt from his chest.

"Namikaze Naruto."

Naruto stepped out, as rehearsed earlier, complete with black and orange hat. The reception he received was startling, people actually cheered. A tear slipped from the corner of Naruto's eye as he realised that this, his Konoha, was home. He was the Hokage and Konoha would be entering a secret war if everything panned out in the way it was looking. Following his predecessors, Naruto would give everything for these people.

He finally understood why his father had made the ultimate sacrifice. He understood why the Sandaime had called every citizen of Konoha his family… the village, the Hokage, the people… they were all one.

"Under the Acceptance clause, Namikaze Naruto, son of Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato, has been chosen by Godaime Hokage Tsunade as official Rokudaime."

The rest had been a blur for Naruto as he had seen the people of Konoha looking up, some in adoration. Where was the Kyuubi gaki now? Where were the hated stares, the hurtful punches… with their Rokudaime in place Konohagakure would learn a kindness that no other Hokage could demonstrate; not even the Yondaime. Naruto knew the sheer pain of suffering and he would try with all his might (and the Kyuubi's) to ease the suffering of anyone within his village.

There had been objectors – of course – that had come to the Advisors after the announcement. They had demanded that the demon was to be removed from his position yet the Oni had no choice but to defend Naruto. Tsunade had signed official documents declaring Konoha under threat of war and her choice was not to be torn up unless in valid consequence. Homura had then mentioned the Suna-Konoha alliance… and the fact that it was bound to grow stronger with Naruto in the seat of power; no one could deny that.

It wasn't until the night had grown dark that people burst into Naruto's – Naruto's – office. Kiba staggered in first with red cheeks (even behind the clan marks) and hiccoughed loudly. He pulled along Hinata and Shino who were, predictably, followed by the rest of Naruto's group of friends.

"Hey… Nar'to my frieeend! Why didn't you tell ush? We're such great buds!"

Naruto raised an eyebrow as Kiba spoke in a drunken slur.

"Don't mind him Naruto… he just got a little pissed after finding out that you're better than you let on."

Naruto nodded at Ino and smiled,

"Thank you everyone… it's all kind of sudden, would it be okay for you to return tomorrow or something? I'm literally buzzing!"

The group murmured words of congratulations and apologies, the loudest being Kiba's as he promised that he would return tomorrow… with more alcohol. Naruto had never expected his friends to be this accepting but he was almost sure that someone (he would bet Sai) had been drugging them all up with various liquors since before the announcement.

The door clicked shut and Naruto watched Sakura from the corner of his eyes.

"Naruto… last night it hit me… and now, you're really Hokage… what about S-Sasuke?"

"Tsunade chose me specifically for this task and I plan to help this village. She had her own reasons for choosing me and I'm not sure why. I won't give up on Sasuke – I can't." Naruto's voice sounded fake to his own ears yet there was nothing more he could do; he had his part to play.

Sakura's eyes were downcast and Naruto suddenly had the urge to say something, anything,

"I'm sorry for not telling you of everything during those three years. I was trained to the full potential and… after I found out that the Yondaime was my father, well it drove me forward. Jiraiya said it would be best to keep a low profile with the Akatsuki on the move."

When Naruto had been announced as the son of Namikaze Minato earlier, the crowd had cheered brilliantly and the sound had been so loud. Sakura had forgotten what the women had said before, that night when they thought the Yondaime had returned. It seemed it had been Naruto then… she would never have thought that the loudmouthed brat could have been the Yondaime's son…

… But he wasn't a loudmouth brat anymore. Anyone would have been blind and it appeared that Konoha was blind.

She moved to open her mouth but was interrupted with a loud caw as a black bird soared through the open window. Naruto tilted his shoulder slightly to allow for the birds weight and smiled. Sakura, on the other hand, drew in a sharp breath and narrowed her eyes.

"How can you allow that – that thing near you? Are you forgetting that Itachi used them? If such a bird will side with a man as hideous as that then it is the bird too that causes the sin. Kill it, Naruto, and let us be rid of one more sin."

Naruto frowned at her words and shuffled back slightly as if to put distance between her. If it had been a disgusting beast then Naruto could possibly have seen where she was coming from but he had had similar words said about – and to – him. This raven wasn't doing any harm and Itachi was one of the kindest men Naruto had ever met. Half the people in Konoha wouldn't do half of what Itachi had done; the man was a true hero, just one who had lost sight of his path.

To call it a sin, an abomination…

Of course he did understand where she was coming from; Sakura had most likely been in a Genjutsu forced by Itachi at some point, and she had seen firsthand evidence at what he was able to cause. Her former crush and team member had become practically insane from his influences and as much as it hurt Naruto, he could vent it out slightly through the training and promise to get him back. Sakura had had to remain here, where the wound was constantly open and it had festered, confusing her mind.

"If you are unable to act in proper accordance, Sakura-san, then you will be forced to call me Hokage-sama or Naruto-sama. I do not want such talk in my office; this bird is a trusted friend and once belonged to someone I would trust the world with."

Sakura chocked slightly and she bit her lip.

"I know this still must be a shock for you Sakura but I wanted to ask you… would you be able to take over the hospital and report anything and everything to me? I can trust only a handful of people at the moment to do such important jobs and it would mean the world to me."

Naruto waited patiently and stroked Itachi's head in a soothing gesture. He knew Itachi wanted to leave the room yet the warm hand over his feathers kept him in the room, waiting for Sakura's verdict. Naruto wasn't convinced that he was one hundred per cent ready to do anything alone; he had only just taken the seat and he was still a teen, one who had grown up – of course he had – yet the maturity level was still just over his head. He could reach it yet it wasn't comfortable in any way.

"It would be an honour, Hokage-sama."

Naruto flinched at the use of the name but nodded his head,

"It is unfortunate that we cannot see the same light, Sakura-san, but I hope that we will be able to re-knit our friendship. If I get any leads on Sasuke, you will be the first to be informer if I am not bound by anything."

Sakura bowed her head once more and left without a single word. Naruto hardly blamed her for anything; to her Naruto had been a simple idiot one moment and then the Hokage. With everything that happened with Sasuke, Naruto wouldn't be surprised if she saw it as a betrayal.

The Itachi-raven hopped onto the desk and merged back to the Itachi-human. Naruto looked at him with weary eyes and smiled softly. He could just see Itachi's features from the darkness of the cloak and he knew the elder was smiling in return. Just as Naruto was about to speak, there was a knock on the door and Shizune poked her head round the wood.

"You have visitors… the Advisors wish to congratulate you." Shizune had been biting her lip – from nervousness – and Naruto smiled welcomingly.

"Thank you, why don't you head back home? It's been a long day for the both of us and it'll probably be a few long nights."

Shizune nodded her head and allowed the door to swing open completely. She folded her hands over the front of her skirt and let the two Advisors enter. Homura wore a stern look on his face and Naruto fought the urge to laugh at the slight blush on his cheeks; the man had obviously been enjoying himself a little too much. Koharu was holding a paper package in her hand and a slight smirk on her face; these two were up to something.

"Ah, Naruto-sama. We hope everything is to your liking? We have successfully dealt with any opposition that arose and it appears that everything has gone smoothly. We will make sure that no other hidden villages catch wind of this development excepting the Kazekage and his people he trusts."

Naruto nodded, eyes flicking from the package in her hand to her eyes. Homura coughed and swayed slightly on his feet.

"We had better leave you now but we brought a gift for you… and Uchiha-san."

Naruto wondered why she had hesitated before Itachi's name but took the package anyway. Inside was a golden flower and he held it by the stalk gently.

"As the month is November, we thought it be best that you received the month's flower on your ceremony date," Naruto still didn't trust the look on the woman's face and lifted the flower to his nose. "We shall be going then, Naruto-sama… enjoy your flower."

The tone that had crept into her voice made Naruto pull the flower away from his face and he blushed as he noticed the petals. Itachi didn't even move as the flower fell to the ground, eyes tilted slightly in humour as they watched the centre of the flower as it hit the ground.

It wasn't long until rain began to fall and Tsunade knew she was reaching her destination; it made sense to the world's amount of rain to fall on one place after all. She wondered absentmindedly if she should have worn boots or something; it was bound to be muddy.

As an old lady she easily entered the city. They were hardly lax in security yet when she had stated her purpose – gambling – and shown the small bag of money she had left over from Gamatatsu's food the border patrol let her in; it seemed even Ame would let people in if money was shown.

The answer to her earlier question was soon clear; no she would not need boots. Although puddles congregated together, there were no true dips in the ground. The whole town was a mass of concrete and metal and Tsunade winced at the sheer lack of green or brown.

She walked through town, easing her wrinkles slightly. She had aged well but still hated the sight of this weakness; she had always seen age as a disability and so had invented the Genesis seal. She ran too sometimes, like Jiraiya and Orochimaru, both for very different reasons.

The hospital itself was dim and bland. Tsunade walked into the main reception to find it immaculate and smiled; even if this town was made up of Missing Nin, they still valued their lives… to an extent. The reception was empty and Tsunade realised she was the only person in the waiting area.

A note fluttered behind her and she bent to pick it up. Alongside the note there was a butterfly – crumpled and half decaying – and she picked both items up.

"Take care of the butterfly."

Tsunade frowned as the ink on the paper faded and her attention turned to the butterfly. She could only bring small and simple animals back to life… as long as the sealing scroll was beneath them that allowed this action. It was what every medic Nin trained through yet Tsunade had no other choice. She gathered her chakra and sent it to her index finger before touching a withering wing.

The wind was so much like her skin at this moment that Tsunade nearly lost the connection. The chakra persisted, however, and she gathered her thoughts, remembering the information she knew about butterflies. A jolt made her snap her eyes open and thousands of images flickered through her mind; a hundred pictures of Jiraiya and what happened to him.

"Thank you for looking after my memory, Tsunade-sama."

Tsunade turned to the voice and gasped as she saw the blue haired woman. She was holding the sheet of paper that Tsunade had neglected and allowed the blonde medic to watch as it formed the back of her hand.

"I will take you to Jiraiya now, please come this way."

Tsunade stepped next to the woman and looked at her in curiosity. The cloak she wore marked her as a member of the Akatsuki and – from Jiraiya's reports – the only woman was Pein's partner. It boiled down to trust; if Tsunade trusted her then this would run smoothly. How could she trust a woman like this, one who had power in a concrete city built to withstand the plague of destruction that was wrought upon it.

"In this crying city, you brought this butterfly back. The memory lives on because it connects us together… I only hope the same could be said for our descendants."

Tsunade blinked as she saw the butterfly hovering around the paper flower on the woman's head and held back a smile; she would trust her because she had trusted the medic with such a precious thing.

That and the woman had pretty much said the city was in ruins… Tsunade wondered if it was truly just rain on the country all year and not the tears from the gods pouring over the country in attempt to wash the earth free.

Contradictory to what Naruto had said to Itachi the day before, they had spent the night before the Hokage ceremony once again in the office. Naruto looked over at Itachi to see him deep in thought and he pulled the scroll from his coat pocket.

"Let's go home for the night."

Itachi broke from his reverie and looked at the Hokage with unfocused eyes. Naruto knew that the man was in deep with his thoughts and allowed his to change form and rest his feathered body against his neck. Naruto could tell that this was so hard for Itachi; to be suddenly back at his home and with such pure emotion. Naruto knew that no normal human could take it in such a way that Itachi had.

They walked along the darkening streets of Konoha, the odd person they met greeting Naruto with respect that he had never imagined he would receive. Each person got a beautiful smile in return and they carried on their way with a lighter feeling in their heart.

When they got to the second street away from the Hokage tower, there was a beautiful Shinto styled building. Naruto could tell that it was an apartment block yet it looked as if it hadn't been tended to for years, sixteen years to be exact.

They summoned the key from the scroll Tsunade had given them, it appeared Tsunade was not one to forget the little details, and opened the door. Naruto was surprised to meet little resistance and he walked into the hallway.

"It seems as though it has been split into two; the top floor and bottom floor."

Naruto nodded and ran a hand over the wall. This house was where he should have grown up, would have grown up, if not for the Kyuubi.

"There's a letter here."

Naruto walked into the downstairs kitchen and took the letter that was titled to him.

"Dear Naruto… house split into two… Kushina, Minato… eh? Ero-sennin?"

Itachi ceased his staring match with a fresh apple and looked at Naruto.

"Jiraiya was taking care of it. He thought that I'd move in when I was sixteen."

Suddenly Naruto was overcome by emotions, the real fact that Jiraiya was out there close to death and he was here, looking at what the man had done out of love for his godson.

"Itachi…"

Itachi was next to him in an instant, peering uncertainly into clouded blue eyes.

"Would you like an apple?"

It was such a normal question that Naruto began to laugh and Itachi brought over two apples. They were juicy and succulent and Naruto realised that Jiraiya must have just changed them before he left. It was odd to see such vibrant life in a house that had held little of it, excepting bugs, rodents and Jiraiya.

"Do you think Tsunade will find him?"

Itachi finished the mouthful he was chewing and spoke quietly.

"If you analyse the Akatsuki members and use that as a process of elimination, Jiraiya is currently in the hands of Konan. If you ask why it's because Kisame is obsessed with his sword and doesn't give a damn about anything else, Hidan and Kakuzu were eliminated as were Deidara and Sasori… Zetsu would do more harm than good and no patience, Pein… well Pein doesn't give two shits. In all honesty, he is the most likely one to have dealt the damage. That leaves Madara and Konan and I can hardly see Madara getting down and helping someone."

Naruto nodded and waited for the Uchiha to continue. He knew that any information about the Akatsuki would be hard to come by and for Itachi to speak so openly about it was a gift in itself.

There were small profiles on the members; more so on the dead one that the living. Itachi was most likely the exception, because he had been a Konoha Shinobi, Konoha had brought the boy up and developed his skills. No other village could lay claim to Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Itachi would lay claim to no other village.

"Konan specialises in Paper Jutsu… she even had the ability to turn herself into paper. She also uses butterflies; I don't think she ever wanted to be in Akatsuki. If there was one to revolt it would be her."

Naruto mulled over what Itachi had said; if this Konan was likely to revolt against the Akatsuki then maybe they could use her. He hated thinking like this; thinking that he could use people just to move against the Akatsuki but in the real world, people were going to lose and others were going to win. It was a natural order and Naruto couldn't afford to lose this one.

Konoha was everything to him, his life, his family, his home… there were so many memories that had been forged here and cultivated and there was no way that the Rokudaime was going to forsake his village. If he had to use people he would, even if he loathed himself for doing it. If there would be a way to help someone whilst benefitting from it himself, then Naruto would commit himself to that.

"Is there any way to get a message through to this Konan? We could use her help if possible."

"That probably won't work. I only went into Amegakure once and I saw that Pein liked to keep Konan on a short lead. He hardly let her out of the building let alone the village. Kisame used to say that the sky was crying for her but I think he may have been joking. It's hard to tell with one who looks so much like a fish."

Naruto snorted as a peal of laughter escaped him and shook his head.

"I always wondered if his mother had been a shark. I mean Zabuza wasn't that half bad… sure he had spiky teeth but give me them over gills and blue skin anyway."

"You didn't get the pleasure of travelling to the Onsen with him. Unfortunately it was compulsory but… even with the Sharingan deactivated it burned a mental picture I would rather have never gotten in there."

Itachi's white knuckles rapped against his head and Naruto laughed. It was only a moment of comic relief but it meant a lot to the pair.

"I never would have thought you one for jokes Itachi." He paused for a moment and frowned, "I feel closer to you than I have been with anyone for a while… even Sasuke. We never just talked; it was always hurling insults or sparring. I even wondered what true friendship was."

Itachi sighed loudly and smiled a little in Naruto's direction. He didn't want to approach the subject of his brother just yet; the day had been long, an event to celebrate and there was no reason to ruin it now. For once, Sasuke could be the one to wait. Itachi had spent his whole life for the younger and maybe, just maybe, now really was the time to put it all behind him.

"Shall we go explore the remainder of the house? You never know, there may be some photographs of your family."

Naruto's visage brightened and he ran up the stairs, close to using the speeds of the Hiraishin no Jutsu. Itachi shook his head and chuckled before following his Hokage upstairs.

There were three rooms, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Whereas downstairs had a kitchen, bathroom and one bedroom, this apartment was obviously meant for the main couple while a nanny or grandparent lived downstairs. This was due to the bright colours in the child's bedroom – and all the baby accessories.

Naruto sat in the rocking chair holding a blue teddy. The teddy wore a mask, vest and Hitai-ate like Kakashi and a tag on its paw announced it to be from the Jounin. Naruto had never felt this sadness crushing down so harshly before; he had been loved before the Kyuubi. He had had a family, a place to live where someone had prepared things for him.

The cot had been hand carved – he could see that from the personal detail of the design, small ramen cups and Uzumaki spirals taking part of the decoration – and the sheets lay yellowing slightly from the sixteen years of being untouched.

There was a group of photographs – Kushina, Minato and even Team Minato, Jiraiya and the Sandaime peering through the glass – standing on the desk and Naruto picked up each frame. It hurt to see his mother in varying stages of pregnancy but it also warmed him. It suddenly overwhelmed Naruto and the glass frame slipped through his fingers. His bare toes curled in instinct, in case the glass did shatter yet a hand found its way onto Naruto's arm, just catching the frame before it hit the wooden floor.

"I-Itachi?"

Itachi placed the photograph back on the desk and smiled beautifully at Naruto.

"You're lucky to have photos of your family… I was never able to return for mine and I'm sure Sasuke would hardly have appreciated me swarming in with a camera. We should get some of your old photos in her too just to brighten the place up. What will you do with the baby equipment?"

Naruto shrugged his shoulders,

"I don't really want to move it… maybe if someone I know has kids and I baby sit then this can be their room."

Itachi raised an eyebrow and walked to the door. He had picked up on the usage of words and decided to question Naruto on them.

"No children of your own Naruto?"

They walked into the Yondaime's former bedroom and Naruto smiled. The room was a beautiful blue and cream colour and the moon shone in weakly through the French windows that opened onto a small balcony. There was a small pond outside the house and Naruto suddenly found that he had bumped noses with the glass.

"Do you mind if I have this room Itachi? And in answer to your question I guess the Advisors were on the spot with the flower earlier."

Itachi looked away as Naruto's eyes flashed a warning in his direction. The message was clear; do not laugh. Unfortunately Itachi found it hilarious that the Advisors – the two senile fools who were Naruto's secret opposition – had given him that flower, of all of them, been right on the dot and managed to embarrass the man all in one.

"Of course not, I understand. I shall take the room downstairs then."

He had been expecting that, of course, as from the moment he stepped inside of the door, Naruto's eyes had brightened in uncontained remembrance. He would have been remembering the image of the man on the mountain, his father and Yondaime, remembering – or at least trying to – what the feel of Kushina's arms had been like and how much he had cried around her.

Naruto nodded and thanked Itachi quietly. Itachi walked calmly over to the window and stood side by side with Naruto. Their eyes flickered from the reflection to the actual moon outside, drinking in the beauty of something so simple.

It was odd to think that the moon, this glorious and wonderful moon, was so many miles away. It was untouchable, free of all earthly inhibitions.

But as for the amount of time it spent representing love or being mentioned in love stories, the moon would find no love. It was a ridiculous notion anyway as the moon was simply the moon, a satellite of the earth attracted by gravity and whatnot. It could not feel, it didn't even have a brain, and yet Naruto wondered if ever the moon became lonely. If he were in that position, brain or not, he would be terribly lonely.

There was also always the possibility that the loneliness could consume you, turning you into something that you would never want to be and never wish for.

Could that be why the moon was 'reborn' every month? Not the scientific reason, for where was the romance in that? Maybe the mood got so sick of being lonely; she vanished from the skies, from space, and was never heard of – merely replaced at the next lunar month.

It was a thought…

"The moon's very nice tonight…"

Naruto looked at Itachi with a sour look on his face.

"If I didn't know better, Mr. Uchiha, I'd say that you were coming onto me."

Naruto blushed deeply as Itachi bent down slightly and gave a soft kiss to his cheek. It was an unprecedented action that seemed to come out of an unlikely conversation yet the touch came out naturally.

"Just so you know, Naruto," he said as he breezed from the room, "they most likely should have given me that flower as well."

The door shut and Naruto's fingers rose to his cheek.

Did he just…?

Naruto had never experienced the dark to be so unforgiving – so cold – on any other night; not even when Itachi had been on the brink of death. There had been one time that came close; the night after Sasuke left, it had been a night where Naruto had spilt more tears than blinks.

Now the atmosphere was different; Naruto was aware of everything in the house. Every now and then he would remove the pillow from over his head just to check that he could still hear Itachi's breathing from downstairs. It was obsessive behaviour but Naruto didn't spare a thought for that, his mind was reeling over the last few words that Itachi had spoken,

They most likely should have given me that flower…

So Uchiha Itachi was gay? Was that a safe assumption? Judging from the kiss Itachi felt something for him, but what was it exactly? Just an attraction? Or something more… lust maybe? Naruto didn't think it was love – it was Itachi for crying out loud. If he hadn't known Itachi as well as he did now he would have compared the man's emotional state to that of a rock; nonexistent. Itachi was a kind man beneath his façade but he knew the man wouldn't just accept love in this way; Itachi was similar to Naruto in this sense.

The pillow was hurled back over his ears, dulling his senses once more. A groan escaped his lips before he could stop it and the Rokudaime Hokage dug his head further into the pillow below him, wishing for it to swallow him up in some way.

'Why does it have to be so difficult to sleep? I'm tired, my body knows that but the fucking thing in my skull won't accept it.' Naruto poked the side of his head, 'Who really needs one of these anyway? No one needs a brain… being a zombie would be great, no emotions to ponder just peace and a bit of moaning now and again; you're set!'

Naruto could literally see the roll of the Kyuubi's eyes. If the Kyuubi knew how idiotic its vessel could be at times then Naruto thought that the mighty fox may contemplate suicide (yes it sometimes got that bad).

Naruto's fingers twitched and he did nothing to stop them from removing the pillow for the millionth time. The sound of Konoha at night washed over his senses as he became aware of everything and he strained to hear Itachi's breathing. He was surprised to see that it had changed and that the man wasn't even in his own room.

Naruto blushed as the realisation of where the man was hit him. The sound of piss hitting the toilet bowl made the blush darken and the pillow was hastily thrown over his ears. A few moments later, a hand reached up to gingerly take the pillow down and Naruto rolled onto his back as he heard Itachi finish up.

Naruto ignored the heat on his cheeks that grew when he thought of the motions Itachi would be doing. The man would have had to touch himself to urinate in the correct place and Naruto screwed his eyes up to stop from visioning other things. He felt perverted enough that he even thought of his guest in that slight way, if he allowed the thoughts to continue then who knows what would happen. Well he knew and it involved getting sticky and then having to go to the bathroom (which then held the possibility of actually seeing Itachi) and ending in embarrassment. In conclusion it would just be easier and safer to deter from these emotions now before they got too out of hand.

Nothing could stop him from exploring just a little though could it? A hand crept south as the sound of Itachi coughing reached his ears. Naruto wasn't surprised to feel that he was half aroused; he had been batting away dirty thoughts of course. It didn't take long for Naruto to coax his self to full attention and he felt the slight stickiness leak out a little.

Naruto shifted about on the mattress to find a position to get comfortable in and bit his lip. It was disrespectful to be thinking of Itachi in this light… especially after just a kiss on the cheek! Hell he didn't even know anything about the man but that didn't stop the movement of the hand.

Naruto's leg twitched and he suddenly jerked his hand out from his pants and laid it on top of the covers. He curled his legs into a foetal position and the pillow once again crowned his head. He refused to touch the hand he had used to pleasure his self with and closed his eyes, screwing them up tightly.

Even if it was unbearable he would rather deal with this and the cold shower in the morning that the guilt he knew he would feel when he looked at Itachi. Naruto knew he would never take anyone's affections lightly or for granted and this act felt like a betrayal. Itachi didn't even know that Naruto… liked him? Did Naruto like Itachi? Naruto junior certainly did but that didn't mean Naruto senior did.

Naruto flung the pillow over the other side of the room with a growl and scrunched his eyes up. His whole body stiffened and he bolted upright as a tap on the door sounded.

"Naruto? Are you alright?"

Naruto cursed under his breath and prayed that Itachi wouldn't open the door. When he spoke his voice was shaky and he just hoped that Itachi wouldn't pick up on it,

"I'm fine Itachi… just the pillow was at the wrong angle so yeah! Night!"

Naruto tucked his head under the covers and waited until he was sure that Itachi had gone. He lifted the covers off from his ears and looked at the door, half expecting it to burst open and Itachi's figure to be revealed. To his relief, all Naruto could hear was Itachi back in bed, breathing as if he was slipping into sleep.

The blond rested his head on his bicep and sighed heavily. His problem hadn't gone away yet but he was at a stand-still with it. Blue eyes narrowed as he glared at the pillow sitting innocently in the corner.

'It's the entire pillow's fault.'

That's right, always blame objects that can't speak, smooth Naruto.

Naruto smiled and closed his eyes, feeling marginally better for having identified the source of his problems.

Madara looked at the man – child, his mind corrected – before him and smirked. The kid knew nothing about the real world or how to get you own way through other people, sure he had collated this team for his greater goal of killing Itachi but he hadn't truly been able to use them in the way Madara used the Akatsuki. For Madara's goals, many good Shinobi had fallen for very little gain on their behalf.

"You lack discipline."

Madara disguised his words behind the phrase Itachi had been so fond of saying to his brother in hopes of bringing out the emotion in the child. Discipline, hate; what were they but negative emotions that coincided eventually. Without discipline you will experience hate and without hate there will be no need for discipline, two words forever entwined.

Sasuke's team would go after the other Bijuu while Akatsuki would take down Naruto. Sasuke had said that he only wanted to kill the elders but to get to them he would have to fight through Konoha; the Hidden Village would hardly pass up an opportunity to eliminate any threats, especially as the Akatsuki had just taken out one of the Hokage's closest. Konoha probably still operated on the same 'teamwork and friendship' system that the infernal Shodai operated upon.

He could feel the other Shinobi tense as the sword was blocked with just Madara's arm but he didn't care. He needed Sasuke to cooperate and for him to feel – most importantly – as if he was in control.

Madara guessed he had Itachi to thank for this; the man had showed him that Sasuke needed to be shown that it was completely his own choice otherwise he would refuse. Instead of backing him into a corner, Itachi had placed a long reined lead on him. It allowed him total space to move around yet Itachi had still been the one on the other ends, steering Sasuke into his wanted direction. Now it was Madara's turn.

The words slipped easily; it was too easy to say that he'd give up one of the Bijuu for Sasuke's needs. A chakra monster, one that contained power that was unimaginable, one Hashirama had given on behalf of Konoha as a gift. Madara had tried to persuade the man that the Bijuu were not to be given as gifts and that the man could use his blood to control that power, the very power Madara wished to control (and did when his eyes had been in their top form) yet the Hokage had disagreed and offered them to other nations in hopes of peace.

"You're generous," Madara smiled at the Uchiha's words.

"But betray Akatsuki and you're dead."

Everyone knew this, even Sasuke. It was hardly a threat but Madara needed the kid to know he was serious. Akatsuki was for the big boys, so to speak, and Falcon was just a unit off of them. If they became disposable then Madara would find a way to get rid of them, end of story. He couldn't let Sasuke near Konoha just yet; if he did then there was always the chance (how ever slim) that Sasuke would escape his grasp and do things his own way. Now that Sasuke had been 'handed' over to him, Madara had no intention of letting his new acquaintance off on its own.

Madara left the makeshift group in Kisame's company and went down to the area Zetsu would be in. The 'Flytrap' upon his head was closed but Madara knew the man would be more than capable that speaking.

Madara had promised Itachi that he wouldn't touch Konoha… but now that he was dead, who was he to keep a dead man's promise? Itachi was rotting flesh now; if Konoha hadn't taken him, no doubt some animal had. There was quite a bounty on his body and he would have retrieved it his self if Sasuke had wanted the eyes. Other than them, Itachi's body was just like any other body; worthless.

Zetsu opened up a little and Madara looked sideways at the man.

"I've won Sasuke over."

And that was the most important thing.

By the time Naruto was in his office, he was almost ninety nine point eight per cent sure that he was attracted to Itachi. Breakfast had been a quiet affair; Itachi had asked a few questions and Naruto had responded as little as possible, mainly due to the fact that he still nursed the evidence from the previous night. Itachi had caught him on his way to the bathroom and the Hokage had no choice other than to follow behind.

With every bite of his food that Itachi had made, blue eyes had followed. The man had acted as though nothing happened the night before and it both annoyed and excited Naruto. As soon as Itachi had finished, Naruto excused his presence from the table and scarpered up to the bathroom to destroy his arousal. The ice water did the trick, if leaving his skin a healthy blue.

Itachi sat next to him at this point, close enough for Naruto to wish for the pillow that blocked the sound of the elder's breathing out. Naruto was checking through documents and mission reports that needed the Hokage's official signature but the paperwork did nothing to stop his mind wandering over to the man next to him. Placing down the calligraphy brush he was using, Naruto half turned in his seat to look at Itachi. He was about to speak when a knock at the door sounded and Shizune poked her head in,

"Sakura-san wishes to see you."

Naruto nodded and Itachi changed into a raven. Naruto was genuinely interested in what Sakura had to say but it couldn't have been at a worse time.

"Hokage-sama," the respect was clear in Sakura's voice and Naruto hated it. She was his team mate, trusted friend and ally.

"I wanted to apologise for my actions yesterday. It was wrong of me to say those things about your… bird."

Naruto looked into Sakura's eyes and smiled at her.

"That's okay Sakura-chan."

The pink hair of the woman bounced as she threw her slightly bowed head up to look incredulously at the Hokage. Her eyes sparkled and Naruto realised that they held unshed tears.

"N-Naruto?"

Naruto nodded and found himself engulfed in a hug. He patted her on the back gently, unsure really of how to deal with the situation. It was great that she was back as his friend and that she had accepted everything but Naruto was unsure how this would affect his plans. Would she want to be involved?

"Would you still take the job for the hospital? I will pull you out if a mission occurs but we will need to turn around productivity and the level of our healers."

Sakura nodded and Naruto smiled. Itachi-raven flew from the window, over the desk before landing on Naruto's shoulder. Naruto had to remember that this was a raven and not exactly Itachi as he felt the close proximity of the man (raven). The bird opened its black beak and cawed loudly. Sakura took a step back and Naruto placed a somewhat reluctant hand on the feathered head.

"Shhh, Sakura-chan doesn't like birds."

"Naruto it's a bird, it can hardly understand what you are saying."

Apparently that was the wrong thing for Sakura to have said as the Itachi-raven decided to change perches and landed on Sakura's shoulder. The woman tried her hardest to remain still yet she glared weakly at the bird.

"Naruto get your fucking animal off of me."

Her voice was bitter and angry and Naruto called to the raven. Naruto began to feel uneasiness creeping into his body; there was a chance that Itachi was doing exactly what Tsunade had suggested but to do it in this way? Sakura had only just forgiven him – if you could call it that, maybe acceptance was the true emotion involved – for the bird and he hated to use Itachi like this.

"Come on then."

The bird tilted its head and red flashed into its eyes. Naruto then realised what exactly the raven wanted him to say and he shook his head. If Naruto said the birds name then Sakura would do something drastic.

"Just come on."

Sakura shuddered as Itachi cawed and Naruto knew he had no other option.

"Itachi…"

The raven took flight as Sakura gasped.

"Y-you called it… that thing his name?"

Naruto didn't flinch as Sakura's palm hit his face and her grit his teeth to avert the stinging pain. He could hear Itachi-raven caw loudly in protest and wondered if, had the man been in a human form, he would have objected so loudly.

"I will give Shizune your detailed list of duties. For now I'm taking you off of the active Shinobi list… if there is a mission that involves the Uchiha you most likely will be wanted as medic."

Sakura paled as she caught the threat behind Naruto – the Hokage's – words and she stepped back with her head bowed.

"Of course, Naruto."

The door clicked shut and Naruto collapsed onto his chair. He understood why she had hit him; the frustration behind everything had simply been too much to bear and it just so happened that Sakura instigated the fight reflex. Some people would run away from their problems, others would draw them into themselves to appear more confident, put on a façade of confidence to overcome them and then others would simply hit back at what was the cause of discomfort.

"Why the hell did you do that!"

And Naruto was sure it had dropped to around eighty per cent now.

"Because it was necessary. If Haruno-san started to meddle too close to her affairs she would discover Konoha's internal battle. You know her and know what she would do if something like that arose."

Naruto reluctantly nodded in agreement; the man was right really (creeping back up to eighty five per cent) Sakura would have sought help either through Kakashi or Yamato and neither of them needed to know anything. It had been what he had thought, and what Tsunade had suggested.

"It just seems a little harsh, driving everyone away like this."

Itachi sat up straight and pulled the cloak over his eyes,

"Maybe you shouldn't have saved me."

"Don't start this again, please!"

Itachi shrugged his shoulders and Naruto rubbed his eyes. He looked down at the dry signature on the scroll and pushed the calligraphy set to the side of his desk. There was no point in continuing the fruitless signing when there were so many other questions on his mind.

"Itachi, do you love Sasuke?"

Itachi tilted his head down and a dark strand of hair fell from the hood. The man was silent for a long while and Naruto thought he wasn't going to reply. Naruto knew it was an insensitive question but both men had never really been anything except blunt and to the point; dodging around topics as such was hardly fitting for a trained killer. He reached for the calligraphy set once again yet froze when Itachi spoke,

"Without a doubt I used to. I still do, to an extent, but he lacks abilities. It was true when I told him he lacked hatred… did you know he's never killed anyone without a reason?"

Naruto shook his head and Itachi chuckled dryly. He had always assumed that, during Sasuke's time with Orochimaru, the younger Uchiha's hands would be covered in the blood of others and that had been the significant reason for the change in Sasuke. He hadn't been scared to kill anyone. Now that Naruto knew it was not the case, he wondered where the change had truly come from; had Sasuke just morphed all his hatred and avenge into his body, his mind, and allowed it to consume him?

"I'd even go so far as to say that I'm the only one he's killed… aside from Orochimaru," Itachi snorted, "As if that makes me feel any better."

Itachi leant back in his chair and sighed deeply.

"And you? Do you love Sasuke?"

Naruto was slightly startled at the question but scrambled his thoughts together to answer.

"I wouldn't say love… it's hard to completely love someone who placed their arm through your chest. I don't know if I see him as a brother, I mean he came back here looking for me and my clone even told him to chase me but… he didn't. If you hadn't been with me then, if it hadn't been for the fact that I needed to look after you and get you on your own feet – so to speak – I think I may have seen it as a betrayal; worse than the first one. He doesn't even have the excuse of the cursed seal anymore."

Naruto paused and picked up another mission report, scanning it over but not allowing any words to enter his brain.

"I used to love him. If I saw him now… I don't know what I would do."

Itachi patted Naruto's arm and blue eyes looked into the darkness of the cloak,

"Sometimes it's better not knowing."

Madara was back in Amegakure to check in with Pein. It wouldn't be long before the Akatsuki marched towards Konoha and he needed to finalise a few things with Pein. The rain fell – as usual – yet Madara felt nothing as the water seeped through his clothing. The missing Nin that made up the city's population milled around, no one really bothering about the rain, after all this was Amegakure and rain was to be expected from every passing second.

Madara turned his head as he saw familiar blue hair. Konan walked alone, a piece of paper clenched in one hand and something else cupped in the other. He didn't really care what she was doing; all he knew was that she was loyal enough to Pein. That was all that really mattered in this situation. He followed her form until she walked into the hospital and he shook his head; even clothed women never ceased to amuse him, after all what would she want in a hospital?

He didn't bother to take the time and find out though, rather, he walked towards the monster like building where he knew Pein would be. The male welcomed him with a glance over and a nod. Madara returned the nod and stepped through the doorway, leaving the metal structure to clang as the door shut.

"To what do we owe this honour Madara?"

The man sat on the chair that was offered and looked into the dead fireplace.

"I've come to inform you that Konan and your self will be moving soon. I have obtained a final deal striker in the form of Uchiha Sasuke so if he cannot be taken discreetly – it has to be discreetly – by force then I want you to just talk with him. Tell him that we will kill the Uchiha if he doesn't cooperate… and lie to him if you must. Say something like the Kyuubi will be able to be extracted as well as keeping him alive. He's an idiot from what we have collected and should believe anything we say."

The auburn haired man nodded slowly, eyes hauntingly staring at the orange mask before him. There was a hollow quality to them, as if he was a man who had seen too much in such a little time and yet still held the passion of destroying everything he touched.

"Is he working under a sub?"

Madara nodded; there was no point in hiding anything from the Rinnegan and it would also damage any future business Madara wanted the man to carry out.

"Team Falcon, I reordered his Hebi."

Pein chuckled,

"Do you think he gets the taunt within the name?"

Madara shook his head,

"He doesn't think about things such as that… in fact it was mainly him who chose the name. I suggested a couple and he seemed to favour Falcon. Ironic really."

Pein nodded and mused aloud,

"Falcons belong to the Falconidae family and so naturally hunt birds from the Corvidae family… didn't Itachi favour Ravens and crows?"

Madara chuckled.

"Why do you think I favoured Falcon? Of course Sasuke will never understand the true animal meanings behind it but it is fun for us to see that it's there right in front of him. If Itachi were still alive I wouldn't have chosen the name, who would want to tempt the fates?"

Pein looked at the man,

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that crows would flock together and then ambush the Falcon that was chasing them. Very intelligent, both Itachi and his birds, but both died in the end. He can't control his birds in death nor can he pose as opposition."

Pein nodded in agreement.

"It's a shame… he had so much potential too."

Madara stood to leave,

"Let's not cry over spilt milk eh? Be ready to go for Konoha when I give the order."

Pein nodded and dropped back onto his chair as the man left. He was ready to retrieve the Kyuubi, so ready that he missed what was going on under his nose.

Naruto looked over at Itachi and smiled. He knew that the man had fallen asleep and was tempted to just abandon his work in order to watch the smooth rise and fall of his chest. He was interrupted (Naruto cursed his luck) by a knock on the door. Itachi instantly transformed and flew to the back of Naruto's chair as he leant forwards, placing his chin on linked hands. The door opened to reveal Kakashi and Yamato side by side smiling.

"Hey Naruto, I don't know if Tsunade left a note or something but we're here to discuss the mission we went on recently. She scheduled a meeting for today and we weren't sure if it was still on."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and shrugged his shoulders.

"Might as well continue with the meeting, it couldn't hurt the situation and we may find benefits from it too."

The raven let out a low caw and Naruto's hand crept up to sooth the bird automatically.

"I'll start then shall I? Well we're mainly here to talk about the Akatsuki's next movements and what course of action should be taken really… well our views on the subject."

Naruto nodded and the two men seated themselves. Kakashi nodded to Yamato and the ANBU member spoke first,

"Well Tobi's an odd opponent… all of your attacks passed through him but we couldn't think of any Jutsu that would enable that."

Naruto shook his head in agreement, biting his lip to stop from correcting their naming of the man. It would be a hard discussion yet one that he needed to wade through in order to be a true Hokage. He wondered how many times the Sandaime – or even the Yondaime – or Tsunade had had to lie through their teeth just because something was over everyone else's heads.

"We don't think he's all that important to the Akatsuki though," here the raven tightened his grip on Naruto's shoulder and Naruto fought the urge to laugh, "but we should be wary of him nonetheless. He is the reason that they got to Sasuke before us."

Naruto nodded; glad they had got one thing right at least.

"What do you think about him Naruto?"

For the sake of plans Naruto had to agree.

"From everything I've heard about him he seems like an underling… he was let into the Akatsuki late after Sasori was terminated. As you said he doesn't seem to be that important really."

The men nodded and Kakashi spoke,

"What will we do about Sasuke?"

Naruto looked down and the raven hopped onto the desk. The blond knew that the men before him were watching the bird in distrust yet Naruto stroked the bird's feathers to prove he was no threat.

"Leave him for now. Even if we knew where he was we wouldn't be strong enough to take him on just yet; I've only been Hokage for a day," Naruto only just remembered that it had to seem like a day, "so it'll take some adjustments. We need to wait it out a little longer and I'll send word to the Kazekage… Suna don't know that I'm Hokage yet and I wish to strengthen the bond between the Fire and Wind countries before anything else really."

Kakashi sighed and rubbed his eye,

"How did Jiraiya ever manage to get you so sharp and off the ball in two and a half years? I almost envy his talent."

Naruto chuckled half heartedly; Tsunade was out there with an almost dead Jiraiya and he was here laughing. It hurt to do so yet it was just another secret burden that he had to carry, hoping with all his might that the pair of Sannin would return safely.

"We can't move against Akatsuki either, we have to wait for Jiraiya's information before we can make the next move."

The men raised their eyebrows at that but neither questioned. If the Hokage wasn't going to detail exactly what information it was, they weren't the ones to ask.

They continued talking amiably between themselves until Naruto glanced outside. It was getting dark and he wanted to be home before Kiba dropped by; he really wasn't in the mood for alcohol with everything that was going on. Kakashi and Yamato left in good spirits, the main result of the meeting was that they would just wait. Naruto hadn't dared hint anything else.

"Come on Itachi, let's go."

They reached the house and Naruto sighed – half in relief and half desperation. He was now alone, without distraction, with Itachi. Itachi smiled softly as he passed Naruto his dinner – cup ramen, not the healthiest choices but neither really cared at this point in time – and Naruto groaned.

Ninety nine point nine per cent sure.

There had been a time when the world had been little but a play toy beneath his paws. It had been a fresh world, a new world, and one that the Bijuu had ruled over. The Kyuubi no Kitsune didn't remember many of the events that had taken place, but he did remember being seated in the grand halls of the Central Palace, eight companions by his side.

It was true that the Kyuubi was a huge mass of chakra contained to a body but wasn't that true to say of all creatures? They had watched the clans of Shinobi fight amongst themselves, waiting for their time. The Kyuubi had laughed along with the other Bijuu when they had placed bets (the Kyuubi had always won) and anger had grown when the first of the nine left the safety of the halls.

It had been that Bijuu that had indirectly caused the safe hold to be breached. Once the two men had contained the power of one, it had led to the remaining eight and the Kyuubi hadn't been one of the ones to escape.

The Kyuubi, to this day, still wasn't sure why one of the nine had escaped the safety of their hold, the rules laid upon them from the Beginning had stated that they could only watch and would be offered protection. If one split, they all split and their power was fractured, each Bijuu given one power rather than all of them sharing them all. Even so, there was harmony among them and they could, upon being pushed, share the given powers. They were still whole yet the Clans were the ones to make sure this changed.

Hashirama and Madara… Uchiha and Senjuu; two damned clans who couldn't just let be. The Kyuubi had been entranced by Madara's eyes and Hashirama's wooden abilities to the point of enslavement but the fox learnt more amongst their company than the time at the Central Palace.

There had been a few others and the time spent hadn't been that bad. Things had only turned when Hashirama – the Hokage at this point – had decided to give the chakra of the Bijuu to neighbouring countries in the hopes that they would see it as a peace offering. Never before had the Bijuu been purposefully split apart from each other, nine harmonious chakras scattered to various countries and never to be reunited.

The destructive force was first put into play then; if the chakras were to reunite they would mix to form something deadly and potent. They had been harmonious yet the separation would lead to each being slightly tainted and a re-introduction would end in a devastating force… it was a small hope but even the Kyuubi hoped that he would never see the other eight Bijuu.

When Uchiha Madara had first approached the Kyuubi – before he had left Konoha – he had promised freedom to the fox. The nine tailed Bijuu had tired of his solitary life and the cage he had been restricted to (if he was brought out from the Summoning realm that the men had banished them to) and so welcomed the man and entertained his thoughts.

These thoughts had ended in the destruction of Konoha and the Kyuubi had been forced to disagree. Madara had been counting on the demon's approval and sought to control the very basics of what made the fox living; his chakra. The Kyuubi had been brought to its knees as Madara enacted his Mangekyou Sharingan upon him and the chakra spiked from a dark yellow to crimson red, changing and becoming hypersensitive to the Uchiha chakra. Madara had called it captivity and the fox had been left alone to literally lick his wounds.

Kyuubi was waiting the next time he was summoned in secret by Madara. Instincts told him it had only been a week – at the most – since the Uchiha had turned his chakra but it felt like an eternity to the fox. He had been waiting to meet the human so he could literally rip his head off for what he had done to him but something else happened that night.

Uchiha Madara had returned to Konoha that night in the hopes of destroying the village. The Kyuubi felt the chakra well up and burn through his body as Madara stood on his head, eyes flickering with the stolen eyes of his brother.

"We shall go now Kyuubi. Destroy every last relic of this village."

The Kyuubi knew it was a classic case of 'if I can't have it then nobody can' but his mind had been too weak to stave off the urge brought upon by the chakra change. He had destroyed as much as he could – trees, buildings, people even – until the Shodai had turned up. The Mokuton ability had calmed the Kyuubi's chakra and Madara had scarpered, leaving the fox standing in the centre of a partially crushed village.

There had been silence in the Kyuubi's cage for years, too many years to sleep but too little to wither away and die. The chakra lost its edge and softened to a deep orange colour yet the mind of the Kyuubi never dulled. If anything the blade of hatred grew, disturbing the balance of the chakra for good. The fox didn't care – hardly noticed – his mind set on one thing; destroy Uchiha Madara.

The Kyuubi had opened his eyes to a blinding light. The first person he noticed was a masked man and he knew, without a doubt, that this was the source of his re-entry to the Shinobi world and that he was the very target he sought.

The Kyuubi's chakra darted towards the man but he vanished; a replacement or a Bunshin taking the place of the man who would've died. Upon finding no living human around, Kyuubi had taken off to the one place Madara would have been; Konoha.

He had been there too, standing on the Yondaime's head with a smirk beneath his mask as the Yondaime had stood atop Gamabunta and performed the Jutsu that would end in the final sealing of the Kyuubi. The Kyuubi may not have been near to Konoha but he had seen that and the Shinobi gathered around the fox had never seen anything give off as much hatred as the Kyuubi had the second before it was sealed into the child. They all assumed it was directed to the Yondaime and Namikaze Minato's words were forgotten as they remembered their 'hero' was capable of such hate.

The Kyuubi had returned to sleep then, resting his giant head on the wet floor of his new prison. His eyes had grown heavy and the beast had succumbed to sleep… at least until he woke with an anguished rage. Memories swirled in his head and one name repeated over and over;

MadaraMadaraMadaraMadara

The Kyuubi allowed the child access to his powers and relinquished the feeling of control on the boy. With a slight dip of his furred body, he was able to send the boy's own spinning into a kick and he loved it. He could feel the hum of emotions overwhelming his Jinchuuriki – how off it was to call the person holding him back from revenge his human sacrifice – and knew that he was scared, frightened and yet would do anything to avenge the supposed death of his friend, one who was lying on the ground with senbon sticking out of him.

Unfortunately the next time the boy had used his powers they had been sealed away and the Kyuubi's chakra had been thrown into disarray. In all honesty he did really feel gratitude to the boy's mentor – Jiraiya – especially as the kid then used his chakra after the Toad Sennin had thought to unseal it.

The harmony had been affected once again when Shukaku had arrived on the scene; the Kyuubi had been unable to control his own chakra and it had literally flamed around Naruto when he asked for it. Not even the fox had been able to control it and he felt a little respect towards the kid as he fought it back to the seal. From there on, it had been Kyuubi's job to absorb the chakra or risk it destroying him from inside the sealed cage.

There had never been more fire running through the chakra since that time than when the Kyuubi was allowed to access Naruto's body. It had occurred to him a handful of times yet only twice was he given full control over the situation. The first time he repaid a debt to the Sannin in the only way he deemed acceptable – half killing the man. The second time it had been his former companion, the snake man that Naruto had so loathed, that had duelled with the beast and he would've died if the Kyuubi had been given a true chance. The fox knew that the man had once been in the same league as Madara and it reminded the fox of everything he had done; how he had been used.

The most interesting encounter had been the one with Uchiha Sasuke. The Kyuubi knew he was nothing compared to Madara (or even the other Uchiha, upon whom he's only known of through the Jinchuuriki and Naruto's fear was something to go by) but the boy was able to see him and that was what mattered. It had been partially to do with the chakra reacting to the Sharingan (from Madara's 'gift') and the power of the boy himself.

The warning had partially been a bluff; if Naruto died then so did the Kyuubi and the Kyuubi wouldn't allow that just yet. He wanted Madara six feet down, chopped and wrapped for hell. Sasuke accepted the bluff and the Kyuubi carried on the plotting.

It was also for his own gain that he had helped to save Uchiha Itachi. The Kyuubi had held back the chakra that instinctively seeped out to help the man (another effect that Madara's change had; if there was a wounded Uchiha, to the point of almost death, touching the Kyuubi or the Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki then he would be forced to heal every wound) then allowed it once Naruto's emotions had washed over him. This Uchiha was a keeper; he did everything for Konoha and even knew Madara… even fought off the taint that Madara brought along with him.

This was why the Kyuubi was silent in his seal as Naruto slept that night, blissfully unaware of what the fox was planning. It wouldn't be long before everything could begin and the Kyuubi could finally drench himself in the stench of Madara's blood.

Even if he had to wait it out in this stinking cage with the sewer water climbing steadily upwards by each day the fox would be patient. There was too much to lose and so much to gain…

Even to the point of risking everything and counting on people he had never met. The Kyuubi hoped Naruto moved fast because there was something approaching and not even the fox knew if it was a blessing or a curse.

Naruto rubbed his eyes and looked down at the sheet of paper. Itachi had abandoned him for the day, saying that he was going to check a source of his. Naruto had retorted that technically a dead man shouldn't have sources but the Uchiha had looked at Naruto in a way that made the man uncomfortable (well, more specifically, hoicked the percentage up a little to ninety nine point nine-one-three) and he dropped it instantly.

This left the Hokage alone in his office with the paperwork previous Hokages had fought off with ink and curses. For someone who had never enjoyed school work, Naruto strangely enjoyed this type of work; filling in boxes and snooping in other peoples' reports sometimes proved very amusing.

Today, however, was not a day Naruto wanted to be doing work. He only had a few mission reports to sign but it was what was happening later that set him on edge; Shizune had come in with morning tea to inform Naruto that Danzou had requested an emergency meeting with him later that day.

Ideally Naruto would have wanted Itachi to be there for the first meeting with the ROOT ANBU Captain but beggars can't be choosers and it was just going to be the Hokage and Danzou. Not everyone's cup of tea.

Naruto scanned through the A- and S-classed reports first to see if there were any leads of what Sasuke or Akatsuki were up to. Itachi had mentioned the possibility of Madara getting Sasuke and if this was true Naruto wondered what Madara would do next. Would Sasuke become part of the Akatsuki? If so, would they come after him still? No one outside of Konoha knew that Naruto was the Hokage yet as the messengers to Suna probably hadn't reached them yet but if the Akatsuki got wind that he was in charge of the village before they were ready to deal their own then a lot of problems could occur.

Not that they didn't have enough problems on their hands already…

Naruto's mind wandered back to Danzou. He had never met the man properly in person; Tsunade had shown him a picture and he had walked past the man once when he had been leaving the Hokage office but the Uzumaki hadn't really paid any attention to the war veteran. The blond only hoped that the man would be easy to evaluate as he had such little information on him.

"Hokage-sama?"

Naruto looked up and smiled at Shizune. She swapped the empty tray on his desk for the one in her hands and smiled in return. The tea tasted like heaven to Naruto and he sighed contentedly, gesturing for Shizune to join him. She did so and took a cup of her own.

"Do you miss Tsunade?"

Shizune blew on the hot liquid and waited for Naruto's answer.

"I have been a bit busy to really notice her absence, if I'm honest, but I do miss her. Baa-chan was always there for me to bother or just talk to but I know she'll be back. With Jiraiya," he added in afterthought. Naruto looked questioningly to Shizune and she swallowed the mouthful.

"It feels strange to be absent from her side… I've been with her ever since she left Konoha. I guess I reminded her of my uncle and she wanted to honour him by taking me upon as her apprentice."

Naruto tilted his head,

"Your uncle?"

"Dan," she said simply and Naruto nodded. It was little details such as the revelation of the true connection between Shizune and Tsunade that added to everyday life. Naruto briefly wondered if Shizune hadn't been Dan's niece, would Tsunade have taken her as an apprentice?

"I better get on with organising the files as they come in; Suna should be contacting us shortly as the team we sent out should get there soon. Iruka requested your presence at the mission's room later on today, shall I tell him you'll be there after Danzou has finished?"

Naruto's day brightened at the prospect of torturing Genin with D-ranked missions as well as seeing Iruka.

"Yeah, hopefully we won't be too long. Tell him I'll be along when I've finished up."

Shizune smiled and left quietly. Naruto's eyes fell to the paper again and he read over the first line,

'Mission class: B, Mission brief: escort a wealthy businessman to one of the outer towns in…'

No Akatsuki there. Were they doing something so secretive that nothing even trickled out? At times like this he knew Tsunade would have had Jiraiya to ask but even that resource was gone (only temporarily, his mid supplied) and so was Tsunade. Even his trump card was out in whoever knows where with whoever knows who – Naruto ignored the jealousy stirring up as he thought of Itachi with Mr/Miss Whatsitname – and he was here, waiting for Danzou.

A knock on the door interrupted Naruto's cursing and blue eyes snapped to the wooden frame as it swung open. Shizune was carrying another tray and Naruto stood to do the swap quickly as he saw Danzou walk in slowly.

"Hokage-sama," he greeted and Naruto gestured for his guest to sit. He skilfully poured the tea – in a way that would make Jiraiya proud – and handed a cup to Danzou. The man accepted and nodded his head in appreciation.

"Danzou-san, is there anything that need to be urgently addressed?"

The man set down his tea and opened his uncovered eye.

"Of course, Hokage-sama, this isn't just a social."

Danzou 1, Naruto 0.

"I wish to talk to you about my division, ROOT, and its future. As you're aware, the organisation acts directly from me without any interference from the Hokage… I was hoping that you would extend my powers to that of ANBU."

Naruto blinked at the sheer courage this man had. It was rather insulting; straight forwardly asking if he could take over the strongest of the Konoha Shinobi. Naruto knew that Danzou didn't see him as a threat and vowed that this opinion would change soon. In Danzou's eyes, Naruto was still just an idiotic Shinobi, one who had got this place through being close friends with the Godaime Hokage. To him, Naruto had got this position simply through his birth parents and friendship, that most certainly did not deem him worthy to protect the whole village.

"If I agreed with your policies then I would hand ANBU over to you in the blink of an eye, but seeing as I learnt the hard way about what you do to your subordinates I'd rather keep my ANBU away from you."

Danzou 1, Naruto 1.

The man in front of the Hokage twitched slightly and took up his tea once more. Naruto waited patiently for the man, sipping his own beverage.

"May I be allowed to go see your new recruits and offer placements?"

Naruto set down his cup and shook his head.

"I haven't seen them myself yet and I'd rather that I was their main influence rather than you."

Another point to Naruto,

"I also wanted to visit the ROOT members to check their progress. I know the previous Hokages let you a free rein but I was hoping to work with you. I'm sure you were aware that Tsunade had ANBU tailing you and I think it would be far more beneficial if we were open about this agreement. Who knows, maybe we'll be able to combat all targets with even more efficiency through working together."

Danzou 1, Naruto 3. Maybe he didn't need Itachi…

"With all due respect, Hokage-sama, I was told that I would be given full control of ROOT and I believe that if you interfere then this condition will be breached."

Okay so maybe Itachi's help would have been nice.

"Nevertheless, I would like to meet these Shinobi; I am the Hokage and they are still citizens of Konoha. Just take this as a warning; if I find any of them in as bad a state as Sai was then I will pull them from ROOT and you will have nothing to do with them."

Danzou nodded, his face pinched and a dissatisfied look in his eyes. Naruto wondered if he had forgotten Naruto's personal involvement with ROOT.

"I will allow that as there is no other choice. Though may I be so bold as to ask a question?"

Naruto resisted the urge to growl; the man was asking now if he could be bold!

"Of course," he gestured for the man to continue.

"It would appear that you are getting ready for some sort of fight… is there something we should know?"

He was a sneaky one, this Danzou. To the point but blunt enough so that Naruto couldn't charge him with something like treason.

"Tsunade activated the terms of war when she left so it is natural that I continue as though we are under a threat. Akatsuki are still around and-"

"If Akatsuki are still around then is it safe for you to be in control of a whole village?"

Naruto's eyes darkened as the man interrupted him. Danzou knew very well why he was starting to take the offence and was now taunting him in no man's land.

"I would say it is even safer. Konoha treated me with little respect but even so I was still able to love the village. That takes something, don't you think? I love this village with my heart, even during the times when it hated me. I would never use Konoha as a stepping stone for my own gain and I believe that my love for Konoha will allow her to grow."

Danzou flinched at the implication Naruto made and he gritted his jaw.

"What will happen in the event that Akatsuki does get to you?"

Naruto smirked, prepared to finally admit the extent of his knowledge to someone who had thought very little of him.

"You make me sound as though I am just warming this seat up. I may be young but there is no doubt that I can hold more than my own in a fight. I wasn't just chosen because of who my father was; Tsunade was informed of my training from Jiraiya-sensei. She then based her choice upon that, I had no influence… in fact I was out on a mission trying to get your precious Uchiha back."

Naruto closed his eyes; two out of the three Oni knew about Itachi…

"And I have to add that I did return one to Konoha… not the one you wanted though."

Danzou's eye widened and he took a sharp intake of air,

"Uchiha Itachi? He died!"

Naruto shrugged the comment off before rolling his eyes as a raven swooped in through the open window. He knew Itachi had been there for a short time but, of course, the Uchiha had chosen the perfect time to make his entrance.

"I assure you Danzou that I am one hundred per cent alive. Naruto-sama was the one to heal me after he learnt the true details of that night."

Naruto was sure that – had Danzou been any less of a man – he would've fainted. His face paled and he stood up from his chair, the legs scraping against the floor noisily. After all, it wasn't every day that the man you practically sentenced to death came back after you had thought that the sentence had finally been carried out. Danzou had everything to fear in Itachi – he was ruthless, beautifully so, and there were plenty of reasons to do it. Naruto knew that Itachi wouldn't do something like that but Danzou… Danzou had no idea.

"I will contact you to arrange a date that I will visit your organisation. If there is nothing else then you are free to go."

Danzou left quickly, leaving the door wide open to reveal Shizune looking into the room. She blinked before hurrying into the room and collecting the tea.

"Would you like some Itachi-san?"

Itachi shook his head and Naruto chuckled at Shizune's expression. Itachi noticed her face as well and hurried to correct his error;

"Coffee or something would be very much appreciated though."

A smile broke through the glare and Shizune left happily. It seemed that if anyone rejected her offer of a drink, she became your worst nightmare.

"What was the score at the end then?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow to the cloaked man.

"Seriously, can you read minds?"

Itachi gave a dry laugh and shook his head. His eyes sparkled as they connected with Naruto's and the Hokage felt a jolt of something pass through his body.

"If only. It just seems a very Naruto thing to do."

Naruto looked at the man and smiled. Itachi smiled back and Naruto's heart literally skipped a beat (okay so it was more like ninety nine point nine-nine-nine now). This feeling, he guessed, wouldn't be one to go away any time soon so he might as well embrace it, even if just for a little.

"It would appear that my source is currently entertaining our previous Hokage."

Naruto blinked, confused slightly. He had thought that Tsunade would be heading straight to Jiraiya and, besides, when did Itachi have time to meet someone who would willingly entertain the Godaime Hokage? As far as he knew, which was pretty far considering, the Akatsuki hated Konoha (hated everywhere really, if you take it into true account) and he loathed to think how the Uchiha had managed to get the Akatsuki off of his back long enough for the unsociability to reside and actually make this entertaining source a… well, source.

"Tsunade? But isn't she with Jiraiya?"

Itachi nodded and paused as Shizune entered the room once more with coffee and tea. She set them down and Itachi took the hot mug and took a sip instantly. Naruto frowned; were Uchiha's heatproof or something? If he had tried that, there was no doubt that his lip would have been scalding hot and red. Not a very Hokage-like thing to do really.

"My friend seems to have taken Jiraiya into her care and I was able to contact her long enough to know that 'Tobi' hasn't been around Akatsuki that much recently. I think it's safe to say that he either has Sasuke or is hunting for him…we should only to contact her if there is no other alternative; her partner is Pein and he is not someone to take lightly, he's the reason Jiraiya-sama is in the condition he is now."

Naruto's eyes widened but he recovered quickly; Jiraiya was in Tsunade's hands now and he knew from experience that Tsunade was literally a miracle worker. She had lost too many people as well, so if she lost Jiraiya it would be too much to bear. Surely that was enough to give her the strength to fight whatever injuries threatened to overwhelm her friend, her team member and the man she had known for so long.

"So why exactly do you want to look over ROOT?"

Naruto swallowed tentatively and looked into dark eyes. There was curiosity, an almost foreboding curiosity, in Itachi's eyes and it both thrilled and scared Naruto. There were so many things about ROOT that he knew would throw him into the deep end but he couldn't leave the people in the organisation there. No matter what path they were on, they were still loyal Konoha Shinobi.

"In the past, Danzou has been tracked by the Hokage's trusted ANBU and I wanted to try a different approach. I changed Sai and I was hoping that we could get a few more people to switch. I know they joined ROOT either of their own choice or grew up in it but I hate to think that they feel there is no other option."

Itachi nodded and remembered a time when he had been in the ANBU headquarters and one member commented on how creepy the daughter organisation was. Itachi hadn't really contributed but he had listened and it was enough;

"I remember someone saying it was like a cult. The members were close, a family on the outside, but they would sooner stab you in the back if it guaranteed them power."

Naruto looked at Itachi and the man pulled his hood up, covering his face. Naruto frowned but sighed as he looked down at the reports; if Itachi wanted to be reclusive then he wouldn't stop him. Taking a trip down memory lane could be peaceful sometimes but it wasn't always the safest way to travel.

"I'll arrange a meeting with Sai. He came from ROOT so maybe he can help us."

Itachi nodded and Naruto called Shizune in.

"Can we call Sai in here for tomorrow?"

Shizune nodded and looked at Naruto pointedly. He hummed in response and the woman disappeared.

"I have to go join Iruka-sensei in the mission's room now so I'll see you later?"

Itachi turned to him and the hood fell back slightly, revealing dark eyes and long lashes. Naruto's breathing suddenly felt shallow and his head almost span. Blue eyes roamed unabashedly over the man's features and he stepped forwards. There was over ten centimetres difference in height but that could be solved by tiptoeing and resting an arm on Itachi's for support.

Naruto closed his eyes and allowed his lips to touch Itachi's cheek. The skin was cold and smooth – just as he'd expected – and he fought the urge to just stay there like that. A heat emitted from his cheeks and, as he lowered his body back to the ground, he kept his eyes fixed to the ground.

"I'm just returning the favour from the other night," he muttered lightly and turned. Itachi watched as Naruto waved a hand and shut the door.

It was a good twenty minutes before Itachi returned to reality and he touched his cheek gently.

He absently noted that the skin had grown warm and remembered the coffee that lay waiting for him. He knew it would be cold but it seemed like a fair trade for the skin over his cheek.