Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Art of The Business ❯ A Way of Life ( Chapter 4 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Workers were beginning to clear out as it was getting closer to the evening. Naruto included, had gathered up his things and said his goodbyes before heading for the exit. He wasn't as sad as others may have thought for one who was practically rejected for a job. Though he hadn't been given an answer yet, it was pretty obvious about what their answer would be. But Naruto didn't seem to let it bother him any. Iruka always did tell him something worth while had to be fought for. And if this job was all that important, then he would fight for a part in it. For now, he could be satisfied with a day's work.

Sasuke watched the peculiar blond walk away before heading back for Orochimaru's office. He was interested to see hat the man would decide for Naruto's future in this business. Normally he wouldn't have paid this much close attention to any particular model, but Naruto was different. Something about the teen seriously captivated his interest just with his regular antics and odd speech. It was rare to come across anyone in the business with a spirit like that and who didn't mind putting themselves on the spot for a little attention.

After knocking politely for once, Sasuke let himself into Orochimaru's office. The older man was sitting at his desk, over looking a few forms with a stern frown on his face. Sasuke was sure he was unhappy with how things were turning out about something. "What can I help you with Uchiha?" Orochimaru asked, not even bothering to look up from his desk as he flipped through a few more sheets. He did not have time to waste listening to whatever crap Sasuke had to say.

"I think you should hire him Orochimaru-sama." Sasuke stated absentmindedly. Orochimaru rolled his eyes. It figures Sasuke would start acting respectful as soon as he wanted something.

"Well I'm sorry it simply doesn't work that way Sasuke. I'm not going to make him a model just so you can have yourself a new little fuck-buddy. If you haven't noticed we aren't doing to well because so many models have been quitting or trading companies. I can risk paying for another mistake all because of your hormonal urges." Orochimaru insisted with a huff.

Sasuke sneered in disgust at the suggestion. "That's not the reason you ass! I just think he has an actual chance of making it big!" Sasuke clarified defensively. "You saw him during his photo shoot. Sure he sucks at about everything else, but he still has a lot of potential. If you don't take him up while you can, someone else will. And they'll develop his talents before you can. You'll feel pretty stupid when you see his face on every magazine all the way out to America." The raven said smugly.

Orochimaru was furious with Sasuke's disrespect. The kid sure had some nerve. "You know what Uchiha, if you think he has so much potential than why don't you invest on him!" Orochimaru hissed, standing up from his desk quickly, slamming his fist on the desk. "That's right, teach him. When's perfected his walk and overall model appearance than I will reconsider about having him on my team. Until then, you can tell him no." Orochimaru hissed. "Any complaints and I'll have you on leave." He threatened. "I won't deal with your crap any longer, so it's either my way or you can hit the road Sasuke."

With a frustrated sigh, Sasuke stomped away, slamming the door closed behind him. That bastard didn't deserve Naruto's talents anyway if he is just going to side by and watch him get snatched up by a more willing company. Surely they will be the more lucky ones to tap into his real potential. But for now it looks like he was stuck with teaching the kid what modeling really about. this may be a little harder than he thought.

The sun was quickly setting as Naruto meekly walked through the lightly populated streets. He had traveled some great distance this morning to be at Orochimaru's company 'Beauty's Venom'. getting home would not be such an exciting adventure now that it would be late before he even opened his front door. But this was the price he paid for a secure future. His eyes sparkled with mild relief when he spotted the subway exit he had taken this morning. He only had to ride that for an hour and a half then there was another thirty minute walk before he would safe at home.

That thought in mind, Naruto anxiously shuffled toward the stairway. He never really favored subways before. They were simply too noisy and jumpy for his taste. Weird for a guy who was just about the same way personality wise, right? Well let's just say Naruto didn't like competition in that department. he waited patiently for a train to finally slow down and open its door for him and several other people hoping to ride. The seats filled up rather quickly since it was about the time everyone was getting out of work and heading home as well.

Naruto was fortunate enough to find a seat to sit in, since most were forced to stand up as more passengers stepped on. Naruto preferred to keep to himself during the subway rides, since you never knew what type of people got on it. Even so he would break free from his own tendencies if someone looked interesting enough to question or comment on. That, ironically, happened more often than when he remained quiet. So the teen was nothing more than a walking paradox, always contradicting himself in everything he did.

About a hour into the ride, over half of the previous passengers that had gotten on were now gone. So the ride was much more pleasant without all those different conversations going on and people rudely standing in front of you with their backs to you. Naruto, who had nothing to do since he got on, decided to make up imaginary lives for the remaining passengers. A tall woman with an elegant hat sitting in the far back, he imagined, was a rich CEO and was traveling to go see a long lost sister to give her news about the death of their shared father. It was the best he could come up with when she looked simply too good to be taking public transportation like this.

He scanned the cart for another person to 'investigate', just as the train was slowing down. The doors popped open and three more people stepped off. Naruto was a bit disappointed since that was all he had left to do, but his hopes were rekindled as soon as he saw another person board. But at first glance, his eyes had focused in with great fascination and wonder on the tall, suave man that had stepped on board. The man came and sat right across from him, making Naruto flush a bit by the man's intimidating aura. His pale skin was unbelievably creamy looking and smooth he could imagine. His long majestic black hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail to reveal equally mesmerizing jet black eyes. He had on a dark, blue suit Naruto assumed had to cost a fortune with expensively looking dress shoes. Even his briefcase was made out of a fine leather as if to max the sleek overcoat he had on. Just everything about this man spoke rich, bureaucrat with a high reputation for being popular with the ladies.

"Stare at me like this any longer and I might think you were interested..." a deep, sultry voice muttered out of the blue. Naruto snapped instantly out of his daze, blinking quickly as he looked fully forward and realized the guy had been talking to him. He hadn't been staring again, had he? What was with him today? He had done the same thing to Sasuke and received a similar answer. Perhaps these guys were related. He shook his head. no the world would have to be too small for something like that.

"Nah, sorry you just....reminded me of someone..." Naruto partly lied, hoping to get off the hook for his stupidity. The man looked at him sternly, not seeming to be convinced. Naruto sighed, dropping his head low and crouched forward. "Well at least I think you remind me of someone. I guess I was just surprised to see a guy like you riding the subway."

Quickly the man's perfectly trimmed brow rose up in curiosity. "And exactly what would a guy like me be doing to get around inside?" He questioned in a voice that was both nonchalant and yet intrigued.

The blonde's sat up hurriedly, looking flustered for having sounded insulting. "I didn't mean it like that, I was just saying you looked-"

"Rich?" The man replied. "Stuck up, selfish? Am I getting close?" He asked, settling his chin in the palm of his hand as he leaned against the arm railing of the seat. It came as no surprise to him when the boy sheepishly nodded. He smirked inwardly at his apparent dismay. "Well I hate to break it to you, but you are right." He informed him. Naruto's jaw dropped quickly and he hopped forward.

"Then why did you act so offended by it?!" Naruto yelled out in shock. "If you were just going to admit to it, why accuse me of jobbing to conclusion?!"

The dark haired man seemed very amused by this and shortly chuckled. "You are certainly a flamboyant person aren't you. I never said anything about you being wrong or jumping to conclusions. You merely assumed I was, so wouldn't that put you in the wrong a second time?" He pointed out, making Naruto face flush with red more out of frustration and embarrassment. "How will you ever make it in this world when you are so easily influenced?" he wondered out loud.

"I am not!" Naruto hissed. "I don't care what anyone else thinks." He insisted.

The man looked at him as if saying 'oh really'? "Then what is your goal for the future?" He asked in a strong, intelligent voice.

Naruto crossed his arms and plopped back down into his seat. "I'm going to be the best model the world has ever known!" Naruto exclaimed boisterously and proudly.

A sour expression flashed over the man's face for just a moment before he sighed and shook his head. "So you're one of those..." He muttered to himself in disappointment. Naruto growled lowly, wanting to know what was being said about himself. "A model, huh? Well there you go. A job completely based off how high someone else views you in attraction. If you aren't any good you diet, throw up, or exercise all to make you body meet the standards of others. If you are liked, you continue doing as you are told to get money and fame. Any person going into than line of work is nothing but a pushover." The man stood as the train was beginning to slow down. "I myself can not respect someone so foolish as to let others run their lives..." He declared. Naruto nearly melted into his seat hearing the man's voice so cold and heartless for a moment when he said that.

"But...I’m not going to be like that!" Naruto finally found his voice to say. "I'll make it to the top without changing who I am!" He announced before the doors could open.

He heard a small half laugh escape the man's lips and he turned back to him. "Than I wish you luck with that." He chuckled.

"I don't need luck!" Naruto assured him, giving his signature cheeky smile. "I promise you, you'll see my name everywhere: Naruto Uzumaki!"

The man chuckled once more. "And I shall keep look out for it Naruto. Until then, farewell." He stepped out, but wasn't able to make it completely out before he heard the boy calling back asking for his name. "It is Itachi..." He replied being coming onto the platform and letting the metal doors slide back closed. He smirked a bit as he watched the train zoom off in a gush of wind. Perhaps this wouldn't be the last time he road the subway if he ran into people that interesting all the time. He shrugged his shoulders and kept walking. He had work to do.

It was nearly nine before Naruto got home. He eagerly unlocked the door and kicked his shoes off by the entrance before walking beyond the doorway. He didn't have nothing to do tomorrow until he finds out if he got the job or not, so he might as well sleep in as he pleased. But for now he had a strong craving for his favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner: miso and pork ramen! And with his small budget, it was about the only thing he could afford to buy, so it was only convenient he liked to eat it so much at any time of the day. He had assured himself that all that would change as soon as he made some money at the modeling agency.

Naruto came into the kitchen and set a pot of water to boil on the stove before searching the cabinets for the instant ramen cups. Just as he pulled one down he heard the front door open. He had little to worry about since only two other people had the key to his house and there was only one likely person to visit at this hour. "Good evening Iruka!" Naruto called out cheerfully as he heard te footsteps come to the kitchen.

"Hi Naruto, sorry I'm late. Kakashi messed up our last mission and I was stuck with all the paperwork on it." Iruka sighed. He walked into the kitchen, giving it one glance over before giving a frustrated groan. "Honestly Naruto, when are you going to clean up around here? You'll never catch yourself a girl or even a guy when the place looks like a pig sty." Iruka pouted, dropping several bags of groceries he had gotten onto the clean part of the kitchen table. He grabbed the trash can and started to scoop all the empty ramen cups into it. "So how was your day?"

Naruto chuckled and sat down as soon as he finished setting up his dinner. "It was pretty cool Iruka. Well I got pissed off a few times by this real jerk at the business, but I think he has a good side to him too. I did good when I tried out on the photo shoot, but I probably screwed up on everything else" he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. Naruto would have asked Iruka about his day, but being a cop did mean that he had a lot of tales to turn. And somehow Iruka always managed to fit in a moral message at the end of each tale, so Naruto figured it was better not to ask. He had no problem with Iruka's mother-hen complex, but it could be overwhelming at times. Yet, he still had to thank the guy for taking care of him all these years. Being taken out of the orphanage was the best thing that had ever happened to him. And while he was always worried about losing the second closest family he had ever had to the cruel word of crime, Naruto dealt with it and was satisfied things had turned out so well so far.

"Well I'm sure you'll get the hang of it." Iruka replied encouragingly. "Hey, me and Kakashi will be off tomorrow, how about we all go out to eat tomorrow night? I just feel we haven’t been a close family ever since me and Kakashi got married and you decided to move out..." Iruka said with a sigh.

Naruto smiled recklessly and shook his head. "As if I wanted to stay there while you two stay up nearly every night, screwing like rabbits. I think I like the peace and quiet here better. And as soon as I turn eighteen, you won't have to worry about paying for everything here. I can be on my own completely." Naruto assured him, to Iruka's dismay the blonde actually seemed happy about this. "Anyway, of course we can go out. But I guess you are tired of ramen...I'll try other stuff. Don't expect much though!" Naruto added in quickly.

"Good." Iruka replied happily. He came over and lightly kissed Naruto on the forehead. "Be at Shimasu's at seven, the reservation will be under my name." With that he headed for the door. "I'll see you then, so don't go to bed to late. Good night Naruto."

"Night Iruka." Naruto gave a content sigh as the other finally left. Things aren't so bad the way are now.

All the lights were out when Itachi finally arrived home. He softly opened the front door and crept in, not minding the pitch darkness that engulfed the whole room and hallway. He skillfully navigated his way up the stairs and into his room without any trouble what so ever. He had ground use to all this and it became second nature to see clearly in the dark. Locking the bedroom door, he strolled over into his own personal bathroom and flipped on the lights. He winced only a bit, letting his eyes adjust before he turned to look in the mirror. A sickeningly mischievous smile graced his lips as he glanced at the crimson splattered about his clothes and face. He lightly smeared his face with his fingers, attempting to wipe it off. He would certainly enjoy his next assignment.

He patiently stripped out of his clothes and started the shower. No doubt the sound had awoken his younger brother. Itachi was sure of that when he heard a small tapping at his bedroom door. He slipped on a bathrobe and came over, opening it just a crack so not to be seen in such a condition. "What can I do for you my dear little brother?" Itachi cooed playfully.

"Where were you Itachi?" Sasuke asked harshly. "I called the company when you didn't get here by eleven. They said you left several hours ago." Sasuke hissed. Despite his pretending to be hateful to his brother, he was actually somewhat worried something had happened to Itachi while he was heading back home. He was the only family he had left even if he did some terrible things.

"Calm down Sasuke. I merely went out with a friend. I'm sorry to have worried you. I'll call you next time." he assured the younger Uchiha before slowly closing the door and locking it again. Sasuke didn't move for another few moments, a resenting and dissatisfied frown on his face. What are you up to Itachi, Sasuke asked himself.

To Be Continued...

A/N: Thanks so much for reviewing my chapters so far! I can't thank you guys enough! And I hope you liked this chapter as well! Just to clear things up, Naruto is a uke in this story, I was just saying I didn't want him to be too uke where he seemed actually female, okay? Anyway I look forward to more reviews and to writing the next chapter! Keep on alert!