Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Art of The Business ❯ At One's Mercy ( Chapter 5 )

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

Morning came as somewhat of a surprise to the dazed blond that had mangled himself within his comfortable sheets hoping to block out the sun's rays. It was only practical the thoughts of yesterday had plagued his mind through the night, preventing him from a true night's worth of sleep, but he planned to make up for it now. And if he was going to do that successfully, he would need to ignore the blinding light seeping into his room at this ungodly hour of the day. He groaned testily, jerking the covers firmly over his head and tucking it away beneath his limp form. How much more troublesome could the day be? Wasn't it bad enough he had to stand with the anxiety of not knowing how he did at his interview yesterday, for who knows how long before they tell him?

Naruto thought he deserved a lot more compassion from the world that wanted to force him from his rest. One taunting factor would be all his neighbors were awake and making quite a racket doing chores or preparing for work. Some, Naruto assumed, had more questionable task going on at in the morning that involved a lot of thumping. Whatever the case, Naruto knew he wasn't going to be getting much rest so early in the day unless he locked himself away in a sound proof bathroom. And as if to irritate him more, his phone began to ring relentlessly in his ear as if Naruto would actually bring it to his attention. Well on grumpy little blond had no such plans and firmly jerked the plug from the wall, stopping the sound instantly. "Just leave me alone!" He wailed desperately, thrashing his head back against a warm and comfortable pillow. It was quick how his mind drifted off peacefully to a world filled of ramen and endless fans.

And so the day progressed as so, Naruto shutting out the world while he was simultaneously expecting word from his supposed employers about how they would consider it such a pleasure to have him work for them. How he ever got the impression they could reach him while his phone was disconnected, one will never know? Naruto however did think it was rather suspicious during his daydreaming that no one had contacted him by the time the sky painted with red and orange.

He hazily tossed on his side, yawning wildly and rubbing his eyes. "Man, I pooped!" He sighed, sitting up and scratching his head in a careless matter. Things had seemed to go silent a long time ago, but he hadn't given it much thought. He rose from his bed and shuffled tiredly to the dresser across the room where an abandoned alarm clock awaited him. He didn't bother setting it last night, though it would have been a good idea considering it now read 6:45...pm. Naruto blinked once...twice....three times before the numbers slowly started to register in his memory. He could have sworn the sun was just coming up. Perhaps the clock was twelve hours off...really?

Naruto lazily slid his feet across the floor toward the window and gazed out at the world outside. The sun was in fact low in the sky but not because it was just rising, but because it was...setting. It took another moment of silence before a bellowing cry echoed through the room. "Holy crap! I slept through the whole day! Oh great, Iruka’s expecting me for dinner in fifteen minutes!” Naruto yelled, haphazardly running around in search of some clothes to wear. He spent only a few seconds to brush down his bushy mane of a head and fumbled with fastening his pants and getting on a shirt. He just couldn't believe he wasted an entire day sleeping!

He had dashed over to the door, jerking it on and about to jolt out, just when he came to a halt. It was a good thing too; otherwise he would have crashed into his rather unexpected houseguest. "Teme? What are you doing here?" Naruto asked in a stupor, looking over the raven quite surprisingly. He was dressed rather professionally and looked pretty frustrated as well. Was this something he had to look forward to when he became a model?

Sasuke's lips curled into an irritated sneer. "I don't know dobe. Perhaps it has something to do with your phone being disconnected for the past ten hours. I've been trying to contact you all day you air head, and I finally decided to see what the hell you were doing here." Sasuke growled, placing both hands at his hiss and glaring at Naruto with the most stern of looks. NNaruto inwardly cringed at the scene and chuckled nervously. He totally forgot...or didn't realize it at the time he did it.

"Oh really? Sorry about that teme..." He half laughed. "So um...did you have something you had to say? I'm kind of in a hurry." Naruto mentioned rudely.

Sasuke's eyes subtly ran along the boys form. "I can tell that dobe. Your shirt is inside out and you’re wearing two different pairs of socks..." Sasuke pointed out blandly. This idiot, he couldn't believe he had bothered defending him just yesterday. And hell he was going through all this trouble just to tell him he 'didn't' get the position and would in fact need his guidance for the next few weeks.

Naruto glanced down at his appearance and sighed. Stupid teme and his keen eye for crap like this, Naruto huffed inwardly. He gripped his shirt quickly at the hem and lifted it over his form where he stood. It caught Sasuke off guard for a moment and he stepped back, a light tinge of pink, barely noticeable to the naked eye graced his cheeks. He was just about to question the blonde on his action when he sudden saw Naruto turn it right-side out again and slip it back on. How stupid he had been to even think for a second that the runt would be stripping right before him without a cause. Though the thought was very...intriguing at the moment.

"Anything else teme?" Naruto prodded, glancing at his wrist as if he had a watch there and was glaring at it. Sasuke rolled his eyes at the boy's impatience after he had waited practically the whole day to tell him something.

"For one thing Na-ru-to, my name is Sasuke. I thought we established a code of introduction already. But that is not what I came here to inform you. I'm sure you were wondering about the results of yesterday's interview, though you don't seem too interested when you don't answer the phone." Sasuke added with emphasis. "I hate to be the one to tell you this, but..." He started out in a sarcastic voice, obviously not caring too much about upsetting Naruto with this. "Orochimaru refuses to have you represent him in the near future as long as you remain as inexperienced as you are." Sasuke didn't wait long for Naruto to absorb this new information before continuing. "He suggested you get a personal trainer and have your act together which in the next two weeks before trying out again."

The Uchiha watched carefully as blue orbs smoldered with disappointment and wonder, directed toward the ground in thought. "I see...but where does he expect me to get a trainer? I don't even have enough money for that sort of thing..." Naruto explained; his voice had softened with remorse. And though Sasuke had previous taken a liking to prolonging other's suffering, h could not bare for some reason, to see this young blond in such dismay over insignificant matters like this.

"That's why I volunteered to teach you." Sasuke mumbled somewhat lowly. Instantly Naruto's head rose, staring curiously up at the other. Already Sasuke could read the 'what' evident in the other's eyes. "You don't have so much time and I would hate to miss the chance to kick your ass in something you enjoy." He smirked proudly and crossed his arms. "So I'm going to make sure you are good enough to go against me dobe. If you have a problem with that then I will gladly insist you go find someone else who can. But like you said, you have no connections and you certainly wouldn't have enough money to hire a good enough professional for the job.”

A minute went by as Naruto calculated the information. Before Sasuke had a chance to tease him anymore, he saw a bright and dazzling smile come over the other's face. How the hell did he manage to change so quickly?! Sasuke was astonished by it all and was left speechless when Naruto suddenly tackled him with a hug. "Thanks so much teme!" He chirped ecstatically, his eyes wrapping securely around Sasuke's pale neck. Sasuke didn't have it in him to punch the blond in the face for being such an idiot, but he did however shove him off quickly so he wouldn't be laying on the dirty ground any longer than he had to. "Ops, sorry, I mean Sasuke." Naruto quickly corrected, thinking that was his only mistake.

Sasuke dusted himself off a bit as he stood. "Forget it. Didn't you say you had somewhere to be?"

"Oh yeah!" Naruto gasped, climbing up clumsy. "What time is it; maybe I can still make it by seven?"

A puzzled looked came over Sasuke's face. "Seven? What are you talking about dobe? Its spring you idiot, push your clock forward." He brushed up his sleeve and looked down at his watch. "It's nearly eight now." Sasuke replied.

"What?!" Naruto hissed. Today was seriously not his day. "I got to go, see you later Sasuke!" He didn't give Sasuke the time to reply back before he slammed the door closed behind him and rushed down the stairs and started out for Shimasu. "Please don't be mad Iruka..." he whispered to himself.

The sun had set fully behind the horizon before Naruto reached his destination. He had to stop at the entrance and catch his breath for a moment. His hands clasped tightly on his knees as he slowly drew in a few most needed breaths. He made it, but there was no telling if Iruka was still there. Sure Naruto had a tendency of being late on some occasions, but Iruka could have gotten frustrated by it this time and just gave up, which Naruto dearly wished against. After regaining his previous demeanor, Naruto confidently stepped inside. As was expected for a place Iruka chose to each, the restaurant had many waiters and fancy dining tables with elegant table clothes and candles above them. He sighed, it would not be enjoyable anyway to watch him and Kakashi make out in the darkness while t hey waited for their meals.

Naruto trotted up to a man stationed at a booth to take up reservation. "Could you take me to the Hatake party?" Naruto asked. The man smugly glanced down at his list and shook his head.

"I'm sorry there is no reservation under that name here tonight. If you would like, I could assign one..." he flipped through the book carefully. "One month from today."

Naruto smiled reluctantly and waved it off. "No, thanks anyway" He replied before heading for the exit. Maybe he heard Iruka wrong and went to the wrong restaurant or perhaps the two had already left. Whatever the case, Naruto was discouraged after coming all the way here just to be turned away. Just as he was making his exit he noted a familiar figure in the distance traveling down the sidewalk. He blinked curiously, could that be...?

"That's right. I have it all taken care of. He will no longer be any trouble to you after tonight..." A cool and intimidating voice whispered into the phone before suavely hanging up. Coal eyes were suddenly enticed to turn when a voice broke from the distance. "Itachi!" the excited and almost annoying tone cheered, catching the man's attention. He stopped and turned on his heels to see a panting blond boy trotting after him in a hurry. His brow rose suspiciously and he slipped away his phone. "Do I know you?" He asked seriously. Apparently the boy had taken that question to offense since his happiness dwindled instantly beneath disbelief and anger. Itachi couldn't care less though; he had other matters to attend to than connecting old faces with names.

"What are you talking about?!" Naruto growled. "It's me Naruto! We road the subway yesterday!" He exclaimed anxiously, trying to make a point. Surely Itachi was joking with him. No one had that bad of memory, did they? But as Naruto waited and watched the contemplation run over the other's face proved to Naruto that apparently it was so.

"Ah, yes the wanna-be-model boy." Itachi suddenly replied nonchalantly. The words came as vicious stab to Naruto's ego at the reply. Was that really called for, he thought with a whimper? "Sorry kid, you just have a forgettable face." Itachi pointed out in as just a heartless none. Stab again. Naruto's shoulders lowered a bit. So much for being a model if no one could even remember his face or his name even after making a promise to look out for it.

"Oh, well...sorry to bother you..." Naruto muttered sheepishly. Itachi wasn't one to take back what he said or did, but it was quite clear the boy was hurt by his truthful statements. Perhaps it would be better if he could lessen the blow he had made.

"Don't take it so personally kid." Itachi blandly replied. "I don't often associate myself with a lot of people in a friendly way." He tried to explain. It didn't seem to be helping a whole lot since the boy looked just as saddened by his words. This was seriously beginning to aggravate Itachi. He could only take so much of other's troubling presence and he had work to do. "Look kid, I have somewhere to be so if it's that important to you, I'll make it up to you. Want a drink or something?" He offered.

Naruto looked up at Itachi in silence for a moment, trying to think it over. Truthfully he wasn't as hurt as he played off to be. He knew how to take criticism like that. He was so use to cruel names from his neighbors that hearing it from others didn't bother him too much. It had only been discouraging because Itachi had been the one to promise to keep a look out for his instant fame but ended dup forgetting him in less than a whole day.

Just as Naruto was about to decline Itachi's very generous offer a horribly terrifying roar erupted from his belly. The blond could not help making an embarrassed and sour expression to the loud distraction his stomach had just played. But he had missed eating all day because he slept, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to take Itachi up on that offer now that he thought about it. Itachi seemed to be aware of every though that traveled through the blonds mind for he grabbed Naruto's wrist casually and tugged him along with him.

"I have business to get to, but I don't mind taking you along as you stay out of trouble." He insisted sternly. He was no fool. He knew how much trouble Naruto could be if he were to interfere with any of his 'work'. Naruto was speechless as he was dragged long. He assumed Itachi was the straightforward type, but to act without any regard for others that was a whole different story. Before long Naruto found himself standing at the entrance to the most popular club in the city: The Silver Tempest. But what were they doing there?! Naruto was sure it was not really a restaurant so finding a meal here was not exactly up to par with what he was hoping to get. And what type of business could Itachi possibly have here? He never figured Itachi for the partying type; then again he could be an important investor here. This went along with Naruto’s view of the other a lot more.

Itachi paid admittance and lead the teen through a large mob of dancers where they finally reached the bar. Naruto looked on in awe as the customers fluidly gyrated across the floor and along each others' bodies. He wouldn't admit it, but this was his first time ever being inside a place like this; more because of his finance rather than companions. He was sure if he made the right rights he could get into a place like this with no problem.

Amused coal eyes fell on the flabbergasted blond as Itachi took his seat at a stool. It was pretty funny seeing how out of nature Naruto looked being here. But going into modeling, Itachi would have guessed Naruto was use to this type of lifestyle. "You might want to sit down and stop gawking if you don't want to make it completely obvious you are new to the club scene." Itachi pointed out subtly, facing back to the counter. Naruto snapped out of his blind stupor and quickly plopped down in a seat beside Itachi and spun around.

"I wasn't gawking..." He clarified confidently. Itachi raised a brow in suspicion. "I-I was studying...you know...um, getting to see what types of people are here." Naruto lied unconvincingly. Itachi had the urge to laugh at the boy's attempt.

"So am I to believe you aren't hungry for food at all but rather for company to keep in bed with you?" Itachi offered tauntingly. He watched a tint of red flush over the usually tan skin of the boy and he couldn't contain a brief chuckle. "It is a wonder why you are still pure my dear Naruto. There is no telling when a vulture will come and scoop you up by the neck." Itachi cooed. He balanced his chin in the palm of his hand as he leaned on the counter. He order drinks for them both before Naruto had a chance to address the meal issue. Of course Itachi had order himself an alcoholic beverage while he was considerate enough to get Naruto a virgin Shirley Temple.

Naruto grabbed his cup anxiously as it was presented to him. "So Itachi, what do you actually do for business?" He asked absentmindedly, sipping at his cherry soda that reminded Itachi so much of a child.

Itachi took a haste gulp of his drink before answering. "I'm in the family business..." he replied as though there was nothing left to say. Yet Naruto looked at him expectantly. Smirking, Itachi continued. "I guess you could say I'm a ruthless killer..." He hinted. "After all tax collectors can be such vicious people." He chuckled, watching Naruto's face turn from a sickly pale to an annoyed and humiliated red.

"Don't scare me like that!" Naruto hissed, shoving Itachi lightly in the arm. "Your voice just at that moment really did sound heartless." He shuddered holding his side, giving Itachi great pleasure in seeing. "But it must really suck to be you. I know I couldn't stand having so many people that hated me for a job." Naruto insisted. Listening to his own words he hesitated in motion for a moment. "At least it would be better than having them hate you for being yourself..." He underlined.

Itachi didn't care enough to dig deep into the tone he had just heard and decided to move past it. He glanced at his watch, giving a stale frown before rising from his seat. "I'll be right back. Order whatever you want Naruto, it's all on me." He replied before heading off into the crowd. Naruto watched him leave blankly and finally grinned widely as he took up a menu and started to order all the food that sounded appetizing to him.

Itachi's cold and desolate eyes scanned the room intensely as if he was expecting to find a familiar face. A sting of delight and satisfaction overcame him as his special guess came into view. A rather heavy built man with grizzled brown hair and unloving dark eyes moved past a few loitering adults. He stood out about as much as cat in a bird preserve. The dull gray business suit he wore was clearly not up to par with all the flamboyant cot tail dresses and shinny dress shirts moving about the building. Itachi moved toward the form rapidly but with a casual overtone.

Apparently his target was growing weary of the evening and retreated to the bathrooms, unknowing that he had a dark shadow on his tail. The man sighed heavily as he stepped into the empty restroom and made his way over to the sink. He leaned over and sprinkled a bit of water onto his face before wiping away the dampness with a paper towel. To his dismay, when he stood straight and glanced back into the mirror ahead of him he saw a most unpleasant figure. "I-Itachi!" He gasped, turning around sharply and staring on in fear at the fierce eyes that glared back at him.

He wasn't given the time to demand an explanation before he felt a thin and strong wire wrap firmly round his neck. He stumbled to the floor, trying to slip out from under it, but Itachi followed him to the floor, pulling ever harder the more the man struggled. "It's a real shame Hiroshima that you couldn't keep filthy nose out of other's business. We just can't afford to have you around anymore..." Itachi cackled in an icy voice. The man's eyes widened beyond belief.

"Y-you...devil..." He mouthed between gasp and chokes of breath. The last scene he ever saw was malicious swirling eyes, burning into his mind like the fiery pits of hell itself. With eyes like this; filled with such blood thirst, one could easily mistake the usually jet black orbs for crimson.

Itachi's lips curved upward out of pure enjoyment as the form went limp quickly. He stood up, brushing himself off and slipped the wire back into his pocket before strolling out of the bathroom as though nothing had happened. He considered it such a shame he couldn't have any real fun. But he had commands from the high up, not to leave a blood trail to himself and so he made sure to keep it clean this time.

He stepped out and slowly made his way back over to the bar where Naruto was pigging out on an assortment of appetizers and desserts. Odd that he didn't order any actual meals. But that was the last thing Itachi needed to bother himself with. "Come Naruto. I have work to do" he told the teen sternly, merely grabbing the blond by the forearm and laying down enough cash to provide for the cost and a tip.

"What? But I'm not done yet!" Naruto moaned pathetically, reaching back for his abandoned delights. Itachi didn't pay him any heed and dragged him straight for the exit. "Itachi, wait, come on!" He tried to persuade, but Naruto was never really good with words. He wasn't trying to be selfish since he knew Itachi was taking time out from important matters to feed him but if he was going to it, then he should at least finish the charity before running off. Naruto huffed and tugged against the hand around him once they were outside the club walls. "You sure seem to be in a rush all of a sudden..." He grumbled, walking defiantly behind Itachi.

Itachi merely ignored the boy's belly-aching. But he could not so easily excuse the sudden earth-shattering screams from inside that came just moments after they had made it out. Itachi cursed inwardly. He hoped no one would go in the bathroom for at least another minute or two.

"What was that?!" Naruto gasped, turning back for the building. The blond was just about to run off to check before he felt a rough jerk of his arm from Itachi. "What are you doing?!" Naruto growled as he was suddenly pulled so that he was facing Itachi. The next moment was a blank to Naruto as he soon found he had been pulled into Itachi arms. Soft lips suddenly crashed against his own, causing his eyes to widen. The instinct to pull away melted faintly from the blonde's mind as he felt a haze of black come over his vision and his shoulder oddly stung with a sharp pain. "Ita-..." Naruto could barely say before he fell limp in the other's arms...

To Be Continued...

A/N: Yay another chapter up! I wanted to have it in sooner but I was busy this spring break. I really hope you all liked it. And the suspense must be killing you. *snicker* but you will just have to wait, lol. Anyway thank you to those who reviewed so far! Every review is another spark keeping my fiery passion for writing alive! Without it my inspiration would be lost. I'll update soon!
"What was that?!" Naruto gasped, turning back for the building. The blond was just about to run off to check before he felt a rough jerk of his arm from Itachi. "What are you doing?!" Naruto growled as he was suddenly pulled so that he was facing Itachi.