Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Only One For Me ❯ What Happens In Konoha Stays In Konoha ( Chapter 1 )

The Only One For Me

 

 

Konoha

 

Naruto looked out at his sleeping town as he watched the first hints of the dawn creeping over the horizon. He had spent another sleepless night in the office of the Hokage trying to figure a way out of civil war. Ever since he had succeeded Tsunade as Hokage their had been a faction of rebels that were opposed to the carrier of the kuyuubi being in control. Try as he might it to figure out the best solution it just wasn't coming to him, maybe Sasuke had been right maybe he just wasn't cut out to be Hokage. Standing there silently he somberly recalled the memory of what his once rival/ best friend had uttered to him before disappearing into the woods. From the information that had been gathered the teme was now Orochimaru's number one. Sighing in disgust he once more focused on the dawn hoping to wash out the painful recollections. He wondered if he would ever be the same again, for certain he would never go back to his carefree days but he did hope that one day he would be able to love once more.

 

 

* Flashback *

 

“Sasuke!” Naruto ran after the black haired teen as fast as he could, he knew that if he did not reach him then he would be lost to Konoha forever. “Damn it Sasuke stop!” Jumping through the branches he let his body carry him the few short feet to land in front of Sasuke and block his path. The dark haired teen drew to a halt at the sight of Naruto blocking the way, running his hand through his locks he sighed in resignation knowing he was not going to be able to leave without trouble as he had planned. Looking into the blue eyes before him he was surprised to see tears welling up, and in their depths he saw a mixture of anger, betrayal, hurt, and love. “Why Sasuke? Why do you feel you need to leave?” The blond whispered, which in itself was enough to prove to him how serious Naruto was. Naruto never whispered he was naturally loud. “You wouldn't understand dobe.” Trying to decide on how to get around him he was surprised at the left hook that came out of nowhere and connected with his face. Stumbling so hard he found he could not keep his balance and landed on the ground hard. In an instant the blond was on top of him yanking him up by his shirt shaking him in his anger as the crystalline tears slid down his face. “ I wouldn't understand? I of all people understand more than you know! Watching everyone else grow up with loving families to support them in everything they did! Watching them go to a home where they were welcomed with love and acceptance, while I was shunned! People turned their backs on me or looked right through me! Never once did I have someone waiting for me when I went home night after night to the same cold lonely room! Understand? I understand that I have always lived a solitary existence with no one to hold me as I cried my pain and heartache out night after night. No one there to tell me that I wasn't worthless, a monster, some one that couldn't ever be trusted! Until I met you! You, the only one to ever make me feel like I counted for something, that maybe one day I could actually achieve my goal to become Hokage! As long as I had you I felt like I could accomplish anything! So what now? You are going to leave without even saying a word? Just because that snake promises that if you go with him you will have the power to kill Itachi?”

 

 

 

Sasuke watched as the blond let the tears fall unheeded down his face to land on his shirt forming dark wet spots. “Like I said dobe you don't understand. He offers me the ability to avenge my family sooner, if I keep going the way I am now I will never become any stronger.”

 

 

Looking down at him Naruto could not believe his ears, Sasuke was really going to go. He was just going to leave. Nothing that they had shared over the years was going to stop him. He froze at Sasuke's next statement, “As for you becoming Hokage, it will never happen. The elders won't allow it and even if they did you really think that you wouldn't meet with fierce opposition from the villagers? Knowing what you are they would never go for it, they would never allow some monst…you to become their leader.” Naruto's heart cracked at his words, he really thought that Naruto was a monster? “So… you are the same… you think just like they do? That I am a monster?”

 

 

Sasuke wished he could rip out his own tongue for his stupid slip up of words; his own heart was breaking to see the anguish in the blue eyes he loved so much. Raising his hand to the face above his own he was startled when Naruto flinched away from his touch and stood backing away. “Naruto I…I didn't mean it. I just… it came out wrong…” “No Sasuke I think you said exactly what you meant. I am sorry I thought you were different from everyone else. I just thought that you understood me… I guess I was wrong…” His voice cracked on these last words as he watched Sasuke stand. He stepped aside so that Sasuke could pass bowing his head trying to salvage what little pride he had left. “Naruto I…” Sasuke searched his mind for the words when he heard Naruto whisper once more, “If this is what you truly want Sasuke then I can not stop you. As much as I love you I can not change what you feel you need to do…and after what you said I am not sure I want to…”

 

 

Sasuke could not help his heart skipping a beat as he listened to what Naruto said. Naruto loved him? “Naruto…come with me…” He stepped forward tentatively reaching out his hand reaching for the blond. He stopped when his eyes met blue, the look of hurt and anger there was too much for him and he let his hand fall back to his side. “Keh like I would want a dobe like you under foot any ways.” With that he turned and sped off before Naruto could see the tears in his own eyes.

 

 

* Flash forward two years. *

 

Naruto let the scroll fall from his hands as his heart raced. His mind stuck on one name. Sasuke. He was alive and apparently he was now Orochimaru's number one highly trained assassin. As if that wasn't enough Naruto's heart sank at the last passage of Shino's missive.

 

It seems that he is not only a murderer who doesn't distinguish between age and gender but he is also Orochimaru's favored pet. It is said he will go to any lengths to keep his master happy. I am sorry Hokage but you must allow your heart to close to him, he is lost to us. I have seen it in his eyes myself when he killed Chouji without even batting an eye. If it weren't for Kiba's quick thinking we all would have been killed.

 

 

Maybe it was the fact that his world seemed to have stopped or that he was too stunned to be aware of anything out side of the words echoing in his head. What ever it was he never heard the window open, in fact the strongest ninja in Konoha did not even register the sense of someone else in the room until the intruder spoke.

 

 

“ So it appears you have learned of his exploits?” Naruto's head snapped around to eye the ninja who stood by his window. “Itachi what business do you have with me?” He couldn't suppress the shudder when he saw the other mans predatory smile. He watched as Itachi made his way to stand directly in front of him. He grabbed the other mans hand however when he tried to lay it on his face. “I will not ask you again.” Itachi simply smiled before letting his hand drop, “So what do you think of my dear little brother? It seems when Orochimaru found he could not have me he turned to the next best thing, Sasuke.” He watched the myriad of emotions play upon the blonde's face, “So why does that bring you here Itachi? You have come to face your death for the murder of your family is that it?” He was startled how ever when the elegant dark haired man threw his head back and laughed. “You really think after all these years and especially after that letter that I am the one responsible for their deaths? No it was never I who killed them I only took the blame out of brotherly love.” Naruto flinched, as Itachi seemed to spit the last statement out as though it were venom in his mouth. “ No I didn't kill them, it was Sasuke, little Sasuke, the one who father thought would never develop into anything more than a chunnin. You can imagine his surprise when Sasuke finally allowed the Magenkyo Sharingan to come to life. He took great pleasure in plunging them all into a world of hell and watching them rip each other to shreds. I came in as he finished off our parents, my mothers last words were for me to look out for my little brother. As if he wasn't the one who had plunged the kunai through her back. Then I watched as the life faded from her eyes and Sasuke seemed to come awake from a dream.” Naruto watched the tears form in the eyes of the man he had believed to be one of the worst criminals alive. “Then why did you tell Sasuke to become strong enough to kill you?” The laughter that followed was hollow as Itachi finished his tale. “In my grief I had promised my mother to look out for him, because of my honor I couldn't very well kill him even though at the time I wanted nothing more. I knew in that moment that there would come a day when we would confront each other once more and I would have to take his life. I allowed him to live praying that it was just his lack of control that had caused him to spill so much blood that day, choosing to take the blame for a crime I was not guilty of out of a misguided sense of duty. Now that has changed, seeing him with Orochimaru brought back the pain of that day. Two months ago I had an encounter with him and voiced my thoughts of his lack of control,” pausing there he turned back to Naruto once more. “ Do you know what he said then?” Letting the tears fall Itachi did not hold back his rage, “The bastard actually laughed at my naiveté! He had never lost control he said… he had done it just to see if he could! If he could actually become the strongest in our clan despite what father believed. It was all done on a whim. Yes he has grown stronger to kill me, but not out of vengeance, no he wants to kill me because I am the only surviving member of our clan besides him. Because I know the truth that he does not want to let out.” Naruto could only stare at him, as he stood there bathed in the moonlight a lone stoic figure of grief. Not something Naruto had ever pictured him to be. “So how do I know you are telling the truth? How do I know this isn't some ploy of the Akatsuki to overthrow me as Hokage and gain the Kuyuubi?” Itachi looked back at him then, “If you must know the truth then call Kakashi here. He can peer into my memories with his incomplete Sharingan, he will know whether or not I am lying.”

 

 

 

Naruto considered this, as he looked into the crimson eyes so similar to the ones he had fallen in love with what seemed like so many years ago. “You would submit yourself to this willingly? You know that if Kakashi does a mind sweep on you he will most likely uncover Akatsuki secrets as well. If he does that I will be forced to act against them and they will know that you have betrayed them.” He watched as Itachi seemed to consider this, “I know that but if it will clear my name I will gladly do it. I would ask but one thing in return. My teammate Kisami has been there for me since I left, I would ask of you that he be allowed to accompany me back here.” Naruto considered this for a moment, the shark like nin would definitely provide a strong addition to the village how ever he would have to find a way to keep the peace in Konoha should he allow it. “Very well I will concede to this however I will hold you personally responsible for his behavior. I will give you one day to retrieve your teammate and meet me back here in this office for the mind sweep. Oh and Itachi should you fail to pass Kakashi's mind sweep know that I will personally end your existence.” The Nin said nothing in reply just smiled in his usual predatory way and slipped quietly back into the night.

 

 

Itachi was as good as his word; he and Kisami had showed up in his office at precisely twenty-four hours from the last time. When Kakashi had done what was necessary he had them placed in a room outside his office to wait. Looking into the eyes of his former sensei he saw the brutal truth of Itachi's words reflected back. There were few he allowed to see his humanity and the man looking so hopelessly sorry in front of him was one. He trusted Kakashi with his life and if he said Itachi was honest then there could be no doubt in his heart. “Why? How could he have lied all these years? How could I have not known?” Kakashi strode forward quickly to catch him as suddenly all his strength left his body. “Hokage…Hokage!” Looking down he saw the blue eyes roll back as Naruto's form went completely limp. “Shino! Kiba! Quick in here now!” Standing with the slight form in his arms he turned as four figures burst in, it was Itachi who spoke first. “You two morons go and get Sakura and Kakashi take him to his quarters.” Shocked at the ninja's take charge demeanor Kakashi could do nothing but comply not surprised when Itachi followed him down the hall. Finally reaching his room Kakashi laid his beloved pupil on the bed and was a bit perturbed when Itachi shoved him aside. Ready to pounce on him he stopped when the shark man stepped in between them. “ He is simply determining the cause of his collapse, your Hokage will not come to any harm.” Kakashi stilled at the quietly spoken words and instead studied what Itachi was doing.

 

 

Itachi lifted Naruto's arm feeling for the pulse of his heart, finding it beating alarmingly fast he then pulled open one of his eyes to study the pupil there. Finding it dilating he registered how thin Naruto felt when he had grasped his wrist. With the strength the man exuded you would never suspect the frailty that lie underneath. The truth of the matter was Itachi was worried about him. He had told the truth when he said that he had wanted to clear his name but he had held back as to why. He was in love with the sleight man who lay before him and he would do anything in his power to have Naruto as his own. “My god when was the last time he ate or slept?! Who is his retainer?” Kakashi stiffened under the rage filled crimson gaze that followed the statement. “I believe that Naruto has Konohamaru attending him, I will summon him at once.” Leaving the room he reappeared with the young man only moments later. Upon noticing the nervous chunnin Itachi addressed his concerns once more. “ Tell me boy when was the last time you saw your Hokage eat or sleep?” His eyes narrowed at the nervous reaction to his question. “Well you see… that is… I told him this would happen! He has refused my pleas for him to rest or eat for five days now. He kept telling me he was fine and to leave well enough alone. I left him a tray of food earlier today but when I came to check on him and whether or not he had eaten he was in meetings and could not be disturbed. Growling in his anger Itachi spoke once more. “Well then it would seem that you are not fit to be his attendant if you can not get him to do that.” Looking once more at the still form on the bed he was praying to every god and goddess he could think of to keep him safe.

 

 

 

It was at that moment that Sakura burst into the room swiftly making her way to his bedside. After examining him the same way as Itachi she then did a chakra scan to see how his levels were. They were not good; she snapped orders for an IV and medical supplies to be brought at once to Moegi. When she turned back to the figure upon the bed she began to channel her chakra into him until the girl returned. She didn't understand it, how could Naruto have let himself go so completely? He was always so strict in his own training and nutrition. Once everything was set up she hooked him into the IV and stood up. “He will undoubtedly sleep for a good while so I suggest whatever it was you were all here for will have to wait. I have done all I can but he is still not very responsive. It is going to be up to him whether or not he regains consciousness. I say this because when I was channeling chakra to him it was as if his very soul were trying to shut me out and hinder me.”

 

 

 

Kakashi decided he would need to let Iruka know some of what was going on and there in lay his dilemma. He could summon one of his Nin dogs but he would rather speak to his beloved dolphin in person. It just didn't seem right to do otherwise in this situation. How ever some one needed to stay with Naruto and he wasn't entirely sure whom it should be. If they had any chance at all in getting him to fight to remain alive it would need to be someone that the blond would respond to. Looking back at Itachi once more he didn't need to voice anything as the dark haired youth nodded. “Kiba, Shino stand guard outside the Hokage's chambers. Kisame if you would be kind enough to stand guard outside his quarters I need to brief a few people on his condition.” Kakashi was pleased to see the shark Nin follow his orders after Itachi inclined his head. “Go Kakashi, he will be in good hands here.” Kakashi quietly pondered this and remembered the love he had encountered in the mind of the young man before nodding and disappearing in a puff of smoke.

 

 

 

Once they were alone Itachi allowed his emotions to reflect upon his face. Bringing his hand up he traced the blond Nins lips with his fingers and sighed. “You must take better care of yourself than this my love.” His breathing hitched when he heard what Naruto uttered in his delirium, “Sasuke…s'you…don't go…love you…m not a monster…um back…” He had started twisting with these words; trying to calm him Itachi placed his hand upon his forehead and immediately the blond relaxed. Itachi could not help the sharp pain that twisted in his heart at Naruto's words and then he became angry. Sasuke would not have him! Of that he would make sure, the blond would belong to him mind body and soul.

 

 

 

 

 

Kakashi stopped just outside Iruka's apartment door, hesitating he took a deep breath before going inside. “Kashi is that you? I'm almost done grading these papers, and when I'm done I hope you are thoroughly prepared to ravish…” His voice trailed off as he caught sight of Kakashi. Something was wrong, he could see it in the way his love held himself. “What is it Kashi?” When the man did not answer he stood and wrapped his arms around him. When Kakashi began to tremble he became frightened, Konoha's famous copy-nin did not tremble. Nothing scared him. So whatever it was if it could bring so strong a man to display his fear Iruka was not sure he wanted to know. After some time Kakashi's trembling subsided and he pulled back to look at his dolphin. Pulling the mask and the Hitae ate off he sat upon the couch behind him. Reaching up he tugged the other man down to sit across his lap and sighed. “Ruka…there's no easy way to say this…” strengthening his resolve he looked the chunnin in the eyes once more. “It's Naruto; he has collapsed from a combination of lack of sleep, malnutrition, and stress. Sakura thinks that he may not wake up unless he has a reason to, she says it is almost as if he has lost the will to live…” Noticing the widening of his lover's eyes he waited for the reaction to come. “That can not be Kashi… I just saw him yesterday…he was smiling, laughing even!” Suddenly he jumped up from the silver haired Jounnin's lap, “There is no help for it! I must go see him now! I can't let him do this to himself! What could have brought this on? He hasn't been seen without a smile since…” pausing the truth of his thoughts startled him, “since Sasuke.” He almost whispered. “Tell me this has some connection to him doesn't it? Tell me Kakashi what has he done to my boy this time? I will not stand for this anymore, I will go and bring the wretch back! I can not go on seeing Naruto destroy himself with guilt over that BOY'S own decision!” Kakashi stopped him mid stride with his words before the gentle Nin could even make it to the kitchen, “There is more Iruka but I think it would be better if Naruto told you himself. Right now he can not do that so until then you will do nothing.” He quietly waited to see how his most precious person would take this; his heart skipped a beat when he saw the tears beginning to run freely down Iruka's face. Standing he went and took him in his arms and began kissing the tears away, “Oh Ruka, he'll pull through! You and I both know that boy too well to believe he would just give up on life. He will fight! He will get better and when he does you, he, and I will share a bowl of ramen together just like we used to!” He silently prayed he was right when he felt Iruka's shoulder's shake with the force of his sobs. One thing was for certain, with all he had learned this night, if Sasuke ever dared to show his face to him ever again he would kill the boy with or without Naruto's permission. He had very few people in this town that knew him and loved him with all of his flaws, Naruto and Iruka were the top two on his list. He couldn't remember clearly what kind of family life he had before the betrayal of his mother and the death of his father. He had come to look at Iruka and Naruto as his family, a family he would do anything to protect.

 

 

 

* Flash forward one month. *

 

 

Naruto was out in his private yard training again. He had lost a lot of strength being out of it for two and a half weeks and he was determined to gain it back. As the Hokage of Konoha he could not be seen as weak, he needed to be stoic and strong. He stiffened when he felt Itachi's presence in the yard with him. The man was becoming troublesome as Shikamaru would say. He had not left Naruto's side since that night, and in truth Naruto was a bit perplexed and perturbed by this. He had been annoyed when he had found out that Itachi had dismissed Konohamaru as his attendant and had taken those duties upon himself. In fact he had even threatened to tie him to a bed and force him to eat and sleep if he did not do it himself. Stopping in mid Kata he sighed realizing his mind had wandered to far to continue in his training. “What is it you need Itachi?” Turning he grabbed the towel offered to him by the servant standing to the side patiently. One look from Itachi sent the man scurrying back into the fortress. Once they were alone the dark haired Nin made his way to stand in front of Naruto. Without any warning at all he had gripped Naruto and pulled his mouth to his for a kiss. When the blond opened his mouth to protest the other man shoved his tongue inside. Itachi explored the mouth joined to his as if he were a starving man and this were his first meal in months. When he pulled back his heart was racing, looking into the shocked blue eyes of his heart he was stunned when Naruto slapped him. Hard. His heart hardened at the blonde's words, “How dare you! You have no right to accost me Itachi, you are lucky I do not kill you for this!” Now it was his turn to be angry, “ No right? No right when I am the one who brought you back from the death you begged for? I will tell you now Naruto know this, you are my hearts one desire and I mean to have you willing or not!” Letting his eyes narrow he turned to leave making it three feet before releasing his parting shot, “Or would you rather your precious people know what a lying murdering snake their beloved missing Uchiha really is? Or maybe they would like to know the depths to which he has sunk to keep Orochimaru pleasured and content?” Letting his statement-hit home he disappeared through the door.

 

 

Naruto could only stare after him in horror. Bringing a shaky hand to bruised lips he mulled over what Itachi had threatened. In his love of Sasuke he had told no one else of the other's betrayals, he had merely stated that new evidence had come to light to clear Itachi of his clan's demise. He could not allow the hurt he knew would be inflicted upon Sakura and Iruka should they discover the truth. He had gone so far as to swear everyone with knowledge of the missing Nin's betrayal to silence punishable by death. Despite that Itachi it seemed would make quite public every detail. Naruto was furious, first he accosted him and now he threatened him, oh he would pay!

 

 

 

Itachi watched from the upstairs window as Naruto stormed towards the entryway below. No doubt about it his little yellow sun was angry, smiling he waited for Naruto to appear. Tonight would be the night, he would have him this night he could wait no longer. He was hoping Naruto would consent but if he didn't then Itachi was not above making good on his threat to expose the truth of his little brother's betrayal. Scowling he could not understand why Naruto still harbored love in his heart for the other man. From everything the younger Uchiha had done by rights Naruto should have renounced his ties to the village publicly. So why did he feel it necessary to hide it? Itachi was sure that even if Naruto loved Sasuke he would not over look his transgressions. So whom was he protecting? Silently pondering this he waited for his lovely sun to appear.

 

 

 

 

Naruto stormed upstairs to his room slamming his door shut behind him. Stopping by his bed he stood there for a moment to catch his breath. Sakura had been right, he was going to be out of sorts for a while. Deciding to cool off he stripped his clothes off and made his way to the bathroom. Stepping inside the shower he let the hot spray engulf him and almost instantly his muscles began to relax. Leaning his hands against the wall he hung his head merely letting the water slide over his body as he reevaluated the kiss Itachi had given him. It had been punishing to be sure but it had also stirred something inside of him. It was because of that that he had struck him, he had feared what he did not understand because for all his worldly experience Naruto was a virgin in the ways of sex. That's right the kiss he had just received was only his second, the first having gone to Sasuke back when they were still gennin and still hated rivals. Closing his eyes he let the remembered sensations of the kiss wash over him once more. Almost immediately he felt an answering response in his abdomen once more. Taking one hand he brought it down to where the sensations seemed to be centered. Using a light grip he began to stroke himself going slow at first but speeding up when he felt an urgency to the sensations. It was picturing a naked Itachi that pushed him over the edge and he came hard releasing a loud groan. Naruto had just masturbated for the first time in twenty-four years of life.

 

 

 

Itachi bided his time as he had Naruto's dinner brought into the Hokage's office. Deciding he would wait until around the time he knew Naruto was at his most vulnerable he called Kisame to him. When the blue Nin appeared he set into motion his plans to have the blond to himself all night. Going to the roof he began to practice his own Kata until the moon had risen in the sky. He used the towel he had laid out to wipe the sweat from his face and grabbed the bottle of water quickly drinking it down.

 

 

 

 

His senses became alert when he felt another presence on the roof. Turning he looked to his right and saw of all people Sasuke standing there regarding him with a cold hatred shimmering in his eyes. “Why have you come brother?” He waited for the younger man to answer and felt his body automatically going into a defensive stance. “I have come to take Naruto.” Itachi let the rage flare inside when he heard the statement. The teme actually thought after everything he had done that he still had some type of right to the blond? Over his dead body would he allow him near the Hokage! “You should leave brother, you have no business here.” Sasuke sneered in response, “I suppose you think you can keep me from him? I must be honest I had thought to let you keep your life a while longer but if that's the case I will end it now.” With that he leapt into action aggressively attacking his brother while awakening the sharingan inside. Itachi released his own sharingan in defense while parrying the blows and dodging the kicks Sasuke was aiming towards him. When his brother disappeared and reappeared behind him he was not ready for it and as a result Sasuke landed a strong blow to his back and he flew sliding across the roof.

 

 

 

 

When his momentum slowed to a stop he wondered why it was that his brother had not closed in for the kill and looked up. What he saw made his heart skip, Naruto had blocked the killing blow. He watched in horror as blood slid down the blonde's arm to slowly drip on the stone. The kunai his brother had meant for him had become embedded in Naruto's shoulder. “Why have you come back Sasuke?” He heard the words as if in a dream, Sasuke must have knocked something loose when he kicked him. “How can you ask that Naruto? You know the only reason I would risk returning is for you.” Naruto never skipped a beat in his response, “There is nothing, I repeat nothing here for you anymore. There might have been two years ago but not now that I know the truth. You see you called me the monster when in all reality it was yourself you were speaking of wasn't it?”

 

 

 

 

Not expecting an answer he watched Sasuke step back with a hurt look upon his face. “Surely you can not believe what this traitor has told you? He is a murderer! How can you not believe me when you know I love you?” Naruto hardened his heart at the words knowing that what needed to be said was going to be hard. Steeling himself for the pain he pulled the kunai out with a sickening pop as it exited and threw it aside, he then gritted his teeth focusing on Sasuke once more. “I had Kakashi do a mind sweep on him with the sharingan Sasuke. I bet you haven't discovered that yet, that you can actually pull the truth of a past event from someone's mind using it. He spoke the truth, and as for you loving me there is no way you can convince me that you even know what that statement means. Why don't you go back to your master before I am forced to kill you?”

 

 

 

Rage flared in the crimson eyes at his words, “Fine Naruto if that is how you want it then I will just have to kill you then won't I? After all I wouldn't want any one else to touch what rightfully belongs to me.” Itachi watched in awe as the two began to battle in earnest, Sasuke was quick but it seemed Naruto was quicker landing more blows than the dark haired Nin. Trying to right himself he watched as Naruto seemed to slow a bit his defensive grabs and offensive moves starting to falter. It was when Sasuke landed a particularly hard jab to the blond head that he realized the wound that the blond had sustained had been deeper than he had originally thought. His eyes confirmed this as he looked down to see the stone spattered all over with Naruto's blood. Using his sharingan he realized that Naruto's chakra was nowhere near where it should be and that the only reason he was still standing was because of the kuyuubi's assistance. He watched almost as if in slow motion as Naruto's form flew to the opposite side of the roof and slid to a stop face down. Trying still to right himself wondering what in the hell Sasuke had really done to him he pulled into a sitting position.

 

 

 

By this time Sasuke was at Naruto's side staring down at the unmoving form, leaning over he grabbed the blond locks pulling his face up, “I suppose if I am going to have to kill you I should at least get my fill to remember you by.” His smile was sinister as he placed a bruising kiss upon bloodstained lips. Releasing his hair he moved behind the blond and pinned him to the ground by blocking the flow of chakra in a few moves that Orochimaru had taught him. Once he was sure these had taken hold he moved to stand over top of him before dropping to his knees and straddling Naruto. Itachi tried shaking the fog from his mind as he watched him lift Naruto's robes and caress the bare ass he had uncovered, “Oh you are so much more than I could have imagined Naruto. I do believe I am going to enjoy this immensely, though I cannot say the same for you. I just wish that I had more time to break you in properly.”

 

 

 

Itachi struggled to release a chakra flare as he helplessly watched Sasuke free his erection and push in between Naruto's cheeks for entrance. All that kept running through his mind was that this could not be happening. He was able to set one off as he heard the heart wrenching scream of the one he held so close to his heart. When he looked back it was to see that Sasuke had penetrated Naruto as painfully as possible. He could only watch helplessly as he pounded away furiously, mindless of the blood that began to pool below Naruto's rear and trickle down his thighs. Itachi tried once more to reach out to the blond as he felt tears now running down his face at this atrocity. Suddenly Sasuke stiffened and released a guttural cry while spilling his seed inside the man that he had professed to love. Leaning over once more he whispered something in Naruto's ear that Itachi could not quite make out. When he took in the shaking of Naruto's form he was enraged. His sun his proud little fiery sun was cowering. Sasuke merely grinned maniacally while stuffing himself back in his pants.

 

 

 

It was at that moment that Kakashi, Shino, Kiba, Shikamaru, and Kisame appeared, Sasuke quickly realizing he would not win in a match of five against one disappeared in a cloud of smoke before any of them could even make a move. Kisame made his way over to Itachi as the others saw to Naruto. He felt Kisame reach down and pinch his back where Sasuke had kicked him and suddenly it was as if the fog he had been drifting in dissipated. Standing he staggered his way to where Naruto lay cowering away from everyone. The blond had really taken a beating, besides the blood from the rape he was still bleeding from the kunai wound he had taken for Itachi. Bending over he noticed a burn on Naruto's shoulder and when he looked closer he was enraged at what he read. That bastard had branded him with the mark of a whore. “Koi please look at me…” he whispered hoping to calm the shaking form down. When he didn't get a response he picked him up and started towards the door. Looking over his shoulder he took in the myriad of expressions he saw on the ninjas faces, rage, horror, and sorrow. “Don't just stand there someone send for Sakura he needs help! Now you idiots before he bleeds to death!”

 

 

 

Sakura could not stop the tears that were running freely as she worked furiously trying to repair Naruto. She was pouring every ounce of her chakra into healing his wounds, the question of who had done this racing around and around in her mind. She knew that he had been weak and the kuyuubi should have been helping in his healing process but with the way he was reacting it was as if he were blocking the fox from trying. She watched silently as Itachi who had not moved from Naruto's side since she had entered leaned over to whisper in his ear. Whatever it was he said had the desired effect as she felt the resistance she kept trying to overcome suddenly disappear. Letting out the breath she had been holding she began her work anew. Finally about two hours later Naruto's heartbeat and chakra levels were normal and the wounds he had sustained seemed to be healing. The only one that did not seem to respond was a burn, and this was odd because it was located on his shoulder where the kunai would have pierced through had it been stabbed in with more force. Every time she started to stare at it however Itachi would speak and draw her attention from it. Finally it dawned on her he did not want her to see what it was, for it was no normal burn mark. It almost seemed as if it was a brand, but why would someone have branded him? Deciding to let the matter rest she finished tying off the bandage she had placed around Naruto's shoulder before standing.

 

 

 

 

She was a bit light headed however and had to grab the wall to steady herself. When she felt a hand on her elbow she turned expecting to find Moegi but was surprised instead to find the blue shark like Nin instead. He seemed to be looking down at her with concern, her thoughts were confirmed when bent to whisper in her ear. “You really should be careful in expelling so much chakra from your body at one time. If you are not careful we would be without one of the loveliest healers I have ever seen.” After quietly stating this she was surprised to feel a flow of chakra envelope her and realized it was coming from him. Her green eyes widened slightly before she blushed a light pink across her nose. Thanking him quietly for his assistance she made her way around the bed to where Itachi was still sitting quietly clasping Naruto's hand to his heart. “I am sorry I used a lot of my chakra to heal him but you have wounds I must tend to as well. I am afraid they will be treated in the old fashioned way though.” He simply nodded allowing her to apply the iodine to the abrasions on his side, when he felt heat on his back where Sasuke had kicked him he looked at her to see what she was doing. “Relax it's just a heat compress, if I am right then whoever did this knew what they were doing and aimed for a chakra point right here. The heat will help it to relax and repair itself naturally.” Smiling softly she finished up by taping the broken ribs he had received and rose to leave once more. When she had reached the door she turned back to the shark Nin. “Kisame was it?” At his nod she finished her statement, “If you would come with me please I have a few things to discuss with you.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

She silently strode down the hall until she had reached the living quarters just beyond the office. When she felt him enter the room she considered how to go about saying what it was she needed to say. “I will be honest with you, because I feel it is necessary for you to have some back ground into Naruto. I have come to love him as a brother over the years and would not see him hurting if there were any way that I could prevent it. When Sasuke left I thought that I would never be able to face another day that I was better off wasting away. It was that annoying blond down the hall that pulled me out of my depression, he came every day no matter what I did to him. It was on my twentieth birthday that he really got to me for the first time. He came over with a card and a cup cake,” pausing she chuckled remembering the day. “He said that I had to get up so that I could go on a picnic with him. I remember thinking he was such an idiot, didn't he realize that Sasuke was gone and was not coming back? I yelled at him then I said so many horrible things but the worst of all was when I called him a monster. It was the first time I ever saw Naruto with out the goofy trademark grin that everyone knew him for. I realized in my self imposed grief I had cut him deeply.” Sighing she looked out the window off to the left, “In the years that we spent together as a team Naruto had come to look at us all as family and there I was calling him the same thing everyone bigot in this village had labeled him. He shut himself off from me then, I tried apologizing knowing my pitiful apology could not take back the blow that I had dealt with my selfishness. I have been trying to make it up to him since. Now you know why I poured so much of my chakra into him in there, it is because he is the best thing to have ever happened to this village even if there are a few who can't see that. Kiba, Shino, Shikamaru, Ino, Lee, Kakashi, Iruka, myself all of us will go to any lengths to make sure that he is not hurt. When we fail it is a hard burden for us to bear, because the only thing that man deserves is true happiness. Maybe you can let Itachi know that I feel that he is what Naruto needs right now. Make no mistake though we will get to the bottom of this and when we find out who exactly did this to him we will all get a turn in his torture. I am also asking if you will be the one to talk to Itachi as he would listen to you? I would be in your debt.” After finishing she lowered her head suddenly finding looking this man in the eye was a bit disconcerting. It seemed as if he could see right through to her very soul.

 

 

 

She looked back up only to find that he had bent his head closer to hers, she watched his lips as he spoke. “I would be honored to discuss this with Itachi seeing as how I know he would want to be aware of this information anyways. As for you being in my debt,” With that he brought his mouth to hers, it was only a light caress of his lips on hers but it sent a jolt through her nonetheless. He pulled back a moment later, “consider your debt paid in full.” After having said this she watched those fascinating lips curl in a smile before she looked back into his eyes. What she saw scared and excited her at the same time, there was a hungry passion searing itself into her gaze before she looked away. Her face felt on fire, deciding she should say something about his forward manner she turned her head back only to find herself alone. As if in a daze she brought her trembling fingers to her lips and quietly made her way to the door leading down and out of the Hokage tower.

 

 

 

Itachi looked up from Naruto's face to the door and watched Kisame walk quietly in. Looking back at Naruto he waited for his friend and companion of the last eight years to speak. “ Sakura has shared some interesting information with me and perhaps when you find you are up to it we could sit down to discuss it.” Itachi nodded, “I will join you as soon as I am able Kisame. I find myself still a bit too enraged to discuss much right now. Sasuke will pay for what he has done today and then he will die.” Kisame smiled to hear this knowing it meant the younger Uchiha would definitely be praying for death when Itachi got a hold of him.

 

 

 

“Why did he brand him?” He saw his friends posture stiffen and then watched the hand trail across the shoulder blade where said brand was located. “ To shame him. It will not work, I will not allow him to feel shame.” Kisame nodded before preparing his next statement carefully, “You do know that you had a similar thing in mind for him tonight.” Cringing under the rage shot in his direction he continued, “I am not saying you would have been so forceful or degrading as this I am just saying that it seems to me that you and your brother are alike in some ways. With that said I will get back to my original train of thought, what does the brand say?” Itachi considered not answering even so this was Kisame and the man could ferret out information where you thought there was none.

 

 

“ He marked him with the brand of an Uchiha whore. It is something leftover from our ancestors that hasn't been used for over a hundred years and to be honest I didn't know he had the knowledge.” Kisame thought about this for a moment and then decided it was now or never for him to find out what exactly it was his best friend felt for this hokage. “What are your intentions Itachi? Do you mean to simply have your fill of him and leave?” In two seconds flat he found himself face down on the floor with Itachi's foot in his back. “My intentions really are none of your concern Kisame, however I am willing to overlook this and tell you that I intend to be with him for a very long time to come. You are lucky I consider you a friend or you would be dead by now.” Once Kisame was able to get up he decided it would be better for him to take up guard duty than to stick around and test Itachi's patience any more.

 

 

 

 

Naruto was floating, he didn't know how nor could he recall where he was, all he knew was that he was floating. He was face up looking upon a sky of blue with not a cloud in sight. Once he realized this it was as if an anchor began to pull him down, when he felt the tugging sensation he immediately rolled to his stomach letting his ninja instincts take over. He hoped he landed softer that he thought he was going to given the rate of speed he was falling at. When he saw the ground rushing up he closed his eyes and prepared for the impact, it never came. Where he had expected to slam into hard ground instead he felt nothing. When he opened his eyes again he found himself lying face down upon a roof. Standing up he dusted himself off and let his gaze sweep his surroundings, he was on the roof of the hokage tower. For some reason that thought brought upon him an irrational fear, he didn't know why he just knew he had to get off of this particular roof. Startled he looked to the right where movement had caught his attention. It was Itachi and it looked like he was heavy into some katas it also looked as if he had been at it for a while judging by the sweat that ran in rivulets down his pale skin. Naruto let his eyes drink in the elegant sight before him, he had never had a chance to observe Itachi while he practiced. He took in the slow preciseness of his movements as well as the fact that the man wore very little in the cool night air. When Itachi had first come he had been suspicious of him to be sure but underneath that he had found a disturbing attraction to him as well. After the other man had kissed him he had found himself wondering what it would be like to be held in his arms all night long instead of just for a few brief moments. He brought his attention back to the man before him as he realized Itachi was finished, he then drank in the sight of him as he drank a full bottle of water. Watching each swallow constrict that pale elegant throat again and again.

 

 

 

He wondered why Itachi had not become aware of his presence when he felt the foreboding aura of another. He watched as Itachi stiffened in acknowledgement as well before turning to the far left corner of the rooftop. “Why have you come brother?” He heard him say and realized it was Sasuke who had appeared, for some reason his fear increased when he looked into the eyes of the man he used to love. He barely heard Sasuke's answer for the pounding of his heart in his ears that seemed to block out all other sound. Then Itachi stiffened in defense as Sasuke came at him, he could only look as the brother's traded blows seemingly frozen in place. Willing himself to move he found his body would not comply with his minds commands. Then in horror he witnessed paralyzed and mute as Sasuke struck a blow to his brother's back at the precise chakra point that could slow down his movements and keep him from defending himself. He watched in slow motion as the kunai in Sasuke's hand came closer and closer to Itachi's heart. It was then that he realized he was in a different reality when he saw himself stand in front of the defenseless man on the ground taking the kunai to his shoulder rather than let it bury itself in the heart of the man on the ground.

 

 

Wait why was he seeing this? He didn't want to see this, he didn't want to relive it! Why was he being forced to see this? It was then he heard his own words echo back to him. “Why don't you go back to your master before I am forced to kill you?” He watched standing outside of himself as he and Sasuke fought until he found it harder and harder to breath. When he saw Sasuke straddle his naked posterior and lean forward to bury his erection inside so painfully while in turn branding him, he found his voice. “NO!!!! I DON'T WANT TO SEE THIS!!!! I WON'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!” Dropping to his knees he sobbed piteously, it was when he heard Sasuke whisper once more that he fell on his side forgetting to breath. “Remember this Naruto, I have marked you as my whore! No one will ever want you, you are dirty! I will be the only one to ever fuck you and next time I won't be so gentle!” Laying there the words replaying again and again he felt something inside crack, that was when he heard it. Quiet at first then gaining in force, “Naruto! Naruto my kit! Please you must not let go, if you do it will mean the destruction of everything you hold dear. I will not allow you to wallow in self pity, that is not why I brought you back here.” Bringing his gaze back into focus he saw a pair of feet standing before him. He let his eyes drag upwards staring intently at the form in front of him. Beyond the sandaled feet he saw a pair of loose fitting black pants done in buckles, clasps, and flaps. He caught sight of a bare and toned mid riff, followed up by a mesh black top. The studded collar around the person's throat was black and silver. Finally drawing up what remained of his courage he looked finally upon one of the most handsome faces he had ever come upon. Soft skin stretched over a narrow face but angled so as not to appear too feminine, topped with orange colored hair alight with gold highlights. With brows to match the hair he looked into almost blood red eyes framed by long dark lashes, at once he was lost in the depths of knowledge in those eyes.

 

 

 

 

“My kit, you know who I am.” Stooping down he was the picture of animal grace as he lifted Naruto back to his feet. Looking around he realized he was no longer on the rooftop but in his own quarters. He was looking at himself lying on the bed and noticed Itachi sitting up by his side while his hand rested upon the bandaged shoulder not covered by blankets or clothing. “You see before you a man you will come to count on, he has been your strength since he returned. I am here now because you fought so hard to die earlier, and while I must tell you it does not frighten me to leave this world I know that your time is not up yet. Tell me Naruto do you really believe what that bastard said to you?” He shivered when he met the Kuyuubi's eyes once more, “I…I…I really don't know.” He said softly as the tears began a silent trek down his whiskered cheeks, “I just know that no matter what I have been through my entire life can compare to the pain I am feeling right now.” He stiffened a little in shock as he was pulled into a tight embrace, them the other man pulled back slightly to wipe his tears. “I know it seems as if I have turned a blind eye to everything you have gone through over the years, and it must seem strange that I can appear before you now as human even though you have only ever seen me in my true form. It is not because I didn't want to but because I couldn't, you see there are limitations placed on your seal the Yondaime saw to that. I don't know how he knew but somehow I think he was prepared for what you would have to go through in life. I will tell you this, even without my power to aid you, you are one of the strongest ninja I know, and you surpass even your father. When the time comes that you do not need me any more then you alone will be able to break the seal, which binds me to you and your fate. I ask of you only this, live, breath, overcome that which you think you cannot overcome, and when you think you may not need me anymore kill me. I have lived long in this world to know that I would not survive were I not sealed inside of you, I would rather live out your days sealed inside you than to not be able to help you.”