Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/4809518.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Rape/Non-Con, Underage
  Category:
      Multi
  Fandom:
      Naruto
  Relationship:
      Uchiha_Sasuke/Uzumaki_Naruto
  Character:
      Uchiha_Sasuke, Uzumaki_Naruto, Uchiha_Itachi, Hyuuga_Hinata, Hyuuga_Neji,
      Kyuubi_|_Nine-tails_|_Kurama, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Hatake
      Kakashi, Uchiha_Mikoto, Uchiha_Fugaku, Uchiha_Clan
  Additional Tags:
      non-ninja_au, Some_Het, Slash, Orochimaru_-_Freeform, Language, Graphic
      depictions_of_violence_and_gore, Suggestive_Dialogue, Sexual_Content,
      Implied/mentions_of_underage_(Naruto), Disturbing_Adult_contents_and
      themes, Adults_situations, Character_Deaths, Demons, Seers, Magic_&
      Sorcery
  Stats:
      Published: 2011-11-19 Updated: 2012-07-14 Chapters: 2/? Words: 10104
****** Sanctuary ******
by D_Genesis
Summary
     In a world where the balance between mortals and demons is a constant
     war for dominance, a chance meeting between two individuals is all it
     takes to throw off the scale. But is it for better or worse?
     SasuNaru
***** Ill-fated meeting *****
                                   Sanctuary
Warnings:AU. Very dark and perhaps, not easily understood by all.Some het.Slash
(meaning boy with boy in sexual relations.) Orochimaru (because really, he
needs a warning label on him.) Language. Violence. Includes possible horror/
gore.)Adult situations. (I won't give you details, I'm sure you'll work it
out.) Suggestive dialogue and sexual content. Un'beta'd!

OOC warning: Itachi will be as close to his character as I can make him. Sasuke
(even as a child) will be portrayed with the same personality he had when he
was older and not the cute, sweet little boy who loved his Nii-san. Considering
where Naruto gets his personality from, I figure he'd be much the same when he
matured. Due to this, there will be times when he bounces from the Naruto we
are familiar with, to this other personality. The latter will be his base
personality, though.
I have warned you. If you are uncomfortable with any of this, then turn back
now. If you're looking for an easy, light and fluffy read, this is definitely
not for you.
Disclaimer:This is a work of fanfiction, written purely to entertain myself and
help me vent. Hopefully you'll find it read-worthy.
Pairings: (Top/Bottom)
Main (Eventual):Sasuke/Naruto
Somewhat one-sided: Kyuubi/Naruto.
One-sided: Itachi/Naruto, Orochimaru/Kyuubi, Orochimaru/Naruto, Sasuke/
Fangirls... etc. Oh and there is no Uchihacest. Not even onesided.
This is a old story of mine and I am posting it here for archival purposes.
Now, after that EPIC list of warnings... lets continue.
===============================================================================
                                    サスケxナルト
                                       I
                               Ill-fated meeting
                                    サスケxナルト
"Hmmm."
Brushing golden hair from his eyes, Naruto glanced down at the worn piece of
cardboard between leather gloved fingers. Re-reading the shoddily scrawled
address before peering up again at the place before him, he blinked. Then went
back to studying the characters and numerals clearly once more. There was no
mistaking it. This was the right place, even if it left the blonde completely
baffled at the meeting place.
Well, alright, the blonde frowned slightly, eyeing the insanely high, pale
brick wall that surrounded the tall, equally pale brick and glass structures
beyond. The gates themselves—made of wrought iron, thick and black and topped
with vicious looking spikes that resembled teeth—lay open, almost beckoningly.
One swinging softly back and forth in a come-hither motion by a breeze he
couldn't feel against his face and exposed neck. The institution's name
emblazoned on a large, silver plaque running the height on both sides of the
entrance was plain for all to see.
[聖者港の学園]
Saint harbour's Academy? Naruto smirked at the irony.
It was a little creepy, truth be told. Not that Naruto considered this for very
long. He'd seen creepier places. Hell, he'd lived in creepier.I just hope that
jerk hurry's up.
Slipping the cardboard back into the thick pocket of his black fur coat, he
pulled his sunglasses from his hair and settled them back over his sensitive
eyes. It was hours after the school had let out—even all the after school clubs
should have finished by now—so the prestigious elementary school was devoid of
all life.
Actually, now that Naruto actually considered it, he wanted to take a quick
look around. He was curious, having only ever been home schooled the novelty of
an academy was something he'd never experienced firsthand. And sure, walking
around a deserted elementary school wasn't exactly considered experiencing the
whole thing but he hoped it would give him an idea as to what it felt like in
such a place.
Curiosity piqued, the blonde slipped through the—twice his height tall, if not
more—gates and into the school. The grass was well manicure and brought a small
pang of nostalgia at how every blade of grass looked like it was cut just so
and how every shrub and flower and tree looked like it had been placed there by
a landscaper...
"Like home," the blonde breathed, voice suddenly thick with the accent of his
homeland. Absently, he blew the loose strands of hair from his face and
continued on. His coat swishing about his jean-clad knees and doing nothing for
the homesickness he was abruptly suffering.
How many years had it been since he'd been in his beloved France? Since he'd
wandered around the streets of Paris? Rode a bike down one of those worn, dirt
paths of a dinky little village and truly felt at ease?
They claimed that home was were the heart was, and his heart would for always
be in Southern France; with his mother in the kitchen, attempting to come up
with a new recipe or his father in the court, teaching him how to fence with
both hands or even Frederick in the stables, laughing as Naruto fell from his
horse. Again.
But even if he did go back, he knew nothing would the same when he returned. He
missed it though. How it missed it. Missed them. His family and friends and
life.
Not for the first time—nor did he believe it to be his last—the blonde cursed
his luck.
That was when it happened.
Out of nowhere, a black and white blur shot at his face. Only his swift
reactions saved himself from being struck by the object. Snatching the thing
midflight, he paused eyeing the sphere he'd caught in his hands.What is this? A
football?
"Are you an angel?"
The blonde frowned and peered over at the pint-sized being that had almost
struck him with a football. The child appeared no older than ten and looked
equally as pale as Naruto, dressed in his black and charcoal school uniform.
His small face framed by tresses a midnight black with eyes equally as dark and
deep and eerily thoughtful. "What?" Naruto questioned.
"An angel," the child repeated, his brow furrowed.
An angel? This time, Naruto blinked. Right, that would be the day. There was no
way he could be an angel nor did he believe in such a being of divine grace.
Didn't believe in there being a bigger power that governed over all. If he was
an angel, his face and hands would be covered in blood and his wings forever
stained black.
Unsure how to respond and still too amused by the child's innocent question,
Naruto finally decided to ask one of his own, "What makes you think that?"
The boy looked truly stumped by this, his pale little face contorted—no doubt
contemplating his answer or perhaps passing gas, though the latter seemed
unlikely—then folded his arms across his chest and stared. His dark eyes
studying Naruto with an intensity a child his age shouldn't allow. "I heard
somewhere that angels are the most beautiful beings in the world. That they
come when they're needed the most. Shouldn't you be wearing white? Or are you
undercover?"
Beautiful? Naruto inwardly questioned and wanted to laugh. Quite badly. Appear
when needed the most? Well, I'm not too sure about that...
"Hmm," he snorted aloud, not wanting to crush the boy's innocence with his own
jaded outlook on life. It had been a while since he'd come across someone who
still believed in anything besides their own selfish desires and it didn't sit
right with him. "You know, you're pretty smart," he commented and regarded the
child again. Maybe the boy was older than he looked? "How old are you, anyway?"
"I'm eight," the boy replied, guardedly. The look so bizarre on a child it
brought a gentle smile to Naruto's face. "How old are you?" The child went on
to ask.
"I'm—" here, the blonde faltered and considered telling the truth but knew the
child wasn't likely to believe him, even if the boy supposedly considered him
to be an angel. "I'm sixteen," he finished, figuring he looked about that age.
At least by today's standards. Perhaps a little younger. "I'm Naruto, by the
way."
The little boy nodded, again regarding the blonde with a strange expression.
"Sasuke," the child returned and Naruto passed his ball back. It was caught in
surprisingly deft hands.
Actually, now that the elder of the pair really thought on it, the child didn't
seem very normal at all. He was far too serious for one his age but at the same
time, he was still childlike. Sasuke was a paradox. Or maybe more accurately, a
contradiction upon contradiction. Something of an oxymoron.
Sasuke... that name sounds rather familiar...
Now that he thought on it, there was something else vaguely unsettling about
the child besides his calculating looks and obvious well above average
intelligence. The aura he gave off was dense. Like a heavy shroud, cloaking his
body. It was almost as if—
"Practice with me, Naru-neechan." The boy practically ordered.
Naruto blinked and nearly spluttered. Naru-neechan? He opened his mouth to
retort that he was not in fact a girl. Clearly this child had some sort of
gender identification confusion. Had Naruto not made his gender clear when he
spoke? But girls didn't use the same pronouns as guys. Much. Okay, maybe that
was a bad example...
"Kid," he began through gritted teeth, "you don't call other boys 'older
sister.'"
This only made the boy look vaguely confused and things got more embarrassing
for Naruto as the boy understood the implication. His dark eyes took in the
blonde's form and his brow furrowed even more. The disbelief apparent. "But
you're far too pretty to be a boy."
Naruto opened his mouth. Being called pretty wasn't exactly the type of
compliment you paid to another male, then again he was talking to a kid. What
was the boy to know? Sure, Naruto had the oval shape of his mother's face and
almond eyes. Not to mention her short temper and personality. But the colour of
his eyes and hair were all his father. At least he wasn't short, even if his
frame remained boyishly lean. Lacking the more solid, broader frames that came
with maturity. Adulthood.
"And you sound just like a girl."
Naruto shut his mouth, indignant. He did not. His voice wasn't girly, it just
hadn't deepened much—and unfortunately—never would. He supposed he should be
thankful that he'd always sounded throaty otherwise, he might have sounded like
a girl.
"And your hair is quite… long."
Three blows to his pride in one fell swoop. Today simply wasn't his day. Naruto
shook his head, glancing up as his hair fell over his sunglasses into his eyes
again. His hair wasn't that long. It had been longer. The sunlight locks simply
fell around his face in an untamed mess. "It's still shorter than your hair,"
he pointed out, reasonably. And it was. At least, it was shorter than the boy's
long fringe.
"But I don't look pretty," the boy said simply and stared.
Now that was somewhat up for debate. The kid was definitely good looking.
Though would probably fall more to the side of handsome than pretty. His
face—even as young as he was—still a little too sharp and angular and hard to
be considered feminine. But if Naruto squinted just right—
He bowed out theatrically. "You are one strange kid." No use arguing with a
child so much younger than he was. Even if the light banter was refreshing
after being surrounded by adults worn cynical through the trials of life.
"I gave you my name; are all angels rude?" the brat retorted. His annoyance was
clear and Naruto sighed.
"Didn't your mother teach you not to speak with strangers?" The blonde shot
back absently, recalling his own life lesson years too late. Maybe I should
have stayed at the school gate? He could sense the arrival of someone else.
Could feel the thick tendrils of chakra leaking from their body and knew this
was who he'd been waiting for. "It can lead to some pretty bad situations if
you're unlucky," he finished.
The child pondered this piece of information. "But normal people don't glow
like you do," the child countered. Naruto's eyes widened and his head snapped
back to the little boy's solemn face. "Only angel's are meant to glow."
Chuckling, Naruto scratched the back of his head. "I think you'll find that
appearances can be deceptive. And not all angels are good."
"Been practising soccer, little brother?"
"Aniiki!" Onyx eyes peered past Naruto, and they brightened somewhat before
darting back to stare at the sole blonde. If Naruto didn't know any better,
he'd say the child seemed somewhat excited but at the same time, a little
subdued. Strange but not entirely uncommon.
Turning, Naruto was confronted with the face of the person he was meeting. Pale
face framed by hair so dark it was blacker than shadow. Handsome, chiselled
features and eyes that could appear inky one moment and then crimson the next.
Itachi Uchiha.
The blonde blinked once and finally realised what he'd missed from the
beginning. He knew that Itachi had a little brother, the other had mentioned
the eight year old a couple of times to Naruto but it hadn't clicked. Until
now. It was stupid, really, considering that the little boy was practically a
clone of Itachi. Even if—and Naruto would never speak this out loud for fear of
losing a nut in the process—the elder Uchiha was definitely more pretty than
handsome. A guy with eyelashes that long and thick couldn't be considered
anything else.
How did I fail to see this? Naruto mutely wondered and grinned at the eldest
Uchiha who was glancing between the blonde and the little boy.
"Itachi-san," the blonde inclined his head, politely.
"Naruto-san."
"Aniiki." The pair were broken from their greeting to find the baby Uchiha
glancing between them, brow furrowed and dark eyes narrowed in what could
almost pass as suspicion. "How do you know Naru-chan?"
Naruto flushed and glanced away in dismayed embarrassment. He'd thought this
issue was sorted already. Well apparently, not so much.
Itachi's brow rose and he peered over at Naruto, his own eyes glittered in
vague amusement. "Naru-chan?"
Oh that's right,Naruto glared. The expression ruined—lost—by the sunglasses
still perched on his upturned nose.Laugh it up. He flickered his attention back
towards the little boy who was still looking at them intently, appearing
increasingly upset by something.
"I guess this must be the cute little Sasuke-kun you talk about so much,"
Naruto murmured and had the satisfaction of watching Itachi's amusement vanish.
Ha, take that!
The elder Uchiha gave the younger a patient look. "Now is not the time for
this, Naruto."
"Aniiki," the eight year-old glared and it was about as affective as a kitten
growling. That is to say, too adorable for words. And funny as hell. "How do
you know Naruto?"
Wow, the boy was determined. Naruto could give him that at least. He also
looked really bother by this. The blonde wondered why the answer seemed to
matter so much to the little boy but decided to answer. "Let's just say that
your Aniiki happened to end up my protector of sorts," Naruto smiled, somewhat
self-depreciatively, only to have the child's face darken.
Err, did I say something wrong?
Maybe it was because Naruto hadn't been around small child in a while, but
Sasuke looked like he was either about to commit the murder of many small and
helpless creatures or burst into angry little tears.
Didn't most children like when their elder siblings were considered brave and
heroic? Maybe these days, children didn't like compliments about their elder
siblings?
"Hey," Naruto murmured, ruffling the child's soft dark hair affectionately.
Having gleaned what he thought might be going in the younger boy's head. He was
no kiddie shrink but recalled enough of his own childhood to remember certain
memories and feelings. Plus the boy didn't shrink away from the touch so that
had to be a good thing right? Right. "It's alright. I'm not going to try taking
your big brother from you. We're just friends. That's all. Sometimes not even
that."
And isn't that the truth of it?
The eldest Uchiha sent Naruto a look which the blonde returned. He refused to
hurt a child, however accidentally. Even if that meant emotionally. Naruto
would fix this. He would.
"You must look up to Itachi, huh?" He added, dropping to his haunches so he was
forced to look up at the upset Sasuke. "You want to be just like him when you
get bigger, right? I bet you'll be just as good at everything he is. Just as
smart and fast and strong. You'll have loads of girls chasing after you."
"No," Sasuke frowned, small hands clutched to fists at his sides. "I'll be
better than Aniiki ever was. And you'll come see me, right?"
Naruto blinked, dumbfounded and he peered up into serious dark eyes. Scary. He
could hardly believe he considered this kid innocent not ten or so odd minutes
before. Though the boy was still innocent, Naruto could only imagine what the
boy would be like when he was Itachi's age. The kid was sure to give his elder
a good run for his money, Naruto was almost looking forward to it.
If you're here to see it, his mind supplied. Right. Then there was that
possibility.
The blonde grinned and pushed his sunglasses up into his golden hair, using it
like a headband and unveiling his eyes to the dying light of day. "I'll visit
you whenever I can. How's that?"
The child's strangely stoic look didn't lift an ounce, if anything it deepened.
"You'll come see only me?"
He is a rather…strangelittle guy. Naruto observed, startled and wary of the
sudden turn in events. Apparently, the boy wasn't jealous of Naruto at all. If
anything, he seemed jealous of his own brother. How odd. Was he always like
this? That couldn't be healthy, even if sibling rivalry was. Or so he'd heard
from someone...
"Then I'll be your protector," Sasuke tacked on with a decisive nod.
Naruto blinked again. "Eh, sure kid. But I thought angels were meant to watch
over everyone not the other way around?"
"Then why'd you need Aniiki's help?"
I'll spare you the nightmares...
"Foolish little brother," Itachi intruded, curtly. "Stay here." He didn't
elaborate further, simply turned away and apparently believed the boy wouldn't
try to follow or say a thing. And surprisingly, the child didn't. Though he did
look rather mutinous.
"He's a good kid," Naruto murmured when they had ventured some distance from
the obviously brooding boy. Stretching, he loosened the muscles in the back of
his neck and arms before turning his attention to Itachi completely. The other
was simply observing Naruto with a slight frown. "A possessive streak several
miles wide but a good kid."
The elder Uchiha sighed, the stress lines from earlier more prominent. "They
have been working me harder than usual."
Naruto nodded. He knew, could easily read it in his almost-friend's face.
Concern bright and warm shone through his blue eyes. "I can't say that I know
why you've decided to get tangled up in this mess with that bastard snake," he
said, diving straight into the real issue at hand. Mussing his hair in
irritation he brought his thumb to his lips and nipped at the nail. Only to get
a mouthful of leather. He pulled the thumb from his mouth with a grimace. "Or
why you'd want to place a target on your family as you have."
"There will always be a target on my family because of the power we possess."
Well, that may be true. The blonde shrugged. "I think you mean the power you
and Sasuke possess," he corrected, glancing away from both brothers. "Your Clan
might be strong but the accumulation of your bloodline only comes out in both
you and your brother. From what I've heard you were the only one to possess the
full power of your bloodline and now that I've met Sasuke... I can tell he'll
be just like you.
"But you didn't call me here to discuss your Clan and bloodlines," he cut into
his own verbal musings. "So what is it?"
"The Oracle visited me."
This was surprising. Naruto turned to stare at Itachi, complete attention
focussed on the young man. It wasn't usual for The Oracle to venture out and
visit anyone. She was timid by nature and very weak, physically. Most of the
time she was bedridden or confined to a wheelchair, attended by her maids.
"Hinata-hime?"
Wow. Maybe the world is going to shite...Naruto grimaced.
"I want you to watch over Sasuke."
"Since when was I in the business of watching over brats?" Naruto was quick to
retort. Even if the kid wasn't up to the usual bratty standards set by most
children these days and actually possessed an intelligence that could keep
Naruto entertained, he simply didn't have the time to watch over a boy.
But, as much as he considered Hinata strange, her predictions were never wrong
and once she'd seen something there was no way of changing it. He already knew
that Itachi was in possible danger and apparently the Uchiha was already aware
of this. It seemed he was also concerned about something befalling his family.
Why else would Itachi go out of his way to call in Naruto for a favour such as
minding his little brother?
"This has something to do with Hinata-hime's visit?" Naruto asked, to be sure.
Itachi simply inclined his head in reply.
Argh. Fine."I'll do what I can," Naruto promised. "He will outgrow me, though."
"Doubtful."
Sighing again, Naruto looked away briefly. "This may have something to do with
Orochimaru turning his sights your way, Itachi," he murmured. Though maybe
Itachi already suspected this, Naruto couldn't really say given the other's
indifference. "I've tried to deter him claiming you as another participant in
their twisted little game but my sway only goes so far. It will last for only
so long before he grows tired of my meddling."
Itachi seemed to know this already and merely nodded. He'd witnessed enough of
Orochimaru's madness and experiments to realise that Naruto was serious.
"Sasuke?"
A tiny smile curled Naruto's lips upward. The younger brother's welfare was
always foremost on the elder Uchiha's mind. It must be nice, having someone who
cared about you that much. It had been far too long since Naruto had such
affection directed at himself without some sort of ulterior motive behind it.
Without the love being twisted and sick. "As I told you, so far no one knows of
his abilities," he murmured. "Plus, he's far too young. Orochimaru would never
take your little brother as a participant.
"It would be damn hard hiding Sasuke for the years required for his body to
reach its full growth. Especially with all the resources you Uchiha's have. I
don't think Orochimaru wants another Namikaze incident," Naruto smirked,
humourlessly and Itachi studied him a moment but said nothing.
The blonde offered no more information than that but he already knew that the
other male had looked into his own background. Understandable but even if
Naruto didn't owe Itachi so great a debt, he wouldn't have allowed Orochimaru
to take Itachi to join his sick little game. The sadist had ruined enough lives
as it was. Besides, the eldest Uchiha brother reminded him of a friend long
lost.
"You have another year at least," Naruto advised, shielding his eyes behind his
sunglasses and slipping his hands into deep pockets, allowed himself to slouch.
"He won't come for you within that time."
Not that Naruto felt all that concerned; he'd seen Itachi in action for
himself. Several times over. The teen's power and skill was nothing to be
sneezed at. If anything, Orochimaru should be terrified of the Uchiha prodigy.
Maybe that was the reason for Hinata's warning. It could have been either
things, or something else altogether.
"You do not need to worry yourself with me," Itachi murmured. Lowering his head
slightly, he was still half a head taller than Naruto was.
"Is that not what friends do, mon Seigneur Loup?" Naruto grinned. My Lord Wolf?
Itachi didn't bat an eye at his random use of French. The young man himself was
well versed in several languages. "En effet," the taller inclined his head.
Indeed.French rolling off his tongue as though he himself were a native speaker
and all traces of his Japanese accent gone.
"You've been practising," the blonde observed, brightly.
"I have had very good incentive."
Not sure what to say, Naruto simply stared at his companion. An idea suddenly
coming to him as his eyes swept back to where the young Sasuke was aimlessly
kicking his soccer ball around, clearly more interested in what his brother and
Naruto were doing than with training. "How much does your brother know... about
your family lineage?" The blonde queried, thinking of how the boy spoke of
angels and compared Naruto to one. If he believed in angels, did he too,
believe in demons? Or was he like Naruto and believed in one but not the other?
"He knows enough of our bloodline. That we alone within our clan possess the
destructive powers of it."
That explains the boy's seriousness, Naruto mused.Knowing that he has the
ability to do such monstrous things if he so chose, it would be liberating and
yet terrifying.
"Good," Naruto sighed, relieved. With Itachi around for the moment, there was
no chance that Orochimaru would go after the younger brother if he was to
discover the boy's talents. Even when the boy was finally of age, he would have
been taught enough by Itachi to keep his powers from falling into the hands of
the snake. And Naruto would do what he could to help out as well. Though
against Orochimaru—
"He sees auras, too, apparently." At Itachi's look, Naruto explained further.
"He said that I glowed."
"It is to be expected," Itachi divulged. "Though I am surprised to see you
without an escort. Considering you are Orochimaru's prized pet. Surely he knows
what I prevented from happening?"
Naruto let out a low hiss and narrowed his eyes. His temporary bout of weakness
was not something he was willing to discuss. Even with Itachi. Maybe especially
with Itachi. Another reason why Naruto wouldn't let Itachi be dragged into the
underground street fights. He didn't want to fight the young man.
"You've been checking up on me," the blonde accused. More curious as to what
the Uchiha was able to dig up. And wondered whether the other would tell him
what he'd found.
"You seriously thought that I would refrain?" It didn't matter that Naruto
didn't answer. The question seemed rhetorical anyway. "You bore the mark of
Kyuubi no Kitsune. Of course I would take an interest. Especially since the
last bearer of the mark has supposedly walked the earth since the early
1800's."
A little later than that, actually, Naruto mentally corrected. "You're getting
ahead of yourself, Itachi. Even humans touched by a demon have an expiration
date. That doesn't change no matter the demon that claims the human as a
servant."
It was true. Even though demonic blood ran through Itachi's veins—and every
other Uchiha that came before him—he should know that at least. A vessel's life
was one of objectification, and while the vessel was bound to a demon in
servitude their life was extended beyond the normal span. But rarely did this
ever happen, seeing as the demon the human served under was bound to grow bored
of them before that ever happened.
"My sources say Kyuubi never claimed the boy as a vessel," the taller of the
two countered. "Though I am more interested in how you became the possession of
Orochimaru. One of the Legendary Sannin."
Naruto didn't want to answer that. Mostly because he doubted his pride would
ever recover. The Sannin, were as Itachi put it, legendary. Students of the
great Sarutobi and were older than himself having been born during the earlier
years in feudal Japan. All three were only a small part demon. Still, their
strength was amazing and if Naruto wasn't in his current position he may even
admire them. As it was, occasionally he would begrudgingly admit he held
Jiraiya and Tsunade in awe.
But that was neither here nor there.
Glancing up as overhead, the fading orange and gold of day began to darken into
inky blues Naruto pulled his cell phone from his pocket. Well fuck. It was
almost seven. He was going to be , solate.
"I have to get going," he announced, changing the subject feeling largely
uncomfortable quite suddenly. Itachi had been warned now. It was up to the
young man to do with the warning as he would. Be it to prepare or to flee.
Though Naruto couldn't see the man running. Not if he were to leave his clearly
very well cherished little brother. Not before he had to.
Itachi simply nodded again, though it was clear that he was disapproving of
Naruto taking his leave. There wasn't much the Uchiha could do, though.
"Hey, kid!" Naruto called, knowing that Sasuke would hear him easily. And just
as he assumed, the boy's head swiftly snapped up to look at him. "I gotta go
for now, but next time we meet up, how 'bout we go for some ice-cream?"
Dark eyes stared up at him from across the asphalt and once again Naruto felt
mildly unnerved. "Promise?"
"I promise," Naruto grinned. "And Naruto Uzumaki always keeps his promises!" He
gave a messy wave of his hand and turned his back on the child to smile at
his—for the moment, at least—friend.
"You should not spoil him."
"Like you can talk," the blonde scoffed in return.
"He is quite taken with you." Itachi's look was somewhat shrewd and dare Naruto
say it, highly amused. Even if the amusement only touched the dark-haired
teen's eyes and not any other part of his face.
Naruto's expression was decidedly bland. "Oh," he muttered. "So you noticed?"
His reply was an equally mild stare.
Naruto decided to ignore Itachi and the little voice inside his head. He
couldn't get back any later than half past seven. He couldn't miss dinner or
all hell would break loose. Or something remotely resembling said hell breaking
loose but he wasn't much up for seeing how that went."Anyway, I gotta go. Ja!"
"Ja, Naruto-san."
The blonde hurried made his way back to the gate and outside, the past
conversation still swirling restlessly in his mind. "He is quite taken with
you," Itachi's word echoed softly, beneath another's voice spoke the same words
and Naruto was forced to press them aside as he focussed on his own unhappy
musings. And he wouldn't be the only Uchiha to feel that way, would he, Itachi?
Little did Naruto know that by venturing into the school he would set in motion
a chain of events he'd later regret. That if he'd only waited outside, then
he'd have avoided the catastrophe to come.
===============================================================================
I haven't come across anything like this yet and had it cartwheeling around my
mind and decided to note it down. Please let me know how you feel about it.
Love it? Hate it? Continue? Why? Oh and any typo's/errors you come across. If
you like it, I'd really like to know the reasons behind it. As much as I love
review saying that someone loved it, I'd like to know why it was liked.
Naruto is older than Sasuke. He's also older than Itachi, but I refer to him as
a boy because technically, his body is still that of a boy. And no, there will
be no inappropriateness from Naruto in regards to little-Sasuke. Nor from
Itachi. Naruto and Itachi are not a paedos.
Notes:
So when Naruto is talking about how Sasuke should have recognise him as a guy
since male's use different pronouns than females. eg, Boku or Ore. Naruto uses
'Ore' which is a less refined way of saying 'I' or 'me' in Japanese. Men
generally use this pronoun. Boy's tend to use 'Boku' and sometimes 'watashi'
though the latter is rare. Boku is also used by men when they want to soften
their speech.
And just for your information, even though Sasuke is young he was also using
the pronoun 'Ore' when speaking with Naruto and even with his brother. This is
also why Naruto found him so amusing to begin with and then vaguely disturbing
as the conversation wore on since he was basically asserting his dominance over
someone much older than himself.
Another thing to note is honorific. Or in Sasuke's case, when he dropped the
honorific after Naruto's name. Generally, this will only happen when you are
really, very close to that person. It denotes intimacy and is considered
extremely rude if you don't have that closeness. (An example would be spouses
or very close friends.) It can also just be used as an insult. In this case,
Sasuke was implying he was close enough to Naruto that he no longer needed to
use an honorific. However, when he drops the honorific on everyone else, he's
just being rude. When it comes to everyone else's interactions, the honorific's
will come and go between dialogue to show that it is still there but isn't
really a main thing. (If you've read my other Naruto stories, You'd probably
have noticed this already.)
***** Set in Stone *****
                                    サスケxナルト
                                      II
                                 Set in stone
                                    サスケxナルト
===============================================================================
 
The Oracle's inner sanctum was a place of quiet reflection.
A basilica crafted from the purest white marble; it looked like a creation from
the classical Roman era, with its many ornate and fluted columns—as unchanging
as the Oracle herself—and vaulted arches that stood hundreds of times taller
than the average man. It lay suspended in space and time—infused with the most
ancient of magics—with no discernible way to get in or out.
But of course, this all paled in comparison to that which lay within the
cylindrical chamber.
Stepping inside was likened to that of setting foot within the mind of a
dreaming child, or a fantasy. The first thing Naruto saw—always saw, no matter
where he entered the chamber—was the glistening lilac and lavender topped
pavilion that lay in the smoky, haze-filled distance, set atop a grassy knoll;
beyond great vaguely coral-like forests of crystal that loomed over almost
everything; exotic blooms—their hues utterly breath taking in pinks and blues
and oranges and magentas and every other shade imaginable—somehow managing to
fit between these giant, sentinels in a contrast of colours and shapes and
sizes.
Each forever suspended in mid bloom. Untouched by season. Untouched by death.
And only broken up by the scattered slabs of ivory marble—veined by silver and
gold and sprinkled with chips of precious jewels; rubies, emeralds,
sapphires—that formed inconsequential paths through the rainbow coloured
pandemonium of Hinata's secret getaway.
Light shone from everywhere and nowhere; subtle and milky and continuously
shifting—almost like a distorted candle set over a restless pool of
water—lending credence to the illusion of walking into a waking dream.
If Eden truly existed, Naruto was certain this was it.
"In a time not too long ago, in a place just beyond the sea, there dwelled a
beautiful girl with extraordinary powers."
Pausing at the gentle, feminine lilt that echoed around the chamber, Naruto
readjusted his black dress shirt—the Oracle deserved his respect and as such,
he'd dressed accordingly for his visit—and made his way down one abstract path
of marble as he tried to locate the source of the sound.
"From a young age, this girl saw through the veils of life and death and
swiftly drew unwanted attention upon herself. But it wasn't just her Sight that
was legendary. From all around people flocked to her for her lovely voice; it
was said that she could sooth the most vicious of creatures with it," the voice
continued.
"A talent which proved to be true," Naruto mouthed silently along. He turned
then left the path completely to make his way through a thick patch of
glittering, translucent chrysanthemum and accidentally startled a nest of
multicoloured dragonflies.
The minute dragons—no bigger than thumb in length—took to the skies on dainty,
iridescent wings and fluttered about the blonde's body. He paused to mouth an
apology before he picked a path through the flowers with more caution. There
was no need to disturb the inhabitants of the garden because he was a clumsy
oaf with his mind elsewhere.
"One night, a great demon came upon the girl and becoming enticed by her voice
and beauty became obsessed. It was, perhaps, destiny that this same night, a
Hunter also happened upon the scene and, at once recognising the demon in his
shroud of illusions, chased him off. The girl, thankful, married the Hunter and
all was well until the couple conceived a child."
Naruto spotted her then; a tiny figure seated in the shadowy boughs of the
enormous, weeping cherry blossom tree. Just beside the circular pool that he'd
affectionately dubbed, 'The Mirror of the Heavens.'
"Upon the baby's birth, the demon returned with a curse—"
"You must stop greeting me this way," Naruto murmured with a grin as he reached
the girl then dropped into a low, polite bow before the seated female. "Hinata-
hime," he greeted.
Whatever trance the Oracle was in shattered the moment the blond spoke aloud.
Her eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected guest, even as the darkness of
them faded to a milky lavender. Her ivory face flushed and she returned the bow
from her place atop a small mountain of cushions. Above them, the large, cherry
blossom tree seemed to share the pleasure of their meeting; its great flower
laden limbs beckoning the blond closer.
"N-Naruto-kun!" Hinata responded. "I-I-It's a p-pl-pleasure to have you h-here,
as al-always. Y-you've be-been very busy l-la-lately."
"Unfortunately," he agreed, and set about tucking a few loose gold strands of
hair behind his ear. He wondered exactly what kind of busy she was referring
to. Was she meaning the new task that had been asked of him by Itachi or was
she thinking about Orochimaru?
Azure eyes swept the figure that was the Oracle. She was small and doll-like,
swathed in thick, heavily embroidered silk kimono and a scarf over that. Her
long dark hair was swept up into intricate loops and pinned into place with
elaborate jewelled combs and pins; leaving only wisps to caress her delicate
cheeks and cascade down her slender back like a waterfall. She didn't appear a
day older than he.
"You're looking well," Naruto remarked, feeling infinitely more cheerful than
mere moments before. The last time he'd seen her, he couldn't claim as much.
"Must be all the fresh air!"
She offered a shy smile. "I, Y-yes," she agreed and readjusted the shawl draped
around her small shoulders. "I-I-I've been ge-getting out more. B-b-but pref-
fer my ga-gardens."
Naruto nodded in understanding. He knew what being cooped up inside felt like.
He also remembered how much he yearned for simply being allowed to sit in
Orochimaru's stables; surrounded by the heavy stink of horse manure and freshly
made bales of hay.
That was from a more depressing time in his life.
A time he didn't really like to dwell on.
"How's Neji-san been?" he queried, having noted the absence of Hinata's
cousin—and her most loyal of guards—upon his arrival. Usually, the fiercely
protective Neji was the first person Naruto would encounter upon setting foot
within the Oracle's tranquil realm. To find him missing was fairly
disconcerting; especially since he had never left Hinata's side for as long as
Naruto had known the cousins. Which was to say, a great many decades.
"Neji-niisan has b-been well," Hinata replied, her gaze flittering sideways.
"H-he inquires a-about your health o-o-often. He wi-will be greatly dis-
disappointed he missed th-this visit."
Naruto shrugged and offered a grin. "Plenty where this one came from, huh?"
"I-I suppose."
"May I ask as to where he is?" he questioned, then paused to reconsider. True,
he considered Hinata one of his oldest and probably most trusted of
associates—friends, even—but she was still the Oracle. There were certain
liberties he wasn't certain he was granted, even now. His azure eyes flickered.
"Or am I over stepping my boundaries, Hinata-hime?"
Hinata's face coloured once more. "N-no! Not at all, Naruto-kun," she hurriedly
tried to reassure, her small hands clutching at the silk in her lap. "Neji-
niisan's been dis-dispatched due t-to certain is-issues a-a-am-among
influential b-beings gaining entry h-here."
Influential beings?He pondered. Does she mean the Sannin or someone else?
All joviality left Naruto's expression. Perhaps it was lucky that so few were
granted such rights as to know the whereabouts of the exclusive chamber that
the Oracle dubbed home. He knew he was certainly blessed to have been trusted
with its location let alone been granted access whenever he so chose to visit.
It wouldn't be the first time that Hinata had unwanted guests knocking on her
front door.
And all for one reason only.
Hinata was the only true Seer in existence. The only one still alive, at any
rate and anyone that had possession of her—and therefore her talent—would have
the upper hand in anything they attempted. Be it simply keeping an eye on a
rival demon clan or even the human Hunters that had become surprisingly more
bold in their actions recently.
While the Oracle was a neutral party, seldom did she actually grant an audience
to those who sought it, which made her actively seeking out Itachi and then
imparting her vision to him even rarer than normal.
"Do you need my assistance?" Naruto asked, right hand absently tapping his hip
where his sword once rested. A gesture born of habit.
"I th-thank you for y-your of-offer, Naruto-kun," Hinata responded, gently. "B-
but I be-believe it will be f-fine. N-Nothing that Neji-niisan ca-can't
handle."
The blond nodded once and dropped his hand. It can't be the Sannin if that's
the case...he mutely concluded. There was no way Neji could deter even one the
legendary Trio for any amount of time, despite how determined he was. If not,
then who?"If you're sure."
"Cer-certain, Naruto-kun."
"You know how to reach me if you ever change your mind," he offered,
regardless.
Hinata bowed. "Y-your offer is a-appreciated, greatly."
"You're welcome, Princess," Naruto returned mildly, then dropped down on a
grassy patch near her cushion pile.
"I missed this place," he murmured, inhaling deeply. Absorbing the various
floral and woodland scents. A strange but not unwelcome mixture that he'd come
to associate with the Sanctum. Along with the faint sound of wind chimes in the
distance, the trickle of a waterfall somewhere nearby, the rustle of heavy silk
as Hinata moved. It was almost considered his third home.
"And y-you know you are we-welcome here anytime."
"Thank you."
In all honesty, he wasn't sure how he was going to proceed with the real reason
he was there. He wasn't stupid and knew that she would have Seen why he was
visiting her but that knowledge didn't make things any less awkward.
He ran his hands over the grass before him, allowing the soft yet spiky pastel-
blue blades to sprout out between his naked fingers. Naked because he seldom
went anywhere without them being clothed in leather gloves or weighed down by
oversized rings encrusted in gaudy gemstones. The latter of which, was a
requirement being Orochimaru's 'prized pet' as Itachi had so helpfully put it
and the former his own personal preference.
"I've been speaking with Itachi-san," he commented, unwrapping a tea-cake he'd
brought along with him. Breaking it in half, he offered some to Hinata. She
accepted it mutely—as was their tradition—and waited until the blond began
feeding a friendly magenta and silver fairy-koi that had taken an interest in
his golden hair.
Hinata nodded, the gentle tinkling of her hairpieces sounding like tiny bells.
She watched him expectantly, while offering her own pieces of cake as more carp
joined the first. The tiny school swam closer still; treading air as a normal
fish might water.
"I've been watching over his little brother, Sasuke-kun."
Sometimes it was easier pretending that Hinata wasn't already aware of most
things.
"Sasuke-kun," Hinata repeated. Naruto didn't like the way her face seemed to
fall when the little boy was mentioned and felt something like dread tighten
his stomach. He swallowed the abrupt feeling of sickness that rose within him.
He hadn't asked Itachi about it, mostly because he didn't believe the young man
would tell him but now, he almost wished he had.
He gave a hesitant nod. "Yes," he confirmed, slowly. "Sasuke-kun."
The Seer's eyes abruptly darkened to a deep, misted violet and she turned away
from the carp to stare at the pond by her feet. Mutely, she plunged a single,
slender digit into the water. It rippled and Naruto observed quietly while the
rings grew in size as they moved across the onyx pool, sending the various star
clusters within it dancing away. Hinata drew her finger back out.
"What has been done cannot be undone," she advised him, voice and face devoid
of any emotion. The usual signs that she'd stepped through the veil and was
peering into the future. "The path you walk is more treacherous now than ever;
tread with care. Many a pitfall awaits you and none as reconcilable or easy as
death."
The blond deliberated, absently stroking his carp beneath its laced gill. The
creature let out a soft, humming trill. "That would be asking for too much," he
replied, pensively. "This isn't anything new. I've walked a tightrope for as
long as I've known you."
"But never have you had so much to lose."
Conceding, Naruto inclined his head, bright eyes glittering beneath the pastel
illumination of a firefly cluster. It painted his hair a gentle pink. "Of
course, Princess," he murmured, licking his suddenly dry lips. "Can I know what
is to befall Itachi-san? Sasuke-kun?"
The Oracle tilted her head and somewhere within the garden wind chimes rang.
The tea-cake she'd held long gone. "In life there are always certainties and
possibilities; this was of the latter until recently. You cannot change that
which has already been set into motion," she told him blankly and for a moment,
the iris of her eyes flickered back to milky lavender. "Just know that your
response is out of compassion. Love."
Well, wasn't that just ominous?
"Love," he muttered, his expression sinking and a bitter quirk turning his lips
upward. He flicked a bite-sized piece of cake into the air and watched as a
pair of carp fought each other for the morsel. It reminded him of an entirely
different situation.
Hinata said nothing for a moment and Naruto figured that she would say nothing
more on the matter. Both knew why he was so bitter when it came to love so
there really was no need to address the issue any further.
"Yes, love."
Or not. Sometimes, he hated being proven wrong.
"This is something we will not agree on," Hinata added. "But one day, if you
looked hard enough you'd see what's already apparent to Lord and Lady Uchiha.
If you considered it now, you'd realise that you aren't alone in this, my
Timeless Lord."
Naruto frowned, bewildered. What on earth did she mean? Was she talking about
Itachi?
Disregarding the random title he'd been called—it was something neither could
agree on when Hinata was this far into the veil—his thoughts turned elsewhere.
"Can I do... anything?" the blond questioned, feeling largely frustrated with
the lack of straight forward answers. Not that he'd expected anything
different, truthfully. Hinata wasn't exactly the most forthcoming when she was
in this particular state of mind. Even once she was back to her relatively
normal self, she couldn't say much.
Hinata's eyes grew lidded as she drew back, her expression otherwise unchanging
as she studied him and yet didn't. "There is only one destination," she
informed him holding up a single finger. "However, it's up to you how you
arrive there, how much is to be lost along the way and what is to be done
thereafter."
Right, Naruto sighed, inwardly and let himself be momentarily distracted by a
daring emerald-green and bronze koi that darted right into his lap to snatch
mouthfuls of his remaining cake. Becausethatexplains everything.
The teen tilted his head back and closed his eyelids. Beneath them, he could
still make out the coloured blurs of light passing before his face. He knew,
that Hinata could only speak so much about what may or may not come to pass.
Knew there were certain restrictions that hindered her from speaking openly,
even if he was familiar enough with her and her visions to understand more than
most probably would. Even so, it was frustrating beyond compare.
"This look does not become you."
"I'm worried," Naruto admitted. Reaching up and brushing the hair from his face
with his free hand, silently demanding a solution for everything to be handed
to him. The silent plea went unheeded. Instead he got more colours dancing,
swirlingbefore his closed eyes. "About Sasuke-kun."What if...
Never before had he been forced to care for anything but himself. At least,
nothing as important as a little boy. The pets he'd owned over the years
weren't quite the same thing. They were dependant on him, yes. But it was
different. They weren't little beings that would learn from him; take his
lessons and then apply them to life. A child was different and he didnt like to
admit it, but it scared him. The responsibility absolutely terrified him. His
track record growing up wasn't exactly ideal. What if he screwed up somewhere?
As Hinata had informed him, he had to be very careful what he did from now on
or risk royally messing up.
I'm not ready to be a father or even, a big brother...
"It is all for nought at present. When the time comes, you'll do what must be
done. It is not Sasuke-kun that I would worry about, however."
He isn't the one I should worry about?
The blond latched on to that. His eyes flew open, fixing the Oracle with a look
despite the fact he was certain she couldn't actually see it. He leaned
forward, eagerly. "Then I should be more concerned about Itachi-san's welfare?"
It was Itachi he was indebted to, after all and even though Naruto had promised
to keep an eye on Sasuke—which he'd agreed to and had no intention of
reneging—the older Uchiha was as much a priority at this point. Naruto always
repaid his debts.
"You are not the only one devoted to this newfound cause," Hinata revealed,
pulling out a deck of cards. She flipped one, revealing the Ace of Cups.
Twirled it between her fingers where it glowed a faint but distinctive deep and
almost bloody red. "Itachi-san's future is as unwavering, with as many a trial
as your own before his path finally reaches its inevitable conclusion."
Absorbing the words, the blond considered them slowly. Mulled over them.
Inevitable Conclusion. It sounded so final, but he knew that Hinata may have
simply been referring to the end of whatever was to come, not necessarily
Itachi's life. Naruto had received enough readings to know that it wasn't all
as conclusive as she seemed to make it. Regardless, he felt his unease grip him
once more and his hackles rise.
"Is this outcome, favourable?" he asked.
"That is subjective."
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly as he peered up at the blossoms above his head.
"Of course," he murmured. But to whom? He hesitated; rephrased the question.
"Do I find it favourable?"
Hinata paused to consider. "Yes and no."
Superb. Golden brows drew down. He had some answers to his questions but a
great many more unanswered. So he knew Sasuke would be alright, for the most
part. It was Itachi that he'd need to worry about but couldn't because he
wouldn't be able to change anything regarding him anyway. With a huff, he
nipped at his thumbnail. It tasted of crisp cake and sweet red-bean paste.
He paused mid-thought, an idea forming and withdrew his thumb from his mouth.
Maybe, he began, sounding it out in his head. I can always try—
"You are going to ask me a question."
A crooked grin slid across Naruto's face and he dusted the last of the tea-cake
crumbs from his hands, wiping the rest on his black, dress pants. He'd been
taught better, of course. And his tutors—may they rest in peace—would be
rolling in their graves at such a revolting display of ill manners, but
couldn't find it in himself to care about proper etiquette at that moment.
Besides, he doubted when he was taught his dining habits that his tutors were
aware of the fact in some point in time, he'd be feeding tea-cakes to magical
fish that swam about in the air in a similar fashion to the way birds flew.
"If you know what I'm going to ask," he drawled, with a cheeky smile. Blue eyes
flashing with mischief. "Why not just give me an answer, Hinata-hime?"
"Wouldn't that be rude of me to assume? Not all things are set in stone. This
decision is still yours to make."
"You're still certain of it, regardless," Naruto commented, grin widening as
Hinata's control slipped. Her face brightened to a shade reminiscent of a
cherry and her eyes lightened once more. "I'll stop teasing you now, Princess.
But I will still have to ask permission first from Itachi. However, if that is
granted, will you allow me to bring Sasuke-kun here. To meet you?"
He wasn't sure what that meeting would achieve but hoped he could get more
answers from her if the child was present. And if nothing else, he would be
introducing Sasuke to the other world he belonged to, from the safety of
Hinata's home where they wouldn't have to worry about the youngest Uchiha being
poached by demons willing to make easy money or a Hunter out for demon blood,
regardless of whether it was from an innocent part-demon child.
The Oracle nodded at once. "I-I would l-l-like very much to-to meet wi-with h-
h-him," she agreed, though her expression turned sombre. "I-I-I would like t-to
me-meet the child t-that h-has cha-changed y-your destiny irre-irrevocably."
Naruto studied Hinata, his grin shrinking into a small, wry smile. "That bad,
huh?" he questioned. The carp he'd fed earlier ducked in and sucked at his
fingers and he chuckled at its determination to get more cake from him despite
there being no more. Gently, he shooed it away.
Hinata shook her head, causing another round of tinkling to fill the air. "D-
don't bring Itachi-san, along."
The blond hesitated at the hastily tacked on sentence, wanting to question it.
He didn't, though. Figuring that Hinata had a good reason for warning him
against the idea. Truth was, he had thought of bringing the other brother
along, too. If for no other reason than ensuring that he wasn't trying to lead
little Sasuke astray in the big bad demonic underworld. As if Naruto would. He
wasn't an idiot and would prefer the littlest Uchiha reach adulthood before
they even attempted anything of the sort.
Besides, the Oracle's sanctum was as far from the bowels of the demonic realm
as one could possibly get. Unless someone managed to find a plane above that of
the place where human's dwelled.
He acquiesced with a small tip of his head, resulting in golden hair spilling
forward. "I won't."
"W-what do you intend to do-d-do with Oro-chi-chimaru?"
Naruto instantly sobered, put on guard. He considered the Oracle's words with
fastidious care, his gaze flickering to her a moment before it flittered away.
"Delay him as long as possible," he sounded out.
"Th-that isn't what I m-meant, Naruto-kun."
Forcing a smile, he turned it on the placid girl. She was gazing at him, her
expression shy but simultaneously earnest and he was forced to rethink a few
cynical remarks before deciding on an answer. It wasn't Hinata's fault. He
shouldn't take it out on her. She was his friend of sorts, after all.
"I don't know," he replied, voice pitched low.
That was a subject better left for a another day. Preferably one where he
wouldn't be forced to see the man again so soon. Fat chance. The day that came
would likely be the day when the world stopped turning; the sun ceased rising
and the earth would be trapped in perpetual darkness, light or twilight.
Still, he wasn't generally the type to turn a blind eye on his problems. As
time had taught him; it solved absolutely nothing.
His shoulders wilted a little and he folded his arms across his chest in an
subconscious gesture of self-comfort. "I'll deal with him in the best way I
know how, I suppose," he reasoned. "And hope for the best."
"H-he isn't th-the m-most patient of b-beings."
This made Naruto's lip quirk upward in dark humour at the inside joke. "Oh, I
know he isn't. But he's going to have to wait just a little longer."
"You are pl-playing with fire, Na-Naruto-kun," Hinata stated, shaking her dark
glossy hair amid the soft tinkle of her jewels.
At the comment, a beautiful blue flame burst to life at the very tips of his
fingers before forming into a small self-contained ball. It hovered just above
his open palm, scaring away the curious fish that had gathered earlier to eat
from them and causing the tree above to shrink back slightly.
Funny little guys, Naruto thought squinting in the direction that the fish
vanished off to.
"I'm sure I can handle it," he replied absently, more interested now, in the
ball of flame dancing in his hand. He'd had years of practise at this game and
had yet to lose to the snake-like man. He doubted he'd find too much trouble
when it came to Orochimaru unless it was in regards to the man going after
Itachi and Naruto had already discovered there was very little to be done
there.
"Be v-very careful not to-to of-offer up an-anything he might us-use t-to
barter," Hinata cautioned. Perhaps, a bit too pointedly. Had this been tied in
with what she'd seen?
It makes sense, now that he considered it. In fact, it all made a little too
much sense.
He stood hastily and offered a polite—if hurried—bow, even as he was already
turning away, ball of flame dispersing. "I thank you for your time, Hinata-
hime. But if you don't mind, I really must take my leave. Pass on my greetings
to Neji-san for me, please?"
"Y-Yes, of c-c-course, Naruto-kun," was Hinata's reply from over his shoulder.
"I l-l-look forward to o-our next me-meeting."
He offered a hasty wave in farewell. His mind already far away, feet trudging
mindlessly through knee-length grasses and unique ice-berry thorns, past a herd
of grazing unicorns.
Hinata watched the blond teen with sad eyes until he vanished amongst a wall of
jasmine and large, lace-topped pansies.
You aren't alone in this Naruto-kun, she thought, dismally.I'm sorry I could
not help you more. But it isn't my assistance you will be needing and maybe,
you'll finally see what I've been trying to point out all along.
                                    サスケxナルト
"Upon the baby's birth, the demon returned with a curse. It cursed the child
with an unnatural, demonic beauty that would ensnare the heart and mind of any
and all that the child came across. This boy would be adored as a baby,
worshiped as a child and lusted after as a man but never would he experience
love in its purest form. Never could he love truly in return."
                                    サスケxナルト
===============================================================================
Like it? Loathe it? Confused as hell? Tell me please. I'd really like to know.
Granted, I did warn this wouldn't be a particularly easy story to read in terms
of understanding. It'll start making more sense as everything else is
introduced. Next chapter I intend to include more Sasuke, Itachi and Naruto
interaction. I've yet to decide in which order, however.
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!