Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Obsession	By : Infek Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1875 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. Note: ANBU Core is not an existing branch of ANBU but only used to benefit this story.

Chapter List
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every finger in the room is pointing at me

I wanna spit in their faces

then I get afraid of what that could bring

I got a bowling ball in my stomach

I got a desert in my mouth

figures that my COURAGE would choose to sell out now

I’ve been raising up my hands

drive another nail in

just what GOD needs one more victim

every day I crucify myself

nothing I do is good enough for you

and my HEART is sick of being in chains

you’re just an empty cage kid if you kill the bird

please be save me I CRY
Crucify – Tori Amos
Chapter XVI There Is No Life Without Nostalgia
Kotetsu hurriedly walked into the Hokage’s office after being given permission to enter, carrying a scroll with a stamp of Sunagakure on it. Naruto’s face lit up as he saw it, knowing that it undoubtedly came from his friend Gaara although his face scrunched up as he saw his messenger’s distress.
“Kotetsu, what’s going on? Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m fine, Naruto-sama. But we’ve received news from Suna. Akatsuki captured another Jinchūriki.” Not needing to say anymore, all present immediately became alarmed. They have the eighth Bijū. Akatsuki would now be unyielding in their attempts to capture the very last one residing in their village’s leader.
“Rokubi...” Sasuke softly said. “Who captured the Jinchūriki?”
Kotetsu winced, wishing he wouldn’t have to relay this message. “Deidara and Hyūga-“
“Neji.” Naruto unknowingly finished the sentence in a whisper although he was fully aware of what the news meant. They had all finally gotten the confirmation they had dreaded so much, had wished they would have never have gotten. Their friend, someone they had come to trust and respect in the years they had known him had given them proof of his betrayal. Even during those four years Neji had abandoned them, they had hoped he would have realised what he had gotten himself entangled in. Naruto, now being Rokudaime for over a year already would have welcomed him back with open arms hadn’t it been for his belated sign of betrayal. Even Hinata, whose own father had been killed by her cousin’s lover wouldn’t have held anything against him. But what could he do now? How could he possibly forgive him for this or expect his Village to show mercy? Akatsuki now only needed Kyūbi but for what? What were they planning? Naruto held out his hand and Kotetsu handed over the note.
Naruto,
Akatsuki have Rokubi no Namekuji. Be safe, friend.
Gaara.
Naruto smiled at the small display of concern. What a change Gaara had undergone, from the unloved, feared homicidal boy to the caring man who ruled Sunagakure. Naruto couldn’t have been more proud of his friend...
“Naruto, we need to retaliate. Now.” Sasuke’s voice penetrated his musings and he sighed deeply.
“I know. But who are we going to send after them?” Naruto pondered on the question out loud, not unusual for him until his face lit up. “Shikamaru! He’s perfect for it.”
Sasuke knew of Nara’s abilities and how he had defeated an infamous Akatsuki-nin single-handedly, despite his personal involvement in the whole battle but he feared this time, seeing as Shikamaru and Neji had been close friends, he wouldn’t succeed. It was no secret he was furious with him for joining Akatsuki but as he saw how much he himself had cursed his own brother and yet, wanted to haul him back to Konoha, he guessed it wouldn’t be much different for Shikamaru. There were so much people –too many- involved and despite Neji and Itachi having been added to the Bingo Book a long time ago, it had been silently agreed they would wait for another solution.
“Naruto, Shikamaru is too involved...” Naruto turned to him, a surprisingly mature look on his face.
“We’re all too involved, Sasuke. Everyone who can actually stop Akatsuki is too involved. I hate sending my friends into the lion’s den but... If I could go myself, I would. In an instant but believe it or not, I’ve become smart enough to know that if I do that I am risking the entire village’s safety.” he slumped down into his chair and Sasuke sharply looked at everyone else in the room. They all knew what that look meant and quickly left the room although Sasuke was aware of the ANBU waiting just outside, guarding their Hokage. He would need them in these days of chaos and threat. His jaw tightened slightly as he thought of his brother. It became harder to hold on to the belief that his brother was swayed by Hyūga to leave Konohagakure. He was still his brother. Even in the past four years, the mere thought of Itachi betraying everyone, him seemed ludicrous. But Akatsuki, Itachi had been ruthless in their pursuit for the Jinchūriki. He put his hand on Naruto’s shoulder and squeezed it briefly. He knew he would fight his own brother to keep Naruto safe. Akatsuki needed to be stopped.
“I’ll go send for Shikamaru.” Naruto looked up in surprise but a smile found its way back onto his face.
[-]
Shikamaru lay on one of his favourite cloud-gazing spots. Yet, today he wasn’t focused on the many clouds in the sky. He hadn’t been for quite some time. He kept replaying every moment he had seen Neji and Itachi together, remembering how Neji’s uncle had abused him since he was just a mere child, Akatsuki’s many attacks in the past years. There was no right and wrong. Shikamaru knew how much Neji had detested the seal on his forehead, his restricted freedom, having every decision being made from him. It was his own fault that he had underestimated his level of hatred; the lengths it would push Neji to to get rid of it. They had joined Akatsuki, currently the biggest enemy of all the Countries. And with a growing number of allies.
Everything hung precariously in the balance. But his analytical mind knew that the chances of both Itachi an Neji living for much longer were minimal. And still, after their enormous betrayal, he still felt a strange sadness every time he thought of this. Emotionally, they depended on each other, had so even while still living in Konoha and he guessed this tendency had only increased since joining a group of criminals. They were like a card-house. Take one card out and the whole thing comes crashing down.
Naruto knew something needed to be done soon. But Shikamaru feared that decision so much. He had always been a coward and he doubted he could carry out the rules according to the Bingo Book. Kill on sight. But they were missing-nin, all members of Akatsuki having turned their backs on their Villages and committing atrocities that sometimes made even the most battle-worn shinobi frown. Naruto had no other choice than to have them all killed, no chance of redemption. There were a threat urgently needing to be eliminated.
“Nara-san.” An ANBU approached him and Shikamaru shielded his eyes from the sun. “The Hokage has a mission for you.” Letting himself fall back on the ground, Shikamaru groaned.
“I’ll be right there.” The ANBU nodded and disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Shikamaru got up slowly, making the appropriate hand-signs to do exactly the same, saving himself a run over the rooftops towards Hokage Tower.
He appeared neatly in front of Naruto’s desk which was as always littered with scrolls and various papers. He didn’t differ much in that area from his predecessor although he thankfully didn’t hold any sake in his office.
“You requested me, Hokage-sama.” Naruto rolled his eyes at the formal addressing, hating it when his long-time friends used it.
“We need you to do a recon-mission.” Shikamaru quirked an eyebrow. “You can always refuse to do it and I would understand but I’d still prefer if you did it.”
“Akatsuki.” Naruto winced, realizing he couldn’t put anything past Shikamaru.
“We need to know what they’re up to so we can plan a counter-attack. I’ve just been informed that... Neji and his partner captured another Jinchūriki.” Shikamaru only frowned, showing nothing more although he grew deeply concerned for his friend. Akatsuki would be directing all their attention towards Naruto now. The last step of their plan.
“Who is my team?” Naruto was obviously very relieved that Shikamaru so readily accepted the mission but he looked at him with an unusually grave look on his face.
“Are you sure you can handle it? I... tolerate that you keep certain details about Neji to yourself but whatever it is, don’t let it get you killed.” Shikamaru nodded curtly although a spark of irritation appeared. “Neji is no longer our ally.”
“Will that be all?” Sighing, Naruto nodded. Shikamaru walked out of his office at a leisurely pace. None of his words had reached him, Naruto didn’t doubt it. There was so much more behind Itachi’s and Neji’s defection but after four years, he wasn’t one step closer to finding out what exactly. Shikamaru was the only one who had any information but he had never spilled a word. Had it been so Neji was freed of his curse-seal, was it done out of sheer love? But Itachi and Neji had done it, had defected regardless of their reasons. He walked over to a cabinet and extracted a worn copy of the Bingo Book. It was clear that it was held very frequently, judging by the torn cover and dirtied pages. Naruto immediately knew which page to go to and he opened it full at Neji’s entry-page. Every piece of information which could benefit in him being assassinated was neatly listed and of course the photograph. He estimated that it was taken when Neji was 17 and pearlescent eyes glared back at him.
Neji had never liked his photograph taken. He could still clearly remember when all of the Konoha Twelve had gone out for dinner, one of those very rare moments in which none of them was on a mission or otherwise inconvenienced and Kiba had brought a camera with him, seeing it as a perfect picture-opportunity. Alas, anyone who even neared Neji with the camera in their hands would receive an infamous glare that promised a painful and slow death. They had still managed to get a picture of him though and a rather beautiful one even. Naruto dug further into the cabinet and found it. He stared at it closely, seeing a relaxed Neji who had been talking softly to Shikamaru, both leaning back into their seat and utterly comfortable. He could remember approaching them and the conversation immediately ceasing. They had probably been talking about Itachi. He put the photo in between Neji’s pages of the Bingo Book and placed it back into the cabinet, going back to the mountain of paperwork demanding his attention.
[-]
This is getting ridiculous. Shikamaru leant back in his seat in a random bar in Iwagakure. All they had to go on were unreliable rumours and the occasional sighting but by the time the information was passed to them, they were already a few days later. Akatsuki never stayed in one place at the same time.
“What do we do?” Shikamaru rubbed his forehead and supported it on his arms. He had relentlessly pushed his team-mates, following even the slightest piece of information. They had ended up here, someone claiming to have spotted Akatsuki just a few days ago. Neji and Deidara. He was team-leader so his team-mates didn’t question him, especially in the mood he was in but he heard their whispers, he could see their eyes wander over to him occasionally. Ever since Neji and Itachi had been added to the Bingo Book, word had gotten out about his possible involvement.
While he hadn’t been officially demoted, he was well aware of information being withheld from him. Just certain bits and pieces, especially if they involved his former best friend. He scoffed, wondering how the hell they expected him to do his job properly if he didn’t have conclusive and factual information. Even his friends, all of Konoha Twelve, or at least what remained of it would sometimes watch him wearily, their mission-talks stopping abruptly when they noticed him near.
“Taichō, what do we do?” his team-mate, Daichi repeated. Shikamaru lifted his head and looked around.
“We’re staying here for the night. Start travelling back tomorrow.” He abruptly stood up, needing to get out of the warm tavern and away from the crowd. He easily ignored his name being called and only lifted his hand at them, telling them to stay put and not follow after him. Closing the door behind him, he firmly breathed in the cool night-air and closed his eyes.
“Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck…” He could sense desperation coming up, exactly the same way as when Asuma was killed. There were too many things out of his control, too many variables. He needed control. Pushing himself away from the door, he walked through the streets, glad that most of the village already was asleep. The old doubts came back, he was questioning his own sense of judgement, his capabilities as a shinobi. A tool without emotions but right now he felt as if he were drowning in them. His feet took him farther and farther away from the village-centre but he didn’t care, welcoming the tranquillity. While Konoha wasn’t on the best of terms with Iwagakure, an outward attack on him was highly unlikely.
He had to close his eyes. He couldn’t believe that Shikamaru was so near. Inside of his mind, a storm raged. Neji couldn’t believe that after four years, he not only saw his best friend again but completely alone, away from Konoha and other… enemies. It hurt to think of his former home in such a disrespectful way but Akatsuki had drilled him well. He needed to think as such to keep himself and Itachi safe. But he so desperately wanted to talk to Shikamaru, idly hoping for a sort of forgiveness. He could see the worry on Shikamaru’s face, the dark rings under his eyes.
Akatsuki had been a silent threat and for someone in a high position like Shikamaru, it must have been devastating. And then he had gone and betrayed him. This one-sided confrontation was heart wrenching. But he needed to know. Neji jumped from branch to branch until he was only a few metres away from Shikamaru. He softly landed on the forest floor, his head bowed. Shikamaru would recognize him nonetheless, despite the Akatsuki-cloak or perhaps now because of it. I’m sorry. His Byakugan showed Shikamaru’s mouth tightening, the frown only deepening.
“Look at me.” Shikamaru said it so monotonously but having spent enough time around him, he recognized the anger in his voice. De-activating his Byakugan, he took a deep breath.
Neji forced his eyes to meet Shikamaru’s. Had he been naive, he would have liked to still think of them as friends. But too much had happened for Shikamaru to ever forgive him and see him as not another member of Akatsuki instead of the friend he had been...
“Shikamaru...” Neji didn’t know what else to say, his mind still raging with thoughts but none he could seem to utter. Shikamaru had always been so deceptively easy to talk to and early on in their friendship, Neji had often caught himself saying just a bit more than he had intended. Perhaps that is why they had become such fast friends. But as he looked at Shikamaru now, he finally realised those days were over and could never come back. How could they after he defected, making a selfish decision of the highest order and abandoning everything he had sworn loyalty to?
“You only need the Kyūbi and you have what you wanted.” Shikamaru said it so off-handed and lit up a cigarette, looking as if he didn’t even care that he was talking to a member of Akatsuki.
“I know you have not a single reason to trust me but I will do everything I can to prevent Naruto from getting captured,” Neji said after a long silence, finally finding a way to pour his thoughts into words. And he meant it. Naruto had betrayed him but he couldn’t let him die in such a terrible way. Shikamaru looked at him sharply and those black eyes carefully studied his face.
“I know you will.” This was not what Neji had expected to hear but he breathed a sigh of relief that Shikamaru still had some trust in him. Even after what he’d done. “Or at least I thought I did. But after what you and Itachi did to Hiashi…” His heart plummeted but was overrun by pure confusion.
“What do you mean? What happened to Hiashi-sama?” Shikamaru strode over until their noses were almost touching and he was so uncharacteristically angry that Neji was tempted to take a few steps back. He felt like he couldn’t breathe.
“Itachi happened as per your instructions. Don’t play stupid, Neji ‘cause I’m really not in the fucking mood. Four days of him screaming his lungs out and trapped in an illusion until his heart finally just gave out. How do you think it was for Hinata and Hanabi, seeing their father writhing in pain? I know he hurt you but you need to stop extracting revenge because you’re hurting people! People who cared about you!” Shikamaru’s voice had risen until he was screaming in Neji’s face but all Neji could do was listen in disbelief. Itachi… had killed Hiashi-sama. It couldn’t be. He would have told him. He wouldn’t have done such a thing without his knowing. His breathing sped up and for a moment he feared he would have a panic-attack but a hand clasped his shoulder and he looked up, barely able to focus. “You didn’t know,” Shikamaru whispered, not even needing Neji’s confirmation anymore.
“I-He didn’t say anything. I never... I never told him to do this.” Itachi had betrayed him. The only person he could still trust had… It hurt to even think about it. “I’m sorry. I’ll do what I can, Shikamaru. For Naruto.” He turned around, consciously hiding his face from Shikamaru. “For Konoha,” he added in a moment of weakness as he walked away.
Shikamaru watched him go and his fingers clenched, unsure of what to do for once. “Neji?” Watching him turn around and seeing actual tears in his eyes brought back a slew of memories of them actually being friends. Trusting each other, telling each other the few faint secrets they felt comfortable sharing, wasting time on their epic Shōgi-matches which could last for hours, Go for days. Too much had happened since then but it still hurt to see him like this. “Was it worth all of this?”
Neji shook his head, the shorter locks of his hair obscuring his face. “I don’t know anymore. But I do now this; be careful of Konohagakure. The Uchiha-clan is rotten from the inside out. Itachi has told me a few things. It all connects with the Sharingan. The elders know. They seek war.” The hurried whispers came closer until Neji was again staring straight at him. “I don’t know anymore than this but you must find out what it is. It will bring about the destruction of Konohagakure.”
Shikamaru let a finger stroke over an uncovered forehead in a moment of impulse, Neji’s shocked eyes staring at him. “Are you really free?”
“No. There is no real freedom in this world.” Bowing in acknowledgement, Neji turned around. “Goodbye Shikamaru.”
Dragging his hands over his face, Shikamaru cursed under his breath. Just when he thought he had Neji and Itachi figured out, he finds out something new, something that changes everything. He felt sympathy for Neji again, something which hadn’t happened for a long time. He had accidentally taken out a key-card in the card-house that was Itachi and Neji and he actually felt guilty. Neji had looked so desperate as he had accused him wrongly. Undoubtedly, if he hadn’t told Neji, he would have found out another way but then why did he feel so damn guilty? Why, after all Neji had done did he still want to comfort him as a true friend? Turning around, he walked back to the inn, longing for a bed and the privacy of his room. He needed to think. Troublesome Neji...
[-]
Itachi immediately knew something was wrong when he sensed Neji’s chakra, flaring uncontrollably. He’s hurt, he knew. Neji was a master at chakra-control. Only when focus is lost, does chakra behave this erratically. Only when the user is in an elevated emotional state or wounded. Badly wounded. The thought was unbearable and his heart actually missed a beat. He jerked up from his seat and raced to the door of their room only to be pushed backwards squarely in the chest. He glared, mad at himself for lowering his defences and... Neji? His lover stood in front of him, absolutely furious and staring back at him, his Byakugan activated.
“You betrayed me,” Neji hissed as he saw Itachi acting as if nothing had happened. “You betrayed me!”
For once in his life, Itachi was left surprised. Why had they gone from friends to enemies in a span of one week?
“I did not betray you. I will never betray you.”
Neji felt tears well up as the one person he had trusted with everything he had for the past six years lied straight to his face. “You betrayed me,” he yelled again, desperately now. “You killed Hiashi-sama. You took away Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama’s father. You betrayed me!”
Itachi clenched his teeth as he heard Neji attack him for killing the man who had hurt him, who had made him feel worthless.
“I betrayed you?” he whispered, barely suppressed anger in his voice. Striding over to Neji, he pushed him against the wall and bowed his head, his Sharingan activated and meeting Byakugan-infused eyes. “I did what needed to be done. I killed Hiashi for hurting you and I had every right. Do not speak of betrayal so lightly, Neji for you should know much better when it comes to such matters.”
Neji’s breath was sharp and rapid as his anger only worsened. “Do not treat this as a lecture you would give your little brother. You had no right to do this!” he screamed as he punched Itachi in his stomach, tears now running freely down his cheeks. He feebly fought as Itachi grabbed his arms and trapped them between their bodies but the emotional overload he had experienced in the two days it had taken him to come back from Iwagakure finally got the upper hand and he slid down to the floor, Itachi still holding his arms.
He hadn’t betrayed him. Itachi remained firm in this belief and no matter what Neji did, he would not sway. Hiashi had deserved what he got. Even in his last conscious moments, that poor excuse of a human had still spoken so disrespectful, so unworthy of Neji, the one person he loved more than life itself. He’d had every right. Kneeling, he pulled Neji closer until he could embrace him and said nothing as he cried. But it was heart wrenching to hear his proud Neji, who had seemed... happy by his side the last few years now accusing him of betrayal and that, that hadn’t been his intention. He sat fully down and softly kissed the top of Neji’s head.
“I haven’t betrayed you,” he repeated, feeling and hearing his lover protest.
“You should have told me, asked me. You betrayed my trust, our honesty,” Neji whispered. He lifted his head and black eyes stared back at him. Itachi leaned forward and kissed his lover, not forcing any deeper contact and was relieved when Neji let him. He had misunderstood, miscalculated. Made a serious mistake. Neji was cross with him for not telling him, not being honest about what he had been planning. He wasn’t cross about Hiashi being dead. Cupping Neji’s face between his cheeks, he carefully studied him. Hiashi had hurt this exquisite human being. And while it was a sickening thought, Itachi would probably never be able to take all of the pain of it away, fix it to perfection.
“I’m sorry for not telling you. But I will never be sorry for killing him.” Dropping his hands into his lap, he kept his gaze on Neji, letting him determine what would happen next.
Blunt and honest. Typically Itachi. Neji almost laughed at the predictability of his behaviour. He wiped his hands over his cheeks to wipe away the tear-marks and cursed as he noticed them trembling. He’d grown too accustomed to his life here with Akatsuki. No longer used to old friends and confrontations... He wrapped an arm around Itachi’s neck and dragged him to the floor softly, childishly seeking comfort from the one who had hurt him.
“Can you still trust me?” Itachi asked as he gazed up at the ceiling, letting his hands run through Neji’s hair.
“Not right now.” A truthful answer. He needed truth right now even if it hurt the one he loved. He grabbed Itachi’s hand in his hair and brought it to his mouth, kissing it briefly.
His lover’s words had hurt him greatly but Itachi was firmly reassured. Neji would trust him again, very, very soon. Because that’s how it worked between them. Turning to his side, he wrapped his free arm around Neji’s waist and closed his eyes, his mouth millimetres away from his lover’s. Things would work out for the best.
It took Neji many hours before he managed to fall asleep, in the darkness of this lair the pain of Itachi’s betrayal like a fresh wound that reopened at the slightest movement.
But hadn’t he himself confided in what was now an enemy? Hadn’t he himself spilled secrets Itachi had told him? But he couldn’t feel guilty.
[-]
“Shikamaru, do not think that just because you no longer live here, you can just sit uselessly in that couch. You want dinner, then you are going to help, understood?” Yoshino never was one to mince words, always loud, always fussing but a good mother nonetheless.
Shikamaru ignored his father’s teasing look as he got up, for once helping his mother in the kitchen without complaint and Yoshino immediately found it suspect. Ever since her little boy had the ability to speak, which was –unfortunately for his parents- at a very advanced age, he would whine until whatever was asked of him would be done and even then, he would probably still complain. Oh, he would still do it but he would mutter his protests every single second of it. To now have him cutting the meat so willingly was like an alarm setting off in Yoshino’s mind.
“So, how was your mission?”
Shikamaru’s hand stilled before resuming cutting up the tomatoes. “Somewhat successful, I guess.”
Entering the kitchen, Shikaku sat himself down at the table, comfortably leaning back. For a moment, it was as if Shikamaru had been younger still, living at home and forced to tell his parents where he had been, with whom and what for. “I heard it was rather more than successful.” Talk to us, kiddo.
He was very proud of his son. How could he not when he had advanced so quickly, the first of his peers and now a valuable strategic asset to the Rokudaime. But Shikamaru wasn’t a little boy anymore and he was holding such a burden of secrets formed out of loyalty and misguidance.
“I ran into Hyūga Neji.” Yoshino ceased her movements. Many times they had welcomed him in their home, a friend of their son and one she had adored for his good manners, even if he was a bit distant. News of his betrayal had shocked the entire village and the Nara-household.
“He wasn’t aware of what Uchiha Itachi did to his uncle. I thought he was but-“
Shikaku released a sharp breath through his closed mouth. “Have you informed the Rokudaime?”
“No.” Yoshino went to stand closer to her son, clasping a hand on his shoulder.
“You must tell him everything. It is your duty.”
Shaking his head with far more vigour than Shikamaru usually displayed, he showed his refusal. “Naruto has made up his mind about Neji and Itachi. Nothing will sway him, considering Akatsuki is now directing all his intentions on capturing the last pawn in this game of chest which already seemed to have last a lifetime. This ever-present state of looming danger was taking its toll on everyone, shinobi and civilians alike. All were tired and there hadn’t even been a great and deciding battle.
“Shikamaru, come here and sit down. Yoshino.” Motioning his son and wife over, Shikaku watched them take a seat, Shikamaru right across from him and looking him straight in the eye.
“You know the rumours that have been going around, about you choosing to side with the enemy, letting your judgement be clouded by your affection for someone who has proven to be traitor. Do not give them more incentive,” he urged, not wanting his son to be alienated by the Village he was raised in.
“Dad, you never saw Neji before he left. He came to me, asking for options. He was prepared to die just so he wouldn’t have to leave Itachi.”
“He has killed so many others since then, people who are our allies. He is no longer your friend so stop this.” Shikamaru banged his clenched fists on the table.
“He promised to keep Naruto safe. Even after everything, he promised me.”
“You are a fool.”
“Then I am! But you know just as well as I do that the elders are hiding something. They know something about Akatsuki and they are leaving us in the dark, scrambling for any piece of information. If Neji actually succeeds, he will have done us a greater favour than the elders have ever done,” he yelled. His breath was laboured in his anger and he let his head fall, resting it on his upturned hands.
“Are you sure? Is this truly what you believe?” Shikaku asked silently. Never in his life had he seen his son so furious, not even when news broke out of Neji’s betrayal. Not even when Asuma died. He had been far more controlled, even in his grief.
“Something is wrong in this Village. You know it and so do I. And I will do what I can to find out before it destroys everything and everyone here.” Yoshino grasped his hand from across the table.
“Then do what you think is right. We will support you,” she said softly.
“Neji said the Uchiha-clan is corrupt. That everything connects to their Kekkei Genkai and that the elders will want to seek war. Itachi told him this and his words that there is something wrong with his clan still hold value, even if he defected.”
Shikaku dragged a hand over his face, his mind computing all the things this could mean. “Yoshino, could you finish dinner? I think it’s going to be a long night...”
Preview Chapter XVII
He glanced at Gaara and sighed. “We have to do something about Akatsuki, you know we do. If they catch me... they’ll have what they want.”
Sakura laid a comforting hand on Naruto’s shoulder, knowing the burden he had to carry as Hokage in these uncertain times.

Thank you for reading and reviewing.

Review Responses:
Nanaka19: No need to hunt me down really. ^_^ Hopefully I’m fully back and the next update won’t be another year. =P
Jade Rose: As you can see, Neji didn’t react quite as wonderful as Itachi may have imagined. But Shikamaru is brought back into the game. And I intend to keep him there. Thank you for the review. =)
Nite Nite: For more ItaNeji, I suggest going to FF.net’s NayanRoo. That’s how I got into the pairing myself. Beautiful stories.
LeahVengeance – Hungry for more: Thank you very much for the enthusiastic review. Greatly appreciated.
Linkin Fantasy: Thank you very, very much for the compliments! I am trying to fix Sasuke’s portrayal. Everybody needs to grow up someday and Sasuke is next in line. =) Thanks again.
Satetsu: It hurts my brain trying to tie up all loose threads in this story but it’s worth it. I love working on this story (again). ^_^ Neji’s ring being 三 is in fact purposeful. Sadly enough, I threw away the notes for that reasoning... I’ll try and get back to you on that one because it got me curious myself.
Shikeji: Thanks for the review but badgering me into updating doesn’t really work. Kind of has a reverse effect. But thanks though. =)
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Obsession