Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Starting Over	By : ladyvaltaya Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1113 -:- 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.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
Starting Over

Chapter 9

It was just after noon and Kakashi was sitting outside of
the Hokage�s window. He�d only just arrived; in fact, he�d more or less just rolled
out of bed to tell her about his visit to the memorial stone last night. He hoped
he�d get to go back to bed after this, but he flipped the page of his favorite
book, and smirked beneath his half-mask when he heard the woman swearing at
Shizune for waking her up again with
still another handful of papers. The younger woman balked and ran out of the
room.

He crawled through the window. �Hokage-sama, you seem busy,
shall I come back later?�

Tsunade sighed and settled into her chair as she absently toyed
with a stack of files. Books, old files, and a number of scrolls littered the
top of her desk, completely obscuring the usual mess of mission paperwork and
city ordinances, and her expression was tense.

�No. Something that Sakura told me right before she left
troubles me� Are you sure that everything has been quiet?�

Kakashi nodded patiently, without looking up or waiting for
her to explain. �Only an idiot would move on him again while he�s this heavily
guarded, and Sound isn�t that foolish.�

�I mean Sasuke- what is he thinking?� She sighed, leaning
back in the chair. Kakashi noticed the dark circles under her eyes looked
heavier than they had last night. �Why would he be this curious about a man
that was dead so long before he was born? I�m glad Sakura told me, but I can�t
find much on him either- it�s like it wasn�t enough that he died at the Valley
of the End- the village tried to erase his very existence��

�You mean Uchiha Madara?�

Tsunade nodded. �Yes, right before the team was to depart,
she came back to my office to tell me she was worried about Sasuke. She said he
seemed to be obsessively combing his clan�s entire library looking for anything
he could find on Madara- which was surprisingly little. I thought you said you
hadn�t spoken to him though- did you change your mind last night?�

�No, after I spoke to you, I went to� ask for some advice-
but I ran into the Council Elders instead.�

�Last night? The Elders were out by the old training field?�

Kakashi nodded. �They didn�t notice me- they were too busy
arguing amongst themselves. They were aware of Sasuke�s interest in Madara too,
and they were fighting about what it meant to a secret they all know. Itachi�s
name came up but so did the name Uchiha Madara. My first thought was the
massacre of Sasuke�s clan- but of course, the timing makes no sense. Everyone
who actually remembers the name Uchiha Madara already knows that he died at the
Valley of the End fighting your Grandfather. Even Itachi couldn�t have actually
met Madara. Homura and Koharu told Danzou that he was being paranoid, but it
was clear they�re all concerned about something. They�ve agreed to sit back and
watch what happens, but Danzou is still angry. Hokage-sama, whatever secret they
are guarding- The Third knew about it- and apparently he tried to stop them.�

The silence in the room got heavy as Tsunade�s hands slipped
to one of the files and tightened unconsciously, crinkling the folder and the
papers inside. Finally, she looked up. �Did they say anything else?�

�Nothing- except that Councilwoman Koharu wants Sasuke to
have lots of kids��

Before he could finish speaking, they both turned to stare
at the door of the office- because it sounded like a bull was charging toward
them.

�Lady Tsunade- it�s done! Hatake? Hokage-sama, I�m
sorry to disturb your discussion but I�m actually glad you�re here, Kakashi.�
Moreno Ibiki said, his face was somehow more serious
than Kakashi had ever seen it before.

�So you finally finished the Justu?�
The Hokage asked.

Ibiki nodded. �Breath of the Dying is the most difficult-
and dangerous of all the different Memory Jutsu to use, but I think you�ll
agree that the information we got was worth the risk, Hokage-sama.�

Kakashi just stared at him, incredulous. �You used that
jutsu on one of last night�s assassins?�

�Of course not,� Ibiki laughed bitterly. �It has taken us
this long to use it on Uchiha Itachi.�

Kakashi knew that the forbidden interrogation jutsu would�ve
been especially difficult to use on a true Sharingan master, but for it to take
this long after Itachi was already dead- that
was impressive.

�He knew of this jutsu because we taught him to use it while
he was a part of ANBU; he�s made certain there is no way for us to play back all
of his memories right now. He knew that he would be fighting his last battle so
he used his Sharingan to prepare traps within his memories, just in case his
body was not recovered by his Akatsuki allies. Even in death he remains one of
the deadliest shinobi that the Leaf has ever produced. I�ve already lost two of
my best men to the genjutsu traps guarding his mind, but ultimately, the technique
did work; just now, we were finally able to finish examining his last battle. This�
was a brutal encounter, that will make it difficult for you to watch, Kakashi
but I think you should see it too. This is only my memories of the jutsu they
were using, no matter what you see or feel, remember that there is no danger
here- so don�t move or try to interfere, understand?�

�Yes.� After they both answered, Ibiki focused his chakra
and the Hokage�s office became a damp chamber of cold, gray stone and heavy shadows.
Kakashi had to remind himself that this was Itachi�s point of view when he saw
Sasuke emerge from the shadows across the room.

He could already sense
the promise of untapped power in the young teen�s Sharingan, as well as
Sasuke�s deadly intentions. There was a part of him that felt sad that it
really had come to this after all for Sasuke. But, another part of him was
fiercely proud that he�d had a hand in helping to shape this boy. He�d always
known Sasuke was destined to become one of the most powerful shinobi in
history.

�What do you see, with
your Sharingan?�

Kakashi shuddered
involuntarily. Hearing Itachi�s smooth, condescending voice in his mind again startled
him, but a gentle hand on his shoulder helped him to center himself again. He
knew without looking that it was Tsunade.

�What do I see,
Itachi?� Sasuke growled- his voice was low and dangerously quiet. �With the
power I�ve gained, I see one thing, and it�s crystal clear. I see you, dead.�

�You see me dead?�
Itachi�s soft voice was mocking and venomous. �Well then, let�s see how good
your eye sight is.�

**

�Uh, Captain Yamato-� Naruto started to ask, he couldn�t
hold still; he�d been restless, bounding around the wagon for miles, but now
they were finally approaching the village�s massive gate.

Sai scowled, but Yamato laughed,
shaking his head slightly. �Yes, you can both go see Sasuke now. Sai and I will��

Naruto noticed that he and Sakura were both grinning like
idiots as they ran toward Sasuke�s. Naruto noticed right away that the entire
village was under heavier guard than it had been when they�d left.

�I see your mission must�ve gone well for you both to have
returned looking so youthful!� Called an energetic voice from
above them.

�Hey! Gai-sensei!� Naruto leapt up onto a nearby water tower to talk
to him. �Is it true? Did Sound really try to kill Sasuke while we were gone?��

The Jounin looked startled, but he managed a nod.

�B-But he�s okay, right?�

�Naruto-kun� the Hokage-sama wanted to tell you about this
herself, haven�t you talked to her yet?�

�Well no, but Captain Yamato said that he would turn in our
report so we could go see him- I just wondered if what the ninja we captured told
us was really true or not.�

�You�ve brought back a prisoner who already knew about the assassins?
That is interesting news, my young friends! I just returned from a mission
myself, but Kakashi asked me to take a look around before he went to see the
Hokage a while ago.�

�Kakashi-sensei�s been around?�

�Yes, my great rival is a bit tired, but he was the first to
notice that something was wrong last night.�

Naruto grinned at how proudly Gai
announced that. �Is it okay if we go inside?�

�As long as you promise to go see Lady Tsunade later on, I
suppose the two of you can go check on your youthful friend. Now that you�re
here, I will to go see if anything else is needed.�

�Thanks Gai-sensei! See you
later!� Naruto called after him.

As they approached the gate of the mansion proper, Naruto�s
smile faded, two masked ANBU shinobi stood beside it, and one had the symbol of
the Leaf on his mask- but the other was from the Sand.

�Halt!� The ninja from the sand reached for his sword as he
spoke, but his companion spoke casually.

�This is Uzumaki Naruto and that�s Hurano
Sakura. They�re the kids you were told about. They�ve been on a mission, but
these two have access to this place and the Uchiha whenever they request it.�

�Understood. Proceed.�

Sakura grinned as they slipped through the front door. �That
was kinda cool, I guess we get to visit Sasuke
whenever we want, but it was weird seeing the guards at all.�

Naruto nodded. �Yeah, before I knew they were around, but
they had been really careful to stay out of sight.�

�Yeah, so you know there�s got to a bunch more of them who
are still hiding too- I just can�t believe anyone would�ve attacked him here.�

�I don�t see what the big deal is. They were sloppy; this
time was only a warning.� Sasuke growled, leaning on the door frame leading
into the kitchen.

Naruto grinned. �I guess you must be pretty bored though if
you were waiting for us.�

�Actually I just started supper when I heard you come in.�

�Naruto? Sakura?
Now that you�re back, can I be unsummoned now? This
kitten is driving me crazy!� Pakkun looked up at them pitifully from the
kitchen doorway. He waddled awkwardly past Sasuke and turned around so that
they could see the black kitten that was biting on his dog vest and tugging it
backwards.

�You�re letting a baby kitten beat you up? That�s so cute of
you to play with her.� Sakura laughed.

�Careful, Angel�s tougher than she looks.� Sasuke said
mysteriously, he leaned down and picked up the kitten. She squeaked indignantly
but then melted into his hand, and began to purr contentedly as Sasuke rubbed
her neck behind her tiny ears.

�I want to eat it.�
Naruto was startled by the Kyuubi�s thoughts in his mind. He knew instinctively
that the demon wasn�t talking about Pakkun- he meant the kitten- but why?

�What was that, Fuzzball?�

�You heard me. That
thing may look sweet and innocent now, but just wait. Ninja cats are much worse
than ninja hounds. They had special intelligence that allowed them to bond with
their Uchiha masters and warn them of danger; some could even control their
chakra well enough to create their own genjutsu to distract their enemies.�

Naruto laughed- it sounded ridiculous, but even as Kyuubi
talked, Sakura walked over to them. It was clear that she only wanted to pet
the kitten, but she hissed and laid her ears back flat against her head before
settling back down for Sasuke.

�The cats were said
to be gone after his clan was wiped out, but that kitten is definitely one of
them. She is a mortal animal, but she will learn to control her chakra by
watching him and she will use it to protect him and everyone close to him with
her life. But until you have earned her trust, she will regard you as a rival.�

�Because of Sasuke you
mean?�

�Yes. It doesn�t
matter how she found him here; she already recognizes him as an Uchiha by his
powerful chakra, and instinctively considers him to be hers. Cats pride themselves on their supposed independence, but
they are still instinctively territorial, and that includes jealously guarding their
human companions.�

The kitten was clearly annoyed when a timer suddenly beeped
in the kitchen and Sasuke put her down and walked back into the kitchen. Angel immediately
bounded after him, her tiny legs scrambling ungracefully as she tried to run
across the now sleek and polished hardwood floor of the foyer.

Naruto grinned and followed them around the corner. �You
must�ve decided to do some cleaning while we were gone. It looks great.�

�Thanks, but there�s still a lot to do.�

�So what are you making?�

�Macaroni salad and some sandwiches sounded easy. If you
hand me the noodles you and Sakura can stay, if you want.�

Naruto nodded and picked up the bag of uncooked shell
macaroni on the kitchen table, but he looked it over distrustfully. �These look
funny��
�
�My parents always said trying different foods was part of
becoming a great shinobi. When you�re on a mission and you need to blend in,
being familiar with the foods commonly served in different places helps a lot.�

Naruto handed him the bag, aware that he was still scowling
at it, and Sasuke smirked.

�Itachi always said he didn�t believe it either.� He trailed
off uncomfortably, and then shivered as if he�d just realized what he said and
quickly turned away as he ripped open the bag.

He dumped the noodles into the pot of boiling water, but a few
pieces escaped, clattering to the floor. Angel scrambled around their ankles to
pounce on the strays, and suddenly the tiny pieces were everywhere.

They both watched laughing as the kitten began skidding
wildly around the kitchen. She ran and then couldn�t stop so she spun in
circles- on her belly, side and even twice on her head. She only seemed to stop
when she collided with them, a cupboard door, the table or one of the cushions,
but she�d no sooner stop and shake her head than she�d see another noodle and
take off again. She made so much noise that Sakura and Pakkun came in to see
what was going on.

�Isn�t it about time for you to take a nap yet, Tiny?�
Pakkun asked after a moment, and Angel hissed at him before scrambling across
the room and skidding into another noodle.
� �
**

Kakashi felt like he needed to sit down.

The entire fight had been a series of illusions within still
more layers of genjutsu- and Sasuke had taken control of them, one layer at a
time. The boy�s normal Sharingan had grown dangerously powerful if he could literally
restructure an enemy�s genjutsu while trapped within it- but when Itachi
cornered him and taunted him by reaching for his eyes, Sasuke found a faster
way to fight it- he literally tore the alternate reality apart. He wielded Orochimaru�s
powers so easily that even Itachi hadn�t been able to sense the Sannin�s energy
being drawn. There had been no warning at all- but Sasuke never realized
Itachi�s attack had been just another ruse.

Kakashi completely understood the teen�s desperation; he�d
been tortured too long already and what he�d just seen made him want to throw
up.

The evil psychopath hardly even resembled the brilliant
young ANBU Captain he�d worked with so many times in the past. Hell- Itachi�d
tortured him too; he wanted everyone
to hate him.

Itachi�s last emotions had been anger and bewilderment at
the sudden explosion of power from his little brother. He hadn�t been expecting
Orochimaru�s powers to manifest like that but he�d felt a lot of pride too at
the last moment, when he�d realized that he�d underestimated Sasuke and his
control over the powers he�d gained.

But why had he drawn the poisoned kunai? The weapon and the
poison on it were very real, so why use it if he�d meant to die fighting Sasuke
all along? It was almost too much to take in all at once- but what did it all
mean?

�Get stronger. I only
hope I�ve done enough to prepare you to face them�� The bastard�s last mortal thought had been one of fear-
for his little brother. It didn�t make sense, but it would�ve been touching; except
that everything facing Sasuke right now was entirely Itachi�s fault in the
first place!

�Y-You�re sure this is what happened?� Kakashi winced at the
hoarseness of his voice, but he looked Ibiki straight in the eye.

The scarred man nodded grimly. �I must admit even I wasn�t
sure what to make of any of that at first. But this is the second time I�ve
watched the entire sequence, and I believe I know why Itachi seemed to really
crack when Sasuke destroyed the illusion. Throughout the fight you could both
feel that Itachi was weakening; physical battle sapped his strength much faster
than the illusions. He went there to die; but for his brother to be seen as a
hero for killing him, Sasuke would have to be found there too. I don�t think
Sasuke was weakened enough to be captured if he had not been poisoned, and
Itachi knew it. He continued to make Sasuke hate him even more as the fight
progressed, so he didn�t want his brother to know that he never meant to kill him;
we can assume he must�ve weakened him hoping that someone would find him and
save him.�

Kakashi nodded slowly. �He had a lot to feel guilty about if
he was dying anyway. Naruto mentioned that one of his shadow clone scouts ran
into Itachi while we were all searching for a trail to follow. I think Itachi must�ve
told him where that creep was going to be waiting to distract us. Naruto let
his shadow clones stay with us while we fought with Tobi,
but he ran on ahead. He didn�t tell us because he must�ve thought it was impossible
that Itachi would�ve tried to help us, but how else could he have found Sasuke
so quickly?�

�If you�re right, then we�re very lucky Itachi wasn�t
sending him into an Akatsuki ambush down there- unless Akatsuki are actually
the ones he wanted to warn Sasuke about.� Tsunade sighed, settling into her
chair. �But at least now we know why Sasuke got so interested in Madara while
he was gone.�

�Sasuke never heard it. I felt him blocking Itachi�s
thoughts with his chakra as he killed him, but no matter what we aren�t telling
him anything of what we just saw.� Kakashi growled.

Tsunade nodded whole heartedly. �Agreed, the boy�s in enough
pain already. I made certain that his term of house arrest would be short
because you think the less time he spends alone; the more quickly he will adjust
to being back. But after what we just saw, are you still willing to stand by
that prediction, Kakashi?�

�More than ever, Hokage-sama.�

�Well, that�s comforting. I wouldn�t want to let Sasuke out
next Friday otherwise.�

�He�s healing that quickly?� Ibiki looked stunned.

�Yes, Sakura�s initial tending of his wounds must�ve been
flawless. Add in the regenerative powers he inherited from Orochimaru and I
expect he�ll keep getting stronger once his chakra recovers fully.� She smiled
almost sadly. �Naruto doesn�t know when yet, but he�s really looking forward to
Sasuke�s release even though it means they will be doing nothing but D-missions
for six months. I�ve decided I will follow your other advice and try to keep
them together as much as possible from now on. Another month of strict evaluation
on B and C ranked missions and then the two of them will finally get to retake
their Chuunin exam.�

�Are you sure that is wise? I mean, we�ll probably still
know very little about what the boy is actually capable of by then��
�
Kakashi growled. �We aren�t the only ones with a lot to
loose here. Betrayal has shaped Sasuke�s entire life, but he still met us half
way when he accepted the council�s terms.�

Tsunade nodded. �Kakashi�s right; as long as our bargain remains
unbroken, Sasuke will risk it and stay because we have something he needs.�

�What is that?� Ibiki asked suspiciously.

Two voices answered him at once. �Naruto.�
- 8
- 9
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Starting Over