Rough Beginnings

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or make any money from this story. I am just borrowing them for fun.

XoXgaaraXoX: I'm glad that you like it so far. This one isn't truly a KisaIta fic but there will be hints. I have other fics that will cover the actual pairing later. This is just the beginning so no worries. ^_^

I actually have numerous chapters written out on this and others. I just need to go through and re-write them so they are up to par. Sadly I injured one of my fingers making it a little hard to type. It is slow going but I'm working on it. ^_^

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A few hours later found Kisame waking with the young Uchiha still in his arms. Either the boy did not care about the close contacts or he had just been too weak to move away during their rest. Letting out a sigh he looked to their clothing praying that they were dry. It was still raining but it would be nice to start out dry. Shaking his head he looked down at the top of the young boy's head. He seemed so peaceful in his sleep, much more so than when he was awake.

"Itachi,” He called softly shifting the body away from his own to try and get the boy to wake up. He just hoped that they boy would not react badly. The last thing either of them needed right then was a stupid squabble. The black eyes fluttered open to blink up at him in confusion. "Come on, you have to recognize me. How many people do you know that look like a shark?" He added with a toothy grin which just earned him a grunt and slight glare. With a slight chuckle he shifted the boy off his lap so that he could retrieve their clothing. Thankfully the fire had done its job. Tossing the boy his clothes he began to dress himself.

About ready to place on his cloak he turned to the young Uchiha only to have his eyes widen slightly. The boy was shivering now that he was away from the warmth of his body. The ANBU uniform did nothing to hide the frail body from the cold wind and damp air. It would not do to have the boy coming down with an illness before he got to meet with Pein. He would not take pity on the boy for such a thing. Besides, it was such a pathetic sight to see. Moving over to the boy's side he placed his far too large cloak around him,

"Can't have you getting sick yet." He explained upon seeing Itachi's slightly confused look. "Trust me; the last thing you want to do is get sick before your test. It's hard enough when you're healthy." He added on thinking back to his own test.

Itachi stared at the shark and eventually mumbled a thanks as he placed his arms in the sleeves. The shark was right; he could not afford to fall ill now. Besides, he was too cold and tired to fight with the man whom he could tell was stubborn. What did surprise him slightly was the reaction he got from his little show of gratitude. The man had seemed shocked; it made him wonder when the last time it was that someone thanked him for anything.

Turning around Kisame stretched slightly ignoring the chilled wind that blew through the cave. They would be out of there soon enough. Taking a scroll from the pocket of his cloak he moved over to his sword. He quickly and easily went through the motions of creating a summoning scroll. With Samehada secure he placed the scroll a pouch at his side. He did not dare let it near the Uchiha while he was in such a week state. The sword would take full advantage of such a situation. He chuckled when he spotted the Uchiha's slightly curious look.

As the shark made his way back over to him Itachi could not help but wonder at his actions. Why would a swordsman place his most valuable weapon into a summoning scroll? He knew that it was not an issue with weight since the man would be used to it. Besides it was rumored that the man was strong enough to wield it one-handed. His train of thought was halted when the man had once again turned his back to him and knelt on one knee.

"I know you're capable of running but we have a great distance to travel. You are low on energy and chakra. Save it up for your meeting with Leader-sama." Kisame explained looking over his shoulder. He wanted to make sure that the boy did not think this was out of pity. "You will need everything that you have and this will just help you rest further."

The shark made a very good argument. Besides, the man was right; he was extremely tired and weak. The past few hours had been the first time he had really slept in a long time. He had been running for days without anything to eat. His body was fighting against the elements, and its self, to try and stay healthy. He really had no choice. Besides, the shark had a better idea of what he was getting himself into than anyone.

Letting out a sigh he climbed onto the man's back. He almost let out a yelp as the man hooked his arms around his legs and quickly stood. Kisame was much taller than he had first realized. Wrapping his arms securely around the shark's neck he felt the man's arms secure their hold on his legs before he took off into the rain. He ducked his head into the large cloak to try and protect himself from the rain.

Kisame was really hoping that Orochimaru had waited for him. The snake held the packs that held their food rations. He needed to get some nutrition into the boy before they went too far. It was probably a large part as to why he was so weak. The human body needed food in order to keep up energy. The Uchiha had probably only been sustained by water for a few days.

He tried his best to ignore the cold rain pelting against his exposed skin. Thankfully having the young Uchiha resting against his back kept him warm and at least partially dry. His large cloak completely covered the boy allowing him to stay trapped in the warmth there. Letting out a sigh he turned his senses out to his surroundings in search of his partner. They had set up a spot to meet should they get separated. He was never happier that the snake had agreed to such a silly thing.

Eventually he was able to pick up a slight trace of familiar chakra. He headed straight towards the source and dropped into the clearing from the trees. He was greeted by a very wet and unhappy looking Orochimaru. The snake never really did like the rain. "About time you showed up." He hissed. Obviously he had been waiting for a good while.

"Sorry, I'm afraid I was followed far longer than expected. Besides, it was not a total waste." The shark sneered knowing that Orochimaru would be pissed about him finding the Uchiha murderer. He would finally get the praise for one of their missions. "I had a bit of a hold up along the way. But I think Leader-sama will be pleased."

It was only then that Orochimaru looked to the shark's back. Wrapped in the larger man's cloak was a young boy. Black eyes set against pale skin stared out from the little shelter he had created. The snake's eyes widened slightly as he took a step forward. He knew those features, they belonged to an Uchiha. He had heard that only a young boy of around eight years old had survived. This one was older and he was sure that he would not have fled his death. He had to be the one to finish off the clan. "I don't believe it. You did something useful for once Kisame."

"Shut up Orochimaru." The shark growled snapping his teeth at his partner. He would never hurt the snake but the man liked to get on his nerves. He always thought that he was better than him. Yes the man was older but that hardly made him the better shinobi. Orochimaru was the higher rank which just added to it. He knew the snake cared for him; he just liked to push his buttons a little too much.

"Touchy." Orochimaru chided with a laugh. Things were beginning to look up. Not only was the young boy an Uchiha but he was quite pretty. It was obvious that the shark caught the look he was giving the Uchiha and turned just enough to place the boy was out of his line of sight.

"His body is not yours to take Orochimaru. Find your new body elsewhere. Leader-sama wouldn't be pleased if he thought you had such intentions." The man's obsessions did bother him at times. Innocent people were sacrificed for the snake's insane search for immortality. The man just pouted at him.

"How could you think so lowly of me Kisa?" He asked innocently even though he knew the shark was right. Pein had specifically requested that the Uchiha Clan murderer be brought to him immediately. Too bad, he had always wanted the body of an Uchiha. The power he would receive from the body switch would be enormous. He would once again have to wait for another suitable body to come around. The smug look on Kisame's face showed that he knew he had won. "You know me too well Kisa. Anyway, we really should get out of here. And I'm not sure about you but I'm starving."

"Look who you're talking too Orochi." Kisame replied with a soft chuckle as he knelt down to let Itachi slide off his back. "I'll have to pass though. I can last till we make it back to base. Give my share to Itachi."

Orochimaru raised a brow at this. Kisame was giving up his food and for a stranger no less. The shark was kind and polite but he never gave up his food for anything. He shook his head with a chuckle as he figured that the man had a soft spot for the boy already. He could tell that the boy needed the food to gain some strength back for his meeting with Pein.

He watched as the boy straightened up to stand on his own that he noted how young he was. The boy could not be more than thirteen years old. He seemed even younger than that when compared to Kisame's towering form. This boy must he a genius and prodigy to be able to take out the whole of the Uchiha Clan. However, he began to worry when the boy leaned heavily against his partner.

"Set him down under that tree." He stated firmly knowing that this boy needed rest. A simple flick of his tongue told him all he needed to know. How the boy was still standing was a surprise. The young Uchiha rubbed his eyes sleepily with the sleeve of Kisame's cloak. The shark helped the boy over to a partially dry spot under the large tree Orochimaru had indicated. Instead of just helping the boy to the ground however he took a seat before pulling the boy into his lap. What really confused Orochimaru was the fact that the boy just snuggled up against the shark. From what he remembered the Uchiha's hated physical contact when it was not in sparring. Though it showed that the shark was extremely worried about the boy.

Pulling the pack from his back he grabbed some food from it before kneeling down. He handed the meager rations to the Uchiha hoping it would be enough. He could hold off until they returned to base as well. It was times like these that he was thankful for sharing some traits with his snakes. He could go long durations of time without food. Slowing down his metabolism could really come in handy. Though he was weakened during those times it had saved him more than once.

"Eat what you can." He encouraged softly seeing how hesitant the boy was to eat. He had every right to be nervous about taking the food but he could not help but laugh slightly. "I promise that it's not poisoned. If we wanted you dead Kisame would have done that hen he found you."

Kisame gave the boy a toothy grin as he looked up at him. For some reason his antics seemed to amuse the Uchiha since the start of a smile started before he began to slowly eat. The shark was just glad that Itachi seemed comfortable around him. He would need to get used to someone quickly to be able to survive within the Akatsuki. He would need all the help he could get.

Leaning back against the tree he let out a sigh while waiting for Itachi to finish. Orochimaru had taken a seat next to him leaning his back against his shoulder. The man had always said that he made a good pillow. It was not long until he felt the snake's breathing even out in sleep. It seemed the man had not taken the chance to rest like he had. Letting out a sigh he figured that he could let the man sleep for a little while. It would at least place the man in better mood.

Normally he would have been frustrated about being used as a bed. He just could not bring himself to mind this time. Orochimaru was his partner and Itachi needed something to cling to in a physical and mental way. The boy had finished eating not long after the snake had fallen asleep. He quickly followed his lead as he curled up against his chest. It was nice to know that he was trusted enough to watch over them. He hated that he could not let them sleep for very long. They were probably still being hunted and they could not afford to be found.

Securing the cloak a little tighter around Itachi he shifted into a more comfortable position. Both of his charges adjusted themselves as well before settling back into sleep. He was not sure how he could be very comfortable, he was nothing but muscle after all. He let out a snort as he let his senses fan out and tune into the world around him. Itachi was under his care due to Pein's orders and though he knew Orochimaru could take care of himself he would still protect him. He might be infuriating but he was still his partner. He had the strange ability to grow on people.

Kisame could not help but smile. It was not very often that he found people willing to stay near him, much less trust him. Yes, Orochimaru just stayed near him like this when it was a convenience to him but it was still something. It was funny that the boy was as comfortable around him as his partner was. It felt nice even if it was just for a short time. He wrapped an arm protectively around each of them. No one would ever be able to say he did not protect the ones put under his care. He was strong enough to lift both and run if he should need to.

Thankfully he was able to let the two rest for a couple of hours before his senses picked up on their pursuers. Letting out a sigh he shrugged his shoulder to gently try and wake Orochimaru up. The man peaked an eye open to look up at his partner. "Sorry Orochi," he apologized softly. "I'm afraid that they've caught up with us." The snake just nodded and pushed himself away enough to stand.

"Let the kid sleep, he'll need it to face Leader-sama." He stated with a yawn while stretching. They both knew well what the boy would go through. It is what every member of the Akatsuki had to do in order to join. The short initiation into the organization was a brutal task. All new potential members had to prove themselves to Pein. If one was able to pass the test that was issued they would be a member. If potential was seen they would be placed as a subordinate to one if the members to train.

Kisame nodded as he shifted the boy around to be able to stand. With one arm around his shoulders and the other under his knees he was able to pull himself off the ground without waking the boy. The Uchiha curled into his chest as they wind blew past them. He had long since become used to the wind. Without his cloak he had been forced to adapt for the time being. It helped that the thick, rough skin he sported helped fend off the elements. Making sure that he had a secure grip on Itachi he looked to the snake as he grabbed their packs.

"Let's go." The snake stated simply before taking off towards the base. The sooner they returned the better. Both shinobi were exhausted from their mission and the flight from their enemies. In order to have the Uchiha at the top of his game they would need to get their fast. That little bit of food would not last long in this weather. Besides the sooner he took the test the sooner he would be able to actually rest.

It really was a blessing that they were not far from base. They slowed to a stop just out of the range of whoever would be watching for them. When a team was expected to be returning from a mission there someone would keep watch. It was a useful tactic should a team need immediate help. They needed time to get Itachi ready for his test. If they were spotted too soon they would not be able to prepare him.

Kisame gently shook the boy from his slumber and set him to the ground. He took his cloak from the small form and put it on. Making sure that he was in order he turned to the Uchiha. His energy and chakra seemed to have returned adequately, he just hoped that it would be enough.

"Itachi..." he stated kneeling so that he was at the boy's level. He only continued to speak when the Uchiha's black eyes met his own. "I'll have to take you straight to see Leader-sama. I don't doubt your ability to pass this test. I just want you to know what to expect." Kisame wished that he had been told all this before being taken before Pein. It was nothing that he had expected. He had been out for nearly a week afterwards; some of the others were out longer than him. He reached out and took the Uchiha's hands in his own to make sure that the boy was giving him his full attention.

"He'll push you to the last legs of your energy and chakra. You must be able to walk out of that office on your own." He gave his hands a gentle squeeze to make his point clear. "Do anything and everything that Leader-sama asked of you. Should you refuse for any reason, you will be disposed of on the spot." He was not sure why he really wanted the kid to do well. In such short time he had taken a shine to the boy. He had never once insulted him or shied away from him out of disgust or fear. Such little things really went a long way.

"I understand." Itachi replied simply. He was glad for the warning; it would give him an advantage. He would know to reserve some energy for the very end of the test. He would prove himself to the two S-Class criminals standing before him. Strangely enough he wanted to make the shark-like man proud. He had been nothing but kind to him, he owed the man to pass this test.

"Come on," Orochimaru hissed irritably. "We have to get back and report in before Leader-sama sends someone after us." He knew what Kisame was trying to do. He was trying to make sure the boy did everything he could to pass. No one had bothered to help the shark out which some felt guilty for. Kakuzu especially since he was the one to find the shark. "Quit chomping at the bone. The kid will do fine."

"Don't get your tongue in a knot Orochimaru." Kisame responded rolling his eyes as he pushed himself up. The Uchiha could not help raise a brow at their behavior. It seemed like the banter that siblings would partake in. Well, normal siblings would anyway. Letting out a sigh he moved to the shark's side and stayed close. He was not afraid of what would happen but he did not want to get on anyone's bad side. The first impression was always the most important, especially here; he would not get a second chance.

"Well, here we go." Kisame chuckled looking down at Itachi. His gaze then turned back to his partner before they took off again. A call in the distance showed that the one keeping watch had spotted them. This was going to be a very long day.

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Don't think this chapter is a good as the last but sometimes they aren't. Still like how it turned out. Say it's pretty good speaking I can't type real well at the moment. Hope everyone enjoys it!