Forgiveness

Warnings: Spoilers, violence, OCs, cursing



A/N: This is an alternate reality of the ninjaverse. So it's not canon, obviously since it will eventually have boy love. Also, I like using OCs. I use them to add depth to a story when more is needed than Naruto characters. Also, this will be Naruto/Itachi but I'm not the type to throw them in bed before I'm good and ready for it. As you can see, it's chapter three and Naruto still hasn't made an appearance. He will come. Don't worry. If you want smut right away, you should go visit my gallery on Y. It has all my smutty one shots. Thank those of you that have waited for this. I really appreciate the praise you have given this story. Thank you very much.



Forgiveness



Chapter Three



The rustling of the wind through the trees always calmed him. It was as if his mother was crooning a nursery rhyme in his ear. It had always given him comfort, even during his time with the Akatsuki. The weight of his sins seemed just a little less during these quiet times alone. He wanted to stay like this forever, cradled on the limb of a great tree, only the wind to keep him company.



“Unca Tachi, Mama said it’s time to eat.”



Itachi glanced below him, his moment of peace lost just as quickly as it came. The boy below grinned widely, his jagged teeth gleaming white in the fading sunlight. A small part of him softened. He looked like his mother, except for his teeth. He definitely had his father’s smile.



“Izumi, weren’t you going fishing with your father?”



The five year old boy wrinkled his nose. “I dun wanna fish. I wanna be a shinobi like you and Daddy.”



“Hn. This life asks too much from our children. Enjoy your childhood while you can. It can all be taken away at a moment’s glance.” Itachi allowed one of his rare smiles to grace his face.



“What’s for dinner?”



“Fish.”



“I thought you didn’t go fishing.”



“We went, I just played while Daddy fished.”



“I see.” Itachi placed his hand on the boy’s dark hair. He felt the soft strands sift through his fingers. They reminded him of Sasuke; of the days long past when he was god in the eyes of his brother.



Izumi grinned up at him. “Carry me!”



Itachi crouched beside the boy, gesturing for him to climb onto his back. Warm arms wrapped around his neck as he stood, securing the boy’s legs with his forearms. A flash of memory rushed through him as he felt the warmth covering his back. It had hurt so much the first time he’d offered, he’d barely made it to the house before dumping the boy on Kisame and disappearing into the forest for nearly a week.



Each time still hurt, almost unbearably, but they were manageable. He locked away his emotions, much as he did after that night. Only Izumi ever received one of his smiles. The day Kisame asked him to be the boy’s godfather, was truthfully one of his happiest.



The last five years had been healing in more ways than one. It had taken him almost eighteen months to regain his former strength. After that, he’d joined Kisame in his mercenary work. As a precaution, he wore a mask, similar to Hatake Kakashi. It took some getting used to but no more than wearing his ANBU mask for the first time. He was a highly trained shinobi, a little discomfort was nothing new.



Kisame bitched about how much sexier Itachi looked when he hid his face. The girls in the towns were known to practically swoon whenever the two ventured into them. Such jaunts were rare during the day, most of their employers desiring to meet in more hidden locales.



“It never fails. Izumi can find you anywhere.” Kisame grinned, his hands moving deftly as they stroked a kunai over the sharpening stone.



“Hn. Only because I let him.”



“Go inside, Izumi. I want to talk to your uncle.”



Itachi settled beside Kisame, his eyes staring blankly forward. He listened to the scraping of metal against stone, occasionally the sound of water being spread over the stone to keep it from over heating. It was a familiar sound for one born and bred to be a killing machine.



“Itachi-san, I received an offer for a job. It will bring in a substantial pay. If we take it, the caravan leaves within a week.” Kisame began as he slid the razor sharp kunai into the pouch beside his chair.



Itachi inclined his head, waiting for his partner to continue. There was a catch. He could smell it in Kisame’s stalling. He sighed, a barely audible sound. “What’s the catch?”



“Well, we would be escorting the caravan to Konohagakure.” Kisame lifted another kunai, testing the tip with a finger.



“How much?”



“A lot. Triple our normal earnings.”



“Are you sure they aren’t working for ANBU? That seems a little odd to offer such a high price to already expensive mercenaries.”



“Yeah, I thought of that. The shipment is royalty. The mountain country daimyo’s youngest daughter and grandchild were traveling through the area. It seems the girl married into Konoha royalty or something, probably a Hyuuga. She‘s on her way home.” Kisame yawned.



Itachi stretched his legs before him. “Why do they suddenly need guards?”



“Her caravan was attacked just outside the village as they were passing through. The head guard determined they needed additional protection for the remainder of the trip. He asked around and our names came up.” Of course, it wasn’t their real names. They worked under the assumed names of Shisui Obito and Hoshi Izu.



“You do realize how dangerous it will be, for me especially?”



“That’s why I want us both to go. I know if the shit hit’s the fan, if the two of us are together we can escape anything. I know it‘s asking a lot of you, Itachi-san.”



Itachi remained silent, his pitch black eyes stared out into the growing darkness. Though he’d been physically fine for two years, he’d stayed with Kisame. Perhaps it was stalling. They received little to no news concerning the larger villages and they didn’t seek it out. It was bad enough to be missing nins, Kisame had a family to protect. That meant not drawing attention to themselves.



“You’ll need to wear a mask for this.”



“Aww, come on Itachi-san…”



“I mean it. There is a reason we stay clear of the larger villages. This time we will have to walk right through those gates.”



“So we’re going? Are you sure you are ready to face your past?”



“No. But I have to do it some time.”



“Shall we go tell Keiko and the squirt?”



Itachi followed his long time friend into the warm house. The evening chill was melted away from the heat of the stove in the simple but cozy kitchen. Keiko smiled as Kisame scooped her up into his arms. Even now, the small protrusion of her abdomen spoke of another Hoshigaki child on the way.



He was surprised. After her miscarriage at six months the previous year, he was surprised she didn’t take precautions to avoid another. Both had been crushed by the loss. They had even named the baby. Kaimu. It meant ocean dream. Itachi built the small funeral pyre himself while Kisame mourned with Keiko.



The days that followed were some of the saddest for everyone. Even Itachi said a small prayer for the little soul. Only Izumi was the glue holding both his parents together. His bright smile helped ease all their hearts, including Itachi’s.



“Hoshigaki Kisame! Put me down this instant if you want to eat.” Keiko laughed, attempting to sound stern.



Izumi giggled at the sight of his father lifting his mother in the air. He knew something was up if he was buttering up his mother with attention. His lip poked out a little as he tried to figure out what it was Daddy was hiding.



“Itachi-san, tell this beast to put me down.”



“I prefer not to interfere in issues not of my concern.” Itachi settled in his seat, sending Izumi a little wink.



Izumi giggled, sitting and watching the actions of his parents with much mirth. Kisame finally settled Keiko in her seat before taking his own. The blush on her cheeks told everyone she didn’t mind the attention at all.



“Let’s eat.“ Kisame grinned before grabbing his chop sticks and digging in to the food before him. The sound of eating encompassed the room. The simple meal of seasoned fish, rice, and miso soup was devoured with gusto.



“I’ll be happy when you start cooking again, Itachi-san.” Keiko smiled, earning a snicker from Kisame.



“Unca Tachi is the bestest cook in the world.” Izumi chimed in, his mouth full of rice.



“Don’t speak with your mouth full.” Itachi said calmly, taking a sip from his soup bowl. “If you had been raised by Uchiha Mikoto you would not have been allowed to go on missions if you could not take care of yourself.”



Keiko lowered her eyes. She knew how much it hurt Itachi to speak of his family. That he willingly offered information or insight into them was both a joyful and sad occasion. “She must have been a wonderful woman.”



“Kisame…” Itachi placed his chop sticks beside his empty bowls.



Kisame nodded, turning to his wife. “Keiko, Itachi-san and I are leaving in a few days for a job. We will be gone for several weeks. I want you and Izumi to go stay with your parents while we are gone.”



“Why?”



“We are escorting some people to Konoha. It will take at least a month to get there, traveling with a carriage. We are likely going to have to stop several times for the passengers. I want to make sure the two of you are safe.”



“We will be fine here.”



“Don’t argue with me, woman. I need to know you are safe. You and Izumi mean too much to me. With both Itachi-san and myself gone, we need you protected. Do this…for me.”



Keiko opened her mouth to dispute the request before closing it with a snap. “Alright.”



Kisame relaxed almost immediately. Keiko leaned into him. Izumi climbed into his father’s lap, cuddling close.



Itachi stood, quietly exiting. It was always so strange to see such a violent man be humbled by his wife and son. The sight also brought back memories of cuddling on his mother’s lap and they hurt; more than he would ever let on.



Closing his eyes, he breathed in deeply before increasing the chakra in his legs and darting through the trees to the small training ground he and Kisame had built about half a mile from the house. He raced up a pole, balancing himself on the flat top.



His hands dipped quickly into the pouches at his side. Eight kunai, four in each hand, were removed and thrown at various targets. Anything less than perfection was not allowed. It was how he’d always been, how his father had made him.



When he landed gracefully beside a mannequin, he began to throw punches and kicks. Each smooth movement pounded away at the scarred wood. Itachi might prefer to keep himself back, using ninjutsu and genjutsu, but that was no excuse to not be able to defend one’s self physically if need be. The sound of a twig breaking drew his attention to the tree line.



“Itachi-san.” Kisame grinned, drawing a massive sword from his back.



“Very well.” Itachi smirked before jumping away from the other.



Itachi’s hands immediately began to fly through the hand signs. Bringing his fingers to his lips, he blew. A massive fireball hurdled towards Kisame, forcing him to jump away or be engulfed its heat. The younger watched in amusement as Kisame patted his hair frantically.



“A bit singed?”



“Asshole.”



Itachi drew his own weapon before lunging forward. A lesser man would have been struck down from the flawless attack. Kisame was not a lesser man by any means. Blade clashed blade in a fight for dominance. Kisame was the better swordsman, but Itachi was no slouch.



Sparks flew as they clashed again and again, neither giving an inch. It would be an insult to the other. Giving one’s all in training was a show of respect. Their respect for each other was one reason the training grounds was so far from the house. It would be a shame if their practice got out of hand, possibly destroying the house.



Eyes flared red as he dodged what would have been a lethal blow. Kisame grinned, knowing the gloves were off now that he’d activated his Sharingan. “Finally!”



“Are you so anxious to get your ass handed to you?”



“Enough talk!”



Kisame growled, charging forward. Itachi plowed his sword through the man’s heart. The body went stiff before popped into nothing but water. “Really, Kisame. Did you think I wouldn’t know it was a clone?”



“Nope. I just want to see how long it takes you to find the real me.” Kisame chuckled, three clones stepping from the shadows.



Itachi narrowed his eyes. The world moved in slow motion for him as he gauged each clone. They began to crowd in, coming in fast from three sides. He hissed as he lunged away, a stray kunai ripping a hole in sleeve of one arm. Where had that come from? All three clones carried their sword, swinging them back and forth as he dodged agilely through the gantlet of steel.



“Come on, Itachi-san.” The Kisame clone snarled as he plowed his sword into Itachi’s slender body.



Instantly, the clone burst into several ravens. They scattered in all directions before disappearing from sight. “A clone?”



A telling splash could be heard in the silence of the training field. Each of the clones burst into water, all beheaded. All that could be seen was deadly red eyes, a slight touch of bloodlust evident even from a distance away.



Kisame swallowed heavily from his hiding place in the tree line. He reached for his sword, ready to join the fray for real when a kunai was pressed into his neck.



“If I was sent to kill you, you would be dead.” Kisame’s eyes grew wide as he glanced at the shadowed face.



A popping sound burst on the field as the clone dissipated. Kisame blinked a few times. “It was a clone the entire time?”



“Kisame, you know I don’t like to get my hands dirty unless I need to.” Itachi smirked, putting away the sharp blade. His red eyes narrowed at the small bead of blood trickling down his friend’s neck.



“I fucking can’t believe it. You are a god damned shadow. How in all of god’s creation did Sasuke beat you?” Kisame dusted his hands down his clothes to remove invisible bits of dirt.



“I let him.” Itachi turned and disappeared into the forest.



Itachi lunged from tree to tree, disappearing deep in the heavily wooded land. He kept his quick pace, agilely using each branch to propel him forward towards his destination. He didn’t stop until he reached a clear pool at the base of a small mountain. A small waterfall rushed from a hidden crack in the mountain, keeping the water from going stagnant.



Shedding his sandals, he dipped his feet into the crystalline water. The moon mirrored itself on the smooth pool. The night birds called to their mates, a whirring trill echoing back and forth.



It amazed him how beautiful nature could be away from the power struggles of the major villages. It constantly renewed itself as the seasons passed. The death of an animal fed others, its remains nourishing the plants and trees which in turn feed animals. The cycle was perfect. A man could find peace in these settings. Not him, though.



He stared into the pool, his reflection dark, barely visible. He’d tried so hard for so long to find peace and comfort with Kisame and his family. He tried and was unsuccessful. His sins weighed too heavily on his spirit. Sasuke weighed too heavily.



He’d been certain Sasuke would be the hero his family name so desperately needed. Sasuke had a gentleness in him. Itachi had watched it grow and flourish. Even after that night, he’d watched his brother from afar. He’d developed connections with people, friendships. He’d proven he was better than just a tool. Until him.



Orochimaru. That unrepentant devil. He’d given Sasuke a taste of what he could have. Power. All that he promised Sasuke would have eventually been his as he grew as a shinobi. Orochimaru simply promised it sooner. Why wait? His brother always had been impatient.



Pulling his shirt from his body, he ran his fingers down the scars dotting his chest. Some were from his days in ANBU, some were from Akatsuki missions, and some were from Sasuke. Standing, he stripped his pants before diving into the depths. The shock of the cold water rocketed through him, making him gasp as his head broke the surface.



He shivered for a moment as his body acclimated itself to the temperature. Mountain water was always cold, coming from deep beneath the surface, away from any warmth of sunlight. The refreshing feel of it far outweighed the momentary agony of the first dip.



Rolling to his back, he floated along, watching the twinkle of stars through the canopy of trees. He wondered how Konoha had changed. He had gotten word of Danzou’s death. That much he did know. If he really tried, he could find more. The truth was, he didn’t want to know. His village had forced him into a corner. Kill his family or have Konohagakure declare war on them. In war, the suffering would be great. He was given the option of making it relatively painless. The end would be the same, only the execution differed. Perhaps he was a coward but he chose to do as he was told. He would never forget the pain and love in his mother’s eyes as he struck her down.



“Mother, I tried to save Sasuke. I tried to make him into a hero, to use him to bring honor back to our family. Forgive me for failing you.” He whispered before sinking below the surface, allowing the refreshing water to wash away the tears he refused to shed.



It was hours later when he let himself silently into the house. His room, spartanly decorated, greeted him. It was comprised of a bed, dresser, and bedside table. His weapons were neatly placed at varying intervals, all with easy access should he be required to move fast. A quiet knock on the door alerted him to the presence he’d sensed long before.



“Itachi-san?”



“Kisame.” He acknowledged, opening the door and allowing his friend into his small sanctuary.



“Are you sure about this? I can handle it alone if you don’t think…”



“I’ll be fine, Kisame. I need to see my home.”



“Maybe they’ve forgotten about you. It has been a while. Almost six years.”



“Villages such as Konohagakure never forget.”



“Well, see you in the morning. We can discuss strategy and I‘ll contact the client.”



“Goodnight, Kisame.”



~*~



Itachi pulled the mask over the lower half of his face. Kisame did the same, much to his disgruntlement. He smirked at his partner. The mask was worse than Kisame’s bare face. He probably should have just had Kisame use a transform jutsu but the constant drain on his chakra would be hard, especially since he no longer possessed his chakra draining sword to provide him with a constant stream of chakra.



“They’re late.” Kisame griped, pacing at the small gate outside of town.



“Calm yourself. You are drawing more attention than necessary.”



“Hoshi-san?”



Kisame glanced up to see a wiry old man step from an impressive carriage as it approached the two. He arched a brow as the man approached, before bowing low. “My name is Fuyuki. I am the guide for Lady Miko and her honorable son, Ryuu.”



“This is my associate, Shisui Obito.” Itachi nodded at the introduction before walking around the carriage while Kisame talked itinerary with the servant.



“Hi!”



He glanced up to stare into a pair of the darkest eyes he’d seen since his encounter with Sasuke. The boy the eyes belonged to appeared to be between three and four. He reminded him so much of Sasuke, he actually thought he was a hallucination. The boy’s eyes seemed to stare into his soul before he began giggling.



“Please forgive Ryuu. He’s only a boy and likes meeting new people.” The woman who spoke was in her early twenties. There was nothing special about her. She had kind eyes and a warm smile. Her face, while average in looks, carried a gentleness that was rare in nobility. She reminded him greatly of his mother. He bowed respectfully to her.



“It’s fine.”



“My name is Miko. Thank you for escorting us home.”



“You are the daimyo’s daughter, yet you consider Konohagakure your home?”



“My husband is in Konoha. Home is wherever he is.”



“Then why is he not with you?”



“He has responsibilities to the village. I used this time to allow him a chance to rest from being a father and to spend time with his neglected friends. He is so serious sometimes. I‘m sure he will lighten up if he spends some time with them.” she chuckled.



Itachi couldn’t help but smile. Definitely a Hyuuga if she was talking about him being so serious. It was a shame her son didn’t inherit the Byakugan. That blood trait was nearly as powerful as the Sharingan. He watched as she pulled the boy back inside the carriage.



“How does everything look, Obito-san?” Kisame asked, strapping his weapon to his back.



“It’s acceptable. We should get going. We have a long road ahead of us.”



Kisame took point, scouting ahead. Itachi created a few clones, sending them out to check the area for any suspicious characters. The sun shown down brightly, causing the day to heat up rather warm despite the area of the world they traveled through.



“Shisui-san, may we please stop for a few minutes. Ryuu needs to run off some energy.” Miko smiled tiredly from the carriage.



“If you can wait about half an hour, we should be nearing a small river. There is a place there where you could cool off and maybe have your lunch.” Itachi offered, earning a chuckle from Kisame.



“Thank you.” she smiled gratefully.



Itachi ignored Kisame as he moved back to walk alongside him. “She’s married…with a kid.”



“I’m not interested in her.”



“Come off it, you offered up information to her about a nice place to stop. You like her.” Kisame was now grinning widely, that much was evident even through his mask.



“I’m not interested.”



“You are!”



“Kisame. My proclivities, while not widely known, do not spread towards married women with whelps barely off breast milk.”



“Huh?”



“Trust me. I would never fuck my mother and Lady Miko reminds me very much of her.”



“Oh…”



Itachi left his friend grumbling while he jumped onto the carriage to direct the driver to the small area just off the main road.



While the lady ate quietly, Itachi kept a careful eye on the boy as he ran chasing butterflies. His hair was thick, tufted up in areas wildly. He reminded him of Sasuke at that age, all happy smiles and already a taste for adventure.



“Do you have children?”



He glanced down at Miko. “No. My chosen profession does not allow much time for romance.”



“You sound like my husband. Our marriage was arranged but I love him dearly. May I ask you something?”



Itachi inclined his head, not really wanting to answer anything personal while at the same time unable to refuse her request.



“Why do you wear a mask?”



“To hide my face.” he answered abruptly, perhaps even a bit harshly. It wasn’t her fault. She was merely curious.



He watched Ryuu move closer towards the tree line. He darted quickly towards him as a scream echoed in the silence. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched a wolf creep towards the boy.



It was obvious the creature was mad, probably sick or injured. Normally the creatures were to skittish to approach humans. His eyes flared red as he tossed a kunai towards the animal just as it lunged for the boy.



Miko’s terrified scream was barely auditable to him as he pulled the animal carcass from the boy’s body. His hands ran over him, searching for any wound. Tear stained eyes stared at him before his arms were full of frightened child. He quickly deactivated his eyes as the others approached.



“Ryuu!” she cried, taking the boy from his arms.



“He’s fine. Just frightened. I checked him over.” Itachi said as the boy buried his face in his mother’s neck.



“Thank you for protecting him. Thank you.” She continued to whisper words of gratitude as she cuddled her child close.



“Obito-san.”



Itachi crouched by Kisame as he examined the dead animal. On closer inspection, the animal was obviously not a natural wolf. The blood slowly leaking from the wound smelled almost putrid. The teeth in its mouth were oddly shaped.



“What is it?”



“This animal has been experimented on. You checked the boy for injuries?”



“Yes. He’s fine.”



“We should move on quickly. I’ve learned to never assume there is only one. We can worry later about what it was.”



Itachi nodded in agreement, glad to see the woman and her son being assisted into the carriage. He hoped the entire journey would not be filled with this much excitement, otherwise, it would be a very long trip indeed.



To be continued~