Peace to the Void

Okay, I was having problems uploading this chapter yesterday and the day before. I'm really sorry everyone. I'm working on getting the problem fixed.

Nivell: Yup they’re sick pedophiles. Thanks for the review.

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Meow-ku: Thank you. I’m glad you like it.

AlienX: O_O wow so long. Thank you!!! The fact that you’re asking so many questions makes me so happy! I’m glad that you’re really enjoying the story. A lot of these questions will be answered in future chapters, be patient. :D

Chapter Three

Itachi sighed, for perhaps the millionth time. He was tired of all of the bickering. They were getting nowhere. They’d been at it for nearly six hours and with only two one hour breaks; it was all giving him a headache. The Raikage was dead locked against everyone, as was the Tsuchikage. Though the Hokage, Kazekage, and Mizukage agreed on most points even they were bickering. He was surprised that the council didn’t use their influence more, especially certain members of Konoha’s council, it could only be Danzo’s convenient emergency that held him up from the meeting that made Koharu and Homura behave. He could see that Hatake-san was thinking along the same lines.

“No, damn it!” The Raikage slammed his fist down. “I’m not convinced. We’ve got evidence that Uchiha Sasuke fried the entire network of my ship. I can’t trust that he’s no longer under Orouchimaru’s control. He’s hasn’t proved he isn’t a loyalist. The boy still refers to him as his superior.”

“Yes, after six years of trauma it’s only natural that he’s paranoid. Orouchimaru probably beat him bloody for not referring to him in that manner; it only makes sense that he would unconsciously continue to do so. He probably hasn’t even thought about the way he’s referred to Orouchimaru.” The Hokage explained.

“It’s suspicious. He committed a criminal act; he should be kept under high surveillance.”

“He was probably forced to attack your network,” The Kazekage began, “Not to mention he was probably so drugged he didn’t even know what he was doing.”

“And he’s an addict!” The Raikage yelled.

Itachi sighed again, “Perhaps we should resume tomorrow morning, it will give everyone a chance to think over things carefully and of course if you should think of more questions you need Sasuke to answer, I’ll make sure he’s available. What will be his accommodations tonight?”

Everyone turned to the Raikage expecting him to protest. He scowled, “Well he’s already been shuttled down, and your family estate is well guarded. I supposed it shouldn’t be too much harm to have him there for one night.”

His mother smiled, “Thank you very much. I’ve been waiting for quite some time to have my son back in my home.”

“We shall reconvene tomorrow at eight hundred hours.” He remarked standing.

Everyone nodded, standing and moving to leave the conference room where their guards stood wait to escort them.

Lady Mikoto caught her son before he could leave, “Are you going to Sasuke?” He nodded, “Please send him my apologies I’m simply too tired after all that fuss.”

He smiled leaning to kiss her cheek, “Of course mother, I’m certain Sasuke will understand.”

Itachi rounded the corner quickly making his way to what had become known as the rookie cafeteria. He wasn’t surprised to see that the Kazekage had gone in the same direction as well as Hatake-san.

When he entered he immediately caught Sasuke’s attention, and Uzumaki’s pout.

“Sasuke!” Uzumaki whined.

“Tachi-nii, are you going to eat dinner with me?” He asked as he walked over.

Itachi leaned down and kissed his forehead, “Yes, how are you feeling?”

Sasuke gave a small smile, “Better.” He bit his lip nervously, “Will I be staying here?”

The elder brother shook his head, moving to sit beside him, “You’ll be coming home with me. Mother sends her regards she was too tired to stay for dinner.”

Uzumaki complained, “Aw but I wanted to see Mikoto-okasan.”

Itachi only glared at the pilot. The Kazekage diffused the situation. “Naruto, you will refer to a Lady by her title while on a village base.”

He nodded complying, “Ok, ok.”

“Tachi-nii?” Sasuke touched his hand, “Please don’t be so mean to Naruto, I know he’s an idiot and he’s loud and obnoxious and he doesn’t have a lot of finesse or manners and…I forgot what my point was, just be less mean to him.”

Nearly everyone burst into some form of laughter.

“Teme, why did you go and say that for?”

“Naruto,” Gaara warned again, “He’s a prince to our people.”

The blonde nodded, “Right.” He turned back to the Uchiha, “Prince Teme what’d you go and say that for?”

Sasuke blinked at him, “I was asking aniki to have mercy for you.”

Itachi chuckled lowly and kissed his brother’s cheek, “Of course I’ll try to be a bit sympathetic for your dobe. I’ll even lift a day off of his probation extension.”

Uzumaki gapped, but the youngest Uchiha only smiled and fell into his brother’s
embrace, “Tachi-nii is so kind.”

“Mr. Secretary I thought you’d be receiving dinner with Hoshigaki-san? I had a table book for you both.” Neji began looking over his note.

“He sent word that they had been delayed. He won’t arrive until tomorrow.” Itachi answered. “Need I remind you that you are off duty Neji-kun?”

Neji blushed slightly, “I know those things are most important to you. I’d hate if you were to miss something like that while I was present to remind you.”

“I appreciate that greatly.”

“Who is Hoshigaki-san?” Sasuke asked.

Naruto covered his mouth as a small burst of giggles escaped him. Itachi glared up at the blonde but saw many of the occupants in the room had a similar reaction. He turned his attention back to his brother, “You’ll meet him tomorrow.”

Sasuke nodded, against him, “We had a welcome home party. I ate a piece of cake. It was a small piece.”

The eldest Uchiha smiled, “Are you going to eat dinner?”

He nodded, yawning.

“You’re certain you’re not too tired from your party.”

He nodded again, “I want to have dinner with you.”

Itachi ran his hands through his brother’s hair, “Of course.” Still he knew his brother was drifting off. Everyone in the room grew quiet as he fell asleep from where he sat in his brother’s arms.

Once Itachi was sure he was peaceful, he looked to his aides, “Can you have transport ready for us? I’ll take him home.”

Neji nodded, “Yes Mr. Secretary.”

He was surprised to see Sai give a pilot from the special ops division a kiss farewell. He saw Haku give farewells and before he could tell them it wasn’t necessary, Neji was beside him with a med-chair for Sasuke, “Duty first.”

Naruto gave him a look that couldn’t be rejected, he sighed. Sasuke had asked him to be nicer. “Fine, say good bye.”

Naruto grinned like sunshine before leaning over to peck the sleeping boy’s lips, and whispered, “Night Sasuke.”

Transporting Sasuke was not as hard as he originally thought. Sasuke slept through the entire process, never stirring from his fitful sleep as he was beamed into their home, then up to his bed. He didn’t wake when he was shed of his elaborate furisode and put in a simple sleeping yukata or when Itachi washed his face and put him to bed.

Itachi gave him a kiss before leaving his room. He went to the ground level to see his aides were preparing dinner and the table.

He sat at the table where Sai was preparing four seats. “Mr. Secretary?”

“Yes.”

“Did you hire me because I look like your brother?”

Itachi looked up to see he was still calmly preparing the table, “No, you are highly qualified for this position and came with a riveting recommendation from council member Danzo-san. You also had impressive combat skills.”

“But when you thought to hire me over the other candidates, you didn’t favor me more because I reminded you of your brother?” He continued.

Itachi took his hand, “When I chose you, it was because among your impressive skill set and recommendations I thought you would grow in this position. That you would help Neji-kun and Haku-kun to grow, and that with the three of you working together anything I assigned you would get done.” He held his gaze, “As for looking like my brother, I didn’t want to hire you because of that. I didn’t want a constant reminder of my failure to protect Sasuke, however, you were the most qualified and if I didn’t hire someone soon Hokage-sama said she’d make Uzumaki my new aide.”

Haku chuckled setting the food down on the table before wrapping his arms around
Sai’s waist, “And you were worried Sai-chan.”

“I was not worried,” He responded quickly then after a moment had passed and they were all seated at the table, “What are the symptoms of being ‘worried’?”

Haku broke into a fit of laughter, while Neji tried to explain to Sai that worrying wasn’t a disease. Itachi smiled, the main reason he’d hired these boys was that he saw a bit of himself in each. His need to be useful in Haku, his struggle with being a prodigy in Neji, and his emotional detachment in Sai, he had hoped by hiring them he could prevent them from some of the hardships he’d faced. To protect them the way he’d wanted to protect his younger brother.

Dinner was mostly quiet with the occasional question about his schedule. They ushered him off when dinner was done and he told them to take two hours off in the morning. With that he left to his own room, he went to his shower. With the water running down his face he didn’t have to acknowledge his tears. The tears he’d been holding back since Sasuke’s return. He leaned against the tiled wall, trying to remain quiet. He was running out of strength.


Sasuke didn’t remember falling asleep, only dreaming. His dreams were not good, not anymore. He woke, jolting up his own hand instinctively over his mouth to muffle his scream. He waited, closing his eyes and breathing hard, for his heart to stop pounding in his chest. When he felt a bit calm he opened his eyes to the darkness to try and figure out his surroundings. Lowering his arm, he activated his sharingan to see everything clearly and realized he was in his own home.

On the bed was his favorite childhood toy, a stuffed red fox. It had been a present from Naruto when they were nine. It happened when they declared each other best friends; he’d given Naruto a wallet that looked like a frog. Naruto had continued to use that wallet even after they’d graduated, even naming it. He was no better, sleeping with the plush, he’d named Minato, until he’d graduated from the academy.

He pulled the plush toy into his chest and moved to the edge of the large bed. He has limited strength, if Itachi’s room was in the same area he might make it. He thought of trying to fall asleep on his own and then stood. He could not sleep without the aid of a sleep drug to coax him into abyss. Holding his fox close with one arm, he used the walls to sturdy himself.

He was relieved to find Itachi’s bedroom hadn’t moved. When he saw an arm lift blankets into the air he went as quickly as he could and crawled into bed. Itachi dropped the blanket over and he cuddled close. He said nothing and Itachi poked his forehead, “Did you find your fox?”

He nodded, deactivating his sharingan and closing his eyes. He held the plush toy close. Itachi ran a gentle hand through his hair and soon he fell into a dark, dreamless sleep.


Itachi grew accustomed to having his door creak open and for another to crawl into his bed. Sasuke had always done so when they were much younger. Itachi could clearly remember the reason a four year old Sasuke had given when he asked why he preferred to crawl into his bed than their parents.

“Cause ‘Tachi-nii is the best at everything even chasing away bad dreams.”

He smiled hearing his door creak open, before being shut. It was only his first night and Itachi was happy to give him whatever comfort he needed. Itachi was glad that Sasuke slept less recklessly than he had as a child. He was glad to wake without a foot in his face or to a sudden kick. He stroked Sasuke's hair and gently removed himself from bed. He briefly wondered how Sasuke would feel when there was already someone else in his bed.

Kisame would arrive today along with other members of the akatsuki sometime today. Itachi was excited to introduce them to Sasuke, while working undercover with the group and then making them a legal fraction cooperating with Village. They'd become some of his closest friends. Kisame had become more than his friend, he'd come to know more about the Uchiha than he knew about himself.

Itachi walked into his kitchen only to smell breakfast already cooking. He rounded the corner expecting to see a cook, perhaps one of his aides, or his mother.

"Kisame!"

The huge man grinned, "Ita-chan."

He rushed over to him being lifted in his arms he wrapped his legs about his waist clinging to him.

"Miss me?" the deep baritone husked.

Itachi didn't respond, his throat was thick and tears filled his eyes. He'd always found it amazing how vulnerable Kisame made him. He was set on the counter, large hands held his face. "Come now, I'm here Ita-chan you don't have to be so strong with me."


He cried harder as Kisame pulled him into his arms. "What he did to my brother—I wasn't there to protect him."

He felt Kisame sigh, "You did your best and you found him. He's here now no more crying."

Kisame rubbed his back, and waited patiently until he’d cried himself out. It had felt good to just sit in his arms and be weak. He reluctantly pulled away and began wiping his eyes. He kissed the man before him, “Sorry.”

Kisame only smiled before kissing him deeply. “No apologies, I missed you.”

He gave a small smile, “I missed you.”

“Yes but I always miss you more,” Kisame chuckled, "Where is my Ita-chan’s little brother? I want to meet him I made breakfast for him."

"He's sleeping. He’s always slept in late.”

“Not today, his breakfast will get cold.” Kisame replied pecking his lips before leaving the man to sit on the counter.

Itachi simply smirked as he saw Kisame returning to his previous business, “Don’t you want to know what I’m wearing under this robe? We’ve been apart for three weeks.”

Kisame shrugged, “I want to meet the famous Uchiha Sasuke. I’ve got to impress him besides I know what’s underneath that robe.”

He scowled, “Oh really?”

Kisame only nodded loading a tray with food, “Yup, a sensible shirt and sensible shorts with sensible underwear.” He turned to look at him, “I’d know if you were wearing something sexy under there. Where’s his room?”

Itachi sighed sliding off the counter, “He’s in my room.”

“Why’s he there I thought you said he was sleeping?”

Itachi went to stand beside him and helped him finish loading the tray, “He had a nightmare so he came into my room.”

Kisame nodded, “Yeah that Orouchimaru is a sick bastard. That sidekick of his is no better. Does he know I’m coming?”

“I’ll go first,” he replied, “I hadn’t expected you to come this early.”


Sasuke woke soon after his brother had left him alone in bed. He stayed in bed partially because he hoped Itachi would return soon, also because he knew he hadn’t the strength to walk to his room alone, and mostly because he was still tired.
When he heard the door open he was relieved Itachi had returned. Then he smelt food. The bed dipped as Itachi sat beside him.

“Sasuke,” Itachi said stroking his hair as he turned towards him, “Already awake?”

Sasuke nodded looking up at his brother. “You left bed.”

Itachi smiled, “Aa, sorry I hadn’t meant to disturb you. There’s someone here I want you to meet.” He paused helping his brother to sit up being sure to prop pillows behind him.

“Who?” He asked blinking owlishly.

“Come in.” Itachi turned to the door.

The man that walked in was huge. That was the first thing Sasuke noticed; he was just so big and tall and built of muscle. Then Sasuke notice this man was blue, “You come from Hiyaumi and you’re tall.”

The man before him grinned, showing sharp shark like teeth. “Hoshigaki Kisame, it’s nice to meet you Ita-chan’s little brother.” He placed the tray in Sasuke’s lap before pushing the two brothers closer together, “And you look so alike.”

Sasuke immediately decided that there was something different about this man other than the fact that he was a shark humanoid. “You’re really big.” He commented.

Kisame’s grin dropped, “You already said that.”

“But you’re really, really big,” Sasuke continued, “How tall are you?”

“235 cm.”

“That’s really tall.”

“And to think that’s only my humanoid form.”

Sasuke looked to the large amount of food on the tray hovering above his lap and remembered to be polite. “Thank you for breakfast but I won’t be able to eat it all.”

“I put food on there for Itachi too.”

Sasuke picked up the spoon next to a grapefruit half, he was certain he’d be able to keep it down, “Do you work with Tachi-nii?”

“Yes.”

Sasuke dropped his spoon moving the tray out of his lap before crawling over his brother to reach Kisame. “Let me touch your face.”

“Sasuke!”

“But I’ve never met anyone from Hiyaumi.” Sasuke replied before his brother could scold him. “It’s very rare for them to come off planet, and I can’t go to Hiyaumi because they have no land and don’t really like outsiders.”

Kisame chuckled pulling Sasuke up to stand before him by his shoulders. Sasuke realized that if Itachi weren’t in the room he would’ve been very frightened. He had to crane his neck back to look up at Hosigaki’s face. Sasuke was sure he’d never felt so small in his life. Still Kisame steadied him with one large hand. He was strong, Sasuke could tell with the way he was extra careful with him that he was very strong. His dark blue hair spiked straight up. He leaned over so Sasuke could touch his face. Sasuke gasped touching the baby soft blue skin.

“It’s really soft.”

“That’s the Hiyaumi waters for you.” Kisame added.

“What are you to my brother?” He asked almost surprised he’d said it out-loud.
Itachi sputtered behind him which only confirmed his suspicions. He turned to look at his brother and then back to Hoshigaki. “Are you his lover?”

“Sasuke!”

“I can’t believe he got a boyfriend while I was away.” He whispered, falling against the man before him. His chest felt hollow and his legs felt weak. “How long have you been lovers?”

“Five sets,” Kisame answered.

“And he’s been putting out, he use to be such a prude.” He commented.

Hoshigaki chuckled, while Itachi scowled from his seat on the bed.

“He’s precious.” Kisame commented picking the boy up and moving him back to bed, “Now eat up, you need your strength so we can go meet all your brother’s new friends and hear all the embarrassing stories.”

Sasuke nodded taking his spoon and grapefruit again, “What embarrassing stories?”

“Oh there’s so many,” Kisame began grinning.

“Kisame stop it!” Itachi hissed.

Kisame continued to grin but remained quiet on the subject. There was a small moment of silence and Itachi had just bitten into a piece of toast when Sasuke spoke. “So you’re a bottom Tachi-nii?”

He nearly spit out his toast. Kisame bellowed out deep laughter. Sasuke blinked innocently as though he were confused. Sasuke turned to his older brother, “Why is Hoshigaki-san laughing?”

“Eat your grapefruit.” He stated briefly glaring at his lover before returning to his own meal.

Sasuke of course obeyed his older brother and ate his food. He remained quiet and finished his grapefruit wondering if he should try to eat something else.

Itachi decided for him, “Try some of this omelet, Kisame is very good at cooking them and it has tomato in it.”

He held a bit up to his lips. Hesitantly Sasuke took a bite. It was good but his stomach was churning oddly, he wasn’t sure if he felt he’d vomit or if this was the way it should be. He looked to his brother trying to decide whether or nice to have another bite.

“Have some tea,” Itachi said supplying a cup.

So he took the cup, and drank. Suddenly he found his stomach felt better. He mentally scolded himself for being surprised. His brother always knew what was best for him. “I can’t eat anymore.”

Itachi smiled at him, “You’ve eaten quite a bit.” He moved the tray to hover over the bedside table, “I’ll show you to the tub. I’m sure you’d like to wash up. Haku-kun will be up to help you dress when you get out, and then when you come down stairs Neji will tell you if the kage and council have more questions for you. I have to go to a meeting that will take up most of my day along with mother. Kisame will be coming with me but Neji-kun, Haku-kun, and Sai-kun will be here and you may have them contact Uzumaki if you like.”


Sasuke sat in the tub alone. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been there but in the warm water he could only think of Kimimaro, who had been kind enough to let him have baths. He wondered if they had taken him out of the pod. If they were helping him, the way Orouchimaru-sama and Kabuto could not.

Haku entered the room, and Sasuke understood why Neji had put up a screen for him.

“Sasuke-kun, are you ready to get out?” He began, “Your mother has a closet filled with the most beautiful clothes for you. They’re all traditional, but Lady Mikoto is a traditional woman, with phenomenal taste. If you ever get tired of any of these kimono just contact me.”

Sasuke smiled, he shivered a bit knowing it was just the hunger. He wanted SphaX so much. He didn’t know how long he’d been without it but he remembered what it felt like to have that marvelous fire in his veins. He’d thought on several occasions how he could acquire it but then he’d see his mother’s eyes, his brother would poke his forehead, or Naruto would kiss him and he knew he had to live without it.

“Oh it’s just so beautiful,” Haku went on, “Do you want me to contact Naruto? I’m sure he’d love to see you in this.”

He opened his mouth wanting to say yes, but knew he couldn’t. He had the hunger and he had to conquer it alone. He shook his head, “No, another time maybe. Today I want to see the house.”

Haku looked to the screen smiling, “Of course, do you want to try walking more today? Mr. Secretary said that you did not have fever. I’m trained in physical therapy, or if you want we could try acupuncture.”

“Acupuncture?” Sasuke frowned from his place in the tub, “That’s a rare skill. I didn’t think anyone had it anymore. You know an acupuncturist?”

He chuckled, “I am an acupuncturist. It helped me get this job as your brother’s aide.”

“Haku-kun?”

“Yes Sasuke-kun.”

“I get the impression that you could be a very dangerous person.” He stated.

Haku looked down as he prepared towels for the other boy, “I am a very dangerous person.”

Sasuke looked at his reflection in the water, silent at his honest admission.

Haku sighed, “I’ll be back in a moment. I forgot your socks.”

He thought about what Haku had said. Sasuke had known his share of dangerous men, and the things that they could do to you. He was worried that his brother was so close to someone as powerful as Kisame, and as dangerous as Haku.

When Haku returned he asked, “Are Neji and Sai dangerous too?”

“They can be.” Haku began, “It’s a part of our life Sasuke-kun but we are dangerous because we are strong, we are strong because there is something we must protect.”

His brow dipped in confusion, “What do you mean?”

“When a person has something they want to protect, that’s when they can become truly strong. When you say to yourself: I want to protect the person important to me... I want to work for that person. I want to fight for that person. I want to make that person's dream come true... That is my dream.” Haku stopped smiling fondly, “When you feel that way about something, about someone, you become willing to do anything that is when your strength can make you dangerous.”

Sasuke nodded to himself, drawing his knees close to himself. “But you said you are dangerous and that Neji and Sai can be dangerous.”

Haku moved to the tub. He pressed the release button to drain the water and then the other for the screen. He held open a large fluffy towel to the boy curled up in the draining tub.

“I’m very desperate to be needed by someone, Neji and Sai don’t have that affliction.” He remarked smiling as he helped the other out of the bath. He ushered him to a nearby chaise ready for him. “I’ve already proved that.”

The Uchiha bit his lip, “How?”

“When I was young, my mother was killed and my father sold me for his debts. The buyer was very mean but I was able to run away from him. For a long time I was alone, I had to live on the streets. No one wanted me. I suffered the pain of simply being alive.” Haku sat beside him, “One day, he came, Zabuza, he said I was different, that I was special and he asked me to become his ‘tool’. He said he needed me, that I was important. So I devoted my life to him; he was good to me but he was not a good man. I stayed with him because I was desperate for a purpose and I did many bad things that I didn’t want to do for him. I tried to die for him because I thought that without him my existence was not needed.”

“Then I woke up in an incubator and your brother was there. He asked me if I would be his aide because I was skilled, the position was open, and they didn’t want to send a child to prison. So I said yes because I didn’t want to go to prison,” He smiled, “That is why I am here, that is why I am dangerous.”

There was a long moment of silence when Sasuke leaned his head on the other boy’s shoulder, “But you are not a bad person Haku-kun.”

He chuckled, not bothering to stop his tears, “Thank you Sasuke-kun.”

They returned to a stale silence. Haku quickly wiped his tears and began to help him dress.

Sasuke watched his nimble fingers adjust his obi when he wrapped his arms around the boy in front of him. “I need you Haku-kun.”

He felt his eyes fill with tears as the younger boy held him tight. His head and shoulders dropped and he wept. They fell to the floor slowly but the boy didn’t release him and he continued to cry. He wrapped his arms around the other holding him close. He hadn’t known how badly he’d needed those words said until they had escaped the younger Uchiha’s mouth. He couldn’t decipher if his tears were of sadness, happiness, relief, or a combination of all three and he didn’t care. This boy holding him tight is a miracle.


Neji had gone to check on Haku and Sasuke after forty minutes had passed. He opened the door to find Sasuke holding Haku in his arms on the bathroom floor. Sasuke looked up at him, his pale hand running through Haku’s long tresses, the other rubbing his back soothingly.

Neji tried to decipher how to breach the situation, when Haku pulled away from the prince chuckling.

“Sasuke-kun you are an angel.” He then helped the Uchiha to his feet.


“It was leaked!” The Raikage yelled, “Who leaked it?”

“I’ve already found that the first report came from Otogakure. This confirms that someone from Orouchimaru’s crew survived and had contact with a former crew member or supplier that knew Sasuke would normally be with them. Or they could have leaked the story themselves to earn a substantial amount of credit, easily enough for a new vessel.” Itachi informed.

“Or for the equipment needed to transfer Orouchimaru into a new body,” Hokage added, “The likely hood that the escapee is Kabuto is too high to chance.”

The others in the room agreed.

“I have sent a team to Otogakure to investigate and possibly tail him,” Captain Hatake reported. “They should be in Otogakure by tomorrow.”

“Now that the news is out, everyone will be waiting for us to confirm.” The kazekage began, “We need to quickly decide Uchiha Sasuke’s status so that a press conference can be held immediately. As he is not dangerous and has committed no crime without being forced, I vote that is allowed to remain with his family and we can continue to evaluate his role within Village as he recovers.”

“I, second,” The Hokage responded quickly.

Before the other kage could cast their vote, Danzo began, “Should we really trust this boy to the care of his family?”

“Pardon me,” Lady Mikoto interrupted, “I can certainly care for my son.”

“Remember it was his family that got him kidnapped. Now the people are forcing us to place him in an important position, I’ve no doubt there will be dozens of petitions demanding he be crowned prince of Village on our hands within the next five hundred minutes.” Danzo continued, “If something were to happen to him again, we will be blamed for not ensuring his safety. That is why it would be best if he remains in Village custody.”

Koharu and Homura nodded in agreement.

“We all know that neither Secretary Itachi nor Lady Mikoto was involved in his capture, and every Uchiha involved has been persecuted.” Lord Hiashi commented.

“Sasuke has done nothing wrong. Forcing him to stay within the base will only make him suspicious of the help we’re providing him.” Lady Mikoto remarked, “Sasuke is in a fragile state, if he feels he’s simply become a prisoner again he won’t recover.”

Koharu scoffed, “How do we know he will recover? He took down seventeen highly trained men so that he could use.”

“And I believe a report said that he stated: your superiors should know better than to send such weak men after a member of Orouchimaru-sama’s crew. He’s practically a loyalist.” Homaru added.

“He attempted to use,” Lady Chiyo replied, “He’s a recovering addict that was to be expected and we all know that Orouchimaru is strong and surrounds himself with strong men. It has been ingrained in the boy that he is not as strong as them, so of course he’d be upset that men he defeated were being sent after someone he believes to be stronger than him.”

“Sasuke has given us a phenomenal amount of information about Orouchimaru and Madara. With the boy in the pod, we’ll have even more information about them.” Itachi offered, “He’s been nothing but cooperative.”

“I vote that he remain in Village custody, within a Village base with surveillance around the clock and limited access to information.” The Raikage started, “Limited visitation hours and daily blood tests.”

“Sasuke is not a criminal.” Lady Mikoto countered, “He should not be treated like one. He has done nothing wrong. He was betrayed by those we trusted, and enslaved to a wicked man. Now he is broken and he is trying to find it in himself to trust you, to trust all of us again. How can we expect him to change, to get better if we do not give him the opportunity? Why would he want to change if he thinks he’s just a prisoner again?”

“I cast my vote with Kazekage-san.” The Mizukage said, “The Village is not an organization that punishes hurt children. This is far easier to agree to than when we decided to not to send that boy working with Zabuza to prison. Uchiha Sasuke was an outstanding trainee, no marks on his record before he was kidnapped. He should be allowed the time to recover at home. His future with Village is delicate, for now it is best for us to wait and see how he will progress.”

Eyes turned to the Tsuchikage; he was the last to vote. The old man sighed, “If we don’t allow him to recover at home, the people will persecute us. Not just Konoha citizens, people from all across the void, who have been using this child’s name in their prayers, who have named him a prince. Even if he is a loyalist to Orouchimaru, even if his drug addiction is too strong for him to recover from, he’s already over powers us. With the news of his rescue being spread throughout the void we have to choices, Village can be the villain holding the saint prince captive or be the hero who rescued him. I’d rather have the people on our side; I’d rather have them calling us heroes. I must vote with Kazekage-san also.”

Itachi did his best not to smile, “I will call a press conference confirm and give a statement about your decision. I will of course send you a report of the event and set up a calendar to create future conference dates. I will be sure to send you a report of Sasuke’s progress every seventy-two hundred minutes sooner if an incident happens. They will ask about his royalty status within the Village, should I negate that his status is being discussed?”

“It is only fair to allow you to decide Raikage-san,” The Kazekage suggested.

He frowned, “Tell them it is up for discussion.”

“It is?” The Hokage replied snidely.

“You heard Tsuchikage-san,” The Raikage began, “Unfortunately he’s right. We’re going to have to discuss it before it’s shoved down our throats.”

Itachi waited, expecting more but they were silent and ready to retire, “Do you plan to stay in the Konoha colony or should I arrange transport?”

All but the Kazekage asked for immediate transport to their homes. He had two pads prepared to beam the kage and other council members back home. He was exiting when he was stopped by Danzo.

“You know this is a mistake,” He began, “He’ll snap and when he does are you certain you can stop him before he does irreparable damage?”

Itachi controlled himself, “I value your concern councilman. There’s my escort, I must be going.” He rushed over to Kisame.

“Did council member-asshole cause you any trouble?” He murmured after they had walked down the corridor.

Itachi sighed, “A little, I’d never thought I’d be thankful for a leak to the press.” He opened a note and activated his viewer as they reached his office door, “I’ve got a press conference to schedule. I’ll try to get all the major broadcasting here within one hundred minutes so we can do lunch afterward.”

Kisame leaned down to peck his lips, and chuckled as his cheeks turned pink, “Even after five sets you still flush.” He kissed him again, deeper this time, pulling him up and against his body, “Don’t work yourself too hard, Ita-chan.”

The Uchiha nodded, pecking the shark humanoids lips once more, “Yes Kisame.” He looked away, “Will you be sleeping in your quarters on base tonight?”

Kisame smirked, “If that’s where you want to sleep.”

Itachi kept his head turned away even as his lover lifted and kissed his hand. “I’d prefer my own bed.”

He felt Kisame grin against his hand and shivered at his low voice, “Then that is where I will be.”


Naruto was not angry, but he was annoyed. He’d been waiting all day for someone to contact him saying that Sasuke wanted to see him.

“Are you gonna stare at your note all day Naruto?” Kiba called as he completed his reps. “Or are you going to train? You know that thing we come here for.”

“I’m waiting for an important contact.” He muttered.

“Maybe he’s sick today.” Tenten responded from the table where she and Shino were working. She cocked the gun she was working with, “This new trihantium is so light.”

“He was fine yesterday,” He pouted. “It’s probably his stupid brother.”

“You should know better than to insult your boss Naruto.” Sakura scolded. “He could fire you.”

Naruto grinned, “But he won’t, he’s just mean to me because he loves me. He’s always been like that. I wish he’d show his brotherly affection some other way. I mean he’s always treated Sasuke like he was an angel.”

“Maybe that’s because prince Uchiha is actually his brother,” Kiba continued, “And he’s mean to you because he seriously hates you.”

“He should be nice to me,” He started frowning, “I mean I spent all this time training so that I could join Jinchuriki and then pilot Kyuubi for Konohagure so that I could rescue Sasuke. We’ve both been working hard for the same thing these past six sets. Shouldn’t that make him a little more understanding? I mean I know he’s not prejudice he’s been with Hoshigaki-san for five sets and when I first came here he and Sasuke always stood up for me against prejudiced people.”

Sakura sighed, “Maybe he just doesn’t like that Sasuke puts so much attention on you. I mean you know how close they were. He’s finally got his brother back and all Sasuke wants is to be with you all the time.”

“Sakura-chan—”

“Don’t let it bother you Naruto. I always felt like an afterthought around you guys. You always just focused on each other so easily. I mean you and Sasuke have been best friends since you were little kids.” She explained, “It’s disappointing that he hasn’t asked for me. I wish he would but I’m just so happy he’s back that I can’t complain. Maybe Mr. Secretary feels that way too.”

It was silent for a moment before Kiba spoke again, “Or he just hates your guts.”

Naruto scoffed, “Whatever, Neji or Haku should be contacting me any minute.” Suddenly a message came up. He smirked, “See Sai just sent me a contact.” He opened the vid up on a transparency.

“I’m sure you thought Haku or Neji would be sending for you to visit prince Uchiha, well he doesn’t want to see you today.” Sai began, “I’ll only be too happy to inform him of what a small penis you have.”

The vid ended. Naruto gapped. The room filled with laughter.

“Looks like maybe Mr. Secretary is rubbing off on prince Uchiha.” Kiba laughed, “God Sai is such a fucking catch, cute and funny.”

“He is not funny!!” Naruto yelled, “He’s a perverted creep. I can’t believe you’re actually with the guy.”

Kiba shrugged, “You’re just mad you’ve got to stay here and do work than go off having fun with your boyfriend.”

“Sasuke’s not my boyfriend.”

“We all know you’ve kissed him,” Tenten remarked, “More than just that peck good night too.”

“How do you know?”

Shikamaru answered from his spot on the couch, “Because I bugged Neji.”

Naruto whipped to him, “And you told everybody!”

“No, Ino saw when she caught me spying, and she told everyone” Shikamaru replied.

Naruto sighed shoulders sagging for a moment, “I guess I’ll get some work done then.”

Sakura smacked the back of his head, “I’m telling Tsunade-sama that you’re trying to use Sasuke to get out of work.”

She stomped out of the room. Naruto quickly followed her, calling for her to wait. Kiba and the others laughed.

Shikamaru scoffed standing up to return to his lab, “How troublesome.”


TBC

Thank you for reading. Here are some terms to clear up some confusion.

Set:standard year anywhere in the viod
Tank: medically induces coma and heals wounds
Note: holographic tablet PC
Viewer: ear piece that projects holographic screen over eyes (linked to note)
Pod: portable cryogenics chamber
Relay: speed note can process data--this speed is based on the user
Tranparencies: holographic screens producted by a note (Based on how fast data is being processed)

I hope that helped out. Please let me know what you think.