Three Kunai

My e-mails are all f***ed up, so I don't know who all reviewed since the last chapter came out, but be assured, I read every single one and appreciate your praise and opinions. ^_^

Merry Christmas!

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Sasuke ran desperately through the trees. Orochimaru’s men had tried to ambush him, but he was able to cut one of them in half and run. The other three chased after him.

There was a flash of light that hit them all in the eyes, but the Oto shinobi shrugged it off, thinking it was a bad attempt to blind or distract them.

One of the men following Sasuke almost missed a step when he saw Sasuke run straight into a tree and go through it. And Sasuke didn’t come out the other side. The Oto-nin was able to land on the next branch, stopping to check out the area. The other two landed nearby.

Sasuke materialized out of the tree trunk behind the man. Sasuke vanished again after he plunged a kunai in the man’s chest. These three—or two—were in Sasuke’s world now.

All the light in the forest dimmed and the leaves each warped, creating a dizzying effect. The female disrupted her chakra, but nothing changed. She ran to her fellow, touching him, pouring her chakra into him. Nothing changed even after a few seconds. She pulled him around. It was Sasuke. She cut off his head and the illusion dissolved.

A sword sparking with Chidori struck through her back and out of her heart.

Sasuke withdrew his sword and flicked it to remove the blood. Sasuke couldn’t help but smirk. A clean sweep.

“Ku, ku, ku.”

Sasuke whirled. He had never seen Orochimaru before, but he knew him when he saw him.

“Most impressive.”

Sasuke straightened and kept his sword lowered sensing no killing intent, but he did not sheath it.

“Tell me, Uchiha, what is it you desire more than anything?”

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed to glare. “My brother dead.”

“That kid training you, Kakashi-kun, is powerful, but he can’t give you the power I can, the power to defeat Itachi.” Sasuke didn’t change his expression. “Consider my offer, Sasuke-kun. A parting gift.”

Orochimaru’s neck extended and he bit Sasuke on the neck. Sasuke reacted, but not fast enough. He was bitten, but he was able to chop the head off the snake. A new head just regrew from the body. Sasuke fell to a knee in pain, a hand on the wound.

“Remember,” Orochimaru’s new head said, “only I can give you the power to defeat your brother.” Orochimaru vanished.

Sasuke tried to rally, but the pain was intense. He used a summoning jutsu, summoning Ban to him. “Kakashi.”

Ban looked worried, but she ran off to bring Kakashi to Sasuke.

Sasuke was lying on the tree branch when Kakashi arrived hours later. He knelt beside the fourteen year old then looked around with his Sharingan.

“He’s gone,” Kakashi whispered.

“Sure?” Sasuke whispered.

“Yep,” Ban said happily, wagging her tail.

“Fuck, he nearly really bit me,” Sasuke said as he sat up. “I feared he might have done something to me so that I couldn’t sense him.”

“You got the sample?”

Sasuke pulled out a rabbit. “Who thought he would fall that far into a fledgling’s genjutsu?”

“We’ll get a sample to Konoha and another to your brother.”

“I want to go to Orochimaru.”

“Huh?” Kakashi was completely shocked.

“I can do it. I admit I’m eager to learn what’s he’s offering, but I’m positive I can overwhelm his psyche when he tries to take over my body. Let me do this.”

“It’s your brother’s call. I don’t want you to go; Orochimaru is too dangerous. And creepy. Let’s get that compound analyzed before we freak out your brother. Let’s get home.”

“I think I want to really use it.”

“Absolutely not!”

“If I do go and I don’t have it, he’ll know I tricked him and he’ll just give it to me again.”

“I’m against it. But it’s your brother’s call. Please wait to bring this up until after I’ve left to go shopping. I really don’t like to see Itachi angry. I don’t think you know what kind of demon he can be when he’s pissed off.”

“Oh, yes, I do.”

-----

“Oh, hell no! You are not getting any closer to the snaky son of a bitch! You’ve done your job. Leave the rest to us.”

“What do you fear? You trained me, you know I can break almost any genjutsu with willpower alone. Even your Tsukuyomi.” Sasuke still didn’t forgive Itachi for springing that on him. “If I can break through Tsukuyomi, what can Orochimaru possible overpower me with? His will?” Sasuke scoffed.

“He has Kabuto. Who knows what they’ll inject you with? I haven’t used Tsukuyomi on you while you were helplessly drugged. Listen to me, Sasuke, I love Kakashi, but you are everything to me. I won’t risk you. Sending you off to get this sample was difficult for me even though I knew you were more than adequate for it. I don’t care if you’re more powerful than Madara in his prime. You. Are. Not. Going!”

Sasuke slumped. Itachi stepped closer to his little brother and pulled him against him. Sasuke was growing so fast. He massaged his brother’s scalp as he pressed his head to his chest.

“I’ll never stop treating you like a child. I won’t. You’re far too precious to me. There’s no reason to put you at further risk.”

“I want what he’s offering,” Sasuke muttered against his brother’s chest.

Itachi squeezed him tighter. “Why?”

“I feel like I’ve hit a wall. He said he can make me more powerful than you.”

Itachi sighed and brought his arms higher over Sasuke’s upper back and neck. “Let me analyze it. Let me see if you can handle it. You will wait. All of Akatsuki wants Orochimaru’s head; I’ll give everyone samples and see if I can pool their knowledge. Sasori will likely have input for us. Once I understand this compound, I will give you an answer. If Orochimaru comes back or you do end up going to him, admit the rabbit ruse, but not that you did to obtain a sample. If he comes back before I give you answer, you’re considering it. Try to avoid him infecting you. Alright?”

“Hai.”

Itachi kissed his forehead then pulled Sasuke with him onto the sofa. “I love you so much.” Sasuke didn’t struggle, loving being so close to his brother.

Kakashi practically snuck in to find the brothers still curled up on the sofa. “You didn’t kill each other?”

“No,” they said together.

“Good, but you’re making me jealous.”

Both brothers stuck out the tongues.

“You freaking Uchiha.” He turned to put the supplies away.

-----

“Tsunade!” Jiraiya landed on the window of the Hokage office.

“What are you doing here?”

He became serious and came around to face Tsunade. “One of my sources was able to obtain a sample of the compound Orochimaru uses to give his subordinates increased powers. My source wants us to analyze it and see if the blood of one of their associates is compatible with it. My source wants to use this associate as a spy and Orochimaru is eyeing this person.” He took out vials. “Here’s the compound and here’s the blood sample.”

Kakashi and Sasuke had confessed their intentions and Jiraiya agreed with Itachi that it was foolish to risk Sasuke like this, but he admitted that it would be a boon to have a spy at Orochimaru’s side. He hoped, as Itachi and Kakashi did, that Sasuke’s blood was not compatible. Sasuke agreed that that would shut him up.

“I will pass these onto my best people. Confess, Jiraiya, who are these sources and associates.”

“Saratobi-sensei trusted them and so do I. They have reason to hate Orochimaru and Akatsuki. Konoha can trust them. If their names were mentioned here, they would be in danger. If anything does happen to me, Tenzou in ANBU knows how to contact them. Don’t abuse that knowledge. Leave them be.”

“Understood.”

Jiraiya’s clone vanished.

-----

Itachi was not happy with the results. Sasuke’s blood was compatible with the enzymes in the curse seal. He rubbed his scalp hard. He didn’t think he was underestimating his brother; he feared Sasuke was underestimating Orochimaru. There was also Kabuto to think about.

Kisame was growing annoyed with his partner’s pacing—something he never thought Itachi would do. Kisame knew Itachi was struggling with whether or not to send his own brother into the lion’s den. Itachi had told the other members of Akatsuki that he was thinking about tempting his rouge brother into joining Orochimaru, believing he would kill Orochimaru for them once he learned everything of value from him. With his little fiction about Sasuke having gotten away the night of the massacre and now out there plotting his revenge, Itachi suggested it might also keep Sasuke off his back a little longer. Only Kisame knew different.

Now Sasori and Tsunade had concluded Sasuke could handle the curse seal.

“You can defeat Orochimaru?” Kisame asked out of nowhere.

“Huh? Yes. Why?”

“Is your brother near your level?”

“Not quite.”

“Go home, train him, and set him loose. He wants to go, let him go. If he’s as spirited as he sounds, he’ll run off on his own. Even that she-wolf of yours won’t be able to stop him. We all want Orochimaru taken out, so it’s in Akatsuki’s best interest as well. Go home. I’ll cover for you. When you’re ready to rejoin me, send one of your birds to find me.”

“Kisame, you are a good man. A friend. Thank you.”

“You don’t like to fight anyway. I don’t mind doing your share of the fighting.”

“Thank you.”

-----

Itachi anticipated Jiraiya being there when he arrived and so transformed into Akane before arriving. Jiraiya and Kakashi were already training Sasuke in every jutsu they could and to resist Orochimaru and Kabuto. Naruto was there too, being trained to some extent, but no one focused on him. Naruto couldn’t even complain because he knew Sasuke was going on a dangerous mission by himself. He did spar with Sasuke and ‘Akane’ did give him some instruction.

Itachi had to train Sasuke in the Sharingan at night so not to draw suspicion; Kakashi had reach the limits of his own ability to train Sasuke in the Sharingan long ago. The day for Sasuke to leave came quickly. He was well trained since they fled from Konoha and with his Sharingan he learned everything the three shinobi had to teach.

With all the weapons he owned, Sasuke stood ready to leave. Itachi, disguised as Akane, hugged him tight. “Learn quickly, kill the bastard, and come home. We may not be here, but when we hear of the snake’s death, we’ll come back here for you. I love you so much. My one treasure in this world. If you are in dire, dire need, you know how to call me. Stay pure. I’m afraid that sending you out like this after such a closeted life, you’ll be tempted by so many things. Please don’t do anything I would not be proud to hear of, okay? Just be safe.”

“I will, I will. I love you too. I’ll make you proud.”

“Sasuke,” Kakashi said. “You are my son, despite blood. Just return safe.” Kakashi kissed his forehead.

“I have faith in you, Uchiha,” Jiraiya said. “Listen to Akane and don’t let Orochimaru draw you into any vice, but wring him dry of knowledge. Be careful.”

Sasuke nodded.

Naruto came up. “Be careful, teme. I’d hate to lose my only friend and rival.”

“I will, dobe. Learn something while I’m gone and we’ll have a proper fight when I get back and we’ll see who’ll be Hokage.”

They fist bumped and Sasuke left with Ban running next to him; as a summon, Ban could return to the ninken’s home and be summoned to Sasuke’s side at a whim. As it was, she would run with him and help him find Orochimaru.

Itachi watched the last family he had left in the world—Madara not withstanding—run into danger.

Jiraiya sighed. “Well, what now, Itachi?”

Itachi stiffened as if struck and turned to Jiraiya. Naruto looked confused, but took a step back from ‘Akane’. Kakashi froze, but didn’t otherwise react.

“Are you mad?” Itachi asked, indignant.

“I’ve been around Uchiha before and spending all this time with you and Sasuke, I’ve realized who you are. Sasuke didn’t escape, you let him live.”

They stared each other down for a full minute, during which Naruto felt an instinct to run. Kakashi just watched them.

Finally, Itachi swore and let the transformation drop.

Jiraiya gave a satisfied huff. “So, what now?” he repeated.

“We wait for word from Sasuke. Naruto is in no danger from me. As for my clan, that is an internal matter. I killed everyone but Sasuke and couldn’t bear to leave him behind. Kakashi and I knew each other well and he came after us. We agreed to this arraignment and he has raised Sasuke in my absence. I am a spy for Konoha and that’s all you need to know.”

He turned to Naruto. “There may come a day when I will attack you and you must fight me for real because I won’t be able to hold back. I have to act as a good member of Akatsuki. I don’t want to capture you or harm you.”

Itachi turned to his lover. “Kakashi, there’s no reason to stay here. Why don’t you leave with Jiraiya and train Naruto. Once Sasuke is done with Orochimaru, perhaps we can strike against Akatsuki.

“Any other secrets to reveal?” Itachi asked, irritated.

“Is there?” Jiraiya asked.

“Unfortunately, no. Not that you can figure out like you have everything else.”

Kakashi bit his lips closed and hoped he didn’t blush or at least not enough to show over his mask. On the other hand, he really wanted to grab Itachi, take him into the house and fuck the living daylights out of him. Probably a possessive thing in the light of his identity being revealed.

“Remember, not a word about what I’m really doing. Only Sandaime knew about me.”

“I have no reason not to trust you after all this time and the fact you’ve never made a move to capture Naruto.”

Itachi had a brief, but strong, malevolent urge to suddenly snatch Naruto as an evil joke. But he fought it down.

“And if Kakashi wants to come with us and help me train Naruto, I’d be happy to have him along.”

“Go. I won’t see my home for a long time. Or my one friend. Kakashi will join you in a day or so; I’ll leave to rejoin Akatsuki tomorrow. I’m so tired.”

“I’ll join you in town in two days,” Kakashi told Jiraiya. “He needs to rest without having to worry about his safety.”

“See you in two days,” Jiraiya agreed. “Itachi,” he nodded a goodbye and led Naruto away.

Itachi really did look tired. He’d been staying awake to train Sasuke at night and awake during the day to supervise the others training Sasuke. Sasuke was getting a little more sleep and he had three nights sleep before he left while Itachi couldn’t sleep, too worried. But today, with Sasuke gone and the burden of his secret revealed, Itachi was on the verge of collapse.

“Let’s get you to bed,” Kakashi said as he put an arm around Itachi’s back to guide him into the house. He put his covered lips to Itachi’s ear. “As much as I want to fuck you, you need to sleep. When you wake up, we can fuck until you pass out again.”

Itachi hummed. “I like the sound of that.”

“And you can be as loud as you want.”

Itachi hummed again. He slipped into unconsciousness as soon as he was laid out.

-----

Itachi woke to find he had flung himself over Kakashi while he slept. Kakashi was awake and caressing Itachi’s hair.

“You slept for nearly half a day,” Kakashi said.

“Not long enough and yet, too long.”

“There’s no actual time you have to leave, so sleep as much as you want.”

Itachi hummed and got more comfortable on Kakashi’s chest and Kakashi shifted to a more comfortable position as well. For a while they just laid together.

“It’s so nice to spend this time with you like this,” Kakashi said. “Just holding you.”

“I wish we could do it more.” They were silent for several minutes, then Itachi said, “I never asked: does seeing and being around Naruto bother you? I never knew Yondamie, but he looks like him, doesn’t he?”

“And acts like his mother. Every once in a while I feel his loss.” Kakashi played with Itachi’s hair. “I’m okay. I loved Minato like a father, but he also disappointed me in so many ways. I can handle being around Naruto.”

“I’m glad. But Kakashi, if I attack Naruto, defend him. Injury me if you have to. Keeping Naruto safe is of the utmost importance.”

“Understood.”

Itachi knew that tone of voice from when they received orders that Kakashi didn’t like but had to carry out. Itachi remembered being a new member of ANBU hearing the slight change in his captain’s tone of voice that put him on extra alert.

“I’m not going to see you for a long time, am I?” Kakashi asked.

“At least a year.”

Kakashi’s arms tightened around him.

“I love you, Kakashi. But if Sasuke . . . I barely have the will to live as it is. I love you, but I can’t lose him.”

Kakashi picked up Itachi’s hand and guided a finger into his mouth to give a gentle suck to the tip. “I understand. I would say the same for you, but if you died, Sasuke would need someone to bare him up and guide him. But if you both died, I couldn’t go on. He is like my son. You are the one love of my life.”

Itachi snuggled in deeper to Kakashi’s chest and side. “No more talking about these things. I guess we really have little to talk about now.”

“I wish we had more to talk about, other than Akatsuki and Sasuke and how much we adore each other. Mundane things about our ordinary lives together and apart.”

“Our shinobi ever suppose to have happy lives?”

“If we survive this fight against Akatsuki, I think we can retire and disappear.”

“Hai.”

“Remember Sasuke. Even if I can’t be enough for you to live for, remember him. The will to live is essential. You’d be surprised just how much depression can suppress the immune system. Just imagine how Sasuke will grieve if anything would to happen to you. There is something beyond this.” Itachi tried to respond, but Kakashi continued, putting his hand on Itachi’s head to still him. “I don’t want to hear anything about blood on your hands. If you want to keep Sasuke’s hands clean, you need to stay alive.”

“Understood,” Itachi said with some humor.

“Go back to sleep.”

Itachi chuckled. “I have to piss.”

Kakashi laughed and let him go.

-----

Ban found Orochimaru’s current hideout. Sasuke signaled Ban to leave.

Sasuke stood and looked into the darkness of the hole in the ground. He took a deep breath of resolve and sent out a pulse of chakra to announce his arrival.

He stood back from the hole and waited. It took nearly a minute for a strange looking young man to climb out. Light blue hair covered most of his face except for a wide mouth with dark lips and one narrow eye. He seemed to have a second head. He looked absolutely evil.

Sasuke may not have been very worldly, but he was an Uchiha; he would not flinch in the face of evil, nor would he let his cold expression falter.

“I am Uchiha Sasuke. I believe I have an invitation.”

The blue haired man grinned. He turned and lead Sasuke into the darkness.