Blanket disclaimer: I do not claim any rights to Naruto or any characters associated with the anime/manga. They are the property of Masashi Kishimoto.
Author's detailed warning for this story please read: This story contains M/preg; later in story, slash pairings; (SAS/OC'S) no details with these pairings and no actual characters introduced just stated in the story,(SAS/NAR) this pairing comes later in story could be considered nonconsensual but nothing violent, manga spoilers; up to ch 31 vol 280, altered time line; after previously mentioned chapter is from my own imagination, adult situations, cursing, graphic fight scenes, and character death (Oro). If you are not of age to be reading such things, or anything listed above is offensive to you then please push the back button now. Reviews and comments are encouraged and appreciated as long as they are not flames.
My deepest thanks to Jaded Lady for her work as beta on this story. I appreciate all your hard work.
'thinking'
"talking"
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From his place near Orochimaru, Sasuke wiped his face with the edge of his haori. His master's attack on Konoha had so far been a very bloody affair. To his credit Sasuke had managed to refrain from taking the life of anyone he had faced-off against, choosing instead to knock them out. At Kabuto's word he and a few select others took up position in the form of a box preparing to form the barrier. From what Sasuke had overheard it would be inside this barrier that Orochimaru was planning on releasing the demon housed within Naruto.
Sasuke watched as the events played out before him as the three legendary shinobi faced one another. In a place in his mind Sasuke realized this might be his, Naruto, and Sakura’s fate one day if he lived past today and his actions ended the bond he had with Naruto. But he couldn't allow treacherous thoughts such as this to stop him now, not when he was so close.
Through the battle Sasuke watched as his ex-teammate forced his way towards them to stand with Tsunade and Jiraiya. His breath hitched at the sight of Naruto, while the younger shinobi had grown he was still shorter than himself, Sasuke observed with a smirk. He still wore an orange outfit, so improper for a ninja but it did suit him. Same wild spiky blonde hair, eyes as blue as the endless sky and the marks on his face that showed his connection to the creature Sasuke knew was housed within him.
Stopping next to Jiraiya and Tsunade, Naruto's stance said he was ready to fight Orochimaru himself if need be to protect those he held precious. Staying near the back where Orochimaru had told him to be Sasuke could just make out the threats the snake master was making in regards to those people Naruto held as precious. Loosing control of his emotions due to the criminal Sennin's words Naruto bolted forward to fight the man himself, disregarding his sensei and Hokage's warnings as fiery red chakra formed around his body. Claws, fangs, darkened whisker markings, and red eyes proved the power of Kyuubi had been pulled into the boys body giving him power to face this man.
That was the moment Orochimaru had been prepared for, with the three other followers Sasuke began to help form a bubble around their master and Naruto; the same that was used against Sarutobi-sama when he faced Orochimaru. Sasuke knew Orochimaru didn't care what happened to his followers that were fighting against the Leaf ninjas, if they all died so that he could complete his plan so be it, they were merely tools. The only reason Sasuke and the other three were with Orochimaru was because they were all seen as worthy to be his host bodies and he would need one of them very soon.
If nothing was done Konoha would fall thanks to the power of the Kyuubi. Orochimaru had discovered a jutsu to allow the kitsune to have control over Naruto's body. Once the demon was unleashed it would do Orochimaru's dirty work for him. The Hidden Village of Konoha would fall that day to the power housed within the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, leaving Orochimaru in control of two villages. In the end Naruto would die, his body would be destroyed by the unlimited power of the creature. No matter what happened Sasuke had already decided he would never allow his friend to become Orochimaru's tool like he had.
As the barrier was going up Sasuke slipped five connected kunais out from inside his haori. On the kunais Sasuke had placed special tags that he had discovered could be used to substitute the people who were currently beginning the barrier. The fifth would remain inside giving him a way to drop the barrier. Acting quickly Sasuke embedded the kunais at each point. While drawing his katana from its sheaf Sasuke activated his Sharingan, running at top speed within the barrier he dispatched the other followers and landed in a crouched position inside the barrier walls as it finished going up behind Orochimaru and Naruto.
Standing, Sasuke could tell Orochimaru was beginning the jutsu he intended to use against Naruto. Before the man had a chance to hurt his last living precious person the dark shinobi drew back his blade and poured all his power into it, electrifying it with his natural chakra. With a cry he leapt forward bringing the blade across the back of Orochimaru's neck, severing the man's head from his body. Thanks to the heat given off by the chakra charged sword the wounds had been cauterized immediately so there was no blood.
Having just raised his hands to form the seals for the jutsu against Naruto, Orochimaru was caught by surprise as his men fell but the barrier stayed in place. Before he could figure out Sasuke's deceit, his student showed he had in fact surpassed his teacher as the blade of the katana cut through him.
Naruto jumped back in shock as the head of Orochimaru rolled towards him. The red chakra that had enveloped him quickly dissipated as he starred into the equally shocked eyes of Orochimaru's severed head. The sound of a sword hitting the ground brought his attention back to the raven haired shinobi, Naruto's eyes widened and he blushed slightly, watching as Sasuke ripped off his shirt, the curse seal on his neck was burning him for his deed. Naruto couldn't help but take a step back when Sasuke's Sharingan eyes locked onto his; it was too much like the day in the valley.
"Wait . . . . " Sasuke called to him reaching one hand out. "Please, I . . . I . . . need your help." He admitted gritting his teeth against the pain. Blinking in shock that Uchiha Sasuke had just asked for help Naruto found himself at a lost for words, silently he nodded his agreement to help. Smiling despite the pain at his old friend Sasuke motioned for him to come closer.
Rushing over as Sasuke's knees gave out Naruto caught him by his shoulders and carefully finished lowering him till he was kneeling on the ground, squatting down in front of him Naruto could feel himself beginning to panic. "Let me figure a way out of this barrier, I'll get Tsunade-baba she can help better than I can."
As Naruto was making a move to stand Sasuke caught a hold of him by his sleeve, getting the blonde's attention once again Sasuke shook his head no. "I figured out how to rid myself of the curse, only your power can do it." He explained employing the blonde to understand.
"Me? Alright if you say so." Naruto agreed squatting back down, out the corner of his eye he could make out the form of Orochimaru's headless body, making a face at it he asked what had been going through his mind since it happened. "Why . . . why did you kill him?" Waving his hands in front of him at the strange look he received Naruto explained. "Not that I'm not happy to be rid of him."
Biting his lower lip Sasuke looked back at his former master so he didn't have to face his friend. "It was the only way, I've been fighting his control for over a year now trying to escape him. I need your help to finally be free. Will you help me Naruto? Can I still trust you to save me?" He asked taking the chance to look into Naruto's blue eyes. "Are you still the friend I hoped you were to me when that bastard forced me to fight you in the Valley of the End?" Sasuke asked clearly in pain as he held onto his neck where his curse seal was.
"He made you fight me then?" Naruto asked looking at Sasuke with hope shining in his eyes. Smirking Sasuke touched one of Naruto's hands that was still on his shoulders. "Come on dobe, you don't really believe I would try to kill you do you? You were . . . are my best friend. Would I have thrown myself in front of those senbon needles in the Land of Waves if I wanted you dead?"
Before he knew what was happening Naruto had wrapped him in a tight bear hug, tears running down the smaller blonde's face. "I need you to burn off this seal Naruto, before it kills me." Sasuke hissed unable to return the embrace, he could feel Naruto nod against his shoulder pulling back. "What do you want me to do?" He asked awaiting Sasuke's instructions. 'I never thought he'd grow up enough to sit still and listen.' Sasuke thought surprised at Naruto's teamwork skills and maturity. "I need you to bite my neck where the seal is, hard enough to break the skin. When you do I need you to channel your red chakra into the seal and burn the damn thing off."
Naruto gasped at Sasuke's request, composing himself he nodded in agreement, he felt strange doing something seemingly so intimate towards Sasuke but he would do anything to help his friend, even this. Yes, Sasuke was still his friend; he smiled at the thought. He had only dreamed it was possible and now Sasuke had swore it was Orochimaru that had caused the mess, Naruto felt more light hearted then he had in years.
Blushing Naruto wrapped his arms around Sasuke using one hand to hold his head to the side, leaning in towards Sasuke's neck he opened his mouth to bite him. "Alright teme, I don't want to hear any of your crap when you end up with one hell of a hickey from this. You did ask for it." Naruto smarted off against Sasuke's neck. Sasuke snorted at him for his choice of words. "I'll keep that in mind dobe, go ahead I want to get this over with." Nodding just once Naruto pulled Kyuubi's chakra into himself, once his fangs had formed he bared them biting down hard enough to draw blood. As soon as he tasted the coppery substance he began sending the fox's red chakra into the seal.
Sasuke reached up to grip Naruto's shoulders, though it was painful a part of him enjoyed the act, Naruto had agreed to do this without a second thought. 'Perhaps this means things could work out how I'm hoping for after all.' His mind supplied to him as he hissed in pain from the burning sensation the demon chakra was making on his neck. Just as the seal dissolved Sasuke screamed out from the intensity of the pain from both Orochimaru's seal and Naruto's chakra pulling his head out of Naruto's hands. Naruto lift his mouth from Sasuke's shoulder carefully watching his friend for signs that everything was alright again.
The intense pain from the curse and demon chakra had become more manageable, leaning his forehead against Naruto's shoulder Sasuke worked on slowing down his breathing. He could feel it, finally he was free. His mind was clearer than it had been in years and the only pain now was from the bite wound he was left with from Naruto. The blonde was right, he was going to be left with one hell of a hickey. Now that he was free it was time to begin his own plans concerning Naruto. His clan needed him to be strong now, he knew he had the power to defeat his brother but he was not sure if it would take his life or not, before he headed out to his brother's location he had one other duty he needed to fulfill.
Naruto released his hold on Sasuke pulling back some, licking his lips to remove the trace of blood that remained on him. Nervously looking at the place where the seal had been, it was no longer there, only the bite wound from his fangs remained and some steam coming off his skin. Taking a chance he looked up into Sasuke's face, he found Sasuke actually smiling softly at him. "Thanks Naruto, I knew I could count on your help." Beaming under the acknowledgement and praise Naruto broke out in a large foxy grin. "Well you know," he said chuckling happily. "You can always count on me Sasuke."
Reaching up Sasuke wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close causing the smaller boy to stiffen from the unexpected contact. "I know where Itachi is Naruto. I have to go and avenge my clan then I'm coming home. I need your help with one more thing if you think you can handle it. I can trust no one but you to help me with this." Sasuke quietly explained his warm breath ghosting over Naruto's ear.
Naruto blushed from Sasuke's treatment of him, he wondered just what all he had been through to make him so touchy-feely. But he ignored it due to the fact the Uchiha Sasuke had not only asked for his help once today but, was asking for it again and even admitted only he could help him with it. Naruto felt his heart and ego swell with pride that Sasuke trusted him so much. If he had any doubts about Sasuke before they were gone now, Sasuke had never meant to hurt him or leave him it was all to obvious to Naruto, it had been that horrible snake bastard's fault all along. Hugging Sasuke back with all the happiness he felt at that moment Naruto replied. "I'll do what ever you need me to do Sasuke, you just name it."
Sasuke nodded as he formed the seals for a sleep jutsu behind his happy friend's back then reached up and touched his forehead releasing the jutsu on the boy. "Sleep Naruto. . . . " Naruto's eyes clouded over with sleep as he gave a questioning look to Sasuke. Smiling Sasuke laid him down gently. "Trust me Naruto, I won't harm you I promise." Trusting as ever Naruto nodded, allowing Sasuke to lay him down.
Sasuke pulled out a sealing scroll he had made especially for Naruto. The seal would ensure the blonde would stay under the light sleep jutsu even during what Sasuke planned on doing to him. Without the seal Sasuke knew Naruto would have easily been able to break the sleep jutsu being it was so light but if he had made the jutsu too strong then Naruto wouldn't have been capable of responding at all to Sasuke. Carefully Sasuke placed the scroll on Naruto's forehead. Now that everything up until then was taken care of Sasuke could concentrate on his plan.
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kitsune: fox
baba: grandmother, hag
senbon: needles
kunai: throwing knife
katana: a curved single-edged sword traditionally used by Japanese samurai
teme: bastard (Naruto's pet name for Sasuke)
dobe: dead last (Sasuke's pet name for Naruto)
jinchuuriki: a human vessel housing a demon, term means power of human sacrifice (at least that is a translation I've found).
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Chapter notes: Blanket disclaimer: I do not claim any rights to Naruto or any characters associated with the anime/manga. They are the property of Masashi Kishimoto.