Where We Belong

Chapter I

Chapter I

Notes on the Prologue: forgive me for not clarifying the use of the asterisk (*). Though it was simply to let you know that, every time I name a Kage (any of them), I will call them by their Japanese denomination (Sandaime, Yondaime, Nanadaime) for the sole purpose of adding a 'note of colour' to the story. Same reason why Itachi and Sasuke will refer to each other as 'ototo' and 'nii-san'.

Hokage's Office, Konoha...

- Stand up, both of you...

Naruto commanded with a stern yet calm tone at the former Akatsuki. The moment he found himself being stared at by piercing orange and scarlet, his own blue gaze softened. He knew those shinobi to be actually two peacemakers, despite the circumstances under which he had met each one of them. He could for instance recall with a particular feeling of longing his last encounter with an Edo Tensei-revived Itachi Uchiha in the company of Akatsuki's leader, Nagato. He didn't think he would ever be able to forget that encounter in fact. In that occasion, Itachi had entrusted his precious brother's life in him and, at the same time, he had entrusted Konoha and the shinobi world's welfare both in him and in his occasional companion and fellow Kumogakure Jinchuriki, Killer B. Konan had also asked him for a similar favour after Nagato's last sacrifice to save all those his own 'creation', Pain, had killed when he destroyed the village. Including Kakashi himself. As if he had been reading the Nanadaime's thoughts all that time, Itachi stated that he would never regret that to have been their last encounter; let alone his final decision, even when it cost him first his left eye's sight yet again and later on his very life. On the other hand, now that he had been granted a new chance, he was truly glad to see that not only he had fulfilled his longed-for dream of following his late father's steps but had even fulfilled his promise to him of saving his younger brother.

- Back then I recalled having told you that you need not to ask me for that, Itachi. I's only too regrettable the means by which Sasuke finally made up his mind...

The blond then dismissed the older Uchiha, explaining to him that Tsunade and him needed to talk to Konan about what they would do before deciding on whether she would be inserted into the village or not. The onyx-eyed man understood the seriousness of their situation perfectly. They had probably obtained the reprieve from the last three Hokage, and maybe even from some shinobi like his brother Sasuke or Shikamaru Nara. However, he was aware that most of the villagers were still deeply suspicious of them. They had endangered the life of their greater protector, how else would they be expected to react to their sudden presence in Konoha? Itachi shook his head when a man as tall as Naruto, with black hair tightly tied up in a middle-height ponytail and brown eyes asked if he was feeling well, pointing out that he had got pale all of a sudden.

- I am. Excuse me, Nara-san... And before I forget, I am truly sorry for Asuma-san. However, I won't live long enough to atone for my sins and those bastards'...

- You didn't kill Asuma Sarutobi. I assume you must have met him and Kurenai-san prior to your parting from Konoha? Then you must definitely meet their daughter; my goddaughter and student... And, if it will serve you to ease your grieving and repentant soul, you can also speak to Asuma's widow... That is, if you wish, for Kurenai bears no grudges against any Uchiha anymore if you must know that...

Itachi ignored the first question from the Hokage's advisor upon hearing his last words about the deceased Sarutobi's family. And even though his expression and posture remained as stern and stoic as it was his custom, deep inside he knew that that woman deserved answers -or rather, an apology- for such terrible loss for her and her child. It was a relief for the ebony-haired shinobi to learn that Shikamaru and Kakashi had eventually killed Asuma's executioner, Hidan as well as his partner Kakuzu. Actually, all Akatsuki members had died after he undid the Edo Tensei. As a matter of fact, Nagato and he were the last ones after he sealed the Uzumaki's corpse with his Totsuka Sword and later after his own existence vanished along with the forbidden Jutsu. Again, he found himself shaken from his thoughts by Tsunade asking about his state. Itachi offered her a faint smile for an answer, bowing lowly before excusing himself and leaving the room. Before crossing the door though, he told Shikamaru that he would consider his suggestion. However, he wasn't sure that showing up to Yuhi's home out of the blue would be the best option. Shikamaru shook his head, explaining to him that he would personally speak to Kurenai first and then he'll let him know of her answer. Itachi simply nodded in thanks.