The Uchiha Boy

Third Person P. O. V.

"Hello again, Itachi" Menma called out from atop a tree. The little Uchiha boy looked up from practicing his shuriken jutsu. He wondered how Menma was able to find him seeing as he was hidden in the forest, away from everyone. But of course Itachi had knew the answer seeing as Menma had power beyond his own, and possibly his father. Instead of attacking the blonde as he planned, Itachi decided to throw his shuriken at a nearby tree. It was as if declaring he could be in the presence of such an intimadating person, and not need a weapon to do so. Menma smiled down at the Uchiha, loving how much Sasuke had taken on from his brother.

"It's you again. Can you please tell me your name as you seem to know mine. And come down from the tree. I want to be able to see you in front of me at all times." Itachi said, trying to make his voice sound more authoritive. Menma smirked at the little Uchiha. It wasn't every day he had been near a non-hostile Uchiha, seeing as Sasuke spent most of his life trying to break the bond with Menma. The blonde jumped down from the tree, landing in front of the Uchiha with a 'thud'. The boy stood his ground, not backing away or flinching when Menma landed in front of him. Naruto expected nothing less of the Uchiha prodigy.

"Well Itachi, because you asked so nicely I will tell you. My name is Menma. Now I have a few questions for you, so you may want to sit. Although if you want to be uptight and formal like your clan expects, then by all means stand" Menma said as he took a seat on the ground, not caring dirt would probably be on his butt. Itachi looked at Menma, unsure of if he should sit. Sitting down would mean he was off his guard, and would react slower then if he were to stand. But if Menma was truly as powerful as he thought, then he would have been dead by then. Itachi sat down, not taking his eyes off of Menma for a second. Naruto almost wanted to laugh out loud about Uchiha's and their trust issues.

"I will answer your questions, but if any involve me betraying my clan or village I will not answer. If you try anything I will have to use force against you. So Menma , you better not try anything funny" Itachi said, his voice was serious. Naruto was almost surprised at how serious the boy could get, especially since the last time they met Itachi seemed too busy with being a kid. His change in attitude may have had something to do with his clan since they expected nothing less then perfect. Maybe Itachi had finally realized just how dangerous he was after their encounter and made sure to be more careful around him. Whatever it was, he hated it. It reminded him a lot of Sasuke and how he would be happy one minute, then cold the next.

"Of course Itachi. My questions for you will not require you to betray your clan. Instead I wish to learn a bit more about you. Yes it seems rather weird to ask about you, but you intrigue me Itachi. The fact you are a kid and seem so sophistocated is amazing, yet almost terrifying. So you could say you peaked my curiosity." Menma said. Itachi stared at Menma, wondering how he was so intriguing. Yes he had been a prodigy, and was top of his class. If he kept things up he would be able to graduate way earlier then he should have. But there was no way Menma couldv'e found that out by asking around.

"How do you know of me being a prodigy? Surely I would have found out if someone was snooping through my records. Did you interrogate another child to find things out about me?" Itachi's voice was flat, almost as if he was unfazed. But Menma knew that the Uchiha boy was probably a bit worried at how he found out. Surely a villager or even the Hokage would alert Itachi if someone was snooping around in his files, and trying to find out more about him. Of course he had what he would say planned out in his head, because Itachi was always one step ahead. Meaning Naruto would have to be 3 steps further then the boy.

"I overheard some instructors talking about a little Uchiha who was doing way better then the rest. Of course when I went to search for this Uchiha boy, I found you. And from looking at you I could tell you were the one; the little prodigy they had spoke of. And you fascinated me because you're only 6. You're a child Uchiha!" Menma said, amazement clear in his voice. Yes it was very true Itachi was only 6 years old, but his mind was far more advanced then some of his superiors. Itachi wanted to blush and say thank you, but he kept his composure.

"Of course they were. Yes it is true I am the Uchiha prodigy, but nothing less is expected. I am the son of Fugaku Uchiha, head of the clan. When he dies I will take over the clan as head, and I cannot be weak." Menma nodded his head, understanding what the Uchiha was going through. He had expierienced the same thing from Sasuke, and how determined he was to be perfect. The Uchiha's groomed their sons to be perfect killing machines without even realizing what they had done. Maybe if they weren't so ruthless the clan would still be alive, and Sasuke wouldn't have defected.

"What would you do for your village? I can tell that you love your village more then anything, and I admire that about you. But I am curious as to what you would possibly give up for the village you love. Your life? Your freedom? Your clan? What lengths would you go for the village you love so deerly?" Menma asked, leaning in a bit. Itachi looked down at the grass beneath him, wondering what he would do. Of course he would give his life up for his village, but he wasn't sure what else he would do. Would he give up his freedom or clan for the sake of the village?

"I would give up my life and freedom for the village. But if I had to choose between my clan and family, I'm not sure. If the eradication of my clan will benefit the village, then so be it. I have dedicated my life to the village, and I would give up anything asked of me." his voice was full of sadness. Menma frowned as he understood just how much Itachi truly cared for his village. He was prepared to destroy his clan, give up his freedom and his life. And all for the greater good of his village. Never had he seen such a kind hearted person in his entire life. Even Kuruma had to agree that Itachi was too kind for his own good.

"I see... So even if it meant losing everything you had, and becoming a trader you would do it? All for the sake of your village. You are a very interesting boy indeed. It's the dedication of shinobi like you that we need more of. I admire you in a way, Itachi" Menma mumbled. The Uchiha boy's eyes widened when Menma said he had admired him. It wasn't like he was told every day someone had admiration for him, especially since he was a child. But here was a man at least 3 times older then him stating that he had admired him. Itachi smiled as he bowed his head, saying a thank you.

"Menma, I would like to ask you a few questions. It's only right seeing as you asked me some. So my big questions is when we first met, who was the man you spoke of? You said you loved a man, as in past tense. So what happened to him? Did he die, or leave you?" The Uchiha boy asked. Menma smiled weakly as he recalled his little meltdown he had when he first talked to Itachi. The shadow of his lover had been very present, causing Naruto to lose it in front of Itachi. Of course he assumed that the boy would honestly forget it by the way he went about playing after they talked, but this was Itachi Uchiha.

"The man I loved died, Itachi. A war took him from me, as well as everypne I loved. And not a day goes by that I don't think of him, and my friends. We were meant to get married, and even start a family. But duty called, and war was upon us. War broke me in ways unimaginable, and maybe even ways you have yet to understand. But you will, because this world is full of pain and hatred." A few tears escaped down Naruto's eyes, fogging his vision. He tried to take deep breaths and prevent the pain from taking over him. Naruto's eyes widened as he felt little arms wrapped around him, holding him in a tight embrace. He looked down, seeing Itachi hugging him as if his life depended on it.

"Don't cry Menma. Yes this is a cruel world, but eventually we will all find happiness. War does terrible things, and I have seen it first hand. But you will find happiness eventually, and you deserve it." Itachi said as he pulled away from Naruto. The blonde was absolutely speechless. Never had he really gotten such affection from an Uchiha. He wanted to consider that a win, but he couldn't count out the few times he accidentaly kissed Sasuke. It was nice to get a hug from someone instead if giving them as it had gotten a bit awkward everytime he hugged Kakashi. The Hatake had yet to seriously warm up to him. Naruto smiled at Itachi, silently thanking him for the hug.

"Thank you Itachi. I needed that more then anything. Shinobi aren't meant to cry or show feelings, and here I am doing so. It's almost pathetic, but I say different then that. Please remember to cry when you need to, Itachi. I know you are an Uchiha, and weakness isn't an option, but please do it." Naruto whispered, only loud enough for Itachi to hear. The Uchiha boy nodded his head without hesitation. He, too, thought it was important to show Shinobi were not completely emotionless. And of course being an Uchiha meant no crying, not even around family.

"You know Itachi, you remind me of my friend"

^^^^^^過去に私の愛^^^^^^

"Sasuke one day I am going to become Hokage, and I want you by my side. You may hate me with everything you have, but I am not your brother. I will destroy your hate, no matter what." Naruto announced as he gave Sasuke a goofy smile. The Uchiha stared at Naruto, conflicted between punching him or hugging him. He shook his head of the retched though of hugging him, but still decided not to punch him. Instead he gave the famous Uchiha stare, not wanting to have Naruto stop his plans. He honestly wondered why Naruto even bothered anymore with him. He stated many times that he would defeat Naruto, even if he had to kill him.

"Tch, dobe. I will never be your advisor. I will never be under someone as weak as yourself, and I can't be the advisor to a deadman. And you're not my brother, but keep talking about him and you'll end up dead. That will be the one thing you 2 will have in common" Sasuke snarled. Naruto's smile faltered at the words of what he thought to be his friend. But he quickly replaced it with another smile. No way would he show Sasuke that even words, which he knew were lies, could have such an affect on him. If Sasuke knew just how much the words hurt him, he could use it against him.

"Okay Sasuke. When our time comes for us to fight, I will win. And I will rid you of every ounce of hatred, because I am your friend. And friends never let friends do the wrong thing. I promise you I will rid you of hatred, and I never go back on my word. That is my ninja way!" Naruto said loudly. Sasuke smirked at his foolish 'friend'. He wanted to break the bond he and Naruto had shared, because the more their friendship grew, the harder it would be. The Uchiha turned his back to the Uzumaki boy, hiding his obviously pained face. He was an Uchiha! Uchihas never showed their emotions, no matter what the situation. Yet here he was with a pained face. Father would be disappointed.

"When we fight, I will win. If I lose, or die doing so, you'll come down with me. But I refuse to die, not until I fix you. One day Sasuke, one day I will do it. And you'll be my advisor because you're my friend. And until then, I will shoulder your hatred. Just you wait teme, I will become stronger to defeat you!" Naruto said. Sasuke huffed in annoyance and began to walk away from Naruto. The blonde yelled in anger as Sasuke seemed to ignore everything he had said. Although it was exactly the opposite of what Naruto thought. Sasuke paid a lot of attention to what the blonde was saying, making him want to destroy the bond even more. He hated how his 'friendship' with the blonde only made everthing harder.

"You deserve happiness, Naruto. But I'm sorry..."

^^^^^^過去に私の愛^^^^^^

"And who might that friend be? Was he someone you had lost in the war?" Itachi said. Naruto thought back to the time where he declared he would rid the Uchiha of hatred. Of course Sasuke was under the assumption he didn't hear the last part where he was sorry, seeing as he wasn't fully aware of his abilities. And having Kuruma inside him seemed to enhance his senses, especially hearing. Menma stared at Itachi as he compared hi and Sasuke. When Sasuke was younger, and his family alive, he looked the same as Itachi. Innocence very clear in their faces, but something more was underneath that. Of course it just couldv'e been an Uchiha thing that he would never understand.

"I don't want to say his name, as it brings me great pain. Our friendship was what most would call toxic, seeing as his goal was to kill me. Although he would never admit it, he wanted to be my friend more then anything. He grew up under the light as a prodigy, much like you. But he acted emotionless, which ultimately destroyed him." His tone lowered as he talked about his friend. Itachi shifted his weight as he felt almost uncomfotable and sad for bringing up the painful topic. Of course he should have figured out that talking about his friend would cause Menma pain.

"I see. I'm sorry I brought up such a sensitive topic as I can tell it pains you to talk about him," Itachi looked up at the sky, realizing it was getting late," I have to go Menma, it's almost time for supper. I really do hope you find your happiness someday. Bye" Itachi said as he picked up his Kunais and ran back home. Menma smiled at the boy, watching him disappear from his sight. Never had he though Uchihas were capable of such compassion and emptahy. When he got back to his own timeline he would have to beat Sasuke for making him think Uchihas were all mean. And then he would beat Kakashi for being a stuck up kid.

"Damn you Uchihas. You all seem to have even more compassion and love then me! And that's saying something" Naruto said, an amused smile plastered onto his face.

OMG I updated! Shorter flashback as it wasn't too important, but I just wanted to show it. So how does everyone like Itachi? I had to look up how old he was, and it turns out he was 5 during this part. But I made him 6 because why not lol. I now have to work on chapter 11 (by the time this is published it means I am either done with chapter 11 or half way through) so I can publish this. I plan on making this story at least 20 chapters long before it ends. Of course there will be no sequel, but maybe a little epilouge for what happens after Naruto returns. Also, I dedicate this chapter to Dragoneellover1103 for always trying to be first to vote and read. You're a great friend for that :) Well bye I have to go work on 11 now.

-KakaBaka7