Chapter 14

Naruto awoke as he knew he would, alone.

Sasuke had left earlier that morning. Naruto was half awake when he had gone; the sky was still heavy with darkness and only a few strings of light illuminated through the clouds. Sasuke had kissed him goodbye and left for the routine Uchiha council meeting.

A couple hours had passed since then. The sun was now fully out and shining as brightly as a summer sun always did. Naruto withheld the urge to cry. He felt so terribly alone. He wanted to go pray. He had had the dream again. He wished he could remember at least what it was about. When he tried to recall it only blurry images streamed through his mind. He rubbed his stomach. He felt the dream had something to do with his baby. It was an omen Kaguya was gifting him but he couldn't see it. He prayed to the sacred mother everyday to deliver him clarity and to show him what she was warning him about but no amount of prayer ever cleared his vision.

Deidara found Naruto deep in thought with both his hands over his stomach when he came into the room ten minutes later. Naruto didn't even rouse when the door thudded closed. He stared ahead at the wall like a life size porcelain doll that sat on a shelf never moving. The odd behavior never failed to worry Deidara.

"I'm glad you're awake." Deidara flitted over and closed the curtain. He could see by the goosebumps that covered Naruto's naked legs and bare arms that the cool sunny morning breeze was too cold for his cousin. "Did you sleep well?"

Naruto gave no reply.

Deidara hadn't expected one. He poured water from a pitcher into a bowl and set a towel beside it. He jogged over to the closet and picked out an all red chiffon kimono.

"Are you ready for me to dress you?" Deidara asked once everything was in order. He snapped his fingers in front of Naruto's vacant eyes.

Naruto blinked rapidly as he came out of his stupor. He hadn't even realized Deidara was in the room. "What did you say, Dei-nii?"

"I asked if you're prepared for me to ready you?"

"Oh," Naruto dropped his hands from his stomach, "yeah, I am."

Deidara quickly undid the buttons of Naruto's night slip and slid it off, "sorry if I'm rushing. Your mother asked me to hurry preparing you."

"My mother?" Naruto echoed. He had forgotten his parents were even here.

"Auntie Kushina has made you breakfast. She cooked it herself especially for you."

"So that means we can't go pray today?" Naruto was happy his mother had cooked him breakfast but prayer was important to him. It was the only thing that gave him sanity while Sasuke was away.

"No, there's no time for that today." Deidara was glad; Naruto had become compulsive with his prayers. It'd do him good to take at least one day off. "I'll pray to Kaguya in your place. You have much to do. You have to go greet some guests."

"They've arrived already?!"

A smile spilled across Deidara's lips, "yes, a very special guest and they're very excited to see you."

Naruto was anxious, who could this important guest be?

He asked Deidara numerous times as he readied him but his cousin remained tight lipped. All Deidara would say was-

"You'll see soon enough."

The instant Naruto stepped into the tearoom he was enveloped in a tight embrace. He already knew who the culprit was by their smell. He'd know his grandmothers scent anywhere.

Tsunade was the old queen of the Uzumaki clan. She was as tough as her daughter Kushina. It was obvious by their domineering brash nature that they were cut from the same cloth.

"My beautiful grandson," Tsunade kissed Naruto's scarred cheeks, "I'm glad I cut my trip short to come here and see you," Tsuande rubbed her grandsons rounded belly. "Look at you, you're the spitting image of Kushina. Feels like twins!"

"You think so? Mother said the same thing." Naruto blushed.

Tsunade closed her eyes and felt Naruto's stomach a second time, "I'm almost certain it's twins."

"It's not." Orochimaru slithered out from the shadows. His pale green skin looked even greener in the muted light of the tearoom,"I'm Naruto-sama's doctor. I can assure you he's not having twins."

"Orochimaru-san what are you doing here?" Naruto was confused. He didn't have a scheduled meeting with his obstetrician today. He wasn't supposed to meet Orochimaru until the end of the month. Naruto was also surprised that Orochimaru knew his mother tongue; Orochiamru had never spoken to him in it or had ever let on that he understood it. Was Orochimaru originally from the West or had he just spontaneously gained an interest in the language of Whirlpool?

"I came on orders from Sasuke-sama. He asked me earlier this morning to give you a check up before all the fun starts later today. He's concerned."

Naruto was shocked. Why would Sasuke ask Orochimaru to do that?

"Well, I am Naruto's grandmother and I'm also a doctor. My specialty is pregnancy and I'm well accustomed to dealing with pregnant omegas from Whirlpool. He's carrying heavy which means twins."

"I don't doubt your skill, your highness, but Naruto-sama's case is out of your abilities. You may be accustomed to diagnosing Whirlpool omegas but the child growing inside our sovereign is Uchiha. My specialty is Uchiha pregnancies and Uchiha's don't have twins."

"You've contradicted yourself, Orochimaru. The fetus growing in my grandson may be half Uchiha but it is also half Uzumaki and in the Uzumaki clan twins are not impossible to conceive." Tsunade was angry by the time she finished speaking, her blonde brows were furrowed and her pink lips stretched into a menacing glare. She appeared as if she'd growl any second. She was ferocious and unafraid like all Whirlpool omegas.

"This is no time for doctor visits. This is a family breakfast. Your presence has bothered my mother, leave us Orochimaru!" Kushina who had been seated at the head of the table beside her husband watching the whole scene unfold ordered.

"Forgive my intrusion, I'll be leaving then." Orochimaru bowed, "I'll pay you a visit after breakfast Naruto-sama."

The Uchiha doctor slithered out the room much in the same mysterious way he had come in.

"That's the doctor you told me about yesterday?" Kushina made an unimpressed face, "If I had known I would've had a doctor from our clan come here to personally attend to you!"

"I would've come myself if I knew!" Tsunade growled. "Your grandfather was worried about you being here pregnant without me by your side. I should've listened to him."

"Did grandpa come?" Naruto waddled to the empty seat beside his grandmother. With the help of Deidara he balanced him self onto the pillowed seat.

Tsunade grimaced at the mention of her mate, "your grandfather wanted to come but I didn't allow him to. He's much too old to travel such long distances. I don't even allow him to come with me on my trips. He does send his love though."

Jiraiya was the old king of Whirlpool. In his time he was the strongest alpha in the entire West. It was widely believed by the many clans of the west that Kaguya herself had crafted him from a template of what a true alpha should be. He was as feared as he was respected. He was most remembered for the way he had welcomed his son in law into the royal family. When Minato was a young man he had asked Jiraiya permission to be Kushina's mate. Kushina was already deeply in love with Minato but the custom of the west dictated that he must first ask permission of his intended omegas father. Kushina was a beauty and many alphas had asked for her but Jiraiya had never found one good enough for his daughter. Jiraiya had challenged Minato to three tasks and if Minato failed even one he'd have to give up and forget all about Kushina. Every alpha that had asked for Kushina had all failed. Minato had won all three and gained not only the permission to have Kushina but also gained the respect of Jiraiya along with all of Whirlpool.

Naruto frowned, "I haven't seen Grandpa in ages. Is he well, grandma?" The last time Naruto had seen his grandfather was right before his second departure to the Uchiha clan. The memory was grainy and all he could remember was his grandpa telling him to remember how he was raised to be strong while "fraternizing" with the "savages" of the north.

"His health varies, when I left for my trip he was having a good moment. I pray to Kaguya everyday that when I return he is the same."

"Let's say a prayer for my fathers health." Kushina linked hands with Minato. The rest of them followed suit until the gathered Uzumaki family were all linked by their hands. They bowed their heads. Kushina recited an old ancient prayer for wellness and then the circle was broken.

"Now let's start eating this food I woke up at the crack of dawn to make shall we!" Kushina called the maids in. They brought in gleaming trays of Kushina's home cooked meals.

"Naruto make sure you fill your plate!" Kushina eyed her son critically. "You're much too thin so eat as much as you can!"

Naruto didn't have to be told. He instantly became hungry as the various smells of the food he had grown up eating wafted in the air and into his nose. His mouth watered just smelling it. His mother had made all of his favorite foods there were even lemon tarts! He hadn't really been hungry lately and he definitely hadn't had breakfast the past few days either. He filled his plate until there was no room left on it and started shoveling food into his mouth at a rapid rate. Minato gave out a hearty laugh as he watched his baby ferociously eat and Kushina just smiled fondly. The mood was joyous until the entrance of the Uchiha family interrupted the Uzumaki family.

Mikoto and Fugaku walked into the dining room with Sasuke trailing behind them. Deidara glumly noted that Itachi was absent from the trio. Where was the alpha? Had he gone back into hiding? Deidara hoped not. The thought of Itachi holed up and alone again bothered him.

Naruto clambered up off his seat and went as fast as he could to Sasuke's side.

"I've missed you." Naruto tiptoed and kissed his alphas mating mark. His nerves were soothed in mere seconds just with Sasuke in his presence.

"As I've missed you." Sasuke bent his head and returned the gesture.

"Let's save those kinds of displays for behind closed doors shall we, Sasuke-san?" Minato glared at his son's alpha.

Sasuke obliged which in turn made Naruto pout for being denied the affection he craved from his mate. It did however make the Uzumaki king stop glaring.

"It's good to see you, Minato-san." Fugaku greeted Minato in his usual cold tone. "I heard you arrived late last night. A shame I couldn't personally welcome you."

"Truly a shame, I would've so loved to hear your welcoming words after my tedious long journey." Minato replied sarcastically.

"Come sit and join us, Fugaku-san. I've made plenty enough to share with all of you. It's all food from Whirlpool I hope you enjoy it." Kushina smiled. She was playing peacekeeper. She would be nice for now but that would soon change. She still needed to know what Itachi had done to her son to make him so dependent on his alpha.

Fugaku led his wife to the empty seats across from Tsunade. Naruto chose to move his seat so that he could sit beside Sasuke.

"You look well, Kushina." Fugaku noted.

"She does, as do you Minato-san." Mikoto chimed. "is that your mother, I see the resemblance? It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard tales of your beauty while in my youth, you are still beautiful in your old age, Tsunade-san."

"Enough with the pleasantries," Kushina pinned Sasuke with a menacing stare, "now that you've finally joined us tell us what you withheld from us yesterday. What did Itachi do?"

"My son did noth-"

"I wasn't speaking to you, Fugaku-san." Kushina snapped, "I was speaking to my sons alpha."

"There is no need for such animosity, Kushina-san." Mikoto snipped.

"There is! I left my son with your clan and he's gone through nothing but hardships since then!"

"That is entirely my fault." Sasuke admitted somberly.

"I agree," Kushina hissed, "now tell me what your brother did!"

"He used his mangekyo to make Naruto forget me. He erased his memories and had Naruto believe he was his mate."

"He did what?!" Kushina screeched, "No wonder my son is so attached! What punishment have you issued Itachi? Why has the party not been cancelled? He doesn't deserve a celebration he should he incarcerated!"

"My son wasn't in his best state of mind so there is no reason for punishment."

"That's ridiculous!" Minato bellowed, "He assaulted my son so he should be punished! If another alpha ever dared to do anything similar to that in Whirlpool he would've been imprisoned for life!"

"Well we aren't in Whirlpool are we, Minato-san?" Fugaku retaliated cockily.

"Stop fighting!" Naruto pleaded, "Itachi-san has imprisoned himself in his room all on his own. He's barely come out of hiding yesterday but even if he hadn't I don't want him imprisoned! Even though what he did to me was traumatizing I don't blame him, I betrayed him and drove him to do what he did. Sasuke and I will be talking with Itachi-san later today so please don't fight or worry about it anymore."

The table occupants were quiet. Kushina and Minato were still angry but they honored Naruto's wish. Naruto was breathing hard, he was winded from the emotional turmoil that discussing Itachi brought him. It took a lot of energy to do menial things while he was so heavily pregnant but the strain was even worse when his emotions got involved. Sasuke noticed his submissives discomfort.

"Are you okay?"

Naruto leaned his body against Sasuke's, he felt drained of energy. He was both physically and emotionally tapped out. He did get tired fast but this was quicker than normal.

"I need a break," Naruto whispered to Sasuke so that he was the only one who heard. He rubbed his stomach. It ached. His son was moving a lot more than normal today. He had kicked him seven times already and it was barely noon! "Your son is tiring me, I think I need to lay down. Take me to our room I want to be alone with you."

"Okay, love." Sasuke helped Naruto to his feet. He secured his arm around Naruto's waist as Naruto continued to lean his weight against him.

"Where are you taking him?" Kushina startled, "he hasn't finished eating he can't go anywhere until he's done!"

"Naruto is feeling unwell, he needs some rest."

"He needs food that's why he's feeling sick!"

Sasuke sighed, "I appreciate your concern mother," Kushina was disarmed by the maternal name. It shocked her enough that she lost the mean look in her eyes. "But despite what you may think I care for your son deeply. Each hardship he suffers hurts me just as much as it hurts you. You may have known Naruto's needs when he was a child but I am now the person who knows Naruto the best. Right now he needs to lay down more than he needs to eat. I will make sure he eats after he's feeling better. I promise."

"You've really matured, you know that." Kushina sucked her teeth, she was bitter because Sasuke had spoken the truth, "take my son and make sure you keep your promise."

"Of course I will." Sasuke smiled slightly at the compliment.

Kushina got up and glided up to her son, she kissed his cheek. "I'll have your gown sent up to your room."

Sasuke bid goodbye to everyone on Naruto's behalf…everyone except his own parents. Even the Whirlpool king was warmer to him compared to his mother and father. He was used to his father but his mother's icy treatment stung him. So she really had chosen his fathers side? When he looked at her she always averted her eyes and when she spoke it was always to deliver orders from his father. He wouldn't focus on it right now. He tightened his hold on Naruto and together they made the trip to their room.

Sasuke laid Naruto down on the soft sheets of their bed.

"Lay with me?" Naruto murmured in a sleepy voice. He held Sasuke's hand and pulled weakly. "I feel so tired but I won't be able to sleep if I can't feel you beside me."

"You don't need to ask, I want to lay with you too." Sasuke cuddled up next to Naruto. He placed his hand over Naruto's belly and rubbed soothing circles. Naruto's eyes fluttered closed. He fell asleep for a little but was awoken when a harsh kick was delivered to his stomach. He lurched up and wrapped his arms around his stomach.

"Are you okay?!" Sasuke fretted.

"Yes, he's been kicking me all morning," Naruto winced. "I can usually handle it but he's kicking me so harshly like he's trying to get out. He's been behaving strange all day."

"Last night you were crying in your sleep," Sasuke grimaced as he remembered the event he witnessed, "I tried to wake you but you wouldn't. You kept saying, where is my son? It was nothing like I've ever seen before. That may be why he's behaving weirdly since we already know he feels when you're in distress."

"I did that? Why would I say such a thing?" Naruto gaped. So his dreams had spilled into reality. Was that what he dreamed about? He couldn't remember it so he didn't know why he would be asking about the whereabouts of his son. But it made sense maybe that explained why he always felt like one day he'd look down and his stomach would be flat. "So that's why you called Orochimaru-san? You were worried?"

"Yes I wanted him to check you over just in case." Sasuke rubbed Naruto's stomach, "you really worried me."

"Sorry." Naruto kissed his alphas cheek, "I didn't mean to."

A knock sounded on the door.

Sasuke kissed Naruto in return then reluctantly got up to answer the door.

"Sorry to disturb you and the sovereign during your alone time but I promised Naruto-sama I'd come check on him after breakfast." Orochimaru bowed. Standing behind him was his spectacled assistant Kabuto. Sunlight glinted off of his glasses as he quietly stood behind his master.

"Sure, come on in" Sasuke moved aside and let the doctor and his assistant in.

"You look a little better than you did this morning. How do you feel Naruto-sama?" Orochimaru set his bag of tools on the bedside table.

"I feel exhausted. He's kicking me a lot and he's pushed so far up against my ribcage it's as if he's run out of room."

Orochimaru lips quirked, "Is that so? That's no good. Our future heir should have more than enough room inside you." Orochimaru rolled his sleeves up, "Please lay down I'll check you over."

Naruto lay back onto the pillows. Sasuke stood at a distance and anxiously watched as Kabuto helped Naruto undo the top layer of his Kimono and slid it off.

Orochimaru scaled his hand over in slippery white scales. The jutsu was his prime tool, the sensors embedded in his snake like appendages allowed him to "see" fetuses through heat signatures and sound imaging. The first time Naruto had seen Orochimaru do it it shocked him but he was now accustomed to it. Sasuke on the other hand still found the white scales disgusting. He couldn't believe those were the hands that had pulled him out of his mother and would also in the future pull his child out of Naruto.

Orochimaru pressed his scaly hands against Naruto's stomach. "He's growing at an exceptionally rapid rate."

Naruto was uncomfortable, he disliked having others than his mate or family touching his belly but he bit his lip and bared it the way he always did during his check ups.

"So how is he? Is everything fine?" Sasuke questioned anxiously. "Did that dream I told you about mean anything?"

"Ah, yes the dreams." Orochimaru retracted his hand. He dispersed his jutsu as he spoke, "I wouldn't worry too much about that, your majesty. Nightmares aren't completely uncommon. As for all the kicking, your son knows it's almost time to come out. It's getting tight in there for him. Naruto-sama will be fine."

"So that's why?" Naruto frowned, "I thought maybe my mother and grandmother were right. I was hoping-"

"As I've said and will continue to say twins aren't possible."

Naruto hung his head.

"It's best if you stop hoping, false hope will only feed your unrealistic desire, Naruto-sama." Kabuto remarked. His eyes were still shadowed.

"I know I just wish I could give my alpha more."

"You've given me more than I could ever ask for. Don't think like that, love." Sasuke's eyes sizzled with sincerity as he spoke. He sat beside Naruto and rubbed Naruto's belly, "he's more than enough."

Orochimaru cleared his throat. "Now that I've assured that everything is in order my assistant and I must get going. Thank you for choosing to keep me as your doctor. Your family's doubts earlier this morning stem from their worrying for you. I'm glad you did not let them sway you."

"You've given me no reason to doubt you Orichimaru-san. Thank you you may leave." Naruto excused the obstetrician and his quiet assistant.

"What happened this morning?" Sasuke questioned.

"My grandmother and Orochimaru-san got into an argument of sorts. She doubts Orochimaru-san's abilities as my doctor."

"Orochimaru may be off putting but he has been my families obstetrician for years. I trust him." Sasuke's lips tugged into a half smile, "you Uzumaki submissives are very vocal about your opinions, huh?" Sasuke continued to rub Naruto's stomach, "if you give birth to a submissive he'll probably be just like the omegas of your clan; wild and fearless."

Naruto smiled, "and if he's a dominant he'll be just like you. I hope he gets the ability to use the sharringan. I love that red color so much."

"I'm sure he will, it's a dominant trait." Sasuke kissed along Naruto's neck. Sasuke flattened his hand, feeling Naruto's belly even more. He had made Naruto swollen with his child and at the moment he kind of wanted to do it again. What was it about knowing that his seed had taken root inside Naruto that excited him?

Naruto could sense Sasuke's new lustful mood. He responded to it instantly. He got turned on just by knowing his alpha wanted him. His scent began to leak out in waves as Sasuke continued to leave open mouth kisses along his neck.

"Do we have time for this?" Naruto wondered out loud. He swallowed thickly as Sasuke's breath blew into his ear.

"Yes, remember everyone thinks you're resting right now. We have time." Sasuke snaked his hand up Naruto's underskirt and between his thighs. Naruto moaned. Sasuke's fingers went straight to his entrance.

"I really should let you rest more since we have such a long day set before us but you're so tempting. You always are."

Naruto blossomed at the lust filled praise of his alpha. Sasuke's fingers were able to go in deeper, hitting the blond omegas prostate. Naruto keened. He gripped Sasuke's hand and pushed up in an attempt to get his alphas thick fingers deeper inside.

"Lay down, I'll give you what you crave."

Naruto sat back onto his fluffy pillows. He held his legs open by gripping them from beneath his thighs. It was hard work to stay in that bent position without doing so.

Sasuke withdrew his fingers and positioned him self between Naruto's spread thighs. He laughed suddenly at a now funny memory.

"Remember when I trained you for the first time and you came to the field in that revealing outfit that showcased your thighs?"

Naruto nodded shakily.

"I looked away because I didn't have the right to look upon your thighs back then and now I am the only dominant whose allowed to lay eyes on them." Sasuke bent and kissed a line up both of Naruto's supple thighs. The soft flesh felt so plump against his lips. He sucked the skin into his mouth, leaving bruises all over.

"Please," Naruto caressed Sasuke's cheek and brought his face up so that their eyes met, "enough with my thighs, put it inside me already."

Sasuke re-positioned himself. He pulled his hakama half down and freed his prick into the open air. He spat into his hand and rubbed it along his length. Naruto was already naturally wet enough to enter but Sasuke did it just to be cautious.

"Are you ready?"

Naruto grunted, urging Sasuke to get on with it in an animalistic manner.

Sasuke chuckled, "okay, I get it." He positioned himself at Naruto's entrance and was about to push into that glorious cocooning heat when a knock rapped at their door

Naruto made a sound of annoyance. "Don't answer it. Continue."

"As you wish." Sasuke pressed the tip of his head inside just as he got mid length inside there was another knock; this one was much louder and assertive.

"Open the door!" Kushina's brash voice commanded. Authority seeped out of her voice even through the thick wood.

Naruto's eyes cleared as if coming out of a fog. "What is mother doing here? She said she'd let me rest!?"

Sasuke growled, that damn women. Had they not reached an understanding? Apparently the claim of motherhood ran deeper than unspoken truces. Sasuke supposed it was a good thing, Naruto had more than likely inherited this extreme mothering trait. Their son would have a mother who loved them fiercely. "She's probably worried about you or something." Sasuke pulled his half submerged dick out and stuffed it back into his hakama. It felt wrong pulling out before coming inside his submissive. It actually irritated him. The feeling was unsettling, like he was missing his chance to stake a claim over what was his. Judging by the lonely look on Naruto's face Sasuke could tell his love was feeling the same way. Naruto wanted to be claimed, he felt empty. In a way he felt as if his alpha had rejected him by not coming inside him.

"Can't we finish?" Naruto pleaded.

"I'd love to but I'm not too keen on the idea of making love to you while your mother is so close by. And besides if we keep her waiting she'll knock the door down."

"Go then." Naruto glowered as he closed his legs.

Sasuke smiled despite how annoyed he was, "Don't pout, we'll continue as soon as she leaves."

"By the time she leaves we'll have no time. We'll have to go downstairs to attend the party. Don't promise me something we both know you can't do."

Naruto was angry and Sasuke knew better than to agitate him further. If they had time he would've calmed Naruto down.

"I'm sorry." Sasuke kissed Naruto's forehead then went and answered the door. Kushina stood at the entrance. She was tapping her foot as if she had been waiting for centuries. Deidara stood behind her. He was carrying two large decorated boxes stacked on top of each other.

"What do I owe this visit, mother? I thought I told you that I was taking Naruto to our room so that he could rest."

"I know that but guests have started to arrive. There is no time for sleeping. Naruto needs to get ready." Kushina stampeded into the room as if she herself slept there. "Deidara set the boxes on the table. I need you to-" Kushina paused. She sniffed, the heavy scent of arousal hung in the air. For the first time since she entered the room she looked at her son. His disheveled appearance and raised under skirt were telling enough, "so you brought Naruto up here to sleep, hmm?"

"That was my intention." Sasuke remained stoic in the face of his mother in laws accusatory question. "But Naruto and I had other needs that prevented the original plan of action from happening. If its any consolation Naruto did sleep for a little."

"You should've let him sleep more! This isn't the day to be fooling around! " Kushina sighed, "The smell in here is so strong I'm worried it'll attract my alpha and his reaction to it won't be as mild as mine. He might even kill you."

Naruto rolled his eyes from his position on the bed. "Daddy can't hurt my alpha, I won't let him. He needs to get used to the fact that Sasuke is my mate. I'm having his child so of course we do things like that together!"

"Yes I know baby but unfortunately I don't think your father will ever get used to the fact that you're all grown up." Kushina pointed at Sasuke, "You should go. Your scent is seriously too strong. Go take a cold bath."

"Sasuke can't leave!" Naruto voiced urgently.

"He has to baby. I have to get you ready and he will only be in the way. He has to go get dressed too."

"No he can get changed in here with me!" Naruto struggled off the bed and padded as quickly as he could to stand by Sasuke's side. He gripped Sasuke's hand tightly, "he stays or I go with him."

Kushina was about to resign when Sasuke unexpectedly sided with her. "Your mother is right, love. I need to go. If the guests are arriving then my father will probably want to meet with me before so he can go over some things."

"Who cares about meeting with Fugaku-san! Stay with me." Naruto implored.

"Remember what I told you last night? There is nothing to fear. I'm never far, I will always come back to you." Sasuke raised their linked hands and kissed the back of Naruto's hand, "I'll see you as soon as we are done, I promise. And this is a promise I know I can keep."

Naruto worriedly chewed on his lip, he knew Sasuke was right. He just couldn't shake the feeling away of forgetting his alpha. Sasuke said he'd never let that happen again so Naruto would believe in those words. "You may leave me but don't forget your promise or I won't forgive you."

Sasuke smiled. He kissed Naruto's cheek, "I'll see you soon."

Naruto grabbed Sasuke's haori collar and pulled him down. He kissed Sasuke roughly. He ignored his mother's furious stare and poured his love into the kiss. "You better."

Deidara blushed. No matter how many times he witnessed it he was still awestruck at the incredible amount of love his cousin held for Sasuke. Where did he generate so much love in such a small body? He was a little bit jealous. Naruto had found his soul mate and Deidara...well Deidara had no time to think of love.

Sasuke departed.

"Despite how insufferable he can be I'm glad you at least have an alpha who loves you." Kushina complimented.

"Thank you, mother." Naruto smiled a beautifully bright smile. His mother praising Sasuke in any way was rare so hearing it once in awhile delighted Naruto.

The loud bell abruptly sounded, echoing throughout the room and the entire palace. The bell tower in the center of town only rang on special days. It was usually sounded all day when a male heir was born but the bell was also used on other special occasions. Itachi's official return was one of those special occasions. The bell signaled the hour, the celebration had officially begun.

The bell chiming quickened Kushina's step. She hurried and opened one of the boxes Deidara had set on the table. She pulled out a beautiful shimmering gown. It was the color of the sky on a cloudless day. The gown had a long train that had stitched gold patterns of the sun on it. The sleeves were short and cupped and the top half was intricately beaded with a mosaic of shiny sapphires and diamonds. The defining aspect of the dress though was the midriff area. The gown was split in half so that the wearer stomach had to show. It was the traditional gown royal Uzumaki omegas wore during their pregnancy. Even though Naruto was supposed to wear red for his alphas clan the dress was light blue because it was the color of the Uzumaki clan, a traditional Uzumaki gown could only be the color of the Uzumaki clan.

"It's stunning." Naruto was in awe. He had grown up seeing his pregnant family members wear these gorgeous gowns. He had never yearned to wear one during his own pregnancy but now seeing the dress before him he was mad at himself for not wearing them everyday.

"It belonged to your great grandmother."

"Great grandma Mito wore it?" Naruto was only a toddler when his great grandmother had passed away. He had vivid memories of her long gray hair and wrinkly smile. His most lasting memory was of going to her tearoom with Deidara and having tea with her. She would educate them in her gravely voice about the proper etiquette of royal Uzumaki omegas. She would drone on and on and Naruto would most of the times fall asleep but he loved it. It was one of his favorite memories of growing up. He adored his great grandmother Mito so he was delighted that this gown belonged to her.

"She did, she wore it when she was pregnant with your grandfather Jiraiya. My mother wore it when she was pregnant with me and I wore it when I was pregnant with you and now you will wear it."

Naruto was full of emotion. He was so proud to be able to now wear the special dress that all of the omegas in his family had once worn.

"It's very beautiful, you're very fortunate to have such an honor, cousin." Deidara quipped.

"I didn't forget about you, Deidara." Kushina set the gown aside and opened the second box, "I bought you a dress too. You've been so kind. You came all the way over here to watch over Naruto for me. I bought you a gown from home too." The dress was all gold, it's sleeves were long lace. It had a train too but it was shorter than the one on Naruto's dress. The dress was cinched at the waist and the sides were lace like the sleeves so that the wearer's stomach was covered but their sides would show. It wasn't a dress for a pregnant omega but it was for an omega who was un-mated. A mated omega would never wear a dress that showed so much skin. The most striking part of the dress was the single sapphire embedded in the chest. It was simple and stunning. Deidara was a royal but he had never been graced with such an extravagant dress before. He had never craved to wear fancy dresses he preferred clothes that were practical and comfortable.

He bowed, "Thank you aunt Kushina. I don't know what to say, it's-"

"There's no need for thanks. You deserve it."

Deidara was happy until he realized a blaring issue, "How will I protect Naruto all day in such a thing?"

Kushina laughed, "Don't worry about that. Today is a day of festivities. Enjoy yourself! Besides Minato and I are here, no one can even lay a finger on Naruto. And my mother too she's old but don't let that fool you she's as strong as me! He's safer today than he's ever been."

Deidara didn't protest but he still had an inkling of worry. There was an ominous feeling settling in his gut. He casted his eyes to Naruto. His cousin was excitedly looking at himself in the mirror as he held his new dress up to himself. When he looked at Naruto he still saw him as his little baby cousin who'd follow him around.

Deidara knew to always trust his gut. His aunt was sure Naruto would be safe but just to be sure Deidara would keep a close eye on him.

The thing about the Uchiha palace was that it was much too big. Sakura had always thought so. Well not truthfully, at first she was enthralled by the grandness of it. It made her own palace she had grown up in look like a peasants hobble. There were so many rooms in the Uchiha palace that it'd take a very long time to visit each room. She had loved it and now she loved it even more since it'd be aiding her today.

Today was the day all her plotting would come to fruition. She could hardly believe that by the end of the day Naruto would no longer be a problem in her life. She had dealt with the blonde slut for months. He ruined her life. He had stolen her dominant and was now living the life that belonged to her. Just thinking about it set Sakura into a foul mood.

Sakura halted her step. She heard footsteps approaching. She tightened the black shawl over her head and pressed herself against the wall so she couldn't be seen. If she were to be it'd ruin everything. Absolutely no one could know where she was headed. If she were to be seen it'd compromise too much. Sakura remained hidden until she could no longer hear the footsteps. She emerged from her hiding spot. A victorious smirk printed onto her lips.

"I finally found you, rat." Plump pink lips parted to showcase a row of pearly white teeth, "I had to turn two guards into icicles and then shatter their bodies just to leave my room but it was worth it now that I've finally found you."

Sakura staggered back. She hadn't sensed any presence. It all made sense when she saw who it was.

"Haku." Sakura spat. He was an expert at hiding his presence. "So the rumors are true. You really ran away from the Hyūga clan."

"The best decision I ever made." Haku's grin broadened.

"And Sasuke accepted you into the Uchiha clan just like that? He allows you to walk this palace even though you are the bride of his enemy?" Sakura scoffed.

"Why wouldn't he? He allows you to stalk his palace halls freely and you are conspiring with his enemy."

Sakura gasped, a crack in her charade allowed shock to overtake her features, "Neji told you?"

"He didn't have to, I'm far more observant than he realizes. Sasuke-san doesn't actually know of your little plan. I withheld my knowledge of it from him because I wanted to be the one to kill you for him!"

Haku iced over his fingers. He directed them at Sakura. Kunai sharp icicles shot out from his fingertips. Sakura reacted quickly; she ducked but not fast enough. One of the icicles had sliced a cut into her cheek.

"It's laughable how weak you are!" Haku let the ice claim the rest of his hand and let it crawl all the way up his forearms. "You want to know why I call you a rat? It's because you're weak and insignificant and yet you've managed to survive all this time! Just like a rat scampering around!"

Sakura activated her own jutsu. Her hands glowed green as she got into a fighting stance. She was at a disadvantage. She wasn't a skilled fighter, the only way she was able to kill that bitch Konan was by using the element of surprise. That was her strong point; she was good at plotting things.

"You're going to die today. Sakura. Take pleasure in knowing that it was Haku of the bloody mist who will end your life."

Haku charged. Sakura wasn't going down without a fight. She ran straight on towards Haku. She closed her eyes right before impact. She expected to feel pain but she felt nothing. She opened her eyes to see what had stopped Haku.

"Danzo?" What was the geezer doing so deep within the palace? Party guests should be outside or in one of the entertaining tearooms while they waited for the other guests to arrive.

Danzo had gotten right in between them. The old man had both his arms extended in a motion for them to halt.

"Move or I will kill you along with her." Haku hissed.

"There is no need for violence on such a glorious day. We should all be rejoicing for king Itachi's return."

"Sasuke is the king! Don't speak such a disrespectful thing in my presence you weak old dominant."

Sakura backed up against the wall. Haku's attention was entirely on Danzo. This was the opportunity she had been hoping for. She dashed away before Haku could notice.

"It wasn't my intention to disrespect you. You're even more captivating up close." Danzo's eyes roved over Haku's iced over hands, "could I touch-?"

Danzo couldn't even get his question fully out. He had underestimated how rutless Haku was. Haku had sent an icicle flying straight into his heart. The old man gurgled out blood, his eyes stared at Haku as he dropped to his knees and fell face first onto the cold palace floor.

"I did tell you to get out of my way or else I'd kill you." Haku sank to his knees and propped Danzo's head up so that they could lock eyes, "I' would never let such a disgusting and weak old man touch me. Weak men like you don't deserve to live, I did this miserable world a favor by killing you."

Danzo's eyes rolled to the back of his head. He sputtered out some jumbled words then took his last haggard breath. As soon as he did his skin turned black. It looked like writing was twining around his wrinkled skin over and over again until it turned all black. Haku quickly sat up. He knew that jutsu, that old bastard-there was no way he was strong enough to possess such a jutsu! The jutsu was activated immediately after the jutsu casters death. It was a jutsu that turned the deceased into a poison. The ink on the skin released toxins in the air that paralyzed anyone in the dead persons immediate radius. The price for such a jutsu was that the ink ate away at the jutsu casters body. They would leave behind no corpse to be buried or mourned. In a few minutes Danzo's body would disappear. Haku tried to run but his legs were already frozen solid. His arms and neck were numb. "You fucking disgusting old man!" Haku cursed. If he was in his strongest form he could easily dispel the jutsu. He hadn't felt this weak in his entire life. He hated the feeling and even more so that an unworthy opponent had brought him to this pathetic state. As his entire body stiffened he realized something. The rat had escaped! He would've screamed but his mouth was already frozen shut.

A couple hours later a lone figure stalking down the hall paused in front of the fallen figure of the fainted submissive. The man kneeled, what had led to the submissives current state? His vitals were irregular and he was barely breathing.

The man scooped the submissive up. Whatever it was he'd find out.

Naruto stared at himself in the mirror. It was one thing to see the beautiful gown but it was a whole other thing to actually wear it. He felt like he was wearing a precious artifact-when he thought about it he kind of was. This dress was an heirloom from his family. His mother had chosen to leave his hair down, she had braided his bangs and twined white chrysanthemums through it and then clipped it to the side of his head with a single pearl pin zankashi. She said a simple hairdo was necessary in order to let the dress shine. Naruto agreed. The dress was so sparkly with all the jewels encrusted into the top and shiny suns on the train that an elaborate hairdo would've been too much. Even his make up was minimal. Only light rouge was dusted onto his cheeks and some shadow pigment applied to his eyelids.

"How do you like it?" Kushina watched her son look himself over in the mirror. She bit back tears. He looked so much like her when she was young. Her baby was all grown up.

"I love it." Naruto cupped his stomach. It bulged out in between the top and skirt of the dress. His naked tan belly was such a nice contrast between the blue silk of the gown's fabric. A prideful smirk made its way onto his face when he realized that everyone would see the tattoo of his seal. He wanted to embellish it even more by adding jewels to it to draw more attention to it.

"I know what you're thinking. I had the same thought when I first saw myself in the dress. Don't worry your stomach will be noticed by everyone."

"Auntie Kushina I'm not so sure about this I look ridiculous." Deidara huffed as he came out from behind the changing divider. "Look," Deidara turned to his side and showed off the see through lace hugging his hips, "If I exhale to hard I'll explode through the dress, maybe I should just wear my usual-"

"Absolutely not!" Kushina denied adamantly, "this is the first time I've seen you in such proper clothes. Be happy I'm not making you wear the geta Naruto has to wear! You'd trip! You look lovely enjoy it for just today."

"Fine." Deidara frowned.

"You really do look beautiful, Dei-nii." Naruto added.

"Compared to you? You look like the goddess Kaguya while I look like one of the serpents she sends to tempt sinners." Deidara smiled as Naruto got embarrassed.

"You really do look beautiful don't say that!"

"If you say so then i guess I'll believe it." Deidara laughed.

"Naruto, can I come in?" Sasuke's voice called from outside the door. Naruto stilled at the sound of his alphas voice. He excitedly waddled to the door and swung it open. He launched himself into Sasuke's arms, "you kept your promise. Good, now I don't have to be mad at Sasuke." Naruto leaned his head back and looked up. He closed his eyes and puckered his lips. Sasuke bent down and kissed his submissive. It was a fast and chaste kiss but it was enough for Naruto. He had been anxiously waiting for Sasuke and now he was back in his arms where he belonged.

"Are you ready? We have to go make our entrance into the party. According to my father everyone is waiting on us."

"Yes, I'm ready." Naruto took a step back; he posed with his hand clasped in front of him. "What do you think?"

Sasuke's eyes bulged. So this was the dress Kushina had mentioned last night? Naruto's stomach was on display for all to see. He didn't like it. Not at all, thinking of all the dominants out there in the party who'd get to see Naruto's belly made Sasuke growl.

Naruto's face changed from expectant to worried. "Why did you growl? Do you hate it"

Naruto look so devastated. Sasuke didn't want to make his love feel that way. Even though he hated that Naruto would go out in public like that he wouldn't say it. "No, I love it. You look beautiful." Naruto really did. The dress was sparkly and it was nice to see Naruto in his old clan colors. It was like memory of the past when Sasuke had first laid eyes on Naruto when he stepped out of his carriage and he wore his brilliant blue kimono looking like a little sun god. "You'd look beautiful in anything though." Sasuke was starting to like the dress the more he looked at it. He felt a sense of pride that other dominants would see how swollen he had made Naruto with the child they had created together.

"Sasuke looks beautiful in everything he wears too!" Naruto ran his hands against the expensive fabric of Sasuke's haori. It was smooth to the touch and it had the Uchiha symbol stitched in silk on the back.

"I wish my dress had the clan symbol stitched on to it too." Naruto pouted.

"It's not necessary," Sasuke kissed Naruto's forehead, "these red dots let everyone know which clan you belong too."

"He belongs to two clans don't forget that my lovely son in law." Kushina interjected.

"I would never," Sasuke smiled, "How could I when Uchihas don't have such bright hair? Every time I set my eyes on Naruto I am reminded from where he came."

Kushina returned the smile, "Maybe you're not so much of a savage after all."

That icy bitch had almost ruined everything. Sakura took a more discrete route as she continued her walk through the palace. After sneaking around for another extended period of time where she had almost been seen twice she finally made it to her destination.

The garden in the upper north wing of the palace was the most secluded place in the entire palace. It was like a hidden gem. No one came here so it was always alone.

At least it was supposed to be. There was a guard standing at attention. Sakura glanced around. He was the only guard stationed here. How annoying. He was young looking, a teenage solider.

"Good afternoon, Sakura-san." The guard saluted when he saw Sakura approaching. He shook his head as if scolding himself, "sorry, force of habit. I keep thinking of you as roya-"

Sakura sliced the guards neck in half. By the bewildered look in his eyes it was clear he hadn't expected that. Sakura wasn't a skilled killer and she couldn't control her jutsus as well as others but she was fearless when it came to killing. In fact she even delighted in it. It felt good letting her aggression out on others.

"You shouldn't have been here." Sakura told the guard. He was bleeding out, his skin held no color. He dropped into a heap on the ground. Sakura stepped right over the guard's body and went over to the edge of the garden where large rose covered bushes were located. She parted the bushes near the stream just as planned.

"Why didn't you kill him?"

"He wasn't worth my time." Neji was crouched inside the bushes. Two masked men sat beside him. His long hair hid his face in a dark shadow so that his white eyes appeared to be glowing in the shrouded darkness.

"I've completed my part now go do yours, kill that blonde bitch!"

"Shut up and finish your fucking job of getting me through the palace to Naruto without being seen then."

Sakura jumped up and down giddily. The bell tower rang. This was the second time it rang today which meant that the sun was going to set and when darkness came the actual party began. The bell chimed again. It was like a countdown to Naruto's death.

Itachi assessed the submissive. He used the common medical knowledge that he had stored in his brain to try and discern what had happened to the strange submissive that he had found fainted in the hall. He was able to conclude that the submissive was still alive but his vitals were way off. They were abnormal. Itachi didn't know if it was because of what had happened or if the submissive was sick before. There were so many possibilities.

Itachi set the submissive on his bed. He didn't know where else to take him. If he went to the infirmary he risked the potential of running into one of the guests. He didn't want to quicken the inevitable reunions were he'd have to listen to people cry about how much they had missed him. He only wanted to visit the party for no more than five minutes and during those five minutes he'd make his announcement of his support for Sasuke as king and then go. That was what he wished but he knew his father would try to get him to stay longer.

"Who are you?" Itachi wondered aloud. He was certain he had never seen this submissive before. He was very short, almost like a child; he looked innocent which was why Itachi felt compelled to help him. Itachi watched the anonymous submissive slumber for a while until finally his eyes fluttered.

Wide light brown eyes darted around the room. "Where am I?"

"You're in my sleeping chambers. I found you thrown on the floor unresponsive. I'm Itachi. What's your name?"

"My name is Haku. I am Neji Hyūgas bride but I am loyal to the Uchiha clan." Haku stretched then bowed his head, "thank you for saving me Itachi-san. If you are anything like your brother then I am honored you helped me."

"What happened to you?" Itachi got a weird vibe from Haku. He looked like a doll but his mannerisms and way of speaking were like a dominants. His pretty exterior was definitely a facade.

"I was attacked by a rat and poisoned."

"A rat? How?"

"There's no time for details." Haku stood, "my pathetic husband is sneaking around this palace as we speak. Sakura is guiding him. He plans to attack Sasuke-sama and his oh-so precious sovereign."

"Neji is in the palace? Are you sure of this?"

"Yes!"

"Where is he?"

"If I knew I would've told you already obviously. We need to find him!"

"No, we first need to protect Naruto." Itachi would not let Naruto get hurt again. He had been hurt him enough. No other dominant would ever hurt him again if Itachi could prevent it.

"That wouldn't be wise. We should find Neji and get rid of him before he can even get to Sasuke-sama or Naruto! Sasuke-sama has a lot to worry about today why add something else to that list? And the precious sovereign is fine. He has his family around him. No one can touch him especially with that blonde submissive cousin of his."

"Deidara." Itachi was solemn as he was reminded of the other submissive he had hurt.

"Oh, you know him?" Haku eyed the alpha. When he spoke Deidara's name he looked like he would cry.

"Its none of your business."

"Sorry I asked then," Haku put up his hands in a 'I surrender' motion, "shall we get going then?"

"You just barely survived a poisoning, you aren't going anywhere. You're going to stay here while I go find Neji."

"I am aware in your clan submissives are weak but I am not from the north. I am strong and I will be going with you." Haku pointed his finger and made an icy mist come out of his fingertip, "you may not know me so here's a little information. They call me Haku of the bloody mist and there's a reason for that. I can make this mist so cold that when I shoot it at someone it tears through their flesh like freezing flames. It makes quite a bloody mess."

Itachi had been right; Haku's pretty exterior really was just a cover up for the sinister beast he hid within. He was a psychopath. It'd be dangerous to leave him alone.

"Fine, you can come but only because four eyes looking will be far better than two."

"I always wondered what kind of dominant you were, Itachi-san. How could I not when you are the famous older brother of the man I love? I'm disappointed that you're not as strong as him, perhaps you once were but someone's already broken you. You're a weak dominant."

Itachi didn't respond. Haku's insult once long ago would've angered him but he was far too numb to care what others thought of him. The submissive was right though- Naruto already had broken him far beyond repair.

Naruto held Sasuke's hand as they made their grand entrance into the party. This was a party to honor Itachi's return but the king and his sovereign were still expected to make a spectacular entrance.

"Ladies and gentleman please stand at attention," An announcer called out loudly to the large gathered group of wealthy party guests, "may I present to you King Sasuke Uchiha and his sovereign Naruto Uchiha."

The crowd applauded as Naruto and Sasuke descended the marbled steps of the ballroom.

"The ballroom looks nice." Naruto whispered to Sasuke. They rarely used the spacious room; now that it was all lit and decorated it resembled a beautiful star filled sky. "So pretty." Naruto rambled nervously. Every single pair of eyes in the room seemed to be only on him. This was what he had wanted, for everyone to see him and his stomach, or so he had thought. He was nervous, he felt like a trapped butterfly being observed underneath a glass.

"It does." Sasuke squeezed Naruto's hand, "but not as beautiful as you. Don't be nervous. I'm right here beside you."

Sasuke was right. Naruto took a deep breath. He adopted a pleasant smile and looked upon the crowd. He recognized only a few of the faces staring back at him. His mother and father along with his grandmother had taken their seats at the large table at the back of the ballroom. They sat beside Mikoto and Fugaku. Deidara who had entered the party earlier with Kushina sat in between her and their grandmother. There were three empty seats at the table. One was for him and Sasuke and the last one in the middle was for the guest of honor Itachi. Where was Itachi-san? He should've been here already. It made Naruto anxious that Itachi wasn't present. Sasuke and him hadn't had a chance to speak with Itachi yet. Time just kept being eaten away. They should've made it their top priority but instead Naruto had busied himself with playing dress up. In truth if he were being honest though he had been stalling.

The guests formed a semi-circle around the Uchiha king and the sovereign. For some of them it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to see royalty so close up.

"Please don't swarm. My sovereign needs space." Sasuke instructed sternly. He formed a barrier with his arm so that no one could directly touch Naruto.

Naruto was thankful. He didn't want anyone too close. He felt vulnerable with his stomach so exposed. He put his hand over it protectively just as a precaution.

"Sorry, thank you for coming though. I'm so very happy to see you all." Naruto greeted.

Naruto could hear people murmuring about various things.

They talked about how Sasuke had grown taller. Naruto noticed it too, as the months passed by his alpha towered over him a more and more each day.

They talked about the foreign mother and father of the Uchiha sovereign. They were captivated as ever by Kushina's fiery red hair and her blonde headed dominant husband.

They talked about Naruto's gown. Some people loved it and others found it scandalous and inappropriate.

But the most fervent topic people were talking about was Itachi's absence. They were curious why the person the party was being thrown for was nowhere to be seen. They were anxiously waiting to finally see the man who once was supposed to be their king after months of him being in a coma. They wanted to know how he was and if he looked the same as he had. There were rumors that he had lost his mind.

Naruto shut them out but some of their comments still managed to slip into his ears.

"You look so pretty, Naruto-san!" Ten-ten chirped. Her eyes sparkled as she ogled Naruto's peculiar shiny outfit. "I've never seen a dress like that, right Shikamaru-kun?" Ten-ten nudged the lazy eyed boy standing tiredly next to her.

"Yes, very pretty." Shikamaru agreed though he didn't look to have any real interest in the subject at hand at all. He didn't even look like he was in the mood to converse. He looked like he had been dragged to the party. It was typical Shikamaru.

Naruto laughed, "thank you for your compliments."

"Pregnancy suits you." Ino chimed in. Her pregnant small belly was showcased in an icy blue kimono that matched her eyes. A multitude of differing shades of brown flowers adorned her hair, a small token of her dominants hair color. The gesture was sweet but it was also strange. When Naruto had first met Ino all he could remember was her distaste for Kiba's hair color and now she proudly sported the color in her own hair.

"As it suits you as well." Naruto complimented. He was happy for her. She looked at ease; no more bitterness tainted her soul. He had never thought Ino would find happiness.

"You are a more progressive dominant than I am," Kiba averted his eyes from Naruto's round stomach and looked to Sasuke, "I would never be able to remain calm if Ino was out showing off her belly in such an outfit."

"I on the other hand would not have any issue with Ten-Ten wearing something like that once she falls pregnant." Shino wrapped his arm around the short brunette submissive. They had been betrothed for a few short weeks but they were already in love. Shino had finally found a bride and though she did not resemble Naruto as he had hoped his bride would he loved her all the same.

"It's a Whirlpool dress right? I've seen them before in books. You wear it so well." Gaara was alone. His sister and brother had not been allowed to come. As was usually the case the sand siblings were never together. Gaara looked dapper in his deep maroon Suna garb. His ankles and wrist were adorned with bangles and his eyes were outlined in kohl. His hair hung in his eyes and his skin was tanner than usual thanks to the bouts of heat caused by the warmer weather. "I'm amazed by my cousins leniency in allowing you to wear it but then again you do have him wrapped around your finger, you could probably make him agree to anything you desire." Gaara adopted a playful expression; "I commend you for giving all us dominants permission to look upon Naruto-kun's naked flesh, cousin."

"Say another word and I'll have you escorted out of Uchiha clan territory." Sasuke gritted out.

"Easy cousin I was only joking." Gaara chuckled, his dimpled cheeks showcased as he did so which made him look even younger than he was, "I tried to joke with Itachi earlier too and he nearly bit my head off. I know I'm not the funniest dominant but you Uchiha brother's sense of humor is non-existent."

"You saw Itachi-san?!" Naruto quaked. "When?"

"When I arrived. I was walking down the hall and I ran into him. He was with that annoying submissive from blood mist. I was pretty shocked to see Neji's bride here but Itachi told me it was none of my business."

"What was he doing with Haku?" Sasuke growled, "I told him to stay in his assigned room."

Gaara shrugged, "no idea but they were in a rush and Itachi was not in a good mood."

The knowledge that Haku and Itachi were together worried Naruto. Was itachi planning something with Haku?

"So that's why Itachi-san hasn't made an appearance yet." Ten-ten voiced. "How strange, what is he doing with Haku? I didn't even know they knew each other."

"He's defected from the Hyūga clan. He brought us some intel so I allowed him safe refuge here." Sasuke explained.

"That might not be wise cousin. They don't call him Haku of the bloody mist for nothing. I hear he's one particularly savage submissive."

"Trust me I'm well aware but I wasn't going to have him killed when he went out of his way to bring us information on our enemy."

"What are you doing still conversing? Your entrance should take no more than a few minutes, you need to have the first dance with Naruto-kun still!" Mikoto scolded, it was the first direct comment she had spoken to her son in awhile. She looked conflicted but then it disappeared, "your father wants me to ask you...have you seen your brother?"

"No." Sasuke answered resolutely. None of the royals around him spoke the truth. They didn't know why Sasuke had lied but they were loyal to him.

"I see." Mikoto didn't look convinced, "come then, the dance must start."

Mikoto awkwardly walked back to her seat. The light in the room was darkened and casted upon the royal couple.

"Shall we?" Sasuke held is hand out with his palm up. Naruto slipped his hand into Sasuke's and entwined their fingers.

"Yes we shall." Naruto's worry went to the back of his mind. Whatever Itachi was plotting with Haku was unimportant in this moment. Sasuke guided him to the center of the ballroom. The guests parted, making way for the Uchiha couple. A slow song began to play. The musicians stationed on the platforms stage created a beautifully serene melody with a combination of shamisens, flutes, and drums. Naruto hummed along to the tune. Even though it was his first time hearing it he somehow knew the song.

Sasuke settled his hand on the small of Naruto's back and pulled him close. Naruto's stomach bumped against Sasuke. He smiled; it felt like they were dancing with their son.

"Don't worry about following steps. I'll lead you."

"Thank you." Naruto laced his hand behind Sasuke's neck. It was hard to keep his balance and his feet already ached but with Sasuke leading him it was bearable.

The crowd watched in awe as the two figures swayed steadily to the music. There was an untouchable aura around Sasuke and Naruto. They were witnessing pure love.

The sight made Kushina happy. Sasuke wasn't perfect and she was still angry over how Naruto had suffered due to Sasuke not protecting him strongly enough but she was glad that her baby had found an alpha who loved him. Minato shared a reluctant smile with his wife. He couldn't say he was happy but he was content that his little princess had found an alpha that loved him as much as he did. The sentimentality being felt by the Uzumaki's was the total opposite of how the old Uchiha king was feeling. Naruto was practically naked and his foolish son had allowed him to wear such a thing. Fugaku stared at Naruto's stomach. Soon he'd get what he wanted and all the embarrassment the Whirlpool submissive had brought upon his clan would be over.

"I love you, Sasuke." Naruto settled his head on Sasuke's chest. He wanted this moment to last forever.

"As I love you." Sasuke held Naruto close. The love Naruto held for him made him feel whole. There was nothing else in the world that could make him feel the same way. To have someone love him with their entire being the way Naruto did was something Sasuke never thought he'd have. He was grateful that somehow Kaguya had allowed them to find each other.

A pair of brown eyes watched the two figures dance from the shadows.

It was time.

Naruto bit his lip as he watched his alpha dance with some girl. Sasuke was the king and as the king he had to do his kingly duties, which included fraternizing with his subjects. But that still didn't mean that it didn't bother Naruto. Sasuke had already been asked to dance by an array of blushing girls, as if they had been entranced they had come one after another. In order to maintain his image of sovereign Naruto had allowed it but he couldn't hold back the occasional growl whenever he saw one of the girls getting too close. He had been keeping cool but this one girl Sasuke was currently dancing with was testing his limits. She kept touching Sasuke's chest and nosing along his neck.

"If it bothers you then look away." Deidara whispered.

"I can't." The only way Naruto could handle Sasuke not being by his side was by keeping an eye on Sasuke. It calmed the feeling of separation.

Naruto sighed and looked back upon the dance floor to where he knew Sasuke to be. His eyes widened when he didn't see him. He frantically scanned the entire length of the dance floor. Sasuke and the overly touchy girl were both missing.

"Where is Sasuke?!"

"He's probably with his father. I don't see the insufferable patriarch anywhere either." Kushina simpered as she sipped on her wine. "I don't see Mikoto either though now that I mention it."

"They're over there by that general conversing." Minato pointed out. "I'm sure Sasuke is somewhere around too. Don't panic."

"How can I not? He's with that girl!" Naruto rose to stand. "I'm going to go look for him."

"Your alpha loves you even if he is with that girl he wouldn't betray you. You danced a lot tonight and you were so tired this morning, sit and rest. Eat the rest of your food, you've barely touched it."

Naruto adamantly refused to listen. He stalked away from the table and disappeared into the large crowd.

Kushina called after him but Naruto didn't even turn to look back.

"Go after him and talk some sense into him, Deidara." Kushina sighed, "bring him back, he shouldn't be waddling around the party all alone."

"Yes, auntie." Deidara rushed after his cousin. He scanned the faces around him. Naruto had left the ballroom already. Deidara cursed. He needed to find Naruto ASAP. That ominous feeling from earlier hadn't gone away, it had gotten worse. He needed to find him before something bad happened.

Naruto ran to his and Sasuke's room. He had checked all of the rooms downstairs already. Sasuke couldn't have gone all the way to the council could he? No, surely he would've told him. And Sasuke didn't have any reason to go to the council. Naruto wasn't thinking clearly. Where had the girl taken him too!?

Naruto threw open the room door. He quickly darted his eyes around. The room appeared empty but then he caught a flash of white. It was so dim that he almost missed it.

"Hello, beautiful." Neji purred as he emerged from the shadows. Two masked men flanked him. Beside Neji was Sakura smiling as if she had just won a prize.

"What are you doing here?" Naruto glared as Neji and his band moved to surround him. His heart was hammering. He wanted to panic but he refused to. He knew what Neji had come to do and he wouldn't let it happen.

"I came for you and I must say I chose a perfect day to pay you a visit. You look ravishing, I always love to see that swirl tattoo." Neji smiled menacingly, the burnt half of Neji's face was completely paralyzed so his smile ended up looking like a lopsided smirk, "it reminds me of the similar swirl pattern painted onto my sisters forehead with her own blood."

"Cheaters get what they deserve. You should know that better than anyone else, Neji."

"Shut the fuck up!" Neji barked. "I'm going to enjoy carving that baby out of you. Restrain him!" Neji snapped his fingers and the two masked men took a hold of Naruto's arms.

"Let go of me!" Naruto tried to twist out of the two men's hold but their grip was vice tight. He couldn't keep the panic out of his voice now. "If you dare come near my stomach I'll kill you where you stand! Do you hear me? I'll kill you!"

Neji chuckled, "that glowing trick you pulled last time is probably impossible for you to do now. You can barely walk, your threats are empty."

Naruto was hyperventilating. Neji was right. He didn't think he had the strength to conjure up any energy. He didn't even know how he had done it last time! And he was significantly weaker now than he was back then. He had done it with Itachi too but even then he didn't know how.

Neji advanced. "You stopped me the last time before I could have you. That won't happen today." Neji stuck his hand up Naruto's top and pinched Naruto's nipple. Naruto squeaked, "excellent, I was so disappointed the last time since you hadn't produced milk yet," Neji brought his fingers to his mouth and sucked off the white droplets that had spilled onto his fingers from the pinching, "so sweet."

Naruto lunged his body to try and smack Neji but the two men were still holding him. He spat at Neji's face to show the alpha what he wanted to do with his fists.

"I'm married to a submissive who loathes me do you think spitting on me is an insult?" Neji licked the spit off his fingers in the same manner he had licked off the milk, "it's just as sweet as your milk. It makes me salivate just tasting it. I'll fuck you before I kill you. It's only fitting since you owe me from last time."

"You're disgusting," Naruto spat again, "I hope Kaguya burns you in eternal flames!"

"What did you say you bitch! This isn't the damn west so speak the language of the north!" Neji cursed. He picked Naruto's legs up and pushed himself between them so that Naruto had no choice but to wrap them around Neji's waist. Neji aggressively lifted Naruto's skirt and shoved it up around Naruto's thighs and then pulled down his underwear, "I'll fuck you till you bleed, maybe I'll draw a nice swirl on your forehead with the blood to match my sisters!"

"There's no time for that, kill him before someone comes!" Sakura screamed madly, "Kill him! Hurry up and do it!"

"Shut your mouth!" Neji stared daggers at Sakura. "I am going to fuck him and no one will stop me!"

"That wasn't part of the plan there's no time just kill him!" Sakura was agitated; she kept glancing at the door. She had a kunai gripped tightly in her hand; she would throw it immediately if the door so much as creaked.

"Fuck the plan! I'm going to enjoy devouring what I was denied." Neji untied his pants and drew his dick out. "You see how excited you made me? I've been thinking about you ever since that day. This sweet little hole of yours-I want to stretch it until it bleeds."

"Try it and it'll be the last thing you ever do!"

Neji slapped Naruto, the harsh sound of skin against skin echoed through the room. "I told you not to speak that language! You think you're so much better than everyone just because you're foreign don't you? Well you're nothing but a foreign bitch, I got myself one too and he thinks he's better than me too. I'll teach the both of you! You are both slaves to that Uchiha's dick but I'll fuck you so good you wont be able to come unless its my dick that's in you!"

The sound of Sakura's kunai swishing through the air and the door bolting open happened simultaneously.

Itachi stood forebodingly in the doorway. He easily caught the kunai and threw it right back. It sliced through the air and landed right in the center of Sakura's chest. She coughed up a glob of blood and staggered back onto her knees.

"So you were telling the truth, Sakura and Neji were conspiring together." Itachi voiced to Haku who was standing beside him. There was something off about his expression. Like he wasn't all there.

"Of course I was telling the truth." Haku stared Sakura down. She had been hit but it wasn't critical. Sakura stood back up with the kunai still embedded in her chest. "I'm back and this time I'm going to kill you, rat." Haku taunted. He iced his hand but Itachi settled his hand on his shoulder, "Save it. Go find my brother and tell him the situation. I'm going to need backup."

"Where is he? I don't know this palace well!"

"Don't worry about that I'm sure you'll run into him. He's most likely already on his way. He can probably already sense Naruto's panicked state. Now go!"

Haku nodded and took off.

"That was a useless decision. You should've just let my traitorous submissive stay. You'll be long dead before your baby brother can come and save you." Neji sneered. He dropped Naruto like he was a sack of unimportant rice.

Naruto groaned as his legs thumped onto the ground. The men holding his harms didn't soften the fall at all, they let him succumb under the full push of gravity. At least he wasn't exposed anymore.

"Is that you Neji?" Itachi squinted, "I barely recognized you. I presume my brother did that to your face?"

Neji lunged; his fist glowed with two tigers. Itachi evaded the lion fists easily.

"You should've died that day!" Neji released a pent up scream, "all you Uchiha's should just die!"

"Not all of us." Itachi activated his sharingan.

The two men flanking Neji had let Naruto go and ignited their own hands in jutsu. They ran to help out their master.

Itachi glided to the side and expertly put himself in front of Naruto. He put his arms up defensively so that no one could attack the blonde submissive. "You're too slow." He taunted.

"You can't win, Itachi-san!" Naruto cried.

"Don't worry about me." Itachi yelled. The three men ran head first towards Itachi. "Just find a way to escape!" Itachi's sharingan shifted into mangekyo. At the same time he ignited his hand into a flame. The melody of the music being played downstairs was so loud that it could be heard softly in the room. It was the same melody Naruto had been humming along to earlier when he danced with Sasuke.

It hit Naruto right then…this was his dream.

This image of Itachi looking so lonely while standing before him with his hand ablaze and his hair hanging haphazardly down his back...was the same image from his dream. It all came back to him. Like a kimono being stitched together all the pieces became one in his mind. This was the dream he couldn't remember expect Itachi hadn't betrayed him as he had in the dream. Itachi was helping him.

Naruto nodded numbly, "Please be careful. I'll pray for your victory."

"Don't." Itachi planned to die here. Naruto could tell that the alphas loneliness had already defeated him. A tear slipped down Naruto's cheek. He had thought this whole time that Itachi was plotting his next move but in reality Itachi had been suffering all alone. He had never deserved Itachi or his love.

"I love you, Itachi-san." Naruto whispered just as the three alphas descended upon Itachi. Naruto turned his head just before they hit. He couldn't see them strike Itachi. He wouldn't waste the opportunity Itachi had gifted him. He hurriedly escaped the circle and ran out the door.

As Naruto booked it down the hall he was struck from the side.

"Where do you think you're going? Don't forget about me," Sakura had pulled the kunai out of her chest and thrown it at Naruto. She had fumbled the kunai, which dimmed its impact. The kunai had struck Naruto but not pierced his skin.

"Get out of my way, Sakura." Naruto seethed.

"Not until I get my revenge! I want you dead for what you've done to me! You stole my husband, my son, and my title! You practically stole my entire life!"

"I've stolen nothing from you, why can't you understand that! Sasuke never loved you, Sakura, and he never will!"

Sakura snorted out a laugh, "you know your handmaid told me something similar before I killed her!"

"You killed Konan?" Naruto saw red, he had always had the suspicion it was Sakura but he could never prove it, "how did you do it?"

"With this," Sakura sheathed her hand in green chakra, "and now I'm going to use it to kill you too!"

"So you knew how to control chakra this whole time." Naruto picked up the fallen kunai from the floor. He couldn't wield any jutsus at the moment but he would avenge Konan any way he could. "It's a shame Konan was killed by such a weak omega like you. I'll give her soul proper rest by killing you!"

Naruto aimed the kunai straight for Sakura's head. Sakura ran. Her hand glowed as she charged. Naruto closed one eye and focused on the spot in between Sakura's pink eyebrows. One shot-he just needed this one shot to make it to kill Sakura.

A hand suddenly settled on Naruto's shoulder, "Don't, she isn't worth becoming a murderer for." Naruto peaked at the hand. It was the bloodied hand of Itachi. Itachi raised his hand and sent a single fireball at Sakura. It blew her back and made her slam against the wall. Itachi put his hand back down and slumped against Naruto.

"Are they…did you kill them?

"Yes, all that's left of Neji and his two masked cohorts are a pile of ashes. I didn't intend to kill them but trapping Neji in my mangekyo proved difficult. I couldn't get direct eye contact with his burnt eye."

"It doesn't matter, he deserved to die." Naruto wished he had been in the room just to see Neji's pale flesh turn to ashes.

It grew quiet after Naruto's proclamation. The music wafting up from downstairs was the only noise in the room. It was awkward between the two of them. So much had happened between them and they had yet to speak about it. Naruto had so much to say. He had been so gung ho about finally meeting with Itachi and confessing everything he had bottled up inside. His fears, his anger, his sorrow…but right now it was like his mouth had been stitched shut.

"I'm sorry for what I did to you." Itachi professed in a soft barely audible voice. He could read the situation, Naruto was too anxious to say anything. This was his time to apologize to one of the submissives he had hurt. "I loved you so fiercely that your betrayal broke me. I snapped like I never knew I was capable of. I scared myself with my own feelings so I gave in to the inner beast and let it rage. I'm not trying to make an excuse. You deserve to know everything. I'm sorry-I can't say it enough of how much I am."

Naruto soaked in all that Itachi said; his words were like a stab in the heart. "I'm the one who should be apologizing! When I first met you I thought to myself that I was lucky. You were an alpha any omega would be lucky to have. That first day I met you I kept imagining what my future with you would be like, I thought about our mating ceremony, our first times together, and even about how many children I would give you but then that night Kaguya intervened and changed absolutely everything. Your brother saved me and I was captivated ever since. I've been ridden with guilt ever since Sasuke and I began our relationship behind your back." Naruto held Itachi's hand in his despite the blood splattered on it. "We've both hurt each other and the repercussions of it has to end. I don't want you to be lonely anymore, I want you to find happiness!" Naruto sucked up his tears, "I thought you were going to die today and it made me realize how much I love you. Maybe not in the way you love me but I love you all the same! I want you in my life, I know it's selfish but I want to see you everyday because you are an important part of my family!"

"Naruto I..." Itachi was flabbergasted, "I planned to leave-I-"

Thudding footsteps resonated down the hall. Haku and Deidara ran together. Deidara looked exhausted as if he had been running up and down the palace for a while. Haku looked just as tired.

"I looked everywhere…Sasuke-sama, he-"

"He's missing!" Deidara finished Haku's sentiment.

"He should've been here by now. Naruto's distress should've lured him here already. He's either unresponsive or tied up." Itachi theorized. He winced; he had overdone it with the flames. He was drained of chakra.

Deidara flitted over to Itachi's side. He instinctually guided Itachi to lean on him so that he was the one supporting his weight instead of Naruto. He withheld the urge to growl at Naruto for letting the alpha get so banged up. He was feeling protective of Itachi and he hated it. It was Naruto who needed the protecting. If he had found Naruto in time like he had set out to do Itachi wouldn't have been in such bad condition-this was his fault. He knew that something bad was going to happen all day and he still hadn't made it on time.

"Where is my alpha?" Naruto was breathing hard, "he was with that girl the last time I saw him. If she did anything to him I'll kill her myself!"

"Don't panic. I may know where he is. I didn't think my father would do it but I think he plans to have Sasuke killed. I told him I planned to renounce my claim at the party. To put it lightly he didn't take kindly to the announcement. I wouldn't put it past him to go to such an extreme."

"He's going to have my love assassinated?" Naruto yelled. So that was why Fugaku was chatting with that general. He was instructing one of his loyal men to kill Sasuke.

Naruto pushed past the group and stumbled further down the hall. He closed his eyes and zeroed in his senses. The bond he had with his alpha was strong. He could still feel Sasuke's presence, which meant Sasuke was still alive!

"What are you doing?" Haku intoned. He looked at Naruto like one would a ranting old woman on the street. Naruto was behaving like a crazy person.

"He's tracking Sasuke through their bond." Deidara explained. "Its one of the things only bonded mates can do."

"He's downstairs!" Naruto exclaimed. He set off the second he pinpointed Sasuke's whereabouts.

"Go with him. I'll join you all soon, I'm going to tie up Sakura. She isn't dead-yet."

"Good idea." Haku grinned, "That rat is hard to kill. If you don't restrain her she'll find a way to scamper away and survive. I'll save us all a headache and go kill her now."

"It isn't up to you to decide if Sakura lives or dies." Itachi declared sternly, "Naruto will decide once everything settles."

Haku pouted.

"Now go!"

Haku and Deidara followed Naruto down the hall and down the stairs. They arrived to a room at the back end of the palace. It was a secluded tearoom that was reserved for the maids.

Naruto tried to slide the door open but it was locked. He banged on it, "open this door!"

Itachi materialized by Naruto's side. He had tied up Sakura and came back as promised. He put his hand on Naruto's shoulder, "step aside. I got this."

Naruto stared at Itachi as if he were now the one who had lost their mind but then complied. He moved aside so that Itachi could do whatever it was he was planning.

Itachi raised his hand.

"You're weak, you shouldn't use your jutsu!" Deidara complained.

"Don't worry for me, Deidara-kun."

Deidara shut his mouth. He wasn't aware he was even worrying. It was instinctual. He didn't want to see Itachi hurt even more than he already was.

A light blue flame glowed in the center of Itachi's palm. It grew bigger and bigger and then Itachi sent it flying right at the door. The door was encased in flames. It burnt down in seconds.

They stepped over the wooden ashes. The room was dark. The light of the hall allowed only a shadowy light to bathe the room.

"He's right there!" Naruto spotted Sasuke first. The alpha was tied to a chair. His feet and wrist were bound with ice. His eyes were glossy which signified he had been drugged. Naruto ran as fast he possibly could to Sasuke. "My alpha do you recognize me? Are you okay?" Naruto held Sasuke's face in his hands as he spoke. Sasuke's eyes cleared slightly, he recognized Naruto. "You're going to be okay." Naruto promised. He hated seeing Sasuke like this. "Come out Fugaku-san!" Naruto was going to kill the man, he had tolerated a lot from his father in law but he would not tolerate this. An attempt on his alphas life would never be forgiven. "Come out. You have nowhere to run, you've been caught!"

"You're right you did catch me." The voice didn't belong to Fugaku. It was light and childish, it was definitely not the voice of an aging alpha.

Naruto whipped his head back to the door where Deidara, Haku, and Itachi were still standing.

"You?" What in hells name was going on? Haku was with them the whole time how was this possible. Naruto turned his gaze back to the direction of the voice. "But how are there two of you?" The version of Haku that had been with them slowly turned to ice and melted into a puddle on the floor.

"My clone." Haku sympathetically sighed as he looked at the puddle, "It's the strongest one I've ever made, even stronger than Zabuza. I'm sad to see it go."

"No wonder your vitals were so off." Itachi glared. "I thought it was because you were injured I should've trusted myself and used the sharingan to assess you!"

"This whole time you were the one keeping Sasuke away from me?" Naruto growled. His eyes almost appeared red.

"Surprised aren't you?" Haku's body iced over and his appearance changed to that of the overly touchy girl that had been dancing with Sasuke, "it was quite fun too. Sasuke had no idea I was transferring poison through skin to skin contact as we danced." Haku changed back to his own form just as quickly. "I was gong to warn Sasuke-sama about Neji but then I thought why should I? I wanted to keep you alive simply for Sasuke's sanity but then I got an idea. After Neji killed you I would drug Sasuke. When the early morning hours came I was going to sneak him out and take him back to mist with me. Before the drugs wore off I'd clone myself to look like you. When he came to full consciousness he'd think I was you! It was a perfect plan it should've worked but I should've known my pathetic weak husband would completely fuck up and not end up killing you."

Naruto charged at Haku. "How dare you even lay your filthy fingers on my mate!" Naruto's stomach glowed white, his split gown allowed for all to see it. "I've never liked you!" Naruto formed a rasengan. It was bigger than the usual ones he wielded. It was almost like a whirlpool in the palm of his hand. "From the very first moment I met you at that dueling arena I hated you!"

"the feeling is mutual." Haku iced his fist, "You aren't worthy to carry Sasuke's child!"

Naruto hurled his rasengan at the beta, it was so big and spinning at such a fast velocity that Haku had no time to use his icy defense. The whirlpool sliced right through Haku's abdomen, cutting him into two pieces. His top half slid off and fell onto the ground. His pretty wide eyes and plump pink lips were opened as wide as possible. In his last moments of life he was terrified. Haku of the bloody mist who was scared of nothing had finally met his match.

There was no time for victory. Naruto rushed to Sasuke. Haku's ice had melted off of his arms and legs. The cold temperature left Sasuke's skin blue. "Can you hear me?, Please answer me! I need to know that you're okay!"

Sasuke blinked. "Naruto?"

"Yes!" Naruto smothered Sasuke's face with kisses, "I'm right here, Haku drugged you. He tried to take me from you but I wouldn't let him."

"You're stomach? Its glowing red." Sasuke was so fogged up from the drugs but he knew he had seen this red bubbly chakra before. If Sasuke had been in a better state of mind he would've remembered that Naruto's seal produced this chakra and that it had healing properties. The red chakra was flowing out from Naruto and onto Sasuke. It made a thin film over Sasuke's skin.

"What are you doing?" Deidara realized what Naruto was up to. He was astonished, "stop, if you do that you know-"

"Don't stop me, if I don't do this he'll die! Haku gave him too much!"

"Do you hear yourself? Haku was insane but he loved Sasuke he would never accidentally kill him! Use the chakra to heal yourself instead of Sasuke, you need it more than he does! Your body is weak from producing that rasengan!"

Naruto growled, "Don't stop me! I know Sasuke better than all of you. He will die if I don't do this!"

"What is he doing?" Itachi activated his sharingan. Naruto was becoming weaker as more of the red chakra went to Sasuke.

"He's using the stored chakra in his seal to heal Sasuke. The chakra is meant to aid with the pain of pregnancy and childbirth. Naruto's been refusing to use it to ease his morning sickness. There's only a limited amount of the chakra that gets infused within the seal. Once it's gone it can't be regenerated again. Its what stops most of us Uzumaki's from having so many children. He wanted to save up as much as he could so he could have as many children as he possibly could. If he uses it all then he'll be in excruciating pain when he delivers!"

"Naruto stop!" With each passing second Sasuke was regaining his ability to see reason. He now knew what Naruto was doing. He could feel Naruto weakening in his arms. "Love its enough stop!"

Deidara couldn't touch Naruto while he was in this protective state. His cousin didn't recognize friend from foe. If Naruto attacked him he would lose even more chakra.

"You need to stop, Sasuke is all better!"

Naruto kept releasing his chakra. He was so weak that he couldn't willingly stop even if he wanted too.

"Please, love, just close your eyes." Sasuke couldn't handle seeing Naruto becoming so weak. It was like seeing a flower wilt in the intense heat of the sun.

As Naruto succumbed into unconsciousness the steady flow of the bubbly chakra shut off. Naruto flopped against Sasuke's chest. His seal no longer glowed red or even white-it was back to its normal coloring.

"We need to get him to the infirmary!" Deidara had just witnessed his cousin release a monumental amount of his stored chakra. He had never seen that much released in one sitting aside from during childbirth.

Sasuke whisked Naruto up into his arms. "Get Orochimaru!"

"Orochimaru? Why? He needs a regular doctor not an obstetrician!" Deidara pointed out.

"No, he needs an obstetrician," Sasuke looked down to the puddle of water on the floor. Naruto's water had broke under the extreme stress his body had just underwent. The intricate lines of his seal were now burning bright red. They glowed like fire. "Its time, the baby is coming."