Time of transition

      Two days had passed. Naruto had completed his mission. His goal was to obtain a valuable scroll containing information about the Four-Tailed Beast, which the Akatsuki was currently trying to capture. As expected, Naruto set out on the mission with Kisame. Kisame was surprised to see his new partner in such poor physical condition. Kisame always tried to stay ahead, as if protecting Hashigaki, and surprisingly, he never got hurt.       Kisame was particularly surprised by what Naruto did to his opponent, namely, he swiftly approached him and, with surgical precision, slowly, savoring each movement, with a bloodthirsty smile and wild eyes, first cut open the stomach and then the throat. Of course, the future corpse saw its intestines spilling out, felt how blood was leaving the body, causing the limbs to cool, freezing in place, felt how the kunai with sharp blades tore through the skin on the ribs, rising up to the throat. When Uzumaki's hand rose, the opponent's legs were already failing from blood loss, the skin was pale, and there was almost no trembling. He slowly pressed the kunai and slowly cut through the skin and respiratory organs.        Most likely, Hashigaki would not soon forget this mission. He liked that Uzumaki had changed in this way. He believed that it would now be much more interesting to work with him. Since Kisame considered himself a loner, Naruto's behavior suited him: no one would wander nearby, seeking protection or asking stupid questions.       Through training, Naruto achieved quite high results. Inside himself, he talked to Kurama, who was increasingly making contact. Thanks to him, he learned new techniques, one of which he used in the last mission. The fox answered Uzumaki's questions in detail when he asked them. Now he had another task to complete, but the meeting hadn't been canceled, so he waited until evening and headed to the hall. He left his room wearing a black cloak with red clouds. ... -Everyone is here. Let's begin,-said Pain, stepping onto the platform. Konan always stood to the right of the leader, showing her status. -I expect reports from you on the last mission. Let's start with Konan.       The girl began to speak, while Naruto immersed himself in his thoughts. He stood fourth from the leader, so there was still time to think. She was saying something about mandatory expenses... Training... Not useful information for him.       Next in line was Itachi. He reported briefly and clearly on his mission, which Naruto did not pay any attention to at all. He stood and looked at the floor a couple of meters away. His thoughts were far from this place. The feeling of anger and hatred towards his home village was growing, preventing him from sleeping peacefully, and there was an obsessive idea to spit on everything and set this place on fire. It was this place, because it was no longer his home.       The next report was from Kisame. He detailed how he and Naruto completed the mission, how the blonde had changed, noting every little thing that he did, why it was done, and how Hashigaki himself reacted to the changes.       Everything was quite simple—Pain was surprised, Sasori was proud, Kisame was happy, and Naruto... He did not return from his thoughts, even when the leader called out to him. -Yes...- Naruto slowly raised his empty, resentful gaze to the red-haired man. The emotionless voice sent shivers down the spines of even those who knew him. Itachi simply cast a sidelong glance at the rank-and-file. -I will repeat myself: what exactly happened that you changed so much? - all the members of "Akatsuki" looked at the blond. Some expected laughter, some a serious answer. -An incident. - the one replied briefly, looking with a blank stare into Pain's eyes. -None observed. - the latter replied. Uzumaki did not hear more, sinking back into his thoughts. He inherited his taciturnity from the younger Uchiha. The less you talk, the less you learn about yourself, deceitful and unnecessary. -Excellent. You all have received your assignments. Each of you has goals that you want to achieve. Thanks to you, the organization is approaching that point it has long sought. You may be free until tomorrow evening. Good night to everyone. - The redhead turned and proudly left, taking Konan with him. She slowly followed him, looking back, reading disapproving glances. ... -What a whore. Only hangs out with Pain... - Hidan grumbled, twirling his scythe in his hand. Kakuzu stood with him, already used to his antics. -Shut up. - his partner replied shortly. -Your foul words do not make it any better. -To this, Hidan snorted and went about his business. The gray-haired one understood that it was not his business, but he was still annoyed by the girl's delusions of grandeur, even though she was actually quite modest. Occasionally, she could put someone in their place, but that did not happen without a good reason.       Uzumaki did not want to train. Since he appeared here, he had not taken a single day off to get to know his colleagues better. He decided that today was the day.       Naruto quickly tossed his cloak into the room and headed to the only person who could help him: Itachi. He was the only one who loved to observe and evaluate. The blond headed to his room but encountered unusual circumstances: moans behind the closed door, sometimes shouts, foreign sounds. He was not bothered by the fact that something was definitely happening in the room, and that "something" was of an intimate nature. He raised his hand, clenched his fist, and knocked on the door. Naturally, the sounds became quieter, but no one opened the door. Naruto knocked a second time, and after a couple of minutes, the sound of a lock was heard. The blond leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms. Kisame peeked out from behind the slightly ajar door. He was breathing heavily, and his lower half was wrapped in a towel. -Where is Itachi? - he asked brazenly. -He is busy. Do you even know that if no one opens the door for you, it means people are occupied with something? - Kisame said, but it was in vain. Naruto roughly pushed him aside and walked into the room; however, he was heading straight for Uchiha. He was not concerned about the situation in the room, who else was there, or if anyone was even there at all. -Get out. - Hashigake shouted, opening the door wider. Uzumaki stopped in the middle of the room, turned his head 90 degrees, and gave a crazy look that was already burning orange. -I need Uchiha, not you. - his head returned to its original position. -Your relationship does not interest me. -Get lost, you... - Kisame, - Itachi interrupted him. He got up from the bed, threw off the thin blanket, and put on a robe, fixing his long hair, unbothered by the outsider in their abode, - The guy is serious. We will talk to him, and I will return. -But... -Did I say something unclear? -Uchiha turned and headed for the door, while Hashigake burned Naruto with his gaze. When they left the room, Itachi headed towards the empty wing of the base. Naruto had never been there before. Empty, dark corridors, a cold wind whistled through almost every corner, strange creaking sounds, and finally, Uchiha opened the coveted door. In the room was a small fireplace, two large antique sofas handcrafted, a coffee table, and on it were empty sheets and an inkwell, next to which stood a trash can with crumpled paper. The room was small and dark, so Itachi immediately began to throw in firewood and light the fireplace. -Do you practice calligraphy? -Uzumaki asked disinterestedly. Uchiha merely glanced sideways but did not stop his work. -Sometimes I refine my writing skills. It’s quite difficult to choose the right font and keep your body under control. -Itachi tossed the last log into the fire and sat down opposite Naruto on the sofa. -You wanted to talk. -Yes. Tell me more about the members of the organization. -Do we need to do this right now? -Itachi raised an eyebrow. -Yes. -he replied confidently. -Okay. Who shall we start with? -Uchiha threw his legs onto the sofa. -Hmm... Perhaps with Kisame. -Uzumaki smirked. -Everything you know about him. Completely. -Kisame... He’s my... partner. Officially, of course. -And not only that. -the blonde interrupted him, causing his interlocutor to blush. -Yes, and not only that. Quite a calm guy, level-headed, strong, brave. He’s from the Village of the Hidden Mist. In the past, he was one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. He was betrayed and ended up here. The Hidden Mist used to be the Village of Bloody Mist, so his childhood was tough. -Itachi finished. -Ah, everyone sleeps with everyone here, right? This is just a question without any subtext. -And do you want a partner? I thought you had renounced such deeds. -No, I haven’t renounced. Just more important matters have come up. -and again the sly smile that annoyed Itachi, but he did not show it. -Interesting, what? Training? -Uchiha smirked. -Imagine, yes. Some are going down the same path as you, Uchiha. -Uzumaki spat out. -You flatter me. -Indeed.- "Sarcasm is an exit." Itachi got up from his place, went into a small room, and almost immediately returned. In his hands were two bowls and a small pitcher. -What is this? -This? Sake. -he replied calmly. -I think the conversation will go easier with it. -Possibly.       Itachi poured the sake into the bowls and placed them in front of Naruto. He looked at his interlocutor suspiciously, then at the rice drink in his hand. He suspected that perhaps he wanted to poison him, but Uchiha brought his slightly swollen lips to the edge of the cup, tipped it back, and swallowed the contents, which Uzumaki watched closely, then repeated Itachi's action.       The alcohol acted on him quite quickly. Throughout his life, Uzumaki had hardly ever drunk, he tried to lead a healthy lifestyle and dedicate his free time to training rather than hanging out with friends.       Itachi was not foolish either. He constantly observed Naruto, saw that the alcohol was taking effect, and began to pour it for him twice as often—the bowl would empty and immediately refill. Drunk Naruto behaved quite calmly, but not Uchiha. He watched, waited, assessed. -Are there any other topics that interest you?- Itachi asked, crossing one leg over the other. -Tell me about... Sasori. Yes. -Sasori... Sasori no Akasuna... -Itachi slowly moved closer to Naruto, tasting the name of the organization member. -The guy is very quiet. He loves his work, specifically he is interested in puppets, his creations. He calls it art and wants to pass it on to a worthy student...       Itachi moved closer to Uzumaki, who had not yet been found. Their gazes collided, both of their breaths quickened, the rhythm of their hearts faltered. Itachi gently placed his palm on his cheek, assessing the omega's behavior, then his hand slid down to the neck, which he tenderly caressed with the pads of his fingers, lightly scratching the skin with his short, well-groomed nails. A few moments later, Itachi pressed his lips against Uzumaki's with a demanding kiss, pulling him closer by the neck. Naruto, of course, was surprised by such an impulse from the elder Uchiha, but he was not against the novelty. The alcohol acted not only as a relaxant but also as an aphrodisiac for the young body. Blood began to boil in his veins from the amount of emotions, conflicting feelings, thoughts, and desires. Itachi completely took the initiative into his own hands. -You distracted me from important matters, Uzumaki. -The Uchiha's hand tightened around the neck. -If there are no more questions, then I will go. Or are there still? -Naruto fixed his gaze on the black eyes.-Keep in mind that if there are, you will have to work them off. -Ah, are all Uchiha like this? -he rasped. -According to rumors, you always get what you want and cannot stand losing. Is it the same situation now? -In conversation, there are no losers or winners. There are weak points that can be struck. But you will never know about them.- Itachi tightened his grip on the neck. -I am not trying to do that. It is important for me to know who I am dealing with, nothing more. -With people who have killed many more than you, have more experience than you, so do not underestimate them. -You didn't even notice how you lost when you started telling me about them. -His monotonous, cold voice and gaze locked eye to eye. Itachi felt sick from such behavior. -These are well-known facts, nothing more. -But they are not hard to compare.- Uzumaki smirked, raising an eyebrow. -Their behavior, manner of communication, your little stories and... "facts"... I can already tell quite a lot about Kisame, enough to find his weak spot if I wanted to. And what exactly that will be is not interesting. Come on, for your peace of mind, shall I tell you about myself? Something that no one knows. -Itachi released his hand and let him go. -Changes in me do not happen for no reason. This is my initiative... to start interacting with... -Why did you even start this? -The Uchiha lowered his gaze, pondering over the proposal he had interrupted himself. -For the good of the organization, -Naruto replied in a serious tone. At some point, Itachi stopped perceiving his words, stopped perceiving him. He was looking for a catch, searching for it between the lines, and still, Uzumaki's words seemed pure and possibly truthful. -Why are you telling all this? This is your life, this is your choice. -So that we trust each other, so there is a common secret. I know that you will not tell Pain about me, since you are also part of Konoha, albeit former, just like me. Itachi suddenly stood up and forcefully turned his interlocutor's face to the back of the sofa. He did not resist, understanding the outcome of the action. The Uchiha forcibly bent him at the back, pressing his body harder against the velvet surface. -Hmm, I see you are not even trying to break free?- Itachi smirked, holding him. Hands on his own lower back, tightly squeezing his wrists. -Why do I need this? If you want it, you will get it. Through illusion or by force, but you will still achieve your goal. You know yourself that I can kill you, it just doesn't make sense. You will still be useful to me. -Someone else will kill me, and no other way. - Uzumaki's hands tightened more, maintaining calmness.- What are you planning, damn it? -Nothing special. Just clearing the way for the organization... he smiled with a bloodthirsty smile. ...       The young people dispersed to their rooms, not finishing their sake and not concluding their conversation. The talk had already taken a lot of time. It was dangerous to continue, as there was a high possibility of being overheard.       "Uchiha... Sasuke Uchiha... Why did you get into this filth called 'Revenge'? You stirred the pot, now you have to clean it up yourself." - thought Naruto, putting on the Akatsuki cloak. Pain had given permission to leave the base until morning, which Uzumaki took advantage of.       On the way, in the forest, it was slightly windy, but warm. The black clothing with red clouds fluttered in the breeze, and the bell, which no longer irritated him, even allowed him to remember the old days and feed on hatred and anger, reminding him of reality. The black nails were also no longer a problem, although at the very beginning of his criminal life, they had annoyed him greatly. "Now another life. Another me. Another world around. Everything has changed." -Stop! -a voice sounded from behind, muffled but commanding. At first, Naruto paid no attention, but then the same voice seemed to get closer, and now he had nowhere to go but to stop. He did not turn around. He recognized it.-This land belongs to the Nara clan! - shouted the one who was behind. Uzumaki only smirked at this, but did not turn around.- Leave the lands of the Hidden Leaf Village! -Heh. Have you become a loyal dog to the Hokage? -Uzumaki couldn't hold back and, grabbing the front of his conical hat with his fingers, lowered it over his eyes and turned to his interlocutor. -Who are you to speak about the Hokage in such a tone?! Who are you?- A member of the Nara clan had already knelt down, forming seals for an attack. -I am the one who can speak like this... Shikamaru. - he said with a pause, lifting the hat. -Uzumaki...? -The forest immediately became brighter when Shikamaru saw his opponent. Uzumaki and Naru had studied at the academy when they were little. Nara was a slacker but a pretty good strategist, using the techniques of the Nara clan, namely shadow manipulation, while Naruto, in his opinion, was a fool. -Nara...?- Finally, Naruto completely removed the hat and squeezed it between the fingers of the hand he had lowered along his torso. -What the hell? Where have you been? Why are you on the international wanted list? Why are you wearing the Akatsuki cloak? Have you forgotten...? Forgotten that they are our enemies? - Shikamaru shouted at his former friend, to which Naruto only smirked and closed his eyes. Deprivation was absent, the sensory perception was working perfectly. He could feel when someone was attacking. -Since I am in the Akatsuki cloak, it means it is not just for show. -He made a small pause, which was overshadowed by the ringing of the bell.- Where is Sasuke? -Why do you need him? -I came to talk. Konoha is not far, and I won't get past the gates, so I ask you for one favor. Deliver this to him from me. -Naruto almost instantly found himself in front of Naru and handed him an envelope. -You have changed... What happened to you? -his former friend asked fearfully. -What should have happened a long time ago - the realization of my worthlessness and attempts to mend.       After these words, Uzumaki vanished, leaving behind only the sound of leaves rustling in the wind. Naru looked around but did not see him. He thought that he would soon open the envelope, but upbringing did not allow him to do so, so he silently set off to Konoha in search of Uchiha.