rxven:

[ 族 ] There was that ache within his chest, it became more of a dull throb now as the blond continued to speak. Many times he wished for the truth to rip fourth from his lungs, he could cry and beg forgiveness to the high heavens but it amounted to nothing. He could remember every detail of that night, how his blade managed to rob every single person of their life in the Uchiha compound. The stench of blood was still fresh in his mind after so many years and the nightmares would never cease and the screams would never stop, it was abominable.

Yet, no amount of prayer of penance for his sins would ever amount to forgiveness for what he had done. The only means of life was for Sasuke to succeed, to suprass him and eventually end his life; offering him eternal sleep, to which he would gladly accept. He listened patiently to the blond, his attention never diverting for a second as he spoke his mind. It baffled the Uchiha to the extent of determination swirling within the azure orbs, it left him puzzled and also intrigued—a strange combination. 

A fraction of a smile curved at his lips, some would say it could be mistaken for the glint of the sun catching their eye. But as soon as it came, it had vanished entirely leaving a stoic mask in place of any emotion displayed. After all that had happened, Naruto still believed he could convince his brother to stray from his path after the worst was over. It made him truly thankful, though he could never speak of such gratitude, to know he had a friend like the Uzumaki was peace enough for Itachi. 

“Hm, you believe there is still hope for Sasuke?” A brow quirked as he challenged the Jinichuuriki in his bold words. As much as he would of liked Sasuke to return to the village, there was still hindering doubt. Would his younger brother find a life beyond revenge? It gave him some comfort that Naruto wasn’t a shinobi whom gave up on a cause or a friend, there could be hope for what was left of the Uchiha clan yet.

「 ℕ」— All that waiting, staring. For him to pass off those words as mere nothing and focus only on his own desires. “Of course!” He retorted, muscles aching, begging for a fight. But was one really necessary? This was the longest he’d ever gotten Itachi on his own, and to ruin it all now by getting edge and daring the other to fight back. He knew how it’d end. Itachi would vanish before a single hit could be made and all chances of returning the other Uchiha to Konoha would be ruined. 

            Not that he was under the illusion that Itachi could actually help. The only thing he desired from the raven was information, the truth about what happened so that he could truly understand Sasuke, to relate to him in ways no one else could. To coax him back and stop this needless revenge. It was pointless, the only thing stemming from it being absolute regret. Didn’t Sasuke see that this was his only remaining family? Surely he knew that. Something had to make him see sense and understand. 

            “I’m not giving up on Sasuke, ever. As long as I live and breath there will be hope. No matter what, I will bring him back.. I’ll make sure he’s safe, that no other land can get their hands on him. He’ll live, I’ll live.. it’ll work out. I know it.” Even if there was still the matter of convincing the Uchiha to return, Naruto was utterly sure. He’d bring his friend back, free him from that darkness that encased him and show him how beautiful the world could be.