"He struggled against her grip. Although he knew that if her intention was to kill him, he would be dead already, as it would have been too fast for him to have truly put up a fight. However, being strangled, even if it wasn't enough to truly end him, was an unpleasant experience. He was sure that she wasn't trying to kill him now, but Tsunade was volatility personified and she might change her mind at any moment."
"Explain."
Jiraiya was gasping for air and asked his companion to stop choking him. He had received a letter from one of the summons of a woman they knew. According to the letter, the woman had been reverse summoned just before Sasuke's jutsu could inflict any real damage on her. When she demanded an explanation, the elders informed her that they could sense she was pregnant and felt that the future child was theirs to protect.
Jiraiya's companion asked why the woman didn't come back to their place. He explained that the woman had left for years due to a loss she suffered and that being at their place haunted her. She couldn't be there as it was too painful for her.
The companion then asked about the father of the child, assuming it was Naruto. Jiraiya replied that he didn't know, but if the woman didn't get help, it might not matter.
Finally, the companion expressed frustration at the fact that the woman was alone because Naruto had been rendered comatose.
"I don't think Sakura would have thought this through. If Naruto had gotten involved, it would have become a team 7 affair. Naruto might have killed Kakashi if he got in the way, and depending on the state of Itachi, maybe Sakura as well. Who else would have joined in to avenge Kakashi and Sakura, even if they were in the wrong? Gai? Which would bring along his team. Maybe the other rookies? Except Gai could only pull off a completely suicidal attack. Who could have stood up to Naruto now? One who was lost in heartbreak and rage? At full power, I could have for a time, but I was nowhere near that then. If Naruto was conscious, he was dangerous, and I foresaw a bloodbath, except Madara and Obito wouldn't have been at the center of it. I'd rather he hate me than allow him to become a monster in a weak moment."
Tsunade couldn't deny the logic of his scenario, but it felt like an excuse. It seemed like a lot of conjecture on what could have happened. But now was not the time to dwell on the poor decisions of her idiot teammate and suicidal Uchiha. She had a patient who needed help.
The Sannin quickly made their way towards Itachi but it still took them two days to reach the small, single-story cabin. The cabin was unassuming, which was fitting for a missing ninja. As they approached the cabin, they were met by someone they did not expect and immediately became tense, ready for a fight.
"No need for that, I'm here by Itachi's request. You know, toad, slug, shark, and weasel. I swear there's a joke in here somewhere," said Kisame as he greeted the Sannin at the door.
"And if you provoke her, I'll punch you so hard you'll see the curvature of the earth. Now, where is Itachi?" Tsunade warned.
"She's in the back," Kisame replied as he stepped aside to let Tsunade enter.
"She's not just violent, she's very violent. I'd suggest you not push it," Jiraiya said, subconsciously rubbing his neck.
"It's kind of my nature though. I'm a button pusher, I push buttons," Kisame replied.
"I think young people often need to learn things the hard way," remarked Kisame, not disagreeing with Jiraiya's statement.
Jiraiya noticed Kisame seemed like he had something to say and encouraged him to speak up.
Kisame retorted, "Well, you always manage to be the fool, but that's your choice. Just don't drag my foolishness into it."
"If by 'foolishness' you mean having sex, then I'll have you know he was more than willing. We also took precautions," responded Jiraiya, trying to defend himself.
"You mean that seal of his? Sakura mentioned it to me. Something must have gone wrong, maybe the kyuubi's chakra caused it," Kisame clarified.
"Kurama."
"Whatever. But no, the sex wasn't the idiocy I meant. I meant you running off to die for no reason."
"Sasuke may never know peace but he certainly wouldn't if I were alive and no matter what he did, he deserved justice. I wronged him, having done it on orders doesn't change that fact. If Naruto had not intervened this wouldn't even be an issue. So, our idiot involved me in his own idiocy, for the record."
"Ah, the seal. The seal is essentially the problem, Itachi. Yes, it healed you and extended your life and did so again when you faced Sasuke. The problem is the toll taken on your body. You're dying."
"How long?"
"Seven years, ten at most if you don't push yourself too hard."
"But the baby will be alright?"
"Yes and I'll be staying by your side to make sure but your baby will be fine. I'll talk to Jiraiya we can arrange transport for you-"
"I'm not going back to the village."
"Yes, you are."
"No, I'm not. If stress is bad for me, what do you think the scene where I committed mass murder is going to do?"
"What about Naruto?"
"There are things in the works for Naruto. Our chapter is over, my returning would only complicate matters"
"Even if you don't have that long, you both deserve to take advantage of the time you do have and he deserves to know about his child."
"And he will, when the time is right. But I won't live in that village and it does more harm than good to have Naruto not there or working on Konoha's behalf."
"He can do that and not be there, Itachi."
"Yes, he can. Or he can not know and move on with someone and have an actual life with them. A lifelong partner that can support and love him. I can't do that and if it is known that he's consorting with a missing nin, that's bad for him. He will eventually know of our child together, when I'm sure it was divert him from his dream of being Hokage."
"Then we'll have to release the truth about the Uchiha massacre. More than a few people know anyway."
"But not everyone nor should they."
"Why are you fighting so hard to be away from him?"
"Seven to ten years. Will I be an invalid at some point? Would he be reduced to my nurse? Would you want to be remembered like that?"
"So, vanity?"
"Dignity. I shouldn't even be alive but I am so I will do what I need to do but I won't drag him down with me. What benefit is there of him knowing I'm alive? Yes, he will miss some time with his child and if he never forgives me I'd understand. But what else? I'm not the only person that cares for him, he'll have options, a woman that doesn't come with my baggage and can actually be a life partner for him instead of whatever I'd be. He can be happy. He will be happy."
"Haven't you learned your grand manipulations don't work."
"They will this time. Last time I had no one to insure they wouldn't fail. That's not the case."
"And who is this person that's going to aid you in this plan?"
"The one person who wanted me away from Naruto more than you did. His little heiress."
Tsunade snorted, despite the seriousness of the conversation. "Jiraiya told me you didn't much care for her."
"I have no strong opinions on her one way or another except she genuinely cares for Naruto and will help him move on. Even if they don't ultimately end up together, she'll be of use. I assume she's grown a spine."
"Kitty has claws. You know, just because you say really jealous things with a monotone doesn't make them any less jealous."
"I am not jealous, Lady Tsunade."
"Sure. Well, we need to make arrangements, it seems I'll be out of the village for awhile."
"Thank you."
"Don't, you're essentially carrying my grandchild even if Naruto is going to hate me when this all comes out I wouldn't trust anyone with this but myself."
"I thank you all the same."
"By the way, would you like to know the gender?
"Hai."
"You're having a girl." Tsunade said before turning to leave as Itachi had the largest smile she'd ever made on her face.
Walking out to get some air, Tsunade is instantly questioned by Kisame.
"Hey, Super Tits, how's-" is as far as Kisame got before he was sent flying by Tsunade's right hook.
"You got something to say?" she asked Jiraiya.
"I just want to know if she's alright."
"I can't get into specifics but she and the baby are not in immediate danger. I'll be staying with her to make sure that continues to be the case." as she finished Kisame returned.
"Damn, you pack a punch."
"That should encourage you to watch your mouth in the future."
"No, that's not my style. Just like your style isn't calm, reasonable discussions. You're ultra violent. I like that in a woman. I'm a high functioning sociopath. A cynical man for a cynical world to boot. I won't promise you love, don't know shit about it besides I've seen what it's done to Itachi and that shit is toxic but I am loyal and durable and gifted in the right places. What do you say, let's make this thing work?" Kisame said, only to be greeted with another punch, flying in a similar trajectory.
"I have to admit, as far as confessions go that wasn't awful."
" You always were the weird one, Tsunade."
"What!" Tsunade said in shock as there was no way she was weirder than Orochimaru.
Days turned into months and, before they knew it, Itachi was ready to give birth. The affair was intense for the two male spectators, and Jiraiya made a point to be there in Naruto's place. When Itachi's baby arrived, she was overcome with emotion. The little girl that once haunted her dreams, the impossibility turned improbability, was now a reality in her arms. She saw the barest hint of blonde hair on her head, and her eyes were just as blue as her father's. She even had whisker marks, though two on each cheek instead of three. She was beautiful, and Itachi cried tears of joy. Her child was a product of love, ill-timed, inconvenient, but love all the same. She cried because she knew her child wouldn't have a normal childhood due to her choices. She cried because she would leave her child at around the same age she left Sasuke. And she cried because, while she truly believed it was for the best, she wanted Naruto there to share in that moment. She wished she had been free of her ghosts, able to truly support and be with Naruto as he continued to do great things. But actions come with consequences, and these were hers. For this moment, she could cry for the bitter and the sweet, for the gains and the losses. Seeing her overwhelmed, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kisame gave her a moment alone with the baby, which she greatly appreciated. It took her a moment, but Itachi finally collected herself and could only smile at the bundle in her arms, now resting peacefully. Not wishing to disturb her, Itachi simply whispered,
"It's nice to finally meet you, Izumi Uzumaki."