Once A Hero...Always A Hero

When Naruto left it affected everyone. The blonde was the one who kept the village from seeing the darkness. He was their light and now they all wished him luck everyday he was gone. At times they got surprise letters from Naruto but nothing stating where he was. The blonde was too smart for his own good. Itachi had begun to help rebuild the village and he felt rather empty without his blonde. He after all was a part of Naruto. The two fell in love and now he was waiting for him to come back. Despite his promise to him...he knew he couldn't be with another. His body and soul belonged to him and every bit of Naruto belonged to him. Sasuke had learned this when the two began to talk. Naturally Sasuke asked him about his relationship with Naruto.

Itachi told him the truth and though Sasuke felt guilt for killing him the first place Itachi could only ruffle his head and chuckle softly. After all they were brothers. Brothers protected each other.

A year went by since Naruto left. On the night he left everyone gathered and they would light candles and surrounded it with special paper so they could fly. Everyone in the village lit one up and wrote little greetings in hopes that Naruto saw them and they would let them float in the air and they would watch for an hour or so before going to bed. Iruka took his leave hard at first. After finding out that Naruto saw him as father. Even going as calling him dad...not a day went by that people wouldn't think about their hyper blonde. Anytime someone would bring up a story it was usually one where he was causing some trouble and or the rookies would talk about their missions with him.

It seemed even if they hadn't noticed Naruto was part of their lives every day shape way or form.

Another year went by and same would happen on the same night. They light up the sky with their own stars.

A week after that though they had a problem with one of the ninja's. Sakura.

"He's not coming back. It's been two years now. He could be dead and everyone here is holding on to hope!" She was yelling at Itachi. He had been working on building another house and he had also been helping restore the tower. Everyone around them glared at Sakura. Sasuke had almost attacked her when she said it but Itachi stopped him.

"If Naruto taught me something it was to believe. Nothing would keep him from this village even in death. He isn't dead. So stop saying those things." Itachi was calm but his anger was breaking.

"You! You can't even accept the fact that he is dead! Just get over him. He was the village's hero but he's gone. He isn't coming ba-" Sakura was sent flying into a stone though she had been punched through that. Where she once stood Sai stood there flexing his hand slightly his eyes narrowed at the pink banshee. "I knew this would happen. I can't stand you Sakura. The fact is that you can't handle rejection well do you? Ever since Sasuke and Itachi refused to start a relationship with you, you have been going around saying that Naruto is dead. You are starting to piss me off." Sai had lost his control and Itachi couldn't help but smirk at how easily he punched Sakura.

"I don't hit girls but you I don't consider human." Sai glared at Sakura still. "Naruto made a promise. He never breaks his promises." Shikamaru stated leaning against another wall his own eyes narrowed as the pink haird girl stood up from the rubble. "Seriously Sakura grow up. This isn't about boys any more. We are working hard to have this village built and all you are doing is causing problems and slowing everything down." Ino stated glaring at her friend though really considering it.

Sai saw the scowl on her face and he just wanted to keep punching her but Neji stopped him. "She's not worth it." "Let's just keep working." Sasuke stated turning away walking back to another project and Itachi followed. He honestly wanted to kill the pink monster but he knew Naruto would be angry if he killed her. Even for a good reason.

They heard Saukra yell a few more things but everyone ignored her. They needed to build the village back to its former glory...for Naruto.

More incidents occurred like all started by Sakura and she eventually was given a mission so she could stay out of the way.

The third year came but no one lost hope. They couldn't. The little kids in the village had started to question if Naruto would ever return but the adults would tell them never to give up. Itachi too would tell them Naruto wasn't someone to take lightly. He would come back.

The fourth year came and went.

It was the fifth year and everyone was gathered once more. The gates of the village were open as they let out their own stars. They were about to walk away after an hour when Itachi pushed through the crowd standing outside the gates. He was looking out as if searching.

"Itachi? Itachi what's wrong?" Sasuke asked walking up next to him. "Sasuke...I can feel him. He's...he's back." He whispered sounding happy which he was.

Sasuke's eyes widen looking out toward the horizon. "He's almost a few hours away. But I can feel him. He's really back Sasuke." He stated before turning around to face the questioning gazes of the villagers and children. Sasuke also turned tears streaming down his face and a smile on his lips. "He's back! Naruto is back!" Without a second to spare everyone started shouting in happiness. Iruka ended up crying again and Kakashi tried to sooth him though the copy ninja was smiling underneath his mask. Lee was shouting about youth...which at this point no one cared.

"He should be here in a few hours." Sasuke stated wiping his eyes as he looked back out to road before them. "Let's give him a good welcome home." Soon the village was alive. They had managed to rebuild everything within in five years. It helped that Gaara came along with a few hundred people to help rebuild. Though it wasn't just him. The people who met Naruto and befriended came from all over the nations to help rebuild the village and it was an amazing experience to have them there to tell their own stories about Naruto. Especially Sora who literally had a connection with because of the fox.

He decided he would stay in the village and he was more excited. He knew he felt their link spark...that usually happened when they were close to each other. When they were endanger they would unconsciously call out to each other. In other words they were like brothers.

Iruka had demanded that Naruto have his apartment rebuilt but Itachi pointed out that he was going to have Naruto move in with him. At first Iruka was a little hesitant but he gave in. But he still wanted the blonde's apartment built.

Five long years they waited and hoped. Now...he was back.

Itachi informed them when he was only minutes away.

Neji, Hinata, Kakashi, Iruka, Sasuke, Ten-ten, Lee, Kiba, Shino, Sora, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Gaara who had been visiting also being part of lighting up a candle, Temari, Kunkro, Sakura and Itachi who was standing a bit farther out. The rest where in the village waiting for Naruto to enter.

After five minutes Itachi's eyes saw a figure walking towards them. The figure radiated power and strength. The sun was also starting to rise but everyone was to excited to sleep. Except for Sakura.

At first everyone was surprised to see the figure. Blond hair was still spiky as ever and untamed but they could see a braid over his shoulder and that was pretty long. It would have been like Jiraiya's but Naruto seemed to like it in a braid. His clothes were definitely different. He wore shorts that went a little past his knees and he wore a simple white shirt with the sleeves ripped off showing off his arms that were indeed more muscular than before he left. He had a sword strapped to his back along with a belt and a pouch. Where his weapons laid inside. He had his normal shoes on that every ninja wore. His head band was hanging around his neck loosely. His eyes were more sharper and the blue seemed to only intensify.

But his whisker marks on his face seemed to deepen and darken. His nails were a little longer. Seemed sharper. His teeth well at least his canines were bit sharper. Naruto left at the age 16 a young boy who took on the world. He was now back at the age 21 and he looked like a man and the girls almost fainted at the sight of him. A few of the guys admitted that Naruto did look good but not in front of anyone just in their heads.

Naruto now stood there not even a foot away from Itachi who watched him...for a moment he began to doubt that Naruto still loved him but a slow smile came to Naruto's lips showing off his white teeth. Itachi and Naruto embraced in seconds Itachi still being taller than his blonde.

When the two embraced everyone began to cheer behind him. Everyone meaning the villagers too. Naruto pulled back from Itachi still smiling before looking back to him seeing his friends. His eyes began to water before he and Itachi went to them Naruto getting a hug from everyone. Sakura gave a small hug but then again no one was happy with the pink haired monster. They all whispered in his ear happy that he was back. Kiba...well being Kiba had busted into tears hugging Naruto and the blonde couldn't help but tease the dog like ninja causing everyone to laugh.

Naruto felt so much love from them. He couldn't stop crying. He was happy he was finally home after five long years of fighting.

When he stepped into the village the kids run up to him which of course freaked out the blonde but eventually calmed down. Everyone shook his hand and giving him simple gifts. Naruto could only thank them and just show how much he appreciated everything. Itachi at his side as if he was a dream while Sasuke was on his other side just smiling.

"This means so much...thank you guys." Naruto's voice had matured as well a little deeper then before that sent shivers down the girls back. The guys only laughing nervously.

"Naruto!" Iruka called out to the boy turned man. "Yeah dad?" Again Iruka started crying at being called dad being proud of Naruto. Though the blonde could only laugh at his father figure at his behavior which earned him another hug. "Did you see lights in the sky?" That was the question everyone wanted to ask well a few more but for they would ask that.

Naruto nodded smiling lightly. "You mean the ones that would appear on night I left? I always wondered what those were...I even found a few of them and notes attached. Some of you guys are sappy." He teased chuckling seeing blushing faces.

"They...actually helped me. I almost lost the will to live but when I saw those I knew I had to keep going. I had to come back. Like I said. Not even death would keep me apart." He stated with a grin before he was tackled. He landed with a thud and though he was tired from travelling none stop for a week he still felt the excitement of being back. "I am glad that Sora is here. You too Gaara!" He cooed the last part knowing it would annoy the sand leader. He saw his eye twitch and Naruto let out another laugh. "Uzumaki..." He muttered though a smile on his face.

"Naruto you changed and not in a bad way." Temari stated with a little smirk. Itachi and Gaara felt their eyes twitched this time. While Sasuke held back a snicker. "Thanks Temari but you know I don't play for that team." He stated with a grin. Temari cursed softly causing the blonde to chuckle. "Can't you keep it in your pants Temari?" Gaara asked rolling his eyes. "It's skirt." Temari corrected her brother only sighing. Kunkro could only smile at the two.

"Damn...I missed you guys so much." Naruto stated unable to stop his tears yet again. "Naruto if you keep crying your going to make everyone cry." Iruka stated lightly. "I think it's only you dad." Again Iruka started to cry and Kakashi chuckled softly. "It's not nice to purposely make your father cry Naruto." Iruka couldn't help it. He was just so proud.

Everyone around them seemed to laugh at that. While the village was alive and chatting happily. Everyone happy that Naruto was back and talking about him.

Soon though Itachi and Naruto were alone walking around holding hands. "I miss you Naruto." Naruto could only smile leaning his head on to Itachi. "I know 'Tachi. I missed you too." He muttered softly. "Did you behave 'Tachi?" Naruto asked though heard a soft snort causing him to roll his eyes. "The council pissed me off...no doubt they will want to talk to you. The pink haired banshee is annoying. But I knew killing her would make you upset." Naruto snorted this time. "I would be more then upset 'Tachi." He stated shaking his head. "Are you tired? I have yet to show you our home." At that Naruto blinked looking up. "Our home?" "Yes. I knew you were coming back...so once you did I would have you move in with me. You don't have a choice." He added and Naruto couldn't help but laugh. "Sometimes your to possessive. Even before I left. Always had to be near me." He teased the older raven.

Itachi only chuckled before leading him to their new home. "Sasuke lives with us as well but the place is big enough." He said with pride in his voice. Naruto only smiled though when he saw how big the house was he couldn't help but burst out laughing. "How did I know you and Sasuke would build a huge house? Honestly you two and your egos." He saw Itachi only shrug innocently. "Not enough room for the two of us." Naruto just shook his head though followed him inside and he couldn't help how nice everything looked.

"It took months but you had friends all over the place that it was easy to get furniture from all around. The village was happy to find that out." Itachi stated after showing him around and led him to their room. "I will go get clothes for you. Just sleep for now Naruto." He said before finally the two kissed both pouring their emotions in one kiss. After they broke apart Naruto smiled lightly. "I think I'll shower first and then sleep. I'll just wear your clothes for now." He stated before moving off to the bathroom.

Itachi left the house after a while as he went around buying clothes for Naruto. The blonde was smaller than him still so it wasn't that hard to find clothes. "So did Naruto like the house?" Sasuke asked catching up quickly to his older brother who was currently holding a bag filled with clothes. "Yeah. He's taking a shower and planning on sleeping for now. But he needs clothes, shoes and well...everything." Itachi stated.

"People are cooking and planning on stopping by the house to drop off the food. I think that will distract him from the clothes for a while." Sasuke stated with a small shrug.

"So...did you rape him yet?" "Sasuke." Itachi warned a blush creeping up to his face. Sasuke couldn't help but laugh at his older brother. It felt good to have him back and Naruto had been right. He needed Itachi back in his life. He was a bit more open and he smiled and laughed a bit more than before. No one bothered Itachi about dating since everyone knew well that he belonged to Naruto. Well except for Sakura. No one bothered Sasuke either because he wasn't interested in anyone though they suspected he too was in love with Naruto.

"He's home Itachi. He's really home." Sasuke was more than happy to have his blonde back. Well best friend. He knew there were rumors going around that he was in love with Naruto and it was true. He did love Naruto. Him and Itachi spoke about it and Itachi didn't deny that it was hard not to fall in love with him. Though the only two Uchiha's seemed to be in love with one person. People thought they would fight for him but they understood something in deeper level.

"I know little brother. He's home..." A smile came to his lips just saying those words.

"I wonder who's going to be seme..." Sasuke just had to ruin the moment. Itachi's eyes had widened before narrowing. "I am of course." Sasuke couldn't help but laugh as they walked. "He doesn't look like a uke anymore." Sasuke added chuckling. "Did you see his hair? He definitely looks more like a uke." A new voice came in. It was Neji who was walking around with Gaara. "Are you three really talking about this?" Gaara asked sighing. "What do you think? Would Naruto be uke or seme?" Sasuke asked the red head who only sighed yet again. "I will not dignify that with an answer." "So uke." "...yes." So much for not answering.

"Guys Sakura is at it again." Ino called to the two Uchiha's. "I really hate her." Sasuke groaned softly. "Likewise. Will you drop this off at the house? I suspect Naruto is asleep now so be silent." Itachi handed the bag to Sasuke who just nodded walking off towards their house. Neji, Gaara and Itachi took off after Ino who was leading them to Sakura.

She was talking to a few girls and guys in the new training grounds. All four hid their chakras as the listened. "Come on guys. Five years? Naruto has needs I'm sure he slept with a few people. I just can't believe he's leading Itachi and Sasuke on like this." She stated shaking her head while Itachi breathed out softly. He really had enough of her crap.

"Sakura why do you keep making Naruto the bad guy? I mean he did a lot for this village and for you." Hinata had finally bloomed into a fine woman who stopped stuttering.

"I'm not trying to make him the bad guy Hinata. I'm just speaking the truth." "Well your truth seems like a load of bull shit." It was Kiba who spoke glaring. Sakura snorted softly. "You just want to believe Naruto is innocent from everything." "Sakura you seriously need to stop. People are growing angry that you keep bad mouthing Naruto. He just came back after five years. He was fighting for us. He was protecting us. All you seem to do is diminish his worth. Frankly I'm tired of it. Your twenty one now and you still act like a fool." Ten-Ten spoke up leaning against a tree.

"If Itachi and Sasuke heard you or any of the guys heard you they won't hesitate to beat the shit out of you." Kiba glared at the pink monster. "I won't hit a girl but right now I think I would if you keep talking." Everyone began to leave and Sakura just glared as they left.

Itachi and the other three left as well. "What are you going to do about her?" Neji asked as they made their way to the Uchiha home. "She has a mouth on her and its only angering your village." Gaara added though he had to go back in two days. After all he was the Kazekage. "I know. But no one believes her and that is all the matters. She will eventually be silenced one way or another." Itachi would make sure of that. "What about the council?" "Frankly I'm surprised those old fools are still alive." Neji muttered. "The ANBU would be sent to collect Naruto...but I doubt they will comply. They are growing tired of the mistreatment of Naruto from the council." Itachi being a former ANBU had heard talks. "Even though he's just returned they are going to try and control him." Gaara would have killed the council along time ago but then again that was what he believed.

"Naruto is strong. He has grown stronger in the past five years. The council can't control him anymore. I doubt Lady Tsunade will allow that anymore." Neji stated as they stopped of the big house. "They will of course ask questions about the fight. Though I'm not sure Naruto will re-live that. I'm sure it wasn't good." Itachi sighed softly knowing it was true.

"I will be staying for the next two days. I will also be in those meetings and make sure Naruto isn't harmed though he is capable of protecting himself." Gaara stated with his arms crossed. After a few more words Neji and Gaara left Itachi who went into the house. Sasuke was in the kitchen food had started coming so he was storing it away and making sure it would stay good for Naruto. "He's asleep like you said." He informed the other. Itachi just nodded taking his shoes off before heading to their room. He opened the door silently and closed it the same. Moving he smiled gently at the picture before him. Naruto had his hair down and it scattered behind him. The blanket covered him half way as he slept. He wore one of Itachi's shirts and shorts and the older raven couldn't help but enjoy the fact he was wearing his clothes.

"Definitely uke." He murmured chuckling to himself before leaving the blonde to sleep.

Tomorrow would definitely be a stressful day.

Well here it is! Anyways this is not a one-shot. I know I know. I'm taking a short break from my other story and working on this one! But don't worry both will be done! Review!