Chapter Text
"I object." Soma some to the chattering room that ignored his protest for the ninth time.
"So we're all in agreement that the next Hokage candidate is going to be Soma Uzumaki of the Uzumaki clan. He will take on the role after lady Tsunade has run course and trained Soma for the role." This was coming from Fugaku, who had called this meeting in his home. Shikaku sat snickering at Soma's side. Each clan head had been firm in their choice of candidate and unanimous.
All save Soma.
His opinion didn't matter in the final decision. There had been no escape from this result. That only led the red head to grumble and wave his hand obnoxiously in Fugaku's face, practically splayed over the large table, drawing his body across it with his other arm.
"Can I just point out that my legs are useless and likely render me inadequate for candidacy?" Tsume snorted at Hiashi's side, but it was Hiashi who spoke for the group.
"You are still more powerful and able to take down opponents as you are. Your summons alone keeps you mobile, and if not, then you also would have an endless supply of volunteers willing to carry you into all the danger that may seek us out." Everyone seemed far too lax about all this, only making Soma grumpier.
"Besides, Tsunade has graciously offered to hold the position until you are deemed trained for the position. I'm pretty sure you will have time to free yourself of this predicament before then, even if not, you should be fine." This came from Kakashi, who was not helping Soma fight against the position whatsoever. The lofty silver haired man was reading his porn book blatantly ignoring Soma's death glares. This meeting had been nothing but a setup and Soma was the only one fighting against the majority.
He really hated his legs being useless. He would have left the meeting long ago, but Shikaku had kidnapped him, carrying the struggling man in his rumpled sleeping kimono and all to the early morning meeting.
The one Soma specifically tried to avoid.
The one where Nagato had been waiting for him at the Uchiha estate, ready to wash him and dress Soma like a spoiled courtesan quickly with Fugaku's gleeful permission to use his family's bathhouse to hurry along the process. Soma was wrapped in so many layers of flowing purple silk and sheer gauze that he looked like a fluttering wisteria flower. The other clans had all planned this event to go smoothly despite Soma's clear protests.
So Soma being dressed like a delicate flower seemed to offset nothing as it made the case for Shikaku to push his narrative of backing Soma all the more reasonable. Their little deceiving powerhouse.
The kimono was beautiful, but Nagato had very little practice tying Soma's more traditional garb. Soma usually dressed himself with his legs unusable, though it required more help just to get his clothes situated on himself. Nagato was almost perfect, just needed to tie and wrap his more delicate and gauzy outfits tightly.
Nagato was far too focused on directing Naruto to the other clan kids for a 'play date' before Soma could voice his concerns.
The redhead would get his revenge one day for all this, though.
Had he been mobile, none of them would have gotten away with it.
Attention turned to Fugaku, who raised his hand to bring up a point on his own agenda item, and he eyed Soma meaningfully.
"I would like to formally extend my clan's intentions to offer a marriage alliance between the Uchiha clan and the Uzumaki clan." Soma sighed while several other clans clamored to attention. "Formally, my son, Itachi Uchiha, would seek Soma Uzumaki's hand in matrimony. This would be for political purposes and channels as to the reason we are offering our eldest son and my heir."
Hiashi snickered as Hizashi was the loudest in dissatisfaction over the offer immediately after the words were spoken. Kakashi himself seemed incensed to weigh in on this topic, also opposing it. His fury was palpable, and it only intrigued Fugaku, who seemed to obtain an almost maniacal glint in his gaze. The scene was a mess, so to speak, and yet there sat Itachi, not sharing in Soma's misery but sitting beside his father, pleased with everything happening.
Soma glowered at the guy who acted far too innocent to have had this all sprung on him. Though it was foolish of him to assume that Fugaku would keep his desire to wed Itachi to Soma a secret from him.
Especially after all his previous open attempts.
Soma turned to actually begin crawling away from the pandemonium occurring, only to be stopped by an extremely amused Shikaku.
"Now, now, Soma. That was a formal ask for your hand. No running away this time. Now say it after me, 'I do' Unless you are stalling or planning to run away." Soma was tugged back by his Kimono the the deep wisteria purple fabric was tugged from his shoulder, bearing the pale skin, silencing the once loud room. The silky fabric now gaped nearly baring his chest to the room, loosening wide, making two men distinctly gulp.
Soma swatted away Shikaku's hang plopping back onto his ass glowering at the man. "I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing. I was just planning to leave since apparently my opinion doesn't matter in most of this meeting." Soma spoke a little bitterly, only amusing most of the clean heads.
This was so fucking frustrating to deal with especially since the cursed seals placed on him were trying to cloud Soma's mind with lewd thoughts at the obvious sign of interest from both men. That had been his secret reason for his botched escape; being around Kakashi and Itachi was making it difficult to fight off his libido.
Kakashi suddenly went from ranting off reasons of disapproval to stuttering, and Itachi went red in the face and turned his gaze away. Nagato was swift in covering his master, nearly shoving a cackling Shikaku to the side. It was hard to fight against their blatant interest, especially since Soma had been fighting off his own interest for a long time now.
He really should have been a little bit promiscuous so the sexual tension between him and his two men wasn't suffocating him as much.
Soma just sighed, looking more exhausted than anything. He still settled down and looked Fugaku in the eye, stern and calm.
"The Uzumaki clan no longer practices arranged marriages. Not since our Princess Mito Uzumaki, who was one of the founding clan members to find and establish this village." Soma watched Fugaku's smile falter slightly.
"If you would seek me or my clan members' hand for marriage with them, the interested parties would need to do as we Uzumaki do. Though considering my clan rarely follows monogamous customs, I assumed you would have been more hesitant to send your eldest to my side." Fugaku was frowning, now gripping the table between him and Soma. The Uzumaki clan wasn't exactly hiding the fact that most members were of the mindset to love all, and the many who sought them out.
The only reason it has gone unnoticed for so long is that there had not been that many clansmen before. Soma didn't mind as it gave an influx to their population, and to be fair, he didn't wish to impose or adhere to the same practices as the village. It wasn't like he had been monogamous in his past life. War led to a lot of the shinobi trying to find comfort in a warm body and touch to remember they were alive.
It kept people from offering up arranged marriages since it was a known fact that the Uzu people did not practice normal monogamy or the like.
Hell, several shinobi had entwined with some of his clansmen due to their unreserved relationship style. Soma was openly flirtatious with everyone, and his clan followed a strict fighting style that involved seduction techniques. Soma never indulged, but that was mostly due to his involvement in ensuring the safety and practice of his clan went unbothered.
This was no secret, but likely to hear it so bluntly put must have been off-putting. Soma was counting on that to make Fugaku finally give up on marrying off Itachi and just allowing him to separate and live freely without the Uchiha clan playing a hand in his future. Soma didn't understand the necessity for the clan to push this narrative so.
"What exactly does that entail?" Fugaku asked, and Soma snickered. Nagato asked Soma to speak on his behalf, and the redhead held back a sigh and gave a nod as permission.
"It means Uchiha Soma, my king, must be seduced, mind, body, soul, and even then that may not bind your son solely to our king. As our clan follows, he may or may not bind himself and your son to another person later on if he so wishes; our people would demand he keep a harem should Soma begin taking on brides or bridegrooms. Would you truly allow such a thing without your clan finding insult?" Itachi gripped his father's shoulder and looked Soma in the eyes.
This was the only way Soma could use to protect himself and Itachi. It was to hide behind his clan's unconventional ways.
"I would not mind such a life as long as I were free to wed Soma." Itachi spoke, making Fugaku snort and eye Kakashi and the possessive grip Nagato had around his king's shoulders.
"My clan had already discussed such concerns, so long as my son agrees, we would only wish for his happiness as he would step down as heir, and Sasuke would instead take on the role.
Soma eyed Fugaku contemplatively. "This offer is only for a marriage dowry. My clan will give you the notes left to me from the studies and work left to me by the Fourth Hokage and his wife. My old friend had medical fuinjutsu control techniques left behind by his Uzu bride. This is what we offer, so you will favorably seek my son for marriage, my friend." The room was deathly silent, and Soma felt a rush of emotion buzz through his brain.
Shikaku seemed rather irritated by the dubious underhanded method now raised, and Itachi looked as if he had been slapped.
Soma knew Fugaku didn't know, couldn't have known. Likely using this method as the last bargaining chip to ensure Itachi's future at his side.
Fugaku did not truly wish to part with such things, which was why he had been holding off on using such a tenacious tactic.
Soma sighed, easing back into Nagato's gentle hold. He could see Kakashi's face shut down and felt a pang of shattered pain likely shared with him.
"We may discuss such things between our clans, but for now, I grow far too weary to speak further. I wish you all well, and thank you." Soma was lifted, confused by Fugaku's insistence, and knew he would only get the truth in a private setting.
As Nagato carried him away, he could hear Kakashi and Shikaku bite into Fugaku, who could not truly mask his worry.
"I will send for you to discuss this further, Fugaku. Expect my messenger soon." Fugaku looked relieved, the tension in him deflating immediately.
Something was up, and Soma would find out what it was.
T.D.O.T
Kakashi was alert despite looking as if he was lounging lazily seated with Soma at the redhead's bedside. Kakashi was reporting in to Soma since the redhead had been sentenced to bed rest after blowing himself up trying to create a counter-seal for Orochimaru's cursed seal the week prior.
Kakashi was the one gathering progress reports of each of the rookies' exam training. Soma snorted, reading over Naruto's report, finding out Jiraya had tossed him off the side of a cliff even in this life to open him to his summons to the toads.
Naruto had been startled when he found his name appeared on the toad contract before Soma's. The remnants of Soma's seal from many years ago were fading from the parchment before the blonde.
Jiraya had only told Naruto that all would be revealed only when the time was right. Kakashi had not stayed long after that and moved to Sasuke's training methods. Fascinated by the intensity of training, Itachi was running his brother through and vaguely irritated that Kakashi had insisted on Sasuke still learning Chidori.
Though Soma only had himself to blame, as he had Naruto already trying to slowly decipher how to accomplish Rasengan.
Tsunade had been disgustingly impressed by how much of a powerhouse Naruto was turning out to be. At how coordinated the upcoming gennin were turning out that she had practically harassed Soma into showing her step-by-step plans in his curriculum.
Especially since Soma had ensured each gennin team had medical training alongside combat skills.
Tsnade's arrival was kept secret, so she and Shizune were in a guest house hidden on Uzumaki land. Tsunade was being prepared to take over the Hokage position until Soma was up and ready to lead the village. Tsunade was planning on expanding the village's medical field, already pleased to see groundwork laid by Karin, Asumi, and even Soma in a small way.
Uzumaki's medical training was an advanced coursework, and teaching it to the current hospital staff was already seeing the village in leagues above others.
Instant pain relief through a seal. Less chance of infection due to several Uzumaki coming forward and offering healing blood to those who needed it.
It had nearly caused Tsunade to force Soma under her tutelage, but she had sworn to Jiraya when they were kids to never poach each other's students. Their agreement was mostly pushed by Tsunade, who wanted to protect any possible students who learned her own created techniques. It meant she was kept from learning Jirayas as well, locking away any temptations to learn his more destructive and unsavory skills.
Soma had been his second Student to tempt her to steal him away. For now, she would settle for training him for the hokage position while beating some medical training into his skull on her way out.
Things were progressing again, and Soma was trapped in mind-numbing studying to accomplish breaking his seal, all too happy for Kakashi coming in to report and give him a much-needed break from studying. Kakashi, being his errand boy, had sent Nagato off to pout whenever the man was set to arrive. Tension between Kakashi and Nagato was at an all-time high at the current time frame. Soma had sent Nagato on an errand out into the village, and Soma was free to handle Kakashi, who was happily just watching Soma look over reports.
Kakashi crawled over to Soma, hesitant, but the redhead didn't react negatively when Kakashi settled down, laying his head quietly in Soma's lap. There had been a need in Kakashi to display some of his clingy tendencies when around Soma as of late. As of late, the Uzumaki head indulged him, likely due to Kakashi displaying such open vulnerability. It was safe, it was pleasant, and Kakashi melted into the gentle touches Soma displayed, running his fingers through Kakashi's hair while reading over the reports.
Nagato coming back home to chase out Kakashi after such a scene was the only thing that made Soma find the whole event humorous.
T.D.O.T
Soma traced the fine lines on a practice sheet, his hands worked in silence as Nagato watched with a protective seal at the ready.
A small zap had Soma cursing and Nagato moving swiftly, placing the seal, holding tight to Soma, who only glowered at the now singed flooring where the seal once was, now matching the numerous burns littering the floor.
"Seal number one-twenty-two failure due to misplaced chakra. Too much flowing through lines forty-two through forty-three." Soma sighed, rubbing his eyes, truly not used to holding back his chakra and using it so tightly.
His control was still difficult to manage. Despite all the years of his practicing, he just carried far too much chakra, and trying to determine what was too much was still difficult for Soma to entirely figure out. He was no longer allowed to conduct his experiments alone after blowing himself up a few weeks prior. Nagato was his permanent shadow when doing seal testing until he got mobility back.
It's why his seals were unique to him and exclusive for only a handful of Uzumaki to recreate. Sai, for example, despite his skill with fuinjutsu, was unable to take on several specialty seals made by Soma and Naruto. It was also why Soma had such difficulty in recreating any living art fuinjutsu that Sai created.
Soma started mumbling to himself, thinking about several more training options for him to go through to better his control. He hated the thought of taking on Fugaku's offer, but it was getting to a critical time that Soma could not afford to be wasting on getting out of the curse deal. Though he was also mindlessly already planning several methods to go through after his afternoon meeting, in the back of his mind, the offer still sat.
The red head was lifted and carried out of the training dome into the complex silently. There was much to do, and Soma wasn't able to just idle by with experiments any longer.
Soma was immediately carried into the outer building and down into the Grand Hall, which was for receiving guests in a formal capacity. Being carried around was annoying, but Nagato always seemed happy to do this task the most.
They were going to need to have a talk after all of this. Being carried like a weak-hearted princess was not making him feel any better. Nagato also kept the perfect servant act up, and that alone was making Soma uncomfortable.
He was already stressed, having to convince Naruto to allow the pervy sage to oversee his personal training before the finals. That had been exhausting as the pre-teen had been adamant about not leaving Soma's side.
Especially since he had been left in such a vulnerable state. Promises from both Sai and Shin to watch over Soma in his absence had been the only thing to alleviate Naruto's anxiety over their month-long separation.
It was exasperating to say the least.
There was no time, though. Soma was on the verge of undoing this seal, with a majority of help from Karin, but just needed his control focused.
They figured out that this seal could only be done by the person afflicted or by the one who did the initial seal work. Orochimaru was a real fucking snake for pulling this stunt.
There was no doubt he would figure it out, but both he and his clan worried about the side effects he had been facing, having the fertility seal attached to him.
So far, he had been found in several uncomfortable encounters with fellow shinobi.
Several of which he had not thought had even swung that way. Anko had been the most terrifying person afflicted as she openly molested Soma several times since she too was apparently attracted to Soma.
It didn't help that Soma's hormones and urges surged like a waterfall when he was even slightly interested in someone.
It made the redhead outright refuse to leave the compound unless absolutely necessary. There was too much of a risk of him being molested, and a low chance of his getting anything practical done.
Shikaku and Hiashi took over handling any clan and political paperwork or meetings needed from Soma's end. They only took over after Soma had been horrified and accosted by a surprising Guy sensei. He had been groped by Guy, who had been as horrified as Soma had been.
Guy went on a long training mission to work on his 'impulse control and self-discipline' while Soma had to grapple with the fact that he had been molested by bushier brow sensei.
It also freaked him out to find out who exactly had those inclinations towards him.
Soma could deal with his urges alone. He had perfect control now of ignoring the sensations and refusing to act on the urges.
It also helped that he avoided both Kakashi and Itachi since both men were away training the boys of Team Seven for the finals of the exam. Jiraya had also tagged along since Soma absolutely needed time to focus on working on his control to free himself.
This trap Orochimaru pulled was unfortunately very effective at stalling Soma. Nagato also seemed to be back to his usual self, less broody since the two other men were no longer pawing at the red head.
The redhead wondered if it was because he was protective or possessive of Soma. Things had not truly settled between the two and Soma only learned of Nagato's repressed feelings for Soma.
Why he was repressing it all was a question left unanswered. Why it was all becoming too complex and emotional was also something he was ignoring.
Soma was here for a purpose; it was critical he be able to pay better attention to the ever-changing future. He had changed so much, and daring to let it all fly by without keeping up with the changes would be irresponsible on his part.
He could not fully fall into anyone until after the exams ended. With any luck, he would have two years to prepare them all for the hidden threats or be able to take them out himself.
Otherwise, he was sure he had his contingency plans set up and was overly prepared for the worst.
Soma was settled before his guest fluidly and without much fuss. Fugaku was sitting before him, looking cowed, with a stern but smiling Mikoto next to him.
Obviously, Soma missed something as the dynamic between the couple seemed tense.
Formal greetings were given, but Soma had known Mikoto since he was a boy, his second time around. He had been to the Uchiha grounds plenty of times, enough to interact with the clan.
It was peculiar, but it seemed as though whatever happened here would lead to a decision he had been trying to avoid all these years. He noted that despite Kakashi being Sasuke's main training sensei, Itachi was sent to help Sasuke train as well. Soma had heard Mikoto had insisted, and Soma presumed it was so that Itachi would miss this meeting with Soma. The question was, why was it necessary?
Mikoto smiled gently towards Soma.
"Please, marry my son Itachi. " Soma held back a sigh as Mikoto's expression seemed pinched around the eyes with worry.
He couldn't blow off that real person Mikoto was broadcasting for him. She wasn't the calculating clan council doing anything and everything to set up a match with an established clan head that started with nothing and turned it into that nothing into a legacy.
"Explain to me why I should?" Soma needed to know what he was getting into here; this was becoming a new development in this timeline, but everything dealing with the Uchiha clan was a development Soma knew to handle with caution and controlled emotions. They were the biggest factor that changed his history.
"Itachi cannot lead the clan, it would destroy him. The elders refuse to allow him an out without total removal from the clan, they will remove his eyes just so they could satisfy their greed!" Soma quirked a brow at Mikoto who was practically growling.
"They offer up Mira Uchiha, she is Itachi's age but under the influence of her father who would push her to take over in Itachi's stead, leading him to be forced to adhere to his wants or he would implement plans to dismantle him from his position. Mira spoke of this to us as she too does not wish to marry Itachi." Soma hummed lowly, listening carefully.
"What would stop this tactic from being pursued with Sasuke at the helm?" Soma spoke but it was Fugaku who pulled himself together to speak this time.
"He has a betrothed. We placed two fiancées for our sons, not to control them with an iron fist but to protect them from the machinations of others. These bonds to wed are forged when we ourselves are in our youth. Mikoto's family had not even had a daughter born until I was five, and from then forth she was promised to me. My father had to fight the clans off from forcing me to marry one of their daughters for five years until she came of age. It helped that I had the Hokage candidate and a war veteran helping keep them at bay, but it was why Itachi and Sasuke had promised wives from the second they were born. Mikoto and I waited till our friends confirmed daughters and sons born one of each apiece before we tried to conceive either time. It is why Sauske and Itachi have a six-year age gap. My father had not had the same luxury as they needed more children born due to the war, and the head family had to lead by example. Without Minato, I too would have been pushed into a corner; his intervention saved me. We have strict traditions to protect the head of house, but there are still others always trying to gain power even with our fail-safes in place." Soma's eyes widened in surprise and he felt like anything made more sense to him then and there.
Shikaku had been just as close to Minato in their youth, yet Fugaku had been chosen as the shadow Hokage for Minato. It had not only been for political justification but to also protect Fugaku as he too would have had to undergo training until Mikoto was of age to marry, since they had not had a set engagement until she was of age, it left room for others to try and break up that bond.
Yet something was missing; He knew from his own snooping into the Uchiha clan that Fugaku didn't want the current council of his clan to find weakness in the clan head. There were give and takes in all councils, the Uchiha bore the brunt of persecution under Fugaku's lead for many years and that led to a weak standing for his current position, whereas Sasuke would not have the same black mark on his record.
"So, how does this situation include me? It seems as though your clan is following en route to lead Itachi into an arranged marriage so they can take claim to power." Fugaku snorted, and Mikoto elbowed her husband not so discreetly.
"Itachi is infatuated with you, but you have come off as indifferent for years. The elders agreed to a concession; they will allow him to keep his eyes and marry out of the clan, so long as it is to the head of the Uzumaki clan, Soma. As they think they could win you over using Itachi and his bond as a bargaining chip. They think they could use you if all else fails, they could force Itachi into this loveless marriage and use you as proof that his only escape refused him." Soma sighed and realized why Mikoto had called this meeting without Itachi present.
He wondered why Sasuke and his parents insisted on Itachi being the one to train him, with only small notes and a regimen provided by Kakashi.
They feared Soma would say no; they didn't want their son's feelings hurt, and Soma knew that both Mikoto and Fugaku truly only wanted Itachi to be happy despite all the pressure they were under. That cemented his decision.
"Alright, I Uzuamki Soma will allow this arrangement and marry Itachi Uchiha into my clan. He will retain his clan name if he so wishes though and must go through surrogacy within my clan and have at least one child of Uzumaki and Uchiha blood to remain in the clan and learn our teachings, if he would like more he would be free to do so with the consent of a surrogate." Surprise colored both Mikoto and Fugaku's features before Soma snorted. He knew Itachi would be pleased to be able to be a father without pressures for him or his children to face off against his clan and their plotting. The decision definitely shocked Fugaku and Mikoto.
"What you guys thought the free love my clan takes on was because of the lack of morality within my clan? It's meant to keep our bloodline from getting too intertwined and crossed with each other. We need fresh blood since there are still only a handful of Uzu people. The child will stay within the main brand lines, though, since they come from a high-ranked clan as a bride. Though reiterate to your clan that he will not be in a monogamous marriage, I am a king to my people and afforded a harem." Soma smirked as Nagato had brought forth the already prepared documents as Soma knew the gist of things before the meeting, thanks to his own spy network he had developed in his youth.
They all knew that it was Soma's own way of keeping power balanced and a method to keep the Uchiha elders from trying to push Soma into doing as they so wanted. Can't use the bridegroom as leverage if to Soma and his people meant that another could take the position of head bride away from Itachi. They would take what they are given as Soma being tied to the Uchiha clan through marriage was a bolster to their reputation as it was. They would not risk Itachi being cast aside due to greed; they would push, but never too hard now, not with the supposed threat.
Soma was glad he had been monitoring the Uchiha clan so closely and tried not to seem too smug outpacing the elders much. Shisui was a very convenient spy and would only do what was best for the clan and the village. He had devoted himself to being Soma's spy as soon as it was determined years prior that everyone was grooming Soma to become the next Hokage. Soma had just not known the small details and wanted to see how honest Mikoto and Fugaku's intentions were, Shisui had been very correct in his assessment of everything, and Soma was grateful the older man was willing to help despite Soma being a practical stranger.
Mikoto burst into tears and flung herself at Soma in a bone-crushing hug. Fugaku cried and quietly thanked the Kami for Soma's help. It really was something serious for Fugaku and Mikoto to have been this stressed over it all. Soma was glad he trusted his gut.
His limited advisors knew of this decision, and even Nagato agreed it was a wise choice; he, of all his council, was the one to sway Soma into saying yes to the arranged marriage after hearing of the reasons why Itachi needed to marry out of the clan he was born to. The removal of eyes so the clan could hide away the Uchiha kekei genkai was enough to set most of his small council into outrage.
Honesty was what everything hinged on, though. The Uzumaki council and their king needed that to confirm that this arrangement would work out.
"The council will practically demand and exert control over Itachi to try to monopolize your favor you know this." This coming from Fugaku who at least looked ashamed of tht fact.
Soma shrugged and smirked.
"For all intents and purposes, the Hatake clan was sent a bid for prospects for bridegroom searches a day before your ambush at our unofficial clan meeting." Soma hadn't sent word of any marriage prospects but inquired mostly about formally offering to teach Kakashi some clan kept seals so he would have all the resources to protect his rookie team when they were out on missions.
The Uchiha didn't need to know that, though. Soma knew it was hypocritical of him to hide stuff from the Uchiha while needing the truth from them, but Soma knew what path he was aiming for. The Uchiha council would always make Soma wary and needing to hold the upper hand consistently against such a force.
Especially since there would have still been a coup had Soma not intervened early on that clan. So he was going to continue to do what he needed to protect everyone, no matter what.
T.D.O.T.
Soma sighed, sitting up on his futon. The darkness in the room was only disturbed by the pale glow of moonlight.
He knew exactly what had woken him and turned his gaze to the idiot, bold enough to slip into his bed with him.
Kakashi's pained grumbling was almost as satisfying as seeing his pouting visage when Soma turned a light on. A firm hold on Kakashi's ear, making the man pout harder.
"I would have thought you knew better than to slip into my bed when you tried to cuddle me on our last mission." Soma spoke smugly, letting Kakashi free. The taller man snorted and settled himself comfortably on Soma's bed as close as he dared to the rumpled redhead.
His normally gravity-defying hair lay flat, obscuring Kakashi's oddly bare face. It was strange to see those handsome features than it was to see the shadows stretching across to cover them.
"Well, I figured you wouldn't light your bed on fire with me in it since your bed is not as easy to replace as a bedroll is." Kakashi's sarcastic jibe pulled some amusement from the redhead.
"I've heard you plan to make Itachi an honest woman." Kakashi spoke suddenly, leeching the comradeship out of the room.
So the Uchiha clan spread word far and wide in just an evening, it would seem. It made sense why Kakasi came to him barefaced and clingy.
"Yes, I've accepted an arrangement to keep him sane and to keep his eyes in his head." Kakashi shrugged and nodded in thought, his duo colored gaze traced every image of Soma as if he desperately needed to memorize him.
"Figured as much. It's why I've come to offer you an honest proposal to keep the Uchiha elders in immediate check." Soma signed, already knowing where this was going. Honestly more surprised Kakashi had not waited till morning or read the urgent letter Soma had sent through Tenzo just an hour ago. He had been going out to observe Sasuke and Naruto's progress with their training. One week with Sasuke and Itachi, one week with Naruto and Jiraya.
Today was supposed to be a day for Kakashi to check in with Soma on both boys' progress before heading out once more.
Likely, Tenzo had intercepted Kakashi with Soma's important message of matrimony and his unlikely offer for Kakashi to become a bridegroom alongside Itachi.
Maybe the man had and couldn't sit idle until he himself had roused to talk to Soma face to face.
He knew from talks with Shikaku where this was heading; in fact, he welcomed it as it was an immediate solution to problems that would arise and keep noses out of his business later on.
"The Hatake clan will offer the sole heir as your second bridegroom. It will look like a tussle for power, vying for your attention and since the Uchiha have always wondered if their sharingan could pass on despite it being gifted in my body, they would allow the immediate insult." Soma nodded, blinking sleepily.
"Yeah, it's why Itachi was the one to tell me to send your clan the formal rites to ask you for your hand in marriage immediately after I agreed to marry him." Kakashi huffed and held Soma's hand.
Kakashi knew Itachi had been using his summons to communicate with Soma. He didn't know he still did so while away, training Sasuke; it was surprising, especially since Kakashi knew exactly how hard he was training Sasuke. Was this a good idea, though? Kakashi offering himself over to Soma almost seemed desperate and Kakashi knew his reputation would likely take a hit for this. His reputation didn't matter to him at all; he was more worried about how he would affect both Soma and Itachi's reputations.
"You can say no." It was whispered and pained.
Kakashi was in love with Soma just like Itachi was, which didn't change the fact that he was friend killer Kakashi. His curse hurt those around him as it was what made him hesitate in each encounter with both men.
Soma squeezed Kakashi's hand and settled back into his bed, that gesture alone washing away the knawing fear within Kakashi.
"Too bad, both of you are gonna be stuck with me now. Get ready to pump out an academy's worth of children for me to train." Soma snickered, fighting sleep as Kakashi stood huffing at the comment. Kakashi knew the truth was that Soma too was going to be required to have children through surrogacy soon as well, or that was what had been spoken through the grapevine of the Uzumaki clan. But him? Kakashi Hatake having a kid was out of the norm for him.
His becoming a dad was already an alien thought, but it would be part of the deal. "Glad I wasn't gonna make a fool of myself then." Kakashi said, turning to leave, only stopped by Soma's soft 'Kashi'.
"Yes, dear?" The silver-haired man spoke sardonically.
"Turn off the light before you drag your sorry ass out of my bedroom." Kakshi chuckled, blowing Soma a kiss, before doing as bid when leaving.
Trying to figure out how they would explain this to Naruto, Sasuke, Shika- hell, to all the rookies that idolized Soma, this was going to be difficult.
T.D.O.T
Shikaku snickered, eyeing Soma, who concentrated on the board before overtaking him. The score was now holding Soma with two wins, three losses.
It was fascinating and the only other person who ever beat him at go was his son Shikamaru. Naruto was still slowly getting a handle on the game and Shikamaru got horribly jealous when Shikaku tried to play a match against the blonde.
Shikamaru was funnily possessive of the blonde and Shikaku realized Naruto had become his son's fixation. Fascinating in itself as it motivated his son to actually compete with Naruto and Sasuke as they both challenged Shikamaru.
Yet that's exactly what Soma himself did to Itachi and Kakashi. He doubted what the younger three boys had would turn romantic, well, nothing between Sasuke and His son but Naruto was a wildcard like Soma.
That and Shikaku knew of Soma's past which had intertwined with that version of his son. Had Naruto been a woman, his son would have openly pursued the blonde and Shikaku wondered what held the original bonds back.
"I can practically hear you thinking, Do you want to share with the class?" Soma spoke, resetting the board. Shiakau eyed Soma who was lying across his enagwa in a soft pale blue Kimono embellished with twinkling gems and glistening designs of gold tapestry in the fabric that glinted in the sunlight. Shikaku was amused to see many of his clansmen 'making rounds' on their patrols around the clan grounds.
He knew Soma could feel the questioning glances from his curious clan members, trying to spot the famed redhead who sat like a delicate woman for the audience he built. "Must you tease my people?" Shikaku asked to avoid Soma's original question.
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean Shikaku-san." Soma spoke, not admitting to shit if Shiaku was going to be obstinate. Soma tilted his head back, winking at a group of huddling Nara guards who individually ignored the baiting and continued to observe the myriad of colors Soma displayed. Shikaku began his game and Soma followed suit this time purposefully looking like an artwork come to life. Shikaku didn't mind as they had an Uzuamki privacy seal set up that didn't even allow others to read their lips accurately.
Shikaku recalled the first time Soma had visited after some time from his first long mission. The young teen at the time had dressed in full gold and silver regalia, makeup artfully done and looking like the perfectly made-up geisha. It quickly spread a sudden rumor he had called a courtesan to his home. Only for Shikaku to greet his guest with his wife Yoshino gushing about Soma's outfit and practically showing off the redhead to anyone and everyone in their clan. It had been an outfit and style Yoshino had begged Soma to wear so she could gush with the women of the Nara clan about the craftsmanship and style of the Uzumaki clan. A blushing Nagato wearing high slit hakama and a Kimono top that showed off a lot of skin in similar colors proved it was just something his wife had mastermined.
Since then, though, many of the Nara clan had been fighting to catch a glimpse of the young man who was more comfortable in women's clothing than in men's even compared to his own clan's clothing style.
Shikaku knew of an ongoing bet within his clan questioning Soma's own gender.
All so Soma could keep the illusion he had built up on his arrival to the village. Making everyone guess and question everything about him, he wondered why Soma still played such a hand even now, though.
Likely, Shikaku would not know until Soma decided to tell him and it was all just so, "Troublesome." Soma snorted that soft glimmer of happiness and pain in his gaze when meeting Shikakau's eyes.
"Did the Hokage approve your dual engagement paperwork?" Shikaku asked, wanting to take away Soma's pain, and the redhead only hummed softly.
"Grandma Tsunade tried to lecture me about putting politics over love but I kinda tuned her out until she signed the documents. It was rather amusing seeing her attempt to smack my anbu 'bodyguard', instead of me, since she deems me too injured until the seal is released." Shikaku felt pity for Shisui who had been assigned to Soma since Nagato was sent out on a week-long mission.
The redhead would have had another clan member step up but the Uchiha had insisted on Shishui becoming the sacrificial protector since Soma was to become Itachi's Husband. It was all amusing to say the least.
Shikaku stayed silent for a few plays before finally choosing to speak.
"How did you and my son get together?" Shikaku was curious enough to finally ask and Soma only raised a brow in amusement.
"Well, I know when I had fallen for my Shika. It was after the chunin exams, Sasuke was brainwashed into defecting from the village and Shikamaru was put on his first mission to lead as a chunin. I fell for him because for him the only thing that mattered was getting us home safe despite the dangers we were to face against. He used every facet of his skill and pushed himself beyond that to let me just try, to do everything I could to attempt to save Sasuke. To bring him back and had the balls to tell me to stop being an idiot later when I almost killed myself several times doing exactly that." Shikaku could see for Soma it was Shikamaru's character that drew him to his past son.
"What about my son?" Shikaku said and Soma looked amused once again.
"He thought I looked pretty after coming back from a long training mission." Soma snorted at Shikaku's exasperated expression.
"Though to be fair he said I had been his obsession since seeing me in the chunin exams face off against Neji." Soma shrugged and Shikaku chuckled.
"That definitely did not change then." Soma shrugged as it was no longer his story nor his life. His Shikamaru was long since passed and despite missing him the current Soma loved again and let his Shika rest in his memories. They were no longer the same two versions of who they once were this Shikamaru and this Naruto.
Soma would have no hand in their fates or ties as he would be tied to others now.
"I'm glad that version of him had you at his side till the end." Shikaku spoke before beating Soma again, making the redhead fight back tears, letting go of that last bit of himself he held back from moving forward. It was difficult to come to terms with being so different and changed to finally see himself living again, even if it was a slow process.
Shiaku knew he made the right choice in forcing Soma to play this game before his young friend was to go through with his plans. Soma bottled up far too much and this was likely something Shiaku could not dare leave left unchecked so he took it upon himself to resolve. He felt he owed his old friend this since they had failt his son the first time through and this was all he could do to ask for forgiveness.
So Shiakku set up another game, hoping Soma felt lighter after this.
T.D.O.T
Naruto burst into Soma's room wild-eyed and flushed, seeing Soma sitting in gossamer green robes, his silhouette was visible, but the redhead was sitting with both his legs covered in sealwork.
"Hello to you Naruto, maybe we should work on knocking next time?" Soma spoke making Naruto flinched but the blonde ignored that and scrambled to Soma's side. He was clearly exhausted and they had just days before the final exam was to take place. Soma didn't have a chance to stop Naruto as he hadn't wanted to draw attention to what he was doing.
"Is it true?" Naruto spoke his voice soft and accusatory.
""You'll have to be specific Naru, is what true? and I really a redhead, yes. Am I actually a burly man using illusions to appear soft and delicate sadly no." Naruto pouted at the soft teasing not expecting Soma to play stupid.
"Are you really getting married to Kakashi and Itachi?" Naruto spoke, spilling Soma's ink blot and staining the fabric on Soma's robe. Both Naruto and Soma jolted when several drops with Soma's blood in the ink splattered across Soma's cursed sealwork. Soma's legs felt like they had been zapped and Naruto was apologizing profusely, canceling out the sealwork before they both froze as Soma had moved his legs to try and calm down a very distressed Naruto.
Soma had moved his fucking leg. His legs that no longer bore that fucking snake bastards cursed sealwork.
"Well fucking hell, just my blood and a cancellation jutsu worked! So many wasted day's Ugh!" Soma growled out while cleaning off his legs. Of course, his idiotic self somehow released this stupid seal in the most anticlimactic and asinine way.
Well, one problem was resolved and likely since he and Naruto were still sorta the same person his canceling out the sealwork had been as if he himself had done it. It explained why Nagato's many cancellations never made the cursed seals dissipate. He had not been doing sealwork on himself until today, when he had tricked all his babysitters away so he could test a few seals before Naruto's interruption. Lucky him.
"So thanks for helping me break the seal and yeah you get new in-laws, congrats." Soma spoke a laugh in his tone, making Naruto practically fling himself at him.
"I was told you had to do it for politics. Because otherwise, Itachi would have had to fight against his own clan. Sasuke didn't want me mad at his brother so he had sent over a message while I was training with Pervy Sage. Then I get back and find out about Kakashi sensei too, that his clan is trying to strike back against the Uchiha for snubbing him all those years ago. What the heck, I was only gone for a month." Soma hushed Naruto, soothing the young teen.
He knew Naruto was likely concerned that Soma was being forced into things due to his own loyalty, but Soma just hummed, knowing he needed to be honest.
"No matter what, I would have helped Itachi. My having any type of political marriage is my own choice and I am the only one who can make that choice. These men are my friends Naru, and they care about me. I will marry Itachi to save him from his clan and Kakashi is giving up a huge part of his freedom to marry me as it is also to protect me and Itachi. Politics are going to be something difficult to navigate, and I will do anything I can to keep us from becoming pawns for others. This for me was a choice I had full control of and people to support me should I need help navigating this dilemma. I thought long and hard about this and this in the end was my choice. These steps were necessary and I'm glad you got back home safe and sound. I can't shield you from everything, Naru, but I can explain the why of everything. Besides, did you really think that I didn't love those guy's they have both been chasing after me for years, each man trying to get me to fall in love and they did. I'm still going to be here, still Soma and i'm just bringing in more family for us to love. " Naru felt embarrassed, reacting like he was still a possessive child not willing to share Soma but it had been an exhausting month only to have to be overwhelmed by this sudden news.
"Now legs go harass everyone since they don't know I have full use of my legs, yeah?" Naruto jumped up in excitement, dragging a wobbly Soma who was trying to get used to walking again.
Soma was lucky, well and truly lucky. Hopefully, this luck would hold out.