Becoming an ANBU
(A/N: I couldn't help but start on this because it's been driving me crazy!)
Summary: (AU, non-massacre) Itachi and Sakura have been married for 20 years now with three children. Their oldest, a 17 year-old ANBU, is sent on a mission to make sure the Daimyo and his family returns home safely. But, the Akatsuki have other plans! They want Itachi and the Sharingan. Low and behold, they've only succeeded in pissing off the proud papa bare by taking 'daddy's-little-girl'.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters.
~xxx~
"I can't believe you did it again!" screeched a raven-haired girl as she stalked toward her father. Her livid obsidian eyes glared at him in a fury he had never seen before.
"He wasn't worthy." He responded dryly. "If he cannot defeat me then how will he protect you?" her father asked as she halted just two feet from him.
"I understand your concern for my well being…but that doesn't give you the right to beat the ever-living-crap out of my boyfriend!" she was so close to just hitting him at the moment but she refrained. Hitting the one man who she knew would protect her with his life wasn't something she did everyday and she wasn't going to start now. "Why is everything about strength with you? 'If he cannot defeat me blah, blah, blah'…you're supposed to be supportive and let me make my own mistakes."
"You will lower your tone and speak respectfully." He commanded in a low voice, though his tone was steel. The great Uchiha Itachi demanded respect from everyone…especially his children.
"Gomen nasai, otousan, I meant no disrespect." She bowed low to him.
"Ayako, look at me." He commanded softly, his tone was much less steely and calmer. She did as she was told. Slowly, Itachi raised a hand and placed it on her shoulder. He was never the type to openly show his affection (nor did he speak it for that matter) but there were a few occasions where he would, and this was one of them. "No matter what you think, I'm not trying to ruin your life. I'm merely looking out for your best inertest."
Ayako sighed softly. "I know…but don't you think you're being a little, oh I don't know, overprotective?" she asked carefully.
"Trust me; if I were being overprotective…you wouldn't be a shinobi." He answered with a smirk. That hit her like a ton of bricks! She wanted to be strong like her father, and to know that he could have stopped her before the shenanigans even started…just unthinkable!
"I'm sorry father." She apologized again as she glared at her feet. "Did you have to be so hard on Riku though?" Ayako asked, tilting her head up to look at her father. Itachi sighed and brushed her long raven hair back behind her ear in an uncharacteristic display of affection.
"He's a Hyuuga! If he can't handle a good beating then he should train harder." He stated dryly. Ayako laughed; good and hardy.
"You should still apologize. He had no idea about your test." She said as she smiled at him.
"Me, apologize? I think not. You should have warned him in the first place." He scoffed. Oh yes, the great Uchiha was above apologizing. "You'd better go check on him before he limps away."
"Mom is going to be so mad." Ayako said as she turned away. Itachi turned towards her sharply.
"You're not going to tell her are you?" even Itachi was afraid of the wrath of his wife. Sakura had firmly believed that Ayako should be able to choose for herself who she would be with. But as usual, Itachi had to test the poor unsuspecting boys; four this year alone, seven in total.
"She's going to find out one way or another." Ayako answered as she continued to walk away.
~xxx~
"You did WHAT? Not again! Itachi, you promised that you wouldn't interfere." Sakura snapped. "She's seventeen, not a little girl. Ayako is perfectly capable of choosing for herself." She defended, though she was a bit surprised that Itachi had came out and told her that he had, once again, interfered with his precious daughter's love life.
"He came close though, I'll give him that." He said as he watched Sakura prepare dinner. "After that boy from Suna, every one of her suitors will be tested. Not just to see if their strong but also to see if they will hurt her. I will not let that happen again."
~Flash back~
Ayako had gone on a date with a strapping young man from Suna. The pair had been together for about a month and had decided to finally go out to see a movie. While Itachi and Sakura enjoyed a nice, quiet evening at home, Ayako was having an unpleasant time with her boyfriend.
"Just one kiss, that's all I ask." The boy practically begged. Ayako wasn't having any of it. She wasn't ready for any of that just yet and she didn't feel it necessary for any sort of public display of her affection for him (which was steadily decreasing by the second).
"Shin, I'm not ready for that yet…any of that. Just pipe down and respect my decision to not kiss you." She retaliated, sending him a warning glare. But it wasn't working.
"Oh, come on. It's only a kiss. No one has ever been hurt by a kiss." Much to her chagrin, she didn't see anything wrong in his logic and conceded after a brief moment. That's when things got out of control. To her dismay, Shin started to feel her up, running his hands over places no one dare touch before.
And she fought back. When he didn't stop like she had asked him to, Ayako proceeded to beat him within an inch of his life. Just before she could do anything else to the poor, unconscious boy, the Hokage and Kazikage stopped her and immediately demanded an explanation.
After a tear-filled story, both Kages resigned from their immediate anger and took the sobbing girl home. To say that Itachi was pissed was an understatement. From that day on, every suitor had to face off, in hand-to-hand combat, with the overly-protective Uchiha.
~End flash back~
Sakura sighed at her husband's actions. "I know you worry about her but she took care of it. That boy was the Kazikage's bodyguard after all, and she handled herself just fine." Sakura moved closer to Itachi, her anger slowly dying down. She placed a gentle hand on his and looked him in the eyes. "She's not the five-year-old girl who would come running to you when she was hurt, not any more. Ayako is perfectly capable of taking care of herself." Itachi sighed, he knew she was right.
"It's true," he started then said something completely unexpected. "But in my eyes, she will always be my little girl." Sobering confession as it was, Sakura smiled softly at him.
"I'll get dinner started, Ayako took Riku home…she should be back any minute now."
~xxx~
"Well, look what the cat dragged in." Itachi said as Sasuke and Ayako walked in the front door.
"I found Sasuke-ojisan on my way back from the Hyuuga compound."
"Sasuke-ojisan!!" two voices screeched as their short figures came racing around the corner.
"Shiro-kun, Akito-kun, how's it going?" Sasuke managed to say before being tackled to the ground by the eleven and six-year-old.
"You're back early, Sasuke." Sakura said as she tried to pry her boys off of their uncle.
"Yeah, things went better than expected. Anyways, I have important news from Hokage-sama." He said as he finally stood up and dusted himself off.
"Let's talk about it over dinner." Itachi said as he led the way with both of his sons trailing close behind.
Once they were seated, Ayako began passing food around and cutting up the chicken for her youngest brother, Akito. Sakura listened intently to Shiro as he talked about his day at the academy while Itachi and Sasuke talked about clan business.
"Not too fast otouto, chew your food." Ayako said as she watched Akito practically inhale his food.
"Sorry ane-chan, I'll try." The young raven-haired boy said with a big toothy grin.
"Ane-chan, when's your next mission?" Shiro asked, looking up from his plate to Ayako.
She shrugged. "I don't know otouto; missions were suspended until we hear back from the Hokage about the ANBU exams." Ayako informed as she pushed her green beans around on her plate.
"Speaking of which; I have something for you." Sasuke said as he stood from the table and went to fetch his pack. He set it on the counter and dug through it until he found what he was looking for. "Let's go into the living room." He motioned as he walked passed her and rounded the corner. Ayako followed after a quick glance from her parents. They obviously knew what was going to happen next.
Ayako entered the living room and faced her uncle; not at all sure of what was going to happen now.
"I know I missed your birthday…but I'm sure these will more than make up for it." Sasuke said, holding a white box in his hands. He held the box out to her as if demanding for her to take it. Like her father, Sasuke wasn't the type to show his affection. It was the way they were raised and she understood that. So what's with all the mushy feelings all the sudden?
Ayako took the box a few moments later, opening it carefully. Her eyes widened. It was a uniform…and ANBU uniform to be exact.
"No-freaking-way…I passed?!" she exclaimed as he head shot up to look at Sasuke. He nodded in reply. "Thank you Sasuke-ojisan…for all the excruciating training you put me through. I owe you big!" Ayako said as she hopped up and down with joy. After a quick hug, Ayako bounded off to the kitchen to show her brothers and parents her new uniform.
"That's so cool ane-chan! Who's your captain?" Shiro asked as he tried to put on her mask. It was too big for him, so it slid down his face, exposing his eyes and forehead.
"That would be me." Sasuke said as he resumed eating.
"Aw man, its bad enough I have to put up with a grumpy Sasuke-ojisan at home, now I have to put up with a grumpy captain Sasuke on missions." Ayako huffed with a small smile while he glared at her.
"We're expected to be at headquarters by 8 a.m. tomorrow." Sasuke said once he realized the death glare didn't work on his niece.
"Ok, I'll wake you up at 6:30 so you have time to tame your hair." She replied nonchalantly. Sasuke glared again.
"Ah, nothing like a little playful banter between family." Sakura said wistfully as she patted Ayako on the shoulder. "We are so proud of you. Ha, Ino owes me 100 yen!"
"Are you placing bets on our children…again?" Itachi asked as he set down his fork.
Sakura turned to her husband and smiled. "No, Ino said that Ayako would make it on her second try. She put a 100 yen on it. I said that I know Ayako would make it on her first try. She naturally assumed that I placed a bet."
"Then you can't collect any money." Ayako said as she turned to her mother. "If you didn't place a bet then you cannot collect a thing."
"She's right." Itachi confirmed.
"Oh, will you two just let me gloat for once." Sakura huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
"No." They answered in unison, with the same dry tone.
"You guys are no fun, no fun at all." She pouted.
"No, we're not fun," Ayako started with a smile. "We're family." Score! Brownie points for Ayako because her mother smiled back, eyes sparkling with unshed tears of pride for her eldest child.
"May I be excused?" a small voice piped up among the chatter.
"Not until you eat your vegetables." A firm voice came from across the table.
"Yes otousan." Akito replied solemnly as he poked at the green offending food on his plate.
"Jeez aniki, don't be so harsh on him. You didn't eat your vegetables when you were a kid." Sasuke said as he pushed his cleaned plate away.
"You weren't even born yet when I was his age, how would you know?" Itachi asked as he turned his attention to his brother.
"Mom told me you hated them." He answered. All conversation stopped. The death of their parents had been a shock. They had suffered some mysterious flu that couldn't be cured just a few years ago, and they still mourned. Ayako turned to her brothers and smiled a sad sort of smile.
"Just look at how strong daddy is. Do you think he got that way by sheer will?" both boys shook their heads no. "Otousan eats his vegetables; even Sasuke-ojisan ate his veggies, so you two should as well." Ayako picked up her plate and showed her brothers. "See, all gone; now you two should do the same." Shiro and Akito nodded then devoured their remaining vegetables.
"Now you can be excused." Itachi said, watching the boys scamper to their rooms to get ready for bed. He then turned his attention to his eldest child. "How did you get them to do that?" he asked, utterly curious.
"I spend a lot of time with them during my off hours. I know the way they work. Shiro and Akito want to grow up to be like you, otousan." She answered. Sakura began to gather the dishes but was stopped by Ayako. "I've got it, okaasan. Go relax; you've been on your feet all day."
No one said a thing as Ayako worked to clean up after dinner. Soon though, Itachi had joined her claiming the he couldn't let his daughter do everything while he sat around and got fat.
"You're going to make some guy so happy one day." Sasuke said as he stood in the corner, watching her work.
"Yeah, fat chance of that happening any time soon." Ayako snapped as she glared at Itachi who looked as innocent as can be, washing the dishes.
"Again…? Who was the poor schmuck this time? What's the grand total now?" he asked as Itachi turned to him.
"Seven and Riku is not a schmuck!" Ayako shot back heatedly.
"Hyuuga Neji's kid…well, now I don't feel so bad." Sasuke sneered and immediately ducked from the flying paper towel roll.
"You guys are so mean!" she seethed with clenched fists. "I'm going to bed…and I will wake you up early, ojisan." With that said, Ayako stormed out of the room.
~xxx~
As promised, Ayako walked into Sasuke's room and unceremoniously ripped him from the comfort of his bed.
"So rude…" he yawned while rubbing the goose egg forming on the back of his head. Hovering over him, Ayako glared down at him fully dressed and ready to go with a piece of toast hanging from her smirking lips.
"I warned you ojisan." She said then turned and walked out of his room.
"What was that sound?" Akito asked when Ayako entered the kitchen. Her parents and both brothers were up earlier than normal.
"Ojisan just woke up." Ayako replied in a monotone voice then sat back down to enjoy her breakfast. Sakura snickered at her response while Itachi remained emotionless. He was definitely not a morning person. "Otousan, would you like another cup of coffee?" Ayako asked in a chipper tone. Itachi held out his cup with his head hung low. Man, how he hated mornings.
Sasuke emerged from his room ten minutes later, still trying to make the bump go away.
"At least she didn't hit you with that insane strength of hers." An all too familiar voice said from the other side of the kitchen.
Naruto stood by the living room door with a glass of orange juice in his hand. Dressed in his ANBU attire with his cat mask tide to his shoulder, Naruto was the last person Sasuke thought he'd see this early in the morning.
"Shut up dobe!"
"Don't talk to me like that Sasuke-te…"
"Don't even think about it Uzumaki. You will refrain from using that language around my children." Itachi warned his voice deathly quiet. Naruto gulped loudly and grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry about that Uchiha-sama." Naruto laughed nervously.
"Eat something Naruto-ojisan; we have a long day ahead of us." Ayako coaxed from her seat. Reluctantly, the blonde fox container joined the family and ate.
~xxx~
"I never knew pancakes could be so good." Naruto exclaimed as they hopped roof tops.
"That's because you eat nothing but ramen, dobe." Sasuke snapped when he landed then bounded for another building.
'I feel a headache coming.' Ayako thought as she followed her uncle and their family friend to HQ. Once there, the headache only got worse.
~xxx~
"Wow! She's so cute. Do you really think she's cut out for this line of work?" A brown haired man said and was immediately smacked by Sasuke.
"None of you letches is aloud around her unless it's related to the mission nor do I ever want to hear such a remark about my niece again. Got it?" He snapped. The brown haired man, just a year older than Ayako, nodded vigorously. Sasuke then turned his attention to the other two men in their unit. "That goes for the rest of you."
Silence…
"Ayako-san is our field medic and must be protected during every mission." Sasuke said then trained his attention on Ayako. "I have a meeting with the Hokage, Kyoji will show you around."
"Ano…which one is Kyoji?" she asked rather shyly. Ayako had always shy been around knew people.
Sasuke sighed. "The moron laying on the floor." Then he was gone.
Great, just perfect! He left her with a band of lecherous misfits, excluding Naruto of course.
"Hey, Kyoji-san, are you going to be alright?" Naruto asked as he lightly kicked the poor guy.
"Naruto-ojisan, you shouldn't kick him. He just got the crap beat out of him by Sasuke-ojisan." Ayako warned as she knelt down to check on him.
"You must be an angle…sent from the heavens for me to play with…" Kyoji said in a daze. Ayako dropped his head on the floor.
"On second thought, he can recover just fine by himself." She growled in irritation. Standing up, Ayako turned her attention to the two other men in her unit and bowed. "My name is Uchiha Ayako; it's nice to meet you."
"Troublesome…" one of the men muttered. "I'm Nara Shikamaru and this is Aburame Shino." Ayako glanced up to see a rather bored looking man with brown hair and a man would she couldn't really make out at all (due to the fact that his hood and jacket were covering a good portion of his face). "And that," Shikamaru said, pointing to the man on the floor, "is Yukihiro Kyoji. And he's the lecher of our outfit."
"So…I'm guessing it's a pet name for the rest of you then?" she joked. Shikamaru smirked and Shino 'hned' in response to her question. "Ugh, please don't 'hn' around me; you sound like my dad."
"I guess we'll have to show you around since our…esteemed colleague doesn't seem to be well." Shino said as he walked over the man on the floor.
"Shouldn't we at least see if he's ok?" she asked as they walked out of the room.
"Nah, just leave him; he'll be fine. It happens all the time." Naruto said as they walked down the hall.
"It happens to you all the time Naruto-san." Ayako said as they stepped into a large room full of ANBU members. She was in awe of all of the people around her. Ayako had no idea that there were so many members. "Is it ok to wet my pants now?" she ventured as they walked farther into the room.
"Don't worry about it. Just stick close to me and you'll be just fine." Naruto said as he weaved through the men and women around them.
"Sure…if I wanted to die today." The got a rise out of some of the people around them. Snickers and small laughs sounded from the people around her; one being Shino.
"All right, that's enough talking. Listen up; we have a new recruit in our ranks." Tsunade shouted over the ruckus of talking ninja. "Ayako, please step forward." The sea of people parted and self conscious Ayako stood in the middle.
'Ah, shit! Here we go.' She thought as she gathered her nerves and stepped forward. Ayako stood next to Tsunade, overlooking the see of eyes that seemed to bore into her.
"Uchiha Ayako, please dawn your mask." The blonde Hokage instructed with authority. Harsh whispers erupted as Ayako brought her mask up to her face and tied it around her head.
"Silence…!" Tsunade commanded. All was quiet again. "From this day forward, when you ware your mask, you shall be known as…Crimson Moon." Tsunade said as she placed her hand on Ayako's shoulder. "Fellow ANBU, please welcome Crimson Moon, daughter of former ANBU members Cherry Blossom and Panther." A dark hush fell over the crowd as they seemed to know just who her parents were. Then the room erupted into cheers. Yet another Uchiha genius joined their ranks.
A/N: So…yes, no, should I continue or is this too farfetched for all of you? Give me a shout and tell me what you think.