AN: Welcome to my new story! I promise it won't suck like my last Naruto story. That one got rushed, so I'm taking my time with this one, developing backstory and the relationship between Itachi and Noriko. I hope you like this! Let me know if you do please. Reviews make a happy To'M'L!

I don't own Naruto. I just think work at a bookshop in Konoha (I wish)

Five year old Uchiha Noriko clung to her distant cousin, Uchiha Itachi, as the sounds of battle rang across the village and throughout the Uchiha compound. Itachi allowed his cousin to cling to him while he held his new born brother in his arms.

"I'm scared Itachi," Noriko whispered. "What if something happens to Mommy and Daddy or Auntie and Uncle?"

"It will be alright, Noriko; they are all strong ninja. They are doing their best to protect the village now, so we must do our best to protect Sasuke."

Noriko wiped a tear from her eyes and put on a brave face.

"Right!" She declared. "We have to protect Sasuke-chan! And you'll protect me, right Itachi?"

Itachi nodded. "I'll always protect you, Noriko."

Noriko smiled and nuzzled Itachi affectionately.

Noriko held Itachi's hand tightly.

"What if I'm not any good? What if no one likes me? What if I never become a ninja?"

"None of those things will happen, Noriko," Itachi assured her. "We Uchiha are said to be geniuses. Of course you will be good. I've seen you train with your father: you're getting better every day. You are a very kind girl, Noriko; of course people will like you. If nothing else, I will be there, and I care for you very much. And if you do not become a ninja, then you will find something of equal importance to do with your life. Whatever you choose to do with your life is your choice and you will do well at it."

"You really think so, Itachi?"

"Yes, I truly believe that. You are the type of person who never gives up, no matter how frightened you are by uncertainties. You will thrive and succeed in this world because of that will to never give up."

Noriko hugged Itachi.

"You're the best, Itachi! You always know what to say to me when I'm scared."

"Hn." was Itachi's reply.

This caused Noriko to giggle.

"Come on! We're going to be late for our first day of school!"

Noriko and Itachi thrived at the academy. While Noriko was rather timid, she was intelligent and kind; she quickly gained friends and her grades were towards the top of the class. Itachi out did everyone in both skill and knowledge. Before long, he had passed out of the academy, leaving his timid cousin behind. While she was proud of him, Noriko missed spending every day with Itachi. He was always busy with missions and training as a genin. This caused Noriko to work harder in her studies. Although she was primarily a long-distance, non-aggressive fighter (using genjutsu and fire-based ninjutsu), she began working on her other areas as well. Before long, she became skilled in all areas of the shinobi arts. While her weakest was still her close-range taijutsu, she was no longer timid and afraid to hit her target. Her weapon skills increased, and she found herself quite talented with a sword. She perfected her fire ball jutsu. And her genjutsu, still her strongest, became top notch for her age. She graduated a little over a year and a half after Itachi did at the age of 8. Around the same time, Itachi gained control over his Sharingan. Noriko felt like she was even further away from Itachi.

Noriko spent her first few years as a genin trying to catch up with Itachi. They were on different teams so they rarely saw each other unless it was around the Uchiha compound. Missions filled their lives now, and Itachi was always training when he wasn't on a mission. Noriko missed Itachi: her protector, her friend. But soon, she would see a lot more of him. The chunin exams were coming up and they both were entered.

End Chapter 1

I hope you liked it. Wasn't too much action, but I wanted to set up some basic information about Noriko and her relationship with Itachi before moving on to the rest of the story. Reviews make me happy :)

Next time: Chunin Exams Part 1!

See ya next time

-To'M'L