Chapter 1

The late afternoon sun was burning its usual pale yellow color as it rested atop of the many trees of the forest which lay just outside the Uchiha compound. Birds were singing their unique tones as they hoped from tree to tree and fluttered over the small boy's head. He walked along the small deserted path through the forest; homeward bound.

The boy sighed lightly and stuffed his tiny hands into the pockets of his white knee-length shorts. The light wind brushed against his porcelain skin and blew his silky raven hair out of his face. He kicked at random rocks that lay in front of him on the path as he smiled to himself.

He was thinking of that very morning before he left for school.

Little bear feet were heard lazily slapping on the wooden floor. A semi-conscious, 7 year old, Sasuke Uchiha, trudged into the kitchen and plopped down in a seat at the table. He yawned widely and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

His older brother, Itachi Uchiha, looked up from the papers that were scattered in front of him and smiled. "Good morning Sasuke" he said warmly.

Sasuke met his brothers' gentle gaze across the table. "Good morning Aniki!" he said enthusiastically; slowly starting to wake up. "What are those for?" he asked curiously pointing a small finger at all the papers that lay unorganized in front of Itachi.

"These are important papers explaining what today's mission is about" Itachi explained.

"Oh" came the soft reply. "What time will you be home?"

"I'm not sure. Why?" Itachi asked as he noticed his little brother became tense.

"Well…" Sasuke looked down with a tint of pink on his cheek bones. He began to fumble with the end of his pajama shirt.

"Well what?" Itachi pressed.

"Well, I was wondering if, after school, maybe you could teach me to throw shurinken" Sasuke finished shyly. He was always nervous about asking Itachi to spend time with him. Whether it be training or just taking a walk. He didn't like the felling he got when Itachi told him 'Perhaps another time' or 'Maybe next time'. There was never a next time. But on occasion Itachi would come along with Sasuke on his meaningless walks or help him with basic training. Sasuke always cherished the times when his brother made time for him.

He patiently awaited his brother's answer.

Itachi took a minute to consider the request. "I don't see why not" he answered.

Sasukes face lit up and looked at his brother with joy filled eyes.

"If I'm not too tired when I get home. This mission seems rough" he countered.

"Okay Nii-san!" Sasuke replied with an everlasting smile that was plastered on his face the rest of the day.

Sasuke reached his welcoming home. The yard was littered with a variety of flowers and shrubs. The brilliant array of warm colored flowers seemed to explode with life, making the yard light up in reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks. Delicate bushes and shrubs aligned the walls that surrounded the house. Small vines creped up the walls and on the ground, weaving their way through the shrubs, and eventually ending up in the sweet little vegetable garden. This is where Sasuke's mother would spend most of her mornings tending the vegetables. The faint sound of dripping from the elegant fountain was heard as it stood stoically in the middle of the yard, adding a sense of tranquility.

Of course Sasuke ignored all the beauty around him as he walked through the yard and hoped inside his medium sized home.

He pulled off his shoes and dropped his school bag on the floor, carelessly.

He rushed into the kitchen where he heard the tinkling of running water; most likely his mother doing the dishes.

Sure enough, it was his mother, washing the dishes from this morning's breakfast.

"Hi mother" Sasuke said greetingly.

"Hello Sasuke" came his mothers loving voice. "How was school?"

"It was fine" he replied bordly. "We learned about the Great War between the Cloud Country and the Rock Country.

"Oh?" Mikoto Uchiha turned off the water and picked up a faded color dish towel and began drying off the dishes. "So did I hear Itachi say he'd help you with training this morning?" she asked.

"Yeah! He said he's help me with shurinken practice when he gets home from his mission!" Sasuke said excitedly. He wore a wide, innocent grin that only a small child can bare. He thought about his older brother again.

Itachi was perfect in Sasukes eyes. He was the strongest and smartest person Sasuke had ever met. He was even stronger than their father.

Sasuke was really close to his older brother. He always looked up to him and loved it when Itachi would make time to hang out with him. He cherished the times he and Itachi would spend together. And it was extra special if they would spend it alone.

Sasuke loved his brother so much, it hurt. He would do anything for his Aniki and would give it all just for Itachi to be there with him forever.

Sasuke heard the front door open and close. After a moment, Itachi ironically, dragged himself through the kitchen looking worn out, tired, and simply exhausted.

"Itachi nii-san!!" Sasuke piped up, face reflecting happiness and rushing over to his brother's side.