After the fourth shinobi world war, The Sage of Six Paths resurrected the lives of dead shinobi who he believed needed a second chance to live and stone for their sins, including members of Akatsuki. Two of Konoha's elite Jonins named Itachi and Tsukiko, are assigned a lifelong mission to help two former S-Rank criminals live a life following the path of goodness. As their plans succeed, little did Tsukiko know she would fall in love with one of them.
Chapter 1; November 14
Tsukiko Inoue is a regular kunoichi who is just a year older than all her peers and friends and has graduated from the academy with Team Gai. Her difficult past and experiences has gained her wisdom, which helped her develop her advanced leadership skills at such a young age. Her similarities with ITachi Uchiha has led them to become chosen as mentors for the Akatsuki members in order to lead a life of goodness.
On the cold fall morning of November 14, Lady Tsunade summoned Tsukiko and Itachi to her office. "I've assigned you two on a life long mission." She addresses to them. "Itachi, you've been a part of the ANBU since you were eleven and returned after the world war. I've decided to take you out of the ANBU and make you a special Jonin." Itachi looked at her in awe. "Really?!" He exclaimed. "I'd be honored."
Ever since peace has come upon the world, Itachi has finally been able to show his true personality. No one would have even guessed that he'd be the type to have a great sense of humor.
"I'm glad you are." Lady Tsunade replied, and gave him a smile. She looked towards Tsukiko. "This young lady will be a part of your three man squad. However, I must admit that it's unlikely for a group of jonins to be in a three-man squad. Itachi, as you might have guessed already, you're the leader." "I understand, milady." Itachi said. "But is there a reason why you decided to make me a special jonin?"
"Not to brag, but I make pretty good decisions with every right reason." She smirked. "The reason I assign you as a special Jonin is because of your leadership abilities and father-like figure." "Oh, I never even would have noticed that about myself." Itachi said, laughing and blushing. "Well believe me when I say that you deserve even more." Tsunade said with appreciation. "You've done a whole lot for the village. Getting back to the subject and as I've mentioned earlier, Tsukiko will be a part of the team. Just like every three-man squad, there will be one girl and two boys in your team. Are you familiar with Tsukiko?" "Hm, I'm afraid not." Itachi replied.
"I'm quite familiar with you, Itachi-sensei." Said Tsukiko. "My old friend's grandmother owns the dango shop. I used to help them out and you'd come almost everyday and I always served you. I'm also one of your brother's good friends." "Ah! I remember you." Itachi laughed. "You were the little girl who immediately knew what I was going to order everyday! You literally had my order ready just a second before I got there. Thank you for that!"
Tsunade giggled at their conversation. "I wish I was as young as you two again." She sighed. "But anyways, I'm happy you two have at least a little bit of familiarity with each other. Tsukiko will be in your team because I believe her God given wisdom and unconditional care for others will be useful in the team. She's the academy counselor, and if you haven't known by now, her family is building a new college. So she's quite experience for an eighteen year old. I've put you two together because the other two members of your team will be boys who've… had it tough in their past lives." "Are they one of the people who was brought back to life to have a second chance at living?" Tsukiko asked. "Yes." Tsunade replied. "However I haven't decided who you two should be teamed up with so I will decide by tomorrow. I believe you two will be perfect leaders and great examples for the other two or to anyone in the community pretty much. Will you accept this mission?"
"Yes milady." The duo replied. "Good, I'm happy to hear that." Said Tsunade. "Please be back here tomorrow morning a little before 10 a.m. At that time, I will let you know whom I've decided to be a part of the team and I'll set up a meeting place for you all. In the meantime, I do recommend you two to have a chat with each other and get to know each other's morals, leadership abilities and at least a little bit of background information. I think it's really important for the team. Are there any questions?" "No milady." The duo responded. "I thank you for your service." Tsunade said. She stood up and they exchanged bows and with that, Itachi and Tsukiko were excused.
The duo walked out of the office together and headed for the exit. "Would right now be a good time to get to know each other?" Itachi asked, smiling at Tsukiko's small figure. "I mean, I already know you through my brother and the dango shop but since we're in a team now, Lady Hokage did mention it's essential for us to know each other more. We could grab a bite to eat if you'd like." "Of course." Tsukiko replied. "I assume you'd be in the mood for some dango?" "It'll be my treat if you could remember which type of dango I always order. Oh, along with how much of it I order and the type of tea I always get." Tsukiko laughed. "You're on."
The duo made their way inside the dango shop and walked towards the cash register. Masami, the elderly lady who owns the shop, greeted them. "Itachi-kun, is that you?" She asked, walking towards him and holding onto his shoulders. "It's nice to see you again, Masami baa-sama." Itachi said. They embraced each other with careful hugs, as Itachi towered over the elder's short height. "You're so big now! I still remember you because you always came here before. Tsukiko-chan still helps me out sometimes with the shop. I'm so glad you're back. Tsukiko-chan, thank you for bringing him and bring back the nostalgic memories." She held Tsukiko's hand. "Don't bother paying, okay? Order what you want." "Oh, Masami baa-sama. Is that okay with you?" Itachi asked, a little worried. The elder walked back behind the cash register. "It'll make me happy." Masami replied.
The duo ordered their food and rested on a table. "I was planning to come here a few days ago, but I needed some rest." Itachi replied. "Who knew I'd even be alive again? I took a few days to get used to living here again." Itachi and Tsukiko spent a couple hours at the shop talking about their lives and background story. Itachi was informed that Tsukiko moved to Konoha along with her mother and sister to avoid a life of poverty and to escape from their other family member's greed and hatred. Her father abandoned the three and left with another woman and never came back. However, after all the adversity they faced, Tsukiko's mom now owns an architecture firm and is now upgrading the village and building a university for those who plan on having different careers apart from becoming a shinobi. Their morals and life values were greatly similar and their belief that the ultimate form of love was sacrifice turned into one of the longest subjects they talked about.