To say Itachi was worried would be an understatement. When he had arrived back at the village gates, he was greeted immediately by a concerned Shisui.

"What happened?"

"It's Shirou. He's in the hospital. The doctors can't identify the problem, only that his brain seems to have undergone a great deal of stress all at once. He's asleep right now but is expected to regain consciousness in a day or so."

Itachi grimaced. Without a reply, he began making his way towards where his little brother was being kept, Shisui following behind quietly though with a slight aloofness to his steps. In Itachi's eyes, Shirou was a rarity. His ideals eclipsed his own and his resolve was unshakable. When Shirou was four, Itachi explained to Sasuke and Shirou the importance of the Will of Fire. Sasuke's reaction was normal but Shirou's eyes lit up with resounding inspiration. He then claimed loudly that he would protect everyone. Itachi merely flicked him on the forehead with a smile and agreed that Konoha was worth protecting but Shirou shook his head and reiterated that his goal was to protect everyone not just Konoha. Sasuke immediately stated that he would protect his little brother on his path. Sasuke had taken very well to being a big brother.

Itachi had made sure to pay attention to their training after that day. Sasuke was well beyond most people his age though not as skilled as he had been at the same age. Shirou, on the other hand, was more difficult to explain. He showed no skill in ninjutsu despite having monstrous chakra reserves, but was near prodigal in other areas. His taijutsu at first glance looked full of openings but when his opponents would try to take advantage, they found themselves swiftly defeated. His knowledge of bladed weaponry astounded everyone. Put any weapon in his hand and he would instantly have an acute understanding of how to use it. When asked how he performed such feats, Shirou just shrugged and said he didn't know. It was almost scary if Itachi was being honest.

As the two rounded the corner and approached the hospital, a shrill voice entered their ears and broke Itachi's thoughts. Walking through the double doors to the building they quickly discovered the source.

"What do you mean I'm not allowed to see him? I demand to see Shirou right now!"

At the reception desk, a short girl with white eyes and black hair fashioned in pigtails was standing with her arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently.

"Lady Hyuuga, I apologize, but only family and close friends are allowed in at the moment and I'm afraid—"

"Then there's no problem."

The small Hyuuga had apparently lost her patience and stormed past the receptionist before being stopped by Itachi lightly grabbing her shoulder. With speed beyond her years, she quickly activated her byakugan and whipped her whole body around to face him, hands on her hips.

"Don't you dare to lay a hand on me!"

"I'm sorry to have offended you, but what business do you have with my little brother?" Itachi asked, impressed at the girls reflexes.

The girl eyed Itachi before giving him a look of approval.

"You're Shirou's brother?" Itachi nodded and the girls demeanor quickly changed into an adorable smile and with a slight bow she continued. "My name is Rin Hyuuga, second daughter of the Hyuuga Clan's main branch. I heard of Shirou's circumstances and came to check on him but my efforts have been impeded by that inconsequential man over there." She gave the receptionist another mirthful sneer when she said the word.

She's quite prideful for her age, Itachi thought. Or arrogant.

"And how do you know of Shirou?" Itachi asked, his polite attitude never faltering. "I believe I would be aware if my little brother had befriended a Hyuuga, especially one of your background."

Rin grimaced at Itachi and Shisui, silent up until now, couldn't hide his amusement anymore and burst out laughing. The stark contrast between this little girls adorable appearance and her own personality was ridiculous and, to Shisui, hilarious.

"Ah lets just bring her with us, Itachi," He finally said. "We were going anyway and this girl obviously has crush on little Shirou~"

"I just pity him!" Rin barked before turning her head and crossing her arms. "Passing out on the streets in broad daylight. He should feel grateful that I decided to lower myself to his level and check on him."

Shisui said nothing but snickered and looked at Itachi, whose face was blank, though he swear he saw Itachi's lip twitch.

"Very well," Itachi finally said before turning toward Rin. "I never introduced myself earlier. I am Itachi Uchiha, Shirou's oldest brother, and this is Shisui Uchiha. Would you be agreeable to accompanying us to see my little brother?"

Rin thought for a moment with a stern face before nodding.

Rin wasn't sure what to think of the two Uchiha that she was currently walking through the hospital hall with. The only certainty were that both were incredibly strong. Other than that, the two, on the surface at least, had nothing in common. The younger one, Itachi, had pointed out a flaw in her story and she honestly didn't have an explanation at the ready for him. Thankfully the older, dumber one offered to let her accompany them to see Shirou.

Shirou. He was here. The information told to her by the branch member had left no doubt. He described a white haired boy who fought bullies and performed random acts of kindness throughout the village. She wasn't sure if she would hug him or punch him when he woke up. Definitely punch him.

Finally they arrived at Shirou's temporary residence and despite her aggressive tendencies, she couldn't help but hold her breath in anticipation as they walked in.

Is he awake yet? she thought. What if he doesn't remember anything? No, I have no doubt this episode was due to his memories returning. It's too similar to what happened to me and nothing else would explain it.

Finally, she stepped through the threshold and released her breath. There he was. The same stupid face of the the stupid boy who had stolen her heart on his way to helping her win the Fifth Grail war, though much younger and his hair was bright white. He was still unconscious due to the mental strain but somehow he still managed to smile.

Rin had at first thought this to be cute but then frowned. You had better not be remembering anything shameful, Shirou... behind her the two elder Uchiha shivered.

AN: Not sure how i feel about this chapter.