Chapter One: Introductions
Konoha in the past
After the nine tail fox demon attacked Konoha many of the clans in Konoha had been depleted and left to face their fate. It would take time, but eventually they would fade and with them their kekkei genkai. Many shinobi clans, except for the Uchiha clan, would either fight to grow or allow themselves to fade from the shinobi world. It was the Uchiha clan that even with the amount of members they had lost their were still a great number of them, they were still a large and highly regarded clan in not only Konoha but in the shinobi world as well.
Now it was the first day back to the academy and the new beginners were to be introduced to each other in class. They would be classmates, they were from that moment on comrades and until the teams were chosen upon the completion of the genin exam they were to be a team as a whole. Among the top of the class, those who had previous training even before they started the academy was none other than Fugaku Uchiha, and Shin Haruno.
Fugaku Uchiha was the next in line to take over the Uchiha clan, to lead them and to guide them while Shin Haruno was the heir to the Haruno clan. It was true that there wasn't much of a clan left, that half of the clan turned civilian after the nine tails attack and that now only select few within the Haruno clan chose to live their lives as shinobi. However that did not change the fact that he was heir, that one day he too would lead and that he would represent his clan.
The academy grounds was over run by young children inspiring to become genin some day. Most of them were nervous but not Fugaku Uchiha and most certainly not Shin Haruno. In fact Shin Haruno was currently showing off to the others of his class by demonstrating what taijutsu sets he already knew. Upon noticing him Fugaku rolled his eyes and threw a kunai in said boys direction. At first he had been expecting it to cut into the boys flesh, he had been expecting a grunt of pain or some sort of scream. However when the boy not only deflected his weapon but threw one back in return Fugaku Uchiha was facing his opponent with narrowed eyes.
"Who are you?" he had demanded, all the while the area in which they were occupying went still and silent. Everyone knew of Fugaku Uchiha, of the young, powerful heir and therefore knew that as an Uchiha he was starting the academy with not only some knowledge in taijutsu sets but with general jutsu's as well.
"Shouldn't you be introducing yourself first? You made the first move after all." Shin retorted as he twirled another kunai in between his fingers and turned so as to look at the sky. Fugaku Uchiha was angry. He was being dismissed, ignored as if he did not matter and as if he was no threat at all. He was about to charge the other boy, about to attack Shin with yet another kunai when suddenly Shin turned and locked his eyes with Fugaku Uchiha as he raised his kunai to a defensive position.
"Its the first day of class, shouldn't we wait to challenge each other until after we've had some sort of instruction." Shin said in a taunting sort of manner. He didn't really want to fight. Hell he didn't even know who the young, black haired, onyx eyed boy was before him. He just wanted to have a fun first day at the academy.
"We are both trained to some degree already." Fugaku noted. His tone was dry, relaxed and yet still Shin could feel the intent to fight in his tone. What was more was that he could feel it in the sudden change of his chakra. Sighing Shin gave in and spun on his heels so as to stand in a true defensive stance.
"You really are asking for it, you know that?" Shin said, his tone of voice tight and annoyed.
"You are no match for me." were the only words that left Fugaku's mouth before he too crouched into an offensive position. Both heirs were at the ready, were about to spring at one another when suddenly the bell rang and warned the students to Konoha's shinobi academy that it was time to enter the building and to search for their instructors. Grinning Shin shook his head before jumping over Fugaku.
"Looks like we'll have to pause this fight." he called as he walked off and into the building. All the while leaving an annoyed Uchiha heir behind.
When Fugkau moved and found his class he wasn't so surprised to find that the boy whom he had challenged was in the same class. In fact he was relived that they would be classmates for the next two years because that meant that he'd have that many more opportunities to challenge him and spar against him without having to track him down by chakra signature alone.
"Welcome to Konoha's shinobi academy. My name is Yoshiro and I will be your instructor for the next two years. Now lets begin with introductions shall we?" he said in a light tone before picking on the first child in the first row to start.
As all the other children in their class began to introduce themselves Fugaku and Shino stared at each other form the corner of their eyes. Then, when it was finally Fugaku's turn he sighed and turned to the front of the class room. He was finding introductions to be unnecessary, especially when everyone in Konoha knew him by name and by face.
"My name is Fugaku Uchiha, I..."
"Wow, so you're that stuck up heir huh?" suddenly called Shino with a grin. Instantly Fugaku narrowed his eyes and glared at the other boy. He couldn't understand how even after just learning of him, of who he was and what his title implied, how he continued to show such disrespect.
"Shin." warned the instructor but all Shin could do was shake his head before he stood and faced the Uchiha heir head on.
"My name is Shin Haruno, heir to the Haruno clan and I'm going to make you learn just how pointless a kekkie genkai is." Shin said as his body tensed for a fight. He had always wanted to go up against a kekkie genkai user, one who's actions and thoughts were "above" everyone else and if he had to provoke the Uchiha heirs of all heirs; well then that was what he was going to do.
"Enough, you can settle you're differences outside of class. You, please continue." the instructor called with a sort of finality to his tone of voice. Upon hearing it Fugaku Uchiha and Shin Haruno both took their seats though each for a different reason. For Fugaku it was simply that the thought of going against an order, against an elder was one offense his father would simply not ignore. Meanwhile for Shin it was just that he wanted to sit and duck behind the person in front of him so as to start his nap.
"My name is Mikoto Uchiha, I am 10 years old." a young black haired, onyx eyed girl called as she stood and then quickly took her seat. Fugaku didn't recognize her nor did he make it a point to do so. The Uchiha clan was simply too big and ever growing for him, or anyone for that matter, to keep tract of every single member in said clan.
"Hi, I'm Haru Nori, I'm 10 years old, and yes my hair is real." she said with a sigh before taking her seat and talking with the person next to her. She was a care free girl, had high spirits and was greeting Mikoto as if they'd always known each other.
By the time the introductions were over Fugkau Uchiha's eyes were locked on Shin Haruno, narrowed and full of suspicion. Meanwhile Shin's own eyes were wondering the class room and looking for any other potential rivals that would prove to be worth his time.
~POV Change~
It'd been two years since I'd given birth to the young, and new, Uchiha heiress. In most ways she was a lot like Itachi and I. Izakura was constantly exploring the world around her with a sort of interest and curiosity that surpassed that of any other child I'd ever seen. What was more was how she conducted her self while out shopping or running errands. It was amazing how patient she really was. When I'd brought her to the shop so as to be fitted for her robes, for example, Izakura had done what she was told and accepted the process quietly. Then, when she was to be still she had spend her time watching everyone around her intently while keeping a constant eye on me.
'Just like Itachi.' my inner said and caused me to smile. She was right, she kept an eye on me just as accurately and as constantly as Itachi's.
It was touching whenever I saw her; always would be. How couldn't it be with her long unique maroon hair, her deep emerald eyes, eyes that seemed to be able to see through everything like those of her fathers, and her pale toned skin. In fact sometimes I felt as though my life was just a dream, as if I couldn't be sure with absolute certainty that she was real. Hell sometimes I couldn't help but to wonder that if maybe, just maybe, it was all in fact a dream and I were to suddenly wake up, would I wake up crying or would I wake up only to die from the sorrow of it having only just been a dream.
"What of this Uchiha-san?" one of the shop woman called, instantly snapping me out of my thoughts and making my face fall. All the while reminding me of how much a part of reality everything around me was.
It was one thing getting used to the expectations the Uchiha clan expected of me, getting used to the sadness that came with leaving my daughter in Konoha while I was off on missions, and getting used to the working hours of a part time medic on top of everything else. However it was a completely different other thing when I needed to, and had yet to, get used to the way I was constantly addressed and how formal I was always being called out to while in and out of the compound.
However the sight of my young daughter, my blessing, in the traditional deep royal blue kimono like robes with white and red accents was a sight to see. She looked absolutely perfect, like an angel and what was more was that unlike with myself the colors didn't clash with her hair. In fact they fit her absolutely.
"It's perfect." I answered before smiling and opening up my hands as soon as Izakura was released of the woman's hold. Of course as soon as she saw me, as soon as Izakura had noticed my opens arms, she walked toward me and enthusiastically hugged me back.
"Ino." Izakura suddenly said and as soon as the name had left her small lips I felt Ino's chakra signature suddenly appear. It was a unique and alarming trait of hers. One that no matter how hard I wanted to try to hide or to keep form the rest of the clan, it was always seen.
Izakura, my daughter, was able to sense anything and everyone she had come across at least once before. It was an amazing talent also one that I knew that was a risk to her safety. It meant that she would one day become a target; more so than the one she already held for simply being the Uchiha heiress.
"She's seriously one creepy little kid." Ino said in a taunting tone before reaching down and taking Izakura in her hands. Temari would often visit from the land hidden in the sand while Tenten, Ino, and Hikari tended to take turns and watch her whenever I had to go on a mission or I was called in to the hospital and Itachi was out. Mikoto-san helped also but honestly the less she was around Fugaku the less chances there were for him to try to test this little talent of hers.
"She's special." was my only response before a smile spread across my face as I watched Izakura play with Ino's ear rings and hair. Truly she was curious and what was more was how often Izakura analyzed others hair. A part of me wondered if it was because she had not met anyone or seen anyone who had hair similar to that of her own but I couldn't be sure.
"Hai, hai. So how's the planning going?" Ino asked as she took a seat beside me before setting Izakura back down.
"Fine, just getting her last fit on the robes. Itachi should be getting back soon. The clan and elders will be ready soon and so will be waiting on us. You're going right. Oh please tell me your going." I explained before pleading Ino.
Apparently it had been alright, nothing major, to allow Konoha to attend Itachi's and I wedding ceremony. However the introduction of a new heir to the clan was considered a private affair and so as such it would only be open to clan members and their significant others, as well as certain high standing members of Konoha, Konoha's council, and the head of the other shinobi clans.
"I don't know. I'm on call for a mission. Besides its not like you'll be there for long. What with being on call yourself and all." Ino responded with a sly grin on her face. Meanwhile Izakura wondered around the shop, watched as all sorts of other woman tried dresses on and looked for cloths to wear.
"Ino, you can not leave me alone. Please." I whined. All the while keeping one eye on Izakura and the other on the women who were wrapping Izakura's robes.
I had just gotten rid of the body guards that Fugaku and the elders had insisted I keep with me and had just talked my way out of being escorted off of the compound grounds because Izakura was with me. Therefore there was no way I was going to allow anyone, or myself, to make any sort of mistake when it came to Izakura's robes. I would treat it as if it were my life's mission to guarantee that after picking up the robes nothing went wrong. Hopefully afterwards I'd have an excuse to keep them from dumping more guards on me and Izakura.
"Fine, fine. I'll go. It's not like I have much of a choice. Fugaku-san is insisting on Shisui properly introducing me to the clan and as clan leader myself I need to go." Ino admitted before making a disgusted sort of look. Mentally I grinned. Ha! Now she knew how I felt.
"Ugh, like I don't have enough to do with my own clan." Ino said with a wink of an eye before standing up and turning around only to find Izakura reaching for a large pole like coat hanger.
Instantly both our eyes widened and my heart stopped. I had taken my eyes off of her for a second, not even. Less than a second and already Izakura had not only found trouble but was putting herself in danger as well? Quickly I moved and before Ino could move so as to pull her out of the way I was already at Izakura's side and blocking the books that fell from the shelf she had been playing with.
"Wow." Ino muttered as she turned around and smiled at the shop keepers. "Heh, kids." she said before shaking her head and going for the door.
"Ino?"
"Yea, yea. I know. I'll see you at six." Ino muttered as she walked out of the shop and toward the ANBU tower. Sighing as my only form of company walked out I headed toward the shop owner with Izakura in hands and paid her before taking my bags and walking out.
It was still early in the day and though Izakura didn't show it, I knew that Izakura would be bored during the ceremony and introductions. Despite how calm and patient she was Izakura was still only a child, a little girl who needed the freedom to play and to simply be a child. So, without hesitating I turned and headed for the playground that my own parents had taken me to play at as a child. Upon arriving it wasn't surprising to find that there weren't any children out playing. After all the playground wasn't well known to begin with and to top it all off it needed repairing. It had needed it since I was a child.
"Careful." I cautioned her as I set Izakura down. At first Izakura wasn't sure what I meant or why it was we were at such a secluded area but after a couple of moments of silence Izakura started to walk around. She discovered objects hidden in the ground, the old toys underneath the playground, and decaying wood; but that didn't stop her.
Meanwhile I couldn't help but to sigh as I made sure that Izakura's eyes were focused else where before going through the hand signs needed so as to summon V. It had been weeks since my last mission and since I had last talked to any of my summoning animals. It would have been sooner had it not been for Fugaku's constant insisting that I stay in the village and off of active duty until after the introduction ceremony had taken place.
'Noisy bastard.' my inner muttered with an annoyed tone of voice.
"Mistress." V greeted me and as soon as she did Izakura spun around on her heels and widened her eyes at the sight of the large tiger. Mentally I smiled; it was good to know that there were still things that could surprise her.
"I see you're out and about with the little one and no body guards. Did you escape?" V asked tauntingly as she stood still and allowed for Izakura to look over her and most of all to feel safe in her presence. I knew she was safe while in V's, or any of my other summoning animals, presence but Izakura didn't and so she needed the time to adjust. She needed the time to ascertain herself that there was in fact no danger close by.
"Iie. I convinced them to let me out on my own. She needs to play, I feel bad taking her home so soon and putting her through all that ceremonial crap." I admitted sheepishly. All the while smiling when I noticed Izakura finally started to slowly move in the direction of V.
"Itachi-san is aware of my being near the child?" V asked, knowing that despite Itachi not voicing his concerns of Izakura being around any of my summoning animals, he still worried. However instead of answering I turned and looked at my daughter.
"It's okay Izakura, she's safe. See." I said as I reached out and pated V on the head myself. As soon as I'd had touched V Izakura's eyes widened further and her pace picked up. Suddenly Izakura seemed to be compelled to touch V; suddenly it looked as if she wanted to touch and to feel what it was the animal felt like with her own hands.
However before Izakura could get any closer she stopped abruptly and turned around to face the forests edge with curious eyes. It wasn't alarming when she did so, why would it be when she had done so countless of times before. Usually it was just some small animal moving about or the faint flare of someone she recognized. I was about to ask her what was wrong, to once again assure her that it was safe, however before I could do so V released a fearsome snarl and lunged for the forests edge.
The instant that V had moved, had attacked the shadows I knew that there was in fact someone hiding in the forest and so quickly I jumped from my place on the bench and picked Izakura up. All the while tucking her into my arms and drawing a kunai from one of the many hidden pouches I had with me at all times. Meanwhile Izakura watched my every move and the way V had reacted to the same sensation she had felt moments ago.
For several moments I stood tense, waited for V's signal of danger, but when V walked out of the forest with an Uchiha at her side I knew then that everything was alright; but most of all I knew that not only had I been lied to but that I had been trailed secretly. At first the realization was some what comforting but for the most part it was simply agitating to know that not only had my request had been falsified but that I had been treated like some sort of child.
"Who send you." I demanded. My tone of voice was unkind and cruel but it wasn't like I cared. Why would I when they had angered me. None the less I placed my kunai back into its pouch and waited for the man to answer my question.
"Fugaku-san." the Uchiha answered quickly. Of course he wouldn't hesitate, he wouldn't rid himself of his sharingan bright eyes, and he would keep his own eyes locked with V's deep emerald orbs.
His calmness was annoying! However just as I was about to curse at him, to tell him to go back to the compound and go back empty handed just so that Fugaku would know that not only had I discovered his hidden spy, but that I would not tolerate his actions as well, Izakura suddenly started struggling against my hold. Sighing I was about to tell her to be patient and to wait but before I could speak Izakura had.
"Otou-san." she started saying over and over again. Smiling I released my hold on Izakura and watched as she walked straight to the tree that Itachi was hiding in.
Though I did worry for my daughter I still enjoyed watching Izakura find Itachi just as easily as if it were breathing. It was a part of her, a part of who she was and as such I was not going to force her to hide it. However on that same note I also understood why it was Itachi insisted on testing her every chance he got. We needed to know what it was exactly. As such we had two theories about her abilities.
One was that Izakura had inherited so many strong genes that she had developed an even more heightened ability to sense. The second was that it was just a phase, that the ability to sense others so acutely was only something that would last throughout her childhood and nothing more.
"Otou-san." Izakura said again as Itachi stepped out of the shadows and took her into his arms. His cloths were battered and dirty but that didn't seem to effect, nor did it ever, Izakura. All her eyes could see were his own sharingan burning eyes and the orbs that lay in the center.
"V-san." Itachi greeted as he walked toward me.
"Uchiha-san." V greeted before turning to face me once again.
"What should I do with him mistress."
"Send him back." was my response before picking up the bags I had with me and taking to Itachi's side.
It was natural to stand at his side, almost as natural as breathing came to any one being, and something that I knew I'd need for the remainder of the long life that stood before me. What was difficult coping with was seeing the fear I, upon marrying Itachi, struck in the eyes of many and dealing with the annoyance that came with watching so many do as I ordered them to do. Didn't they have a mind of their own to think with? Ugh.
"Hai." was all she said before V teleported him away. As soon as he was gone V stretched and immediately caught Izakura's attention again.
"Neko-chan." Izakura called as she reached out and toward V. It was hard not to smile then, even if I was still upset at what had just happened. I was about to take her from Itachi's arms so as to set her down by V's side when Itachi shook his head.
"The elders will be angry if we are late." he stated seriously though the look in his eyes told me that he was just as annoyed with the Uchiha clans traditions and rules as I was. Sighing I nodded before turning to V.
"You want to come or do you want me to dismiss you?" I asked lightly but as soon as the words had left my lips V shook her head and stood serious.
"Iie. I will attend. Masumi-san wishes for at least one of us to be there and to warn the clan that should they try to force this child into their life program they will not only answer to you and Itachi-san but to us as well." V said seriously. It was touching to hear that even if it wasn't a part of our contract V and the others were willing and compelled to protect my daughter. What was more was that it was so heart warming and moving that it was proving to be difficult not to show it in my eyes.
Of course it wasn't surprising that the instant we got back to the compound there were people running up and down preparing for that evenings ceremony and that as soon as Itachi and I walked in all eyes were on us. Mentally I frowned and worked on keeping my face as blank and cool as possible. It wasn't that I didn't like living in the compound, that I didn't like being with Itachi as much as possible and being able to wake up by his side; it was just that every time I walked down the compound streets others would move out of the way for me or simply bow deeply.
'Ugh, this is going to drive even me insane!' roared my inner but I let it go. She had a point but at the moment there really wasn't anything I could do about it or anything else for that matter.
"Welcome back, how did the trip go?" called Mikoto as soon as we walked into her home. Mikoto-san was in the kitchen working on making some small snacks while in his study Fugaku was preparing and Sasuke was in his room. Now that was frustrating. Everyone was acting as if this sort of ceremony took place everyday while I was going crazy with frustration and annoyance? Couldn't they just let Izakura have a calm and uneventful childhood?
"Good, the robes fit perfectly." I answered none the less. All the while with a smile on my face as I set my bags down on the table and went so as to help Mikoto-san.
"Oji." I heard Izakura call. Smiling I knew that she was surely struggling against Itachi's hold by that point.
"It's alright, let her go Itachi. I've closed all the doors to the garden." Mikoto-san called as she and I walked into the living area with a tray of snacks and drinks. When I turned to face Itachi it was clear that he was unsure as to whether or not he wanted to release his daughter. Then Itachi hesitantly looked into her eyes. When Itachi saw how they were full of curiosity and annoyance he knew what she wanted. She wanted to be let go.
"Hn." was all he said as he set her down.
As soon as Itachi set her down I watched as she slowly made her way toward the hallway and then down toward Sasuke's room. Mentally I smiled, it was clear that she had a destination in mind and that she wasn't going to stop until she reached said destination. Meanwhile Itachi and I stayed with his mother in the living area drinking cold tea and catching up. Mostly though I was being questioned as to how I was adjusting and what not. Of course I lied, I had to if I didn't want to hurt Mikoto-san's feelings or anger Fugaku-san.
Eventually Sasuke walked out of his room and toward where we were sitting. In his arms was a happy Izakura playing with a small wooden tiger in her hands. Clearly it was hand carved and even more so Sasuke had not done it. It was done too good for him to have carved it himself.
"V." Izakura had said happily and as soon as the name had left her lips V appeared at my side. More than likely she had been wondering around the compound, looking for anything and anyone that might have posed some sort of threat to either myself or to Izakura; but I knew that wasn't necessary and clearly she had found none.
"Hello V-san. Would you like anything to eat?" Mikoto offered instantly, already used to seeing anyone of my summoning animals. Meanwhile Fugaku appeared and simply bowed his head in slight recognition. Once done he then turned to Itachi.
"You must change, it is almost time to go."
"Hn. Sakura."
"Hai, I'll change Izakura and then change." I answered his half spoken statement while walking over to Sasuke's side and taking Izakura form his arms. She was happy when around her family, that much was clear. Then again what child wouldn't be content and relaxed when around his or her family? None the less it was a face I always enjoyed seeing on my daughter.
"Oji." Izakura called but sadly I shook my head. It was time to get ready and if I wanted Fugaku to back off then I was going to have to please him and humor him with following his orders and what not.
'Stubborn old fool.' my inner muttered.
"You can play with Sasuke later. Right now we have to get ready." I cooed to her gently; all the while hoping that she would understand. In turn Izakura looked at me with sad and uncertain eyes. She knew there was something going on, but wasn't sure what it was or what to make of it. It was clear, then, that she sort of understood but it saddened her none the less.
"Okay then you go finish getting ready too Sasuke. All of you." urged Mikoto and with that we all went our separate ways.
Once done getting dressed we all made our way toward the gathering area where the rest of the Uchiha clan was to gather. They had known that Izakura was born, had watched her as she was carried, now walked, down the streets of the compound along side either myself, Itachi, or Mikoto-san. However she had yet to be formally introduced to the clan as the heir and the child of the future leader of the Uchiha clan.
As I neared the large area I couldn't help but to tightened my hold on Izakura and unconsciously grow closer to V. Sure I knew that Itachi would protect us should anything happen but that didn't mean I wanted to see, or to be the reason, Itachi went against his family. As such I drew closer to V and made sure that if anything did happen I would not only be capable of dodging and blocking but that I'd also be in a position where it would be easier to place Izakura on V's back and send them off to safety before engaging in true battle.
Fugaku being the current leader finished walking up to the podium first, along side him Mikoto. He greeted the clan members, he greeted the elders and then greeted the fellow clan leaders of Konoha. Smiling mentally I turned and watched as Ino, Shikamaru, and Chojo all stood along side each other as current clan leaders of their own clan. Their parents had retired from working as shinobi of Konoha and as such it was required that the new, younger generation of not only shinobi but heirs take over as well. What was most comforting of all however was the sight of Naruto.
He had finally done it, he'd become hokage and now he was leading Konoha. Sure there were still some who challenged his position, who refused to acknowledge him but that didn't matter. What mattered was that he had accomplished his dream, that he had his family at his side and now he had the support of his wife and in turn the Hyuuga clan at his side. Therefore it wasn't so surprising to find that Naruto was accompanied by Hinata and that to his right stood Sasuke.
I knew that Akiko would have accompanied him only Sasuke was not only attending as an Uchiha clan member but as the hokage's advisor as well and so as such was prohibited from taking his own escort. Of course it wasn't a surprise to find that Temari was standing beside Shikamaru and that along side Ino stood Shisui. Chojo would have had his own date only she had opted not to come. He was dating one of the nurses from the hospital, after I'd introduced them they hit it off, however like many civilians she feared to enter the Uchiha compound and so had refused to attend the ceremony along side Chojo.
"We are here this after noon to recognize my son's daughter as the new and future heir to the Uchiha clan." Fugaku finally said and instantly my body tensed. Itachi had assured me that nothing was going to happen to her, that it was safe and that though V was around there would be no need for her defenses. That didn't mean I wasn't still worried though.
Then, as soon as Fugaku was done speaking, I took in a deep breath and confidently walked along side Itachi as the two of us made our way to the leader of the Uchiha clan and his wife. All the while I was determined to keep a straight face, to stay strong and confident so as not to give any of the Uchiha clan members reason to see me as an unfit or under qualified woman to be Itachi's bride and future support.
"Thank you." Itachi and I said in unison before he stepped before me and met all of his clans men.
"My wife and I would like to introduce to you Izakura Uchiha. The heiress to the Uchiha clan and my successor." Itachi announced. As soon as he did I raised the small vile that had been covering Izakura's face and allowed for the entire clan to look at her face.
As soon as I did so I could see how their eyes widened at the sight of her deep emerald eyes, saw how they were unsure as to whether or not she'd posses the clans kekkei genkai and knew that whispers were bound to start. However none of that mattered, not to me and not to Itachi. Izakura was our daughter and with or without a kenkei genkai we would support her no matter what.
Fugaku was about to step forward again, about to place a small blanket that had the Uchiha clan's symbol embroidered into it around Izakura, when V suddenly took a step forward and silently demanded the clans attention. It was true that not many had seen any of my summoning animals and so it wasn't so surprising to watch the clan members before V move so as to stand before their children and the others tense at the sight of the large, dangerous animal.
"This child may have your protection but she will also have our mistress's summoning animals as protections as well. Whether it be from the outside world or from her own family, she will be protected." V declared before standing down and returning to my side.
V left the clan in stunned silence, hell even Fugaku had been silenced by her bold act and daring words. There was silence for what felt like an eternity however as soon as Fugaku was over his stunned phase he stepped up to the podium once again.
"Let us proceed." he called and soon everyone was taking a seat at their table, gathering food from the long table filled with food and making their way to Itachi's and my side.
I knew that the only reason many of them grew close was to see if perhaps they had seen wrong, that perhaps her eyes weren't emerald but onyx eyes my daughter had inherited. However when they saw those emerald orbs they shook their heads and walked away.
'Let them walk away, who needs them.' my inner said and I agreed with her. My daughter would miss nothing in life. Not so long as I and Itachi, as well as the rest of my family, remained by her side.
All the while the ceremony took place Izakura sat still in my arms, she watched as man after man, child after child, and woman after woman, approached us with curiosity in their own eyes. At first Izakura was confused, unsure and when people grew to close she would turn her face away and hide from their searching eyes. However after a couple of hours Izakura got used to things but still she continued to grow tired and anxious. She wanted to go home, to be in a familiar and secure place but even as I noticed her discomfort, as I longed for the same thing, I knew that it was still too early for us to be able to take our leave.
"Looks like the little one is frustrated." suddenly came Kakashi's taunting tone of voice from behind me and I couldn't help but to turn around with a smile on my face so as to greet my teammate. Meanwhile Izakura started to reach for Kakashi and Kakashi complied as he took her into his arms. Not only had she liked his cooking but after being born Izakura couldn't seem to get enough of Kakashi.
Of course that meant that in turn Kakashi was no stranger to Izakura. How could she when Kakashi was family and as such she would be around him on a regular basis. However it was sad to say that with the Uchiha clan, my shifts at the hospital, and with the missions I was assigned, it was rare when I was able to spend time with my boys. When we'd be able to get together and catch up; mostly complain about the chores and difficulties in our lives but catch up none the less, we usually did so over a long and intense spar.
"Kakashi." I greeted happily and was about to start a conversation however as soon as Sasuke took to Kakashi's side I knew that there was a mission that needed tending to and that Naruto was sending Sai, Kakashi, and I on it. Which either meant that it was an A-ranked mission or higher.
"Don't tell me."
"Hn." Sasuke said before turning to greet Itachi. "Aniki."
"Sasuke."
"What's the mission?" I asked while instantly slipping into my ANBU captain mask and taking the kunai that Kakashi was offering me. It wasn't as if I liked to rip apart formal and traditional clothing. It was just that it was so much easier to rip them and turn them into a garment I could fight in rather than to lose time to go home and change and then take off toward our mission destination site. After all, the sooner I left the sooner I'd be able to come home to my husband and daughter.
"A-ranked. Sai is waiting at the gates." Sasuke said before turning and meeting his lovers eyes. It was still awkward to be around Akiko, especially now that she was Sasuke's fiance but I dealt with it. I had to because not only was Sasuke my brother but she was also the woman, the only woman, Sasuke had ever given much attention to.
"Be careful." she said seriously before slightly nodding my way and then walking away. Sighing I shook my head before turning to face Itachi's now sharingan glowing eyes.
"I'll be back. I promise." I assured him before giving him a light kiss and then kissing Izakura on the head.
"Ka-san." she said, her tone of voice tired and sleepy but worried and sad at the same time. It always tore me to leave her behind, made my heart ache and made me fear the battle field. If I slipped once, even in the slightest bit not only would I be leaving behind a broken heart but I would be leaving behind my only child; and motherless at that.
"Hn." he said before taking Izakura from Kakashi and rocking her in his arms. It was the fastest way to get her to sleep.
"Let's go V." were my only words before Kakashi, Sasuke, V and I all teleported to Konoha's gates and took off at a run toward our mission destination site. The last thing I saw was the look of my worried husband eyes and the face of my baby girl sorrowfully sleeping in her fathers eyes.