Author's Note: This chapter takes place before the Chunin Exams, and when the members of Team 7 are still Genin.

Chapter 2: Irrational

Sarutobi observed the Uzumaki boy with mild interest before returning to his paper work. Naruto had ranted for the past five minutes about how it was completely unfair that Team 7 was not allowed to accompany Kakashi on his most recent A-ranked mission.

"Hey, Ojichan! Did you listen to what I said?"

His ungrateful tone earned him a slap from Sakura who was currently holding her head in her hands. Only Naruto would have the gall to speak that way to the Hokage, and get away with it.

"Ow, Sakura-chan! That hurt."

Sasuke, who had kept an emotionless mask, sneered, "Good. I'm tired of hearing your whiney voice, baka."

The Hokage sighed, glancing to Iruka for help. The academy teacher, blushing with embarrassment, nodded and glared at Naruto, "Kakashi-san has been sent on a very important mission that the three of you undoubtedly cannot handle. You are much too inexperienced to meddle in these kinds of missions, Naruto. The same goes for you Sasuke, Sakura."

Sasuke scowled, while Sakura hung her head.

Iruka then passed the Hokage's desk and pushed the office door wide open.

"Now, it's a nice day outside. Why don't you three make use of your time and train until Kakashi-san returns?"

Naruto grumbled, but left, with his two comrades right behind him.

Once they had exited the building, Sakura turned to the left stating that her mom had left her chores to complete and that she would meet them later in the evening for training.

Naruto suddenly grinned, "Hey, Sakura-chan, do you want to go on a date with me?"

The pink haired girl growled, her vein visibly pulsing in her forehead.

"Naruto", she began dangerously, her hands forming into tight fists.

The blond haired boy chuckled nervously, holding up both his hands in defense.

"Just kidding, Sakura-chan." When he noticed that her expression didn't change, he bolted in the other direction, yelling, "See you tonight, Sasuke-teme!"

Sakura shook her head, and waved timidly to the black haired boy.

"Sayonora, Sasuke-kun!"

Sasuke sighed, his hands buried in his pockets, as he looked up towards the bright blue sky. His teammates were much too troublesome for him. He cursed at his luck for having been placed with the two weakest genin. One had no strength and the other barely used his brains. He grumbled; that wasn't completely true.

Naruto had shown some real skill during the last mission against Zabuza. He was rapidly improving, and Sasuke felt stuck, rooted to the spot, every time Naruto outshone him.

This wouldn't work anymore. He would have to ask Kakashi to personally train him.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted, when a cheerful voice called out to him, "Sasuke! There you are! I was wondering if you, Naruto and Sakura wanted to come over for lunch?"

Sasuke turned to the left and saw a black haired lady, who wore a kind expression, her hands full with vegetables and packaged meat. Sasuke greeted her politely while walking towards her, "Airi-onee-chan".

Airi was the only one, other than Sasuke, who had witnessed that horrible night. When Sasuke woke up in the hospital, he saw Airi resting on the bed next to him. He was told that she had followed Sasuke home that day making sure he reached safely during the late hour. Unfamiliar with the Uchiha compound, Airi had lost her way couple of times, before finding the correct alley. By that time, it was much too late, and the deed had been done.

She was beyond stunned to see what had become of the elder brother, but she vowed to keep young Sasuke safe and happy. She felt obligated to protect the boy, despite only knowing him for a few years. She felt though that she was severely failing; Sasuke was slipping, becoming increasingly obsessed with revenge.

He had finally reached her, and swiftly took one of the brown paper bags to ease her load.

"They left", he answered.

Airi frowned, "Ah. Well, how about you join me?"

"Hn."

One hour later:

Sasuke sat at the wooden lunch table in Airi's apartment, eyeing his empty bowl with anger.

Airi glanced at him with a worried expression, sensing his discontent. She asked, "What's wrong, Sasuke?"

He gritted his teeth, "I'm not getting any stronger! And, Naruto, is improving beyond what I imagined. Even Kakashi sensei thinks so."

"Sasuke", Airi began softly, "everyone works at their own pace."

He slammed his fist on the table, "I don't have time!"

Airi's eyes saddened, "Your goal is irrational. We have all lost people that we love, but it won't do any good to dwell on revenge."

Sasuke glared at her, "You didn't have your entire family murdered. You wouldn't understand; you've never been betrayed like that."

Airi stayed quiet. She did not dare voice her thoughts, afraid of Sasuke's reaction.

"You don't think I'm capable", he said suddenly, anger lacing his voice.

"W-what?", Airi stuttered, surprised by his words. In fact, she hadn't been thinking that at all.

"Hn", Sasuke scoffed, standing up. "You're just like everyone else", he said, before abruptly leaving.

Airi sighed, looking dejectedly at the empty seat before her. Itachi-kun, what have you done?