Chapter 2
Told you guys I'd start being able to write again.
I want to take a hot second to thank every single one of you guys for you continuing support. It really means a lot to me. You guys reviewing and telling me what you like- telling me it's okay to take my time because life happens and you understand, is what motivates me to keep going no matter how hectic my life gets.
So without further stalling, here's the latest installment of Book 1 of my Series Secret.

~Itachi~

He woke up to the noise of a door slamming. It was to be expected. His father had a meeting with the "damnable council" as his father called it the night before. Four year old Itachi waits a little while, going to his desk and sketching the birds in the tree outside his window. The early morning sunlight hitting the birds wings. The different shades of the leaves and dancing dots of light all around his room and on the ground.

He moves his hand steadily, slowly sketching every detail using a trick he learned he developed last month. He finally puts down his pencil and moves on silent feet down stairs to head to the kitchen. As he walks past his parents room, he doesn't need to look in to know his father is exhausted. He can hear his father snoring after all. This is the reason he hasn't told anyone about his new found trick. He understands the council will be even more relentless on his father.
All Itachi wants is a little more time with his family. Although he understands his time with them will soon dwindle down. He's four. There's been talk about enrolling him into the academy early after him witnessing the war. His father, who he loves with all his heart, has been fighting it as much as he can but Itachi can see the apparent exhaustion the council is causing his father.
The pitter patter of at least two sets of feet accompanied by the rustle of clothing outside the window is making its' way to the door. He walks into the kitchen and opens the back door just in time to greet his aunt.
"Ohayo, Hikari oba-san, Shisui-nii." His aunt returns his greeting with a warm smile, it doesn't reach her eyes but Itachi doesn't blame her. After all, her husband had died just a few weeks ago. The fact that she's smiling, even in greeting, or even out of the house speaks volumes of her strength and love for her family.
"Itachi. I take it your father had a rough night?"
"Hai. Otou-san only returned about an hour ago, he's been asleep for the past half hour." He states blankly. His aunt nods, brows furrowed sympathy, shoulders slightly slouched as a sigh passes her lips. "When he wakes up tell him to take the day off. I've got his duties over at the police headquarters covered for today." She gives her nephew a small smile, Itachi has seen the same smile on Shisui. It always spells trouble for someone because that smile means he has an idea.
"And tell your father to quit being afraid to call on me to help beat back those stubborn old geezers."
"Anything else I can help you with Hikari Oba-san?"
"Why don't you have breakfast then you can come find me at headquarters. I have a little assignment for you and it'll be your choice if you decide to accept it or not."
Both boys nod, Shisui wondering what his mother has in store for the council members. Because Shisui knows his mother. Knows that she cares for her family and would do anything for her brother. He understands it, really. After all, he is her son.

Shisui helps Itachi cook a nice breakfast and something for his Aunt Mikoto and Uncle Fugaku to stay hot in the oven while they go out. He knows Itachi would want something ready for his parents to eat when they wake up. He wants to make it easier on them.
Both boys grab their shoes and head out the door, leaving a note to explain Itachis' absence and explaining that Fugaku could take the day off. They rush down the street, playing a game of tag along the way. Although their game of tag is more of a game that could be titled do-everything-you-can-to-avoid-being-it. If that may include jumping over a slightly older man trying to sell some fruit, or just being able to dodge being run over by a cart and almost knocking down a woman trying to carry a large basket of laundry, then so be it.
The war ended only about three days ago and while everyone is still tense they have the common sense to never attack a child of their village. Everyone is pretty happy the war came to a close and is starting to enjoy themselves. There has been a rumor that a new Hokage would be named soon and everyone is eager. The streets are more crowded then they had been in weeks; and not with the groups of people hobbling in from the war-front, moaning in pain either. No, actual people going to the market to buy clothes and food. Going out to have a meal with friends and telling jokes, Itachi can hear several people laughing.
Shisui spies one of their cousins, Hiri, eating at a ramen stand. He spies Izumi, Hiri's younger sister, to the right of Hiri. Hiri is their jerky older cousin although he is the same age as Shisui. Only older than Shisui by a month, he likes picking on Itachi yet Shisui is still two inches taller. Hiri has similar looks to his mother but is an almost carbon copy of his dad, their uncle Yuran. With his long hair, going down to the back of his neck, and its' spikes hang low. Just like his dad, his hair although brown, has tints of green to it. His eyes, just like his mom, their aunt Hazuki are onyx with tints of grey.
Izumi looks more like their mother, with long brown colored hair. Her hair, just like their mom, goes down to past her shoulders, she inherited her moms jawline too. She also inherited her mother's eyes, onyx with a slight blue-grey tint to it. Izumi is the same height as Itachi, and is younger than him by about a month.
To Hiris' left is a man with gravity defying hair balancing on the edge of the bar with one hand while trying to eat. Next to that man is another man with his hair in a bowl cut style, also trying to eat ramen while balancing with one hand on the edge of the bar table. The one with the bowl cut hair is wearing a green spandex suit with orange leg warmers, Shisui can hear the man shouting about 'Flames of youth' in between mouthfuls.
Shisui chuckles at the sight. It shows how things are getting back to normal, though Shisui wonders if this is normal or if there's a few ninja who have lost their minds. It's always possible, but since there's no Yamanaka marching up to them or watching those two Shisui figures it's their way of unwinding and relaxing for once. Looks like a fairly healthy eating contest with a little extra thrown in for balance and strength testing. 'Interesting' Shisui thinks 'That could also help with hand eye coordination, and balance endurance. You have to have incredible balance and strength to be able to balance on the ledge like that. On top of that looking down at the table from that angle is sure to be a little confusing and you have to properly gauge how to hold the chopsticks to be able to hold on to the food correctly.'
"Nii-san?" A small voice calls him from out of his reverie. Shisui looks up and then to Itachi startled, he hadn't noticed that they had arrived at headquarters.
"What is it otouto?"
"You were thinking for a long time. What were you thinking about?"
"Just those two ninja we saw at that ramen stand. I was trying to figure out how it came about that those two ninja were holding a handstand while eating. It's actually funny the ideas I've come up with already."
Itachi nods his head as they walk along the halls of the Uchiha Military Police Force. Everyone greeting Itachi and moving out of the way for him and Shisui as they walk towards Fugakus' office. As they expected Shisui's mom is occupying the chair, Shisui smirks as he leans against the doorway.

"I see that uncles subordinates aren't giving you a hard time okaa-chan."
She snorts. "As if they'd be stupid enough to try. They know I'm Fugakus sister. They've known me since I was a child. They know I don't take anything."

"You said you had something for us to do Hikari-oba?"

"Just as forward as my brother I see Itachi. Here. I've written up a nice list of errands for you boys to complete before the end of the week. Now, you two go run along and have some fun."

Hikari gives them a wicked grin, making Shisui smirk evilly and Itachi think 'I love my crazy relatives.' as he smiles somewhat fondly. That smile shrinks a little as he sees the list only for it to grow again at seeing some of the targets.

"You know…" Shisui starts. "I already know what you're going to say Shisui-nii. We're going to need her help." They share a sideways glance and Shisui's mom suddenly sports a Cheshire cat grin.

Nodding to the door she tells them to "Go play boys."

They turn and go to do just that. Heading to the lake outback in order to gather their fellow helper.

They find a girl sitting at the edge of the pier; Clad in a pair of black shorts with a snowflake on the bottom right, and what looks like one of Itachis' shirts under a short sleeve hoodie.

"I see you're borrowing my shirts again. I don't understand why you like wearing them." Itachi asks her

"Because they're yours." She replies. "Is there something I can help you with nii-san?"

"Otou-san has the day off." Itachi starts, the girl just nods. She had probably heard him come in, or she was out here watching the sunrise when he was heading to the house.

"As you are possibly aware this morning HIkari-oba came to the house and left shortly after."

"Hai. I assume she is taking responsibility of otou-sama's duties for the day?" the girl asks to which both boys nod.

"Okaa-chan told us to go see her after breakfast. When we went to see her she gave us a scroll full of chores she wants us to do. With the list and some of the stuff we're looking at having to do, we're going to need another hand. What do you say? You willing to help us Meli-chan?" He asks using the girls nickname.

The girl turns around, facing them fully. Her hair a little longer than Itachis, going a little past her shoulders compared to Itachis' which stops just above the shoulders. Her eyes are the same onyx and she has the same facial structure as Itachi too. Her hair is in a small ponytail, with the exception of her bangs. Two bangs hang free and frame her face.

The girl nods her response. "I'm game. It's been a while since we had fun like this."

Shisui and Itachi nod in agreement, Meli holds out her hand and tilts her head. Itachi understands what she is silently asking and hands over the scroll their aunt wrote. Meli whistles a couple names down.

"I knew she was a prankster in her youth but this is impressive. I didn't think she'd ever ask for us to pull off something like this." She mutters.

"We knew you'd have fun with this." Shisui tells her as he sits next to her on the doc, leaning forward and grinning ear to ear. "You interested?"

"You know I am. Where did you plan to get some of these supplies?"

"The usual place." Itachi answers. Meli nods, understanding that Granny Cat is the most private place they can buy stuff like itching powder, several dozen eggs, ink bombs and the rest of the necessary stuff without getting caught. Granny cat never sells out a client after all.

"Before we start, can you please change out of my shirt?"

"You don't like me wearing them?" She asks, voice uncaring of his answer. Itachi knows she'll listen to him without complaint, Itachi normally just lets her wear them so if he asks her to change now she'll listen.

"Not for what we're about to do. I'm fine with you wearing them otherwise." She nods understanding. They're about to prank which means they're leaving the house. He doesn't like it when they get confused outside of the house. Especially since Shisui can't always tell them apart. Even though they are different genders the brother and sister just look too much alike.

They head to the house so Meli can change. When she walks out she's clad in a crimson red shirt and a black sleeveless zip-up hoodie. She has a kunai holster with red wrapping tape wrapped around her left leg and a weapons pouch on her right hip.

Itachi and Shisui nod and they run towards the forested area that granny cat lives in.

A couple hours later sees the trio sitting on the floor of Fugaku's office leaning against the wall as their aunt looks on in amusement. She received a couple reports already but not all the reports. Not all the traps had gone off yet after all. Best of all not a single report mentioned who did it. It was obvious if one bothered to think about it, but they had somehow managed to not be caught by a single person. Even better they only pranked three out of the seven people in the council. There was still plenty of victims to be pranked and they could take a little joy out of causing misery to the people who messed with one of their family. Even if they could all agree that Fugaku was turning into an ass, the council didn't have to help push it along.

The sun slowly sets and the three of them all make their way home, Itachi and Meli to go practice their kunai and shuriken jutsu while they still had a little free time. Shisui to go prepare dinner so his mother could take a break after a day of running the police headquarters.

Once they return home their mother had unfortunately already heard what happened- due to some gossipers- and immediately knew who was behind it all. Not many kids know how to properly utilize raw uncooked eggs, stink bombs, paint bombs and shaving cream to that potential after all, she knows her children. Her evil little twin terrors and what little terrors they can be. She informs them that it was funny but that she doesn't want anything traced back to them. She knows all too well that telling them to stop will only fall on deaf ears. She also informs them that her brother and his son will be over for dinner next week. Both twins groan, knowing that Hiri will cause them some trouble. He always does.

A knock sounds at Itachis bedroom door. If he were awake it would be obvious who it is. On padded feet his sister comes in; pillow tucked under one arm awkwardly, dragging her blanket that she always bundles around herself and refuses to let anyone except Itachi use . She looks at him and decides she doesn't want to wake him and crawls under his bed, she doesn't know why but it's always felt safe there. She puts the pillow down and covers up, the blanket is large enough she doesn't feel the coldness of the floor as she folded it to act similarly to a flimsy sleeping bag. She's been getting nightmares more often lately. This one was of her and Itachi having to attend classes at the academy and yet her father still pushed Itachi to go beyond his limits. 'He's four. He shouldn't be expected to be top of the class at four. It's not like we'll be enrolled early any ways.' She drifts off to sleep once more, feeling comforted and safe by the presence of her older brother. Knowing that no matter what she dreams now, it'll be okay because even if he can't do anything to stop it, just being near Itachi makes her feel like everything is okay.

The next morning sees Itachi rising earlier than usual, and it doesn't take him long to figure out why. There isn't anyone in his bed. It's Tuesday morning and there isn't anyone in his bed. Itachi had grown accustomed to his sisters nightmares which started popping up a couple months back. He would wake up every weekend, Tuesday and Thursday morning with his sister in his bed since. He quickly gets up and walks to his sisters room because Uchiha don't rush through the house in a subtle panic. At least, so Fugaku claims.

He slams open the door and grips the frame, knuckles white, as he sees his sister is missing. 'Okay. Think rationally. She wouldn't have gone far. She probably woke up before me and went to the docs'.' He hopes as he forgo's the door and opts to just jump out the window instead, taking off in a sprint. Though Itachi knows that his bed wasn't warm in the spot she normally occupies he tries to convince himself that maybe she was able to go a night without a bad dream for once. That maybe the nightmares were over and his precious little sister could finally sleep peacefully.

Once he appears at the docs with still no sign of her being there he decides to back track. Heart pounding in his head, ears whistling from the wind as he runs back to the house.

His mother is making breakfast by this point. She sees him and is surprised he is coming in at this hour.

"I can't find her. My sister, I can't find her." He pants, out of breath from his sprint to the docs and back. His mother puts the pan down. Checking the clock, "6:30, if she chose another part of the house to sleep in last night she'll be up within the next hour. Otherwise she would be awake by now." Mikoto puts down the pan and starts sensing for her daughters chakra. She follows where her senses take her, and much to Itachi's confusion, it takes them to Itachi's room. "I can sense her by your bed." She tells him but there is clearly no one there. MIkoto gets down on her knees and checks under the bed. Smiling in amusement she motions Itachi over to see that his sister is perfectly safe. Curled up and sleeping as soundly as a kitten with her blanket wrapped around her. MIkoto carefully slides the sleeping child out from under the bed, and Itachi pulls back the covers to his bed- causing Mikoto to coo at how adorable her little Tachi-chan can be.

Together they tuck her in and let her sleep for the last thirty minutes before breakfast.

An: Ok So I'm still working on this chapter, I promised a friend of mine that I'd have this chapter up by today at the latest. SO here is an insanely short chapter I've got another possible 3-5 pages to go on it. I'm going for shorter chapters so I can get them out easier. I hope to have the rest of this done soon.

Or if you guys just want I can make what I write next part of the next chapter and give you guys a hopefully longer chapter. I'm trying to aim for 10-12 pg chapters.

Please review and tell me what you like, what you want to see, what you don't like. No flames. I do not tolerate being called names and doing so will only result in me telling you off in a full blown rant.