A/N
Hello everyone. Here is chapter three. A little bit of a time skip, but not too much. Not all chapters will be so informationy, we just need to get into the swing of things first :)
The first edit has been done but I will have to go through and do final edit of punctuation and anything else I missed etc.
I hope that you enjoy this chapter. I enjoyed writing it. :)
Disclaimer - I do not own Naruto.
TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS OF THE UCHIHA LIFE
-THREE-
The day light is soft, as the afternoon begins to pass through to evening. The main street of the Uchiha Compound has been made into a very special area for a very special heir. The usually cobblestone street is covered with soft luscious grass, thanks to Tenzo and his earthly prowess. Balloons float from strings, attached to everything. While lanterns float throughout the atmosphere, making the colourful paper glow softly, with the little flame inside. A justu has been placed over the compound so the floating decorations will not escape, making the objects bounce off the perimeter to move back down toward the festivities. The flames blaze strong, despite the cool breeze that moves through the main street.
A large table covered in a gigantic Uchiwa fan, sits along the center of the road, covered with all sorts of foods. Serving girls shuffle around daintily, dressed in plain yukata's, holding trays full of bite sized cuisine. Though, the main attraction would have to be the Japanese BBQ set up that Uchiha Sasuke ordered specifically for the event. To the side of everything, closer to the main house, is an outside kitchen that has been purchased for the purpose of cooking the hot meals. The barbecue restaurant usually frequented by Team 3 has been shut down for the day, and hired to make this party something special. Choji's bride to be, cooks tasty treats along side her father and a few other staff members, preparing for the evenings meal.
The white table is covered in bento galore (courtesy of Sakura), as well as healthy treats, and a few not so healthy. The Uchiha patriarch is not a fan of the sweet Dango, but the rest of his family loves it. Aside from Shisui, the little tike is more of a savoury fan like himself.
Many of the Rookie Nine brought along plates of food for the event, all offering their mothers favourite recipes. The variety is surprising, but very welcome by the many guests attending.
Children run around, joining in on all different types of games, as the adults talk amongst themselves, mingling along the street.
Today, Uchiha Itachi turns 7 years old, and everyone is here to celebrate with the extremely exuberant birthday boy.
A lot has happened since Itachi graduated the Academy, with flying colours. His Okaa-san and Otou-san are very proud of his efforts. Just as Hinata and Naruto should be with their darling Emiko. The dark haired surrogate daughter of the Hokage and the Hyuga matriarch has made friends all throughout Konoha, including Uchiha Itachi and Shisui. Her progress as a shinobi has been astounding, despite Emiko's civilian beginnings. The girl is just older than Itachi and has not attended the Academy. Nevertheless, her home schooling has prevailed, giving Emiko the second highest graduation rating for Konoha, the previous year. Of course, Itachi was first on the leader board with a perfect score. The two children really do live up to their fathers image.
Shisui and Emiko are the strongest of friends, despite the age difference. The youngest Uchiha is currently attending the academy and catching up to his Onii-san very quickly. Next year Shisui will join his own Genin team, and show Konoha who the best Uchiha is. Some say he is even better than Itachi at Tai Jutsu and Nin Jutsu. The Uchiha's are currently Konoha's most formidable family. Uchiha Sasuke and Uchiha Sakura have rejoined the ANBU ranks. Though, their missions tend to be brief, with their growing children. The two shinobi of Team 7 have a 100 percent success rate on missions. The Hokage, who is their best friend, could not be happier for them. Albeit, a little jealous.
Uchiha Itachi, Hyuga Emiko and Rock Kenji are the best Genin team of their year. Their training is quite unorthodox compared to the other Genin teams, but Hatake Kakashi does things the only way he knows how. Usually, way past the dead line as well.
Nevertheless, Kakashi's team love him very much. The Konoha Special Jonin probably thought he would never teach a bunch of rowdy children again, but when Sakura came to him with the idea of petitioning to be Itachi's sensei, the copy nin could not help himself. The pink haired medic has the best puppy dog eyes he has ever seen, and unfortunately, age has made him less impervious to her charms.
It makes the man feel better that Naruto and Sasuke never could resist Sakura's sneaky ways. In the scheme of things, Kakashi has held out quite well.
Games are being played for the children to enjoy, set up in various locations. Akane, the Uchiha's personal nanny, stands beside a Fukuwari of the Hokage. The playing youth must be blind folded and pin the facial features onto Konoha's leader. Naruto's mouth, nose, eyes, ears, foxy stripes and Hokage hat are all part of the game.
Emiko and a few girls from the academy are using ornately decorated flat bats, to play Henetsuki. The young Hyuga looks very pretty in her celebration kimono used for special occasions. The other girls are not dressed as formally as the dark haired girl, but they too look very pretty. It is no secret that all of the girls have a crush on Uchiha Itachi. Though, the birthday boy is so nice that he does not see the little shark teeth baring from the small girl's mouths. Itachi thinks that everyone wants to be his friend, and can be quite oblivious like his mother. A trait that Uchiha Sasuke will always loathe about Sakura, especially with his jealous personality. Both cheerful Uchiha are much to oblivious to the people around them in Sasuke's opinion.
The smaller children are having a go at Mikado. Little Nara Mei, has a turn at the game of large pick up sticks, while her father watches on lazily. Her Okaa-san looks beautiful with lovely flowing blonde hair and a silky yukata. She chatters to a group of people animatedly, before grabbing her Otou-sans wrist and pulling him along to another conversation. Her father would say that it is very troublesome.
There are two wooden bars set up along the opposite sideline, away from the food. Inuzuka Kiba continues to flirt valiantly with Mitarashi Anko. When the couple surfaced about a year back, the whole of Konoha was very surprised. Though, now-a-day's it is just another happening in the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Their loud personalities match perfectly and if the people didn't know better, they would say that the two are the same age. Sai and his love interest talk quietly close by, while the artist draws a picture of the pretty vendor. They have only been dating awhile, but it is clear to see that the usually emotionless ex root nin likes this store clerk very much. He has been buying art supplies from the older woman for quite some time, but it was only a matter of time before the cheerful girl stopped eyeing him off and asked Sai on a date.
Everyone is happy for them.
Shisui is dominating Kagome Kagome, a game that requires one child to be the Oni-demon and the other children to sing and circle him. Shisui is able to pick out the child behind him, eyes closed, every time. Flashing a confident smirk, the five year old boy will admit that he loves being the Oni. It is no secret that Shisui loves to win. Soon, the boy will find Emiko and they will play Mikado together. The young girls are all terribly jealous of Emiko and her attachment to both Uchiha brothers. It is obvious that Shisui holds Emiko's little heart though, much to her father's chagrin. Sakura thinks that it is absolutely wonderful, sharing the same ideal as Hinata. Wedding bells form inside the older women's heads secretly, despite the children being much too young.
Tsunade stands beside Genma and his lovely fiance Shizune. The reserved assistant and one of Konoha's top medics scolds both her mentor and lover, before walking away swiftly. Genma gives a toothy grin, holding onto his patented senbon skilfully between his lips. Then, he too follows the pretty brunette. Leaving the former Hokage to chat with the current Hokage.
Currently Team 7, along with Hyuga Hinata and her lovely sleeping baby, sit at the end of the street, observing the festivities. Kakashi is perched upon a tree branch not too far away, reading his usual inappropriate novel. The newest Icha Icha is held between his gloved fingers, and is the last to ever be released. Kakashi almost had a heart attack when Naruto announced that he would be publishing his former mentors last novel, despite the extremely graphic nature of the text. It is by far Jiraiya's most adult piece of writing, and is an appropriate (or inappropriate) homage for the missed sennin. The purple book hit the shelves not even a year before, and already are the pages becoming tattered in Kakashi's protective grasp.
Sasuke and Sakura giggle between themselves as the Uchiha Heads whisper to each other like teenagers. Lawn chairs are placed in a crescent moon so that the adults can keep an eye on everything and still catch up on old times. Naruto can be heard laughing loudly over by the make shift bar with 'Tsunade-baa' about something ridiculous. His palm hits the wooden counter heavily and his blue eyes shine with challenge. Tsunade looks similar to the younger man, with a gaze of pure determination.
"Oh Kami. I think those two are fighting again." Hinata says softly, unconsciously tracing her fingers of the blanket held in her arms. A travel bassinet sits beside the woman, but she prefers to hold little Kushina.
"Hah. Doubtful." Sakura interjects, taking a sip of her warm sake. The pinkette is glad for the small table in front of them, because otherwise she would have to drink off the ground like when they were young. It wouldn't really matter to her, but Sakura could just imagine Sasuke's appalled face in her minds eye.
"I wouldn't worry Hinata-san." Sasuke intones blankly, as he continues to gaze at the rapidly depleting bottle of sake his wife is drinking. It is certainly not one of the better skills that her mentor, Tsunade, taught her.
"I just hope they don't decide to do a training marathon like last time. It was so spare of the moment and inappropriate for the time." A sigh escapes her lips at the memory. "I don't understand why they both have to be so head strong." Hinata smiles all the same, as Naruto waves his arms around to make a point of some kind.
"It's that Uzumaki blood running through their veins, I'm sure of it." Sakura replies, taking another sip.
The group observe Tsunade turn to the bar tender, pointing downward at something out of sight. Naruto and her both nod in excitement as the largest bottle of sake ever made makes its way onto the counter top. A hand shake later and the two are traipsing over to their small group of friends.
"Baa-chan and me are going to have a competition. Is that okay Hinata-chan?" The Hokage has the good sense to ask his wife for permission.
The Hyuga woman sighs, "Why is that Naruto-kun?" The soft voice of the woman is more confident than in previous years. She needed to become stronger with a husband like Naruto.
"Because I must prove my honour!" The blonde man pumps his fist into the air and Tsunade smirks.
"You will prove nothing, because I will win...Boy." The woman walks over to a small table usually used for outdoor shogi, and plops down on the wooden stool, smiling at her apprentice as she passes by.
"Please Hinata-chan." Naruto begs, tipping from foot to foot pathetically. It does not matter that the man is the leader of Konoha, what Hinata says goes.
Bowing her head in defeat, the dark haired matriarch shoos her husband away with a wave of her hand.
"You're the best Hinata-chan. I'll show you who is most honourable!" The Hokage calls, as he runs over to the shogi table to take on Tsunade.
"Did someone say honour?" Rock Lee's spandex wearing form comes into view at the speed of light. Gazing around for the owner of the words.
"Over here Lee!" Naruto hollars, "You can play too."
"I will prove my honour!" Lee says loudly, raising a pointed finger skyward.
As the sake is opened, sennin stare back at sennin. The challenge of the day that will prove endurance and skill. Shot glasses are ready and blue eyes narrow simultaneously.
Lee grabs his cup and the game is just about to start when a voice is heard throughout the crowd.
"LEE NOOO! DON'T DRINK THAT!" Tenten runs throughout the crowd, almost tripping over her kimono. A look of complete horror covers her face.
Reaching the group, the weapons master flicks the cup out of her husbands grasp and glares over at the two Hokage.
"Are you trying to start a riot?!" The brunette seethes through gritted teeth. "I will not be responsible for this mess Naruto-kun, I don't care if you are the leader of all of Fire Country!" Naruto gulps with a slow nod while Tsunade looks completely focussed.
Lee does not see the problem but allows himself to be dragged away by the light of his life. "You are so youthful when you are riled up Tenten my queen." Konoha's beautiful beast intones, hoping to quell his wife's wrath.
In the next moment, the contest begins and Team 7 all heave a sigh. "Oh Naruto..." Is chorused around, said in different variations to mean the same thing.
The Hokage will never change.
Hinata turns to Sakura with a small look of defeat. "Do you think he will ever grow up?"
"I'm sorry Hinata-chan, but that isn't possible." The pink haired woman stretches her arms above her head. Soon it will be time for the dinner portion of today's event. Parties were never so elaborate when Sakura was a child, but as her husband says: 'Were you an heir to an extremely important clan Sakura?' Sometimes the eldest Uchiha can be so full of himself.
"Hn." Sasuke agrees with Sakura's words, watching the dobe out of the corner of his eye.
"Today has been nice though, hasn't it love?" The pinkette weaves her fingers through Sasukes, nuzzling his neck with her mouth. Sakura always becomes quite handsy when she has had a few drinks...Not that the raven haired nin cares one bit. He revels in it.
"I think I shall go and check on Emiko, now that Kushina is waking." Hinata says, standing up gracefully.
With a nod of her head, Sasuke and Sakura are left all alone. Naruto's voice can be heard in the back ground hollaring ridiculous accusations at Tsunade, and their words begin to blur together.
All sound falls to the back ground when onyx meet emerald, people cease to exist as lips collide softly in their loving embrace.
"I'm going to love you so good later." Sakura whispers against her man's lips.
"I have no doubt." Sasuke rumbles affectionately.
xxx
"Emiko." Shisui intones, walking up to the group of girls imposingly. He is shorter than the dainty flowers, all dressed up by their mothers. Though, the Uchiha has an air of maturity none could match.
The sun is starting to set and the food will be placed out any moment, Shisui wants to spend some time with his friend. Emiko has had enough time to gallivant around with those annoying girls. Why she would want to, continues to evade Shisui, but he does not say anything for Emiko's sake.
The girl, dressed in a lovely pastel pink, turns slowly upon hearing her name. She is grouped up with about ten other girls who are all participating in a talking game of some kind. Shisui does not care what it is, or that he has interrupted.
Eyes grow wide as the youngest Uchiha walks right up the the beautiful seven year old Emiko, a blank look covering his sharp face. The chubby cheeks he previously donned have disappeared, leaving high aristocratic cheekbones in their wake. His dress robes are a deep grey and match the lining of Emiko's kimono exactly. Reaching out confidently, Shisui takes the Hyuga's hand in his own, pulling her away from the group easily.
He does not notice Emiko turn as red as a tomato. Shisui has collected his friend and now they will play Mikado and eat BBQ together.
"Okaa-san purchased this the other day, she said that you would enjoy it." Shisui tells the girl as they take their places at the low set table fit for 100 people.
Emiko's eyes grow wide when a beautiful hair pin is placed in her open palm. There are three small ruby's woven into the piece and will look beautiful in her raven hair.
"Arigato, Shisui-kun." The girl lowers her eyes to the flower hair pin, her light coloured orbs shine with emotion, despite being blank like all Hyuga. "Thank your Okaa-san will you? I love it." Without thinking, Emiko springs forward and wraps her arms around Shisui's smaller form.
The boy's eyes go wide and he is not sure how to react. Without meaning to, a red tinge slowly travels through him as it settles at the tips of his ears. Awkwardly, the boy pats Emiko on the back willing her inwardly to let go of him.
Shisui is not one for touching.
Still, the contact makes the young Hyuga glow even more. As the girl pulls away, a pink hue covers her pale face and both children turn to their plates in front of them.
This incident is pushed to the back of their minds for the time being, though, it is only one moment among many for Shisui and Emiko. A fact that Shisui is well aware of. His Otou-san says, that when an Uchiha man finds 'the one', she will drive him crazy, make him mad and happy all at the same time. The young boy may be only five years old, but he knows that his Chichi ue is right. After all, Otou-san and Okaa-san have known each other since child hood and they will be together forever.
The food is placed down by a server as everyone choruses, "Itadakimasu!"
xxx
Itachi talks animatedly with Kenji as the two eat their delicious dinner. They are at the head of the table sitting with his parents and Naruto-jii's family. Emiko and Shisui are not too far away, but Itachi cannot tell what they are talking about.
Shisui looks up and fixes his brother with a small glare, that Itachi ignores with a big smile. Causing his Otouto to exude an even stronger vibe. Ever since Shisui got old enough to leave the house, he has been a little monster. Itachi isn't sure what his problem is.
At first, he thought that Shisui didn't mean to leave him out of his play time with their friend Emiko. Though, now-a-day's it is painfully obvious that is his exact intention. The birthday boy would be annoyed if he didn't see the way Emiko would smile around his younger sibling.
They can play together if it makes them happy. After all, no one is a better friend than Kenji.
Nevertheless, Itachi can't get away from rivalries all together. Kenji is just like his father, despite looking like his mother. No fuzzy eyebrows or thick black hair for him, but he has a heart of fire that loves a challenge.
Ever since Itachi told the boy that he thought that Nara Mei was cute, Kenji has been doing everything in his power to get the girls attention. Of course, the Uchiha heir would never tell him that he is much too young for things like that. It is fun to watch Kenji flounder around with different props and flowers. Besides, Itachi has his eye on a bigger goal. Though, his Okaa-san says he will have to wait until he is much older, because the girl he wants is not his age.
Hyuga Hanabi is the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. With flowing black hair and lovely blue eyes. Her stony demeanour draws him to her like a moth to a flame. Unfortunately, Hanabi is thirteen years old in a month and Itachi is only seven. Though, father says that what an Uchiha wants, an Uchiha gets. Okaa-san thinks that he should not be so presumptuous. Especially since Konohamaru-kun likes Hanabi very much.
Itachi first met her when he was little, but has been on a few missions with Hanabi and her Chunin team for practice. This year Itachi will take the Chunin exam and hopefully impress the socks off of the youngest Hyuga sister.
Naruto-jii thinks that Hinata-chan is the most beautiful Hyuga, and Shisui believes that it is Emiko...but they are wrong.
Sasuke would have a fit if he heard that both his sons were love sick for two Hyuga women. Itachi, does not even want to think about it...
"Itachi-chan, have you had a good birthday?" His Okaa-san asks, with a smile. Otou-san frowns at the affectionate suffix, but does not say anything. Itachi knows that his father does not like the way his mother treats both her sons, but Itachi loves it. His Okaa-san is the most beautiful woman in the world, followed by Hanabi.
"I did Okaa-san! Arigato Otou-san. This BBQ is delicious and the party was really fun!" Itachi says to both parents, mirroring his mothers happy expression.
Sasuke smiles proudly down at his little man, as Sakura gazes longingly at Shisui and Emiko. He grunts a moment, nudging Sakura with his shoulder. "They are too young love, stop planning such things." A slight scowl covers the older Uchiha's face as he takes a sip of his drink.
"I think it's lovely Sakura-chan." Hinata interjects. Luckily for the Hyuga/Uzumaki's, Akane took little Kushina home hours ago.
"See Sasuke-kun. It's lovely." The pinkette mimics, making sure to give her husband her cutest face.
"Naruto-kun, are you sure you are feeling alright?" Hinata's voice is heard in the back ground, as Naruto moans something unintelligible under his breath. Kakashi sits beside him with an empty plate and an unstained mask. How he does it, they will never know.
"I swear you must get the worst indigestion Kaka-sensei." Sakura says to her ex mentor.
"Okaa-san." Itachi pipes up. "Want to know what Kakashi-sensei got for my birthday?" A wry smirk falls upon his pale lips.
"What's that Ita-chan?" The pinkette turns her gaze to her eldest boy lovingly. Jaws almost hit the table at his next words.
"Kakashi-sensei showed me his face!" The raven haired boy smiles triumphantly as the rest of the group go completely silent.
When Team 7 turn to Kakashi with wide accusing eyes, his seat is empty.
"KAKASHI-SENSEI!" Erupts in a loud boom.
What a good party...
xxx
A/N Thank you all for reading!
What did you think? I hope that this chapter has fed some of your curiosity and caused you to ask more questions! :)
If you enjoyed this chapter, please, REVIEW!
Reviews fill up my belly with happiness and make me want to write more! :D
See you all next chapter,
MerinxD
