So... I really owe yall. im sorry.

Enjoy?
chapter 4

i woke three hours before dawn. Sleep had come and gone through the night, leaving me feeling drained when i got ready. as i had expected, kumori was camped outside my door when i opened it, a sleepy smile on her face. "Morning, Eri-tan." She rubbed her eyes and hugged my legs, her head biwing and jerking back up every time she almost fell asleep. I smiled lovingly and, too fast for her to react, bent down and scooped her up in my arms. She was too tired to resist, like normal. instead, she laid her head on my chest, her eyes drooping shut.

"You could have slept, little leaf. i would have come for you." I smiled as i walked down the halls, my pack on my back, her in my arms. One of her eyes slitted open, glaring at me as she spoke. "You wouldnt have woken me up," she accused. I smiled and kissed her forehead. "I would have, how could you see me off if your eyes are closed?"

"Hn." she relented and closed her eyes again, her breathing slowing as she fell asleep. i smiled and kissed her forehead, and moved to her chambers before i left. There, i nudged her door open and carefully laid her in her inky sheets. I fixed them and her blanket, and leaned foreward to kiss her forehead. "Good night, and sweet dreams little leaf. Ill come back soon."

I left her room silently, hoisting my pack as i prepared to leave.

"She adores you, you know," a soft, yet powerful female voice said. Immediately, i whirled around and dropped into a bow, my face to the ground. A slender hand reached down and touched my head, permission for me to rise. I tilted my head to the petite woman carefully, not wanting to disrespect her. "I am glad my daughter has you to look up to." she said.

My eyes took her in. Fine, snowy hair framed an equally pale face, lovely ice blue eyes regarding me in a cool placancy. Her noble face was serene as she motioned for me to rise. "My lady Nanako." i bowed my head to Daisukes wife.

To see her was rare. to speak to her... unheard of. Daisuke did well to make sure none could have waht was his.

"A storm is approaching. Be prepared to fix it."

She then left, her silken robes brushing the ground as she departed.

I looked after her, not daring to move until she was gone. My aunt and uncle terrified me. More than any opponent i had ever faced.

I didnt have much for time. I head to leave soon, Daisuke expected me gone by dawn. I went through the compound, colors blurring as i zipped through. I arrived at the front, the young courrier leaning against the entrance. Wordlessly, he handed me the letter.

Without any acknowledgement, i took it and flew into the gardens, jumping to the rooftops in the direction of the Uchiha compound.

It would be a weeke log journey, provided I ran into no trouble. The Mitsunes were not loved in the world. If i was recognized, i would likely be attacked.

I hoisted Hikari, my sword, at my side. I would face it all, to keep Kumori safe.