Backyard Camp

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Having a night over Uncle Itachi's was one of Sarada's favorite things to do. In fact, in her top-ten list, it came third after 'home with Mama and Papa' and 'training'. With that, every time she knew her uncle was free, she would ask if it's alright for her to stay at his house for the night. Itachi usually said a 'yes' and went to call her parents, but if he was busy, he would poke her forehead and say his magic words.

Fortunately for her, Itachi was available tonight and Mama had allowed her to stay with him too. Sarada arrived in the evening and as she had her dinner, her uncle told her that they would have a 'camp night' tonight plus a bonfire together. Once she agreed, they set up the tent with a pit at the backyard.

Much to Sarada's liking, the tent was filled with pillows and unlike the camping sites she saw in the television, her camp was decorated with fairy lights (courtesy to Itachi, of course). There were also a bunch of fluffy blankets, board games, and a log placed for sitting outside. Excited, Sarada changed into her pajamas at a matter of seconds.

When she was back, her uncle was stuffing the pit with branches. Sarada took a seat beside him, eyeing his work with interest. "Ita-jiji," she started, "What is that for?"

"It's for the fire," he answered with a smile. "Have you ever had a camp before this?"

She shook her head. "Papa and Mama like to stay inside, but we play castle sometimes. It's fun."

"I see…" Itachi muttered as he stood up and wiped his hands with a napkin. "Alright, we're ready! Let's start the fire!"

"Yay!" Sarada exclaimed. "I can help you with that, Ita-jiji! Papa taught me the 'Goukyakuu no Jutsu' last week!"

Itachi baffled, remembering he was around his niece's age as well when he first performed the technique which had been passed along the Uchiha bloodline. "Have you mastered it?" he asked Sarada in amazement and even if she had not, he promised, he would still be proud of her for giving it a try.

"Yup," she nodded. "My lips burned a bit but Mama was nearby."

Itachi patted her head. "Well, don't push yourself too hard, Sarada," he reminded. "Now let's do it together, shall we?"

"Uhn!"

The duo then stared at the pit, controlling the volume of chakra inside of them to convert it into fire. When they were ready, they swiftly performed the hand seals before inhaling and shouting the jutsu's name in their respective mind, Katon: Goukyakuu no Jutsu! And as they expelled it from their mouths, a blaze was released.

While Sarada had her eyes closed in efforts to produce a large orb of fire, Itachi had his own opened, peeking at the sight of his niece. From his observation, Sarada managed to threw a flame and although her flame was small, it certainly was there. He smirked, knowing that his niece was a genius. Just like her uncle.

"We made it, Ita-jiji!" Sarada clapped in enthusiasm, the pit was now burning red.

"Yes, we did. Now it's marshmallow toasting time!"

Again, Sarada exclaimed a 'yay'. According to her, marshmallow was one of the best foods in the world: soft, chewy, and sweet - just like dango, but this one was toast-able for a better experience and would still be yummy. Oh, it's perfect for a backyard camping too.

Time passed by as they chitchatted and munched on the confection, and when the pack of marshmallows was finished, they decided to go into the tent, leaving the fire crackling. Snuggling into a large soft blanket, they played some games, occasionally sipping at their hot chocolate. Nearing Sarada's bedtime, simpler games began, one included the staring contest.

"Wait, Ita-jiji! You're cheating!" Sarada shouted, noticing the slight change of color on Itachi's eyes. "You use the Sharingan! I don't have that yet!"

Keeping his eyes opened, he raised an eyebrow at her. "What do you mean? I don't."

"Cheater!" Sarada finally gave up and she let herself fell to the back, extending her arms out as she did. "Ita-jiji, you cheater," she spatted. "I don't have the Sharingan yet!"

"But I did not use the Sharingan."

"You lie."

"Am not."

"Are yes."

"Nope."

"YOU ARE!" she screamed frustratedly and messed her hair up in exasperation. "Ah, that's it! I'm going to sleep!"

Smiling with victory, Itachi tried to look as innocent as possible. "Alright, Sarada. It's past your bedtime anyway," he tucked the angry kid to the soft bedding and covered her with warm blankets. "Don't be mad," he said, "I will cook your favorite for breakfast."

"Mama said lying is bad."

"-And I'll buy dango too."

Sarada curled up. "Fine, Ita-jiji. I'm going to sleep now. G'night," she yawned and it did not take her long until she slept like a log. She dreamed of dango that night and in the morning, she woke up to find five sticks of the sweet dumpling outside her tent.

Author's Note:

Thank you for all the readers and reviewers! I'm so surprised that this fic can get so many favorites and followers! Here is the fourth one-shot for the series, hope you like it!