Ah, I just adore my short days. No classes until three, all the time in the world to goof off on in the library. Here I am, at my usual computer in the very back corner, nomming on pomegranate and peanut butter crackers. Which, seeing as I eat them EVERYDAY BECAUSE I'M TOO FUCKING CHEAP AND/OR POOR TO GET A FUCKING MEAL PLAN, I am beginning to hate. With a passion. I like peanut butter as much as the next girl, seriously, but you eat too much of one thing and you eventually hate it. My best friend once had money troubles and her family had to eat almost nothing but ramen for two years. She used to love it, but now despises it. Says it reminds her of rough times.
So someone finally got Woodpecker's name right! MuiLOVR, congratulations! Now if only you'd respond to my PM so I can make you the appropriate flavor of inter-cakes! If you don't respond soon, I'll just switch to MY favorite flavor and go with chocolate. WOODPECKER IS INDEED GENMA!~ I decided on Woodpecker because it fits with the whole 'forest animal' thing I seem to have when it comes to Anbu and his thrice-damned senbon reminds me of a woodpecker's beak for some reason.
You guys really seem to like Owl for some reason. Now that it's been a few days and I've done some (very sparse) planning, I have a few ideas for him. My friend Sacha thinks he'd be a good pick for the romance portion of this story, says they have good chemistry, and I'm on the fence about it. Thoughts, my dear reviewers?~
*STEADILY IGNORES HER SISTER'S SHOUTS OF 'ITAMISA ITAMISA ITAMISA*
Nevermind about the father-son pair. I've changed my mind. THERE IS NO LONGER A CONTEST.
I forget to say last chapter that 2,000 ryo roughly equals 200 american dollars. 10 ryo to every 1 dollar is the supposed conversion rate.
Doing a time-skip/change in POV this chapter, at least for a little bit.
Disclaimer: My laptop is much too large for me to cart it to school on a daily basis. I own nothing.
Konohagakure no Sato. The Village Hidden in the Leaves, or to its many residents, simply Konoha. Surrounded by bountiful forests and lush terrain, it was a beautiful village that simply glowed golden in the first rays of the morning sun, peaceful and quiet…. Supposedly.
"NARUTO! GET BACK HERE YOU BRAAAAT!"
Okay, not really.
"Catch me if you can, Kunai-brains! BUHAHAHA!" A blonde and orange blur sped down the street, weaving expertly through what sparse crowds there were so early in the morning. They didn't bother to try and help the poor, put-upon team of chunin in their attempts at capturing the Kyuubi container. They had given up long ago.
Naruto grinned in despicable pleasure as he managed to clear a market alley by jumping on the awnings and rolled as he hit the dirt to keep momentum, before knocking over a cart selling various vegetables, mostly cabbages, to create a short diversion. The blonde didn't bother sticking around to hear the merchant's dismayed scream of "MY CABBAGES!"* He was used to it after all. It was an almost weekly occurrence that wasn't always caused by him in the first place. Naruto would have felt sorry for the Cabbage Man, as his friend Kiba had dubbed him when they were five, if he didn't always refuse to sell to either him or his sister. He was a jerk, so Naruto refrained from feeling too guilty.
Uzumaki Naruto lost his pursuers not long after that and slowed to a leisurely walking pace, hands tucked behind his head in pseudo-relaxation, ready to bolt at the drop of a pin once more. The eight year old knew they'd find him eventually, either the Anbu or chunin, but probably the Anbu at this point. Like they'd do anything. It didn't matter anyway, he'd hear them coming, if he didn't smell them first. Naruto had never exactly told anyone he had superior senses, simply because he thought it was normal. Some of his first memories were trying to sneak up on Misaki-nee, with Sasuke as his reluctant back-up, but failing almost to the point it was funny. The redhead's skill level was simply too advanced for him, even now. While his hearing wasn't anywhere as good as hers, he couldn't hear people from two blocks away like she could, it was still pretty awesome, if he said so himself. His range was about four classrooms over on a good day, and his sense of smell was three. Naruto hated the sensory games his sister made him do, even if they did have good results. They were torture of the inth degree. Like the time she handed him a little container of barbecue sauce, a restaurant specific recipe, and told him to find out which one it came from, no time limit. It had taken him two whole days to locate the place! Misaki could be so mean. She should stop hanging out at the Inuzuka compound so much, they gave her ideas.
He sighed as the distinct sound of hunger came from his belly and ran his hands through his short-cropped blonde hair, but headed towards the Akimichi bakery his sister worked at. It was starting to be time to meet up with Sasuke-teme and Itachi-nii, who liked to escort the pair when he was in the village, and thus time to head to the Academy. Naruto hadn't even eaten breakfast yet. Maybe, mused Naruto as he waltzed through the door and waved a cheerful greeting to the workers, he'd be nice enough to buy something for the Uchiha brothers for once.
"Ohayou Nee-chan!" He walked up to the counter. Seems his sister was working the counter today.
Misaki smiled at her younger brother in response. "Ohayou ototou. Long time no see." She checked her watch. "It's only been a whole two hours." The redhead stepped out from behind the counter to give him a quick hug before giving him a mildly reproachful stare-down. "What was with all the yelling a little while ago? Know anything about that?"
Naruto smiled, his whiskered cheeks stretching. "I may or may not have covered the Chunin breakroom with peanut butter. It goes really well with the orange walls and pink furniture!" One of the waitresses burst into giggles, but squeaked in fright when Akimichi Chomei pulled his head out of his oven long enough to glare and tell her to get back to work. He was nice like that.
Misaki simply raised an eyebrow, amused, but not surprised. "Uh huh, I'm sure." The eighteen year old returned to her post. "Usual Naru-chan?" Her eyes were soft as she watched her brother think. She almost couldn't believe it had been eight years since she had held him for the first time.
"Yup! And I think I'll be super-duper nice and get something for Sasuke-teme and Itachi-nii too!" She 'hmm'd in acknowledgement and took out the usual pastries. A blueberry-peach crostata with whipped crème for Itachi, a raspberry-swirl sweet roll for Naruto, and four slices of yogurt-zucchini bread with butter for Sasuke. Even as a child, he hadn't liked sweets, amusing Misaki to know end. Were they the healthiest of breakfast choices, except for Sasuke's? No, but it was only once or twice a month that they bought the stuff, so she let it go. She often bribed Sasuke to stuff his extra bread, the boy could only eat about two slices, down the other two's throats. Misaki was pretty sure Itachi was catching onto her game, with the tortured glares he kept giving her.
Naruto handed over the money to pay distractedly. Choji, followed by Shikamaru of course, had just come out of the backroom and they had begun talking about which classes they'd skip for the day. The blonde followed them out the door after accepting his purchase and half-assedly telling his sister that he'd late getting home that night because he promised to help Sasuke with his training after school.
I shook my head as my space-case for a little brother left with his schoolmates. I loved the boy, I really do, but he was such a handful sometimes. Naruto was the sun, bringing warmth and contentment to whoever crossed his path. Well, those who'd let him anyway. Despite the near full support of several major clans, there were many who still treated him harshly, like his teachers at the Academy. It wasn't so much physical abuse, they had tried that only once at the beginning of his first year, but more emotional and educational neglect. They taught him the very same things they taught the other children, it wasn't their fault that he was always last to get corrected or they never saw his raised hand. That kind of shit. There were very few exceptions amongst the civilians who didn't treat my ototou like shit. The one currently speaking to me is not one of those exceptions.
"Good riddance, the demon-brat is finally gone. I just hope he didn't contaminate the food with his stink." He laughed uproariously, as if he expected the other patrons to agree. All that did was cause them to glare, either for being too loud or because most of them actually liked Naruto. The Akimichi clan was very clear that people who weren't neutral or couldn't control themselves were not welcome.
I grimaced, though I had long mastered making it look like a smile, and took a deep breath. "That 'demon-brat' is my little brother. Sir."
He blinked at me, not comprehending. His breath was so rancid, I almost gagged. "Huh?"
"I said that 'demon-brat', as you called him, is my little brother, sir. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't call him such." I continued smiling my 'You have no idea how much I despise you only because I get paid for this bullshit' smile. It was mastered by all who worked in retail. "His name is Naruto."
It took him a few moments to actually absorb this new information before his entire demeanor, which had been rather cheerful, changed to something the exact opposite. I almost missed it. "You're related to that monster? How can you stand to be in the same room with it?!"
I glanced down at the wedding band on his hand. It was rough and unpolished. Scratched. He didn't care enough to clean it regularly. I looked him in the face, doing my very best impression of Sai. "I'd say the same thing to your wife about you sir."
I have never seen a face redden like that so fast. This guy's blood pressure must be way too high. "WHAT THE HELL'D YOU JUST SAY TO ME GIRL!?" He growled, sounding very much like an animal puffing up to try and scare away a predator. I restrained myself from laughing…. for the moment.
"My apologies sir. I hadn't realized you were deaf and slow. I'll do my best to keep my speech clear and precise for your benefit." I leaned across the counter, the biggest shit-eating grin on my face, speaking nice and slow, just as I claimed I would. "I said you're a moron who I hope to the Kami above is sterile because the world will end from the sheer stupidity that your spawn will contain." I wasn't insulting a patron. I was discussing the weather with a casual acquaintance I ran into while shopping.
"YOU BETTER WATCH YOUR FUCKING MOUTH FUGU ON'NA*!" He slammed his ham-fist-thing, were those his hands what the fuck, onto the countertop, shaking the display case. I rolled my eyes. I thought only shinobi could get away with being drama-queens like this?
"Wow, I'm impressed. I've never heard that one before." I was about as disinterested in this conversation as Shikamaru with anything at this point. I put my hand on my hip and raised my eyebrow. "Cripple Woman? Are you actually that unimaginative you can't manage a somewhat decent insult for someone who's half your size?" I wasn't really, not even close. I had inherited my father's height, towering over most women my age, or in general, at a whopping five feet, ten inches or 178 cm. But everything else about my appearance was rather balanced. I wasn't too fat or too thin, nor was my voice dog-whistle high nor foghorn low. My best features were definitely my eyes and hair, which was only kept from reaching my knees and/or suffocating innocent passerby with its curls by regular hair trims. I often stuffed things, like notes or lists, into my mane so I wouldn't forget. I never suffered a lapse of memory, but I also couldn't retrieve said item from the abyss of hell that was my hair.
Briefly, I wondered if my ponytail was long enough to render this man unconscious as he opened his mouth once more. "You think you're tough shit, don't ya brat!?" Maybe I could have Itachi help me weave some ninja wire into my hair for situations just like this? "You think you're so special, putting all of the clans under your damn demon curse! I know what you are, witch!" Speaking of Itachi, he was going to do it soon. He had told me so, in not nearly so many detailed words, the other night. The Uchiha Massacre would happen anyway, despite my attempts to stop it by strengthening the bonds between clans. I suppose some things are meant to happen, even the horrible ones.
The Night Before Last, Witching Hour
I sighed and rubbed at my eyes, suppressing a yawn. I should have been asleep forever ago, but for some reason, I had remained restless long after Naruto had been tucked in. So I decided to work on one of my translations until I was simply too tired to do anymore. This kept me occupied for several hours, long into the night, I glanced at the clock, and early morning. I didn't often burn the midnight oil, or lamp in this case, and only when there was something bothering me, something I didn't want to acknowledge. If I went to sleep, or tried to at any rate, I'd be alone with nothing but my thoughts for company. Dark rooms and thinking had never ended well for me.
I was snapped out of my reverie by the sound of the balcony door being slid open. Soundlessly, even though it hadn't been oiled or cleaned at all in the last eight years, if ever. Shinobi than. "W-Who's there?" I whispered, not wanting to wake Naruto unless I had to. He was a bitch to get back asleep.
Silence, except for my steadily quickening breath as a shadow crossed paths with the moon and the skittering of fallen leaves across my floor. Finally, the figure deigned to speak. "Misaki-nee, we need to talk." I think I almost fell over right then and there.
Throwing off the quilt I had been snuggled in for the past four hours, I stormed across the apartment and pulled Itachi by the wrist, back onto the balcony. "What the HELL is wrong with you!? Are you trying to give me a heart attack!?" I whispered fiercely into his face.
"My apologies Misaki. I hadn't considered you'd actually be awake at this hour and was at a loss on what to do." He looked petulantly away from me, having been properly scolded.
I sighed, deciding to let it go for now, and leant against the railing. "Alright Weasel-chan, spill. Whatcha want this late at night?" I straightened, however, when I finally read the Uchiha prodigy's body language. "…. Itachi? Seriously, what's wrong?"
Itachi looked decidedly… nervous. Like he was at a loss at what to do. Out of anyone he knew, I was the one he never bothered to hide himself around. I didn't care if he acted all prim and proper or if he went around the village in his birthday suit, screaming and throwing glitter at people. I'd be more likely to laugh or join in than take offence. It's what made the clans like me, or in the case of the Hyuga, 'tolerate me.' It was, according to Tsume, a nice change of pace to not have to put on airs. Yes, because that's what the Inuzuka are famous for. Airing out their dirty laundry is more like it.
He took a deep breath, like he was centering himself. Absentmindedly, I noticed the lack of Anbu in the area. He had either sent them packing or knocked them out. If it was the latter, they might not even mind. Itachi was a captain after all. "In a few days' time, I shall be carrying out an order and then leaving for a long term mission. Both are S-Class, so I cannot tell you what they entail. I…" He paused to take another breath and pulled several scrolls out of his messenger bag. "I shouldn't even be telling you this, it's against protocol, but the Hokage has granted me a boon. I am allowed to inform only one person of my mission. No one but I shall know who they are."
"And you c-chose me!?" I asked, eyes wide. I had a pretty good feeling of what this was about.
He nodded. "Yes. You are not to attempt opening this scroll, only hand it over to the Hokage should a new one be signed in or if news of my death should reach your ears. If you try, the seals placed upon it will kill you. It is for a Kage's eyes only." Wordlessly, I took the scroll, hand shaking.
I swallowed to try and soothe my dry throat, but it did no good. "And the others?" I gestured to the other two he held.
"An official copy of the documents filed by my parents granting you custody of Sasuke in the event either they or myself are unable to care for him." The one with Uchiha crest. "The other is to be given to Sasuke when he is promoted to chunin or turns fifteen. It explains everything." Red, with 'Ototou' scrawled across it in Itachi's neat writing.
"Custody of Sasuke? And what, exactly, is everything? Itachi, what's going on?"
He sighed, almost unnoticeably. "Misaki, I cannot tell you. Just know that I am only following orders, for the good of the village. After I have carried out my mission, I will no longer be able to return to Konoha. Someone will need to watch over my brother, and I trust only you in that matter." His breath shuttered. "Please Misaki, will you please do this for me?"
It's almost humbling, in a way. Being trusted to care for someone else's precious person. With Naruto, it had been almost expected of me because I would have been one of many willing caretakers. Minato and Kushina had thought I would be a wonderful sister for their son, but they never once considered the idea I'd have to do it alone. Was I an experienced guardian? Yes. Did I have the knowledge to help Sasuke with his grief and trauma? Out of practice, but yes. Would I be able to provide a good support system and possibly prevent Sasuke from turning bad? Kami, I hoped so. Wordlessly, I nodded and took the other scrolls. Itachi seemed to almost deflate as tension left him.
"Thank you Misaki. I promise that one day, I will tell you what has happened."
I rolled my eyes and socked him the arm. "Sure 'Tachi. Just… just be careful okay? Don't talk to strangers. Lay off the dango. In fact, lay off the sweets, period. You're getting a little chubby again. Try not to eat Fish-face, no matter how much he looks like a shark." Insert raised eyebrow here. "And for kami's sake, don't forget your towel. You never know if you'll need one.*"
"Hai nee-chan." A small smirk formed on his face before he disappeared in a whirl of leaves from the balcony. I wandered back inside as a wave of exhaustion hit me. I placed the scrolls in the secret compartment of Minato's typewriter case and crawled under the warm covers of my futon. Sleep claimed me almost immediately.
PRESENT
"Bitch, are you even listening to me?!"
I blinked at him before turning to face Chomei, who had deemed all the commotion enough cause to actually poke his head out of the kitchen. Wow, this guy must have been yelling really loud while I was out in lala-land. The gigantic Akimichi was actually half-way out the door. "Chomei-senpai, the mosquitos are really horrible this year, aren't they?"
"I think it's a little late in the year for mosquitoes Misaki. It's nearly December after all. But there might be some other kind of annoying insects still flying around." Chomei chuckled.
I sighed deeply, as if disappointed. "Ah. Too bad, I'd really like to know what this incessant buzzing in my ear is."
He dusted flour off his apron and shrugged. "Hmm. Tinnitus maybe?"
I didn't get the chance to respond as the man finally seemed to have enough of our conversation. "ARE YOU TWO CALLING ME A FUCKING INSECT!?"
Chomei sniffed at him derisively. "Of course not. Do you realize how much Aburame business we would lose if it got out that we called someone like you an insect? It's insulting to bugs everywhere." A waitress snorted as she went past.
"Yes, yes it is," sounded a deep voice from the door. My grin widened as I took in who stood there.
"Shibi-sama! Good morning! How was your mission to the Land of Vegetables?" The Aburame clan head pulled out a scroll, probably containing our next shipment. He must have only gotten home last night.
He handed the scroll to Chomei, who nodded and went to get his pay. "Satisfactory. Several noble clans have begun to consider importing my family's goods. A drought, apparently. I also found an interesting specimen while traveling. A beetle that has evolved to specifically target ill or weak trees. It also… produces… a very nice fertilizer that I look forward to analyzing more."
"Ah. Usual?" He nodded, apparently done talking for the moment. "Well, when you're done doing that, I'm sure Naruto and his plants would love to volunteer as test subjects." I got out a take-away cup and poured in the coffee, black with three sugars, and two slices of blueberry-coffee cake that found its home in a Styrofoam box. It amused me that every Aburame I had ever met seemed to have a sweet-tooth almost as big my own. It seemed almost genetic. Shibi had explained that it was partly the fault of their insects, most of whom had a sweet-tooth themselves. The Kikaichu, according to him, would like me.
Again, all he did was nod in response. Chomei returned from the backroom and handed Shibi the money, part of which he then gave to me as payment for his breakfast.
"DAMN IT, STOP IGNORING ME!" He was faster than I thought he'd be. At one point, he must have had shinobi training, if the form of his incoming punch was any indication. I could probably take him, except I didn't know what rank he held. Better safe than sorry, right?
"Yeah, no. Owl!" Barely a flutter of movement from across the room and there was my favorite Anbu, blocking the punch. I could have dodged, true, but I was tired and not feeling like getting into a tussle.
Owl cocked his head and subtlety gripped the man's first tighter as he tried to squirm away. "It is illegal to hit civilians without due cause, Mid-Chunin Furukawa Nobuo." Nobuo, apparently, stiffened and his eyes widened in fear. I didn't blame him. Owl-kun could be one creepy sonuvabitch when he was in a good mood. But his morning had been rather shit so far, so he was quite pissed off. Something about being forced to 'retire' soon, which I didn't mind one bit. I almost felt sorry for Nobuo. Almost. He had called my little brother a demon after all. I relished in the killing-intent rolling off Owl and grinned.
The chunin looked like he was about to shit himself. "She's been pissing me off!" Oh, so he did have a spine?
"And? She did not raise her hand against you, nor has she threatened you. You have no excuse." Nobuo sputtered angrily but was not allowed to speak anymore. Owl turned to face me. "I will take him to the Hokage. Try not to get into any more trouble."
"Cause as much disaster as possible? You got it!" I gave him a cheerful salute and he sighed and shook his head. They left, Nobuo struggling against Owl's tight grip.
Chomei rolled his eyes. "Alright everybody! Back to work! Ari, your turn on register. Misaki, you're with me! I don't want any more shinobi drama going on in my bakery today!" I waved goodbye to Shibi, who nodded and went on his way, and followed Chomei into the kitchen.
"See ya later Chomei-senpai!" I finished folding my apron and waved goodbye to my favorite codger. He grunted his farewell, sending the flour on his face everywhere. I had worked from open to close today and I was exhausted. Kneading dough is tiring enough, try doing it one handed. Not fun, let me tell you.
I blinked wearily at the moon, high up in its perch. It had to be close to midnight at this point, which meant time to find Naruto, who should be still training with Sasuke at their favorite training grounds. Ignoring the sudden, familiar presence of Owl behind me, I began to walk. I had seen ghost towns with more people on the streets than there seemed to be in Konoha at the moment. They were usually bustling this time of night and normally didn't empty until about two or three in the morning. I frowned and glanced at Owl from the corner of my eye.
"Owl, where is everybody?" My voice was level and held no trace of my confusion. Probably couldn't say the same for my face though. It didn't matter. He cocked his head at me, the poster-child of innocence, but did not respond. He was tense, palming his weapons pouch. Owl has always been quite open with his emotions, around me at least.
The pair of us reached the training ground, which was silent except for the 'clang' of kunai meeting and harsh breathing of eight year olds hard at work. And they were.
Naruto was very obviously out of breath, but managed to dodge several of Sasuke's shuriken with a move almost like a pirouette, without the full spin, before bending backwards to avoid a slashing kunai. Pulling out one of his own, the blonde gave a shout and rushed his training partner, his sandaled feet making almost no noise, as if he wasn't touching the ground at all. Naruto had grown steadily light on his feet as he had aged, to the point he was more ghost than child sometimes. It was how he managed to sneak past the upper level shinobi and prank them. It was partly my fault that he did such things, not gonna lie. Over the years, he had to be so light footed just to 'sneak' past me. I also encouraged him to point where I even bought his supplies. Trap-laying skills such as his were almost prodigal, to the point of ridiculousness. The only reason he wasn't considered a prodigy was because I didn't push him in anything other than traps, taijutsu, and chakra control. I didn't care if he couldn't pass all of his tests or if he never bothered to do the homework. If he could prove to me, and Owl, that he understood the material and could find practical uses for it, I could care less. No one actually calculates the trajectory and speed of a kunai mid-battle, nor do they get quizzed on the extended family of both the First Hokage and his wife. He paid attention to that lesson on his own, though only to Mito-sama's family tree. She had been an Uzumaki after all.
Sasuke was much the same as he had been in Canon, before the massacre. Incredibly talented for his age, sweet as can be, and adoring of his older brother. I had carefully cultivated his idolization of Itachi, and the subsequent bitterness that came from being the younger sibling of a prodigy, by enforcing the idea of individualism, both with him and the clan. Fugaku had been warned of what the consequences could be if he compared his youngest to his heir, so instead of 'When Itachi was your age, he had already…,' it was 'Good job Sasuke, you're doing well,' 'Remember to focus on your strengths,' etc. It didn't work so well on the clan as a whole, so there was still a little bit of that brother-complex, but not as severe. Sasuke still mastered the Fireball jutsu at eight, rite of passage achieved, but he also began training in kenjutsu, archery, and building his speed. Skills like that would serve him well when he achieved the sharingan. I had no idea what he'd be like after the massacre, the possibility of it happening tonight growing exponentially, but I would care for him just the same. Hopefully, I'd be able to convince Itachi to at least lessen the illusion he put on him, or even keep him from doing it at all. Optimism, don't fail me now.
"Naruto! Sasuke! That's enough, it's time to go!" My sudden shout distracted the pair, causing Sasuke to slam face first into a tree and my little brother to trip over a rock. I burst out laughing at the dazed looks on their faces. Sasuke even had a single leaf stuck to his forehead, and it was obvious that it wasn't due to the leaf exercise.
Naruto blinked at me in confusion before finally realizing who exactly had dared to interrupt their spar. "NEE-CHAAAN!" The blonde launched himself off the ground and was soon clinging to me, arms around my middle. Sasuke tried (and failed) to make himself appear nonchalant, like he hadn't just slammed into a tree. Alas, the distinct imprint of its bark on his face did not allow such actions.
"Hello Misaki-nee!" greeted the black haired boy as he also wandered over to us, both his and Naruto's bags slung over his shoulder. "Why are you here? Surely it's not that late."
I grinned at him and ruffled his hair. "It's almost midnight Sasu-chan. Your parents'll be worried. So I'm gonna walk you home. Okay?" He nodded, a small smile on his face, before tossing Naruto's bag at its owner, who had begun a simply exhilarating conversation about different brands of itching powder and their levels of effectiveness with Owl. We both ignored the resultant indignant squawk and began walking towards the Uchiha neighborhood. One of the few large clans to not actually have a compound to speak of, the Uchiha instead had several neighborhoods were they tended to congregate around the village. Non-clan members were allowed to live there, the house I had been looking to buy was on the outskirts of one such place, but most tended to just leave them alone. The neighborhood I was looking at was small and almost abandoned actually. The houses were old, supposedly from when Konoha was first built, and the people with enough money to actually renovate were simply too lazy. The houses were up to code though, with new plumbing and electrical wiring, and were in good shape nonetheless. The relative abandonment might have also had something to do with just how close the neighborhood was to the Forest of Death. Less than five miles, the closest settlement to the training ground. But I didn't mind, I'd have someone put protection shields around the house and I would definitely be putting some fencing in. The house was simply too perfect to pass up and I was eager to finally get out of the cramped apartment.
Beside me, Owl tensed as we reached the neighborhood were the main family lived. I glanced back at Naruto, who had stopped mid-sentence to sniff the air, a frown forming on his face. Sasuke raised an eyebrow at his friend's behavior and waited for him to continue. But the blonde did not, simply paled as he finally registered exactly what he was smelling. My sense of smell was nowhere near as good as his was, all of my control on my meager chakra going straight into my hearing. Despite that, I had a pretty good inkling on what my little brother was smelling. I could almost taste the metallic tang of it in the light breeze.
"N-Nee-chan… I smell blood. A lot of blood." Naruto's sunkissed skin had paled considerably and he was looking just a touch green.
I shared a look with Owl, who cocked his head and nodded before reaching towards his weapons pouch. "Naruto… Go home. Go back to the apartment. Now."
He blinked at me in surprise, a similarly puzzled expression crossing Sasuke's face as well. But he looked more concerned than anything else, ready to bolt and check on his family. He trusted in Naruto's senses more than his own, most days. "But nee-ch-!"
I let some of my anger, my frustration, my grief into my voice. "No buts Naruto. I'll be home in a little while. But trust me, go home and wait." The blonde looked ready to argue some more, but stilled at a look from the Anbu next to me. Moments passed before he nodded and turned around. "Owl, make sure he doesn't follow us please." I grasped Sasuke's hand and tried to soothe him. The poor boy looked about ready to hyperventilate.
"My mission is to protect you Misaki. I will not leave your side."
"Your mission is to protect Naruto, at least for now. Please Owl, let me do this. I won't leave Sasuke's side, but we need to know what's happened." I looked into the slits of Owl's mask. I hadn't realized we were so close. His eyes… they were a beautiful deep golden color, like the sun or the center of a daisy. I hadn't known that.
"Exactly Misa. Something's happened and you, a civilian, want to go check it out on your own, with nothing more than an academy student as backup." His voice gained a clipped edge to it.
"There is blood splattered across the gates to an Uchiha neighborhood, it's so thick in the air, I can taste it, and you're standing here arguing with me. Go protect my little brother. Please Owl!"
He cocked his head at me, in anger and frustration, but nodded anyway. Using body-flicker, he went off to find Naruto. I turned back to Sasuke, who stood trembling at the sight of blood on the gates to his home. He clutched my hand tighter, and together, we entered the compound. The Last Uchiha was sobbing within the first few steps.
"TOU-SAN! KAA-CHAN!"
I choked in a cry of my own as the pair of us stared in horror at the lifeless forms of Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha. I knew they were going to die, I knew it would happen. I shouldn't have continued to spend time with them, shouldn't have grown to love them. There were a lot of shouldn't haves. But that didn't make it hurt any less. I fell to my knees, my legs being too weak to hold me any longer. My breath shuttered as I finally noticed Itachi, standing in the shadows as he was.
"Aniki… Tou-san, Kaa-chan…. Aniki, what's happened?!"
Itachi barely blinked at Sasuke's outburst. The moonlight shining through the open window revealed the tearstains on the thirteen year old's face. The last time I had seen him cry, he had been witness to an alley cat's death at the wheels of a cart while we were on our way to get dango. He was only two and a half and had been inconsolable for weeks, almost months. It had been over ten years since then.
"Aniki! Why is everyone d-dead!? We need to find out who did this!"
Why was I thinking of Itachi as a child? Why… Why couldn't I hate him? He had just murdered two of my precious people, so why couldn't I do it? Was it because I knew his reasons? Because I knew he was hurting even more than I was? Or was it because I loved him, loved him as if he was a brother? I had known him since he was a babe, too young to know the horrors of the world. I loved Itachi Uchiha, the gibbering toddler who could somehow speak at a year old even though it should have been physically possible. That embarrassed six year old who had just became a shinobi. This barely-teenager with stress lines and horror in his eyes, I loved him the most, despite what he'd done. My little brother, shattering right before my eyes.
"A-Aniki? P-Please…. answer me!"
Itachi's eyes flickered to black and he glanced at me. There was minute desperation there, as if he wasn't sure I'd remember our conversation the other night. Tears streaming down my cheeks, I nodded to him. Instantly, his sharingan returned and he looked to Sasuke. "Foolish ototou. There is no need to search."
Sasuke dared to look hopeful through his sorrow, and I sobbed only harder. "Really aniki? You found them already? Who was it? Who would do something like this?!"
"Me."
"W-What?"
Itachi walked forwards, stepping over his parents' corpses. "I killed them ototou. I killed them all. We are the only surviving members of the Uchiha clan left in this village."
"But why?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS!?" I flinched as Sasuke's betrayed voice rang throughout the room.
"It is simple, little brother. To test my ability. My strength."
We were in the street now. When had that happened? "THEN WHY NOT KILL ME TOO!? WHY LEAVE ME?" I could hear the alarm sirens blaring, ordering everyone to stay inside their homes or be thought an enemy.
"There is no value in killing the likes of you… My foolish brother… If you want to kill me… curse me! Hate me! And live a long and unsightly life… Run away… run away… and cling to your pitiful life. And then some day, when you have the same eyes as I do, come before me.*" Itachi's eyes took on the form of the Mangekyo sharigan.
My voice returned. "I-Itachi… don't do it. Please. It will do more harm to him than you think. Nothing good will come of it. Please… trust me on this." He had turned to face me and I looked him the eyes. They widened almost imperceptibly and I prepared myself for Hell.
But it didn't come. His eyes were as black as coal not a second too late. I stared into the abyss for what seemed like hours before a heavy 'thump' sounded to my left. Sasuke had fainted, now far too overcome with emotions to function any longer. I looked back at Itachi one last time. He was adjusting his pack, readying to leave.
"Itachi." He looked up. "Fish are friends, not food and don't forget your towel." And with those final words, the world faded to black.
I, Uchiha Fugaku, of Konohagakue no Sato, being of sound and disposing mind, hereby make, publish, and declare the following to be my Last Will and Testament, revoking all previous will and codicils made by me.
To my Wife, Uchiha Mikoto, I leave the family home to do with as she wishes, and my shinobi headband. I hereby appoint her Acting Clan Head until such time she deems my heir ready. If my wife does not survive me after thirty days, is otherwise unavailable, or this Will is not read before her demise, her inheritance shall go to the following: Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Sasuke, and their acting guardian, should there be one.
To my eldest son, Uchiha Itachi, I leave all contained in my Home Office except for the typewriter, a full inventory to be provided, half of my weapons cache, and that ceremonial Kimono I know he is fond of. I declare him my Heir Apparent. If he does not survive me after thirty days, is otherwise unavailable, or this Will is not read before his demise, his inheritance shall go to the following: Uchiha Mikoto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Kishimoto Misaki, to be distributed evenly.
To my second son, Uchiha Sasuke, I leave my jounin vest, the second half of my weapons cache, and all the books in my private Library. I declare him official clan diplomat and courier to Sora-ku. He is my secondary heir. If he does not survive me after thirty days, is otherwise unavailable, or this Will is not read before his demise, his inheritance shall go to the following: Uchiha Mikoto, Uchiha Itachi, and Kishimoto Misaki, to be distributed evenly.
To Kishimoto Misaki, I leave the house she had been considering buying, bought with cash and all bills paid for the next six months, the typewriter in my office, all items I have in storage, and a contract I had made with a publisher. I grant her full custody of my son Sasuke, in the case that either my wife or Itachiare no longer able. Her monthly stipend from the Uchiha Clan shall continue. If she does not survive me after thirty days, is otherwise unable, or this Will is not read before her demise, her inheritance shall go to the following: Uzumaki Naruto.
Thus ends my Last Will and Testament. Inventory Lists are attached.
うちはフガク, Uchiha Fugaku
Witnesses: Uchiha Mikoto, Inuzuka Tsume, Sandaime Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen
Sarutobi had the balls to look greatly amused, despite all the drama lately. He rolled the scroll back and looked at those gathered. "That sorts out that. Congratulations Misaki, I look forward to purchasing your first book."
The office was silent as the collected witnesses sat in shock, causing me to burst into mildly hysteric giggles. I had only been out of the hospital for a few hours before being dragged into the Hokage's office for an official reading of Fugaku and Mikoto's wills. According to the medics, I had passed out due to exhaustion, high-emotional stress, and a sudden drop of adrenalin. Short Version: My body finally said "Fuck this shit" and shut down on me. I apparently hit my head pretty hard on the way down, which is why I had to stay under surveillance for a few days. Sasuke had been through the same and was thus sitting stiffly in the seat next to me. He didn't know anyone here besides me and it was making him angry. As far as he knew, the only one left who stood to inherit anything of his parents' was him, and possibly me. I couldn't blame him. I knew for a fact that Fugaku hadn't trusted Danzo, so why the hell was he here?
Finally, someone had gathered themselves enough to speak. "This civilian cripple has been granted custody of the last Uchiha Hokage-sama? This is an outrage, a scandal!" shouted Koharu.
Homura spoke next. "And what is this about a monthly stipend? She is mostly likely nothing more than an inheritance digger!"
I scowled and put an arm around Sasuke. He looked about ready to pounce. "Oh shut up you old bags! You don't know anything about me!"
Danzo sniffed. "I agree with Homura and Koharu. You should not lay so much trust in the girl simply because she was favored by your successor Sarutobi. It would be better to allow him to live on his own."
The Sandaime puffed on his pipe. "I am not putting my trust in Kishimoto-san because the Yondaime liked her, Danzo. She is an experienced guardian, well versed in handling multiple children at a time. Sasuke-kun is most certainly in need of stability at the moment and she can provide that."
I zoned out of their ongoing conversation, trying not to get pissed off. They were acting like Sasuke wasn't there, talking about him as if he wasn't even in the room. I hated it when adults treated children like this. It was insulting their intelligence and could hurt a traumatized child's recovery. They need control, not meddling old biddies who couldn't remember how to be a child. The comforting presence of Owl steadied me. I hadn't actually turned around and greeted him yet, but Sasuke had given him a double take. I was very curious as to why, but I had more important things to focus on. Like figuring out how to deal with Sasuke's PTSD in a world where such things didn't exist.
I kept my voice cheerful, but stern, and interrupted them. "Why don't we let Sasuke decide where he wants to live?" His eyes flicked to me, surprise written on his face.
Sarutobi 'hmmm'ed. "And why do you think that Kishimoto-san? Do you not want him to live with you?"
"Of course I do Hokage-sama. His parents put their trust in me to raise their son, I don't want to let them down. But I also don't want to force Sasuke into a situation he doesn't like or want unless absolutely necessary."
"I see." The old man gestured for Sasuke to walk forward, up to his desk. "Well Sasuke-kun, what do you think? Would you rather decide for yourself?"
The uchiha was silent for a moment before nodding. "Hai Hokage-sama."
Sarutobi smiled in a grandfatherly way. "Very well then. I suppose you have already decided?"
"Hn." He walked back over towards me. I smiled at him and ran my fingers through his hair, purposely ignoring his instinctive flinch. I had dealt with children with Post-traumatic stress Before. I knew I could do this. It would be frustrating, unbelievably so. My little family would be stretched to its very limits but we would persevere. I would except nothing else damn it.
I bowed to the Hokage and his advisors, most of whom simply scowled in response, and we made our leave.
Okay guys! Here it is, finally! It's only been ten days exactly! Here's a question though. Do you guys prefer the slightly shorter chapters every few days or the longer ones about every two weeks or so? Tell me in a review please!
MY CABBAGES: Yes, that is the Cabbage Guy Avatar: The Last Airbender, and no, I couldn't help myself.
Don't forget your towel: This is from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a glorious Sci-fi book. Check it out, it's hilarious.
