The world she's in is familiar but at the same time not. The houses are different from the ones she's grown used to seeing in Konoha – bigger and bulkier and with lots of yard space. Most of the yards have trees that are big, not quite as big as the Hashirama trees which protect Konoha, but are fluffy and thick and laden with fruit.
She blinks up at one from her place on the ground. She's leaning against one of the trees in an unfamiliar yard. A bunch of fruits hang just out of reach but Natsuki makes no move to get them, more curious about this place's conjured.
This is a dream, a startlingly vivid one, but a dream nonetheless. She's no stranger to odd dreams, being who and what she is many of her memories have come to her in dreams, but none quite like this.
"You should take one. They're really good."
A fruit lands in Natsuki's lap. She's on her feet in a flash, clutching the fruit like a weapon and glaring into the tree where the voice came from.
"Who's there?" she demands.
The tree rustles and she can make out a figure moving through the branches. It's clearly a civilian, movements too stiff to be a ninja, but a civilian very used to taking residence in foliage.
"You know who I am," the voice chides. It sounds like the person is laughing at her and it makes Natsuki's teeth grind.
She gets a flash of hair, dark, thick and curly, before she's blinded by sunlight. She squints, trying to get a better looks but it feels like the more she tries the less she manages to see. The light gets brighter and brighter until Natsuki's forced to shut her eyes entirely but still the light burns through her eye lids.
"You'll remember me soon enough," is the last thing Natsuki hears as the light takes over her vision.
Then it's gone.
Her eyes snap open but instead of trees and ridiculously large yards she sees a blond head that's managed to find its way onto her stomach.
She blinks dreamily at her brother, watching him drool onto her stomach. Morning light is beginning to creep in through the window and she sighs before closing her eyes again. She's not sure what the dream means, if it means anything at all, but she's not going to let it stop her from sleeping in on a Saturday.
Before she knows it, Natsuki's out like a light once more.
The rest of her dreams are of odd things like ninja on the moon and a unicorn with fire for a mane but no more people hiding in trees or strange villages that seem familiar to her yet not.
-\|/-
Dinner with Uchihas soon becomes something of a norm. First they're invited over once a week, then twice and then three times. One weekend the twins end up spending the night and when Mikoto finds out that the twins are living on their own without a regular supervisor coming to check on them she practically blows a gasket.
The Sandaime is going to get an earful of Uchiha when the morning comes and Natsuki's glad she won't be anywhere nearby when that goes down. Something tells her Uchiha Mikoto's calm exterior hid a wicked temper that Natsuki would hate to be on the other side of.
A few days later Sasuke tells them they have an open invitation to the Uchiha compound and after that they're there almost every day.
They forego the Academy's training ground for the Uchiha clan's much nicer private training fields. Sasuke seems ecstatic and encourages Naruto and Natsuki to come over so often that soon enough the twins are spending more time at the compound than at home.
If Fugaku or Mikoto mind then they're not saying anything. As a matter of fact, if Natsuki's gut is right, Mikoto seems downright pleased to have the twins over so often.
At first Natsuki is wary. The Uchihas are legendary in their reclusiveness and they don't allow strangers on the compound often so the twins receive many an odd look during their first few visits. But as time passes the rest of the clan becomes so used to the twins coming and going that they even get a few 'hello's whenever they stop by.
Naruto is smiling more than Natsuki's ever seen him smile before and, if she's entirely honest, so is she. They no longer have to deal with people scowling at them on the road, not when they're always accompanied by the heir of one of Konoha's most influential clans.
For the first time in a long time things are going well.
Which of course is when things change.
-\|/-
"Uzumaki Natsuki?"
Natsuki pauses halfway out the door already, and glances back at Yamori-sensei. Naruto and Sasuke halt in their tracks, puzzled by her sudden stop.
"Yes, sensei?"
Yamori-sensei tucks his book away and leans against his desk. "May I have a word with you?"
Natsuki exchanges confused looks with the boys.
"Want us to stay?" Sasuke offers.
"Nah, it's alright. You go ahead. I'll meet up with you at the compound."
"You sure?" Naruto pushes.
She shakes her head. "I'll be fine. You guys can start early."
Sasuke pouts but doesn't argue. "If you say so," and the boys go their way.
"You've been spending a lot of time with the Uchihas," Yamori-sensei notes.
Natsuki gives him a wary look. He doesn't seem like he's harbouring any ill intent. His chakra seems curious and nothing more.
"I guess," she replies quietly.
"Have they been giving you any extra exercises? Perhaps with your chakra?" he inquires.
Natsuki makes a face. "No." The thought of Fugaku or Itachi lending a helping hand is laughable. They're more the type to turn you in the right direction but then watch you struggle and make your way on your own. It's not mean, per se, they just don't believe in holding your hand through the learning process.
Yamori just nods. He looks like he had been expecting that answer anyway.
"You've been making impressive progress these last few months. Much better than any of the students in your year. I'm sure you've noticed."
Natsuki's nod is hesitant, not sure what this is all about.
Yamori makes a face and puts his papers away. "I'll be honest. I believe your progress has advanced beyond the level of this class. To keep you here might as well be a punishment if you advance any further."
"So… what are you suggesting?" she asks.
"I've already put in a request for your transfer into an older year," Yamori announces.
Natsuki's bag hits the ground hard as her hands fall slack in shock.
"A- A transfer?" That's ridiculous. She more skilled than the boys no doubt but no way is she an entire year ahead.
"A formality but a necessary one I think," Yamori says, waving aside her disbelief. "You have the option to refuse but I strongly insist that you take some time and think about what a transfer could mean for you." He rests a hand on her shoulder and she brushes it off.
"I won't leave my brother behind!" Natsuki protests.
Yamori sighs and rubs his eyes. He takes a seat on one of the desks and motions for Natsuki to follow.
Still not trusting him, Natsuki sits but keeps a good distance between them.
"I know you think you need to stay with your brother, but you must learn to think of yourself now and again," he begins. "What benefit does staying in a year that does nothing to meet your needs give you?"
"I'd graduate with my brother!" she declares without hesitation.
Yamori's eyebrow raises. "And what next?"
Natsuki falters.
"There's no guarantee that you'll be placed on the same genin team. As a matter of fact, siblings are rarely if ever placed together. Do you plan on babysitting your brother all your life? What about your own goals in life?" he demands.
Natsuki winces. Her goals in life are all about babysitting her brother. Making sure he's safe from the Akatsuki, keeping him and Sasuke out of harm's way. But Yamori has a point. It's not feasible to believe that she'll always be with Naruto. He's destined for team Seven with Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi. She doesn't have a place in that future.
Seeing her wavering, Yamori reaches over and roughly messes up her hair. She hisses and bats his hands away in retaliation which makes his brow raise again and Natsuki feels a blush at her over reaction creeping up her neck.
"Think about it some, brat. You're smart. Maybe a little too smart for your age even. You'll know what you need to do." He makes one more swipe at her head, cackling as she hisses again before ushering her out the door.
"Go do things brats your age do. You're too serious for our own good!"
Natsuki sticks her tongue out at him.
Meddling old chuunin…
-\|/-
"What did sensei want you for anyway?"
Naruto and Sasuke don't look like they've done a lick of practice since Natsuki left them. She's hard pressed to say she minds, especially now that she's had a little time to think on what exactly she's been offered.
"I was… Sensei thinks I should be moved ahead by a year." She doesn't mean to say it, but pure disbelief makes it come out in a rush.
Sasuke drops the blunted kunai they've been playing with lately and Naruto's gaping.
"Seriously! A year! That's so cool!" her brother crows, leaping down from the top of the training post and tackling Natsuki in a tight hug.
"Yeah… cool."
Natsuki frowns at the less than pleased reaction from her friend but doesn't get a chance to focus on it seeing as she has Naruto yelling at her now.
The disturbed frown on his little face unsettles her and she's not sure she'll deal with it.
-\|/-
"You were suggested for a transfer?" Mikoto looks surprised at the news. Natsuki nods solemnly as she presses the last of the dough into a perfect ball and sets it beside the rest. Aside from her training sessions with Naruto and Sasuke, which Fugaku has taken to occasionally sitting through, Mikoto seems to have taken it upon herself to improve Natsuki's cooking. So far Natsuki has learned the proper way to make onigiri, suffered through making homemade noodles and even managed to master the perfect omurice.
It's not the Ritz but Natsuki likes being able to make more than just stew and rice with karaage. Plus spending time with Mikoto is fun in a way she never thought would be. She's kind but firm and doesn't treat Natsuki like a child the way everyone else seems to. Seeing as she raised Itachi she's no doubt used to odd children.
"Sensei thinks I'm progressing too fast for my class. He thinks it would be in my best interest to move up a level so that I'm 'being properly challenged'."
Yamori has taken to ambushing Natsuki at random points during the day to ask whether or not she's made up her mind. Truthfully, she hasn't but being hounded every day doesn't make her feel any more inclined to decide one way or the other. Out of pure spite she's debating not giving him an answer until after this year's final exams but that would mean dealing with his annoying visits for two more weeks.
"What do the boys think of it?" Mikoto asks, washing her hands.
Natsuki makes a face as she checks the pot to see if it's boiling yet. "Naruto's excited. He thinks it'd be cool to have someone to teach them advanced stuff. Sasuke has been… well… he's been pretty quiet about it…" she admits.
Mikoto nods. "It's because you've become something of an idol to him," she reveals.
Surprised, Natsuki almost lets the whole set of dough balls he'd been getting ready to boil fall into the pot but catches herself in time.
"Me? But I'm not all that impressive," Natsuki denies, a solid flush creeping up her neck.
Mikoto chuckles and helps her put the rest in the pot. The two step back and admire their work while Mikoto sets a timer so they'll know exactly when to take them out.
"He idolizes you," Mikoto starts again and Natsuki really wishes she'd let the topic drop, "Because you're so independent."
Natsuki frowns and Mikoto ruffles her hair gently, an act that only she can get away with.
"You're the same age as him but you and your brother live alone without any adults to help," she says.
"Then why doesn't he idolize Naruto too?" Natsuki asks, not seeing the logic.
"Because anyone who looks at you two knows you're the one who takes care of him. You cook, you clean, and you work all without someone having to tell you. Not to mention that, despite all that, you've managed to showcase your natural skill at the shinobi arts," Mikoto explains. "Yet for all that you're still friends with him and you don't make him feel like he has to live up to any particular standard. Considering his older brother… that is something new to him."
Natsuki shifts, uncomfortable with the praise. "The dango's floating," she says instead of answering.
"And we leave it for a few more minutes," Mikoto replies smoothly.
The silence that settles is heavy and Natsuki isn't sure what to say or if she should even be saying anything.
"I didn't… I'm not saying any of this to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted to let you know that… you're a very hardworking girl and I think it's very admirable all the things you've managed to accomplish." Mikoto pauses and looks like she's struggling with something. Eventually she gives in and kneels before Natsuki, taking the girl's face in her hands.
Natsuki can feel callouses on Mikoto's hands, the ones that were obviously gained through years of service as a ninja. Being a shinobi leaves its mark, she wonders absently as onyx eyes meet azure.
"I just want to say … I think… that your parents, whoever they may be, would have been amazed to see all that you've accomplished so far and would be proud of the person you are." Natsuki tries to swallow but it's hard to do so around the lump that's formed in her throat.
"For that reason. I need you to think about what you're being offered carefully, but don't consider your brother or Sasuke's feelings. Think about your own and what you want to accomplish with your life." Mikoto's grip on her cheek tightens but doesn't pass the boundary into uncomfortable. Instead it becomes more like a grounding force.
"You have the potential to be a great shinobi. Maybe even greater than your – than the Yondaime himself." She says it with such conviction that it take Natsuki's breath away as she comes to a stunning realization.
Mikoto knows. Natsuki had forgotten about it, caught up in avoiding Itachi as much as possible but, Kushina and Mikoto used to be friends, best friends even. Mikoto is one of the few people in the village who knows who her parents are but because of a stupid gag order from an even stupider Hokage she's not allowed to say a damn thing!
If it wasn't for the fact that Natsuki had tricked Sasuke into approaching them of his own accord then they would have never met. Mikoto would never have met the children of her closest friend and the twins would never have had someone as kind as Mikoto to help look out for them.
Gratitude and resent swirl in Natsuki's stomach, leaving a sour taste in her mouth.
Mikoto's eyes have gone a little misty and Natsuki has to blink rapidly to keep tears from clouding her vision, but they never look away from each other. Natsuki keeps her eyes on Mikoto's as shaky hands raise to touch the ones resting on her face.
"I… I hope so…" Is all Natsuki can manage unless she wants to risk turning into a ball of mush in the middle of Sasuke's kitchen. Mikoto sniffs, smiling wetly before rising to check on the dango.
The moment is broken and both of the kitchen's occupants take a moment to gather themselves before returning to the task at hand.
"These should be done. Let's try our hand at making the sauce next, ne?" Mikoto suggests, plucking the dango out of the water.
Natsuki just nods and joins Mikoto at the counter once more.
They work quietly, but if Natsuki pauses every now and again to quietly grip Mikoto's sleeve for a few moments, there's no one else in the kitchen to call her out on it so she'll keep doing it for as long as she's allowed.
-\|/-
At school the next day, Sasuke is quiet. Well, quieter than usual. Not exactly sad but he's stuck deep in thought and the twins have no clue how to pull him out of his head.
"Mind sharing what's got you so down?" Natsuki asks in the break between classes.
Sasuke rests his chin on his arms and pulls on a worried frown. "A friend of Itachi nii-san's died the yesterday. He's been pretty sad and I don't know who to deal with it."
"You were… close?" Naruto hedges.
Sasuke shakes his head. "Not really. He was nii-san's friend but he would stop by the house every now and again. But dad's been all weird since it happened and even mom's been acting funny. I don't know. I feel like something bad's gonna happen."
Neither of the twins know what to say. Natsuki takes one of Sasuke's hands in hers and squeezes it tightly while Naruto bumps shoulders with him. Sasuke's eyes close and he squeezes her hand in return.
Something heavy settles in her stomach and stays there for the rest of the day. Something has changed… but she doesn't understand what.
-\|/-
Long after school has ended Yamori is surprised to hear a quiet knock on the classroom door. He blinks stupidly at the door, trying to pull his head out from the papers he'd been marking.
"Come in?" he calls, wondering who it could be at this time of the day.
He's no less surprised at the vibrant red hair that pokes itself through the door with an uncharacteristic meekness and situates herself before the teacher's desk.
Yamori sets his pen down and folds his arms as he takes in the little Uzumaki brat with eyes that are steady and bright with determination. "I take it you've come to a decision then?"
Natsuki nods once, firm and sure.
"I'd be happy to take the advance."
I debated for some time putting these three in the same team but, aside from personal preference, them being on team 7 wouldn't have progressed the plot in the direction I want it to go. Who knows what the future teams will look like though. Naruto certainly isn't the dead last he used to be without Natsuki and Sasuke around. Well, we'll see.
Drop a comment and let me know what you think of the story so far. Even a 'cool story' is appreciated.
-Rayne
