Chapter Eight: Enduring


Two weeks after her project with Itachi, Kimi ran into Inoichi waiting outside the Academy.

"Sensei," she squawked, nearly losing grip of her backpack. "What are you doing here?"

Inoichi gave a much-too-innocent grin. Considering that he was still dressed in the gray uniform of the Intelligence Division, it made for an interesting contrast. "I just wanted to visit my student. Why else?"

She gave him a look. "I come to your house practically everyday."

"Oh, you wound me." He pressed his hand to his chest and effected an expression of great hurt. "Is it so hard to believe that I simply want to walk you home? These are dangerous streets for a young girl."

Her disbelief grew. "Really, Inoichi-sensei? I've been walking on these streets for the last four years. And if the streets in the center of Konoha are unsafe, then someone isn't doing their job." She shook her head. "You don't have to escort me. You've never done it before."

"Kimi-chan, your tongue is too sharp for your own good." He sighed, but his exasperation was tinged with amusement. "Now, I insist."

It wasn't like she really had a choice. "Fine."

"Excellent." As they started walking, Inoichi made a few hand signs. Kimi stiffened as she felt a net of chakra fall over her. At her curious expression, Inoichi explained. "It's a genjutsu that hides our conversation. Anyone listening will just hear ordinary small talk."

Her eyes widened. That was certainly more useful than the simple silence genjutsu she knew. "Will you teach me?"

He shrugged. "Maybe. But it's a B-rank. It's rather complicated."

She scowled. "You say that for every genjutsu."

"Because it's true." A gleam came into his eyes. "But considering your success… I might change my mind."

"What do you mean?"

"When I asked you to become friends with the newer members in your class, I didn't expect you to start with Uchiha Itachi." He chuckled to himself. "It's quite impressive."

Kimi blinked, taken aback. After teaching her to use chakra to sense emotions, Inoichi had asked her to practice by making friends. He'd hinted that contacts were useful in the intelligence community, something that Kimi had already known.

"I… I didn't become friends with Itachi intentionally," she said slowly. "Besides, he rarely eats lunch with us. At most, he'll nod when he sees me. That's not being friends."

"For an Uchiha, it is." His satisfaction grew. "And I know it wasn't intentional. It still counts." He shook his head. "You've lost me money, you know. I bet that you'd approach Hana. You've proved me wrong. Excellent job."

She wasn't sure how to respond to that. But she didn't have to. They had arrived at her house. "Thank you for walking me home, sensei." Her tone was full of polite sarcasm.

"My pleasure, Kimi-chan. Do you mind if I say hello to your father before I leave?" His words were perfectly innocent.

Kimi tried not to react to them. "My dad's not home," she said casually. "He's on a business trip."

"Who's watching you, then?" Inoichi still spoke in that insufferably normal way.

"Asuka-san," replied Kimi. "She's my neighbor."

"Can I talk to her?"

She was quiet. Asuka, in her customary way, had forgotten about her. The old woman had scheduled a trip to the capital in order to visit her daughter. Kimi had been by herself for the past week. For an ordinary kid, it would be neglectful, but Kimi wasn't ordinary. She was a grown woman, if only in her past life.

"She isn't here," she said finally.

Inoichi raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? You've been alone?"

"Yes."

He gave her a knowing look. "Well, Kimi-chan, why don't you stay at the Yamanaka's place until your father gets back? It's no inconvenience at all."

"I can take care of myself, sensei. I'm practically a genin." And genins were adults in the eyes of the law. "Anyway, I thought I was emancipated." Legally, she was capable of making her own decisions. The Yamanaka had made sure of that.

"That may be true, but there's no need to be alone." Inoichi smiled. "Kimi-chan, your father will be back in… what, a day or two?"

She gritted her teeth and nodded.

"Then why don't you spend those days with us? Chouza is coming over, and you don't want to miss an Akimichi's feast."

Kimi stared down at her feet. She was tired of eating nothing but rice and stir fry, but… well, it wasn't like she had much of a choice. The relationship Kimi had with the Yamanaka clan was so laughably unequal. And despite everything they'd done do her, Kimi didn't want to lose their support.

"Fine."


Kimi had never seen the Yamanaka's dining room before. She'd eaten at their house, sure, but never so formally. Their ornate table was made of dark wood that thrummed with chakra. Though she looked, Kimi couldn't see any seams; the table seemed to be made from one piece of wood.

"A gift from the Shodaime." Inoichi followed her gaze. "According to my father, he was always fond of giving woodwork as gifts."

She responded with just a nod.

"Ah, Inoichi!" Arms full of pots and pans, Chouza strode into the dining room. Shikaku followed him, also carrying a variety of bowls. "I was wondering if you'd be late to your own dinner party!"

"No, no. I was just picking up a guest." Inoichi winked at Kimi, who stared back, unimpressed.

"Kimi-chan!" said Chouza, grinning. "Good to see you again!"

Shikaku gave a heavy sigh. "What he said."

Kimi gave a polite smile. "Likewise."

She sat at the table, determined not to enjoy herself. But though she was irritated, Kimi was also hungry and lonely. Despite her best efforts, she wound up appreciating the company and the delicious food.

"Do you remember that one time Inoichi tried to… tried to…" Chouza was laughing so hard that he couldn't speak.

"Hook up with Tsunade-sama?" finished Shikaku, chuckling along.

To Kimi's surprise (and vindictive delight), Inoichi actually blushed. "You promised to never speak of it!"

Chouza pounded his fist against the table, almost hysterical. "Are you kidding? It's the best story in the world! We have to tell her!"

Shikaku sipped at his sake, trying to regain his composure. "You see, Kimi-chan, Inoichi was about fourteen or so."

"And he had the biggest crush on Tsunade-sama," continued Chouza. "He'd follow her around like an obsessed puppy. It was great!"

"One day, he got really drunk and decided to ask her out. It was in the middle of the Second Great War, you see." Shikaku's grin grew wide enough to stretch his scars. "And we were stationed under Tsunade-sama."

Inoichi was determinedly avoiding his friends' faces. Instead, he studied his plate like it held the secrets of the universe.

"And then what happened?" asked Kimi, playing along.

"He just—just waltzed up to Tsunade-sama." Chouza was gasping now. "And told her," he snorted, trying so very hard to hold back his guffaws, " 'Hey, I bet we'd make the most beautiful blond babies!' "

Kimi burst into laughter along with Shikaku and Chouza. "You've got to be kidding me!" she said between her giggles. "How drunk was he? And how is he still alive?"

Inoichi had given up all pretences. Now a bright red, he was holding his head in hands. "Did you have to tell her? Now I've lost all her respect!"

"Who said you had any at all?" she retorted, a sly grin on her face.

"Kimi-chan's got you there!" Chouza snickered. "Poor Inoichi. I sometimes wonder if Tsunade actually—" He glanced at Kimi, suddenly sheepish. "Never mind."

She rolled her eyes. Trust me, I've heard more dirty jokes than you'd think. It's hilarious how they try to censor themselves around me.

Inoichi glared. "You're not the only one with blackmail material!" He then smiled, sharper than a kunai. "Has Shikaku ever told you the story of why he hates ramen?"


After the embarrassing stories and delicious food, Inoichi pulled out a pack of hanafuda cards. "Though playing shogi is an exercise in futility, when it comes to cards, it becomes more even," he said with a smirk.

Shikaku scoffed. "What Inoichi means to say is that I always win at the strategic card games, while he always wins at the psychological ones."

"And I always lose." Chouza sighed. "Oh, well. The things I do for my friends."

"How does a game of koi-koi sound?" Inoichi shuffled, adding unnecessary flourishes. "I'll be dealer."

"You'll have to teach me how to play." Kimi looked at the colorful deck with interest. I haven't seen cards like those before. It's beautiful. On its face, each card had delicate, hand-painted flowers and animals.

"Don't worry. It's a fairly simple game." Inoichi quickly explained the rules. From what Kimi could tell, it was like a mix of blackjack, go fish, and poker.

"I think I get it." Kimi glanced at the cards, feeling nostalgic. She hadn't played a card game since her reincarnation, though she'd always been decent at them.

"Great!" Inoichi began dealing. "Let's start."


Chouza slapped down the Sakura and Chrysanthemum cards.

"Tsukimi-zake!" he crowed. One of the more interesting parts of the game were the names of the combinations. Chouza's combo, for example, translated to 'the Sakura Curtain and the Sake Cup.'

Fighting back a smile, Kimi glanced at her own cards. Inoichi and Shikaku had to go before her turn, but she could wait.

"Did you hear about the meeting?" said Inoichi blandly, flicking through his cards.

"Which one?" Shikaku's eyebrow was twitching.

"The one between the heads of the Aburame, Hyuuga, and Inuzuka clan."

Chouza set down his bag of chips. "What? Is this some sort of joke? There's no way the Hyuuga would meet with the Inuzuka. It's like chocolate and soy sauce!"

"I'm not lying." Inoichi spread apart his hands. "Though this is all rumor, of course…"

Shikaku rolled his eyes. "Your rumors are practically fact."

"Though this is a rumor," Inoichi repeated, "I heard that they gathered to discuss an alliance. About a certain council."

Well, of course. Kimi thought back to the Rookie Twelve. All three of those clans got their heirs on the same team. They had to start their alliance at some time.

"You know," said Shikaku thoughtfully, "it's not so outlandish. All three of them work as trackers and scouters. Their interests are fairly aligned." He placed a card down, matching two plum blossom cards.

"And having an alliance could work as a counterbalance to… other groups." Inoichi frowned. "Pass."

"Yes," agreed Kimi. "Other groups." She kept her face carefully blank as she placed down her cards. "And Ino-Shika-Cho."

Startled, the three members of the trio stared at her and then her cards. Kimi smiled back, displaying her best 'innocent' expression. This couldn't be any more perfect. It's not my fault that they're named after a card combination.

Shikaku let out a bark of laughter. "Well played."

"Yes." Inoichi smiled, slow and satisfied. "Well played, indeed."


Ino's first birthday was a grand celebration. All the clan heads were invited to the celebration, and all their children were also invited. Normally, Konoha wasn't big on birthdays. Only the first one was given any significance. And for Ino, the first was extra important, as it was when her status as clan heiress was declared. That aside, only promotions or graduations necessitated gifts.

Of course, this was all moot, as Kimi wasn't invited to the party. However, Kimi was invited to the private gathering that followed. It consisted Inoichi's close friends and family. In other words, Shikaku, Chouza, and their respective families. Kimi didn't know whether she should be flattered or insulted.

She glanced at the pile of gifts, each carefully labelled and arranged. Practically all of them were related to being a ninja. Half of them were training weapons and tools, while the other half were training books. Kimi's own gift looked massively out of place, which was her intention.

"Ino-chan!" called out Kimi. "Happy birthday!" The little, blonde toddler turned around and squealed.

"Kibi-nee!" Ino ran over to her, stumbling over her long kimono. "Kibi!"

Kimi laughed and hugged the adorable girl. Ino was an absolute darling and an absolute brat. Kimi babysat the troublesome heiress frequently, and Kimi was never sure if she should be exasperated or amused by Ino's antics.

"I have a gift for you, Ino-chan."

"Gifts!" Ino gasped and jumped in excitement. "More!"

Kimi pulled out the pink, stuffed pig from behind her back. "Ta-da!"

"Oink oink!" shrieked Ino. She grabbed the toy from Kimi's hands. "Oink!" Ino clutched the toy and beamed. "Thank!" She toddled away, shouting 'Oink!' at random intervals. Shikamaru, who was napping on Chouji's shoulder, seemed very perturbed by this new change. Kimi smirked as Ino literally rubbed her new toy in his face.

"A stuffed pig, huh?"

Kimi froze, barely stopping herself from yelping in surprise. "Shikaku-sama," she said weakly. "It's nice to see you again."

"Same." He tilted his head. The scars on his face stretched with his grin. "You owe me a shogi match."

She recovered her composure. "Well, I'm flattered that you wish to play a match." Kimi pouted. "But with my graduation coming so soon, I'm afraid that I won't be able to."

Shikaku chuckled. "Nonsense. What made you pick a stuffed toy for Ino?"

His non-sequitur didn't faze her. "I thought she'd like it." She stared at him, daring Shikaku to continue the conversation.

"You must be well-versed in her interests, being her babysitter and all." He yawned, covering his mouth just in time. "Feel like babysitting Shikamaru anytime? Been needing someone."

Kimi almost rolled her eyes at the blatant ploy. "Well, I'm flattered that you wish for me to babysit Shikamaru," she repeated with no hint of irony. "But with my graduation coming so soon, I'm afraid that I won't be able—"

"I'll pay you."

Kimi paused. She scanned Shikaku's face; the older man looked dead serious. "Pay me in what?"

He smirked. "You've been spending too much time with Inoichi." Shikaku leaned forward. "Tell you what. Babysit Shikamaru for me, and I'll make him teach you genjutsu."

"I'll think about it." This time, Kimi actually rolled her eyes. That's a terrible bargain. Inoichi's going to teach me genjutsu anyway, and Shikaku gets far more out of the deal. Not only does he get a free babysitter and someone to play shogi with, he'd also get to observe me in detail. She frowned in realization. So Inoichi does keep Shikaku updated about my training...

"You drive a hard bargain," he mused.

"I learned from the best."

To her surprise, Shikaku grinned. "I know you did."


As usual, Kimi was one of the last ones out of the classroom. Daikaku-sensei had concocted some excuse to give her extra work, and though she had finished it quickly, Kimi was still ten minutes late. Her luck only continued. For the second time that month, she ran into someone waiting outside the Academy.

"Hey, do you know where Itachi is? Uchiha Itachi?" A tall teen waved at Kimi. She stepped back, examining him with a critical eye. With dark hair, eyes, and clothing, he appeared like an Uchiha. The embroidered fan on his shirt confirmed her suspicions.

"He's still inside." Kimi frowned. "Daikoku-sensei wanted to talk to him." While Daikoku was rather suspicious of her, the teacher was nothing less than sycophantic towards Itachi.

The Uchiha grinned back at her in a very un-Uchiha manner. "That guy, huh? Yeah, Itachi's told me about him. He seems like a pain." He scrutinized her. "I think he's told me about you. You're Kimi, right?"

She bowed. "Yes. I'm Mita Kimi. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Shisui. Uchiha Shisui, Itachi's cousin." He leaned against the gate, his posture casual and deceptive. "You're a civvie kid, aren't you?"

She tugged at her backpack, suddenly nervous. Shisui had committed suicide for the village, hadn't he? And Danzo had stolen his eye. "Yes. If you'll excuse—"

"Itachi!" shouted Shisui, startling her. "Over here!"

Kimi flinched and pressed her back against an old oak tree. She hadn't even noticed Itachi's approach. The Uchiha heir had already made it to the gates. The young boy hurried over to them, his eyes brighter than Kimi had seen before.

"Shisui-nii," said Itachi, a hint of a smile on his face. He ducked his head as Shisui ruffled his hair. Itachi turned to Kimi and inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Kimi-san."

"I've been chatting with your friend, here." Shisui's eyes became mischievous. "Why didn't you tell me you liked older women? I wouldn't have tried to set you up with Izumi-chan if you'd told me."

Itachi gave his cousin a blank look. Kimi, on the other hand, almost laughed at Shisui's ploy.

Really? she thought, amused. That's how you decided to test me? I can think of a thousand more effective ways to gauge my character and my intentions for Itachi. Unfortunately for Shisui, Kimi had gone through Inoichi's constant prodding and evaluations. His attempt felt downright childish, and it was even easier to defuse.

"Why, Shisui-san," she purred, deepening her voice and making it huskier, "I didn't know you were interested. If you ask nicely, I might let you join us." Unlike her classmates, she had gone through puberty once before—Kimi had experience with flirting and the adult side of life.

But adult or not, the gobsmacked expression on Shisui's face was absolutely priceless.

Kimi began laughing so hard that she had to clutch the tree trunk for support. "Sorry," she gasped in between laughs. "You just made it so easy!" Kimi wiped away the tears in her eyes and sighed.

Itachi's sharingan had been activated during her little act, and the younger Uchiha seemed torn between amusement and exasperation. But Shisui looked at her with something resembling interest, and Kimi felt very stupid for attracting his attention. The games Inoichi played with her were entirely different from the toxic village politics that these two children were entangled in.

"You got me good," Shisui said ruefully. "I think I deserved that." He crossed his arms, appearance still cheerful. "Hey, Itachi, didn't you say that Kimi-chan scored higher than you on a written test?"

"All the written tests," corrected Itachi. "Before she decided not to score so highly anymore."

"But my practical scores are absolutely miserable." Trying not to tense up, Kimi laughed and rubbed her neck. "Itachi could beat me blindfolded and with both arms tied. And he's much smarter than I am. I just got lucky." Which is true. Itachi's a certified genius. At his age, I was chewing my hair and eating dirt.

Shisui seemed unconvinced. "Sure, sure." He clasped Itachi on the shoulder and grinned. "Hey, Kimi-chan, me and Itachi were going to grab some dango. Feel like joining us?"

Kimi glanced at Itachi, whose face had become emotionless. "I don't want to impose." I'm not about to butt in on the small amount of time Itachi spends with his cousin. "Besides, I have to get home."

"That's alright!" Much too blithely to be natural, Shisui waved aside her concerns. "I can send a summon to let your parents know. The dango shack's really great! We've been going to it since forever."

While Shisui chattered on, Kimi mouthed an apology to Itachi. He shook his head slightly, dismissing her apology and giving one of his own. Kimi saw Shisui's eyes flicker to both of their faces; he'd clearly noticed the exchange, but he didn't comment on it.

Kimi decided to give in. As usual, she was probably being too paranoid. Nothing would come out of a simple lunch meeting. And based on Itachi's reaction, he didn't seem too bothered by her presence. Besides, she could use the opportunity to learn more about the Uchiha.

"Fine, I'll come."

"Great!" In one smooth, practiced movement, Shisui nicked his thumb and pressed it onto the ground. One burst of smoke later, a crow appeared. "Where should I send Fuhei?"

"My parents aren't here." And I don't think Inoichi will care if I'm a little late. She gave an apologetic frown. "Sorry for making you expend all that chakra."

"It's no problem!" Shisui said, waving his hands in dismissal. His summon didn't seem to agree; it let an annoyed croak before dismissing itself.

"Do not worry, Kimi-chan." Itachi raised his eyebrows slightly. "My cousin was looking for an excuse to demonstrate his aptitude at summoning."

"Hey, you brat! I take back what I said about sharing the contract!"

Kimi giggled at Shisui's put-upon expression, playing along with his act. The faint bags under his eyes, the irregular way his hands twitched, and the bandaged arm revealed that he wasn't nearly as energetic as he appeared. His piercing eyes rested upon her sporadically; he was assessing her potential to be a threat.

Still, she was impressed. Hardly any ninja in the show had summoning contracts. The Academy had stressed how dangerous it was to obtain them, and they were usually tied to clans or the few legendary ninja. Considering that the Uchiha aren't known for their crows, I'm assuming that it's a personal contract.

"I'll lead the way!" announced Shisui. "Don't worry. It's not far."


Shisui was right; it hardly took five minutes to arrive at the tiny shack. The three squeezed inside a cramped booth, Shisui and Itachi on one side, Kimi on the other. The owner, a grizzled woman with a scar over her lips, grunted and slammed down three plates of dango.

"We don't actually get a choice," the older Uchiha explained. "Nao-san only makes one kind of dango a day. It's always delicious, though."

As they munched on the exceedingly good sweets, Shisui began the story of his last mission. Kimi was drawn into his vivid tale of an escort mission to Suna, but she wasn't engrossed enough to miss the hand signs that he was flashing under the table.

It wasn't one of the three standard forms taught by the Academy. Thankfully, Inoichi had made her memorize all of Konoha's sign languages from its conception, just in case. Shisui was using a variant from the First Shinobi War.

Suspected motive? he gestured, still continuing the story.

Almost too fast for Kimi to see, Itachi answered, Undetermined. He glanced at her, eyes turning red. Kimi ignored him and kept up her interested facade.

"There is no point in signing." Itachi set the empty skewer on his plate. "Kimi-san understands it."

Shisui blinked. "Eh? Really?"

Kimi opened her mouth to deny it, but she thought better of it. Really, Itachi is incredible. He may be seven, but that's no reason to underestimate him. She chuckled to herself. Kids these days. He saw right through me.

"Yes," she admitted. Motive benign, she signed to them.

Shisui slowly shook his head. "You're pretty interesting, you know?" He abruptly got up from his seat. "We should meet again sometime. Itachi and I need to go train." Shisui dragged Itachi from the booth and took off. "Bye, Kimi-chan!" he shouted, waving as they left. "I'll see you soon!"

Kimi rolled her eyes at the teen's antics. She wasn't sure how much was calculated and how much was genuine. As she finished up the last piece of dango, a thought came into her mind.

Wait… did I get left with the bill?


Volunteering at the hospital without Dr. Nohara was a strange experience. The nurses knew her fairly well, but without the doctor to vouch for her, Kimi was stuck healing paper-cuts and changing blankets.

Kimi adjusted the unconscious patient's IV and sighed. Closing her eyes for just a moment, she sat on the folding chair and rested her head in her hands. Today's been a long week…

The sound of wheels jerked her awake. Kimi rubbed her forehead and blinked.

"Oh! S-Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you!" said a young voice.

She looked at the newcomer and was instantly alert. With silver hair and round glasses, the boy could only be one person—Kabuto. Time seemed to slow as Kimi took in every detail. With chubby cheeks and a cheerful expression, Kabuto almost had her fooled. But she'd noticed that wary gleam in his eyes, the way his fingers had moved towards his hip. It had disappeared immediately after, and Kimi had no doubt he'd fix those tells in time, but it was a reminder of just how dangerous he would become.

First Shisui, and now Kabuto. Was it just a coincidence that she'd met two of Danzo's 'underlings'?

"It's not your fault," she replied with a yawn, trying to pass her brief silence as grogginess. "It's my fault for dozing on the job."

He laughed, so perfectly and so casually that Kimi despaired at how polished the kid's actions were. "It can get boring, sometimes. I don't blame you!" Kabuto pushed his glasses up his nose and smiled. "I'm Kabuto. You're Kimi, aren't you? The other kid who volunteers the hospital. I've heard about you from the nurses and Mizuki."

Kimi tilted back in shock. Her instincts and memories were screaming at her to get out. She silenced them and made her voice friendly. "You know Mizuki-kun?"

"He lives at the orphanage with me." The smile faded. "Mizuki's new, and he's having a hard time adjusting. But he's doing better, though!" he added hastily. Kabuto paused long enough for the silence to become uncomfortable. "So, uh, you go to the Academy, right?"

"Yeah." So that's how Mizuki got involved with Orochimaru. Kabuto probably acted as Orochimaru's scout. "Do you go to the Academy, too?"

"I do! I'm in the class under you, I think." He gave a half-hearted shrug. "Though I'm not very good at anything but the medical stuff. But I want to be a med-nin, so I guess it works out!" Kabuto laughed again. "How about you? You work with Dr. Nohara, don't you? At least, before she left to have children." He began pulling the blankets from the cart. His hands were bandaged all the way to the fingertips, probably to prevent fingerprints. "I'm a little jealous. She's a really great doctor."

"She is." Kimi helped him stock the closet, taking the blankets and putting them on the shelves. "And she's incredibly kind and caring, too. Too bad she had to take a leave of absence." Konoha and their obsession with bloodlines...

He made a sympathetic noise. "But I understand why she wanted to. After all, Dr. Nohara is the last of her clan."

"Yeah, but it would've been easier to—" Kimi froze mid-sentence. Holy shit. Does Konoha even have egg banks? Or even sperm banks, for that matter? The pieces fell together all at once. No… I don't think they do. I work in the hospital, and no one's even mentioned them before. And all this worry about dying bloodlines wouldn't exist if they had a way to store genetic information.

"Kimi-san?" asked Kabuto, voice colored with concern. "Are you alright?"

"Ah… I'm just tired. I think I've been working too hard, that's all. I'm going to call it a day." With a mumbled excuse, Kimi brushed past Kabuto and rushed down the hall, her thoughts spinning like pinwheels.

Despite its ridiculous advancements in some parts of medicine, what this world lacks is understanding. Everything is rote-memorization or blind guesswork. In some ways, chakra has stunted their progress. A horrifying thought made Kimi stop in the middle of the doorway. Of course there isn't any genetic bank. Or else Danzo would have taken advantage of it ages ago! If Danzo or Orochimaru had access to proper germ cells…

She shuddered, vowing to stay as far away from those two as humanly possible. After all, her knowledge of the plot wasn't the only dangerous information she had.


Arms crossed, with an expression blank enough to rival any Hyuuga, Inoichi examined her posture and frowned.

"When you're disguised as a boy, make sure to take longer strides. Men extend the knee, while women move from their hips. Also, don't keep your feet so close together."

Kimi adjusted her gait and continued walking with the male henge. She felt rather like a penguin, waddling across the room.

"Better," said Inoichi. "But keep practicing. It needs to look natural. Dismiss the henge."

She pressed her hands together and released the illusion of a male body.

"Henge into an adult female, please. A civilian."

After a second of deliberation, Kimi decided to borrow the hospital receptionist's appearance. She flashed through the hand-signs and extended the chakra around her. Illusionary henges required less chakra, but any physical contact broke the mirage.

"Good. Walk from one wall to another."

Kimi closed her eyes and pictured her old self walking down the hallway. She relaxed her shoulders, bent slightly forward, and took short, casual steps. Imitating civilians came easiest for her—her mind adjusted, but it never forgot how she used to be. She paced back and forth and stopped in front of Inoichi.

"Well done. Release it."

Kimi sighed, letting the chakra disperse. Her reserves were a little on the small side, and after the Academy, two hours of non-stop henge pushed her to the limit. And Inoichi was a perfectionist; he insisted that every one of her transformations be flawless. He usually made her drill voices, positions, and the standard henge until she had fulfilled his expectations.

Now, however, Inoichi was looking at her with a deep-seated sense of satisfaction, the kind that only came from an old plan coming into fruition.

"Good," he said again. "Very good." Inoichi smiled at her. "I'm proud of you, Kimi-chan. Enjoy the rest of the day. You deserve a break."

He did have plans for her. But Kimi hadn't the slightest clue what they could be. With a sinking feeling, she acknowledged that she couldn't ignore it anymore. Kimi would have to solidify her relationship with the Yamanaka clan.

"Thanks, sensei. I'll see you later."

First, research. Kimi had learned her lesson already—never again would she deal with the Yamanaka while being unprepared.


She walked into the Inoichi's study, armed with nothing but a single sheet of paper.

"Kimi-chan," he greeted, setting aside his paperwork. "What brings you here? Is there something you need?"

"I need to talk to you." Though the irony wasn't lost on her, Kimi drew on the Yamanaka's instructions on negotiating. Chin up, expression clear, confident but open. "It's about my graduation."

"I suspected as much." He motioned to a chair. "Sit down, and we'll talk."

Kimi pulled up the awkward, metal chair. The edges dug into her shoulder, and it was likely made uncomfortable on purpose. "Thanks."

For a minute, the two examined each other in silence, Inoichi with an amused tilt of his eyebrow, and Kimi with nervous energy. Finally, Inoichi decided to humor her and speak first.

"What is it you wanted to talk about?"

She glanced at her paper. This is either going to work or backfire spectacularly. Kimi counted to ten, exhaled, and felt the tension drain out of her. Displaying surety she was only beginning to feel, Kimi spoke.

"Last week, I finished paperwork needed to join the med-corps after graduation. And I know Dr. Nohara requested me to be her apprentice once I become a genin. But that isn't going to happen, is it?"

Expression unchanged, Inoichi shook his head slightly.

"I know you're preparing me for Intel." She kept her eyes steady. "And I'll do what you want wholeheartedly… but with certain conditions. Four, to be exact."

The Yamanaka heir leaned back. "Do tell."

"First, I want you to teach me advanced genjutsu. Or if you can't do that, find me a teacher who can." Like it or not, senbon and medical ninjutsu weren't going to keep her safe forever and Genjutsu was the least lethal. It also needed a teacher to be learned correctly; there was too much potential for disaster if learned unsupervised.

"Go on."

"Second, I will continue working at the hospital. If not as part as the med-corps, then as a volunteer. I need to continue my medical training." She loved working there too much to let it go. "Third, keep me in the loop. I want to know what's going on. If it involves me, let me know." Kimi was finished with stumbling in the dark, seizing the morsels of information Inoichi deigned to toss on the floor. If she was getting involved in their convoluted politics, she was going to be prepared.

He chuckled. "A little vague, don't you think? And knowledge is—"

"Power," completed Kimi. "Which is why I asked. I'm tired of operating blindly. I can't work with you while knowing nothing."

Inoichi gestured with his hand for her to proceed. "Your last demand?"

"Finally, I want you to help my friends."

Now, she got an actual reaction from him. Inoichi sat up and looked at her, half-frowning. "What do you mean?"

"Umino Iruka, Uzuki Yugao, Jujiro Mizuki, and Ito Tsubaki." She tapped her fingers against his desk. "I remember you telling me that clan kids get priority for assignments, whether it be in teams or in the various corps. I'm not asking you to apprentice my friends to the Hokage, but I'd rather not have them on the metaphorical front lines."

Kimi tried to keep her breath steady. The last condition was the riskiest and the most dangerous. Her entire scheme hinged on him accepting it.

Inoichi stayed silent for several minutes. Kimi took every ounce of self-control she had to remain still. Silence is the greatest tool in conversations.

He chucked softly. "You never fail to impress me, Kimi."

Caught off guard, she blinked at the compliment and the lack of honorific. "Thank you."

Inoichi steepled his fingers. "I see your plan. It's well-thought out, too. But I believe you've made a miscalculation." He deliberated, expression exaggerated and thoughtful. "What makes you think I have the power to determine team assignments? That's the Hokage's purview."

Her response was immediate. "Really, Inoichi-sensei?" She scoffed in derision, surprised that he'd asked such a silly question. He must be underestimating me. "I know that Intel sends their recommendations for team assignments. You told me yourself."

"And what if I refuse?"

The incredulity and confidence she'd been feeling drained away. Kimi clasped her hands together, trying not to let her apprehension show.

"What do you mean?" She shrugged. "If you refuse, we proceed as we did before."

His smile turned mocking. "Oh, no. Why would I do that? You've given me information freely, information that I can use as leverage. I know what you want, and you haven't learned anything about my desires. Our relationship is now unequal."

Not that it was equal before, she thought sardonically. "I haven't told you anything you don't already know." Kimi wet her lips and met his eyes.

Pupil-less, blue, and unreadable, his eyes stared back. "Is that so?" Inoichi's voice was a soft, almost tender. "You've told me a great deal about your friends and how much you value them."

His words were like a bucket of ice water. "You wouldn't," she whispered. Inoichi wouldn't use the kids as leverage. He can't. Her heart rate increased, and she could feel the blood pound in her ears. "You wouldn't." Her breathing became short and shallow.

He was silent for several small minutes. Kimi held her breath to keep her lungs from collapsing under her heightened, fearful panic.

"I wouldn't," he said finally, sounding tired and almost sad. "You're right. What you told me was nothing new." With a sigh, Inoichi ran his hands through his hair. "Kimi-chan, I'm not your enemy."

Sometimes, you act like one. Kimi kept her face blank as she exhaled.

Inoichi must have guessed her thoughts anyway. He half-laughed and shook his head. "I'm not going to belittle you by saying you can trust me. I know you don't. Besides, trust is something earned. I haven't done much to earn it, and that wasn't my intention in the first place."

"May I ask about your intentions?" Her words were detached and formal.

"I'm trying to prepare you." He glanced at the stack of paperwork before holding her gaze. "Kimi-chan, there are others outside," a slight hesitation, "and even inside the village that don't have your best interests. I want you to be able to face them, and even more importantly, win."

She stared at the clan insignia on his shoulder, refusing to meet his eyes. "Why? Why are you looking out for me?" What am I missing? What do they want from me? Kimi studied her hands and swallowed. The lump in her throat wasn't going away.

Inoichi reached over and took her piece of paper. Kimi didn't protest. She'd already verbalized everything on it. After scanning it over, Inoichi grabbed a pen and began writing.

"I have a few conditions of my own," he said. "Once you graduate, I will begin teaching you higher-level genjutsu. I won't control what you do in your free time, Kimi-chan. You're welcome to volunteer at the hospital whenever you want. As for your third condition…" He paused in his writing. "I cannot tell you everything, especially when the village is at stake. But I will make an effort to keep you better informed."

Kimi said nothing. The third condition was moot, now. She doubted he would tell her anything new.

"And I will help your friends."

Startled, she looked back at him.

Inoichi gave a wry smile. "It's admirable how you care for them. I'm glad you have a group of friends you can fall back on."

"You'll help them?" Despite her best efforts, Kimi couldn't keep the shock from her voice.

"Of course. I'm not heartless. Why would I punish you?" He reached into his desk and pulled out a seal and a container of ink. "Besides, it should help fix a problem of my own."

"Which is?" She didn't expect a real answer, which made Inoichi's response even more surprising.

"Shikaku's position and my own are being questioned." He began writing on a different, more expensive sheet of parchment. "Whenever there's a new Hokage, it's expected that they replace the upper ranks with people loyal to them. But the Yondaime's dead. It wasn't a problem before, but now our youth and inexperience are being called into question."

She nodded slowly. Inoichi coated the Yamanaka seal with ink and stamped it onto the parchment.

"There," he said. "It's done."

Kimi felt a pressure lift from her shoulders. "Thank you, sensei."

Inoichi rolled the scroll. "Oh, one more thing. Can you babysit for Chouji, Shikamaru, and Ino this weekend?"

After the wringer he'd put her through, his simple request made Kimi feel like laughing. "Of course, sensei. It'll be my pleasure."


After a brutal physical exam, a anti-climatic written exam, and a brief demonstration of the jutsu the Academy had taught, Kimi graduated to genin.

"Congratulations," said Daikoku, handing her the hitai-ate. With an odd sense of loss, Kimi bowed and took the navy headband from him. It was heavier than it looked.

"I look forward to seeing you prosper in the future, Kimi-chan." Daikoku was smiling at her, but his eyes were solemn. "I know that you are capable."

She bowed again. "Thank you."

Kimi left the room, hitai-ate in hand. She rubbed her thumb over the dull metal plate, tracing the spiral that marked her allegiance to Konoha. This is it. I'm a ninja, now. I'm officially part of a military dictatorship. Kimi wasn't sure if she should laugh or cry.

Yugao then slammed into her, depriving her of her choice. "Kimi-chan!" she yelled. "You passed! I knew you would!"

"Thanks, Yugao-chan!" Kimi enveloped the purple-headed girl in a tight hug. "I see that you passed, too! Congrats!" Yugao had proudly worn the headband on her forehead.

Iruka and Mizuki were also waiting in the hallway. They exclaimed their congratulations, giving her a brief hug (in Iruka's case) and an awkward pat on the shoulder (from Mizuki). They were wearing their hitai-ate in the standard position, just like Yugao. Tsubaki was still inside, taking the exam.

"Come on, Kimi-chan! Put it on!" said Iruka, practically bouncing.

Well, she couldn't refuse now. Slowly, Kimi tied it around her forehead.

"Looks good," commented Mizuki.

"Mizuki's right, for once." Yugao poked the aforementioned boy in the shoulder and beamed. "You look great! Do you plan on wearing it like that?"

Kimi shrugged. I'm not sure I want it on my forehead... maybe around my neck? "I'll think about it."

"Well, I'm wearing mine like this," declared Iruka.

"I'm thinking about a bandana." Mizuki tugged on his headband. "They look better."

"So, so, what are the plans, now that we graduated?" Yugao looked ready to explode with excitement. "I've asked every kenjutsu master in Konoha for an apprenticeship! I hope one of them accepts!" She hesitated. "That is, if I don't get on a team."

Mizuki scoffed. "I doubt I'll get on a team. I'm just a civvie."

"Don't say that!" exclaimed Iruka. "You're better than half the clan kids. I'm know the teachers will be fair. They definitely noticed you."

The conversation died when Itachi approached, also wearing a hitai-ate. "Congratulations," he murmured to each of them. He looked at Kimi for a second before moving onwards. He looks somber, thought Kimi with a hint of regret. I think he's the only one who knows what this means. Oh, Itachi. You're such a martyr.

After a moment of deliberation, she signed to him: stay strong.

He flicked a response: seen and followed.

Yugao was the only one who noticed what had happened, but even she didn't know the hand-signs from the Second Shinobi War. Yugao seemed curious, but she stayed silent.

"He'll get a team for sure," Mizuki muttered, sounding bitter. Out of all the kids, Mizuki was the least friendly with Itachi. "Either that or an apprenticeship with an elite jounin."

"Be nice!" scolded Yugao. "Once Tsubaki gets here, let's go celebrate and get mochi!"

The effect was immediate. The trio began chatting about their favorite flavors, and the mood turned celebratory again. Kimi played along, but her heart was heavy.

After all, a new generation of children had lost their childhood.


With her hitai-ate still in place, Kimi returned to the small apartment, intent on grabbing a few books to take back to the Yamanaka's compound. But when she opened the door, Kimi saw her father waiting for her. He looked travel-worn and weary, but his pinched face relaxed into a smile upon seeing her.

"Dad!" she exclaimed. "You're home early!" Kimi hadn't expected him back for several more days. She wrapped her arms around his dusty, sweaty self.

He patted her on the back and held her tightly. "Oh, Kimi," he whispered. "I've missed you." Sighing, her father smoothed back her hair. "I didn't want to miss your graduation. But it seems that I was a little late." He tapped her hitai-ate and gave her a weak grin. "Congratulations."

Kimi said nothing, preferring to rest her head on his shoulder. She'd enjoyed her few weeks of independence, but she'd sorely missed her father's presence.

"I have a gift for you," said her father, finally drawing back. "I saw it in the capital. It's the new fashion, you know?" He fished into his pockets and pulled out a small case. "I had it sanded, so it isn't as shiny. Now, now that you're a ninja, I didn't think you wanted to, uh, reflect your presence."

Kimi opened the tiny box—inside was a rectangular, gold barrette.

"It's beautiful." She picked it up, admiring it in the light.

"You're supposed to wear it on the side. Do… do you want me to put it in your hair?" Her father tapped his foot against the floor and fidgeted, looking off to the side.

"I'd love that."

Carefully, with fumbling fingers, he took the barrette and pushed it through her hair. After a moment of difficulty, he pressed the clasp into place. "I used to do this for your mother, you know," he said softly. "She always had trouble with her getting them to stay in place."

Kimi stepped back. "You're leaving again, aren't you?" She could hear the guilt soaking into his words.

Her father eased himself into a chair. "I am. I'm sorry, Kimi. They needed a merchant to go on a trip to the Land of Lightning. It's really important." He looked away. "The caravan leaves in two days."

"Do you have to go?"

He paused for a moment too long. "I do. I really am sorry."

Lie.

She closed her eyes. "It's alright."

Kimi had suspected that his long trips weren't wholly necessary, but suspecting and knowing were entirely different. Her father had become more and more distant, pulling her close for brief moments before pushing her away.

He was her dad. She'd always love him. And Kimi knew that he loved her.

But that wasn't enough. A family required more than just love.

"I'm going to the Yamanaka compound," she said distantly. "Thank you for the gift. Enjoy your trip."

Kimi walked out, books forgotten. Her father said something before she closed the door, but she didn't listen. The small apartment had ceased to be her home.


In the lilac guest room, Kimi stared at Buzama. The ugly cat figurine stared back, mocking her with its twisted face. Besides her coded journals, she'd moved most of her personal items into this room. Kimi hadn't noticed how empty the apartment had been until now.

There was a knock at the door. From the chakra signature, Kimi knew it was Inoichi.

"Come in," she said without moving from the bed.

"Congratulations, Kimi-chan."

She didn't respond. Kimi edged closer to the bauble, noting the odd mark on its cheek. She picked up Buzama and rubbed at the blemish before realizing it was a scratch.

"That's an interesting cat." The bed shifted slightly when Inoichi sat down beside her.

Kimi set the figurine down before facing her teacher. Inoichi was holding several packages, but his focus was entirely on Buzama.

"I know." She pushed the cat behind the repaired vase, hiding it from view. It was the same pottery piece that Kimi had broken. The cracks had been filled with gold dust, almost as if a shimmering spider web had been cast over the vase.

Inoichi looked at her, a frown tugging at the corner of his lips. Then, his expression became cheerful. "Well, I have a certain something for you."

Joy. More celebrating. That's just what I need. She gave an unenthusiastic shrug. "Oh?"

He handed her a neatly wrapped packet. "This one's from my father."

Inobu-sama, the shadowy leader of the Yamanaka, had gotten her a gift? She frowned at the package. I don't think I've seen him since the day I signed that contract. Why in the world did he get me something?

Curious, Kimi opened it. Inside where two wrist guards, plated with metal on the outside. Black, utilitarian, and exceedingly high-quality, they looked to be custom-made. She slipped them on and moved her hands. They were so light and comfortable that they felt nonexistent.

"The metal is chakra-conducive. You can channel any sort of chakra to reinforce them," added Inoichi.

"I appreciate it," she said blandly. "Give your father my thanks."

I'm not about to refuse something so expensive. If the Yamanaka want to spend money on me, so be it.

"This one's from me."

Kimi took the smaller parcel. It contained a book simply titled Poisons. She flipped open to the chapter and froze. Each page contained annotations in a spindly, delicate handwriting that she hadn't seen in over a year.

"It belonged to Misaki." Inoichi stood. "Use it well." He left the room.

Stunned, Kimi gazed at the page. She closed the book and exhaled.

It's a dead woman's book about how to kill others, she thought bitingly. I shouldn't be so touched.

But somehow, the book felt more valuable than the other gifts combined.


The Academy's auditorium buzzed with the chatter of the graduating year.

"Hey, where'd do you think you'll end up?" whispered Yugao to Kimi. "A team? The Med Corps, like you wanted?"

Kimi shook her head. "I know who my teacher will be."

"Really? Who?" Iruka butted in. He fidgeted in place, wringing his hands. "I wish I knew what'll happen to me."

Mizuki had a sour expression on his face, but his foot tapped against the floor with a nervous beat. Tsubaki looked rather nauseous, her fingers covering her eyes as she breathed in slowly.

The room fell silent as the Academy Sensei converged to the center of the room. The other class's teacher said a small speech, congratulating them for their success and warning them of the dangers ahead. Finally, she began announcing the teams.

"Team Two: Uchiha Itachi, Inuzuka Hana, and Gekko Hayate. Your jounin-sensei is Sarutobi Shorai."

Itachi, who was sitting with his clanmates, seemed unfazed by his assignment. Hana, on the other hand, was scowling. Her dogs growled beside her. Kimi felt a pang of regret as she looked at the younger girl. Hana had continued to refuse Kimi's tentative gestures of reconciliation. In the end, they'd decided to leave each other alone. Perhaps one day, Hana would forgive their misunderstanding.

"Lucky ducks!" Yugao said from beside her. "They got the Hokage's daughter as their teacher!"

Konohamaru's mother, then? Kimi frowned. That kid hasn't been born yet, has he?

Most of the other teams were composed of clan kids that she didn't know well. Kimi stopped paying attention, at least, until the teacher declared the sixth team.

"Team Six: Umino Iruka, Uzuki Yugao, and Jujiro Mizuki. Your jounin-sensei is Nara Shikaku."

Her little group stared at the teacher in shocked silence.

Oh, Kimi thought numbly. So that's what he had planned.

"Holy Sage," muttered Iruka. "We're on a team? With the Jounin Commander?"

Yugao blinked. "Did any of you bribe someone?"

That broke them from their stupor. The three burst into cheers, Mizuki included.

The teacher soon moved on to the apprenticeships. Several genin were to study under various specialists, varying from hunter-nin to poison users. After all, apprenticeships were reserved for the more esoteric fields—and the more talented students.

"Mita Kimiko," the woman said. "Apprenticed to Yamanaka Inoichi. Report to the Intelligence Division tomorrow at eight-hundred."

Kimi hadn't expected anything else.

The rest of the assignments went smoothly. A few Uchiha were designated to the Military Police, some students were sent to the Med Corps or the other branches, and the rest were sent to the Genin Corps. To Tsubaki's excitement, she was assigned to the Sensor Corps.

"We all got exactly what we wanted!" crowed Tsubaki. "The gods must've been watching us!"

Looking at the beaming, enthused faces of the children, Kimi couldn't regret her bargain with Inoichi.

I changed something for the better. She glanced at her wrist guards and frowned. But at what cost?


AN: Part one is complete. The next part of the story should be around seven to eight chapters, and it will detail the years between now and the start of canon.

The aforementioned collection of side stories, titled Between the Spaces, has been posted. The first part has snippets from Shikaku's perspective.

Thanks to MalevolentRace for being a phenomenal, amazing beta. Special thanks to highonbroccoli and Thomas Drovin for looking over the chapter. I couldn't have done it without them.

I am always, always grateful for your reviews. Thank you for your patience and support.

The recommendations for this chapter are all the stories by XxZuiliu, whose oneshots are excellent. I highly recommend Like Pinwheels in the Wind.