Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto, just the storyline and some characters.
Summary: Sasuke's older sister comes back to Konoha, rekindling love in his heart. But Shinju also returned for other reasons: to finish a task given to her long ago , to find Itachi and ward off enemies from destroy the Leaf Village. The fate Konoha rests on her shoulders. How far will she go to save those she loves?
A/N: I would like to thank all my reviewers so much ! I have taken all your thoughts into consideration. You know who you are! There's a bit of spoiler in here. Up to the recent chapters of Naruto!
I'M SO SORRY FOR LIKE DISAPPEARING THIS LONG. I have work and what-not and school and I've been super busy. But fear not! I shall return to writing this whole summer. More of Shinju is sure to come (:
::Konoha's Pearl Princess::
Chapter 9 - I'm Sorry
Tick
Tock
Tick
Tock
...
Shinju glanced at the insistent clock.
4:30...
She sighed and rubbed her temples vigorously. She had had no sleep that night, ever since that slimeball's visit. It had been a few months since she returned. But she remained haunted by his visit. She had acted as she normally would around her fellow shinobi. Around Kakashi, though, she couldn't keep a false pretense. She walked around the Uchiha Complex thinking, contemplating what she should do. Nothing good came to her mind. She knew what she must do. And she knew she had to do it again. Had to repeat the same thing she did 11 years ago. Deep inside, her chest lurched uncomfortably at the thought. A sparrow came to her as she walked back to her home, a scroll tied to securely to its back. Shinju knew. She opened the contents and sighed deeply.
Here she was now. Sitting at the kitchen table still thinking. Silver hair glinted softly in her peripheral vision. Again, her chest lurched painfully. Shinju bit back a sob and looked down at her lap.
"Shinju..." Kakashi said softly walking towards her, "Your door was locked, but your window was open. I just let myself in. Sorry, that was rude of me, but I was worried. You've been acting strange ever since you told Sasuke and Naruto. Something distracted you that night. Someone was here, am I correct? Is there something your not telling me? "
Shinju put her hand up, halting his advance towards her.
"Hatake-san..." Shinju sighed, "It is-" she bit her lip, I must do this, she thought, "none of your business." she whispered.
Kakashi was taken aback. He swiftly came to Shinju's side and looked at her closely. "Shinju-hime, what happened? What's wrong? Are you hurt?" He put a gloved hand on her shoulder for comfort. She knocked it away.
"I don't need your pity, Hatake-san." Shinju muttered, standing up and walking away. "Please leave."
"No, what has gotten into you, Shinju?" Kakashi pleaded, closing the distance between them. He wrapped his arms around her small frame and put his head on hers. "Why are you acting this way with me?"
Shinju felt hot tears rolling down her cheeks.
BECAUSE I MUST! she screamed inside. Let me go, this is only going to be harder. I don't want to do this to you again. I don't. Please...
The young Uchiha pushed herself out of the jounin's arms, shaking.
"I can't do this anymore Hatake-san, it was fun while it lasted, but I can't. Get this through your head. You're no good for me."
Kakashi froze. He looked at the girl he loved and saw her Sharingan wheeling, the anger spouting out. He tried looking for the lie in her eyes, but saw nothing but the cold truth.
No, no, no, he thought shaking his head She has to be lying, This doesn't make any sense.
"What are you talking about..." he whispered, pain reflecting in his eyes, "Shinju, I love you."
I love you too, my sweet boy Shinju thought, deep inside she was sobbing, uncontrollably, Oh I love you, Kakashi-kun. So much. I'm sorry...
"I'm sorry, Hatake-san. I don't love you." Shinju said softly, "I realized tonight that it was not meant to be. We will always be friends, always look out for eachother. But we can never have the life we thought we can have together. I'm sorry..."
Kakashi shook slightly, seeing his little pearl fade away.
Nodding his head, he turned his back to her. The pain he felt when she left crept back again, his chest squeezed uncomfortably.
"I understand. You're right, we were letting this get to our heads. I mean sure we tried but it obviously wouldn't work. I'm sorry, too, Shin-shin." Then he disappeared.
The young Uchiha closed her eyes and remember, the time when she told him she was leaving...
Kakashi was leaning against the apple tree that Shinju grew a year before, in memory of Obito. Rin was lying in the open grass. It was a bright, sunny day... but it was far too bright and sunny. Kakashi leaned his head back and sighed. This was relaxing, and it had been way too long since they had last relaxed. He reached into his back pouch and absently looked for something to do with his hands. He extracted a shuriken and began fumbling around with it. His mind started racing. His 15th birthday was in a month.
Hmmm, he thought, Shinju's 8th birthday is in a week...
Then he started thinking about Shinju. She had called them there for a meeting. It had been after the death of Minato and the end of the battle against the Kyuubi. Kakashi muttered something unintelligible and shifted his postion. He subconsciously rubbed his left eye. They haven't seen a hair of Shinju or heard a whisper from her in a year. Ever since Obito died and now Minato, she had become busier with the Great Three. Whenever they'd look for her she'd either be in medic training with Tsunade, or practicing new jutsu with Jiraiya. Finally, they heard from her, and she wanted to have a meeting, with the old team.
"eh, Rin, do you know why the brat called us here?"
Rin rolled her eyes, "Please stop calling Shinju-chan a brat. You love her, just as much as you love this village. And no I don't... D'you think it's about Minato-sensei?" Rin whispered the last part.
Kakashi flinched, "I doubt it."
A long pause followed, "Ah here she comes." Kakashi said glancing at the sky. He saw the mass of purple cloud approaching. He pocketed his shuriken and crossed his arms.
A young girl jumped out of the cloud and nimbly landed on her feet.
"Hatake," she addressed to the silver-haired boy,"Rin." addressing the girl with short brown hair.
"Shin-shin why did you call us here?" Rin asked, getting to her feet.
Shinju looked at them solemnly. Kakashi left his leaning post and walked toward her. "Shinju-hime..."
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Shinju shrieked angrily, throwing a punch his way, her twin black braids swinging back and forth. Rin laughed loudly and shook her head.
Kakashi chuckled and dodged every punch, until she landed one on his face. He crashed to the ground feeling his jaw. Yup, definitely broken. Shinju placed a small, sandaled foot on his chest.
"HAH! I win." She grinned, a dimple on her cheek was seen.
Kakashi rolled his seen eye and shoved her foot off, rubbing his jaw. "You're gonna fix this." he said pointing to his jaw.
Shinju stuck her tongue out shaking her head.
"Anyways, I have something important to tell you two."
Shinju rubbed the toe of her sandal into the ground nervously, then bit her lip.
"Shinju." Kakashi said angrily, getting tired of her stalling.
"Alright alright!" Shinju exclaimed putting her hands up, "I'm leaving."
Kakashi's breathing stopped. Rin gasped.
"Leav-ing?" Kakashi whispered, looking at the small girl. Her red eyes were wide in sadness.
"Yes." she said quietly, "I'm to train in preparation of my leave."
"Preparation?"
"I'm not leaving just yet. I have to finish my training. I'll be leaving in about 3 years."
Kakashi frowned and looked at Rin. She was crying.
"No, Shin-shin" she moaned, rushing to the young Uchiha,"Don't leave us!"
Shinju hugged Rin, burying her head into Rin's shoulder. "We still have 3 years."
"You'll be training the whole time." Kakashi reminded, gritting his teeth. He couldn't imagine not being able to see Shinju for 3 years. Let alone after those 3 years when Kami knows when he'll see her.
She's just Shinju, his inner voice smirked, does she really mean that much to you?
Kakashi looked at the little girl again. She stared at him, her crimson eyes were alight. His own Sharingan started to shift, he froze, she was forcing his Sharingan. She broke her gaze and his Sharingan ceased to shift. He blinked and rubbed his left eyes, leaving his hand to trace his scar.
"Yes, I'll still be training, but I'll still see you." Shinju said, rubbing her eyes. Rin took out a handkerchief and gave it to her. Shinju looked up at the two with watery, ruby eyes. "You're my family."
And then 3 years passed.
Much too quickly...
Kakashi stood waiting in the Hokage's Office. He hurried home from his ANBU mission, he knew today was the day. Still, covered in sweat and dirt he lugged his tired self to the Hokage.
"Mmm, Kakashi, you hurried back to see her off?" the Sarutobi mused.
Kakashi shrugged and started to tap his foot impatiently. His mission was 6 months long. He hadn't seen her for a year. He cursed silently.
I let one of the three years I had to spend with little Shinju go to waste, he thought bitterly.
Tsunade was smirking, looking at the agitated boy. Eh, not so much of a boy, the golden haired kunoichi thought, he's 18.
Jiraiya was standing next to Tsunade, they exchanged a look. Those informed of Shinju's leave were not permitted to see her off. Kakashi and Rin were the exceptions.
Except...
Rin was dead. Kakashi heaved a big sigh. They were both on an ANBU mission, Rin was the medic in charge. A fight commenced. Kakashi didn't really remember what happened.
The door opened.
Kakashi whirled around and saw a young girl walk in. Shinju looked at him and grinned widely.
"HATAKE-SAN!" she shrieked. Shinju ran to him and tackled him to the floor.
"I didn't think you'd be back in time," she whispered as she hugged him in a vice-like grip.
Snickers were heard around the office. Kurenai, Asuma, Anko, Genma, Kiku, and a few other shinobi were surrounding the office awaiting the young Uchiha.
"Shinju" drawled a lazy, female voice, "When you're done harassing Kakashi, we'll get ready to leave."
Shinju bound to her feet and stuck her tongue out, "Don't be so grumpy, old woman." Kakashi rose to his feet, brushing off his tattered ANBU uniform and smirking under his dark mask.
Our fiery pearl princess hasn't changed a bit, he thought smiling.
"HAAAH? I'LL SHOW YOU OLD-"
"Silence."
The Third Hokage stood and walked over to Tsunade. He handed her a scroll and looked at Shinju.
"Shinju, you know you're path from here on out. You are 11 years old as recorded today. You will not be returning to the village for quite some time. Are you ready?"
Shinju stared solemnly at the wizened Hokage. Then she laid her eyes on her silver-haired friend, her best friend. He was staring at the floor, not wanting to meet her eyes.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I'm ready."
He nodded his head and said, "You'll be departing in a few minutes then. The dark night should cover you and Tsunade on your journey. Good luck, princess." The Third smiled warmly at the last part.
Shinju's eyes watered. She ran up to the old shinobi and hugged him.
"Thank you for everything, Hokage-sama. I won't let you down."
The Third patted her head and said, "Hurry. Your family is waiting to see you off."
Shinju smiled, and planted a kiss on the Third's cheek. "I'll be back to see you, old man."
"Goodbye, little one." The Third Hokage smiled wide, tears slowly falling. We'll see you soon, the Third thought, I'm sure of it.
Shinju turned around and walked out of the office, grabbing ahold of Kakashi's hand and Tsunade by her side.
After goodbyes were exchanged between Shinju and her family, she stood by the great gate leading out of Konoha. Kakashi stood next to her, his arm around her shoulder. Tsunade and Jiraiya were waiting for them.
"I've never really left Konoha, Kakashi..." Shinju whimpered, looking up at him fearfully, her wide crimson eyes were red-rimmed from crying. It was hard for him to watch her say goodbye to her little brothers. Sasuke wasn't old enough to understand what was going on. He was only 4, but he cried anyways. No one had ever seen Itachi shed a tear for anyone, but silent tears fell for his departing older sister. None of them went to see her off from the gate, their father did not want a whole procession for Shinju. It was the least painful...
"I know, princess, but... It will be alright. You'll be back in no time." Kakashi smiled, pain bit at him. It was a lie. They both knew it. She wouldn't be back for a long time, "I better be there when you become an adult y'know, I promised Obito I'd take care of you, haha." Kakashi joked, laughing a little too loud.
"You don't have to pretend to me, Kakashi, I know I won't be back til you're an oldie." Shinju smirked.
Kakashi faced Shinju straight and knelt down so he was face-to-face with her.
"Man, you're short," he muttered, earning a slap from Shinju, "Shinju, you're the only person left that I have. Don't do anything stupid and come back as soon as you can, ok? You may be a little brat, but I need you. You help me through everything that we've been through. I promised Obito and Minato I'd take care of you. Don't let me let them down, yeah?"
Shinju sniffled and rubbed her eyes. "Kakashi, what if I'm not the same? Will we still be best friends?"
Kakashi chuckled, "Of course, Uchiha-brat." He rubbed her head playfully.
"But you'll be older... Kakashi, why have you been my bestfriend?" Shinju asked softly, staring at Kakashi's eyes, "I'm only a child, and you're an adult. I'm 11. You're 18. Why do you stay by my side?"
"Hmmm..." Kakashi hummed, and then sighed, "Because you're the only one who understands. I enjoy you're company, squirt."
Shinju giggled and hugged Kakashi tightly. "Best friends?"
"You bet."
"I love you, Hatake, you know that, right?" Shinju's wide eyes watered more as she said this, her voice cracked.
Kakashi's smile saddened, "Yeah, I know."
Silence follwed.
Shinju looked at Kakashi, she saw pain etched into his face. She knew what he was thinking. Another friend is leaving again. Shinju cringed inwardly at the coldness she saw in Kakashi's eyes. She never wanted to hurt him like this again. Not to her best friend. Not to him, ever again.
"It really hurts me to see you go, princess." Kakashi said, standing up, "When you come back, promise me you'll never leave again. I'll try and live everyday without your sunny presence. But I'll die a little." Kakashi looked down sadly at his little friend, "I'll wait for you."
Shinju smiled and reached into the pocket of her travelling cloak. She handed him a necklace. He took it with surprise and looked at it. They were dog tags... He couldn't read the inscriptions, they were scratched and marred beyond recognition. He looked up questioningly at Shinju, but she was gone...
He looked at the pathway leading away from the gates and into the forests and saw Shinju standing next to Tsunade, looking at him.
She winked at him, "I'll tell you what that necklace is when I return. Just wait..."
And then they disappeared...
Shinju remained standing, staring at the spot Kakashi was just in. Then, she crashed. Slumping to the floor, she sobbed, clutching chest and heaving tears. She knew it wouldn't be hard to convince him. He used his head, he didn't lengthen any confrontation. What's done is done was what he always said. Finally, she rose from her stupor, feeling her eyes puffy and swollen. She crept to the boys' room, and stared at the two sleeping forms for a long time.
She walked toward Sasuke's bed, and sat next to him. His perfect, pale face was peaceful and content, Must be a good dream, Shinju thought, smiling. Her eyes watered again and she quickly wiped it away. She brushed loose, raven-black hairs from his face and stroked his cheek lovingly. A deep obsidian eye cracked open sleepily and stared at Shinju.
"Nee-chan..." Sasuke grumbled sleepily, "Can't sleep?"
Shinju chuckled, eyes watering yet again, "Mmm, I had to get a few things finished. I have something to tell you, my dear sweet one."
Sasuke became alert and stared suspiciously at his older sister. "What?"
Shinju heaved a big sigh, feeling the gush of air fill her lungs, as she was ready to tell Sasuke what was in the contents of the scroll.
"I must leave. For a mission. I don't know how long it will be."
Sasuke shook, his Sharingan alight. "Why? You've only been here for a few months. I've only had you for a few months! What? Why?"
"I know, I know, I know," Shinju soothed, scooping Sasuke up in her arms, "But it's the mission Tsunade-sama assigned me to. It's for Konoha, and it's very important. You understand, right?"
Sasuke nodded his head numbly. "I don't want you to go." he whispered softly.
"I don't want to either. I don't want to leave you or Naruto alone. But you'll be alright, ok? Make sure to take care of Naruto, you know how he is. And don't forget to eat. You boys tend to forget that. And don't cause too much trouble for the village with all your racket. And the house is open to all guests, invite your friends over and have a party or something ok? And-"
"Nee-chan..." Sasuke smirked, cutting her off, "You don't have anything to worry about. Just worry about coming home safely."
She wiped her tears on the back of her hand and grinned. "I leave soon, tell Naruto, won't you?"
Sasuke grimaced, "Of course."
Shinju kissed the top of his head and mussed his hair playfully, she slipped out of his bed and headed to Naruto's. She bent her head and left a kiss on the blonde ninja's forehead before letting a cry escape her rose-petal lips. Sasuke turned away, feeling a hot stinging in his eyes.
"I love you, sweet ones."
Sasuke saw Shinju retreating from the room before he called out, "Come home safe, nee-chan."
Shinju nodded her head and disappeared.
"Ah, Shinju-chan, you're here."
Slipping through the Hokage's side window, an ANBU-clad female twirled gracefully in front of the Hokage's desk. Tsunade sighed, rubbing her eyes, Too damned early for this, she thought grumpily.
Standing around her desk were 4 more ANBU-clad shinobi, awaiting for the young Uchiha to arrive.
"Sorry, Tsunade-sama, I was wrapping things up back at home." The young Uchiha said behind her painted, cat mask.
Tsunade nodded, "Naruto and Sasuke took it well?"
"Naruto was snoring away, Sasuke was upset, but he understood."
Again, Tsunade nodded. "Now that you're all here, we can begin. Masks off."
One by one, masks were removed. Shinju looked around and saw Anko, Genma, Asuma, and a young boy who strongly resembled Sasuke. Shinju stared curiously at him and looked at Tsunade.
"Oh, yes, Shinju this is Sai. He was part of Kakashi's team when Sasuke left." Shinju nodded, Tsunade continued, "Sai this is-"
"Uchiha Shinju." he said simply.
Shinju cocked an eyebrow at his interruption.
"Sai, you interrupt me ONE MORE TIME-"
"Sorry, Hokage-sama." he said, smiling.
Anko sniggered, glancing at Genma who was grinning, bouncing a Senbon on his lip. The vein pulsing on Tsunade's temple looked like it was about to explode.
"ANYWAYS! You were all informed of this mission a few days ago. Now, I know that you all know how important this mission is. And the fact that this is not just some one week get there and back kind of mission. It's a recon mission. You will be visiting each hidden village in each country. They do not know you are to be visiting so you must also bring civilian clothing. Act as normal civilians, keep your chakra level low. We must find out if the Akatsuki has invaded these villages and what their purpose is. Understand that you might not return from this mission. We need to find where they are storing the jinchuuriki and where the tailed beasts are. Once you find them, you must take them. There are 8 known Akatsuki members left. Dispose of them if you can. This mission is of utmost importance. Shinju, you are in charge of this mission."
A somber silence filled the room as the weight of the mission crashed on each persons shoulders.
"Are you sure Sai is up to this? Maybe an older, more experienced ninja could-"
"I'm fine, Uchiha-san." Sai said glancing at Shinju.
Shinju sighed, "But you're so young. It's like letting my boys go out there on that mission, I couldn't do it."
"Neh, what about Hatake." Genma suggested.
"No." Shinju said quickly. Everyone in the room looked at her.
"No, is right," Tsunade agreed, "He is my successor should I fall. I must have the next Rokudaime prepared."
Shinju nodded.
"I hope to see you all safe and in one piece." Tsunade said gravely.
Shinju smirked before putting on her mask. "Don't worry, baa-chan, we'll be alright."
Tsunade smiled sadly, "Let's hope."
"Alright team," Shinju called, "Let's move!" They all disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Trees passed. Slow breathing was heard. Light footsteps.
The 5 ANBU were racing to the nearest village, Suna.
Shinju led in the front. Behind her was Sai. Asuma and Genma were farther behind, side-by-side. And Anko brought up the rear.
"So, how'd you break it to Kakashi, neh Shinju?" Anko called out from behind her mask.
Everyone listened in.
Shinju remained silent, "Quicken the pace, everyone."
Anko smirked and said, "Eh, how about you Asuma, how'd Kurenai take it?"
"She didn't want me to go, naturally, but... she told me some news..."
"Like?"
"...she's pregnant..."
Everyone remained silent. "Congratulations, man." Genma grinned, slapping Asuma on the back.
"How long has she been?" Shinju asked, smiling.
"A month, I think." Asuma said sheepishly, "Before I left, I asked her to marry me." He removed his left-hand glove and showed the gold band on his ring finger.
Genma let out a long whistle, "Double congrats, man."
Shinju giggled, "That's great news, Asuma-kun."
"So, what is the plan for this mission, Uchiha-san?" Sai asked.
Shinju thought for a minute, then replied, "Well, we're going to check out the Sand first, I'm friends with a few people there. We'll pick up two people. They'll be a huge asset to our mission. From there we'll head to Iwa, then Kumo, make our way to Kiri, then back to the Fire country. I don't believe we'd find anything in the smaller ninja villages, but if you all think it's best, we can go through Ame, Kuso, and Taki after Suna."
Sai glanced around and whispered, "Uchiha-san..."
Shinju remained facing forward and said, "I know, Sai-kun." Shinju saw at least 10 chakra sign surrounding them as they were running. Hands hidden in her cloak, Shinju made fast signs, then cried out, "Joro Senbon (Raining Needles from Heaven)" Senbon rose in the sky and flew down. Dawn was breaking. The needles that surrounded the sky blocked out the glow of the rising sun. Shinju had the enemies chakra signatures in sight, and she pinpointed each one of them with her senbon. The team stopped running and glanced around for any threat that might have survived. Sai broke formation to check who the followers were.
"They were Suna ninja!" he called out, "Rogue, Suna ninja. I found one of them alive, they were sent by the Akatsuki."
Shinju nodded her head, "Sai, come back, the trouble isn't over."
"Uh, Shinju, yah feel that?" Genma said looking around.
"Yes, someone's approaching..." Shinju muttered.
She lowered the hood of her cloak, her long silky black braid was free, like a snake.
A voice echoed throughout the forest, "Well, well well, what do we have here? Looks like ANBU. From the Leaf Village. Ke ke ke. I think they were looking for us, Tobi,yeah."
Shinju grit her teeth feeling that same horrible chakra she felt when he came.
Two figures arose from the darkness ahead of them, both wearing black cloaks with red clouds. One was blonde, with a ponytail and had slightly girl-ish features. Long bangs covered half of his face, but you could see the smirk slapped on his face. The other was tall and had a swirling mask, with a whole for right eye to see through, and spiky black hair.
"Hey, Shinju-hime." The tall, spiky haired man said, a smirk in his voice, "Hasn't been too long."
Shinju glared and felt her Sharingan shifting to Mangekyou.
"...Madara..."
"Hey, come on, what about me?" The blonde-hair man whined.
Sai held out a booklet and flipped through it. "Hmm, says this man's name is Deidara, from the Village of Stone, uses mouths on his hand as his main weapon. Explosive clay. Likes art." Sai cocked an eyebrow in Deidara's direction. Deidara smirked.
Sai flipped through again while everyone remained tensed, glancing at one another.
"Ah, and this one with the swirly face, Tobi? Apparently he goes by another name, according to Uchiha-san, Madara, his origin and power is unknown."
Shinju grimaced from behind her cat mask, getting into fighting position.
"I didn't come here to fight you, insignificant pests," Madara smirked, "I came to warn you, Pein is nearing the Village of Suna. It would be wise to not go there."
Anko grunted. "And why should we trust you?"
Madara sighed and leaned against a tall oak tree.
"Because I still need Shinju-chan and why would I dispose of her?"
OK! Yeah, um I'm not sure if this was all that of a good chapter. REVIEW!
