Here is chapter 9 of H&H :) It's a filler before the big mission! Read and review :)

Chapter 9: Influence

Ninjas exert influence through power and manipulation.

I kept myself busy throughout the day, trying to keep my mind off of the impending mission. I decided to make Naruto's favorite meal for dinner. It was the least I could do after what was to pass. I wandered to the marketplace to get the last bit of supplies.

At the produce stand, I was picking out some vegetables to go with our meal when I felt arms wrap around my knees. I turned and saw Sasuke grinning behind me.

"Onee-chan, do you want to train with me today?"

I smiled and patted his head, "Not today little one, but I will tell you about a secret place to train."

"Secret?" Sasuke asked, his eyes widening in wonder.

I nodded, "Top secret, only the best ninja train there…but…I'm not sure you want to know."

"No! No! I do, onee-chan!"

"Alright, it's just west of the Inuzuka clan compound."

"Inuzuka clan? That's on the other side of the village…"

"Well, the good training grounds wouldn't be nearby would they? Or everybody would know about them."

Sasuke nodded in understanding. "Arigato onee-chan, I'll see you soon!"

I smiled and waved goodbye to the little Uchiha boy. Knowing that he would be on the opposite side of the village from the clan compound was a small reassurance for the anxiety fluttering about in my stomach.

I quickly returned home and made dinner before Naruto came home. The orange ball of energy bounded in the door, excited as ever.

"Onee-chan! I'm home, dattebayo!"

"Welcome back, Naruto-kun. I've got dinner ready, so wash up and get to the table," I said, smiling.

"Oh! Ramen for dinner DATTEBAYO!"

Naruto, I hope you've kept your happy and excited personality.

I watched my little brother eat his ramen as he excitedly talked about his day. I could tell the potion I had added to his food started to take effect when I saw his eye lids dropping.

"Onee-chan, I'm really tired."

I nodded, "It's okay to sleep Naruto-kun. Aishiteru."

"Aishiteru," he mumbled, sitting his head on the table.

Smiling when I heard his light snores, I picked up his little body and carried him to his bed. I slipped my father's necklace onto his head and kissed his forehead. I made the hand seals and placed my hands over his eyes.

"Goodbye Naruto," I sobbed. "Grow up strong and brave….and never give up."

The jutsu began working quickly and I made my way to the rendezvous point.

Over the past few years, the Third has been kind enough to send me updates on my little brother's progress. I found great joy in his antics and pranks as he grew older.

I left a note for Kakashi with the Hokage, letting him know that I had taken off after Itachi and that he should watch over Naruto. I also explained a jutsu I had sealed on my brother to erase my existence from his memory and that I was to remain out of Naruto's life. I knew that my nii-san would do as I instructed.

From the reports, Kakashi-nii-san has watched over Naruto since I night I left, just as I had asked.

I smiled sadly as I made my way to the likeness of my father in the mountain that looked over the village. Itachi was waiting for me there.

No words were exchanged between us as he handed me an ANBU mask and a katana. We exchanged one last glance and deep breath before setting off to fulfill our biggest mission together.

Tou-san, Okaa-san, please watch over Naruto and I, dattebane.

Leave me a love note :)

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