Authors Notes: Here is the next chapter, I hope y'all enjoy it. I just quit my construction job, and moving on to a desk job. Hopefully this will provide me with a better work environment, increased pay, and extra time. This new schedule should allow me to update this fic faster then I currently am.
Ezeakel: I plan on going for the long haul. I would like to make multiple volumes, each will last two years.
Ataxius: Correct family line, wrong generation.
Sagemodeman: I don't like to hold my punches when it comes to the graphic stuff. I do believe that I'm improving with time. Thanks for the support.
Reign Of Sorrow: ...?
Guest: He will, just later.
Clearhorse: Sure thing, here you go!
Chapter 10
A scream tore its way through the valley. Hana's ears twitched at the distant sound. If it weren't for her heightened senses, she would have missed the cry. She froze midstride and focused in on a section of the forest to her left. "Hana, what is it?" Izumi whispered to her friend. The Inuzuka failed to respond as horror encompassed her mind. "Akira." Her eyes widened at the realization, with a fluctuation of chakra she burst forth. "Hana!" Izumi jumped off after her friend. "What's wrong?"
Hana said nothing, only proceeding forward. The cry had been distinct, a voice she has associated solely with Akira. Seconds ticked by, as her panic set in when a new sent made itself known. Blood, the metallic smell drove her pace into a frantic dash to its source. Breaking into a small clearing, Hana halted in her steps. Off into the corner, her eyes spotted two prone forms lying in the snow. "No. No. No!" She said as she rushed over. Grief erupted within her as the Inuzuka took stock of Akira's prone form.
Izumi paused behind Hana, wide-eyed and struck with shock. Her Sharingan's hypnotic tomoe's rotation increased in velocity at the troubling scene. Clearing her head with a good shake, she briskly made her way over to Akira's other side. At seeing her friend tend to the gash on his leg, she tried to figure out a way to help. She wasn't a medic, though in retrospect it may have been a good idea to have taken a course or two on the subject. "Is. Is there any way I can help." Hana's tear tracked gaze looked up at her friend, though the look within her eyes took Izumi by surprise. They were no longer frantic and grief-stricken, but determined and calm. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve before talking. "I. I've fixed the knicked artery, but the surrounding tissue damage is extensive." Looking over at his arm, she could see that the wounds are already in the process of healing. All that was left to do is to mend and disinfect the rest of the injuries.
Though, with the surrounding cold and bloodloss, she could sense his temperature dropping. "He's cold; I need you to make a fire and a shelter." She paused to estimate the time required to fix his damages state. With a sigh, she gave up knowing she was a novice in the art. It was going to be a while before she finished. "This is going to take some time." Izumi nodded in understanding. The fire wasn't a problem the shelter on the other hand is. They needed one suitable now so foraging for limbs is out of the question. Going through the jutsu's she knew, the Uchiha recalled one that could suffice. 'Shit, this is going to be hard.'
Izumi took a few steps back and placed herself in a wide stance. With a few hand seals, she grunted out "Earth Release: Protruding Stones." With her mantra spoken, she palmed the earth. The ground shook as the dirt and rock moved with her will. Sweat dripped down her face strewn with deep concentration. She grunted as she propelled, separated, and shaped the subterranean granite.
With a deep rumbling, a spire of rock slowly ebbed its way out of the soil. The jut positioned itself above them before two more joined in. Izumi kept her gaze down to keep the falling dirt out of her eyes. Together, they formed a partial shelter. With a release of air, Izumi collapsed onto the side of the rock. Catching herself, she took her time to regain her bearings. Earth wasn't her primary nor her secondary element. Thus, it is quite the challenge to utilize a technique from said nature successfully.
Righting herself, she went over to the mouth of there little shelter and dropped to her knees. Pulling out a storage scroll, she unfurled it and found the desired seal. With the application of chakra, an emergency stash of firewood emerged from within. Creating a makeshift fire pit, she assembled the pieces into a pile. With one hand sign, she completed another low-level jutsu. "Fire Release: Torch" is chanted as she expelled a small hot flame from her lips.
As she finished her work, she went over to her friend. Taking a good look at her work, she could spot progress. Despite this, she looked over at the creature that was responsible for the tragedy. Izumi snarled at the fallen creature, taking in the sight of the kunai and hunting knife. Deciding to get rid of it, the Uchiha dragged the dog out into the wilderness. Prying the blades out of the carcass she made her way back over before unceremoniously falling onto her rump.
Hana looked up to find her friend exhaustion prevalent in her efforts. "Thanks." Izumi only gave her a thumbs up before propping herself on her hands attempting to catch her breath. "How's the kid doing? The incandescent green glow emitting from Hana's fingers showed that she was still at work in repairing the damage. "Better, though he needs time." Recalling the blood pools she found, she could make a decent estimate of the recovery time. " It'll take him a day or two to regenerate the plasma, but a few weeks before his blood cells are restored." Izumi frowned, realizing their predicament. We'll need to take him somewhere to recover. We can't stay here for very long. Hana nodded in agreement, though continued with her work.
Waki crouched down to observe an unnatural rock formation in the distance. He had speculated that Danzo might have sent more. With his senses on high alert, Waki had noticed a pulse of chakra. The mountaineer felt dread creep into him as he approached the location. Despite his emotions roaring in the background, he steadied himself.
Studying the encampment, he took in the forms of two young girls. However, a green glow emanated from them, a telltale sign medical jutsu in use. At the epicenter, he made out the appearance of Akira swaddled in a blanket. Smelling blood, he took another glance at the clearing. In the corner, he spotted the prone form of a canine. Inspecting the body with a critical eye, it could have either been a coyote or a young wolf.
Deducing that the two genins weren't a threat, he stood up from his perch. With steady steps, the Highlander proceeded to the camp. Based off of Akira's simple description, he had an inkling as to the identity of one of the females. Though, his unannounced presence startled the two into a defensive state. The one he suspected to be Hana stayed put and continued to heal the boy. While the other came to the mouth of the stone tent, taking a stance he recognized. Izumi's eyes flared into a pair of Sharingan's, further cementing the beliefe of her lineage.
The scarlet orbs widened when she analyzed the man before her. She shivered in fear; they were outclassed by a significant margin. From what she could gather, his presence is vaster than that of her sensei. An individual not even her team as a whole could defeat. Her defensive stature brought a pause to the man's gate. Seeing a chance to dissipate the tension and avoid a conflict, she spoke. "Who are you and what do you want?"
Seeing her attempt to defuse the situation, was something one would find uncommon amongst the clan. Noticing her effort, he decided to follow suit with the raising of his hands. "Relax my dear; my name is Waki. I mean none of you harm." Hana's ear twitched at the name, having heard it before. She gave him a good once over. The Inuzuka was never able to get an accurate description from Akira as to the owner of the name. From what she could tell the man was kind and generous to her boy. Coming to a decision, she decided to confront her friend in the matter.
"Izumi." The girls turned ever so slightly to glance at her friend in her peripherals. "What is it?" "Let him in." The Uchiha gave off a sound of confusion. "Huh, why would I do that?" Hana was perturbed ever so slightly by the resistance. She explained anyway, knowing that she was on the side of caution. "He's a friend of Akira's, let him through." Izumi waited another second before standing down and huffing on the matter.
The Senju smirked with mirth at her reaction. She may be more level-headed than the average Uchiha, but the huff showed she still held a few of their traits. Coming into the small abode, he is finally able to get a good look at the boy. He frowned at Akira's condition, though only able to sense the damage done through the medical gauze. Kneeling down, he held out his hand over the child's chest. A turquoise glow emanated from his palms, a hint that a diagnostic technique is in use. Analyzing the repairs, he came to an understanding of how fortunate it was that the two had arrived when they did. Despite their appearance, he noticed trace amounts of scarlet chakra coursing through his body. A larger concentration of which is clustered within the injuries. Analyzing it over a period, showed a distinct regenerative property to what would typically be corrosive to the average human.
Filing the knowledge for later, Waki went on to confront the girl before him. "You've done a good job with his wounds, the lad's lucky you came around when you did." Though the comment was meant well, it only frightened her to the outcome that could have occurred. Deciding to change the topic in hopes of improving her mood, he asked her a few questions. "Hmm. Is your name Hana by chance?" She blinked out of her reverie at the inquiry. "Oh, umm. Yes." He gave her a comforting aura. "He speaks a lot about you." She gave a soft smile at the notion. "He does the same with you, every week he shows or tells me something new that you've taught him." As she spoke, Hana gently caressed his hair from his position between her arms. The affection being heavily prevalent in her actions.
"As fun as this conversation is, we need to move out." Cut in Izumi from beside the trio. Hana grimaced at the problem. "We can't take him back to the village; there's no telling how'd he react." That earned Waki's interest. "What do you mean?" Hana's arms tightened slightly around the child's frame, insinuating a tough memory. Noticing her friends discomfort, Izumi decided to explain the event. "Well, when we found him. We tried to bring him back to the village. But, he tried to commit suicide." Waki could only sympathize with the girls, and speculate as to what could cause such a reaction. The information on his status obtained from the root operative did give him an inkling as to what may have transpired. Jinchiriki tended to be persecuted and abused to varying degrees given the circumstance. With such a drastic reaction could only mean that his caretakers in Konoha had done their worst to the poor sap.
This line of thought also brought on another answer to one of his many questions about the boy. He is a runaway, that much is certain. Another tidbit of knowledge he had learned is the scope of how widespread the knowledge of his status reached. It seemed that the lower ranking ninja was unaware of his status or didn't care for it. He'll need to be ready in case they find out, and react negatively toward it. If they fail to be his support, he will need to take the brunt of it. It may even be best to get them acclimated to his condition. Cutting that line of thinking for another time, Waki offered the girls an alternative. "Well, I have a Cabin near here. It's only a few miles up the mountain." Seeing their hesitance, the bushman decided to provide another bite of information. "Akira's been there before, and he's shown no sign's of distress."
After a pause, Hana stood up cradling the swaddled child protectively in her arms. "Alright." She turned to Izumi who is still distrustful of the stranger. "Come on Izy." The Uchiha bristled at there old pet names for each other. It's a name Hana now reserved for affectionate moments or when she tried to persuade her. She gave off a grumble before mirroring her actions. Hana gently repositioned Akira before nodding to Waki. Getting the go-ahead, the Senju walked out into the falling snow; the two teens followed suit.
A small whisp of fire flew through the air and is followed by a steady stream of smoke and ash. A tired and frustrated grunt is uttered, as an Uchiha collapsed onto a pristine dock. His displeasure transformed into anger as he slammed his fist into onto the cypress boards. "Come on, why can't I get it right!" Tenten sighed, it's been months since her friend had begun attempting the jutsu. From what she's learned, it is a form of right of passage and measure of skill for the clan. "You need to relax Sasuke, th." Sasuke whipped his head around in anger. "Don't you understand, I can't relax!" The interruption and tone did not aid in diffusing the situation. "Why the hell are you yelling at me for?" Sasuke gripped his hair with his hands before pointing them at her. "Because you're telling me to relax when you don't get it!" Tenten crossed her arms in defiance to the accusation. "And what don't I get?"
"This technique is everything to me! This is what makes me an Uchiha!" The orphan saw the fault in that line of thinking. However, she was hindered before she could state it. "What's worse, I'm the second heir to the clan!" The mental image of his father's disappointment and dismissal only increased his ire. He punched the dock in his frustration, scuffing up his knuckles in the process. "Itachi was able to do it in his first week, so why can't I?" His eyes grew misty as despair ran through him. Sasuke continued to fail at a task that was considered a prerequisite to beginning actual training. It didn't help that most Uchiha's were able to get the technique down within the first month. The young boy was coming up on his fourth month. He couldn't stand to see the look in his father's eyes as if the patriarch saw a lost cause before him.
"You can't do that." Sasuke grew defensive at her assertion. "Can't-do what?" She nudged herself closer to his form and took hold of his arm. "You can't. Well, you can't keep comparing yourself to your brother. Your two different people!" The Uchiha grunted in frustration at the notion. "Tell my father that, hell, tell the clan that!" Sasuke's eye had shed a tear at his plight as anger, despair, desperation, and stress ate away at him. "Why does it matter what they think?" Tenten questioned the boy beside her. "Huh. Of course, it matters." Tenten pressed again with a simplified response. "Why." It was that simple question that utterly confused him.
His father's and the clan's approval has always been one of his goals. It is a goal that many of the clan's children sought after. To become one of them, to be exalted as one of them. The mere thought that his friend could view it as insignificant is a concept akin to give him vertigo. "How? Why? There is no why! That's just how it is!" Tenten eyes grew determined and steadfast in her beliefe. "It doesn't have to be! Who cares what they think? Just. Just be you. Go at your own pace." That line of thought is alien to the boy, having been indoctrinated into a different mindset from the clan.
"Shutup, you don't get it!" Tenten bristled as anger began to take hold of her. "And what don't I get?" The two had risen to their feet in their heated debate. "Because, your an orphan!" Guilt arose within Sasuke at the statement, yet his familial pride threw it aside. Instead, he favored the adding even more venom. "You never had a family; there's no way a clanless bastard like you can understand me!" Tentens eyes showed pain at the jab. She showed no tears, nor did she form a rebuttal. Rather, the girl turned and began her treck back to the orphanage. After a few footfalls, the snow-covered cedar planks were met with droplets of water.
"Where the hell are you going?" He cried out to her, yet she didn't falter in her steps. The orphan continued to move on till she is a spec in the distance. Sasuke wiped away at the few stray tears that fell from his own eyes. He turned to look out to the water. "She doesn't know anything. I'm the Uchiha; she isn't" Sasuke grumbled to himself, all the while a pit of despair only grew as his only friend wandered off into the snow.
The crackling of a warm fire encompassed the woodland room, a kettle of water hung above the hearth. Near the blaze laid a figure upon a goose down leather couch. A wool blanket draped over her form. A jerk startled Hana from her slumber, the bundle in her arms shook about. Her grip tightened as Akira whimpered in his sleep. "Shh. It's okay hun. I'm here." His eyes snapped open in fright as a jolt ran through his petite form. A fearful cry escaped his lips, his injured arm being gripped in the process. Akira's eyes searched about for any presence of the coyote that haunted his dream.
Instead of the eyes of a predator, he came across the worried chocolate eyes of his caretaker. "Hana!" At that moment he buried his head into her chest, tears dampening her wears. She held onto him as she tried to comfort the two of them. "Don't worry hun; I'm here." She caressed his back, the motion quieting him down. Minutes drew by, his cheek resting upon her bosom. His eye were unfocused while he stared at the fire. One that Akira has grown to find comforting and safe.
A large hand ruffled his hair and brought his attention to the figure above him. "How are you doing lad?" Asked Waki, before he traveled to the pot of boiling water. With a motion of his hand, the basin is tilted onto its side. Within seconds, a cast tea kettle is filled and introduced to camellia leaves, pine needles, and refined maple sap. The familiar scent brought an increased sense of security and contentment to the damaged child. Hana situated herself into a more upright position, resting her back on the couch's arm. With a gentle hand, she repositioned her injured charge.
A large steaming cup of herbal tea is presented before her. "Here you go lass, for you and the boy." She gave the Senju a grateful smile. "Thanks, Waki." The man nodded before walking to his chair, his cup resting in his hands. She brought the cup to his lips, lightly blowing it. With a sip, a light and sweet broth greeted her. Looking down, she met Akira's longing look. She chuckled before lifting the mug to his lips. "Here you go, hun. Be careful; it's a little hot." He drunk greedily from the chalice. One does not lose such amounts of blood without any repercussions. She frowned as she witnessed her boy drink as if he is a man starved. It served only to remind her of the incident earlier in the day. Finding the kettle, on the stand beside her, she fetched it so that she may quench his thirst. "Let me see that real quick." Akira's dismay had turned into elation at the sight of Hana refiling his drink.
Knowing that he will be satisfied for the next few minutes, she turned to the dormant giant. "Waki." It was low but carried itself across the room. The mountaineer's eyes drifted open to take in the girl before him, a tired sigh escaping his lips. "What is it, lass?" Though he is more than willing to accommodate the duo, he isn't fond of the idea. More people will lead to more problems down the road. Hana looked into his weary eyes, unsure of the reason. "Thanks, for everything." A nod of acknowledgment is all that she received.
A shift and nuzzle drew Hana's attention to her chest, a small smile formed at Akira's fatigued physique. "You need to sleep hun; it's getting late." She could see his lip quiver at the thought, as a flash of fear went through his eyes. The Inuzuka took the finished cup out of his hands and brought her palm to his cheek. Knowing what will ease his mind, she began to caress his cheek while humming the tune of the wolves. With the passage of seconds, the lids to his eyes began to close. With a few more, Akira's breathing would even out, and his shaking would cease. At the hum, if one final tune, Hana kissed him on his head. "Goodnight Akira."
Minutes passed without the uttering of a word, only the crackling of the fire provided the room with an audible sound. "You're quite the natural, for someone so young." Hana blinked, taking a moment to understand what the bushman had uttered. "Oh, um. Natural at what?" She grew slightly nervous from his unfaltering gaze. "You make for a good mother is all." The young woman went scarlet at the suggestion. "Akira's not my son, and I'm not his. Not his mother." He gave a slight nod in understanding but continued forth with the line of thought. "You say that, yet your actions tell me otherwise. He may not be yours by blood, but he is yours."
She frowned at the statement, unsure as to what to say. She's never been confronted on the subject. At least, the topic has never been broached seriously. She turned away; confliction heavy upon her eyes. "Las, that's nothing to be ashamed of." She whipped her head around, anger shrouding her from the insinuation. "I am not ashamed of being his mother!" She hissed out in a low whisper. "Then why does it bother you?" Her words died in her throat at his query. "I. I don't know."
He gave a subtle nod. "This conflict you feel, it's not something to fear." She turned back to him, defiance in her eyes. "I'm not afraid, It. It's just. I'm only thirteen! I am not supposed to have a kid." The weight of being an adult, a provider, and a mother is overbearing. The stress and worry she experienced from the earlier event adding to it. Waki gave her a sympathetic look; the Inuzuka had jumped head first into a role. A position she is fully unprepared to follow through with. One that she is afraid to undertake yet continues to step towards. "It seems that you already are, at least to Akira."
Her eyes fixated on the child nestled in her arms, recognizing her growing affection for him. "I know." He leaned forward and rested his chin on to his fist. "Do you plan on stopping?" She bit her lip and shook her head. "I can't." Waki contemplated her mental dilemma. "If you aren't willing to stop, it may be time to accept it." She shook in anxiety, the invisible weight of responsibility rising. "Las." She glanced at the Huntsman. "Its all right, I'll be here to help." Her eyes misted over, a tear dripping down her cheek. "You've already helped." He nodded in agreement. "And I'll be there to help you now and in the future." With the declaration, her body eased as the pressure partially alleviated. "Thank you." The silence resumed, the only sound being emitted is the everpresent fire.
A bundled figure slowly made her way through the snowy woods. Looking up, she could make out a few buildings in the distance. The street lights gave off a welcoming glow to the teen. Once she entered the nearest street, it didn't take the Uchiha long before she came across the Inuzuka compound. Minutes passed before she came face to face with the main houses door. She faltered in undertaking her next action. She knew what Hana wanted her to do. Despite this, going through with the request is something that she wasn't too fond of doing. Especially with how her mother gets. "Damn it, Hana, you owe me for this." She whispered under her breath.
With a sharp knock, she heard the sharp movement of a stool in the kitchen. Following this noise, the hard footsteps on the timber floors only served to strike trepidation into her heart. "You better have a good reason for coming home so late in this weather!" The last word is intertwined with the sharp opening of the front door. Nevertheless, her anger morphed into concern at seeing the shaking and bloodied form of Izumi.
"What happened, wheres Hana?" Izumi clenched in fright at the matriarchs firm grip on her shoulders. "Hana's fine!" This fact is thereby reinforced by the blood's scent being foreign to her. "It's Akira." Her eyes widened before she briskly walked back inside. With the ease gained from repetition, she quickly began placing her work gear onto her body. "Wait, what are you doing?" Izumi is given a raised brow while Tsume fastened a fur-lined jacket to her body. "What does it look like? I'm going to help my daughter with her little hobby, and you are going to take me to her." She backed away from the clan head, her previous order conflicting with her request.
"I. I can't do that!" The elder woman approached her, poking her in the chest. "And why, can't you?" She took a step back before coming into contact with front entrance. "I made a promise, all she needs is a few days of leave, and everything will be alright." Tsume crossed her arms, producing a stern glare. "Listen to me carefully; you will take me to her." A yelp of surprise came from her as Izumi is lifted to eye level. "If not, I will personally take you to Anbu HQ. There are methods to make you talk. Do you understand?" She received a gulp of fear at the threat. "So will you be a good girl and take me to her" She received a quick nod in affirmation. Knowing that the girl will obey her, she grabbed ahold of the pack at her feet. After securing the med pack, the matriarch made her way to the door. "Good, now let's go."
"Mommy, where you going?" The duo halted their departure with the introduction of the sound. The Inuzuka turned to find her son hiding behind a corner. Fear in his eyes, eyes that were fixated on the blood-stained clothes of the Uchiha. Walking over to her little boy, she nealed before him. "I'm going to go help your sister with a little problem." The boy's worry grew at the mention of his sister. "Is Hana okay?" She stroked his cheek. "She's fine don't worry, now get back to bed." He shook his head in the negative.
"No, I want to go with you." She sighed at the request knowing she couldn't allow it. "I'm sorry Kiba, but you can't." He pouted, displeased with his mother. "You're going to stay here, Sachio is going to come over and take care of you while I'm gone." He turned away, not liking the situation in the slightest. She pulled the child into a hug. "It's going to be alright, pup, I'll be back before you know it. Now go back to bed." With a light shove, the boy is pressed to return to his room. With one glance back, he left. She sighed before standing up. "Come, we're leaving."
While the two made their way outside, she pulsed her chakra in a specific pattern. In moments, a combat-equipped ninja jumped down from the rooftops. With a glance, she could see his partner wait above the two. "What is the issue Lady Tsume?" He took note of the blood upon the teens clothing. "I have a family emergency to deal with, can you watch my son while I'm gone." He gave a curt nod. "Of course mam, would you also like assistance in this emergency. I can arrange a." She shook her head in the negative. "No, we'll be fine. Just, watch over Kiba for me." He gave a resolute nod before making his way to her house. Looking back over to her daughter's friend she gave a command. "Lead the way." She received a hesitant nod before she dashed off toward the southwestern side of the village.
A teary-eyed Uchiha made his way through his house before slamming the door to his room. Such action having caught another Uchiha's curiosity. With the slow turn and creak of the door. The elder male made his way over to his younger counterparts bedside. Finding him crying into his pillow, Itachi sat beside him. "What's wrong Sasuke?" He rested a gentle hand on the weeping boy's shoulder. The younger brother of the two shoved off his hand, anger boiling up from the predicament he had caused.
"Go away!" Itachi could hear the pain in his voice and rather than follow the command he stayed. "Why must I do so, when I can see you hurting." Frustration came to the surface, having desired to be left alone. "Because I don't want you here!" The elder Uchiha backed off and contemplated the actions he could undertake. "Does this have to do with Tenten by chance?" The Uchiha stiffened at the name. Turning away so that his brother couldn't see his face. "N. No." Itachi gave a hum in thought. "I see. You know, I saw the little dispute the two of you had." The boy turned, surprise etched onto his face. This then turned into shame as he wrapped his arms around his legs.
"So you saw?" He received a nod from the elder as he trained his eyes on his brother. "Yes, now can you tell me what happened?" Sasuke sniffled as another tear met with his chin. "I. I lost her." He wiped his eyes with his sleeve, attempting to clear them. "I lost Tenten." Grief, regret, and shame intertwined to form what he felt. Itachi nodded, though he needed more information even to attempt to help. "Can you tell me what happened?" The boy hesitated for a moment, not wanting to state his mishap to another soul. However, his desperation beat out his pride. He hoped that his brother might have the answer to fix his dilemma.
"... Then she just walked away." Itachi frowned at what he had been told. Disappointment reigned supreme in his mind, at his brother, and toward the clan. "I see you fell prey to the same mentality many within the clan fall victim to." Sasuke looked up to his brother, unsure as to what he meant. "What do you mean?" Itachi looked out the dark window and took in the dark compound outside. "You allowed your pride and status control you, and in the process ruin a great friendship. It's something that many in our clan have done. Something that they all regret, but can never escape."
The boy gained a fearful look, the thought of this happening again wasn't a thought he wanted to entertain. "How do I fix it?" The plea was something refreshing to hear. Had he been older he more than likely would have brushed off the situation as being a fact of life. The issue he found himself in may be a blessing in disguise. A child is much more malleable than an adult, and a life lesson learned at his age will harbor a more significant impact. "You are prideful of the clan and how your place in it. Sasuke, You can't let these feelings and beliefs control you." Sasuke shook his head, Tenten and now his brother. "I. But the clan is everything!" Itachi shook his head. "No, it's not!"
Sasuke leaned back in surprise, his sibling's voice filled with conviction. Itachi eyes were vacant, memories coursing their way through his head. "The clan is not everything. I have seen so many in our clan make that mistake. In the process, they ruin friendships, distance others, and at times get others killed" He looked down at the boy at his side. A depth of experience and horror being shown in his eyes. Sasuke is taken aback by the retelling and confused. He flinched slightly when he felt his brother squeeze his shoulder.
"Sasuke, Sasuke please look at me." The child looked up to find a pair of grave obsidian eyes peer through him. "Sasuke, promise me that you won't become like the rest of our clan. Promise me that you will become someone different, someone, better." Sasuke couldn't make a coherent reply with the provided pressure. "I. I'm." Itachi intervened, his eyes morphing into the Sharingan. "Sasuke, Promise Me." Sasuke's eye's momentarily lost their sheen. The pupils dilated in the presence of the ruby eyes. "I. I promise." Itachi nodded, satisfied by the outcome. "Good." The older teen turned away and deactivated his Sharingan. With his brother's attention elsewhere, Sasuke blinked as a light haze disappeared from his vision.
In the wake of the pledge, an awkward silence settles in. Deciding to add to the conversation, Itachi broke the silence. "You know, Tenten's right about pacing yourself." Sasuke looked at his brother in disbelief. "What are you talking about?" The younger sibling is shown a smirk for his inquiry. "Sasuke. Tell me something. Why do you think I am as powerful as I am? Why have I progressed further than the rest in my age?" The child gave off a perplexed look before giving off a reply. "Because you're the genius of the family." Itachi chuckled at the answer. "If only that were true." Sasuke looked confused by the answer. "But, it has to be true! How can you be so good if you're not one?" He brought his hand to his head and poked the side with his index finger. "It's because I think differently." Before Sasuke had a chance to respond, he continued. "It's not because I'm genius, it's because I don't limit myself."
"I don't get it." Itachi nodded, it is a concept many never grasp. "Did you know that it took me a month and a half before I could do the Fireball Jutsu?" Disbelief shown in the child's eyes. "But father said you did it in the first few days." Itachi gave off a smirk. "That is what he thinks; really, I had learned it a few weeks before. I only showed him when I thought I was truly ready." Sasuke shook his head in incredulity, yet there is a factor that still put him at odds with his elder. "But, you still figured it out faster than me." He looked down at his little brother. "Tell me something Sasuke. How are you trying to learn the technique?"
"I practice it every day." Itachi acknowledged the effort but decided to probe for more information. "I see; when you practice, do you study fire manipulation and fireball scrolls, observe others do the jutsu, or ask for help and advise?" The child at his side could only shake his head. "I learned it by studying everything that I could, whether it be chakra control, fire manipulation, and smaller Jutsu's. Before I mastered the fireball, I learned two smaller fire techniques. Next, I would watch others, and see how they did it. Finally, I asked everyone willing to give me help." The firstborn returned his gaze to the window. "Now do you understand Sasuke, I tried to learn everything I could before I started practicing the technique. By not researching everything you can about it, you limit yourself." Sasuke gave a hesitant nod, finally coming to understand the depth of his brother's efforts. "I do." Sasuke debated on what he was about to do next. "It. Itachi, Can you help me with it?" The older teen smiled at his brother's request. "I would be more than happy to do so.
After a minute to allow for the information and agreement to sink in, he decided to broach another subject. "There is something else we need to talk about." Sasuke became perplexed, having forgotten about his previous predicament. "Tenten?" Sasuke looked down to his lap, not desiring to speak of the subject. "Oh." He wrapped an arm around his younger sibling hoping that it will comfort him. "You know that she's right, we're aren't the same. You shouldn't compare yourselves to others, especially not to me." Sasuke shook his head, beginning to see how this could tie into their previous talk. "You will always be different, but it doesn't mean you can't learn from someone who is different. You are your person, become someone unique."
The older teen nodded to himself internally confirming a thought. "Remember all you have to do is to be better than what you once were. If you follow this rule, you will always excel in life. Do you understand?" Sasuke turned away, still working through everything he's been told. "Now, did you want to end your friendship with Tenten?" Sasuke looked insulted by the suggestion. "No!" Itachi nodded at the clarification. "Then I'll help you get her back, but it will take some time." The boy became hopeful at the proclamation. "Will we go tomorrow?" His older brother shook his head. "No, you two need some time apart. Time to cool off?" The young boy nodded in comprehension. "Good, now get to bed. It's getting late."
Hana's eyes begun to grow heavy with compounding fatigue, yet there is one last thing she desired to discuss. "Waki. Can. Can you help me train Akira?" The older man's eyes open to register the question. "It seems as if the two of us are more in tune with the boy's needs then we first thought." Stress that had been present in her eyes, melted at the comment. "So. You'll help?" He gave a firm nod. "Of course. From what I gather, he'll desire to be independent even after this. We'll need to prepare him for another event when it happens." She nodded in agreement, sinking back into the comfort of the couch. "Thanks." The older male sighed in contemplation. 'The boy's going to need true military training if he hopes to survive Danzo's schemes.'
Minutes passed with nothing but a fire to keep him company, the girls breathing had evened out. Waki's eyes narrowed, he could sense the arrival of two individuals breaching his camps perimeter. In further examination, he detected the signature of one to be quite familiar and another to be similar to one in his presence. He sighed, the more the marrier he supposed. "Las, your friends, returned, and it seems that she's brought someone with her." Hana opened her eyes; exhaustion is showing after having dozed off. "I told her not to bring anyone." He nodded in recognition and stood up from his chair. Walking over to the door, he peeked through a lens to get a better look. "It seems she's brought an older woman."Opening the door, he stepped out to greet the two.
"Damn it, Izumi! How far is the damn place." The Uchiha turned her covered face to the woman at her rear. "It's just above this rise!" The duo continued their trek through the snow flurry. Coming over the bend, the two could make out the sight of a light in the distance. As they approached, the women could make out a figure in the distance. "There's Waki, come on!" She blinked in surprise, having never heard the name. "Who?" Izumi didn't bother to answer as she quickened her pace. Within seconds they clambered onto the porch. "Waki, I'm s." He shook his head and opened the door. "Forget about it, head inside where its warm." She nodded in thanks before scurrying in. Tsume halted for a brief second to take in the man's appearance before giving a thankful nod and following suit.
Tsume took in her surroundings, finding the cabin comforting and familiar. It is a style common amongst the Inuzukas to live in such a timber-rich abode. After a careful glance and appreciation, she noticed the familiar face of her daughter nustled on the couch. She was about to call out her name when she saw a finger on her daughter's lips. With a wave, she motioned her over. Using soft steps, she made her way over to her little girl. Kneeling down, the matriarch pulled Hana into a hug. "Where's Akira, how is he? I brought some supplies to help." She received a grateful smile. "Thanks, mom, he's doing better." With a moderate tug, she pulled the covers off of the child's form. Showing where he resided to her mother.
The face of the child shocked the woman still, having only seen it on a few occasions. The marks gave it away, as they were the defining feature that made him recognizable. Memories of her lost husband and a menacing beast tore its way through her mind. Thoughts of blind retribution plagued her as she involuntarily withdrew a kunai. Hana looked into her mother's eyes while a stray tear fell down her cheek. Usually possessing the ability to rein in her emotions, it was out of her character to act out on such an impulse.
However, being surrounded by the Hokage, his guards, and the council always put you in check. Now that there are none of those imposing figures around, the object of her hatred rested open before her. As dark thoughts encompassed her. Hana couldn't help but pull Akira closer to her as fear crept up her spine at her mothers stare. Tsume tensed her arm ready to commit to an irreversible act, yet is broken out of her reverie. She discovered a rigid grip halting her movements. Turning around, she came face to face with a withered man ready to intervene. "Is there a problem Inuzuka?"