Word count: 4,591

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Takeshi's P.O.V.

~(Kirigakure)~

I was not afraid of Kakashi that night. I was agitated by someone/something else, an intruder, a stalker or a spy?

Kakashi rarely, never hugs me, before yesterday evening the last time he hugged me must have been 3-4 years ago. How did Hideo know?

Kakashi wasn't the reason I panicked yesterday, that was a relief, but that doesn't mean what I told 'Hideo' isn't true.

Konoha I have had enough of you and your ridiculous future. Your people shunned my parents and indirectly killed Sakumo. Now you violate my privacy giving the impression that you don't trust me. My service for you is finished, now it's time for a new plan.

Saving them without force isn't an option anymore.

I sat alone by the alley both the twins went out to hunt with Kiiro.

Bored out of my mind was how I felt after about two minutes of being alone so I decided to do some chakra exercises like walking on the walls. I got so focused that I didn't notice Mangetsu arrive.

"Hey, Harumi I'm back!" my 'clan kid friend' greeted.

I yawned. "Hey, Mangetsu," he stared at me with mixed feeling of confusion and disbelief dancing in his facial expression.

"How-?" he pointed at me and repeated. "How-?"

"The twins and I found out about it when we saw some ninjas 'walk' by," I explained slowly going down the walls. Dizziness came to me like a door to the face and I almost fell to the ground if not for Mangetsu.

"Whoa, are you ok?"

"Just tired," I murmured and glanced at my arm. The drowsiness suddenly left when I saw my hand fade, the color changed from pale to green. I'm just a clone, I won't live forever. Real me, must be informed about this as soon as possible.

"Harumi, are you still awake?" Mangetsu asked, slight concern could be heard from his voice.

"Yeah I just need some rest," I answered.

"That's good," I heard him sigh. "When you get better, I'll teach you how to walk on water," he exclaimed.

"Why?"

"Because I promised, don't you remember?"

"Er... well..."

"... but I'm a boy, shouldn't I learn how to fight a little?"

"Of course, if you don't know how to fight then you have no future in this village."

"That is true... say, if you learn something useful can you maybe teach me?"

"If I have time, then maybe."

"Thanks."

"Y-yeah, I remember," I answered through a yawn.

"Are you sure you're ok?"

The drowsiness returned and my mind seemed to explore a bit. "Of course, you worry too much Ashi-nii."

"What did you just call me?"

"It doesn't matter good night, Ashi-nii." I ended up falling asleep.

~(Konohagakure)~

I tapped my pencil on the desk and tried to write a letter to Danzo explaining Harumi's 'death' but decided against it when I saw no possible escape.

Hideki the messenger bird I created pecked on the random objects placed on Kakashi's desk. I'm surprised he's still alive... although he is my creation.

I glanced at Kakashi to check if he was awake, luckily he slept like a sack. But I'm still wary because he might just wake up because of a single snap. I imagine him a bit paranoid, which deep inside I know he is.

Maybe I can buy us both, either a bed or a cot? I don't like sleeping on futons anymore.

"Yeah that sounds nice," I told Rin though not completely listening to Rin.

"Takeshi-kun, can you do me a favor?" She asked.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I want to go visit and orphanage and talk to Yakushi Nono, she is the captain of the Konoha medic corps," she twirled her fingers. "I was wondering of asking to be her apprentice because I think it would be very helpful to me," she laughed nervously. "The orphanage is located at the outskirts of the village, I wanted to ask if you could accompany me there. I thought going alone would be a bit embarrassing so, um..."

"Why not Obito... or Kakashi, By the way did you already give Kakashi a yellow chrysanthemum?" I asked.

"N-No," she stuttered, her face flushed in embarrassment. "Anyway, the two of them are a bit busy if you know what I mean."

Kakashi is busy with training and Obito is busy challenging him or pranking with Kushina. So usually I was the only one left to talk to the only female member of Team Minato.

"Ok, I'll go with you," I say. I don't really have anything else to do.

As Rin knocked on the front door I kept my hands inside my pockets.

When the door opened a young woman with shoulder-length light brown hair covered by a white coif and emerald-green eyes greeted us. She wore a black, loose-fitting gown with a white apron over it with sandals and familiar looking circular glasses.

"Hello, welcome to the Konoha orphanage, how can I help you?" she asked sweetly.

While Rin talked to her I stared at her. She made me suspicious, her face looked awfully familiar.

"Hello, Nono-san my name is Nohara Rin and this is Takeshi," Rin cheerfully introduced the two of us.

Nono slightly flinched at my name and murmured, "Kinju?"

Rin presumably didn't hear it and asked, "What was that, Nono-san?"

"N-Nothing," she answered.

I tapped my feet on the ground until the memory suddenly clicked.

"Dad do you have friends?"

He almost choked on a piece of meat. "Of course I do," he said. "Haven't you seen Sakumo-san and-"

"No not just them, I mean someone else."

"Someone else," he scratched his chin. "Wait here, I've got something to show you," he said before walking off and rummaged through a small chest underneath the bed. He yanked out a picture and blew on it to get the dust away. He showed it to me and gave a sad smile.

"The one on the right is your mother," he pointed at a beautiful woman with dark brown hair tied in a bun and forest green eyes.

"And this is Yakushi Nono." He then pointed at a woman with light brown hair also tied in a bun and emerald eyes. Both women were smiling, looking happy despite all the worries I know they have.

"Nono and your mother are both medic-nins, do you know what that means?"

I nodded enthusiastically. "Yup, they heal wounded ninjas."

"Exactly," father gave me a proud smile. "You know I often told them they were twins," he said nonchalantly.

"Can I meet her?"

"Unfortunately, I don't know where she is now," Father turned to me with a sad smile. "But if you do meet her tell her, Nono-chan you don't show up by the river anymore."

What river was it? I thought.

"I'm sorry, but I can't, I'm too busy," Nono gave Rin an apologetic smile.

"Please reconsider," Rin pleaded. "We'll help around the orphanage in return," she tried to bargain.

"We?" Nono asked. "You mean you two are going to help?"

"Yes, Yakushi-san, I can't really let a friend down, couldn't I?" I said. "By the way you look familiar," I bluntly said with a hint of curiosity.

Her body went rigid before she turned to Rin. "I may start to reconsider."

She ignored me... what a nice family friend, eh? The river, Mana, Nana, Naki... Naka River!

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I suddenly felt pain around my arms. "Takeshi-kun, did you hear? Nono-san said yes."

"T-That's great," I said through gritted teeth, trying hard not to grimace. Madara's bruise is still there, damn it, woman, let go!

3rd Person's P.O.V.

The tension inside the office was unbearable. Both the Hiruzen and Danzo sat across each other, Hiruzen on the Hokage seat and Danzo on the guests. Danzo inwardly scowled, he thought about his past, why did the Nidaime choose Hiruzen over him? Was it because he wasn't fast enough to volunteer?

Although today none of it mattered he and his friend were here, alone and unguarded by their personal Anbu, to talk about a certain Kinju.

"I think we should tell him-" Hiruzen decided to break the ice but was stopped mid-sentence by Danzo.

"You know full well what the consequences would be if he ever finds out about Sakumo's death," Danzo reminded him.

"Yes but..." Hiruzen didn't know how to continue, he slumped back on his chair and lowered his head. His hat shadowed his eyes from the Shimura.

"He is quite emotionally fragile when it comes to family and Sakumo as far as you and I know acts like a second father to him."

Hiruzen freely grimaced under his hat. The child deserves to know the truth but the truth might destroy him. Danzo sensing his side tipping over to becoming the victor continued to bombard Hiruzen with his facts.

"It is better this way, Hiruzen. What if he decides to leave the village when he finds out? What if enemies get their hands on him and use him against Konoha? Takeshi can be quite... gullible, you and I both know that."

Hiruzen didn't want to admit it but Danzo was right it was better this way, it was better to let the child be ignorant rather than to make him suffer with know the truth. Takeshi is living a normal life, as normal as a ninjas life can be; Hiruzen didn't want to ruin that.

He decided, for now the child will stay ignorant of the fact. "I suppose it would be best if we keep it to ourselves, at the moment."

Danzo nodded. "I'm glad I knocked some sense into to you, friend." He said.

Hiruzen nodded unsure on how to reply to the sudden proclamation of friendship. "Yes, thank you... friend."

Danzo inwardly smirked, feeling happiness with his victory, in person he stayed as calm and aloof as always. "Well, I must be leaving now," He stood up. "Hiruzen, until next time."

"Yes, next time."

As Danzo walked to his headquarters his face was twisted into a smirk, a satisfied and victorious smirk. His face remained unchanged until he reached his office. His smirk immediately fell into a frown.

Small, dark and gloomy as always. He observed. Not like Hiruzen's at all.

There was a knock on the door. Danzo sat down at his chair before granting the person permission to enter.

The door opened and the person bowed deeply. "Danzo-sama," He greeted.

"Anything to report, Hideo?"

He might not have the government power of a Kage but he had the power of an army of people with darkness lurking within their souls.

The power of darkness is the key to protection. I protect the people.

\(- _ - )/|oo0oo|\( - _ -)/

~(Kirigakure)~

"I'm going away for a few days, so try not to get into too much trouble," Gozu read from a piece of cardboard.

"That Harumi, is a weird guy," Meizu commented. "Let me see that," Gozu's younger brother demanded, reaching for the cardboard.

Gozu moved it above his head as his other hand prevented him from getting any closer.

"I'll read it," Gozu decided. "It says. Meizu, don't try to find me, don't lose Kiiro, don't get caught, and don't steal from Aya-san."

"Damn, mind reader," Meizu mumbled in annoyance. Gozu continued to read loudly while Meizu thought to myself.

Harumi's awake during ungodly hours and sleeps through the day. He knows how to use chakra and he tried to teach us too. When we asked him for help, he didn't bargain. He was always 'nice' to us and he usually hangs out with the clan kid. And now he disappears leaving a message telling me, what I shouldn't do. Weird, but cool, that's one way I might describe him.

"Meizu!" Gozu screamed, getting his brother's attention.

"What?!" Meizu jumped.

"You never listen," Gozu shook his head in frustration. "I said, who is Mangetsu?"

The younger one slowly scooted away from his big brother. "That's a weird question, why do you want to know?"

Gozu purposely slapped his forehead groaning. "Weren't you listening to me? Harumi said, if Mangetsu ever stops by give him this 'letter', Meizu knows who he is. Also, only one person should hunt if I'm not there, one of you has to be the look out."

"I'm not staying," Meizu said, raising his hands in defense, waving them around. He then scowled, realizing something. "Why do we have to listen to him?"

Gozu looked at me flatly. He muttered something under his breath while looking at Kiiro from the corner of his eyes.

"Whatever..." Meizu huffed, crossing his arms.

"So, who's Mangetsu?"

"The white-haired boy who stops by every... week," Meizu told him trying to remember when 'Mangetsu' usually visits.

"The clan kid?"

"Yeah, I heard some kids from the academy say he's a prodigy of some sort, he's training to be one of the swordsmen."

Gozu crossed his arms. "That shouldn't be hard for him, I just remembered Harumi told me he's from the Hozuki clan."

Meizu raised a brow. "So he's related to the 2nd Mizukage? Well no wonder he's got skills, I wouldn't be surprised if he does becomes a swordsman," he said while throwing rice at the white-furred dog. "Gozu write this down, 'the dog likes rice'."

Gozu sent chakra to his feet and grabbed the dog. "Stay here, Kiiro and I are hunting," he said then ran away as fast as he can.

"Gozu, that's not fair! Get back here!" Meizu screamed at him.

When Gozu didn't come back he sulked and reached for the cardboard, re-reading the letter while eating small chunks of bread. He flipped the board and saw a small drawing on the corner. It looked like the kanji for fire, 火, but with a straight line under where the line separates. "Wonder what this is," after five seconds of nothing, he shrugged.

He thought. I'll just ask Harumi when he gets back. Maybe it's just some 'doodle'... At least that's what he calls it. Phone, television, computer, laptop, and internet, where the hell does he get these words? And where is he anyway? He didn't mention a place.

~(Konohagakure)~

"My head is fine, the nurse said so," Takeshi insisted. "I can walk alone now."

"Nothing that you say is going to change my mind," Kakashi said tightening his grip.

"But the nurse said, I'm fine," Takeshi retorted, emphasizing a few words. "And the nurse is Yakushi-san, captain of the Konoha Medic Corps. Don't you trust her skills?"

"Again, nothing that you say is going to change my mind."

"Fine," the Kinju says childishly.

He was at the hospital for three days because of another 'headache' that hasn't happened in 5 years. The doctors weren't entirely sure on what happened, all they knew was it had something to do with his brain's cerebral cortex. How he got to the hospital? He had no clue. But, he does know exactly what happened before arriving at the hospital.

2 weeks ago, Harumi informed him that he was 'dying' so they had to make a plan to get Harumi out without anyone getting suspicious. The blue-haired clone made a letter addressed to the three guys while Takeshi thought of an excuse for what's about to happen.

Days later Harumi told him everything was set and he could release the jutsu. Since Harumi's plan was technically his own, Takeshi didn't question and immediately, complied the next day.

First time, the clone only lived for a few months, and it felt painful as hell when Takeshi let the jutsu go. This time it was worse, it hurt so much he even wished he stayed dead because of the pain. To him it felt like someone shot you on the head but instead of dying you lived to feel the pain.

Danzo's probably impatiently waiting for him to explain things. This reminds me... I'm going to have to explain loads of fake and, hopefully, believable information. He thought in vain.

"This wasn't the first time that happened." Kakashi said, with a serious tone.

"Y-" he stopped himself, almost forgeting he's not supposed to know that.

"Hm?"

"Y-you sure? Because I think I'd remember something, that painful."

"The first time that happened was when we were 6. Jiraiya-san was there to help you. But this time it was worse I felt your chakra flaring from the other side of the village, even dead-last felt it."

It was that bad? Takeshi knew he compared it to a bullet through the head, but he thought it was just the pain exagerating everything.

"Are you sure?" Takeshi asked again. "Maybe Obito-nii's getting better?"

Kakashi shook his head. "You have no idea how loud you were screaming."

Screaming? So, it really was that bad.

"If I ask, on a scale of 1 to 10 how painful it was what number would it be?" Kakashi asked, as if he were a doctor.

"8."

"8? Why not 10?"

"Because I'll only use 10 if I'm dying. So hearing 8 from me is as bad as hearing 100 from another person... Kakashi please put me down. Becoming known as the 'two 'prodigies' playing piggy back' would slightly taint our reputation."

"I. Don't. Care."

Takeshi absently tapped his pencil while thinking. He was right about Danzo demanding an answer because when Kakashi fell asleep Hideki landed on the window sill.

"Um... I should tell him Harumi was dying... uh..." How do I explain this? He thought while running a hand through his hair.

~2 hours later

[Shimura-san,]

[My chakra levels were depleting and I needed to release the clone jutsu, the 'headache' was a side-effect. My clones won't live forever so this was bound to happen. I'm sorry Shimura-san, but I can't work anymore. Since my mission didn't harm the village, I see no reason to tell anybody. If you ever need help for anything, I'll more than happy to comply.]

[Also, can I release Hideki? He can't remember anything except for the map of the world, which would explain why you always have to tell him exactly where to go.]

[~Kinju Takeshi]

That was a lot harder than I expected. Takeshi exhaled deeply.

"Finally," he cheered, whispering. Now Danzo wouldn't suspect a thing and if I missed anything he still has 'Hideo' watching me. He suspects Danzo's the one who sent 'Hideo', since he couldn't think of anyone else who would do that.

He tied the letter to Hideki's leg. It flew off in a second. I wonder where Danzo's been sending Hideki. Takeshi smirked. Never mind, I'll find out in a few hours.

Dang, three days has passed and I still don't know how to get back to Kiri... look on the bright side Danzo fell for the letter and his reply was a simple 'yes' and 'sure'. Takeshi thought.

When he released Hideki the headache felt like a playful flick on the forehead compared to the previous one. The memories he saw were consisted of mostly trees, dark rooms, creepy Anbu masks, and a few buildings.

Danzo is sending letters to Iwagakure and Kumogakure. Does he have spies there? What is he planning?

While in the middle of over-thinking someone knocked on the door. He ignored it at first, but the knocks didn't stop and seconds later it sounded like someone impersonating a woodpecker.

"Just a minute!" he groaned at the door. The knocking didn't stop, which made him scowl. Geez, is this person trying to destroy the door?

When he opened it he was tackled by an unknown figure. He was thankful for his balance if not for that he would be on the ground by now.

"We passed!" Takeshi heard a two voices say. It was Obito and Rin. What are they doing here? He thought they were training with Minato.

Before he could ask them, he remembered. "Congratulations, chunin newbies," he says lazily. "Do you always have to do that? Hug Rin-chan next time."

Obito blushed while Rin giggled at them. "Obito, he just got out of the hospital three days ago, don't make too much noise."

"Did Kakashi say that?" Rin nodded, blushing at the mention of Kakashi. "Over-protective kid," Takeshi mumbled.

"Why are you two here?" He finally asks.

"Minato-san sent us to tell you that we'll be leaving in two hours for a C-rank mission," Rin answered.

What!? Already? "Okay, where?" Takeshi asked slightly worried.

"Near the border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Water," he sighs. Good, not that mission yet. Why am I so paranoid about that? "I can't help at the orphanage for a week so do you mind stopping by alone?" Rin asked.

"Sure, no problem," Takeshi's widened as an idea hit him. "Did you say Land of Water?"

"Yeah, why?" Obito asked, raising a brow.

"Wait here."

~(Outside Konohagakure)~

This is the first time I'm leaving Konoha! Obito thought, happily. The Land of Fire is a large country, but as the future Hokage I must familiarize myself with all the hidden villages. Traveling missions will help me with my goal. "What's that, Obito?" Minato asked, pointing at the extra pouch Obito had.

"Takeshi gave it as a gift for passing the exam, he said it will help during the mission, somehow," Obito lifted a small pouch in front of his face. "I don't know what's in-"

"Leaves," Kakashi interjected.

"How are leaves going help? Unless it's for going to the-"

"No."

"Then wha-?"

"When an enemy attacks, throw the pouch at them."

"Why? Will it-?"

Obito stopped when he met Kakashi's glare. "Use it when you screw up then watch what happens, dead-last," Kakashi says, harshly and turned his back on Obito, walking away like nothing happened. Minato sent his student an apologetic smile, reminding him of their small talk and followed Kakashi.

~"Try to understand him, he's been through a lot. Both him and Takeshi."~ Minato's words echoed in the young Uchiha's head.

Understand him... how's that even possible? I'd rather try to understand Takeshi, he's easier to talk to and he's not rude... unless he's sleepy, if he and Kakashi both went through tough times, then Takeshi obviously handles it better than the cocky bastard.

"Obito, sensei wants us to travel faster," Rin said, pulling Obito out of his thoughts.

His face flushed. "Ok."

I spaced out, that was so embarrassing. Rin's always so nice, though. Maybe I should take Takeshi's advice and give her yellow crystal flowers or whatever it's called.

~(Near Kirigakure)~

Takeshi loved manipulating people. Scientists say, having the knowledge about the future can make a person crazy... they aren't wrong about that, it definitely felt like his head will shut down any minute. But he couldn't give up the 'knowledge', manipulating makes him feel alive, especially if it's Konoha folks.

I control the Leaf and the Leaf controls me.

Finally! The reason Orochimaru fool people is revealed. It's fun to mess with people, it sounds cruel but everybody has done it at least once and they damn well enjoyed every bit of it.

All you have to do is make a 'clone' and use the Leaf Chameleon Technique then put him in a pouch. Give the pouch to your 'friend' and wait patiently until he/she uses your 'gift'. Attack your 'friend's' enemy then pretend to be an innocent pile of leaves, wait for your friend and his teammates to go away, and then, start to find your way through the forest and ride a boat to Kiri.

I'm acting like a happy lunatic, just because I successfully infiltrated another country, without anyone knowing... never mind that sounds awesome! The modified clone thought.

Now to find the village... after I get off this boat,

Surprisingly, he's in the same lumber delivery boat, he was in before. The two guys didn't change that much either, so he ate their food this time.

"Why do you always have to eat all the rice?" A deep voice complained.

The other scoffed at him. "How can I eat when I'm steering the wheel, genius?"

The former shoved the box beside his head. "Then explain why this is empty!" He demanded.

"Maybe you left it open and a bird found it attractive."

"Oh wow, what are the odds of that happening?" He mocked. "Attractive? Couldn't you have chosen a different word?"

"No."

He sighed in defeat and placed the box on the deck floor.

After a few minutes of silence he spoke up. "What do you think would our lives be, if Uzushiogakure was never destroyed?"

The 'driver' grunted. "We're better off here. If Uzushio survived we'd still be at war.. .maybe with Konoha," he shook his head. "Why do we even bother thinking about this? Uzushio is dead. Our family is dead. Our clan people are mostly dead and..." he stopped, shaking in anger.

His friend added gravely. "Etsuko-sama?"

"Shut up!"

Takeshi always thought it was impossible for them to be quiet until now.

"I can see the coast. We should be there in about 30 minutes or so."

They were citizens of Uzushio. Who's Etsuko?

Are they Kinju or Uzumaki?

Takeshi materialized half of his head and peered from behind a log. The person who manoeuvres the boat wore a sleeveless V-neck shirt, pants and a pair of sandals. His brown hair was partly covered with a bandanna. The other had his arms crossed, looking at the other from the corner of his eyes. His clothes were exactly the same, except he doesn't have hair, either that or his hair's completely hidden.

I might need to visit these guys when I'm 'older'.

Infiltrating Kiri was the same as before, not hard, not easy and the rat-tactic is very useful. Finding his 'friends' wasn't hard either they were both asleep for it was night-time or maybe early morning. It's hard to tell the difference at Kiri. Kiiro kept his distance and slept on Takeshi's side of the alley.

Might as well join the snore-fest. Takeshi thought with a yawn. He lied down beside Kiiro and hugged the animal. His body was tired due to overusing chakra and hunger, he fell asleep in a snap.

\(- _ - )/

I preach darkness. I don't inspire hope, only shadows. It's up to you to find the light in my words.

~Charles Lee