Iruka began to read off the team placements.
"Team 7: Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Yuki Shizuko," Iruka said. He read off the rest of the teams. Naruto raised his hand.
"Who is Shizuko?" Naruto frowned.
"Come in," Iruka said and a girl stood in the doorway. "She's here on request of the Hokage."
"I'm Yuki Shizuko," Shizuko said. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Team 7 ended up waiting for three hours for their sensei. At this point, they had a good idea of who it was.
"Yo," Kakashi walked through the door. The three chimed: "You're late."
Kakashi nodded. "I see you three must've planned that one liner. My first impression: you have a long road ahead of you."
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged looks.
"Meet me on the roof," Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke. Shizuko also disappeared.
"Window," the two boys nodded and jumped up to the roof.
"Introductions," Kakashi said. "Girly, you first."
"I'm Yuki Shizuko. My hobbies are reading. I don't like the sound of silence. I like one thing: my best friend and teacher Akane and—"
"You know my sister? Where is she? Is she okay?" Sasuke shook her shoulders.
"I don't like it when people touch me. My dream is to serve her," Shizuko said.
"Next, Naruto," Kakashi said. Sasuke stared at Shizuko.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto. I like ramen and training with my best friend, Sasuke. My hobbies are reading and looking at the past of Konoha. It's actually really cool! I don't like people who want to hurt Konoha. My dream is to be Hokage to protect Konoha," Naruto grinned.
"I'm Uchiha Sasuke. I like training with Naruto. I don't like sweet things. I don't really have hobbies. My dream is to make my sister stop suffering," Sasuke.
"I see. You all are interesting," Kakashi stated. "There is a mission tomorrow. Meet me on Training Ground 7 at 5am sharp."
With that, Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke.
The three Genin were left on the roof.
"How do you know my sister?" Sasuke asked. Shizuko looked at him carefully.
"She is my mentor," Shizuko replied.
"But…how?" Sasuke asked.
"I see, you know nothing. Akane-sama has made it so. I cannot defy her wishes," Shizuko said.
"What?" Sasuke asked. It wasn't the kind of what that is asking for a repeat, but a what of pure confusion. But when it came to Uchiha Sasuke, confusion is turned into anger before they know it.
"Hey! She's my sister! I have a right to know!" Sasuke grabbed her shoulder hard.
"I don't like to repeat myself, either. Please, Uchiha-san, do not dive into the affairs of Akane-sama. She will easily kill anyone in her way, even if it be her own precious brother," Shizuko. "I must excuse myself. I believe Akane-sama is waiting for me."
"Precious? Wait, by waiting do you mean she's in the village?" Sasuke felt hopeful.
"Sasuke, don't worry," Naruto said as Shizuko disappeared.
"Huh? Why the hell not?!" Sasuke glared.
"I've already placed a seal on her. I know where she is. But, I think it's wise to heed her words. If we know anything about Akane is that she's powerful enough to make things to her way," Naruto said.
"That Shizuko is keeping vital information from me!" Sasuke argued.
"Well, didn't Akane say she'd be coming back for the Jounin Exams?" Naruto asked. "That's this year. Don't be so hasty."
"You've never had a sister! You wouldn't know how I feel!" Sasuke yelled. He saw the hurt on Naruto's face and turned away.
"Okay," Naruto said quietly and jumped off the building down to the street below. He walked off.
"Dammit…" Sasuke cursed. "I didn't mean to lash out like that!"
He slammed his fist on the railing and gritted his teeth.
"Report."
"Uchiha Sasuke still purses you. Uzumaki Naruto is willing to help him but knows not to be hasty," Shizuko said.
"Shizuko, what's on your back?"
Shizuko turned her head down and saw black markings.
"I do not know," Shizuko admitted.
"Those are the markings of the Hiraishin. Namikaze Minato is dead, Kakashi never learned it, so the only other person is…" Akane sighed.
"Shizuko, please be more careful. The team you are on isn't stupid. You've been followed. Conceal your chakra," Akane warned.
"Yes, Akane-sama," Shizuko stood and went to her room. Akane read over some scrolls and stood.
"Shizuko, I'm going out. You may accompany me if you like," Akane said.
Shizuko came with a small bag that fell at her waist and had a strap that went in a circle from her neck down her back and chest and met at both the bag's sides (like a messenger bag).
The guards nodded as Sasuke walked through the gates.
"Sasuke-sama, there is a visitor waiting at Fugaku-sama's residence for you," the guard seemed uneasy.
"Visitor?" Sasuke asked. "Who?"
"Akane-sama."
"Really?" Sasuke asked, trying to contain his excitement. He ran off and opened the door to his house.
"Nee-chan!" he called. It sounded awkward as he said it, seeing how it hadn't been said in six years.
An ice spear almost got Sasuke's head.
"You're Shizuko!" Sasuke exclaimed.
"How observant. Akane-sama, it seems that your brother isn't the idiot I took him for," Shizuko said. Akane didn't turn her head to see Sasuke immediately. Long black hair framed her back.
"Nee-chan?" Sasuke asked quietly. Akane walked away, through the house.
Itachi's voice carried.
"Akane, you're back," Itachi smiled.
"You've grown, Itachi," Akane's voice sounded almost happy. Then it turned serious. "What about Sasuke?"
"He's fine, Akane. He's been so eager to see you," Itachi's voice sounded like he was smiling.
"Hn," Akane responded in default Uchiha-speak. She poked her head to look at Sasuke, who still stood at the doorway in shock.
"Doesn't seem to be all that different," Akane narrowed her eyes.
"Oh, Akane, you should know that I'm clan head now," Itachi said.
"What?" Akane's head whipped to him.
"Kaa-san and Tou-san died last year of a sudden disease. The doctors and nurses wouldn't tell me anything. I suppose it was for the best," Itachi said sadly.
"What?" Akane repeated. Itachi frowned. He hugged Akane, who stood an about an inch shorter than him.
After a minute, Akane let go.
"I'm going to take a walk. Do you want to come?" Akane asked.
"No, I'm busy. Take Sasuke along," Itachi said with finality. Akane couldn't help but comply.
"Fine, but he seems clingy. What should I do then?" Akane sighed.
"Well, you could tell him about your time outside the village. He's never been outside before," Itachi said. He noticed the time. "I've really got to go. I'll see you for dinner?" Akane nodded.
Itachi shunshin'd away.
"Akane-sama?" Shizuko asked.
"Sasuke, let's go," Akane grabbed Sasuke's hand. He blinked. He opened his mouth and closed it a few times.
"Shizuko, you can go back now. I need time alone with Sasuke," Akane gave a dry smile. Shizuko nodded and disappeared.
People stared. One person was clearly drunk while the other looked uncomfortable. Actually, the boy looked unconformable because he was uncomfortable, if that was even possible.
"Dango!" the woman cried out. She dragged the boy along while taking another swig of sake.
She plopped down at a seat and they were served about thirty sticks of dango. More stared. Whispers began to float around. Akane was sick of it.
"I'm Uchiha Akane and I'm back for the Jounin Exams! This is my adorable little brother!" Akane laughed.
"Nee-chan, quiet," Sasuke hissed. On the inside, he was crying. Why the hell is she even drunk!?
"Hah? What's with you? I never thought you were a downer," Akane drawled. She turned her head and twirled a senbon in her fingers. Grinning, she threw it. It almost got a man. He had reflexes, she knew. Still, she wanted to impale him until he begged for his life. It would be so much fun! But, they were in a ninja village and everyone had ninja reflexes. Such a downer!
"Akane?" the man looked at her as he twirled the senbon in his fingers.
"The one and only fabulous Uchiha Akane!" Akane yelled. Another man was with him, along with a familiar blonde.
"Hey…you're…" Akane stood and peered into the child's face.
"Naruto," he supplied.
"Yeah! I remember you when you were a sad little orphan all depressed and then Sasuke came along! Such a good boy, that Sasuke!" Akane grinned.
"You're back?" Kakashi asked, still twirling the senbon.
"Yep!" Akane grinned.
"Why are you drunk?" Kakashi sighed.
"Cause then I wouldn't be able to talk to Sasuke! You see, Itachi wanted me to talk to him since I'm so hopeless at trying to be a caring older sister to Sasuke, even though he's so cute!" Akane grinned. Then paused after seeing disbelieving faces. "Actually, Itachi said none of this. He said to talk to him. So, I am! Sibling bonding! So fabulous! Like me," Akane laughed. Hard.
Jiraiya has no shame.
"Do you want to go to the bath house with me?" Jiraiya asked. Akane paused.
"Should I?" Akane asked Kakashi. Sasuke was suddenly in front of Akane with a kunai in hand.
"No way is this pervert getting anywhere near her!" Sasuke growled.
"Aw, so cute! This is why I love my Sasuke! I now am assured he doesn't hate me. You see, for six years I thought he hated me because he was all sad and wanted me to be a nice older sister who wasn't a useless coward; me. I'm actually amazing because I can kill with just my Sharingan! And I've got me a pretty kekkei genkai girl with me. She's somewhere…" Akane frowned. "Where did I even stay?"
Akane suddenly seemed disinterested and went back to the dango shop. Eating all of them in one bite, she put down way more than enough money and walked back.
"Yeah, I'll go!" Akane put an arm across Jiraiya's shoulders.
"No, Akane," Kakashi held her back while reading his porn.
"Huh? Why not? Am I going to have to invite females?" Akane seemed completely horrified by this idea.
"Or just tell Sasuke what happened on your journey. Actually, I'd like to hear it as well. Follow me," Kakashi said, dragging her along. Sasuke and Naruto walked with Jiraiya in tow.
So, Akane told them what happened, including picking up Shizuko, who was the sister of a subordinate of the Seven Swordsmen's. Kakashi didn't question the source; she probably read someone's mind with her Sharingan.
"So, that's it! Can I go home now?" Akane asked. Suddenly, she flared her chakra.
"What was that for?" Kakashi asked.
"Shizuko! She's the best!" Akane said. Then her face looked like she realized on something. Her expression changed to something akin to fear and anger and frustration. Then finality. Sasuke didn't like it one bit.
"Akane-sama. You called me?" Shizuko knelt.
"Take me home!" Akane grinned.
"As you wish," Shizuko took Akane's hand and shunshin'd away.
"Was that…Shizuko?" Kakashi asked.
"Yeah," Sasuke said.
A/N Drunk Akane is amazing. Should I write more, as like, an omake, for her? Anyway, thanks to darkhuntressxir, Reign Of Sorrow, and KoreanKid for reviewing!