The Unusual Uchiha

by makoto x chelia

Aspiring to be a great Ninja like his elder brother Shisui, Ryouta Uchiha embarks on a painful journey of discovery and to hone his skills in order to fight the darkness that plagues his clan and the world.

20. Chapter 20

Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Linkonpark100; Well, it can't always be smiles and sunshine, though this chapter has less sadness in it, and a surprise as well.

Soul; Yes, he'll have a weapon for himself one day.

Castor115; Yeah, it's been hard to write as well, but for the story, it needed to be written and still does, though not as sad as the last two chapters. Yeah, they are jerks for doing such things. Yeah, it seems Obito does, and I haven't decided yet, got scenarios for both.

Harem Master123; Well, I'm glad that the chapter was 'amazing' as you put it. It is indeed heart wrenching, and yeah it is horrible for the brothers, but yeah, I never planned or do plan on having Ryouta hate Itachi, as next to Shisui, Itachi is the only big bro figure he has, and is quite close to Itachi, even if it isn't shown much now, will be shown in the future. Haha, yeah~ She certainly did give it to Fugaku alright~ Hmmm, wonder if Danzo was put under something...hmmmm...and yeah, I haven't stated it yet, as I am still deciding but either way, Obito is going to become...well, I can't say much about it yet as it is a spoiler. Cool suggestion as always hehe!

Anime PJ; Yeah, it certainly did. I hope to not always be like that, but it's gotta be done for the story. Hehe, you're right about that, it is hard to be sympathetic to people like that, though there are kind Uchiha's besides our main cast. Don't worry, Ryou will have his happy ending, eventually~

Hellspam; Yeah, it was and yup, it certainly was. That is quite ironic, they are pretty much foreshadowing themselves really. You're right, she's technically the only one that can, Satsuki and Ryouta are children, so they couldn't lead a clan, and if I have others survive, Mikoto was Fugaku's wife, and mother of the future successor, so it would only make sense for her to lead.

Cloud4012; That he did, that he did. Yeah, jerk got what he deserved. Eventually, he'll pull himself together, I have a good point for that to happen. Well, I wont spoil it yet, but Itsuki will be definitely revived during the war.

ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, it was, but all wont be like that. There will be good times as well as bad, and in my opinion, a story needs a mixture of both. You're right about that, those Uchiha are quite thick to believe such things. Yeah, he doesn't remember for now, but when he does, he'll need it the most. Yup, she certainly showed Fugaku to not speak ill about Ryouta, or that's what you get. Yeah, that poison was something alright. Hmmm, I wonder if he did or not. And yeah, Tobi/Obito did, and I can't say just yet~

Blackmoon FierceGods 15; Thanks, glad ya liked. Aah, I see. Well, that would be kinda confusing with the Mangekyou abilities having similar names and all, though I always consider others opinions so I will do this as well. Eeh, I haven't decided yet, got a scenario for both and I can't confirm or deny that yet. He's going to have personalized techniques yes. Yeah he wont be getting that until later in the series. Eeh, why would that be? Naruto doesn't have a harem, he's going to be with Hinata. Blue fire would be cool, can't say that yet would be spoiling it, and I have someone in mind for the training gap and it isn't going to be Orochimaru.

Skull Flame; Well...that's what everyone has been saying. And yeah, guy deserved it with everything that he has done. Yeah, they are broken up over far between chapters, and episodes as well, so it's kinda hard to get every bit right, but I'm trying. Yeah, Itachi will, be doing something alright. Hehe, I've built up Izumi too far to kill her now, and I have plans for the girl as well. You're right about that, the fight between those two would be epic. Obito it is indeed, and yes I catch your meaning, and haven't decided yet, that's why I have left it sort of ambiguous. Hehehe, I'd probably do that just for giggles lol. Those are some cool ideas alright, and don't worry, I really do like long reviews, so I like yours as well as everyone else that does review.

Naroku; Thanks, and don't forget about the Uchiha Massacre bit. I couldn't go to canon yet, as I have things to do with that part of the story as well. Hmm, seems to be. Well, if I did, not saying I am, but if I did, just ignore those parts. Cool suggestions!

Jugar38; Thanks, I think. Well, drama has to come into stories at some point, but this chapter is less drama, and moe character developing and a certain beginning of a romance.

Neonlight01; Yeah, poor Ryouta. But he'll feel better soon. They are quite stupid to believe such things, and will eventually find out that they shouldn't be messing with the young boy. You'll have to see about that, spoilers~ Well, in canon, Obito did help Itachi kill off the clan, as he didn't do it alone so...well, you'll have to wait and see!

Guest 1; Yeah, it is Obito alright, and it will be shown in the future exactly why Obito wants Ryouta.

Lightwave; Yeah, he is getting seriously close to the danger zone alright. Well, numerous people are going to help him. Yeah, Itachi saved the day alright for Ryouta at least. You'll have to wait and see when it gets activated again. He's down for now alright. Aha, you'll have to wait and see what happens with Danzo as well hehe~ Yup two big thumbs up alright~ She slapped him good and proper. Cool suggestions!

AlphaOmega; He certainly did go all out alright, but due to his age, and the skills Itachi had, there wasn't a chance he could win, at least not yet anyway. Hmmm, either if it is or not, he is going to be quite skilled in Genjutsu, though it isn't going to be his main fighting style. Yeah, Itachi got through, and indeed, Ryouta isn't stupid, even if he was in an emotional state so he figured out that Itachi was lying to him, plus it helps that he's known Itachi his whole life, and can tell the subtle differences when Itachi is lying, and telling the truth. Yeah, Mikoto stood up, and did what she had to do alright, and not just to Fugaku either. Yeah, Obito has some plans for him alright, which are...something I cannot reveal just yet. Yeah, Danzo is gonna be out of commission for awhile now. Yeah, she could be, though I'm not sure yet. Also, cool suggestions!

Guest 2; I have a few ideas, if I did go down that route of the story. And yeah, I don't see why Anko wouldn't do something like that, I could see her doing something like that anyway.

With those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the next chapter!

---

The light

Again...

Again, Ryouta had ended up in a situation most males would kill for. Even people like Itachi (if he wasn't related to them) would kill for the situation he ended up in.

This kind of situation was what many men dreamed about, but very few ever got to experience willingly and even then, usually it would come out of something unnecessary, and how there wasn't much love there. But in this instance, there was much love within the bed, coming from a few individuals.

However Ryouta didn't really pay much heed to it, as it had come to a norm by now, having these people within his bed. Not that he didn't enjoy their company, for a child of seven, besides some circumstances, he didn't see much point of it being so close, and tightly compact within the bed.

"Mmmmn..."

Behind him, there was a perfect Yamato Nadeshiko next to him. Her fair skin was like lights to his eyes, her long black hair flowing freely down the side of her face and body. Her sleeping beautiful face was even more enchanting than it usually was. Between the woman's sizable breasts, Ryouta's body laid there, covering more than just his arm, her left breast being squished into his back as the laid together in a spooning position, keeping him warm and secure as best as she could.

This woman, being Mikoto Uchiha, and said Uchiha was clinging to him for dear life, as if anything was going to happen. The state of dress she was currently in...was nothing but a loose set of panties, exposing her breasts to the boy, who's face was resembling a tomato when seeing such a sight the night before, though right now he was semi asleep, not being able to sleep properly since the night of Shisui's death.

"...Hehe Shota love...yeah baby..."

On the other side of him, was a girl of the age of 13 with her long hair winding it's way down her body, out of its usual ponytail and flowing freely, something the girl found to be comfortable when sleeping. But she was in the same situation as Mikoto, wearing nothing but a pair of panties, exposing her breasts to the child, who was also blushing at the girl he referred to as 'Nee-chan' all of the time.

This girl was Izumi Uchiha. This girls breasts were being used as a pillow by Ryouta, who didn't mind all that much, liking the feeling of the soft flesh mounds on his face, her erect nipple pushing against his nose, the other one pushing against his left cheek, the girls face red, despite her being asleep.

"Ryou...mmmm..."

Finally, there was a girl cuddling next to him in between Ryou and Izumi, clinging to his torso, her long hair spread all all over the place, and her face being against his slightly toned bare chest. Unlike the first two however, this girl was clothed, and was wearing a nightdress that came to her knees.

This girl was Satsuki Uchiha. Satsuki hadn't wanted to leave Ryou since the incident, so if the situation permitted, she stayed as close as she could to him, often sharing a bed with him, and some instances, baths as well.

He hadn't expected it, but for the past couple of nights, he had been engaged in what could be called a foursome, when it is in regards to the bedroom, but not in a sexual way, at least that's not what it was like with Ryouta. But he couldn't concentrate that much, since Shisui's death still played in his mind, despite it being three weeks ago now. He couldn't just forget about it, even with his current predicament being known to him. And with now all three females living with him plus Itachi, having took it upon themselves to move in, or in Izumi's case, live between there and her house with her mother, she was a go between girl, not that Ryou minded, as he didn't want to be alone, even if he wasn't ready to talk to anyone about it.

As he lazily opened his eyes again, he looked at his situation, and smiled softly, before the memories of Shisui came flooding back, but didn't allow them to be shown on his face, as he had a new resolve now, and that was to make the others around him not feel anymore sadness, so he's decided to not allow his emotions to be shown and only cry or scream when he knew he was alone. Besides that, he would wear an indifferent face the best he could, given any situation that would permit.

The boy looked around, and saw that Izumi's boobs were in his face, and wasn't sure what he should do about it, if anything at all. But whatever he did, he didn't want to make the girl angry at him, after everything that he had gone through recently.

"Mmmnnnn...morning...huh..."

Mikoto opened her eyes as well, and saw what she was doing, unsure if she should be okay with it or not. Since she offered to do anything, and he said he didn't want to sleep alone, Mikoto ended up sharing a bed with him...though she had no idea on how she became shirtless in all of this, much less braless, though she didn't mind much, considering he was only a child, and wouldn't be too bothered about being around a child while her breasts were exposed.

The woman wormed her head around to the side of his neck, and gently pecked him on the cheek, a rosy colour appearing there, despite no emotions being shown, he couldn't help but for the skin to react to Mikoto's kiss, and embrace.

"Good morning baby. Are you okay? Did you get any sleep last night?"

Ryou looked back at Mikoto, and smiled in a fake manner, something Mikoto was able to see through easily.

"I'm fine, Mikoto-san and no, I didn't get any sleep...I can't fall asleep much anymore. It's...too difficult to sleep...I see bad things when I sleep...so staying awake is better...even if I do fall tired sometimes..."

He replied with a dry tone of voice, attempting to not worry the woman, though she was slightly worried about him even if he did try and not worry her, as she could see through his fake smile, his facade.

"It's not healthy to keep emotions bottled up...but he doesn't want to speak with anyone...not even me. I feel so useless right now...Ryouta-kun, I wish you'd talk with me." She mused to herself sadly, then kissed him on the cheek again. "Ryouta-kun, want me to make anything special for you? Since it is a big day, want me to make you something special?"

Mikoto kindly asked, but Ryou gently expressed his usual demeanour, nothing. There wasn't even a hint of emotion on his face, and even if he smiled, or laughed, or anything, Mikoto could tell that it was fake straight away.

"No...I'm okay thank you Mikoto-san. You're very kind to offer me that, but please don't be worried, I am okay."

He again retorted to the older woman who smiled softly and sadly at the same time, noting that he isn't expressing how he really feels, and wishes that he would come out with his emotions and wouldn't keep them surpressed.

"Ooh sweetie, you have to eat something this morning. You're going back to the Academy, and you'll see all your friends again. You can't go without eating something, so why don't you allow me to make you something special for you? It can be anything in the world, sweetheart. I don't even care if it complex, anything would be better than anything. So, please allow me to help you and give you something that you really want."

Mikoto tried to connect, since he had been so distant ever since Shisui had gone, and she wanted to try and help him, in whatever way she could, since she felt partly responsible for it, due to Fugaku being partly responsible.

Ryouta thought about the Academy, and how he didn't want to go, but was being semi forced by Izumi, since she thought it would a good idea to get back into a normal routine again, whatever normal is to him now, something he didn't know much about.

"It's okay, I don't need anything special and I don't want anything Mikoto-san. Thank you, for considering me though. You're very kind to me...when you don't have to be. Thank you."

His response to Mikoto's query made said girl frown slightly, hoping that she would be able to do something to help, though as time went on, she wasn't sure if he would ever be the same fun loving child that she once knew, but wished that he would go back to being the fun loving child that she once knew.

"Ooh...okay, but you should still eat something Ryouta-kun. You've not eaten properly for a few weeks now, it isn't healthy. So please eat something today, alright?"

"It's fine, I don't need to eat much. Just enough to...survive." He responded with a small fake smile. "You're kind to worry...but you should worry more about Itachi-nii than me...since he's the one who's getting blamed for Shi-nii's death and could potentially face charges if he's found to be guilty ."

By now, it was public knowledge that Itachi was under suspicion about his death. After Mikoto had set everyone straight and shown everyone how it would be impossible for Ryouta to show such emotion about his brothers death and be the cause of it at the same time, the attention and belief switched to Itachi, and now more than ever, he was finding it difficult to be an Uchiha, especially considering that unlike Ryouta, Itachi didnt show much emotion so it was easier to blame him.

Mikoto frowned lightly at what he said, and knew what he was referring too, and felt saddened that her own son was being blamed now for Shisui's death, and had to wonder if Ryouta blamed Itachi for the death, but he hasn't ever said anything about it.

"Yes, but don't you worry about Itachi. He's a strong boy, he'll be able to come out on top, I promise you. I know that he didn't do anything, since it isn't within his nature, and you know that as well, don't you Ryouta-kun?"

Ryouta didn't respond verbally, but did incline his head to the relief of the woman and rested his head on Izumi's busy, snuggling into the boobs that right now where his, since Itachi wasn't around.

"He still needs to be careful though, Mikoto-san." Ryouta warned calmly. "He's still the prime suspect, even if he made Taichou of Anbu. He's still the one who was...he could've taken Shi-nii's eyes...not that I think he would...but that's what others are going to be thinking..."

Mikoto couldn't refute what the boy had said. Everything he said was correct, technically. Circumstances were against Itachi, even if he tried his best to blow over the whole incident, many people that followed Fugaku are going to be suspicious of the man.

"Yes...that's right, Ryouta-kun. But since we're Itachi's family, we have to support him, don't we?"

Ryouta again didn't reply verbally, but like last time, he did incline his head in agreement, and put on a distrustful face.

"But...that doesnt mean he doesn't know something...I know that Shi-nii's eyes were taken...whether they were given or taken by force...I don't know who, but I know someone has his eyes...and they're too powerful to be in someone's possession, if they are evil...and I know Itachi-nii knows where they are...he's not good at lying to me..."

Ryouta thought while releasing a breath, but he knew that he had limitations on gathering information. He couldn't flatly ask Itachi, as Itachi wouldn't say anything about it, and it isn't like he could force Itachi, as Itachi is immensely stronger than he is, no matter what he tries, as what happened on the cliff could be an indication to what their skills were, and how Itachi didn't have to try much against him.

"Hmmmmm...nyaa...morning..." Izumi's eyes cracked open slightly. Then she opened them fully, and looked down at her bust, seeing the boys head there, and smiling softly to herself. "Seems like I've caught a Shota between my boobs." She jokingly said, then looked at Mikoto. "Seems like Ryouta-kun also caught a milf. Good for him...not so much for Itachi-kun, who might not like the idea of his new Papa being someone younger than he is...good thing he isn't here, huh." She thought to herself with a slight titter escaping her lips, then turned her attentions down to the boy again. "Good morning Ryouta-kun, how you're feeling this morning sweetness?"

Ryouta faced the young girl, and smiled with a fake manner.

"I'm...okay. Thank you Izumi-nee."

Izumi frowned slightly, and patted his head, while giving it a kiss.

"Ooh sweetheart...you're back at the Academy today. Please don't be so sad."

As soon as she said it, he didn't like it in the slightest, knowing what's going to happen, as it has been happening to him for awhile now.

"I don't wanna go, I don't want to be...bothered by people. They'll only ask questions about Shi-nii's death, and I don't want to talk about it...I can't be bothered with them all talking about it, just like everyone else is and how cruel they've been talking about my Shi-nii..."

He strongly admitted, both females grimacing, knowing that he is more than likely right about what he said then, and then both hugged him at the same time, all of the boys sadness was briefly erased, only to come back in new waves, and made him lower his head.

"I know baby, but you don't have to worry. If they say anything, just ignore them, or tell them to leave you alone. They can't force you to talk about it." Mikoto gently admitted, and carefully stroked his face. "Don't worry about what others say, and just do your best in whatever you want to do your best in, and don't sweat the small stuff."

Ryouta didn't know how to respond, so he looked down at his body, and felt Satsuki squirm from his chest. He could only smile sadly at her moving around, secretly wishing that it was...someone else, but knew it wouldn't ever be that person again.

"My best...wasn't good enough." He casually confessed and sighed as he put his head back to Mikoto's breast this time, having flipped so he could snuggle against her larger chest, not that Mikoto minded all that much. "It doesn't matter anyway, it isn't like...I'm gonna do much here anyway..."

He thought dejectedly, as Mikoto stood up, showing her voluptuous form to the boy who had to fight down a blush he didn't want on his cheeks, the woman smiling at the attempts to hide from her view.

"I'm going to go and make breakfast now, Ryouta-kun. Are you sure that there's nothing special that I can make for you?"

"No, it's alright Mikoto-san. Thank you though, it's kind to think of me, when you don't have too."

He waved her off kindly, trying his best to not offend, knowing that Mikoto was only trying to be kind, but right now, he didn't think kindness should be offered to him, even if others believe that he should be offered kindness.

"Ooh dear, I'll always think of you and you can return back to me."

"Don't ever say that again!" Suddenly, Ryouta was reminded of something, and he snapped at Mikoto, but then recoiled and stopped himself, bowing his head. "I'm sorry...Shi-nii said that a lot...I'm sorry Mikoto-san, I didn't mean to snap. Please...forgive me."

"No, it's okay sweetheart." Mikoto comforted, and bent down, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "You're right. It was insensitive of me. I thought that hearing something familiar would've been comforting, but it just brought back bad memories, didn't it?" He nodded with a whine, causing the woman to gush slightly at the sight. "Now I'm going to make it up to you. Is there anything I can do for you cutie?"

Ryou looked at Mikoto's face, seeing that she really did want to make it up to him, and had a feeling that she blamed herself for Fugaku's actions despite Ryouta holding no hard feelings for her at all since she was always kind to him, so he smiled, and hugged her around the neck.

"...I like chocolate chip pancakes."

Hearing that, Mikoto grinned brightly, and jumped up, her breasts bouncing with her, which made Ryouta's eyes become transfixed on the woman's assets, though didn't quite understand why he wanted to look at her chest, and...fondle it if he was honest with himself.

Mikoto herself noticed the boy looking at her chest, and blushed a little at it.

"It's been sometime since a man has looked at my breasts like this, even if he is a child, I did promise to marry that child when he grows up...wonder if he took that seriously?"

She mused to herself, wondering if he really did want her to honour that little silly wager or not either way she didn't mind...but secretly hoped that it was the former of that, though she wouldn't admit it to anyone.

Mikoto bent down and gave Ryouta a shot of her cleavage unintentionally, though it made him blush bright red, seeing the breasts being inches from his face, his body and eyes subconsciously moving towards Mikoto's body.

"I'm gonna go and make you a good meal...sweetheart. Chocolate chip pancakes coming up."

"Yeah...also, thank you for...staying here with me...I don't want to be alone...thank you for sleeping with me..."

At that, Mikoto blushed a little, her older mind having dirty thoughts at the innocent way he said it, only blushing more when seeing the innocent expression on his face, something she found to be irresistible.

"Y-Yes, of course baby...I erm...I will sleep...with you anytime..."

She mumbled out, only to blush a little more as Ryouta looked directly into her eyes, the innocence he radiated ignited something within Mikoto, her not having seen such innocence since...she couldn't even remember.

"...Shotacon..."

Izumi muttered under her breath, shooting a bemused stare at Mikoto.

Mikoto caught the stare, and shot her own glare right back at the girl, said women having a battle over Ryouta with their eyes, something that neither would want to give up the boy to the other.

"Hehe, this will show her that Ryouta-kun's Shota body belongs to his Nee-chan, me~"

Slowly, Izumi hugged Ryouta between her bust, and slid a teasing finger down his chest while licking her lips, only to play with Mikoto and at the same time, to have a little fun with Ryouta, who's face was confused, and blushing at the same time.

"She's not getting away with that."

Mikoto responded to that by ripping Ryouta away from Izumi, and hugged the boy between her own breasts, and patted his head softly, earning a small purr to come from the young boy, and sent a victory look towards Izumi who huffed in annoyance.

"Mikoto-san...why are you hugging me...between your boobs?"

Ryouta slowly asked as he looked up at the elder woman's eyes, the same blush on his cheeks becoming more intense, showing a tomato looking face.

While he might still be depressed, he was still a boy, and even a boy as young as him knew that a woman would only hug a boy between their breasts would be if they liked that boy, and what that context of like was...Ryouta didn't know, but was appreciative of the woman's attempts to make him feel good all the same.

Said woman looked down, and smiled sheepishly, not believing that she fell for Izumi's tricks.

"A-Ah, I was just making sure that you knew that I was here for you~" Mikoto sang out nervously, her bottom lip trembling slightly. "S-So, you know that I'm here for you now, don't you?"

"Yes...Mikoto-san is kind after all...I'm glad that she's...here for me."

He said honestly, and hugged onto Mikoto, the woman smiling down and patting his head softly, running her fingers through his black locks, taking in the feeling of his soft hair.

"Yes, I've got to go now sweetheart...when you're ready for breakfast, come out, okay?"

Ryouta nodded in acceptance, and let go of Mikoto's body.

Mikoto then picked up her clothes, and left the boys bedroom, dressing as she left, so that if there was someone outside, they wouldn't realize that she had just slept in the child's bedroom.

Izumi also stood, and bowed her head.

"I've just gotta do something's. See you at breakfast cutie pie~"

Izumi blew a little kiss at Ryouta, and then left with her clothes also though left behind her bra, leaving Ryouta alone with the unconscious Satsuki.

As he looked down at her, he could see how she really did cling to him and seemed to always be there for him, something he mentally was happy about. He was tempted to get out the last letter Shisui ever wrote to him, but decided that he couldn't read it again right now, or he would break down, and that was the last thing that he wanted to do, least of all hurt those around him.

As he laid on the bed with Satsuki clinging to him, he contemplated a number of things. He also wondered...what his place in the world was now. He couldn't even be sure of what his life was like now.

---

Sometime later, the girl known as Satsuki wriggled around, and cracked open her eyes. She crawled up the bed, until she came face to face with Ryouta, who gave a slight feigned smile in her direction.

"Good morning, Ryou. How did you sleep? Any better?"

The girl asked kindly, showing that she cared about him.

"No...I didn't sleep Satsuki-chan." He admitted, and yawned. "I couldn't sleep. But thanks for...staying with me. I know I must be a burden to you, and occasionally hold you back from doing whatever you want...so if you want to leave me, I wouldn't hold it against you."

He said with a downcast gaze, not wanting Satsuki to be dragged down with him, knowing that the girl does give up a lot to make him feel better, and wasn't happy that she'd put her own life on hold for his problems, when she shouldn't have to worry about it.

Satsuki looked displeased that he said that, and embraced him.

"Don't be stupid, Ryou. Sometimes being without someone isn't happy. Sometimes it is painful, and I will make sure that I stay with you, Ryou. You're my...you're mine, and I wont allow you to be alone through hard times. I will always be by your side, I wont ever abandon you."

Satsuki said truthfully, wanting to make a connection with the boy, wanting to make him feel better than he does right now. That's all that mattered to her, at this moment in time. Everything else didn't matter, as someone she loves, is in such pain, and he wasn't willing to share it with anyone, not even her.

"Ooh Satsuki-chan...you're too kind to me." Ryou inched closer with his face, and wore a depressed look. "Satsuki-chan...I just wanted to tell you that...you're really too kind, and generous, and I really do appreciate everything you've done for me...and now, when I need you the most...you haven't left me, you're by my side, even knowing all of the rumours of how...everyone dies around me...even when I say go...you stay with me. It's...perplexing that you'd stay by me..."

He legitimately didn't understand her actions. anyone else would've left him, but she stayed with him. Even with him being quite distant, she stayed with him, and that was the most confusing to him.

Satsuki scoffed at this, and hugged him around his neck, pulling him closer to her.

"Perplexing huh. It isn't really, considering that you need someone by you side...Ryou, I don't want to ever lose you...and I'll do anything to make you feel better...can I do anything for you, Ryou?"

Asking sincerely, Satsuki dragged a hand over his unclothed chest, taking in the shape, and feel of his skin, loving the feelings that were igniting within her, when rubbing a boys chest.

"No, it's alright. There's nothing you can do...but Satsuki-chan, I can't lose you either so I've decided that you can't ever leave me, alright? I know that's it's a lot to ask, but I can't lose you either...so I've resolved to protect you with my life. I know that it sounds stupid, but after losing Shi-nii, if I lost anyone else, I would...break, I really would break and I don't know if I could come back from it...if I can even come back from this, I don't know...but with you...it hurts a little less...and I don't wanna hurt anymore..."

He confessed to the young girl with straight and sad eyes, his voice and lips trembling as flashes of the night that he doesn't want to remember forced their way back into his mind over and over again.

Satsuki was slightly stunned by what he said, never expecting Ryouta to say something like that, and with everything he's going through, he's still thinking about her, and how to keep her safe. That feeling was enough to make her love him all over again.

"I know, Ryou. I promise to stay with you forever and ever. But don't worry, even if something does-"

"Don't say that. Don't ever say that." He cut her off, and hugged her into his chest, surprising the young girl quite abit. "People say that they are going to disappear, and they shouldn't have to. So...nothing is ever going to happen...I will make sure...I couldn't protect Shi-nii when he needed me, so I wont allow you to get hurt ever...and if someone does end up trying to hurt you, I will make it go away, even if it costs me my life."

He spoke honestly, and calmly as well, showing how much he cares about her.

Satsuki looked upwards from his chest, snuggling against it, and was tempted to kiss him right here and now. Though she knew that he was still depressed, it felt...right. It felt right to share a kiss between the two of them.

"My protector...I know you'd never let me get hurt...idiot. But if you left me...I'd become depressed as well...so you can't leave me either...you have to stay with me...I don't care how, I don't even care if you have to bring yourself back from the dead, you have to come with me all of the time, you have to be with me always."

Satsuki spoke with a smile on her face, but meant every single word she said, as she didn't want to lose Ryouta. She never wanted him to be sad, or lonely, or anything ever again.

"Always...I wont lose someone else...I can't lose anyone else...Satsuki-chan has to stay with me always..."

He mumbled out, but Satsuki caught it, and found it to be affection filled, and full of feelings that she didn't knew that he had for her, all the while liking the feeling of the embrace that he was giving her right now. It felt protective, it felt like he would always keep he safe. While she never was going to rely on him, she didn't mind having someone she loved being a protector to her. Secretly, it was something of a relief, that he was going to stay with her.

Both stared into the others eyes. Ryouta put a hand to the girls face, and pushed some hair out of her face, smiling when seeing her eyes, believing them to be very beautiful.

Without realizing, both of them had begun leaning towards one another...though, Satsuki was slightly aware. It was as if she was transfixed on his face, his lips being something that she wanted in this moment in time. However, she wasn't sure if she should do it, as she didn't want to take advantage of him, but from the look in his eyes, it didn't appear that he didn't want it, indicating that he looked like he wanted it.

As for Ryou, he was merely caught up in the moment. While he couldn't deny that he lips right now were something that he wanted, he didn't know if he should or not, as he didn't want to merely get up his own hopes, to finally feel something other than despair and sadness. All he really wanted was to feel...anything again. Happy, joy...love. As long as it was positive, he didn't care what kind of emotion it was.

"Ryou, I erm..."

Satsuki tried to explain, but Ryouta gently took her by the shoulders, and leaned closer.

"It's okay...Satsuki-chan. I really...like you. Besides...I did say that I would give you my first...kiss...and I want it to be with...you."

He admitted, to the embarrassment, and loving feeling, of Satsuki. Satsuki responded by wrapping her arms around his neck, and positioned herself soshe was sat on his lap, fortunately he had underwear on or it would've been an awkward situation.

"I'm glad...but you don't...feel like...I'm...erm...Ryou, you want to do this, right? It isn't because...you feel like kissing me would...make you feel...better or...I'm not using you...hmmm...you understand...right?"

Satsuki wanted to make sure. She wanted to be sure that she wasn't doing something that could possibly make him more confused than he already is. She never wanted to add to his problems, only help be the solution.

Ryouta however, denied her worries, and gently held her.

"You're not going to cause me problems. I just want you to know that...I'm always going to be here for you now. I've lost too much to lose you as well, and I want you to know that I really do like you Satsuki-chan. I wont lie, and say the kiss wont make me feel better...because it will. However, it's a good kind of better, a kind of better where you're the one that makes me feel...good about things again. I want to feel good about things again...I don't want to be alone..."

He expressed himself openly, maybe for the first time since Shisui had gone. He didn't want to express himself, but something about Satsuki allowed him to express what was inside of him clearly, and candidly.

Satsuki smiled, understanding what he was saying, and edged closer to his lips.

"I'll make you feel...loved, and feel better. I'll do anything, to make you feel...good. No matter what it takes...I want you to feel better, Ryou. I know that it will take time, and you might feel sad for along time...but I'm always going to be with you...you don't have to worry about that..."

"I know...me too, always going to be with you..."

Ryouta and Satsuki declared to one another, and both decided that this was the time to share their feelings for one another. While Ryouta was still unsure of his feelings for her, he did know that right now, he wanted to be closer than close with her. He wanted to feel her lips on his, and vise versa. She wanted the same, she wanted his lips right here and now, and though circumstances lead to them being like this, after a tragedy, neither of them thought about that, only thinking about the other, and how they wanted one another right now, no matter what.

Inch by inch, both parties closed in on one another. Satsuki parted her lips, Ryou copying her actions. Since she was more knowledgeable about these things (since he didn't seem to really think about things like this before) he allowed her to take the lead in the exchange of affection.

Every inch was like a mile to Satsuki. She just wished that it happened quickly, but she didn't want to rush it, as she didn't want to make Ryou uncomfortable. And it was the same for Ryouta, though he was more shy about it than she was due to being slightly emotional with everything that has happened to him recently.

As they were about to take their relationship to a new level, fate had other plans for them, and the door was opened sharply, revealing a yawning Izumi.

"Hmmm, hey guys have you seen..."

Izumi trailed off, when she saw that the children were close to one another's lips, only for them to retreat from the other when seeing Izumi, both having adorable blushes on their faces, and guilt written faces, despite what they were going to do was completely innocent.

Satsuki looked slightly pissed at Izumi, wanting to know the reason why she would come in at the time when she was about to get what she wanted.

As for Ryouta, he was slightly disappointed that he didn't get to feel Satsuki's lips, but he wasnt nearly as pissed as she was, as he was moe humble, and polite about it so he smiled at the girl kindly, though both Satsuki and Izumi knew that the smile was just away's for him to keep a certain distance between him, and everyone else.

Izumi scratched the back of her head sheepishly, as she wore a sheepish smile.

"Hehe, this is really awkward...huh..."

Izumi looked between the two and giggled nervously, and did even more than that when she saw that Satsuki looked really angry at her, as if she had done something wrong.

"You're such a lip blocker, you are. You always come in when Ryou and I are doing something. It is like you do this on purpose."

Satsuki angrily growled at the girl who wore a frown when she heard what Satsuki said.

"Did you just call me a cock blocker and I block cock on purpose then?"

Having heard wrong, Izumi said something slightly inappropriate, causing Satsuki to do a spit take, while Ryouta remained indifferent to what the girl said, not knowing what a cock blocker actually was.

"N-No you idiot!" Satsuki quickly got up, and huffed as she walked over to Izumi. "Y-You're ruining our private moment! W-We were about to share something special, and you ruined it...thanks for that, Izumi-san! You really do love being such a girl, don't you? Getting in the way of our intimate moment because you're jealous that I've got him and you haven't."

Izumi looked slightly offended that she was being accused of doing this intentionally, and wore a pout.

"I didn't come in here and ruin your kiss for my own enjoyment and I don't want him like that...I was only looking for my bra, is it in here?"

Satsuki blinked a number of times, trying to process what the girl said, as Ryou saw Izumi's bra on the floor, but didn't feel like he could say anything, remembering the times his elder brother told him to not get in the middle of girls fighting if he could help it.

"Your bra...thats right. I also have to say that you shouldn't even be sleeping in Ryou's bed. For one, you've got Itachi-nii-chan, and don't forget that Ryou is a lot younger than you are. You're taking advantage of his sweet nature for your own twisted love games."

Izumi hung her mouth open at Satsuki's accusation, and folded her arms, not happy in the slightest with what the little girl was saying, and how she was implying many things about Izumi, with only some of them being true.

"For one, Ryouta-kun asked ME to come in here last night. I DIDN'T ask to come in here last night, he asked ME! And while we're on the subject, what about Mikoto-san huh? She was in here last night, so why are you having a go at me? She also slept without a bra on, so stop picking on me all of the time."

Izumi was genuinely confused. She'd never heard Satsuki saying anything to Mikoto, but when it's Izumi, it is like she has a vendetta against her, though it didn't carry onto her mother, so she was highly curious.

Satsuki furrowed her brows, and put a hand on her hip.

"Kaa-san is different. I know that Kaa-san wouldn't take advantage of Ryou in his state, while you would. Besides, Kaa-sans been through some terrible, and if she wants to hug him, then that's fine...but only Kaa-san can do it! You're too wild, you'd really make him become a beast if you continue your advances."

Izumi smirked and leaned downwards, getting right into Satsuki's face, to the frustrations of the young girl, and with a smirk, she announced something that would annoy Satsuki even more.

"Sometimes, men being beasts is a good thing. And Ryouta-kun could become my beast if he wants to~"

Satsuki furrowed her brows immediately at Izumi, said girl smirking slightly in her direction in a victory stare.

"In your dreams girl. If anything, he'll become my handsome beast, now stop making advances on Ryou." Satsuki angrily stated, then faced Ryou. "We'll be continuing this event later. Don't forget."

She didn't give him time to answer as she walked out of the room, completely mortified that Izumi caught them in a private moment, but wouldn't show Izumi or anyone how flustered she actually was.

After she was gone, Izumi and Ryou looked at one another, before Izumi broke out into a smile.

"She's so shy and easily flustered, isn't she?"

Ryou gave a small nod, and pointed to the ground.

"Your bra, is there."

Following his finger, she looked, and saw that in fact her bra was on the floor. She walked over to it, picking it up quickly, and smiling softly.

"Seems like I ruined your alone time huh. Sorry about that, Ryouta-kun. Promise, the next time you wanna kiss her, I will be nowhere in sight."

"It's okay, Izumi-nee. Satsuki-chan merely wanted me to feel better, that's all."

Izumi smiled sadly, seeing that he's kinda missing the point, and slowly walked over, and sat on the bed. Patting her lap, Ryou responded, and crawled on, hugging around her neck as she looked into his eyes.

"You know, kissing a girl is a big deal. You shouldn't do it unless you want too. If you don't want to, it might get Satsuki-chan's hopes up, and might hurt her feelings in the future. You wouldn't want to do that, would you?"

She gently explained, trying to teach him the reasons that he should, and shouldn't kiss a girl.

"But I do want to kiss Satsuki-chan though." He replied honestly, and snuggled closer to her. "I...I want to keep Satsuki-chan safe always, and I want to make her happy as well. So I want to kiss Satsuki-chan Izumi-nee...I just want to feel...something good again...I hate feeling...like this. I only want...to have something to look forward too..."

Hearing his heartfelt words, something she hadn't heard in awhile, Izumi bowed her head, and kissed the top of his head.

"Alright, I wont say anything more. If that's how you feel, then I can't say you're wrong. As long as you're happy with doing it, and wish to do it, and Satsuki-chan wishes to do it as well, then you're all good. Yeah, you'll be good for one another." Izumi then stood up, grabbing her bra and lifting Ryou at the same time. "Come on you, we've got some breakfast to have."

"Then...to the Academy."

He sighed, not really wanting to go back yet...or ever. He wasn't even sure what he wanted right now...though he did know that he wanted Shisui. That wouldn't change any time soon. He didn't care how, he just wanted Shisui back.

---

With Izumi and Itachi...

"Did Ryou, and Satsuki get off to the Academy alright, Izumi-san?"

Itachi questioned his longtime girlfriend before coming from the shadows, who responded with a nod despite not being able to see him yet.

"Yeah. I could tell that he didn't want to go, but I thought it would be better than thinking about dark things. Besides, he's got Satsuki with him, and I know that he'll be fine."

She gave a good answer to Itachi, the boy himself walking so he was next to her.

"With you around, I'm not surprised that he's ready to go back to the Academy, even if he is resistant. It is a good move to send him back there, at least there he has other people around him, and will be able to help him, even if only slightly. And that's all we can hope for, for now anyway."

Izumi nodded, then looked before smiling at the sight that she could see clearly.

"Wow, it's been sometime since we've had such alone time, hasn't it Itachi-kun? I mean, been truly alone, without having to worry about anyone else or anything else, so it is good that we can spend this time alone."

Izumi stated as she overlooked the village with keen eyes while sitting on the Yondaime's stone head. On her lap, was a single box that had some treats inside. She was wearing her hair down today, as per what she heard Itachi liked, so decided to wear it like this.

Itachi sat next to her, overlooking the village as well, smiling softly by being in the company of his girlfriend, something he found to be relaxing, especially with what was happening recently.

"Yes, I'm sorry about that. It's been a hard time, and I'm sorry that I've left Ryou to you. It's just..."

"It's alright. I know the reason. It's because he reminds you of Shisui-san, doesn't he?" Izumi estimated the reason, guessing right when she saw Itachi nodding. "You don't have to worry, I'll take care of Ryouta-kun, and you take care of whatever else needs to be taken care of."

Itachi thanked her with the small smile, casting his eyes to the village.

"Everything lately has been getting...out of hand...so thank you for looking after Ryou for me."

Itachi said honestly, everything since Shisui slowly getting on top of him.

Izumi looked towards him, and softly patted the said of her.

"Yes it has been, with the recent increase of Uchiha activity, and suspicions falling on you, it must be hard to move without being spied on." Izumi said with a smile, then looked down at the village. "Just like Shisui-san, it's exactly the same how they stalked him as well. Hopefully, Itachi-kun doesn't have to go through what Shisui-san did." She thought with a frown then releasing a breath. "But we're together now, and that's a good thing, don't you think so Itachi-kun?"

"Yes, it is a good thing. It gives us time to catch up. Speaking of catching up, how are your medical studies going?"

Itachi questioned softly, his voice like velvet to her.

The girl responded while unwrapping the item on her lap.

"It's going brilliantly. I've been getting the hang of many things, and now, I can use my Sharingan without fainting thanks to the chakra training I've been receiving from the doctors and nurses and them helping me raise my chakra reserves up...hehe, that must sound stupid to the genius like you, who aced the Academy within a year, huh."

To prove her point about the Sharingan, she activated and showed Itachi who smiled at her as she deactivated it, not being capable of keeping it on long, something that she felt regret about, as even Ryouta could keep his activated longer than she could, and he was only a child.

Itachi shook his head at what she said, and looked towards the girl beside him with kind eyes.

"Not at all. I think it's wonderful that you've come such a long way from the Academy, to now. It's like you're a different person, and you've come such a good way as well. You're on such a good path. Though, I have to ask Izumi-san..."

"There you go again, adding 'san' to my name as if we aren't close or anything when we're actually dating." Izumi interrupted and casually stroked some hair out of her face. "I know you don't like being close to people, but you could refer to me as 'Izumi' alone, without any honorific." Izumi concluded, then put a hand on her hip. "So, are you gonna do it, Itachi-kun? Don't make me force you, Itachi-kun. I dont care if you're stronger than I am, I wont lose to you."

Itachi developed a slight smirk on his face as the girl poked him in the chest softly, something that he'd only show Izumi, and she was grateful for seeing it. A single smile was enough to reassure her, and she liked the feeling it gave her.

"Yet, you always add 'kun' to my name." Itachi began, and then continued while moving closer. "So, if I referred to you as 'Izumi' without the 'san', what would that mean for us?"

Izumi, catching the hidden meaning moved closer herself, shuffling so that their hips were touching. Itachi wrapped an arm around the girl and pulled her closer to him, so her shoulder was brushing against his chest.

"It would mean we're closer than close dummy." She giggled, then smiled at him softly, trying to make him feel good. "Itachi-kun, I know how hard you've been having it lately. I'm sorry that you've had to suffer through it alone while I've been with Ryouta-kun and trying to help him out with his problems. But I'm here now, and we can talk about anything that you wish to talk about. Is there anything that I can do for you?"

Izumi sweetly questioned, wanting to help Itachi with whatever she could. But Itachi rejected her help softly, almost dryly, though Izumi could feel the kindness behind his words.

"Don't worry about me, I can handle everyone's judgments for now. Ryou is the one that needs you more than I-"

"You keep saying that, but you've been distant ever since Shisui-sans...what happened to Shisui-san." Izumi cut him off, and rested a hand on his lap, and stroked comfortingly. "You don't need to pull away from me. Whatever is happening, you don't have to pull away from me. Everyone else might judge you, but I never would. I love you Itachi-kun, I wont ever abandon you. You must know that, even if I am with Ryouta-kun or whoever, I will stand by you and always support you, no matter what."

Itachi looked at his lap, and took her hand softly in his own, and brought it to his lips, then kissed the hand softly, earning a small moan from the young girl, who then cuddled close to him.

"I don't deserve you, I really don't."

Itachi honestly spoke, not feeling like he has done enough to deserve anything from Izumi, though the girl felt the exact opposite of what he was saying.

"Idiot, you say that a lot. But you do deserve me, and a lot more. You've gone through enough in your life. I wish there was more than I could do for you. I feel useless as a girlfriend, if I can't even make you feel better."

"Now you're the idiot, you do many things for me. Just being in your company is enough to turn my whole day to another wonderful experience. You're looking after Ryou, and the others better than I can right now."

Izumi gently shook her head, and danced her fingers within his hand, the tingling sensation being all too familiar to Itachi.

"We're doing different things. What you do, and I do, are equally important. You're protecting them from the shadows, and that's just as important as being in the light. Sometimes, things can only be protected from the shadows, that's what I always believed in. Ooh, that's right, you've been recently promoted to Taichou of Anbu, haven't you?"

Izumi suddenly remember, and brought up with Itachi who blinked a number of times, wondering what she was talking about, but then realization came to him as his eyes opened slightly wider.

"Yeah...it's lucky, that I even got such a promotion." He admitted to the confused Izumi, who he then elaborated too. "Because of what happened with Shisui, many rumours have been going around, and some people believe me to be his killer...or this other theory of how Ryou and I teamed up to kill Shisui and take his eyes for ourselves and are plotting against the clan together. How idiotic, right?"

Itachi couldn't help but ironically laugh about it, seeing how that theory was one of the stupidest ones he had ever heard in his life, Izumi sharing the same views as Itachi on the matter.

"You're right, that's idiotic." Izumi agreed and snuggled against Itachi's chest. "Don't listen to them. Obviously it's stupid to even think that. For one, if you were going to kill someone, why would you conspire with a child about it? For two, if that was the case, and you did, wouldn't you simply kill Ryouta-kun before he could squeal or something? And for three, if Ryouta-kun did kill his Onii-chan and stole his eyes with you, he wouldn't be...so distant right now, and so alone as well as being such...being in sadness, and crying. Those actions aren't the actions of a killer, but a grieving child."

"Hmph, you've got quite the mind, Izumi-sa...Izumi."

Izumi smiled at the change of how he said her name, thankful that he does listen to her, and decided to reward him with a little kiss on the lips, bringing a flush to the boys face, while the girl tried to remain indifferent, but it was painfully obvious that her face had turned bright scarlet, more so than Itachi's own.

As Itachi recovered from the kiss, Izumi snuggled even close to the man, and smiled happily.

"Snuggling with Ryouta-kun is good, but Itachi-kun is good as well. Muuu, I wish that I could have both cute and handsome. Say, Itachi-kun, you don't mind if I have Ryouta-kun sometimes, right? I mean like, when you're not around, I could have secret special cuddles with Ryouta-kun? You know the special cuddles that I want to have with you, when he gets old enough, you wouldn't mind him being my bit on the side, right? Of course you can have someone else as well, on the side~"

She joked, but shot him a dark look at the end, making sure she knew that he couldn't have anyone else but her...not that she could actually stop him as he is considerably stronger than she is, but something about Izumi wanted to make Itachi comply with her even if he didn't know why that was.

Itachi slapped himself in the face, and flatly denied her.

"No, Izumi. You're not having the Shota."

"But I'm grooming him Itachi-kun to be the perfect Shota and I want him."

She quickly defended, though she wasn't sure if she was doing a good job, as she had just admitted to grooming someone.

Itachi became slightly scared at what she said, never expecting anyone to admit that they were grooming someone before, but had to take it with a grain of salt, something that he had to do a lot when it concerned the Shota Ryouta, and Izumi, the secret Shotacon.

"I'm going to regret this, but what are you talking about?"

Itachi carefully questioned, unsure of how he should go about asking this delicate question, but ended up coming out with it flatly, and almost cold sounding. Something like that tone, Izumi could see through, and saw how the sparks of jealously worked their way into the boys mind and decided to tease him about it.

"You see, I have this plan Itachi-kun. You know how freaking adorable he is especially with his cute ways of being said adorable while pouting, right?" Itachi could only stare blankly at her, not that she was really paying much attention at this moment in time. "I'm training him, to use his cuteness, and when he shows cuteness, God you've had your heart taken. Anyone that sees it, will have their heart taken. If not, then they're just plain weird."

She finished off with a scoff, not knowing anyone that wouldn't be taken by her Ryouta.

"Or just not a Shotacon like you..."

Itachi thought with a bemused smirk, but Izumi turned to him, and frowned as she pointed at him sternly.

"I am not a Shotacon Itachi-kun. Don't insinuate things like that. I just have a healthy appreciation for the Shota race. If anything, your Okaa-sama is a Shotacon, as everytime she sees Ryouta-kun naked, she blushes bright red, and then talks to herself about how wrong it is to look at a young boy like that and then there's the fact that she doesn't seem to have a problem with him seeing her naked, or sleeping next to him with wearing nothing but panties...ehehe, never mind~"

She giggled unevenly, wishing that she hadn't of said that. But Itachi raised his eyebrows curiously at the girl.

"How did she know I thought that? And she knows the Shota's aren't another race, right?" Itachi mused to himself carefully, just incase this girl could actually hear what he was thinking. "S-So, Izumi-" He stopped himself, when he remembered something she said, and raised his eyebrows at it. "Wait, did you just say that Okaa-san is..." He couldn't finish, as he thought about it, and could mentally agree with what she said, and was slightly freaked out with the new realization. "Aha, never mind. I don't want to know if I am honest with you."

Itachi concluded, as an image of Ryouta and his mother flashed into his mind, shivering at the sight, due to the fact that Ryouta is a child and she's a grown woman. Though he was oddly okay with it when Ryouta was older, as Itachi knew he was going to be a good guy, if he turned out to be anything like Shisui.

Shaking his head of all those thoughts, he looked at Izumi, but then had a flash of her and Ryouta in bed together, and he wasn't sure if he should find it cute or disturbing that she and Ryouta do sleep together practically naked, but then decided that it's best to think that Ryouta is a child, and Izumi wouldn't really go for a child, even if she is a Shotacon.

And as soon as he thought that, Izumi raised her eyebrows in false amusement, knowing exactly what Itachi is thinking.

"Thinking I'm a Shotacon dear?"

Itachi grimaced, nodding once.

"Sorry. I just had a mental image of you and Ryou in bed together...it wasn't a pretty sight."

"I'd think it would be a pretty sight, don't you think Itachi-kun? Me and some adorable Shota-kun that's old enough being together? Actually, we were in bed together just this morning and the other night as well, and I found him so sweet and cute as he slept near me, showing me such cuteness that cannot be beaten by anyone else." Itachi stared at her incredulously, before shrugging his shoulders, not sure if he should agree or not. Seeing that, Izumi winked, and lipped locked with him briefly before pulling away and smiling happily. "Don't worry, you're still my number one guy, Ryouta-kun is just my number one boy. You see the difference? You're my guy, and he's my boy. Shota, Bishonen like you, and me...Bishoujo. You see how that would work out between us three?"

"Are you thinking of a threesome?"

As soon as he said that, he put a hand to his mouth, disbelieving that he actually just asked that, but Izumi heard it differently, just enough for her to hear what she wanted to hear for so long and she gushed.

"Of course when he gets older, we could maybe engage in such a thing! I'm so happy that you'd say something like that!" Izumi hugged Itachi who was confused on why she was so happy. "When he gets older of course, we can't do it when he's a child. Maybe when he's 15 or something, that would be fine. We'd be...ooh God, we'd be on our way huh, but that's okay! We can still have such a relationship together! We'll have to wait for a bit, and obviously we'd have to become serious with one another, you know having several sessions ourselves so we don't frighten the boy when we actually start involving him in our kinky activities..."

As she went off into her own world, describing what she could do together with Itachi and Ryouta, and how perverted she could be, Itachi could merely stare at her with...shock, never expecting that Izumi had such thoughts when it came to the three of them together.

"Are you actually serious right now, Izumi?"

Itachi couldn't help but question, wondering what was becoming of their time together, and how it came onto the idea of threesomes with a boy that was right now a child.

"Well of course-" Izumi was about to agree, but then saw the disbelieving look on Itachi's face, and quickly waved a hand in front of her face innocently. "O-Of course I'm not! Duh! I wouldn't ever do anything like that! Hehehehehehehehe! I don't want a threesome with you and Ryouta-kun and I don't even want you two to do things together while I watch either! Ooh my God Itachi-kun! It's happening again! I can't stop! It's like that time with penis...ooh no penis...it's coming penis...Itachi-kun's penis..."

Itachi quickly grabbed his girlfriends shoulders, and shook her softly to stop her from going into...what would be quite unnecessary, and embarrassing for the boy. He loved her and everything, but she did go off about things...that were quite embarrassing if he was honest with himself.

"Breathe Izumi, it can't hurt you anymore. The pen...the thing can't get you now."

Itachi soothed gently to the young girl and consoled her while giving her a hug to calm her down.

Izumi rolled her eyes a couple of times, before she took in a deep breath, and relaxed herself.

"Okay, I'm back now Itachi-kun. It's all good now. I am cool Itachi-kun, I'm cool penis...ehehe, I'm cool Itachi-kun, I'm frozen even."

Itachi wasn't convinced, but had to nod nonetheless at his girlfriend, seeing it as a funny quirk that she had, and wouldn't change her for the world, though wouldn't like it if she said those things around his mother or sister.

Izumi then brought the conversation back to the original topic.

"So now Itachi-kun, this idea of mine. You know, if I take Ryouta-kun with me, and then you love me always, we could be a good couple together." She semi seriously, semi jokingly said and ran a finger through her hair. "Regardless I know that he and Satsuki-chan are going to get together, I wont allow their love to be destroyed!" She said with a happy serious tone and then giggled softly. "Ooh, by the way, this morning, I saw something that you should know when it concerns Ryouta-kun and Satsuki-chan~"

Curiously, Itachi raised his eyebrows, wondering what she was talking about.

"Hmm? What are you talking about?"

"Yeah...this morning, I saw Satsuki-chan on Ryouta-kun's lap, and they were about to kiss."

"Pft!" Doing something very un-Itachi like, he did a spit take, and looked at the girl with wide eyes. "D-Did they actually...go through with it?"

Izumi sadly hung her head down, and shook her face.

"Unfortunately, they didn't. They were close though, however. It was so cute how they were going to become closer, and closer...but I kinda interrupted them...so it turned out that they didn't kiss." Izumi giggled out with fluttering eyes, then became super serious, Itachi noting the tone that she had taken with her facial features. "By the way Itachi-kun, with everything that has happened lately, what does the future of Uchiha hold anyway?"

At that question, Itachi was baffled on how to answer.

He didn't know how to respond truthfully or even give a lie. He wouldn't know what to say as he genuinely didn't know what he was to be feeling at this moment in time. He wanted to speak the truth, but he didn't know what that was.

"I...haven't gotten an answer. If it continues on, it could lead to a war between Uchiha and Konoha, and if that happens innocents like Ryou, Satsuki, you, and Kaa-san could become involved, and potentially die. However, the more that I think about it, I'm not sure if there is a way to change the Uchiha's way...rather, Otou-sans way of thinking."

"If only Shisui-san could've done his idea..." She thought to herself, then hugged Itachi sideways. "Itachi-kun, you're going to side with Konoha, aren't you? If it comes down to it, you will wont you?"

Itachi, once again was stunned by her quick wit, and her sharp mind. She knew what was going done, even without him saying anything, and knew how she would feel about what side he chose, but decided to say it anyway.

"I'd...side with the right side. The side with the least amount of bloodshed, and that's the answer I can give you."

"Does that mean...to stand with the Leaf, and turn on the Uchiha?"

Izumi could barely question, unsure if she really wanted any answers in the first place, but knew that she would have to face reality in the end, something that most Uchiha have been contemplating recently.

"No, I don't see it like that." He confessed to the slightly trembling Izumi. "I see it as...siding with justice, just like Shisui wanted. Besides Izumi...I just want you to know that whatever happens..."

"I believe in you, Itachi-kun." Izumi said kindly, and with a degree of happiness in her voice. "You're one of the reasons my life has...become better, and whatever you decide to do, I know that it will be the best for everyone. So don't worry about me Itachi-kun, I'll always have your back."

After saying something so sweet, Itachi couldn't help himself, and his face neared Izumi's. Reacting to the sudden gesture, to save Itachi the 'embarrassment' of doing it, Izumi gave him a kiss on the lips, and showed a true genuine smile that she didn't want to show many others, only for Itachi himself.

After breaking the kiss, Izumi giggled, and revealed what she had to Itachi on her lap. What she showed was a stick that had multi-coloured dumplings on it, knowing that it was Itachi's favourite.

Itachi's eyes immediately went to the dumplings, and he did something very un-Itachi like, and parted his mouth slightly, and looked at Izumi with a puppy dog look. Izumi put a hand to her mouth, and gasped.

"Too freaking adorable for words..." She muttered, Itachi feeling slightly proud that he got his girlfriend to say that as she picked up some dumplings, and presented it to him. "W-Wanna share these with me Itachi-kun...so freaking adorable...why can't you be like this all of the time...?"

Itachi took a bite of the dumplings, and smiled at Izumi, a genuine one which she really did love if she was honest with herself.

"Izumi, these are delectable. You're a good woman."

"Hehehe...too adorable Itachi-kun...I freaking love you and your adorableness...too adorable...you're adorable!"

Izumi cheered loudly to the excitement of Itachi.

"Ehe...thanks, I think." Itachi offered the girl kindly, then brought her close. "Lets have some...quality time together, alright?"

"Yeah." Izumi came back to reality, and agreed with Itachi, hugging him tightly. "Lets spend...quality time together."

After Izumi said that, both of them enjoyed their time together. No matter how brief it was, they were glad that peace had come to both of them, even if it was just a brief peace, it was all the more worth it.

---

At the Academy...

The Academy...

The place where children learn to become Ninja's, and this morning many children were going about their business, having a good time with one another, chatting away calmly and peacefully.

Everyone was going about thier businesses, with Naruto, and Hinata sitting together and talking peacefully. They werent really talking about much, since Naruto was slightly depressed.

"Na-Naruto-kun...a-are you still...thinking about...Ryouta-san?"

Hinata questioned, Naruto nodding his head slowly.

"Yeah, I haven't seen him in awhile. He's been...well, he hasn't wanted to do anything. I went around the other day, but he looked so...distant that I could barely get out two words from him before he just...disappeared back into the house, and that kind Nee-san said that he'll be okay eventually, but I am worried."

"I...I'm sure Ryouta-san has many things going on inside of him...and he'll be okay eventually, like that kind Nee-san said. It must be...difficult losing an Onii-sama..."

"Yeah, you're right. Though...I don't know anything about that, so I couldn't help him."

Hinata looked at him with pity in her eyes, and gently smiled towards him, the timid expression she usually displayed sliowly disappearing.

"D-Don't worry Naruto-kun...he has Satsuki-san with him, she'll be able to do something, I think. I...don't really know what else to say...I've never lost anyone either...so I couldn't begin to understand what Ryouta-san is feeling."

"Y-Yeah...say Hinata, you're best friends with that Satsuki, aren't you?" Hinata nodded, not sure where he was going with it. "Then, she must tell you what's going on with him, right?"

Hinata was dumbfounded for a couple of seconds, trying to register what he asked her, before things clicked within her mind, and she nodded.

"S...She tells me that he has been...very distant lately, and not himself. He...barely talks, and when he shows an emotion, it is...fake. She is really...concerned for him, and doesn't know what to do...that's all she told me."

Hearing that, Naruto looked slightly dejected by it for a number of seconds, before his usual cheerfulness came back in full swing.

"Oh, right. Then...I will just have to try and make Ryou feel better!"

"Y-Yes...but Naruto-kun...you can't force...someone to feel better...that much I do know." Hinata voiced her concerns for Naruto's actions, trying to make him see what was good. "I-It would be...mean to try and make someone feel...something they aren't ready for...you see?"

"Yeah, I know Hinata dattebayo!" He answered with a cheery smile. But was also hiding pain inside as well. "I just...don't like seeing my friend sad, when I just watch him becoming more sad..."

Hinata understood Naruto's feelings, as she felt the same. She couldn't say that she was best friends with Ryouta, but she also understood the pain that he had, at least a little bit.

Other students like Ino and Sakura were also talking together, both of them concerned for Ryouta himself. Of course they were concerned, since while they did both have crushes on him, they were also his friends, and when a friend was in pain, they also felt it, but didn't know what else to do.

"Ino-chan...you know, when Ryou-kun is feeling better, we should do something for him."

Sakura brought up, wanting to make some kind of difference in Ryouta life, knowing what she had heard, and didn't like how Ryouta had to go through something like that, and there wasn't anything she could do.

"I know what you mean. We should do something, but I don't know what yet. But I'm sure that if we put our heads together, we'll be able to do something for him, even if it is...I don't know yet. But we'll do something. Maybe we could make him feel better with...food...or something."

Ino started off strong, but she finished weakly as she didn't know what to do. But she did resolve herself to do something.

Hanabi was sat at the back on her own, due to her desk mates not being their yet, though she wasn't sure if either was going to come in today, despite hearing the rumours that Ryouta was, and where Ryouta was, Satsuki wasn't far behind, for the most part.

As she sat down on the chair, she took a pencil, and held it to the bridge of her nose, trying to keep it steady on said nose. She'd twist left and right, to keep the balance. While she was just killing boredom, she was also practicing balance, ironically.

However, she was soon stopped with her boredom, when Satsuki came through the door, with Ryouta in tow. Rather than looking happy, he looked like he didn't want to be there.

"Ryou-kun!"

"Y-You're back!"

Sakura, and Ino were the first to notice his return, and walked towards him. Making it to him, the girls embraced the boy, and offered their condolences towards him.

"Ooh Ryou-kun. I'm so sorry about your Onii-sama, if there's anything I can do, then please let me know."

"Yeah, like Sakura said. We're so sorry for your loss, it shouldn't of happened. We'll do anything, to make you feel better."

The girls offered their kindness smiles towards the boy, who's face was unreadable, his expression not being there at all.

"Thanks..."

He barely registered their presences as he broke the hug, and walked past them like a ghost, not wanting to be here. As he walked past them, the girls looked on sadly at him, knowing what happened as it was pretty much news for the whole village to know about.

[Ryou-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!]

The fangirls made their presence known, trying to be noticed. But since he didn't notice them when he was on a good day, on a day like today, he didn't even hear them, and continued walking, people that envied Ryouta growled that he ignored the fangirls.

He walked all the way to his seat, and sat down quiet. Hanabi, next to him looked on with concern as she smiled softly.

"Good morning Ryou-kun, how are you feeling this morning?"

He looked at her, and instantly Hanabi knew he didn't wish to talk. His eyes, looked dead. It was as if he would rather be anywhere but here, and she respected that, knowing of the sadness he must be going through, so she smiled once more, and looked down at the table.

Satsuki sat next to him, and looked concerned when he didn't even recognize anyone's presences. Many people tried to talk with him, but he didn't really say anything. Satsuki knew that he didn't want to be there, but also knew that staying and hiding away wouldn't be good or heathly for him.

Naruto looked behind him, and was about to speak when he stopped, and saw the eyes Ryouta had on, and didn't like them at all, not wanting his friend to be in pain. He was about to open his mouth, but Hinata gently placed a hand on his shoulder, and shook her head. Seeing that, Naruto nodded his head, and turned away from the boy.

"Hey, that's the Uchiha kid that Onii-sama of his died some time ago."

One person noted, another one nodding his head.

"Yeah, I heard that he's the one that killed Shisui Uchiha. He must be deranged if he killed his own Onii-sama."

The person said with a disgusting tone, something Ino, Sakura, Hanabi, Hinata, Naruto, Satsuki and some others picked up on, and frowned out. Ryou also heard it, and looked down at the table, breathing through his nose with depression, knowing people would say these things, which is why he didn't want to come back to the Academy.

"Yeah, I've heard that he off his Otou-san, and his Onii-sama as well. Wow, that must mean he's really nuts, huh."

"And he's supposed to be perfect Uchiha who excels at everything, what a joke. I bet he really kills the competition so he can stand on top, because he's such a loser."

"Haha, a loser that kills his own family...that's insane. The Hokage-sama must be able to see that there's a nutter in the class, can't he take him out of it?"

"Yeah, then others would have half a chance to rise to the top of the class."

"You're damn right, he's the reason we aren't at the top of our class, because he's always there, acting smug and laughing at us while he becomes better, and we don't. God, it makes me want to punch him!"

People who were jealous of Ryouta made some disgusting accusations about him, as they wanted to get one up on him. Though it was painfully obvious that he was better at the Academy than them, but this is the only way they could achieve a victory.

As the people heard what the jealous people said about Ryouta and how he murdered his own family and other things he hadn't done, Sakura stood up, and walked over calmly, not being able to take it anymore, and calmly grabbed the boy that started off the talk by the hair, and slammed his head onto the table, causing a sizable noise to echo throughout the room.

"D-Did Sakura just do that?"

Ino thought to herself, never expecting the wallflower to act like that, especially considering that Sakura usually didn't do anything like that, unless it was to Naruto, or other people that pissed her off.

Satsuki herself had to praise the girl, never expecting her to do something like that, the same with Hanabi who had her mouth wide open at the sight she had just witnessed.

Naruto winced as she did it, Hinata also opening her eyes wide at the sight before her, then they looked one another, before huddling together for protection.

"Owwwwwww! You crazy bitch!"

The boy complained as Sakura's eye twitched. Suddenly, all of the precvious shyness she has shown until now had disappeared, and she started speaking her mind, something that Ryou noticed and smiled slightly at.

"Shannaro! Ya damn right I'm crazy! What you all said is disgusting! You're only jealous that he's naturally better than you are! And to bring in his dead Onii-sama into this, how disgusting do you have to be!? He's grieving you cowards! Say that again when he's not, and you'll see how flattened you'll be...no, in fact, say it again and I will flatten you shannaro!"

"L-Let go of me!"

The boy struggled, but Sakura slammed his head into the table again, the boys eyes rolling in his head at what she did.

"I wont do it, because you're saying things, only to be nasty. How cruel you are. Would you like it if everyone attacked you after your family died? Huh? Would you like it if I started spreading rumours about how you've murdered your own family, especially after said family has just died!? If you want it, then I will do it!"

"D-Don't you dare!"

The boy panicked, and was becoming increasingly scared at what happened and what is to come, but as he struggled against her, she held his hair tightly, refusing to let go.

"Then stop it and leave him to grieve damn it!" Sakura ordered and threatened to slam his head down again. "Next time, consider others feelings before saying idiotic things like you have been! If you don't, I will knock you into next week, and then I'll be there to knock you out! So apologize now you idiot!"

"Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! Please forgive me, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to do it!"

He apologized and just as Sakura was about to say something, Iruka walked in, saw what Sakura was doing, and jumped to conclusions.

"Sakura! You can't do anything to fellow students!"

"B-But Sensei, he was saying cruel things about Ryou-kun! You know what he has been going-"

"Even if he did, there's no need for violence. Now please stand outside and I will come and talk with you later."

Iruka ordered, and while Ino tried to refute, Sakura did as she was told, and walked outside. Ryou looked as she walked away, and felt sad that he made her get into trouble for his own problems.

As she walked outside, Ryou bowed his head apologetically towards her, even if she couldn't see, and vowed to make it up to her for what she did for him, finding it very...nice that she would stick up for him like this.

After she left, Iruka looked around the class, and saw Ryouta sat at the back, and mentally smiled, though he wasn't sure if there's anything he could do either. Ryouta caught the mans gaze, and then looked down at the table.

Seeing that, Iruka mentally slapped himself in the face, since he didn't know what to do. He hadn't ever come across such a unique boy before, having lost his parents, one that tried to kill him, and then lost his elder brother by suicide, all sorts of feelings much be going through his head, and he doesn't know what to do for them.

"Okay class, today we're going to be doing..."

As Iruka explained, Ryou continued to look down at the table, overwhelming feelings filling his being, and he wasn't sure if he was able to stay in the Academy. He knew that it was a mistake to come back too early, while he still grieving. He knew Izumi had good intentions, but right now, Ryou just couldn't concentrate at all, he couldn't even keep his focus on anything.

Eventually, it was too much for him to take, so he stood up, and bowed his head.

"I'm sorry...Sensei, but I can't stay here anymore...I need to go now."

"Wait-"

Ryouta apologized and walked away before Iruka could say anything. Satsuki was going to follow, but she saw that Ryouta shook his head, wanting to be alone, so respected what he wanted, and stayed in her seat, even if she did want to make sure that he was okay.

"Satsuki, aren't you going to follow him?"

Naruto raised the question with Satsuki who furrowed her brows at the blonde.

"Don't you think that I want too? Right now, he wishes to be alone, so I can't say anything but support him when he wishes for me to support him. For now, I'll have to grit my teeth and bare with it, and if you're his friend, you'll do the same for him and be there for him when he needs it."

Naruto ground his teeth, and did as Satsuki advised, looking out of the window with a sad gaze. Hinata looked at Naruto, and patted his back softly, while Hanabi activated her Byakugan and looked towards the departing Ryouta, smiling sadly for him.

As Ryouta walked into the corridor, he saw Sakura standing there while looking at the ground, and walked over to her.

"Sakura-san, I'm sorry that you got into trouble for me."

Sakura looked at him, and shook her head.

"No, please don't apologize. They...They shouldn't of said those things. I only did what I thought was right. I don't really care if I told off or not, they deserved it, and a lot more for the deplorable things they've been saying about you. I'm just sorry that they said anything in the first place."

Sakura honestly said, to the smiling Ryouta, even if it was a fake smile.

"Thank you, regardless Sakura-san. Not many people believe in me right now...so it is comforting that you do. Thank you, Sakura-san. You're most kind."

Sakura blushed a little, as Ryou moved slightly closer.

"No...it's alright, Ryou-kun. Just...please feel better...I know that it will be hard, but all of us are here for you...I'm here for you, whenever you need me." Sakura began, and then hugged him around his neck. "You don't have to be alone, ever. If you want to talk with me...or anyone, don't be afraid to do so. I'll always be around, if you wish to talk...I will do anything to see you smile again...because I love your smiles...it makes me feel 1000 times better when you smile...so I hope you can do it again in the future."

Sakura confessed while having a red hot face, and fluttering eyes while showing a shy disposition.

Ryouta blinked at what the girl said, disbelieving that she would say something so...heartfelt. But she did, and now he was...happy that she said something like that to him.

"Thank you...Sakura-san. You're very kind." Ryou then did something the girl didn't expect and kissed her...on the top of her head, the girls face turning bright red at the touch. "It was...a thank you. I've...heard how you wished to get a kiss from me...I didn't tell Naruto-kun because...he likes you...for this instance, I thought I would show my gratitude to you, for defending me. I hope that it was good for you. If not, I'm sorry."

Sakura became bashful, and she quivered slightly but was stopped when Ryouta embraced the girl, stopping her from shaking, and inside of her, she felt calm, and cool, the feeling of Ryouta's warmth being brilliant to her. Even though the kiss wasn't on the lips, for the briefest of instances, she felt his lips touch apart of her body, her head no less, which was connected to her lips in her mind, so by extension, she got what she wanted, even if only indirectly.

"Y-Yeah, I-I really loved it...b-but you know that I don't like Naruto like..."

"I already know, but if you're to reject him, please be kind about it, as he is still my friend as you are and I don't...want anyone to get hurt because of...someone not reciprocating the feelings." Sakura nodded in acceptance, Ryouta smiling slightly, and let go of Sakura. "Thank you, Sakura-san. I've got to go now, Sakura-san. Thank you for, everything. When I'm feeling better...we should go out, together sometime. I still...need to thank you for your kindness today, and...the other days as well, all of the days you're kind to me...ever since Shi-nii...ever since it happened, and before as well. You're...very kind and very...cute as well."

Sakura's eyes widened, having (in her mind) been asked on a date, even hearing that he admitted that she was cute, but before she could even accept it, Ryouta walked past her, and walked out of the Academy, but before he left, Sakura called after him.

"Wait, where are you going Ryou-kun?"

Ryou turned around, and tilted his head to the side as he answered "Watch the skies tonight." and then left her Sakura alone, confused at what he meant by that, but was going to do as he said, knowing that he'll have...something up his sleeve, whatever that is.

---

Later...

In his room at his home, Ryouta was sat on his bed, rolling around on said bed while kicking off his sandals, releasing his feet from the confines of the sandals, releasing a small breath.

"Ooh Shi-nii...it's really difficult without you."

He muttered to himself, tossing and turning on the bed.

After everything that happened during the day, he was slightly exhausted...and that would be an understatement. He was quite exhausted. He couldn't really see that straight, the events playing within his mind. With his near kiss with Satsuki in the morning, and how the Academy went, and his own personal problems, he was wiped, through and through.

But even with those events playing in his mind, he still made it a point to read what Shisui's last words said to him, and how he wished Ryouta to be happy, he wanted to read it, as in a strange way, the words brought solace to him, brought him some stability within his mind.

Ryou didn't know if he could be happy again...until what happened before. Something about that magical event allowed him to start believing in things again, it allowed him to believe that sometimes good things can happen to those who wait, exactly how Itachi had said, and would have to thank the man for saying those words, and stopping him from doing what he originally wanted.

"Shi-nii...I still miss you, there's many things I wish we could've done together...but I know, that you'll...I want to know that you'll be by my side, even if you aren't physically here. But I do wish...I could feel you beating inside of my heart again...I wish I could finally feel you again...but I know that's impossible...but maybe this is a test for me...if this is a test...I hope that I'm passing it...I just wish that...we could become together again...so we could...be a family again..."

Ryouta was obviously sad.

No matter how many times he thought about it, he always regretted tripping that day. If he didn't trip, he believes that he could've prevented Shisui leaving his life, and he didn't like the fact that Shisui did in fact leave...but no matter how much he think about the incident, he couldn't bring himself to dislike Shisui, as Shisui was the one that he loved, who took care of him, who guided him and was always there for him. No matter how much time passes, he would always be sad...at least until something came to him, some kind of happiness came into his life again, though he didn't know what that would be.

Unknown to Ryouta, a fair bit of distance away, sat a girl. The same girl that came from Danzo's Root. But unlike the last time, this time she had a sorrowful gaze on, even if she didn't realize it.

"Hmmm, picture after picture, and they all seem...different to me...I wonder why this individual is intriguing to me...strange, all of these images are...I am confused by these pictures."

Beside her, laid many pictures, hand drawn by the girl herself, and all of them happened to be of Ryouta, suggesting that she had been there for a number of hours, drawing her pictures of the boy that she had...become interested in. What this interest laid, she didn't know, not that she thought about it much if she was honest with herself.

All of the pictures she draw nowadays, for a good solid three weeks, she has been making it a point to draw Ryou with a smile. While the girl didn't pay much attention to facial features in the past, she drew Ryou with a smile on his face, as that was what she preferred to do. It wasn't anything but that...is what she would tell herself, but even she was unconvinced by her own actions, and drawings, and had to wonder why she was making sure that he smiled in the pictures she made.

She looked into his room, seeing the window was open, and then saw a curious sight.

What she saw made her...feel something within her chest. It was...as if something had happened to her personally, but it hadn't, and she was confused by what she saw, even if she didn't know why.

"Curious, since Shisui Uchiha has gone, Ryouta Uchiha has been having water leak from his eyes at different times of the day, mostly when he's alone. I wonder why water comes from his eyes? Is this known as crying?" The girl genuinely asked herself with perplexity, never having witnessed such things before. "It is...not good seeing him cry...he should do what is called smile. It is...better when he smiles."

The girl said plainly, though something inside of her wanted Ryouta to feel better, even if she didn't know that. All she knew was that "When Ryouta smiles, the world is better." and that's what she was going to stick by.

So, the girl did the only thing that she knew how to do in these situations and that was to...draw.

She got to work drawing, drawing what she thought to be the best drawing under the circumstances. Every line she drew, was as if something was in the line. Something apart of...her, or apart of Ryou, the girl didn't know, and she didn't care that much. All she knew, was that she had to draw it quickly, so the smile that she wished to see again came back.

What she eventually drew was a picture of Ryouta smiling, but he was accompanied by Shisui, also smiling, as the boys held one another's hands, looking at the other with affection, though the girl didn't even know what that was. It was as if the paper displayed the emotions she had long lost, though remained ever so slightly, something even Danzo couldn't get rid of.

"This should be enough. Yes, from the book I've been reading, it says that when someone is leaking water from their eyes, the person closest to them needs to bring them out of the leaky eyes, and bring them back to the dry eyed person that they are. However, I am not the closest person...but I do not wish to see more water from the eyes."

Looking at the window, she saw that he was still shedding some tears, so she put the paper into an airplane and threw it with deadly accuracy into the window, it sailing through the air as the girl hid herself, but could still see inside of Ryouta's bedroom.

Ryou saw the white paper coming from the corner of his eye and quickly grabbed it, and looked out of the window for the source, but didn't see anything.

Curiously, his eyes scanned the layout of the buildings, but nothing he saw could be made into a person. It was dark, black, pitch black at that. He couldn't see anything, but something inside him told him that something was there...something was there.

"Strange..."

He muttered, and opened the airplane paper, and saw the picture that the girl had drawn for him, Shisui and Ryouta holding hands and smiling at one another.

On the bottom, it had written "Smile more, no crying." with a good handwriting that he didn't expect to see. Though Ryou didn't know who sent it, he couldn't help but smile that someone would make him something like this. He liked the design, and how well it was made, as it did look like Shisui and him, but could still tell that it was hand drawn.

He looked around again, but couldn't see the girl hiding herself well, but directed his smile outside of the window, and wiped away his tears.

"Thank you...whoever you are...I'll try and keep smiling...whoever you are...thank you, for the drawing."

Even though he didn't know who he was saying it too, he felt like they were close, and therefore would be able to hear him, somehow.

The girl peered from her place, and saw Ryouta not shedding tears anymore, and that made her feel happy in her chest. She didn't understand, and she didn't care much at this time, as she saw him smile again. And that was enough for her.

As he looked out of the window, Satsuki came into his room, wearing a lovely kimono made for children. She strolled over to Ryou, and linked arms with him when she made it to him.

"What are you doing? I've not seen you since before at the Academy."

"I had things to do." He replied and put down the drawing in a safe place, then turned to her with a genuine smile, something she hadn't seen in awhile. "Say Satsuki-chan, there was something we didn't get to do this morning, wasn't there?"

Satsuki wordlessly nodded with a blush, and puckered her lips, but was stopped by Ryouta himself, he putting a finger to her lips, and wrapped his arms around her frame, bringing her closer to him.

"Ryou...I..."

Satsuki didn't know what was happening, but she did like the feeling of the closeness Ryouta, and she had right now.

"There's something that we've got to do...there's something I want to do for Shi-nii. Will you come with me?"

Curiously, she lifted her eyebrows and edged closer to him.

"Yes, of course. What is it?"

"Don't worry, it's going to be something good...and beautiful as well."

Satsuki was surprised by what Ryouta did next, as he moved behind her at quick lightning speeds, and gracefully picked her up bridal style, holding her tight as he jumped out of the window, not caring on where his shoes were, only caring that Satsuki had agreed to what he said.

It took a few seconds for Satsuki to register what was going on, but she wrapped her arms around Ryou's neck, who was jumping from roof top to roof top, dashing somewhere that even she didn't know about.

"Where are we going Ryou?"

She questioned as he made it half way to where he was taking her, hopefully it was a place where she could be put down, as she didn't really like the idea of people being able to see up her kimono.

"You'll see soon enough Satsuki-chan!"

He replied happily for the first time in along time, and mad a dash through the streets of Konoha. He was going so fast that Genin, and inexperienced Chunin had a hard time seeing what was going on. Though he was moving fast, few didn't seem to care that much.

Eventually, the place that Ryouta ended up at what the top of the Hokage faces. Set along the faces, were numerous fireworks of different sizes and colours as well. Satsuki was placed down on the stone, and she hugged onto his arm, wondering what was going on.

"Why are we here exactly?"

She questioned, not noticing the fireworks or anything else that was set up.

Ryouta turned to Satsuki, and smiled softly.

"You see, there's many regrets in this world...I regret not making it to Shi-nii in time. I regret blaming Itachi-nii for his death, and I regret that I wasn't ever able to see Kaa-chan or Tou-san happy. But, from now on, I've decided to live a life without regret. I've decided that I cannot be a person that is...depressed. Shi-nii wouldn't of wanted me to be depressed. It's true...I can't get over his death, I can't ever stop hoping that he's still somewhere watching me...but I have decided that from now on, I wont allow regret to fill my heart anymore. That's why, I've decided to show everyone in the entire village how much Shi-nii really meant to me, and how I really did and still do, love him."

"He knows that you love him, Ryou."

Satsuki gently explained, but Ryouta still shook his head at her.

"Even so, I want the world...at least Konoha, to know that he was the best. He was the one person in my life that...I could readily say that I loved...besides you, that is." That last part made the girl blush a little, as she linked hands with her. "Satsuki-chan, you're a big part of my life, but Shi-nii was...he gave everything for me. And in the end, I couldn't even tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I regret that I'll never speak with him again. That's why, I have to tell everyone of him, and his memory...as he at least deserves this, after everything he has done, not only for me, but for the village as well. This time, it's my turn to show Shi-nii that he was...he didn't give his life for nothing, and he didn't waste his life with me...because I will become a strong Ninja, that protects from the shadows...and protects those who need it."

Hearing the beautiful words that came from Ryouta's lips, Satsuki was moved. She was moved so much that she was almost brought to tears, but she held herself high, and stood with strong eyes, holding onto Ryouta very tightly, afraid that he will disappear, though he wouldn't be going anywhere.

"I know...we'll do it together, Ryou. Your dream...sounds fantastic. I want to be apart of it as well...lets protect those innocent people together and become the strongest Ninja's that we can together...always moving forward, never looking back."

Ryou inclined his head, and gently unlinked from Satsuki.

"I know we will. That's why, I've got to do this...even if it seems stupid to most-"

"Nothing you do, is stupid, Ryou. You're always...a bright spark, something I wish to have."

Satsuki cut him off, a bright smile appearing on her face.

Ryouta returned the smile, then turned to the fireworks, and waved through some hand signs, then opened his mouth.

"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

From his mouth, many small fireballs were released at all of the fireworks. Each little flame hit the firework, and slowly it started to ignite them. Satsuki curiously watched the fireworks, wondering what the boy was doing.

At the same time, Ryouta went through other hand signs, and looked towards the sky.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

From his mouth, a stream of fire was released, and with that steady stream, Ryouta wrote in the air. He wrote by rotating his neck, carefully making sure that he kept a steady flow of chakra, making sure that the words stayed within the sky for the whole village to see.

He thought about what people might say, for him doing this. But he didn't care, in the end. He didn't care what people though. All he cared about was making sure that the others have seen what kind of man Shisui was, and how much he meant to Ryouta. Even if he had to do something like this, not even the Uchiha could deny his love for his own brother, despite what rumours may say. All that mattered...was Shisui was honoured, that's what he was going to make sure happened. No one would forget the name...

Shisui Uchiha.

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

As the fireworks were lit off, and shot into the sky, a cacophony of sounds were made as colours were revealed from the explosions, all blending together. The colours ranging from red, blue, yellow, green, orange and all the colours of the rainbow, even colours not in the rainbow. They all formed together to make a beautiful mass of colours, all of them looking too beautiful for words alone to describe.

Below the exploding fireworks, the sentence "R.I.P Shisui Uchiha, beloved and greatest Nii-chan in the world." was written quite eligibly, despite it being written in flames, and with someone's head. It took quite abit of time, but Ryouta eventually was able to make it happen, and he couldn't be happier than he was right now.

---

"Whats that noise?"

"Is someone attacking?"

"Something's going on outside."

"Sounds like fireworks."

Within the streets of Konoha, many, many people came to see what all the noise was. Most of the village entered the streets, or wherever they were, and saw what happened in the sky, and was mesmerized by the sights they could see.

---

With Ino and Sakura, they heard the commotion going outside, them being in Ino's bedroom, and decided to look outside, to see the fireworks and writing, smiling brightly when they saw it.

"Wow, this must be Ryou-kun. I wonder, if this is a goodbye to Shisui-san...?"

"It's so beautiful. Ryou-kun really is...has made something so wonderful."

Both Ino and Sakura agreed, then turned to one another, smiling happily.

"Ino-chan, do you think that this is a start of a new beginning, for Ryou-kun?"

Sakura questioned her longtime friend, who was engrossed with the outside display, as she cracked open her window.

"I don't know...but from now on, we've got to make sure that he has a happy life as well, because we're his friends, important comrades, and training partners, don't you think so Sakura?" Ino asked, then she thought to herself. "I'm glad, you're okay, Ryou-kun. I was worried, about you."

Sakura inclined her head in agreement, loving the display outside.

"You're right. New start or not, it doesn't matter. We've got Ryou-kun's back from now on. We're...We're his friends, no matter what happens!" Sakura announced, then put a hand to her cheek. "Ryou-kun...I'm glad that you're getting better...I really do...feel glad for you, Ryou-kun. And...this is certainly a surprise...as you said, watch the sky."

As Sakura was thinking it, Ino jumped off the bed, and giggled happily.

"Come on Sakura, lets go and show our joy!"

"Right! Lets go and show Ryou-kun!"

Sakura agreed, and also jumped off the bed.

The girls then ran outside of the house by running down the stairs, and looked up at the sky again, smiling brightly as they looked at one another.

"Yeah! Go Ryou-kun! You're amazing! I love...I really like you!"

"Hehe, this is amazing Ryou-kun! Yippe! What a beautiful display!"

As the girls cheered, a man that looked like a male version of Ino came out of the house, and looked at the sky as well. As he looked, he couldn't help but allow his smile to come onto his face.

---

Within the Hyuga Compound, Hinata and Hanabi were outside together, watching the nights sky. That was, until they saw the fireworks, and the words in the sky, drawing their attention.

"H-Hanabi...this must be Ryouta-sans..."

Hinata couldn't even finish, as she enjoyed the beautiful display that was happening.

"Yes, Ryou-kun has...this is what Ryou-kun needed to do...after all. He's...showing everyone that his Onii-sama was a good man...and he loved him more than anything else. Personally, I think it's the perfect way to say...what he needed to say."

Hinata nodded in agreement, and smiled happily.

"Ryouta-san was so sad about his Onii-sama...Hanabi, you were also worried for him, weren't you?"

Suddenly, Hanabi's face turned a little red, as a surprisingly teasing face appeared on Hinata's.

"I-I wasn't worried!" Hanabi quickly denied, but a stern look from Hinata made Hanabi relent. "...Okay, maybe I was, but that's because he's a friend that's all! B-Besides, there's someone you wanna watch these with, right?" Hanabi turned the tables on her sister, said girls face turning red. "Alright then, Onee-chan~ It's time to find your future boyfriend, and enjoy the romantic fireworks! Byakugan!"

"IYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Then Hanabi grabbed Hinata's hand as she activated her eyes, and rushed out of the Compound, to find a certain someone, while Hinata was screaming for her to stop, but on a night like this, Hanabi decided that it would be better if they shared the experience with people they like, though Hanabi had a feeling that she wouldn't be able to do something like that, at least tonight.

---

Within the Hokage's office, Hiruzen sat with Danzo, Koharu and Homura. They were all discussing important business, at least to them, Danzo looking a little sickly and couldn't see that straight even after the time had passed, though no one knew the reason but Danzo himself...that was until they heard the fireworks going off outside.

"Whats that?"

Koharu questioned, looking outside with Homura.

"This is...about Shisui Uchiha? But who would've done such a thing?"

"Ryouta Uchiha." Danzo casually answered Homura, as he looked out of the window as well, grimacing as if something was wrong. "Ryouta Uchiha...he's...protected right now..."

Hiruzen looked out of the window, and a kind smile worked its way onto his aged face, the look in his eyes said everything that they needed to say, the happiness filling the orbs wasn't noticed by anyone, but himself.

"Hiruzen, aren't you going to stop him doing that?"

Koharu questioned bitterly, 'worried' for Konoha.

However, Hiruzen turned up his nose, and shook his head.

"What would you have me do Koharu? He's expressing his love for his Onii-sama. Would you have me stop that? Certainly, after everything that has happened, Ryouta Uchiha deserves to show his love for his Onii-sama, so don't stand in his way. We at least owe his family that and much more. May I remind you what they've done for this village? Itsuki, Keiichi before his madness, and Shisui have all been wonderful assets to this village, and I am sure that Ryouta Uchiha will be no exception. So watch the skies, and see art coming to life for this night. Personally, I rather enjoy a wonderful display of fireworks."

Hiruzen finished off, not wanting to hear anything more of it.

However, Homura opened his mouth and began speaking with bated breath.

"But Hiruzen-"

"No, Homura. I'm not going to stop it, and you're not going to stop it either. Now all of you just shut up and watch the display. I myself like how artistic he is with fireworks, and how he's able to write in the sky so wonderfully with a Jutsu. Now that's what I call talent. Don't you all agree?"

Hiruzen smirked, seeing the down faces of Koharu and Homura, and looked outside with a smile on his old face.

While Homura accepted it with a sigh, Koharu wasn't convinced and looked towards Danzo.

"Danzo, you must also agree with me that-"

"It's not causing harm. If it was, I would be the first to object, but as long as the fireworks stay in the sky, there's nothing wrong with the display."

Danzo surprisingly agreed with Hiruzen, though had a hidden motive to get onto Hiruzen's good side, so that he could protect Ryouta...though he didn't know why he wanted this, but his goals still remained, and he wanted to make Ryouta strong, and safe as well.

As the four elders watched the firework display, many Anbu around them also watched, and most were filled with renewed joy, and happiness, something that a silver haired Anbu hadn't seen in a long time, and from under his mask, his lips rose ever so slightly.

---

Elsewhere, a girl in her late teens was walking the streets of Konoha, a girl that was scantily glad, wearing a brown coat that came to mid thigh level, with purple hair that came to her shoulders, though it was stood up in a spiky fanned ponytail.

When the fireworks started, the girl stopped eating the dango in her hand, and looked towards the sky, and smirked fiendishly, though with a hint of a playful attitude within her, her eyes showing her glee.

"Damn Uchiha brat, you're really making an impression, aren't you? Ah well, saying goodbye to Onii-sama is also good, isn't it brat? Yeah, give this village a good display for a change, rather than it being a downer haha!"

After the girl said that, she found a nice chair to sit down on, and looked towards the sky, the same fiendish smirk on her face, and while she ate her dango, she lips her lips slightly seductively, despite no one paying attention to her.

---

While the girl was sat down and enjoying the fireworks, Tenten was walking the streets, having several scrolls in her hand, admiring them greatly. However, she was interrupted by the fireworks in the sky.

Naturally, she became curious, and looked upwards, smiling when she saw the message in the sky.

"Ooh Ryou-kun, you're going to be alright after all, aren't you? Seriously, you've made me dead worried...but you're a tough guy, after all. Well, you are Uchiha, so you have to be strong, besides...I'm not friends with weak guys, and I don't like weak guys either."

She giggled to herself, and then just stared at the sky, enjoying the beauty of the fireworks, glad that Ryouta was finally beginning to feel better, at least that's how it felt to her.

---

Around the same time as that was going on, Kiba was playing with his dog Akamaru in the Inuzuka house, along with a teenage girl with red fang like tattoos on her face. She has long brown hair that's tied into a ponytail, two bangs framing her face, and with black eyes, the girl tended to the dogs in her care.

As they did this, noises came from outside, so curiously they both went outside, and saw the fireworks in the sky, and the writing as well. While Kiba stared at it clueless, the girl had an inkling to who it was.

"Yeah, this must be the boy...Ryouta Uchiha-kun, I remember hearing from Izumi-chan that he was the Otouto of Shisui Uchiha. This must be a goodbye for him. At least, this might bring some comfort to the child."

The girl looked at the sky, and smiled happily, liking the dancing fireworks in the sky, appreciating the beauty of the lights, and of the evening as well, finding it to be the perfect time as well.

"Hana-nee, who is it that's doing this?"

Kiba was completely dumbfounded, even though he should know who it is, the newly named Hana slapping herself in the face for having such a silly younger brother and was about to answer when a new voice made itself know.

"It's the Uchiha brat, the one that smells like strawberries and chocolate a lot, and has such an intoxicating scent that it even makes me quiver at the smell of him, and how I want to touch him more and more."

The one who spoke was a woman around her 30's who was sat on the rooftop of the house. She's a woman with spiky, unkempt brown hair that's long, though is spiked upwards, that makes her appear to be animalistic. Like the young girl before her, this woman also has fang red tattoos on her face, and is wearing purple lipstick as well.

"W-What did you say Kaa-san?"

Kiba asked, the newly revealed mother, who smirked dangerously.

"It's that Uchiha lad, the one in your class. Even from here, I can smell his delicious scent of his on top of the Hokage faces hahahaha. He's like a little lamb that needs to be captured and 'tortured' for being so adorable hahaha~ I'll surely arrest him anytime he wants~"

The woman laughed jokingly as she threw her hands behind he head, and watched the lights dance in the sky, making an educated guess on who it really was on the Hokage faces. Kiba opened his eyes wide, catching what the woman was saying, and held a hand to his throat.

"T-That's disgusting! Y-You've got to be joking, right!?"

The woman looked down at Kiba, and smirked viciously.

"Ooh, I'm not joking Kiba. Uchiha have always had this...scent to them, and it's really delicious to smell. For women like me, it really is a turn on. It's better to train them when they're young after all, so they can last very long in the sack hahaha~"

As she teased her son, something she regularly did and knew that he felt jealous about Ryouta so used that to tease him even more by making certain suggestions even though she has yet to officially meet him, Kiba fell to the ground, and looked like he was going to be sick.

Hana, standing off to the side shivered at what her mother had just said, and looked away, unable to look at her mother anymore, even if she knew that she was joking she still found it...weird that her mother would say such things.

---

Meanwhile, within a certain training area of Konoha, had a boy doing many pushups, sweat rolling off his chin, and his breath could be seen on a cold night. But he didn't care about that, as he trained himself.

That was until he looked towards the sky, and saw what everyone else has been seeing, and opened his eyes wide. For a few seconds, Lee was dumbfounded by who it was doing this, but as soon as he read the message, Lee stuck out his thumb, and grinned wildly.

"As expected of my rival! He's truly worthy of bravery right now! He's strong hearted, getting stronger all of the time! But I will not fall behind, Ryou Uchiha! I will not lose to you!"

Lee, with renewed vigour pushed himself even harder, as while he wouldn't admit it openly, he was worried about Ryou, having seen his depressed state, but now seeing that he willingly did something like this, it made Lee all the more determined to become stronger than before.

---

At the same time that happened, Naruto was in Ichiraku's with Iruka, eating ramen together happily, until they heard the noise outside. Going outside, the pair looked into the sky, and saw the fireworks, and writing.

"Who could've done this...?"

Iruka absentmindedly questioned, but Naruto threw his thumbs up, and wore a bright smile.

"It's obviously Ryou dattebayo!"

Naruto didn't even know he was sure, but something inside of him knew. His mind might not have known, but his heart...something inside the boy knew that Ryou was doing this, and found it to be very beautiful.

"Naruto, you couldn't possibly..."

"It doesn't matter if my head doesn't know, my heart does dattebayo! After all, Ryou is my best friend, I can tell that he would do something like this! Yeaaaaaaaaaaah! You go Ryoooooooooooooooooooooou!"

Naruto cheered loudly, it becoming infection to the others around him. He inspaired the people so much that most of them began to join in with the cheering, the old man that runs Ichiraku's also joining in with the young woman beside him, even if they didn't know Ryouta well, they enjoyed the display.

Iruka looked up at the sky, and could only smile fondly, happy that his student was on the road to recovery.

"HANABI STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!"

Suddenly, Hanabi appeared rushing down the streets, with a crying Hinata being dragged behind her. Naruto looked and grimaced when Hanabi made a mad dash for him.

"Here!" She threw her sister at Naruto, who caught her thanks to the training that he used to do with Ryou, and maybe again in the future, and held Hinata in his arms. "Keep Nee-chan safe for me Naruto-san while I go and do something else!"

"Wait-"

Before he could say anything, Hanabi dashed off around the corner so fast Naruto couldn't register what she was doing, and watched the events unfurl, silently praying that she can make sure that her sister has a good night tonight.

As she peered around the corner, she could see Hinata slowly coming to her senses, only to blush when she noticed that she was in the arms of Naruto, who was still stunned by what was happening.

"N-Naruto-kun..." She stood up, and blushed even more as she saw the lights brightening up Naruto's face. "H-He's...good looking...under the dancing fireworks..."

She thought with a even bigger blush than before, trying her best to not pass out.

Naruto looked at Hinata's face, and like her, he saw the lights dancing on her face, and he was taken by it, seeing it as something...mystifying, something he found to be very pretty, even more so than Sakura, who was far from his mind right now. But a few seconds later, he noticed that he was staring at her, and looked towards the fireworks while his face had a tingle of pink on it.

"W-While you're here Hinata, we should watch the fireworks together dattebayo!"

Hinata blinked a number of times, before she stood next to Naruto, and looked upwards as well.

"Y-Yes...tonight is a...wonderful night."

She said and together they watched the fireworks, though they didn't notice how their fingers slowly linked with the others, only Hanabi and Iruka seeing it, both smiling happily at the sight, as they watched the fireworks as well, Hanabi proud that she was able to make her sister happy and was also glad that Ryou was getting better, while Iruka was proud of his students this night, particularly happy with Ryouta, and Naruto, glad that his students are gaining happiness.

---

With the young girl from Danzo's Root, she was still stationed near Ryouta's home, as she was still drawing. But when the fireworks began, and the fire words was written in the sky, she had to stop herself, and look at the fire.

"This must be...Ryouta Uchiha's work. But...he has done this...for Shisui Uchiha? What purpose would this serve? He's dead...what would he hope to achieve by doing this...?"

She was perplexed by what was happening, though she soon took out a notepad, and began drawing again as fast as she could, so fast that it even surprised her that she could draw something like this so fast.

This time, she draw a picture of Ryouta Uchiha, only this time she drew herself in the picture as well. They were standing within the dazzling colours of the fireworks, somehow not being burnt or hurt in anyway, as they held one another's hands, and surprisingly, the girl drew them smiling at one another, the eyes of affection being directed at the other.

"I...think I will keep this one."

Seeing this, the girls face did something she didn't expect, the corners of her mouth lifting up ever so slightly, which could be called a ghost of a smile, a genuine smile at that, something she didn't even notice, but something inside her told her that tonight, was going to be a good night.

---

With Mikoto, she was in the kitchen of the house Ryouta now owns technically, washing the dishes, and other duties that she was used to. That was, until she heard the display that was going on outside.

"Hmm? What's that?"

She asked herself, and put down the dishes, drying her hands on her apron, then taking it off, and headed for the door.

When she got outside, she saw numerous Uchiha all outside, looking towards the sky, and saw that they had different reasons to what was happening, some happy, and some not so happy, though the happy ones made their thoughts known.

"It must be Ryouta Uchiha."

"He's made...this beautiful event happen?"

"It's all for Shisui Uchiha...and people say that he didn't love his Onii-sama."

"Yeah, it's obvious that he does love his Onii-chan and wouldn't be capable of hurting someone like his Onii-sama."

Most of the kind Uchiha looked towards the ones that were hateful towards Ryouta, and all sneered angrily. Said Uchiha looked distraught by the stares of the good Uchiha, and all slunk away from them, returning to inside their houses and the innocent and good Uchiha returned to watching the sky, glad that Ryouta was able to show those ignorant people that he did indeed loved his brother, even alerting the village to that fact.

Though Mikoto back was turned to the display, she knew something was happening so she quickly turned around, and saw what Ryouta had managed to do, and she was taken back by it slightly.

"Ooh baby, you didn't have to do this...but this is really beautiful. You're...going to be okay, aren't you? I just know it...you're a good boy, who did love his Onii-sama." She said to herself, then looked to the side, and saw Fugaku standing there, and sighed. "Fugaku, look at the display. Are these the actions of a boy that would kill his Onii-sama? Or the actions of a boy that loved his Onii-sama more than anything in the world?"

Fugaku looked at her with a sad face and wanted something from her, some kind of kindness, but she just shook her head at him, not interested in anything that he had to say anymore, and returned to watching the fireworks, hugging herself happily and shedding happy tears for the boy, him finally able to feel...happy again.

Fugaku looked at the fireworks for a couple of seconds, before a pang of remorse hit his heart, and he hung his head low and muttered "...Sorry Itsuki..." then he walked away, sadness filling his being.

---

With Itachi, he was currently with Izumi on a rooftop in the Uchiha Compound, with Izumi sat on his lap, her head on his shoulder, he couldn't be happier right now, even if he didn't show it openly.

They were sitting together happily, after enjoying a rare day together...that was until their night together was disrupted by the fireworks lighting up the sky, and the words in the sky, catching their attention.

"Wow...Itachi-kun. Look at the sky...this must be, Ryouta-kun right?"

Asking the boy a question, he pushed a bang out of her eyes, and nodded.

"Yeah, this must be Ryou's work. I did wonder why he left the Academy today...but this is why, huh. This is..."

"It's beautiful, isn't it Itachi-kun?"

Izumi stated, rather than asking, as right now, the dancing lights were very beautiful, and magnificent. They were very good, and too beautiful in Izumi's opinion, and even Itachi couldn't deny that they held a certain artistic flare to them.

"Yes...it is beautiful."

He answered her as she leaned towards his face.

"Tonight, I feel like there's nothing that can...hurt anyone. Tonight, there's no darkness, there's no sadness or pain. There's not even anything wrong with the Uchiha, and there's nothing that can stop the beauty, and love this evening. Tonight, can there just be happy and good times, Itachi-kun?"

Izumi's question was met when Itachi brushed her delicate face, his fingers dancing on her skin, setting it aflame, though it was a beautiful feeling, rather than an unpleasant one. This feeling being something of a good feeling for Izumi.

"Yeah, there's no pain or darkness this night. There's no coup, there's only me and you."

Izumi, hearing what he said, playfully slapped his arm, as Itachi himself smiled ever so slightly.

"How poetic, how long you been keeping that up your sleeve, huh?"

Izumi giggled out a question with a sly smile on her face, finding it corny, but sweet at the same time.

Itachi smiled down softly at her, and did something she didn't expect. He swiftly captured her lips in a fiery kiss, Izumi moaning at the sudden intrusion into her mouth, feeling Itachi's tongue entering said mouth.

As they kissed, the lights danced behind them, proudly showing their brilliance all over the Hidden Leaf Village, but for the young lovers, all that mattered is that they had one another, and that's all they needed.

---

Finally, with Satsuki and Ryouta, they were together, holding the others hands, as they watched the display, Ryouta finishing with the writing, confident that the words will stay there for a few minutes.

"Ryou...this is...a magical night. I know magic doesn't exist...but this is...tonight, I want to believe in magic, seeing this beautiful event happening."

Satsuki stated, and they both sat down. This time though, Satsuki got onto Ryouta's lap, and clung to him, the pair of them happily watching the events unfurl together, the two of them enjoying one another's company.

"Satsuki-chan, this night might be beautiful. But there's something I find to be even more beautiful."

He said with a dazzling smile towards Satsuki who raised her eyebrows.

"Whats the more beautiful thing then?"

"Dummy, I'm talking about you, Satsuki-chan." Satsuki's heartbeat became faster as her face turned red. Ryouta lifted his hand, and brushed her face happily. "Satsuki-chan, I don't know what I feel towards you, but I feel very happy when you're near me, and very sad when you're gone. When you embrace me, I feel delight, and when you let go, I feel sorrow. So what I'm trying to say is...never let go, I always want to feel your warmth, and kindness. Stay with me, always Satsuki-chan. I've lost Shi-nii, I can't lose you as well, it would destroy me if you left me as well."

Satsuki shed a couple of tears, hearing what he had to say, and pushed her body closer to his, as her face brushed against his, ultimately ending up in front of Ryouta's face, his nose and her nose touching one another's.

"You don't even have to ask, Ryou. I'm always going to be with you, because...you're my guy, after all." She admitted with a full on flush on her face as she parted lips. "Remember, I said we'd be continuing this. And this time, there's no one to interrupt us especially that damn Izumi-san."

To make her intentions known, Satsuki licked her lips, and showed how serious she was by staring into his eyes, the feeling of love being transmitted from her, to him, and if she was right, then it was coming back at her.

Ryou recoiled slightly, and smiled happily.

"My oh my Satsuki-chan. You're really lewd all of a sudden."

Satsuki threw her arms around Ryouta's neck, and pulled him even closer, their lips brushing against the others, Satsuki's moist lips dampening Ryouta's dry ones, as said boy reveled in the feeling of her lips.

"That's alright. Tonight, being here with the magnificent lights, I feel...strangely complete. Ryou...tonight, my lips, I'll take for myself."

"Yeah...I'm nervous...I've never done anything like this before..."

Ryou said with uncertainty, but Satsuki smiled softly, and brushed his lips ever so noticeably, igniting butterflies within the boys stomach, setting his heart to soar into the air.

"It's fine, neither have I. Lets learn together."

"Y-Yes, together."

With that, Satsuki softly did something that she's been wanting to for as long as she could remember, and finally caught his lips with her own lips, forcing them into a lock with her own.

As soon as their lips were locked together, both of them were filled with new feelings.

Satsuki's cheeks turned rosy at the new feeling on her lips, never expecting Ryouta's lips to feel so...delicious. They tasted of chocolate and cream, and while she usually didn't like sweet things, this time, she made an exception, and allowed his lips and hers to stay together.

Ryouta wasn't fairing any better, as her lips to him felt like a feather, so light, but at the same time loving and magical, like Satsuki had said the night was beforehand. The softness of her lips sent his body into new realms of pleasure, realms that he didn't know existed.

As their lips moved together in tandem, Ryou wrapped his arms around Satsuki's and brought her closer to his body, which made Satsuki respond by running a hand down his back, her fingers feeling like fire through his shirt, however right now Ryou didn't care.

BANG!

As they were kissing passionately, neither party expected for a big explosion to happen, that blew them backwards so Satsuki was on top of him, but neither minded right now, as they were embracing one another, their kiss becoming something more than they expected, hot and heavy.

Satsuki raised her hand to his hair, and ran her fingers through his locks, the feeling of his hair was something that was becoming carved into the girls memory. Ryou mimicked her actions, and ran his fingers through the strands of her glorious black locks, each strand being something of a curious sensation to the boy.

Their kiss lasted for a few minutes, until they broke free for air with a trial of saliva connecting the two, which broke apart when Ryou licked his lips. The two of them looked into each others eyes, onyx meeting onyx, as Satsuki and Ryouta brushed one another's faces. Ryou then placing a kiss on her cheek, the girl smiling at the kiss, and bent down her body so her face was hovering above Ryouta's.

"Ryou...you're...that was..."

Satsuki was at a loss for words, as her mind raced with thoughts of the kiss, and how much she enjoyed it...how she really really really enjoyed it, and how she wished that she could have it again.

"Satsuki-chan...the kiss was good...but..."

He trailed off, and looked up at her with a puppy dog look on his face.

Satsuki gave a perplexed look towards the boy.

"Whats wrong Ryou? Did you not enjoy it?"

She was slightly saddened that it was the case. However, Ryouta shook his head, and continued to look at the girl with his puppy dog look, something Satsuki found to be adorable.

"We...broke apart...I wanted to do it more..."

Satsuki smirked at him, and kissed him again for the briefest second, and then hugged him, as he did the same.

"Idiot, you're truly such a bad boy." She giggled out, and puckered her lips. "But it's alright, you're cute. Cute guys can get away with it. Since you're still sad, I will do anything to make you feel better. So tell me, Ryou. What can I do for you?"

Ryouta smiled, and sat up, so she was on his lap and moved within her personal space.

"I would...like to kiss again."

He confessed shyly, the girl grinning at the confession, and accepted it within an instant.

"That's okay with me...I want to do it again as well."

"Hehe, good! Because I wanna kiss Satsuki-chan more!"

Hearing his childlike attitude, Satsuki rolled her eyes with a smile as the two embraced one another again, their lips locking into a loving kiss, a kiss that neither wanted to end. Their kisses and groans of pleasure filled the night, Satsuki and Ryouta finally feeling...together again, connected for the first time.

Far from the village, a hooded figure watched the events of the fireworks, seeing them dance even from far away and saw the writing in the sky. Slowly, that person lowered their head, and turned away from the fireworks, unable to look anymore.

---

End chapter!

So, Ryouta woke up with two women, and a girl, in his bed! With the women showing their assets, he's a lucky kid, isn't he? Then there's the little 'fight' for him between Izumi and Mikoto, only for Satsuki to almost get a kiss, if it wasn't for Izumi's timed intervention. Then there was some Itachi and Izumi bonding time, then Ryouta returned to the Academy, only to leave when he had to do something but thumbs up for Sakura standing up for him, and gaining a kiss (even if only on the forehead) from Ryou. Sai (though she hasn't been named yet), having something inside of her maybe compassion not that she'd know, sent him a picture of Shisui and Ryouta together, then finally, Ryouta set off some fireworks in honour of Shisui, and finally moving forward with his relationship with Satsuki, and some others bonding over the fireworks as well as some cameo appearances from some future harem members, then finally some mysterious person observed the fireworks as well! Wonder who that was...only time will tell!

Since last chapter was sad, I wanted this one to show him becoming happier, and that was helped by Satsuki, them sharing their emotions, though they haven't officially gotten together, but they'll be showing displays of affection from now on. I have a good scene in the future when they do confess their love for one another so look forward to that!

Eerm, not much to add so...ooh, next chapter will probably be the start of the Uchiha downfall. So, until next chapter!

Ryouta; Satsuki, Haku (fem), Karin, Sakura, Hanabi, Tsunade, Anko, Mikoto, Ino, Gaara (fem), Kurotsuchi, Samui, Fu, Sai (fem), Tsume, Hana, Yukimaru (fem). (WIP)