Announcement:
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE VERY LATE UPDATE OF THREE WEEKS ;-;
School has been hell as I'm graduating this year, and with the pandemic still at large, I've been having constant anxiety attacks. Full apology at the A/N below!
Presenting Academy Days part 9, sub-arc 3: Uchiha arc! "The Curse of an Uchiha"
Happy Reading!
Thinking
"Bijuu speaking"
Something Else
*Japanese (non-usual)
Gisei[犠牲]
English Meaning(s) for 犠牲
Sacrifice
犠("Gi") sacrifice
牲("se-i") sacrifices
《Arc 2: Academy days: The Curse of an Uchiha》
–Part 2–
Chapter 16: Selfless Sacrifice
"Don't you think teaching a kid how to wield a giant sword is stupid?"
"Don't you think teaching a kid what is porn is stupid?"
"Don't you think you're being too bossy?"
"Don't you remember you're paying me?"
"Don't you think it's about time that you abort this mission?"
"Don't you remember it's your blonde kid who made the contract, not you?"
Jiraiya bristled, "but I'm paying!"
"So," Zabuza shrugged, "it's still his contract"
"BRAT DIDN'T EVEN MAKE A CONTRACT!"
Naruto snorted in amusement as she continued to swing her legs childishly. She hummed happily as she raised her head to look up at the cloudy blue skies. With a soft smile on her lips, her thoughts travelled to a familiar pineapple-haired boy and his relaxed smile.
"Shika," she muttered softly with a hint of longingness as she closed her eyes.
"Shikamaru...what did Asuma-sensei ask you to do?"
A teenage boy looked back to meet her eyes, eyes softening as he smiled, "Asuma entrusted that child to me. I lost my teacher," he looked away sadly, "so it's not like I don't understand what you're going through," she looked up and he met her eyes once more, "we're way past that point in our lives"
"What do you mean?"
"Some important, some petty, all sorts of things," he murmured loud enough for her to hear, "you too right? Naruto?"
"Naruto?"
She opened her eyes in surprise, gasping a little as her brows furrowed in confusion, 'what the heck was that?!'
"Do you think they would be done anytime soon?"
Hearing the voice once again, the blonde looked up and foxily grinned as she craned her head up to the other girl that had perched a branch higher than hers. The slightly older girl's brow was furrowed, but the blonde could easily catch the twitching of her lips.
"Do you think they'll notice by the time we go to the town?" She innocently asked in return, tilting her head as she widened her blue eyes, pushing the weird day dream at the back of her head for now.
Haku's eyes widened, and Naruto had to smother a snicker at the flushed look of her friend. She knew she would win, she also knew the other girl wouldn't mind leaving their "guardians" to play in the nearby town, but it doesn't change the fact that Naruto just loves playing around with her friend.
And apparently no one could resist her eyes, who knew?
Her mind flew back to the weird scene she had pictured.
"We have to be back by sunset," the older, more mature teen declared, taking her away from her thoughts once more, a frown on her lips before flickering her brown eyes towards the still arguing adults, "I do not wish to incite Zabuza-sama's wrath"
"He won't be angry, Haku," Naruto promised with a cheeky grin as she hopped down into a graceful crouch, "now come on, before they notice"
Haku simply grinned in return before the two dashed off to the small town nearby.
The two young girls have been travelling together for months, but Naruto knew it won't last. She knew that the other girl's guardian has his own goal, she could see the way the man sometimes longingly looks towards the far distance.
She decided to make due of what she can while she can still enjoy the light shinobi lessons and a companion her age. A part of her selfishly hopes that she will be able to celebrate her seventh birthday with her new comrades, but it was a simple longing for the months away event.
"Naru, look!"
Peering at the clothes shop the other girl had pointed to, she beamed brightly as she saw a very bright and vibrant baggy orange jacket with red accents.
"Haku," she breathed with excitement
"Naru, it's too bright," she pointed out, "and orange"
Naruto had an almost maniacal grin as she looked at her friend, "exactly"
With a cackle, she started to pester the store owner for a lower price, ignoring her friend's exasperation.
She can imagine now, Shika's ridiculous stare when she comes back as an awesome brightly orange shinobi.
Uzumaki Naruto, the orange Hokage.
She likes the sound of it.
Shisui's eyes twitched in annoyance, despite the grin that was on his face—and immediately Itachi was sure something was wrong with his cousin, his best friend.
The motion did not escape the other dark haired genius' observation either, as the scowl on the smaller boy's face deepened.
"We caught you, Shisui," Itachi spoke for them both, a frown on his face, making the lines on his face deepen.
Itachi had caught his cousin acting odd since the older teen had returned from a mission that lasted for weeks. Despite the fact that he knew what ANBU missions can sometimes entail, he had never seen his cousin act as oddly as he had the past week.
When the Uchiha heir told his cousin his recommended promotion as captain in the hidden ranks, his face was filled with a small, proud smile.
His cousin's face only held a regretful, pained smile, followed by a hollow "congratulations".
That was what had set Itachi off. No matter how troublesome (he had spent too much time with Shikamaru, honestly) of a rank that Itachi receives, Shisui always always praises the younger cousin with an eager fire—he had said that was how his Nii-san had done things.
Itachi had a different bond with Sasuke, but he honestly liked the truthful praises from the teen he views as his own older brother. To receive such a subdued praise was...jarring, to say the least.
And if Itachi had felt like throwing a childish tantrum until he received the praise he was used to receiving from the older Uchiha, well, that was no one's business but his.
He had told his fellow heir and training partner of such sentiments, as it was being too troublesome and bothersome. It had made Itachi blankly stare at nothing more times than he could count. Something Izumi had caught and had expressed her loud worries.
He had resembled Sasuke's favorite fruit after that encounter.
It may also have been the striving force that made him open up to the little Nara.
As such, that was how they were brought to now. Usually, Itachi and Shisui would face off against Shikamaru—fairness be damned, they knew that the younger boy needed the training. Shikamaru never truly complained, either. But now, Shikamaru and Itachi had deemed to face off against Shisui alone—both their genius minds, used together, had easily caught Shisui in an easy trap.
"This is just luck, I refuse for it to be anything else" the eldest Uchiha pouted, looking away from the two, not bothering to struggle against the shadows and wires that had woven around him
"I caught you, idiot Uchiha, now spill" The soon to be seven year old responded dryly, but the quick flash of irritation on his face displayed his actual feelings.
They both did care for the exuberant Uchiha teen, after all. No matter how annoying the elder Uchiha could be.
Itachi scowled as he remembered the date incident.
"What spiel?" Shisui innocently blinked, "on how proud I am that you've come so far? Cuz I am! Come here so I can ruffle both your hairs!"
Both Itachi and Shikamaru shot the teen an exasperated look. Shikamaru added his irritation with a click of his tongue.
"We know that you are bothered, Shisui," Itachi spoke calmly, but his eyebrows met slightly on his forehead, "you know that Shikamaru and I are very much capable, we just want to know—"
"What the fuck is wrong, Shisui?" Shikamaru interrupted with a snarl
Itachi was partly amused, partly exasperated with the development.
Shisui shrugged, but the annoyance was building in his eyes, "there's nothing wrong with me, guys! If anything, I think something's wrong with both of you! Shikamaru, I could understand for missing little Naru-chan but—"
"Shisui," Itachi interrupted unkindly with a frown, "I would rather that you not lie to either Shikamaru nor I"
At the same time, Shikamaru huffed, ''cut the crap Shisui and talk"
Shisui narrowed his eyes
Itachi groaned. 'This is not what I meant when I told Shikamaru to be direct'
"Again," Shisui spoke pleasantly, and if that didn't made the warning bells ring in Itachi's mind, he knew nothing will, "I am perfectly fine, Shikamaru"
"Again," the youngest genius retorted, "we're saying you're not. So you better not do anything stupid and tell us"
Itachi froze, as did Shisui.
There on the cheeks of the usual lazy and aloof heir, tears were freely falling. The child didn't even bother to wiper his tears away as he narrowed his gaze at the eldest Uchiha who had remained frozen under the look.
Itachi unknowingly held his breath as he gazed within those intelligent eyes. As of the moment, none of the quiet emotion peaked out, but full desperation, annoyance, anger, and hurt. screamed.
And he knew Shisui was as lost as he was.
"Shikamaru?" The elder Uchiha quietly muttered, more in surprise rather than questioning
Itachi could only remain in silence.
Shikamaru loudly breathed out before dropping his hands to his sides, releasing the shadows that had tightly wrapped around the elder Uchiha. But Shisui did not move, not even when Itachi had slacken his hold on his wires in surprise.
"Fine," the young Nara heir muttered, "just die out with the rest of your clan for all I care"
What?
But before Itachi could even wrap his head around the unlike-phrasing of the Nara child, the said boy had already turned and ran. Breathing in a shaky breath, Itachi flicked his eyes towards the frozen Shisui whose eyes remained transfixed from where Shikamaru's shadow had left the field.
"Nii-san!"
The familiar voice that had cried out in calling made Itachi pause from talking to his (still tied up) cousin. With an exasperated sigh, Itachi gave his cousin one last disappointed and worried frown before turning to meet his beloved baby brother.
Shisui can figure a way out. Maybe.
Seeing the cheery and innocent wide smile of his brother immediately made Itachi's tense shoulders slack in quiet relief. As he took his brother away from the quiet fields, his mind wandered back towards his two comrades, his only two friends.
Hopefully they would be able to patch things up before it's too late.
As his eyes glanced back one final time to his elder cousin, his heart clenched anxiously as his gut churned in warning.
He couldn't help but wonder if things were already too late.
The memories of his dreams the night prior nearly made him fall down to his knees.
"It's because you're weak, Sasuke" he could only watch as spinning red eyes pinned a small crumpled form at the blood spilled floor.
"Nii-san, why… no… YOU MURDERER!" He could only watch as the child screamed his voice raw, dark eyes wide in betrayal and pain.
"If you want to avenge your family, bear the same eyes as mine, grow your hatred, and one day, I will come for your eyes," he watched as the small form slumped, eyes rolling at the back of his head.
He could only watch as the newly aged teen halted in his tracks, stepping near the boy with a hesitant step, before turning away with tear-stained cheeks.
Running away from the only home and family member he had left.
"Why are you doing this?! Why do you try so hard to make me come back?!" He watched as the pain in the dark eyes of the ravenette were mixed with longing and confusion
Blue eyes filled with love met those dark eyes head on, "because you're my friend! Sasuke!"
"...no breath...pulse absent...emergency...ruto"
A ruffled pre-pubescent Chūnin twirled his fingers anxiously as he ignored the burning sensation at the back of his throat, the agony and need to scream and cry.
"Shikamaru?"
The Chūnin closed his eyes, hating the sensation to run towards the embrace of the deep, comforting voice that had called out to him.
"It's all my fault… If I were a better leader—" A choked sob, he didn't mean to let that out.
"...You weren't the one to jab your hand through his chest, son"
He clenched his eyes tighter, hating how he could picture the prone figures of his teammates a little bit too easily.
The image of glassy blue eyes scared him the most.
"I sent him out there! Alone!" He had retorted, screaming out in a sudden surprise of anger and weakness
Naruto,
"Sakura, why is Naruto so… sullen?" The young teenager had muttered with a mixture of worry and embarrassment within his brown eyes
"We...saw Sasuke-kun on our last mission"
Green eyes couldn't meet his eyes
"Oh"
It's always that damn Uchiha…
"We need you out there," He softly called out, blue eyes flashed to him quickly in surprise, Shikamaru ignored the betrayed emotions deep within those blue eyes
He ignored the pang within his own chest
"You can't keep sitting here, Naruto," he had continued softly, encouragingly.
The blonde girl weakly smiled, "I can't help it, Shikamaru, he's here but…"
Shikamaru sighed tiredly, eyes focusing on the peaceful look adopted on the pale man's face.
Eagerly ignoring the pang that once more thrummed in his chest.
Isn't it?
Shikamaru paused, breathing out heavily, anger, fear, and worry danced in a tribulative agony within his chest. His eyes drifted upwards to the sullen entrance of the Uchiha compound, easily remembering the yellow caution tapes that had enclosed the area during his true childhood.
He understood now, and he fears it was too late.
But what was making him try so hard to save a family that wasn't even his?
His mind quickly had flashed to glassy blue eyes, bleeding out with a gaping hole on her chest—grin still in place, as always.
He pictured the same blue eyes, sullen and longing, towards a comatosed man.
A family that wasn't his, maybe, but hers.
He pictured two Uchiha geniuses fondly teasing and laughing at him, smiles true and eager to grow stronger together.
A family that he had grown to care for, to be called his friends.
He could easily picture the lonely and angry eyes of a boy his age.
He growled lowly as he turned away from the compound. He knew what would happen. He knew who was going to do it. He hadn't understand why, but now he could see the whole picture.
He wondered if it was the only way.
His mind flickered to the pleasant yet pleading face of his eldest Uchiha friend, "I am fine, Shikamaru".
That idiot, he was going to get himself killed.
Eyes jumping towards the bright red looming tower, Shikamaru's annoyed frown shifted to a determined frown.
He wasn't Naruto, no, but he will save Sasuke's family.
He has to.
He won't be able to handle the blonde's near death experience once more, if he didn't.
Sasuke huffed lazily as he wiped his forehead from the heat of the afternoon. He groaned as he flipped from his sprawled position to lie on his chest, eyes lazily eyeing the small koi's that swam lazily at the small pond of their inner courtyard.
"It seems to me that the young prince had reached his limits of boredom"
Sasuke's eyes widened as he jumped up in shock, clamping his lips just in time to stop the yelp from escaping. His eyes jumped to the amused face of elder Setsuna.
He immediately felt a shiver racing up his spine.
"Setsuna-sama," the young child greeted softly with a quick bow
The old man waved it off, "come now, Sasuke-chan, no need to be shy"
But Sasuke was not shy. He pursed his lips in an attempt to cease the need of narrowing his eyes towards the elder. No, he was not like his beloved elder brother who was a genius, but the younger boy did have his merits.
He saw his clan elder's look that was directed to his best friend, months ago. Although he was upset that his friend had not written to him, he would not betray the blonde.
"Tell me child, where is your beloved older brother?"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, "why are you looking for nii-san?"
The elder smiled and Sasuke flinched. "I was just wondering how our clan's heir is faring in his shinobi skills, Sasuke-chan"
'Stop calling me a girl!' He inwardly snarled, but no, he could not show his irritation. As an Uchiha, that would be an embarrassment.
"You have to ask Nii-sama himself," Sasuke responded as evenly as he could, "Setsuna-sama"
"I see," the elder hummed, and Sasuke repressed another flinch as the elder inched his face close to the younger boy. The youngest son of Fugaku resisted the urge to gag when the smell of old people filtered into his nose, "and you, young Sasuke-chan? How has your training been going? You are seven now, no? You'll be entering the Academy soon"
"Setsuna-sama"
Sasuke stopped himself from running into his brother's arms.
"Ah, Itachi-chan! Just the young man that I was just wondering about," Sasuke watched warily as the elder spun around to face his beloved brother, arms wide open.
Itachi's face remained blank, even when Sasuke met his gaze. The older brother simply gave a short bow to the elder, "I am now available for any conversation, Setsuna-sama"
"Of course, Itachi-chan," the elder laughed, and Sasuke flinched at the coldness that wrapped the sound, "but I see that you are tired and must rest, so I shall come by next time, instead"
Both Sasuke and Itachi remained silent as the elder started to hobble away.
"Ah," Sasuke frowned to see his brother tense, and as the elder turned to face them once more, the younger brother's breath hitched as the elder's dark eyes suddenly were focused on him once more, "Sasuke-chan, by chance do you know where Naruto-chan has gone?"
Sasuke frowned as he slowly shook his head.
"I see"
Sasuke's legs weakened as soon as the elder left the room. He gasped and grimaced as his brother quickly knelt beside him, face displayed with open worry, "are you alright, Sasuke?"
The younger boy grinned at his brother, "I am, Nii-san"
The elder brother nodded with a brief sigh, before he sat beside Sasuke. The younger brother grinned, tension and fear immediately dissipating in the presence of his brother.
Then his smile dropped.
"Is something the matter, Sasuke?"
The boy hummed, worrying on his lower lip before admitting with a soft sigh, "is 'Ruto angry with me, Nii-san?"
Sasuke could easily see the surprised look of his brother's face, "why would you say that, Sasuke?"
The younger boy refused the urge to pout, "Because," he admitted begrudgingly, "he didn't write me, and it's been months, Nii-san"
Sasuke did pout when his brother openly laughed
"I'm sorry," the older boy coughed in between laughter as he ruffled the spiky unbound hair of Sasuke, "I did not mean to laugh at you"
"Not funny, Nii-san," the boy mumble, but he could not help but smile as he could see the tension of his brother disappear
"Naruto-kun is not angry with you, Sasuke," the older boy finally spoke softly, the familiar warmth bringing another peaceful smile on Sasuke's face, "he might be simply busy, and," Sasuke blinked as his brother frowned to the distance, "it might be for the best"
"For the best, Nii-san?" The younger boy asked curiously
Itachi smiled, shaking his head as he gave Sasuke the ever-familiar flick on his forehead, "it's nothing, Sasuke, come, Haha-ue had some tomatoes prepared for a snack"
Sasuke grinned as he jumped up to his feet, "what are you waiting for, Nii-san, let's go!"
Itachi's smile made Sasuke's horrible experience with the horribly smelling elder disappear.
At least, for now.
Hiruzen could only breathe out a shaky sigh as he met the determined gaze of the young man before him. He could not help but once again, damn himself for being too old.
For being in a position that had been his for too long.
Dark eyes met him with an unshakeable determination and justice filled gaze. With a regret-filled heart, Hiruzen met the child's blank face with what he had hoped to be a comforting smile.
"You don't have to do this," he softly said, knowing it was a fruitless endeavour
"Hokage-same, I apologise," the teen, just a young age of fifteen stood firmer than any of his other men, "but I rather it be me than Itachi, I know I can do something, it doesn't have to end with that plan"
Hiruzen closed his eyes as he deeply sighed.
"I hope you're right, Shisui-kun," he had muttered, voice shaking in hope and fear
Fear that he would not see the young man once more.
Intermittently, Hiruzen regrets how he could be so...right at times.
The panting breaths were as loud as the blood rushing through his ears, but he knew he couldn't stop, not now. He has a mission to do.
So he kept running, despite the burning sensation of his legs and lungs.
Despite the blood that caked his face.
Despite the fact that he could barely breathe, he ran.
A gust of wind made him gasp out as he stumbled into the clearing he had been aiming. Turning around, he raised his arms in preparation to take the blow of the kick he had felt.
There was a clang of metal, before the grass beside him shifted.
"What are you doing here?" he hissed angrily before he could stop himself.
He was only met with narrowed eyes
He hissed once more time, "go home"
"You're bleeding," was the retorted response
"So are you," the tired shinobi mumbled, but he looked out at the edge of the clearing, "you know what I'm planning"
"I do"
"You won't stop me?" he asked with a hint of amusement, but the sadness was evident in his eye
"Will I be able to stop you?"
Both stayed silent
Another set of leaves rustled and the first shinobi huffed a hollow, surprised laugh, "the future lies in your hands"
He met the determined eyes and he could not help but smile.
There was the expected blackness, and he found himself jarred, despite himself, of the sudden darkness. He knew the future of Konoha would be safe, and he said as much.
He also spoke of the danger of the elders towards Konoha.
With a shaky breath, the last thing Uchiha Shisui heard were the sound of roaring water
Blue eyes snapped open as a small figure gasped out in pain and grief. Confusion was evident on her face, but she made no sound. Not even when a larger figure was roused from the sudden movement of his goddaughter.
Naruto stubbornly stayed silent as she allowed the tears to fall down her cheeks. She may not understand what exactly she had dreamed about, but she knew something was wrong. Her small hand found its way to grasp on the fabric above her chest, ignoring the prying hands of her godfather.
She found herself within his embrace, and Naruto leaned against the big man, idly wondering if someone will be able to hold Shika through his pain as Jiraiya is doing for her.
"Naruto?" the deep voice of her guardian had mumbled
She shook her head.
"Alright," he finally said after a bout of silence, "go back to sleep, I'm here"
She nodded.
But she couldn't go back to sleep no matter how much she tried. Because everytime she closes her eyes, pictures of scary, mangled bodies appear.
But the rush of roaring loudness of cold, dark, waters were oddly vivid that night.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
OMAKE: Itachi's date
(note: Itachi and Izumi were still 11)
"Chibi-chan~"
The singsong voice made Itachi freeze from putting on his casual shirt. Pressing his lips in the show of his mild annoyance, he quickly shrugged on the shirt, just as the shoji door to his bed room slid open.
The shit-eating grin on the older Uchiha's face made Itachi shiver in fear.
"Please do not call me that, Shisui," he slowly said, eyeing the older teen warily
"Oh come now, Ita-chan~" his annoyed frown went ignored, "I'm only here to congratulate my favorite baby cousin~"
"I'm the only baby cousin that you are relatively close to, Shisui," the young genius deadpanned, "now why are you in my room?"
"My, of course, to prepare you for your date~!"
Itachi froze
His what?!
"I believe," he slowly started, "that you are mistaken"
"I thought you were a genius, Weasel-kun," the drawled voice rang out before a familiar pineapple-head kid appeared behind the teen that was still grinning
"Why are you here, little Nara?" Itachi frowned
The Nara shrugged. "Same reason as he is," he yawned out while jabbing a finger to the jumping teen.
"That does not an—" Itachi ignored the yelp of the teen he views as an older brother and the sharp 'twang' of a kunai vibrating from its sudden halt on the wooden cabinet "—swering my question, little Nara. Why are you both insisting that I have a date?"
"Don't you?" Shisui asked innocently with wide eyes
Itachi narrowed his eyes in return, "I believe I do not"
"That's not what I heard," Shikamaru retorted with a cheeky grin, "you're off to meet her right now, aren't you? That's why you're skipping out on training?"
Itachi's eye twitched. "Are you both sulking?"
"No" both replied quickly with equal wide grins
"We just want to see you act like your age," Shisui added thoughtfully
"And totally ruin the date," Shikamaru finished with a lazy grin
But before Itachi could respond, his bedroom door slid open once more to show his mother frowning openly, "Itachi! You'll be late for your date, young man! And what are you wearing?"
Itachi opened his mouth to respond in denial of a date before he blinked to look down to his usual dark blue high-collared shirt and white trousers. He frowned at his clothes before looking at his mother with a confused look, "is something wrong with my clothes?"
Three pairs of groans met his ears.
"Shikamaru-kun, Shisui-kun, thank you for bringing up this date with me," Itachi's complaints, once more, went ignored, "now please leave us as I make Itachi-kun appropriately prepare for his lovely date with Izumi-chan"
Itachi had to restrain the shiver of fear as his mother turned a little too eagerly towards him.
"Haha-ue?" he hesitantly asked
"Don't worry, Itachi-kun," his mother purred, and he shot a betrayed look to his friends as they eagerly slipped out of his bedroom, "you'll be properly prepared just in time to meet Izumi-chan"
Itachi could only sigh in defeat.
Uchiha's do not shuffle their feet in nervousness. Regardless, Itachi could not help but tug on the hem of his dark blue haori(1). His mother had made him wear a simple black inner yukata (2) and a dark blue haori to top, before tying his hair in a high pony-tail with a red cord.
Standing in front of Izumi cladded in a casual pale lavender kimono(3), hair braided over her left shoulder, Itachi was suddenly glad he had listened to his mother.
'But does that mean this is a date?'
Face flushing red, he greeted Izumi with a stuttering "hi"
"Hi Itachi-kun," the girl replied bashfully, "are you ready for your dangos?"
Chuckling as he calmed down from the question, the Uchiha heir smiled as he offered his elbow to the girl, such as was ingrained into his mind, "I am, Izumi-san"
The girl smiled as she hooked her small hand on the offered appendage.
It was when he was starting to become comfortable with the quiet and calm conversation with Izumi that disaster struck in the form of his beloved little brother.
"Nii-san! Nii-san! Shisui-baka is being mean!" the younger boy yelled, face bright red in anger as he latched to Itachi's side
The elder brother blinked blankly as his best friend appeared, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, "Sorry, 'Tachi, I told him he couldn't hang out with you today"
"He's lying! Of course you can hang out with me! You don't have missions today, Nii-san!" the younger boy yelled with a pointed glare to the elder boy
Itachi sighed as he mournfully looked at his dango that fell on the ground when his brother had tackled him. A quiet laugh made his face dusted in pink when he glanced at his female accompaniment.
"Who's this?" his younger brother bluntly asked, looking at Izumi with a frown
'Kami-sama,' the older brother inwardly groaned, 'I love my brother to bits, but please give me the patience to handle him'
"Sasuke," he called out to the boy and said child eagerly turned to Itachi, only to be met by a quick flick to his forehead, "go home with Shisui for now, as you can see, I am in the company of someone," gesturing to Izumi, the younger boy huffed with a glare to the girl.
"Then why can't I join you?" he stubbornly asked
Itachi wanted to bash his head in irritation
"It's okay, Itachi-kun," Izumi spoke out with a calm smile, "I don't mind if we end things early"
Before Itachi could even speak out, three voices yelped out a loud "NO!"
The heir blinked as he looked at his sheepish older cousin as he cleared his throat. The younger genius narrowed his eyes from the rustling leaves of a nearby tree and surrounding bushes.
'She would not stalk her own son, would she?' he curiously questioned
"I believe that is impossible, Izumi-san," he opted not to dwell on his mysterious audience, although he had an idea of who was his stalker, "I would prefer to remain in your company, if you do not mind. Sasuke," giving a pointed look to his brother who huffed, "will have to settle with playing with me later tonight"
"Yep, got the message. Dragging away the little prince now, goodbye," his cousin rambled, easily picking up the boy who spluttered in indignation—his baby brother has the same hubris of his clan members—before dashing away.
Izumi laughed once more and Itachi could not help but smile at her, "I am sorry for the intrusion, Izumi-san"
She grinned, "I will forgive you, only if"
He arched a brow, "only if what?"
Her grin fell to a warm smile. "You will accompany me to a better meal next time"
Feeling his own smile tugging on his lips, the young heir agreed with a friendly nod, "I do not see any reasons to disagree, your company is a welcome change from those who I am constantly surrounded with"
As the young girl laughed once more, Itachi only found himself smiling along, instead of the expected embarrassment that would have usually been roused.
Fugaku entered his home with a tired sigh. His trudging path towards the bath for a quick shower before supper made him pause as he could hear his wife's gleeful giggles from the kitchen. Wondering when was the last time he heard such sounds from the woman, he peered inside the room to see the woman hunched over the table, a giggle escaping her lips every now and then.
With the skills suitable for a shinobi of his caliber, he snuck behind his wife to catch a glimpse of his wife's amusement.
He could only blink as he saw an image of his eldest child, blushing as he wore a casual yukata suitable for a-
"Itachi went on a date?"
The woman spun around, eyes flashing red in surprise before she slumped with a glare directed towards him. Fugaku only gave a shrug in response.
"If you must now," she huffed, "he did. Despite his reasonings that it wasn't a date"
Blinking as he looked back down to the pile of images, he furrowed his brows in confusion, "how did you capture two sets of angles?"
"I have Shisui and my skills, Fu-kun," she smirked before turning back towards her collection
But before the two could react, the pile of images combusted in flames. Fugaku only blinked as his wife yelped before wailing in a mournful voice.
Turning towards the kitchen door, he met his eldest son's unamused face. The father arched a brow in question as Itachi only "hn'd" with a quick bow in greeting towards him. The Uchiha head's lips twitched in amusement as his son shot his mother a huff that was like sticking his tongue out—if his son was an ordinary child, that was—before walking away with a smug air.
Sighing, Fugaku patted his wife's shoulder as a sign of silent support before slipping out of the room. Hiding within the confines of his bedroom, he slipped out an image of two eleven year olds happily walking side by side with the sun setting behind them.
The smiles that were captured within their faces were genuine.
So was the obvious head of his wife sticking out from behind a bush, along with a familiar unruly head of curls peeking out from the tree. He could even make out the small head of a certain Nara heir lounging beside the curly-topped teen, looking down curiously at the scene.
"Luckily," he hummed with a small smile, "my son had not expected me to be one of his audience"
With a smirk, the clan head hid the image once more, fearing both the ire of his eldest and his beloved wife.
Japanese:
Haori: traditional Japanese hip- or thigh-length jacket worn over a kimono. The haori resembles a kimono in its sleeves, which are constructed in the same manner as a kimono, but differs in its lack of overlapping front panels (known as the okumi) and the addition of thin, triangular panels at each side seam.
Yukata: a Japanese dressing gown or lounging robe of soft, lightweight cotton.
Kimono: a loose, wide-sleeved robe, fastened at the waist with a wide sash, characteristic of Japanese costume.
A/N:
I really do apologise for the late update. The past 2? 3? 4?? Weeks were hectic as fuck, and I've been having severe anxiety attacks with all the stress. Luckily, this week was calm enough that I could type out this chapter and a bonus omake as a sign of my apologies.
Thoughts:
I would like to add an omake every now and then. Feel free to give a scenario if you are curious about anything. Whether it be from this timeline or the original where Shika-chan came from (assuming I can apply it to the story *shrug*).
RR if you wish!!
Reply/s:
Mbak Titin I'm glad you liked it! I hope you continue to enjoy the story *bow*
Reisbig2009 I'm glad you liked the last chapter! The interactions of the last chapter were fluffy at best, hopefully this chapter was as enjoyable to you too! *bow*
Namikaze18 Legacy Undone is a very nice piece of fanfiction, and yes, Itachi being female for that story was a surprising, but a welcomed change. Future jealous Shika will happen, as I can imagine Shika being the adorably jelly type. I hope you enjoyed the little IzumixItachi omake too! And yes, Shisui will always be a hero. I'm sorry about having the consistency of my update broken, though, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy it! Thank you for your constant support *bow*
Loralie Gold Dream It will be explained soon (winky face). Thank you for your constant support! *bow*
Amaterasu53 I admit I also had tears when I typed that part out. I'm glad that you enjoy my writing style! *bow*
Valen Goncalvez An update served fresh from the oven! Thank you for your thank you, I hope you'll continue to enjoy and support this humble story *bow*
HEART BEATZ 24'7 I'm glad that you're enjoying my story! Even Shika-chan and I want the massacre to be avoided, but I guess you just have to see what happens next! I hope this chapter served well to your excitement! Don't be too worried though, it's not like Akatsuki will be dropping at the next chapter (maybe) nah, I'm kidding (or am I?). Please continue to show your support, thank you! *bow*
Please tell me if I missed any of your reviews and I will go back to it in the next chapter!
Next Chapter Preview
"You don't seem bothered"
"Believe me, Itachi, I am bothered. I'm seething."
"Was that...sarcasm?"
"No"
"Who are you?!"
"I'm a good boy, don't worry!"
"Things are getting worse, Hiruzen"
"I know"
"Would you take the chance to see things my way, then, old friend?"
"Are you giving me a choice, old friend?"
"Nii-san?"
"Go to sleep, Sasuke"
"I'm sorry"