Title: Under the Maple Tree

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

AN: The beginning of this story is based on the books, Itachi's Shinden and the anime. Both however, contain plot holes that contradict each other so I'll try my best to cover those. Also this chapter is dialogue heavy but it's important for future chapters.

Chapter 2

"Many lives were lost including the Fourth Hokage Minato and his wife Kushina. "The Third Hokage's gruff voice boomed in front of a sea of black clothing. "The truths behind the incident are still unknown… but for now, let us mourn our fallen comrades."

We stood by sections according to our respective clans and in single filed lines, paying respect to the recently deceased. Soft cries and muffled sobs filed the already mourning air as the people of Konoha grieved together.

I couldn't see very well from where I was as a cousin of mine stood in front of me, blocking my view. I craned my neck a bit, trying to look in between my cousin's legs and there loomed a monument, shaped like a burning fireball. The gigantic letters of the word 'Hokage' were carved on the stone; the memorial for the Fourth Hokage.

I've never seen the Fourth but the fact that well, he was the Hokage meant he was a powerful shinobi. And seeing how the previous Hokage returned, he sacrificed his life trying to protect the village.

Curiously, a newborn baby in a basket lay in front of the memorial.

The baby had scruffy, blonde hair and was wrapped securely in an orange blanket. Now, who in the right mind will leave a child blatantly out in the open, especially during a funeral? Apparently, everyone in this funeral that's who. It seemed ridiculous to me to leave a baby unattended like that but I guess it sort of makes sense as the baby was a container. A vessel for the demon within. Disgusted sneers, bitterness, and animosity all followed the moment the Third Hokage had disclosed the baby's condition. It perplexed me how a gargantuan creature could be sealed within the confines of a small, helpless baby.

The creature that was responsible for bringing the unfathomable devastation, was called the Nine Tails or Kyuubi. At first, I had no idea what it was and asked dad. He was hesitant about telling me what the creature was but relented when I kept asking. I didn't ask for more information after he told me the name. I read about the tailed beast during my days of research and its fearsome reputation but hadn't reached the part where humans can have tailed beasts sealed within them. Which prompted me to realize there were more than just the nine tails. I mentally noted to dive more on the topic later.

Last night should have been the most traumatic moment of my young life and honestly, it really wasn't. For I've seen far worse. It was alien to see tears on mom's eyes as she was a strong woman who hated showing vulnerability. A trait that we both shared. And the moment I saw them earlier this morning, I too broke down: exhausted and scared. We sat at the front porch until about noon, when dad finally arrived. His eyes also watered as he pulled all of us in for a relieved hug. It was the first time I saw him cry.

I would be lying to myself if I said I didn't feel a bit of resentment at the infant. A vast part of me repeatedly shouted at myself that they were a baby. That they had no fault. That they weren't the Nine Tails itself. They didn't ask to be a vessel for the horrid beast but whenever my eyes meet with the deceased clan members' name on the memorial stone, my sadness and anger bubbles perilously within me. I knew it was going to be a while before that unfair resentment completely disappears and as the Hokage said, the truth of that night has yet to be uncovered.

I was surprised when the Third had announced the secrecy of the baby's true lineage except for the matter that their parents perished during the attack and immediately, I felt sympathy for him or her. They were now an orphan. A baby yet to be one who was already an orphan. I silently scoff at how cruel this life can get as well.

I heard a faint whimper escape from my right and jerked up. Mom held a hand over her mouth, trying to muffle her crying. Yes, like the majority of the people here, we had also lost someone very dear to us. Uncle Yasuhiro. Her older brother. Uncle Yasuhiro was a mischievous man, always joking around, never failing to make those around him laugh. He doted on me as I was his first niece and spoiled me rotten. I'll never forget those moments where he would always swing me up to his shoulders when I ran up to him and how he would secretly bring me sweets every time he visited much to mom's chagrin and I—I was going to miss him. My eyes sting but no tears fall.

Maybe it was because I already spent all of my tears the previous night or maybe I was just used to death from my old life, but I couldn't cry. Not anymore. I had to stay strong for mom and Shikamaru.

I don't tell her the classic 'mom don't cry' or the 'it's okay,' because it wasn't. She was heartbroken from loss and right now, she didn't need the reassurance. She needed comfort and so, I silently wrapped my short arms around her legs and leaned my head against her. Mom's arm instantly came to rest on my back, rubbing my arm as if she was comforting me.

I glanced over to my right, where the square patches of stone slabbed graves of the fallen stretched far as I could see. From the influx of the dead, cremation was the only solution as space was becoming a precious commodity.

The Hokage's final words to the dead made me snap back forward. "May the fallen rest in peace."

We deeply bowed for the final time, thanking the dead for their noble sacrifices and slowly the crowd filtered out. Leaving clan leaders, higher ranking shinobi, and the few civilians who wished to stay longer behind.

Mom untied the knots that strapped Shikamaru to her while turning to me. "Can you watch him again? I've been called on duty and need to talk to your father."

I wordlessly nodded and reached out for Shikamaru. He had fallen asleep during the Hokage's speech but woke up to the shuffling. Mom wrapped the baby sling around my body, tightly tying the knots. She then gently lifted my face to look at her and kissed my forehead.

"I'll be home by evening. If you need anything, go to Kanae baa-san. Alright?"

"Okay."

I joined a crowd of civilians, slowly walking out of the cemetery, heading home.

The streets littered with splintered wooden planks, broken structures, and building parts. Shinobi surrounded the area, clearing the roads, bodies, and cleaning out destroyed buildings. Some houses were still standing, others were completely demolished, effectively erased from existence.

I carefully maneuvered around the debris, making sure I didn't stumble or fall with Shikamaru in my arms. The passing shinobi shouted over each other, warning me about potential hazards. While surveying my surroundings, I realized just how lucky we were in terms of the devastation. Compared to the other clan compounds, the Nara had suffered minimal damages. The only area that had considerable destruction was the front portion of the compound which was where our house was located. The repairs started at once as it was the house of a clan leader's and until they were done, we were staying at a clan elder's home, Kanae baa-san's. She wasn't my biological grandmother but most of the clan called her that and naturally I picked up on it too.

"Shikari!" A feminine voice shouted from behind.

I abruptly stopped and looked over my shoulder. Two figures stood at the distance and I recognized them immediately: Izumi and Itachi.

I peered at the sky, knowing Kanae baa-san wanted us home in time for lunch. I didn't want to keep her waiting but it shouldn't take too long. I felt my body change directions, towards where they stood.

"Hey." I greeted as I approached.

"Are you guys coming back from the funeral too?" Izumi nuzzled my little brother's hair. "Hi Shikamaru."

I nodded, "yeah, I was about to head home. What about you guys?"

With a closer look, I noticed how puffy and red Izumi's eyes were and her cheeks stained with dried tear trails. Her smile didn't reach her eyes like it usually did. My eyebrows furrowed in sympathy. She had lost someone too.

She gave a weary smile, "same but our homes are completely destroyed."

I wasn't surprised. The Uchiha clan compound was located closer to the center of the village since they were in charge of the police task force and the brunt of the attack occurred there.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I paused. "Do you guys have a place to stay?"

"Until the repairs are done, we're staying at a clan elder's home." Itachi replied. "Though, I don't know how long that'll take."

"I'm also staying at a clan elder's home too." I murmured, "I hope everything goes back to normal soon."

Izumi sighed in agreement.

Something began shifting against Itachi's chest and my eyes casted downward. "Hello Sasuke."

Sasuke's pudgy hand tightly grasped Itachi's clothes and I'm not sure if I was imagining this, but his eyes became combative and his lips pursed into a pout. Like seriously, I can't be the only one seeing this. Maybe he thought we were going to try holding him again and I learned the hard way that he didn't like to be held by anyone else other than Itachi, even for a second. I thought it was adorable as it told me just how strong their bond was.

"Do you mind if I held Shikamaru?" Izumi timidly asked.

I nodded, "I don't think he'll care." I swiftly untied the knots and gently handed him to her. My shoulder cracked in relief from the much needed break.

Izumi beamed at my little brother. "You're so cute!"

I felt my stomach growl in hunger. "Do you guys want to eat lunch together? My clan elder, Kanae baa-san, made soba."

"Really? I mean, if it isn't too burdensome…" Izumi trailed off.

"Not at all. Baa-san always says the more the merrier," I assured. "So, can you guys come?"

"I can." Izumi said while bouncing Shikamaru and glanced at Itachi.

I lifted a brow. "Itachi?"

He took a moment to deliberate, his face full of hesitation. Honestly, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if he declined. If he can't go, he can't go and that's that. I was about to tell him this when he precipitously answered.

"I can go."

A small smile formed on my lips. "Alright, follow me." I said while leading them to the Nara compound.

Slowly the village began to rebuild itself, trying to heal from the wounds that were viciously inflicted that one fateful night. During the reconstruction, the village council decided to renovate the old structures and a number of the village's boundaries. And without warning, changes began to rapidly occur, changes that will have dire consequences later on.

Deer. A creature with such soulful eyes must have a soul, or at least that's what dad says. Within the village and near the Nara compound, there was a small patch of forest that belonged to the clan where we herd deer. They are intelligent beings, capable of looking after themselves. Such as their ability to distinguish which plants were edible, which were poisonous, and which could heal their illnesses. They required low maintenance and attention. In fact, too much attention makes them skittish.

While walking our way there, Dad explained how they provided the clan with extensive medical knowledge from over centuries of herding. The male deer shed and regrow their antlers annually, which were the remedy to abundant amounts of medicine. By also examining their antlers, studies were dedicated to unlocking the basic principles of regeneration to human limbs and tissues.

We passed through a gate, heavily guarded by our clansmen and stopped by a small house full of supplies needed for the deer maintenance. He led me around the house, showing me where everything was, like the tools and food. When we got to the food though, he took out a small sack and filled it with the feed. I excitedly peered up at him through my lashes. We were going to feed the deer.

The forest was a lot denser than I thought it would be with the trees knit closely together and sunlight struggled to filter through the thick canopy of leaves. We wandered around a bit, quietly creeping around, remaining vigilant of our surrounding and there— there they were.

I stopped following, staring at the majestic creatures in awe.

Dad chuckled as he pulled me along, "come on now, they're waiting."

I half expected them to skitter away from us but they stood their ground, watching our every move. We were at a safe distance where we close enough to interact but far enough to give them territorial space. We wanted them to come to us, not forcing ourselves to them.

"Cup your hands together." Dad said while untying the sack.

I did as I was told and he slowly poured about a third into my hands. He then turned my body to face the creatures. Immediately, three of them began to inch closer to me, deciding if I was a threat. I intuitively backed away, a little afraid from how surreal they looked.

"It's alright." He prodded me closer to them. "They won't bite."

With dad's encouragement, I slowly stuck my hands out, making sure I didn't startle them. After deeming me not a threat, the smaller of the two trotted towards me and dipped its nose into my cupped hands. The tickling sensation of it munching on the food eliciting a giggle from me. Soon, the other two began shoving their noses at my hands, wanting to receive their share. I maintained a small barrier between the deer and I, giving them a comfort zone.

"Look dad!" I whispered-screamed the obvious. "They're eating!"

"Good job," he praised before continuing to feed the other deer. "Since I can't be here every morning, it will be your task to feed the deer and tend to them, making sure each and every one is accounted for. Okay?"

I guess this was his way of teaching responsibility to me at an early age because by all means feeding the deer wasn't an arduous task. It was fun actually. And even if I do forget (which I never will since dad had specifically asked me to.) there were the gatekeepers who also kept track of the ruminant mammals.

I resolutely responded with a nod, taking this small job seriously.

We watched from a distance until the sky began to bruise to the evening and dad suddenly remembered mom's chilling warning that she wanted us home by dinner.

I felt the soothing breeze card through my hair as we strolled back home. I became absorbed in the music of crickets and the silent energy of the evening air washing in.

"Shikari." Dad gently called out.

"Hm?"

"The forest we visited today…only members of the clan are allowed inside this forest, unless special permission is granted to the outsider." He explained. "No one is allowed to even step foot inside. Do you understand?"

"I understand." I said, without question.

He smiled, "good girl."

"You do have time to play shogi tonight, right?" I asked while slipping my hand into his.

He hummed, stroking his goatee, pretending to think. "I don't know, do I?"

These days, he has been teasing me more often, taking every opportunity he could get. At first, I didn't really respond, my adult mind not affected by them. But over time, I realized it was one of his many ways of showing affection and I wholeheartedly accepted. In my past life, I didn't spend much time with my parents due to my military career and rarely saw them. This life made me realize how much I regretted that. This life made me appreciate them more. This life made me treasure them, love them more.

"Daaaaad," I whined. "You promised earlier!"

He stifled a laugh. "I can't remember ever saying that."

I huffed, "You did just this morning. While mom was folding laundry and we were eating breakfast. You specifically said—" I paused, trying my hardest to mimic his voice, "Shogi? I think I have time later. We can play then." My voice returned to normal. "Remember?"

Dad's body convulsed with laughter. "Alright, alright. I remember, we can play after dinner." He assured while trying to regain his composure.

I cheered and leaned my head against his arm, "this time I'm going to win!"

"Oh?" He flashed an eyebrow. "We'll see about that."

After dinner, dad and I immediately began setting up for shogi. We played a few rounds, which each resulted in my impending defeat and the last match ended early with mom scolding me that my bed time was approaching. I kissed Shikamaru goodnight and waited for mom and dad to tuck me into bed.

I jerked awake from that weird falling sensation I felt every so often and groggily rolled to my side. I cringed and rubbed my eyes from the sliver of light that filtered its way through the slightly opened door. I paused. The lights were still on. I slowly got up, searching for the electric clock. 12:31 AM.

I crept out of bed and the hushed voices of my parents from downstairs grew into murmurs as I got closer to the door. My eyebrows knit in confusion. Usually, at this time, I would hear their muffled conversations in their bedroom while I stumbled my way to the bathroom but not tonight. Tonight, it seemed their conversation was much more urgent and I became curious.

Carefully, I cracked open the door wider and flinched when the door decided to groan of my awakened state. I waited for a second, making sure my parents were still carrying on their talk. I didn't want to feel mom's wrath. When I deemed the door was opened wide enough, I poke my head through and intently listened.

"… and do you seriously believe them?" Mom asked incredulously.

There was a beat of silence before dad answered. "No."

"Then where did they conceive such a ridiculous accusation?" Mom slammed down what I assumed to be a plate.

"Yoshino, the children are sleeping."

Mom sighed in frustration, "it doesn't make sense. The Uchiha are responsible for the Konoha Military Police Force. They wouldn't commit such a treasonous act upon the village."

I felt my heart thump against my chest from the word Uchiha. Itachi and Izumi. Why…? What did their clan do to harm the village? What did they…

"During the last council meeting, Danzo-sama explained their decision of relocating the clan." Dad rasped. "The clan were relocated under the pretext that it was necessary for Konoha's reconstruction. However, I don't think so."

"Then what do you think the reason is?"

"You are aware of their Kekki Genkai, yes?" Mom must've known as dad continued, "during the attack, I overheard one of the Uchiha discuss that their sharingan's ability could control the Nine Tails, protecting the village and… I think the council believes their control could've started the attack in the first place. They are convinced that the attack was the first of many manifestations of the Uchiha's long dissatisfaction. So—"

"So, they're isolating the clan." Mom caught on quickly, "to surveillance them and prevent additional attacks."

He hummed, affirming her statement. "Why else would they keep the Uchiha at further reach? The clan is reputed to be the village's strongest and their notoriety reached far, far to the other villages. As such, it only makes sense for the council to keep the clan close to protect the village. Further isolating of the clan without a valid reason is an irrational choice."

"Unbelievable," mom muttered. "Then you must inform Fugaku of your—"

"I cannot. Not yet at least. They are suspicions, my suspicions. And if they are proven wrong, how will the Nara be regarded by the village? Yes, I worry for the Uchiha, but our clan is my priority." Dad sighed, "the rumors travel fast within the village and I'm afraid Fugaku and his clan are already aware of the skepticism."

"Then, have you talked to Inoichi and Chōza about this?"

"No, not entirely but they too believe there is an underlying guise the council is hiding from us." Dad theorized, "it lacks logic; relocating the clan responsible for the Police Force to the outskirts prevents them to act swiftly during an emergency."

There was a brief moment of silence before the sound of a chair screeching against the floor prompted me to slip my head back to my room and leave the door ajar like it was previously. I swiftly climbed into bed and closed my eyes, pretending to sleep. Again, I didn't want to face mom's wrath tonight.

Their disembodied voices continued to muffle from downstairs until finally the lights turned off and the house became still, devoid of noise.

Once it was safe to, I opened my eyes. Part of me struggled to comprehend everything I just heard, feeling uncertain and it was a lot to take in for a five-year-old. Actually, it was something that a five-year-old should not have listened to. The other part of me wanted to share the information to the people that were involved in this situation, Izumi and Itachi. But the way dad sounded so unsure about himself meant that it will be detrimental to our clan if revealed. And as a Nara, my clan came first. I was internally at war with myself, questioning my morals. Was this being selfish? Was I disregarding my friends? I stopped short. Were we even friends? Do they consider me as one? After all, we literally just met each other a few days ago.

For now, my reticence on this issue was the only way that could 'benefit' both of the clans but it was something that I will keep at the back of my mind.

"Be prepared to go outside." Dad announced one morning during breakfast.

I stared at him quizzically before forcing myself to swallow a mouthful of unchewed rice and my throat ached. "Outside? Why?"

Dad looked up from feeding Shikamaru his morning bottle. "To start training, of course."

Mom spun around from the kitchen sink. "Training? She's only five, barely turning six soon and her chakra reserves haven't fully developed. Don't you think it's too early?"

"It's not too early to have a head start," he drawled. "Besides, it won't be something too rigorous, only baby steps for now."

After breakfast, I followed dad to the backyard, near where the pond and a crimson tree stood. Unlike the other houses of the compound, our backyard was vast, containing not just the zen garden but a small training ground as well.

Just as dad said, the training was light. We started off with basic stretches and a brief review over the different jutsu categories. He led me to the training area which consisted of multiple target boards, some laid on the ground, others pinned to a tree and a wooden structure shaped as a cross with harsh slash marks all over it. Dad unpinned the target boards on the tree, leaving only one that matched my height. He walked back to me and rummaged through the small pouches on his right leg and behind his back.

"Alright, this is a shuriken and this is a kunai," he lifted his hands that held the said items. "Today, you'll be learning how to accurately throw them like this." He demonstrated.

Both weapons whistled through the air and landed at the center with deadly precision. He went over to retrieve them.

Honestly, it didn't seem too hard and from the distance I was standing. I think I could land both at the center. I think. In my previous life, I was taught how to use the gun during my military days and practiced often at the shooting range. But here's the thing, that was a gun. I didn't have the experience in throwing knives or any sharp weapons for that matter and now that I think about it, I don't think I'm going to do too well with this.

He gripped the kunai by the sharp end as he carefully handed both weapons to me. "Now, your turn."

I stared at the circular target.

Dad must've sensed my hesitation. "It's okay if you miss. Practice makes perfect."

I took a deep breath and steadied myself, positioning the weapons in my hand like dad did moments before. I threw and to my surprise, both landed with a loud thunk. The shuriken landed closer to the center than the kunai did which I expected. The kunai was obviously bulkier and heavier than the shuriken, making it a bit harder for me to throw.

"Not bad for the first try," he praised. "Again, practice makes perfect."

After a couple of more throws, we moved on to taijutsu or more like defensive taijutsu styles. He taught me different tricks to quickly analyze the opponent's attacks and respond with certain moves to block, to protect vital spots.

At the end of it, dad was pretty impressed with how fast I learned the moves. Most of the techniques he showed me required him to demonstrate only once and I would replicate it with near perfection. I knew that my adult mind combined with my military background were the catalyst to my swift understanding. The techniques were a blend of the martial arts such as karate, taekwondo, and I think a bit of kung fu too, which I learned during my pre-military days.

We sat underneath the scarlet tree, the wind drying the beads of sweat that formed on my forehead and back. I occasionally peered down at the pond, watching the koi fish begging for food when they were already fed by mom earlier.

"Do you know why I started training you?" Dad asked.

I looked up, curious as to why he would ask a question that had an obvious answer to it. This was the ninja world, of course training was mandatory. It was essential to ninja like breathing; without it, death was certain.

"Because I'm going to be a ninja?"

He chuckled, "well, yes but remember what I said this morning? It's to give you a head start; a head start for the academy."

I felt my eyes slightly narrow. Ah yes, the ninja academy. A few of my older cousins were already enrolled and now me. But so soon? Unlike my old world where age had a correlation to what year level of education you were 'supposed' to be at, the ninja academy had no such thing. Parents were allowed to enroll their children as young as six if they were deemed mature enough and I guess my parents thought I was.

"I am?" I cocked my head to the side. "When am I going?"

"The spring after you turn six." He continued, "the clan elders decided that it would be wise for you to attend early as you held the responsibility of clan heiress."

I literally had to force myself from grimacing. Clan heiress. I wasn't too sure if I could acquire the necessary skills of becoming one and the pressure, the burden that came with it made me drown in anxiety. It was obvious that being clan heir was no easy task, evident from dad's time at his office and the amount of clan meetings he attended. We briefly touched on the subject before, during the night we first played shogi but I hurriedly disregarded it, not wanting to think about the future yet. However, I knew it was inevitable and I suppose one day I will live up to those expectations of heiress.

On the bright side, attending the academy meant meeting new people, learning more in depth about this shinobi world and my heart jumped at the thought. It's funny how elated I was to attend compared to my reaction to school in my previous life. My excitement made me wonder if Itachi and Izumi were going to be enrolled this early on as well.

As my mind vigorously swirled with my thoughts, a gush of wind whipped through the air, causing the tree above us to shed its scarlet leaves. I tilted my head back, watching the leaves continue to rain down on us then looked down to pick one up nearby.

"Dad, what type of tree is this?" I asked whilst peering up again.

The tree had to have some type of meaning to my parents since it was planted right at the center of the entire garden. Or maybe not; you know, I might be looking into this way more than it needs to. They might've just planted it for its beauty.

He too picked up a leaf and smiled, "it's called a maple tree and your mother and I picked it for a reason."

I twirled the leaf between my fingers, unsurprised that my first guess was correct. My parents were the type of people who put careful thought into everything they did and had a very specific reason behind those actions.

"The maple tree symbolizes peace and serenity, keeping balance, harmony of the world's elements." He nuzzled my hair. "We chose to plant this tree in hopes that one day there will be a time of peace for this generation and onwards."

My eyes drifted back to the giant tree, understanding mom and dad's hopeful wish for the future. But it was a shame that the chances of such hopes will not be fulfilled by this generation, maybe even the next. People demand, desire for peace and yet the very same beings are the ones that start the conflict. Ironic isn't it?

"Well," he stood up, taking my hand. "I think it's time we head back. I bet Shikamaru is waiting for you."

For the months leading up to my enrollment of the academy, I continued to train, study, and grow. If dad was too busy, then mom would take over and let me point out, she did not hold back. Her chakra exercises were rigorous with each secession leaving me sore, panting for air.

My sixth birthday came by, holding a small celebration with just mom, dad, and Shikamaru. It was something simple like I wanted, nothing too extravagant and attention seeking. My parents were puzzled with my plain birthday request, thinking that I would at least invite some cousins or possibly Izumi and Itachi over. I was perfectly content with the small celebration.

Soon, spring washed in like a gentle tide, advancing confidently with bright warmth and of new beginnings.