The Weasel and the Lotus Chapter 7, a naruto fanfic

A/N: Hi there, what do you guys think so far? Thank you.

Music: From this moment

One step at a time

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

CHAPTER 7

He was at a loss, not quite sure if what he was feeling was his own or simply his empathy for her pain finally laying claim to him. As hard as he tried this time he could not bury or hide it away deep down, he had to face them head on. Looking at her sobbing form he feels her pain slowly dissipate, it doesn't dissolve completely but it lessens enough to make a difference. He wonders, 'Is this how she fights her darkness?'

Another two months had passed since the incident with Akimasa, Nalina kept her promise and visited him shortly after, taking Itachi with her just in case. She had taken his hands in hers and proceeded to draw out the sadness, doubt, negativity and loathing that were the core of the darkness within him. Itachi noticed afterwards how heavy her aura had become.

She had drowned herself in her training after that - explaining that she needed to become just a little bit stronger if she wanted to be of some assistance. Her bond with Itachi was blooming and her resistance to spending time with him had nearly faded completely. Her abilities after that day had grown frightfully to his astonishment. Her ability to control her chakra surges was still sorely lacking in his opinion, however he had to concede that her powers was completely tied in with her emotions – the one not being able to separate from the other completely. Despite this he had to marvel at how quickly she had adapted, they even discovered that she did not need hand signs to manipulate her chakra and utilise her jutsus. She was becoming very skilled with her water dragon even beginning to use other water techniques, her hair shield however still eluded them he had to admit though it was a very powerful defence.

Naruto's training had started although he did request to wait until after Mikoto gave birth before leaving the village. Sasuke's pairing faired much the same as Anko also revealed that to teach him all she knew they would have to head to Ryūchi Cave. As Sakura's sensei was in the village she would be left alone, without a team. This meant they only had a few weeks left together, it definitely put a dark cloud over their heads but the knowledge of growing stronger individually was somewhat of a consolation.

Mikoto was being fussed over by every single person around. Close female relatives came to cook and clean while her health was being seen to personally by Lady Tsunade (now an almost daily visitor within the compound), Team 7, Fugaku, Itachi, Shisui and even Kakashi all enforcing her 'bed-rest' diagnosis – much to her vexation. He watched her make daily visits with his mother, noting as she hummed to her growing belly while stroking it soothingly – he was convinced she was doing something but just not sure what as his mother had ordered him to leave them in peace for those moments.

Kakashi still has his talks with Nalina and she is like a little sister to him now. He is fiercely protective of her and any male who even looks at her a second time are quickly and very subtly but effectively discouraged. She is unaware of any such attentions from the males surrounding her – but he notices as does Itachi who deals more firmly with the ones who don't take the hint the first time. He is forced to return to his active Jonin duties and has less available time to spend with her now due to his missions, she understands he has responsibilities and tries her best to hide her sadness at his absence.

Itachi watched as Nalina still visits the orphanage where she plays games and reads to the children, in short just loving them like an older sister would. She still assists anybody willing to accept her aid from carrying a grocery basket to just being a sympathetic ear around the compound too. He was even present the day when Lady Tsunade finally allowed her to withdraw some of the pain and suffering while playing with her hair – he noted she has become more proficient in this power. He wonders if there is more to the ability than the extraction but the thought that bothers him most is what happens to the darkness she is taking from people. The warning from the Light has not left his thoughts once.

Nalina has requested to leave the compound more frequently, especially since she was meeting with Lady Tsunade more often now (the female also taking a very protective position over her since then). Her detail for these ventures is a bit crowded if anybody asks her (which nobody does) but it awards her some form of freedom to roam in the village at least. Her companions always consist of two Uchiha's (one now always being Itachi), two Hyuga's (one almost always Neji), and either a Nara, Akimichi or Yamanaka as well as Kakashi when he doesn't have a mission.

It is on one of these visits to the Hokage tower that they are again surprised by the young girls' capabilities. Currently in the office where Tsunade is pouring over her desk still covered in endless paperwork and scrolls, Sakura is in the next room practicing on a fish with Nalina ending up rummaging in a forgotten cupboard on the opposite side of the room, pulling out a trolley covered with a rather dusty cloth. "What's this?" her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Oh! Just a piece of junk supposed to make paperwork less but it seems to be more work than its worth. It was a gift from Suna's young Kazekage - a sign of good faith towards their peace treaty with us thanks to Naruto." Tsunade explains without really looking up from the scroll in her hands.

"So why don't you use it?" her confusion not even concealed at this point as she pulls off the dusty cloth revealing a desktop.

"It doesn't work" Tsunade offers easily, shrugging her shoulders a little bit.

Nalina is already busy plugging in cables and searching for power sources, crawling on the floor trailing the walls when suddenly after she has seemed to spend a good amount of time making a spectacle of herself on her knees the screen lights up. Immediately she pops the keyboard and mouse closer and starts typing fast and very efficiently not even looking up.

"Wow! He has programmed it with some awesome software too! Lady Tsunade you should really implement this in the hospital and library and even your archives. You won't need to search for dusty scrolls anymore." She raises her head to find all eyes on her, each one with a more incredulous look than the last.

"You know how to work that thing?" the Akimichi on her detail today enquires in between his bites of cookies (his chakra's choice of snacks leant more towards the sweeter kind).

"Uhmm…yes? It's kinda part of my normal job back home. Well, just capturing data and stuff but you pick up things when you're surrounded by stuff the whole time…why are you looking at me like that?"

Tsunade has a devious smirk plastered over her face, a sure sign that she is up to no good "I just found you your new job Little Lotus, though it seems I will have to request more of those contraptions for you."

"Excuse me?" her nose scrunches up at the pet name Tsunade favours for her but she says nothing in retaliation choosing to focus on what was being implied rather.

"You will be in charge of setting up and capturing all information on that gadget. You will also be doing it for the hospital and library mind you. What and how you do it is for your discretion. There is an empty office down the corridor closer to the archives, should make capturing the damn documents easier for you." Tsunade explains her thoughts withholding her real reason – she hopes to eliminate most of her daily paperwork.

"She is in no need of employment Hokage-sama, rest assure-" Itachi started but was interrupted quite suddenly.

"I accept! Thank you, thank you so so much" Nalina was beaming so brightly the dust clinging to her face completely forgotten then. "I will try my best to do a satisfactory job but I do still need to train….guess I'll have to figure something out –" her voice trails off as she starts a dialogue with herself, something Itachi has also noted – she talks to herself out loud…no shame or embarrassment. She is up and sets off to begin preparing her workspace properly enlisting the help of her detail to move and dust and clean.

Much too soon she was settled into a solid routine and another 2 months had passed. She spends her mornings training with Itachi always pushing herself harder and further then she drops by at the orphanage always bringing them something as a treat. Her afternoons she spends shut away in the small office next to the archives where she has implemented a simple but efficient system and she started to capture the documents and scrolls for easy reference.

She heads home most evenings for dinner, after which she spends an hour or so with his mother and her nightly dance session after which she slips out (more like teleports) back to her office to finish off more work. Itachi notices that even though her days seem to be more hectic now she seems to be happier than he has ever seen her. He would always follow her back to her office, preferring to keep her within reach despite her being in no apparent danger. He had a couch and small coffee table placed in one corner – doubling as a dinner table and cot whenever she fell asleep at her desk (this happening most nights now leaving him to doze off in the remaining chair).

Her purpose besides being a messenger being her driving force for pushing herself to improve at all costs, it makes her more eager to learn and it also makes accessing the information stored away by the Light easier to access to her consciously.

It's late winter and the snow is already starting to fall less in Konoha, her first snowfall was an event for everybody. Nalina was playing in it and acting very much like a small child until she explained that where she came from it never snowed in winter. They understood her excitement then and even indulged her more so and her wonderment had spilt over ensnaring everybody to partake just a little in the magical fluff around them. It was during one of these moments that Neji caught her attention as he was standing deep in thought, his usual stoic expression set grim on his face.

"What's wrong?" he didn't even hear her coming to stand next to him he was so deep in thought.

"Nothing… I'm not even sure why I am still thinking about him" he waves off her concern easily.

"Him?" she queries the confusion clear on her face as she gently touches his arm to face her.

"Hmm, Tsunade has informed him he won't be able to continue being a shinobi anymore" his explanation stumbling out before he could catch it.

"Oh my gosh! Lee!" turning abruptly she starts running in the hospital's direction then, still mumbling under her breath. "I am such a blinking little fudge-bucket! Mistress please forgive me."

Neji hears all this but doesn't understand as he easily keeps up with her – 'She knows Lee?'

Reaching the hospital, she rushes to the front desk asking after Tsunade – she was only due to arrive the next day as she has too much Hokage duties for the day. Turning on her heel and nearly ploughing Neji and her whole detail over (besides Itachi who remained by the door), she heads for the tower.

"Lady Tsunade! I completely forgot….Lee…I can help him" the words explodes from her mouth much like her as she nearly ran down the door.

"I may like you you nitwit but th-…..wait! What did you just say?" dropping the scroll she was holding.

"I….said…I...can help…Lee" gulping down air in between words "I…forgot. Please forgive me, I'm such a cluts"

"Forget about that...explain! What do you mean help Lee?" the medic now more interested in how she means to help her patient.

"Well…actually it's more like helping you help Lee. Mistress has the ability to heal any kind of injury, I can channel that…with your help that is" she tries desperately to explain to the medic.

Pushing her chair back Tsunade is already on her feet with this news "What do you need me to do? I've already done all I could but his injuries are just too extensive. He has already started to heal too. How?"

"Let's just get there first, you will see what I mean" with this she is already heading out the door having given up trying to explain in words – 'Some things people just need to see to understand.'

By the time they arrived in Lee's room he was trying to do some workouts despite being warned not to by the nurses and Tsunade. Nalina steps in and beams at the bowl cut boy, meeting him for the first time she bows low "It's an honour to finally meet you Lee. You are quite an inspiration I must add, your youth truly is eternal" she adds with a giggle.

"Let's just get this over with before I change my mind and permanently incapacitate him due to his incompetence to follow simple instructions" Tsunade growls from the door where she stopped when seeing Lee trying to do one handed press ups on his bed. Lee looks dejected while Nalina is chuckling under her breath trying to hide her amusement.

Having made Lee comfortable in bed again Nalina proceeds to take a seat next to him on the bed with her feet dangling over the edge. Tsunade moves closer standing next to Nalina facing Lee as he lays back into his pillow.

"Lady Tsunade, you have done all you could yes but your chakra heals by assisting cells to regenerate what is/was damaged. My Mistresses chakra however can make new cells where there are none too heal. It can also reverse whatever damage was done."

"And how am I supposed to get my hands on your Mistress's chakra?" the medic queries audaciously, her fists perched on her hips.

"Like this…" laying her palms on Tsunade's forearm as she guides her hands to the boy in the bed. From her hands a golden glow starts to emit as Tsunade's hands start to glow her usual bright healing green. They watch as the golden glow flows through the medic and on reaching her palms they change her own to a darker warmer shade of green before it soaks into the injured form before them.

The whole process takes longer than anticipated and somewhere in that time Nalina had started to transfer some of her normal chakra to help the medic sustain her flow. Nobody except for Itachi (who saw Nalina move one hand to Tsunade's abdomen) and the medic (who felt her levels start to replenish despite being mid-procedure) notices this. A thin film of perspiration on her brow is the only sign the blonde has visible when she eventually lifts her hands from Lee who is deep in slumber now. Nalina stays seated on the edge of the bed placing her hands at her sides clenching the covers.

It is when she tries to stand that Neji catches her first by reaching out and circling her waist with one arm curling her into his chest (he had moved to stand next to her during the healing) with Itachi next to him just a moment too late as her legs refuses to hold her weight. Smiling up at him while steadying herself by holding onto his shoulders she chuckles "I'm not a very good battery huh" before closing her eyes and letting unconsciousness claim her.

-O-

It was late spring when Tsunade decided to keep Mikoto at the hospital, expecting the twins to arrive any day now. Remarkably the entire pregnancy had elapsed without much fuss except the usual morning sickness and hormones – Tsunade (as well as Itachi and his father) convinced it was all due to Nalina. For the last few days she was a constant companion to the older female, continuously humming and doting on the expecting woman, never leaving her side for more than an hour at a time.

It came as no surprise when she blinked into Tsunade's office one bright afternoon "Lady Tsunade, it's time!" just as suddenly leaving in a flurry of lotus petals, the blonde medic roars down the hallway on her way to the hospital.

In the delivery room Fugaku is next to Mikoto holding her hand and Nalina on her other side while the nurses are frantically shuffling about getting emergency equipment ready in case it is needed. When Tsunade finally enters dressed in a crisp white apron and scrubs with gloves pulled up to her elbows, barking orders they remain standing in place.

"With all due respect Hokage-sama, but I would prefer to be present this time" Fugaku's voice was stern but the tremor not completely hidden at that moment. The medic merely nods.

"Mikoto, I would prefer if Nalina could stay. I may need her assistance and would rather have her here instead of outside" the medic explains.

"Th-that is wh-why…urgggh…." – (in between cramps and gasps of air) – "wh-why I asked her to st-stay…arrrghh."

4 and a half hours later –

Fugaku exits the delivery room to find Team 7, Shisui, Kakashi, Hiashi and many more patiently waiting to hear what happened. His face is stricken and his complexion looks drained, this immediately has both sons at his side – until they hear the feint crying of two babies and his face lights up with joy. "Two beautiful girls. They are all safe and healthy!" he beams. Relief washes over the entire room and before long everybody is either slapping each other (mostly Fugaku) on the back or clasping one another in huge bear hugs (mostly Sakura drowning Sasuke in an embrace) while crying some not so silent tears of joy.

"They are beautiful Mikoto! Healthy and strong just like their mother" the blonde medic brings over the two wrapped little girls to their mother's waiting embrace.

She is crying and sobbing before she even lays her eyes on them; Nalina keeps to the back but cranes her neck to have a peek – her heart filled to the brim with love for the new-borns. "Thank you so much every one, I could not have done this without you. Nalina? Where are you child? Will you not come meet your sisters?" she suddenly asks missing the ever present girl at her side for the first time as she gazes onto the faces of the babies.

Nalina gasps at what Mikoto just said but just as quickly shoves it aside as a mishap, a mistake made in a moment of joy and over emotion. "I'm still here Mikoto, I haven't left your side." Moving closer she sees the two precious beings with their porcelain skin and ebony hair both sucking contently on their little thumbs. The eldest was starting to get fussy pulling her fists away from her face and rubbing her eyes before she opened them…with garnet coloured blazing Sharingan on show for everybody to see.

Mikoto and Tsunade both inhale sharply, never has a child been born with the Sharingan. Nalina just smiles.

On closer inspection they see her eyes are not the usual blood red or crimson but rather a darker deeper shade of red, the rich colour of a garnet jewel. Mikoto hushes and sooths the nagging baby "Aiko shh now". It took a while for the youngest to open her eyes…they were ebony with a single thin but definable ring of hazel embedded around her pupil, giving them an eerie yet beautiful effect.

"No!...Keiko? I-it can't be…." Nalina stood shocked frozen in place as tiny fingers reach from the blanket to hold onto her fingers where they were clasping tightly. "Sh-she has Keiko's eyes." Tsunade looks at the child and then Nalina completely flabbergasted by what she just heard.

-O-

Sakura has fainted (not for the first time it seemed); but this time Tsunade effectively removed her off any active duty rosters as well as designated her to admin only related duties at the hospital. Her physical training was also placed on hold by her sensei. The new jutsu that Tsunade had taught her was taking a toll on her chakra reserves; she simply did not have as much available as stronger shinobi did. This means she has more time on her hands now and with her boys gone not much she could do. She heads over to the Uchiha compound hoping she would be of some assistance to Mikoto at least, the twins now being two months old.

When she arrives Mikoto informs her that she is just about to take a nap with the girls but that she was more than welcome to stay in the meantime. "Nalina should be in her room, go through and catch up a bit it's her first day off since she started on the archives."

Nodding in thanks she heads down the corridor, feeling very sorry for herself and a little disappointed for always being so weak. Stepping onto the bridge she sees the girl laying on the porch watching nothing in particular in the small garden off to the side. "Hey Nalina, are you busy?" she asks a little hesitantly, not wanting to be a nuisance on her only day off.

"Hi Cherry! For you? Never!" the older girl beams truly happy to see the pink haired medic-in-training before her.

Sakura scrunches up her nose at the pet name "Awww, will you stop calling me that already? I swear it's almost as bad as being called Pinkie!" she pouts with indignation.

Nalina erupts in a fit of giggles rolling over as she holds her side "Nope, you're my Cherry and I'm sticking to it. I love cherries by the way, one of my favourite fruits aaaand I think their blossoms are exquisite…just like you. Your parents were wise when they chose your name, it's just so….YOU."

Itachi chuckles to himself hearing the exchange below from where he sits on the wall under the shade of an overhanging tree, his concealment genjutsu cloaking him from their view. He finds it odd that Nalina would continue to call her a pet name when she herself does not appreciate having pet names bestowed on her.

Sakura pulls another face and sticks out her tongue "Well guess I'll just have to start calling you a pet name too now right? What about Short-Stuff? You're actually quite tiny for your age." She retorts hoping to get under the other girls' skin her foot lightly tapping and arms crossed with her head cocked to one side.

Hazel eyes are filled with mirth as she breaks out into a full blown laughter spell that seems to come from somewhere deep in her tummy, it rings slightly like bells Sakura thinks. "Oh wow, why are you in such a bad mood today? I would think you'd be happy to have some down time finally" Nalina manages to ask her as she settles her laughter down. She picks up on the little darkness around the pinkette and hopes she can get her to open up a bit as the girl drops down next to her folding her legs Indian style.

Green eyes are suddenly glazed as they drop to her hands in her lap, she sighs loud and long "If it was just an off day it would be fine but I am so weak and it seems the harder I try the more I'm reminded that I am not as strong as I should be. I just wonder sometimes, maybe I'm not the right konoichi for the job." A single tear escapes as she spills her confession and not for the for the time she notes that she can never withhold her true emotions around the bluette, she berates herself mentally for again being so weak.

"Oh Sakura…." the older girl moves closer and encircles her in her arms softly "You are more important than you give yourself credit for. You are also stronger than you think you are - you just need to believe in yourself, give yourself time. When your training is complete you will be responsible for amazing breakthroughs within the medical field you know, you will surpass your sensei in ways she could never have dreamed of."

Sakura looks at her with doubt clearly written over her face "I could never…how can you think stuff like that."

Nalina stares deep into the questioning green pools staring back at her with complete confusion and a little wonderment. "I think it's time I gave you your gift now, I was hoping to wait till later but I think you would benefit more from getting them now. Will you do me a favour? Can you bring Ino, Tenten and Hinata here too? There is something you all need to see and hear."

Sakura is truly confused now but something in the golden gaze she is holding makes her get up from her seat "I-I'll go see if I can find them for you…" she leaves glancing back over her shoulder more often than she would like to admit, in the pit of her being a weird sense of excitement building. Why? She does not even know herself in that moment.

On the wall Itachi himself is curious. What gift? He looks down at the bluette playing with the ends of her braided hair as the pinkette moves out of view into his home. When she is gone he hears Nalina again conversing with nobody – "I know I am not meant to interfere but this needs to be done. They can only benefit from it." – intrigued does not even begin to explain how he feels then. She leans over and peers over the edge of the porch into the pond that nearly reaches the brim of the walkway around the hut, fingering a lone lotus bloom – "What good are their gifts anyways if I hold onto them so long?"

-O-

The young girls arrive within the hour, they are all outside the small hut on the porch waiting on Nalina as they hear her shuffling around inside. Hinata jumps slightly when she suddenly feels a hand on her shoulder, the light blush rising an immediate occurrence – Nalina had exited via the sliding door in her bedroom. "No need to be anxious honey, I won't bite" she chuckles softly.

"Uhmm, I don't mean to be rude but….what are we doing here again?" the platinum blonde with clear blue eyes asks bluntly.

"Uhmm, any chance one of you have a speaker I could borrow? Please?" Nalina asks in response to the question receiving only shrugs from the other girls around her. "Okay then… guess I'll just have to make do then. We will be in the orchard behind the main house if anybody is looking for us" her words an almost shout and the girls look at each other and then her as if she may be a little insane speaking so loudly.

She ushers them all over the small bridge but redirects them away from the house to a solid wooden door within the wall closest to her hut. Finally opening the heavy door as it creaks on its hinges they make their way out into a small meadow, crossing it they enter the line of trees on the edge. Following a small pathway, they end up in a patch with different kinds of fruit trees and berry bushes sporadically placed in and around a small clearing that is surrounded by towering trees. The sunlight filtering through the overhead canopy most during the middle of the day allows for each variant to receive their optimum amount of sunlight and protection, the floor of the clearing although covered in soft grass is solid and hard like wooden flooring as if covered by a thin carpet.

Turning to the other girls – "Okay, I need you to listen…just listen to what is being said. It will all make sense then" – her small explanation before she walks over to the middle of the clearing.

"Uhmmm, weren't you looking for a speaker earlier? I think I've found one" Tenten suddenly pulls the focus to her as she steps out from beneath an apple tree with low branches holding up a portable speaker with USB inputs.

Nalina beams mysteriously – "THANK YOU" – she shouts this time giggling somewhat to herself as the rest just look around at who she is talking to.

From his perch in the canopy he has a perfect view with no need to conceal himself, he smiles as he hears her shout of thanks. He wonders how long she has known he was constantly present, he shakes his head deciding to play out their little game for now.

Next to Tenten now Nalina switches on the speaker after plugging in her player and selecting a certain song. After pressing play she heads a little way back into the clearing as the first few bars of the song start to fill the air around them.

Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away
Everything that you've always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste
But you just can't touch

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting
We live and we learn to take

One step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen when it's
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You're confused, and got it all figured out
Everything that you always wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours
If they only knew

When you can't wait any longer
But there's no end in sight (when you need to find the strength)
It's the faith that makes you stronger
The only way you get there
Is one step at a time

One step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen when it's
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

She silently mouths the words along as the song plays making sure the girls listen to what is being relayed with the music all while dancing little circles around them. She acts out the lyrics as if to drive the music's message home to them. By the second chorus the girls had started to join in the dancing but not knowing the words they didn't sing along. They were thoroughly enjoying themselves walking little steps in unison to the music and lyrics.

Watching from above Itachi is surprised to see she is sharing her music and dancing with them, he had to admit that this was not nearly as captivating as her nightly rituals he has grown accustomed to (not wanting to admit the chakra pulse at the end provides him with such peaceful rest that he has become almost addicted to it). Even so he felt her chakra stir and build, quite differently though so he crept a few branches lower to provide himself with an even better view.

As the song ends the girls all strike a pose and bursts into laughter at their own silliness. Sakura was the first to break their little fanciful mood "Thanks guys, that actually makes me feel so much better" a bright smile plastered on her face genuinely feeling much better than she did earlier.

"Y-yeah i-it does, d-doesn't it" Hinata stutters in agreement.

"Oi! I didn't come for dance lessons, I was told we're receiving gifts" Ino finally interjects.

Looking from one to the other with a little confusion and surprise the whole group erupts in giggles again. Finally Nalina clears her throat and steps closer to Sakura, "It is actually a gift just for Cherry here but Konoha needs the four of you to become stronger together. The guys outnumber you all anyways." She adds while simply shrugging her shoulders. Her joke at the end was met with eye rolls and small chuckles before they agreed with her though. "Besides I need witnesses to attest that I am not harming our blossom here" – she winks at Sakura who puffs up her cheeks – "this is something Mistress knows you will need and put to great use in the future. It's not an extreme gift but what you will change it into will be a sight to behold." She lays her one hand on pink hair and the other just below Sakura's breasts while closing her eyes.

Itachi watches from the leaves following the movements and comments until he sees Nalina putting her hands on Sakura, he feels her chakra churning, building he is just not sure to what end. As she closes her eyes there is a moment of pause before a gentle wave of chakra followed by a more powerful burst explodes from within Nalina, it focusses and absorbs mostly on Sakura but the emanating radius is enough to fill the whole small orchard and the weaker edges still reach the other girls some of it absorbing into them.

"What the hell was that? What did you do to us?" Ino shrieks as she feels the vibrations of the foreign chakra pulse through her.

"Sh-she gave us chakra… can't you feel it?" Hinata answers the blondes question as she too observes the changes in her aura patterns.

"It's not normal chakra, she just made us stronger. Tell me you feel that too" This time Tenten seeks to confirm. Of the three she is the one most aware of her limits (thanks to her constant sparring and training sessions with Team Gai especially Neji) and because of this she has noted the very definite but subtle increase in her limit and strength. It was raised just by that much – not a massive amount like Naruto's endless reserves but still the increase was there.

Nalina chuckles gently – "Yes, it has. You ladies were inside the bounds and received some of the residual waves and yes, they have somewhat changed your limits and strength. Our Cherry here on the other hand…now well she just received in increase in her reserves" – turning her attention to Sakura now who is a little off balance currently. "I think we should help her back to the house now, she needs to rest for a bit."

The girls all move closer and between them they help the pinkette back to the main house. "Who's up for a sleep over? I'm sure Mikoto would enjoy the company" Nalina slyly asks and the girls all accept eagerly. "Fantastic! That way you are all here when you need to explain just how your strength has increased." she adds with a brilliant smile across her face as she peeks up into the canopy spying just a glint of crimson before they exit the trees completely.

That night just after a beautiful dinner that Mikoto prepared, the girls were busy cleaning the kitchen while Nalina had offered to lay the twins down for the night giving Mikoto some much needed alone time. She was seated in the rocking chair with a little girl in each arm, humming to them gently.

Itachi was peering into the nursery through the door watching as she gazed lovingly at the pair of subdued girls she was rocking. He notices the tune she is humming is the very same one she always used to hum when rubbing his mothers' bump while pregnant. Her chakra is still reacting to her emotions but he detects there is a vast difference to what is happening now. Her aura is soothing like a warm blanket on a cold winters night, the tranquil comfort of a log fire on a snowy evening – it envelopes everything lulling the senses into peace. He deduces that it's not just her emotions that affect her chakra but also music. So caught in his musing was he that he failed to notice when she fell silent.

"Keiko my little precious, you are so lucky! You have a little big sister to always keep you company and two older brothers that will love and spoil you rotten. A mother and father that both adores you and an entire village that will protect you. I could not have hoped for a better life than what you will have here. I just hope that even a small part of you knows that I really love you with my whole heart and I would've and will still give my life for yours."

He is taken aback by what he hears…could it be? No! It could not possibly be her daughter, could it? He watches as a tear slips from her bright hazel eyes and slides over her cheek coming to rest like a lone rain drop on the end of her chin. A small hand reaches up to wipe it away as if on purpose.

"Aiko" – a light chuckle erupts from her lips – "I'm not going to take her away silly, she belongs here with you. And yes, I love you just as much because you are just as special my little warrior princess. You will give your big brother a run for his money in being the strongest of the clan department right?" The little girl coos as if agreeing in response.

'Hn' a small definite smile forms on a hidden face.

-O-

7 months later

Kakashi and Nalina are sitting in the little lounge in her hut before a warm fire as the snow blankets the world on the outside – just enjoying each other's company after he returned from a mission in Kirigakure. Nalina is absently playing with his hair where he lays on her lap (something they've both grown fond of during their talks), it sets both of them at ease.

"Why are you alone Kakashi?"

"I'm not alone…I have an entire village to keep me company. And now I have you too" he says smiling behind his mask a little at his last comment. He feigns ignorance but he knows exactly what she means with her query.

"Kakashi…don't play dumb! You know what I mean. Why haven't you fallen in love and settled down? Were you so enamoured with Rin that you couldn't move on after she passed on?"

"After I killed her you mean…." his voice turns cold for an instant before he continues "but no…Rin was precious to me yes but not in that way. Rin loved Obito and he loved her."

"Then why haven't you found your perfect match?"

"No such thing exists Lina…at least not for me Imouto. Besides, who could love somebody like me? I have more darkness than light to offer and everybody I grow close to eventually dies."

"That's not true, and you know it. You're just scared but…..but I understand." She says softly as her heart bleeds to hear his truth. Looking down at him she taps his forehead to have him open his eye and look at her – "Promise me you won't push your next chance at love away….please?" – her eyes beseeches him silently.

With a soft sigh he closes his eye and nods his agreement, he has found that denying her anything is beyond him so he has given up a while back. 'Besides' – he thinks – 'my time for such things have passed, she doesn't need to know that.'

A small high pitched squeal erupts above him as she grabs his head and plops down a clumsy kiss on his vacant forehead as her thanks for his agreement, it makes him chuckle. Just as suddenly her aura returns to being sombre – "It's time we went to retrieve the lantern Kakashi. Delaying it further will only result in further complications, and I think we have enough of those already – thank you." He doesn't miss the exasperation with her last statement, for all her beauty and never-ending ability to love she sure is so very impetuous – he finds this very endearing.

"I'll speak to the Hokage to schedule the retrieval. I'm sure she can spare a team to assist me but you will have to give me an indication of what I'll be looking for" he adds to set her at ease.

"WE don't need a team, just us will suffice. You don't really need to know what it looks like as I'll be with you" she smiles brightly down at him.

"Like hell you are!" there is a sudden change of mood as he jumps up from her lap to tower over her, pinning her with a stare that is meant to scare her.

"You promised Kakashi! You promised you would help ME get it back not go off with others to retrieve it. I have to do this…I just have to…" her tears are close to spilling over now and the sight of her distress does not sit well with him.

"Hokage-sama will never agree to you leaving the village. You are not a shinobi" he tries to argue logic.

"She may not be a Leaf shinobi but she does possess shinobi skills. Do not underestimate her Hatake, she is so much more than you think." The smooth velvet voice of Itachi interrupts the Copy nin before he can make any further objections. "Hokage-sama has already agreed and the team will be the three of us, Shisui and Neji from the Hyuga. She will be well protected."

Kakashi looks from Itachi to Nalina and back, disbelief evident and a small flicker of fear crosses his tired features before he drops his head and poofs away leaving bright green leaves in his wake.

"He thinks I'm useless doesn't he" her small, sad and dejected voice makes the heir's chest tighten but he reigns in the urge to bundle her up in his arms.

"He is afraid to lose you too, Hime. He loves you dearly and he cannot imagine losing another precious person just when he found you" turning his crimson eyes to gaze down at her. Her face portrays her shock at the revelation.

"H-he l-loves me?"

Later that night he follows her out not to her office or the empty training room as usual but to the hidden orchard behind the main house. The air is chilly and frosty while the ground is frozen solid around the trees. Some of the lower branches have small icicles clinging to them like ornaments while the full moon's light sifts down through the sparse canopy illuminating the orchard in a soft but still bright glow. It is a magical sight.

She has her dancing slippers around her neck with a cloak thrown over her as protection from the bite in the air but she is still dressed in her usual dancing attire he is accustomed to, her hair again twisted into a bun at the base of her neck. Reaching the clearing with buds already nestled in her ears she finds a seat on a gnarled root growing above the ground; she takes off the winter boots on her feet and starts the meticulous task of tying the ribbons around her ankles to secure the hard-nosed shoes to her feet.

Tapping them lightly when she finishes she immediately begins to spin, rotating and moving to the centre of the little orchard. He watches as she closes her eyes scrunching up her nose and brow in her familiar mark of focussing chakra for a jutsu, a clone of her poofs into existence right next to her. He is impressed that she is attempting to use the jutsus he's been teaching her outside of their training.

The two dancers face each other and they begin to move slow and rhythmically in tune to each other's movements – the duet is breathtakingly beautiful. Itachi moves closer to the outskirts of the orchard to have an unobstructed view of the dance. There is an anxiousness growing in his chest, he has begun to look forward to her nightly dances. As he creeps closer he casts his concealment jutsu obscuring him from her view completely, he leans against an orange tree in plain sight if not for the jutsu.

The clone is twirling Nalina elegantly with hands resting on her small waist as she turns on a single foot the other bent and arms stretched above her head. They make small jumps to the side in unison landing together with their arms moving over in slow sensual moves over their heads. He feels a strangeness to this dance and wonders what she is thinking in this moment…who is she thinking of?

They continue and he watches as Nalina poses teetering delicately on the tips of her toes then softly begins to lift her right leg without dropping from her toes, the right leg is now lifted straight up like an arrow pointing to the heavens while the clone has her hands on her waist keeping her steady. She places her right leg on her clone's shoulder (being quite short her leg lifts past her head and her calf makes contact), wrapping a small hand around the leg on her shoulder the other snakes around her waist pulling her closer. Then dragging her slowly but steadily backwards as her grounded toes drag behind her, Nalina's head is turned away with one hand resting on her clone's opposite shoulder and the other arms posed gracefully along her dragged leg.

The dance is mesmerising and beautiful, it draws Itachi in and roots him to the spot making him unable (even unwilling) to look away. Every move is slow, calculated, alluring and captivating – he is caught in a different kind of jutsu he feels. He doesn't even notice as the pair dance their way closer to his hiding place nearly spinning right into him. He gasps when Nalina lifts her head and stares right at him in the next moment – 'she cannot see me' he assures himself internally.

And then….she lifts her arm and extends her hand in a silent gesture for him to join her. His eyes widen but in that moment he is unable to ignore her request. He takes her hand and she pulls him slowly towards her. He feels awkward and clumsy as she begins to steer him around in the same motions as what she and the clone had done. She slips her hands over his, guiding them down to her waist, encouraging him to grasp firmly as she makes small jumps still within his clasp.

He feels uncomfortable and completely out of place but he cannot move away or tear his eyes or hands from her. He wants to do this with her. Her aura (or is it her scent) draws him in, closer, there is just a hair of space between them now and he feels her warmth and smells her aroma – warm summer filled with blossoms, honey and vanilla. It intoxicates him.

Her eyes are mostly closed but every now and then he is able to gaze and lose himself in warm golden orbs full of life, joy, love and all things remarkable…her very soul beckoning everybody closer, inviting in all to bask in the light she emits without even trying. He feels like there is something he misses or needs to acknowledge but it drifts just outside of his comprehension as their duet continues and draws closer to an end.

He is shocked when her heel is placed on his shoulder but like he saw the clone did he takes her ankle (with her leg lifted the heel instead of her calf reached his shoulder) clasping it and wrapping his free arm around her waist as he drags her back three long strides. Lifting her leg off she keeps it elevated as she skilfully turns away from him holding his one hand firm on her waist leaning her weight into his hands as she turns before releasing him and joining her clone.

Leaving him bereft of her presence he feels the cold as it trickles down his spine and her dancing fades with the poof of her clone. He watches as she gathers her cloak, removes her shoes and starts to head back home.

-O-

In a small tea house nearly half a day from Konoha with a cobbled path and roses blooming outside, a meeting ensues in earnest…

"In the archives is a scroll, it holds the information you need. It was all that returned from that last fateful failed mission of the White Fang. It does not even contain very valuable information about the Light" a weary croaky voice says from a half bandaged face.

"That is extremely helpful thank you, do you have any other news of your wonderful village for me? Perhaps some interesting news that can be of use" a long tongue snakes out to lick his lips.

"Actually a child was born with the Sharingan already activated, her mother Uchiha Mikoto. A set of girls but only the eldest has the Sharingan. It is believed the Lights vessel is responsible for their conception. Lotus as she is known, is under constant guard however. I'm not sure how true that is as she has not displayed any remarkable powers as yet" he draws his cup closer to take a sip of his tea, his bandaged arm now visible beneath the cloak he wears.

"Impossible! No child has ever been born with it before. How is that even possible?" snake like eyes gleam with excitement and curiosity. "But, I thank you none the less for all your …assistance, Danzo. I will be sure not to destroy Konoha completely as your reward. You will need something to rule afterwards though, correct?" The snake chuckles at his own twisted joke while his companion merely throws him a deathly stare.

"I care not for the idiots who decided to turn their backs on me for some fairy tale, but sometimes to build something stronger you need to start from the foundation up. If that is what's needed for the best interest of the village then so be it, I will rebuild it stronger than they could ever have dreamed it to be. The day I become Hokage….people like you will run and never look back for fear of being caught. This I promise you." The old man stands after this using his cane to support his weight while he pulls up his hood to hide from being recognised.

As he nears the door his companion calls out – "Be sure to go back into hiding old man, you wouldn't want to be hunted like the snake that you are. I believe Root has all but integrated completely now, do you even still have any spies left within those walls you can trust?" – his gleeful smile full on his thin lips as his pupils turn to slits making his eyes look deadly as the old man turns his head to answer.

"Ah! Wouldn't you like to know how powerful I really am underneath all these bandages…Orochimaru" he turns and leaves without any further exchange, closing the door of the tea house they were in with finality.

"Seems like I will have my Sharingan after all and what present she will be to unwrap. I will have to select my best men for this job then, since they will be carrying twice as much valuables than originally thought. I'm sure Zetsu will be thrilled to hear of this Lotus too" his chuckle vibrates in his chest as he stands, arms falling uselessly to his sides, and walks out the same door his companion just left through. The picture he leaves behind is a painting of blood and gore – every person that was inside was killed before they even started their meeting.

-O-

It has been a month since they decided to retrieve the lantern, Kakashi however has convinced the Hokage that waiting until winter is done would be for the best. She conceded, eventually, but only because Itachi had agreed to the strategy of his idea. Nalina accepted their terms punctuating that she could use the time to further hone her skills in aid of the mission. Currently they were all seated with Tsunade in her office as she had a request for Nalina before the departure.

"Little Lotus, the Kazekage was very impressed with your feedback on the software you're using" – her eyes dart around the room fleetingly, noting the men and their reactions to the following – "he has requested an audience with you personally to become better acquainted. Apparently he does not know many females who really understand or appreciate the complexities of his machines" the sly smile remains hidden from view behind her hands as she watches the men. Kakashi nearly chokes on air while Itachi just went a deathly shade of grey.

Nalina's eyes lights up with her excitement, completely unaware of the underlying tones that is rife in the room. "You mean I get to visit Suna? Yaay!" her joy flowers around the room and bounces off the walls, she pays no heed to the looks she receives from the two nin closest to her.

Unable to hold her chuckle – "Yes, yes you are. I was hoping you could drop by when you all leave to retrieve the lantern in a few weeks. It will be a little of a detour but I am sure you can manage to assist me with this little diplomatic situation we find ourselves in currently. I mean, it is because of you that there is even an invitation to begin with" – her amusement is very apparent and she does not even try to hide it. Albeit she thinks that the others may not know exactly what her mirth is directed at.

"Oh no Lady Tsunade, I will most certainly oblige. It is no trouble whatsoever" her smile is nearly as bright as her aura filling the space, she leaves no room for the two men to object or interfere. Just then the door opens and a very shaky Anbu enters bending to one knee immediately.

"Hokage-sama, there was an incident half a day from the village. A tea house, there was a blood bath but a survivor managed to name two people before he succumbed to his injuries…Orochimaru and Danzo." he leaves after delivering his missive.

"So the old fart is still alive it seems, I need to know what they are planning" Tsunade looks to Kakashi and he nods his head and poofs out in a whirl of bright green leaves. "Itachi, I suspect you will inform your father of the developments. Please relay to him that I need his assistance now more than ever."

Summoning one of his crows Itachi relays the message and sends it to his father. Glancing at the Hokage he sees her eyes are fixed on Nalina who in turn is sitting frozen after hearing the news. "Hime, can you shed some light on what they are up to?" he enquires gently placing a soft hand on her shoulder as he speaks.

Tear filled orbs capture his crimson eyes – "I don't even think they ever met in my book at home. I have already changed so much so the knowledge the book holds is worthless now. Shall we meet with Mistress? – she asks him to decide the way forward and just then he feels a warmth creep into his being as he sees the trust she holds for him right there in her eyes.

"Let us use our traditional methods first if nothing comes of it we can revisit speaking to your Mistress about these events" he gently squeezes her shoulder as assurance and just as he is about to remove it her fingers slides over his hand to hold it in place.

"I wish I could be of more help to you, I wish I could've saved those people, I wish I was stronger… I wish but still…I'm just… me."

Later that week…

The guard shift at the gates were just about ready to change for the morning, the sun had not even risen yet but the night time twelve hour shift is clocking on its last few minutes. The exchanges are fresh but still sleepy and are making their way over to relieve their comrades. It's only a three minute window at best and who in their right minds would even attempt to infiltrate a shinobi village like Konoha at daybreak, or at least that was what they thought when the protocols were formulated.

The Sound 5 knew exactly how to exploit the situation to complete and retrieve their respective missions. The Moon Island scroll in the archives below the Hokage tower and a 10 month old Uchiha baby with the Sharingan. Getting in unnoticed was the tricky part getting out was the easiest thing to do since after they got their loot it didn't matter who saw them. They could take on anybody and destroy them – or at least this is what they thought.

Kimimaru heads to the Uchiha District, since it's the daughter of the clan head there will surely be trouble and he has the patience to give his team mates a head start in case he does need back up they will already have completed their mission. He jumps from shadow to shadow on the roofs making his way to his mark.

Jirobo, Kidomaru, Sakon & Ukon and Tayuya are well into their mission to retrieve the scroll. Just one more door and then…the archives. Seeing as Konoha is so organised it comes as no surprise that the archives are neatly filed making finding the scroll just that much easier.

Nalina lies awake unable to sleep, it's disturbing since she never has a problem with falling asleep – "Yeah, even when your help is needed you decide to take a week long nap. Now...when it's actually time to sleep you think it's wise to lay awake. Aaand apparently to have an entire dialogue plus argument with yourself too! – covering her face with both palms she sighs out loud. "I know you are there you may as well come inside and laugh to my face Itachi-san."

"Itachi…just Itachi" he does her the courtesy of not hiding his chuckle as his voice and glee rumble through the dark. "I'll warm us some milk, come."

They've been sitting in the TV room in the main house most of the night. It's almost dawn and they still did not sleep, they watched whatever movie was playing but not really paying attention when Nalina finally stands and moves towards the door "Where are you going?" Itachi softly asks.

"I just want to check on the girls quick, if I can prevent them from waking your mom she can have a little lay in this morning" there's a small smile playing on her lips and her ears tinge red just a bit.

"I'll get the coffee started, we will need it today" he says with a small shake of his head, he's grown accustomed to sleeping soundly every night since her arrival and all night wakes has grown too easy to forget.

Nalina silently opens the nursery door, she creeps over to the crib not wanting to wake the sleeping babies but adamant to be there when they opened their eyes. Peering over the edge she finds little Keiko rumpled in her covers and Aiko gone! Where is she? Mikoto would never take just one even if the other is still sleeping. Her head jerks to the side in time to see a white figure dart over the wall outside the window. "Itaaachiii, they took Aiko!" her scream wakes the still sleeping baby but she has already leapt through the window.

He can't believe his luck! He was sure he would have to either wake the children or take both to ensure he got the right one but right at the moment he reached their crib his target opened her eyes and her garnet red tomoe whirled to life right in front of him. He quickly placed the silencing tag on her body and scooped her up and just in time too as he heard the soft footfalls grow closer to the door. By the time the door opened he just made it out and over the wall, and then he heard her scream. He leapt heading to the rendezvous point knowing the others would have finished and even if they didn't - he had the prize.

Itachi was inside the room the moment Nalina's chakra started to flare and he watched as she jumped through the window giving chase to whoever had just been there. Mikoto and Fugaku not even a moment behind him, glancing to his father he catches the look of distress and worry. Mikoto has Keiko protected in her arms and he nods before he too makes his way out the window. Anger fills his gut as he thinks of his little innocent Imouto being taken right out of their home, from her very bed. He will make them pay dearly.

Nalina chases the kidnapper right through the park knowing the gates are right on the other side and if he gets through… "No, you will NOT get away" she grits through her teeth. Her heart is beating so fiercely it feels like it may jump out at any moment. She makes her way higher into the trees and just when she draws head-on with him she takes a mighty leap and somersaults in the air to land right in front of him crouching low already in a fighting stance with one leg stretched to the side - cutting off his escape "GIVE HER BACK!"

A/N: Please review.