Previously on Finding My Way

"Yasuko, stay here."

"RU-KUN!"

'Gomen ne Papa… I failed you.'

Now [Chapter 2: Konoha]

Hokage's POV

I sighed as I sat behind my desk, piles of paperwork stacked in front of me. I took my pipe from my mouth and puffed out a small cloud of smoke. As I read off a mission report, an ANBU transported himself into my office, kneeling before me. Pushing chakra into a privacy seal on my desk, I nodded, and the ANBU stood, clearing his throat.

"Hokage-sama, we have confirmed the infiltrators to be part of the Akatsuki," I straightened, this fact piquing my interest, "Eight Chūnin, four Jōnin, and four ANBU including myself tailed them before we engaged in battle. As a result, we were able to capture one of the three Akatsuki members. The kunoichi is in the torture and interrogation building under interrogation by Morino Ibiki."

I smoked on my pipe in thought. From the information gathered, the Akatsuki was an organization of S Rank criminals who have grouped together for unknown reasons. They were said to be extremely impressive shinobi who should not be engaged in battle. From the reports, the Akatsuki was said to have been all male members, so hearings of a female member were surprising.

"Have you identified the member, Tanuki?" I asked the ANBU.

Behind his mask, I knew this specific shinobi was Shiranui Genma who had been called onto ANBU duty with the recent Akatsuki sightings. Although all members of the ANBU black ops wore the same uniform, they each have their own distinct mask. Genma's was a white, raccoon dog mask with eccentric red designs on the cheeks and three vertical lines on the forehead.

"No, sir. The Akatsuki member has refused to give any information on herself or the organization." Tanuki reported.

"Hm… Ibiki should be able to acquire information soon. Is there anything else I should be informed of, Tanuki?" I inquired.

"Well Hokage-sama," Genma was hesitant, which was strange as ANBU are experts at keeping their emotions in check, "She appears no older than eight years old."

My pipe fell, as I digested the information. I stood up immediately and transported both myself and Takeshi to the torture and interrogation building. I ran through the halls towards the interrogation cells. I stopped when I saw a shinobi with long blond hair standing in front of a call with a pitiful expression.

"Inoichi, where is the Akatsuki member?" I asked quickly.

Inoichi was one of the members of the Interrogation unit and was the head of the Yamanaka Clan. The clan specializes in mind-centred techniques, making them perfect for collecting and relaying information. Inoichi wore his long blond hair spiky on top and ending in a long ponytail. He had blue-green eyes and robust facial features. He wore the standard outfit of the Konoha Interrogation Unit, complete with a long black overcoat.

"Hokage-sama, she is currently being interrogated in this cell," Inoichi stated as he pointed to the cell in front of him. "Ibiki has not obtained any information about the Akatsuki member or of the organization."

My eyes widened when I opened the cell. Cabinets were unlocked displaying poisons and weapons, a cart was standing by the side carrying an assortment of torture devices, but what caught my attention was the child tied up in a chair in the centre of the room, chakra seals bounded her neck, wrists, and ankles. Her long raven hair was dishevelled; wounds, gashes, and bruises masked her pale skin. Despite the damages, there was no sign of struggle or pain on her face.

Both Genma and Inoichi gasped behind me. Ibiki stood in front of the girl holding a kunai, ready to stab her.

"IBIKI, STOP!" I ordered.

Ibiki stopped; the kunai only a centimetre away from the child's face. She didn't flinch as she glanced at me. My breath hitched when my eyes met hers. No words could describe the pain those eyes held. Her silver and gold flaked onyx eyes held all the pain and suffering her face would not express.

I made my way to the girl and removed her bindings and seals. The girl slumped forward as I caught her in my arms. Her breathing was hard as she took gulps of air, trying to regulate her heart rate.

"A-arigatō…" The child hoarsely whispered as she fell unconscious.

Seeing her state, I laid the girl on the ground moving aside for Inoichi and Genma to attend to the girl's wounds. But before they could, a golden like aura surrounded the girl. We watched as each injury began to heal itself instantly. Ibiki, Inoichi, Genma and I stared in awe at the phenomenon that was happening in front of us. As the glow faded away, we saw no injuries on the girl. Genma was the first to snap into action and lifted the girl into his arms. He turned towards me, awaiting further orders.

"Genma, take the girl to the hospital and keep watch on her until she awakens. Report to me when she does." I ordered.

Genma nodded and transported to the hospital with the child in his arms. I turned to the two interrogation members and told them to watch over the girl as well and to report to me about her condition now and then. They nodded and proceeded with their orders.

I sighed and walked out of the building and onto the streets of my beloved village. Villager and ninja alike greeted at me as they passed. I smiled and waved back as I thought of what has occurred. That girl went through a scarring experience at such a young age. Grown men would have yielded instantly and given information that was needed, but this girl didn't. She endured the torture and showed no pain as not to satisfy Ibiki.

I sighed and walked back to the Hokage tower to complete my unfinished paperwork. Hopefully, the child will wake soon.

Yasuko's POV

Pain.

That's all I felt as I floated in the darkness.

'It hurts. I want Papa, Nii-san's, Oji-san's, and Oba-san. I want to go back home. Papa…'

I winced as I forced my eyes open only to be blinded by bright lights. I blinked, staring up at the white ceiling before sitting up. I bit my lip as a jolt of pain came from my abdomen where the interrogator stabbed me with a poisoned kunai. Placing a hand on my wound, I let green chakra envelope my hand. Closing my eyes, I assessed myself.

'All flesh wounds healed, some poison has been left in my system but not enough to kill me, muscle strain, low chakra, but everything else seems to be fine. I should be okay after a day of rest and no strenuous activities.'

Opening my eyes, I let the green chakra dispel, mentally reminding myself not to use any chakra today to restore my chakra reservoirs. I took note of my surroundings, realizing that I must be in Konoha's hospital. I sighed having never liked hospitals; they were always so dull and depressing.

I tensed as I felt a chakra signature coming towards my room. From the chakra, I could tell this person was a shinobi and an ANBU. The door opened revealing the ANBU member before we fell into a silent staring match. He wore the standard uniform and a raccoon dog mask. The only thing I could differentiate the ANBU from others was his light hazel eyes and his brown hair pulled back into a small bun.

"You're awake. I shall inform the Hokage. Do not attempt to escape; we have other ninja watching you. The Hokage will be coming to speak to you later on." The ANBU informed me.

I warily nodded as I pressed back against the pillows. The ANBU left, leaving me to the stillness of the room. I gazed down at my hands as I sought to recall whom Hokage was. If I remember correctly, Konoha was under the command of the Third Hokage, after the Yondiame Hokage died in battle during the Nine-Tail's attack. I'm sure the Third descended from the Sarutobi Clan.

I glanced up when I heard the door open again. I stared at the old man as he took a seat by my bed. He was a light-skinned man of below average stature with grey hair. As Hokage, he wore the official uniform, consisting of the customary hat and haori, along with a red-full length kimono that was tied using a white sash. A pipe was placed in his mouth as he dragged out small clouds of smoke.

"It is rude to smoke in the presence of a patient much less a child. It is also against the rules to smoke in the hospital, Hokage-sama." I reprimanded before I could think. My eyes widened as I covered my mouth from the outburst, blood rushing to my cheeks.

The Hokage blinked at me before letting out a gruff laugh. I looked down, fiddling with the sheets on my lap in distress. I blinked when I felt something place itself on my head and looked up in surprise and watched the smiling man in front of me. I fiddled with the Hokage's hat he had put on my head and stared at him curiously, the pipe now gone as he stood in front of me.

"My apologies young lady. My name is Sautobi Hiruzen the Third Hokage of Konoha. What is your name?" The Hokage asked.

I bit my lip and shifted uncomfortably on the bed. Seeing this the old man smiled as he took back the hat he had placed on my head. "Child, it is alright. We will not harm you."

I hesitated before whispering. "Yasuko."

"Hmm?" The Hokage raised an eyebrow.

"My name is Yasuko, Hokage-sama," I spoke up as I fiddled with my hands.

He smiled at me as he gently took the hat off my head. "What a fitting name for a child like you. If you are okay, would it be alright to continue this conversation in my office?"

I agreed and swung my legs off the bed. I slowly got up, testing my balance. Seeing no problems, I took a couple of steps forward and nodded, deeming myself okay for a short walk. I grabbed my clothes that lay at the foot of my bed and changed in the washroom. Once done, I checked my appearance in the full-length mirror.

I had slipped on the clothes that I wore for training and missions. The outfit consisted of a black, short-sleeved top, with a hoodie, a white tank top underneath, white shorts that stopped a few inches above my knees, black arm warmers with white lining, bandages covering my calves, black ninja sandals, and a black mask hanging loosely around my neck. I had bandages around my right upper and lower left thighs, where I'd usually have my weapons pouches tied.

I pouted, remembering the ninja had confiscated my katana, scrolls and weapons. Hopefully, I'll be able to get them back. My frown deepened as I remembered my young tiger friend.

'Ru-kun… Please be okay.'

Grabbing a red ribbon from my pocket, I tied my hair in a low ponytail and brushed my bangs a bit, making sure they didn't get in the way. A sad smile appeared on my face as I reached out for my reflection. With my hair like this, I looked a lot like Papa, especially with all my dark clothes. The only thing missing was the lines he had near his nose.

I smiled before stepping out of the washroom. The Hokage stared at me in surprise before composing himself, taking my hand in his.

"You look much like someone I once knew in that outfit and hair. The only difference is that you're a girl and he was a boy." I smiled slightly, immediately knowing he was talking about my father.

As we made our way to his office, I glanced around the village curiously. I saw many villagers smile and wave at me. I smiled politely and gave a short wave as well. I gasped in surprise as a small body collided with my own. I fell on my bottom, the lithe frame on top of me groaning. I blinked as I picked up the girl making sure she wasn't injured.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

The little girl nodded.

"Thank you Onee-chan! Sorry for bumping into you." She smiled brightly.

I smiled at her and stood up, patting her bright orange hair gently. I felt a sudden attachment to the girl, which confused me. There was just something that gave me the need to protect her.

"It is okay," I reassured her, "You should go back to your mother. She must be worried, but before you leave, I have something to give you."

Taking a clear stone out of my pocket, I placed it on a chain and carefully added my chakra into the rock. Soon the clear stone turned red, the metal chain wrapping itself around it, tinting into a gold shade. The metal knotted on the top before I slipped it onto a leather cord. The stone itself now had a small light flickering from within, as if a fire blazed inside. I wouldn't usually give this to someone I had just met, but I felt that I would be seeing her more often.

"This is a chakra stone. If you are in trouble or need me, use this to call me. All you have to do is think of me while focusing on the stone, and say 'Hono' meaning blaze. Once you say that, I will be there. My name is Yasuko by the way." I explained.

The girl's eyes sparkled as she took the necklace in her hands. "Wow, thank you Yasu-nee! I'm Amarante Kasai! Mama said it means fire flower that never fades."

"Kasai huh? Then this necklace will suit you well."

Kasai nodded and waved goodbye as she ran to her mother. I motioned back, a small smile on my face. A cough from behind caused me to blink in surprise as I turned to see the Hokage waiting for me.

"G-gomen'nasai Hokage-sama, for making you wait." I blushed as I bowed to him.

The Hokage chuckled and waved it off. He led me towards the Hokage building, holding my hand as we climbed the stairs to his office. The Hokage opened the door, pulling me alongside him. Upon entering, we came face to face with many ninjas. I blushed at the attention and hid behind the Hokage. I heard him chuckle as he glanced over his shoulder to look at me. Taking a seat at his desk, the Hokage lifted me to sit on his counter. I stared at him questionably.

"Now little one, please tell us about yourself and why you were with the Akatsuki." The Hokage said.

Gasps and whispers erupted from around the room.

"May I ask where my weapons and scrolls are?" I inquired.

"Oi brat, don't talk to the Hokage like that." I winced, bowing my head, muttering a small apology.

The Hokage frowned as he patted my head. "Child, it is fine, your weapons and scrolls are safe. You shall be given them back once you have answered our questions and we deem you safe for the village."

I nodded but spoke up hesitantly, "I had a white tiger companion with me when your men attacked us. Is he safe?"

"So this little guy is yours huh?" I turned. My eyes brightened when I caught sight of a familiar tiger.

"Ru-kun!" I smiled as I jumped off the desk, wrapping around my tiger as he climbed into my open arms. Ru happily purred as he placed a paw on my shoulder and nuzzled my cheek. I smiled contently, burying my face in his fur. I remained on my knees and stared up at the lady.

The lady had an animalistic appearance, with her long, untamed brown hair, vertical slit-like pupils, elongated teeth and nails. Markings were under her eyes, her lips covered in a dark shade of lipstick. She wore the standard Konoha nin outfit, consisting of a flak jacket. A black suit underneath with the sleeves rolled up and bandages around her legs. From the fang markings on her cheeks, I gathered that she was from the Inuzuka Clan.

"Thank you for taking care of my friend, Inuzuka-san." I bowed, thanking her sincerely.

She stared at me stunned before her eyes softened. "No problem kid." She spoke softly.

"He is a very stubborn one." The Hokage chuckled, "He growled whenever we were in the same room and wouldn't let us treat his wounds until we mentioned you. He truly is a loyal companion."

I smiled, nodding.

"Since his condition is known, will you answer our questions?" The Hokage questioned.

I bit my lip hesitantly, but I nodded nonetheless. "Then, what is your full name and what is the reason you were with the Akatsuki?"

"My Papa is part of the Akatsuki," I answered briefly.

"What kind of father brings their kid into a criminal organization?" I heard one of the ninja question, anger in his voice.

I winced slightly, wrapping my arms tighter around Ru. Feeling my throat tighten at the accusation, I spoke up for my Papa. "Papa told me that Mama passed when I was born. He said her body was too weak during my birth. He could not trust me with anyone, so he brought me with him. I was safe, and I grew with love. They are not all bad," I muttered loud enough for them to hear, "Just misunderstood. They are my family."

Silence filled the room as the ninja stared at me. I felt uncomfortable under their gaze and buried my face into Ru's neck. Sensing this, Ru growled at the crowd warningly, causing the Hokage to clear his throat.

"Who is your father, Yasuko?" The Hokage asked.

I hesitated before I spoke. "Uchiha. Uchiha Itachi is my father."

Pause.

"UCHIHA ITACHI IS YOUR DAD?!"

I winced at the volume shaking at the change of aura in the room; anger, sadness, distrust, disgust, and pity waved off the ninja. A tear escaped me at the emotions knowing that these feelings came with the knowledge of my father being a known S-Rank rouge of Konoha.

"Yasuko…. How is Itachi your father?" The Hokage questioned, his voice now serious.

"Papa…. Papa and Mama were both of the Uchiha Clan. They grew up together and eventually fell in love," I began, "Four years before the massacre, I was born. Mama died, and in secret Papa raised me under the alias of being the daughter of a distant aunt. During the massacre, Papa hid me away before we escaped to the Akatsuki."

The Hokage hummed, nodding his head as he took a puff from his pipe. "Are you willing to give any information on the Akatsuki, Yasuko?"

I didn't even hesitate to disagree. The Hokage and many of the ninja were surprised at the lack of thought but faltered seeing the determination in my eyes. I straightened myself as I spoke.

"I am sorry, but I must kindly decline that request. The Akatsuki may be a criminal organization, but they still raised me for half of my life. They have killed, but they gave me love. I love them as much as they love me. They grew to become my family." I smiled, "You may use me as ransom, torture me, even kill me, but I will never betray those I love."

Shock echoed around the room, but my gaze firmly remained on the Hokage, awaiting his final order.

"Such loyalty in one so young," The Hokage said with soft eyes, "Are you sure that that is your final decision?"

I nodded confidently, Ru following my actions.

"Then I have a proposition for you." I raised an eyebrow, "We won't send you back to the interrogation chamber, keep you in a cell, use you as ransom, or kill you… if you take residence here in Konoha and become a ninja."

My eyes widened. I had always wished to be an official ninja to protect my village, and it's people. I had always wanted to be able to see Konoha, serving the village like my Mama and Papa once had. My lips quivered at the thought of accomplishing my dream of being just like my Mama and Papa.

"W-why?" I whispered. The Hokage raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so willing to accept me into your village when I could so easily escape after you have let your guard down? Why accept someone who can contact an S-Rank criminal organization? Why accept a child who could be the reason behind an attack on your village?" At this point tears of doubt began to rain down my cheeks, "Why would you accept the daughter of a murderer?"

I could not hold back the tears that have been building up in me. For years, I had seen mothers pulling their children away from me in Amegakure. Despite the other members trying to stop any gossip from spreading, I would hear the whispers and feel the nervous stares on my form as if with one wrong move, I would kill them. My father was after all the man who had murdered his family in cold blood. The only thing that heard was my hiccups and sniffles as I wiped away the tears, trying to hold in a sob.

I flinched as a hand placed itself on my shoulder. I nervously glanced over my shoulder, my onyx eyes meeting warm, pupil-less brown ones. I loosened my grip on Ru, enough for the woman to pull me into her arms. My eyes widened at a faint but familiar scent. Fear filled me before I felt the comforting aura around the woman. I slowly relaxed, my eyes drooping as I wrapped my arms around the woman.

"We accept you for we see you as you — not your father. You are a child, and we are willing to give you the chance to live the life of a regular child. To grow up in a village with love and friends, train to protect your loved ones, attend the Academy, everything you cannot do with the Akatsuki. Now gaki, are you willing to accept the request?" I bit my lip and glanced at Ru who made his way to me, rubbing his head into my side in reassurance.

Feeling a sudden calm surround me, I brushed away the tears and smiled softly at the Hokage and woman in front of me.

"Am I truly allowed to stay?" I whispered.

The Hokage smiled, "Of course. You are a child, and we are willing to give you a chance. Of course, you will have to follow certain rules for the time being."

I fiddled with the hem of my shirt before nodding.

"With your permission Hokage-sama, I would like to take residence here in Konoha."

The woman and the Hokage smiled at me. The Hokage called one of the shinobi to come forward, and in response, a tall man walked out of the crowd and bowed.

The well-built man had high cheekbones, thick eyebrows and a black bowl cut hairstyle; he donned a green jumpsuit, orange striped leg warmers and the standard Konoha flak jacket. His forehead protector was on a red cloth and worn around his waist like a belt.

"Gai, go and retrieve…"

I'd appreciate some contructive critisism. Hope you enjoyed and see ya next week~

Updated: 19/03/02

Next time on Finding My Way

"He was a dear friend of mine."

"We have met before, Kakashi-Oji."

'Welcome to your new home, Yasuko.'

[ Chapter 3: New Home, New People ]