Itachi didn't know what to expect from Katsu. He currently was being dragged down the streets of Konoha. They were gaining some attention from a few civilians, their eyes judging the two closely.

Itachi didn't understand how Katsu wasn't affected.

Katsu had finally got to her location, stopping in front of a small house. She dropped Itachi's arm, turning to face him.

"Look, I know this is sudden and all…" Her face scrunched up, trying to get her words out, "But I'm desperate and I need your help."

Itachi was now even more confused. Katsu had never talked to him much or even interacted with him so why now? What made her this desperate?

"I need your chakra."

Shisui had to figure out how to somehow get Itachi to talk with Katsu. Itachi wasn't much of a social person and Shisui knew this. He just needed the right push.

Katsu, however, was different. Shisui was observant. He could see through her acts of anger and stubbornness. Inside, she was just an insecure little girl that is unsure about her life. Because of this, she resented Itachi, who looked as if he had his whole life planned out.

Shisui wasn't exactly sure how he was going to get these two to become friends but, it would be a fun ride.

"Oh, it's you…"

Shisui flipped his head to locate the sound of the voice. There stood a big man with black messy hair. He had a scruffy beard and an apron on.

"Fujio-san!" Shisui grinned, "How you doing! Where's Katsu-chan?"

Fujio grunted, "The kid doesn't work with me on weekdays."

Shisui knew Fujio after following Katsu around. She had been a bit reluctant to introduce the two to each other. However, that didn't stop Shisui.

"Aw, I was hoping to talk to her today." Shisui huffed, "Too bad though. It seems I'll have to talk with you then!"

Fujio's body tensed, not wanting another kid following him around.

"Get lost."

Of course, that didn't work. Shisui grinned some more, nudging Fujio with his arm.

"Don't be that way!" Shisui laughed, "Come on, you're not like that with Katsu-chan!"

It was true. Fujio was softer with the metalworking girl. Maybe it was because he had spent too much time with her. Maybe it was because the bright innocent attitude was a breather from real life.

Shisui had seen the interactions with Katsu and Fujio. It was a simple mentor and student relationship. Katsu was clearly more comfortable in Fujio's shop while Fujio felt happier with her around.

"Yea, but you ain't Katsu." Fujio huffed, continuing his walk, "There's a big difference."

Shisui had to admit, the man seemed hard as stone. He didn't expect the one and only Katsu, would get through his walls. In fact…

"Speaking of Katsu, have you ever seen her with her friends?"

Shisui was pretty sure the girl had none. After hearing from Itachi at her amazing goals of being dead last, he expected her to be the laughing stock of the academy. After all, he had seen it happen when he was an academy student.

"What's that gotta do with you?" Fujio narrowed his eyes.

Shisui should have probably expected this. Katsu had a protective mentor that did not like him.

"Ah." Shisui raised his hands in surrender, "Nothing much. Just curious."

Fujio let out another grunt, accepting the answer, "Never seen the kid with anyone else so I'm not sure. I haven't seen her parents either."

Now that got Shisui's attention. He hadn't seen her parents? Wouldn't he need her parent's permission in order to apprentice her?

"Never seen her parents?" Shisui was now considering the thought that she was an orphan, "How'd you even meet her?"

Fujio huffed, crossing his arms. "I found her trying to find some metal scraps in the garbage."

Shisui blinked.

"So… a dumpster diver…"

Not what Shisui was expecting. Did Katsu live in the streets or something? No, there's no way she would be able to go to the academy if she did. It was most likely she was from the orphanage. After all, every orphan was sent to the academy when they reached the right age. Maybe she was forced into the Academy?

"Stop thinkin to hard on it." Fujio's voice cut through Shisui's thoughts.

Shisui looked up to face the man.

"I doubt Katsu would want you investigating into her past." His eyes narrowed, "She ain't too keen on people tryin to dig through her."

Shisui's shoulders dropped as he stared confused at Fujio.

"I know I can't stop ya, but…" Fujio sighed, looking away, "It'd be in her best interest if you left her alone."

Without another word, Fujio walked away. Shisui watched, his eyes glimmering with more curiosity.

A/N- Ahhh this one's a bit shorter than usual. I had to rewrite this one a few times. Anyways! This time, I wanted to do more side character stuff. In all honesty, the side characters are more fun to write about. Especially because I get to write what they think about Katsu.

ALSO! Thank you dekuton and TIMED0UT for the reviews!

dekuton- I'm glad you enjoy my stuff! Hope you stay for more!

TIMED0UT- I'm happy my story is a good first read and left a good impression! Hope you have a nice time here on this website!