Heirs
1.
Uchiha Mikoto have been watching her older son throughout dinner. Her husband had also noticed that something had been troubling Itachi but he didn't refer to it after a discreet sign of his wife; she would approach him when they were left alone. She sighed and Itachi's eyes searched for hers immediately. Mikoto smiled at him, wholeheartedly; her son, no matter his talents and skills, was the kindest person she knew. He smiled back at her, his gaze distant as he finished his meal.
"Itachi? Will you help me do the dishes?" she proposed.
The boy blinked but nodded. "Yes mother."
"Thank you. Honey, can you check on Sasuke? His fever should be fading by now." she added, looking at her husband. He simply touched her shoulder and left the room, without a reply.
Mikoto smiled at herself this time. All the Uchiha men had this brooding, distant and cold type of charisma; Fugaku -her husband- and Itachi were no exception. All her hopes for a normal person to talk to were based on her younger son that had shown a more outgoing and exciting behavior, at least at home. She shook her head and looked at her first-born that had already picked an apron and was prepared to do the dishes with all his might.
"Itachi, let me do this and sit by my side. I would like to talk to you."
The boy removed his apron, his relief being apparent. Mikoto knew that he would do anything they asked but he despised housework. She held back another smile.
"You seem a little troubled, dear. Are you worried about the rest of the Chuunin Exams?" she engaged the topic without further dew.
"No." he stated coolly.
"I understand that your superiors believe you can do it, son, but don't put too much pressure on yourself." she continued. She examined his eyes that another wouldn't be able to decipher but a mother's insight is uncanny. He was carefully defensive.
"Thank you, I am honestly fine. Is Sasuke feeling better? I haven't seen him today."
'You little rascal, you are trying to change the subject.' Mikoto thought. "Your brother is perfectly fine, it is just a cold. Can we talk about what is going on with you?" she pressed.
He stared at her directly and didn't speak for a while. Mikoto was able to comprehend that he was struggling to find something he could share with her.
Those Uchiha men. They could bring down gods with their shinobi skills and visual prowess but when it came to social interaction they were absolutely clueless. 'At least you are pretty enough not to be bothered by this' Mikoto thought, holding back yet another smile.
"I believe that these Exams are more than just a promotion." Itachi spoke at last. "I am very careful not to make any mistakes".
"Is this what has been bothering you?" she insisted one last time.
He nodded. She knew that he was honest in his reply but not necessarily accurate. She sighed.
"I firmly believe that mistakes are educational as well, Itachi. Don't be afraid to make a couple, just don't repeat them and try not to be killed by them" she stated finally.
"I am not afraid, I'm careful" he claimed. Ah, his pride. She made a poor choice of vocabulary there.
"Yes, dear." she agreed mildly.
"Can I go join Sasuke now?"
"Sure thing." She said with a smile.
Itachi left the room and Mikoto gazed outside the kitchen window, at the peaceful streets of the Uchiha district.
'Quiet not peaceful.' she corrected herself 'Another poor choice of vocabulary there'.
2.
Itachi saw Hyuuga Mirai once again during the second phase of examination. She and her team, two older genin of Kusagakure, were the third team to be promoted to the next level. He noticed her perfect attire, she wore a kimono again -pale lilac and gold- and had no signs of battle on it. He couldn't notice weapons on her. Her hair were brushed and tidy, her shinobi headband wasn't apparent on her outfit. If her eyes weren't those of a lethal bloodline she would be the perfect image of a noble young lady and nothing more.
He could not decide whether she was a worthy opponent or not. She was about his age and taking the Chuunin exams successfully so far, that meant that he couldn't underestimate her. He couldn't appreciate her physique levels because her clothes hid it completely but she was very small in size. Her chakra though, the aura she emitted when they were introduced, led him to believe that she could be indeed very dangerous.
Itachi was taught in early age about the Hyuuga Clan and the Byakugan. The Uchiha were always one step behind the Hyuuga when it came to political power because of past sins against the Village. He had heard many vicious comments coming from Hyuuga members of Konoha about his own Clan and vice versa. He was born to become the next head of the House once his father retired and he should be able to reduce the Hyuuga influence on the Hokage and reinforce the Uchiha's will inside the village's affairs.
However, the Hyuuga and the Uchiha of Konoha had both ill feelings about the Hyuuga Clan of Kusagakure. They were quick to grow in strength and resources, having political and financial allies. Konoha knew Kusagakure's ambition to host a stronger Hyuuga Clan and Hyuuga Kisuke -Head of the Grass Clan- did not disappoint.
Around six years ago a big opportunity to defame them arose when the Heir to the Kusagakure Clan, Hyuuga Ichirou had deserted his Village, becoming a rogue ninja. Everyone in both Uchiha and Hyuuga of Konoha were satisfied with the turn of events. It would be years until the Grass would produce another genius heir so they could use this time to antagonize their dominion. However, the Clan Head had another child, a daughter that appeared to share her brother's talent and competence, rapidly evolving inside the womb of her House and Village. Itachi was certain that the child would be in direct danger by the Hyuuga and the Uchiha Clans of Konoha since she posed some kind of threat therefor he was very surprised to see her taking the Chuunin exams, especially in Konoha. This was a political statement from Kusagakure.
We are still here, we are still dangerous and our daughter will continue our will. We will achieve greater power and we are not threatened by you.
Itachi took another glimpse of the girl. She would be better off dead as soon as possible. Her fate was sealed on the day Hyuuga Ichirou left the House and she would carry this burden for years. He thought of Sasuke, still recovering back at home. Itachi would never bestow such a burden on his little brother, he would never put his own self above him. Her older brother was a selfish trash and nothing more. Older brothers should protect their siblings not expose them to such conditions. This little girl would suffer the fate of all her family's sins and there was nothing to be done. Itachi decided not to think about her anymore, as if she was already dead.
3.
The second attempt on Mirai's life came right after the second phase of the Chuunin Exams. The same night she was taking a walk around Konoha -as her mother had urged her to do- and she was analyzing the village's structure and security. It was a rainy evening and she -being still a ten year old child at the end of the day- decided to wonder around in the forest close to the village.
Konoha's flora resembled the one she was used to back home but the forests were deeper and a few flowers and herbs were unique. She enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Konoha, although she would never admit it. The soft rain wasn't enough to haze the environment's beauty and the scent of the grass beneath her feet calmed her heart. The traditional umbrella above her head annoyed her a little bit; she craved to feel the cleansing tears of the sky on her skin but she would never appear improperly, with wet kimono on enemy grounds. Mirai knew that although the Leaf and the Grass village were formally allies, the truth was they couldn't afford to be enemies right now. She wasn't confused about politics.
Her bloodline allowed her to see in dark, not completely, but enough to appreciate the serenity she always searched. Maybe, when all of these were over, when she had established her Clan's dominion and produced a proper heir, she could built a beautiful residence somewhere in the woods, with a peaceful small garden and a great view of her village and retire there. She could even fake her death and then no one-
A sudden thud interrupted her trail of thoughts and she quickly turned towards the direction of the sound only to spot the fallen body of one Anbu. Her own Anbu.
"Byakugan" she immediately activated her eyes only to see her attacker this time having already approached her and landed his first attack.
The blade that was aimed for her throat had missed -as she moved fast enough given the reaction time she had- only to slash her shoulder.
She tried to disengage but soon she realized that this time, three people had surrounded her. Their chakra was potent and particularly focused around their eyes beneath their disguise. They were Hyuuga Assassins. They possessed the Byakugan. Excellent.
Mirai threw her umbrella deciding that she would change clothes if she survived and attempted to outrun them but they blocked the way towards the village leaving her the forest as the only option. She didn't know these grounds, the forest was a bad choice but she moved nonetheless. Her Byakugan showed her that both of her escorts were dead although she noticed only one thud. How could she make such a rookie mistake?
Her pursuers kept a close distance, pushing her deeper into the unfamiliar area.
Mirai calculated the odds. Three adults, two male, one female. Full gear. Byakugan. Very adept to their surroundings, probably locals. Her bodyguards were dead but she didn't know when they were supposed to change shifts. Rainy weather was unimportant and so was the darkness of the night since they could all see and sense chakra. She had only one kunai. Konoha.
Mirai smiled. The odds were in her favor.
She halted abruptly. This time she would not give them the option to surrender; they knew very well that they were committing a crime. The first to catch up were the two men that immediately came for her chakra points and vitals with the distinctive stance of the Hyuuga Clan. She released immense amount of chakra directing it on them from a small distance without ever touching them and they flew away from her while the third person approached her.
One down. Mirai evaded her opponents gentle fist style effortlessly and managed to land a successful strike on her heart muscle, causing instant cardiac arrest. The woman fell with a small thud.
She saw the other two coming at her at full speed and she started running towards them, her eyes now blazing. Two down. She killed one of them as she jumped behind him and kicked him airborne. She followed his body natural fall motion and hit him three times, the first two attacks were meant to dislocate his arms and the third to destroy his trachea. Meanwhile, his ally's shuriken hit her at the ribs, three wounds, class 1 hemorrhage if she didn't remove the weapons. Insignificant.
She turned to face the last opponent with an arrogant grin on her face. The man's eyes were white and beautiful as every pair of byakugan she had ever encountered. They looked at her in horror.
"You monster!" he exclaimed.
She didn't reply but her smile faded. 'Naive tool' she thought bitterly.
She activated her most talented skill set: Surprisingly for everyone except her teammates, although she was an excellent taijutsu practitioner, Mirai's true calling was genjutsu. The man in front of her froze in his place, his eyes wide in shock as he slowly realized that his body was paralyzed.
Mirai finally drew her one kunai and prepared to bury it in his throat with a leap when she suddenly noticed that another two people appeared, one of them gently changing the direction of her attack. The kunai hit a tree trunk.
Two Anbu made their appearance. They were hers, she knew their presence and outfits.
The two female Anbu that usually accompanied her in her private rooms bowed before her.
"What is the meaning of this?" Mirai demanded at the woman that redirected her kill shot.
"Forgive us, Mirai-sama. We will take the survivor for identification." the Anbu replied coolly.
'You are taking him to Grass Village for torture and information' Mirai thought. "I understand. I count on you to take care of the rest." She agreed calmly.
"Yes." They said in one voice.
Mirai looked at the bodies of the two others. 'Calm down' she thought to herself.
4.
Itachi had visited the Leaf's training grounds in order to speak with his superiors and was returning home late. In two days time the last exam would take place but he couldn't feel any kind of anxiety about it. His hair were slightly wet from the soft rain but it felt nice and soothing. He couldn't wait for these exams to be over so he could go back on field trips and missions. His training was progressing very well but that was not an excuse; he could do even better. He had to grow up faster than that. He had to take his rightful place as the Head of the Uchiha in order for Sasuke to grow up normally, peacefully. Shisui, his friend and confidant, had already been recognized as a trustworthy Uchiha by the village's head, the Third Hokage, and Itachi was very grateful for this. The two of them would restore the glory and honor of their clan, so his little brother and everyone else would have a chance in peace. A chance in happiness even.
His thoughts were interrupted as he sensed someone in a small distance. He saw Hyuuga Mirai coming out of the forest, a few steps behind him. He immediately noticed a black spot on her pale kimono. Her hair was wet. This somehow upset him. It was bad news. She saw him too, her eyes revealing surprise at first and then serenity.
"Mirai" He said simply.
Her eyes popped open at the lack of honorifics, but Itachi thought that they had a silent agreement the other day at the corridor. They would be at each others way in the future. They would probably meet many times to discuss things that didn't matter, only to have the opportunity to read their opponents next move. He believed that to be a form of familiarity and since they were of the same age, etiquette seemed quite hollow between them.
"Itachi-san" she greeted him seriously, disapproving his forwardness.
His eyes wondered on her wounds. He raised his brow in a silent question without much interest to know the specifics. She read his motion successfully but didn't regard it.
"Good luck tomorrow." she mentioned gently and with a small bow she begun to return to the village.
"Good luck to you, too" he returned the courtesy, his stare fixed on her back. The Hyuuga Clan symbol was shimmering on the fine fabric of her kimono.
5.
"Uchiha Itachi of Konoha versus Hyuuga Mirai of Kusagakure" The proctor announced.
The last trial was traditionally one on one combat. It was early noon by the time the first four matches had been resolved. This was a public event and it was conducted in the Arena with a big crowd watching and among them, the Kage of the various hidden villages that were participating as well as the families of the contestants. Uchiha Fugaku, his wife Mikoto and his younger son Sasuke were there. Mirai's parents weren't present. This of course was another way of letting everyone know that they were absolutely confident that she would make it but at the same time that even if they weren't in the crowd, the Clan should be there to support her. A hint that Konoha's Hyuuga had caught on as Hyuuga Hiashi and his young daughter Hinata were present to support their "family".
"I am confident that you are not going to lose, Mirai." Hiashi had told her in a cold tone.
"Yes, Hyuuga-dono"
"Your mother must be very proud of you, child." He proceeded to comment, a small hint under his breath.
Mirai lifted her eyes to meet his. At his age and status, Hyuuga Hiashi was terrifying and absolute.
"I will ensure this will be the case, Hyuuga-dono." she responded calmly, making her own hint.
He nodded in understanding and they parted but the little girl approached her right away.
Her hair were short and black, her eyes bright as the moon.
"Mirai-sama!" little Hinata shouted happily.
The older girl turned to look at the toddler in wonder. "Yes, Hinata-sama?"
Hinata reached her and offered her a band-aid. Mirai blinked in surprised but kindly accepted the gift.
"I heard that you have hurt yourself...I made this band-aid myself and put some ointment on it! It will make the pain go away immediately, so please, put it on." Hinata said shyly.
Mirai swallowed. So the Konoha house was certainly the one to blame for her injury -since no one else saw her and she doubted the Uchiha had spoken about it to Hinata- but the kid didn't know this. She had a kind, timid look in her eyes and Mirai felt that the girl liked her.
She lowered her body in order to look at the child's eyes directly, trying to guess what she was thinking about.
"Thank you very much, Hinata-sama. I will put this on." she said, her voice sounding strange at her own ears. Was she… emotional?
"Father is sure that you will win, so don't worry too much." the girl added kindly.
"Hiashi-dono is certain that I will not lose, Hinata-sama. There is a difference." Mirai commented bitterly.
"Really? I am certain that you will win!" the younger girl said, true faith in her warm gaze. Mirai's throat felt sore so she cleared it discreetly.
"Thank you. I am truly grateful."
Hinata smiled shyly and left, following the direction her father took.
Mirai was waiting her turn and took mental notes about the battles she watched when suddenly, she heard the announcement.
"Uchiha Itachi of Konoha versus Hyuuga Mirai of Kusagakure".
Mirai flinched and her head popped at the direction of her opponent who was also looking at her.
'So it came that we will face each other now, Uchiha Itachi.' she thought.
His eyes reflected the same notion. The two heirs, none of them allowed to lose.
Mirai turned around only to see her teammates looking at her. She smiled confidently only to them as she took off her kimono. Surprisingly she wasn't wearing the traditional robe beneath it, but she was properly dressed as a Hidden Grass Ninja.
She wore a black turtleneck, her dark green military pants and sandals. She was fully equipped with kunai, shuriken and needles, her homeland's trademark weapon. Her headband was tied on her thigh above some bandages. Mirai made her hair into a strict ponytail that reached her waist. She took the little band-aid that Hinata gave to her and placed it on her wrist. She searched for the little girl in the crowd that has been looking at her from distance and offered her a small bow. Hinata smiled at Mirai and mouthed a clear "good luck".
The Heiress walked into the Arena and stood before her opponent. He was expecting her, also dressed in the typical Konoha shinobi outfit with the black shirt and military pants and his headband on his forehead, his hair in ponytail as well. The difference for both of them was the small symbols on their backs.
Hyuuga vs Uchiha.
"Begin" said the proctor and left the battlefield as the crowd begun to cheer in awe, expecting to see the famous Uchiha Itachi fight at last. Most of them were leaf villagers after all.
The two children bowed nobly and prepared to launch their attacks.
"I didn't think we would meet this soon, Mirai." he said as he moved.
"Me neither. Are you prepared, Itachi-san?"
"I am."
"Excellent." she mused as she followed his circular pacing.
They both started to speed up as the circle they formed started to narrow down. Eventually, they clashed, with simple kunai attacks at first.
Mirai calculated the odds. Uchiha, male, ten years old, exceptional chakra levels, Sharingan. Plain surroundings.
He suddenly jumped away from her and blew fire through his parted lips towards her. She revolved graciously around herself, blowing chakra at every direction, pushing his flames away from her.
The crowd went wild again. They were performing a great show, Mirai and Itachi both knew.
"I will not allow your fire to touch me Itachi-san." she claimed calmly as they stood in the same distance as when they begun.
"I will find a way, Mirai." he replied confidently as he stared at her eyes.
"Sharingan!"
"Byakugan!"
They both activated their dojutsu.
"Now our eyes truly meet, Uchiha Itachi."
"Let us dance, Hyuuga Mirai."
(Four long hours passed and the two shinobi went against each other like opposed forces of nature. Sometimes the Uchiha had the upper hand and sometimes the Hyuuga did.
They were both out of breath, out of chakra, roughly maintaining their eyes active, their bodies were scratched and bruised, their hair were windy.
Their quiet demeanor had been long gone, revealing their ambition, their violence and their power.
Now, the children were both on their knees, staring at each other from distance with serious eyes, ignoring anyone else around them.)
Mirai stood up slowly and so did Itachi. This wasn't good. Her genjutsu was not at his levels countering with greater taijutsu against him. His ninjutsu was exceptional but she had better chakra control. The odds were even.
"What are you thinking right now?" He inquired as he threw her four shuriken, without adding any technique. She deflected them with her kunai, without spending energy to move or chakra to avoid them.
She didn't reply. Mirai threw a barrage of needles at him which he effortlessly avoided using his visual prowess. His moves were slower now but so were hers so it didn't make any difference.
"Do you think we will both faint at the same time?" he joked, this time running at her and attempting to land a punch at her abdomen. She blocked this one easily.
"I will not faint." she claimed as she tried to kick him away. He avoided her attack.
"You are depleted of chakra." He insisted as he caught her leg and forced her to lose her balance.
"You are left with crumbles too!" she confirmed as she rolled away from him.
"It's true." he laughed.
Both of their dojutsu faded and they were left staring at each other helplessly. None could win today.
The crowd was frantic with excitement when the proctor spoke.
"This match ends in draw. It will be repeated tomorrow at 12:00 pm."
Mirai smiled at him and he smiled back. They had exchanged a few words and many blows but it felt like they have been acquainted for a long time. They have met an equal. Itachi bowed and she mimicked him, their eyes never looking away.
The odds were not possible to calculate.