AN: Hi everyone! Hope you liked the story so far!

How are the fighting scenes: good, bad, or decent?

There will be cursing/bad words in this chapter & going forward.

Stay safe and be nice to others! We will get through this!

I do not own Naruto.

Honesty & Denial

Itachi was at the dango shop's outside bench munching on his last stick of dango. The smell of heated sugar came out of the shop easily, similar to my kitchen when they had me making sweets.

I walked up to him as he just finished his snack. He threw away his trash and we set off to my house. The streets were bright, full of colors and loud with people. No one was glaring and there was no tension in the air. If this is what peace is then it might be nice if not for the sacrifice of some.

I can tell that the Unchia are not as accepted as everyone tries to make it appear. There may be many fangirls and many think they have good genes when it comes to appearances. I don't see it but I am not so interested since I know some of their personalities.

Itachi raised an eyebrow at me since I've been staring at his face. I noticed a few fangirls that were trailing us. I shrugged, "I still don't get how you have fangirls."

He shrugged one shoulder as we passed the last of the shops. When Sasuke popped up seemingly out of nowhere. He was frowning at me as he looked at me to his brother. He must of hid in the shadows like the fangirls.

"Nii-san you said you would help with my training today," Sasuke folded his arms.

A pouting Sasuke who would have thought. I bet his fangirls would be happy to hear about this.

Itachi glanced at me and I shrugged, we have 3 days before we have to go anyway.

He smiled, "I did promise." I smiled but before I excused myself Itachi added, "Crow will come too since Shisui will be by later."

I stared up at Itachi before sighing. Sasuke frowned but nodded since he wasn't about to argue with his brother. All three of us turned and started the walk to their compound. All while Sasuke was chatting with Itachi as I trailed behind. If it wasn't for Itachi's glancing, I would have just left to go home.

Once we went through the compound gate it wasn't as quiet. There were sounds and signs of life but these people lived more quietly. Those we passed stared at me with frowns. They were cautious and I don't judge them for it. The civilians were not fans of Unchias except for their looks at times. It showed with how far and isolated the compound was.

I simply nodded a quick bow as I caught some eyes as I looked around. It wasn't long until we reached the largest house that I could tell. Sasuke was already inside as I followed Itachi who was fixing Sasuke's shoes.

Closing the door behind me before as I heard, "It is good that you came back so soon. Sasuke has been missing you a lot lately. I-" woman's voice cut off as she came into view.

I simply stared as she did. She looked a lot like Itachi with long straight black hair, a softer aura, and she looked like she once was a ninja herself. I couldn't help stiffing as the silence stretched. Itachi waited as her eyes flicked to me and back to Itachi. They seemed to have a silent conversation before she smiled.

"Hi, my name is Mikoto Unchia. I'm Itachi and Sasuke's mother. It is nice to meet you," she said as she came forward holding out her hand.

"I'm Crow. Sasuke's classmate and Itachi's friend," I smiled as I took her hand.

Her smile turned more warm, "You must be the friend that Shisui has been talking about and the one Itachi has been bringing home too many sweets from."

I glanced at Itachi who avoided eye contact. His ears were slightly more red than usual. My smile widened with his nod, "Itachi has a huge sweet tooth like Anko so I tend to make tons of sweets for them regularly."

Mikoto-san was about to say more when Sasuke popped back up with a weapons bag. She smiled, "Itachi, why don't you go train with Sasuke, while Crow and I talk some more."

Itachi didn't have a chance before Sasuke started pulling him away. I simply waved even when he glanced back a few times before rounding a corner. Mikoto-san led the way to their kitchen where she had been working on lunch.

The house was big and it had a stiffness to it that could be taken as dignity and or pride. It was softer with Mikoto-san around like her warmth made it softer and better.

I had offered to help with lunch but she declined since I was a guest this time. So she directed me to sit at the table while she went back to making lunch. It looked colorful with lots of veggies.

She was cutting carrots when she asked, "How did you meet Itachi and Shisui?"

I replied, "I met them while I was waiting to leave school with Naruto to go eat ramen."

Her cutting stopped as I watched trying to gauge her reaction. She looked at me and I looked back with a smile though this one may have shown more of my fangs.

I'm protective of my friends and happy to be rude when people have different views of them.

She smiled warmly, "It's great that you are friends with him."

I raised an eyebrow and her smile widened. She actually meant it so my smile became warm and I relaxed.

She went back to cutting, "If only Sasuke would too, but he is only interested in Itachi and training."

I nodded since it was true and I'm sure if ducky wasn't so prideful, they'd be great friends.

"What brought you to our village? It seems like you are not restless being inside a new village for months now," she had moved to patting some lettuce dry.

I shrugged, "I was looking for a new place to live and this village was the first one I found. It seemed nice here and Third Hokage didn't seem to mind."

Mikoto-san stopped and stared at me. It felt as if she was trying to see into me so I just smiled with the usual head tilt.

My smile turned smaller as I added, "I escaped from my original village when a civil war of sorts was going on and my parents had died."

Her eyes widened a bit before she came over to me. She was quick as a blink. She pulled me into a warm hug. I shivered for it's been a while since I felt a warm hug like this.

I wanted to hug her back and let her warmth in but before I could I was already gently pushing her away. The memory of the woman who took care of me before hugging me in a similar way came to overlap and set my nerves on fire.

This is Mikoto-san, not that other woman. It's not black-hearted Lily! Do not attack. I'm not back there and safe. I am safe. Calm the fuck down.

I smiled sadly at Mikoto-san after taking a few breaths. She stared at me a moment still close but some understanding filled her eyes. She patted my head with a matching sad smile.

Mikoto-san seemed to quietly laugh when I acted like my sister cat and hummed as I leaned forward for more. She patted my head a few more times before going back to making lunch.

She did wash her hands before working on more of the veggies. I noticed there were a lot of small tomatoes, some know them as cherry tomatoes. My nose scrunched since I've eaten some before as a bad experience since it was easy to poison them. Though they are fun to be used as little juice bombs.

The image of me pelting the guards with them on one escape attempt came to mind. I was pulled from the memory when she asked, "how did you become friends with Itachi?"

"Shisui, noticed I didn't fangirl over them. He got curious and hasn't left me alone since. Itachi tends to be with Shisui all the time and thankfully helped keep Shisui from bothering me too much. Shisui decided that the three of us are close friends now," I chuckled.

It may be true that we are friends but seriously Shisui can be obnoxious.

Mikoto-san smiled as if she knew exactly what I was talking about.

"Once Itachi came to the house I live with Anko and found me making sweets. We shared them and he kind of kept silently asking for some so I just gave in and made tons whenever I made any," I added.

Mikoto-san's smile warmed even more. She even laughed as I described a few of the times Itachi silently asked for sweets.

She had just finished cooking and putting the food together as I set the table. She insisted that I eat with them and gave this mom-look that made me unable to refuse.

We could hear Itachi and Sasuke coming in when someone came in through the window. I pulled out a kunai instinctively and was about to move to protect Mikoto-san when I recognized the scent that now reached my nose. Putting the kunai away but kicking Shisui in the shin for coming through the window.

Mikoto-san watched with a smile and nodded her approval. Sasuke laughed, Itachi chuckled, as Shisui whined at me for kicking him.

I raised an eyebrow, "You know you deserve it. This isn't your house and you could have come in through a door or different window. Just be happy I only kicked your shin."

Shisui whined, "the violence wasn't needed. I come here all the time!"

"You come to my house all the time but not through the window. You actually use our door," I countered.

He threw his hands up, "I can't come in through your window thanks to your barrier. I've tried"

I snorted, "good to know it's working. Maybe if you didn't come through windows people wouldn't attack you on sight."

Shisui just huffed and over to whine to Mikoto-san. She gave him a quick pat on the back before saying, "Crow's right you know."

This made everyone laugh and just made him whine more. They all move to sit Sasuke by Itachi and Mikoto-san at one end. Shisui pulled me to sit next him with an arm he slipped around my neck- I mean shoulders. I followed their lead and thanked them for the food. I took a bite and blinked at it. It tasted similar to food my mother made. I was careful to keep manners but happily ate silently.

I glanced up when I felt eyes one me too long and Shisui was way too quiet. Mikoto-san just smiled as she went back to her food, Sasuke looked away and had started asking Itachi about training things, Shisui was the only one still staring. I tilted my head in silent question.

"Sometimes, I forget you're a kid Sasuke age except for times like this," Shisui smiled a little more warmly if not sadly.

"I've been a kid this whole time. I have to act or be more mature since you act like a kid all the time. Someone has to make sure you don't cause too much chaos and give Itachi a break every so often at being your babysitter," I shrugged.

Shisui's jaw dropped and Sasuke snickered. Itachi simply smiled as Mikoto-san giggled behind her hand.

"I am not childish. I'm a Jounin and older than you," he whined.

I raised an eyebrow then took another bite of food. Shisui whined before eating his food again.

"You definitely sound and act mature for someone of your age and rank," I said after Shisui started to slouch in his seat.

Shisui glared at me. I exaggerated my glance at his posture before rolling my eyes.

He sat up properly and used the Uchiha favorite retort, "hn."

I swallowed my food before I said one thing, "hn."

His eyes widened, almost choked on his food.

"No. No, no, no. Don't start using that. It's an Uchiha thing and people will start to think I'm a bad influence on you," Shisui panicked after recovering from choking.

"You are a bad influence on her," Itachi said, having finished his food.

"I am not a bad influence," Shisui shouted.

Itachi smiled and I glanced at him. We both responded, "hn."

It was silent before everyone, including Shisui, started laughing.

*(^~^) *(^~^) *(^~^)*

A little while later, Itachi's father came home. He frowned deeply once he saw me so Shisui grabbed me as he jumped out the closest window. Thankfully, we both fit. We could hear a few unhappy questions from outside and Mikoto answering with a smile. Shisui put his hand over my mouth as he quickly snuck us into what I guess was Itachi's room. I put a barrier around us to help once I caught on.

Now on the floor I glared at Shisui who relaxed as much as an energetic person could.

I sighed, "Did you really need to cover my mouth and jump us out a window?"

He was messing with Itachi's books, "Itachi's father isn't a friendly person and is more strict on the image he portrays as the Head. He doesn't even like me being around too much since I don't fit the image of the 'serious Uchiha'."

I frowned and Shisui didn't look at me as he continued making a mess.

I snorted, "Good, you are better as you are. You have more value than some bloodline and traditional image. If they can't accept you then ignore them or show them the differences are what give you strength. You are strong and I bet you are stronger than Itachi's father."

Shisui turned to stare at me. For once not knowing what to say. I tilted my head and smiled. He smiled back with a brighter one than usual.

Itachi came in and said, "Crow is right, you know." Shisui jumped, knocking over some more of Itachi's stuff. I laughed as Shisui in retaliation pulled Itachi in a hug. Itachi grunted an "hn" and patted Shisui's back.

Shisui let go and before he could do the same to me Itachi said, "now put my things back."

I snorted as I got up to help, knowing Shisui would purposefully put some things back wrong.

Itachi pulled out a scroll as he sat on his bed. I sat on the floor by the foot as Shisui sat on the desk chair backwards with arms crossed and resting on the backrest.

"We are to go to two locations and kill everyone there. This is an S-rank mission since there is no information aside from that these locations need to be cleared. There is a note that Jounin or higher ranked ninja maybe there. They have sent a threat to the Leaf after sending corpses of two previous teams that were sent to the locations" Itachi summarized.

I tilted my head at his deep frown and as he shared a look with Shisui. Glancing between the two I asked, "Two teams to each location or one team for each?"

Itachi glanced at the scroll, "One team each location."

I nodded, "Does it say if we need it to look a certain way or to not destroy the land around these places?"

Shisui's frown deepened as Itachi said, "It says we are to do as we judge as needed."

"I don't like the first mission we go on together is a massacre by order," Shisui stated with a huff.

I shrugged, "we are ANBU, we are expected to do the messy and dangerous missions."

Both stared at me with disbelief but Itachi nodded as I had a point.

"Crow, you are still a kid. You shouldn't be doing a mission that is about killing! You should be doing missions that are more towards gathering information, like undercovers" Shisui exploded at my lack of unhappiness.

I raised an eyebrow, "So I am only good for information gathering and have no strength to fight strong opponents."

He groaned, "That is not what I said. You are still young, hell me and Itachi are still young and shouldn't be doing this."

"Then why join ANBU? Everyone here had the choice to not be and yet here we are. I knew the expectations and I am more destructive than you think. This type of mission is an ice-breaker to show what it means to be ANBU. If we can't do this and come back then we are not meant for ANBU," I leaned back on my hands with a shrug.

Shisui's frown had hints of frustration but before he could respond Mikoto knocked on the door. She came in and her smile disappeared once she noticed the tension in the room.

I dropped the barrier as I smiled, "Hi, Shisui brought me back in through the window."

Shisui glared at me but I simply smiled as Itachi sighed.

I'm not putting the barrier back up because Shisui wants to yell more.

Mikoto stared at each of us before saying, "it's getting late so I suggest Crow goes home soon."

Itachi nodded and got up, "I'll walk her home after checking on Sasuke."

Mikoto stared at us since Shisui hadn't moved but followed Itachi out.

I rolled my eyes as I got up. I was about to follow but Shisui pulled me into a hug. My face was leveled with his stomach at this point, thanks to Anko supplying food.

"I worry about you, because I care. These types of missions are terrible not because of physical difficulty, but because it can hurt the soul. Killing someone without hesitation is not a good thing regardless of the shinobi way. You are still new and your hands aren't stained in blood," Shisui whispered with a squeeze.

I sighed and hugged him back. The tension was gone and we let go.

I whispered with a bitter fanged smile, "My hands have been stained with blood before I was even born."

I felt him stiffen but without looking further or staying for his reaction I left the room. Itachi was waiting for me by the door.

I was putting on my shoes when Mikoto-san said with a warm smile, "Crow, you're welcome any time. Please come by sometimes. Maybe we could bake sweets together next time."

A little bit of warmth filled me and I nodded a small smile. Itachi and Shisui walked me back to the Forest of Death but they didn't say anything.

We arrived at my door but I had a feeling they were not going to come in. I turned and leaned my back against it with my hands in my pockets. They both stared at me and I waited.

When the silence stretched, the smile I had worn disappeared with a sigh.

"I am sorry if I ruined the image and expectations you had of me being innocent. But I had a life before coming to Leaf and it wasn't an easy one or one a normal kid would have," I said with a little bitter smile.

They both flinched, having forgotten I was not born in the Leaf. Itachi's usual blank expression turned into a frown and Shisui's brows pinched.

"I have killed before… several times actually," my eyes dulled as I looked up at the tree canopy. "I could tell you the excuses that would be reasonable as to why I did it but it doesn't change the facts. The fact that I've killed many people before and have learned that hesitation will get you killed regardless of age," I continued as the ghosts of memories played faded over the trees above.

For a moment in between breaths,

~ I felt I was on a battlefield covered in blood, not in this child's body but as a teen almost reaching adulthood, numerous corpses or pieces of corpses were scattered like fall leaves thick on the ground. The sun tainted red by the chakra and blood that filled the air still. The heavy heat of the blood that covered me that tried to weigh me down. My cold sword dripped with blood endlessly. As if it was trying to clean itself but no use for how much blood it has been soaked in. The emptiness that filled what was once madness, except for wind's whisper, "When will the killing end?"

I could not answer the wind for I await the same answer…~

Warmth broke me from my memory as I blinked the last of memory and my senses returned. I could feel the tight-ish grip of Shisui's arms. He has pulled me into his arms but I could feel the unspoken sorrow in the shaken breaths. Itachi's hand warmed the top of my head and I shifted to give him a sad but thankful smile. I hugged Shisui back and rubbed at his back.

Anko opened the door and joined in turning this into a group hug. We all went inside and chatted about the sweets we were going to make and the different missions they had been on. It felt like a good warm night.

In the distance, a white snake was crossing the board into the Leaf outer perimeter.

*(^~^) *(^~^) *(^~^)*

Shisui kidnapped me and Sasuke from school to eat lunch at Itachi's house since today was a longer lunch period than normal. I didn't even have a chance to wave goodbye to Naruto who was laughing similar to when he pulled off a prank.

Shisui dropped Sasuke once we appeared in the backyard. I couldn't help my laugh at seeing Sasuke land face first in the grass. Sasuke spitted out some grass and was muttering under his breath as we walked to the porch. We all took our shoes off there. Well I tried doing it myself but Shisui wouldn't let me down so when I just ended up kicking him lightly a few times. He took the shoes off for me and put me on my feet inside.

Mikoto-san smiled at us and waved for us to sit. Just a few minutes into lunch we all heard the door open and close. A gruff, "I'm home," followed and Itachi's dad was home. He came in to find us eating lunch and once his eyes landed on me he tensed up a bit. Mikoto-san stood up and served him a plate of food that she put on the table, all with a smile. She gave him a quick cheek kiss before sitting down and going back to her food.

I glanced at the window and back door, but Mikoto-san was smiling directly at me. I nodded since evidently I couldn't get up and stared at Shisui who was fidgeting. There was a sigh that drew my attention back to Itachi's dad who walked to his seat and started to eat.

The silence continued for the rest of the meal. I was going to quietly excuse myself but Mikoto-san was not going to have it. She fully introduced me to her husband as Itachi's friend. His dad seemed to catch on and nodded, especially since she put an emphasis on "friend." She knew that I worked with Itachi and Shisui, guess we weren't subtle enough.

I followed the manners that I've seen except for the bow part which I did more shallowly. He was not offended about it but there was nothing else to say. The silence that followed was awkward at best and Mikoto-san was not about to let us all go. She pulled Shisui next to me and told about how he came in through the window before. Itachi's dad was blank the entire time though I thought I saw a quick flash of amusement in his eyes at the banter that she relayed.

Shisui saving us from the silence and awkward situation reminded Mikoto-san that Sasuke and I still had classes. She let Shisui take us back but with the promise that Shisui and I will come later and tomorrow. There was never a time I thought I was more thankful for Shisui's inability to stay quiet and in one place than this moment.

*(^~^) *(^~^) *(^~^)*

I was hanging out with Naruto after school since I'm going to be away for a time. I had told him after school that I had to help out the village with an errand. His eyes lost a bit of their shine as did his smile. I side-hugged him and ruffled his hair. Dog happened to be nearby and I whispered a surprise prank to Naruto. His smile brightened and he nodded.

1. 2. 3. and we pounced. I knocked Dog's legs and Naruto went for his shoulders. Dog actually let himself fall onto his back with Naruto landing on top of him laughing.

Smiling, "Tag Dog. Since we got you, you will have to play and watch Naruto while I'm gone."

Naruto froze at my words after getting off Dog. Dog sat up with a sigh. Before he ruffled Naruto's hair, "You got me. I'll watch over our blond bunny while you're away."

Naruto's smile became bright as the sun. My smile warmed as Dog ruffled Naruto's hair again after getting up.

"I will have to tell the Hokage, but I'm sure it's fine since Iruka probably could use some help," Dog said as was walking away with a wave.

I could tell that Naruto was happy but nervous as he watched Dog leave.

I side-hugged him again, "I'm sure it'll be allowed if you tone down the pranks while I'm gone. Dog, can be trusted but you have to figure out yourself how much. Trust and friendship can go hand in hand in this situation. Just be yourself and if Dog is mean then when I get back I'll help you prank him like no tomorrow."

Naruto eased up and his bright smile returned. We went to get ramen as we chatted about the pranks Naruto will do while I'm gone and possible pranks to do on Dog should he mess up. Shisui appeared just as we were going to leave to kidnap me again. Naruto actually high-fived Shisui before waving as Shisui Shunshin us away.

We were back at Itachi's house and we froze on the way to his room. His dad was there on the couch near the stairs and who grunted, "Backyard," before going back to his whatever paperwork he was reading.

We nodded and murmured our thanks before going to the backyard. Itachi was training with Sasuke. I sat down not sure how to deal with what just happened and based on Shisui's dazed expression he didn't either. My guess is that Mikoto-san said something in the time we weren't here.

I noticed that the sparring between Itachi and Sasuke was getting relatively repetitive. I pulled out kunai and threw some at Itachi and two at Sasuke. Itachi expertly deflected them as did Sasuke. Sasuke didn't smile but he didn't glare either. I saw a bit of relief in his eyes.

*(^~^) *(^~^) *(^~^)*

On the way to my house in the forest of death I noticed a difference. I followed it to the edge and found a snake. It was similar to the one from the Sand but a bit older and bigger. I smiled as I went to it and it shot at me. I caught it before it could bite me and it curled around my arm instead. I let go of its head and it rubbed against my face. The coldness from its scales was nice on my cheek. This snake had been one to follow me around the base Orochimaru had me in and sometimes at the beginning spooked me awake with.

"Do you have the reportsss?" the snake hissed. I nodded and unsealed them with my other hand. A stack of 8 scrolls poofed into existence. The snake nodded and flicked its tongue before swallowing them.

The snake looked at me before hissing, "I've a messsage for you. 'Don't let the cover overtake the purpose.'" I nodded and rubbed the snake's head in thanks. It shied away licking my fingers before poofing away. I sighed as I went to the closet stream to clean the scent and chakra off so Anko doesn't flip.

Anko flipped anyway and we both went to the Hokage about it. He didn't seem worried but relieved since he thought Orochimaru knew of me telling everything and the betrayal. Anko headed home not long after we discussed what we would do in the future. I was to leave a clone behind to be safe.

Anko was satisfied and left since Old Third wanted to talk to me more.

"The Uchiha clan are thinking about a coup and at this point I can't blame them. They are overly cautious and they are being treated badly by everyone outside the clan," I said in the silence that had stretched.

Old Third groaned, "I'm too old for this… What bad treatment?"

I rolled my eyes, "how about the seclusion of their clan? They are the only police force in the leaf therefore the civilians dislike them. Or the fact that they, along with Naruto, are being treated as the culprits behind the 9-tails attack."

He frowned, "They are not being treated as culprits."

I snorted, "Right and I'm not a ninja."

He sighed, "what would you have me do?"

"Maybe hint that a Hokage candidate is an Uchiha, and specifically or secretly tell that it's Itachi to their elders, and when Danzo rages allow me to kick his ass," my eyes sparkled at the last part.

"I don't think that will work, Crow there are a lot of politics involved. I doubt they will really try to coup anytime soon," puffed out some smoke.

"Fine. If you won't listen or believe me then at least keep a few extra eyes on Danzo. While the three of us are away there is no telling of what he might pull," I sighed.

"Crow, you are worrying too much.. but I will have one ANBU watch Danzo while you are gone."

"Also, keep Dog with Naruto. Naruto needs someone to keep an eye on him and protect him from idiots," stared him down, daring him to fight me on this.

Old Third nodded his consent.

I yawned which had me dismissed to go home and sleep.

*(^~^) *(^~^) *(^~^)*

Naruto was happy when he heard I'll be leaving a clone behind. When I say happy, I mean his smile got brighter that I question if I was looking at the sun. He was energetic for the rest of the day which got me laughing. I left a clone with him when Shisui came to grab me for dinner at Itachi's.

Shisui has decided the best way to get me somewhere quickly is to just pick me up and go. Honestly, if I was not so young in this life I would have fought him more on it. That is how we showed up at Itachi's, threw a window with Shisui grinning and me half on his shoulder with a deadpan face.

Sasuke actually laughed at us which made Itachi and their mom smile. Itachi's dad didn't look amused, more so when he ordered Shisui to put me down.

Shisui did so and I kicked him in the shin before walking over and giving my greetings. Mikono-san giggled at our antics. It was a quiet dinner though not as awkward as the one before.

We were walking home when I noticed the mood of the compound was darker than normal and some were even glaring at us. Itachi and Shisui shared a look but said nothing.

Once we were out of the compound and out of ear shot also I asked, "So is something wrong? The mood has gotten worse at your compound."

Shisui laughed but there was no humor in it. "Nothing wrong, just a lot of people weren't able to sleep cause of a few noisy kids," Shisui said.

I hummed, "It felt similar to the village I grew up in when I was little. The village's mood got darker. An old lady told me that when a dark mood happens something dark will happen. The darker the mood the darker the deed."

I felt their eyes on me as I hummed a little more. I continued, "in my case my village became a battlefield and a civil war started. I'm not sure if it is still going on but I think it should be relatively settled since people left and scattered. Not terribly different from Whirlpool but more by enemies within."

They didn't say anything so I twirled around so I could look at their faces. I put a barrier arounds as I twirled. "The mood of your compound reminds me of my village. My guess, they are thinking of a coupe. Am I wrong?"

Shock and then worry was the emotions flickering in their eyes. Their mouths formed a line then a frown before they nodded.

"I suggest you tell the Hokage, especially since I have a feeling that something may happen while we are away for an unknown amount of time," I stretched.

"We can't!" Shisui panicky shouted.

I raised an eyebrow, "I doubt Old Third hasn't noticed. Even more so I doubt Danzo didn't notice. He seems to have a certain interest in the Uchiha clan and many kids with powers."

They didn't have anything to say to counter. Danzo had tried to recruit me and I noticed some frustration in their silence.

"If there is a problem and no communication is attempted, the problem will only grow. The steps that could be simple if communication is used are far better than the options at the last second," I hummed.

Both of them sighed in defeat as their shoulders sagged a little. They walked me to the forest edge and I gave them both hugs. "Tell me tomorrow, how it went?" as I pulled back to go.

They nodded and sighed as they started walking to Old Third's office. I went into the forest until no one could see me and sent a clone to sleep in my place. I followed using the shadows, popping up to decide my path every so often. I entered with them in the shadow of a bookcase and waited.

The room was silent so I put up a barrier and found Danzo's spies. I transformed into a different ANBU that I had suspicions was working with them and attacked. I had them run all over the village and not long before their stronger allies came to their rescue. I made my escape not long after faking some wounds and using substitution jutsu to escape.

By the time I got back to Old Third's office he was alone. He was staring out the window while smoking his pipe. "The coupe won't happen while you're away. At least not in the next month or two. You won't let this go, will you?" he puffed.

"Not while I breathe. Not while you have me as part of this village that supports unity and teamwork. They are innocent. They have been misguided and mistreated too long to just let it go," I say as I stood up.

"He is my old teammate, Crow. I won't accept this until I confront him in a few days" he turned to me.

I felt my anger rise, "you mean, you won't accept it until more innocent people are tortured and die."

He glared at me, "you are dismissed. Quick go get some rest. You will need it for your mission."

"I will not let the Uchihas die a sacrificial death due to the blinds you hold so righteously shut." CM

We are to leave tomorrow morning and meet at the gates before the sun rises. I was on the edge of the compound with a grimace. It was a big compound at least it's gated otherwise people would have noticed what I'm about to do.

I had picked up some river stones from the compound before coming to the edge. I pulled out the smooth stone and brushed my thumb against it.

I took a breath before I used my fang to prick my finger. Once a small bead of blood was big enough I started to draw and fuse my chakra into the stone. Fuuinjutsu is a hard thing to do with blood especially when trying to do tiny and detailed designs.

Luckily my practice with my tattoos helped. There were a few layers to this pattern that will be difficult to decipher especially since it was made to overlap. It was done though it took some effort but not tons of time. I buried it 8 feet deep in two feet from the gate.

I sighed and I stretched. One down 13 more to go. Surrounding the compound I went on to do the other 9 with little to no trouble. No one noticed me or my chakra. It was the last four that will be an issue since I have been in the center of the compound and then poured a ton of chakra to set the barriers.

Yep, barriers plural. There are two the outer one to take as much damage as possible and set off an alarm when broken. The inner one will do the same but instead of an alarm it will have 3 different functions. Hide, heal, and trap which makes it weaker in a sense with the divided attention.

Thankfully, Danzo will not be personally here to destroy the clan so that will help make these barriers last.

I'm just thankful for all the past lives that studied this form of jutsu and this life's clan techniques making it easier to do so quickly. The layering is thanks to the techniques since normally you can only draw in a sense flatly like on a scroll so different parts of the formula would have layers in how it functions. The techniques made it so literal layers can be drawn on top of each other and thus evolve the seal or formula. Thanks to the spartan training Orochimaru threw me into I had to learn all this and master it quickly in between his lessons and sleep. Which was only a handful of minutes at a time but since I had already worked on the theory and drawing the damn things in my cell the process was quicker.

The second one had four layers, each layer had its assigned function, but this made the power divide. There were also limitations such as for healing, the dead won't be revived and for hiding it was similar to my barriers. If you touch it you will know something is off and for traps it was that they would only last for a period of time. There is only so much nature's chakra that could be used to push limits.

There was a special set of symbols that can use nature's chakra like sages. One symbol is a tilted swirl of whirlpools of the whirlpool clan which most Leaf Shinobi wear. But the symbols or seals are not long lasting or powerful since Nature is unpredictable and uncontrollable.

I was somehow able to get to the center of the compound. I am not sure if it's because it's night or because I sealed my presence. It was actually peaceful even with the negativity. Seeing the Uchiha like this sleeping peacefully, their homes not much different from others built in the village, it remained that they were people just like everyone else and like them trying to protect themselves and their home.

I took a deep breath and easily pulled in the Nature chakra into me. My eyes turned purple again and glowed a little more vibrantly. I started on the last four stones with little pauses to collect more nature chakra. I was able to get through 3 and was working on the fourth when I felt a presence close. It was coming towards me but not with emergency panic. I just barely finished the 4th stone seals when they got within range of seeing me.

It was Itachi's dad though he had a pinched brow as he came closer as he could feel something off. I slowly stood and used my shadow to place the stones. He stopped four feet away which almost made me laugh nervously. I took a deep breath and pulled as much of nature's chakra as possible. He felt the spike and his eyes turned red with 3 tomatoes.

Before he had a chance to say anything I threw the chakra into the stones and activated the barriers. The explosion of chakra felt like a mini earthquake. Fortunately, it was only me and Itachi's dad who felt it since we were within the small radius of activation so the rest of the compound slept on.

I looked up at the barriers to see if they went up correctly and if there was an apparent color difference. As I studied the barrier I felt Itachi's dad stand up from having been knocked down by the force of the barriers.

The barriers were up completely and correctly which I sighed in relief. From what I can tell, which is not much since I can't fully change my sight to that of other people's, the barriers were not very obvious or dense in color. I fixed my eyes and turned to Itachi's dad. He was studying the barriers which I raised an eyebrow at since I figured he would try to kill me for doing it. I watched as he studied the barriers. He looked confused and a little curious but not fearful or worried.

"These are non-threatening barriers. They are similar in strength to purple barriers without the hue. Why put barriers around our compound?" Itachi's dad asked as he looked at me.

I dropped the disguise and said, "Itachi, Shisui, and I are leaving for a mission without a deadline so I want to make sure the clan is safe or better protected until we return."

He stared at me then asked, "is there a threat I'm unaware of? How do these barriers work?"

I shrugged, "I have some paranoia and don't trust a war hawk who is as power hungry as people come."

Itachi's dad frowned. I gestured to the stones I put down as I continued, "These stones have seals on them similar to an explosion tag seal but far more complex and different in purpose. The barriers use nature's chakra so it shouldn't affect anything and nothing needs to be done now that it's activated."

He came closer and studied the stones. I sat as he did so, "There are two barriers. One to take as much damage or power against it like a normal barrier though it has an added effect of an alarm as soon as it breaks. The other is to take some damage but has a few more functions since just stacking barriers is not the best idea. It can heal, trap, and hide as the added effects though they are not powerful or long lasting."

He turned back to me, "why do you go to these lengths to protect our clan?"

I sighed, "Itachi and Shisui are my teammates so if their family dies it will affect them. I'm sure you already know what our ranks are. I hate people like war hawk so if I can destroy or interfere with their plans it makes my day. Also, Old Third is blind to the shadows he allowed to thrive."

Itachi's dad actually snorted at that last line. I raised my eyebrows but said nothing. "He knows about the coupe, doesn't he?" Itachi's dad asked with a sigh.

"He does and why your clan was even thinking of it. I made sure that point was strongly known," I sighed in return.

He flinched and his eyes widened a little before forming a glare, "what was the reason you think it was?"

I raised an eyebrow, "The reason is the injustice, unfair treatment or punishment for something none of you did and deserve. None of you had any control over the 9-tails and were following orders to the best of your ability that day."

He just stared, "how do you know we had nothing to do with it?"

I returned his stare, "because if you did you would have never let it happen in the Leaf. Also, none of your clan has the power or strength to do so. A tailed beast is far from that of a simple beast or mass of chakra. It may have been a rogue of your clan but you, all of your clan, have been loyal to the Leaf. It shows very clearly with your endurance and with keeping the Leaf safe with the police force."

Itachi's dad stared but in his eyes were a mix of so many emotions I couldn't read. I stood, "am I wrong?"

"No," he replied quietly but firmly. I smiled and I saw one emotion that stood out most and it was relief. Though emotions aren't my strong suit I could tell he was relieved. So relieved to be understood and the doubts he may have had were as empty as he wanted to believe.

I yawned, "I'm going to go to sleep since I got a mission in a few hours. Take care of yourself and be a little cautious while we are away."

He nodded as I walked a bit away. Just as I was about to Shunshin away I heard a quiet "Thank you."

*(^~^) *(^~^) *(^~^)*

I woke up to the alarm clock going off not feeling I got enough sleep. I was tempted to just go back to sleep but I doubt very much that Shisui would not wake me up in a ridiculous way.

It didn't take long to get ready. I came out to leave and Anko was sitting with some coffee munching on some sweets I made last night. Once she saw me she got up and I tilted my head. She came over and hugged me. I blinked before hugging her back.

"Kick ass Crow," she held out her fist. I smiled wide that my fangs showed and fist bumped her.

"See ya when I get back! Also maybe try pranking with Naruto, it could be fun," I called from the door.

After the door closed behind me, I put on my porcelain mask. I felt my instincts and sense sharpen. I met Weasel and Ostrich not far from the gate and we set off.

Be safe and peaceful until we get back, Leaf.

AN: Thank you for waiting for this chapter! Thank you for reading!

What do you think about this chapter?

Should I start doing short but more frequent chapters or keep going as I currently am?

Stay safe & Take care!