A Shinobi's life sometimes can be one of solitude. Especially if you were someone like Itachi Uchiha. He'd been praised as a prodigy in his youth, hunted down as a criminal during his adolescences. And now as an adult he was acknowledged as a war hero. But with all the things he'd done in his past he'd made a name for himself, and in some occasions that was not a good thing. So after he finally came back home he was satisfied to have a solitary life. Until he met a little girl who turned his world upside down and brought him out into the light again.

Prologue:

Itachi took a few minutes to get himself back together after his fight with Kabuto. He'd already sent Sasuke away, saying he'd be soon behind him. Straightening up he got ready to leave the site of his battle. Kabuto would be fine on his own for a bit, then he'd come back for him. Running as fast as his somewhat tired body would carry him, Itachi knew he needed to get to the battle field soon. Obito was there, and unless someone like his cousin was up against him there was almost no hope in stopping him. Itachi had to get there and share what he knew about Obito's abilities.

But what Itachi was not expecting to see, was his cousin already charging at Obito. It was a split second in time that past but when he saw it happen it felt like years. Obito shot right through Shisui, a black rod pierced through his right shoulder and had him anchored to the ground. Shisui was brought to his knees when a second rod went through his left shoulder. This took out both his arms, eliminating his use of any jutsu. Itachi watched frozen in horror as a third came through his center, Shisui was coughing blood.

"Do you see it now? The difference between you and I. You were always praised as one of the best. You could have been so much more had you just joined me like Itachi did."

"Hee, Itachi. You really think he willingly joined you?"

"Of course. Though I would have welcomed him without question he didn't have to prove himself to me. The boy is my best pawn and I play him well."

"You are so wrong. And because of that it will be the end of you. Itachi's going to rip you limb from limb without a moment's hesitation."

He watched Shisui cough even more blood, mentally yelling at him to save his strength. Sasuke's female teammate was a medical genius she could help. Shisui just needed to shut up. Itachi pushed his body as hard as he could to go faster, to finally be at his cousin's side. It had been almost five years since the two were able to have an open conversation without all the hiding.

Calling his regained strength he unleashed his Susanoo, to catch Obito off guard and toss him as far from his cousin as possible. He watched Shisui cough again.

"Took you long enough. Ugh, damnit. Pull these things out of me will ya."

"I can't, you'll die."

"Little brother I am already dying."

Using his Susanoo once more Itachi pulled the rods in Shisui's shoulders not the one through his center. He'd die within seconds if he did that.

"Come here Itachi, hurry before the light goes out in this one eye."

"No, no Shisui I can't take it."

"For once just listen to me. Take my eye and keep it somewhere safe. It was nice to see you, the real you without a disguise. I'm so sorry you had to suffer all these years. I should have done it, I should have stepped up as the older one and taken the blame. Go home, be happy. Live on."

Before Shisui had completely passed Itachi removed the one eye he had putting it away in a small bottle then stored that in his weapons pouch. Once Shisui had finally passed Itachi removed the last rod and laid his cousin on the ground.

"I'll stop him. I'll make sure he pays, for everything."

Story Begins : Silver Lining – Chapter One

Itachi Uchiha woke from his sleep in the late afternoon he had that dream again, the same one that had plagued his mind almost every time he slept. He was more then happy to finally be leaving the small Village he had been in to complete his mission. Despite being the heir to his clan, he did not splurge for luxuries even on a just wasn't the way he was. He double check his things to make sure it was all there.

'Now to get back home.'

Home. For the last three years he could say that. He was able to return home after being pardoned for the crimes he committed with the Akatsuki. He was being praised as a war hero for the help he gave in the Fourth Shinobi War. Some help that was. Yes he was able to stop the re-animation jutsu and lock Kabuto in his own mind. But at what cost, it took him too long to get back to the battle field after what he did. Sasuke made it to the battle field quickly only because Itachi forced him to leave first. He should have just left at that time too. If only he'd gotten there even a moment sooner, Shisui would have lived. Or if only he'd gone to Tsunade so much sooner he would have been on their side from the beginning.

Itachi shook his head to rid himself of his 'What If' thoughts, the same thoughts that had him going to therapy once a week because not only did his mentor fear for his mental stability, his parents were worried about it to. He walked out of the room and back to the front desk to return the room key. Before leaving Itachi readjusted his ANBU mask to cover his face. It drizzled lightly as he walked the streets that led out of the Village.

'Should have remembered to bring my cloak.'

He was about to walk past an alley that had odd noises coming from it. And instead of just continuing to walk his moral compass got the best of him.

"You were supposed to have my money by now you stupid bitch."

"I-i-I'm sorry its been a slow week. I just need more time. Please!"

"More time, more time. Bitch I ain't got time. But maybe you can give me that little girl you have."

"Mara, no no please don't take my daughter."

"I bet she'd go for a nice hefty sum. So young and easy to mold. Or maybe I'll keep her for myself."

"Don't you touch her."

Without thought but to protect her daughter, the woman went after the man in front of her. But he was much faster and stabbed her point blank in the stomach. Push the knife deeper and pulled up. She would undoubtedly die.

Itachi couldn't stand there and watch anymore not when he had the knowledge that there was now a small child in danger. He dropped right in front of the man who held the knife.

"What the fuck? Who the fuck are you?"

Itachi didn't answer and before the man could even produce the thought to attack him, Itachi had the man locked in his Genjutsu that was sure to kill him. He turned to the woman who was now barely breathing.

"Please, please. My daughter, she has no one else. Sir, please don't let her see me like this."

The woman was trying to hold on, Itachi thought it best to end her suffering. He caught her as well in his Genjutsu. For her it was much more pleasant and she died peacefully. He stepped away from her and felt the presence of a small individual. He turned sharply to see a little girl running towards them. He walked to her as she kept running.

"Mommy! Mommy!"

Itachi removed his mask and let his face soften so she wouldn't be too scared of him. He lifted he up and spun around so the girl wouldn't see her mother lying dead on the ground. She struggled with him for a moment before calming down.

"You don't want to go that way."

He told her before he and the girl disappeared from the streets of the Village and reappeared in the forest. Itachi put her down also coming to her level, he could see the silent tears falling. She looked around and spoke.

"Where are we? Where's my mommy?"

"I'm sorry little one, but a very bad man hurt her. She's not coming back."

"So, so what now."

Itachi could hear the crying in her voice and it brought a sadness to him. Now the crying really started and he couldn't do anything but hold her close to him till she was done. Though it did not take long for the young girl to scream out her emotions over never being able to see her mother again.

"I can take you to the orphanage within that Village we were just at, or you can come with me."

"I."

She sniffled.

"I don't want to be alone."

Itachi nodded his head.

"Okay, let's go then."

He picked her up and placed her on his back. His mask was back in its rightful place. They didn't have much further to go. The small Village was a few hours away from the main gates to enter Konoha. To avoid any confrontation with the front guards about the little girl he had Itachi went through the entrance the Uchiha used. Once inside he made quick work of getting to the Hokage tower, fresh morning hours meant there shouldn't really be anyone there.

Itachi knocked on the door and waited.

"Come in,"

"Don't be scared."

"Okay."

The Uchiha entered the office and came face to face with a shocked Hokage. At least that's what it looked like considering you could only see half the Hokage's face.

"Crow, you seem to have a growth there."

Itachi did not speak yet. He knelt down and the girl slid from his back.

"I picked up another mission on my way back."

He stood once more and handed over the scroll that had his original mission report inside of it. He went back to stand next to the girl.

"I see. I will look at this later so why don't you tell me what the situation is here."

Itachi removed his mask to speak more clearly to his Hokage, his mentor from his youth.

"I saved her. And made the decision to bring her with me."

"Hmm, Shikamaru."

Kakashi looked at the other shinobi in the room. Shikamaru Nara nodded and walked to where Itachi and the girl were. All he was going to do was walk her over to the Hokage, so why was Itachi nervous. He knew neither of these men were going to hurt her yet he would rather she stayed right next to him. The small child clung to Itachi as if her life depended on it.

"No, no I don't wanna go."

Itachi looked down at her.

"It's okay Mara, go with him."

Kakashi looked at her.

"Hello, Mara."

"Hello."

"I am Kakashi Hatake, the Hokage of Konoha. It's seems that you have caught the attention of one of my shinobi. I know there is more to all of this and what may have caused Itachi to bring you back to the Village with him. But for now you both look like you need a bath and a good nap."

Kakashi paused for a moment and looked at Itachi.

"She is your responsibility. Take her home I'm sure your mother will enjoy having a child in her home again."

"Lord Hokage,"

Shikamaru tried to protest letting Itachi and Mara leave, the Hokage waved his hand to stop him.

"Be back here bright and early in five days with a full report, bring Mara back with you."

"Yes Lord Hokage."

With that Mara wiggled herself out of Shikamaru's light grip and ran back to Itachi. When she was close enough Itachi bent to pick her up.

"I will take my leave then."

Itachi bowed then left the room.

"Was that wise? To let her leave with Itachi."

"Hmm, she's just a child. What harm could she really cause?"

"What if she were a sleeper agent?"

"Then Mikoto is the perfect person to find that out for us."

Kakashi summoned Pak-Kun, the small pug came into view.

"You need something boss?"

"Yes, take this note to Mikoto Uchiha. Make sure she is the only one who sees it."

"Sure thing."

The pug left to complete his mission.

Itachi arrived at his home and just looked a the house. By casting out his senses he could tell that only his mother was home at the moment. He noticed Mara was looking at the house as well with wide eyes.

"This is my home, it could be your home as well. If you would like it to be."

"Yea, I wanna stay here."

"Before we go in I want to talk to you for a moment."

"'Kay,"

"How old are you?"

"I am 5. How old are you?"

"I'm 24. Are you not scared of me?"

"No."

"Why?"

"I can tell you are a nice, good person. You wont hurt me. I've been around really bad men for a long time. You are not like them. I like you, but I know that I'm never going to see my mommy again."

"She just wanted you to be safe."

Mara nodded her head. And Itachi walked into the house. His mother was in the kitchen and that was exactly where he went.

"Mother,"

"Ah, Ita-"

She turned to see him and the small girl in his arms.

"I knew this would happen. It explains so much now and why you are always on missions."

"I am sorry to disappoint you mother but this girl is not mine. This is Mara. She was being protected by her mother when they were attacked. Her mother did not survive, had I not showed up when I did she would not have survived either."

"Oh, so she will be staying with us now."

"Yes. Is there any food? We've been traveling all night and haven't eaten anything yet."

"Yes, yes dear. Both of you sit I will get some food."

The two sat at the table and waited for food. Once they were done eating Mikoto took Mara to her room to get the girl bathed and changed. After that Mara went down for a nap very easily in her bed. Itachi waited for his mother to finish when he was done with his own shower. She came out to her sitting area and found her son.

"She is sleeping. Have you gone by the Hokage's office yet?"

"Yes. I talked with him. He has placed Mara in my care."

"What now Itachi? She is undoubtedly a sweet and innocent girl. But think of what your father will say when he gets home."

Before Itachi could speak again Kakashi's most faithful ninja hound showed up.

"Lady Mikoto I have a note from the Hokage for you."

"Thank you,"

She looked over it then wrote something down and handed the note back.

"Please return this to him."

"I will."

The pug disappeared and it was just mother and son alone once more.

"Your father is on his way, should be walking in the door right now."

It took moments for Fugaku Uchiha to reach where they were. He knocked first.

"Come in Fugaku."

The man entered the room.

"Wait, smack him across the head."

"Dear, is that really-"

"Do it."

Father and son locked eyes, the older of the two sighed but complied with what his wife asked of him. He smacked his eldest son; his heir, the child prodigy; in the back of the head. Afterwards he sat next to Mikoto facing their son.

"Itachi-"

"Wait."

Mikoto stopped him.

"When you were a child they told me you were a genius, a prodigy. You were such a quite, calm, and happy baby. The day you were born, not a sound came from you. The doctor pricked your foot and he said all you did was twitch your foot back at him. You are a war hero, your personal mentor is the sixth Hokage."

"Dear maybe you should sto-."

"I am still talking. For all the intelligence and skills you have. It never ceases to amaze how unbelievably-"

She paused just a moment.

"Caring you are. Itachi you always seem to find the good in others. I am very proud of you for saving that little girl. But when I asked for grandchildren this was not how I expected to get one."

"Itachi, son this is a bit of a tricky situation you are now in."

"I know."

"Your mother and I are indeed very proud of the man you have become. I just want to be sure you know what you are really doing."

"She has no one else, I couldn't just leave her alone."

"We understand that. And we will stand by you in the decision you have made."

His father said to him.

"Thank you."

"Well now that all of this has been said. We need to discuss where you and Mara are going to live. She is going to need a room of her own."

His mother was ready to kick him out.

"Um. I had not thought of that."

"So smart, yet so stupid. Fugaku how hard did you hit him."

"I barely tapped him, dear."

"In the moment I had not thought about it. But I do remember there being a house not too far from here that is now vacant. It would be a good place for Mara and I to stay in."

"See there is a brain inside his head."

"I can't tell if you guys are insulting me or not."

"Itachi, I will look into the property that has become vacant and see when we can get you and Mara to move in."

"The Hokage has given me a five day break. Afterwards I am to be in his office with a report and Mara."

"You know Itachi, this may be a good thing for you. It's been a very sensitive subject since Shisui passed during the War. But this little girl is going to give you something more to look forward to aside from constantly doing missions the past three years."

Itachi did not say anything back to his mother, because what she said was true. Losing his cousin, his best friend was a roller coaster he truly was not ready for. And true to what Mikoto said he had gone on any and all ANBU missions the Hokage would throw his way. Whether it was with his team or solo, the amount of time to complete a mission never mattered to him either.

But now, now he's made the rash decision to take on raising a five year old girl who'd clung to him like her life depended on it. It helped that she was unbelievably cute and almost reminded him of when Sasuke was much younger. As if reading his mind his mother spoke again but it was more to his father.

"She is so cute with those big blue eyes. Oh Fugaku, I hadn't wanted to leave the room while she was sleeping."

Fugaku just nodded his head as his wife continued to speak of the little girl their son had bought home. Itachi had not been too sure of how his father was going to take the news that he had brought home Mara. But this was much better then he knew it could have gone.