Obligatory Disclaimer: The series Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto; I only own the OCs, picture, and this story.
Chapter 15: Of Diapers and Streetlights
It wasn't as dismal or somber as I was expecting.
The Uchiha district lacked the comforting, homey atmosphere of the smaller Akimichi district, but it had a certain light that didn't exist in the Hyūga compound. There was an abundance of life here; little stalls peppered both sides of the street I walked down, Uchiha merchants selling handcrafted wares and other treats. I was surprised at the amount of non-Uchiha who also walked around freely, as few as I could see from my limited height. That would never happen back home, but then again every clan did operate a bit differently. I doubt people could just walk into the Nara's forests or research facilities all willy-nilly. The Nara were characteristically easygoing, almost to the point of laziness, but that didn't mean they didn't have secrets.
I was aware of the glances that were being thrown my way but I ignored them in favor of taking in my surroundings. A comical number of fans adorned almost every surface; you couldn't escape them no matter where you looked. No one could say that the Uchiha weren't into themselves with signage like that. It was an aspect I noticed that separated them from the other clans. Every clan had their pride but the Uchiha were extravagant about it in a way that the Hyūga's haughty pride paled in comparison. Nobody tried to stop me as I continued to walk and before I knew it, I came across a sort of open field, some kind of playground. Just how much land did the Uchiha have?
Children laughed and played as their parents overlooked them. It was nice and normal which for some reason surprised me. I knew the Uchiha were infamous for their prized sharingan and great skills themselves as shinobi which was why people hated and feared them; but they were still humans who laughed and cried. They weren't just soulless or arrogant monsters as much as others would have led me to believe.
In this moment, there was no strife or mistrust of the village, at least on the surface. While being accused of the Kyūbi attack must've had a major effect, could something else have aggravated tensions even before then?
Trust was a tricky thing, especially when it came to ninja and even more so when it came to kekkei genkai and village politics. As much as I didn't want to, and as much as it made my heart fall into my stomach, I could understand why they were so feared and why one would take the extreme approach of exterminating them. From a completely objective stance, a power like the sharingan, like any power, had a rainbow of dangers attached to it. And if you can't control it, well… you'd need to make sure it can't be used against you, by either taking it for yourself or destroying it.
So caught up in my thoughts, I almost jumped out of my skin when something tugged lightly at my sleeve. I quickly looked to the side where two large obsidian eyes looked up at me. What was with me today? I should've sensed a child of all things, especially one that was about a head short than I was.
Maybe I haven't recovered completely.
A small child who couldn't have been more than two years old blinked up at me innocently in a little navy outfit, fingers grazing a slightly parted mouth while their other hand hung onto my sleeve. I fought the urge to squeal as I stared in return. They were so cute! In my old life, I always had a soft spot for children. Sure, they were loud and sticky most of the time, but they could also be lively and innocent. Something you don't quite see a lot of in either world.
Breaking my staring contest with the child, I took a brief look around. Children were still at play even though it was starting to get dark, while a scattering of adults watched from afar. But as far as I could see, well without my byakugan, no one was looking for this child. I didn't think the Uchiha were that negligent but people were people, no matter their lineage. I had surely given my parents a run for their money, or at least tried to, but escaping either ninja was playful foolishness on my part.
Another tug on my sleeve pulled me from my thoughts again and I returned my attention to my new little friend. I only had to bend down a little to meet them eye to eye.
"Are you lost chibi-chan?" I asked softly, in fear of startling the child. The child simply stared, eyes widening slightly as they lifted their hands to lightly touch my cheeks. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face as they did.
"White eyes?" A tiny high pitched voice spoke, their fingers gently pressed against my bottom eyelid. "Can you see?"
If I wasn't surprised by the clarity in how they spoke, they blew me away with the intelligent and curious glint which sparkled in their eyes. The question was so familiar, coming from my own mouth what seemed to be decades ago.
"Of course I can," I giggled, poking them lightly on the nose.
They blinked again, staring at the offending appending before returning their gaze on my eyes. I closed my eyes, letting them run their fingers across my eyelids. It became a little game, the child giggling as I opened one eye and then the other, tickling their palms with my eyelashes.
"Ah, Itachi-chama there you are!"
We looked up to see another Uchiha child running towards us, one that I was familiar with. Wait a minute, Itachi?
"Shisui-san?"
"Junko-san!"
We exclaimed simultaneously as we made eye contact. The baby's, Itachi's, hands didn't stray from my face as Shisui caught up to where we stood at the edge of the park. We shared a brief moment of awkwardness as Shisui looked between the both of us, seeming unsure of what to say.
"I'm guessing this little one is under your care?" I broke the silence, turning my gaze back to the Itachi Uchiha, who continued his exploration of my eyelids with his little pudgy fingers causing me to giggle.
I heard the boy shuffle and sigh. "Yeah, my aunt is having me take care of him while she went to run an errand."
Shisui was related to Itachi? I mean, I knew the pair of them were close in canon, like brothers practically, but not actually blood related. Will wonders ever cease? Stowing that information away for later, I responded.
"Is that why you didn't come to class today?"
From my peripheral, I saw him shake his head. "My fever went away this morning, but obasan wanted me to stay home for the rest of the day just in case."
So he had been sick. Itachi seemed done with his play, letting his hands fall from my face. As I straightened myself, Shisui spoke.
"Why are you here Junko-san?"
I shrugged. I had no idea; I blame my guilt-ridden conscience.
"Don't know, I was just exploring. Should I not be?"
"It's not like you're not allowed to!" he said sheepishly. "But you know…"
I didn't but I had a feeling that Hyūga weren't especially welcome. Or more accurately, Hyūga didn't come here out of some elitist principle I didn't understand. Oops.
I shrugged again and took a good look at the boy. He seemed healthy enough and the part of his arm that I could see was free of any bruising.
Shisui gazed down at his arm. "I'm okay, Nohara-san healed it up really well."
"I'm glad."
That was one less thing I had to agonize over; I wouldn't have forgiven myself if something happened to him. I was about to excuse myself, my overseer and the clan would be pissed if or when they heard about my little adventure, when a familiar tug jerked my sleeve. Shisui noticed as well.
"What's wrong Itachi-chama?" he asked, leaning down a little so he could see the child.
The child whined, shifting on the spot as if embarrassed. And then we smelt it. Having babysat many summers for my cousin's children back in my old life, I was quite familiar to what it was, and it seemed that Shisui was as well. The boy paled a little, eyes darting to the street behind me.
"Mikoto-obasan isn't back yet," he said, horrified eyes locking onto mine. "What am I going to do?"
"Change him of course." Shisui looked at me as though I had transformed into Ikeda-sensei and told him to do a thousand laps around the village. I sighed, giving him a blank look.
"It's changing a dirty diaper, not performing the shunshin; it's not that hard."
The uncomfortable grimace that sat on his face in response made me laugh. Taking pity on both boys, I grabbed little Itachi by the hand and turned to my classmate. Understanding immediately, Shisui led me a blanket where a small picnic basket and diaper bag covered in the infamous red and white fans waited. The boy stared into the side of my head as I began changing Itachi, who squirmed slightly and whined under his breath. Even prodigies needed to be potty trained.
"I'm not happy about this either Itachi-chan, but it must be done."
I patted him on the stomach lightly, which caused him calm down a bit as I removed his soiled diaper. I was changing the diaper of Itachi Uchiha, clan killer and member of the Akatsuki. I would've laughed outright if the idea of it wasn't so sad. The rest of the procedure wasn't that bad, but boy did it stink. Just what were they feeding this boy? Depositing the soiled diaper off to the side and away from my nose, I closed his little outfit and sat him up.
"There, all better." I smiled as the child giggled in agreement, seeming to pat my face in thanks. Baby Itachi was way too cute, it had to be illegal.
"You're welcome, kiddo."
"You always go out of your way to help others," Shisui said as Itachi rolled over to play with a small pile of toys that had been left on the blanket. "Why is that?"
If there was one thing I noticed about Shisui, he was always watching other people, always trying to find out their motives. Our encounters before were an example, though he was one to talk.
"Why not?" His eyebrows furrowed at the familiar vague answer. I chuckled lightly as Itachi returned from his search, handing me a slightly dented rubber kunai in offering which I took with a smile. I mulled over Shisui's question, reaching into my bag for my little satchel of marbles. I pulled out a few, entertaining Itachi as I let them dance across my hand and fingers with chakra.
It wasn't as if I didn't have an answer; it was more that I didn't know how to put it into words. Maybe it was mixture of my old life, my mom's constant teachings of charity and my own hope to make my new mother and father proud where ever they were. To prove that even though the world was a scary place and could get worse, there was still good in people individually.
"In this world, there are those who hurt others for no other reason than power or glory."
Shisui visibly straightened as I spoke, onyx eyes trained on mine.
"Look at the war. I mean, it's more complicated than that, but even then there are those who would and do hurt others merely for the thrill. And then there are those who fight and give their lives in order to protect the things they cherish, whether it be an idea or a village."
I let my eyes drift to the skyline, orange staining the horizon as the sun began to set.
"Here in Konoha, away from the battles, we can enjoy a sense of peace and happiness." I chuckled as Itachi furrowed his little eyebrows in concentration, trying to figure out how I was moving the marbles. "I guess what I'm trying to do is hold onto that happiness, even if the things I do now seem insignificant."
It already felt as though I'd lost my parents and my old life was a thing of the past. I didn't think I could handle losing anything else.
"Besides, why not do something kind for someone else? Especially in these times."
"But you're not happy, are you Junko-san?" His words startled me and I looked back at him. It was unnerving how perceptive his eyes were, seeming to see every crack I tried to cover up. Though he had seen my emotional tantrum firsthand only a few days ago, so I could see why.
"I wouldn't say that I'm unhappy," I said, squeezing the rubber kunai in my other hand. "My own feelings are secondary. As long as the people I care about are alive and happy, that's all I need. That is my happiness."
I had already lost one home, even though I couldn't remember how. And even if my circle of loved ones was small, I wouldn't give it up for the world. No matter the cost.
I smiled. "Is that satisfactory Shisui-san?"
The boy stared at me a little more before nodding, seeming to have come to some conclusion.
"Yes, thank you Junko-san."
What a strange kid. Our deep moment over, I poked him with the rubber kunai.
"Now will you answer my questions? I think I've been pretty fair, I deserve answers too!"
Like why did he like to give me the third degree all the time, for one. He smiled and went to speak when a voice came from behind.
"I'm sorry Shisui-kun, I got held up in the market talking to a friend." A pretty woman ran up, looking flustered.
Mikoto Uchiha. It was almost unfair how pretty the Uchiha were and their super-powered dōjutsu was criminal. Her eyes immediately latched onto me and I froze. This was the matriarch of the Uchiha clan we were talking about- well, if Fugaku was clan head- and her first born was attached to my arm. He hadn't looked away from the marbles since I took them out.
There was a certain tightness in her eyes as she stared me down. One that was almost painfully familiar, that I've seen in some of the Main House members' eyes. I didn't make a move, though the marbles halted and fell into my palm. Itachi let out a whine.
"This is Junko-san, Mikoto-obasan," Shisui interrupted quickly, standing. "She was just coming to give me notes for class. And she helped me take care of Itachi-chama because he had an accident."
Shisui, you beautiful soul. He was always lying for me it seemed. I hope it doesn't become a habit.
I stood slowly as the matriarch relaxed, letting the rubber kunai fall from my hand as I lowered myself slightly in a bow.
"I am Hyūga Junko. It is nice to meet you," I said with my patented smile. Recognition shone in her eyes a little as she stared at me.
"I see," the woman said, watching Itachi grab onto my sleeve again to get my attention. "I'm Uchiha Mikoto. Isn't it a bit late for you to be out all alone, Junko-chan?"
The others who had been playing in the park were beginning to pick up their things to leave. It was later than I expected. Uh oh.
"You are very correct, Mikoto-san," I answered, grabbing my bag from where it sat at the edge of the blanket and dumping my handful of marbles in as I did. I quickly pulled out my notes from this morning, as well as the container from Tsukuda's.
"Here, Miho-san made this hot pot. It's supposed to help with stamina increase or something to that effect. It's really good."
"A hot pot? But it's not winter yet," Shisui mumbled as he took it along with my notebook.
I shrugged as I slipped into my sandals. "I do not question Miho-san's motives in her own restaurant."
During our interaction, I felt Mikoto's eyes trail between the both of us. I gave the group of Uchiha a small bow in parting after I closed my bag and threw it over my shoulder, having overstayed my welcome.
"I have to get going now. But I'm glad you're feeling better Shisui-san."
He seemed to want to say something, as usual, the words stuck on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he looked at Mikoto before returning his eyes to me.
"Thank you for everything Junko-san." I wondered what he was going to say.
"Will you be alright walking home alone Junko-chan?" Mikoto asked, which surprised me a bit. I didn't think she'd care but stranger things have happened. And she was a mother after all. Maybe it was instinctual.
I smiled at her with a shake of my head. "I'll be alright, thank you for your concern."
I was about to turn away from them when a cry from Itachi stopped me.
"Koko!" The nickname threw me off guard as well as the tiny body that crashed into my collarbone, almost toppling me over.
"Itachi!" Mikoto was almost embarrassingly horrified at her child's actions but I just laughed. I ran my fingers through his silky black hair.
"It has to be past your bedtime Itachi-chama," I said as he clutched onto my yukata. He whined again and I leaned forward so he could place his hands on my cheeks. He blinked sleepily at me.
"If you want to be strong like your Shisui-nii, you got to go to sleep."
He frowned, his little eyebrows creasing in the middle. The baby seemed to sigh in reluctance, patting my cheeks before toddling over to his mother. What a funny child. Giving them another nod, I took off at a slight jog through the district, the weight of their eyes on my back as I left.
I made it to the gates of the Uchiha district in record time, just as the street lamps began to flicker on. It wasn't exactly night but it was way pass my curfew. I was supposed to be at home at least an hour ago; if I ran I'd probably make it to dinner on time but just barely. Sighing and tightening the strap of my bag to my shoulder, I channeled a little chakra to my legs and took off down the street at a pace a little faster than a jog. I would've taken the roofs but I wasn't sure if I was allowed to considering that I was just an academy student.
I was surprised that I wasn't accosted as soon as I stepped out of the gates by my overseer. It could've been paranoia, but there was a tension in the back of my neck, one I usually got when I could feel someone, or something looking at me. I moved a little more quickly through the streets, pushing myself faster and faster until I was panting at the entrance of the compound.
I slowed down and took my time walking through the compound as the tickling at my neck faded away. Since it was evening, there were very few other Hyūga out on the narrow roads, most if not all wearing the standard Konoha shinobi garb. I had expected to get some reaction by coming into the compound so late, but I was only spared the briefest glances as they went about their business.
Thinking about it, I really didn't know why I had entered the Uchiha compound. I definitely hadn't expected to run into either Mikoto or Itachi of all people but that had happened. But it had been nice to talk so openly about my feelings to someone else, even though I wasn't sure what Shisui's motives were or how much he got from it. I didn't think they were malicious in any way, but it was weird how perceptive he was.
As soon as I made it to the top step of my home, the sliding door was thrown open and Aunt Mei looked down at me with a mixture of relief and discontent. I could only give her a sheepish smile in return, and she shook her head and ushered me inside. I told her that I had visited a sick friend, which was the truth, but I didn't go into detail and she took it in stride. I had a feeling that she knew I was taking liberties with the truth but she said nothing of it. We enjoyed a small dinner together and soon went our separate ways as I returned to my room for the night.
The future seemed so far off even though I was living in the midst of the war. A time period where there was the most to lose and the most to gain. Thoughts of Team Minato and the Uchiha clan clouded my mind in a haze as I got ready for bed, pulling my night gown over my head.
Sometime soon, and I wasn't sure when, Team Minato would suffer a tragedy. Obito Uchiha would 'die', sacrificing his life in order to protect his teammates. Then Rin Nohara would die, sacrificing herself to keep the village safe from the Sanbi, leaving one Kakashi Hatake traumatized for life. One of the epicenters of suffering that led to even more tragedy in the future.
Would I be able to do anything for those people, people who had become so connected to my life?
Or would I just keep my head to the ground and hope everything turns out for the best? Would I be able to deal with the consequences of not doing anything?
I crawled underneath my comforter, pulling the fabric to my chin.
But what would I be willing to lose? What would I give in order to ensure a better future for the people around me?
In order to ensure a future for myself?
I couldn't do a thing about those things tonight or right away, I concluded, feeling a tiredness wash over me.
But tomorrow was another day.
Author's Notes
Posted/Edited: November 10th, 2016
Minor editing: February 6th, 2017
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Thanks to all who've added this story to their favorites and/or followed it so far.
What's a better distraction for real life's problems than cute Uchiha boys?
I hope you don't mind me taking liberties on Shisui's backstory, since there's not a lot of info about his past. Also he calls Itachi 'chama' because he is aware and respects that he is the future clan head of the Uchiha, and since they don't have that brotherly connection yet. If I'm using honorifics incorrectly please let me know.
Reviews
Thanks to OTrizy, Judgement of the Arbiter, k123, Hellfire0000, angelacorus, 372259, calcu22, NaniMok, Arenea Nara, one who read too much, Heitor, Riddle7777, MerryKitten, Guest, rashene, HeroineWannabe, Freed-sama, and ccdancer2003 for reviewing on the last chapter.
I appreciate it immensely, especially in regards to the question I posed. I will keep everyone's feedback in mind as I continue to write this story.
- Riddle7777, I understand that about the names and commas, and I'll keep it in mind.
It's just a habit since normally writing names like that in English, you place the comma there to signify that its meant to be read in the opposite but it doesn't need the comma since technically they are speaking in Japanese.
-rashene asked, "Will the original members of team 7 in Shippuden or Neji appear in the future?"
The short answer is a solid yes. Just thinking about it is both exciting and nerve-wracking with how long this is story is going to be. Personally, I can't wait for the kids to come into play but that's going to take a while since they won't be born for a bit.
-Heitor, firstly thanks for the lengthy in-depth review.
The Hyūga are more powerful than the series depicts in my opinion, which is why I choose to do a HyūgaOc in the first place. And it's going to be very interesting to see how Junko interacts and develops relationships with Hinata and Neji; her teaching them those techniques would help in that. She will make use of the Eight Trigrams techniques as well as a mix of barrier ninjutsu since I find it be very interesting and versatile.
In regards to Junko's chakra nature, there were several things I took into account when considering what I wanted it to be. I used Neji as a starting point when trying to work out what kind of jutsu were going to be available to her, and choose Earth as a result of it. Daichi, Junko's father, has an Fire/Earth nature, while Kimiko, Junko's mother, while being a Senju, favors Water Release for a reason I won't get into to avoid spoilers for other relationships in the story.
And thinking about it now, I might've miswrote when I said Junko's water affinity was mild. It's more that she favors earth instead, which is ironic since I planned for her to be more the other type later in the story. I basically live on Narutopedia whenever I'm brainstorming about this story (and others) but I do miss some things. I hadn't realized that the Senju were such a wild card considering chakra nature so thanks for bringing that to my attention.
Update Notice: I've been pretty constant in updating this fic since publishing it in August (which is crazy to think about with hundreds of people following it and even more reading it), so I will be taking a short break so one, I can complete the interludes that need to go before the other chapters I've written and two so I can get some more art of the characters onto my deviantart (which is 'eirron'). I also want to reread my old chapters so I stay on track of stuff in regards to character development, personality, etc.
But there will be another chapter uploaded before the month's end so keep an eye out.
In the next arc, expect more canon characters popping up, both good and bad, more action, more development, and more problems for our little protagonist.
Until next time.