AN: Hi everyone! Hope you liked the story so far!
How are the fighting scenes: good, bad, or decent? What do you think of Crow so far?
Just a heads up there is a shift of timelines/events -the Uchiha massacre didn't happen….yet.
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.
Twisted Loyalties
Crow POV:
For the next couple of days, Naruto and I hung out often after school until it got late at night. We would talk about pranks, Old Third, & about Ramen. I would often bring lunch for the both of us. Anko doesn't seem to mind. In fact, I often find the kitchen restocked when food gets low. I have yet to see Anko cook and often she leaves a note for what she wants to eat that night. It seems like she has a serious sweet tooth since there was always a desert she wanted.
Weasel has been sent on missions recently so my only training are the few lessons I was able to bribe Anko into giving me. She loves to spar and has a similar affinity with snakes as Orochimaru. Orochimaru has yet to send a snake for a report but I wrote a few just in case.
Life seems good and peaceful, but I've noticed I'm being watched by a few ANBU level ninja. They are watching whenever I hang out with Naruto. I know the Hokage trusted me so they weren't his ninja. The fact alone that the Hokage knows about my clan and didn't tell a soul is enough to forge trust that isn't easily broken since my clan is far more dangerous than any within the other countries.
It was why my clan members are usually hunted causing us to be more nomadic and form few treaties to keep the peace. The bastard that caused the civil war and the takeover didn't like that we were trying to be peaceful instead he wanted to gain land and power. I often wonder if he truly wanted to take over the world or simply just wanted a place to call home.
The effects or cons that the civil war within our clan caused many of our strongest ninja to either die or scatter in an attempt to live. The other countries have Jinchuuriki so without one or something similar he can't do anything. Before the civil war our clan could do it entirely without me, but the leaders and elders at the time believed peace was better considering how small our number was. Our clan was small if you compare it to the Leaf, but if you compare it to the Sand we were close to the same.
Anyway, it seems like Danzo isn't going to leave me alone even after a clear rejection. I swear I should call treason on him, but Old Third probably won't hear it. If Naruto's situation has nothing to do with Danzo being the bastard he is, I would actually apologize to him. But seeing as these ninja watch us there is no doubt that Danzo purposefully was isolating Naruto in hopes to one day use him.
I really want to punch Danzo in the fucking face.
I was running out of things to talk to Naruto about in class. If he wasn't so hyperactive outside of class I would leave him to his naps till it gets him in trouble. Iruka's voice makes me want to sleep during his lectures, especially with how he does it. He just basically reads off of memory or books. It would be different if he was excited about some things here or there. But he was proud of all of it so he keeps the same amount of energy for everything so it becomes similar to monotone. I have stopped taking notes at this point since most of the information was in the textbooks or print-outs assigned.
Naruto probably is having a hard time learning this stuff. Maybe I should try to help him learn it. Passing notes seems to catch his attention but to get it he needs more than that.
"Naruto, wake up!" The piece of chalk that Iruka threw hit Naruto straight on his forehead. Naruto sat up with a groan. "Naruto, Shikamaru, Choji, & Kiba since all of you like my class then you will be here longer with detention!" Iruka shouted. All of them groaned, except Shikamaru who just went back to sleep. Iruka went back to lecturing the rest of the lessons. The information was fun to learn like how the First Hokage was a peace loving fighter. The Fourth was known as the Yellow Flash and was key in the battle against Iwa in the last war. Iruka talked about the Hokages as if they were his heroes and told several stories. One was told about The Sand Village which I snorted at how both sides told it differently.
It wasn't long until the last class. I was thinking about what to do after school. It wasn't like I could train and with Naruto stuck in detention there is no one to hang out with.
Maybe I can convince Iruka to let me stay behind and work on the homework with Naruto. I noticed that he has a soft spot for Naruto so it might work. I'll help the others if they want help as well. Detention, where kids just sit there or write stuff that they don't agree with, doesn't work.
". . . what is the answer Sasuke?" Iruka asked, still looking at the black board. Sasuke twitched and looked. He wasn't paying attention and the silence that followed showed it. Iruka turned to look at Sasuke and Sakura raised her hand. Iruka then called on Sakura who answered, "team work."
Iruka smiled, "Correct! Sasuke since you're part of the top scoring people in class, I had hoped you would be paying attention. But you aren't paying attention in class so you'll stay behind and tutor or work with your classmates in detention."
Naruto and I smiled while Sasuke paled. His fangirls looked both horrified and predatory. I raised my hand and Iruka nodded at me. "Can I volunteer to stay behind to tutor?" He smiled at me and Sakura shouted that she wanted to do the same. He nodded at her too but before other fangirls tried he said, "No one else will be allowed to stay behind. Sakura has the best scores of the girls which is why she is allowed." There were a lot of muttering and Iruka went back to teaching. Kiba groaned and Naruto tried to pay attention. He started glancing at Sasuke a few times as if he was competing in paying attention to the lesson. Sasuke in turn glared at me which I ignored.
I swear Iruka has been doing this a long time because he knew when to end the lecture. He stopped it within seconds of the bell and before anyone fully nodded off, except Shikamaru who had been asleep this whole time. Everyone except those who had detention and were staying for tutoring got up & left. Ino did glare at Sakura on the way out and Sakura smirked in return, walking over to her 'beloved' Sasuke. She actually tried to flirt or I think that was what was doing. She does these gestures like flipping her hair and blinking a lot.
Iruka came over before she started talking. "Thanks for volunteering to help tutor and keep an eye on each other. I'm going to my office while you all will be allowed to leave after 2 hours. During that time, you can finish your homework and sit quietly," he finished as groans from Naruto, Kiba, and a "troublesome" from Shikamaru were heard.
Iruka left with several papers and as soon as he was out of ear shot Sakura turned to me. She smiled, "Crow, please move so that I can sit down." I raised an eyebrow and there was silence. I glanced at Kiba and Choji who were just watching while Shikamaru was fake sleeping. I shrugged and got up, "Sure. Naruto and I are moving over there so we can all finish this homework together."
Kiba groaned loudly as Naruto sat next to Choji, "Homework is boring!" I laughed and I sat next to him. "Homework is a waste of time. I could be out training right now!" Naruto agreed. Both seemed to be getting along. Choji simply munched on his chips. I snorted, "If you only train the body you will have a harder time out there. Homework may be a bit of a waste but in battle or out on a mission the more information the better. Besides, we can't graduate without finishing all the paperwork."
Both groaned/whined. A few minutes into working on the homework. I noticed movement and glanced at it. Sasuke has gotten up and is making his way over to us. Naruto and Kiba were too busy working on the homework to care. Sakura was watching him with a mix of surprise and sadness. I tilted my head.
Maybe he told her off. Nah, he probably just got up and walked away.
Sasuke sat right next to me and put his homework on the desk. Everyone stared and he looked at me. He shrugged, "I'm stuck here. I'd rather sit here than be annoyed."
I looked at Sakura and her eyes were glossy. Naruto frowned and everyone else just worked silently as Sakura turned away in her seat.
Internally, I sighed and externally I said, "Sakura, I can't seem to understand this. Can you come help us?" She looked up and said, "Can't you do it yourself?" I shrugged, "Nope. I have no idea what I'm doing. I was going off what sounded like the answer. You are the top of the girls so you must be hard working and actually understand this stuff."
Kiba groaned, "Why did you volunteer to tutor if you didn't understand and pushed us to finish the homework?"
"I was bored and it's not like I had anything else to do," shrugging one shoulder. Sakura tried not to smile as she came over. I hand her my homework and she looks it over. "Most of these are right, but you are supposed…" she explained how to get the answer or where to find the others. Sasuke even helped a few times, switching seats with me, after I grabbed her one to sit on the end of the table.
No one else noticed that Iruka had come to check on us and was standing outside the door listening. We were able to finish the homework and we all went our separate ways, except Naruto came to train with me in a nearby training field. We were mainly focusing on throwing Kunai while sparring. It was so that we could deal with a few enemies at a time and work on observation since while sparring I would either move the targets or cut ropes that held them in place.
Kiba is loud but not a bad person. Choji is very nice and eats a lot. I wonder if I could be friends with them. Shikamaru would be a better friend than an enemy. The Nara clan is known for their brains. Mother told me a story about how we are related to the Nara clan. We have a common ancestor. She had never battled with or alongside one but she told me to never underestimate them no matter how they portray themselves.
It was the next day and I was trying to keep Naruto from falling asleep especially since this current lecture was about missions. Iruka was teaching us in detail about what we should pack for each type of mission. Aside from main sets of weapons like kunai or swords, we bring clothes that match the environment, and what else is needed. I was able to get Naruto to pay attention by making up stories to go along with the info.
For example, on an island, I would make up a mission to protect a princess that had to marry a prince on a different island. So, we had to have the right tools like water proof clothes, some food and water, etc. Of course, it was longer in more detail and Naruto was able to pay attention. I had him draw some pictures of what was needed and of what he thought he'd need. Hopefully, this will help him remember the information.
The lunch bell rang and everyone was woken up from it. Naruto and I were getting ready to go eat outside, Kiba came up to us while yawning. He smiled and loudly said, "Iruka knows that he makes us all fall asleep. Do ya want to eat with us?"
I glanced at Naruto who had that mixed smile again. I nudged him and smiled at Kiba as Naruto replied with a genuine smile, "Sure!" Choji and Shikamaru were already sitting by the trees eating when we got there. Choji waved as Shikamaru stared off into the distance.
Surprisingly, Kiba didn't make fun of Naruto and I when we ate the same lunch. After eating Naruto and Kiba went off sparring a few feet away as I sat with Choji & Shikamaru. Shikamaru mostly was just staring up at the clouds as Choji and I chatted about snacks. It seems Kiba usually hangs out with other kids but is friends with Choji so comes to hang out every so often. Choji is also friends with Shikamaru and usually hang out together. It took until the end of lunch for Choji to speak openly with me, but it looks like we can be good friends.
They seem to have a problem being friends with Naruto. I wonder why Naruto wasn't able to have them before... Old Third, how were you taking care of Naruto?
I waved at Sakura on the way into the classroom and she waved back. It made me smile all day, especially when I noticed that Sasuke wasn't happy that we got along.
It had been two months of acting like a normal Academy student outside the Forest of Death. Luckily, inside I was still able to keep up my training and Danzo's people won't step foot inside.
Weasel finally had a break from the missions. I knew this because Itachi brought Sasuke to school a few days in a row. Weasel hasn't contacted me yet about training but I didn't mind since he was practically going non-stop on missions. It's great that he is spending time with his family and Sasuke has not been as easily annoyed.
One day me and Naruto were hanging out by the swing after school waiting for all the parents to leave. This village may be more open than the Sand but the parents still glare at us if we try to leave before they all leave. I don't mind the glares and cold looks but I've noticed that Naruto gets hurt by them. I rather not make him suffer just to go somewhere else sooner.
Itachi, aka Weasel, and another teen that has similar features of the Uchiha, except for a ridiculously positive smile he wore, was waiting for Sasuke. I noticed how close the two stood next to each other and their body language spoke of familiarity. I guess I was staring too obviously or bluntly because the smiling Uchiha, which is weird to say and see, looked over at me and winked. I blinked before lifting an eyebrow. The smiling Uchiha seemed to only smile wider at the fact I hadn't swooned or squealed at his wink. I rolled my eyes and turned away to stare at the other students swarming out of the building hoping to see Sasuke running out.
No luck but I decided a smiling Uchiha is not something I want to mess with. I ignored him in favor of chatting with Naruto about Ramen to help Naruto keep his mind off not having parents. I could feel the Smiling Uchiha staring at me and glared at him after a while. My glare had the opposite effect it seems because he started bouncing.
What kind of Uchiha bounces? Right, only insane ones. Maybe that's why Weasel seems good friends with him, because being friends is safer and easier.
How Weasel had ignored his friend's bouncing must mean that he has been friends with this person for a long time. I noticed it wasn't until Smiling Uchiha elbowed him that he finally took notice.
Iruka had walked up to us to chat with Naruto about his improving grades and turned in homework. He had Naruto's full attention and vice versa. I didn't mind since the teacher student duo were practically siblings at this point. I wish Naruto would pick up on this but his trauma with people keeps him from it.
I was watching Smiles and Weasel from the corner of my eye. I don't know what Smiles said to Weasel but it had him look over here. Weasel seemed snorted before looking back into the crowd for Sasuke. I frowned in annoyance but Iruka said something to me about helping Naruto with his homework. I shrugged at Iruka saying, "Naruto could do it on his own if he knew how to do it." Naruto smiled at me and I smiled back, shifting to have my back to the Uchiha.
Iruka stayed a while longer chatting with Naruto more than me about sleeping in class and a quick quiz on today's lesson. Naruto got all the answers right which made Iruka smile. He left to go talk to other parents after. Naruto was smiling so big and I held up my fist to him. He looked confused at first then he fist bumped me. I was about to suggest getting Ramen when I felt Smiles coming closer with a cheerful, "hello."
We turned to see Smiles and Weasel coming to about two feet where I originally stood. "Hi," Naruto replied cheerfully and I replied in monotone. Smiles seemed to get more amused and Weasel seemed curious. "My name is Shisui Uchiha. We've come to anno-pick up Sasuke," Smiles now Shisui introduced himself. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki! I'm going to be Hokage!" Naruto cheered loudly. Some of the remaining parents muttered and glared. I was tempted to flip them off but they just weren't worth the energy.
"Nice to meet you, future Hokage. Who is your friend?" Shisui replied. I smiled as I replied, "Crow, nice to meet you. Are you going to introduce your girlfriend or ignore her like a jerk?"
If looks could kill Weasel would have killed me right then and there. While Shisui laughed and Naruto stared in confusion. I smiled at Weasel and tilted my head to foreign innocence.
Itachi sighed before saying, "My name is Itachi Uchiha. I'm Sasuke's older brother and Shisui's friend."
I replied, "Nice to meet you, Itachi. It's great to meet two close friends that would both come for one's little brother." This only made Shisui laugh harder and Itachi just stared deadpan at me.
Itachi took a step closer and flicked my forehead. My smile dimmed as I rubbed my forehead but I winked at Naruto to show I was fine. He had tensed when Itachi stepped closer. Shisui finally stopped laughing though his smile was still too amused and bright. There was a mischief spark in his eyes that made me internally tense. He leaned closer to Itachi and said, "Isn't her jealousy cute?" All three of us stared at him. He snickered and answered, "She is one of your fangirls, Itachi."
Naruto chuckled at how both Itachi and I glared at Shisui. "No, thank you! I have no romantic interest in a guy who is basically a fanboy for his own brother" I replied with a frown. Shisui laughed and Itachi stared at me and I raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm not a fanboy for my brother," Itachi replied calmly. I snorted and said, "So you have a significant other aside from Shisui or other people you think about more than anyone else? Or have thoughts on hurting anyone that dislikes your brother?"
There was silence. My smile turned big enough that my fangs showed as Shisui burst out laughing. Naruto smiled though was still confused. "Don't worry too much. I'm sure Sasuke doesn't mind since he is the same way about you," I continued before Shisui was too loud for us to hear. This made Itachi smile and possibly killed Shisui because he definitely wasn't breathing.
It was only moments later that Sasuke came up to us with a confused expression. He looked at his brother before noticing Shisui who was still trying to breathe. Some sense of understanding to answer his confusion showed in him relaxing.
Seeing Naruto perk up and most of the parents being gone. As I had said both brothers are fanboys of each other so I didn't want to deal with any anger from Sasuke today. Before Naruto could pick a fight, I smiled as I asked, "Ramen?" "Ramen!" Naruto cheered and we both ran off as the Uchihas were left behind.
Once we gotten to Ichiraku Ramen, we both ate several bowls of Ramen to which I treated saying it's a reward for his higher grades and all the studying I got him doing. He was happy and gave me a fist bump. It wasn't long after that we parted ways.
I felt some of the usual ninja watching me but there was a new one that was daringly close. I had about eight feet until I got into the Forest of Death which I was tempted to run but didn't. I rather Danzo's followers not know that I know that they are watching. It wasn't until I jumped the fence and he followed me that set me on edge. I ran to see if I could lose him, but he was coming close fast. I waited until he got within reach and threw a punch.
Unfortunately, he caught my fist to which I was about to kick him in the face if I had not seen who it was. Shisui Uchiha! He had a surprised expression and then he smiled. I stared and tugged on my hand a little. He didn't let go. "What brings you here to the Forest of Death?" he asked. I rolled my eyes, "I live here with Anko. Why did you chase me?" He raised an eyebrow and replied, "You have many ninjas watching you and you aren't from here." I deadpanned him with, "So foreigners are dangerous and it's not even the ANBU watching me." He stared, "You knew.." I looked him in the eye and said, "Fuck Danzo."
Shisui flinched in surprise and I pulled back and away. Shisui blinked and I stared, waiting. His smile came back and grew until his laughter filled the air. He was laughing hard
similarly, to earlier. I just stared as my face fell back into the empty mask.
He's really laughing. I wonder how insane he is. He isn't ANBU but he is definitely a high ranking ninja. He isn't scared of this forest or question that I live with Anko…
He started to calm down and looked up at me from his seat on the ground. His eyes turned red similar to Weasel's but somehow it feels off... "You insulted Danzo and rejected him," Shisui was still sitting on the ground, "why?" I shrugged, "He is nuts in the worst way. I'm betting he is the one that leaked Naruto's secret in a way that made everyone hate Naruto." He looked thoughtful, "you're not afraid?"
"I've seen stronger and madder people. Besides, Naruto is my friend. Anyone who hurts him is getting their ass kicked no matter their rank and rules," I smiled so my fangs were in view. Shisui smiled, "I feel the same about Itachi and Sasuke." I smile and sit down, "so have you known I've been living with Anko or is it normal?"
He laughed and said, "Anko has been bragging that her new roommate makes delicious desserts and good food for her basically every day. Though you seem more talkative and relaxed than she mentioned." "More talkative and relaxed sounds contradictory," I responded, looking away to hide my real smile. It's been a long time since I heard anyone speak fondly of me.
"Same can be said about you knowing Itachi without ever meeting before," he replied. I glanced back at him and shrugged. He stared and I stared back. "He actually snorted when I thought you were a fangirl," Shisui leaning a little forward. I snorted, "Never in all life will I be a fangirl. Fangirls are not necessarily bad; they just lose themselves in what they love."
He stared and I tilted my head. He sighed, "I don't see anything good about fangirls. I had hoped you were one though." Again, I snorted, "That's because you are the center of their attention or obsession. Sorry, I'm not and have no plans to be anyone's fangirl. Itachi isn't lying to you or keeping things from you because he wants to, it's just kind of the rule."
Understanding appeared in his eyes among the red. I raised an eyebrow, "Do you need to keep that going or is there a reason beyond trying to get the truth out of me?" His eyes turned back to the black that they were as he relaxed.
"It seems I will be seeing you more often. We should spar sometime soon," he says as he gets up. I smiled, "Maybe sometime soon but talk to Itachi about it first. I'm not sure the rules are for this kind of thing." He nodded and held out his hand to which I took. Once on my feet, he gave a quick hand squeeze then he left in a dance of smoke and leaves.
It was a few days later that Weasel contacted me to start up training again. He was waiting for me under the shade of a nearby tree. He still had his mask on but he seemed more relaxed than before. He signaled to start a spar with him throwing a kunai at me. I blocked it and ran at him. It went like most of our spars where he would do his best to land some hits on me and I dodged most of them.
This time he took off his mask partially with his Sharingan activated. I broke the low rank Genjutsu and he came at me. Right when we were about to clash he turned into several crows. They were beautiful. It wasn't until one flew in close enough for me to see that they also had the Sharingan.
I felt the high ranked Genjutsu surround me. I closed my eyes and when I opened them I saw we were in my void. The color fires in my nightmares and meditation were hidden and protected. It was a little surprising that he was able to enter this far into my mind with a Genjutsu. He simply looked around though he had a mask on but it was obvious he was confused. It wasn't until he looked me in the eyes did he flinch.
My eyes were purple with rings, something that is hidden by instinct than by anything else. My fangs had gotten a little longer and sharper. I almost looked animalistic and more dangerous. I closed my eyes and tapped my foot three times. The void shifted into a forest and we were in a clearing within. Weasel seemed to relax a bit, now in terrain, than in a void.
"So, are we going to fight here? Or simply chat?" I asked.
Weasel stared and relaxed with a signal of the end of the spar. I sat on the ground and Weasel followed suit.
"You know, I know, who you are. There is no one else here. Will you take off the mask?" I asked with a head tilt. There was silence before he took off his mask and I smiled. He stared, "You have control over this space. Normally, I do, considering it is induced by Genjutsu. It was a void… What are you?"
I shrugged, "I'm a person who Genjutsu never works on. I'm not sure how far your rank covers, but let's say I'm similar to Naruto except I don't have the actual beast inside me. This is all I can tell you, except that the Hokage knows. It's why he is having training in ANBU since it will keep me out of Danzo's and council's reach."
Weasel/Itachi's eyebrows raised with his shock at the information. He simply stared for a while. It was peaceful to me in the silence. "You have trained before and hard. I can tell that you hold back, but I can't tell where or with who" he said. I shrugged, "I can't say, but you can talk with the Hokage."
He nodded. I took a breath, "You should be cautious and careful around Danzo. As you saw he was trying to recruit me before, but that's because he disagrees with peace. He was going against the Hokage so I doubt he won't try something sooner or later."
Itachi stared but nodded. We both broke the Genjutsu and we were back on the training field. He had me sparring with his clones. It's annoying but my chakra reserves are not large enough for me to do the shadow clone jutsu yet. Normally, I had access to that much chakra but since my memories are mixing the amount I can use shrank. Mostly, due to the distraction they cause so my chakra control is decent, but with the lack of control the more unavailable my chakra is. One thing to hate about being a container without the actual beast, but at least I get some of the perks.
Honestly, if I could just sleep two weeks straight I would have everything settled or even a mistaken life threatening experience which is what helped set them loose in the first place. It would be easier if it was maybe one life, but this was practically all the lives I had since the first. I lived many.
I was surprised that no one commented on how much I looked like Kiba and his family. All I'm missing is the hyperactive energy and the red fang tattoos. I have fangs and sometimes my fingers look like claws. My eyes are currently dark brown like mud after rain. My real eyes are the one Itachi saw with the purple and black rings, but as my memories mix they constantly change if I'm not careful. My hair is dark brown though with it long, it becomes more tame.
It seems that for the time being I'm being left alone aside from Danzo's stalkers. I wish Danzo would just leave me alone, especially once he finds out I'm in ANBU. I mean he should have noticed by now since I've been training with one. At least here, in the Forest of Death, I'm free and safe. The trees though wild helps ground me.
Sometimes when I close my eyes I see all the darker memories flash through, especially when I rest on what once was a battlefield. I can communicate with the earth around me and see it's memories like ghosts. There were a few cute and warm ones out there but there were so many more with pain and sorrow. But trees, their memories are of the seasons though they do hold the others within their rings, it is the seasons that hold more importance. The sound of their life and whisper of the seasons is as soothing as some feel when hearing waves.
It seems that Itachi had a talk with Old Third and it resulted in me being promoted from apprentice or in-training to being an official ANBU. Weasel after training brought me to the Hokage's office. It was similar to when I first came to the village except there were a lot more paper stacks. Old Third was smoking this time around and we stood before his desk until he finished his current document. He smiled at me and said, "Looks like your previous training and Weasel's sparring has fulfilled the expectations. I will promote you to an official ANBU with this mask."
He held out a porcelain-like mask with red and black detailing. "Your ANBU name is Fox" he said as I looked at the mask in my hands. Slowly a smile spread across my face as I said, "Thank you!" Old Third nodded with a smile and I put the mask on using a speck of chakra to keep it on my face. "Fox, you will be assigned as Weasel's partner until ordered otherwise. Keep training together," Old Third said. Both Weasel and I nodded and I took my new mask off. I put it away in one of my seals before leaving the office. Weasel walked me back to the Forest of Death and handed me the uniform. I smiled, "Looks like we are continuing our spars and training. I'm looking forward to our spars." I held out my hand and he took it with a firm shake before he left to go home.
I have several seals that I made during my imprisonment. Some were from them but most were ones I made in boredom. The ones they made were etched onto my body. Those ones have long since been broken and have faded over time. The strongest one was on the base of my neck. It was used to monitor and seal the chakra of tailed beasts before it got too out of control and had another feature which was to keep me alive during the time in prison by either keeping my heart pumping by shocks or by altering someone.
I had made one of each wrist so that I can have kunai or weapons ready at any time. They were simple tattoo seals that were very small. I had been able to get some ink during one of my trips between my cell and her office. Orochimaru and Kabuto didn't know about them because they were hidden like my eyes until I got to the leaf. Weasel has seen me use them so he wasn't surprised when I had put my mask and uniform within them.
Naruto, Kiba, Shikamaru, Choji, and I were grouped up again for detention though I and Choji had volunteered. It seems Iruka didn't mind us turning these times of reflection to tutoring sessions. I partially think he purposefully gives us detention often for these tutoring sessions. Thankfully, Sasuke had kept up in class after last time so he doesn't come anymore. There have been a few times Sakura has stayed for a bit to help out.
Sakura seems to not hate me anymore which was surprising. I guess sticking up for her helped and all the apparent indifference or distance I keep from Sasuke. Sometimes she greets me and we chat for a bit before class which makes Naruto happy since he sometimes gets to chat with her too.
It was nice to hang out as a group but one day Kiba started to stop hanging out with us. Naruto tried to confront him but Kiba acted like Naruto was nothing. This led to them fighting and a stern warning from Iruka. One day after school Naruto had detention alone so I left so Iruka could personally tutor him. I saw Kiba at a nearby park. I went over to him and he tried to pretend he didn't see me. I raised an eyebrow and then tapped his shoulder with, "Kiba, we need to talk."
He groaned like he didn't want to and was about to tell me to go away. Until he saw my face, my face started to show my anger with a tight jaw and scowl. He could tell he would be in trouble and deal with another fight. I usually try to keep my temper from getting the better of me but Kiba was starting to piss me off.
He nodded and we walked away enough to still be in sight but still far so most people wouldn't hear our conversation easily. "What's going on Kiba?" I turned back to him. He shrugged, "Nothing going on. You and Naruto just aren't worth my time anymore, especially Naruto." I took a breath.
Kiba is just a kid. He doesn't know any better. I'm the adult here technically so I have to not let my emotions get the better of me.
"So, we aren't worth your time. I'm confused since just before you started acting like this you were going to have us meet your family."
Kiba's body language shifted showing he wasn't comfortable. He frowned, "That was before I realized how un-cool you both are. You both aren't even good but the teachers gotta be fair and let you learn with us. You both do a lot of stupid pranks that only hurt people. I never liked you guys anyway. It's better we aren't friends anymore."
I tilted my head but my voice was firm, "You say that but then why does your voice sound smaller and weaker?"
Kiba shook his head and took a step back, "WE AREN'T FRIENDS ANYMORE!"
He was loud enough that other people looked our way in concern. Some of the other parents started to glare at me and edge closer. I would have ignored them except a short lady came forward with a growl. She looked a lot like Kiba and pulled him back behind her once she got to where we were.
I raised an eyebrow and made sure my expression showed I wasn't intimidated or impressed. It seemed to piss her off more. "Hi, Kiba's mom. My name is Crow" I un-crossed my arms and put my hand in my pockets.
I shifted to a more relaxed posture but I was ready should she attack me. She seemed to understand and was irritated at my casual introduction. "I don't care what your name is. Stay away from my son. I told him, you and the orange, blond kid are only bad news," she growled at me.
I raised an eyebrow and tilted my head. Her voice sounded pissed though it wasn't actually directed at me. I saw her subtly glance to the side and I followed her quick look. It was one of Danzo's lackeys dressed as a civilian. Her eyes held some guilt when ours met.
I smiled showing my fang, "We aren't friends anymore. We don't need friends who aren't willing to fight to keep our friendship. I rather you stay away instead of talking bad about us. It should be fair to just ignore us since most stupid adults do it."
Kiba's mom snorted but Kiba flinched. "Fine but that means you can't bother Kiba again. Bad kids should stay with bad kids," she said while holding my gaze. I rolled my eyes with a snort, "I have no plans to stop being Naruto's friend even if death takes me." There were a lot of noise from parents and adults who came to watch from the hearing shouting. Kiba's mom seemed a little relieved and snorted, "bad kid." I smiled at his mom and with a small nod. I made sure my voice was loud enough to carry as I was walking off with, "if you consider Naruto a demon then you don't know anything about demons."
I didn't look back but I could feel the adults shiver. I made sure to smile while showing my fang at Danzo's lackey so it looked demonic.
It wasn't long that the repercussions of my last remark came for me. Dog ANBU came through my window. He was obviously upset given he was leaking KI. I have been called to Old Third's office and he heaved a sigh once I came in. Dog moved to stand by the door after being dismissed as if he didn't trust me alone with Old Third. I simply smiled at Old Third. He stared at me for a long moment before saying, "It hasn't even been a month. Pranks I understand but threats against the public are too much."
I dropped my smile and shrugged, "I never threatened the public. All I said was, 'if you consider Naruto a demon then you don't know anything about demons.' There was no threat. I was just informing them that their definition of demon is wrong."
He frowned at me and said, "I expect you to act more mature than others your age, especially now with your new rank." I tilted my head with a frown of my own, "So you don't care how people treat Naruto as long as no one except Naruto is hurt."
Dog bristled and Old Third's frown deepen. "I do care for Naruto but I am only allowed to do so much. You have already seen how one part of the council has been involved."
My frown turned into a line and I forcefully relaxed my posture. I took a breath and closed my eyes. Trying to control my waning self-control. I should be better at this given everything, but it is hard to have self-control when it involves people I care about, especially since this time involves two of them.
I opened my eyes and exhaled. "I do understand you care for Naruto and there is probably a lot more to the situation that I am aware of. I need the information in order to understand and I have high enough clearance for this, right?," I say slowly and calmly. Old Third relaxed and nodded.
He started to tell me the whole story and every detail. Dog had winced when it came to the part of The Fourth's death. It wasn't a very long story but it was an important one. When it was over there were a lot of mixed emotions, but one I felt most was anger. Clenched my fist trying to ground myself and not lash out, but it was a losing battle.
I quickly put a barrier that was two feet radius around me. Some of the beasts' chakra swirled out hitting the barrier. Dog tensed and so did Old Third. I took a few breaths trying to get the chakra come back under control. I felt a shift in my senses and chakra pushing against my barrier but it was not attacking. It was trying to sooth me and calm me down. I let it in though it still took a few moments to work.
Once I've calmed down I drop the barrier and the chakra recedes. I open my eyes and I see Weasel by the window. Dog relaxes a bit and Old Third looks concerned. I smile apologetically, "Sorry, I guess it was too much. It was important information but it triggered darker memories so all of it together was a lot."
Old Third nodded in understanding and Dog relaxed. Weasel stared from the window but sat there just in case he would be needed again.
"The strongest emotion I had was anger or rage. It was towards several: the citizens, the councils, the situation, and you, Third" I said without a smile. This has Weasel and Dog tense, especially when Old Third did. "Citizens have a little leeway due to them being powerless and because in a sense grief. The councils have less leeway because more often than not they are corrupt to begin with and always have their own agenda," I say while breathing in between sentences to try to keep calm or stay calm.
"Lastly, I pissed at you Third. Yes, you have limits and you can't control how others feel. This I can understand. My anger is that of you keeping Naruto in the dark while keeping this a secret from his generation. The fact that adults may not say why they call him a demon doesn't change the way they act. Kids follow their parents as examples. Naruto is having a hard enough time with this hatred and loneliness. The fact you didn't tell him leads to this treatment being so much worse!"
I was not yelling but my voice was firm. The Old Third looked to have mixed emotions. So, I continued, "Naruto, doesn't know why he is being hated and practically almost killed when he was younger. Memories maybe changed or taken but emotions stay like a thorn. He questions why constantly. Did he do something wrong? Is he actually bad? If he isn't then why does everyone treat him like that? Are just a few questions that run through his head every day."
Old Third went a little pale but there was a hint of stubbornness in his eyes. Before he could say anything I said, "Don't let his smile fool you. He is living in misery but he has learned to hide it. I say y'all are Damn lucky that he hasn't started hating you all in turn. Even if a few show pity, that doesn't make the hatred and pain any less painful, especially if it is so briefly done."
Old Third puffed on his pipe. We started having a staring contest. I was not willing to back down. "You seem very fond of Naruto for the short amount of time you've spent with him," he puffed out with some smoke.
I felt my fangs lengthened as my mouth tightened into a line and my eyes flash to the purple they were. It startled Old Third and put Weasel on the defense. "The fact that a stranger cares more for one of your citizens than you do says quite a bit about this village and the image it loves to project" I replied.
Old Third's frown deepened, "Any rank and citizenship can be revoked at any time." I blink and snort, "Citizenship is not what I'm here for. I am only here to keep your village from being destroyed by a snake. Now, I'm only here to protect Naruto since it seems that almost no one else will."
Silence filled the room. "You are nothing like your parents. I'm disappointed to realize this now," Old Third puffed.
I took a breath, "Or maybe you are cloudy and you have forgotten how to empathize with others' pain. I wonder how long you are willing to pretend ignorance and limitations will your people suffer. My parents died fighting corruption and disregard for others. I'm just following in their footsteps regardless of other opinions of me."
Everyone was on edge with both Old Third and I were pissed at each other. There was a knock on the door. It was Iruka, he saw the thick tension and hesitated to come in, especially seeing my fangs so long.
I glanced at Weasel before getting the fuck out of there through Shunshin.
I was on Hokage Mountain trying to get my emotions under control. I sat on First Hokage's head to keep to the edge should I need to hide. The air here was fresh and the breeze felt nice. I closed my eyes trying to ground myself with the stone under my hands. The silence but solid hum of stone did comfort me. I put a barrier up to hide just in case Dog or someone else comes looking for me.
I may have been too emotional but I wasn't wrong. I wish I was strong enough to just take Naruto away from here like I secretly wanted to do with Gaara. But I can't. I can't because the village won't allow it and it is far more dangerous for us to be together. It is dangerous beyond just this life's enemies but also the ones that will come for all Tailed Beasts. The only reason they won't be after me is because I'm unknown.
Tears burned my eyes and made warm trails down my cheeks.
We just want to be free and live among nature. But fear and greed has caused us to be sealed and treated as monsters. There are some who tried to communicate with humanity but human flaws are too strong for them to accept friendship and equality. Poor 9-Tails he tried hard until Whirlpool's Head sealed him though I wonder if she did it to protect him or not. I wish I could speak and think about their names but their names are too important to them to be freely shared.
It is almost laughable that even though I'm reincarnated constantly I still wish to live with them. I am forever partially sealed though I worry about the future. I've had many lives all oppressed and died on the battlefield for people who long since forgotten.
At least this time, I was born to a clan that cared for secrets and knew how to live in the shadows of this world. I wish the power balance had not shifted and the darker side had grown stronger. My human parents fought corruption and cared for their children. It is hard to accept their deaths and that their legacy is only me which they knew was only to end. If a sibling could have lived it would have been better than I. For now, I protect and care for Naruto and his home. Hopefully, with the success of this protection I can redeem myself until I stabilize and take back the clan for those that survived. Then leave them to find their way or place in this world with some hints on who to Allie with this time.
Foolish Old Third! You never questioned why I'm different from my parents but now you realize it. I wonder if you will not change for the better, especially because Naruto needs you.
I felt a tap on my barrier and wiped my eyes and face with my sleeve. I released the barrier to see Weasel standing there. He sat down next to me and we both looked out at the village in silence.
I was not banned, exiled, or even had my rank revoked. The next morning Old Third called me in and we both apologized though mine was reluctant. He gave me the mission of looking after Naruto and had one other to keep an eye on him whenever we weren't together. Old Third looked tired but he did agree it would be better for both Naruto and I to take care of each other. He did mention training me and possibly having me help out as a secretary as a punishment. I would have objected but I did get out of line and wasn't fully being reasonable. Key word was fully.
Anko laughed when she heard about me telling off Old Third and even gave me a high five. She has been sent on several missions lately and when she isn't, she is always out and about. We have forged a friendship and she tells me all the stories of her missions and the village gossip.
We may have spread a prank one about Itachi (Weasel) and Shisui being an item. Weasel was a little upset but didn't mind it since some of his fangirls stopped being fangirls.
Shisui was not as happy from what Anko had told me. Apparently, other friends agreed with the rumor and it had spread far now to the point that girls see his flirting as just good humor. He whined to Anko about it but she only laughed at him.
Weasel hadn't said anything about my emotional explosion but we still train once every week. He has lately been waking me home and poking my forehead before leaving. He disappears before I can react besides rubbing my forehead.
There was no change at the academy except Iruka was nicer to me. One change that did happen though not a reaction to what went down that day. Not long after, at lunch Choji had mentioned that he was not allowed to hang out with us and Shikamaru went with him. So now it was just me and Naruto again though I didn't mind. I kept Naruto distracted from their absence with discussions of pranks and pulling off the pranks.
The latest prank was on Old Third. It was entirely Naruto's idea; I did not influence him at all though I did help a lot since I'm still a little upset with Old Third. We didn't do anything that would get us in tons of trouble, we just rearranged his office a bit and hid some of his documents in a treasure map/hunt way. Naruto hid the documents and colored the map after I drew it. It took the ANBU a full day to find most of the paper work. He had sent ANBU since I made sure to grab some of the more classified/secret files. We did find some books at one point so I helped hide those too. I kept Naruto from reading them because I could tell it was an adult book from the 18+ sticker on the inner cover.
In the end I was called in as an ANBU and was ordered to bring the rest of all the hidden stuff by midnight. I did except for one book that was not originally hidden. I was curious about Fuuinjutsu and how to use it. Seals are important to my clan similar to Whirlpool in a sense but their way of sealing was different.
My barriers actually are a Kekkei Genkai of seals, though my clan siblings weren't able to awaken them in time to save themselves. My parents were able to use them but didn't have the chakra or enough blood for them to survive that day. Barriers or stronger seals that are passed down, feeds off blood as well as chakra. The blood is the medium similar to the hand seals and the extra measure for the complexity of the barriers and seals.
Fortunately, I have plenty of blood and chakra thanks to the beasts' chakra inside me. The reason the poison worked was because I constantly lost blood and because it messed with my chakra coils. The beasts chakra inside me is sealed so when my coils don't work correctly the chakra can't be used. My fast recovery was an improvement or adaptation that my body created from several near death experiences otherwise I would have been able to save my parents and siblings.
Speaking of siblings, Weasel and Shisui have been training with me like crazy. Some of the matches take a good hour with how quick Shisui is and how Weasel is great at Genjutsu. All of our stamina has grown and are getting stronger.
Shisui always greets me whenever he sees me. At first I didn't mind it much and greeted him back but as time has passed sometimes I wonder if he comes to greet me in the most obnoxious ways to see my reactions. He often comes to Anko's and my house if he hasn't seen me in a long time. Anko and him seem to be friends if her teasing and happy mood whenever he shows up is anything to go by. Surprisingly, I found out Weasel has just as much of a sweet tooth as Anko.
I was making some sweets for Anko as we chatted about the latest gossip and missions. Apparently, other than taking care of Naruto, for my argument with Old Third, he put me on the "no-missions' ' list. Anko was in the middle of talking about a mission she went on with Dog where he made a fool of himself. There were two heavy thuds sounds and some quiet cursing below us by the front door. We waited and at the top of the stairs was Weasel unfazed as usual though a spark of amusement in his eyes. Not long after Shisui came up covered in glitter. Neon pink and rainbow glitter. Anko burst out laughing as I snorted as I continued to whisk the egg whites. He glared at me and Anko for a good minute.
"Didn't see the trap seal on the doormat" I smirked. Anko blinked at me before coming over for a fist bump. "Why did it only get stuck to me? Itachi (Weasel) was right there with me." Shisui whined.
"Specialize trap. Besides, Itachi doesn't have the flirty hyper energy you do so he doesn't annoy me," I shrugged. Itachi came over and peeked at what I was making and I noticed a spark in his eyes. It was curiosity and hunger. He stuck close and was watching me like a hawk. I raised an eyebrow but he just continued watching me. So, I turned my raised eyebrow to the now pouting Shisui who snorted. I shrugged it off and kept working. I was making macarons for Anko but since these two were here, I figure I'd make more. Anko started teasing Shisui and I was reaching for another bowl to make another batch.
I hate being child-short again and going through puberty.
I was about to just go grab a chair since there is no room on the counter, for me to climb on like I usually do, when Shisui came and pulled it out. He handed it to me with a smirk and mouth "shorty." I stared especially since he had gotten so close yet I wasn't bothered. My stomach rolled briefly. Not good.
I rolled my eyes and took the bowl. I had already mixed the rest of the ingredients together and piped some of the cookie parts onto the baking tray. I just put them in the oven when I noticed Itachi was closer. I pushed a bowl and whisk into his hands and he started whisking. I stared a minute at him since he was basically doing it like a professional. Shrugged off the random new facts and continued to work in silence. Anko had grown bored and was messing with Shisui. It wasn't until she started shrieking about the glitter getting all over her that I noticed.
We, Itachi and I, just finished putting the cookies in the oven. I looked behind me and made a disturbed face. Anko shouted, "Crow, it got all over me! It's going to take forever to get rid of it!" Itachi silently chuckled, but all three stopped when they noticed I was disturbed. I explained, "The glitter will only get stuck to people who are flirting…"
There was silence before Anko shouted, "There was no way I was flirting with this red eyed chaos!" I glanced at the glitter before looking up at her again. Tilting my head, "I made it so the flirting it detects is intentional regardless of what kind." Anko glared at me and started muttering about me taking things too literally.
He sputtered, "I didn't even flirt when coming through the door!" I turned to Itachi and raised an eyebrow at his blank, mask of a face. He stared at Shisui and a hint of confusion there in his eyes. I smiled so wide my fangs showed, "Anko that rumor of WxS seems to be true." Her eyebrows rose then she smiled devilishly.
Shisui glared at me as I asked Itachi, "So, Shisui didn't flirt with you as you both came in?" Itachi nodded before saying, "Shisui said his usual comment of being willing to die with me." "Did he use the word die or did he say sleep?" I asked with a slight tilt. Itachi was slightly confused, "He said sleep but he means to die together." I nodded and slowly tried to reduce my smile. I sniffed the air, "Itachi, do you think the cookies are done?" Itachi went over to look and I smirked at Shisui before following Itachi to finish the macaroons. A red and slightly flustered Shisui was well worth the confused Itachi.
Once the macaroons were done Itachi and I set them stacked high on plates. Shisui and Anko came to sit down and both were basically bickering about the glitter. Having had enough fun, I snapped my fingers and the glitter vanished along with the rest of the Genjutsu it was connected to. All three stared as I popped a macaroon in my mouth. I looked up and tilted my head. They shared a look before reaching out and following suit. It wasn't quiet for all that long because Shisui and Anko started asking questions to which I tried to answer but all I could really say is "It's a Genjutsu '' and shrugged a lot.
We moved on to mission stories and other topics like sharing info about climates and things needed for different missions that the usual lists don't account for. It was getting late so Itachi and Shisui left through the front door after Itachi helped me wash the dishes.
At least someone helped and not just annoyed me. Looks like I gotta bake some more sweets for Weasel in the future.
I heard one mutter that sounded like Shisui, "You gotta be kidding me. It was a Genjutsu. We should have noticed and broken it."
Anko and I snorted before she smiled devilishly asking, "So why did you stare at Shisui when he got the bowl for you? Do you like him?"
A glimpse of a preteen with red spikey hair with cyan eyes flashed through my mind. I stared at her with an "are you serious?" expression. "No, it was just weird. I'm not used to people being that close and being relaxed around me. I understand if it was Itachi, but Shisui is different. Also, I nearly killed him before even if he didn't realize it" I replied.
She stared with a raised eyebrow at me and smiled, "The second time we met was when I was on the way back from a meeting with Old Third. Danzo's followers were following me until the forest's edge and Shisui followed me further in. He was catching up so I decided to fight whoever it was to my surprise it was him. He asked me about knowing Itachi, since we had met at the Academy yard before and was surprised I wasn't a fangirl. I didn't tell him how I knew Itachi but I'm sure at this point he knows. He had caught my foot and I was about to stab him in the throat with a poison soaked nettle if I had not recognized him."
Anko whistled and smiled showing her own poison soaked nettle collection. We compared poisons from deadly to simply irritating. She was excited to find out about some new poisons and it was fun to chat about something freely.
If only this peace would last and everyone could stay as they are…
AN: Thank you for waiting (over a year!) for this chapter! Thank you for reading!
Life got busy as I am currently working two jobs and all the holidays happening. I'm doing well, just very busy!
I am starting, hopefully, to be getting some plot from the series going.
What do you think about this chapter?
Should I start doing short but more frequent chapters or keep going as I currently am?
Stay warm, Take care, Happy Holidays, & Happy New Year!