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

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

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

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

I do not own Naruto.

Bonding Uchiha & Trust

Crow's POV:

"You guys are insane!" I shouted dodging another four explosions. All I heard was laughter in response. Luckily, we were training far enough from the village that we weren't destroying it. The downside is that they were able to freely attack. Shisui loves his speed and explosions where Itachi loves to be quiet and attack you when you least expect it.

It has only been a few months since we met but now these two try to kill -I mean train with me every chance they get. I swear all Unchia wants to ruin the last bit of my sanity.

Sasuke uses me as fangirl repellent whenever he gets the chance, especially after he learned I'm friends with his older brother. Sasuke is so spoiled by Itachi but he doesn't get too bad considering he has yet to beat me in sparring.

We had to spar for class and I kicked his butt quickly showed a similar speed to Shisui. This pissed Sasuke off which was hilarious. Naruto and I laugh about it several times whenever we think of class sparring.

Itachi has been constantly appearing in our house for sweets to the point I put a continuous barrier that was a mix of my barrier jutsu and fuinjutsu to keep him out until permission is given. Shisui decided he will be my new best friend and annoy the crap out of me whenever he has a chance. Luckily, he doesn't flirt with me but I have a feeling if I wasn't a kid he would do it to irritate me.

I'm still on the "no missions" list so I've been training and sparring a lot. At one point a prank that Naruto and I did got a little out of hand. I had forgotten how flammable and explosive flour was. I don't regret it, Mizuki and Danzo deserve it. Naruto doesn't either since we got close and noticed Danzo's creepiness.

So I've been working in the office with Old Third. He smokes a lot but I put a barrier to keep away. He doesn't hide any of the papers from me which drives his advisers (Elders) mad. It was not long after one in particular outburst that my ANBU status was known to them.

All five of them came in with a brief knock. Upon seeing me behind a small desk with documents and scrolls of all sorts piled high as my shoulder, they started yelling. I couldn't quite understand all what was yelled at first though it was probably along the like of: what the fuck is she doing here? She is a demon and should be out getting myself killed! She doesn't have the authority to be helping or seeing half of those documents! Etc. Etc. I tuned it out after a few minutes and got back to work. I heard Old Third sigh at me for pissing her off more. Did I tell you that even though she's old she has the screeching of an obnoxious fangirl in rage down pat?

Yep, it's like nails on a chalkboard with a mix of a dying whale to include the spittle that flew onto the floor as she yelled. Ugh.

Old Third waited until she stopped yelling and said, "My ANBU are allowed to have access if I deem them worthy."

Silence like Ice Age silence filled the office. Danzo was very pissed to the point he almost radiated KI. He held up a hand to stop the old woman elder from starting her screeching anew. I swear blood was coming from her mouth to keep herself from yelling. I smiled in a friendly way with a tilted head and to the desired effect seeing a vein or two pulse strongly on Danzo's neck and forehead. Without another word all of them left but Jin smiled at me as he left. His shoulders were shaking with mirth but the humor and amusement his smile shone with. "Always nice to see the Elders and their entitlement though I worry for her since her behavior will only cause more horrible wrinkles," I said after they left with a sigh. Old Third snorted and we both chuckled before getting back to work.

Danzo, pissed beyond normal, sent two of his more demented -I mean aggressive followers to kill me. Jokes on him though since they seemed to disappear without a trace.

After about a month of working with Old Third, I think the civilians have gotten used to me enough not to glare except when I'm with Naruto. The only ones that don't fully accept me are Dog and Cat, because of the fight in Old Third's office. This is understandable since I could have killed Old Third in that rage and they already don't like tailed beasts as it is. I'm not sure if Old Third told them everything but I do know that they are weary of me.

I was actually put on a 4 person squad in ANBU which was weird. Dog, Weasel, & Ostrich were my teammates. Weasel and Dog I understood since Dog doesn't trust me and Weasel trained me who in turn I found out was trained by Dog.

But Ostrich? He got that animal for being fast and surprisingly he became part of the organization after me. Considering how Weasel trusted him I was sure it was Shisui which I did find out after an intense battle. This battle was actually on the edge of the Leaf's territory. Weasel wanted to spar and were a few minutes into a taijutsu battle when Ostrich appeared and attacked me with intent to kill. I dodged by instinct alone. Weasel attacked him and it was purely taijutsu. Weasel and Ostrich were about even in power, but Ostrich had speed where Weasel had accuracy.

When it looked like Weasel was about to actually get hit soon I jumped in. Ostrich was about to hit Weasel in the stomach when I kicked his arm up and his shoulder. He lost his balance and fell back as Weasel recovered. Now it was two vs one but Ostrich had speed and energy. He threw an explosion tagged kunai to which I threw one to redirect it. Both went off in between all three of us and looks like we both overcharged the tags. I made three shadow clones as I suppressed my chakra. The only chakra visible in me that any eyes or senor can tell is nature that I was taking in to thin my presence by the second.

I was hiding in the trees watching and waiting. I was wearing a cloth mask because I slipped a storage tag that had a time release on it to unsealed the powder it held before the explosion. The powder held several glass like shards, nothing sharp just mini beads of sorts. These were specifically made to reflect the light like tiny mirrors or prisms. They also reflect genjutsu. Weasel attacks Ostrich who is just barely blocked. It was a heavy blow and Weasel kept up hitting heavy instead of his usual assassin-like attacks. Their battle style switched and before both broke out of the illusion.

I jumped and threw sebon nettles at them to which they dodge by jumping. Ostrich just moved his mask up to show his mouth. He did the Tiger seal and blew two giant fire-balls at me. There wasn't any time to dodge so I did a one handed seal and thanks to the nature chakra I was able to blow powerful icy-water balls. When the four collided, misty steam covered the area thicker than in a hot spring. Pulling more natural chakra then jumping and becoming like one with the dissipating steam attacking Ostrich whose red eyes were the only thing seen to make him different from Weasel. The pattern was more advanced. Black flame burst into existence on the ground before me as a strong wind blew the last of the steam away. Jumping and dodging the black flames as I saw the red eyes flash and a little blood flowing down like a tear.

The majority of the area was now covered in black flames that won't extinguish. I glared at Ostrich who was scratching the back of his head sheepishly after Weasel smacked him.

I held up a hand and waved it and bubble barriers caged the black flames. The hand I waved I enclosed into a fist. I winced with a small hiss from the violent chakra trying to destroy my barriers. Weasel came over to tell me something but I ignored him. Using the other I did three seals quickly before bringing both hands together with a resounding clap. All the bubbles popped and dissipated leaving the scorched earth behind.

I left a sigh in relief before dropping the area-wide barrier that hid our battle from the village. My legs buckled so I sat down and slowly pulled my hands apart. My palms were bloody and burned though there was no bone showing. They were not terribly deep and with the breeze brushing them to stinging awareness of pain. Some tears started to blur my eyes so I stared at the sky blinking them away.

Once my vision cleared, a pair of red-black eyes stared back with swirls of worry. I smiled up at Weasel as if the pain of my hands weren't so back. Before anyone said anything a kunai appeared near Weasel's neck and Ostrich's. "Checkmate" I grinned in victory. As the clones poofed away Ostrich snorted and Weasel poked my forehead with his fingers again. He sat in front of me when I didn't get up. I tried to hide my hands cause I knew they weren't a pleasant sight. He slowly and carefully pulled my hands in his to look at my palms. I winced when his fingertips brushed an edge of the wounds.

He stared and Ostrich sat next to him staring. I raised an eyebrow at their staring. I gently pulled my hands free and hid them behind my back. "These aren't so bad. Besides, it just shows that black flame is some serious jutsu. Now, are we all going to continue to pretend that Ostrich here isn't your flirtatious, too much energy weird Uchiha of a best friend or do I have to whack the mask off his face?" I tilted my head with a smile.

Weasel chuckled as Ostrich huffed in fake offense. "You will have to take my mask which is not that easy" he deepened his voice to hide it. I smirked before tapping the seal on my wrist. An ANBU Ostrich mask was brought back into existence with a small bit of smoke. Both stared as I held it out its owner, "You mean this mask?" I snapped the fingers of my left hand and the illusion barrier covering his face vanished.

Showing his shocked face. His mouth opened and closed like a fish a few times as he stared down at the mask. "How?" was heard as he took it. I smirked, "mist, fog, smoke, & steam doesn't just obstruct the eyes but also messes with other senses too." It took a good minute of silence before he burst out laughing. Itachi took his mask off too as he smiled.

-when the mist steam blew up thick enough I had a clone swipe the mask and replace it with a barrier. I made a barrier that needed and felt solid enough that the usual chakra required to keep it on would be the same. Also the shift wasn't as noticeable unless paying a paranoid amount of attention to it due to the eye holes in the mask. Further the switch wasn't as noticeable due to the popping of the clone.-

Itachi would not let me just go home. Both Itachi and Shisui walked me to the hospital to get my hands looked at. I rolled my eyes before following them and they started lecturing me about wounds and hospital visits are necessary. I did catch that it wasn't normal for the black flames to be destroyed or disappear aside from the user of the jutsu making it so with another from the same type.

The moment I stepped into the hospital and smelled the disinfectant. I wanted to just leave. Shisui hooked his arm around me and semi pushed or walked me further in, to the front desk. The nurse there caught sight of the Uchihas and I saw hearts start to appear. Ugh. I don't understand why so many of the female and some male population are so easily attracted to Uchiha, especially since most have not the best personalities.

Shisui started to flirt with her but before I could make an escape Itachi elbowed Shisui. I looked up at the nurse once her attention was on me and I could see her disappointment and unhappiness that I interrupted her happy time. I held up my hands so she could see and her eyes widened. She pointed to a chair and I nodded before sitting there to wait.

She frowned when both Uchiha came and sat with me. Shisui tried to put his hand on my head but I dodged him. He tried a few more times but I put a barrier so he kept bouncing back. Once he tried to force his hand through and it bounced back to wack him in the face. I chuckled along with Itachi. Shisui sat with arms crossed and glared at the floor. I rolled my eyes at his dramatics.

It was not long after a nurse called my name and all three of us stood up. She smiled professionally and we followed her to a room where she started to heal me. Her eyes lost a bit of their happy glow at the state of my hands. She tried to heal them with chakra but she noticed quickly that it only made it worse, especially when bone started to poke through. She looked really worried and looked up to see my clenched jaw. Once I noticed her eyes I un-clenched my jaw and gave her a wry smile.

She left saying she needed a doctor to look at my hands. Shisui and Itachi exchanged glances above me. My hands burned as I stared at them. "So Shisui's covering my medical bills right?" I tried to poke fun and lighten the atmosphere. Itachi was frowning and Shisui didn't even smile.

Silence was all there was until the doctor came. He stared and nudged at the wound with a little chakra. "These wounds are chakra inflicted and it seems to fuel whatever fire you burn them on even when it is the healing form. All we can do is put on some salve and bandages for the time being" he says, still staring at my hands.

He looked up as I nodded before asking, "How did you get these wounds?"

Itachi's face went blank as Shisui's had such a guilty expression. I shrugged, "Training and sparring gone wrong. I thought I could put out a fire and didn't think about the possibility of getting so burned."

It was obvious the doctor didn't believe me but before Shisui could start to say anything I elbowed him in the gut.

I smiled and tilted my head and asked, "Is there a specific salve used or does any of it work?"

The doctor catching the change in subject nodded his head. "It is a bit special since it can't be infused with chakra. I will have a nurse provide you with some when you go to check out. Be careful to not use chakra in your hands until the burn fully heals." He started smearing the white thick slave on my palms after the nurse left. He then wrapped them up for me.

I nodded and thanked him before leaving for check out. The nurse smiled at me and gave me the paperwork. I quickly filled it out and passed the amount on the bill that she hid under it. Once outside the hospital Shisui started to make a fuss.

"I'll give it to you next time. How much was it?" He walked close.

I rolled my eyes, "It was a joke, Shisui. Don't worry about it."

"Joke or not, your hands are hurt because of my jutsu," he argued.

I folded my arms behind my head, "You are making it sound like you kicked a puppy or sawed off my arms. I chose to put out those flames before either of you can warn me. It's not that big of a deal or that bad."

A dark cloud covered his face as his eyes stormed, "You can't use chakra."

I rolled my eyes, "It's not like I need it to live. Besides, I'm on the no missions list anyway."

Shisui's frown deepened and Itachi went to put a hand on his shoulder.

Before a loud, probably hurtful on their side, an argument started I Shunshin away. I appeared up just outside the Forest of Death. I walked in with a sigh and jumped the trees to get home quickly before both Uchiha could catch up and yell at me for using chakra. Anko jumped a little at my appearance since I came through the window and landed a foot in front of her.

"Back so soon? I thought the Uchiha would not let you go until late tonight," she wiggled her brows.

I rolled my eyes and smiled "Just because you want in their pants doesn't mean I do." Her grossed out face, "I don't want them. Itachi is too innocent and Shisui probably thinks of getting into Itachi's pants despite all his flirting."

I laughed with a nod, "I'm done dealing with Uchiha for a while. I'm thinking of staying in the Forest outside of school."

She raised her eyebrow at me. She even went and put her book down. Yep, found out Anko actually liked to read when she wasn't being nuts.

I huffed sinking into the couch, "They are a lot and because I'm still a kid. They treat me like I don't know how to take care of myself."

I held up my hands and told her how it happened. She laughed once it was over.

"They will probably be pissed that you did that. If not for your barrier they'd be here lecturing you," her eyes bright and smirking.

I groaned, "It really isn't that bad. I heal quickly by tomorrow morning all the bones will be well hidden & two days from now it will be nearly all healed."

Her smirk widened, shaking her head, "not all of us heal quickly or can make our wounds disappear like you. I bet you can guilt trip Shisui to do anything now." I frowned slowly, sinking deeper into the couch.

"Itachi probably won't let you out of his sight either. It's like you got some older brothers if not parents" she laughed hard as she saw me start to sulk.

I am older than all of you. For the love of all things. I can be cut to pieces and still live just fine. Not like that cult religious nutcase but not terribly different either. We are a team now if they can't accept that I know my limits. How are we supposed to work as a team? Underestimating your allies is no different than your enemies.

"Not all of us have families, you know. You should be grateful," her voice was more somber and quieter.

I looked up tilting my head, "Aren't we family?"

Anko's eyes widened and were a bit more reflective. Before her smirk became a bright smile with her nod. Smiling, I got up and went to the kitchen to make her some dango. Ignoring the dark whispers only I can hear yearning for freedom and isolation.

"Freedom is what your siblings yearn for. Leave to isolation. Any bonds to stretch and become forgotten. People of villages kill each other faster & seal before a traitorous heartbeat. Fear and hatred of the unknown & known will only ever condemn you in their eyes. You're not even human. You don't belong.

You don't belong."

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

Iruka found out about my hands and I wasn't even allowed to take notes. Naruto was concerned. I told him that I heal fast. He seemed happy to hear that and told me about some of the wounds that he had before and how he was surprised that they were gone quickly. This dove into a discussion of hating hospitals at lunch. He hated the smell and most of the nurses. I agreed about the smell and semi agreed about the nurses giving special treatment to those they admire.

-I secretly put a barrier around us. "Hey Naruto, if I tell you a secret will you keep it with me?" I tilted my head back. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his ocean blue eyes sparkle like sunlight reflected and his smile wide.

Cute little brother. I can see why Itachi loves to spoil Sasuke.

"I keep any secret you tell me, ttebayo. We are friends and friends got each other's backs," he cheered.

I smiled, "Actually, I can use some jutsu without the hand seals. But if other people find out I can get in trouble & I can't teach it to others. It is kind of like a bloodline thing."

Naruto's eyes got big and his smile widened, "that's so cool! Wish I had something like that too."

I smiled, "who knows maybe you do have one and we have yet to find it. I look in the library and find information." He fist bumped me cheerfully.

Sasuke during the last class of the day kept glancing at my hands to the point I just hid them in my sleeves. I really just wanted to nap like Shikamaru but I knew I'd have to escape quickly since Itachi and Shisui are still upset with me.

Anko had taken me shopping recently and helped me choose some clothes since the ones I had before were not personal enough. I was originally just going to get more black clothes but Anko talked me out of it and into an outfit. It was a forest green with blue-gold embroidery kimono top. The design was of dancing leaves. It stopped an inch above my belly-button but had these big sleeves that hung not far down but hid my hands. Under this top I wear a mesh long sleeve top that covered everything that the other showed. My pants were black and a little baggy. Ending with shinobi sandals.

I don't know how but I talked Anko into letting me into getting a second outfit. This one was of a hoodie that was a little bigger than needed. I like baggy clothes. Anko wouldn't budge about me getting colored clothes. My shirt was black with green leaves falling. If I don't wear the hoodie then I will wear a mesh long sleeve. So I got dark blue shorts that just passed my knees. Ending with shinobi shoes.

Anko says that green went well with my skin tone and my black-brown hair as well.

I was worried since I'm covered in scars and tattoos but Anko blew them away. She loved my tattoos that wrapped my legs which were thorn vines with buds on them. The staff worker also positively commented on them.

Anko was curious about them and asked if I had other tattoos. This led to her trying to see every tattoo I have. When I refused to show her every one of them. She tried to get me to take a bath with her in a hot spring. I never told her all that they were or can do but she loved the meaning that they held to the extent I told her.

The vines on my legs mean the paths and trauma I carry but show that there is still good that comes with it. They show my connection to nature and the important people have been lost.

I would love to display them all but there are several that don't like kids with tattoos. I plan that when I'm older to show more of them like Anko does in general.

If she didn't have to do infiltration work as much she would have asked me to do some tattoos for her. We went on talking about all kinds of tattoos. I still wanted some more but I don't have enough skin or special ink to do it. I ran out while I was still at Orochimaru's base. We talked long into the night about it with plenty of laughs.

It was a few days later that I let Shisui and Itachi back into our house. They appeared immediately and both lectured me for hours. Anko saluted me at the door which I weakly did back causing her to laugh as she went out. She was leaving to hang out with Kuneri and Hana.

I tried to pay close attention to their lectures but I slipped into thoughts of what dessert to bribe them with after. Chocolate cake? Strawberry cakes? Maroons? Definitely Dango. … Unfortunately for them I was well versed in not paying full attention so that when they asked a question on what they said I could respond with confidence. So hours after their arrival I was let go after an inspection of my hands. My hands were still a little pink from the new skin that replaced the burned before. There was not much left and no scar to worry about much to both Uchiha's relief.

Itachi rebadged my hands and I went to work making lots of dango and sweets. I made sure to have some for Anko when she comes back. Itachi hovered and even took the bowl to stir for me a few times. I rolled my eyes but didn't try to stop him. Shisui started making a mess of the room so I trapped him in a barrier and threw a scroll at him.

It contained a few toys I made that helps with chakra control. I plan to further improve them for Naruto. Since their attention spans are similar it was a good test to see what needed improving. One set of four sebon-like nettles are set to hold together with chakra. If given too much chakra they will light on fire on one end and if too little they resist or fall.

I also made some clay that can only change shape using chakra. It was hard to make since I needed some help from someone with earth nature chakra. Have to remember to thank Cat later. There were a good twenty puzzles that were stored in there for good measure.

The desserts and sweets smelled good though I prefer salty food. It was a nice break, especially since we were all eating it together. Shisui had gotten through the chakra control toys but didn't get to finish the puzzles by the time Itachi and I finished baking. They made happy hums every time they ate a new dessert from the pile and slowly ate one of every kind. I stuck with some of the less sweet desserts and only a few, content to watch them eat in silence.

We went sitting at the tops of the trees looking at the stars with a few sweets in a basket to munch on. For once Shisui was not being very hyperactive. There were the sounds of the forest and I felt the hum of the tree branch we shared. I let my eyes unfocused and amplified the tree's natural hum so Itachi and Shisui could feel it. I almost snorted when they jumped at the new sensation but didn't want to ruin the peace of night. I could feel them adjust to it and it soothed them as it does me. I closed my eyes and relaxed fully.

These two are important people to me now and the fact alone that the tree's hum soothes them shows they are safe.

The next day after school Naruto stayed behind to get some tutoring from Iruka so I headed to the library. It was not far from the Academy which is nice but it didn't look well taken care of from the outside. It was a one story building that looked like it had been through a lot. There were numerous cracks and sun-aged spots all around, but at least the roof looked stable. The big heavy wooden doors lost some of their detailing from years of exposure to the elements but if looked close enough had a design of the Hokage Mountain and other symbols or Motifs of this village.

I went inside greeted with some dust but also the wonderful smell of books and ink. There were several shelves of books and scrolls. They were organized by the knowledge they contain. It was a pleasant sight to see as I passed towards the desk in hopes of finding the librarian. There was an older woman with her gray thin hair pulled tight into a bun sitting there with a book. She looked up as I neared and waited.

"Can I look at history books and scrolls with information about clans? Please. I'm not sure where exactly to look and don't want to make a mess," I politely asked.

She stared a moment and closed her book as she stood, "What clans are you looking for?"

I smiled, "I'm curious about the Hokage and if my clan was helped during the wars."

The lady librarian nodded and walked me over to shelves within the history section and pointed to a few rows, "Try these and if you need more come back to the desk."

I nodded, "Thank you!" I carefully started pulling a few books and skimming through them. It was exhausting to memorize so much and quickly. I may not need this information right now but it doesn't hurt to pick up on the history the Leaf records have. Every village has a different record of history, some even vary in what is public and what is classified. If interacting with older civilians, it may help if I have some of the shared knowledge.

Luckily, after three hours I was able to find some information on Naruto's clan, the Uzumaki or Whirlpool clan.

The books state that the Whirlpool clan was a famously strong clan that resided on islands. They were famous for being masters of Fuuinjutsu. They usually had red hair and could have very violent tempers, especially if their loved ones are involved. They were said to also have large chakra reserves and trained young to be able to control it properly. Their country and clan were attacked because of their strength and the survivors scattered. There were pieces of their history but the information was written in a way for people to not see the important information. This was done with adding some stories of Mito, one of Whirlpool that came and married the Hokage that focused on personal stories rather than actual historical information.

I noticed a few eyes and presences around me so I kept reading about 10 more books and scrolls so it didn't seem like I was only after Uzumaki information. I did move on to Hokage and pulled out paper as if I was taking notes for a report on them. I focused on the notes on the First and Third though there were fewer ones in the others. I did however find out that Minato, the Fourth, was the head of his clan if not the last of it. There was actually a lot there about him and his many accomplishments until his death which was dated the day after Naruto's birthday.

I understand why they had his name as his mom's, Uzumaki, because Iwa would have stopped at nothing to kill him. I still don't understand why Naruto has to be kept in the dark. He is smart enough to keep secrets yet just because the public can't know that doesn't mean he can't know. If anyone with half a brain sees Minato's picture from the Bingo books and then sees Naruto this whole thing would go up in flames. The council themselves know and hate Naruto so much I'm betting they are keeping everything that Naruto has right to away from him. Old Third might be trying to protect Naruto and I may not know all the politics that are going on so I can't be too angry with Old Third. I swear I will make sure Naruto gets what belongs to him!

I was there for another hour reading books and taking nonsense notes. During that hour most of the eyes and presences left and the Librarian checked on me a few times. I put everything back as best as I could and put the notes back in my bag. I nodded my thanks to her as I walked passed.

I was only able to go about five blocks when a man grabbed & Shunshin no Jutsu me away. Pushing me roughly against the wall once there. I glared up at Dog who had one black eye and one red eye glaring back at me. He had the Sharingan. His hand went to my throat and tightened but not enough to truly be choking me.

"You are being reckless and endangering people. You need to stop and not tell Naruto about anything you learned today," his rumbling of a growling voice, was clearly pissed.

I rolled my eyes, "I was reading and studying in a Public library. Anyone could have found the same knowledge, hell even Naruto could have found it, if the civilians didn't hate him so much."

I felt Dog flex his hand and carefully leak KI. "You don't know anything. You are an Outsider that is clearly trying to get control of the Jinchuuriki. Trying to get to the Nine-Tails. You are nothing but a monster that should not exist," his KI growing stronger.

Bitter angry laughter burst out of me before I could stop it. I could feel him trying to choke me and reaching for a kunai. As my rage got the better of me once more. I pulse my chakra out forcing him to let go of my neck and he moves back a step further to the opposite wall of this alle.

I fell and caught my breath keeping my hair in my face. I was trying to calm down as my instincts coursing adrenaline through my veins. His scent was full of anger, fear, hatred, and determination.

I looked up with red slitted eyes, "Says the very man who could have been Naruto's salvation. The one who is supposed to care about his sensei's son as your sensei has done for you. But you can't be attached to Naruto and think you will only hurt him, no?"

I saw Dog wince and pain enter his eyes along with a little fear. He stubbornly stayed silent.

"It sounds like you fear more the ruin of Minato's last act than Naruto's well-being. I don't want or need Nine-Tails chakra. I may be a monster but I am trying to keep Naruto from falling to the darkness within him. Instilled by this village that he is supposed to be important to. The longer he is kept in the dark and treated terribly the wounds he has festers. The only things keeping him pure and from falling are Iruka and Old Third. But they can only do so much since neither accept him fully or have the time to nurture him."

Dog lowered the kunai but still had a tight grip on it.

I got up and continued with a little KI of my own leaking out. "I know pain and darkness. How it feels to be treated terribly for something out of your control. You call me a monster but do you realize that you sound just like the civilians as they see Naruto?"

Dog eyes widened for a moment before glaring at me as he strengthened his KI.

I stepped forward to glare up into his porcelain masked face. "You can deny it all you want but I know far better what he is going through. You and all this village can try to stop me but I'll be damned if I'm going to let all of you torture him just because of grief and fear!"

Dog didn't move but his glare weakened.

I took a breath, "Naruto is Naruto, a human being. A sacrifice made without consent and with ideological beliefs that a sacrifice would be seen as a hero. No matter how you believe or feel about Minato, you should be the one trying to save Naruto from this. You know first-hand how a sacrifice and doing the right thing will cost you and how torment drives those good people. It may torture you to live this once again but this time you have allies and time to save him!"

Dog's glare was gone. He stood like a statue staring at me.

My eyes turned back and my KI resealed. I took a step back, "I don't know fully what you went through and can't sympathize. I am a monster whose emotions and instincts get the better of me at times. But you are human and Naruto is a human. He is a child that needs help more than many I've seen. But you won't help him because of your own darkness."

I rubbed the treacherous tears away, "Naruto just wants to live and belong. To be seen and accepted. To be treated as a human being and is a child who yearns for warmth. I may be a monster but I am trying to keep him from the cold. I am trying to keep him from darkness but I can't do so completely or indefinitely."

I took another step back, "He needs a human who is warm and shares time with. If you can't be there for him, find someone who can. I can only do so much. After all, I am a monster who is cold and belongs to the darkness."

Dog stood there and his scent no longer smelled as strongly as fear but sorrow and regret filled it.

I stared up at him, "It is not too late to save Naruto and he needs you."

Dog nodded as he put his kunai away. His hand went to scratch the back of his neck and he relaxed, "sorry."

I relaxed as well and nodded. I smiled, "let's keep this between us. I'm sure Weasel and Ostrich will be annoying if they find out. They are already fussing over my hands."

Dog chuckled, "I heard, they told me so during our next training to let them know if you use chakra."

I groaned and dropped the barrier. "I am considered an adult since I have a headband and everything," I whined. We both started walking towards the center of the village.

"I still don't understand why they have this need to set everything on fire," I sighed.

Dog snorted, "You should have seen when I started training Weasel. He was rather proud of his fire jutsu. He used them often but didn't put them out that quickly. We burned a few train grounds up pretty bad. Thankfully, he grew in other areas and other elements." I chuckled at the image of a mini Weasel doing these things.

"Looks like we got our work cut out for us. I'm just thankful Naruto's chakra element isn't fire. Ostrich is enough of a hyperactive pyromaniac," shaking my head.

Dog nodded and we both seemed to relax. We walked to the ramen stand and Naruto was already there eating with gusto. Dog put his hand on my head, much like how Weasel does, before walking away. I waved at his retreating back before going to sit by Naruto.

It took him a good few minutes to finish his current bowl. He was enjoying the ramen deeply as if it was the only thing needed in the world. I smiled as I waited though I did greet the amazing ramen cook who smiled back. I decided to get my usual order as I waited for Naruto to return to reality. Once he noticed me he jumped. I chuckled as did Teuchi Ichiraku,

"Hi, I saw you here and figured I'd drop by. I went to the library today and found some things."

Naruto straightened with excitement and his smile was brighter than before. I glanced at Ichiraku-san to make sure it was safe to talk here. Ichiraku-san actually smiled and nodded and he turned to make more Ramen.

"I found that: the Uzumaki clan or Whirlpool clan …." and I told Naruto all the information I had found about his clan. He just sat there for a good few minutes trying to process it all. Ichiraku-san set my ramen and a new one in front of Naruto. Naruto did start to eat his ramen but at a slower pace. After a few bites, he returned to his usual pace and usual ascension of ramen bliss. When he came back down I had finished my bowl and paid for the both of us.

His smile was the brightest I have seen. "Did you hear that, Teuchi-san? I'm part of an awesome clan! They were masters! I'm going to learn more about them and make them proud! I'm Naruto Uzumaki! Believe it!" He shouted in excitement. Naruto was happy not just because he was part of a clan but it shows that he belongs to something or somewhere.

He jumped off his seat and cheered loudly, making people annoyed. I laughed as I followed after the hyperactive blond and a feeling of warm peace welled within me.

We made it, to outside the Academy, before Naruto stopped trying to catch his breath. He quickly pulled me into a hug. "Thank you, Crow. Thanks for helping find where I belong," he whispered. I hugged him back, "Anything for my best friend. Now you should go tell Iruka and I should be heading home."

He squeezed me once before letting go with a nod. He ran into the building and I could hear the other teachers muffled shouting at him. I climbed into the tree of the swing and sat there with my eyes closed hearing a muffled Iruka and Naruto.

Stayed a bit there so as to not intrude on their brotherly time I left and got back to the forest. It felt a little like coming home and the warmth didn't leave me until the next morning when the sun's light replaced it.

I was walking to the Academy when I saw a messenger bird flying overhead with a brown ribbon tied to its leg.

Is that to summon me? I'm not allowed to go on missions so it probably isn't for me. Besides, I doubt Old Third would ruin my cover unless it was extremely important. Brown doesn't seem to say that and from what I remember it is a normal summons.

I shrugged and shrugged off seeing the bird, especially since I was only steps away from the Academy. The moment Naruto saw me he waved with so much energy I was a little envious.

If only I could be that energetic in the mornings.

I waved back and just as I sat down Naruto started telling me all that happened yesterday. He had told Iruka all about belonging to a clan and stuff I told Naruto about. Iruka smiled and congratulated him. He also lectured to Naruto about not paying attention in class because they had apparently talked about it before.

They left and Iruka treated Naruto to a bowl of ramen. During the meal Iruka had told Naruto more about the Uzumaki clan, including some information about a red head Uzumaki that he met before during a war. He had talked about her fierce temper and that she was as loyal as a ninja he ever met.

I fist-bumped Naruto and nodded along as he started to retell it only to be cut off when Iruka came in. The class was boring as usual but Naruto made it easier since we made a game of trying to learn it all. Sometimes I made a small paper plane, or sometimes me and Naruto would make origami with certain pieces of information written around each fold. This helped a lot with timelines to the point I noticed Sasuke trying it out.

At lunch, Naruto was running around trying to catch the paper airplanes we made earlier and shout the information at me. A shadow passed overhead and I noticed the same bird from earlier.

Nope. It is not for me. Nope….

I am not going to ruin my cover for whatever reason that isn't an emergency. I know for fact that this summons is not one. Old Third you are going to have to wait until classes are over.

I ignored the poor bird as I chatted with Naruto about how he is getting better with remembering things. We talked about what food I should bring tomorrow as we walked back inside after the bell rang.

Maybe I should try my hand at making ramen?

It wasn't until Sasuke nudged my arm with his elbow that I noticed the bird sitting on the windowsill. I saw questions in Sasuke's eyes. I simply shrugged with a "that's weird?" head tilt. He rolled his eyes and we both went back to paying attention to the lecture. Iruka made eye contact with me with a silent questioning tilt of his own. I smiled with a tilt in return. He smiled understandingly and went back to lecturing.

Apparently, Naruto wasn't alone in enjoying a prank and mischief.

It was after class that I saw Itachi and Dog were waiting outside. I rolled my eyes as I walked out. Itachi was giving me a questioning look despite how blank his face actually was. It took me months to figure out how he does that. Dog came up to me and Naruto, "Crow, you are needed by the Hokage. I was sent to escort you there."

I snorted and pulled Naruto into a side hug. "It's probably for some paperwork help or something. I'll be fine," I whispered. Naruto eased up and snorted too. He ran off as I waved while walking alongside of Dog towards the tower.

"Was there a reason as to why you ignored the summons?" Dog muttered.

I snorted, "No mission list meant that I would not be summoned by bird. It would ruin my cover as an Academy student, especially since it was an ANBU mission that Old Third gave himself."

Dog snorted and shook his head. I shrugged, "Everyone in ANBU may know but the teachers don't or any other shinobi that isn't high enough in rank."

Dog knocked on the door before we went in. Old Third nodded dismissing Dog who Shunshin no Jutsu away with a mock salute. Silence as we stared at each other. Old Third activated his privacy seals and I put up a thin barrier.

"Why didn't you come when you saw the bird?" Old Third grunted.

I shrugged, "ANBU hides the fact that their ANBU and you told me to pretend I'm a normal Academy student. Why and how would an academy student be summoned by a bird?"

He stared and then nodded. I actually had a point. He tossed a scroll at me, "This is your new mission. It seems that you have earned the trust of your team. So you, Weasel, and Ostrich will go on this mission. Originally I planned to just have you and Ostrich go but Weasel has brought to my attention that you are his student."

Old Third chuckled, "Weasel has gotten protective of you and apparently so did Ostrich."

I groaned, "I am an adult and handle a lot on my own."

Old Third smiled as he puffed out some smoke from his pipe, "Indeed. That's why after this mission you will be either going as a pair or alone. This mission is to teach them that you are stronger than you appear."

I smiled in relief and nodded. He puffed more smoke blowing it out before his eyes refocused on me, "You may act mature but there is a hidden knowledge and older look in your eyes that most wouldn't notice."

I stiffened as my smile fell, "I am an adult after all with a headband and everything."

He stared, "You are an adult and with the mass of emotions you've displayed before I'd say you have been for longer than a normal human can be. You called yourself a monster to Dog."

I bristled as my fangs showed more sharply than before.

Old Third breathed out more smoke, "Dog didn't tell me I kept an eye out and would have stopped him if he kept going that day after all, he was only following old orders… You are not just a container for leftover chakra are you?"

I stared and he stared back. My instincts told me to run, to lie, to kill.

I won't tell him. I have no trust for this old man especially since he is still blinded by the past. Who I am and what I am is none of his business.

I shrugged, "I'm not sure what you're trying to imply but you are probably misunderstanding something."

Old Third frowned, "Yet you have said differently when talking to Dog and when you went into a rage before…"

I snorted, "Maybe it is because I have seen first-hand how badly Jinchuuriki are treated and the tailed beasts within them. Most common knowledge or logic sees them as just wild masses of chakra but if that was true then why did the fourth seal Naruto's seal that way? If they are animals or beasts then how are Kiba's clan dogs or the summons any different?"

Old Third took a long drag from his pipe. "The tailed beasts can't die or be controlled," he said as he exhaled a cloud of smoke.

I raised an eyebrow, "Naruto's birthday is proof enough that statement is false. Why else would Fourth go to the lengths he did to that day and still fail? Besides, when has anyone tried to talk and understand the tailed beasts?"

Old Third stared and I stared back. I put my hands in my hoodie's pockets and relaxed into a blank face. Old Third's frown reappeared after another exhale of smoke with a slight anger deep within his eyes.

"What would you do if someone tried to invade and destroy this village?" I sighed.

"I would stop them and have them pay for their crimes," without hesitation Old Third replied.

"You would go to war with other villages to protect this village, your home," I stated while looking out the window with a smile.

Old Third nodded but I could see his shoulders were tense.

"Then what should the tailed beasts have done when humanity did the same? When humanity plundered, killed, and tortured them and all they protected?" I asked, looking Old Third in his eyes.

Old Third flinched and coughed on his smoke. I waited and he slowly got himself under control again.

I simply stared waiting. But Old Third had nothing he could say.

"If you knew my parents and my clan then you knew that we study the tailed beasts and the long history that they share with us. This is why I know so much and feel so strongly, especially when faced with living examples. Naruto is a wonder to have not hated this village and remains as bright as he is," I continued in the deafening silence that had followed.

Old Third sighed as he looked at his old wrinkly hands.

"As for why I spoke that way to Dog is because it is easier to be heard by agitated broken people if you meet them on their level. I am unknown to a great deal and I will always be. I've shown power and strength more than a child I am is supposed to have. I rather not kill someone who actually and actively cares for Naruto," I sighed.

Old Third puffed another from his pipe looking at me now, "I believe you. Your mother talked a lot about the tailed beasts and stories she found before the war."

I relaxed and most of the tension disappeared.

"I am stronger than most and mature for my age to some extent. So I offer to leave a part of myself in your shadow to help fight or protect you," I smiled.

"Why?" Old Third asked as his curiosity rose.

"Extra protection because of blind spots you have and the bounds that tie your hands. I'm not sure how much you know but the Nara have an ancestor that is connected to my clan. You could say they are kin though the power passed is different. The one I inherited is that I can dive and live within shadows. I can put a shadow clone to stay within your shadow and it will last until its death," I shrugged.

Old Third perked up a little. I couldn't help the fanged smile as I continued to explain a bit more.

"When within a shadow it is possible that depending on the type of clone it can last on a small amount of chakra from the source it's connected to. Because I'm offering this I can lend you chakra and communicate with you through the clone without anyone else hearing or knowing," my voice got a little higher in pitch due to excitement, not that Old Third seemed to mind.

Old Third hummed as he puffed on his pipe while thinking everything over.

It's fun to talk to others about jutsu and things most people can do. It is great that my clan is obsessed with the tailed beasts enough for Old Third to not question anything. But it still hurts how real their obsession is… I will have to do something about them. Not right now but maybe after I stop Orochimaru's current plan.

I was brought back to the present by Old Third purposefully blowing a huge cloud of smoke at me. I grimaced as I tried not to cough.

Moving to stand closer to his desk to no longer be in the cloud. He was chuckling when I looked up.

"Very well. I agree to this shadow clone being put in my space," he emphasized on the shadow with a smile.

I snorted as I moved back a step. I did the hand seals for the shadow clone and once it poofed into existence I did three one hand seals. Then put my hand on the chest of the shadow clone and closed my eyes. My shadow moved and connected to my clone and another branch of it connected to Old Third.

What Old Third didn't know is that I embedded a small scroll and crystal within my clone. Making this clone not too different than my puppets in Suna. A little different because her crystal is in use unlike the storage scrolls.

I pulled my hand away as the seal disappeared and my shadow released the clone's. My clone nodded before going standby Old Third.

My clone bowed , "I will be in your care from now on. I look forward to helping and seeing from your shadow."

Old Third smiled, "Your clone has better manners."

I snorted as the clone chuckled before turning into a black ball that dived into the connected shadows.

Once she settled there I held out a hand to him. Old Third took my hand, "now all that is left is to link her to you. She doesn't take much chakra. Maybe a drop a day."

Smiling, "Now I am going to send some chakra through my shadow to her which she will send up to you. I need you to send me some of your chakra through our hands. It would be no different than gathering chakra into your hand for a jutsu and directing it out."

He closed his eyes and concentrated. It took him a few minutes before I felt his chakra at my palm. I gently pulled it into me and where it belonged. I then started sending the rest back through my clone.

"It's done but slowly stop sending chakra. I will send it back through the clone, " I whispered to not break his concentration.

He slowed it to a trickle then it stopped. I sent it all back through the clone. He opened his eyes and nodded. Our shadows released and separated back to where they belong.

I let go and started writing up a contract as he got used to sharing chakra with my clone. In my mind as I was writing I heard them chatting.

"Hi, I didn't think you would be able to chat with me so soon." -C

"I didn't know. Am I talking with you or Crow?" -OT

"Both, technically, but mostly with just me. She is just listening in right now. We keep in sync like that though she can delay hearing it or ignore it." -C

"This is very interesting. You seem more cheerful and lighter spirit than her." OT

I snorted as I continued to write the contract and waited for their conversation to end.

"Yep, she purposefully wanted a cheerful one in your shadow to brighten you up or annoy you. We actually will sound different when she is communicating through this connection." -C

"I am writing a contract so that this jutsu will upkeep on its own and so it can't be tampered with or interrupted." -CM (Crow has a deeper inner voice than the high pitched clone)

Old Third jumped in his seat looking up to meet my eyes. Smiling like a kid getting caught with his hand in a jar of sweets.

"See! She is always so deep and has that growling undertone. Sometimes we, the other clones and I, think she needs to relax." -C

Old Third chuckled as I rolled my eyes.

I handed him the contract, "This states that we have a deal in which I keep a supporter with you at all times regardless of the state they are in until they die. In exchange you will tell no one about it except the current head of the Nara should you choose to and a seal master should you know any."

Old Third nodded along as he read through the contract.

"Also, Danzo is not to know anything about this is emphasized and should he learn about it from you, our contract & the jutsu will immediately be canceled. Of course, how he finds out about it can vary so there are two exceptions in there just in case," I sighed.

He looked up at me, eyebrow raised, "You really hate Danzo."

"Completely. Without a doubt. Nothing will change my opinion about him," I replied firmly.

Old Third frowned, "Why?"

I hummed, "Let's just say I know him well enough to hate him and that he is one of your blind spots. I rather not fight about it when you are clearly not ready to deal with it."

Old Third raised an eyebrow before sighing. He signed the contract and just like the other time it glowed and turned into two. But unlike last time a small seal appeared on his inner wrist. It faded but it was similar to a storage seal just more complex and layered. I had a matching one that faded as well.

I tossed the mission scroll a few times, "So what's this mission or do I get brief with the others?"

Old Third snorted, "You will be briefed by Weasel who I feel will be waiting for you outside at a Dango stand. You will be leaving in three days and how long you are away depends on your team."

I nodded as he waved my dismissal so I jumped out the window with his laugh trailing my wind.

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

What do you think about this chapter?

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

Stay safe & Take care!