The funeral was a week after my 7th birthday.

Neji showed up, with a long letter from Hinata explaining why she couldn't come. I was surprised that Neji even came since Hikari was like a mom to him.

It wasn't the best party. Tou-chan told me what happened, but I doubt the others were told. But they still knew.

The kids in this world were so much more aware then in my last life.

"There. Now we can go." Kaa-chan said, and I jumped off her lap.

"Do... we need anything?" I asked.

This was my first time going to a funeral.

In either life times.

"No, I'm sure Hinata-chan will just appreciate your company in these times. Now it is okay to cry during a funeral, but try not to make too much noise. Hikari-san was a Kunoichi, so this will be more of a shinobi funeral then a clan one." Kaa-chan told me, grabbing my hand as we headed for the door.

Tou-chan was already waiting for us outside, talking to some members of the police. I recognized Yunia, and gave a weak wave, but the other two I didn't. I was pretty sure they were uchiha, but it was hard to tell.

"Are you two done?" Tou-chan asked as the three ninjas body flickered away.

"Yes, let's go." Kaa-chan answered, pulling me along.

"Wait, isn't Ita-nii coming?" I wondered.

I have been seeing my socially awkward brother less and less these months. He still makes time to hang out with when when he is actual home, but he even started doing that flick 'perhaps another time' line he did with Sasuke.

That just reinforced that my ambiguous timeline that I remember from the show is matching up. I have a year max.

"You brother is on a very important mission right now." Tou-chan said, and I couldn't tell if he as happy or displeased about that.

My parents would know that Itachi is in ANBU now, right? I mean, they are both ninjas, and it seems obvious to me that is why Itachi never tells me about his missions anymore.

"Okay, I'll just pass his sympathies along then." I said slowly, still thinking as I absentmindedly grabbed Tou-chan hand.

When I first heard what happened to Hinata's mom, I wondered if there was something I could have done. I still don't know what happened in the show, but even if I did I don't know if that would of helped.

I don't like the idea of fate or destiny. I like to think that the meaning of life is what you give it. I think that sometimes bad things happen for no reason, and sometimes it happened because of a series of events that no one could predict without knowing the whole picture.

That's why I feel like I can affect the Uchiha massacre, but not Hikari's death. I know all the events that lead to the uchiha massacre, what effects it and how. I don't know yet how changing what I have already will do, but at that point I will be like everyone else. I have always been a more 'go with the flow' person, and while I like plans in games like chess, I am much better at more reactive movements than ten step plans.

You can't change the past after all. Only the future.

The funeral was being held in the Hyūga clan ground, even though Kaa-chan said it wasn't a 'clan funeral'. As we passed the gates, I saw all the people gathered for the funeral. It seemed like the whole clan was there... which might be the case. Hikari was married to the clan head.

I probably would have stopped walking if I wasn't holding both of my parent's hands. Just the sight of all these people gathering for one person, even if she was really really nice, was overwhelming for me to think about.

How many people showed up to my own funeral?

"Oh, you did decide to come."

Hiashi looked like shit.

I didn't even know that could even happen! The Hyūga always looked the same. Hinata even showed me of her father when he first became a jounin and the man looked exactly the same, just with slightly shorter hair and different clothes.

Tou-chan just grunted, which was better than retorting back.

I looked past my parent's legs to see Hinata holding on to the back of Hiashi robe thing that I totally know the name of. Hiashi was holding Hinabi on his hip, who thankfully was asleep on the cool summer morning.

Neji complained once or twice how the toddler would cry non stop looking for her mom.

"Want a hug?" I asked, letting go of my parent's hands so I could hold my arms out.

That's what you do when someone is sad. Comfort them until they can deal or help them seek out help if they need it.

Right?

Hinata looked at me with red eyes and tears streaming down her cheeks before rushing into my embrace.

"Um, there, there." I awkwardly said as I closed my arms around her.

Her head reached my mouth, and I had to try my best to keep hair from get in while also making Hinata feel safe.

"S-sor-sorry."

"Don't apology for crying. It actually good to cry; help release all the... um... emotions in your brain." I tried explaining.

I can't really remember why, but I readed a lot of articles about the brain before I died. One of them talked about the theory that part of the reason why cry is to get rid of extra chemicals in your brain. The specific experiment was comparing tears of sadness to tears of happiness to see if the chemicals were different. They found a significant amount (being less than 5%) of dopamine in the 'happy tears' and norepinephrine in the 'sad tears'. Norepinephrine has more to do with the 'fight or flight' reflects, but dopamine is widely considered the 'feel good' neurotransmitter.

So crying can help you feel less sad in the end.

Well, assuming that your brain is working properly and all that.

"Let's begin." Hiashi said, and gracefully walked over to the stage was, dropping Hinabi off to his twin along the way.

I moved with Hinata closer, always keeping her in a half hug. The funeral was long, as lots of people had things to talk about Hikari-san. There was no casic, just a tombstone that was being cisaled by Hiashi. I figured it was because all ninjas had to be cremated, regardless if they were active or not. Still, it seemed odd that they would make the tombstone themselves.

I always wanted to just have a tree planted in my name and my ashes sent off to space so some alien could find it in a thousand years.

I wonder if I ever told my mom that.

"Do you want to say anything?" I asked when the flow of people slowed down.

I don't know if Hinata needed to, but talking to the rock that represents her mother might help. Maybe not now but, later.

Hinata just shook her head. She stopped balling a while ago, but I still would feel a few tears shock my dress every so often.

"That's fine. I'm sure she can hear you wherever you go." I said, because isn't that something people find comfort in?

People don't like the idea that their love ones are gone forever, or that they will too one day. That might be why so many different religions have an afterlife, somewhere you can meet up with everyone who died before and after you. I know that might not be the best way to put it, but I've always been neutral on religion.

Even how I don't know if my situation of reincarnation is the normal or just situational. Maybe it is even whatever you think will happen once you die, is what does happen and since I had no really thoughts about the situation, I got a random pick.

That I messed up my refusing to forget everything.

"R-Really?"

"She loves you a lot. And that love will be with you forever. As long as you can remember the good times." I said with a bittersweet smile.

Hinata nodded to herself like what I said made sense, and not too long later the funeral was officially over.

More than half of the people left, and I quickly realized they were only here to show their respect to the clan as a whole, not Hikari as an individual. It was annoying, but i'm sure every funeral has people like that.

"Thank you for watching Hinata-chan, Chiyome-chan." Hiashi said as he walked over, holding a hand out for Hinata who readily took it.

She didn't hug him like she was doing to me, but I made me happy to see they were still close.

"What are friends for?" I said, not knowing what else to say.

Kaa-chan and Tou-chan were off talking to other people, and for as often as I would hang out at Hinata's house, I spent more time with Hizashi then Hiashi.

"Still, Hinata is lucky she found someone like you. It is a rarity, exicaly for someone from your clan." Hiashi said, and an had to force back my immediate reaction.

Instead I just smiled.

"Maybe you just need to know my clan better, because I assure you I am not the only one who would comfort a friend."

"Maybe." Hiashi said, and it wasn't like I was really expecting to change his mind.

It was hard making people think that actions of an individual represents their group. As difficult as the adverse.

"Hey Hiashi-san!" A loud voice called out.

I turned along with Hiashi who seemed to sigh at the sight of the large women running over to them along with her giant dog.

"I was worried you were going to leave." She said with a grin that was a little sharp around the edges.

It seems that Kiba's mom personally knew Hikari. At least more than the people who already left.

"Why do you think I would leave before talking to everyone?" Hiashi said with a very even voice.

"Because you have a huge stick up your ass."

"There are children around." Hiashi reminded her, who then looked to Hinata and me like she didn't notice us before.

Which I know is complete bullshit.

"Kiba mentioned that you wanted to see his friend Shino-kun, right?" Tsume said out of the blue.

"Um, yes?"

"Shibi! Umeko! Come over there and meet the brats I've told you about!" Tsume yelled, once more breaking the sumber environment.

I watched silently as a stereotypical Aburame with a high collar trench coat and sunglasses walked over with a women wearing something similar but no sunglasses.

"I hope Tsume isn't bothering you too much Hiashi-san." Who I assumed was Shibi said, and I could feel the unimpress look he have Tsume.

"Hey, I'm just lightening the mood."

"It's a funeral." Shibi remember her.

"Thank you for coming Umeko. Shibi-san." Hiashi said with a slight nod of his head as he patted Hinata on the back.

"T-Thank you." Hinata said with a sniffle.

It did look like she was done crying for the moment at least. I was starting to feel like my presence wasn't needed, but I did want to form connections with the Aburame clan. Shino's parents isn't a bad place to start.

"Did you know Hinata-chan's mom?" I asked before I could think otherwise.

Probably not the best question to start off with, but I was curious. All the parents of 'Rookie nine' looked to be around the same age. Not to mention they are all clan heads.

I keep my face as neutral as I could as I watched Shibi and Umeko looked to each other. How they could read any facial expressions with the collar covering their mouth and Shibi wearing dark glasses I would never know, but they did.

"Tsume and I were on a genin team with Hikari. She became a Chunin a year before us, therefore we were not on a team for long, but Hikari was an irreplaceable teammate." Shibi said, even bending down to my level.

"Y-You were teammates?" Hinata asked, moving closer.

He gave a sharp nod and Tsume laughed.

"Hikari was known as the wall. Nothing could get past her!"

"You were the only one who called her that." Hiashi said, though he didn't look mad.

"That's because too many people were afraid of making her mad. And if not her, then you. No wonder your elders paired you to off. Hinata and Hanabi are going to be quite the kunoichis."

"Yes. They will." Hiashi said, and an awkward silence fell over the group.

I didn't hear how Hikari died. Only that she was in the hospital for a long time. But after seeing how Hiashi reacted to being reminded that his daughters are expected to become ninja, I wonder if it was because of a mission.

That must be hard, watching your children get excited over such a dangerous profession.

"Hey Hinata-chan, did you ever hear about the time your mom got our sensei kicked out of a hot spring?" Tsume said, and even I was interested in this new topic.

Up until my parents arrived to tell me it was time to go, Tsume and Shibi alternated telling stories of their genin years. Even Hiashi was listening intently, though I was unsure if that was because he never heard them or he just needed the reminder.

Either way, the mood was considerably lighter and Hinata even was able to give me a smile when we left.

Shisui wasn't planning on waiting for Itachi, but when he saw the young teen walk into Danzo-sama's office, well...

It wasn't like Shisui was saying that Danzo can't be trusted. He is a elder council member and a valuable member of konoha. It was more like there was something about him that Shisui doesn't like. A gut feeling, which is something Shisui has learn more and more to rely on during his shinobi career.

So Shisui waited for his genius of a cousin, mask still on along with the rest of his ANBU outfit. Shisui wasn't even purpose to know that Karasu was Itachi, but even with the chakra masking and voice altering seals he still knew. Itachi knows as well, but Shisui isn't how how the kid figured that out.

Itachi was alway been a bit more fact oriented than Shisui.

"Taka." Itachi greeted with a nood, and Shisui smiled despite knowing no one could see it.

"Hey Karasu, want to train for a bit before de-masking?" Shisui said, but to his supposed Itachi shock his head.

"No I... I was hoping I could get your opinion on something."

Shisui frowned as he looked over the shorter boy. Itachi was holding himself straight back and head heigh, ready to fight at a moment's notice. A very normal thing to see in the boy, but it usually wasn't so noticeable.

Itachi was worried about being overheard.

"Sure, let's hang out in my room then." Shisui said, purposefully leading them past their rooms.

All members of ANBU get their own rooms, but most don't use it too often. Shisui's room is completely empty, only a few weapons and and extra set of clothes. Not the place to have what Shisui is starting to think is a very serious talk.

Itachi isn't one to ask for help, unless he needs it.

Inu's room was good because the captain was paranoid. Not to mention both Shisui and Itachi served under him, so Inu shouldn't be too mad about them using his privately seals. With a quick body flicker to get to the other side of the room to deactivate the traps, Shisui smiled and sat on the bed.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Shisui asked as Itachi shut the door, and the only sounds Shisui could hear were from their room.

"I have been promoted to captain." Itachi announced, and Shisui couldn't tell is the boy was happy or sad about that.

"But that's not what you wanted to talk about." Shisui pointed out, and Itachi shook his head.

"Danzo-sama asked me about how the clan is doing. He mentioned that there has been some cases of unrest, and suggested that some of our clan members have been extremely vocal about their situation."

"Oh. He told me something similar, probably since we are the only Uchiha active on ANBU right now. It is true that there has been talked about how we are getting pushed aside and belittled, but just that. I haven't seen the cases Danzo have talked about, but he is a elder. There would be no reason for him to lie about something like this." Shisui said.

The unrest at the compound was so preselent that Shisui wouldn't be surprised if even Chiyome knew what was happening. It is true that the nine tail was being controlled by a sharingan, he remember seeing it in his nightmares. But all members of the clan was counted for. Fugaku made sure of it.

Shisui feels like after 7 years it should have died down, but for some reason it hasn't.

"If he's right... if the worst comes to pass, what would you do?" Itachi asked, and Shisui never heard him sound so unsure.

"I am a Konoha ninja, so that will always come first. But the Uchiha clan has been part of the village since its founding. If the worst come to pass, I will just use my curse." Shisui said, knowing that Itachi understand what he isn't saying.

"Thank you." Itachi said, and they walked out like nothing happened.

"Come on let's go!" I cried as I waited by the door with my shoes already on.

"Chiyo-chan, we still have a few minutes before we have to leave." Kaa-chan remind me, and I nearly rolled my eyes.

"I know, but I was hoping to find all my friend before orientation."

One of the bad things about the compound being so far away is that it would be a pain to walk to school or home with anyone. There are some civilian apartments, but no school age kids live there.

It was really sad having to turn down Hinata, Ino and Chōji's request of walking to school together.

"In that case I guess we can leave now." Kaa-chan said after quietly laughing.

I waited very patiently until she took off her slipper and put her on shoes, before opening the door. I still think it's odd that here schools start in April rather than September or August, especially since summer break is still the longest break. It was at least very pretty out. The trees all had flowers on them and it wasn't too hot yet.

"Are you excited?" Kaa-chan said, though I had no doubt that she already knew the answer.

I haven't been masking my emotions even though my reasons might be different then what she thinks.

"Ya! Who wouldn't be excited to go to ninja school?!" I said with a huge smile.

And it was true. As much as I worry about the future, I can't help but be excited at the idea of learn magic. It still seems impossible to me even though I have seen people do it countless times already.

"Just make sure to pay attention during class and do well." Kaa-chan told me, along with other helpful tips about school.

"Sitting by the window gives you a quick exit in case you need to escape."

"Always bow to your teactures; they are all chunin and a higher rank than you."

"Only train during lunch if you don't have sparing that day. It wouldn't help your rank if you are tied."

I nodded along even though she have already told me this stuff before.

It was a challenge to keep walking when I saw the Hokage tower. I even graped Kaa-chan's hand to keep myself from running to it.

"Mikoto-san, Chiyome-chan, How are you too today." A please voice called out.

"Yoshino-san!" I called out, turning about to see the whole Nara family was behind us.

I let go of Kaa-chan's hand to go to Shikamaru who was looking like he was trying to sleep standing up.

"Are you excited?" I asked and the boy opened one eye to glare at me.

"Don't worry, if you convince you mom to let you sit next to me you could just sleep through the orientation."

With that the boy looked more wake.

"It is probably more for the parents anyways." He agreed.

"I do have to say, I'm surprised Chōji-kun isn't with you."

"Kaa-chan was worried we would take too long walking over here and made us leave early." Shikamaru said with a long sigh.

"So you left, what? Two minutes early?" I asked with a cocky smile.

"No. Three minutes."

"Oh, so sorry. How dear your mother wake you up three minutes earlier so you are not late on your first day of school." I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm even though I was still smiling.

Shikamaru just sighed again.

"We should go get a seat. Hokage-sama himself will be speaking and I can't wait to hear his speech for our children." Yoshino said as she walked over to Shikamaru and I.

"The speech he did for Itachi's year was quite inspiring." My mom added and both family started walking to the Academy wing.

There was already a lot of people hanging around the courtyard, and even more as we made our way to the auditorium. At least half of the seat were taken, and I was pleased to see I recognize some of them.

The Inuzuka were the easiest to spot since both Tsume and Hana had their dogs. I waved, but Kiba just snuffed me. At least I got to see Tsume hit the backside of the head for being rude.

Then I saw a little girl with bright pink hair and green eyes.

I couldn't help but smile. I always had mixed views about Sakura because I felt like she had so much potential. Maybe without there being a Sasuke-kun for her to obsess over, she will become ever more kick ass than in the original show.

We ended up sitting far away from Sakura and her family though, so I didn't have a chance to say hello. Shikamaru did sit next to me, with Shikaku on his other side, and promptly fell asleep. I listened with half a ear as Kaa-chan talked to Yoshino, looking around.

Seeing Sakura just reminded me of how I have yet to spot the main character. But unlike her, yellow hair and blue eye are pretty common in Konoha. Not as much as black hair or brown, but way more common than blue or green hair. As such, I have yet to see Naruto, and I can't help but wonder if maybe I should keep it that way.

I mean, as much as I want to become friends with the hero to be, I can't right now. Naruto is the scapegoat for a lot of people, and if I an Uchiha becomes friends with the Demon boy... well. As much as I don't like it, I can't give people any reason not to like me.

Later when (or if) we are on a team we could be friends, but not now. Not until I make sure my family is save.

"Good morning Chiyo-chan."

"Hina-chan! How are you?" I said as I turned around in my seat to see Hinata with her Uncle.

"Good. I hope we will be in the same class."

"Probably. They are a lot of clan kids our age, so I bet they will want us all to be in the same class." I said, noticing that Shino was sitting on the other side of Hinata along with his mom and dad.

For some reason, Hinata and Shino got along really well. Maybe I should be too surprised since they are both much more calm than most children their age, but considering they didn't even meet until Hinata's mom died I was surprised how quickly they got along.

"Good morning Chiyome-chan." Shino said with a nod.

" 'Morning Shino-kun! Are you all ready to start class?"

"Yes I am. Why? Because I have trained for the past two years." Shino said as he pushed his sunglasses up.

They looked to be a little too wide for his face.

"Same. I am more than ready to learn something new." I said as Hinata agreed with me.

"Is Shikamaru-san alright?" Hinata asked, noticing how Shikamaru still haven't moved.

"He's fine. Just taking a nap." I said and Hinata and Shino both made the 'o' face.

Or at least I think Shino did. It was a little hard to see with the high collar he was wearing.

"Everyone please take your seat. Hokage-sama will arrive in only a few minutes." A Lady wearing a chunin vest said, probably one of the teactures.

I turned around and sat properly in my chair, just in time to see the first speaker get up on the stage.

By the time the Hokage was at the mic, I was contemplating taking a nap like Shikamaru. Not that the speech was bad, it was just so full of propaganda that I couldn't take it seriously. And I come from American where you 'pledge alingage' to the flag every morning. Saying that this was too much was really saying something.

"... but I'm sure the kids all want to start learning. So without further delay, here are the homeroom teacher for this year's classes."

And with that, the old man took a step back and three teachers stood up. I recognized one of them, and that was only from the scar across his nose.

"I'm Umino Iruka and when I call your name please walk over to the exit and wait in the hall. Aburame Shino, Akimichi Chōji..."

I looked back to give Shino a thumbs up.

"Fujita Ayako, Fujita Etsuko, Haruno Sakura..."

I looked back to see if I could see the pink hair girl again but there was too many people.

"Himura Hideyoshi, Hisakawa Takahiro, Hyūga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba..."

"Don't worry, I'll see you outside." I told Hinata before she could say anything.

She looked surprised, but smiled as she walked out.

"Kobayashi Sumiko, Minami Yuuki, Nakahara Nana, Nara Shikamaru..."

I nudged Shikamaru awake before his parents could.

"You're meeting in the hall. See you soon." I whispered.

"The hall? How troublesome." I heard the boy say under his breath as he walked past his parents who were wishing him good luck.

"Sato Shuohei, Tsukuda Moriko, Ueda Naomi, Uchiha Chiyome..."

With that I stood up.

"Have a good day sweetie. I want to hear all about it when I pick you up later, alright?"

"You got it!" I said with a thumbs us, almost out the door when I heard the next name called.

"Uzumaki Na-Narruto..." Iruka stubbled over the name, but even if he didn't I would have noticed something was up from the change in the audience.

Whispers broke out, even though I couldn't hear anything, I had an Idea what they were about. Then I saw a boy who looked too small in a t-shirt that was too big run out from the back row.

I found myself staring at the main character himself, Naruto Uzumaki.

Then I closed the door.

A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long, but it is twice as long so maybe that makes up for it? I am about to go to a Christmas eve. party in, um, 20 min so sorry if I missed anything. Class stuff next chapter, so look forward to that.

And Review! I almost forgot! Thank you Slytherson, Lizyeh2000, CallmeCrazylol, merendinoemiliano (that is a crazy user name), BlackDove WhiteDove, pubipanda, Girl-luvs-manga, (Holy shit my dog just open a christmas present) and LadyScatty. But I do want to thank everyone who followed/favorited this story. It is so nice getting an email saying someone is reading this thing.

Happy holidays everyone, and I hope you have a good day/night!