Chapter revised and beta'd by katydid001 ❤️
The streets of the Uchiha village were as busy as ever. And although Katsumi had walked this path a handful of times already, the stares and disgusted looks never got any easier. But she had a goal, a friend to help train. So the looks were just part of the punches.
She made her way to the training grounds, leaping high into a large deep rooted tree. This had become a sort of routine for the girl. Every friday lunch she would wait for her friend to meet her, both ready to beat each other to a pulp and enjoy every second. Not missing the opportunity to train, Katsumi focused on reading a book and watched the Uchihas comings and goings with keen senses. This helped her to hone her multitasking skills. She smelled him before she saw him. Luckily for her, this Uchiha was actually quite punctual.
"Good book, Katsumi-senpai?"
The silver-haired kunoichi shuddered and turned her unimpressed eyes to the mischievous boy now sitting in front of her. She slammed her book down in exasperation before signing, 'I told you not to call me that, Shisui-kun.'
"You're my friend, not my mother."
She scoffed at this and shook her head. There was no arguing with this devil of a child. He was ridiculously talented, but knew just how to push her buttons. This, she simultaneously hated and adored about her young friend.
'Why don't we work on some of your weak spots today?' If he was going to be a brat she would treat him like one.
"Pfft, what weak spots? I'm an Uchiha, we elite don't have weak spots." The curly-haired ninja gave a smug grin, obviously egging her on.
Before she could prove how very wrong he was there was a shout from below them.
"Shisui, is that you up there?!"
The grin faded from Shisui's face before it was replaced by a sheepish expression. He began to stutter an excuse as the boy leapt up onto the branch to join them.
"Did you forget about our plans again?" Itachi cut him off. This boy looked to be about five years old, but the way he held himself made her question her eyes. He stood with the poise of a true shinobi; calm and unwavering.
Shisui turned to his friend and rubbed the back of his head in an awkward gesture. "I didn't forget, Itachi-kun, I seem to have double-booked myself."
This resulted in Itachi turning his gaze to the masked kunoichi that he had noted but had yet to acknowledge.
"State your name and business." The straight-haired Uchiha boy left no room for argument.
'Katsumi Hatake, I have business training with my friend. However, I will gladly let you have him for today if you must.' The kunoichi signed without fuss, never one to get in the way of someone's good time.
"Katsumi-senpai, is a chunin. She's the ninja that helped me perfect my newest technique." Shisui's subtle praise made her cheeks warm. In truth, she was just good at helping to piece together his already brilliant ideas into a coherent picture.
'That was all you. I was just your final keystone.'
The Uchiha clan heir watched their interaction with a raised eyebrow. It was obvious by Shisui's body language that he respected the kunoichi in front of them. Which, in itself, is enough of an achievement considering the genius Uchiha's high standards.
'Look, it's really ok. I can go visit another friend. I'll be on a mission next week though, so we will have to postpone till then.' Katsumi stood and pocketed her book. 'Train well boys because next time,' she turned her shimmering sea glass gaze to the younger boy. 'I'll fight you both. Two on one.' The silver-haired kunoichi mimicked a yawn and let herself fall gracefully sideways off the tree branch.
Shisui and Itachi watched her descent with curiosity. They lost sight of her for a split second when all of a sudden she was halfway across the field strolling casually out onto the streets, not a hair out of place. Her casual air had the little ravens silently impressed.
In her wake she left a silent challenge. Although it may have seemed like she was showing off, she really wasn't. This was just how the kunoichi was trained.
First on her list was Obito's apartment, though after a few knocks it quickly became apparent that he wasn't home. With a sigh she shrugged and made her way towards the main streets of Konoha.
She left the Uchiha compound, slipping through civilians and shinobi alike as she browsed through shop windows. All of the decor was themed for the upcoming festival, sakura blossoms popped up everywhere within the displays. The Cherry Blossom Festival, she had forgotten all about that. Shimmering green caught the young girl's eye as she quietly skimmed past a luxurious looking clothing shop. A beautiful sea-coloured kimono shimmered in the shop lights, the fabric scattered with delicate blue blossoms. The young girl shook her head and turned away from the gorgeous dress, determined to move away from temptation. Besides, the twins already had their matching yukatas, so she had no need for new clothing.
"Hey short stuff, I thought you had training plans?" The silver haired girl spun, long crimson hair flooded her vision before she took a step back. There she stood face-to-face with her beloved sensei.
'Sensei!' She signed and waved, her eyes closing in a classic Hatake smile. 'I did but-' Her swift hands froze as she took in Kushina's companion. 'But apparently Uchiha's are very busy and my friend was double-booked, by your son, I believe.' The young girl gestured to the beautiful black-haired woman standing just behind her sensei, Mikoto Uchiha, who happened to be rather heavily pregnant.
"Oh? Itachi? He is very serious about his training. Sorry if he came across as rude." The older Uchiha woman spoke up, her disposition obviously different from most adult Uchiha that Katsumi had encountered.
"An Uchiha? Another one? Goodness pup, anyone would think you had a thing for them." Kushina had her suspicions but the tomato-red blush that spread across the young girl's nose was the final confirmation. She let out a hearty laugh and placed a hand atop the girl's silver hair.
'W-w-well I just…' She wrung her own hands before batting away the strong hand on her head and changing the subject. 'Are you helping Mikoto-sama to shop for baby clothes? Those don't look like Uchiha colours.'
The clothes in Kushina's arms were varied combinations of orange and yellow. She had been caught red-handed.
The redhead smirked. "You're a good kid; as I would expect from my prodigy."
It was now Kushina's turn to act nervously before she leaned down and whispered in the silver girl's ear. "Minato and I are having our own baby."
Now Kushina would like to think she knew her student very well, but this next reaction was not what she was expecting.
"Really?! Congratulations, Sensei!" The younger girl threw herself at her sensei and hugged her gently, her usual tight grip replaced with tender movements. Kushina was so touched by her vocal reaction that she shifted her clothes to one arm and used the now free arm to return the hug with a sincerity that even Mikoto could feel.
Firmly, the redhead pushed her apprentice back and placed a slim finger over her lips.
"I haven't told Minato yet. I trust my little pup can keep a secret?" She smirked knowingly. It wasn't like this kunoichi was one for gossip.
Katsumi pinched her masked lips together and nodded, causing Kushina to laugh warmly.
"Good kid, now why are you out here all alone? Surely Kakashi-" Those seemed to be the magic words. Suddenly, from amongst the casual chaos of the crowds came familiar angry shouting, followed by another very familiar and exasperated cry. Due to the recent news Katsumi was on high alert. There was no mistaking those voices. One of which she had heard beside her her entire life. She quickly pinned their location and took off.
Busting out of the crowd Obito Uchiha came hunted by a fuming Kakashi Hatake. Katsumi moved like a phantom before blocking her brother's path with a warning in her cold eyes. The chaos seemed to die around them as everyone turned their eyes towards the two silver children. While Kushina and Mikoto watched the scene with amusement.
The twins stared each other down; a silent conversation flowed between them. Hands flew through signs, expressions warped and changed, yet they made no sound. Finally the fire in the male's eyes died and he crossed his arms with a huff.
"Fine, but for you not him. I'll just get him later." He peered around his sister to the disgruntled looking Uchiha. The young girl's hand came directly in his line of sight to draw his attention back.
'You're talking to me. Not to anyone else.' Her expression slowly turned from angry to one of a frightened mouse. Katsumi could not help but curl in on herself as she noticed all the staring eyes.
'Let's get out of this crowd, you know I hate attention.' It was obvious that the stares were causing the small kunoichi a great deal of anxiety. Unconsciously one of her hands came up to scratch at her arm; an action Kakashi had seen countless times before.
Luckily for her the boys were observant and despite their hostilities, they acted together to move her out of the crowd. Both boys grabbed an elbow each, while the silent onlookers quickly lost interest and the usual rumble of ambient chatter started back up.
Katsumi wanted to head back to her sensei but when she searched the crowd, she was nowhere to be found. Both mothers were gone. Now even more pissed, she pulled her arms back with a huff.
'So what is this all about?' She signed while turning her head to both boys with an unimpressed expression.
"Obito was being an idiot."
"I was just asking a simple question Kakashi,"
"Yeah but i know why you want to know that information you-"
"You are so controlling! She is her own person baka-"
They continued to argue above her head for a solid three steps, before the smaller kunoichi's blood came to a boil.
"Shut it!" Katsumi smacked them both up the backside of the head, her voice silencing them immediately. "I will not have you boys acting as if I don't exist." She bit her tongue and sunk back into her shell. Talking was becoming a habit that Katsumi didn't like. There was something about it that scared her.
Her hands came back out to sign. 'I know that I don't like attention but that's plain rude. I'm not an idiot.' The young girl turned her full attention to Obito. 'You want to know something about me then just ask you dork.'
The young Uchiha boy gave a sheepish grin and rubbed the back of his neck. Before he had time to reply she turned back to her brother.
'And you, stop beating up Obito for talking about me. He's important to me and you are my brother, Kakashi, not my bodyguard.' Her gaze never left his; eyes pleading for him to understand. There was a flash of comprehension in his dark eye but it quickly turned into a bitter scowl. Now he was even more angry because now it was clear his sister had a thing for this dead-last Uchiha brat.
"I still don't like whatever is going on." He replied.
'You don't have to. I dare you to try and stop me Nii-san.'
They were at a stand still, both figuratively and literally. After animated talking and walking, all three had stopped in front of a concerned looking Rin.
"Are you guys ok? Where did you go?" The brunette kunoichi held out two shopping bags expectantly towards the two boys. Which they took with defeated looks.
The silver-haired girl gave an exasperated sigh and cradled her forehead in her fingers. There was no mistaking it, Katsumi was pissed off and in no mood to answer. Rin was kind of getting used to this. These boys knew exactly how to push this girl over the edge. Now she felt bad for her smothered friend.
"Uh, Kakashi-kun...why don't we go shopping together. I don't have a kimono for the festival yet." The medic-nin reached out and grabbed Kakashi's elbow. "I know you have a great taste in fashion."
She threw Katsumi a sly wink as she dragged the disgruntled silver-haired ninja along behind her. Kakashi obviously wanted to protest but the idea of spending time alone with Rin was just enough to keep him compliant.
With that out of the way Katsumi turned her attention back to the nervous looking Uchiha.
'I'm sorry if my brother hurt you. Sometimes he thinks he's my dad or something.'
Obito watched her apologise for her brother with a furrowed brow. "What are you doing apologising for him, huh? Did you send him to attack me?"
Although she shook her head, it was obvious that she still thought it was somehow her fault.
"You can't control Kakashi, just like he can't control you." He watched as relief flooded her features. It was then that he was struck by a flash of inspiration. "Well, this totally ruined my plans so this will have to do,"
The young girl watched as her companion reached into the shopping bag in his hand. He stuck his tongue out of the side of his mouth as he focused. Katsumi giggled at the young boy's expression as he rummaged around a little longer. Finally, he found what he was looking for. He turned his nervous gaze back to her before pulling out a small box. With a crooked smile he offered it to his crush with all the courage he had left.
"You should totally come to the festival tomorrow, with um ... me? Ya know... uh only if you want to..." The young shinobi trailed off nervously as he watched her open the box. Nestled in a bed of black velvet was a small red and white pendant. The young girl blushed bright red when she recognised the symbol. Not that she quite grasped the magnitude of such a piece.
The small Uchiha crest was attached to a woven leather band, which she now held up to the midday sun. The dark haired boy watched her actions with hopeful eyes, her gentle blush giving him another drop of courage. Katsumi felt her heart flutter in her chest as she finally turned her attention back to an anxious looking Obito.
'I would have gone with you even without the gift, silly.' Despite her words she held the necklace in her fist and pressed it to her heart in a sign of genuine gratitude.
"Well you are important to me ya know… Besides how else will you know you're special?" In repeating her own words the young Uchiha couldn't have been more transparent, but Katsumi still doubted herself. These two silly children were just dancing around each other's feelings, completely oblivious to all the obvious signs.
Katsumi smiled and slipped the necklace over her head and tightened the strap with ease.
'It's beautiful, thank you.' She signed as she pulled back her collar to let the pendant slide between her mask and outer shirt. There it nestled close to her heart.
The friends found themselves making their way back to Obito's apartment. This time, though, Katsumi didn't mind the stares and scowls because she was distracted by the boy beside her. His hearty laugh blocking everything bad from her world.
Naturally their conversation turned to the festival, "I didn't know if you ever went anywhere without Kakashi, so I thought I'd give you an alternative." He watched her reaction like a hawk; eager to know that she was still keen on going with him.
'Well It's nice to know Kakashi isn't going alone either. Rin seems to have her heart set on taking him.'
Obito chuckled at this. There was no way he had missed that, or had he? Kakashi and Rin? He wouldn't put it past his best friend; in fact she talked about Kakashi just as much as he talked about Katsumi. He always just chalked it up to the fact they were all close teammates, but maybe not.
"Katsumi-senpai, you didn't tell me it was Obito-san you were leaving us for."
The silver-haired kunoichi spun around to see the two Uchiha boys from earlier. Shisui was sporting a massive shit-eating grin while Itachi was watching on with cold calculation. She wrung her hands; now pinned by three different heavy gazes.
'I didn't leave you for anyone. You were the one that double-booked yourself. Surely you didn't forget that too.' She prodded an accusing finger in her young friend's direction. They intensely locked eyes before they both grinned.
"Haha, very funny. Always one for witty comebacks. But are you really that good in battle? Come on, let's have that spar that you promised. I'm sure our friends wouldn't mind a show." Shisui crossed his arms, his tone laced with gentle mocking.
The young boy had no idea what he was in for.
'Alright, fine. One-on-one. Taijutsu only.' She put emphasis on the taijutsu-only part, before smirking. 'Unless you think you can't hack it?'
Obito and Itachi watched on as the two in front of them wound each other up, picking at each other with cheeky grins. Suddenly Katsumi took off in a sprint, faster than either of them had witnessed a kunoichi move.
"Oh, it is so on!" Shisui was off like a rocket after her.
"Hey, you guys! Damn it, Shisui, you ruined my fun." Obito muttered the last part to himself as he jogged half-heartedly after them.
"You know father isn't fond of members of the head household breeding with outsiders." Itachi jogged casually alongside him; face as stoic as ever. The older Uchiha boy gave his cousin an incredulous look.
"Ah Itachi, as cheerful as ever, I see. Tell me why you feel like it's your business who I-" He swallowed awkwardly, shaking the blush away. "Um, want to spend time with, huh?"
"I'm no fool, Obito-san. Shisui told me about the first time he met her. You were 'falling all over yourself'. His words not mine." The smaller boy was concerned for his cousin. Itachi knew the full wrath of his father and he knew exactly how this would go. Fugaku Uchiha had very strict standards, especially for the head bloodline. Obito, being a part of that line, was also party to those rules. Not that the older Uchiha boy seemed to care.
The taller boy laughed him off and picked up the pace. "I don't give a damn what Oji-sama wants. She's the strongest kunoichi I know. Her blood is just as strong as ours."
Itachi wasn't convinced at all, even though he could feel just how much his cousin believed his own words. The Uchiha were elite, feared across the entire ninja world. There was no way a little girl like that could ever be as strong as an Uchiha.
When they finally caught up with their missing companions they found them in an all-out war. There was a mess of blocks and blows before Shisui flew across the training field and caught himself mid-flight. He skidded to a halt on his knees before his hand came up to wipe a thin trail of blood from the corner of his lips.
"You got lucky, senpai."
Both onlookers watched in confusion as they watched Katsumi brush off her shoulders and smirk under her mask. She looked almost untouched.
'Your left side is weak. Try again.' She signed before slipping into her natural fighting stance. This girl might not look like much, but she has spent her time training with some of the most intense taijutsu experts the leaf has ever seen. Her dear friend, Gai, being one of them. Although her brother might be his rival, Katsumi enjoyed training with Gai very much. He even had the dedication of one of her lunch breaks. Their friendship was just as strong as Kakashi and Gai's rivalry.
Shisui's attack looked like a black streak across the field, but Katsumi was quick to side-step him and send him tumbling off balance with her heel.
He stumbled and righted himself only to meet the fist flying directly at his face. At the last possible second he dodged her strike before launching a counter-attack. It went on like this for what seemed like forever. Then a few beautifully executed moves later Shisui finally got a hit in. His fist collided with her shoulder with brutal force but to everyone's shock she held her ground. Shisui blanched at this. Onyx eyes almost popping out of his skull. That punch just hit her with what Shisui thought was punishing strength and yet she hadn't even flinched.
But what he didn't know was the excruciating pain blooming in her arm. That really fucking hurt. Yet the attack hit it's mark well, the silver-haired ninja was cunning. She had seen the strike break through her defenses and thought on her feet. Gritting her teeth she purposefully held back her reaction to see if this would throw her opponent. Which worked like a charm. Using his split second of disbelief she grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back, slamming him full force into the ground with her knee in his back. Without even a second's pause there was a glinting kunai to her opponent's throat.
She pulled back after she heard Shisui's groan of defeat. As she pushed herself upright she reached back down to wrench her opponent to his feet. Once there she brushed the dirt from his shirt.
'Sorry if I was too rough,' she signed in-between her silent fussing. Pain flashed across her features as she lifted her left arm. 'That was a good hit, though, try not to let lack of reaction be a distraction. Trust me, I didn't flinch but-' She brought her sore arm to her chest to cradle. 'It really hurt!'
Shisui chuckled at this, suddenly not at all angry about his miserable loss. 'She's too sweet to be as ruthless as she is on the battlefield.' The curly haired boy thought to himself.
"Glad you have some sort of weakness. Sometimes I'm concerned you aren't human."
While the opponents chatted happily away to each other Obito turned his smug grin to his absolutely floored cousin. He chuckled at the sight of Itachi's dropped jaw nearly on the floor.
"I told you so." Obito snickered.
Itachi tore his eyes from the shocking sight and stared in disbelief at his gloating cousin. He had never seen anyone take down Shisui like that, period. She had pummeled him into the ground and yet there she was cleaning him off and apologising for it. Where did this woman even come from?
With their energy finally spent, Katsumi and Shisui were finally able to relax and joke with one another.
The new group of friends found themselves hanging out at Obito's apartment. All four of them were sharing stories and anecdotes about their lives. After numerous embarrassments on Obito's behalf and a lot of ice-breaking on Itachi's part the four finally parted ways for the night. Katsumi made her way home with a heart swollen with pride.
All four children were excited to see what tomorrow would bring.
A/n
Hey guys! I hope you enjoy! Remember to drop a review and let me know what you think ️Thanks guys, Arohanui ️