Chapter 4

Uso-mo Ho-ben

It had been three days before Soraya was completely well. During that time it was Konan that was nursing Soraya back to health while Itachi just watched them intently. The Akatsuki seemed quite intrigued with the two new guest that have arrived. However, Soraya noticed, that everyone expressed that intrigue in different ways. Konan seemed to take on the nurturing role, which Soraya was erie of. Kisame seemed to like to terrorize Masaru, but in a brotherly type of way. Orochimaru just seemed to watch them with curiosity. Itachi on the other hand, seemed annoyed underneath his stoic exterior. Nagato seemed to be very kind with gentle with Masaru which Soraya was thankful for. However, Soraya couldn't put her finger on it but something wasn't quite right.

"So where are we going tomorrow", asked Soraya to Konan.

"Land Hidden in the Rain, there you will meet Yahiko", Konan replied in her soft hypnotic voice.

"Why are we going there, and does it Rain a lot", Soraya just sighed she would have to go the natural route with her hair which she was not particularly confident at all. Her hair was already formed the tight curly texture she loathed and dreaded, but she knew she would eventually get used to it.

"Yes"

"So I assume you're a ninja to", asked Soraya. Konan nodded waiting for the next question. "So you kill people."

Konan paused before she answered. "Yes, but that's not the main goal...you see me, Nagato and Yahiko are in the pursuit for ultimate peace in this misguided world."

"How do you plan on doing that, seems like a big goal," stated Soraya. Sorays was a little wary of the notion. Soraya remembered countless documentaries about groups searching for peace or something similar. Those groups usually had some types of violence associated with their cause.

Konan seemed a little down from Soraya's question. "You don't worry about that now," Soraya looked downcast from the response. Konan noticing the change wanted to change the conversation. For the last couple of days Soraya refused to disclose information about her parents or family and just gave them her Surname. So Konan deducted that asking anything of those lines were out of the question. Nevertheless, Konan was not acclimated to talking to young girls and had no idea where to start a conversation.

"I was wondering" Soraya interrupted Konan's train of thought, "Can you teach me how to defend myself", Soraya shyly asked. "I saw you sparring with Kisame and you're pretty awesome". Soraya started to have a blush on her cheek.

Konan smiled in delight. She never was really admired before except for her beauty and by her two teammates. "I'll do one better, I'll make you my personal student"

"You mean like a ninja?", asked Soraya hesitantly.

"Yes, is there a problem" Konan furrowed her eyebrows.

"No, it's just",

"The killing, like I said that's not the primary goal", Soraya sighed. Ironically, that was not the answer, the fact remained she realized quickly that this was a kill or be killed world so she had no problem with taking life if need be. No, it was more simple. Soraya was aware that she wasn't the easiest student to teach and her body was naturally weak under stress, she just felt like she would not make a good ninja.

"I will do my best as your student", she bowed her head in Konan's direction. "I promise I will repay you" Konan caressed her cheek.

"You have no idea, how happy I am you agreed"

Nagato entered the quarters while Konan was packing. Her mood was cheery which he liked but was erie of.

"You seem to take a liking to her" Nagato stated. Konan paused.

"You make it seem like its a bad thing"

"No, just be careful they are Rui's", Konan paused, this is the second time he has said that to her within the last week.

"Why is that important", Konan asked.

"Rui and Uzumaki's have a long history together"

"So they originate from the Land of Whirlpools your home"

"Yes, we were once very close allies like the Ino-Shika-Cho, my mother told me there were legends of how the Uzumaki's and Rui's were fearsome warriors together, but around the time of creation of Kohana they became bitter enemies.", Konan seemed disheartened.

"So you don't want them", responded Konan

"No, making them our ward will just show how peace can be gained", he said as he grabbed Konan's chin and kissed her softly.

"Well good because Soraya is now my student", Nagato smiled in approval.

"They have a Kekkei Genkai but I don't know what it is, but it will reveal itself eventually", Nagato added. "I will personally do the research, I don't want Orochimaru to know that much, I refuse for them to be his next experiments."

Konan nodded in approval. "I can't wait to get away from him, he has had his eye on Itachi for months"

"Konan, I'm only allowing this close bond you're trying to form because of-"

"The miscarriage, I know". Konan stopped what she was doing for a moment. "I wanted a child so bad that knew of peace, I guess Kami-sama didn't see me fit to bare children"

"Hopefully Soraya and Masaru will eventually fill that void for us", Nagato responded wrapping his arms around Konan.

Soraya came out of the bathroom after a long hot-shower. On the bed she noticed a pale pink kimono dress with blossoms on it. Her face brightened for what seemed like the first time in a week. She put it on and liked it instantly.

Soraya glanced around the room and noticed how messy it was. What can you expect from a majority male household. She decided to tidy up Itachi's room at least out of gratitude. She heard a knock on the door.

"Are you finished getting dressed", asked Itachi. Itachi did not really appreciate the others company. He was a natural introvert, that and he just wanted to be left alone. He didn't mind having Soraya and Masaru in his room because they were uniquely quiet. Well, Masaru not saying anything at all and Soraya after she calmed down didn't say much either.

"You can come in". Itachi walked expecting the natural disaster in his room, but when he entered it was clean and tidy. Itachi didn't really know what to say at first.

"I cleaned it, as a thank you gesture and an apology for wanting to stab you".

"It happens", was Itachi response. Itachi then proceeded to sit by the window watching the storm come in. There trip was going to be delayed a day.

Soraya decided not to dwell on the Uchiwa and got her backpack and attempted reading a book that was given to her on her birthday.

"Itachi-san" Soraya tried to get his attention. She could tell through a flicker of his eye that she had it even though he was looking out the window. "I'm sorry for taking over your room and being a burden"

Itachi ignored her apology that he deemed unnecessary. "Are you going to allow your brother to be a ninja"

"Hell to the no", Soraya replied. "My brother is all book smart he needs to focus on education, and-"

"He is not as weak as you think", responded Itachi. "He reminds me of someone from my country"

"He needs to be a kid," Soraya clenched her fist. "It's my responsibility to protect him as his older sister", she argued tears started to form and one slipped. Itachi clearly saw through this argument. Even though he hardly had any information about the two Rui's he could clearly tell that Masaru was all that Soraya had in life.

Itachi extended his arm and rested a hand in her shoulder. "I understand".

"...", Soraya nodded in response not knowing what to say after that. She expected him to argue back with her but his compassionate gaze made her relax. However, the moment was brief.

"Both you and him need to learn how to protect yourself", he stated firmly.

Soraya shrugged in response. And maneuvered out of Itachi's grasp. Frankly, she was surprised that he had talked this much to her because he seemed liked the psycho type that didn't talk much. But then she pondered he wouldn't be labeled a Psycho because most of those types were socially charismatic. Observing him, he had minimal responses to each of his teammates and never really started a conversation with anyone. Then, she remembered that his feelings always felt in some shape or form- numb.

Soraya blinked out the fast thoughts of Itachi and grabbed her backpack from her birthday. She touched the lotus flower and the matching watch to make sure she had it on and proceed to look for something. When she found what she was looking for she took it out. What she pulled out was a book that looked ancient. It was a purplish/brown with gold fading letters on the side and the cover. She could read the kanjii symbol for encyclopedia and decided to open it to a random page. Itachi stopped dead in his tracks.

"Why do you have that book", Itachi was stunned to see the title of the book. No one other than the supreme scholars in Kohana were allowed to read a book like that.

"What do you mean, what does it Say?" asked Soraya. "And its not fair to ask all these questions, while I'm still aloof",

"Do you know how to read?", Itachi asked surprised.

"I know the structure of reading, in four languages might I add, but putting it together has proven rather...arduous."

"So you're incompetent to read that book", Itachi stated. "You don't even know what you have". Soraya slammed the book closed and glared at Itachi. The vein in her neck started to pertrude and her cheeks started to puff. Itachi waited for her to say something in anger. However, as soon as the anger came it was gone. Soraya exhaled and hummed to herself.

"Quid pro quo, Uchiwa", Soraya finally muttered.

"That would actually require something of use to me, which you cannot provide."

Soraya raised an eyebrow in response. "Oh really", she rested her head on his pillow and stretched out on the bed and crossed her feet. "You're not the only observant one here, Itachi"

"I have noticed" Itachi responded in his usual silky monotone.

"That's not the only thing we have in common either". Itachi did not say anything in response, but Soraya could still tell she got his attention. "You and I like to gather information on the knowledge side of life, yes?" she asked rhetorically.

"What are suggesting little girl", Soraya ignored the slight.

"You're family is clearly mixed in to my family somehow, aren't you the least bit curious as the reason why". Soray took the knife on the stand. "This clearly has the Uchiwa symbol and the butterfly is our coat of arms for my family. We. Are. Connected" Soraya noticed that she was intriguing Itachi. "Plus there is other information about me that you want to know"

Itachi closed the distance between them he put both hands by the side her head while her head rested on the pillow. Itachi picked up a lot of things from this position. She smelled nice, her eyes shifted diagonally when she's nervous and she had the look of determination in her eye.

"You put up a good argument for a little girl", he repositioned a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I suggest you not call me little just because you're in your mid twenties", Itachi chuckled.

"For our first set of questions, why don't you ask me my age"

"What is your age, Uchiwa", Soraya was glad he agreed to this, but felt uncomfortable with the close proximity and a huge blush was forming.

"Its Uchiha", he responded in annoyance. "And I'm 13"

"Wait, so you're only a year older than I am? You have that much power already? How can one-" Itachi placed a finger on her lips.

"Rui-hime, it's not your turn for questions", Itachi decided to give her some space, he suddenly remembered that he was a teenager and turned away from her.

"Where are your parents", asked Itachi.

"In the ground", she replied in a condescending matter. He could tell, sadness and anger, but he was surprised about the look of relief she felt. Itachi then nodded her head in her direction telling her it was her turn.

"Why are your eyes red",

"It's called the Sharingan." Itachi answered. Soraya rolled her hand in a universal signal to go on. "It can copy an Jutsu". Soraya nodded like she understood but she didn't even know what is a jutsu.

"Whats a jutsu" Itachi blinked in surprise, he now was 100% aware she had no clue of the ninja world.

"I'll explain when you start training"

"What happened to your eye", Itachi wanted to make sure it didn't come from the night he found them. He felt responsible for their well being a feeling that he had missed. Soraya naturally covered her eye.

"Dog jumped me", she replied. "But that's another story" Soraya decided to ask her next question"Do you have any other family"

"They're all Dead, except my younger brother" Soraya nodded at the response and felt uncomfortable with the similarities that they had.

"Why would you leave him alone"

"That's two questions and it's safer. For him this way"

"Why can't you read" Itachi deducted she had a formal education by her mannerisms and the advance vocabulary.

"It's something called dyslexia if you heard it"

Itachi smirked and chuckled. "You're in luck my old partner Shishu had dyslexia as well, it's common among the Uchiha and Hyuga clan", His smile faltered. Remembering his village that he could never come back to returned the feelings of loneliness. Soraya noticing the change switch the subject.

"If-"

Itachi cut her off. "Still my turn, you asked two questions"

"That was technically within the realm of the same question" Soraya corrected. "You can't just leave an open ended question when someone is getting to know you that just destroys basic Southern etiquette. I won't allow it"

"That's not how quid pro qo works"

" It is a relative term not to be taken literally in every situation" Itachi blinked in newfound confusion.

"What situation, I'm making sure you're not dangerous or will bring danger", asked Itachi in confusion.

"Obviously, you pose more of threat to me, don't you think, you killed a dozen men within a blink"

"I was only there because of the surge of chakra at that point where you and your brother were found and you could be lying about who you are and pretend not to know anything",

"You think I would pretend not to read and pretend not to know anything about my family, you're crazy dude"

"I have been deceived by people closer to me", shrugged Itachi.

"I honestly can't lie, so I promise not to lie to you", Soraya formed a cross and raised her hand to God." Soraya sighed and submitted to Itachi's logic. " I will forfeit a question so you can ask your question". Soraya folded her arms in triumph. Itachi was irritated by her condescending solution.

"What was that chakra surge"

"By chakra, I take it you mean energy, all I know is that I was sent here at that spot, so it must have thrown me in a parallel universe or something"

"Dimension", he corrected. "Not unheard of". Itachi

"Ok my turn,". Itachi noticed the softened smile. Soraya was starting to relax around him. Itachi noticed that he to was starting to relax as well. He liked it because it reminded him of the time he was with Izumi. Soraya noticed the change in his mood instantly. A spark of his happiness made her want to change the subject and get to really know him. "If you had one of the following would you have trust or love?"

Itachi was taken aback by the question. He felt that was more of in depth question that normal pre-teens don't ask.

"Trust, sometimes that can be a matter of life and death." He was thinking about his and Kisame's relationship. He didn't particularly like him per second, but he trusted his talent and to get any mission done.

"I would prefer love, but I am a girl of course", said Soraya trying to he funny.

"Somehow, I clearly doubt that is the only reason", he chuckled while poking her forehead. "That's for lying to me"

"Hey that hurt", she mumbled.

"Okay runt time to start your first lesson as a swordsman". Kisame clearly ignored the memo that Soraya did not wish for Masaru to be a ninja. Kisame took notice that Masaru treasured his katana, so when asked if Masaru wanted to learn a few tricks Masaru followed Kisame like a lost puppy.

Kisame started to teach Masaru the basics about holding and respecting a sword.

"A weapon is just an extension of you. Respect this blade more than any other woman's body that fuck"

"Do you know why?", asked Masaru

Masaru shook his head. "Women are fucking flighty, they don't know what you want, most likely they won't save your life...but this" kisame pointing to Masaru's sword "will."

Masaru grabbed the sword back and gave a look of determination to Kisame. Kisame smirked. "Let's go through form".

It was only an hour before Masaru mastered the basic form and Kisame was impressed. "Hmm not bad for a runt". Kisame scratched his head. "I guess we can move on to basic chakra-"

"You may want to hold off on that", Kisame rolled his eyes when he heard the familiar hiss.

"The fuck you want", Kisame grumbled.

"It seems that his sister doesn't want him to become a ninja", Orochimaru hissed out.

"So she rather him waste any kind of life because she wants to protect him" Kisame made a sound of disgust. "Overprotective bitch", he mumbled. Masaru hit Kisame with the hilt of his sword. "Sorry runt"

"But the way things look Itachi might be able to change her mind, especially them getting close so fast". Kisame gave a dark glare to Orochimaru while Masaru head shot up in interest. Kisame might detest the fact that he sometimes is partnered with a kid, but Itachi had some type of honor something he respected in people. Anything that interested Orochimaru was a dangerous threat.

A month prior

Kisame and Itachi were on a mission to discover more about The Land of Whirlpools. Itachi stayed silent while Kisame went on and on about his sword.

"Man Itachi you need a woman to get you out of your shell"

Itachi stoic stare remained. "That is a waste, my brother will carry on the Uchiha name and the Kekki Genkai, I however will not."

"You say that but once you find a woman you like, man they turn world upside down"

"That's exactly why I will never have a woman". Itachi did not want anything to distract from his long term goal. His brother will kill him and avenge their clan. Period. That was a must, it was what Itachi lived for.

"Okay maybe a man", Itachi glared at the statement and gave him an irritated look. Kisame laughed. "Maybe Orochimaru will give you the time you need" Kisame joked. "He had taken a keen interest in you, always asking questions."Itachi stopped. Kisame got nervous in fear he may get attacked. "Hey, I was just kidd-"

"You only further my suspensions."

"What" Kisame asked dumbfoundingly

"Orochimaru is after my sharingan" Itachi continued to walk and Kisame started to follow. "Orochimaru is obsessed with my eyes and is planning to take them". Kisame nodded in understanding.

"I trust you Kisame not to give him anymore information, especially," Itachi paused trying to find the right words to say. "I already enjoy your company but if need be-"

"Say no more kid", Kisame held up his hand to stop Itachi. "We really need to work on your people's skill especially if we gonna get you laid"

Yes. Kisame was Happy Itachi had some interest in somebody, but Orochimaru knowing about their budding interest with each other will only put both Soraya and Itachi in danger.

"Mind your fucking business ya snake"

"Aren't you the least bit curious about that girl and boy?", Orochimaru hummed in deadly delight. "Even the Land of the mist has legends about the Rui clan of Uzushiogakure". Kisame took a look at the boy and his appearance again as if looking at him for the first time. "Come on those reddish/brown eyes are a dead give away" Kisame seemed to be in shock for only a moment. He quickly gained his composure.

"Stay away from the runt," growled Kisame. Masaru seemed to pick up on the dangers of Orochimaru. He slowly went behind Kisame in fear.

Itachi walked in the training grounds to the snarl of Kisame to Orochimaru. Kisame and Orochimaru were in the ultimate stare down and because of Kisame's brash nature he was about to attack Orochimaru.

"Kisame, I know you heard that the girl did not want the boy to be a ninja" Itachi made his chakra flare dangerously.

Masaru puffed his cheeks in irritation. "Technically he can't be a ninja if he doesn't belong to a village", Kisame shrugged. "I think he would make a little cute Assassin for Hire" Kisame patted Masaru's head. "I can show him how to-"

"Orochimaru, you are not needed in this conversation", stated Itachi. Orochimaru chuckled and walked away gracefully.

"You know, you can't keep them away from me forever", Orochimaru whispered to Itachi. Itachi waited until Orochimaru was out of earshot.

"Kisame teach Masaru his sword, but do it in secret, only taijutsu is needed right now", stated Itachi. Kisame chuckled.

"Already, lying to your girlfriend", Itachi cheeks reddened, but he still remained composed and stoic. "You know Itachi relationships are built on mutual trust", Kisame joked.

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her", he firmly stated.

"Didn't deny it", Kisame teased.

"We leave in the morning", ignoring Kisame's teasing.

"Kisame will leave now", said Nagato. Nagato had observed the entire confrontation. Konan was behind him shortly.

"With Masaru", added Konan.

"I will leave with you Kisame". Nagato handed Masaru his backpack. Masaru noticed it was heavier. Nagato had packed things necessary for the week journey. Training tools were included in his backpack.

Itachi nodded in approval.

"Don't tell me you agree with her, Konan",Kisame asked in disbelief.

"I don't, but she is naturally passive when not threatened, if we gain her trust we can probably change her mind"

Kisame rolled his eyes. Anybody could tell Konan wanted these children as her own. Within a matter of days within losing her baby and these kids were the perfect substitution. "So can I train him or not I might not respect her judgment but you are the boss"

Konan smiled. "Itachi's thoughts are aligned with my own".

"Wohoo come on runt"