Chapter 8

Itsudatte Kimi ni Wo Watashi ga iru Kara

(I'm Here For You Whenever You Need Me)

A/N: Italics are Dream Sequence. I noticed that I haven't updated in two years. That is just sad because this fanfic is constant on my mind, but a lot has happened both mostly Good, but I have a writing friend who tells me that I need to discipline myself into writing to get better, so here you go. Sorry for the Late Update.

Itachi slid the door behind him slowly behind him. He knew what was going to happen but the next steps how to finish the ultimate goal was uncertain. It wasn't like him. He always knew the next step, even better than the Nara clan could ever do.

The smell of Chicken Miso Soup, rise and other dinner items were filling his nostrils. He noticed the Dango on the table as well. Itachi clinched his face this was definitely not the time to notice small details. A woman passed by with items in her hand and she finally noticed Itachi and smiled.

"Itachi we were expecting you hours ago", the woman said.

"I know Hazuki-Sama", the woman clicked her tongue in disapproval.

"Stop calling me that" She swatted him again with a spoon. "We are family". She glanced at his eyes and a scowl started forming on her face. "And turn those eyes off".

Itachi touched the spot that she hit. It did not hurt at all, but he clinched it in mock pain. Itachi complied with her orders. Itachi stared at the staircase near the door with a sense of longing.

"Will she come down today?", Hazuki briefly looked like she was going to shed a tear but regained her playful deminere.

"You know girls, always daydreaming away, I'm afraid she not here, you just missed her, maybe if you were on time for a change",she said dramatically. She swatted him again, this time it was with chakra. Itachi did feel it that time.

"What was that for?", Questioned Itachi.

"What are you supposed to call me in this household".

Itachi smiled politely as always "kaa-chan".

"Don't think because you've met some new people that you can't still abide by the rules that I set" she pointed to herself with the spoon. If she was 40 years older she would look like a grouchy grandma. Itachi chuckled at that thought.

"Sorry Kaa-san" Itachi held up his hand surrender. "It won't happen again" Itachi sat at the dining table waiting fo Hazuki to finish cooking. Hazuki finally sat down in front of Itachi while putting a plate in front of his plate

"Now", Hazuki chimed getting Itachi's immediate attention. "Who is this girl that, Izumi is quite jealous of." Itachi lost his facade only for a moment before he formulated a proper response.

"Izumi-chan has nothing to be jealous about", Hazuki scoffed at the Uchiha.

"Your a handsome guy, this girl is a catcher herself, it is only natural for her to be slightly jealous", said Hazuki.

Itachi decided it was time to deflect this conversation to better suit the questions he had. "What do you know of the girl and the boy?"

Hazuki's bored looking face was suddenly in Itachi's. "You make it sound like that there not much younger than you?" She poked his forehead with her index and middle finger. "Your just a boy yourself". She suddenly embraced him and Itachi didn't hesitate to return it.

"Kaa-Chan?" Guilt flooded in his voice but he regained his posture after she went back to her seat.

"You are asking the wrong questions to get to your answer." Her arms folded in concentration.

Itachi thought for a moment. His teenage mind swimming with ideas for the right question. Hazuki never gave him a straight answer and even in his subconscious mind she was still filled with riddles.

"Why would she have a dagger with the clan symbol", inquired Itachi in his mind.

"You already know that answer" , Hazuki started cleaning around Itachi, picking up the uneaten soup in front of him.

"Yes her Grandmother", Itachi thought pensively and thought about the dagger and the other gifts she had.

"That dagger was highly personalized", said Hazuki.

"It was given to her" Itachi paused. "The grandmother". Itachi was puzzled by this Uchia's were not keen on gift giving outside the clan. Meaning this woman, Soraya's grandmother was of major importance. But why?A Lover? That wasn't possible Uchiha practiced arranged marriages within the clan, a mistress would not earn that high of respect as a gift. To give of the Uchiha symbol meant alliance and protection. The Symbol was sacred. The fan than fed the flames. A sign of the Family that mastered the art of fire

"It is interesting is it," said Hazuki. "Quite the puzzle, Neh", she elbowed him in the side. "Oh how sad our time is up" Hazuki cleared her throat, "By the way when you wake up, you may want to hold your hands up"

Soraya opened her eyes and glanced at her alarm clock. It read 7:29. "Well it's morning", she said to herself. It was then she heard soft snores coming from inside her room. Still dazed and confused from her early morning daze. She glanced over to the side of her bed, expecting to see her brother. "No, Masaru is quiet when he sleeps".

Soraya then saw Itachi's sleeping frame. Soraya tried not to think about how cute he was at all. She still had her doubts about him and his motives. Something was off and she couldn't figure out why. With the interactions with the others. He was cordial but remained distant never giving off any sense of didn't understand why he was here. It didn't take long to figure out that the rest of the group were criminals, especially Kisami, which Masaru has taken a liking to. But, Itachi did not fit that mold. From what she could tell he had standards and did not kill without reason. The only other three that fit that mold was Konan, Yahiko and Nagato. Did he want an ultimate peace as well?

Soraya did see him in battle with Zabuza. She could tell that he was holding back, but even with that he was still very powerful. It scared her. "What was his true power?"

She never felt so much tension and on edge in her life.

Her new mother, Konan was even more intense in her training since that battle. Even with her training she knew that she couldn't take him at that level.

An idea popped in her head. "I can take him now". WWE body slams were playing in her head. She tried not to laugh and persuade herself not to do it. But her impulsiveness made it impossible. She slowly stood up so her bed wouldn't creak. She smirked the leverage of her bed would make it hurt even more. She was going to do it. She knew she would only have one shot because if she landed on the bed again it would definitely make too much noise. Without another thought Soraya leaped in the air and started to descend rapidly on Itachi.

Within a millisecond Itachi opened his eyes with his hands outstretched and blocked the impact of Soraya's failed body slam. Soraya then tumbled over to the ground and grabbed her diaphragm area in pain.

"Oww why did you that for?", She squeaked out. Slightly disappointed that her plan didn't work.

Itachi didn't seemed annoyed in the slightest which was a good sign for her. He still had the nonchalant look in his eyes, but there was a slight glimmer. "Don't I have the right to protect myself?", He asked rhetorically.

"No, I'm the exception to the rule", she raised up in smile. She could tell that Itachi was not ready for that response. His eyes sparkled in what seemed like slight amusement.

Itachi stood up and extended his hand to her. She grasped and was raised to her feet by him."I take it you slept well", he turned his back to her and started to walk to the door. It was then that she realized that he was saying statements that were rhetorical and not actually conversing.

"Yo, Itachi friends don't have one-sided conversations"

"We are not friends", he stated darkly. Itachi started to remember his life in Konoha. Soroya became fearful because of Itachi's deadly aura. Soraya closed her eyes to get a grip and matched his glare with determination.

"You're right, we don't know anything about each other", Soraya contemplated loudly. She hummed with thoughts trying to make this a positive situation. Nevertheless, She started to falter.

Itachi couldn't explain it but he felt her slipping confidence and loneliness. Loneliness. He knew that it could eat away at your existence. She was one person who didn't deserve it. He decided it that fact that day.

"I am your protector,", Itachi glanced down avoiding her eyes. Soraya was taken aback about the subtle change, but it eased her distress. "And I take that duty seriously." His monotone voice relieved some of her distress. At least he didn't hate her."We have guest".

Soraya heard the door open and saw her elated brother with a groggy Kisame followed by Yahiko who also was not at his optimal level of alertness. It was then Kisame noticed the position of the two and smirked. Soraya was still on top of Itachi and Masaru noticed the position as well. Soraya noticing the mischievous smile of her brother could only sense what he was thinking. Her face was hot and she quickly changed the subject. Soraya quickly got off of Itachi noticing their position.

"Sup, Masaru!", Soraya raised up like nothing happened, then yawned and stretched her arms. She was envious of how her brother was always a morning person. "What should I make for breakfast today?" Masaru and Soraya walked together while she mostly spoke her thoughts and he just listened or nodded when he agreed with her. Soraya was getting used to her brother not talking but she missed his prepubescent voice. "He will talk when he's ready" Before Itachi was out of eyesight, but just behind Soraya so she couldn't see him, Masaru gave Itachi a wink and a thumbs up. Itachi glanced at the cookies and empty glass of milk.

Kisame grinned from ear to ear. Itachi did not like that for some reason. Was he planning to slice him? He glanced at Yahiko who had a soft smile.

"What", he asked.

"Nothing", they both said.

Itachi left Soraya's room and walked down the corridor to the head of the Akatsuki's room. He was told to report daily on the Ruis actions. However, Itachi noticed that this became less of a report of skepticism of Masaru and Soraya but more of Konan and Nagato being worried parents. Itachi remembered that his parents would do the same for him. It was just a matter of time before Konan, Nagato, and Yahiko would groom them to be leaders of the Akatsuki or Jounin level.

As he was pondering the current situation. His thoughts turned to Yahiko's return. His playful manner heavily cloaked his ruthless side. He definitely was not going to allow Soraya and Masaru to be weak. Masaru was excelling almost as rapidly as he did. On the other hand Soraya was still struggling with Chakra control. She will have definitely harder and tougher training with him here.

Konan was helping Soraya in the Kitchen. Even though she wasn't practically good at putting ingredients together she still helped Soraya prep. Soraya loved the fact because it made cooking less than a chore and more bonding time. It also reminded her of happy moments of her birth mother as well. In all her heart swelled in the kitchen.

Soraya pushed eggs on her brother plate. Masaru was finally eating again after three months of being here. With that he was actually start to form muscle and was taller when they first got here. As a result, they were of equivalent size.

Yahiko entered the room and sat next to Masaru. Masaru gave him a large smile before digging into breakfast. Yahiko returned his smile. Soraya was quite pleased with the affection. She was quite nervous to meet Yahiko.

"Would you like anything, sir?", Soraya smiled through her nervousness and Yahiko noted the tenseness in her voice.

"Why be nervous, ne?" He chuckled which eased her. "We are family". Soraya smiled in response. "I will take what Masaru is having"

Soraya went back to cooking and the rest of the gang filtered in including Itachi, Nagato, Kisame.

Soraya noticed that there was a definite shift in the air. Kisame seemed to be more respectful while taking to Yahiko while Itachi seemed to be more apprehensive with Yahiko in the room. She couldn't put her finger on why exactly, but it did strike her as odd.

Yahiko gave Konan a nod, she then alerted the Akatsuki to go to their duties or train. Everyone cleared out but Yahiko grabbed Soraya's hand and motioned her to stay.

Soraya looked unsure and glanced at Konan. Soraya felt that she may have been in trouble or that she did something wrong. Konan smiled and gave her a wink and closed the doors.

"Did I do something wrong", Yahiko smiled humorously at Soraya. Yahiko laughed and put his hand on the back of his head.

"No, I just wanted to get to know you",

"Oh", Soraya said in surprise. Konan and Nagato were nice and she loved them as their adopted parents but she still wasn't used to an adult not being authoritative and actually caring what she thought. "What exactly do you want to know", the sound in her voice was like a timid mouse. Yahiko was surprised at her sudden shyness after being told she was a passionate girl.

"Konan tells me it's thanks to you we have a new edition on our team", Yahiko

At this point the only people remaining was Yahiko and Soraya. Soraya exhaled and finally took a seat next to Yahiko.

"It's because I'm observant than most", Soraya smiled sadly. "I got that from my great-grandmother, I suppose."

Yahiko allowed her some moments before he spoke. He could tell that something made her uncomfortable.

"You are allowed to speak about your family", Yahiko held her shoulder in a comforting way. "Why don't you tell me about her?"

Soraya wiped the tears and snot from her nose. She took a deep breath before she spoke.

"I loved her so much," She continued wiping her tears away. "She was really nice to me, even though people called her a witch sometimes."

Yahiko chuckled. "Why would your family say a mean thing like that?"

Soraya thought about it for a moment before she responded. "Well, honestly we all thought she had magic powers.", Soraya started simply. A sad smile crossed her lis at memories of her own experiences and stories of her great grandmother. "She was a very nice woman, to me she just wasn't the typical old wise woman, she knew things about everyone without them even telling her, she knew the exact thing to say, she could put anyone at ease, she looked young even for an old woman and more the most weird thing is her lemon tree that never died, it even bloomed during the winter." Yahiko was taken aback.

"A lemon tree?"

"Mhmm, she told me someone special gave it to her?"

"Do you know who?", asked Yahiko

"I did one time and that was her response, she seemed sad so I didn't follow up", Soraya shrugged her shoulders.

"Anything else about your grandmother you really lit up when talking about her.", asked Yahiko

Soraya smiled in response, Yahiko also noted the warm and excited feeling he was getting as well. These feelings were weird to him, he was just probing for information. He was happy that she was opening up to him, but at most he should have just felt content. His heart was beating real fast and he had to redirect his thoughts to focus on what she was saying.

"Yes, oh and she predicted that I was going to be born even though my mother showed no signs that she would ever get pregnant" Yahiko raised an eyebrow. Soraya tapped her head as she remembered the Akatsuki probably didn't know much about them. "My mother was supposed to be barren, she did not know that she was pregnant with me and Masaru almost died prematurely, but I don't remember the full details but basically my grandma chanted something did some hand signals and my brother started crying after 15 minutes of not breathing"

Yahiko looked at her sternly but relaxed his gaze to insure that Soraya still felt comfortable. "Are you sure your late grandmother wasn't a ninja?"

"To be honest, I didn't think about it because we are Creole and everyone just considered her another Voodoo witch doctor?" Soraya shrugged "My great grandmother was known to perform miracles and settle disputes"

Yahiko smiles. "Well I would have loved to meet her"

Soraya smiled in response. "Oh I think she would have loved you! You and Masaru are very similar and he was definitely her favorite. Soraya chuckled at the thought of her grandmother, she was very humorous as well.

Yahiko started chuckling and then stopped. He definitely didn't find anything humorous. His mind kept racing of what was going on, then he stared at Soraya and she was laughing at herself.

"Soraya", Yahiko asked in a serious tone. "Are you happy here?"

Soraya thought about it for a moment and nervousness started to spread through her body? She stood up and bowed in respect. "Although, I miss my family dearly, I am very happy to be here". Yahiko began to feel anxiousness spread throughout his body.

Yahiko lifted her head up."Why are you anxious?"

Soraya didn't know what to say. She felt that answer was a test of some sort. However, she wanted to answer truthfully because she knew honesty would build a stronger bond.

Yahiko could feel his heart quickening. He observed this strange occurrence enough and started to switch gears.

"Soraya you have to forgive me, I'm not use to being a father and it will be a lifelong endeavor", he smiled as he pulled her into a hug. "So tell me how did you know Zabuza would be good for the Akatsuki, he has a bloody past. Soraya seemed to glanced away away. She did utter a word and what seemed to be a long pause. So he decided to try again, but before he could say anything she started to speak.

"Zabuza sees Haku like a Son, Zabuza is only here because it's what he thinks is best for Haku, but he doesn't recognize this, because of this, I wouldn't consider him to have Akatsuki goals and label him as a mercenary.", Soraya sat quietly with her head down. She was taught not to talk out of turn. She could feel her cheeks flush and her heart quicken in anxiety. However, the feeling was replaced with puzzlement as Yahiko patted her head.

"Nothing gets passed you, ne?", Yahiko smiled as his hand still rested on her head. Yahiko smiled. Nevertheless, the more she answered his questions the more unclear the past of his children became.

"Ano, Mr. Yahiko I have questions, please don't be angry", said Soraya softly. She could feel her face get hot with slight embarrassment.

Yahiko looked at her in puzzlement. "Go on".

"What are you to me? Papa and Mama are together but you give each other...well the same affection."

Yahiko was taken aback but not surprised. Konan, Nagato and him did not have the typical relationship. "That's a fair question indeed", Yahiko smiled but on the inside he was just a tad nervous about what information he should divulge. Did she even know about sexual relationships?

"Did your other parent tell you about-

"The Birds and the Bees, yes", Soraya chimed in a little to happily for his liking.

"How much"

"Well they told me about periods and that when men, and women love each other they get married and have babies" Yahiko put his hand to his head in annoyance. That was really basic information especially for her being a kunoichi. Although, he would never give her missions that would require her to use her assets. He could already tell that she was more of a diplomat than a ninja, which was perfect if he would name her an heir.

"Nagato, Konan and I consider ourselves married together." Yahiko noticed her evaluating the information and accepting it.

"So can I call you father instead of Papa?", Yahiko frowned at the thought

"Isn't that a little formal?",

"Well your highly respected and very powerful and also the leader of us", she explained. She gave him a bright smile. "What if I call you Daddy, in private?", Yahiko's heart fluttered. Somehow he just realized how adorable she could be. It didn't help that she still looked younger than her actual age. Also, it was really sinking in that he had a daughter. And said daughter was actually pretty intelligent even with her learning difficulties. A mixed bag of emotions spread throughout his body a mixture of being terrified at his new responsibilities and the fact that Kami blessed him with such a child.

"I think that's a great idea"

"Cool", said Soraya noting that she was ending that part of the conversation. She summarized that throughout history men had multiple wives, so why could her mother have multiple husbands. All she knew was that her and Masaru were very lucky to have them as parents. It could have been way worse, this world that they were in now was a very dangerous world indeed an a lot worse could happen.

Nagato sat under a tree enjoying the sun's warmth. Because of the Akatsuki's growing popularity, Yahiko was always out on missions or negotiating with other nations. For the most passionate of the group he was the most sensible and logical. "Masaru and Soraya will definitely learn a lot from Yahiko", he thought. He was happy that Yahiko was back for sure.

"PAPA", Soraya ran to him as soon as she found him.

She sat next to him and laid her head on his shoulder. He smiled and patted her head. Soraya enjoyed their quiet time together. It was one of the things that centered her these last few months.

"I just met father, I think he is cool"

"I take it that he made a good, impression on you?"

Soraya nodded her head. "I'm calling him Daddy" Soraya said as she sat next to him.

Soraya felt him staring at her and all she saw was him beaming. It made her a little embarrassed. She raised an eyebrow to his face. "Your so Kawaii, I can hardly believe you're a teenager", Soraya laughed loving the affection.

"Papa, stop you're embarrassing me",

"That's okay"

"I'm actually glad that I have a daughter, always wanted one?", Soraya scoffed.

"Why, girls are hard to deal with they have mood swings, temperamental, they are weaker than males, and they're very expensive compared to boys.". Soraya sighed, "I want all boys so I can wrestle with them"

Nagato laughed. "I think that's one point of view", Nagato paused because he noticed that Soraya gave him her attention. This is how he first bonded with Soraya because she always listened to his teachings, however it was a process to try to get her to respond or talk about her feelings. However, just like her, he was also very observant and she did drop hints if you payed attention. "Without your menstrual cycle there wouldn't be children, I think a woman shows the ultimate love when she is willing to have another human being, on top of that they are the ones that keep the human race alive. Nagato thought about other things she listed as well. "I don't think being emotional is a bad thing, someone once told me 'sensitivity is actually a strength, as it allows people to understand pain better and, in turn, be kinder to others.' and as for women being weaker, I like the fact that I can protect you, I also envy the nurturing qualities of women, but there are Kunoichi that are stronger than their male counterparts"

Soraya thought about it, "Do you think I can be strong", Soraya doubted herself because her brother was becoming severely stronger than her, she was the one that always protected him. Ninjutsu and Chakra control was her biggest problem right now.

Nagato sensed her self loathing. He placed a hand her shoulder. "You are strong and always will be"

Soraya blinked in surprise. No one ever gave her an affirmation like that before. Her family only acknowledged her if she did something great. However, Nagato was telling her this and nothing she was doing was right.

"You are resourceful, adaptable and emotionally and academically intelligent, all the adversities you are having right now, is just a stepping stone to making you stronger." Nagato pulled her in a hug. "Never change because your perfect, Never Give Up".

Soraya couldn't handle it anymore and cried in his shoulder. They were a mixture of happy and sad tears, because she felt like she was letting go of her old life, and embracing the next adventure with her new family.

Konan and Yahiko were in the distance watching and listening. "I think that's the confidence boost she needed", Konan said to Yahiko.

Yahiko nodded in response his heart bursting but his face remained unfazed. "I sense that there is a lot of hidden potential in her." Konan smiled she could tell that Yahiko had already formed a deep attachment to the little girl. She hopped that he would connect with Masaru the same way.