Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto


Checking In:

A week had gone by since the children's disappearance and Koharu felt it was safe to check on her charges. She was careful of course not to draw too much attention to herself and told Hiruzen that she was going to help take part in the search. Hiruzen had stared at her like she'd gone mad, but after some convincing, he agreed.

Koharu shook her head, her old teammate really was too trusting for a shinobi. Oh well, that just made things easier for her and besides when she came back empty-handed no one would think twice about it. It was pathetic. Shinobi were supposed to be cold-blooded assassins who didn't trust anybody, it was a trait that shinobi back in the village lacked.

She shook her head; that was the whole reason she had taken it upon herself to rectify the situation. Hiruzen obviously wouldn't do it with his pacifist ways. Good thing she had Danzo helping her out.

Walking into the underground bunker that had been lined with soundproof and chakra suppressant seals so no one outside could hear; the sound of babies crying hit her. Hurrying into the nursery, she found all three infants screaming their lungs out and three Root shinobi in the corner just watching them go at it. She glanced at them annoyed, "Will you please shut those things up." she said.

One of the Root ninja's wearing a cat mask stepped forward, "How would you like us to do that my lady? You gave us specific instructions not to comfort them." she said.

Koharu rolled her eyes, "I said that didn't I? Well, for the purpose of this meeting give them a pacifier so we can talk." she said. The Root shinobi nodded and quickly put pacifiers in the infant's mouths; it immediately did the trick.

Koharu sighed, "Thank God, I was getting sick of that rack it. Children should be seen and not heard." she said. The Root shinobi said nothing. Koharu looked over at the Cat masked operative, "Report," she said.

Cat nodded, "The infant's all are weighing at a healthy weight. Nara weighs Five pounds eight ounces, Uchiha weighs Eight pounds and three ounces and Namikaze weighs Five Pounds and three ounces. The infants passed the physical exam you had us administer and there were no signs of infection. " she said.

Koharu nodded, "Good, and what about their intellect? How are they doing in that department," she asked? Cat tilted her head a little, "All three infants are showing signs of high intellect; although, we can't really judge that until they're a little older." she said.

Koharu sighed "I suppose that's true, but tell me are all three alert?" she asked.

Cat nodded, "Yes ma'am, Namikaze seems especially alert for an infant." she said, making Koharu smirked. "Aww, it seems Namikaze has inherited her father's intelligence. Marvelous! That alone makes this whole project worth it. That'll be all for now Cat," she said turning to leave, "I'll be back to check on their progress." she said walking away, an evil smile etched on her face.

Meanwhile:

A five-year-old boy punched a tree over and over again, anger shown in his eyes as he continued hitting the tree. The boy was Uchiha Itachi, and he was frustrated that they hadn't found his baby brother, Sasuke yet. He was also frustrated because he had broken his promise to protect and watch out for his brother.

The five-year-old didn't understand how someone had just taken his brother without being seen. To him, this showed the arrogance of his clan and village. "Ugh!" he screamed. How could his parents have been so stupid? They were shinobi, they should have been smart enough not to leave the window open.

As he punched the tree he made a promise to himself and to his brother. He would find Sasuke and bring him home if it was the last thing he did.


Author's note: So here's chapter four of The Black Widow of the Leaf.