(Konohagakure, Four Months Later)
It's been a few months since Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto all became friends. Now they were the best of friends. It's not far off to say that they are all siblings. A bunch of young and reckless siblings. Ever since the day they met. It hasn't been a single day that they weren't with each other.
True to her word, after their second training session. Mikoto offered Naruto and Sakura to spend the night. Itachi still was gone and Fugaku was not coming home that night. Never a day in her life did Mikoto believe she could have such a good time with 3 8 year old kids. She really enjoyed spending time with them.
Surprisingly all of her students wanted to learn about her that night. So she told them several stories of some of her missions from her days as a kunoichi. To the children, it was very intriguing to her about the experiences of a war veteran like Mikoto. They asked her all kinds of questions. She happily answered every one to the best of her ability. While she wasn't sure if answering questions about the Third Great Shinobi War to 8 year olds was the best idea. But Naruto had already seen glimpses of it through Kurama. Sakura had already made her first kill. And Sasuke was her child. She knew he could handle it. Plus he'll hear about someone else's experience some day. Why not share her own so he has an idea of what to expect in the world they live in.
During those 4 months, Sakura and Naruto stayed over very frequently. At least 3 times out of the week. Their company really did benefit Sasuke. He became a lot more open. Especially towards Mikoto. He was already a momma's boy. But now he's an even bigger momma's boy. Mikoto was forever grateful to Naruto and Sakura for entering her and Sasuke's lives. She would probably wouldn't have developed such a close bond with her son if they hadn't.
That's not to say she hasn't begun to feel similarly towards Naruto or Sakura. Those two she definitely considered her kids now. She could see that her two students also felt closer to her. However she was going to let them decide how their relationship should be. As of now Mikoto acted as their sensei and mother figure. Neither of them ever seemed to have a problem with it. So she figured that was her role to them. It was up to them if they decided to call her 'kaa-san' or not.
During this time, Mikoto taught them all the basics of chakra. It really surprised her just how talented these kids are. They learned all exercises within the first week. But she did make them focus on all of the basics for the entire first month. Mikoto wanted them to feel as if the basics were second nature before she moved on. Although she did include taijutsu during that month as well.
She often watched the kids fight against themselves. Rather than she herself do so. She wanted them to find their own style of fighting. Sasuke had already began learning the interceptors fist of their clan. So he focused on improving that. Naruto was a brawler type. He often improved in mid battle. Sakura was a surprise. While at first she seemed very uncoordinated. Once she got the hang of it, she never looked back. The girl was a natural talent at hand to hand combat. She carried a brutality to her. Along with fierceness. But it was a calming feeling to it all. One day Mikoto had pushed her hard. It was only to see just how far Sakura could go. Well that's when everybody got first glimpse of Sakura's bloodline. Apparently Mikoto had hit her harder than she anticipated. Sakura was briefly knocked unconscious before her bloodline kicked in. Let's just say that neither Mikoto, Naruto or Sasuke knew just how frightening and dangerous Sakura could be.
The girl was able to not only take on Mikoto head on. But Naruto and Sasuke as well. All at the same time. Granted Mikoto was holding back considerably. Even if she was out of practice for several years. But Mikoto had to admit Sakura caught her a good amount of times. The pinkette decimated Naruto and Sasuke in her 'warrior mode.'
That's what they decided to call it. Sakura now could activate her bloodline at will thanks to all the taijutsu practice Mikoto made her students go through. Sometimes it was hard for her to control herself from being too brutal. But Sasuke and Naruto enjoyed it very much. They loved the challenge. Fighting against her warrior mode really pushed their skills. It helped Mikoto since she could get a mini workout out of it. She wondered just how did Sakura ever get such a unique bloodline.
Mikoto and Kurama both agreed that Naruto wouldn't try to channel his chakra until his body developed a little more. Or at least until his body was built up enough to handle the strain. Kurama wanted the blond to be proficient with his chakra by time Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke graduate the academy.
In the second month, Mikoto taught her students the academy three since their chakra control was up to her standards. Naruto had the most trouble with the bunshin technique. With some extra chakra control training, he was able to make a perfect bunshin.
During the third month, she wanted them to pick out subjects that they might want to learn. Sakura and surprisingly Sasuke wanted to focus on medical ninjutsu. Naruto wanted to follow in his parents footsteps and take on fuinjutsu.
It was obvious that all three of them were going to learn ninjutsu. All of them wanted weapons as well. But Mikoto said she wouldn't get them any real weapons until they were at least in the academy. But she wanted them to figure out what kind of weapon they wanted. Mikoto was a jack of all trades in different types of areas. So she could help out a lot when it came to weapons. Sakura also wanted to learn some genjutsu. Sasuke thought it would be useful if he learned some as well. Naruto figured he might as well try to learn one. He wasn't all that interested in genjutsu.
So for the third and fourth month. Mikoto had them focus on taijutsu, medical ninjutsu and fuinjutsu. Ninjutsu was next on her list. Although she did find out their elements. Naruto is wind. Sasuke is lightning. Sakura is water and lightning. None of them saw it their affinities as a big deal since Mikoto explained how if a person trained hard enough. They could master all of 5 elements. Just like the first and third hokage.
Right now her kids were at the library. Naruto was almost done with the beginner level of fuinjutsu. So he wanted to find a book for the next level. Sasuke and Sakura wanted to find more books on the human body. Apparently they wanted to learn as much as possible about the human body. Mikoto had showed them how to use the mystical palm technique. Due to her near perfect chakra control, Sakura got it first. Sasuke got it an hour later.
Just thinking of how much happened in the last few months. It drew her back to think of when she went to go see the hokage a couple days after their first training session.
(Flashback)
Hiruzen knew he had fucked up somehow. How did he know that? Because right in front of him was a furious Mikoto Uchiha. She did not look happy with him at the slightest. Just seeing the intensity of her glare made him inwardly shudder.
"What can I do for you today Mikoto-chan?" He asked politely.
"Don't Mikoto-chan me Sarutobi." She spoke in a steel tone. A tone that let Hiruzen know that she was not having it right now. "I want you to explain to me why my godson was kicked out of the orphanage and was homeless for a period of time without you informing me?"
'Aw shit I'll be lucky if I make it out alive.' The old kage thought inwardly. "I see, you found out about it."
"Yes it seems my youngest son was able to befriend him several days ago. Not only him but Sakura Haruno as well. They've been with each other every day since then."
"Young Sakura Haruno? We couldn't find her at her family's home. We just found out that her parents were killed 2 days ago. If it wasn't for the daily mailman. There's no telling when we would've known. Why didn't she report what happened?" Hiruzen asked.
"Because she's the one who killed her stepfather Hiro. Mebuki killed herself in front of Sakura because she apparently couldn't live without the man. From what Sakura told me what Hiro told her. Hiro had conditioned Mebuki to be dependent on her. She didn't get over her drug addict habits until he came along. For almost 2 years that bastard was molesting Sakura. And Mebuki was letting him get away with it while abusing Sakura herself." Mikoto growled in anger.
Sarutobi sighed. He felt bad for the young girl. No one that young should have to deal with such problems in a space where they are supposed to feel is their home. He was curious about one thing.
"How did she kill Hiro. She shouldn't be no more than 9 years old. I know she's not in the academy either. If I remember correctly, Hiro was a retired chunin?"
"Yes he was but Sakura killed him in self defense. When Hiro was about to actually rape her for the first time. She awakened some sort of hidden ability. It allowed her to kill Hiro. Before you go asking, no I don't know what this ability is. From the way she described it, I've honestly never heard of such an ability. But let's not get too off subject here. Answer my question Sarutobi." Mikoto glared at him.
Hiruzen felt his neck sweating. "Look Mikoto, I didn't know he was put out. I had anbu stationed at the orphanage to watch over him. But the problem is, a good amount of the anbu assigned to watch over Naruto. Never truly watches over him. They purposely ignored him. It had gotten so bad that only three people were trusted enough to watch him. Kakashi, Yugao and Itachi. But I needed them for higher ranked missions. So eventually I just stopped making anbu guard him since they never did their job even if I threatened them. I'm just glad that Danzo hasn't been able to get to him."
"And that bastard never will if I have anything to say about it. Now why the hell would you tell Naruto to forgive the villagers after how they treated for YEARS. Are you trying to manipulate him? Because so help me Sarutobi I will send your old ass to the fucking grave if you answer wrong." Mikoto threatened. She already had her killing intent flooded throughout the room.
'Shit she hasn't lost her touch in all these years. If I'm not careful I will die.' Hiruzen thought. "I..I didn't want him to take his anger out of Konoha."
"But the villagers get to take theirs out on him? Oh yeah real convincing Sarutobi." Mikoto rolled her eyes.
"I can't afford for him to end up releasing the fox Mikoto. It's either him or the village. As much as I hate to do it. I do trust in Minato's seal. But with everything those ignorant fools put Naruto through. It's not hard to imagine the Kyuubi trying to take over his moment of darkness. It would only go to hell." Hiruzen said.
"I assume you haven't said anything to Jiraiya or Tsunade about this haven't you?" Mikoto asked.
His silence was the answer she needed.
"You do know that when Tsunade finds out how you let the villagers abuse her godson. It won't be pretty for you. Jiraiya may let you off the hook. But there's no way Tsunade is. Knowing her I'm sure she's always thinking of Naruto. If only she got over her damn phobia." Mikoto sighed.
"Yes I do know. It means certain death on my part." He sighed himself.
"Can't blame no one but yourself old man. At least you did protect him from Danzo. But I would kinda keep my distance from Naruto for awhile if I were you. The fox isn't too fond of you. Naruto isn't sure what to think of you. Sasuke and Sakura are both questionable about your actions. I'm still pissed myself. However I'll let you slide for a few favors on your part." Mikoto suggested.
Knowing he had no way out of this. "Fine what is it you want?"
"First off, you reinstate me as a jounin by the time those three graduate. I should be well prepared to continue my duties by that time. Second, I want you to make sure all three of them end up on the same team. Third is that I want you to make me their jounin instructor. Fourth is if they choose to let me adopt them at some point in the future. You let me sign those papers with no questions asked. The council could kiss my ass at this point." Mikoto listed off her demands.
"Mikoto you know I can't just put them on a team like that. It'll be unbalanced plus it may show as favoritism." Hiruzen countered.
"I don't give a fuck. You don't see the potential that I do in those three. They'll be at genin level by the time they attend the academy. You owe this to me, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Minato, Kushina and Naruto. Just make them a team. If I'm training them then you know you won't regret it. Besides you did want me to be a sensei before I ended up getting pregnant. This is the only way you are getting my services again if we aren't going to war. So pick wisely old man." Mikoto smirked.
Hiruzen sighed. "Ok ok I'll do it. It's not like I have much choice in the matter."
(Flashback End)
It still makes Mikoto smirked remembering how she put the God of Shinobi in his place. She didn't even have to use her sharingan. Then again she and Tsunade are probably the only ones who could get away with talking to Sarutobi like that.
Mikoto was really proud and shocked how far her students grown in a short amount of time. Since Naruto and Sakura were around the district so much. People had grown used to them being around. Once they got over their wariness of Naruto. A good amount of clan members started being nicer to him. It made her so happy seeing the smile on Naruto's face. He was so happy that some people stopped treating him so poorly. Most stores in the Uchiha District didn't try to overcharge him anymore. Mikoto had to threaten a few stores to treat him fairly at first.
She figured since she was often seen with Naruto. Her fellow clan members saw that he couldn't have been that bad if their most powerful member treated him like family.
It was reasons like this that Naruto and Sakura spent a lot of time in the district.
Mikoto was brought out of her thoughts when she felt her kids chakra signatures enter the district. They were closing in so fast, it took only 2 minutes for her to hear.
"Mikoto-sensei!" Naruto's voice was heard.
A smile formed on her face. Hearing her favorite blond call out to her.
Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke all entered the house. Each of them had books with them.
"I take it you guys found what you were looking for?" The matriarch asked.
She was given huge grins from each of her students. "You bet sensei! I found two books on fuinjutsu. One is for the next level. The other is a book that was written by my dad! It starts from the beginner's level and goes all the way to master's level. It'll take me at least a year or two before I'm close to finishing it. My dad wrote so much in detail. The librarian said it's the only copy left in the whole village." Naruto gleefully explained.
"Me and Sasuke found more books on the human body. Since we already know about the organs and bones. It time to focus on the nervous system in the body. We even found a book that goes into detail on what it takes to be a medic." Sakura said.
"Who would've thought the human body had so many functions. I swear sometimes it feels like my head is going to explode with all that information. But I can't say that I do not love learning about it. Me and Sakura were thinking of going to do volunteer work at the hospital to get some real medical experience." Sasuke added.
Seeing a certain look on her sensei's face. Sakura quickly spoke up. "Of course he means once we are in the academy sensei!" She blurted out.
Mikoto smiled. "Good I was wondering if I was going to have to remind you two again. Well I have to say it is a good idea to go get actual experience from the hospital. I only know a little bit more than the basics when it comes to medical ninjutsu. So I'm not much help in that department."
"You did teach us the Shōsen so that counts for something." Sasuke shrugged.
"Maybe so do you guys wanna study your new books or go out to train? Since you three have done nothing but surpass my expectations over and over. I believe you've earned the right to start learning elemental ninjutsu. I'm glad I got you three used to moulding your chakra." Mikoto asked them.
All three of her students looked at her with an awe filled looked. As if they had just won the lottery. It made her laugh to herself.
"Are you serious kaa-san? We can really start learning ninjutsu?" Sasuke voiced.
"I don't see why you three are so surprised. It's not like you haven't learned ninjutsu before?" Mikoto mused.
"But this is different sensei! You told us that since elemental ninjutsu can be dangerous. It'll be awhile before we learn it." Naruto told her.
"Ninjustu is dangerous Naruto-kun. It's dangerous if it's used improperly. Remember how I told you three that if you aren't careful. It will blow up in your face?" She received three nods of confirmation. "Not only that but you can do a lot of harm to someone if you are using it recklessly. It's really dangerous to use ninjutsu without proper control. What if you don't put enough chakra into your attack against the enemy like you assumed you did? If the enemy's jutsu overpower yours. Then you'll either end up badly hurt or dead because of that one mess up. What if you put too much chakra into your attack while you are sparring against one another? Again you could end up seriously hurt or worse dead. Which is why I was strict when it came to your chakra control. I needed you to have a well in depth understanding of chakra before I taught you higher ranked jutsu." Mikoto explained.
"So we really are going to be learning higher rank moves. I'm so excited!" Sakura voiced.
"Just so you know, genin typically don't know elemental ninjutsu until their sensei decides to teach them. Although most Uchiha kids already know of one or two fire style jutsus before they graduate from the academy. I can't really speak for other clans. But I do know the also begin instructing their own kids in their clan teachings before graduation. Take the Hyūga clan for example. Remember when I showed you three a genjutsu of how they fight?" Mikoto asked.
"Yeah their style was pretty efficient. But it was too stiff in my opinion." Naruto answered.
"You'd be surprised how many think the same. I honestly think it's foolish for them to only rely on their clan abilities. Which all derives from their gentle fist style." Mikoto said.
"So what are you going to teach us first?" Sakura wondered.
Mikoto smirked. "I want you three to learn the great fireball jutsu. Sasuke-chan already begun learning it months ago when his father first showed him. But I don't think you ever mastered it yet have you dear?"
Sasuke looked embarrassed. "No I've been focused on all of the other things you've been teaching us. So I kinda forgot to keep practicing it." He sighed.
"No need to be down about it. I'm actually glad you didn't work on it. So this way all three of you can master it together as a team. Although since you have the most experience. You should be the one who master it first. Lucky for you guys, I happen to be very proficient in all five elements. Although earth is my weakest element. I'm also going to get you three started on elemental manipulation. It'll help you learn jutsus easier. I hope you three are prepared. Because from now on training is going to get more intense. Especially our taijutsu training." Mikoto voiced.
"Bring it on sensei!" All three chorused together with excited expressions.
Mikoto led her kids to their usual training ground.
(Several hours later that night)
Itachi Uchiha had finally returned home. He dreaded it since it meant he will have to deal with his father's nonsense again. He knew that his clan higher ups were planning something. Sometimes he can't help but wonder how foolish the higher ups are.
He often felt bad for pushing away his brother and mother. But Itachi didn't want to risk snapping around them. He prayed that his younger brother would be like their mother instead of their father. Itachi knew that Sasuke hated being compared to him. He himself hated when his father did that to Sasuke. It was unfair to him. Hell even Itachi himself didn't expect to become as good as he is so quickly. However Itachi had faith that Sasuke would surpass him some day.
As he got closer to his home. He felt some unfamiliar chakra signatures inside. Well one of them isn't really unfamiliar. Itachi just hasn't seen Naruto for quite some time. He was completely unknown to the other signature.
When he stepped inside, he could see he was right. Naruto was here along with his mother and brother and some pink haired girl he's never seen before. He had to admit to himself that he is surprised by how natural everyone seemed to be getting along. He's never saw his mother or Sasuke this happy before. While he was happy for them. He felt even more guilty that he couldn't be apart of it.
Mikoto eyes had widened when she saw her eldest son back. She didn't pick up his chakra signature because she was too focused on her students.
"Welcome back home Itachi, how was your mission?" She asked.
Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura all stopped talking to see that Itachi was actually here. "Nii-san!" Sasuke cried out.
"The mission went as expected. I don't know how long it is until I'm deployed again." Itachi walked passed the group.
"If you're hungry, you could join u-" Itachi had cut his mother off.
"No thank you mother, I'd rather be alone." He said coldly as he walked down the hall.
"Sheesh that guy is cold." Naruto said out loud.
Sasuke grunted in annoyance. "Thanks for stating the obvious idiot."
"Oi I'm not an idiot. He just didn't have to be so cold to sensei. He even ignored you when you called out to him." Naruto pointed out.
"Don't remind me." Sasuke looked away.
"Oi you two no fighting at the dinner table remember? Or do I have to punish you two again like last time?" Mikoto raised an eyebrow.
The boys both gulped in fear. They shook their heads vigorously.
"Thought so." Mikoto smiled.
"So that's the legendary Itachi Uchiha huh? Hmm he doesn't seem much to me. I feel like sensei could wipe the floor with him." Sakura noted.
"Well Itachi is very good. He's not in anbu for nothing. While I am still stronger. He could probably catch me off guard since I'm still pretty rusty compared to how I used to be. It's hard to say at the moment." Mikoto said.
Their dinner continued on. Like usual Sakura and Naruto stayed over.
(A Month Later In The Hokage Tower)
"Itachi..are you certain of this?" Hiruzen asked.
He sitting in a room in between his advisors and Danzo. He had prayed what Itachi just said was not true.
"I am very sure of this Lord Hokage. The Uchiha are planning to do a coup d'etat on Konoha. They feel as if they have been disrespected for far too long. I had figured that my father was up to something within this last year." Itachi answered.
"Do you know when it will be taking place?" Homura asked.
"No the date has been undecided. It was going to be set within the next two clan meetings." Itachi said.
Hiruzen sighed. "We can't afford to have a civil war within our village. We are still recovering from both the last war and the nine tails attack. Not only that but many innocents will get caught in the crossfire."
"Maybe I can try to convince my father to head you out Lord Hokage. I doubt he will but it's worth a shot." Itachi offered.
Hiruzen nodded. "Very well see what you can do Itachi and report back to me."
It didn't take long at all for Danzo to meet up with Itachi later after that meeting. The Uchiha knew the old warhawk would try to get into contact with him eventually. So he figured why not just get it out of the way.
"Looks like we have quite the problem on our hands Itachi." Danzo said.
"Unfortunately we do." Itachi said in a bland tone.
"Makes me wonder just who side will you pick? Your family or the village? I couldn't blame you if you so happened to pick your family. But then your little brother would probably end up dying." Danzo mused.
Itachi narrowed his eyes slightly. "Stop playing games with me Danzo. What do you want."
"Ah there goes the cold blooded Itachi. Very well, I want you to make a choice. You see I'm sure Hiruzen knows that it won't look good if Konoha shinobi started killing a clan without any valid proof of their attempted crime. It will definitely lead to your brother swearing vengeance against Konoha. Which will most likely lead to his death. Same could be said for your mother. If she sides with your clan. Then I know Konoha will lose many valuable shinobi trying to take her down."
"Get to the point." Itachi voiced.
"Will you side with the Uchiha which will lead to the death of your brother and maybe even your mother and yourself? Or will you side with Konoha and carry out a mission of eliminating all other Uchiha except for your brother?" Danzo said.
Itachi regrettably already knew his choice. For the good of Konoha. He will take out his entire clan. If only his clan wasn't so foolish. If only his father would talk to Lord Hokage to work something out. "You do realize that I have very little chance of killing my mother?"
"I'm quite aware of her prowess. Just do what you can do." Danzo replied.
Itachi turned around. "Fine you have a deal."
Danzo smirked.
"However if my mother ends up surviving. You will not in any way try to harm her or Sasuke. You will leave them alone. If I find out that you broke your word. I will release top secret information to each of the great nations and come for your head myself. You would do well to remember this threat Danzo." Itachi voiced coldly before turning into a flock of crows.
Danzo grimaced. "Damn it he got me." He wanted to try to get Mikoto out of the picture but now that was out of the question. He sighed. "Well played you brat." Danzo went back to his base.
Itachi hated himself more than anything right now. To think he would have to take out his own clan in order to save Konoha.
It was only a day later when he reported back to the hokage and told him that his father declined the meeting. He surprised the old kage when he said he would take the liberty of taking out his clan. Hiruzen tried to convince him out of it but Itachi's mind was already made up. Hiruzen knew that Danzo had something to do with this. Unfortunately he as a kage had to make a choice to protect his village.