It's already the second week after the funeral. After that few depressed days, I feel fine again.
Kushina took me to Ichiraku, alongside Minato, and it was really fun. They told me about their classmates, the academy and their childhood. The stories of a ten-year-old Uzumaki crushing her bullies and the boys who annoyed her as "Red-hot Habanero" made me laugh hard.
Every day I trained with the boys. I wasn't anywhere near to be able to keep up with him, but my aim was improving steadily by the point I could almost always hit the target's head or heart. My reflexes were getting better to: I could at least dodge most of the blows the boys throw at me and my chakra control also allowed me to hold leaf at my forehead for three minutes.
I saw Yuki every day in the evening. We always went to Ice creams or to the library and sometimes Itachi and Shisui would accompany us. Yuki seemed to have loved the older one, probably because he smiled warmly at her and treated her kindly.
Shisui was the most friendly Uchiha she had ever met — by far.
I stretch my arms, trying to expel the laziness from my body.
It was seven o'clock so Itachi was likely already eating breakfast and preparing for training.
Honestly, this boy's dedication was scary. Disturbing, even.
But contagious.
I get ready and go downstairs, feeling happy. Fugaku and Itachi were seated while Mikoto finished setting the table.
— Good Morning!
— Good Morning, Izumi-san.
I beam at him and sit at the table, in my usual spot. Mikoto sits at my side saying:
— Before we start, I would like to share some news.
All the eyes turn to her, including mine. She seemed strangely joyful and, at the same time, uneasy, which just made me more curious.
— What is it, Okaa-san?
— I am pregnant.
I blink, surprised. That meant...
— I am going to have... a little brother? — Asks Itachi slowly, trying the word in his lips.
— Or little sister — Reminds Mikoto while nodding with her head.
The boy gets up and walks to his mother. Gently and hesitantly he puts his hand over her belly (which looks a little bit bigger, now that I note), a small smile in his face. After a few seconds, Itachi speaks again with a strange conviction in his voice:
— I think it's a little brother.
Her mother smiles kindly at him. I look at Fugaku who still seems to be frozen. Suddenly, as something had clicked inside him, a beam — the bigger he had ever used in my presence — rises in his face.
— I am very glad, Mikoto.
The woman grins at him and for the next moments, I feel like an outsider. When the extreme joyfulness decrease, I dare say:
— Congratulations, Mikoto-baa-chan, Itachi-san, Fugaku-sama. I am sure that this child will be extremely blessed to have a family like this.
— Thank you, Izu-chan.
I sit down after hugging her, expressing my thanks and start to eat, the others soon following me. The rest of the breakfast no one says much, each of us reflecting. The strange air is only broken by the arrival of a happy Shisui, whose voice is heard through the door.
— Ohayo, Fugaku-sama, Mikoto-baa!
— Ohayo, Shisui-kun! — Answers the woman smiling at him.
— Now, you two! We had arranged the meet half an hour ago! What on Earth...
— Kaa-san is pregnant — Interrupts the heir.
— What?! Congratulations, Mikoto-baa! You two must be thrilled! — Exclaims the boy hugging the Matriarch and smiling at Fugaku.
Itachi and I finished the meal while the boy's parents exchange some words with the genin. Weg et up, clean the dishes quickly and soon enough, we are all heading to the usual training ground. While we stretch, I decide to ask:
— So, Itachi-san, are you eager to meet your little brother or sister?
The boy pauses his exercises for a few seconds, apparently thinking.
— Yes. I think it will help me see things... differently? I don't know. I feel curious to meet him. When kaa-san said she was pregnant it sounded really important.
I smile widely.
— I am sure you will be an amazing older brother. Your sibling will be very lucky!
The boy gives me his characteristic small grin. Shisui, on the other side, seems to be exceptionally thoughtful. He suddenly turns around, raises his two middle-finger and pokes Itachi's forehead.
That was the first time I saw something like that happening between the boys, but Itachi's expression made me think this wasn't the first one. This wasn't the only new thing: Shisui's face showed a small, gentle, kind smile, quite different from his usual one. This was a whole new Shisui and for the first time, the genin looked like the older one between the pair.
— You are staring, Izumi-chan!
— Of course I am! — I retort — It's the first time I am seeing you act even a little bit serious. I am shocked!
— Izu-chan! — He says in mock-horror — I am very hurt by your words! Here I am, working hard to train you, like the awesome senpai I am and this is how you thank me?
We all start to laugh and the amused look on the genin's face doesn't go unnoticed.
— Now let's train my dear kouhais? Itachi and I will start with a Taijutsu spare while you, Izumi-chan, practice chakra control. First, leaf on the forehead for five minutes and if you manage we can start three walking.
— Hai, Shisui-senpai! — I answer in a mock-bow, causing a snort from Itachi.
We arrive at home by the end of the day, and Mikoto invites Shisui to dinner. We take a shower, change clothes and go straight to the dining room.
— Izumi-chan, you are still set on going to the Academy, right?
— Yes — I answer Fugaku's question with confidence. The older man offers me an approving smile.
— We have already arranged your new apartment, then. In the first weeks, we will keep sending someone to check on you and help with things you don't know.
— Hai, Fugaku-sama — I say obediently, though I feel sad to leave the house. Would I still see them? Would Itachi and Shisui keep training me now that I wouldn't live here?
— Don't think I will accept this as an excuse to miss practice! — Says the genin almost like Reading my mind.
That boy was scary sometimes. But it made me happy.
— Hai, Shisui-senpai!
Fugaku clears his throat, drawing our attention back to him.
— After you move out, we will start your Sharingan lessons. Because yours has a special... condition, which will be explained later on, I will oversee the training myself.
— Thank you!
I go to my calligraphy lessons for the first time in a while. My mother was set on me taking them, along with etiquette and tea ceremony classes. I would make my very best to follow her wishes.
To be the person she wanted me to be.
At the end of my class, I meet Minato and Kushina waiting for me by the door. I smile at the couple. As each day passed I found myself liking them more.
I also loved them as a couple. Their personalities complemented one another. He was calm where she was stressed, delicate where she was straightforward and both of them had big loving hearts.
— Izu-chan! Mikoto told us where to find you. I didn't know you took calligraphy lessons... — Comments the blond one, who had dropped formalities a long time ago.
— Yeah. Kaa-san initiated me almost one year ago. She said that it was essential to know this kind of stuff. I decided to finish it after... — I don't end my sentence for lack of courage but both of them get the idea.
— Do you like it? — This time Kushina is the one asking, her eyes with a strange gleam. Minato archés one of his eyebrows at her, and when she looks at him with a small smirk, he seems to understand what his wife is talking about and grins.
Those two were up to something. I didn't know what but I decided to let it slip and answer the question. Whatever it was I would probably found out sooner or later anyway.
— I like it a lot, actually. It's like drawing and I find it calming, I guess. It helps me relax on the worst days.
— Good to know — The redhead says looking amused.
Definitely up to something.
We start to walk towards Mikoto's house.
— So, we heard from Fugaaku you are moving out tomorrow. How is the preparation? How are you feeling?
— I am a little bit nervous because I never lived alone... But my apartment is right beside Shisui's so I think it will turn out just fine. All my things at Mikoto's house are ready to go and she said that all my kaa-san's furniture is already at the new place. I didn't go through her stuff yet, though. Fugaku-sama told me I could do it whenever I felt ready so I am waiting for the day that thinking about it won't make me cry.
— I see. Don't hurry, Izumi-chan. After our little talk to Fuga-baka, I am sure he will not repeat the mistake of pressuring you to do or choose things you are no ready for.
— Kushina, your smirk is scaring her. Andy ou hair... — Minato comments trying to make his wife calm down (it didn't seem to be working).
The redhead's eyes gleamed with anger. Her smirk was almost feral and her hair was going up like... tails?
— Shut up, Girl-Minato. You know Fugaku deserved our little chat. I am still pissed with him pressuring Izu-chan so soon! — Grunts the Uzumaki.
Finally, we arrive at the Main House. I knock politely at the door and Mikoto opens it, smiling sweetly at us.
— Welcome, Minato, Kushina. Izumi, dinner is almost ready, so get ready fast, okay? And all the boys, they must be in Itachi's room.
— Hai, Mikoto-baa — I climb the stairs practically jumping and knock on Itachi's door shouting — It's dinner time!
I run to the bathroom, wash my hands and go downstairs, finding the two couples chatting excitedly. I hear Fugaku saying something that sounds like my name and before I can hear something else Mikoto says,
— Izu-chan! Come here, sit with us.
I sit down and the subject seems to change. I feel weird but decide to keep my mouth shut.
If they did not want me to know, I would let the subject go.
Shisui and Itachi quickly get down and join the table. They both looked tired and I imagine that without me there to make them waste time, they had exhausted themselves training.
The boys greet visitors and sit down. Shisui, almost like reading my thoughts, comments:
— We didn't even train this afternoon. I pushed Itachi into the river for fun and when I saw it, we were both in the water in the midst of a war.
Laughing at the boys face I answer:
— So it's just I skip practice that instead of training you play? Is it my impression or the so-called training are actually ways to torture me?
The whole table gives a slight laugh and I feel a bit grateful to Shisui. I did not like to think that in each practice I was pushing the boys back.
— You hurt me, Izumi-chan.
I laugh at the boy's hurt expression. Sometimes I think Shisui would be much happier as an actor than a ninja.
— So Minato, how's the appointment for Hokage? — Asks Fugaku-sama and the table falls silent.
Itachi face seems strangely tense, as Shisui and I show only our own surprise. Minato-nii... Konoha's Yellow Flash. Makes sense, I think. At the same time, the tension of the heir of the clan next to me makes me nervous.
I was missing something.
— I won. Sandaime-sama gave up naming Orochimaru apparently because the scientist lacks charisma.
— Are you going to become Hokage? — I ask without being able to hold back — Why did not you tell me?
— Yes. I thought that by now it was common knowledge ... — The blonde responds, scratching his neck looking embarrassed.
— Congratulations, Minato-nii! — I practically jump over the blonde, hugging him.
Minato would be the best of the Hokage, I'm sure. Gentle yet efficient; charismatic, yet firm. He would not be repressive or manipulated ...
I feel hope for the future of Konoha blossoming in my chest.
"People running. The streets are crowded, buildings are falling, shouts roam the streets. I'm scared to death. A disgusting, malicious, hateful chakra runs through the village and I see a giant orange monster. Screams, blood, more screams.
I see Itachi. His eyes are deadly serious and he looks tense. A ... baby is in your arms. He seems extremely worried while he pulls me through the city. Suddenly the big monster begins to unite chakra in his mouth and I feel an indescribable panic rising into my mouth.
I scream as the Heir pulls me. "
I wake up screaming, and Itachi is at my side. After waking up screaming almost every night we found out the calming effect the boy had on me, so Fugaku and Mikoto didn't come anymore. Now, only the boy came, and after exchanging a few words I usually would quickly sleep again. When my Sharingan activates, the boy holds my hand and helps me breathe.
Seeing the boy's face and noticing his pores I knew my eyes were on. But they looked ... different.
More detailed.
Itachi's little hand joins mine and he says:
— Breathe, Izumi-san. Inhale, exhale.
In his soft voice, calm as ever, Itachi instructs me. My vision returns to normal, but I can not hear the boy's voice. All I can think about is that big monster and Konoha destroyed.
I wake up calmer.
The dream was scary, but now I realized it was just a dream. Even if it seemed real, none of it had ever happened.
Everything was fine.
Today was the day I would move out, so after washing my face, I organize everything that I still hadn't. Finally closing the backpack, I go down to breakfast. The food is on the table, and Itachi is already seated.
— Good morning family! Has Fugaku-sama already gone to the police station?
—Good morning, Izumi-chan. Yes, but he asked to warn you that he will be waiting for you in the dojo of the clan at six o'clock — I am not surprised that the 'after me moving out' to Fugaku actually meant on the same day.
— Hai!
— So eager to see your new home?
I smile through the bites, nodding.
— I hope you like it there. But remember: you are always welcome here, no matter the time or the reason, yes?
— Yes, Mikoto-baa-chan!
The woman smiles and for the first time Itachi intrudes on the conversation:
— Are you sure you'll be okay with the nightmares? They seem to be getting worse ...
— I guess so, but I can handle myself. Besides, you must be missing being able to sleep through the night, Itachi-san.
The boy does not seem very pleased with my answer, however, he does not argue. We finish the coffee, I go up and get my backpack, and Mikoto takes us to the apartment. In front of the building, Shisui is waiting for us with his usual broad grin on his face. We greet him and go up to the third floor.
— I live here — the boy says pointing to the door on the right. — And your apartment is on the left. Anything you need you can just call, neighbor!
I smile at the boy. Living close to him would be ... interesting.
We went into my apartment. It is médium-sized: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room, a kitchen. It was cozy and immaculately clean. I recognized all the furniture from my old house and I feel a small sense of nostalgia invading me. Mikoto leaves my things, and as soon as the boys promise to help me, she leaves us and returns home, where she expects a longtime friend to visit.
Itachi looks at me with a serious look in his eyes and asks:
— Izumi-san, we're friends, right?
I am caught off guard, yet without even hesitating I reply:
— Of course, Itachi-san.
— Then please stop using -san along with my name.
For a few seconds, I am silent, a little surprised. Itachi was the Heir of the clan, so I had never imagined that treating him with the formality he deserved would bother him. Even so, when he asks me to call him something more informal, I feel strangely cheerful.
— Only if you stop too, Itachi.
He smiles at me and says,
— Then we're in agreement, Izumi.
— Oh, I am proud! My brother, so antisocial, made his first friend!
I laugh at Shisui's antics and I throw myself on the sofa, stretching my limbs. The younger one seems to be thinking about something and after a few seconds turns to Shisui:
— Shisui, you have an extra key, right?
— Yes?
— Give it to Izumi
The older one blinks and readily then agrees, using the shunshin jutsu to get it. He returns in half a second (the speed he reaches with this jutsu doesn't stop to amaze), offering me the key.
— I'll keep your key too, Izumi. I will not come in like I own it, but this way if an emergency happens I can come in without trouble.
I nod to the boy, accepting his key and already putting it in an easily accessible place. He takes one of mine on my key chain (I have three copies) and I offer the other one to Itachi.
— Don't you want to give Yuki-chan one?
— Nah. She's living on the other side of the district anyway. I want you to have this, Itachi.
In all seriousness of the world, almost as if he were honored, the boy takes the key and I smile at him widely.
— Well, let's practice? Today I will have to leave earlier because of the training with Fugaku-sama...
— You will not be able to do much with chakra then — Continue the genin — Which means ... Taijutsu and Shurikenjutsu!
I grumble — Taijutsu was the hardest! — I always came out sore and I am never able to keep up with them!
—Look at the bright side, Izumi-chan. Maybe with the Sharingan, you will be able to at least dodge!
I roll my eyes annoyed by the truth of his words.
— One day I'll make you swallow those words, Shisui.
— Hey, is this how you address your awesome senpai, Izumi-chan ?!
I laugh as we head towards the usual clearing.
I hurry to the dojo, arriving exactly at six o'clock. Fugaku waits for me in the center of the mat. I take off my shoes, bow respectfully, and follow the older man.
— Izumi-san, the most efficient way to train a Sharingan is through taijutsu. Normally, you would activate it and I would continue to attack you until you become able to defend yourself. But today I will only teach you how to turn it on and off. Let's go.
I nod, preparing myself.
— How do I activate it, Fugaku-sama?
— Concentrate the chakra in your eyes and maintain a linear flow. It doesn't take much, just a little bit.
I do what he says and I feel my vision getting sharper, but after a few seconds, it returns to normal. The man's eyes are with his own doujutsu activated while he analyzes me.
—You have to maintain a steady stream. And use less chakra than you are using now.
I try again and the same thing happens. At the third try, I feel that a lot of chakra (too much!) has been directed at my eyes and I sense my vision getting sharper - too sharp.
— I do not want you to use this stage of the Sharingan yet, Izumi-san. Cut the chakra flow to your eyes and try again, with much less energy this time.
I try to cut off the flow and feel an incredibly painful headache.
"A gigantic beast. Does it have some - multiple tails? Screams, blood "
"I see someone falling, a boy around thirteen, and I try to reach him, after half a second of hesitation, but I can not. Death. He is dead.
My fault."
"I hear the sound of birds as my hand, covered with lightning, passes through a body. Another one.
At least this one was not my teammate's. "
"I'm in a dark cave. Alone. In front of me, suddenly, a white thing (person?) comes up, out of the ground.
— It's time. "
I scream when I feel something burn my skin. A seal, I see. Before I can utter a single word my vision darkens and the nothingness embraces me.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
So, what do you think? Did you like it? Please comment any thoughts, questions, ideas, suggestions, theories, anything!
See you soon~!