Chapter 2 – Noriko's Father

"Talk"

'Think'

Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishimoto sensei. So…yeah.

A/N – Shisui in this story is 10 years older than Itachi, so currently about 15 while Shizuka is about 20.

6 months later…

"Oneesan, I'm here !" yelled Shisui with a grin "Are they ready?"

Shizuka emerged from a room carrying a 9-months Noriko and a 6-months Naruto "Here, are you sure you want to do this?"

"It's not like this is my first time" replied Shisui while rolling his eyes "Besides, Itachi is bringing Sasuke too. It'll be fun"

"Itachi? Does Mikoto knows ?" asked Shizuka in panicky.

"Yes oneesan. Unlike the idiot villagers, she knows that being a junchūriki does not make a person turn into the Kyūbi. Now, give me both of them. Aren't you late for your appointment?" asked Shisui cheekily.

Shizuka stuck her tongue out while giving Naruto and Noriko to Shisui. True to his words, he has been helping her in his spare time taking care of Naruto and Noriko, though it's not like they give her much problem.

Much of her problem came from the villagers, especially the non-shinobi. Lack of knowledge on seals makes them fearful of Naruto and Noriko, and by extension, her.

The first few times she went out was met with fearful and hateful looks; some of the stores refused to sell her their merchandises while a few others managed to maintain a certain level of professionalism. Thankfully, being kicked from a prestigious clan caused her to develop a thick-skin, capable of ignoring the whispers from the village idiots.

Seeing Shisui walked off with Naruto and Noriko in both hands, Shizuka tidied up herself before walk off to her appointment.

"Hokage-sama" greet Shizuka respectfully.

"Ah Shizuka, how are you? Where's Naruto and Noriko?" asked Hiruzen.

"Shisui takes them to the park with Itachi and Sasuke" Shizuka replied with a smile "Anyway Hokage-sama, the reason I want to see you is to ask your permission to move out of the Hokage's residence"

"May I know the reason behind it?"

"With all due respect Hokage-sama, I appreciate your kind gesture, allowing us to stay at the Hokage's residence. When I accepted your offer, I meant it as temporary measure, until I can find a place of my own…and with Shisui's help, I've bought a place next to Kosuke-san's house"

"Kosuke…as in Maruboshi Kosuke?" asked Hiruzen.

"Yes" Shizuka response with a small smile "As you know, Naruto and Noriko are not very well-received especially amongst civilian, similar to the treatment given to Kushina. I've asked once how she dealt with the negativity; she said that the previous jinchūriki, Mito-sama told her that it is important for a jinchūriki to be filled with love. I've given my best to love and nurture both Naruto and Noriko equally, but I think it's best if I move myself to a place where there is the least hatred and fear, where Naruto and Noriko can grow amongst those who can accept them better"

"…and you think the new house is better than the Hokage's residence?"

"Environmental-wise, yes Hokage-sama. Kosuke-san is one of the few that treats Naruto and Noriko like babies they are, instead of a Kyūbi, as well as his daughter, Keiko. Besides, it is nearer to the Uchiha district, making it easier for Shisui to drop by" explained Shizuka.

"It appears you have thought it through…I'm sorry but I have to ask this, but where did you get the money to buy the house?"

"I can explain, but it has to be kept a secret. Can you ask your ANBU to leave for a while?"

Hiruzen nodded and made a gesture "You can talk now".

"Noriko father was Hyūga Heiji. We did not get married as he came from the Branch Family and he doesn't want Noriko to be marked with the Cursed Seal-"

"Is that why you refused to reveal the name of Noriko's father?"

"Partly, one of the reasons is I wish to raise my child free of clans' politics. If they know, she will be used as a tool either to bring glory to one clan or to bring down another clan. Shishui knows by the way. It was his suggestion that I remained silent when asked about the father, as well as for me being kicked out of the clan so I can be free"

"I have bit money of my own and before his death, Heiji has taken out all his money and put into my account. Kosuke-san knows the owner of the house whom he sweet-talked into lowering the price to the amount that I can afford to pay. If you want, I'd be willing to give you my financial details to allay any doubts"

"It's alright. Honestly, I prefer if Naruto and Noriko live nearer, where I can keep an eye on them…not that I don't trust you" Hiruzen added hastily "It is so I can protect them should any unwanted incidence happen to them" he explained "However, if it is not too much to ask, would you mind if I drop by from time to time to check on them or you can bring them to pay me a visit".

"It would be an honour Hokage-sama" said Shizuka before bowed down and left the room

End of Chapter 2

Oneesan – big sister