Chapter Eleven: Bloody Christmas

December Twenty-fifth. It meant nothing to Kukikio, not as her life as Naru Uzumaki and not as orphaned Kukikio. The only thing December meant for her, was less jobs and less food. It was like, nobles didn't want to face the weather. Even to start fights with neighboring countries or villages.

Madara's birthday was the day before, Kukikio had sent something for him. She was glad that Toshi wouldn't tell him who the present was from. Madara's and Maemi's birthdays were the only two that she remembered. December the Twenty-fifth and November the twenty-second.

"What the?" she asked herself as a bird landed in front of her, a crow. Kukikkio was glad that Toshi was smart enough not to send her something with the Uchiha clan symbol, she didn't think her those around her wouldn't notice the red and white fan for what it was. Unless they were stupid.

Kukikio had a feeling that even Hashirama wouldn't fall for something so simple, but he has surprised her in the past with the amount he misses. More so when he doesn't want to see something for what it was, living in a fantasy land where everything worked out for the best.

"Oh, Toshi," Kukikio whispered as she took the stroll from the pouch on the poor things back, replacing it with one of her own. She had made a doll for Maemi, along with a scroll of wind jutsu for Madara and a painting for Toshi.

She could only hope that the seals would stop the thing from being burnt. The Uchiha clan were known for their fire jutsu.

"Can't rely on what I know to be true," she whispered. She didn't know much about the Warring era, but no one did. They were legends, but a lot was lost when someone burnt the old records at the end of the second shinobi war.

Unsealing her gift, she almost laughed at the thicker winter clothing. It was something she was happy about, since she only owned one thick kimono and pants. Toshi might not have given her black, but the blue was dark enough to almost pass off as navy or black.

"Time of peace my ass," Kukikio muttered to herself following the scent of blood. Along with Sasuke's chakra, it looked like someone had tried killing him, most likely his uncle. Kukikio hadn't spied on the Sarutobi clan for a while, but it looked like she would have to pay the old man a personal visit, along with traps that would shave a few years off his life.

"Sasuke," she said as she jumped down next to him, Sachio wasn't with him. She was glad that Sasuke was smart enough to keep his younger brother around his teacher.

"Kukikio?" he asked looking at her clothes, before looking her in the eyes. She could see that he was relieved, why she didn't know. Most likely he was glad that she wasn't someone else trying to kill him. "What's today's date?"

"December twenty-fifth."

"And I killed three people."

"Uncle."

"I don't see any markers."

"I would say uncle. Most have thought your guard would be done."

"I hate him."

"Don't we all."

"I was almost killed on the day of peace."

"Pretty much."

"No wonder it was easy."

Kukiko only sighed, she had seen enough dimwits give their life to revenge. She was almost one of them, Madara had ruined her life in the future. Him and Obito. At one point she had wanted to kill him, but he was just a child now. He hadn't done anything to her, she had a chance to make sure he never became a missing nin and never give in to the curse of hatred.

"Don't kill him for revenge." Kukikio was surprised when he looked at her with wounded eyes, almost like a puppy being kicked by its owner. "All you do is waste your life, it's like a never end black hole and once you're in it. It's almost impossible to drag yourself up from the numbness."

"What are you doing?" Sasuke asked her, not wanting to think about her words. His sensei had told him the same thing, so it was something he was going to have to think about.

"I need to find somewhere to hide for the winter."

"Why don't you stay with us?"

"Training?"

"Yup."

"Why not," Kukikio told him, it had been awhile since she learnt swordplay. She should still know enough to keep up with Sasuke, but only just. She also didn't mind knocking him on his ass, again. "Only if we practice ninjutsu and taijutsu."

"I'm going to loss," Sasuke told him a grin growing on his face, Kukikio look at the seal on her arm. She was getting better, as was Itama. So she'll be able to sent messages to her little brother, not matter how far apart they were. It was safer this way, less likely to be caught by the Senju and killed. "Sensei said he found someone to help with your seals."

"So what are we waiting for?"

Sasuke smiled before running off, Kukikio following soon afterwards. Winter might be a time jobs weren't there, but she was sure Sasuke and Sachio wouldn't let her die.

After all, friends help each other.