A/N: Guys, you are the best! More than 100 follows! Hooray! Thank you all so, so much! And almost 50 favs too! Yay! Thank you!

I tried to write this chapter using an improved style, but still… could you please give me your opinion on it? Is there a difference at all? Hope you like it anyways xD

See the end of the chapter for translations. *

Disclaimer: don't own Naruto.

Warnings: I'll put a warning for language, but I don't think it's needed. Fluff too?

Childhood Arc: Can't Pretend

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. – Confucius

Hopelessness. This is how I feel after that day. I was blind, never paying attention to all of the signs. Of course it was that Shin, the one and only. That cheerful boy that perished so early on. I can't even remember if he died before or after the Rookie Nine graduated. I think he was a teenager, but what does it change? I couldn't even remember what disease was the cause of death.

There weren't many characters with this style, with this charisma. He was unique. And, unfortunately, he was a talented orphan in Konoha, with Ne being high on recruitment rates after the recent events.

I can still see his kind smile, his sparkling eyes. The way Shinju forced me to sign that contract with my blood, forbidding me to ever speak that day.

It's my entire fault. If only I was smarter, if only I didn't forget, then maybe… maybe he'd have stayed safe, with no one trying to turn him into another mindless killing machine. And ultimately fail in it, with him dying during the process.

How can I change something? I'm just a weak gi-boy, with no family, no future. For god's sake, I can't even remember my Okaa-san's name! I couldn't save baa-chan, neither could I protect Shin. What's the point in trying? I'm so miserable, so useless, a mistake-

No. This self-pity won't give you anything. You need to stop, calm down. Yes, you failed ba-chan, but would she want for you to cry a river? Would Shin? Yes, the pain won't go away, but you must learn from it… even if it takes time.

But is there any reason for someone like me to try? What if interfering will make it worse…

But how can something be worse than at least forty thousand casualties, if not more? This is the world of shinobi, where kids become soldiers. This is the bloody reality, the only reality. And I was born with this knowledge. Yes, I mightn't be the brightest person in the world, but I'm not the densest one either. I can and I will change thing, no matter-

Snap!

I force my eyes opened, taking in the view. Green and brown surround me, myself sitting on a high branch in lotus position. I can feel the wind brush against my skin, making goosebumps cover my skin. I let my gaze roam over the clearing, not moving from the shadows of the trees. That's when I notice them, floating towards the ground in a lazy manner.

Shit, I lost control again. Over the last week I've kept spacing out, not managing to concentrate on anything. My mind would always wander off, no matter how much I try. Even the Leaf Spinning Exercise, my usual way of controlling myself, didn't have any effect.

As the leaves fall down I take a deep breath, massaging my temples. Afterwards, I reach with my chubby fingers towards the branch, plucking a few leaves. I place one on my forehead, two on my knees and two more on my elbows, closing my eyes and feeling them moving. From my elbows towards my shoulders, from my knees to my stomach, from my forehead till the nape of my neck. I keep them at distance, about four inches. I can feel them spin against my skin, making my mind relax. It'll be all right; I will protect them…

This is my nindo.

"So, got any fun stories, pup?" asked Masuyo with a mouthful of dango, pointing at me with a leftover stick.

Three weeks have passed since Shin left. I don't want to know what would've happened if it wasn't for Masuyo. She'd been very attentive to me ever since Shin left. And she has a dog!

Furrowing my eyebrows I try to think of some, but it's been very quiet at the orphanage, except for-

"Oi!" I exclaimed, a grin appearing on my face. "There was this episode that happened four days ago. We were having a "reading hour". It's like when everybody is supposed to read for an hour. Settling down, most of the kids groaning about hating books. I believe that Sensei wanted for us to succeed in it that much that he played a calming tune on a flute. And trust me when I say that he's good." A giggle escaped my mouth before I continued, "he was good enough to lull the whole class! You should've seen it! The only reason I stayed awake was due to me being resistant to lullabies. He kept playing for a while, right before a snore rang through the room. God, Sensei was furious! I swear there was steam coming out of his nose! He looked ready to explode!" I threw my arms into the air, "and what do you think he did? He went to the clock, set it on the time the lesson began, took a horn – a horn – out of god knows where, a blew the hell out of it!" I received a smack on my head for cursing, but the joyful glint in her eyes spoke volumes. "H-he blew it and every single one bumped into the same book they were supposed to read, jumping onto their feet and falling because Sensei tied rope around their legs! And with a load SMACK," I shouted, pumping fists into the air, "They all fell face first onto the desks. That when Sensei screamed: "What are you doing, lazing around! The l-lesson's only about to s-start!" I was snickering at that point, biting my lip to keep the laughter inside. Masuyo was doing worse… she was laughing her ass out, bent over the table. Did I say that she very expressive? Because she is too.

Wiping the tears away, Masuyo glanced at me. She had the Inuzuka signature grin on, her wild visage full of mirth. "Kid, I'd love to meet that Sensei of yours. That's one wicked dude." She waved her hand, turning to face the waitress. "Could we have one more platter of dango here?" Wait…

"No!" I yelled, "no more dango! We're gonna explode!"

"Oh, common, chill. It's not like we ate that much. Plus, a shinobi needs to eat large portions in order to maintain the good performance." Masuyo's carefree tone didn't convince me one bit.

"But we're not Akimichi! Plus I'm three, not thirty three!" It seems like my attempts at staying fit are falling into a pitfall… how does this woman eat so much?

Smirking at me, the Inuzuka asked, "So, yesterday we've had the clan heir get her mutt. And you know what, she got three! Three mutts, that's a dream. I wish I got chosen by three, but my lady's still the best." She assured as she scratched Midoriko behind the ear. So cute…

Getting out of my mussing, I addressed the woman across me, "Masuyo-san, how do you chose a ninken?"

"Well…" She trailed off, scratching her chin, "This is like finding a soulmate, I guess. You get this feeling like it's the correct pup and… that's all I can tell you, kid. Clan secrets, you know. It's a pity you got none, but with a brain like yours it'll be in no time that you'll become one of our best shinobis, I've got no doubt about that." She smirked at me, flicking my nose.

Ouch! That troublesome woman…

It was a wonderful day, and a beginning of an astonishing companionship.

The sun was high, gracing us with its rays. It was a pleasurable day, the warm breeze against my skin, and the green trees around me. But, surprisingly, I wasn't in the forest. In fact, I was strolling through the park with an amazing companion, her long hair swinging as we marched. Each of us had an ice-cream cone, me with matcha and her with mint. Turns out Konoha citizens have a great taste in frozen edibles.

We chatted for a while, discussing this and that. It's already been a month since we stuffed all the possible dango into ourselves… Blegh.

Turns out that Masuyo is a single woman that had three brother and a sister, but the sister and two brothers died during the second and third wars. She still has a younger brother of nineteen that decided to become a vet, working at the compound. She's twenty-three, as well as her ninken. That brought up a question.

"Ano, how are ninken that old, but they don't seem to age all that much?" Peeking from my bangs, I asked.

Tilting her head a bit, Masuyo replied, "You see, ninken are different from average animals. They're intelligent creatures, and they can use chakra, which gives them the opportunity to live that long."

"You mean that a person can exchange chakra for years of life? Or only ninken and summons?" furrowing my brows, I inquired.

"Hmm… I haven't met people that used chakra in this course, but indeed, ninken and summons exchange chakra for longevity. I've even heard that some summon animals have enough chakra that they live for centuries. But that's just rumors." Yeah… tell that to the Great Toad Sage that befriended Hagoromo…

Tiptoeing my way to Masuyo, I conclude, "So ninken and summons can exchange chakra for a longer life, and, theoretically, humans can too. Wow, that's a headache!" I yell, waving my hands vigorously.

She snickers at my antics, clearly amused. "Indeed, that's pretty much it. It's captivating, the way your mind works. I'd have never even thought of what you think." Her smile fell into a grim line. Examining the surrounding area, she eyed me with caution. "Isamu-chan, be careful. There are those that would like to use your intellect. Beware of them, and always keep you senses sharp. Did I make myself clear?" She whispered in a clear tone, most likely for me to understand.

Biting my lip, I contemplate my next move: I can't tell her about the encounter with Shin, but she's the closest one I've got to family. Maybe this once I'll take the risk…

"A few month ago s-some creepy people came to the orphanage. Their eyes roamed over us, the kids, as if we were their prey, theirs to own. I-I did my best to appear as plain as possible, to melt in. I kn-know I'm not like o-other kids… and I understand that some would use that. I-I…" I stutter as my voice broke, quiet sobs escaping me. So weak, but in all those years I've never cried close to someone, never inquired any attention. Maybe only once…

I fell strong arms wrap around my shaking body, embracing me in a hug. I feel her hand stroking my hair while she soothes me in a low tone, humming a calming song. A warm nose pokes my arm, as if reassuring me that I'm not alone, not anymore, never again.

As my breathing evens out I glance up, examining Masuyo's face for any emotion. But I'm bad at those, I guess. It's not like I could believe what I saw, no. There's no reason for regret, guilt and remorse to be there, right?

Even though Masuyo averts her gaze, I can still catch a glimpse of tears in her eyes. She bites her lip, looking so unsure, but in the end she opens her mouth, asking that cursed question, "Isamu-chan, are you lonely?"

My world seems to shrinks at the question. The sensation of rubatosis is making it even worse for wear: everything is so unsettling, so enormous and so tiny. I know that I better answer before it anything goes wrong, but how can I now?

Getting a hang of myself, I plaster on a smile and scratch the nape of my neck anxiously. "No, of course not! I have friends, and I have you! How can I be alone?" But it's hard not to when you keep a whole other lifetime of memories to yourself.

Is Masuyo saw the panic I felt inside, she didn't let it show, opting on letting the subject drop. We spent the rest of the break roaming around and enjoying the ice cream, yet the atmosphere stayed tense.

Another month passed by. It's the ninth of October, the anniversary of the Kyūbi Attack. There're tons of people crowding the streets. As a mourning holiday, we're given a day off. I decided not to go to the cemetery, as it'd be too overflowed today – it wouldn't make too much difference if I visit tomorrow.

I peeked through the entrance to the dining hall before entering: most of the kids were clad in black. Most likely they'll go to pay their respects. I surveyed the hall till I focused on whom I was searching for. As always, Kazumi was sitting alone, wearing a grey T-shirt and red shorts.

Strolling through the room I greeted some of the kids I know, as well as the matron. She'd never lived up to her promise, using every chance at escaping before I could ask. So I had no one to train me, but that didn't bring me down. At the moment my main focus is chakra control. Taijutsu, while profitable in the future, won't be of much use as long as I'm three-years-old. I have a very slender built, making me look even younger than I am. Hopefully, I'll change as the chubbiness leaves my body. That doesn't mean I slack off… not all that much, anyway.

Saisu and Zaji have joined the academy (finally). I rarely see them nowadays, but they look rather joyful. Once they complained about "that one prick that thinks he's the best cuz he's from some clan or something". My guess, estimating the ages and stuff, if that they hate Itachi. The irony. Once again, how did I even manage to befriend them? Right, I played Ninja with them…

A caretaker gave Kazumi a medical examination a few months ago, as she was supposed to enter either the academy or a civilian school. Turns out her tenketsu are damaged beyond repair, but it isn't like she minded. She's way to placid for a shinobi lifestyle.

She's enrolled into the civilian school, spending the better part of the day learning humanitarian sciences. The civilian school has a program of six years total, which is quite surprising. I thought that it'd be more like a system back in my first life. Seems like I'm wrong, again…

We spent the rest of the day in the woods, with me carrying her while enforcing my muscles with chakra. Even with all the flaws, it was a splendid day in its own way for us.

The snow has covered Konohagakure no Sato in an exquisite carpet of white. It's the beginning of December, precisely December fifth. I sat on the windowsill in the dining hall after finishing the chores beforehand, tracing the breathtaking patterns with my finger. That's when a knock rang through the hall. Hollowed by footsteps.

I peeked from my place, my whole body tensing at the sight before me: Umeko was strolling through the room with a masked ANBU. They were heading in my direction.

No, no, no, no- this can't be happening. Oh god, no. I can't go to Ne. If he finds out…

"Amachi Isamu," the ANBU's voice was strong and feminine. She was wearing a cloak, making it impossible for me to identify her in any manner. Her posture screamed of confidence, her steps silent as the night. Umeko had a sadistic smirk on her face, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. This is even worse than I imagined.

Realizing that they were waiting for my reply, I mumbled, "Yes, yes." The ANBU seemed to have gone still, observing me in some way.

Did I slip? I was always a rather strange kid, but I don't remember slipping. Maybe someone caught me using chakra, what if…

"Follow us," came the intense voice of an ANBU. I knew that my time was counted, but I wanted to believe.

Sucking in a breath, I slipped of a windowsill and followed quietly. After we exited the dining room, we turned towards the matron's office.

Goodbye life…

Umeko let the ANBU in, leaving the room with an opened door for me. As I entered, a picture I'd have never imagined greeted my vision: Shinju, seated in her seat with a proper tea ceremony served, and a woman I grew to cherish, the one I trusted-

The one cackling there with Shinju, pointing a finger at me. The hell?

Ok, I've had enough. Pouting, I yell, "What is going on here?!" That makes them slowly calm down, an occasional snicker breaking out.

Staring at me with amusement, both women spare each other a glance before nodding. That's when Masuyo spoke. "Oh god, your face! Isamu-chan, that's a prank for, darling! I've missed those for quite a while. You know, I'd be nice to torture you when we come home."

That woman! How dare she?! "No! I won't give in to your- wait, come home? What are you talking about?" Narrowing my eyes, I demand, "What is really going on here?"

Clearly, I'm the only one not finding the situation hilarious. That's when Shinju responded. "For all your genius you're still so dense at times, Isamu-kun." What… "Don't you get it? It's time for you to go home"

Masuyo kneels next to me, brushing a hand against my hair and giving me her signature grin. But her eyes are so warm, so welcoming, "It's over, Isamu-chan. You won't be alone anymore."

*kaa-san – mother

tou-san – father

ba-chan – aunt

rubatosis – the unsettling awareness of your own heartbeat.

A/N: Yas! Isamu-chan's getting adopted. I know it might seem kinda rushed, but there is a reason behind this. Plus I don't want for this arc to take forever…

Please, tell me, was the prank-description thing even slightly funny? And the ANBU thing was a prank, Masuyo's just a Jōnin. A sexy Inuzuka Jōnin, hehe.

So yeah, Isamu-chan's making decisions and progresses in life. And Kazumi will stay as his supportive, cute, civilian bff. Hehe…

Hope you liked it and please review!