Chapter 10: How it All Came Crashing Down: Genma's twenty fourth year of life was filled with many changes. Most good. Some interesting. But a few... Even with how little those bad moments were, they were just bad... Genma had not believed any of the kids were capable of anything worse than maybe a mean spirited prank. None of them, not the Academy age kids, not Itachi, not Kotetsu, not Izumo, not Iwashi, not Hayate... None of them... But he was proved wrong. And he was left devastated.

..~..~..

"Quick, Iwashi, flank Itachi! We can't let him got close to us!"

Genma smiled softly as he watched the children and teenagers play capture the flag. For once he was allowed to take a rest from the rest of the children. But he had a sneaking suspicion that he was only allowed to rest because Iwashi, Hana, Itachi, Kotetsu, and Izumo were all around to be able to play with the children and take his place.

They were celebrating their birthdays once more. It was July and Sasuke and Itachi were the happiest Genma had ever seen. Kiba was usually always happy, but now he seemed a little bit more because of the fact that his team was winning the game. And Neji, whom they had not been able to see recently, was overjoyed at finally being able to be around his friends once more.

"Itachi, don't let yourself get caught!" Kiba barked as he chased after Naruto, who had his team's flag. "Kotetsu, stop playing around with Shino and help Itachi out!"

The wild haired teenager looked up from his spot throwing Shino up into the air to then catch him. And when he noticed how close Iwashi was to grabbing Itachi's flag, he placed the Aburame down on the ground, patted his head, and ran off to support his teammate.

"Oh, Kotetsu..." Inoichi shook his head softly as he watched the teenager rush off, then glanced over at Shibi. "He really has taken quite the shine to Shino."

The Aburame clan head nodded softly, although he kept his sunglass covered gaze on the field the kids were using for their game. "I am amazed that Shino was able to make such a friend, if I can tell the truth. Especially in someone like Kotetsu. But they treat each other like brothers... It is quite amazing, really."

Genma had never felt so content before. Sitting there with the rest of the parents as they watched the kids play... Well, it made him feel like he truly was part of a family.

"I'm just surprised of how much those two have integrated into our lives." Choza remarked as he crossed his arms over his chest, focusing on Chouji as the kid ran defense for Naruto. "Chouji loves Izumo. And he has asked on more than one occasion if we can adopt him."

"Adopt him?" Shikaku quirked an eyebrow at his friend, even though Genma wasn't all that surprised.

This wasn't the first time he heard about the kids wanting to adopt their older friends. Iwashi, Kotetsu, and Izumo had all been subjected to the kids' puppy dog eyes as they asked if Genma could adopt them. And while it was pretty adorable to see the three teenagers fumble around and grasp for an answer that wouldn't hurt the kids' feelings, it was also kind of tiring trying to explain to them why they couldn't be adopted.

"Shino asked the same for Kotetsu. And when I told him that he didn't have the requirements to truly be an Aburame, he asked if we could give him his own hive to be protected on missions."

Genma smirked upon hearing this, then turned to the parents. "Sounds like something Shino would ask."

Hiashi quirked an eyebrow at him, "You are not surprised by this? Then you surely must have heard how Neji and Hinata both wish for Iwashi to become Hanabi's guardian."

This, though, was new. Genma blinked over at the Hyuga, slightly stunned, then sighed and smiled softly.

It was no secret that Hanabi's birth had been difficult for the clan head. He now joined Inoichi and Shibi in the ranks of single parents, for his wife had died from complications during their youngest's birth. And it had been difficult for Hiashi to cope, retracting into the Hyuga clan and taking Neji and Hinata with him. But he was slowly getting better and was making a true effort to move on. He could have easily ignored the birthday invitation and forced his nephew to spend his birthday alone. But he was here and interacting with others. Genma could appreciate strength when he saw it, and Hiashi was truly trying.

"That is new." He relented, but soon shrugged. "Although it wouldn't surprise me all that much. I think these kids take turns deciding on who they want to be part of their clans. I'm amazed, though, that Kiba has yet to try and bring anyone into the Inuzuka clan."

Tsume, though, smirked over at him with a knowing glint in her uniquely shaped eyes. "That's what you think, Shiranui."

From her words, Genma knew that Tsume knew something he didn't. But before he could ask her what she meant, the young baby in his arms cooing at him and grasping up at her with her tiny hands took up his attention.

Hanabi Hyuga was just as adorable as Hinata Hyuga. But, unlike Hinata, Genma was actually able to see her as a months old baby. And unlike many other babies he had been unfortunate enough to deal with in his life, she barely ever cried. There was a spark of intelligence in Hanabi's eyes that reminded him a lot of Neji. But her name just made him wonder if this kid would be as calm and docile as either her cousin or older sister.

He had a sneaking suspicion that her mother, before death ultimately took her, named the girl in such a manner to try and make her become the fun loving chaos to Hinata's fun loving calm.

"Hanabi likes you." Hiashi's voice was just above a whisper, suddenly sounding rather far and distant. Genma turned to look at him and took note of his emotionless face, "She must be a good judge of character."

The mood around the adults became heavy because of Hiashi's words. Genma understood the true severity of what Hiashi was saying and his throat soon closed up with guilt.

Hiashi truly did love his wife. There were no doubts in Genma's mind. Even though he had only seen the woman a handful of times, there was no denying the love to be found in Hiashi's eyes when he looked at her. And now that she was gone, he was trying to pick up pieces of a life he most probably wasn't even sure of how to put back together.

"Just like the rest of your kids, Hiashi." Tsume spoke softly as she laid a hand on the Hyuga's shoulder, prompting him to look and see her uncharacteristically soft smile. "Now, how about some betting? I bet Kiba's team kicks ass."

Kiba took after his mother, no doubt about it. He was an observant little thing that could sniff out all emotions and try and help with them. But once he'd given his two scents of helpfulness, he was back to being crass and hyperactive. Much like Tsume.

From his spot at the edge of the clearing that was Training Ground 18, one that he had used in his genin days along with Choza, Guy, and Ebisu, Genma could see the children giving the game of capture the flag their all. And he was rather proud to say that none of them seemed likely to give up without making sure to try their best.

"Look, rival! A most youthful game of capture the flag! We must join-"

"Guy, would you please stop shouting? I have a headache coming on and I've only been around you for a few minutes."

"You're actually asking Guy to stop? Have you ever been around him, Raidou? Because I'm starting to think you haven't."

Genma looked behind him to the last of those invited to the joint birthday party as they argued. Guy was carrying a large birthday gift that hid most of his upper body, including his head. Ebisu, though, was carrying four small bags in his hands, clearly having been less extravagant about his gifts than Guy. Kakashi, Kurenai, and Raidou all lagged behind them, Kakashi with his hands clasped behind his head while Raidou had his own shoved into his pockets and Kurenai carried small gift bags. And, surprisingly, behind them came Hayate, a kid he'd seen Iwashi with a few times. He was carrying four boxes, all of different sizes and wrapping paper.

"Shut up, Hatake." Raidou growled, then turned to look forward and found Genma's gaze. "Happy birthday, Mother Hen."

For once, the nickname wasn't used mockingly. It was said with a kind of comfort and ease that had slowly begun to come back to the scarred man's life. And Genma couldn't help the small smile he flashed his friend, getting up from the floor slowly so he didn't jar the baby in his arms. But once he was up, he made his way towards the newcomers and smiled at them all.

"Thank you all for coming to our shared birthday bash." He zeroed in on Hayate, who shuffled his feet somewhat awkwardly while his eyes remained on the floor. And, for what felt like the fiftieth time in his life, Genma felt the need to bring this kid into his fold as well. "Hayate, right?"

The kid was Iwashi's age, yet skinner and had extremely dark bags under his eyes that immediately made Genma feel like forcing him into a bed. But he stopped himself and allowed the kid to answer to not seem like a completely insane person.

"Uh... Y-yes, sir." He nodded rapidly, then looked down at the gifts in his hands. "Iwashi and I picked these out..." He murmured, then looked up at Genma, waiting for him to answer.

"Thank you, kid." He smiled as comfortingly as he could, then pointed over to the stack of gifts that had been created by the parents leaving the gifts on a blanket a few feet away from them. "You can put them over there if you'd like. That goes for you, Kurenai, and Guy too, Ebisu."

Ebisu nodded and began to quietly make his way towards the pile with the style and silence he loved to portray himself with. Kurenai followed after having nodded softly over at Genma, still somewhat new to the friends had managed to make in the past few years. Guy, on the other hand, took off running and just about bowled over both Hayate, Kurenai, and Ebisu, racing against the three in his own mind.

Genma smiled after his over eager friend, then walked back towards the parents while Hanabi began to tug at the pockets on his vest. She looked up at him with slightly narrowed pale eyes and Genma handed her over to her father, who took her with a small bit of hesitation. But once the child curled herself into his chest and closed her eyes, Genma could see the pride in Hiashi's eyes. And he knew then that the Hyuga family would get through the loss of their matriarch.

~/~

"Bear! Quick! Give Genma a kiss to make him fall in love with you!"

Genma suppressed the urge to roll his eyes at Tenten's shout as walked towards the table that held the large birthday cake Chouji's mother had preferred for the shared birthday party.

Bear looked down at the little girl and raised his hand to pat on her head.

"He already explained that he does not wish for a relationship, Tenten."

"That means nothing!" Ino gasped out, running up to hug the large man around his left leg. "He wants to be loved! He just doesn't know it yet!"

The kids were coming over to the table after having completed their third round of capture the flag. Bear had been off on a mission and had not been able to join until now, but that had not stopped the kids fun. And the fact that Guy, Raidou, and Hayate all joined the game sure hadn't hurt the fun they had experienced.

"She's right, you know." Shikamaru drawled as he dragged his feet all the way from the field, sporting a few bruises from where Ino had smacked him for having been lazy and having tried to avoid playing with them. "Genma needs love. You're perfect for him. You're both too stupid to see it."

Quite frankly, Genma had heard this conversation so many times already that he wasn't upset by it anymore. Sure, it was still embarrassing how the kids insisted on playing matchmaker. But Bear didn't seem too bothered by the kids trying to push them together. And while he was comfortable, Genma wouldn't demand the kids to stop.

"Shikamaru, since when do you pay attention to romance?" His mother asked curiously as she stood up to go to her son, a moist towel in her hands.

Genma smirked at the disgusted look the young Nara sent the cloth; even though he was called the mother hen, he wasn't nearly as protective of the kids as the other mothers. They just didn't spend as much time around them to show their true colors at all times.

"Go away, mom..." The Nara battled lazily against his mother's hands, "Dad, grab your woman."

Shikaku, though, just continued to laze around with Kakashi, eyes closed even though there was a small smirk on his lips.

"Respect your mother, you jerk!" Ino smacked Shikamaru upside the head, causing his glare to turn onto her, which allowed Yoshino to finally wipe at the mud that had caked his skin.

"Women are insane!"

Genma knew that to be a fact. But the women that were there did not take kindly to the shout and scolded the young Nara. And after he had gotten his ear chewed out by all the woman, Shikamaru hid behind Chouji, trying to stay away from getting into any more trouble because of his mouth. Chouji in the meanwhile just looked back at his friend in confusion.

~/~

"Your apartment... Do you not consider it a bit too small for the children?"

Genma glanced up from the wrapping paper he was picking up to find Hiashi standing behind him, looking over his apartment with wandering eyes. He had offered to stay behind and help clean up while Neji, Hinata, and Naruto played a bit in Genma's room. Hanabi was sleeping in Bear's arms, all the while the man watched over the three kids and made sure they didn't get into any fights.

He had noticed this a long time ago. Back in Tenten and Sakura's first shared birthday, really. His apartment was supposed to be a bachelor's pad, created for only one, maybe two people. Not eleven children and too many shinobi to count.

There had been a reason why they had celebrated today's shared birthday in the Training Grounds instead of in his place, after all.

"It's... Cozy." Genma smiled up at the man as he straightened up from the floor, hands curled around pieces of paper he wanted to throw away. "Although the kids may outgrow it in a couple of years."

"Are you not wondering if you should buy yourself a new apartment?"

Genma walked towards the trash to throw away the papers, then turned to Hiashi with a small shrug. "Not really. I don't have the money for it at the moment. But I'm fine the way I am. And the kids still are able to fit in here. The day they crash through a window because of how small it is, though, I'll begin to think about maybe moving out."

Hiashi's face was emotionless as he moved to pick up the glasses left around his counter, but before the conversation could continue, Itachi and Sasuke walked in through his front door and asked if they could stay the night.

"Of course. Why do you even feel like you have to ask?" Genma smiled as he walked towards the two, ruffling their heads. "I know you're supposed to be polite Uchiha, but you can be regular kids in here, yeah? It'll be our little secret."

"Awesome! Come on, Itachi, let's go find the rest and have some fun!"

"We are supposed to sleep over, brother, not continue playing."

Genma smirked after the two as they began to banter on their way to his room.

These kids were just too cute sometimes. Even the older ones.

A new school year had begun and the children had adapted much better and smoother than the past year.

Apparently, Iruka Sensei was becoming bolder with what he taught and the games he allowed the children to play. Which meant that the kids loved to talk about him and the awesome things they had done in class, even though Naruto and Kiba both had an aversion for homework.

Genma had already lost count of how many times he'd been forced to chase after the two mongrels to sit them down so they could finally finish the homework the rest of their friends had completed.

"Alright, kiddos! Time for you to learn how to skip out of class!"

"Kotetsu!"

"What? We used to do it all the time back in the Academy, Zumo."

"You used to do that all the time! And it's a miracle you were able to graduate!"

Genma rolled his eyes at the bickering teens, left the papers he had been reading over on his bed, and walked out of his room. Outside he found all of the kids seated silently, intently looking up at Kotetsu as Izumo glared at him.

"You're not teaching these kids how to get away from their classes, Kotetsu." Genma frowned minutely as he crossed his arms over his chest, then glanced down at the kids. "Now you kids, get to work on your homework. I don't need your parents on my case because you got distracted by these two bad influences."

Izumo scoffed at being insulted. Kotetsu bristled. And Chouji just raised his arm to ask, "When's the food going to be ready?"

Genma and Kotetsu began to cook after that. Usually Izumo would be the one to help the senbon enthusiast. But seeing how Kotetsu was dead set on showing the kids how to escape the Academy when the lessons were too boring (even though they weren't older than nine), they decided it would be best for Izumo to entertain them and Kotetsu to cook.

(It took Kotetsu a while. But eventually he taught Kiba and Naruto how to do it. And after a while, it spread to the rest of the children.)

Itachi had seen too much... Done too much... Genma had stood to the side and watched Itachi go through the very route he wished none of the kids he took care of ever had to go through... And all he'd done was sit to the sidelines and offer a safe haven in his home. But it seemed, now, that it hadn't been enough to save him from the dark thoughts that were almost a requirement for the shinobi life.

He'd come back after a particularly harsh mission tonight. And instead of going back to his clan like he was supposed to, the kid had woken him up in the middle of the night. His clothes and hair were disheveled and his face was lit with emotions. Dark, twisted ones that let Genma know the mission had done more than just made him leave his village for a few days.

"If something were to happen to my whole clan, Genma-san, would you take care of Sasuke?"

Genma was more than surprised by the younger's question. But his surprise softened when he saw the pure worry in his eyes, then nodded slowly. "Of course I'd take care of Sasuke... Eleven part time isn't all that hard. And who knows how many kids I take care of if you count the older guys..." But Genma sighed softly, "Taking care of one full time doesn't seem like a daunting task, Itachi."

The tension in the Uchiha's shoulders spoke of how truly uncomfortable the boy was. But his eyes were narrowed in determination and Genma believed he saw a glimpse of the resolve that had helped him get so far in his shinobi career in so little time.

"Genma-san, if you were given an order you were not sure of being just... What would you do?" Itachi's voice was heavy with confusion and trust.

And Genma knew at this moment that Itachi Uchiha truly did trust him. Not only was he wishing for him to take care of Sasuke- his prized little brother- if anything ever happened to him, but he was also asking something that may get him in trouble if asked to the wrong person.

Genma's heart swelled at these implications, but he sighed and shook his head softly.

"Quite frankly, Itachi... I've been lucky enough to never have to face that question in my life." Genma admitted regretfully, but looked over to the kid sitting beside him and raised his hand so it was holding on to his shoulder. "But look inside of your heart. Weigh the options. If it ends up being for the better of the village..."

This wasn't an easy question to answer. But Itachi needed to be told something concrete.

"Back when the Nine Tails attacked, I was part of the Fourth's bodyguard squad. My job was to keep him safe. But his job was to keep the village safe. Often times, we'd butt heads over who was supposed to remain safe and who was protecting who." A wistful yet sorrowful smile made its way onto Genma's lips as he remembered the head strong blonde he'd tried to protect all those years ago. Then he looked Itachi directly in the eyes, "During the attack on the village, I was told to help evacuate civilians from danger zones. Iwashi, Raidou, and I; whom were all the Hokage's bodyguards; did our best to keep civilians safe."

He stopped talking then, flashes of his past forcing their way into his vision. He could remember all of the destruction he had witnessed, all the pain he had been forced to see. Buildings crushed as if mere toys. People decimated to a point that they were barely recognizable.

Then Itachi broke him out of his memories. "That does not seem all that difficult, Genma-san. You were doing your jobs."

"Yes, but no." Genma patted Itachi's head softly for a moment, then explained himself. "My job, first and foremost, was to keep the Hokage safe. But he commanded us to help in evacuation, to help keep the village safe. And as I followed his orders, I defied the ones that I should have listened to. He died that day and none of his bodyguards were with him to even try to protect him."

Explaining this all to the kid felt extremely personal. Maybe that was because he hadn't spoken about the Fourth ever since he had died, a whole six years. Or maybe it was because he was finally voicing the regrets that had been tearing him apart since his death.

Whatever the reason was, Genma knew that Itachi was the best person to tell this to. The kid was smart and understood the importance of duty. And he was in a place that made him doubt his position as a ninja.

Back when he'd first met Itachi, he'd wondered if he could help the kid out. Now, three years later, all he wanted to do was to make him smile and look like a little kid once more. He was much too young to look so old.

"What one is ordered to do and what one should do don't always coincide." Genma murmured, then wrapped his arm around Itachi's shoulders to bring him into a one-armed hug. "But the only person that can decide which is more important to go through with is you, Itachi. No matter what, you are still a person. Even though you're a ninja, you're not some thoughtless weapon. And nobody can take away you're right to think for yourself."

The kid looked up at him with wide eyes for a few seconds before wrapping both arms tightly around Genma's waist, "Thank you so much, Genma-san... I... I know what I am to do now."

Genma was stunned by the hug. But he quickly returned it, wrapping his other arm around the Uchiha before patting his head. "Good, kid." It still amused him to no end to see that Itachi wore his hitai-ite on a bandanna much like him. "You know I'm available for heavy conversations at all times. Although I don't mind having some fun every now and then."

It was an offhanded comment to bring some good humor into the heavy atmosphere. And it did just what Genma wanted it to do, for it made Itachi smile up at him before nodding.

"Understood, Genma-san."

He had a good feeling about this talk. Itachi seemed more sure than ever. And it brought a large smile to Genma's face to have been the one to help him come to his conclusions.

(The ninja in Genma kind of wanted to know what had troubled Itachi enough to make him worry about his whole clan. But he'd just let the issue lie, feeling like Itachi would tell him if ever he truly needed to know.)

(He should have known better.)

"I am not adopting Izumo or Kotetsu."

"What about Iwashi?"

Genma sighed at Neji's question, but soon shook his head. "No, Neji."

"Alright... Maybe Lord Hiashi will allow him to become Hanabi's guardian."

The adult Hyuga quirked an eyebrow at his nephew but said nothing as he stirred the pot of noodles over Genma's stove.

The Hyuga had begun to come around more often recently. He wished to spend more time around his children and tried his best to leave clan business behind when he came over. He had never explained himself to Genma, but he hadn't needed to. Genma knew what a coping mechanism was when he saw it. And who was he to take it away when Hiashi was beginning to get better?

"How about Hayate? Can you adopt him?" Sakura questioned as she walked up to Genma, her hands full of the notebooks she used for her classes.

Ever since the teenager had gone to Genma's birthday party, he'd found himself with admirers. Of course, said admirers were only six and seven years old, but it was adorable to see Hinata and Sakura fawn over the kid. And it was pretty funny to see him falter over everything he did because he wasn't sure how to truly react around young girls.

"No, I'm not going to adopt Hayate either. Don't you have lessons to review?"

The girl squeaked and grabbed Neji's hand, hurriedly asking him to help her understand the math questions she couldn't understand. The Hyuga didn't seem like he wanted to leave, but he quickly went when Ino appeared and asked for him to help them out.

"They are serious about Iwashi becoming Hanabi's guardian." Hiashi commented once the kids were gone, which made Genma turn to him.

Ever since their small talk after the shared birthday in July, Hiashi had become a regular at his apartment. And it was kind of pleasant to have the man come around every now and then. He helped keep the kids calm and sometimes even went ahead and taught them some beginner taijutsu moves.

At first, the children had not known how to react to Hiashi. He was a serious man that carried himself with pride, and they, as kids, were unsure if they were supposed to act like themselves around him. Because Hiashi was unlike the rest of the men and women they usually had fun with. But, after some time, they had managed to become accustomed to his presence. And even though they couldn't really run around him like they normally would with the likes of Bear, Kakashi, and Raidou, they still were comfortable around him and didn't really shy away from him so much anymore.

"They wish for her to be protected by someone they trust. And because Neji is currently Hinata's guardian, and in school, he cannot protect Hanabi. They must think that Iwashi is a skillful shinobi if they want him for such a job."

His smirk was loose as he walked towards the refrigerator to grab the meat they would be cooking for the meal. "Well, you are more than aware of that. He told me about that mission you two went on some time ago."

"It was a long time ago, Shiranui." The Hyuga mumbled, stopped stirring, then placed the large spoon beside the pot. "I had still been on active duty back then... And it was during the war, actually..."

He was lost in a memory. Genma could see that from the way his pale eyes glazed over. But after allowing Hiashi a moment, Genma spoke up, "Feels like a lifetime ago, huh?"

"I had not been married by then..."

His tone was solemn. But after a moment of silence, Genma closed the refrigerator's door and placed a soft hand on the man's shoulder. "Have I ever told you about the time Neji and Tenten broken into my senbon collection and tried to get Kakashi to take off his mask with threats?"

It was good to speak about issues that were weighing on one's mind. But there was a haunting clear in Hiashi's eyes and a weight pulling his shoulders down. Even though Hiashi clearly wanted to speak, there was something holding him back. And sometimes it hurt more to speak than to keep the pain inside.

"No, you have not." The man blinked in surprise and amazement, "Neji threatened Kakashi?"

"Of course he did." Genma smiled broadly, then moved over to the counter beside Hiashi to begin to cook up the meat. "Would you like to tell me about it?"

The rest of the evening was spent with Genma telling Hiashi about his nephew's and daughter's adventures with his friends. And after that, once dinner had been prepared and served, all of the kids sat down to eat and tell both Genma and Hiashi about anything that came to their minds.

Genma had never been prouder of the kids' ability to make anyone and everyone smile.

"Genma! Open up! God damn it man, open!"

Loud pounding at his front door awoke Genma in the middle of the night. The man groggily noted that the voice was Kotetsu's and he slowly extracted himself from his bed, and he began to get up sluggishly.

"Please open up, Farmer man!"

All traces of tiredness, though, vanished as soon as Shino's voice began to call out to him, immediately alerting him to something being wrong. The man wasted no time running towards his front door and threw it open, for once not caring about it slamming against his wall.

Before him stood Shino in his pajamas, without his customary sunglasses, and tears streaming down his cheeks. And Kotetsu's own face was one of pure panic, eyes wide and terrified, his breathing bordering on erratic.

"They took him! They took him and I don't know what to do!"

"Gen, they took Torune! They took my brother!"

Both males were blubbering messes. And Genma was at a loss as to who he should have comforted first. But he soon made up his mind and crouched down to pick Shino up, hugging him tightly to his body. And the Aburame immediately clung to him, sobbing into the crook of his neck.

"Who?" He questioned, looking Kotetsu directly in the eyes. "Who took Torune?"

There were tears in the teenager's eyes... And blood all over his uniform.

Genma's eyes narrowed at the sight of the covered injuries, "Kotetsu, you're hurt."

"That doesn't matter!" The teen immediately bristled at the observation, then jabbed his finger in the direction behind him. "They were going to take Shino and Torune! I was able to fight and save Shino but..." His shouting became a haunted whisper, eyes glazing over and becoming unfocused.

"They took my brother! Please help me, Genma!"

Shino's sobs broke Genma's heart. But he couldn't help him if he was a mess like Kotetsu. So he snapped into full on mission mode, snapping his left hand's fingers in front of Kotetsu to force him to focus back on him, "Where did you encounter these guys and where did they go?"

"Outside the Aburame Compound..." The man whispered out, one tear slipping out of his eye. "Genma, they took Torune! They took him and were going to take Shino and I wasn't good enough to protect both and this is all on-"

Kotetsu would be of no use to him if he was crying. And the teenager was seconds away from falling into a complete panic attack. So Genma did the only thing he was able to think of and slapped him across the face as hard as he could, forcing his head to the snap to the side.

"Get a hold of yourself, Kotetsu!" He barked out with a glare, "You're useless if you're freaking out like some genin!"

For a second, Genma worried that he had been wrong in slapping him, for Kotetsu did not look back him and his face remained hidden by the shadows cast through the little amount of lighting at his doorway. But then Kotetsu turned back to look at him with a determined scowl clear on his face and he allowed himself a small breath of relief.

"We should be able to track them down if we go to the scene of the kidnapping." Genma informed both, turning to grab the pack of senbon he had hidden inside of the highest shelf of his bookcase, "There's no time to get dressed. Kidnappings like these are tight on time. And if we want any chance of getting Torune back, we have to hurry."

Kotetsu nodded, "Come on! I'm not letting those bastards get away."

"Neither am I!"

Genma was proud that Shino was such a brave kid. And he nodded towards him, then moved him so he was on his back rather that his front.

He didn't know this Torune kid. But if he meant enough to Kotetsu to have him fight, get injured, and still want to get him back, then there was no use in hesitating. Both males took off running at their top speed, more than aware that they needed to hurry if they wanted a chance to get Torune back.

~/~

"We're close to where it happened!"

Genma's heart pounded loudly in his ears as he followed after Kotetsu. But suddenly a new presence joined them, although it was running towards them rather than after them. It came from the Aburame Compound.

"Stop."

Genma found himself having to halt suddenly as a wall of black materialized in front of him. Even though he normally would have tried to jump over it, Genma had Shino with him. And if he did that, he risked hurting the kid. So he stopped as best he could, hoping to not slam against the wall.

But before he hit the wall, it vanished. Just as quick as it had come, it had left. And with his chest heaving at having run faster than he had in a long time, Genma found himself facing Shibi Aburame, a swarm of bugs returning to his jacket's sleeve.

"Sh-Shibi?"

Kotetsu was confused. But not more than Genma.

"Torune's been taken." He wasted no time in briefing the man on the situation, "We're giving chase. And we have no time to waste on chatting, so if you're going to help, follow."

Shibi was undoubtedly going to help them. Which was a good thing, seeing how Genma was sorely lacking most of his usual weapons and Kotetsu was injured. But with the clan head on their side, there was no doubt that they would be able to-

"You are following after no one."

The words crashed onto Genma like a ton of bricks.

"Wh-" Kotetsu gasped out, then glared over at the man, "The hell you talking 'bout, Shibi?"

Normally, Izumo would be around to calm Kotetsu's flaring emotions. But Genma wasn't about to stop him, even though he was disrespecting a clan head. He was just as confused as the younger male. Just as confused as Shino if the way he shifted on his back to look over at his father was any indication as to how he was feeling.

"You heard me." Shibi's tone was monotonous, even more so than usual. There were zero emotions on his face and voice. And Genma immediately knew there was something wrong with him. "You are not to give chase after Torune. And that is an order."

Both panting males stared at Shibi in confusion with anger building up inside of them. Genma didn't know what was going on. Why Shibi sounded so uncharacteristically cold. Or why he didn't seem intent on following after his kid.

"Fuck your orders!" Kotetsu screamed out, face twisted in anger. "I'm going after that kid! I'm not letting him get taken!"

Kotetsu made to run past Shibi with that promise. But he suddenly shouted out and collapsed onto the floor, causing Genma to jump slightly at the sudden collapse.

"He is injured. He needs to be taken to a hospital."

Genma looked at Shibi, trying to read his face and body language. Then he turned back to Kotetsu, only to find the stubborn teenager's body shaking as he tried to push himself up onto his hands, "Fuck... That."

It was admirable to see Kotetsu so set on going after Torune. But now Genma could see a puddle beginning to pool around his body and his heart soon sank.

"But... Father... My brother."

Shibi began to move towards Kotetsu. He didn't spare a single glance towards his son.

"He is being taken to a better place."

Genma didn't know what the hell was going on. Why Kotetsu had been attacked so brutally. Why Shibi was so calm. But he had a horrible sinking feeling in his gut that told him this wasn't the end.

When Kotetsu woke up in the hospital, it was with screams for Shino and Torune. Genma immediately rushed to his side and shook him to calm down, which made his terrified and unfocused eyes land on him and try to focus on him.

"They took Shino and Torune!"

Genma frowned heavily at his words, then softly pushed him back onto his bed so he could explain the whole situation. Or, really, what little he knew about it.

Apparently, Torune's 'kidnapping' had not been a kidnapping at all. He had been recruited into a classified branch of ANBU's whole structure. And because he didn't have any clearance, that was all Genma could know.

Kotetsu had called bullshit immediately. But it had been Shibi to tell him this. And what would Shibi possibly gain from lying about Torune's whereabouts? He gained nothing. He just lost a son. And Genma could tell that he wasn't exactly pleased with Torune being taken from the way he carried himself. Even though Shibi wasn't an open individual when it came to his emotions, he could be read if one gave it enough time. And from what Genma had been able to see, he was annoyed and angered. Not happy.

"They were out for both Shino and Torune!"

Genma sighed and sat himself down on the plastic chair beside his bed. "A test for Torune to see how capable he was in a surprise attack. You got in the way; the reason why you were injured. Their orders were to not harm Shino or Torune. You, on the other hand..."

"... I was fair game."

Neither said anything afterwards. What could be said? They did not understand what exactly was going on. And all they knew for certain was that Kotetsu was injured, Shino was terrified, and they would never find out the truth for as long as they lived because they would never have the clearance for it.

~/~

A few hours after he had woken up, Kotetsu's room reminded Genma of a circus. The kids were running around, both terrified and worried about their friends, while the adults tried to calm them down. And there were way too many people, seeing how it wasn't only the parents and the kids, but also the rest of his friends that had come as soon as they had heard Kotetsu was in the hospital.

"But where's he going to stay? Izumo isn't around!"

"He can stay with us! Right, ma?"

"Kiba!"

"You kids cannot pull Kotetsu around like some kind of doll. He is injured!"

Genma just watched the children glare at Inoichi's shout, then sighed and moved his head slightly so he could look at Kotetsu. The kid was fighting back tears, clearly too proud to cry in front of so many people.

"We're not pulling! It's just his sheets!"

Inoichi was about to scold his daughter when a loud and steady knock on the room's door interrupted him. And every single person in the room turned to look over, wondering who could be interrupting such a loud room.

The Hokage stepped in with a serious frown, followed by Hiashi, his kids, a Hyuga elder, and two more, younger, members of the clan. The wise man looked over the room with an expressionless gaze, then settled his sight on Kotetsu. The teenager looked back with tension all around him, although he did not say a thing.

"Kotetsu. I heard of the misfortune you were awarded for protecting Shino. How are you feeling?"

Even though the kids were loud and usually unafraid to voice their thoughts, they remained quiet as Kotetsu thought on his answer.

"Like shit, sir."

Genma wasn't really all that surprised by the answer. He had known Kotetsu may have been brash with his answer. He had just hoped he would not have disrespected the man in such a crude manner.

"Hmm. That is understandable." The Hokage murmured with a nod, then turned to look at Genma. "Genma, you, undoubtedly, are prepared to take care of Kotetsu while Izumo is away on his mission?"

It didn't surprise any of the shinobi inside of the room to hear that the Hokage was so aware of everything that went on his village. Even though Genma did hear Naruto and Kiba murmur in awe at how much knowledge the old man must have had.

"Of course." He answered without any hesitation, "My apartment's always open to these-"

"Unfortunately, I need you to go on a mission. Eri and Ami are both here to brief you on the situation." The Hokage motioned to the male and female Hyuga, then looked over at Kotetsu, "But you do not need to worry about who will help care for you. Lord Hiashi stepped forward as soon as he heard you would need to find accommodations."

Genma tensed upon hearing the man's words. But when he looked over at Hiashi, he found the man smiling softly. Then, when he noticed Genma's gaze on him, he nodded just minutely, telling him that everything was supposed to be alright.

"I should be fine going home alone." Kotetsu made out with slight difficulty, blinking at the Hokage in wonder and confusion. "I really don't need someone to babysit me."

"Kotetsu-" Genma was about to tell him that it wasn't all that bad to accept some help every now and then, but Hiashi stepping forward and raising his hand stopped him.

"I am aware that you have no family, Kotetsu. And while most of the adults you know here are extremely busy with missions or their true jobs, and, therefore, cannot expect them to help you, I wish to help you in your time of need. You were injured defending Shino. The son of one of my greatest friends. Please, allow the Hyuga Clan to help you in your time of need." Then he smiled softly, and motioned to the three children he had with him. "Besides, I have been told you are good with kids."

He didn't know why Shibi was not offering to put Kotetsu up. Or any of his other friends. But Genma was relieved to hear that Hiashi was adamant about helping the teenager out. Especially after everything he had been forced to live through.

"I... I don't know what to say..."

"Say yes! That way we can go and finally see the Hyuga Compound!"

Kiba suddenly jumped onto Kotetsu's bed with a crazed smile, followed quickly by Naruto. "Yeah, and we can finally see that awesome garden Hinata's always going on about!"

The dark haired teen groaned softly as his injuries were jostled, but quickly hid his pain with a small smile and agreed to stay with Hiashi. And as the kids began to chatter animatedly about finally having an excuse to go and explored the Hyuga Compound, Genma could not help the sad smile that came onto his face.

These kids were so innocent and pure... They didn't understand what had just happened. They didn't understand why the Hokage himself had come to speak with Kotetsu about clan issues. They just knew their friend had gotten hurt, Shino's brother had been taken for more intense ninja training, and that now they were going to be able to visit Kotetsu in the Hyuga Compound.

Genma had never wished to be that age- so ignorant and happy- as much as he did that day.

He had not been wrong to believe there were worst things to come.

First Torune.

Then the Uchiha Clan.

Unknown and masked men had taken the Aburame.

But the murderer of the clan was a face that he knew all too well.

He had tried. Dammit, had he tried! He'd run to the clan compound as soon as he'd felt something was amiss. He'd run through the blood stained streets and ignored the corpses that littered them, terrified of finding Sasuke or Itachi with their bodies as lifeless as the rest.

When he'd gotten to the main house, Genma had hoped against hope he would not find the lifeless bodies of Sasuke and Itachi. But after what he found... He kind of regretted having hoped such a thing. For that would have been a thousand times better than what he had truly found.

"Itachi..."

The teenager had jumped upon hearing his voice, swiveling around to look at him with wide and tear filled eyes. His mouth had opened and closed, seemingly lost for the words he wanted to say. "G-Genma... You weren't supposed-" But then Sasuke had groaned in pain and his attention had been taken up by his brother once more. "You're weak."

The words had scathed Genma. And there was no doubt in his mind that they had been a thousand times more hurtful for the boy they had been directed towards.

"You're both weak and disgusting. You truly deserve each other."

Then the murderer of the Uchiha clan had thrown Sasuke directly at Genma, forcing the man to brace himself to not hurt the young boy. And by the time he had managed to right himself and shift Sasuke into a more comfortable hold, Itachi had vanished into thin air.

Genma was never the same after that.

Sasuke was never the same.

..~..~..

The angst is real in me... I am so sorry! But this all needed to happen. And after much debate, I decided to keep the Uchiha clan massacre. Even though it would be interesting to see a world without it, I also kind of needed Genma to have even more character development! Along with the rest of the children learning and growing from all of these experiences.

Please review and tell me what y'all think! I know Valentine's Day is supposed to be for fun and love... But I decided to post this as soon as I finished writing it. Tell me what y'all thought!