Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto the manga or anime, but I do own this plot and any OC I may or may not create.
Akina was not born with whisker-marks, while Naruto was. Because they are not a sign of the Kyuubi's possession, but a birthmark (kind of…), Akina does not suddenly have whisker-marks.
The people of Konoha mourned. Their hero, their saviour, the Yondaime Hokage was dead. His pregnant wife and young daughter were also killed in the tragedy that befell Konoha earlier in the week. Namikaze Akina, his legacy, was a bright star to the village, viewed almost as their very own princess. But the demon had destroyed her, just as it had done to so many others. The Sandaime had announced yesterday that the Kyuubi had been in fact sealed, into the body of an orphan child going by the name of Uzumaki Naruto. He had told the villagers that the 'child' would not be in the public eye at all, remaining under observation for the time being. The people called for It's death, but their desire for vengeance went unsatisfied. Many claimed that once the Demon came out od hiding, then they would strike.
What they didn't know, was that it merely was a cover story.
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"Pssht! Itachi! Wake up weasel!" A voice drifted in from outside of the Uchiha's window, stirring him from his sleep. He blinked wearily and looked around.
"Hn?" The disorientated five year old yawned, still half asleep.
"'Tachi! Open the window baka!" The voice spoke again, causing the young boy's eyes to widen and any remanets of sleep to evaporate instantly.
"Akina? Akina! Is that you?" He jumped out of bed, paying no mind to being in pyjamas.
"No, I'm a Fangirl, come to rape you. Now hurry up!" Akina laughed and slid inside once Itachi opened the window, and into his room. Her light orange nightgown fluttered in the soft breeze coming from outside, so she shut the window before turning to Itachi. She was shocked to suddenly find herself embraced by the stoic boy, freezing momentarily before hugging him back.
"Itachi…?"
"You scared me! I thought you were never coming back! Never do that again 'Kina! Ever!" The boy mumbled quietly, as not to wake his parents and Sasuke.
"Ok…" Akina whispered timidly, genuinely sorry for worrying her best friend so badly that he would actually hug her in relief.
"What took you so long to come back! It was a whole week Akina!" Itachi pulled away, demanding a valid answer. His eyes, like always, pierced right into her soul. And she began to tell him, instantly.
Akina explained what had happened. To her Kaa-chan…Tou-san…and little Naruto, her Otouto. And the Kyuubi. By the end, the girl was in tears, and buried her face in Itachi's neck. The poor antisocial boy had no clue what to do. He settled for just holding her back, and letting her cry it out. He didn't know what he would do if somebody hurt Sasuke, or his parents…well, mostly his mother.
"A-and Sandaime-jiji found me. I woke up in his house and wasn't allowed to leave. I snuck away tonight…he said that he had told the villagers that Kyuubi was in Otouto! Why! Why would this happen 'Tachi! W-we were all so happy."
"I don't know…but you are strong enough to get through it, ok? I promise. So anyway, when will you tell people that you're still alive?"
"I won't. I don't want anybody to know. Except you and Sandaime-jiji. I will not be pitied! I absolutely refuse! Sandaime-jiji said I could be Henged and train still, so everything will be fine…Right?"
"Yeah…we'll be fine." Itachi smiled a little, causing Akina to finally smile herself, the first time since everything had turned her world upside down. But at least she still had 'Tachi.
Itachi lifted up her face, his ebony eyes demanding. "Now, sleep. Seriously, you look like you've been awake for days on end!"
Akina blushed slightly. "I…kinda…was. I had nightmares…I used to sleep with Kaa-chan and Tou-san when I would get scared but-"
"Stay here."
"…What?" She blinked her large blue eyes in surprise.
"Sleep here. As long as you're gone in the morning it's fine right? So, stay."
"B-but there's no room."
"You are sleeping with me. I will not let you have nightmares…so hurry up and get in bed 'Kina before I throw you in." Itachi threatened sternly, but unable to completely hide his blush.
Akina grumbled and climbed into the single bed, pulling the dark blue sheets under her chin. It was then that she noticed Itachi's pyjamas.
"Ne, 'Tachi?" the girl asked curiously. Itachi paused, hand holding the corner of the sheets.
"Hai?"
"…Your pyjamas suck. What kind of creative dreams can you have in plain black? Boooriiing."
"At least they aren't orange." The raven haired boy mumbled, a bit annoyed. It's not like he chose them.
"HEY! ORANGE IS A WONDERFUL COLOUR!" Akina said loudly, causing both five year olds to freeze, listening for any signs of stirring in the household. Nothing. Breathing a simultaneous sigh of relief, Akina moved over in the bed, against the wall, making space. Itachi climbed in. Thankfully, both children being small, there was just enough room for the two of them. However, their legs and arms did touch.
Akina turned, facing the wall, and Itachi the other way. Both fell asleep, unaware that the other's face was just as red as their own. They awoke the next morning, limbs entwined and Akina's head resting on Itachi's chest. No nightmares had dared to disturb their peace.
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SIX YEARS LATER
A number of Jounin and a few Chunin turned to face the approaching chakra signal. They quickly realised the identity of the person…she was under a seemingly permanent Henge, as the eleven year old was said to have been seriously injured during the Kyuubi attack, resulting in horrific scars that she did not wish to show. Understandable, many Shinobi, and especially Kunouchi, did the same thing. It was not seen as vanity, but rather one of the many ways Ninja are – by definition – deceiving.
Nobody knew the dark haired girl's name, but it was common knowledge that because of her scars she never entered the Academy, and was instead taught by private tutors the Hokage had arranged. It was said that the girl was extremely powerful, some even saying she was on par with the Uchiha prodigy himself, although most did not truly believe that, as none had actually seen the girl fight.
She –or at least her Henge - had waist length black hair, vivid jade green eyes set in a heart-shaped face and a rather petite, but not overly short, body figure. She walked with a confidence that came with a successful days training, the slight bounce a sign of the cheerfulness she felt. She had finally, finally, gotten Itachi to try ramen.
…OK, so maybe it wasn't training. But it was an accomplishment! She had actually outlasted the stubborn Uchiha, and it only took eight years! Itachi had eaten one Miso ramen, and proclaimed it to be 'not horrible', but he had ordered another! So ha! She knew he would like it. Not as much as his beloved sweets, but still!
Akina walked past a shop window without a second glance, after all this time she was used to seeing her Henge's appearance. She only allowed herself to drop it in her own apartment, and with Itachi or Sandaime-jiji.
Itachi had activated his Sharingan a few years back, during one of their rougher spars. He was the first in over a century to have gained it so young, causing his father's already bloated ego to inflate even more. No, she did not like Uchiha Fugaku. He put unfair pressure on Itachi and always expected more, giving nothing in return. And Sasuke…Sasuke was only five, the same age as her Naruto would have been, and yet Fugaku did nothing but berate the boy because he was not the second coming of Itachi, as if he himself had been that skilled in his own youth. Pathetic, prideful, greedy old man...
But anyway! Today was a good day! Itachi ate ramen, Sandaime-jiji stopped by to visit and tonight during her and Itachi's midnight training session, Itachi had a new trick to show her! But she would be damned if she didn't have something up her sleeve as well. Mwah, haha…
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The moon gazed silently over the clearing, simply observing the goings on of the two young people below. Itachi sat by the river, letting his feet be washed over by the icy water. Akina – in her true form – stood in the middle of the lake, practicing her water walking again. Ever since Kyuubi had been sealed inside her, her chakra control was shot to hell. But if her Kaa-chan could do it, so would she! Itachi had helped her, even when it resulted in him being dragged underwater when her control slipped. And now, after almost a week and a half, she had got it down! Oh yeah!
She walked back to the river bank and sat besides Itachi, with her knees against her chest and arms wrapped around them. They stayed silent, simply enjoying the other's presence. After about half an hour's relaxation, it was time to get to work again.
"So 'Tachi, what's this awesome thing you had to show me?" Akina asked the slightly taller eleven year old, who just smirked and ran quickly through some hand seals.
"Shunshin no jutsu!" He called out, before promptly disappearing.
Akina gasped. Shit…She soon felt the cold sting of a Kunai at her throat, no pressure being used, but still a clear sign of defeat. She sighed. "Damn you Itachi. You finally got Shisui-san to teach you?"
"That I did." The Uchiha smirked smugly, although Akina could not see it, as he was still behind her, holding the Kunai steady.
"Well you're not the only one to have a new jutsu! And I invented mine myself! I'll bet even you cannot defeat it! You will be its first ever victim!"
"Hn. Let's see about that then shall we Akina?" The Kunai was removed and Akina spun around to face Itachi, yelling out "Oiroke no Jutsu!" and was engulfed in smoke.
Before Itachi could even raise an eyebrow, the smoke cleared, save for a few lingering clouds, thankfully. In front of him stood an older version of Akina, probably around her early twenties…and naked. Very naked. Itachi's face became red and he thanked Kami that he didn't have his Sharingan activated, or things could have been do much worse. As it was, the boy was emotionally controlled enough not to get a nosebleed…however his virgin mind still couldn't take it, and he passed out cold.
Akina poofed back into her real form once again, and flashed the victory sign along with a huge grin at her passed out friend.
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Itachi lay awake later that same night, trying - and failing - not to think. He had been taken down by such a cheap and perverted jutsu! It was disgraceful! Although…she did have really nice-NO! BAD ITACHI! YOU WILL NOT THINK OF AKINA THAT WAY! OR HER PERVERTED JUTSU FOR THAT MATTER! PURE THOUGHTS!
…Alas, it was not to be. Sharingan or no Sharingan, the image was burned into his memory, and in the forefront of his adolescent mind. Itachi groaned in exasperation and stuffed a pillow over his head, hoping for sleep to capture him. Fucking puberty…
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"Itachi, it is time for you to enter the ANBU. Do not bring shame upon the clan son." Fugaku warned the now twelve year old, who sat with his head bowed in false respect.
"Hai, Tou-san. I shall not disappoint you." Itachi replied emotionlessly. Fugaku nodded, satisfied.
"Good. If all goes to plan, you will make Captain by the time you are thirteen. Be sure that this happens Itachi, the future of our clan will be shaped by your coming actions. As long as you remain obedient, everything will go to plan. Remain vigilant."
"…Hai Tou-san."
"Very well, you are dismissed Itachi. Go and train."
"…Hai."
Fugaku leaned back in his chair, satisfied that the beginnings of his ambitions were being carefully put into place. It wouldn't be long now, and Konoha would belong to hi-the Uchiha clan.
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"ANBU?" Akina was shocked, Itachi entering ANBU at only twelve –well almost thirteen, but still so young! The only other person she knew to have done that was Kakashi-nii-san! Akina had seen Kakashi around the village, but could never approach him…her identity was still a secret, even from her big-brother figure. They were lying on the grass of their training clearing/meeting place, looking up at the stars, Itachi to the right, and Akina the left.
"Yeah. Fugaku wants me to join immediately. I think he's up to something...but I'm not sure what." Itachi mused, yet his tone was serious. He referred to his father as simply 'Fugaku', as he had no real respect, nor loyalty to the insufferable man.
"…Well, I guess we're joining ANBU then." Akina shrugged, as much as possible while lying down.
Itachi sat up on his elbows and looked down at the blonde girl in surprise.
"We?"
Akina snorted. "Of course 'we' , baka 'Tachi! Someone has to watch your back out there, and you're too damn proud to let anybody else do it."
Itachi would have argued...but unfortunately, she was right. He didn't want her in such dangerous situations as she would be subjected to in the ANBU corps, but at least he would be with her this way. There was no doubt that she would qualify, she was just as skilled as he was. While Itachi had the Genjutsu, analytical mind and ruthless attitude when necessary, Akina had the speed, chakra reserves and improvising genius. They also had a range of jutsu at their disposal. Both were equal in terms of accuracy and strength, and they could understand each other without words. They would be the perfect partners.
ANBU partners were not overly common, most being in four-man squads, unless on Solo missions. Partners were created when two ANBU complimented each other so flawlessly that any other two in the squad would not benefit at all, sometimes even endangering the team as they were unneeded, and a hindrance.
Itachi and Akina (under her Henge) went to the Sandaime the next day, when Fugaku thought Itachi was training. Naturally, the Sandaime had no problem with them becoming partners, as they were the ideal candidates. He was saddened that they were entering the harsh world of ANBU so young, but was confident in their abilities, and their devotion to each other, to keep the pair alive.
Akina had decided to change her Henge slightly, to ensure her Henged self was not recognised as one of the ANBU. Her hair bled a crimson red, much like her mother's once was. It shortened to mid-back, and was tied up in a long ponytail. Her mask was decorated in red paint, and Itachi's in black. As partners, their masks were all but identical.
And so Konoha's Red and Black Ravens were born.
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The Black Raven swooped down from the darkness, cornering the target in an ally way. The man marked for assassination was accused of the kidnappings of fifteen Fire Country children, and the murder of at least one child, as the others were never found, but evidence suggests at least four other children were also killed. Red Raven had been sent to investigate his latest hideout, for any evidence and/or victims, alive or dead.
Black Raven moved with incredible speed and slit the man's throat without hesitation. As an older brother, anybody hurting children automatically gained his absolute hatred. But, of course, this did not show. Only a professional indifference was in his gaze as he sealed the man's body into a scroll, and jumped away to meet up with Red Raven.
Black Raven walked silently down into the suspected hideout, listening out for any signs of his partner. His sensitive ears caught the sound of a sob, and he immediately rushed to the source.
There she sat, tears dripping from under her mask. He soon saw why.
A young blonde boy, was laid out in front of her kneeling form…or rather, the boy's body was. The child's skin was unnaturally pale, and if the dried blood surrounding him was any indication, he had been dead for a while. Too late to save. The boy had extremely light blue eyes, clouded over in death. On closer inspection, the cause of death became obvious. Blunt force trauma to the head, probably only enough to knock him unconscious, thank Kami he was not awake. They could only hope that he had not felt it when the sharp object, likely a large knife, pierced his gut, in three vicious stabbings. The boy had bled out, alone on his kidnapper's concrete floor, no more than two days ago. The boy was no older than Sasuke was…and Naruto would have been…oh Kami, no wonder she broke down. The kid was blonde and everything!
Black knelt down next to Red, and gently shook her shoulders in an attempt to snap her out of it. Seeing it was no use, he cast an evidence preservation jutsu on the crime scene, and sealed the child's body, in a different scroll from his killer of course.
He sighed. This mission was so tiring…mentally and emotionally. But he at least could attempt to distance himself in a way that Red couldn't, because he knew Sasuke was home, safe. And unless, Kami forbid, he lost his Otouto, he knew that he would never truly understand her pain.
He scooped up his unresponsive partner and held her close to his chest, before jumping away and back into the night, towards Konoha.
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Akina woke up, feeling strangely warm. A foreign but yet somehow familiar object was pressed against her cheek, a steady thump resonating from within. …A heartbeat?
She had fallen asleep sometime during the journey back to Konoha, her mind finally giving out under the cutting emotions. Anger, pity, helplessness…but most of all, the guilt. If they had gotten there just a few days earlier, that boy would still be alive. One less fatality, one less family that would have to suffer.
She let her eyes drift closed again, blocking out the sight of Konoha's gates fast approaching. It was Itachi's turn to do the mission report this time anyway. All she wanted now was the bliss that with unconsciousness once again. She had frozen up and broken down, and during a mission! How could she face Itachi?
She felt his arms tighten around her as he leaped over the wall, the chakra sensors allowing them to do so as their signatures had been given clearance, as ANBU operatives.
She soon heard the creak of a window, and the smell of ramen wafted towards them. She was in her apartment. Itachi lay her down on the bed, and stood over the 'sleeping' girl for a moment, before chastely placing a kiss on her forehead, and vanishing back into the darkness, closing the window.
Akina's eyes snapped open, and she reached up to touch her tingling forehead. Her hand shook slightly and her mouth had dropped open just a bit. What…was that? She scowled…Idiot 'Tachi…now how am I supposed to sleep?
Nevertheless, Akina smiled.
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"Hokage-sama, my son Itachi has been in ANBU for three months now, over a month past the minimum service time required to become a Captain. You know he has the ability, why do you refuse to promote him?" Fugaku heatedly questioned the Sandaime, clearly unhappy with the situation.
The aging Hokage sighed. He had been expecting this for a while now. "Uchiha-san, you know I cannot discuss ANBU matters with you, clan head or not. However, since Itachi is your son, I can disclose some information. Itachi is not part of a typical four-man cell, and has been paired up with an equally promising partner. They work together flawlessly and I am very pleased with the results. As a partnership, there is not one taking change, and titles such as Captain are not relevant. I am sure you understand."
Fugaku twitched in barely contained fury. "Hokage-sama, there is NOBODY on level with Itachi, you are simply making ridiculous excuses to hinder my son, and by extension, my clan!" he snarled aggressively, causing the hidden team of ANBU guards to stiffen, preparing to step in if Fugaku should try anything.
"I do no such thing Uchiha-san. I simply arranged for the most productive results for Konoha. Do not question me on how I run my village Fugaku, and do NOT accuse me of such things. It could very well be seen as treason." Hiruzen warned, dropping the respectful language he had showed to the Uchiha clan head.
Fugaku growled, but visibly restrained himself from attacking the man across from him.
"Very well Hokage-sama," he spat, venom dripping off each syllable, "In that case, I shall take my leave."
Fugaku stormed out of the office, slamming the heavy door behind him, seething. As soon as he returned to the Compound's vacant meeting place, he called Uchiha Shisui to his side.
"Fugaku-sama, you requested my presence?" Shisui asked, bowing respectfully and then kneeling to the ground, face down.
"Uchiha Shisui. I have a mission for you. Strictly under my orders, not the Hokage's, for the good of the Uchiha clan. Do you accept this mission?" Fugaku demanded, staring down at the fifteen year old in front of him.
"Of course Fugaku-sama, I will do anything necessary for the clan. What does this mission entail, if I may be so bold as to ask?" Shisui intoned emotionlessly, a true example of the Uchiha.
"The Sandaime is a fool; he has restricted Itachi from becoming an ANBU Captain, instead placing him with a single 'partner'. Your mission is to eliminate this so called 'partner', by any and all means required. Then the Hokage will have no choice but to bend to my will on the matter." Fugaku's face was devoid of emotion, but his dark eyes were lit with an inner fury.
"…It shall be done, Fugaku-sama." Shisui said, looking up from the ground, locking his determined eyes with his clan head's approving gaze.
"'Very good Shisui. The identity of this person is of yet unknown, but you are skilled enough to track Itachi on his next mission I assume? After all, you are a prodigy only overshadowed by Itachi himself. I am sure you can manage. I expect his or her death to be common knowledge by the end of the month. You are dismissed."
Shisui nodded, standing up and turning away to leave. Fugaku cleared his throat, drawing back Shisui's attention.
"Oh, and Shisui? Do not leave any evidence incriminating our clan. And do not disappoint me."
"…Hai, Fugaku-sama."
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A shiver passed through Akina's spine, rocking her deceptively delicate, yet strong frame. She looked around herself worriedly, suppressing another chill. She couldn't help but feel that a storm was coming, and a dangerous one at that. Brow furrowed, she continued on her way to meet Itachi.
…I can't think of anything to say here! So I guess I'll just say Cya for now!
-TITM