Hierarchical Complexity

by IceHaze

Understanding and predicting the behaviors of humans requires extensive analysis. Understanding and predicting the behaviors of Uchiha Itachi requires a miracle.

9. VIII Abstract

Disclaimer: They own Naruto. And then they're going to own Sailor Moon...OH MY GOOOODDD!
Warnings: Caution: Flammable.
Author's Notes: Wow, it's only been like a month (give or take). Amazah. As a warning, this chapter is Ubersuperspecialwicked long. But it was necessary as you will see. Hope you enjoy the long read. It's really light reading when you think about it. You can do it while sipping your tea. All six gallons of it.

---

Abstract

---

The sight of his plainly adorned walls had never looked so inviting. He inhaled the scent of his room. It was a mixture of oiled weapons, newly washed bed sheets and the scent that was distinctly his. There was a tad of something else in the air, but he passed it off as his mother having intruded his room while he was gone. Too exhausted from having sprinted all the way home, he released one heavy yawn as he began to pull at the shirt over his head. A quick change into shorts and he collapsed onto the futon, ready to let the night consume him into a deep slumber. The mission was exhausting and horrible, one from which he wasn't even sure he would be returning home. And he promised himself if he ever did make it back, the futon would be the first to receive his unconditional love.

He smiled as his cheeks felt the tickling sensation of silk. His nose inhaled the soft scent of berries and fresh linen. Normally he would admonish his mother for the feminine scent that would stain his sheets, but at the moment, he worshipped them as they offered comfort. He shifted his feet around and nestled more into his comforters. He grabbed a hold of his pillow and rested his cheek on the soft contents. His mind began to drift into sleep soon after. The first image that greeted his mind was a gentle smile and familiar locks of pink. The figure embraced him into a warm hug, and he let out a sigh of content as he gave himself up to the wonderful feeling. He embraced back and held tighter, wanting nothing to disrupt the moment of peace. A cold cheek, however, had other plans.

The boy frowned immediately. Something was not quite right. He patted the lump beside him and realized it was his covers. Before shaking it off as his tired state and nothing more, the pile of lump moved a tiny fraction of a centimeter. As far as he knew, they didn't have any pets; but there was no telling what his family had done while he was gone. Carefully, he reached out and patted the lump more thoroughly. It moved again. Another pat and wiggle later alerted him to a new predicament. No, this wasn't an animal at all. It was a person. He frantically looked about the room. Had he ventured into his brother's room in such a sleepy state? No, not at all. The room was most certainly his. But then..?

A tiny shock of electricity started to flow from his toes, up his spine and to his neck the moment he felt soft delicate fingers tickle his sensitive legs. His skin was full of goose bumps and his hairs stood on end. When the figure under the sheets enveloped his entire bottom half into a tighter hug, his mouth fell open in shock and fear. He moved aside the covers slowly until strands of blonde hair poked from underneath. His eyes widened. This was his house. He was in the right room. The hug became tighter and the feeling more intense. He made a brave move and shoved the covers aside. And right below to greet him was a blonde in a fetal position, reaching over to find the covers that had mysteriously disappeared. After some struggles, she opened her eyes groggily.

Sapphire met obsidian before a high-pitched screech scratched the air.

"What the hell? Usagi?"

"S-Sasuke?"

"What the hell are you doing in my room?"

Usagi frantically searched the room, trying to recover from the recent shock. "Uh, well, you see. The thing is I kind of…"

"Naruto put you up to this, didn't he? That fucking asshole. I'm going to kick his ass next time I see him."

"No! It's not that at all. I'm actually here because of your dad."

His eyes widened.

"No! Not like that! I just meant I have some business with him."

"What business do you have with my father?"

"I'm not sure, but your brother is involved as well."

He was sure his face was glued to its previous shocked expression.

"I didn't mean it like that either!"

He blinked and pinched the bridge of his eyebrows to process everything. "What the hell are you talking about? Look, you know what? I don't give a shit. Just get out of my room! I'm tired, and I don't feel like dealing with your ridiculous crap right now."

"It's not my fault. Your dad said I could stay in your room."

"Why the hell would he say that?" Surely they weren't replacing him. He knew his relationship with his father to be strained, but this was going overboard.

"Uh, I'm not sure either. But I do know I'm supposed to be working with him or something…"

He ran a hand through his face before pulling the girl up and leading her to the door. "I'm hallucinating. I have to sleep."

"But you're not. I'm really..."

He shoved her out of the room before the sentence was over. "I don't know what the hell is going on, but I'm too tired to deal with it. Go find somewhere else to sleep if you have business with my family."

"But where…?"

"Sasuke."

"AH!"

Usagi clutched her pillow as she jumped back a meter from the voice. "Damn it, Itachi! Don't scare me like that!"

Sasuke rubbed his eye in order to break the illusion. But after realizing his brother was also addressing said mirage, he became aware that Usagi's presence was very much real. It was not a hallucination due to sleep deprivation. What was more unsettling than that was his brother who seemed to be gazing at the girl quite familiarly. He narrowed his eyes.

"You two know each other."

Itachi rubbed the back of his neck in guilt while Usagi shielded her face with the pillow.

"But how…?"

"Um…well…actually…your brother and I…"

"You and Itachi what? What the hell is going on?" He glared at Itachi. "Why the hell was she in my room?"

"It's a long story."

"So, then she does have business with you?"

"Yes, we're…well, it's complicated."

He stumbled backwards into his room. "Are…are you two having an affair?"

The shadows concealed much more than their surprised faces.

"No, it's like this. Usagi and I…"

"What's going on?"

One look at the figure on her left had Usagi jump straight into Itachi's arms from fear at the monster before her. But as soon as the creature entered the minimal light in the house, she realized it to be no more than Mikoto in her masking cream. She held her chest to slow her breathing down.

"Oh, it's just you Mikoto-san."

"Yes, I heard a scream and then…" Mikoto blinked at the young boy on her left. "Ah! It's my baby boy!"

Sasuke struggled against his mother's hold, careful to avoid the cream from splattering on his own face.

"Kaa-san, enough. You're squeezing too hard."

"I know. I'm just so excited to see you. And now I know what all the commotion is about. Oh Sasuke, we're so glad you're home. How was your first big mission away from the village?" She began to glide her hands up and down his body. "Are you hurt? Are you hungry? Do I need to sew anything up again?"

"Kaa-san, please. I'm sure Sasuke is very weary from his first mission. Let him rest for now."

"Yes. I suppose you're right." She pinched his cheeks tightly. "But as soon as you wake up, you tell your mother exactly what you want to eat. I'll cook up all your favorites. Okay, sweetie?"

Sasuke blushed at Usagi's barely concealed smile.

"Yes, Kaa-san." The blonde's smile alerted him to the previous troubles. "But I still want to know why this one was in my bed!"

"Usagi? Why she spent the night, that's all."

It wasn't as if having the girl over was a natural occurrence. What the hell did he miss?

"I'll explain everything later, okay sweetie? You get some rest for now."

Itachi sighed at the prospect of his mother 'explaining' the situation to Sasuke.

"Ah. I'll see you guys in the afternoon, then."

He gave Usagi one final wary glance before he was certain the girl would not follow him back into his room.

"Well, it's almost time for me to start my morning so I will leave you two alone. Usagi, you let me know if you need anything sweetie."

"I will." She waved a goodbye before turning to Itachi once again. "So, where do I sleep now?"

"You can just take my room for now. It's almost time for me to go to work anyway. I won't be getting anymore sleep this morning."

She yawned deeply but nodded along, remembering to apologize to Itachi and his family for having disrupted them from their sleep.

"But what about me? When does your dad want me to get up and go to work?"

"Just stay in my room for now. I'll tell him that I'll personally get you when it's time."

"Cool. In that case I'm just going to bed. I want to enjoy my dreams a little more."

"Foolish child."

"What? They were good dreams. There was a mountain of ice cream, a lake of pudding and a great big glass of strawberry sundae with sprinkles and chocolate syrup." She stretched her hands wide to demonstrate the model sized version of her dream sundae. The idea of enjoying such a wonderful snack sent her spirits high and she twirled around to hug the imaginary glass tightly.

"U-Usagi…"

Usagi rubbed her cheeks along the cold glass of ice cream. She frowned when the glass's hands shot out to her shoulders. As soon as her body processed her surroundings, her vertebrae vibrated from a cold tremor as a familiar glare stabbed her eyes.

"G-good morning, Uchiha-san."

"Will you kindly remove yourself?"

Her body offered one meter of personal space within seconds.

"We have a long morning ahead. Get dressed and report to the kitchen in approximately ten minutes. Do not waste my time."

"Ah."

"I meant the girl."

"Huh? Me?" Usagi pointed at herself.

"Well surely I am not referring to my wife."

She blushed. "Yes, sir."

"You, Itachi, are not needed until noon. You can stay and tend to the house until then. I expect to see you on time."

"What do you want with Usa—"

"That will be all for now."

Usagi backed into the wall to give Fugaku the space he demanded as his heavy steps echoed in the hall.

"This sucks. I wanted more sleep. I'm so tired! But oh well. So do I just follow him or something? Am I supposed to bring something with me? I mean, he didn't say, but like do I pack a bento, some weapons, paper, pen…what exactly am I doing?"

He honestly didn't know any advice to give her in regards to preparation. His father caught him completely off guard with the request and losing that momentary control was frustrating enough without him having to worry about the girl's safety.

"Just follow him for now."

"Okay, I have my backpack anyway so I'll just take my essentials."

"Usagi…"

"Yeah?"

Usagi was no longer smiling when she saw Itachi, for there was no humor in his eyes.

"Stay on guard and if anything at all happens, you come straight to me. Understand?"

"Um, yeah sure. Okay."

"I'll be in the house until it's time for me to go to work."

"It'll be fine, Itachi. You'll see. He's probably just going to have me do some paperwork or something."

"Even so, keep your guard up. My father may not be a problem, but there are males working in the establishment as well."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I suppose you'll have to learn on your own. Just don't let anyone push you around. If they mess with you too much, just warn them you'll come to me. Got that?"

"Yeah, okay."

"Go ahead and get ready. Your time is running low."

"Okay, see you then Itachi."

It was the fastest she had ever gotten dressed. If Itachi was any indicator to how his father was, then he wouldn't tolerate tardiness. But her anxiety had risen further as he packed his bag and was now exiting the kitchen.

"I…um…"

"You're late. Breakfast time is over. We move on to duty now."

She bit her tongue to stop the wailing from pouring out her mouth. How could she function without breakfast?

"Fugaku, let the girl at least eat some rice."

"No, Mikoto. We're already running behind as…it is…"

Both Fugaku and Mikoto blinked in awe at the rare sight before them. A flash of yellow lightning moved quickly to the table. An entire bowl of rice disappeared in seconds flat. Milliseconds later, a plate was missing two fish. Vegetables disappeared soon after and seconds after that, an entire glass of sweet orange juice was demolished. The streak bounced off to the counter to grab two napkins and several rolls of bread to be stuffed in a bag. It then bounced to the sink to run some water before it struck the counter again. The magic act ended as soon as the little bolt appeared right before Fugaku.

"Okay, I'm ready."

Fugaku recovered before Mikoto. "Y-yes. Well, let's move on."

"Hai!" She waved a happy farewell to Mikoto who whispered words of encouragement and luck to her.

"Don't stray and keep your form straight."

Usagi stopped marveling at the darkness around her. She was so fascinated by how everything looked at a time she rarely awakened that she didn't notice she was falling behind. "Yes, sir." She immediately mimicked his posture and strides.

"I have your assignments ready for you today. You will be working alongside several coworkers of mine. Tekka, in particular. He has all your work for the day ready."

"That's cool."

"That is not the proper protocol to address your commanding officer."

"Oh, uh…I mean, sure!" Usagi began to stutter more as his lips thinned. "I mean…okay, sir!" Her feet stomped the ground and her hand hit her forehead in a formal salute. It was what she had seen in the Konoha military. Surely that was the same as the police?

He still wasn't pleased by her overly enthusiastic and incorrect confirmation but accepted the response as the best she had to offer for the moment. "We'll start off with some light work and then you can move on to the more grueling tasks."

Usagi almost jumped in excitement. What was he having her do? An espionage assignment? Was she being sent into some neighboring post to infiltrate a base? Or perhaps she was going to do some detective work? She recalled reading a manga about a pair of detectives investigating a crime about some opium deals. Maybe she and Itachi's father would be led to an empty warehouse where the two of them would team up to take down the bad guys that ambushed them. Or even better, what if they used their special unit of nin-ken to chase down thugs as they terrorized the streets of Konoha? Yes, that would be the wonderful start of some amazing new venture and career. Then her face would be on the bingo book of every evil villain in the world, and she could establish her reputation as Usagi—the champion of love and justice—just like her favorite manga character.

The possibilities to what the day had in store for her were endless.

"Remember that this is a professional setting. Before we go in there, I want to address…what is that?" Fugaku was stopped by a bizarre object hanging off the girl's back. He wasn't quite sure what it was and was certain he had never seen such a monstrosity before in his life.

"Oh this, it's a gift from one of my friends. She was supposed to get me a cat one, but all they had were these. But since I like both animals, it really doesn't matter. It's still pretty amazing for its function. See, it looks like a plush toy but if you look carefully at the back, there's a concealed zipper in there. I use it to put weapons and stationary stuff in there whenever I walk around the city. I think it's cool because no enemy ninja would ever suspect me to carry this and use it to hide stuff. Plus it kind of looks cute and I really…"

Fugaku was either uninterested in her personal anecdote or insulted by the lack of courtesy to an officer of higher rank. Usagi immediately regained her former formal position.

"I mean, it's a penguin backpack, sir!"

"Yes, but what is it doing here?"

"Well, I need to carry my things, sir!"

"I…well, next time try to pick something a little more professional."

Usagi's lips quirked to the side as she pondered on the thought. "Oh um, do you think sea otters are more professional?"

There was a moment of silence as he debated on whether or not that was supposed to be some type of humorous remark. But the girl's eyes conveyed every emotion. She was indeed serious.

"Let's just get in the building. We have a long day ahead."

The building was so much quieter than the last time she visited. But given the time, she wasn't at all surprised. With such a calm atmosphere, there couldn't have been much she had to do that was difficult.

"Tekka here is going to be supervising you for the most part. Do as he tells you."

Tekka bowed before Usagi returned the gesture.

"Sir, I have the folder for you regarding the attack on the nearby post west of here. The hokage is sending one Anbu along with your group to keep surveillance."

"Very well. Hand it here."

Usagi nearly squealed as Fugaku read the pages of notes. Perhaps this was the task he had in mind. It would be a perfect opportunity to showcase her talents as a member of Team Haruka.

"I'll be in my office for a moment. I take it you can handle the girl?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Dismissed for the moment."

"Ah."

Usagi waved a goodbye to an annoyed commander.

"That's not the proper protocol to address the captain."

"I'm not quite sure what this 'protocol' is. I've never done police work."

"A quick confirmation and nod is all you really need. Just let him know you understood your orders. Waving is something you do with friends, not your superiors."

"Superiors, huh? Is that how it goes?"

"You're going to be a handful. I can tell. Well, come along. We have much to do today."

Usagi bounced right behind him until his questioning eyebrows alerted her to the possibility that bouncing was not proper protocol either.

"So Tekka-san. What are we doing today? Are we going to investigate that attack on the nearby town?"

"No, nothing like that."

"Well…are we going to do some other crime investigation? Like an illegal ungerground operation?"

"Not at all."

"Oh…um…then are we going around patrolling the area? You know, like those crime fighters in manga that stop thugs on the streets?"

He raised his eyebrow at the peculiar reading material before leading her to a closet. "Not that either."

Usagi frowned when Tekka opened a closet full of cleaning supplies.

"So…we're going to clean up some major murder scene?"

"Actually, the captain wants you to start the day by sweeping and mopping the floors."

Usagi blanched. "Really?"

"Yes. The earlier you get this done, the better. We get it done every morning so that it's clean by the time most workers arrive."

She clutched onto the pail, rags and broom handed to her. "Oh, um…interesting."

"Sweep up first and then you can wash the floors. We're out of mop heads, so you'll have to settle for using this pail for water and cleaning out the whole floor by hand."

It wasn't as if she was late for anything, so why was he already handing her down a punishment similar to what she suffered in the academy whenever she decided that bird watching was more significant than arriving to class on time?

"Remember to do all the floors minus the offices."

"Hai…"

"I'll be back to check on your progress in an hour."

She started in the hallways before moving anywhere else, angrily grumbling to herself when several officers seemed to make it a point to travel everywhere she just finished sweeping. She wondered if they were purposely trying to track dirt everywhere. The problem persisted as she began the tedious task of washing by hand. Mud was beginning to track everywhere and she growled when she backtracked her work. As she continued to scrub, she frowned down at the ground. The floor looked as if it had seen better days long before her birth.

The task was not amusing at all and she lost interest within minutes. But as she wiped one tile, she challenged herself to push forward to the next and the next until soon enough, she was chasing her own reflection on the floor. Before she knew it, she was no longer Usagi the cleaning lady but rather, a soldier running down a field on her horse. She raced herself down one hallway, through the lobby, into the main entrance way and down another hallway. Sounds of racing music escaped her mouth. "Usagi takes the lead by several meters! Folks, this could be a close race!" And had she stopped to take in the surroundings of her invisible track, she would have caught on to the stares of several officers. It wasn't until she nearly ran down a worried Tekka that she stopped.

"Tekka-san! I'm sorry! I was just um…"

"What in the world are you doing?"

"Cleaning the floors."

"You're doing it quite loud."

"Well, actually it was getting boring so I decided that instead I would turn it into racing game. See when I was little, I used to make up games to make chores easier to do. Like making my bed was building a castle fortress. Then I would have a sword fighting competition with my friend whenever we dusted. Right now, I was just on my horse, racing down the tracks."

Rumor had it that she was a peculiar girl. They didn't realize the half of it.

"Let's move on to the next task."

"Okay! I'm ready!"

"Captain wants you to take this and this…"

Usagi oohed at the strange instrument and chemical in her hand. "Is this that stuff you use to spray on people's eyes if they annoy you? Am I going to be undercover and take down some illegal syndicate with these?"

"Actually that's a special pick and that there is an all-purpose cleaner."

"Huh?"

"You'll be working on toilets next."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. You can start with the employee private bathroom and then move to the public ones. Make sure you get those urinals as well."

"Tekka-san…"

"Yes?"

"What's a your-a-what?"

"I…urinal! You know…"

Usagi stared blankly.

"That place where men relieve themselves."

"But I've never watched a man use the restroom, so I'm not sure what they are."

He stuttered momentarily. "Just go in the restrooms and clean everything you see."

"Okay! Will do!"

They were just restrooms. It wasn't a big deal. Just a little wiping, a quick rinse at the sink and some trash to collect, and then she would be out of there in no time. But apparently she missed the memo which stated that men's bathrooms were nowhere near as pristine as women's bathrooms. There was no scent of fresh potpourri, no mirrors and counter to look at yourself after you were done, barely any sinks to equal the amount of stalls and not even so much as a sofa to sit on while you wait for others. Instead all she saw were a few stalls, some things she understood to be what Tekka was speaking about and a roll of paper towels. A few other things she noted was a sticky floor, which she rather not let her mind linger about, and a very putrid smell of stale urine and sweaty armpits.

"Well, it's not going to get clean on its own."

Sucking it up and mustering some courage, she bore a mask to cover the scent, slapped on some gloves and got right to cleaning the bathroom. This was a challenge, if nothing else. By the time she was done with this bathroom, it would reek only of Essence of Usagi.

"Then she just threw your clothes out the window?"

"She had to. Her father came home. He couldn't very well find me…there…"

Usagi wiped the sweat from her brow as she finished up the final touches in the bathroom. As she was done setting a vase of flowers in the corner, she finally took notice to the sounds of doors opening she heard earlier as well as two men standing before her in complete confusion. They looked at the front doors as if to assure themselves they entered the correct room.

"This is the men's bathroom. I'm just here cleaning it up."

The men stood before her, not once moving.

"Don't mind me. Just pretend I'm not here."

She hummed to herself as she splashed sprinkles of water over the vases of flowers she found lying around the establishment and rearranged them delicately.

The men cautiously stepped around her and approached their destinations. Usagi watched with fascination to their actions.

"So that's how that works," she whispered.

The man blushed before Usagi followed suit and stepped back. "Sorry! I wasn't…I was just…I'm going now!"

She took her bucket and ran.

"Usagi, are you done yet?"

She put away her cleaning supplies just as Tekka arrived to check on her.

"Yep! I got them all clean. I think you'll like it better this way."

He raised an eyebrow even as two men exited the bathroom.

"Hey, girl. That bathroom actually smells really nice."

"Yeah, for a second I thought my wife was here."

Usagi smiled and waved farewell at the boys. "You're welcome."

"Good job, then. Shall we get a move on to the next assignment?"

"What assignment do we have next, Tekka-san?"

"The captain wants you to get some outside work done. The first task is repainting the old fence that borders headquarters."

"Ooh! I love painting. I used to paint all the time when I was younger."

"Good, then this task should be relatively simple for you. Take these buckets here and this brush and get right to work. Then after you're done painting, I'll give you the shears so you can start cutting away the hedges from the area."

"Okay, sounds good."

The fence wasn't too big but she did understand the necessity of the job as the old white paint was already well chipped away. It exposed a very old dusty wooden fence. The height of the fence was not that much taller than her and she sighed in relaxation at the thought of sitting down while painting away. But she frowned at the buckets. She wasn't told what color or design to paint the fence.

The sun's rays beamed down on her as she observed her canvas. It was mid-morning and yet the sun was already alerting her to a potentially hot day. According to a weather report in the paper, it was supposed to reach thirty one degrees Celsius by noon. At times like these, it was always best to just stay inside or jump into a big lake of water. Instead she was stuck in a heavy uniform under a hot sun. But it was the very thought of freshly flowing water pouring down her face that inspired her next masterpiece.

She began slow strokes at first, making sure to get the patterns correct. First came the small patches of grass, then the sparkling water. After that, she drew the focus of the painting. One hour later, she smiled at her own work and dubbed it complete and perfect. Surely, they would appreciate the creativity behind the fence. It was an improvement over the plain old boring white strokes they bore at one point.

"Usagi, come over to the back of the building!"

"Coming!"

She gave one last smile of pride to her work before moving on to find Tekka.

"Did the painting come out okay?"

"It came out perfect."

"That's good to hear. I just wanted to show you the supplies for the yard. Take these to cut the tall grass and these to take out all the weeds. You might have to pull most by hand, though."

"That's fine. I know how to do it."

"Good. I'll report to the captain about your progress. Put all the paints and garden tools in that shed when you're done. Come inside as soon as you finish. Understand?"

"Yes, sir."

When he was sure she could handle the shears without hindrance, he stepped away from the vicinity. His captain awaited him in the office, expectant to his report of everyone's progress.

"Tekka, is everything progressing smoothly this morning?"

"Yes, sir. I have the reports on the attack of the post as well as the assigned squad prepared. In regards to the hokage's request for information regarding some rogue ninja from team seven's recent mission, I had that delivered to intel early this morning."

"Good. Now just wrap up yesterday's meeting and have Yashiro prepare the weapons for the shrine and that will be all for the morning. You can continue your regular assignments."

"Yes, sir. But, um…"

"What is it now?"

"That girl, she's still here. Do you want me to dismiss her as soon as she is done with the yard work? She's done a lot as it is, unless you want her doing some administrative work."

"Occupy her for a little while longer. Her presence is still…required so to speak. As for her assignments, I'll leave her under your wing for the time being. Use her as you please."

"Yes, sir."

"And also, I would like you to deliver that message now, Tekka."

"I…yes, sir."

"Noon, understood?"

"Ah."

A man with white hair rushed into the office, out of breath. "Captain, there's a sea otter on the side of the building!"

"A what?"

"A sea otter, sir!"

"How did it get…? Never mind. Just remove it and send it to the Inuzuka clan to take care of."

"No, captain. I mean, it's painted on the fence!"

The first thing that came to his mind was a penguin backpack, a blonde-haired girl soon after.

"And also the hedges have been trimmed into various animals."

"Animals?"

"Puppies and kittens, sir!"

Fugaku rubbed his temple and sighed as he glared at a nervous Tekka.

"Captain, I assure you that I didn't know she would…"

"Just deliver the message."

He heard several men walking by chattering about the lounge's sofa now located in the bathroom along with the scent of freshly grown sunflowers and jasmine wafting in the air.

"And hurry, please."

"Yes, sir."

Perhaps bringing the girl was a mistake after all. Either way, they had to hurry along. Otherwise, he wasn't too sure the establishment would still be standing if they prolonged her visitation rights.

---

He wanted nothing more than to take the opportunity of his newly acquired leisure time and enjoy a quiet reading session to himself. Very rarely did his father tell him to report for duty midday, hours beyond when he was normally scheduled to report to headquarters. The man was up to something and he spent the morning hours contemplating the torture his father had concocted. When no surprises greeted him, he dismissed the idea momentarily to indulge in some personal reading. Although he was a bit suspicious and worried for Usagi's sake, he couldn't deny that he felt some form of happiness and relief to having some time to himself. The soft footsteps outside the door, however, alerted him to the simple reality that such would not be the case today. Life had a way of taunting him with the prospect of peace.

"If I told you to save it for another time, you wouldn't listen to me, would you?"

"No. I have a lot of questions now that my mind has fully processed what happened this morning."

He sighed and gently tossed the book aside. One foot was propped while his back leaned further against the wall as his brother settled on the floor by his bed.

"First of all, I want to know the truth. Do you really know Usagi that well?"

"She is a good friend of mine, yes."

"I thought we weren't supposed to keep secrets from each other."

"I kept her from everyone. Don't feel excluded."

"But why?"

"It was just better that way."

His brother's lax response was aggravating the boy. Did Itachi not realize how much it hurt to know that he kept secrets from him? "Was it easier to fuck her knowing no one could bother you?"

"We didn't…"

"Is she the reason why you never spent a lot of time with me?"

"Sasuke, my time with Usagi was minimal."

He slammed his hands on the kotatsu. "But that would explain everything! Why you're acting so weird, why you're never here, why you always blow the family off!"

"Sasuke, I work. That's the reality. Do you think I run to Usagi each and every time I find myself available for free time to pass?"

"I…well…"

"Usagi is a very good friend to me. Yes, I do visit her to pass the time. But believe me, the moments I spend with her pale in comparison to the moments I spend with you. It's just…with her, I can escape from the clan. I just…I wanted a place away from here."

"I see."

"You're not included in that, Sasuke."

"When?"

"What do you mean, 'when'?"

"I mean, when did you guys start seeing each other? More routinely." When his brother paused, he rushed in with his own theory. "It was since that meeting we had, huh?"

"Meeting?"

Sasuke recalled the meeting rather fondly. When he first became instated to team seven, Kakashi made it a habit to report everyone's successes back to their guardians. It was a month after their D-rank missions started that Kakashi decided to hold an open meeting with the team and a respective member of each person's family in order to showcase their achievements in the group thus far. Sasuke immediately thought of his father, but he declined due to a sudden mission. He meant no insult in not extending the invitation to his mother, but he thought his brother to be a more suitable substitute. It was a perfect opportunity to show him off to the team and to illustrate his own growth as a shinobi.

At the meeting, he saw Sakura with her father who gave him one peculiar look before moving on. He thought nothing of it as he was much more curious with whom Naruto would bring given the fact that the boy had no living family members on record. To his surprise, a blonde girl with blue eyes as vivid as his came along to the meeting. For a split second, he thought it to be a distant relative that Naruto may have neglected to introduce. The girl, however, turned out to be another orphan like him. She accompanied him as a pseudo sister. It was rather intriguing, seeing her interact with Naruto. And during the entire time, Naruto continued to be a pest as he tried—rather failed—to play matchmaker for the girl and his own brother. Usagi had ignored Naruto's suggestions as did his brother. But as the meeting progressed, there were just some peculiar occurrences. He ignored it back then, passing it off as an illusion his imaginative mind had conjured up voluntarily from the boredom of listening to Naruto's inability to sell off his sister to a potential bachelor. But during the entire congregation, he recalled catching glimpses of subtle eye contact and hand movements between the two. And when the time came for everyone to depart, he lied to himself that his brother had not, in fact, slipped a note into the girl's pocket. No, his eyes were catching things that weren't there. It had all been a dream. But now, he wasn't so sure.

"No. I met Usagi sometime before her chuunin exam. We've been…seeing each other, so to speak, since then."

That was much earlier than the meeting.

"But, I mean…all this time?"

"Sasuke. Don't think anything of it. I kept her a secret for her sake as well as mine. It had nothing to do with you. I assure you."

"But…"

"I'm not secretly finding ways to avoid you, Sasuke—despite what you might believe."

There was no hiding anything from him. His brother was quite the prodigy.

"We're brothers. I thought you above anyone else would understand how thick our bond runs."

"Don't get mushy on me, Itachi."

Itachi smirked. "As you wish, little brother."

All joking aside, Sasuke was in awe of the girl—to think that she managed to land such a prestigious and stoic person such as Itachi with her goofy personality. He knew Usagi somewhat well. She often made an appearance in some of his sparring matches with Naruto. The girl would come with food or check up on the boy's progress, at least when she wasn't on duty. But from what he did gather, Usagi was very much a female Naruto. She was loud, careless, a bit clumsy, cheerful and at times just much too silly. How in the world did such a personality come to clash with his brother? Was there even compatibility between the two? But apparently, even his brother had a way to sway women. Perhaps Shisui's talents rubbed off on him. If that was the case…

He eyed his brother curiously. He had never once attempted to talk to Itachi about women. But if Itachi now had the experience, it was much easier to talk to him about it than seeking a stranger or even worse, his father. It wasn't a big deal before. Women weren't a real issue considering how competitive he was in school and how important becoming a strong shinobi was. But as he spent more time in his team, the more he became curious about certain things, especially considering he was constantly exposed to the opposite gender almost every day. The last mission also pushed him to the final test. He remembered laying there on the floor, cold and battered. When he opened his eyes, Sakura was the first person to greet him. And as she buried her tears in his bloody shirt, he could think of nothing else at the moment but her. He wanted to drown the feelings, make them float away by ignoring them. But the truth of the matter was, she was always in his mind—even when he didn't want her to be.

"Actually, Kaa-san said that you and Usagi were…"

"We're just friends."

"So you two never…" His eyes stared at the floor blankly before they shyly switched back to his brother. "…slept together?"

Itachi's lifted eyebrow was accompanied by a half smirk. "And why would you ask me something like that?"

Sasuke immediately blushed and hastily averted his gaze. "Well, I just…"

"What do you want to know?"

"I'm just curious…a-about certain things."

"As in…?"

"Well…like…"

Itachi leaned in further to mock his whispering. "I'm sorry. My deafness seems to have caught up with my poor eyesight."

"I said I want to know about…girls," Sasuke pouted at his brother having him utter the forbidden word.

"I see. And you came to me for advice?"

"Well, now that I know you've been dating Usagi…"

"There is nothing in my relationship with her except a platonic friendship."

"That's all?"

"Ah."

"But Kaa-san…"

"Through a series of complicated mixed messages and words, Kaa-san seems to have gotten it in her head that there is more to this entanglement than really exists. Since the fiasco, that I'm sure you're aware of now, Usagi and I have yet to find the opportune time to explain it properly."

"Hmm."

"But you were saying…"

"Now I don't know. Since you're not dating her, I don't think I should ask…"

"About?"

"Look, it was hard saying it the first time. If you're just going to keep teasing me, I'll go find someone else."

"Who? Shisui?"

"Well, he is more skilled."

"Yes, but who would embarrass you more?"

"Good point." He squirmed, his feet tingling with sleepiness.

"Why are you asking me about these things, anyway? You're too young to be thinking about sex. And Sakura, even younger."

Sasuke's mouth dropped, mortified by his brother's bold statement.

"Don't even try to hide it. I know it's Sakura you're thinking about."

"But how did you know?"

"Believe me, we all know."

"We?"

"Me, Kaa-san, Kakashi, the kids in your level… Usagi even…"

At what point did he give himself away? But he supposed it wasn't such a big secret considering they were on the same team. "Yeah, well…okay it is her. But sex wasn't what I meant!"

"Then why did you want to know if I slept with Usagi?"

"I…uh…well…I was just curious that's all!"

"About sex?"

He was sure even his neck was red now. "I mean, I wanted to know how it felt."

"How sex felt? Is my little brother reaching that hormonal stage? I suppose I should prepare to see a mess in the bathroom every evening."

"You're such an asshole!"

He threw his head back and let out a deep rich laugh. "I merely tease. But in all sincerity, I want to know where this curiosity is coming from. Why now of all times?"

"It's like this…I uh…" He ruffled his hair. The subject was really too much to handle. "Well, in this last mission, we came across some strong ninjas. S-ranked ninjas in the bingo book, actually."

"What? But you just had a C-rank mission!"

"I know! And don't get up and run off to the hokage. Kakashi is taking care of everything."

Itachi hesitantly settled back down when Sasuke's eyes momentarily flashed red.

"You've awakened your sharingan."

"Ah."

"It was during your battle with these ninjas, I presume?"

"Yes."

"I'm curious as to how this came to be. But I shouldn't be surprised. It's the very essence of how our kekkei genkai is activated."

"What do you mean?"

"When Uchiha fight and have to put their lives on the line, their souls get awakened. Reaching that near-death moment—it's what arouses your Uchiha instinct, your bloodline. Your sharingan is a last ditch effort to keep you alive. It's because of your will to survive, that you have it now."

Sasuke couldn't argue with that. During his battle with the rogue ninja, he was backed into a corner. Had it not been for his teammates putting their lives on the line, he probably would not have lived to activate his sharingan, let alone retell the tale. "Actually, there was something else too."

"And what's that?"

"Before my sharingan, I was thinking about my team."

"Oh?"

"How much I wanted to be alive, for them, for my family and…"

"Sakura…right?"

"Ah. And even with my sharingan, my body was still pushed beyond its limit. I remember being thrown and rolling onto pavement. I couldn't move and eventually, everything got so cold and dark. When I woke up, all I saw was Sakura. To be honest, I never really thought it beyond a simple crush. But the more time I spend with her, the more I've come to…well…"

"You fancy her."

"Kind of. And, it's so weird but when I thought I was dying, the first thing that came to mind was that I never even gave it a chance. I mean, of all the damn things to think of, she came to mind. It's so fucked up."

Itachi chuckled at his brother's distraught look. "And what will you do now?"

"I don't know. Now that I'm alive and well, I'll probably just ignore it again."

"If you don't catch the wind the first time around, you'll lose the race to other sails."

"What do you mean?"

"Women don't stay single forever, Sasuke. If you wait too long for an opportunity, you're going to see Sakura get snatched up by some other guy."

He immediately stiffened. It never crossed his mind that someone else would claim his catch. Sakura had never shown interest in anyone but him, and thus he was content that she would always be there whenever he felt ready to take the plunge. But Itachi had a point; there was always competition. And he'd be damned if he lied to himself and said he wasn't a competitive person, especially when he realized exactly to whom Itachi was referring.

"I'll tell her soon. But also, I want to know something else."

"If you're going to ask about tips in how to woo her, I'm sorry to say this, but I'm a bit a novice in that field. But I suppose I can just spew some cliché sayings I heard from Shisui."

"No actually, it's nothing about that. I really just wanted to know about your feelings."

"About you dating Sakura? It doesn't bother me at all."

"I meant your feelings for Usagi."

"If you're suggesting that I harbor anything romantic towards her, then I'm going to have to disappoint you."

"It's just hard to believe you. You never talk to girls, ever. Even when you do, it's always because Kaa-san or Tou-san makes you do it. Otherwise, you usually keep to yourself."

"So?"

"So…obviously, you feel something for her otherwise you wouldn't even bother to keep meeting her in private."

"It's nothing."

Sasuke let his eyes droop until Itachi became completely invisible. "You're never honest with me. It's not fair. I told you about Sakura."

Only when he began to make his way out the door, did Itachi make an effort to speak. It was true; his little brother had sucked up his pride and revealed his most inner thoughts to him because he figured that's what brothers do. They share each other's secrets. And here he was, a complete jerk who belittled his own brother's emotions. He gave a small smile at the thought that his brother had once again guilt tripped him into doing something. He was quite the expert at it.

"I don't know."

Sasuke turned around and watched his brother carefully. He was still leaning lazily against the wall; however his eyes were completely closed and it was obvious that he was carefully assessing his next words. After a few more seconds of silence, he went back to the kotatsu and watched his brother intently.

Itachi opened his eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling. "Is that what you wanted to hear? I don't know how I feel about her."

Sasuke tilted his head in wonder and silently gave him the cue to continue with a simple inquisitive look.

"When I first met her, she was no more than a nuisance. She was pestering me to help train her. Of course, I dismissed her entirely. I was rather busy and had no extra time to dedicate to her. I figured she was just part of that annoying fan club and the 'training' she desired was no more than an excuse to be by my side. Eventually, I relented. The girl was just frustratingly persistent." He glided his hand through his hair on the last thought. Usagi's stubbornness still had not left her in the few years they had known each other, and he'd be damned if he didn't admit that it really pissed him off sometimes. And yet interestingly enough, it was also an attribute he admired. His lips curved into a small smile as he thought about all the arguments they had.

"She can be so difficult at times. I say one thing, she does another. I tell her no, she says yes. I say 'this' means 'this', she says it means 'that.' If I had a ryo for every moment we argued, I could probably retire a happy shinobi by now."

"There's not a day that goes by that Sakura doesn't argue with someone. Whether it be me, Naruto or Kakashi. How did we get stuck with the difficult ones?"

"Dumb luck, I guess."

"Yeah, and don't forget impatient. Sakura is always rushing me everywhere."

"Ah yes, a trait I'm familiar with."

"She's also always careless. Every time we do some training, she always gets distracted and messes up the routine for everyone."

"Well, I'm sure she finds my little brother's physique much more fascinating."

"Oi!"

"Sakura is at that age, Sasuke. And with that puberty stage hitting soon, I'm pretty sure the two of you will find much more enticing things to do together than training sessions in order to keep you entertained."

Sasuke's lips curved in distaste to his brother's thinking. He was sure he was blushing once again as well.

"But I can relate to the careless part as well. And irresponsible. I can't even count the times Usagi has snuck in manga instead of her studying books. I start a new lesson and there she is, giggling in the background."

"Tch. Sakura giggles all the time. If I have to hear her squeal about another 'cute' guy in her stupid magazines..."

"Women…"

"They're so ridiculous."

"Never on time."

"Never shut up."

"Constant mood swings."

"Constant yelling."

"She never plans anything out and she always gets herself into too much trouble because of it."

"If only I knew the number of times I had to save Sakura from impending doom."

"I swear; she does it to aggravate me sometimes. I worry for her safety, I guess. She's on my mind a lot because of it."

Sasuke stopped immediately and stared at his brother with wide eyes. Itachi was obviously just as surprised at the confession as he was.

"You think about her a lot?"

Itachi was still staring into empty space. Once he started speaking, he just couldn't seem to stop.

"Unfortunately."

"Do you like her then?"

"I already told you…"

"You told me nothing was going on."

"Hmm."

"And you said earlier you didn't know how you felt about her."

"That does not constitute affection. I simply don't know how to assess her role in my life."

"Well, do you feel anything other than friendship?"

"Sometimes, I feel the same for her as I do for you, something akin to brotherhood."

"But is that all? Do you feel anything for her in the sense of a woman?"

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't find her attractive. But the thought ends there."

"I wonder what Usagi would say if she found out you said she was attractive?"

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Tell her, and I'll tell Sakura about the time I caught you hugging Oni-chan and kissing him while moaning her name."

He paled. "You saw that?"

"Ah."

"Fine, I won't tell her. But if you ask me, I think you're just afraid of making a move on her."

Itachi regarded his brother with direct eye contact for the first time since he sat back at the kotatsu. Sasuke's assessment of him sparked hidden curiosity and fascination.

"You're afraid to lose her or what little you have of her so you won't pursue anything. You were friends to begin with and it worries you that if your relationship fails, then you'll no longer have even that. So you keep her far, pretend she doesn't affect you, pretend you feel nothing for her. Because maybe, if you lie to her, you can lie to yourself and ignore your emotions until eventually, you make yourself believe they never existed to begin with."

"And how would you know that?"

"I know because…" Sasuke inhaled deeply before releasing a fresh breath of air. He swallowed the lump in his throat before continuing. "…because, I'm afraid. I'm afraid of many things. It's always been the three of us since we started. Naruto, Sakura and I have always been together, as a trio. I get scared thinking that if I do decide to pursue her, I'll no longer have that. It's just like you said earlier, about missing the wind. Naruto…he loves Sakura too. And if I follow my emotions, I'll end up hurting my best friend. But if I don't, he'll end up hurting me. What would happen to the team then? Would we still even be a team? Would we still be friends? And assuming Sakura and I are together. What then? If our relationship fails, we'll still have to bear each other's company for the sake of the team. I guess, in the end, I'm afraid of hurting others and being hurt myself."

He was always aware of the possibility that the three of them teamed up would be a problem, in more ways than one. But hearing it from Sasuke himself was quite different. It made it more alive, more real than some theory. And he honestly felt for his brother's anguish.

"There are so many insecurities running through my head. What if I can't give her what she wants? What if she realizes she doesn't want to be with me anymore? What if she finds someone better than me for her? What if—"

"What if she stops loving me?"

Sasuke froze on his brother's profile. Several seconds later, Itachi once again met his brother's eyes.

"That's what you were going to say, right?"

"Right."

"What if she stops loving me?" he whispered in an echo.

"Are you afraid Usagi will leave you someday too? Is that why you kept her to yourself?"

He was met with silence.

"We can't be afraid of something just because it's unknown territory. You taught me that."

He smirked, indeed he did. Little brat, throwing back his own lectures. "The truth of the matter is all that only applies to you. There's a big difference between you and I in this ordeal, Sasuke."

"And that would be…?"

Itachi shifted the weight of his body and stretched out his other foot. The conversation was far too long in his opinion. "You love Sakura. I never said anything about loving Usagi."

He sighed. There was just no getting through that man. He wondered how Usagi ever got along with such an irritable person. Since Itachi was obviously not interested in the conversation anymore, there was no point in staying any longer. And so, he headed over to the doors, looking back once at his brother's inquisitive eyes on him.

"Nii-san, you're such a liar." And with that said, he left, closing the door behind him.

Itachi continued to stew in his brother's words after he left, the book from earlier forgotten. What did he feel for the girl and why was he still continuing their meetings? His explanations to everyone had solid reasoning, but in order to decipher his own emotions, he decided to change the scenario into a mathematical equation. If he kept the formula, and changed the numbers, would the desired results still be achieved? If Usagi was replaced by another female, would he have continued to meet her?

The equation remained in his head throughout the morning, even into the early afternoon as he sauntered into headquarters. He walked right past a group of men studying a newly painted fence—admiring what appeared to be some aquatic animal of sorts. He shrugged it off as some overnight vandalism by a group of mischievous children.

Once inside the building, he noticed several officers smirking at him before continuing their conversations.

"Yo, Itachi. Did you know your girlfriend is working here today?"

"Hmm?"

"I think it's hilarious having her here. We've been enjoying it. Plus, our bathrooms have never smelled better."

"Bathrooms?"

Usagi always had a habit of leaving her own mark everywhere she went as well as possibly turning a place upside down. He wondered what changes occurred in just a few hours.

"Where is she now?"

"In the break room. You better hurry up in there; the guys are already hitting on her pretty bad."

What a tedious task taking care of the girl was. It was always a chore, ever since she first began pestering him. But true to Hiroshi's words, several men crowded around Usagi who was simply trying to eat the last remnants of her sandwich. It was the sound of his name in their conversation that sparked interest. Did they not realize that death was dancing among them?

"So Usagi, tell us!"

"Uh…what?"

"Well, you're Itachi's girlfriend. Spill some dirt. There's things I've been dying to know about the guy."

"But isn't Itachi your superior officer? Shouldn't you respect some privacy? Besides, the two of us…"

He poked his tongue out playfully. "Aww, come on. We just want some inside scoop. Like tell us, is the guy really as serious as he acts? Or does he have a playful streak?"

"Well…"

"Yeah, and does he do embarrassing things when no one is around?"

"Yeah, like Hideo here. He farts a lot when he thinks he's alone."

"Fuck off, asshole! But yeah, does Itachi do that?"

The absurdity of the question was unreal. What a silly thing to ask.

"Forget that! I want to know how you and Itachi got together. It's hard to believe." The young man sputtered when Usagi raised an eyebrow. "I mean, well, Usagi-chan is so cute and funny it's just hard to believe she would put up with someone as boring as Itachi."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Pfft, well Itachi is just a serious guy. He doesn't really do anything except work. It can't be all that exciting with him."

"Yeah, right. I bet he's a wild man underneath it all. And actually, I want to know about that, if you don't mind sharing some private stories, Usagi-san."

"You mean, you want to know if he's good in bed. Sorry, man but after this little fiasco, it's safe to say Itachi doesn't swing that way."

The man turned red before punching his comrade on the shoulder. "That's not what I meant, moron!"

Despite how rough all the men looked and how crass their language was, Usagi smiled at the fact that deep down, they probably meant well and were merely teasing each other. It was something she could definitely relate to.

"I don't see what the big deal is. That Itachi is nothing. I don't see why you guys make such a fuss over him."

This new face, however, was anything but friendly. Usagi's guard was up immediately as was her serious face.

"And you, well, you're just lucky enough to land any guy from a clan aren't you? What? Common folk not good enough for you so you had to find yourself an Uchiha? Yes, why wouldn't you go after one of the most sought after bachelors in Konoha?"

She remained seated as he slammed one hand on the table and brought his face closer to her glare.

"Although…"

His fingers slipped freely into her hair and gently pulled a few strands closer to his nose for a quick catch of her scent.

"I can clearly see that you are a bit easy on the eyes."

A rough finger gently stroked a clothed leg before it was effectively slapped away.

"And I bet these come in handy as well. Itachi must have had one thing in mind when he accepted you into his life."

She tried her best to push him away but was instead pulled off her chair.

"Koichiro, man, you should cut it out."

"Fuck off, all of you!"

The corners of his lips pulled into a smirk as he paid visible appreication to Usagi's physique.

"Have you no respect or manners for a woman?"

"Oh, but my manners are in every way a man pays respect to a woman."

"Koichiro, seriously. Stop it."

"I told you guys to fuck off!" He ignored the nervous look of the girl, passing it off as her discomfort with his presence. "So how about I make you an offer? If it's simply the Uchiha name you're interested in," he leaned closer to her face. "I'll be glad to lend you mine."

"Uh, Koichiro…"

"For the last fucking time…just…"

But a pair of sharingan eyes killed his last words.

"I-Itachi."

"What's going on here?"

The men all grew shy quite suddenly. They hid behind their bento boxes and waited with hidden curiosity as to whether or not either man would initiate a hit.

"Nothing at all. I was simply getting acquainted with your girlfriend here. We were just talking."

Even though his silent request for an explanation was met with an affirmative nod from Usagi, he decided to leave the issue at that for now.

"Usagi, follow me."

"Okay…"

His shoulders roughly pushed against the man and the two locked gazes. He hoped Koichiro got the message to keep his distance. After the man gave in to his firm command, he followed Usagi into a vacant hallway.

"Did you want to talk to me about something?"

"What have you been doing all morning?"

"Nothing really bad. Just a lot of cleaning. Oh! You should see the bathrooms. I made them all smell pretty and put some flowers in there too. Why is your restroom so sticky, anyway? What are you guys doing in there?"

He ignored the pointless question. "Where is my father?"

"Oh, probably in his office."

"And he hasn't done anything to you? Anything at all?"

"Of course, not. He's been a little nice, actually. He even let me paint the fence."

"Fence?" The marine animal from earlier suddenly surfaced in his mind.

"Yeah, I think he just needed some help with some small tasks he couldn't do himself. I wouldn't think anything about it, Itachi. Maybe your mom is right. Maybe this is his way of getting to know me."

"But…"

"It's fine, really. Plus I'm having a lot of fun."

"Fun?"

"Yeah! Everyone here is really nice." She amended her sentence when he stared blankly at her. "Okay, maybe not everyone. But it's okay. I can take care of myself. And it's not like they can do much in public, anyway."

"Very well. If you think you can handle yourself, I suppose I shouldn't question it. If you do find yourself harassed, just come straight to me. Am I understood?"

"Yes, yes. We've gone over this before. Just calm down, for once."

"Hmm."

"Anyway, I have to get back to Tekka-san. My break is almost over and he said he has more stuff to show me."

"Fine. I'll check up on you later."

"Bye, bye, Itachi. Good luck at work today! Hope you have as much fun as I'm having."

He didn't think he would. The work he had was much more taxing on his mind and body. But it could also be that Usagi's personality attributed to how differently she handled a situation. It was just a habit of hers to turn anything she did into a game of some sort. He wondered if the girl could ever take her job seriously and how that affected her missions. It was a mystery how anything was accomplished with her around.

When he was certain no men were following her around to tease or harass her, he sauntered away into his father's office. Even after receiving permission to enter, his father continued his work and left him to stand in silence for several minutes. It was only ten minutes of impatient waiting that he had to endure before his father finally acknowledged him.

"Itachi, good. You're on time."

There was never a moment he wasn't—not counting a certain incident, anyway.

"As you can see, the day is hectic. We're trying to get some things squared away in regards to an attack made on a post about sixty kilometers west of here. Information must be sent to the Hokage once we've analyzed it."

"Ah, I understand."

When Itachi reached over for the folder on his father's desk, he was stopped by a firm grip.

"I'm going to have someone else deliver this. Your assignment is waiting for you at your desk."

He frowned but nodded. "Very well."

Leaving the office and going to the Hokage's tower was much more enticing at the moment. At least he could make up the excuse of returning too late or not returning at all due to a sudden mission. But he supposed that his father wanted to keep a close watch on him for the day which meant that the assignment he had ready for him was something he would not appreciate. And when Itachi arrived at his desk, he cursed underneath his breath realizing what his father had intended for him.

"You seem happy to see me," was the sarcastic greeting he received.

"It's not you. I'm just…"

"No need to get upset with your father, Itachi." The woman collected a pile of papers and stacked them neatly together. "He's simply looking out for your best interests."

Itachi watched with torture as the woman began to rearrange everything in his desk. She took his papers and inserted them into the wrong colored folders. His pencils were snatched up and placed in incorrect trays. The paperclips in his stash were transferred into a desk drawer. And his stapler was now missing in action. He always had things placed in order to fit his particular tastes. It annoyed him when anyone messed with his belongings to rearrange it otherwise.

"There, that looks much better. Don't you think?"

"Hmm."

"Is that all you have to say to me? We have not spoken more than two words to each other in six months and the only thing you can do is grunt at me?"

"I'm sorry. I'm just not in the best spirits for company."

"You mean my company, correct?" She left the desk and walked beside him, peering out into the entire establishment. There were several men running about the lobby, some to greet other officers and some with work in mind. Very few women worked for the Uchiha police—something she always detested given her pride as a kunoichi. "Or perhaps your tastes now run towards…blonde?" She whispered the last words in his ear quietly as if they were a private matter between the two.

Itachi sighed. He was right. "Look, Rei. If my father sent you here to—"

"What makes her so special, huh?"

He followed her eyes to a particular area near his father's office. There she was, the subject of the conversation, struggling to mop up an section where the men carelessly tossed their drinks.

"When we were little, I remember I would try so hard to get your attention. Even to get you just to play with me a little. I didn't want much. But no, you were always so quiet and reclusive."

"I never ignored you."

"But you never initiated anything, either! Now this girl comes along. Some…low-class brat with no name for herself and you two…" She clenched her hands. "It pisses me off."

He knew that telling her the truth would have been the morally correct thing to do—that there was nothing going on and Usagi was but a friend. But he hated anything his father delegated, and knowing the girl's presence as being a result of his father's desires agitated him greatly, thus his mouth had a mind of its own. "It's my business, really."

"Don't be selfish. This is the problem people have with you. Do you think you can just do as you want? Huh? That because you are Fugaku's son that everything must bend to your will, Itachi?"

He paid no mind as he settled back to his chair and began his attempt at repairing his environment.

"Itachi, you are what connects this clan. You're the future patriarch, and yet you spend your time fruitlessly playing around with some little girl. It's not like you to act foolish; I hold disdain for this relationship you have with her entirely on that fact. It's distracting you. So, I suggest you get your priorities straight lest your work suffers."

Itachi ignored her as he began his paperwork. She was a reminder of why he often strayed from Uchiha whenever he could, particularly Uchiha women.

"Did you come all this way to lecture me? If it's Usagi you're worried about, then the matter is settled. She's of no concern to you. Let her be."

"But…"

"Even if I accept my future role as patriarch, as you kindly like to remind me, the relationships I hold with people outside the clan hold no consequence." He held his hand up to stop her. "And please don't jump into absurdities like my father."

"I simply worry. That's all."

"Do you have no confidence in my capabilities?"

"Of course I do. It's just that men have a tendency to do stupid things from time to time."

He reviewed one paper before switching to another. His eyes squinted from the small printing. At some point in life, he knew glasses would be inevitable—at least when he wasn't utilizing his sharingan. "Are you still on that feminist move? Society has progressed since then, Rei. It is no longer as archaic as you deem it to be."

"Archaic? No. Patriarchal? Yes. Society has yet to fully break from that old tradition. And I speak from personal encounters with regards to how males operate. They lack the capacity to fully comprehend a situation and at often times, blotch it up thanks to their inability to separate years of biological instincts from reason and logic."

"I'm not Shisui, if that's where your line of thinking is going. Or are you calling my intellect inferior?"

"No, but certainly your taste comes into question."

He scribbled down some notes. "Usagi, I presume."

"I hold my position that only an Uchiha female is suitable for you."

"Is that so? And I assume you have someone more particular in mind for the role?"

"Of course. That would be me."

"Ah, now we get to the root of the problem."

"You know as well as I do that she wouldn't last a day in the clan."

"On the contrary, she's made it this far."

"Itachi, you know very well what I mean."

He closed his eyes and sighed. "Rei, promise you'll leave Usagi alone."

She crossed her arms defiantly.

"Rei."

"All right. All right. I won't touch the brat. But that goes only for me. I can't control what other people in the clan do or think in regards to her."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't insult your own intelligence. Surely you've thought about the repercussions of having her mingle with your clan. And don't you dare feign innocence. You know who I'm talking about."

"Then pass the word along to leave her alone."

"I can pass the word, whether they follow or not is up to those girls. You know how they are and compared to them, I'm a saint. They're vicious and competitive. Already, they're conspiring."

"Then can you keep an eye on them?"

"I'm not here to play spy for you."

"But you are for my father?"

"I came here of my own accord. He simply arranged your spare time."

"I see."

She sighed when he went back to working at his desk. The man was still ignoring her even after all these years. "Look, I didn't come here just to lecture you. I genuinely just wanted to see how you were fairing. Ever since you were instated into Anbu, your leisure time has been controlled and reduced to an absolute minimum. It's not often we get to see each other."

"I know."

"So let's just brush aside the business, for now. How have you been?"

He grumbled at 'for now' knowing the woman would eventually bring up more work. Rei was raised as a strict Uchiha businesswoman. There was no such thing as brushing it aside, at least not for any lengthened period of time. "I'm fine. And you are as well?"

"Aside from having joined the chuunin committee and overseeing the written part of the exam when they start, yes I am fine."

He smirked. "They conned you into that this time?"

"It's not that I detest my work, but I did have other jobs in mind to occupy my time. But I suppose that ensuring our clan secures more chuunin is of high priority. The more promoted ninjas we get, the less I have to worry about trivial matters."

"And what isn't trivial with this clan?"

"I wish you would take your work more seriously. There are many people who would kill to have your position in the clan."

"If they kill me, then the position is open for them."

"This isn't a game, Itachi."

He casually leaned on his hand. "Back to business, I see. Why don't we get down to why you're really here?"

"I'm here to see y—"

"Let me make it easier for you. 'Your father sent me here to distract you from Usagi and give us some time alone to accelerate the process and help us develop a relationship.' I'm also certain he has a chore set up for me. So why don't we go from there?"

"Very well, since you love to cut right to the climax, I will tell you. Yes, your father did send me here because of the girl. He knows a hindrance when he sees one. And yes, I am here to occupy your time and get her out of the picture."

"Now was that so hard?"

She ignored the comment. "As for work, you will be helping me with some personal issues. I need some help at the Naka Shrine. Once there, grandfather will relay more information. Is that understood?"

"Ah." He was right. Sadly enough, peace never came to him easily. When Rei held the door open for him, he begrudgingly obliged. And down the hallway, he saw a busy Usagi with Tekka giving instructions. Suddenly, the troubles Rei mentioned came to mind, and he worried if she would be fine with so many Uchiha surrounding her.

"Don't look at the girl. Don't be concerned with how she will fair without you keeping an eye on her. She can handle herself. Just keep your head straight. I doubt she'll have too much trouble in the time you're gone. As you said before, she's been handling herself just fine, hasn't she?"

She was just saying that to keep him distracted on his new mission and far away from Usagi. It wasn't hard to figure it out now that Rei was open about her intentions. But Usagi was a strong personality. Surely she could handle a few men. He waved a goodbye to her and she smiled back with a thumbs up indicating that everything was fine on her end. He nodded in confirmation before finally relaxing.

Usagi bid Itachi a final farewell as he exited the building. She wanted to ensure that there was no harm in leaving her be as the work Fugaku had given her, while plentiful and grueling, was not particularly difficult or life threatening.

"Usagi, are you done with your part?"

"Yeah, everything from the spill is mopped up."

"Good. I guess now we can go back to sorting out those documents. After that, we'll report back to the desk and see what else is new for you."

"Sure! I'm glad to help." She followed Tekka eagerly as he guided her down the hallway.

"May I ask you something?"

"What's that?" She smiled to ease his tension.

"Why are you so excited about doing this? I mean, it's grunt work."

"I just like helping people. That's all. And actually, it's kind of fun!"

"Fun? You think mopping and filing papers is fun?"

"Well, it is with you. I enjoy your company. You're a very nice person."

Tekka bore a faint blush. "Well, it is nice to have someone taking orders from me for a change."

"Tekka-san, you want to be promoted don't you?"

"How did you know that?"

"Because you work so hard at everything you do. I can tell you just want to please your commanding officers."

"Yes, well, it is my dream to be promoted. I don't mind doing this work but I rather not be stuck here forever. I have ambitions too."

"And what's that?"

He wasn't sure if it was her smile, relaxed attitude or genuine interest, but he couldn't stop from spouting more about his life. "I wish that someday I could work as a legal consultant or even the head of security to the daimyo of the Land of Fire."

"Um, that sounds cool."

He chuckled. "It may seem boring to you, but I love working in law and business. The only thing is, I'm not very good with talking to people."

"Once you get used to talking to more people, it will come more naturally to you. But, yeah, being a grunt worker here won't really get you there. So why do you still work here?"

"It's the connections and obligation. Most Uchiha men have to work here for a few years as duty then we move on to other jobs. If I pull my weight around, they can help me get to higher places."

"That's amazing! Good luck, Tekka-san. I'm cheering you on!"

"I…um, thank you, Usagi. And what about you? Do you have any idea what you want to do when you get older?"

"Well I want to travel and explore as much as I can. Maybe I could become a diplo-what-you-call-it."

"Diplomat."

"Yeah, they're the ones that go around to different nations and try to make peace. I think that would be a cool job. Or a traveling salesmen! Or even a minstrel! Or a bounty hunter!"

"That's quite an array of jobs there."

"Yeah, I guess. But may I ask you something now, Tekka-san?"

He gently took her mop and placed both inside the closet. "Yes, of course."

"Who was that girl Itachi was with earlier? The one with the long black hair and kunoichi vest. She had a golden raven necklace."

"Oh her? That's Uchiha Rei."

Usagi's face lit up. "Another female Uchiha? That's exciting!"

"Exciting?"

"Up until now I only ever met Uruchi-san and Mikoto-san. In fact, all I ever see on this compound are men. But surely there have to be young women around to help keep the clan going, right?" She jabbed him suggestively and offered a sly wink.

"O-oh, yes! Of course. But most of our women tend to their families or take up small missions and clerical work. They rarely take any military or police involvement. Rei-san is about the only exception."

"Why is that, Tekka-san?"

"Because her father was a political representative for the clan, he often had to leave the country to handle diplomatic issues. Rei-san never had many female role models, so since she was a little girl, she often just mimicked her father's actions. She became more involved with the clan's politics because of that, and it just stayed with her for the rest of her life, especially considering her mother died when she was very young."

"So she grew up without a mom, too?" It wasn't as if she was thrilled for the girl having to live without a mother figure. But Usagi was excited that perhaps the two could share a common trait. She could have someone to talk to who would understand the emptiness she felt from having lost a parent.

"Yes. She grew very ill one day, and her health got worse from there. Rei-san couldn't have been older than five when it happened."

"I see. And yet she doesn't even let that faze her. She keeps on working hard in spite of it all. Isn't that right, Tekka-san?"

"Ah. Rei-san is a very hard worker. She cares a lot about this clan and has quite a few achievements under her belt."

"And is she friends with Itachi or are they related?"

"At best, distant. The two have known each other since they were children. But rarely did they spend moments together. Itachi's destiny was just on a very far path from Rei-san's. When they were little, the captain would often arrange meetings between the two. They were supposed to be engaged sometime in the future though the idea was eventually dropped."

"I see."

He immediately realized his blunder and began to sputter apologizes. "I-I didn't mean to upset you with any of this! That was all just talk from when they were kids. It didn't mean anything!"

"Hmm? What are you talking about?"

"I mean that I wasn't trying to offend you or anything."

"You weren't offending me in anyway. I'm actually glad to know more about Itachi's life. There's only so much that he's told me."

"But you know, you'll likely be facing competition soon."

"Competition?"

"Well, I don't mean to bear bad news, but there is a chance Rei-san is still infatuated with Itachi."

"Oh? And how does that affect me?"

Tekka took a few step backs. Usagi was either extremely confident in Itachi's loyalty or completely oblivious to the future tension. He would bet on the latter considering her naïve smile. "Well, what happens if Rei-san tries to take Itachi away from you?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah…about that…" Usagi scratched her head in trying to find the perfect explanation.

"Don't worry, Usagi. Don't tell anyone this…" he got closer to whisper low, "but I'm rooting for you as well."

"Well, the thing is Itachi and I …wait…really? You mean it? You're on my side?"

"Yes. I think you're a really nice girl."

Usagi's eyes were glistening with tears of appreciation. "Aww, Tekka-san. You're such a nice person."

"Yes, well I'm being sincere. So don't give in so easily. Show Rei-san what you're made of!"

Usagi nodded sharply and raised her fist in the air. "Hai! I will! Uh…wait that is…" She was happy Tekka was becoming a closer friend but it was quite possible that her acceptance of his confidence had set her a step back from conveying the truth.

"Well, we should go down to the bulletin board and pick up our assignment." He guided her once again to a lobby like area where many men were snatching pieces of paper and running off.

"What's this?"

"We call this 'the post.' You see, when people need help with things, they file a report. Depending on how serious the report is, we sort them out to different places. It's kind of like how they assign missions at the academy. The really confidential and dangerous stuff gets sent to the captain or his high officers..."

"Like Itachi?"

"Ah. And then the rest trickle down. What you see here are the smaller jobs. Usually it's a lost and found mission or a village escort. It just depends on what people need. Whenever you find that you're done with the assignments handed to you for the day, you go up to this board, you snag an assignment and then you go to that desk over there and write the time you are about leave and the assignment that corresponds to the ticket you took. When you've accomplished your mission successfully, you come back and sign out. If anything goes wrong, you can always re-pin the assignment and try again later. But make sure to keep a log of any problems. Because these are pretty easy, you shouldn't find yourself in any trouble."

"You guys are always busy here."

"There's no such thing as being bored here or down time. There's always someone in need."

"I think I'm beginning to admire the Uchiha clan a lot more. Now I know why Itachi is always busy and coming in to work so early."

"Yes, we…"

"Well look at what we have here boys."

Usagi was alert to the small group of men that circled them. She noticed with dismay that Tekka seemed a bit nervous about the group. To the right was a fairly tall man with dark brown hair. She immediately recognized his hazelnut eyes. He was accompanied by an entourage of three men this time, mostly likely subordinates given that the rookie attire was the same as hers.

"What do you want, Koichiro?"

He slammed a hand on the post behind them, effectively trapping Usagi. "I noticed Itachi leaving earlier."

Usagi turned her head away from his warm breath.

"You got me in trouble, you little brat."

"She doesn't seem like much to me, Koichiro-san."

"I don't know, Kengo. I think I'm beginning to fall in love," he mocked as the other men laughed.

She wanted to tell them that there was nothing going on. That Itachi was no more than a friend and their attempts to tease her about the situation were in vain. But the snide smile and lewd speech caused her to lose a momentary grasp on her temper. She slapped the hand away.

"Whoa boys! Better back away. This kitten scratches."

"Leave us alone! You have no business making such crude comments."

They merely laughed at her attempt to intimidate them. It made Usagi pout in agitation.

"I mean it! Don't piss me off or I'll…"

"Or you'll what? Tell your boyfriend on us?"

"No!"

"Then what are you going to do about it, girl?"

"I'll file a sexual harassment report either before or after I maim you maggots."

Usagi clamped a hand over her mouth. Since when was her voice so masculine?

A wooden cane swooped out of thin air and jabbed Koichiro's forehead hard.

"Ow, who the...hell?"

Usagi watched in amazement as the four tough men were reduced to puddles by the elderly man. She recognized him as the old man from the day she infiltrated the interrogation room.

"You were saying, Koichiro?"

"Nothing, sir. We were just about to do some paperwork."

"Good. Then scatter."

"Yes, sir!"

The old man continued his steady pace and merely shook his head when the boys all left. Despite them knowing how much power he had in the department, they still continued to harass other coworkers. It was no surprise that this girl was the new center of attention given her status as Itachi's property. That and the simple fact that she was a woman. Young males who often go all day without female affection find it difficult to resist one's presence, even in the workplace. It was the main reason he rarely allowed women at headquarters. "You, rookie. Follow me."

Tekka lightly poked Usagi's shoulders. "He's talking to you," he whispered.

"Oh, okay."

Usagi followed the old man's invitation to enter his office. She was slightly nervous, afraid that her outburst had landed her into trouble.

The old man walked over to his desk and put away his hat. He threw the cane aside and landed harshly on his leather seat. After taking some notes and sorting away some papers, he spared a glance over at the girl who seemed to have lost her interest as she was now humming some type of music.

"Be more attentive."

Usagi stiffened her posture. "Hai!"

"A good officer always carries himself as an ascetic character."

She had never heard such a word before but attempted to replicate it anyway.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm being 'ascetic', sir."

"You look constipated."

The look was dropped immediately. "Oh."

"It's not that we're not a bed of roses in this establishment from time to time, but we aren't quite used to as much energy and clumsiness. That's a rookie mistake."

"Sorry, sir."

"The energy will wear off the more time you spend here. After a while, you'll dread you ever stepped foot here."

Usagi's face fell at the possibility that Tekka and Itachi may have been the only ones on her side.

"I simply meant that sooner or later you won't be as excited to come here. People are always excited on the first day. After a few months' time, you'll blend in with the rest of us dreary ones."

"Oh, yes sir."

"Take your work seriously, work hard, do as your told, be punctual about your attendance and duties and there's nothing more I can ask of you."

"Hai!"

"Now then, let's get on to business. I take it Fugaku has already made your schedule for the day?"

Usagi immediately stood upright in respect. "Yes, sir."

"And Tekka has shown you how to keep yourself busy and where everything is?"

"Yes, sir. He showed me the cleaning closets, the lobby, where to get food and the post."

"Very well. Everything seems to be in good standing. Now, why don't you take this folder right here and deliver it to Fugaku for me. Let him know he needs to read it as soon as he gets it."

"Yes, sir."

"One more thing before you go."

"Sir?"

"Try standing up for yourself a little more. The men around here won't respect you at all if you don't speak up and be a little more assertive."

"But, how?"

His eye twinkled in mischief. "Hmm, I wonder..."

Usagi frowned as she shut the door. She wasn't quite sure how to go about defending herself, at least, not without hurting someone in the process.

"It's you again, huh girl?"

But then again, he never did say she couldn't physically defend herself. Usagi took one look at the old man through the glass in his office. She knew he was subtly watching her. And when the Koichiro fellow was still not ignoring her back, she stomped her foot out and gave him a good kick in the shin to shut him up. That seemed to satisfy both his persistence and the old man, for he bore the faintest of smirks. After she was satisfied the whole group received the message well, Usagi proudly walked into Fugaku's office.

"Captain, this is for you."

"File it away for now—."

"I was instructed to ensure you read it immediately by Ojii-san." She hoped he understood the source. When she accepted the file, she had not even bothered with formalities. But everyone else, including Shisui, referred to him as the old man. And it seemed the title was efficient, for Fugaku immediately opened the manila folder. Usagi waited patiently for further instructions as he began to correct and highlight key phrases in the files.

"Return this and then finish your scheduled assignments."

"I've already finished my duties for the day." She straightened her stance when he eyed her carefully. "Sir," she added the formality as a safety measure.

"Very well. Then have Tekka show you were to get more…"

"I've already visited the post, captain. There are currently thirty six assignments. With your permission, I can leave headquarters momentarily to accomplish one." He stared at her again which made her mildly nervous. "Sir!"

He sighed. "You don't have to keep saluting me like that every time you finish a sentence. This isn't the military."

"Oh, um…sir! Yes, sir!"

Fugaku narrowed his eyes at her continuous efforts to salute him and the newfound confidence that radiated off the girl. "Actually, there is one more assignment I would like for you to accomplish before that."

"Sir?"

"I want you to go to Yashiro's office. There, he has a box of katana. I would like for you to deliver these weapons to the Naka Shrine. Give them to a girl named Uchiha Rei. She'll direct you from there."

Usagi fought hard to hold the smile down. She had wanted to introduce herself since her conversation with Tekka. It was exciting to find more women to talk to within the Uchiha clan. She wondered if this Rei person would be anything like Itachi's mother. "Hai!" She nodded seriously before scampering off to deliver the folder and find Yashiro's office.

"Usagi, why the rush?"

She smiled at Tekka who was busy holding a big pile of tabbed binders.

"Captain wants me to make a delivery. Can you tell me where Yashiro-san's office is?"

"Sure, it's right around the corner over there."

"Ah, thank you!" She hurriedly jogged, careful to avoid the men that were rushing about with their own piles of work. Once she received the coordinates and package, she picked up her pace and rushed to the shrine.

The entrance was rather spectacular in architecture. The torii was tall and most recently repainted in its traditional red coating. Several pieces of parchment paper thought to be charms hung from the sides and among the many things adorning the entrance was an engraved sign that read Naka no Jinja.

"Well, this is it."

She casually strolled across the stone stairs, marveling at the wonderful landscape. Whoever kept up the place was someone who paid attention to detail and definitely had a knack for gardening. She could barely keep her banzai tree alive and yet here were people who kept acres of it in pristine condition.

"I take it you are enjoying the shrine, young lady?"

It was a short bald man. His age was indicated by the wrinkles he bore as well as sagging eyelids.

"Yes, I actually love it. Who is your landscape artist?"

"That would be my granddaughter. Since she was little, she's been working here at the shrine to keep it clean and well-conditioned."

"That's so nice. One person does this all?"

"Well, she does get help from time to time. But in general, yes."

"That's amazing. I would love to have come here as a child and play around by the trees. This place must have the best hiding spots."

"Yes, but you know what is the best thing to do here?"

"What's that, sir?"

He bared a toothy smile. "Marriage of course!"

Usagi blinked from the bold outburst. "M-marriage?"

"Yes, marriage."

"Uh…I'm sorry sir, but I'm a bit too young for that right now."

"Nonsense! And I've got just the right bachelor ready for you."

"Um…and who would that be, sir?"

"Me of course!"

It didn't take her long to make a slow retreat. The old man was even more insane than Minako's grandmother. What was it with old people that made them lose their sanity and tact?

"Actually, I'm kind of on a mission…"

She shuddered internally when the old man reached out for her hand.

"There's no need to be shy, young girl. Why, I'm as ripe as they come!"

After watching his dentures barely stay within their confinements and some loose hairy moles on his face begin to take life of their own, Usagi's pace became more hastened.

"I…have to go now."

Unfortunately, the old man would not release her hold which caused her to stumble backwards on the stone path.

"I must say, those are some nice set of legs you've got on you!"

She immediately stood up and hid her legs behind the boxes.

"Now then, what say you and I…"

The man did not finish his sentence before he was knocked a few feet by a fast fist.

"How many times do I have to tell you? STOP HITTING ON GIRLS AT THE SHRINE!"

While she was not one to advocate administering pain to the elderly, Usagi was very grateful to her saviour.

"You'll have to excuse him. He's quite senile and does that whenever…" The girl immediately stopped and narrowed her eyes.

Usagi smiled upon recognition of the priestess' identity. "Excuse me, you're Uchiha Rei right?"

"Yes," the girl responded hesitantly.

"I'm Tsukino Usagi. It's nice to meet you."

"I assume you didn't walk all the way here just to introduce yourself."

"Oh! Yes! Captain, asked for me to bring you these katana."

"Very well, hand them here." Rei accepted the boxes and began to walk off. She was not expecting, however, for any kind of company as she approached the honden. "Is there something else you needed?"

"I uh…"

"If not, I'm very busy at the moment. Visitation hours for tours are between eight and two. Please try again tomorrow."

"No, I'm not here for a tour."

"Well, then, off with you."

"Actually, I just thought we could, you know, hang out."

"Excuse me?"

"There's a soba shop not too far from here. Or we can go shopping. Which would you rather do first?"

Rei's head shook in disbelief. "What? We just met!"

"That's kind of the point. We can get to know each other better."

"Why do you even want to get to know me?"

"I thought we could be friends."

She faltered momentarily at the words before continuing her power walk through the shrine. "Go away. You're interrupting my work. And I'm sure the captain has not relieved you from duty." She grabbed a broom to begin sweeping the floors and frowned when Usagi followed suit.

"I can help you sweep. I'm pretty fast at it too."

"I've already told you to scurry. Go on, go!"

"Oh, come on Rei-chan. Don't be that way."

Rei scrunched her face at the familiarity. "Do NOT call me that."

"Why not?"

"I barely even know you!"

"I'll let you call me 'Usagi-chan'."

"Beat it brat!"

"We could have fun…"

"WHY ARE YOU BOTHERING ME ABOUT THIS?"

Usagi took a few moments to recover from the outburst. "I just…I barely know any Uchiha females. I thought it would be kind of cool to get to know one my age. That's all."

"Are you doing this only because of Itachi?"

"Huh?"

"I know about you and Itachi so don't play innocent."

"I don't understand."

"I said, stop playing stupid!"

"I'm not."

"Then are you genuinely stupid?"

"I wouldn't be asking you if I knew what you meant."

She released a string of incoherent grumbles before releasing the tension to calm her nerves. "Let me make it simple. I know about the relationship between you and Itachi. I also know that the only reason you are approaching me now is to ensure that you know as much about me as possible. But let me make it clear to you girl," she poked Usagi's chest harshly before continuing. "I have every intention of taking you out of the picture. And while we're on the subject, I'll also make it clear that I take no interest in seeing you close to him."

"But Itachi is only my friend. It's not like you think."

"Don't insult my intelligence. It pisses me off."

Usagi immediately withheld her retort.

"Itachi and I have known each other far longer than you two have. And I assure you, that anything you have with him is nothing but a casual fling. Itachi cares deeply for his family and naturally would want a suitable Uchiha female to take his side as wife. Don't believe the illusion that Itachi would ever stick up for you, not if his family is involved. We always come first. Embed that into your memory, girl!"

Rei snatched up the fallen broom and continued to sweep the main hall. She was used to people adhering to her tone of voice. She was certain she got the point across that the girl's presence was not at all desired.

"I heard you lost your mother when you were little."

The sweeping motion slowed considerably in response.

"I…I also lost my mother when I was little. And my father too. They died before I was even two so I don't remember anything about them at all. I have very few things they left behind so really, it's kind of like a fantasy for me—that they ever existed anyway. And when I heard about what happened to you, I just thought that maybe you would also understand where I'm coming from. That maybe you would understand the loneliness I feel from time to time. I thought that we could be two people who understand each other."

"I don't need pity from you for my circumstances."

"I'm not offering pity. I'm offering friendship."

Delicate fingers glided smoothly down the broom before readjusting their hold. "My position still stands. You are an obstacle that must be eradicated. I won't allow anyone to take Itachi from me."

"Why is Itachi so important to you?"

"Not that it matters to you, but I've known Itachi since we were little. To me he was the ideal man. He was strong, courageous, gentle, patient and kind. He was everything I wanted."

"Me too."

"Oh? Then you admit you have romantic feelings for the man?"

"I think you misunderstood me."

"How so?"

"When I say he's everything I wanted, I mean that he's everything that I wanted to be. He's everything that I hope to achieve someday. Someday, I want to be as strong as he is, inside and out."

"Stop spouting nonsense. You know nothing about what Itachi has been through—his pain, his suffering. You can't possibly understand him on that kind of level."

"It's true that I probably don't know him as well as you do, but there are some things you can pick up from people just by getting to know them a little. I've known Itachi enough to understand the kind of person he is."

"What do you understand about Itachi? The two of you have barely been acquainted."

"I probably know about him more than you think. To me, he's family."

"Tch. Family? You haven't even scratched his surface and already you spout incoherent babbles on how well you can ascertain his nature. Well, I will educate you now, girl. Itachi is a serious man who understands the structure of maintaining a clan such as ours. Don't interfere with his work nor shatter the foundation of this clan to which he holds dear." She huffed and began dusting the ornaments on the walls.

"You're wrong Rei-chan."

Rei's grasp on the okimono loosened momentarily.

"Itachi…Itachi does love his family. But I think everyone misunderstands him in this clan. While he is serious about work, he doesn't hold the same values everyone does as far as politics and clans. He does all the work because he was raised to do it. But Itachi also hates the hierarchies of the clan. I think I understand now why he never got along with anyone. Why he always tried to find a way out of the work given to him. Why he kept to himself most of the time. Itachi couldn't find anyone in the clan who could understand the way he saw things, how he hates the structure and the lifestyle. Maybe he didn't even realize himself what he was doing, but when he kept meeting with me, I think it was his only way out. I think I was the first person outside the clan he was really close to, and he found a connection with me when he knew I didn't grow up the way he had. I had a life that was exactly what he envisioned. That's why…that's why I think he kept coming back. That's why, we're such good friends and that's why I understand him much more than you think."

"Well, you certainly have a way with words, but let me ask you this. If there was a problem that you were causing, would you be willing to do the right thing?"

"Uh, what do you mean? Like what…"

"What I mean is if there came a point in time when your involvement with the clan clashed with our whole system, would you be willing to continue interfering solely for your own selfish reasons? Or would you be willing to let go of Itachi if it was concluded that doing such actions would be in the best interest of everyone? In other words, would you be willing to sacrifice your own personal happiness for his and the clan?"

"Eh? Well I'm not quite sure what you mean, but if you're saying would I ever do something to jeopardize the clan then my answer is no. But sacrifice? I think that's a little extreme. I don't see why a sacrifice is necessary. Negotiations and compromises…I think that's much more suitable. If we all work together, there's no reason for anyone to get hurt."

"Ninjas are presented with impossible choices at times. If there came a moment, would you surrender your happiness for his?"

"If there is no other choice, I guess so. Itachi's happiness is important to me. And if he no longer wanted me in his life, I would accept that."

"Then you understand that it's always in his best interest and not yourself, correct?"

"Yes, Rei-chan. But I could say the same to you."

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone always thinks of the clan and themselves. Doesn't anyone think of others, if people are truly happy this way? Why do you hold onto these traditions if they hurt other people?"

"Shut up. You have no idea what you're talking about. You know nothing of clans and what we do, how they help people. Clans are the very foundation of this society; it's how this village was formed. To go back and eliminate clans means to destroy everything for which we have worked so hard to establish."

"I wasn't trying to dismiss clans; I simply meant that maybe some things could change for the better."

"And you're going to be the one to change them, I presume?"

Usagi sighed. This wasn't where she wanted the conversation to go at all. "Look, I didn't mean to insult you and your family. I was just talking about Itachi. I just wish everyone would leave us alone. I mean, I'm not hurting anyone. He's not either. He still goes to work and gets everything done that he needs to. I mean, we kept it a secret for two years or so and nothing bad happened so it can't be all that jeopardizing, right?"

Rei's eyes narrowed. It was a painful reminder that Itachi and the girl had all those years of secret meetings to themselves. She didn't want to postulate what their meetings constituted. The idea of Itachi intimately knowing this girl and quite possibly giving up his virtue for her was maddening enough that she was tempted to shatter the object in her hands right onto sacred ground.

"I think your time here has expired. I ask that you leave now."

"But…"

"Now!"

There was no point in trying to make any amends. It was obvious that Rei had no intention of reconciling with her or understanding her pleas. Usagi walked out silently when she continued to clean the establishment, making it a point not to address her presence. Her feet slowly moved along the stone paths; the landscape from earlier was no longer as riveting.

"It's not like you to be so down."

Her ears perked up to the sound of his voice but despite it all, she couldn't find it in her heart to even smile in response.

"What's gotten you so depressed? Did something happen?"

Itachi was rearranging several charms on a nearby sakura tree and any other time, she would have poked fun of how silly he looked with several charms hanging around his neck like jewelry; however, Rei's rejection of her friendship was still a fresh wound and thus she settled for a mere shake of the head.

"No, I'm fine. Just tired."

"If you want, I can tell my father to back off. I'll let him know something came up in your team. After all, emergencies do happen every day."

Usagi immediately brightened up. She remembered his father's face and Mikoto's inspiring words to not give up. Just because one attempt to bridge a relationship failed did not mean another attempt should be missed. "No! I'm fine. I can do this!"

"Well, if he does bother you some more you can always…"

Itachi's eyes narrowed, and Usagi wasn't sure if it was due to the sun or genuine distaste for the oncoming presence slowly ascending the stone staircase.

"Itachi," Fugaku nodded and gave another nod of acknowledgment to Usagi. "I have a few more assignments before the work day is done. As soon as this is over, everyone will be relieved from duty."

"Everyone?"

"Yes. You, girl, will also be accompanying us on this task."

He still wouldn't acknowledge her name, something she found quite insulting but opted not to act upon.

"As will Rei."

Itachi's dark eyes narrowed at the name. The man was up to something. He just knew it.

"Now then, I have to deliver these documents, so the two of you wait here. We'll be right back."

Neither was comfortable speaking until his presence was no longer detected.

"Usagi, go home."

"Huh?"

"I'll tell him you had an emergency. Go home, now."

"What's wrong? Did I do something to upset you?"

"He's up to no good. I'm not quite sure what it is, but it's probably best you leave."

She dismissed his claims with a light pat on his shoulder. "I think you're overthinking this, Itachi. What could your father possibly do out in the open? I don't think he's the type to physically hurt others. Am I right?"

"There's more than one type of pain, Usagi. And I would rather not chance it."

"You're overreacting. And anyway, I have no intention of leaving."

Her bold words, confident look and dominant stance left him speechless. He knew once Usagi set her mind to something, she wouldn't back down.

"Fine. Just keep your guard up."

"Yeah, I will."

The two waited patiently for Fugaku to return. He carried a newly clad Rei in tow.

The dark-haired women's gaze targeted Usagi immediately and maintained the contact as she descended down the stone path. Her eyes shouted a secret command to walk behind as she would be the leading female. Usagi obeyed hesitantly, not wanting to start a confrontation.

"If everyone is ready, let's get a move on."

Their first destination was a weapons shop. Itachi instantly recognized it as the one he visited with his brother not too long ago.

"The katana from earlier were confiscated from an illegal fighting ring. They will now be destroyed by the blacksmith here in the shop. You girl…"

"Me, sir?"

"Follow Rei into the shop. Deliver the weapons. Itachi and I must collect a few items here of our own."

"Yes, sir."

Rei paid no homage to her presence—seeing Usagi as merely a piece of equipment carrying her load.

"Rei-san! It's been awhile since I've seen you around here. How is your father doing?"

"He's off gallivanting about the country. But otherwise fine."

The way the words fell out of her lips left Usagi slightly concerned. There was such an aftertaste of disdain that she felt maybe Rei didn't at all care for her father. But surely that couldn't be the case.

"So these are the weapons that Fugaku wants eliminated?"

"Yes, they were used in illegal operations and thus they cannot be sold to the public. Besides that, they were smuggled in here without any paperwork. We have to cut off our ties or we'll be accused of allowing criminal trafficking."

"Such a shame. These are really nice swords."

"Yes, made with pure high-carbon. Because of how hard high-carbon is, it allows a more deadly cut. Much more useful than the low-carbon ones most people carry."

"You sure know your weapons, Rei-san."

"But doesn't that also make it more brittle?"

Both turned to the blonde clutching onto another box of katana.

"I thought that high-carbon makes the sword more brittle and if you parry a lot, will cause it to fall apart quicker than low-carbon ones. That's why tamahagane contains both types of carbon, to utilize the advantages of each."

The blacksmith smiled widely at Usagi's observation. "As a matter of fact that's right! You're pretty smart, girl. It's hard to find people who understand such a delicate art form. You have a keen eye for observation, maybe even much more than an Uchiha."

Rei frowned at the declaration and interaction between the two. Was the girl purposely trying to show her off?

Usagi shyly rubbed the back of her head. "Actually a friend of mine is really good with weapons. He taught me everything he knows and I just picked up the way to analyze them from him."

Rei scanned the shop until she found Itachi over in a corner observing the features of a small dagger with his father.

"Well, I'm sure you have a lot of work ahead of you. Rei-chan and I will leave you to the weapons, if you don't mind of course."

"Of course not, Miss…"

"Usagi. Just call me Usagi."

"Well, Usagi it is. I hope to see you around more often."

"Yeah me…" Usagi moved out of the way as an upset Rei walked out of the shop. "…too." Despite the warnings in her head, she went after the girl.

"What was all that back there?"

"Excuse me?"

"Trying to show off and make me look bad? Not a smart move, girl."

"I was just offering some conversation. I didn't lie. What I said was true."

"And let me guess. The 'friend' you were talking about was Itachi. Correct?"

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"Lucky guess."

"Well, yeah. Itachi taught me everything. In fact, before I became a chuunin, we used to have sword fights so I could understand how to use them. But I was never really good with katana. They're too heavy for me most of the time. So he actually found one that I could use…"

"Are you purposely trying to piss me off?"

"Eh?"

"You know what you're doing. Don't play the fool. Showing off your knowledge, showing off what Itachi taught you, that you two spent so much time together. You're trying to write me off!"

"I'm not! You just asked a question. I answered it."

"Girls like you make me sick. If you're trying to challenge me then be open about it. I hate schemers."

"I'm not a schemer! But what about you? You also said you wanted to get me out of the picture. Isn't that the same?"

"I don't go around plotting behind other people's backs nor feign a lack of understanding to any subject matter. If I have a problem with anything, I just come out and deal with it. That's the kind of person I am. What about you? What kind of person are you?"

"I would like to think I'm an honest person."

"I think you're more sneaky than you let on. You're probably thinking of ways to sneak around and eliminate me from the ring of competition you have."

"Ring of competition? I'm not entering any kind of tournament. Not that I know of anyway."

Rei's hand fisted before a familiar index finger came out to poke the girl's chest. "Listen here, girl. If you so much as try to embarrass me again, I'll make sure to it that you never make it to jounin. In fact, I'll make sure you never step foot outside this village again!"

"That's not fair! I didn't even do anything!"

"I said, quit playing the foo—"

"Is everything fine here?"

Rei immediately regained her composure while Usagi addressed Itachi's concerned looks.

"Everything is fine here, captain. The girl and I were simply having a conversation. Isn't that right?"

"A..ah."

"Very well. Before we move on to the next assignments, we have a quick pick-up at the market for my wife's dinner. Rei-san, you are invited of course to spend dinner with us tonight."

"Why thank you, captain. I appreciate the offer."

Usagi noticed the offer was not extended to her.

"You girl!"

"Yes, captain!" She smiled; perhaps she was invited after all. "Go over to that vendor and retrieve an eel for us." That happy thought was effectively deflated.

"Eel?"

"Yes, that vendor sells the best unagi in the village. My wife is going to prepare some unadon for us. The only thing she is missing is the main dish. Go and get it."

Usagi groaned at the way the request was formed. It wasn't as if she was some type of retriever. "Yes, sir." She approached the tank carefully, not sure as to how she should pick the item.

"Need any help, miss?"

"Yes, I am in need of unagi. Which would you recommend as the best one to purchase for a dinner of five?"

"That big one right there is as fresh as they come. Just grab it and I'll package it for you. If you would like it cut, then please just ask."

"I just…grab it myself?"

"Yes." He went back to pouring salt over several pieces of fresh cod.

"Um, okay."

"Girl, what's taking you so long?"

She looked back over her shoulder to the awaiting trio. "Nothing sir!" She folded her sleeves back before diving right in and trying her best at grabbing the eel he recommended. The unagi, however, was much too slippery for her to grab. It flailed crazily, splashing water everywhere before slipping away.

"Are you okay, miss?"

"Yes, it just…slipped." She went in for the kill again, applying more pressure. The animal went wild again, but she maintained her hold. The task took a turn for the worst when she lifted it out of the water only to have it slap her hands and smash itself onto her face. She took a few steps back and slipped along with it. The animal continued to bounce around on her lap. It caused Usagi to squirm and jump away from the eel. Her mood soured when Rei began to mock her.

"Unagi and Usagi. What a perfect combination. One is a flailing, slimy mud dweller. And the other is a fish."

Usagi narrowed her eyes in response.

Fugaku offered his own light chuckles and stopped his livid son with one hand before he could interfere.

"Here, I'll show you how it's done girl. First you…"

But the water deprived unagi was not allowing any room for conquering. He flailed wilder and jumped onto the next victim. Rei suffered several tail slaps to the face before she too fell over and joined the blonde on the floor. The fugitive eel then jumped back into the tank, offering the two girls one final large splash of water in the process.

"Why don't I just get this for you?"

The two soaked girls turned their heads slowly over to the vendor.

"And I can fillet if for you for free!"

Their glares were effective.

Fugaku frowned when he looked over to his son who did not bother to conceal his smirk. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing."

He gave a grunt before moving fast and yelling back at everyone to catch up.

Throughout the rest of the trip, he tried his luck and scaring off the girl with any little devious trick he could conjure. For the next assignment, he had her retrieve several flowers needed for herbal remedies. According to her medical records, the girl's allergies were often times affected by pollen and would leave her nose puffed up red. He was not counting, however, for Rei to suffer the same type of treatment.

"You little brat! You gave me rashes!"

"I'm sorry! I just…" a swat of saliva splat on Rei's forehead as Usagi rubbed the bottom of her sniffling nose from the tickling sneeze. "Sorry, I couldn't hold it in."

Rei wiped the phlegm off her head with all the patience she could muster.

More mishaps ensued after that. One assignment to retrieve an item had the girls running through a garden to escape several bees. Another had them doused as a lady from a second floor building dumped her dirty water onto the street. They suffered pepper sprays, barking dogs, mud to their faces and piles of garbage thrown at them before Fugaku relented on his backfired plan and allowed the girls time to clean up in a nearby bathroom.

"This is all your fault, you little brat!"

"My fault? I wasn't the one who tried to swat away the bee! I told you to leave it alone so he wouldn't chase us!"

"Yeah, but it was your fault that my face was slathered in mud!"

"I didn't see the rickshaw coming down the hill, okay? I'm sorry."

"Whatever, just keep your distance from me. You're an endangerment to my health and well-being." Rei grabbed several paper towels and wiped her face clean. When she was certain her hair and body were rejuvenated, she stormed past the girl.

"Just relax, okay?" Usagi hastily followed Rei as soon as she was done.

"I will not relax. You have made this day a huge pain in the…captain!"

Usagi rolled her eyes at Rei's quick change in demeanor.

"Are you girls freshened up?"

"Yes, sir." Rei followed the captain's lead, frowning when Itachi tailed behind to speak with Usagi. The two played the part of a loving couple so much it plagued her with envy.

"Rei, why don't you share your progress with us? Have you been keeping yourself busy?"

"There's not much to tell. I've just been fulfilling my duties to the clan. My grandfather has insisted I start doing more clerical work and so I have. I've dedicated my work for now to the Naka Shrine. Occasionally I visit Neko-baa and tend to her weapons facility there. The academy also enlists my help with the students from time to time and recently I was elected to oversee the chuunin exams. I will be overseeing the clan's preparations for the genin elect as well. So I suppose life has kept me fairly busy."

"That's quite the responsibility you have. But it's to be expected of an Uchiha woman. You've done the clan proud. Keep up the good work."

"Thank you, sir."

He had been mentally eyeing her the entire time; Usagi knew it. It was a challenge; silently asking 'what about you Usagi? How much have you contributed to the village? Can you measure up to that?' And she couldn't; she really couldn't. She didn't have such an elaborate résumé like Rei. She rarely volunteered aside from some animal rescues and helping her friends and their clans. But even that was not common. Most of the time, she trained or enjoyed her leisure time. It was that thought that made her come to the conclusion that perhaps she was wrong. Maybe she was the selfish brat. She rarely helped anyone but herself. Her contributions were minimal. What did she offer the village anyway? Were her mission contributions enough? Did the rest of her teammates do more when they didn't meet? Was she the one acting the part of a spoiled child? She continued to brew in her reassessment of her life.

"Those ideas in your head need to disappear."

"Huh? I wasn't thinking…"

"I'm not an idiot, Usagi."

"Yeah well..."

"You are your own person and you have your own life. Don't compare yourself to the clan. Everyone has their own part to play for the village. Some people cook ramen, some people forge weapons, others engage in missions. Don't belittle your efforts. Every task is significant. Every person as well."

"All right." She smiled at his attempt to cheer her up, but the moment between the two was destroyed by what she knew was a jealous Rei clinging onto Itachi's arm tightly.

"Itachi, look over there!"

Itachi sighed at the jewelry shop meters away knowing full well what Rei had envisioned.

"I know that shop quite well. My wife frequents it. I'm sure there are exquisite pieces of jewelry that will interest you, Rei. Say now, Itachi, why don't you take Rei to the shop and look around. It will give you two a good chance to spend some time together."

"But…"

"I will look after the girl in your leave."

He feared that the most.

"Come on, Itachi. The sooner we enter the shop, the sooner we can return."

It was only when Usagi smiled and nodded that he reluctantly followed Rei.

And the two figures were left to stand and wait.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?"

"Yes."

"Rei is one who takes her role seriously. She brings pride to this clan. Her contributions are far too many to list."

"Yes, even I can see that."

"She's charismatic, strong-willed, beautiful, determined, hard-working, intelligent and courageous. She's everything a woman would want to be and everything a man could desire for one."

"She'll make a wonderful wife someday." She finished his unspoken thought.

"For Itachi, yes. I'd expect no less considering her lineage."

She allowed him to talk. Maybe if she just pretended she wasn't there, he would leave her alone. But he was baiting her with that last statement. "Why don't you just be direct with me, sir?"

"Excuse me?"

"I know why you brought her here."

"This is hardly appropriate conversation to be having out in public."

"And yet trying to find ways to embarrass me while making Rei look good is?"

He didn't reply.

"You wanted to prove something to me."

"And what would that be?"

"You wanted to show me what an Uchiha woman was like. You wanted to show her off, show how insignificant I was."

"You're making a scene."

The glare didn't waver.

"You planned it all, didn't you? From the very start. You never intended to get to know me better. You just wanted me to meet her."

His fingers barely twitched.

"I know why you did it."

"Did what?"

"I rather not insult your intelligence, sir."

He knew there was no point in hiding it. "I know what kind of girl you are."

"I don't think you do, sir."

"Please, don't play dumb. You want my son for his rank, his position in the clan. Don't think I'm stupid enough to believe you understand him on some psychological level that his own family can't grasp. That's absurd and asinine."

"I don't want anything from Itachi because of his position. When I first met your son, I didn't even know his title. Nor was I familiar with Uchiha very much for that matter."

"But when you did, you were more eager to know him personally. Isn't that right?"

"I won't deny that I felt your son was most appropriate in helping me train, but everything after that—our meetings and friendship—was all based on him. Not his rank, not his title, not his clan. I only saw Itachi for what he was. And I'll tell you this right now, sir: I care about your son and he is a good friend of mine. Please don't underestimate my understanding of him."

"You seem to have full comprehension of the situation and are becoming rather bold in speaking with me; therefore, I will be forward and put my all my cards on the table. I don't like you. I don't like you with my son. I don't care for you, nor do I care for your involvement with my family. Let it be known now that I will never accept you as you are now. If you understand my words, if you understand my devotion to my family then I ask you to please step away now. Leave my son alone. I don't think you to be a bad kid; your records show otherwise. But nothing good will come of my son becoming too involved with you. Do we have an accord?"

"Why is it so important that you have to have control over every aspect of your son's life? Why are you threatened by someone like me? I have no lineage as you like to remind me. I hold no power. So why am I so threatening to you?"

His nostrils flared. "I do not find you threatening. I find you a hindrance."

"I think Mikoto-san is right. You're scared of me. You're scared Itachi will abandon his duties if he finds someone outside the clan. You're scared that he'll leave his family. But, sir, you're jumping to conclusions! Itachi is not like that at all. He would never leave your clan for something as silly as a girl. Surely you don't think so low of your own son."

"I am not afraid. I simply despise disorder. And I do hold confidence in my son. But at the moment, I find you a disruption in my son's life as well as unnecessary competition for his future wife. And I will not have some little orphan who doesn't even hold a set of contributions for this village, monopolize my son's time. But I would expect no less from someone without parents to guide her."

She swallowed hard at the low hit. "That was uncalled for, sir."

"Hmm. You're dismissed. I will declare this matter settled. Now leave my son in peace as well as our family so we can—"

"No."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"

"I believe this is your son's decision, not yours. If you want me to stop seeing your son, then I need to hear it from his words. I will respect the command if it's Itachi who tells me to leave—no one else."

"You've got a lot of nerve talking to a superior officer like that. You're not even a part of our clan so how dare you…"

"That's right. I'm not a part of your clan; therefore I am not subject to the same rules. Whatever structure you have developed for your family won't work with me. I'm sorry."

"Fine. Then don't bother…"

"I will be reporting for duty tomorrow morning as well. And the next morning and next until your son no longer sees me fit to attend. While I am not a part of your clan's society, I have accepted responsibility for the work at headquarters."

"Very well. So be it." He took the bags of groceries from her hands before giving her a nod. "You are relieved of your duties for today."

"Fine by me," she disappeared quickly.

Fugaku's composure eased up at soon as Usagi disappeared. When Rei and Itachi returned with a newly purchased bracelet, he smiled with satisfaction. Things would progress far more smoothly from here.

"Well, I trust you found something suitable to fit your tastes, Rei?"

Rei showed off the golden bracelet on her hand which reflected the sunlight off of it. "Of course, Itachi truly knows fine jewelry when he sees it."

Itachi was now alert to a new development. He knew Rei was trying to show off to Usagi again, but there was something off about her plan. The girl was nowhere in sight. He thought at first that perhaps his father had sent her on another trivial mission but her chakra was completely void in the vicinity.

"Where's Usagi?"

"She had more pressing matters to tend to. I relieved her of her duty as such. Now then, Rei, why don't you and..."

Itachi was neither naïve nor stupid.

"What did you do to h—"

"Itachi, there is no need to start a quarrel with your father on such a trivial matter and in public, no less. Let the girl be. An emergency is an emergency after all. Or would you rather interrupt her busy schedule?"

"Rei is right. In any case, think this as a golden opportunity for you two."

"What do you mean?" He asked despite knowing exactly that his father had accomplished what he set out to do from the beginning.

"It's been years since you and Rei have had time to converse. I will leave you two alone to bond and become well acquainted once again."

"I…"

"Consider this an official mission and the last in your day. As soon as Rei sees it fit, you will be released until tomorrow."

His father's stern look and Rei's dominant stance had him sigh in resignation to the request. There was no reason to argue against two Uchiha who stood defiantly before him.

"Ah. I understand."

"Good. I will leave you two alone then."

Rei immediately dove in for his arm when Fugaku left. She knew Itachi would run away otherwise. "Let's go down to the senbei shop. You can buy me some treats while we talk for a little while. I want to take this opportunity to get your input."

Itachi followed her slowly, head down, until they reached the shop. There was no anticipation to the forthcoming conversation. This was further exalted when Rei pulled out a scroll of schematics. There were several drawn people in different scenarios. Knowing she was part of the chuunin committee, he knew it had to be battle plans. It was duty once again.

"I have here some strategies for your little brother. I think Sasuke could benefit from some endurance training. The boy has very little stamina and I worry about long-range fighters drawing out the battle to expose this weakness. Now which plan do you think is more effective? The tiger form or perhaps eagle?"

Itachi nibbled on a senbei while lazily staring at the clouds.

"Itachi!"

"Sasuke can meet any of your expectations. Whichever form you see most suitable for the moment will work. There's no point in sticking to one strategy unless you are aware of the situation that's being presented."

"So you're saying to teach Sasuke all of them and let him find which style is most suitable given the circumstances in battle?"

"Ah."

She scribbled down the notes quickly and sighed when Itachi continued to stare at the clouds. "I bet if Usagi was here, you would pay her more mind." She knew the statement was effective when he snapped on his cookie a little harder than normal.

"I already warned you, Rei. Leave Usagi out of this. She doesn't concern you or the clan."

"Your father seems to think otherwise."

"My father needs to mind his own business, as do you."

She continued jotting away notes. "My, my. Look at you go. The girl has already got you eating out of the palm of her hands."

"What do you mean?"

"First comes denial, then anger after that. You get defensive and protective over her until pretty soon, you begin to fight back."

"I simply want you to leave her alone. If you do that, I assure you that my work will not be compromised. Usagi is very well aware how busy I am. We have an understanding."

"I will take you at your word for now. Just remember Itachi, your family comes first."

"Hmm."

"Now enough of this talk. We've made it quite clear where we both stand in the situation so we can move on from there. Instead, I would like to continue on with these battle plans. I want to submit them by tomorrow afternoon so that I can revise them on time if necessary."

He wanted nothing more than to ditch her and her work. There were so many other activities he would rather indulge in at the moment. While work was always a priority, he chose not to be emerged in it constantly as a break from time to time was necessary for his mental stability. Having Rei around would mean that wouldn't be the case. His duties would follow him everywhere.

"Now then, what do you think of this right here? Did we get the trajectories right?"

She asked for input constantly and he tried his best to remain attentive. He received his first grace of salvation when Uruchi placed a tray of teacups on the table.

"Itachi-chan, how are you today?"

"Ah. Fine."

"It's been a while since you stopped by here. I'm glad to see you're doing well. And Rei-chan of course, too."

"I'm fine, Auntie Uruchi. We're just working on the upcoming chuunin exams."

"That's good to hear. We should have a good turnaround unlike last time. It's such a shame that only two Uchiha were made chuunin in the last few exams. I guess that's why everyone is working so hard now."

"Yes, we need to pick up the pace if we are to reestablish our position in society."

"Yes, I agree."

Itachi let out a sharp tsk at the trivial talk between the two. Clans always judged things based on their own personal gain, never on what the village had acquired. But memories resurfaced from two chuunin exams ago and he smirked recalling what decisive battle had decided the Uchiha's fate for that exam. The girl in question came to mind and he tried desperately to come up with an escape plan to go after her and make sure her father had done no long-term damage in his absence. His silent pleas were answered when the clouds parted to reveal a stream of sunlight shining down on his unexpected saviour.

"Itachi, where are you going?"

"I simply need to relay some information to Shisui. Just give me a few minutes."

"But…"

"Just be patient for a little while." He jogged away before another protest reached his ears. It was the best way to deal with girls like Rei.

"Itachi?"

The first thing he noticed was Shisui's casual attire. The man was not currently on duty, thus making his next move so much simpler to execute. The second thing he noticed was a familiar girl with crossed arms and an angry pout.

"What are you two doing here?"

Minako's thumb hitched towards Shisui while her anger never dissipated. "I was delivering something to police headquarters, when this asshole here started to tail me. Itachi-san, can't you tell him to go away?"

He knew how to solve both their problems as well as his. "Actually, there is something I would like some help with, assuming you two could spare some time for it of course."

"Anything to get away from him."

"I resent that."

"Actually, you see that girl back there with dark hair. The one writing on the scrolls?"

Minako blocked the sunlight before her eyes focused in on Rei. "Yeah, I see her."

"Do you think you can occupy her time for just a little while? I need to speak with Shisui for just a few minutes."

"Um, yeah. Sure, I can do that."

She didn't know what exactly was going on but decided that helping Itachi out was an improvement from arguing constantly with Shisui. Minako approached the table quietly, and her new companion was immediately aware that a foreign presence was standing before her.

"Hey."

"Hello."

Rei continued her writing. Despite her invisible katana slaying away at the girl; the nuisance would not leave. "Can I help you with anything?"

"No. I just came to hang for a little bit."

"You came to what?" This was the second time in one day a complete stranger offered companionship. What was it with blondes and their incessant need to meddle in a stranger's affairs?

Minako's eyes widened with delight at the tray of tea and senbei on the table. "Oh my gosh! This is amazing. I'm so hungry right now!" She wasted no time in slipping three cookies into her mouth while downing the whole cup of tea.

"Excuse me! Do you mind?"

Minako paused her actions abruptly, a slight red tint in her cheeks. "I'm sorry. Did you want some?" She offered the half eaten cookie to the woman.

Rei cringed in disgust and bowed her head to keep the image of the woman's open mouth from her eyes. "Not anymore."

"Okay, then!"

The gobbling sounds ensued, much to Rei's annoyance. "You're a Yamanaka."

Minako smiled brightly.

"That wasn't a compliment."

"Hey! What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Rei barely had enough time to shield her face from the barrage of cookie crumbs. "Can you please eat with your mouth closed? Or at the very least, try not speak with a full mouth."

She swallowed angrily. "You're an Uchiha right? Figures. You guys always have this giant kunai stuck up your asses."

"I beg your pardon!"

"Seriously, you guys need to learn to relax and have a little fun."

"There is nothing humorous about slobbered food trying to enter my own esophagus."

"Esopho-gas? I didn't know senbei caused gas."

"Oh, for crying out loud…" Rei's finger angrily tapped on the table. "Where is Itachi?"

"What business do you have with him?"

"Personal. Not that it's of any importance to you."

"Personal, huh? Well, I wouldn't bother trying to get his attention. He's not interested, I'm sure. But if you must know, he's talking to Shisui."

"Shisui? Oh, I see now. You're his latest conquest."

"Fuck you! I didn't even want that guy to follow me!"

"It won't be long until he has you flat on your back."

"For your information, I have a little more dignity than that!"

"Only a little, huh?"

Minako's face was red and she squeezed the napkin until it tore in two. "Well what about you? Are you trying to steal Itachi for yourself? I guess it's hard for you to find a guy so you have to settle for screwing your cousin."

Rei slammed the pen on table. "He is not my cousin, you little brat!"

"Ooh, someone's sensitive."

"Reverting to childhood tactics to try to draw anger from me? I expect no more from a Yamanaka."

"What do you know? You're trying to get it on with your family."

"I already told you, we're not cousins. In anyway, I could say the same about you and your clan."

"That's why I'm marrying out. You can never be too sure. At first I thought an Uchiha might be suitable, but after meeting you and Shisui, I think I retract my first opinion. You guys lack class."

"As if a Yamanaka would understand class."

"Much more than a bitch like you would!"

"At least I don't run my mouth with such foul obscenities."

Minako slammed her hands on the table. "Leave my damn pet bird out of this!"

Rei's finger found a way to her temple. "Apparently they lack dictionaries as well."

"I'll have you know I own three!"

"Apparently, they aren't being utilized. Or what? The manga section is far more riveting at the moment?"

"Fuck you! Manga is awesome! It's much more interesting than the boring crap I'm sure you read."

"My tastes are far more refined than yours. I don't waste time with children's storybooks."

"Well, at least it's creative. I think it's different and makes me unique and interesting. That's why I get more guys than you do, I'm sure."

"I wouldn't label that as a positive trait."

"Are you calling me a whore, you bitch?"

Rei casually sipped her tea. "You said it, not me."

"I only meant that I can get more guys interested in me than you could. All guys prefer unique girls in some way. That's why Itachi hangs out with Usagi."

Rei's eyes glazed over momentarily at the proclamation. She allowed the Yamanaka to continue ranting as she was unable to find a suitable comeback to her words. She didn't really know why Itachi chose Usagi. He could have any woman he wanted, any Uchiha female. Instead he chose a stupid silly girl who barely made her stamp in life. Why?

Minako basked in the wonderful silence Rei had to offer. "It's true, you know? Itachi picked Usagi over you. I wonder how that must make you feel. Pathetic, I'm sure. And here you are talking about me like I'm worthless. You can't even get Itachi to notice you and you're a member of his clan."

It wouldn't get to her. This Yamanaka would not reduce her to petty squabbles. Rei stiffened her heart and regained her composure by straightening her posture. "As usual, you run your mouth without thinking about the validity to your statements. Itachi will leave the girl. I guarantee you that. Until then, I refuse to waste my time arguing with a girl who is trying to move up in ranks with another clan by submitting herself to sexual pleasures."

"I am not doing that! I already told you. Shisui followed me. He won't leave me alone! He's like a little flea that won't go away."

"That boy never changes. But I suppose one philandering character deserves another."

"I don't even know what that means!"

"I can see you're putting a literature orchestrated with a defined outline of our language to good use."

"Now we're talking about music? Quit jumping around in the conversation!"

"You Yamanaka…I swear. How you managed to make it this far in life is beyond me."

Minako was ready demonstrate exactly how they made it this far but was interrupted by another annoying presence. "Will you just go away! Seriously, you Uchiha are like parasites."

"Well, Minako, unfortunately I have a request to fulfill." He pulled up a chair and settled down right beside the annoyed blonde. "Ooh, cookies."

"What are you doing, Shisui?"

"Eating cookies."

Rei fumed from his lack of eating etiquette and meddling actions. "I meant, why are you here?"

"Oh, Itachi asked me to help you out with the chuunin work you're doing. So let's see what you got here." He took a bite of the cookie before continuing. "Ah, tiger style. That's a good one. But why don't we use that only for a one-on-one battle. It won't work in swarms."

Rei concealed the contents of the scroll from the cookie crumbs that were falling off his mouth. "Where is Itachi, Shisui?"

"Oh, something came up. He said he'll meet up with you later. He has to take care of something right away."

"It's that girl, isn't it?"

"What girl?"

"You know who I'm talking about!"

"Haven't a clue. Hey, Minako, pass that tray over here. I want some tea."

"Screw you, this one's mine!"

"Actually, it's probably Itachi's so hand it over."

Rei's eyebrow twitched at the loud conversation. Despite Shisui reaching over to add in his own comments in the scrolls, she just couldn't concentrate when he was openly flirting with another girl at the table. Not caring about continuing her current assignment, she abruptly stood and rolled up the scroll to save the assignment for later.

"Where are you going?"

"Home. Tell Itachi I will see him at dinner tonight with his family, and I demand that next time he not flee from his duties."

"I will relay the message as soon as I see him."

"See to it that you do."

Minako nibbled at the cookie, deciding that perhaps the boy's company was better than Rei's after all. "Who was that bitch?"

"Rei? She's a member of our clan. She works for the Uchiha Police and Naka Shrine."

"I don't like her."

He chuckled. "Rei's not that bad, actually. She is a bit snippy and pushy, but that's just because her dad is a politician and raised her that way. The girl is actually very nice when you get used to her."

"I still don't like her." She blew bubbles into her cup.

"You know, you kind of remind me of her in some ways."

"Now, I'm offended."

"I didn't mean that in a bad way. The two of you have such strong personalities. That's probably why there was so much hostility in your little greeting."

Minako pouted. "You saw?"

"Oh yeah. I was quite amused, actually. The two of you could pass off for sisters, even more so than you and Usagi."

"Whatever. She's still a stuck up bitch."

"Well, just promise me one thing."

"What's that?"

"That I won't be called in to investigate the missing body of one Uchiha Rei."

"I promise."

"Really?"

She finished the rest of her tea in one go. When she was satisfied that the treats she consumed would suffice until her next big meal, she stood up and hoisted the bag in her hands over her shoulders. She knew Shisui was curious about her answer, but she continued to leave him in suspense as she brushed away crumbs of cookies and wiped her mouth clean. It was only as she was walking away, that she smirked and looked back at his inquisitive eyes.

"Yes. After all, Yamanaka are masters of mind control and manipulation. We know how to cover our tracks well."

His sincere smile caused a flutter in her stomach. She knew she had to play the escape artist before Rei's premonition would come to fruition.

---

Either she wasn't answering the door or her absence in the household was genuine. Itachi sighed when the knocks went unanswered and after careful deliberation, he surveyed his environment, careful not to be seen. He pulled out a small metal pin from his vest pocket and proceeded to pick through the lock of her balcony windows. Only a few twists and a pull later did the lock click open. He entered immediately and searched for her whereabouts but to no success. The girl was genuinely not in her house.

"Where could she be?"

She wasn't in her apartment. She wasn't in the library, market, bookstore, park, training field, restaurants or tea shop. Knowing that her most frequented places were scratched off his list, he could only conclude that the girl did not, in fact, want to be found. He worried. What had his father done to make her so upset? Was she upset? Or perhaps she was angry? He should have known better than to allow her to spend the day close to his father. From the very first moment his father laid out her duties, he knew there was an ulterior motive behind it all. It wasn't an effort to get to know her. It wasn't a chance to bond with the girl as his mother suggested. The man was out to get rid of Usagi. In any way he could.

Itachi continued to circle the village. His trek eventually led him to open field just outside the forest area. There was a large grassy hill overlooking the village. The area was secluded; even animals could not be heard. But it would be the perfect place to have solitude. He needed time to think and plan out what he would do next. When he found the perfect place to meditate, he realized he wasn't as alone as he thought. His feet turned to find another haven, but his eyes immediately spotted the back of a blonde's head.

"Usagi?"

Her surprised eyes found his. "Itachi? What are you doing here?"

"I could say the same to you."

"I come here sometimes to look at the sunset."

He climbed the small hill and settled down on the grass right beside her. The view of the village was even more spectacular than he first envisioned. Even more amazing was the sun that was beginning to set. The hill offered the perfect angle to exploit all the bright colors.

"When I was growing up, every time I was angry, sad or felt lonely, I would come here to this spot. So I could think and relax."

"Ah, but the question is, which are you right now?"

Usagi clenched her hands.

"And why?"

"Well, I mean it's been such a long day, so I thought I would come here and unwind before…"

"You changed your clothes so obviously you had time to go back to your house."

"Yeah, and then I came here because I got bored—"

"What did he say to you?"

"Huh?"

"My father, what did he say to you?"

"What? Who? I mean…I don't…I don't know what you're talking about."

"Usagi, please."

She released a frustrated sigh as she let her legs dangle over the edge of the cliff. The sunlight was fading slowly, as was her good mood.

"Itachi, is lineage so important?"

"Usagi, did my father say anything hurtful to you in any way regarding your family?"

Despite her silent response, he already knew the answer. Usagi was getting more nervous as he pressed on the conversation.

"Don't listen to him. Don't listen to any of them. My clan has a very narrow self-perception of a person's value. It's distorted, unjust and irrational. I wouldn't pay any mind to it if I were you."

"Okay."

"But that's not enough to appease you, is it?"

"It's just…I…I mean, I don't know what I did wrong. I've been trying so hard."

"My father has unreasonable expectations. Don't try to meet them."

"But you do."

"I'm a different story."

"Are you suggesting I'm inferior to you?"

"Not at all. I was just…"

"But you're suggesting that I'm not capable of meeting his expectations. Everyone in your clan is able to, but I'm not. So obviously you must think that I'm not worthy enough."

"I wasn't indicating anything towards your capabilities. You misunderstand what I meant by 'unreasonable expectations', Usagi."

"Huh?"

"My father has already set his mind in what he wants; therefore, anything that you do will not be sufficient. The expectations I am referring to are not in regards to your own abilities as a ninja."

"You're talking about Rei, right?"

"Yes."

"I know why your father summoned her. I'm sure you're not oblivious to it either."

"Ah."

She sighed and leaned back against her hands for support. "I know it shouldn't bother me. I shouldn't care at all. But, just…I don't know."

"Rei won't pester you. She's already assured me of it."

"It's not that. It's just, it made me realize something."

"What's that?"

"No matter what I do, I'll never be good enough."

He knew she was no longer just referring to his father. He remained silent to allow her to continue.

"I'm always going to be competing against other people, for very different things. But always…it will always be clans. In the end, they will always win."

"Being part of a clan doesn't mean you're guaranteed success. Have you already forgotten that you've bested some of the strongest of them? Michio lost to you despite his advantages."

"But that was because you trained me. It wasn't my own strength."

"People get coached all the time. He did, as did you. But you seem to be under the impression that I won your battle for you."

"Well, if you didn't train me, then I wouldn't have gotten as far as I did. If you didn't train me, I would never have won against him. If you didn't train me, I would still be a genin."

"Maybe. Maybe not. But there's something you don't understand. I only acted as a guide. Just because I gave you some extra tips, does not mean you were guaranteed growth. You could have failed to follow through the training. You could have failed to get stronger. You could have failed the exams. You could have failed to meet my expectations..."

Usagi shyly looked up.

"But you didn't. Usagi, you made it. All the training, all the hard work, everything you did…that was you. It was always you."

His sweet words were a gentle breeze in her ear. When there was no smirk or sarcastic remark to accompany the statement, she knew he was sincere about it. The current colors of the late afternoon sky were painted on her cheeks as a result, and her heart followed with an erratic beat.

"I…thank you. That means a lot to me. It really does."

He was nervous now, too, after realizing just how deep the conversation was going. He cleared his throat to break the serious atmosphere.

"Anyway, you should just forget about it for now. Don't worry about anything else."

"Yeah, I know. Things have a way of working out for themselves."

He returned her smile and leaned back to enjoy the landscape around them. The wind picked up, carrying with it several seeds of dandelions which played around at their feet. He then smelled vague traces of freshly grown fruit and honey from a nearby garden. It was moments like these that the two were reminded of a time when things were much simpler. A time when they could be carefree—without the weight of their worlds pushing down on them.

They sat in absolute silence as the sun began to set on them both.

---

End Chapter

---

Notes:

1. The sea otter painting is a request from my friend. She has just picked up Pokemon B/W and loves Oshawott (he's becoming pretty popular in my workplace too). I was challenged to fit something like it in this chapter. (Now imagine that the whole Uchiha fence is a giant Oshawott! Down comes that 4th wall...)
2. For those of you who don't know, Tekka is a canon Uchiha character. Out of all the men I saw, he seemed to me the one who could play off this role the best. 3. There are quite a few Uchiha OC's, though they are not too significant so there is no need to point them out.
4. A lot of people have asked for Rei. I couldn't answer anyone's questions regarding her since her role was already established early on in production. She seemed to fit the role of an Uchiha well and since she worked at a shinto shrine in the story and there was the Naka shrine here, well it all fit perfectly.
5. Unadon is a donburi dish. So basically unagi kabayaki over a bowl of rice. Very delicious (expensive in my country).
6. I have no goal set in mind when I write chapters as to how long they need to be. Some are 30 pages and some are 80. That's just how it goes. I simply write down what needs to be covered. I refuse to cut anything out for the sake of quick updates. This will result in messy, choppy, and less than par chapters. I hate when authors do that. I rather they wait a couple of months to get things organized. The result would be a rushed, fast paced chapter in a story that doesn't need it. Some stories are good with it, some not. This story has too much to explore that offering you a ten page chapter, for instance, would have given you scene one and then that's it. Then the next chapter scene two. How would that look? Sloppy right? I hope you come to understand the necessity for the lengths and understand that it does, in fact, take some time from my professional career to do so. That's why some updates take so long. I stayed up long nights with my betas to get this chapter done and polished in a month. There was much to revise before everything was greenlighted by them. It's a long tedious process that is still not perfect but one I hope you enjoy nonetheless and come to appreciate. If you enjoy this story, please pass the link along. I am also enjoying the journey in writing it. We'll see where it takes us.

For those of you who don't have an account and want questions answered, you need to leave some form of contact information. Otherwise, you may have to wait months until you get an answer.

lalala: I just read your question as I was updating so you lucked out. If Itachi was truly trying to put her down, I doubt Usagi would take it from him. It's more like a mixture of frustration from her antics and teasing. How often do we hear her friends call her "baka Usagi" in the series without her getting upset? Friends should be able to tell each other everything. I like to think that sometimes they are similar to Naruto and Sasuke in how they treat each other. Also, don't forget that sometimes, Usagi has a few choice words for him as well ;3

---

Once again, thank you for reading,

~IceHaze