A/n: Arc 2 begins!

Aniki- older brother

Onii/nii- older brother

Sama- respected form of address

Chapter 1- The Beginning of Troubles

15 August, year xxxx

We're finally going back to Konoha.

It's been a year since I've last set foot in that place, and it's been fun travelling around, but I'm also glad to be going back. I kind of miss that place. It's become like a second Resembool to me; somewhere where I can easily leave, but know that I'll always return. It's quaint at Konoha, but also very… surprising. With all the crazy jounins, one can never get bored there.

Nonetheless, my travels have been fairly successful. I've learned what I set out to learn- that is, what the Mangekyou Sharingin is exactly. It seems that what Itachi had said is only partially true, and that in reality the special mode of sharingin can be caused by any feeling of great loss, not necessarily the killing of your best friend. I do not believe that Itachi would not have known of this, thus confirming my suspicions that the massacre was more than it seemed. I can't believe that stupid idiot didn't think that I'd see through this. But then again, I suppose he was only thirteen years old.

I've told Sasuke my findings, and he has reached the same conclusion I have. Slowly, Sasuke is opening up again, forgetting the grief of the slaughter and moving on. The kid has grown. I've taught him quite a lot during our travels, and he takes to it like a moth to a flame. While I can't say he's of the same capacity as Itachi or I in natural understanding, he is still a considerable prodigy, and he makes up for any shortcomings in raw determination and hardwork. Travelling with him has been… a blessing, though he's put me through so much worry I think I'll wait a while before doing it again. Nevertheless, he's learned a lot, and I'm sure he's ahead of all his classmates in his academy work.

I've also, learned many things during my travels. I think I've finally learned all the basics a basic chuunin should have, as well as mastered my chakra sensing abilities. I've tried to study medical books as well, but the variety is not great on the road, and I'm afraid I've reached a road block until I get back to Konoha. They have after all, one of the greatest libraries in the Elemental Countries.

I've sent a messenger bird already to the Hokage, informing him of our return. I suppose Sasuke and I should get an apartment for ourselves, and I'll have to do some duties for the Hokage. Still, it isn't like I've been slacking off during my travels. I still take my position very seriously- I do! I've done plenty of research during my travels. Hm… I'd better get paid for this…

-from the travel log of Edward Elric

The winds wafted through the town, hot and musky in their dance. The village stood before them, splendorous and bustling with activity. Trees dotted the plains, carefully interwoven in between all of the houses. A high mountain reined at the border, the four faces carved on its side overseeing the citizens of Konoha.

Edward sighed, finally turning his head away from the window. Letting out a short breath, Edward reached up an arm, and wiped the sweat from his brow. After just being in Water Country a week and a half ago, it was still hard adjusting to the humid weather of Konoha.

The Sandaime's eyes twinkled as he observed the blond from the other end of the desk, his image squeezed by the two towering piles of paper beside him, "How has this week been treating you, Edward?"

"Well enough," The blond haired boy replied, thinking back to the hectic week he had spent in Konoha. There was so much to do after just getting back, that Edward actually considered never travelling again, just to avoid the hassle.

"And Sasuke?"

Ah, there in lay the problem. Currently, Sasuke was back at their apartment complex, either training, or brooding. Edward's lips twisted slightly as he crossed one leg over the other, a gesture of impatience, "He's… more used to our travels, now. I think our plan has worked a little two well. Sasuke's been rather merry travelling, and Konoha doesn't exactly inspire happiness in him. Especially since, he's never had much to do with Konoha outside the Uchiha clan anyway. I don't think he's even made friends in the academy really, because he always either spent time with us or training. I wish I'd seen it then… I'd have done something about it…"

The Sandaime sighed, puffing on his pipe, "Edward, you weren't that old yourself. How can you expect to be able to make the best decisions regarding a child? Don't blame yourself for it. I'm sure Sasuke will adjust eventually. Now, did you discover the things I asked you to?"

Edward nodded, shifting in his pack until he found the appropriate leaflet of papers. Throwing them on the Hokage's desk, Edward couldn't help the slight grin that spread across his face. He had outdone himself on that one. He wasn't usually one to take pride in his work but… ah who was he kidding? If he did good, he did good!

The Sandaime picked up the papers, skimming through them with a raised brow. Smirking, the Hokage nodded at Edward, "Excellent, as expected. I'm glad to have my research jounin back. Alright, I'll let you get a bit more cozy before assigning you more work, since you've outdone yourself for this. For now, you are dismi…"

Suddenly, Edward stood, knocking his chair to the floor. Narrowing his eyes, the ninja glanced around, wondering what that could be. He had felt the foulest, evilest chakra ever, possibly even more damning than the father was. It was veiled heavily, but Edward's Alkehestry abilities had improved exponentially, and he was sure of his findings.

Just then, the door to the Hokage's office burst open, and Edward knew he had found the culprit. He acted immediately. As soon as the blue-eyed child stepped into the room, Edward was behind him, kunai poised to the devil's throat. The demon in child's guise froze, whole body going ridged.

"What are you doing?" The Hokage roared, giving Edward a look as if he'd never seen him before. The next second, Edward found himself knocked into a wall, ear ringing. The Sandaime was standing protectively in front of the child, a furious expression on his face. Edward hadn't even felt the attack until it was too late. But then, he supposed this was the power of a kage.

"Hokage-sama," Edward stood back up, coughing slightly as he tried to regain the wind that was knocked out of him, "You know my chakra sensing abilities. Trust me, though it's thinly veiled with that kid, there's definitely-"

"It's not him," The Hokage cut in, his expression of shock melting back into a calm, assured look. Edward narrowed his eyes; the Sandaime was definitely hiding something. The Hokage turned back to the orange-clad kid, putting reassuring hands on the wide-eyed child, "Sorry Naruto, Edward here just thought you were some enemy ninja that came in disguised. It's because you have such a large chakra supply, so my friend here mistakened you. Isn't that right, Edward?"

The glare the Hokage sent him dared the alchemist to disagree. Edward snorted; well fine, as long as the Hokage knew what it was… "Yeah, sorry."

"You'd better be!" The blue eyed child shouted arrogantly, having gotten over his shock, "You're talking to the future Hokage, believe it!"

Edward felt his eye twitch, but the warning glare that the Sandaime shot him shut the alchemist up.

"Now," The Hokage turned to the child, using the gentlest voice Edward had ever heard him use- even more tolerant than when the Sandaime used to address Hikari, "We're discussing something very important right now, which is partially the reason Edward here attacked you. If anyone else heard this information, it would be trouble. So, can you please visit me later?"

"Fine, fine," The blond muttered, giving a funny look to Edward, as if he didn't believe that the alchemist was capable enough to hear sensitive information. Edward cracked his knuckles, but before he could do anything, the Sandaime already hurried the boy out of the room.

The door closed with a decisive clack behind him. The Sandaime sighed, slumming slightly as he made his way back to his desk, taking a seat and massaging his temples, "I'm getting too old for this…"

"So you've always complained," Edward said tersely, retaking his own seat and ignoring the pain in his back from when he had slammed into the wall, "Care to explain?"

The Sandaime narrowed his eyes, "Are you questioning me, Edward?"

"Are you feeling tired right now?" As much as Edward respected and cared for the Sandaime, he was never one for listening blindly to authority, "I have told you in the past about my chakra sensing abilities, and if you knew a reason pertaining as to why that boy felt so… evil… well, what would have happened if I had stumbled across him and you weren't there?"

The Sandaime's lips twisted, but then he sighed, the fight draining out of him. He slouched even more, looking far older than he ever had before, "I really am getting too old for this. Alright Edward, due to your… capabilities, I'll tell you something I had never intended to tell anyone. Now listen carefully, because this is what's considered an S-class secret…"

Edward listened wide-eyed as the Sandaime explained what had transpired on Konoha's most tragic night, and the truth of what the Yondaime had done. When the Sandaime was done, Edward couldn't help the low whistle that escaped him.

"And now," The Sandaime finished off, "Naruto is treated like trash by the adults, but I'm hoping that the new generation -the ones who don't know what he contains- will treat him better. And you Edward, what do you think of him?"

"I don't know much about sealing but…" If it's anything like alchemy, "If it's anything like the other ninja arts, it should be pretty sound. The Yondaime was a master at the art, was he not? Then, I trust his judgement. That kid didn't look evil. I'm glad I was wrong on this one…"

The Sandaime breathed out a sigh of relief, "Thank you Edward, you don't know how much this means to me. Will you…?"

"No." Edward answered before the Sandaime could request it. Looking at the Sandaime's shocked eyes, Edward couldn't help but squirm a little, but he already knew what his answer would be. There was no way to change that. "I won't look after him."

"But you said you didn't mind his burden…"

"And I don't," Edward affirmed, "But it's not just what he's carrying. I mean, I'm sure he's a great kid and all, but I'm already looking over Sasuke, and he's a handful. Besides, that kid seemed like a brat, and I don't do well with brats. It's not really what he is, it's who he is."

"I… I see." The Hokage's eyes dimmed a little, making Edward feel even guiltier, "Well, if that is how you honestly feel, I suppose I can't change it. Alright Edward, you are dismissed."

With one last nod, Edward left the Hokage's office, making his way down the stairs of the tower. He pushed the feeling of guilt out his mind; after all, the kid had deserved it. The kid acted like a troublesome brat; his loud mouth and orange jumpsuit had attested to that. Besides, the special jounin was already swamped with trying to locate Itachi, learning medical jutsus, and taking care of Sasuke. Edward didn't need to have the added responsibility of looking after the child.

Still, fate didn't seem to ever want to give Edward what he wanted. It seemed that there was some truth to the saying of, whoever you're thinking of, you're bound to bump into them. Literally. Edward had no sooner than exited the Hokage Tower, when an orange blur slammed into him, almost causing the jounin to lose his balance. Edward staggered slightly, then glared down at the intruder of private space, "What do you want?"

"I've just thought about it!" The orange-clad boy said excitedly, bouncing on the balls of his feet, "You must be really strong right? I mean, I was kinda put off 'cause you don't look much older than me, but if you're already holding private audience with the Hokage, it must mean you're powerful! So tell me, how did you get so powerful? Tell me!"

"No," Edward brushed off the boy, walking determinedly towards his home. But, he was wrong if he thought Naruto would recognize the dismissal. The stupid idiot kept following him. Edward felt a tick develop as he whirled to face the brat, crossing his arms, "Look, I'm not telling you anything, now go away."

The orange wearing boy simply shook his head, "No way! How'd you get behind me so fast? You must be really strong… teach me something!"

"No."

"Please…? Please, please, please, please, please? Pretty please with an extra bowl of ramen?"

"No! What part of no don't you under-"

"Sir," A random villager that Edward had never seen walked up to him, glaring coldly at Naruto. "Is he bothering you?"

The hyperactive blond suddenly froze, although in a moment the tenseness was gone, replaced by what Edward now knew as false bravado. Oh yeah, Edward remembered the Sandaime telling him that many adults treated Naruto cruelly because of what he was, never giving the blue eyed boy a real chance. Well, it'd be nice to get the stupid kid off his back but… "Nah, we've just had a bit of a disagreement. Thanks for your concern, but it's not needed."

"Are you sure?" The villager asked suspiciously, and if looks could kill Naruto would have been dead thrice over, "This boy is…"

"Your. Concern. Is. Not. Needed."

The villager scoffed, turning his back and walking away, "Whatever you say. Don't come crying to me when you regret your choice."

Edward snorted; crying to that guy, really? He didn't even know who the person was! Feeling like he'd dealt with enough idiots already, Edward resumed his walk, determined to go back home and enjoy a nice, long shower. Perhaps he could even trick Sasuke into…

"Mi-mister!" Naruto's nasally voice dragged Edward back to reality, and it was he could do to keep in a sigh. Now, Naruto was looking at him with real hero worship in his eyes, infinitely worse than the demand that had been there earlier, "Why'd you defend me?"

"So you're being respectful now?" Edward sighed, "Look, it wasn't for you, that villager just had no right to barge in. Calling me 'sir' and all that, when I'm only fourteen… bah, it was obvious he wanted something."

Naruto's eyes dimmed a little, but then he brightened again, shaking his head ever so slightly with the saddest smile on his face. His voice was soft, but Edward's sensitive hearing picked it up nonetheless, "Ha… I should have known that it wasn't for me. But… but at least he doesn't look at me with those cold eyes…"

The voice was so sad, so forlorn, but yet also so optimistic. It was the voice of someone who was willing to move forward, against all odds, someone who didn't give up.

Edward told himself that what he was going to do next was purely for his own benefit. Yeah, right. "Ugh, it looks like you won't stop bugging me until I teach you something."

Naruto's ears perked up at Edward's statement, "Re-re-really?"

"Yeah," Edward grumbled, turning his heel and walking towards the training grounds, "Let's get this over with."

They went to the training ground Edward had frequented with Itachi when the Uchiha had first taught Edward the ninja arts. It was the perfect place for what Edward had in mind. Still, he didn't expect the place to garner such a reaction from him. When Edward saw the familiar dents and weaponry littering the training grounds, he felt his throat close up. He hadn't visited this place since that day, and now, seeing such a familiar sight of comradeship between him and his best friend after the knowledge of what Itachi had done…

Edward shook his head, clearing the thoughts. He took a deep breath; he was one for moving forward, and not looking back, wasn't he? He shouldn't be dwelling on the past. Still, he found it rather hard to concentrate as he explained to Naruto how to throw kunai, his mind constantly flashing back to the lessons Itachi had given him in the exact same place. Maybe being here wasn't so good for him.

Then again, it wasn't as if Itachi had really betrayed him, and perhaps Itachi would be back in a few years. Why was Edward reacting so violently? Yeah, it wasn't a big deal; Itachi would be back. Edward couldn't keep seeing demons wherever he went. It wouldn't be good for him, or Sasuke. Finally calming down, Edward was able to properly teach the other blond how to throw.

Now if only the other blond could properly learn.

After about what Edward could swear was the thousandth time, Edward gave up. Naruto had hardly hit any of the boards let alone the bullseyes on any of the targets, despite the numerous times Edward had corrected him. The boy was hopeless! Here was the reason Edward originally didn't want to teach him; the blue eyed kid was an idiot! Edward could aim a simple bullseye within three tries after the first explanation, Sasuke twenty. This kid…? Heck, it was nearing dark!

Edward growled, crossing his arms as he glared at the kid, "Alright, I'm done teaching you."

"But-but-!" Naruto protested, "I almost had it that time! Just give me one more chance! I'll do it, I promise!"

As if to show him, the blue eyed boy threw again, but missed the target. Edward's lips twisted; he had had enough. Turning away, Edward started his long trek back to his apartment, "Don't make promises you can't keep."

"You- you- you'll see!" Naruto's high voice carried out behind him, "I always keep my promises! I'll do it, even if it kills me!"

Edward snorted; huh, kids were sure dramatic. Body flickering back to his apartment, he dug out the keys and opened the door. Sasuke was curled up on a couch, sound asleep. Edward felt his eyes soften from his tiring day; Sasuke had obviously stayed up waiting for him, but evidently his eight year old body couldn't handle the stress of staying up so late. Smiling softly, Edward walked into the Uchiha's rooms and took out a blanket, walking back to the living room and spreading it across his little charge's body.

Sasuke's eyes flickered open, and he looked at Edward groggily, "An… Aniki?"

"Sh," Edward hushed, patting Sasuke's head, "Sorry I'm so late. Now, go back to sleep."

A small smile spreading across his face, Sasuke closed his eyes again, snuggling deeper into the couch. Finally fully obeying his body's orders, the little Uchiha drifted off into the realm of oblivion. Edward watched the kid sleep for a little while longer, before he decided that he was also pretty tired. Walking into his rooms, and making sure the door was open in case Sasuke had any nightmares, Edward too, drifted off peacefully.

He awoke earlier than he had intended to, though. Somehow, he had a funny feeling about… Nah, it couldn't be possible could it? But still, that kid just might be crazy enough to… Well, it wouldn't take more than ten minutes to check. Getting up, Edward quickly dressed himself, and checking that Sasuke was still asleep, the yellow haired ninja quietly left the apartment. With a quick body flicker, Edward found himself once again at the training grounds, golden eyes widening at the sight that greeted him. No way…

"Hey," Naruto greeted, looking dead tired but satisfied as he gestured towards the targets, all with dozens of kunai stuck deep within the bullseye, "Told ya I'd do it, didn't I?"

He wished they had never came back to Konoha.

Sasuke didn't know what Aniki wanted by coming back here, but Sasuke was sure they could have found it in their travels. They found a lot of things on the road, after all. It wasn't exactly, that Sasuke liked to constantly move around, but at least then he kinda knew where Aniki was all the time. At Konoha, Sasuke still remembered the times when Itachi nii-san and Aniki would get sent on week long missions; Sasuke didn't want that to happen again.

Plus, there was this boring academy Sasuke was forced to go to. He'd only been here two weeks, and he already hated it. Fangirls were falling over themselves trying to get him to notice them, but they didn't realize that he had already noticed them. Just not in a good way. Seriously, if they spent half the time studying their ninja arts as they did trying to get his attention, Sasuke would swear that they would be better than he was.

And he was the best. Aniki had taught him everything in the first academy curriculum, and then some. Apparently, that 'then some' really gave Sasuke the edge in the academy. Yes, Sasuke had to still pay attention in history or whatnot, but when it came to practical and theory, Sasuke was bored beyond belief. At those times, he was sorely tempted to sleep like Nara.

Right now, they were each taking turns on throwing kunai at a ringed target, with their instructor giving pointers after each person threw ten. Sasuke knew that he could pass this exercise with his eyes closed and one hand tied behind his back (because Aniki made him do that once); it would be all too easy to ace this thing. What he didn't expect, was for the village pariah to do it.

"Oh yeah!" Uzumaki pumped his fists into the air, beaming at the ten kunai that were stuck in the center of the target, "I rock! What do ya think of this, Sakura-chan?"

Everybody's mouth dropped open. Sasuke's mind was working furiously. While he usually didn't listen to rumours, the ones about Uzumaki were hard to ignore. The blond was apparently a loud and annoying prankster who had no talent yet wanted to be a ninja. Surprisingly though, ever since Sasuke had gotten here, he had not seen Uzumaki pull a single prank.

"You- you cheated!" A pink haired girl finally stammered, pointing an accusing finger at Uzumaki. "There's no way you could have- could have-"

Uzumaki's face darkened for an instant, before it brightened again, "Yeah well, I got a really awesome teacher! He's really important you know, and really really powerful!"

"Oh really?" This time, it was Inuzu. He had his arms crossed, a scowl on his lips, probably at the fact that the blond had showed him up, "Then who is he? Is he's important, we should know him right?"

"Well… he's a prodigy, and he discusses really secret stuff with the Hokage, so you might not know him."

"Just spit it out already, Naruto!" The pink girl finally screeched, "What's his name?"

Uzumaki smiled goofily, "For you Sakura-chan… my super awesome instructor's name is Edward Elric!"

Thud.

"Ack! What was that for you bastard!"

Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.

Uzumaki was pinned up against the target board, forced back with Sasuke's kunai. The blond struggled to move, but couldn't. After all, Sasuke had planned it that way. Upper arm, forearm, thighs, biceps, neck… Sasuke's ten kunai were all strategically placed so Uzumaki could not move an inch, and imbedded deeply enough that Uzumaki could not just yank himself out. But Sasuke wasn't satisfied.

Face like thunder, Sasuke took a menancing step towards Uzumaki, "What do you know about Aniki?"

"Eh? What?" Uzumaki's furious look melted into confusion, "Edward nii-san's your brother? But-"

Sasuke slammed his fist beside the space on Uzumaki's head, making a very small crack; it was a warning, a threat, and even the stupid Uzumaki had to acknowledge that. Sasuke could very easily break Uzumaki's skull right now. "Don't you dare call him 'nii-san'."

"Why not?" Uzumaki narrowed his eyes, looking not in the least bit intimidated, "He certainly doesn't look like your brother. Blond hair, gold eyes; hey, where's the connection in that?"

"Are you an idiot Naruto!" Sasuke distantly recognized the pink haired girl's voice, "That's the last Uchi-"

Sasuke's glare shut her up. Turning back to Uzumaki, Sasuke crossed his arms, keeping his voice low, "Yeah, he's not my blood brother, but he was my brother's best friend. Aniki's been over at our place so many times that it might as well be like we're brothers. Besides, we've just spent the past year travelling together."

"Well I don't care what you did! Edward nii-san's been the only one who's acknowledged me other than the old man, so I can call him 'nii-san' if I want!"

"Why you…" Sasuke pulled his fist back, only for a hand to clamp around his arm, stopping him from attacking. Sasuke blinked, and turned a glare at the intruder. It was the brown haired chuunin instructor with the scar across his nose, who was teaching them how to throw kunai earlier. Sasuke huffed, and dropped his fist.

The chuunin tiredly rubbed his nose with one hand, and slowly started removing the kunai from Uzumaki's clothes with the other. Sasuke was deeply satisfied to see the deep holes made by his kunai; they would have to get a new target board. The chuunin sighed, "I should have stopped this sooner."

Come to think of it, why hadn't he? If Sasuke were the instructor, he would have stopped it at the first kunai that had been thrown at Uzumaki. It was… weird. Even weirder, Uzumaki seemed used to this treatment, if the resigned look on his face was anything to go by. It was… different from the outraged, defiant expression the blond had worn just seconds before. Was it normal for pranksters to be treated like this?

And… and if what Uzumaki said was true, about Aniki training him… well, Sasuke certainly did believe it was true if Uzumaki really did suck at ninja arts. After all, Sasuke was sure Aniki could train a civilian to be an exceptional assassin overnight. Besides, how else would Uzumaki know about the name 'Edward Elric'?

He'd have to ask Aniki.

"Sasuke! Sasuke Uchiha! Come back immediately!"

Sasuke ignored the chuunin instructor, whom he now deemed as incompetent, and continued running towards the place he knew his Aniki would be. After all, it wasn't like they could really stop him. Coming to school was a choice, and the only reason Sasuke came anyway was because Aniki made him. Sasuke was sure he could easily learn this stuff at home, but Aniki said that an instructor was something that couldn't be replaced. Oh, and that Aniki didn't want to buy all those history textbooks.

However, it seemed that the chuunin didn't feel that way. Sasuke stopped his flight, turning around to tell the chuunin that he really shouldn't be leaving his students, when he registered exactly who it was that was following him.

Uzumaki stood there panting, hands on his knees, "Where are you going?"

"To the library," Sasuke smirked superiorly, starting to run again. Ha, Uzumaki didn't know such a simple thing about his Aniki! "Because Aniki's always at the library!"

"No he ain't! He goes to the Hokage Tower too!"

"Well then, why are you following me?"

"'Cause you don't seem reasonable, and you need to be there when Edward nii-san explains things. So if we visit this library of yours first, then I won't have to drag your sorry ass to the Hokage Tower."

"Tch, whatever." Hold on a moment, did Uzumaki's statement actually make any sense? Sasuke didn't have time to dwell on it though, because at that instant they had made it to their destination, and all other thoughts fled Sasuke's head. Glaring at eachother, the two nine year olds raced up the steps of the ancient building, and pushed open the wide doors. Without wasting a second, the two were off, each trying to find the one they dubbed 'brother' first.

Sasuke found him standing by a bookshelf, nose buried in some theory book about medicine. Figures. There was only one way to get his Aniki's attention when the braided boy was reading. Sasuke stood on tiptoes, and snatched the book from Aniki's fingers. Aniki blinked, then glared down at him, "Hey! I was just getting to the- huh? Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

Sasuke threw the book on a nearby table, and crossed his arms, "Aniki, what is the meaning of Naruto Uzumaki?"

"Wha-"

"I FOUND YOU!" The orange wearing academy student burst out from behind a bookshelf, pointing triumphantly at Aniki, "Ha! I told that Sasuke bastard I'd find- what? What are you doing here Sasuke-bastard?"

"Quiet!" Some random Liberian hissed, making Sasuke roll his eyes and Uzumaki shoot an apologetic glance at the lady.

Aniki sighed, then slowly started walking out the door, "Well, since I don't want to get banned from this library, let's go talk somewhere else. Where would you like to eat, Sasuke? It's nearly lunch time, right?"

Sasuke shot a superior glance at Uzumaki, who fumed with every step; ha, Aniki had asked Sasuke to choose. Sasuke thought about it for a moment. It really didn't matter where they ate, as long as it was some high class restaurant. Sasuke had found that in their travels, Aniki was surprisingly very classy about his choices. Finally, Sasuke decided on a place he had heard girls discussing they would like to take him, "I'd like to eat at Tentou."

Aniki groaned lightly, but Sasuke could tell it was jokingly, "You're trying to empty my wallet, aren't you? I swear that's the most expensive restaurant in Konoha. Fine, fine, let's go there…"

Uzumaki suddenly tensed, "Restaurant…? I don't- I don't think I can afford-"

Aniki glanced back uncaringly, continuing on his walk down the streets, "I'm a ninja. Do you really think I'd let a kid pay?"

"Bu-but- it's expensive…"

Hn, Uzumaki simply didn't understand. Aniki thrived on wealth. Nothing about their travels was ever poor quality, and from rooms to meals, everything was the highest class anyone could get. In return, Aniki would fix something for the owners, or make something unbelievable. Aniki said it was part of his bloodline limit, but Sasuke still thought it was incredible. Still, the point was that they had never lived in poverty, and Aniki fit into the rich society like a well worn shoe. Uzumaki could never hope to understand Aniki's character.

This time, Aniki ignored Uzumaki's question as it were irrelevant, and the rest of the walk went in silence. Uzumaki seemed thoughtful, Aniki's slow steps indicated he was thoughtful, and Sasuke knew that he himself was thoughtful. So… Uzumaki really did know Aniki after all, but obviously Aniki didn't share the same sentiments as Uzumaki. Uzumaki had obviously blown Aniki's relationship with him out of proportion, and Sasuke had been an idiot acting on that. Sasuke should have known.

Finally, they made it to the restaurant. An usher greeted them, opening the door for them as they walked in. Well, he opened the door for Aniki and Sasuke, anyway. Sasuke noticed that the usher seemed to forget that there was one more person, and accidently closed the door a bit too soon. Aniki's foot flashed out, just barely stopped the door from slamming into Uzumaki's face.

Aniki smiled at the usher as Uzumaki scurried in, but it was a dangerous smile, "Oh dear, it looks like you forgot you had three guests. Careful about that next time, or you might get fired. After all, if you forget a third of the company each time, you'll lose this restaurant a lot of money."

"Ah sir, you don't know, because you might be two young to realize but…" The usher bowed, glaring at Uzumaki, "That boy is a troublemaker. He's probably keeping more from you than you can realize. Are you sure you want him to accompany you?"

Aniki fixed his belt slightly, catching the light on his leaf headband, "I'm sure I can take care of myself. Now, will you take care of the seats like you're supposed to, or shall we stand here wasting some more time?"

Well, Aniki wasn't exactly subtle, and wasn't exactly great at making allies, but he got his point across. Hesitantly, the usher glanced at Sasuke, then Uzumaki, then Sasuke again, before with slightly thinned lips, he led them to an extravagant window seat, with room enough for four people. It had to be one of the best seats in the house. Bowing, the usher left, a scowl almost visible on his lips.

Sasuke frowned slightly; that was odd. Usually, high end restaurant workers could hide their expressions extremely well, and even if they didn't like Uzumaki, they should have been able to pretend that they did. Restaurants didn't become popular by alienating customers, after all. Oh well. Now, came the problem of seating.

Sasuke slid into the right side, and Uzumaki slid into the left. Then, they both stared at Edward, daring him to choose. Since this was a four seater, Aniki would have to choose to sit beside one of them, and leave the other one by themselves.

Aniki's eyes twitched, and he moved in beside Sasuke. Sasuke could have cooed in victory- that is, until he felt himself being lifted up. Wide eyed, Sasuke could only gape as Aniki walked back out of the arrangement, and plopped Sasuke back down right beside Uzumaki. That done, Aniki went back to the right side, and lay on the seat like a couch, so that he took up both spaces.

Aniki picked up a menu, blatantly ignoring the open mouths Sasuke and Uzumaki both sported. After a second though, Sasuke realized exactly how un-Uchiha-like it was for him to gape, and quickly snapped his mouth shut. Glaring at Uzumaki -who simply returned the glare-, Sasuke picked up another menu and started skimming through it.

"What would you like, Sasuke?"

Sasuke shrugged, tossing the menu back in its place as he grinned at Aniki, "You choose. It's always entertaining to watch waiters wet themselves trying to place your orders."

Aniki grinned back, then turned to Uzumaki, "And Naruto?"

Sasuke felt his mouth sour a bit at the familiar use of first name, but he supposed he'd have to contend with that. Uzumaki shifted slightly, waving the menu in his hands helplessly, "What the heck are all of these? I've never even heard of these foods in all my life!"

"Then I guess I'll order for you," Aniki rolled his eyes, and Sasuke secretly gloated. Ha, Uzumaki had just dug his own grave! The braided boy waved a waiter over, and put down his menu, "I'd like… four dry fruit, four fresh fruit, two salted sweetened ones, four preserved fruit in honey for the appetizer. The four dry fruit are lichis, longans, jujubes to the steamed and gingkos. For the expenses, you will choose seasonal fruits. For the salted sweetened, perfumed cherries and plums to the filaments of ginger. As for the preserved fruit in honey, you will bring perfumed orangettes to the rose, preserved grapes, fishing lamelles to sugar freezes, and pear slices. Then, for main meals I'd like steamed pheasant, fried ducks feet, a soup of chicken tongues, deer stomach to rice wine, beef ribs with chives, rabbit in filament to the chrysanthemum, thigh of wild boar stir-fried, pork feet in ginger vinegar."

The waiter was scribbling madly, wide-eyed, "Um… could you- could you please repeat that last part again?"

Aniki sighed dramatically, and repeated the order again. Finally, the waiter left, extremely apologetic and respectful. Sasuke secretly laughed; Aniki had once confided in Sasuke that Aniki knew that it would make the orders go faster if he just ordered more slowly, but it was way more fun to make the waiters hesitant. In really high class restaurants though, the waiters didn't even blink at Aniki's orders, no matter how ridiculous some of them seemed. It looked like Tentou wasn't the best restaurant in Konoha after all.

"That-that-" Uzumaki pointed an accusing finger at Aniki, "What the heck was that? Perfumed cherries and plums to the filaments of ginger? Did you just make that up?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Idiot, of course those are 'real' orders, or else we wouldn't be able to eat them. If you knew your foods well, you'd know what they were."

"Well not all of us are born with a silver spoon inside our mouths."

"Please, the Uchiha did not use silver. We used obsidian, to represent-"

"Urg, you're completely missing my point!"

"Which would be?"

"Why you stuck up little-"

"Um," The waiter coughed, regaining the two nine year olds' attention. Well, that, and the appetizing smell of steaming dishes that even Sasuke couldn't deny. "Your food is here."

They spent the next few minutes just eating, relishing and sampling each one of the dishes. It was good. Maybe the waiter wasn't up to par, but the food really made up for it. There were only a few restaurants that Sasuke had been in that had food this good.

When they were halfway through the meal, Aniki finally broached the question, "So, why did you two come looking for me? Other than getting a free meal, that is."

Sasuke wiped his mouth with a napkin, "Uzumaki says that you've been training him, Aniki. I can see now that it's true. I was just wondering why I was never informed."

"Oh that, I was planning on telling you soon. I just wanted to make sure first, if Naruto was up to par."

"What?" Uzumaki spluttered, bits of food flying out of his mouth. Sasuke wrinkled his nose in disgust; great, an idiot and a revolting freak.

Aniki shrugged, smiling at the other blond, "Well, you pass. I'll train you at the same time I train Sasuke. You have enough potential for me to give up my time, but let me warn you that if you can't meet my standards, you'll have to find another tutor. I have very little patience, and the moment you fail to meet my expectations, you're out."

Uzumaki blinked, then nodded resolutely, saluting, "Yes sir! I won't disappoint you Edward nii-san! It'll be my first step to becoming Hokage!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes; Hokage, ha. Uzumaki wouldn't survive Aniki's gruelling training. The orange clad boy would not stand a chance. Sasuke had been an idiot to worry at all. But then… but then Sasuke remembered the kunai practice they had that morning, and the ten bullseyes that Uzumaki had hit.

Aniki couldn't have been seeing Uzumaki for over a week, and after academy hours Aniki had mostly been home. So… so the total training hours that Aniki saw Uzumaki for were actually very small. To get that good at kunai throwing in a week… While it was true that Sasuke had gotten the technique in considerably less time, now all of the sudden Uzumaki didn't seem so harmless anymore.

Sasuke's eyes hardened; well then, he'd just have to train harder. He would show Aniki that Uzumaki was nothing more than a pet project, and not something to be proud of at all. He would beat Uzumaki in every exercise, and never let the orange clad boy get even a sliver of limelight. Sasuke would never let someone take his place.

He saw Aniki smirk, but for once he couldn't tell what it meant.

A/n: Please note that Sasuke and Naruto are nine, and therefore rather possessive of things, even if it's an older brother. I thought it was kinda cute. By the way, I don't know if you caught the subtle preferences (like asking Sasuke where he wanted to eat, picking Sasuke up in public and not Naruto, ect), but as of now Edward really does like Sasuke more than Naruto.

Why'd they got to a restaurant? Simple; Edward knows his physiological warfare. When a person is eating, they are more amiable (it's a tested fact). And yes, the usher gave them the best seat because he recognized Sasuke as 'the last Uchiha'.