A/N: So it's been a little while. Three stories makes it a tad harder to update quickly. Especially if you're a procrastinator XD I hope you liked the last chapter. This chapter's song is Mad World by Gary Jules. It's pretty, I really like it. I'm going to try something a little bit different this time and actually write following the lyrics a bit. It won't be too noticeable because i'll have to slip in small parts in between not following the lyrics but I won't know how you like the change unless you review *wink wink nudge nudge oink oink* lol. Jk, it's up to you, either way. TO THE STORY!


*NOTE: Shinobu was 3 at the end of the last chapter and is roughly 6 at the beginning of this chapter. She is 7 at the end of this chappy.*


Shinobu POV

Shinobu walked down familiar ally ways along Konoha. She had woken up early and needed to go find food. Unfortunately for her there was nothing in her usual garbage can. She walked in silence, avoiding the eyes of the familiar faces that passed her. They disliked her. Though she never knew why. They would glare, some going out of their way to trip her or beat her away from their shops with brooms. Screaming things about her filth being bad for business. Few were nice to her, but she made sure to smile at them in thanks whenever they were. There were three people who she knew she could trust. The two people at Ichiraku and the young boy who handed out papers near the village gates.

She sighed, heading towards Ichiraku, noticing the cobblestone rode's erosion and wear from everyone walking on it. Not like she had anything better to notice. Her mother hadn't visited in two weeks. She remembered what her mother last said as if she were still saying it.

"You're getting older and I'm not going to be around as much anymore.. I need you to start learning how to get your own food.. ok sweetie?" She had a small smile. Shinobu had nodded at the time, not thinking her mother's absence would be for so long.

She sniffled, wiping tears from her eyes. She knew crying was weak.. but she couldn't help it sometimes. She missed her mom.. she wished she had a proper home. She had long out grown her box and had to staple them together to create a small shelter. She was gather old nails and wood but she didn't have enough to attempt to build a small shelter yet. Her blankets grew dirty and her pillow case was starting to seem smaller. She wished for so much.. but she knew wishing would get her no where. She hung her head in shame, hiding her tears. She was already doing all she could to improve her life on her own. She'd get there.. someday.

A small smile graced the small girls lips as she reached Ichiraku's. She often would take the trash out or run errands for them as a trade for food. They'd give her food anyway but she always felt bad taking it for free. So she started refusing it unless they'd allow her to help.

"Hey, Shinobu!" The young girl inside smiled. She was maybe ten years old?

"Hey, Ayame!" Shinobu replied with an eager wave as her smile widened. "Anything I can do to help out?"

"Mhmm! Pa wants to give you something first though." Ayame gave the young girl an innocent grin.

"Oh.. but.. I haven't done anything lately?" Shinobu looked up in confusion as she found herself being dragged through the back entrance to see the old man who she fondly referred to as her grandfather.

"Shinobu! I was wondering when you were going to drop by!" The man said with a grin before scooping up giggling Shinobu into a hug. It was these times where she felt loved.. where she had her little family.

"Sorry it took so long Ojii-san." She smiled. "So what's my next job?"

"Well it's related to what I'm giving you." He smiled before sitting her on a counter. "I've gotten you some new clothes." He smiled gesturing to 3 outfits which were all pretty much the same along with a white apron that had "Ichiraku's Ramen" written across the front with a small ramen bowl tilted under it. Shinobu felt tears forming along her waterline as she hugged the man.

"Thank you! I love them!" She hugged him.

"I'm glad you like them. I also got you the apron so when you help around people will know you're an official worker, plus you've wanted to help with deliveries recently and I think you can handle that with Ayame. So you can wear the apron when you're working with us." He smiled as she looked at it. She was against picking them up right now because she was filthy.

"Would you mind if I go bath before I put them on to work with you? I don't want to get them dirty." She said, looking up at him.

"Haha, of course Shinobu! We'll see you when you get back, but have you eaten yet? You can eat first if you'd like, or after it's up to you." He grinned. She smiled before hugging him and grabbing one of the outfits and letting him know she'd like to change first. All three outfits were jean overalls with t-shirts. The only difference is that one T-shirt was dark blue, one was light blue and one was white. She grabbed the dark blue one.

She couldn't help the grin that complimented her features as she ran towards the lake. She had found it a while ago and started bathing near the dock their, she could hide under the dock and avoid being seen. She skidded to a halt when she got there and stripped down. Leaving her running shoes along with her new outfit. Ayame bought them for her fourth birthday. She splashed into the water taking her pillowcase with her. It was flanel so she could still use it as a small blanket.

Once she finished she shook the water droplets from her skin beforee climbing into her new clean clothes. She stuck her hands in her pockets to find two small hair elastics which she used to put her hair up into pig tails. She quickly grinned at her reflection in the lake before running back to the ramen stall.

"Ojii-san! I'm back!" She cried out, walking through the back door and to the area behind the counter to see him talking to a blond haired boy.

"Oh, Shinobu! You look so cute!" Ayame giggled, hugging her before Shinobu's Ojji-san picked her up and set her on the stool next to the blond boy.

"It looks good on you, better than your old clothes." Tseuchi agreed before handing the girl a big bowl of ramen.

"I haven't done anything yet, Ojii-san!" She protested.

"Oh you can work it off after words by running some deliveries with Ayame. Don't worry about it right now. Eat." He smiled as she grinned before breaking a pair of chopsticks and eating. She quietly noticed the young boy sitting beside her. His once booming laughter quieted as he slurped his ramen. He wore the brightest orange she's ever seen. She paid less attention as she finished up and hopped the counter to get her apron on.

"So where are we going first?" She asked.

"Oh, just a small house in the Uchiha compound." Ayame replied with a smile, not noticing Shinobu's sudden freeze in posture. Shinobu strapped the ramen heater onto her back before following Ayame to the compound. Ayame tried to wear it but Shinobu protested saying it would be good for her strength, earning a chuckle from her grandpa.

"You can knock if you want." Ayame grinned at Shinobu, trying to get her to say something as they arrived at the right house. She had been quiet for the majority of the walk. Her mind reeling, which was unknown to Ayame.

"Uhm.. Ok.." She whispered, taking a deep breath before knocking on the door before her.

"One minute!" A boy shouted from inside the house. She was soon greeted with the sight of a young boy, probably her elder by a good five years. His face seemed aged slightly for his age and his hair had a small pony tail. Shinobu hid a gasp.. she was brought face to face with her older brother. He didn't seem to notice.

"Oh, the ramen. One second. SASUKE! GET DOWN HERE! THE FOOD'S HERE!" He yelled up, earning a groan and a "why did we have to get ramen?".

"Don't complain Sasuke." An older male said before opening the door a little bit before looking at Shinobu and Ayame. His eyes soft for a moment before turning into a deadly glare. Shinobu bit her lip to avoid whimpering. This is my daddy.. why doesn't he want me..? She quickly decided to be strong.

"It was four servings?" She asked as she took off the back pack and grabbed their food, handing it to her father. Determination making her eyes sparkle.

"Ya.. Here.. you can keep the change, and for future notice. I will not pay if you are my deliverer again. Get someone else." He growled as he slammed the door. Shinobu looked up in slight shock, tears prickling at her eyes.

"That wasn't very nice of him.. don't worry Shinobu.. it probably wasn't anything personal." Ayame tried to assure her as they started on their way back. Oblivious to the inner turmoil her younger friend was going through.

"Ya.." Was all Shinobu could say.

When they got back to the stand she gave Tseuchi the money before giving them each a quick hug goodbye. The blond wasn't there anymore. She walked away at a leisurely pace until she was out of their sight. Then she proceeded to run home as fast as her small legs would take her. Tears blurring her vision. What have I ever done wrong? Why wasn't I good enough? I'm strong! She almost ran into the end of the ally when she skidded to a stop, leaning over to catch her breath. She quickly snuggled into her oversized box and promptly cried herself to sleep.


A year later

"Sweet heart! It's time for dinner!" The young girl heard her mother call as she played in their backyard with her twin brother.

"Race you back!" The boy yelled before sprinting off in the direction of the house.

"No fair! You had a head start!" She cried after him as she ran. He won of course, a triumphant smirk covering his features. His onyx eyes sparkling.

"I did not!" He pouted.

"Ok ok. Enough. Let's go eat." A slightly older boy shushed them, rolling his eyes as he lead them to the table where their mother was waiting with delicious food. The girl sat between her two siblings as her mother went to get their father who showed up with a small proud smile directed at each of his children before looking at her.

"What are you doing here? You don't belong.." He spit out.

"Why..why daddy?" She asked, confusion flitting across her onyx eyes.

"You're weak." He replied simply. She tried to protest but was instantly cut off. "What prideful Uchiha would allow their children to be weak.. a girl.. you.. are weak.." The man said, picking up the knife beside his plate. For a moment the girl looked relieved, as if she thought they would just eat dinner.. like a family. He proved her wrong.

"I can't allow you to be here.. I will not let you taint our family." He replied with small, evil grin. Her eyes widened as her heart panged in sadness. She looked up as her father lifted the knife above her, and brought it down. She continued to watch in silence as her world faded, her family eating dinner as if nothing happened. Smiling.. laughing.. without her. She let the darkness wash over her. She welcomed the peace.. it was the only time that her heart didn't hurt.. that she didn't worry about being unwanted...

Shinobu awoke with a small, much needed gasp as she felt air enter her lungs. She had been holding her breath in her sleep. She sighed before snuggling into the pillow and hugging it. She knew her father didn't want her.. but it hurt to have to hear him repeat it every night. Yet, even though her dream wasn't what one would normally classify as happy, she giggled. She thoroughly enjoyed that small moment of peace when the darkness overtook her. When she could no longer feel her heart hurt.. she couldn't feel it yearn for the love she never had.

Her mother had stopped visiting her roughly five and a half weeks ago. She had mentioned family issues but said they didn't concern her. So I guess I'm not part of the family.. Shinobu couldn't help but feel her mother had changed her mind too, that she didn't want her anymore.

Shinobu lay there for a few more moments before standing and getting dressed in her much loved overalls. These dreams and feelings haunted her but she never let them stop her from living her life. Today was her birthday and she was determined to at least act happy. She just turned seven. She walked slowly, with a small smile, to the local park. It was early morning and she wanted to play. To be a kid. She sat silently on one of the swings, watching the other children play with each other and with their families.

"Do you want to play with me?" She asked a young boy who had walked by her.

"No.. My mom told me to stay away from you. Sorry." The boy looked apologetic before running off to play with another kid. She sighed.. it was always like this.. the whispers.. the cold glares.. the loneliness.. She never understood what she had done wrong. Shinobu sat and listened to the innocent laughter all around her before getting up and making her way to the Ichiraku ramen stall. She knew she could feel normal there. She could feel loved.

She finally reached the stall to see it closed down with a small sign on the front "Closed due to family outing. P.s Shinobu, the package in back is for you." She sighed and made her way to the back door, fishing through the plants to find the spare key to let herself in. There was a small wrapped present sitting on the counter. She gingerly picked it up before carefully tearing the paper away. It was a small gift card for the local hardwear store. There was a note on the counter too.

"I know you've been trying to gain nails and scrap wood. Enjoy whatever it is you're building :D" is what it read. She never told them she was homeless. They just knew she was an orphan. They assumed she had belonged with an orphanage and she never corrected them.

She quickly locked up and made her way to the hard ware store. The idea of a nice shelter was amazing right now. Ayame had taught her math and she had enough to build a house the took up the width of the ally way. A bedroom with a small bed to keep her off the floor. With a shelf in the wall to put her small amount of stuff. To her it would be amazing. So much bigger than her last make shift house.

She walked in, ignoring stares as she picked up supplies, she borrowed a hammer from Tseuchi so she only needed nails and wooden planks. The clerk almost rejected her payment but to him, money was money. It didn't matter if it came from garbage trash.. right?

"Happy birthday Shinobu.." She whispered to herself as she got to her ally way, hauling all of the supplies and gaining several splinters in her hands.

She wasn't particularily good at this but she somehow managed to start getting the house built. It had a floor and a roof and four walls. One wall had a small doggy door so no one except her would enter. She made a slight raise to substitute a bed incase the floor got soggy. Then she's be dry. The shelves were attached to the wall and she had her shoes laying on them along with her folded clothes and clean blankets. Her bed was made as she snuggled into it. Her arms sore from the days work. She drifted off into a dreamless sleep.


Shinobu awoke slowly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. It had been two weeks since her birthday and she still hadn't heard from her mother, nevermind gotten a simple happy birthday. It hurt but she chose to ignore it. She knew it would happen eventually and she knew she could survive with out her mother. Shinobu got dressed and crawled out of her house.

Shinobu walked slowly through the streets, unnoticed by most of the villagers. Some giving her the odd glare. To them, she was just street filfth after all. She continued to walk until she was at the newspaper stand. The boy there was always kind to her, giving her a free newspaper as she slowly learned to read.

"Hi Shinobu. How are you today?" He asked.

"Good. You?" She responded with a small smile. This was one of the few times when she was talking to someone besides her mother that she felt comfortable.

"Good. Here's your paper." He smiled, handing her a paper and she froze for a moment. Recognizing one of the first words she learned to read. 'Uchiha'. But she didn't understand the word after it. She skimmed seeing words she understood like 'and' and bad. She realised something was wrong and a lump started forming in her through when she saw two names. "Sasuke" and "Itachi". The picture was one of her mothers house. With a white drawing of the outline of a body.

"Kabuto..? What does massacre mean?" Shinobu looked up at the boy with glasses, barely sounding out the word properly.

"Oh.." He looked at her for a moment, as if contemplating something for a moment. "It's when someone or multiple people kill a large number of people. See those two names there?" He asked pointing to her siblings names. "They're the only survivors." He explained, not noticing the tears welling up in her eyes.

"O-oh.. ok.. u-um. Thanks.. I need to go.. home.." She choked out.

She spent the remainder of the day crying, she let her tears fall as if she would never get to cry again. She hugged her pillow and she realised, that for the first time.. she was completely alone.. and for the second time in two weeks, the young girl cried herself to sleep.


A/N: I hope you liked my second Chapter, it was fun to write and hopefully I'll be able to slow things down a bit. I realize that her life has been rushed so far. That's because I'm not trying to dwell on her past. She'll have flash backs in the future to explain some things but the important part really starts when she's eight. Also a note: I suck at angst and sadness and stuff so forgive me I am trying!