Chapter 7
Unknown Date 34 years after the Kyuubi attack: Konoha….unknown world
(3 months later from encountering Wrath)
The day was a bit darker than usual with the Fog covering the sky as usual, but was also starting to feel like a blizzard here, it didn't help that it was starting to snow either. Though that was expected in the month of December, since the sun has been clouded by the Fog the weather can range to hot and humid to freezing and misty. Although sometimes the Fog likes to screw things up with how nature works, but that's a given since it was a man made weapon for the War.
The boy opened his eyes to see yellow hair in front him, noticed his right arm was smothered in drool and heard that obnoxious snoring. The boy simply smiled before embracing his sister rubbing her head gently giving her a light kiss on her larger than normal forehead before getting up to prepare breakfast. As he rose out of bed the boy stretched his limbs before walking out his bedroom noticing the fireplace was empty; walking out of the bedroom the boy grabbed a few logs tossing them into the makeshift fireplace he made. Stepping back a few steps the boy preformed a few hand signs
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu." the boy said letting a small, but powerful stream of fire come out of his mouth to engulf the logs completely in flames.
The boy smirked in accomplishment at his progress with ninjutsu, especially since this is only a few weeks since he managed to acquire a third element out of the five available.
After the boy had removed the...remains of the man who attacked his sister 3 months ago he went to investigate the bag that the man was holding. It turns out that this man, this master thief whoever he was, was planning to leave with a few valuables to sell to those that would want them. One of said valuable's was the village's jutsu scroll that held every known jutsu recorded that village came to posses, needless to say it was a lot. Although the boy wasn't what you'd call smart, he wasn't completely stupid either. He knew that...man would do anything in his power to get this item back in his possession, so the boy did what any normal person would do. He copied everything down to the letter perfectly in a new journal, hid that journal, returned the scroll along with the remains of the man who stole it to prove his innocence, and began practicing in secret after he set up multiple sealing barriers around his property to ensure both safety and privacy.
This of course all happened while the boy was deciding on whether what he should do about the offer Wrath gave him. The boy couldn't believe everything Wrath showed him, but put it into the back of his head thinking he wouldn't have to deal with it for another few years. Parallel Worlds, Alternate Universes, Different Realities? It was just all too unreal, but that didn't matter, if anything it just informed the boy of who his adoptive sister parents were. Needless to say the boy wasn't happy at first when he found out, but pushed that thought aside for his sister's sake.
Sighing heavily, the boy looked over to the corner to look at a certain object that was going to be the key to bringing his sister home. Walking back into his bedroom the boy decided to wake up his sister in order to show her something that the boy had been practicing in order to raise his sister's spirits.
"She's so peaceful right now. Hard to believe 3 months ago...no I'm past that, she's here now, and you make things clear right now."
"Hey, wake up." the boy said gently slightly shaking his sister's body
All he got as a response was a groan
"Come on, I'll show you something cool."
Again she just groaned
"Sis, it's about your parents."
"What!? Did you find them? Did you find them Niichan?" the girl said with new energy.
The boy rolled his eyes, but understood his sister's enthusiasm
"Eh, sort of. Listen don't get your hopes up, but I did find a way to talk to them at least." the boy said
"Really!? Show me! Show me! Show me!" the girl said with urgency tackling her brother.
"She's so innocent, so full of life, so happy...but she can't be here forever with me.
"Listen Sis, and I mean listen." the boy said seriously
"What is it Niichan?" the girl said wondering what got her brother to be like this
"If-no When I return you to your parents there's something you need to know...I'm not coming with you." the boy said as his sister's eye's grew wide in shock and terror
"B-but why? Why Niichan? D-Do you hate me, is that it? Why Niichan why?" the girl said with tears streaming down her face
"It's complicated to say the least, but the short of it is...I need to stay here. At least for a couple of years, there's someone I have watched over besides you, she's important." the boy said sadly
"I-Is she more important than me? She is, isn't it?" the girl said bitterly
The boy felt his heart sink into a pit
"Sis...I'm sorry, but I just can't go with you."
"Then tell me, tell me why you can't go with me!" the girl shouted
"Because of who your parent's are." the boy said flatly confusing the girl
"Wha?" she said confused
"You wouldn't understand, your too young, and you don't know who I really am." the boy said
"Listen, Sis I'm sure you thought that I'd always be here for you, and to be honest I thought that for a while too. But when I learned who your parents were, I just couldn't live with that pain."
"I want to tell you believe me I do, but it'll just make things harder between us." the boy said with a huge pain in his chest.
"Fine...just tell me why this girl is more important than me." the girl said bitterly
"Sis...sigh, I promised my mother that I'd take care of her." the boy putting his head down said surprising the girl
"Your...mom?" the girl asked to which the boy simply nodded.
The girl didn't know much about her adoptive brother's family other than they were buried behind this house, but she did know that was a sore subject for him. Especially his mother who he adored beyond belief, according to her brother she was the most kind, nicest person in existence.
"Niichan..."
"Let's just get something to eat ok?"
"Ok." the girl said getting out of bed
"And Sis."
"Yes, Niichan?" the girl asked before the boy gave her a huge hug
"I love you, I always have, I always will. You will forever have a special place in my heart, and I will never hate you. You got that?" the boy said pulling back from his hug to look his sister in her tear filled eyes that were now full of happiness instead of sorrow.
"Yes Niichan. I love you too." she said wiping her tears embracing her brother again.
Directly after Shintaro left after Kushina accused him of being an Uzumaki
Shintaro was currently jumping across rooftop to rooftop; it was dark this time of night, and right now Shintaro was having a hard time trying to think about his next move.
'It seems I may have to tell the truth….at least to Ms. Uzumaki anyways. Man this is turning out to be a pain in the ass….great now I sound like that lazy bastard. Now, what should I do first find the temple or infiltrate that clan of arrogant bastards? Either one will help gain her trust which is something I need to earn even though I probably earned it with helping Naruto like that, getting her out of that coma, and everything else I've done for the two of them."
"Still, I just can't believe that she's my….sigh I swear I need to stop thinking like that she's not….it doesn't matter now all that matters is making Naruto's life better so that he doesn't have a reason to leave the village at all. But what do I do about mo-Dammit!' Shintaro thought to himself as he stopped to punch a wall straight through to pieces out of anger and frustration.
Unable to hold it in anymore his eyes were leaking tears dripping from his face. Falling to his knees with his hands on the floor holding him up as he stared down at the ground with tear filled eyes.
"Why do I keep thinking about them like that?! They're dead! I should know, I saw them die! They died in my arms! I buried them myself! Marked their graves! Swore revenge at their deaths even though I…."
'It's not your fault and you know that Shintaro.'
'I know, I know uncle it's just….every time I see his face, whenever I walk around this village, see those damn mountain faces, and especially when I talk to her it brings nothing….nothing, but painful memories of the past. My damned past that'll haunt me for the rest of my life….a fate that I deserve for everything that I've done to them….my family.'
'You know damn well it wasn't your fault. It was that Uchiha bastard and his whore for a wife that made your life miserable. Hell, I'm shocked that you haven't lost it the entire time you've been here; not to mention it's hard keeping your secret from your friends, AND these….familiar faces. I've watched you since the day you were born, and it's my fault you ended up like you are now….if only I had resisted that damn Uchiha's influence on me-'
'No Uncle, it wasn't your fault I was the one who went back, and tried to help; and look what it got me.' Shintaro thought to himself as moved his hand to the scar on his eye then moving it to his heart where his tattoo was then finally to his stomach.
'Don't get me wrong uncle I'm glad you're with me….so to speak anyways. You're the only one I fully trust with my life….partially because it's tied to mine, and the only one who kept me company after mom and dad….passed. I don't blame you for my body, I don't blame you for Sentōki's death, I don't blame you for the fall of my village, and I sure as hell don't blame you for Mom and Dad's death. I may not have the luxury of a happy childhood like my father nor the luxury of love that of my Mother and Father found when they first met, but I have to live on if not for my sake then for theirs at the very least….especially for A-'
'Don't Shintaro, you did everything you could her sake. You made sure she lived a happy life in our world, you stared down hell itself, and defied every action they took to make her life miserable. You watched over her for years ensuring those who would do her harm would meet a quick, but painful death. I can't imagine what you'd gone through when she was lost to us 5 years ago in this world; and I was even more surprised when you were thinking about what to do with those brats you decided to get back up to keep the rest of them alive no matter the cost.'
'It's just that I can't believe it took the death of one child that convinced them to listen to you when so many others have died before her. Humans have always disgusted me with their selfishness, idiocy, greed, hunger for power, but you and your father have proved me wrong on that showing me that some humans are capable of more than that. ' the booming voice said reluctantly thinking of his old friend
'But not you Shintaro. I've known your father his entire life, he never had it easy as a child nor when he grew into man, but he never gave up. You possess the same stubborn spirit your father has if not in greater size, I honestly do not know what your father would have done if he were in your situation.'
'Thank you Uncle, but I'm not sure I'm on the same level as he was in terms of control of your power, not yet anyways. But yeah it usually does when it's one of their own that's affected. Before that day when we left they didn't even know they were my friends. Menma, Masuri, Yin, Masami, Ichiro, Fumiko Tadao, Haruko, Yumiko, and Sachi; all of them good people….they were my close friends before the chaos began….sigh now's not the time to think about stuff like this, it's time for me to move on again. Thanks for the pick me up Uncle I really needed it.' Shintaro thought getting back up on his feet.
'Anytime….kit'the voice said in Shintaro's head as he began to move again to his next destination….towards the Uchiha District.
Shintaro stood before the Uchiha district gates which stood about 10 ft. tall with the gates closed and sealed. '
'Man, these Uchiha are really paranoid about their security….actually now that I think about the paranoid ones are the head honchos of Konoha. I mean 5 years in a confined space smaller than what they're used to being forbidden to step outside? Don't they realize that's gonna piss them off exponentially? If there's some guy capable of releasing the Kyuubi what makes them think that he'll stay in Konoha or even go back to the Uchiha clan after that.'
'Seriously if these guys could've taken Konoha for their own when the Kyuubi attacked them they would've had an Uchiha as the Hokage by now like they've been bitching about, but noooo they helped with fighting against the Kyuubi. Just because "one" dude took control of the Kyuubi, and it had a Sharingan in it's eye doesn't mean that an Uchiha was a responsible. It's pretty clear that someone can snatch up a Sharingan and plant it in their own eye….isn't that the case with that Kakashi guy? From what I've learned his Uchiha buddy died and he got his eye as a gift or something….sigh I really over think things don't I?' Shintaro thought to himself
'Yes, Yes you do.' the voice said to Shintaro
'Thanks Uncle, I really needed that.' Shintaro thought sarcastically as he rolled his eyes '
That's what I'm here for.' the voice said back to Shintaro
'Whatever, I got business here anyways. It's a shame that this place will be nothing more than empty property in about a year. Hmmmm maybe I can use that later on to our advantage.' Shintaro thought to himself as he put his hood over his head
'Not that I care what happens to this damn clan one way or another, but I'm not sure this is one of your brightest ideas kit. Messing with the Uchiha clan's future may not have an impact back to where we're from, but it's sure to mess with your plans of keeping your secret, you know a secret. Kami, now I sound like Kushina.' the voice said distraught
'That's what you get when you spend most of your life with her, and meeting her again today. But enough chit chat I got a compound to infiltrate.' Shintaro thought as he climbed his way into the Uchiha District.
It took only 2 minutes….2 fucking minutes walking into this damn compound, and Shintaro was already surrounded by 3 Uchiha bombarding him with questions.
"So kid mind telling me what you're doing here this late at night in our home turf?" one of the Uchiha said looking down at Shintaro
"You mind telling you sound like a gang member, a lowly one at that, instead of a police man?" Shintaro said sarcastically
"You little brat I'll show you the meaning of respect!" the same Uchiha said reaching down trying to grab Shintaro by the collar only to for Shintaro to disappear in front of him, and to reappear behind him kicking him behind the neck making him fall into the dirt flat on his face
"Would that be before or after you stop kissing the dirt?" Shintaro said sarcastically with his hands in his jacket.
"You little shit! I'll- wha? W-what the hell? I can't move!" the Uchiha said struggling to get up
"That's because I hit a pressure point dumbass. Don't worry though you'll be able to move in a couple of hours if you don't move…. or struggle to be precise since you can't move already. If you go to a chiropractor or a doctor even you'll recover faster." Shintaro said answering the Uchiha struggling on the ground before turning around ignoring the other two Uchiha which seemed to piss them off a bit
"Hey kid where do you think your going!?" the 2nd Uchiha said appearing in front of Shintaro picking him up by the collar
"I'm off to see someone that wants to hear what I have to say." Shintaro said plainly
"Try being more specific." the 2nd Uchiha said bringing Shintaro closer to his face glaring at him while Shintaro looked annoyed more than anything
"Ok, I'm off to see someone with better breath, and better looks than you. Seriously have you even bothered washing your mouth or does your girlfriend lack a sense of smell when she's kissing that cesspool you call a mouth?" Shintaro said
"I swear, I'm gonna wipe that smart mouth of yours with a kunai!" the 2nd Uchiha threatened bringing said kunai to Shintaro's face Shintaro's expression changing from annoyed to bored now.
"If I had a ryo for every hotshot that thought they could kill me with a weak empty threat like that I'd be swimming in cash; and another thing unless you forgot your big boy weapons back at home that "dull" metal rod you call a kunai won't do a damn thing. Did you think just because I'm a kid I wouldn't know the difference between a purposely dulled kunai to an actual kunai or is this one of those good cop bad cop interrogation trying to scare me?" Shintaro said as he rolled his eyes.
Which made the Uchiha sweat a bit knowing he'd been found out closing his eyes trying to think of something else before opening them to look at something that made jump back making him drop Shintaro. It was the look in his eyes, the look of annoyance that changed to boredom changed once again only to something that he did not expect to see in a child as young as he was.
The mixed look of an experienced veteran assassin staring deep in the eyes of death along with the gaze a battle hardened warrior ready to face anything that might stand in his way…. and crush it with an iron fist...basically someone who you do not want to mess with in a million years.
"I'm going to make a few things clear to you. 1. I have killed many people within my life my first being a man decades older than me….when I was 5 years old. He put much more than a fight than you ever did or could for that matter, and he won't be the last man I will kill before I die. 2. I don't care if you are Senju, Uchiha, Hyuuga, Sarutobi, Aburame, Akimichi, Kaguya, Yama, Yuki, Hozuki, or any other clan within this world. Clan status means nothing to me even if it brings the whole clan on my head I'll take them on till the last man alive is standing before me. 3. The reason I have lived this long is because I don't hesitate to kill those that would do the same to me, but I don't think you want to kill me so let that be the reason you're still breathing as you are unharmed. 4. I only came here to talk to "one" woman here, and that's it. 5. The only person capable of taking me down within a mile of me is my stalker lurking in the shadows over there." Shintaro said looking at an alleyway
"Don't bother trying to hide, I know you've been tailing me since you killed off my clone when it left the Hokage Tower." Shintaro said with his arms crossed making the figure in the shadows come out into the moonlight
"I see, you are able to sense me when I am capable of hiding my presence to most shinobi." the figure said
"I-is that-" the 2nd Uchiha stuttered
"Itachi Uchiha Captain of the Anbu Black Ops." Itachi said plainly
"S-sir we were just-"
"I saw everything that transpired here, and I have to say while I do not approve of the boys actions he would have state his reasoning for being here should you have not approached him like 'lowly gang members' as he recalled. Inabi you have only yourself to blame for shaming yourself as both a member of the Konoha Police Force, and as a member of the Uchiha Clan. Although that does not matter to me in the slightest Father might disagree on that. You let your guard down, and that was your mistake…a fatal one at that should this had happened outside of the village. Yashiro, Tekka take Inabi to the infirmary. I will escort Shintaro here to wherever he was going, though I have an idea who he was talking about, and make sure he is under surveillance the entire time he is within the Uchiha District. Is that understood?" Itachi said sternly with his usual stoic face hardening a bit if only slightly
"Y-yes sir!" Tekka said getting up quickly walking towards the paralyzed Inabi picking him up with Yashiro's help
"Kiss ass." Inabi grumbled to himself as he was being carried away
"So, may I ask who you wanted to talk to so badly that you've invaded one of Konoha's most feared clan compounds? Not that you seem to care in the slightest." Itachi said stoically
"Yo mama." Shintaro said in a joking tone giving Itachi a raised eyebrow
"Sorry, Sorry I've always wanted to say that in a serious situation, but the opportunity never came up." Shintaro said chuckling to himself
"But seriously, yeah I intend to talk your mom about you-know-who." Shintaro said regaining his composure
"Why? Do you think that my mother is going to believe a stranger about her best friend being alive all this time?" Itachi said questioning Shintaro
"If I'm with you then yes." Shintaro said before walking off
"Unless you want to deal with your soon to be angry mother for not telling her about this the second you heard about it." Shintaro said as he continued to walk making the suddenly stoic faced Itachi nervous at the thought.
Though he knows he could take her on in a fight, nothing terrified him more than his mother going on a rampage.
"Let me show you the way; it is my house after all." Itachi said speeding past Shintaro making him sweat drop at the nervous Uchiha
'Yup, nothing like an angry mom to motivate the most stoic of children.' Shintaro thought to himself as he followed the speeding Uchiha matching his pace.
"Daaaaaamn!" Shintaro exclaimed as he gazed upon the giant house that was the Uchiha mansion where Itachi lived
"Please, it's not that big of a deal. I do hope Father and Mother don't overreact when I bring you in." Itachi said looking to his left where Shintaro stood only to find him missing.
"How did he do that without me noticing?"
Looking frantically for him Itachi finally saw Shintaro walking on his household premises like no one's business only for him to walk past the meeting room where his Father usually held clan meetings….like the one he was right now.
'Shit! I completely forgot about the meeting!' Itachi thought to himself as he sped towards Shintaro before he stumbled upon something he shouldn't.
That idea quickly went down the drain as he saw Shintaro quickly turn around, and slowly walk away from whatever he heard or saw which both proved to be a blessing and as a warning to Itachi. As Itachi quietly jumped near Shintaro who began tapping his foot quietly in morse code that Itachi understood which translated to
"Hey, how much stamina would you say your parents have?" Shintaro tapped with his foot still in code to Itachi who tapped back
"Considering he's the Clan head, and my mother is also a jounin albeit a retired one she's still capable of handling herself; so I would guess they would together have more than enough than a typical Uchiha would which is saying something. Why?" Itachi asked in code
"Wake me up in about a half hour, hour at the most." Shintaro tapped as he sat behind a pillar taking a nap instantly confusing the hell out of Itachi making him curious walking towards to where Shintaro was
'Why would he ask something so strange like that? All I know is that Father said that he was having a meeting with the clan elders with mother and-' suddenly it dawned on Itachi 'oooooh now I understand. But how did he know? Mother and Father's room is upstairs on the top floor….unless….noooo they couldn't have-' suddenly Itachi was interrupted by sounds he would rather forget for the rest of his life before he was mentally scarred.
'I guess even a Clan head needs to relieve some stress despite where he is.' Itachi thought as he snuck away quietly as he could retreating back to Shintaro.
25 minutes later...
Itachi decided to brave walking towards where he heard his parents….conducting business with each other, and see if they were….finished.
Slowly, and carefully he walked to hear….silence which relieved him to no degree. As he walked into his house closing the door intentionally loud enough for hopefully his parents to hear, and decided to fix himself something to eat.
He then heard footsteps coming from behind him, but judging from the size of the footsteps it wasn't the person he was expecting. However, it was probably in his best interest to send his little brother back to bed
"Sasuke aren't you supposed to be in bed by now?" Itachi said mildly chiding his younger brother who was wiping his eyes still sleepy
"I was till I heard a noise, and I went to go see what it was. So, (he rubs his eyes) why'd you slam the door like that big brother? a young Sasuke asked his older sibling
"I wanted to get the attention of our parents little brother not wake you up now go to bed." Itachi said to Sasuke who groaned
"Fine….oh hey mom Itachi's home." Sasuke said as he turned back to his room until he noticed the door Itachi purposefully slammed opened a little
"yaaawn What are you doing up this late at night young man? You need to head straight to bed right now mister." Mikoto said sternly to Sasuke
"Sorry mom it's just that Itachi woke me up. He said something about wanting to talk to you I think." Sasuke said to his mother
"Alright, thank you for telling me, but you need to go bed Sasuke." Mikoto said
"Ok mom….hey mom what's with your hair? It's all messy, and weird looking too." Sasuke asked his mother who was now blushing, and flustered
"M-my hair t-that uh….I just woke up from bed sweetie. Now go to bed like a good little boy ok?" Mikoto said to her son
"Ok mommy let me just close the door Itachi slammed. He didn't even close it the right way." Sasuke said as he walked to the door
"Fine Sasuke, but go straight to bed after that ok?" Mikoto said to her son
"Ok" Sasuke groaned.
Meanwhile Itachi was making himself a sandwich, and eating it watching his mother hiding the true purpose of why her hair was a mess.
"So do you mind telling me why you're slamming door late at night just to get my attention?" Mikoto said to her eldest son
"I was going to tell you earlier, but you were….occupied at the moment." Itachi said carefully while eating his sandwich making Mikoto blush even more
"H-how much did you-"
"Enough for me to wipe out of my memory before I suffer psychological trauma." Itachi quickly said taking another bite of his sandwich
"Well that's….good. So what is so important that you'd come this late at night to tell me?" Mikoto said before Sasuke called out to her
"Hey mom! There's a boy sleeping on the front porch!" Sasuke yelled from outside the house
"That." Itachi said finishing off his sandwich, and walking towards where Sasuke was
"Actually that boy has something important to tell you. Very important regarding an old friend of yours that I'm sure you want to hear." Itachi said seriously as he walked outside getting the full attention of his Mother who followed Itachi outside to see what Sasuke was talking about.
As the two walked outside Mikoto saw what her youngest son was talking about, she saw a young boy a year or two younger than Itachi sleeping on one of the support beams. Itachi decided to be the one to wake Shintaro up in order to prove a theory he had on Shintaro's skills.
He walked up slowly to Shintaro intending to pull his mask off his face; as he reached down to touch it Shintaro quickly, as if on instinct, grabbed Itachi's hand, and pulled a kunai out of nowhere about to strike Itachi's neck only for Itachi to block it with his sword startling both Sasuke, and Mikoto. After a few seconds Shintaro woke up realizing who it was that he was attacking, and retreated his kunai.
"I see your reflexes are sharp even when you are asleep Shintaro-san." Itachi plainly said while sheathing his sword
"Hell of way to wake me up. You know you could've just said "wake up" or something like that. Soooo are your parent's do-"
"Yes, Yes they have concluded whatever business they had with each other." Itachi interrupted shifting his eyes to his mother behind him holding a scared Sasuke
"Nice, now your mom thinks I'm some crazy masked bandit or something. Not the greatest first impression to make when you're about deliver life shattering news." Shintaro said with his arms crossed
"And what news might that be? Actually who are you?" Mikoto asked still holding Sasuke
"Name's Shintaro ma'am (he bows), and I'm just here to talk that's it. Also, if possible I-(he noticeably sniffs the air)-did you not give her a chance to wash up or something? Because she still smells like….you know her business; not to mention her hair's still messy, and all over the place." Shintaro said giving Itachi a questionable look making Mikoto blush more than she would like
"How'd you-"
"I got very sensitive senses ma'am. That includes sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch as well. I've been able to smell things most people can't, hear things from a far off distance, etc…." Shintaro said politely
"I see….so you can smell my…. (Shintaro nods). Well, I appreciate you….waiting, but what is it that's so important that you'd-"
"It's about Kushina Uzumaki." Shintaro said looking at Mikoto with a serious look in his eyes grabbing the full attention of Mikoto
"Sasuke, mommy needs to talk with this boy. Go to bed now ok?" Mikoto said
"Uh….Ok goodnight mom. Night Itachi." Sasuke said to his family
"Goodnight Sasuke." they both said.
Now that Sasuke has gone to bed the three managed to get some time for themselves
"Before we begin let me just say that we should probably sit down because I'm sure all of us have grown tired from both whatever business we did during the day, and more….recent things some of us have done within the last hour. Not to mention it's late, and I'm tired as hell too; though that nap earlier helped some." Shintaro said shifting his eyes towards Mikoto who was fixing her hair when she heard that statement, and internally sighed as she slowly sat down to avoid the pain in her….forbidden area.
"So ma'am like your son said I've got some news that I'm sure you want to hear, but I'm thinking to put that on hold. Seeing as I didn't expect this...outcome." Shintaro said carefully as he laid back against the pillar he was once sleeping on
"Itachi said it had to do with one of my old friends, and I know what he meant by my old friend. So whatever news it is I need to hear it even if it is bad news." Mikoto said with seriousness preparing herself for whatever Shintaro was going to tell her
"I'm not going to sugarcoat things Mrs. Uchiha. Is it alright if I call you that or is there some title for an Uchiha Clan leaders wife or something?" Shintaro asked Mikoto
"No, Mrs. Uchiha is just fine with me, and I appreciate you telling me this without censoring it. It proves that you have maturity for someone of your age." Mikoto said sincerely
"Alright, like I said it's about Kushina Uzumaki." Shintaro said carefully looking for a reaction from Mikoto who simply answered
"Yes, what about her?" Mikoto said neutrally trying to keep a calm expression
"She's alive, (Mikoto's eye's widen) and has been for the past 5 years. She's was supposed to have died when she lost the Kyuubi, but thanks to Tsunade's healing abilities she managed to save her….somewhat only able to heal most of her injuries. However when she lost the Kyuubi she couldn't make a full recovery so she, as well as Tsunade, slipped into a dangerous coma her condition going up and down dangerously to the point where it looked like she wasn't going to make it. That all changed as soon as I came into this village trying to find out whether she was alive or not. I found her alive, and apparently was kept a secret by the third Hokage."
"As to how many knew about this I have no idea, but I came to do what I was sent here for; and that was to wake Ms. Uzumaki up from her coma. It was a tough job, but I pulled through which was especially difficult considering I awoke Tsunade also from her coma before . After I gave what needed for her recovery I left her a message given to by her father, and set out with her son, Naruto Uzumaki, who I met earlier today. Who by the way was about to get the crap beaten out of him by an angry mob who I scared off just by beating the crap out of some fat guy."
"Anyways other than that I had Naruto accompany me throughout the day until he had a reunion with his revived mother a few hours later; who he didn't even know was alive which doesn't surprise me. So after they had their reunion we decided that they would currently stay with my friends over at the unfinished Living District 14 not too far from here….Whew! Man, that's the second time I talked without taking a breath today. So that's everything I came here to say; the reason being mentioned you, and was worried about you what with you guys being blamed for the Kyuubi incident." Shintaro said trying to catch his breath taking a look at Mikoto trying to process all this information.
It took a few moments of silence before an angry aura began surrounding Mikoto that frightened both Shintaro and Itachi only Shintaro decided to hide behind Itachi using him as a human shield
"What….the hell….has Hiruzen been doing these past 5 years!" Mikoto yelled to herself tightening her fists smashing her foot into the floorboards freaking out the two boys
"Huh, guess an Anbu can still fear the wrath of a mother." Shintaro said quietly to Itachi
"Like your one to talk." Itachi replied
"Hey, all I'm doing is looking to keep my face intact." Shintaro said in his defense
"What face? You're wearing a mask." Itachi said
"Indicating I got something worth hiding. Gives me a mysterious vibe don't ya think?" Shintaro asked rhetorically
"That's what you're concerned about?" Itachi asked
"No, dumbass of course not." Shintaro said
"Then why hide?" Itachi asked
"Earn my trust, and you'll find out." Shintaro said mysteriously as he turned to see what state Mikoto was in which thankfully in a better mood as she calmed herself looking at the two frightened children having their own conversation
"It's ok you guys I've calmed down now; and yes Shintaro I think that mask of yours gives off a mysterious vibe that I'm sure is to please the ladies. Add that with that scar of yours giving you a tough look, and you'll have the ladies crawling at your feet." Mikoto said smiling gently as her mood changed drastically
"Uh….thanks I never thought about my scar that way." Shintaro said stepping to Itachi's side rubbing the back of his head while nervously chuckling to himself
'Even though this scar is a constant reminder of my failure.' Shintaro thought solemnly
"Sorry, must've brought back bad memories huh? Mikoto said apologizing when she saw the look in Shintaro's eyes
"You might say that, but you didn't know so don't worry about it." Shintaro reassured her
"So, what now?" Shintaro asked the two Uchiha
"You said Kushina was staying with you guys right?" Mikoto asked seriously
"Yeah? You wanna go see her in case I'm lying or something?" Shintaro asked Mikoto
"No, I believe you. It's just that I want to see it with my own eyes; plus I haven't seen Kushina in years so I-whoa" Mikoto said as she tried to stand up with her legs wobbling
"Are you alright mother?" Itachi asked out of concern
"I'm fine son just trying to get back my strength. Sitting down after….strenuous activity then getting back up again is hard on the body, and-ouch!...painful." Mikoto said as gained her footing
"You sure about this?" Shintaro asked also concerned
"I'll make it. So how far did you say this place was again?" Mikoto asked with her hands on her hip trying to act as if she was ok when really all she wanted was to sit down again from being so exhausted from her….time spent with her husband
"About 2-3 miles from here." Shintaro said flatly pointing east to where he was talking about making Mikoto lose her balance for second in disbelief
"sigh….very well let's get going then." Mikoto said
"Alright I'll lead. What about you Itachi? You comin with us or are you staying here?" Shintaro asked Itachi
"I'm supposed to watch you until the Hokage says otherwise so I guess I have no choice, but I was supposed to keep a low profile without you noticing." Itachi said
"Then next time try washing off the scent of a woman when she smothers you with affection." Shintaro said sarcastically
"What's this about another woman smothering my son with affection?" Mikoto snapped at Itachi with a sweet, but evil aura hidden on her face behind the "seemingly sweet mother" facial expression Mikoto wore
"I-I'ts nothing mother." Itachi said trying to say something
"Then explain why she was gushing over how "handsome" and "kissable" your face is." Shintaro said cynically while grinning evilly underneath his mask
"Oh?" Mikoto said still keeping the facade of a sweet mother
"Yup, I saw it firsthand. She was practically "all" over him. I'm thinking the only reason they weren't making out was because I was there. I mean she is kinda pretty, but don't you think she's a little bit too old for you? Or do you prefer older woman with bigger….assets." Shintaro said so glad he was wearing a mask so he didn't have to hide his shit-eating grin that was growing wider with every comment as tried to hide his laughter as best as he could
"Older woman? Bigger….assets?" Mikoto said as she struggled to keep her composure
"Will you stop talking please?" Itachi said in a demanding voice
"Why? So you can "not" tell the truth to your mother, and the scary teenage girl that's behind me." Shintaro said as he stepped aside pointing to a teenage girl.
Said teenage girl was currently generating an equally frightening aura that of Mikoto surrounding her, only the girl wasn't smiling. She was pissed off. The teenager was about the same age as Itachi with fair skin that reflected off the moonlight, hair black as crow feathers like her eyes both complimenting her face weren't it so mad right now, she had her hair braided into a ponytail that went down to her neck. Her clothing consisted of a silver kimono with her clan's symbol on the back along with a white wolf on the front that seemed to be having the same look on it's face as the girl who was staring into Itachi's soul.
"I-Izumi-chan?" Itachi stuttered
"Why hello Itachi-kun I ran into Yashiro on my way home saying you were heading home, and thought I might surprise you. What I did not expect was to hear this about a woman giving you affection, and having bigger assets according to the child next to you. So is there something you want to tell me?" Izami said cracking her knuckles still keeping her scowl.
"N-no, it's just that Shintaro-san was just exaggerating, and leaving out important details regarding on who this woman is." Itachi said glaring at Shintaro
"Putting the blame on a poor innocent child huh?" Shintaro said feigning innocence
"You know damn well that this your fault." Itachi said continuing to stare at Shintaro
"I'm not the one avoiding your mom, and girlfriend while trying to put the blame on a kid shirking responsibility." Shintaro said shifting his eyes back and forth between Mikoto, and Izumi who was blushing like mad along with Itachi though he hid most of it
"G-G-Girlfriend?" Izumi stuttered blushing crimson red thinking of the idea of dating her best "male" friend
"Oh, I get it. Playboy must've friend zoned you without even realizing it." Shintaro said pointing to Itachi
"I didn't know the two of you were dating. When did this happen Itachi?" Mikoto said expecting an answer
"I-I was going to ask you Izumi-chan, but I was hoping it would be under better circumstances. heheheheh" Itachi said nervously laughing to himself praying his grave wouldn't be dug any deeper.
"W-wait y-you want t-to d-date….me?" Izami stuttered blushing a new shade of red
"Yeah….though I hoped it would be a bit more….romantic" Itachi said struggling to say that last word without sounding emotionless
"Ahem! I'm still here you know?" Mikoto said looking at the two pre-teens discussing their romantic future
"M-Milady! I-I didn't see you there, please e-excuse my rudeness." Izumi said bowing her head
"You are excused. Now I take it you have an interest in this girl Itachi?" Mikoto said trying to calm herself down by having fun at her son's expense. Which seemed to be working due to the blushing that seemed to brighten his usual calm emotionless face.
"Y-yes mother." Itachi said struggling to look his mother in the eye, but if he did he would see the playful smirk growing on his mother's face
"Then I approve." Mikoto said to Itachi flabbergasted staring at his mother with confused eyes until Shintaro spoke up
"This is the part where you say 'Thanks mom, for letting me date the girl of my dreams.' unless you Uchiha do something else for expressing your gratitude." Shintaro whispered to Itachi who prompted to repeat what he said unconsciously
"Thanks mom, for letting me date the girl of my dreams." Itachi said without thinking about what he said which in turn made Mikoto look at her son as if she was looking at a new person entirely. While Izumi was now close to the point of fainting with how hot her head was due to the amount of blushing to the point where she had steam coming out of her ears
"G-G-G….Girl of your dreams?" Izumi stuttered out as she was shuffling her feet
"Uh…."
"What the emotionally impaired ninja is trying to ask you is "Do you want to be my girlfriend?" or did I mistranslate you're clearly thinking?" Shintaro said to Itachi trying to decide on whether to kill Shintaro or thank him for speaking what he had in mind.
"YES!" Izumi said jumping for joy to the point she actually hit her head on the roof, and passed out with a smile of bliss on her face
"Izumi-chan!" Itachi said as he went to check on Izumi
"Well, she took that better than I thought." Shintaro said to himself
"So! (Shintaro claps his hands) Shall we get going? I'm just gonna take you with me while lover boy tends to his girlfriend. That ok with you?" Shintaro said to Mikoto
"Ah, young love. Itachi I'm going with Shintaro; will you please look after my future daughter-in-law please?" Mikoto said teasing Itachi who also fainted with Izumi falling on her due to the stress from all three was giving him with the idea of marrying Izumi being the final blow.
"Uh, Should we leave him there like that? Because it looks like they're sleeping off what you were doing not too long ago." Shintaro said to Mikoto
"Oh, let them be. I'm sure my husband will have words for them when they wake up." Mikoto said
"Is your husband the understanding type?" Shintaro asked
"No." Mikoto said flatly
"Throwing him under the carriage huh?" Shintaro said cynically
"Think of it as payback for not telling me about Kushina earlier, and failing to improvise under strenuous circumstances. Also I'm not stupid you know; I knew it was Kushina you were talking about to mess with my son's head." Mikoto said as she looked Shintaro in the eyes with her arms crossed
"Hey, think of it as payback for him not telling you about immediately when he found out." Shintaro said defending himself
"It's not like he was under orders to tell me." Mikoto said
"It's not like was under orders to "not" tell you." Shintaro replied
"I'm sure he had his reasons, but enough of this my legs are ti-"
"I getcha so lets head over there now, and avoid any unwanted attention. Think you can do that?" Shintaro said as he stepped off the porch
" 'scoffs' I used to be a jounin before I had Itachi you know. I know how to sneak around without being noticed, I do it on my children all the time to keep in practice." Mikoto said slightly offended
"Uh….I gathered that considering you're the Clan head's wife, because I'm assuming he didn't pick you just for your looks. If he did I'd consider your current relationship status. Not that it's any of my business just thinking out loud. I was just referring to whether or not you have enough strength in your legs." Shintaro said trying to avoid the landmines he was traversing.
"Oh…." Mikoto said with her blush returning
"Also you might wanna fix your hair unless you want to look like you just came out of bed….which you kinda did-"
"Do you really think it's wise to finish that sentence?" Mikoto said her terrifying aura coming back.
"Shutting up now." Shintaro said as he made the gesture of zipping his lip shut
"Good, I'll go wash up then we'll leave." Mikoto said as she turned around back into the house
'You know kit, sometimes I wonder when you're faking being afraid of women or just pretending to give them that pleasure of control.' the booming voice said in Shintaro's head
'Sometimes if you don't act like you're scared then things will only get worse. Besides she may used to be a jounin; but that's just it "used to be" a jounin. That doesn't mean she "can" take me out.'
'Getting cocky aren't ya?'
'It's not a matter of cockiness. It's a matter of remembering everything Old man Z taught me: Fear women at all times, especially whenever they seem calm. The "only" time you don't is when "you" are in control of the situation, and even then be wary of them.'
'Yeah, that old swordsman seemed to give you advice whenever that psychotic women was giving you hell, and whenever you asked for advice about your future mate.' the booming voice said in amusement
'Uncle! Come on, you know I don't like it when you get involve with my personal life. Especially when it's about….Misaka-chan, but maybe I shouldn't even bother with her anymore.' Shintaro thought to himself
'Kit, what have I told you. Either you tell her the truth or give up on her completely, and let her live in that fantasy land she built for herself. I still think that other girl would be a good choice for you.' the booming voice said concerned for Shintaro
'The reason she even has that fantasy land is because of me, and my big stupid mouth. Also what other girl are you talking about?' Shintaro asked
'If you can't figure out that you did everything you could to make sure she would live when everyone else wanted her dead, then just move on; and as for that "other girl" you're on your own….Heads up the Uchiha Matriarch is coming back' the booming voice said as it faded away
'Ok, bye then….Uncle Ku' Shintaro said to voice who growled in annoyance as he preferred a different title than the one Shintaro gave him.
As Shintaro tilted his head up he could see that Mikoto had indeed made her appearance a lot better than she was a minute ago. With her hair combed down nicely, and clothes changed into a simple dark purple blouse with a red-plum skirt covered by a light-yellow apron accompanied by her blue sandals she wore at her feet.
"Geez, with that look you look like a regular mom, and not the wife of an empowered clan." Shintaro said rhetorically
"Thanks….I guess. Whenever I go to talk people they always treat me like some higher power, and when I go to the local store people purposely give me lower prices while they charge others with normal or even higher prices. I swear, once you marry someone in power people change. It's nice to experience someone that reacts different every now, and then." Mikoto rambled
"That's because I can give a rat's ass about titles such as "clan wife" no offense. It's just I treat people by what they've done here and now, and not worry about past actions if only to serve as information to know about them. If anything I'll be polite to women as something my mother taught me before….(his eyes shift downward looking saddened)"
"I'm guessing it's something you don't want to talk about. Don't worry I won't press you; let's just get back to your place so I can see Kushina for myself after all this time." Mikoto said
"Yeah, let's get going." Shintaro said as he started walking towards the exit of this damn compound.
Back to the end of chapter 6
"Mikoto!" Kushina yelled happily at Mikoto who was brimming with tears at the sight of her friend
"Kushina!" Mikoto yelled as she ran to Kushina who hugged her tightly as the two old friends gladly embraced each other after not seeing each other for 5 years
"I thought you were dead!" Mikoto said to Kushina tears still flowing from her face
"Well, I guess you can say I was pretty close ya know?" Kushina said without even realizing she used the speech impediment she was was trying to rid of
"I still see you talk like you did all those years ago." Mikoto said pulling back to see Kushina face to face
"Damn it! I did it again didn't I?" Kushina said frustrated at herself
"Hey, don't worry about it. It just means you haven't changed since I last saw you these past years." Mikoto said smiling
"What are you doing here anyways? Not that I'm not glad you're here it's just that I heard that the Uchiha Clan was compacted into one place with everyone on watch." Kushina said wondering about Mikoto's presence.
"We have and still are much to our displeasure. I came here to confirm what that boy Shintaro said was true about you being alive, and all. I also was told of what happened to the treatment of your son….Kushina I'm so sorry I couldn't do anything. When I heard that the Kyuubi attacked, and that you're body wasn't found nor did I hear anything about your son….I just assumed that you two died along with Minato. No one told me that Naruto was the new jinchuuriki only that the Hokage chose a new candidate from the orphanage, and only gave him the name Uzumaki to honor your memory."
"I wanted to investigate, but the Uchiha Clan were put on probation in order ." Mikoto said going over what happened to the Uchiha clan the past 5 years to Kushina who was outraged at the treatment of her friends clan
"All of that happened over the last 5 years?... I swear, I'm gonna have a chat with those old bags at the council if it's the last thing I do!" Kushina yelled making a fist infuriated at the treatment of her friends clan
"And don't worry about about Naruto, Mikoto. If there's anyone I'm mad at, it's Hiruzen with everything that's happened." Kushina assured Mikoto
"Thanks for that. By the way since he's old enough I'm enrolling Sasuke into the official Academy tomorrow, but I've already taken him to the academy before so he get's an idea of what's it like. Are you going to do the same with Naruto?" Mikoto asked
"You bet I am! I'm gonna make it known throughout the village that anyone that messes with my kid will face the wrath of Red Hot-Blooded Habanero!" Kushina yelled with her fist raised in the air grinning menacingly while her hair was flying wildly like some demon
"Just make sure they're still alive to know about Kushina." Mikoto joked
"No promises." Kushina said half-jokingly
"Well, as much as I would love to stay here longer chatting it up like the old days I should let you get some sleep. Kami knows you need it after everything that happened today, and I need to get back to the Uchiha District before Fugaku worries about me being gone….or more likely send out the entire clan after me." Mikoto said as she hugged her friend one more time before she started to walk away
"No problem, I'm tired enough as it is, and I promised Naruto that I would sleep with him tonight so he knows that when he wakes up he'll have a mother that will love him for the rest of his life, and that he'll never be alone again." Kushina said with sincerity as she also walked with Mikoto the exit of the dining hall
"Are you two going to bed as well?" Kushina asked Sadao and Shinji
"Yes, since you have no more questions for us I will retire for the night." Shinji said
"What about Sadao?" Kushina asked to which Shinji moved to the left showing that Sadao was already asleep snoring away in his chair with his head on the table
"Oh….Well, goodnight then." Kushina said as Shinji nodded his head as he took the other exit out of the dining hall.
As Mikoto waved off Kushina when she left the building the two friends went their own way back to their son's. Kushina then began walking to her room that was given to her she noticed the sound of arguing from around the corner. She turned to see Shintaro and Shusuke arguing about something, and it seemed to get intense with Ayano coming in to try and break it up
"You're not in control of us! You don't get to make every decision that involves us, and decide on your own." Shusuke said in Shintaro's face
"That's rich coming from someone that decided to "not" include 3 of the original group in such a decision that could reveal who we are!" Shintaro yelled also getting in the face of Shusuke
"What are we supposed to do? Just wait 12 years sitting on our asses doing nothing until we can go home!? You may have not people waiting for you, but that doesn't apply for the rest of us! We still have 'parents', and clan members we want to impress when we get home!" Shusuke yelled angrily
"Brother! That's not fair, and you know that!" Ayano yelled at Shusuke
"Half-brother Ayano. And it is fair to point out the facts when they matter." Shusuke said coldly
"Like the fact your dad doesn't give a shit about you?" Shintaro remarked snidely
"Shintaro-kun! Please don't stoop to my br-step-brother's level, you're better than that." Ayano pleaded
"You're wrong! My father does care about me!" Shusuke yelled
"Only if you're "worthy" enough to be part of your damn clan! My parents may be dead, but at least they loved about me from my birth to the moment they died. Not needing to prove anything to them at all other than living a happy life, but that's impossible courtesy of "your" fucking village making my life a living hell!" Shintaro yelled
"We were just fine, but no you people just had to interfere with our lives only because you needed my father as a weapon, and my mother was the heir of some prestigious clan apparently needed her to come back; when the only reason they wanted her was because they didn't want their precious bloodline in another village!" Shintaro yelled as he decked Shusuke in the stomach before he could react properly grabbing him by the neck tightly one handed and pinning Shusuke against the wall
"You may be separated from your parents, who don't give a shit about you unless you satisfy their wants, your siblings, and your friends; but they are still alive whereas my PARENT'S are DEAD, my FRIENDS are DEAD, hell even my own BROTHER AND SISTER are DEAD all because you people don't how when to leave others alone! Now don't you even dare say you've lost anything when you still have a home to return to, because once all this is over, when I get Hiromi back to her parent's I'm leaving the village….permanently."
"If your village has a problem with that then I'll kill anyone who get's in my way because there's no way in hell I'm gonna spend another day much less the rest of my life in a village that made my life miserable for their own gain." Shintaro said his killer intent rising with every word with Ayano in disbelief tightening his grip on Shuske's neck intensely.
"Shintaro-kun you aren't really-"
"Yeah, Ayano I am, and I mean it with every fiber in my body; and I'm gonna do it alone!" Shintaro snapped at Ayano with absolute seriousness before tossing Shusuke back against the wall, and throwing him on the ground having him cough for air
"You want to ruin everything? Fine. You want to put everyone's identity at risk? Fine. You want to prove yourself as a leader? Fine. You want to prove your worth to your jackass of a dad? Fine! I accept the "groups decision", but I'll die before I become a citizen of my free will much less a ninja for Konoha or any of 5 Great Nations. So you'll have to leave me out of this one. You're testing my limit's teme, one more back stab like this, and I'll put you into a coma until we head back your damn village. After all, I'm here on a mission to make sure you go back home." Shintaro said before walking off to his room slamming the door loudly behind him.
Unsure of whether to check on the kids Kushina decided to screw it all to hell, and check on Shusuke who was still struggling for air.
"Shintaro-kun…." Ayano said softly letting tears fall from both eyes wiping them with her hands
"Br...Shusuke are you alright?" Ayano said getting down on Shusuke's level trying to help him only for him to shove her aside rubbing his neck standing on his own.
"I don't need help Ayano. I'm not weak not like him-" 'SLAP!'
"Don't you dare say Shintaro-kun's weak! He's the strongest person I have ever known! He's just said to you how much he has lost, and how he's willing to wait, and make sure we all get home safe. Even when it was his friends were the ones who died because we ignored Shintaro-kun's advice on how to stay alive he still pulled through, and kept us safe from anyone that would do us harm. I don't even know if it's possible for him to love me with everything our father has done to him, but I'm going to try regardless because of everything he's done for me despite even knowing who my father is."
"It's because of that, and much more that I love him; so I won't tolerate anyone calling Shintaro-kun weak….even if it is from you brother." Ayano said deadly as Shusuke walked past Ayano not caring what she had to say regarding Shintaro leaving her to walk frustrated in tears bumping into Kushina without even realizing she was there.
"Oof!" Ayano said as she bumped into Kushina "Oh! F-Forgive me Ms. Uzumaki I-I didn't see you there. I-I was just-" but she was interrupted when Kushina hugged her giving her comfort that she didn't know she needed.
"Hey, I may have been a mom for less than a day, but I know when to comfort a fellow girl when it comes to issues about love….or at least I can try anyways." Kushina said lightly while Ayano was trying to stop crying.
"Hey, if Shintaro's willing to do anything for you if your dad has done wrong to him, then you young lady have a precious friend that's worth loving. I may not know much about the history between you guys, but I can tell you kid's have been through more than any child should. Especially Shintaro, don't give up on him Ayano he's just been through a lot of loss if what he's said was true, and doesn't have anyone to rely on except himself."
"I'm sure that if you don't give up on him he'll see the light one day, and see that he has a beautiful girl waiting to share her love with him." Kushina said trying to put her motherly instincts to the test
"T-thank you, 'sniff' I really needed that. Do you really think I could do that for Shintaro-kun?" Ayano asked wiping the tears off her face
"Yeah, he's just a bit lost that's all. As it is he's lost without someone there to help him like you are, and I'm willing to bet that if you keep hoping the best for him he'll eventually see how big an idiot he is right now. Just you wait Ayano, any girl that's willing to fall for someone who helped her despite what that girl's family has done to him be it negative or positive then that girl knows how to choose her lover." Kushina said smiling while rubbing the head of Ayano for comfort.
"T-thank you Ms. Uzumaki, hardly anyone encourages my love for Shintaro-kun. Even my mother was a bit skeptical of Shintaro though she sees how he given me happiness, she worries for my future with him since everyone in my village hates him." Ayano said downcast
"Then that means she just cares about your well-being sweetie. Damn, I'm already putting my motherly instincts to the test ya know? I mean I just met you today, and you're already making me wish I was your mother what with someone to talk girl to girl and all ya know?" Kushina said with a goofy smile on her face laughing at herself suddenly realizing she just used her speech impediment twice without realizing it
"Damn it! I really thought I had it under control that time." Kushina said to herself
"Well….thank you for the compliment, but I only need one mother. No offense! It's just to me you're acting like a lovable aunt rather than my mother." Ayano said nervously
"Ooooh! That's even better! I may not be your mother, but I can be the awesome aunt who spoils her niece! That's it! From now on you are to address me as Aunt Kushina!...or Kushina Obaa-chan if you want to be formal, but that's as far as I go with formalities." Kushina said determined leaving Ayano a bit overwhelmed
"You'd really do that for m-eep!" she squealed as Kushina picked her up and hugged her tightly like the crazed aunt she set out to be.
"I told you sweetie it's Aunt Kushina! And yes, I do mean it about being your surrogate aunt while you're staying here in Konoha. Also you can come to me if you ever want anyone to talk to about anything ya hear?" Kushina said giving one last meaningful squeeze before putting Ayano down
"Listen sweetie, I'm gonna call you that from now on if you don't mind, I need to get back to Naruto's room since I promised him that I would spend the rest of the night with him; and also I'm gonna need you to not give up on Shintaro ya hear?" Kushina winked at Ayano who nodded in response
"Yes, Ms.-I mean Obaa-chan I won't give up on Shintaro-kun! You can count on it!" Ayano said determined as ever
"So where's your room then sweetie?" Kushina asked as they both walked in the same direction
"It's 10A Obaa-chan down the hall just before the stairs." Ayano said pointing to her room
"Oh, then we won't be very far then will we?" Kushina said smiling at her new adopted niece
"No, we won't I guess. Goodnight Obaa-chan I'm really tired, and besides I'm gonna need my beauty sleep for my date with Shintaro-kun tomorrow!" Ayano said new excitement and hearts in her eyes imagining what joy she'll have tomorrow
"Oh my gosh! I haven't picked out a dress! Do I even own a dress? Oh no, what if Shintaro-kun dresses up, and I come in rags or worse what if he dresses casually while I go all out! Then he'll think somethings up-"
"Something up with what?" Shintaro said right behind Ayano wondering what she was rambling on about; while making Ayano and Kushina turn around, making Ayano blush like a madman though it would be hard to tell except for the fact that she had red all over her face.
"Does this kid even know how to let people finish a conversation?" Kushina thought to herself
"S-Sh-Shintaro-kun! H-how long w-were y-you s-standing there?" Ayano stuttered out while Kushina decided to watch how this would play out
"Uh….I just got here then I hearing you talking about dresses or something." Shintaro said honestly
"Listen I, uh….I wanted to apologize about earlier about….you know snapping at you like that. I'm sorry Ayano-chan, the last thing I want is to hurt your feelings much less lose one of my-no my best friend over something so stupid over that." Shintaro said beating himself up before bowing his head
"Sorry for being an idiot. Can you forgive me Ayano-chan?" Shintaro said with sincerity
"Shintaro-kun you don't have to apologize to me. If anything I should apologize for my brother's rudeness of his words, and for taking matters in his own hands." Ayano said solemnly
"You don't have to apologize for that teme's actions Ayano-chan. Just because he's somewhat related to you doesn't mean you're responsible for his actions. In any case I'm going to let you get some sleep for our "date" tomorrow Ayano-chan." Shintaro said to Ayano who nearly fainted after hearing the word "date" come from Shintaro's mouth
"D….Da….Date?" Ayano said flustered beyond comprehension
"Why is she acting strange like that? Isn't a dinner with a boy and girl who are close called a date? Unless..."
"Oh crap! I didn't make you mad you did I? I just thought you know I'm taking you for lunch, and it's my treat and all. I just thought that was all needed for a date, but if you don't want to think of it as a date that's cool. I only thought you were mad at me earlier because you thought I forgot about your birthday tomorrow." Shintaro said rubbing his neck nervously
"He remembered!"
"M-My birthday?" Ayano asked faked confused
"Yeah, October 11th "your" birthday Ayano-chan….or did I get the date wrong? Aww dammit I got it wrong didn't I?" Shintaro said worried
"No! No! No! No! No! You didn't get it wrong I actually nearly forgot it was my birthday tomorrow….so wait you thought earlier when I was mad at you, you thought I was mad for you forgetting about my birthday? That's why you wanted to take me out tomorrow?" Ayano asked
"Yeah, I also thought it could be good practice for you as well." Shintaro said
"Practice for what?" Ayano said slightly offended clearly shown to Shintaro who was quickly trying to say his reasons
"Well, uh….I just thought that you know….I thought that in the future when you find someone that you're interested in that you'll have some experience under your belt. I wanted to at least try you in that department since I could only think of one other gift I could give you would have to wait until to-I mean that's it nothing else hehehehehe!" Shintaro said nervously laughing to himself
'Shintaro-kun was thinking about my future love interest when he's the one that I love….yet he can't even see that…. sigh oh well no one said it would be easy showing him my love.' Ayano thought to herself
"Well, what about you then Shintaro-kun? Don't you gain experience with dating as well if you go out with me?" Ayano said with sass trying to play hard to get like she did earlier
"I guess, but uh….well, actually I never considered going out on another real date or any type of relationship like that in the near or far future. Figured I'd enjoy it while I can considering it'll be my first and last date that I'll ever have." Shintaro said plainly which grabbed the attention of both Ayano and Kushina
"What do you mean first and last date?" Kushina said out of nowhere making Shintaro jerk back a bit making him forget about her being there
"It's what I said I don't plan on being in any kind of serious lovey dovey romantic relationship for the rest of my life. I'm not saying I'm not interested in girls it's just I can't see myself making someone happy with the future I have in mind for myself. I truly meant what I said about leaving the village once I get you guy's home there's just too much bad memories, bad people, and death that outweighs the good things there….even if you are one of the good things Ayano-chan." Shintaro said solemnly making Ayano a bit misty eyed thinking she wasn't enough for him to stay with her until he spoke again putting a hand on Ayano's shoulder
"You deserve someone that can make you happy Ayano-chan, but I doubt it'll be hard with that face of yours; I've seen what's under that mask, and I'm sure within a couple of years you'll mature into a beautiful woman that'll have men begging on the ground just for a moment of your time. Heh, I'm not sure why, but I feel comfortable saying that kind of stuff around you; you're pretty there's no doubt about that, but you're smart, you have determination when it counts, not to mention a great medic, and most of all you fight for what you think is right, a trait that I respect most of all Ayano-chan."
"You're a good friend Ayano-chan, and I just want to make sure you live a happy life even if it means I don't. Kami knows I don't deserve one after what I've done to….anyways I'll pick you up tomorrow around at the agreed time. That'll give me enough time for me to take Naruto to Ichiraku Ramen in order to receive that deal I made with the owner, and enough time for you to find something you want to wear. Not that what you're wearing isn't good enough, in fact for what it's worth I think it looks good on you. Well...I guess it wouldn't hurt to dress up a little bit, but that's the only thing I'm gonna say about tomorrow."
"Alright G'night Ayano-chan, G'night Ms. Uzumaki hope you have a good night's rest." Shintaro said as he began to walk away.
This led to leaving Ayano to feel all sorts of emotions: happiness, sadness, love, frustration, all of which are going through her heart making her unsure of what to say, but her body had different plans.
"You do Shintaro-kun!" Ayano yelled getting the attention of Shintaro
"Huh?" he said confused turning around
"Y-You do deserve a happy life like me or anyone else. You've sacrificed, and done more for me than I can ever repay in my lifetime. I-I also want to thank you for saying all those nice things about me, and for being so thoughtful about my well-being….and that I want you to know is that I'll leave the village with you even though…. you may not want me there I'll still be your friend forever, and I'll be willing to go anywhere so long as I'm with you." Ayano said panting like she just ran miles and back what with the courage that took for her to say those things
"You really mean that?" Shintaro asked surprised to Ayano who was nervous as hell
"E-Every word." Ayano barely said leaving Shintaro turn his body to the side, silently tilting his head up thinking of what to say only to sigh with his head down look Ayano in the eyes with a sad look
"Thank you Ayano-chan, I really mean it, but….sigh like I said I'm going alone. Goodnight Ayano." Shintaro said before turning his back on Ayano walking to his room with his head down, and closing the door.
Thinking she screwed up Ayano shed a few tears before running to her room crying sorrowfully from both the pain that Shintaro rejected her even though she knew this might happen, and the sadness that was in Shintaro's eye's proving he would love her company, but for whatever reason didn't deserve it leaving her to deal with the pain that held her heart making it difficult to sleep.
Now Kushina was beating herself up about not saying anything to either of the kids, and decided to put this matter on hold until tomorrow to think of something to say to the heartbroken Ayano, and the boy she wanted to know more about, Shintaro.