Disclaimer – I do not own Naruto
TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS OF THE UCHIHA LIFE
-EIGHT-
The silver of Konoha hitai ate glints in the light of day, matching the mission leaders hair perfectly. Of course, copy nin Kakashi's unruly locks are a softer rendition of the harsh metal plate upon his lopsided headband, but it is a match all the same.
The special Jonin of the Leaf Village arrives at the designated meeting bridge, at the time specified by Hokage Naruto. The man knows that no matter how early he strives to be, Sakura will always be one step ahead, making it seem like she possesses a 'Kakashi Tracker'. Sometimes, he will swear that it is correct and feasible. Despite the times over the years, when he secretly tried to find said tracker and came up completely empty. In the end, Kakashi put it down to female instinct. There is nothing more accurate than the niggling suspicion that hole's up in the back of a mother's mind – and such is the story of the ever recurring 'cookie jar'.
True to his assumption, the youth stand before him even earlier than usual. The two Uchiha 'children' don smirks that are a tad too malicious to be Shisui and Itachi. Still, Sakura and Sasuke's depiction of their young-lings is spot on, sans the wicked tilt of their lips.
Though, that could be his old mind playing tricks on him. Seeing his past students in his minds eye, (smirking at his persistent lateness), conflicting with the picture before his very eyes.
Kakashi never thought he would enjoy taking another team on, but his new set of Genin really do make him smile. Secretly, the seasoned shinobi cannot replace Team 7 in terms of fondness. His unruly best friends, and comrades have grown into fine shinobi and members of the community. Yet, just like a father, Kakashi will always see that small bumbling team of just made ninja, trying in earnest (and failing), to capture the bell.
Ahh, Good times...
Hanabi stands beside Itachi and Shisui, knowing full well that the children are actually ANBU operatives playing a part. Inwardly, the Hyuga girl is impressed with their level of skill. Being able to replicate Shisui and Itachi to such a degree that even her blood line limit cannot decipher the change in chakra. What Hanabi is unaware of, is that after the Zetsu incident during the war, Sakura spent many an hour locked away in her lab with one of the preserved clones. After months of research (and trial and error), Sakura was able to find a way to replicate an opponents chakra signature. This helped in making high ranking henge missions even more solid, as well as giving Konohagakure another powerful weapon. Only a select few are able to learn the jutsu of course, for it would be too dangerous to have something so useful floating around. Though, being ANBU, Sasuke and the incredibly smart medic are privy to the most confidential of information.
"Kakashi-sensei. Nice to see you are on time." Itachi says, hands placed in his pockets for affect. Still, the copy nin can imagine Sakura placing her hands upon her hips, chin jutting out when she is utterly correct in her jibes.
"More cheerful Sakura. Imagine yourself as a child and tone it down to Uchiha level." The man looking down upon 'Itachi', feeling quite strange to be so tall again. Though, normally the thought would not cross his mind.
Sasuke leans against the railing of the bridge, looking as stoic as ever. Kakashi has only had the pleasure of having Shisui on a mission about three times, but the child's father seems to be doing an incredibly good job. The ironic thing is, Sasuke probably isn't even trying at all. His youngest son is such a replica of himself as a youth, removing the intense brooding and aura of complete and utter hatred. However, Shisui's calm temperament (that washes over him at times) is a close match to Sasuke's Onii-san. The honoured deceased Itachi, from whom their first child is named.
"Ready?" The copy nin finally asks. Now assured that Sakura is completely in form, and the other two are in character as well.
"Hai!" Itachi jumps a little in excitement. That big smile gracing his features, just like always. Kakashi can't help but think, 'That's my girl.'
Shisui pushes off the wall without removing his pocketed palms. "Hn." He replies, in relation to Kakashi's question.
Hanabi merely begins to walk in the direction their mission scroll is taking them, that Hyuga grace flowing through in ever stoic step.
In a couple of hours, they will reach the area where Orochimaru is said to be hiding out.
Then, the real mission begins...
xxx
Near the edge of fire country, where the vibrant green trees begin to turn a darker shade of brown, the small group decide to take rest. This is the perimeter of Orochimaru's hiding place, though, he could really be anywhere within a five mile radius.
The team are able to travel for a lot longer if required and at a faster rate, but for the sake of realism, they must make camp and prepare the first of their lure.
After all, children can't be expected to travel at the quota of a fully grown shinobi. Even, if Itachi and Shisui are perfectly capable of such a feat.
The Hokage has instructed that Sasuke and Sakura not break their cover for any reason. Not that it is needed, because both Uchiha are highly skilled at deception. The two ANBU operatives have been on countless Intel missions that require the cover of a couple, but playing their own flesh and blood might be a little harder.
Already is Sasuke having trouble not being able to see Sakura's pretty pink hair and vibrant green eyes. Thankfully, when the need to touch his wife arises, the henged man simply looks over in her direction and sees a perfect look alike of his first born son. Nothing takes away romanticism more than seeing your woman dressed as your child.
"Shisui. Gather the wood and prepare a fire." The seemingly young boy nods at Kakashi's orders and pushes himself off the tree, looking as disinterested as ever. In the next moment, he disappears through the brush of dark branches and bush, toward his task. There is no sign of the ANBU in the vicinity, but the slight ruffle of wind to Sasuke's right, tells the nin that he is not alone.
"Hanabi. If you could build the fire pit?" The copy nin's tone is softer when talking to the teen. It is not something that he notices. It seems that Kakashi will always be nicer to the younger ones, even if they are very strong shinobi.
Turning to Itachi, a smile forms underneath the ever present mask. "Itachi-kun. Did your Okaa-san make us some of that delicious bento of hers?" The boy smiles a glint of knowing entering his onyx rimmed orbs, the emerald shining with warmth.
"Hai, sensei!" The spiky haired youth replies exuberantly, pulling his pack to the earth and rummaging through it. True enough, there a four perfectly made meals for the group to consume.
Sakura's bento has always been the best and Kakashi is secretly excited to have his portion. He will admit that Sakura spoiled Team 7 with incredibly attentive travel packs, that taste like heaven. Now the regular shinobi rationing, designated to missions, seem rather unappetising. Which is really bad, considering the seasoned ninja has been eating it for many years, and Sakura's bento for just over a decade.
Shisui comes back into view with the wood for the fire, and begins to place the pieces expertly into place. The pit is made just as perfectly, and is not too shallow or too deep.
Usually, a muted fire would be called for, but the group want to draw as much attention to themselves as possible without seeming suspicious.
"There." Shisui's soft tenor breaks the silence, as he stares down at the easily made fire. It is always handy having an Uchiha on deck. They are able to perform fire jutsu better than any other shinobi.
Sitting down around the fire, the team chatter quietly. The sun has just left the horizon and night is starting to come in. Silently, the shinobi prepare for anything that could be coming their way.
This mismatched Team Kakashi have no idea that there are inconspicuous eyes watching...waiting
xxx
"Itachi. Did you hear that?" The real Shisui whispers, going into full alert as Sharingan activate in the darkness.
"Yeah. We can't be sure that it isn't just our paranoia though." The older brother replies, sitting up in his bed.
The night has come into full effect, as Konoha is covered in a film of blackness. Tonight it seems that there is no moon to light outside, with the sliver of white light shining down onto the garden outside. It is there, high in the sky, just like always. Only, it seems that the planet is also hiding from something...But what?
Itachi moves from his place on the soft mattress and creeps toward the door. It is chakra sealed, but that is a piece of cake.
"Shisui, I will go check on Hinata-oba and Akane. Stay here." The boys serious voice covers the completely silent room easily.
"Chigau. I am coming with you Aniki." The younger Uchiha replies, already moving to his brothers side with shinobi speed and grace. As Itachi makes light work of the chakra seal, Shisui pulls the bottom drawer of their dresser out. His small hand reaches inside and pulls out a scroll hidden in case of emergencies.
With a bite of his thumb, the scroll is summoned and an array of weapons present themselves.
"Do you really think that is necessary?" The older boy questions, though he too can feel the ominous presence.
"Hai." Picking up one of the pouches, Shisui holds it out for Itachi to take. "Pick your weapons and I'll pick mine. If we are engaged I will take point."
"I want to disagree, but you are correct." Itachi says softly, also grabbing a weapons holster from the white rolled out parchment. "I am better at healing, and your speed is at a par with mine." He sighs heavily, tanto slipping into place. "Just be careful Otouto." Itachi doesn't like this at all.
Lifting an arm up, the older Uchiha places his hand upon Shisui's shoulder reassuringly.
"I will Onii-san." Sharingan meet sharingan and a silent moment executes itself. "Like Okaa-san says...We are in this together."
In a move of affection that doesn't usually occur, Shisui moves forward and wraps his arms around Itachi's middle. The taller boy smiles into his brothers straight locks, that reach to his jaw line. Shisui inhales the familiar scent of his kin and hopes that all is well, despite the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Pulling away, the two fully equipped shinobi move silently out into the hall and down the stairs.
xxx
"It's quiet." Sasuke says softly, emulating Shisui perfectly.
"Hn." Sakura replies, gazing around the dark area for any sign of a threat.
It is currently Kakashi's watch, but the ninja can't sleep. Every so often it feels as if they are being watched, before it disappears once more.
It is never a relaxing feeling, being treated like prey.
"I'll be back." Shisui stands from the dark coloured bed roll, stretching out the kinks in his back momentarily.
"Ah hah." Kakashi's voice enters the conversation, from high up on a tree branch. "Remember not to stray without your buddy."
Turning his gaze to the older looking Uchiha upon the ground, Shisui moves his head toward the forest. "I need to relieve my bladder." The boy explains, waiting for his 'brother' to stand.
As the children trek into the darkness, Kakashi wonders if it is a good idea. There are ANBU in the vicinity, but something feels off about this whole situation.
Pulling up his hitai ate, the sharingan does not seem to pick up any foreign chakra patterns in the area. (Aside from the ANBU surrounding the perimeter.)
It must be his mind playing tricks on him. The anticipation of finding the snake sennin seems to be getting to the copy nin.
Kakashi should listen to his instincts...
xxx
Sasuke sighs in relief and turns back to Sakura, who is leaning against a tree near by. The darkness is not as thick in this area, not far from the camp. It is actually kind of peaceful. There is a small lake and the half moon shines through the clearing comfortingly.
"Come on. Let's head back." Itachi's voice is low, as Sakura's eyes dart from side to side.
"Hn." The straight haired boy intones, starting to follow Sakura back to their sleeping bags.
"Not so fast." A deep foreign voice sounds, just above a whisper.
Whipping around, the two shinobi move into defensive position reflexively. Eyes narrow at the shadow growing from the pond a meter or two away.
The water ripples with movement, as mud from the base of the stream slowly moulds itself into their intended target. Body parts grow with the suction of wet earth - limbs and arms first, followed by a lean torso, long black hair and a familiar snake like face.
"Orochimaru." Shisui says, voice more vicious than the child would actually be. Sasuke does not care though, where is the real snake!?
"Tell me, young-lings. It seems that there are two sets of Uchiha youth. There are those within Konoha and then the two of you...Which team are the real children, hm?" A feral smirk makes its way onto the mud clones mouth, as it hisses Orochimaru's amusement.
Shit.
As Sasuke and Sakura inwardly run through their options, a very small bug flies from a nearby tree branch in the direction of Konoha. The minute animal has information for its young master.
"Fight us and you will see." Shisui's eyes glint, stepping forward confidently.
Now the two henged shinobi just have to make sure not to use any jutsu that their children don't know. Luckily, Itachi and Shisui have quite a big repertoire.
Both Uchiha parents pray for the safety of their children and wish to return home, but calling attention to themselves may just endanger them more.
Suddenly, this doesn't seem like such a good plan.
xxx
The living room is completely silent, as is the rest of the village. The lamp in the kitchen illuminates the entrance to the sitting area with a light golden glow. There are tea cups upon the kitchen counter, that are half full with cold tea - Hinata's special brew.
However, when the young ninja gaze around the the lower portion of the house, Hinata and Akane are no where to be found.
Itachi wants to speak, but is afraid that it will draw unwanted attention. Instead, he silently signals to Shisui that they will continue forward.
Stepping close to the tall glass doors at the edge of the area, the older Uchiha's brows furrow considerably.
The gen jutsu upon the house...has been dispelled.
Stepping backwards slowly, Itachi travels along the length of the wall, beckoning Shisui to follow. If his suspicions are correct, then their parents could be in considerable danger.
Choosing to exit the premises from a less obvious vantage, the children choose the window to their parents study.
Hands fly through simultaneous signs, both Uchiha are shrouded in a cloud of gen jutsu making them invisible to the human eye.
Unfortunately for them, the enemy is no human.
"Come on Shisui. We must find Tomu and get the report." Itachi whispers once the illusion is in full force.
"It's too quiet. There are no lights on in the village. We need to be on our guard Aniki." Shisui replies, noticing that there are no shadows of people in the house windows, and it is only ten o'clock.
"Hai, so we will."
Choosing to travel on foot, the genius children weave through the buildings with the silence of the elite. Hopefully their team is okay, and have followed the secret protocol for such events.
Itachi and Shisui share a wary look, as sharingan swirl with the stress of the moment.
This ghost town is unnerving.
It looks like Konoha is in big trouble, and the Uchiha's are the only ones capable of fixing it.
If they aren't injured or killed first...
A/N
Well there you have it folks. Until next chapter.
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Since my Internet wasn't working, if you are all lovely and review I will post another chapter very soon. Big plans for the future people. Big plans xD
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