It seems I've received quite a lot of reviews-Thanks a lot, I really love reading them! As for the age problems, here is a list of what the age gaps are between Keiko and her small circle of friends:
Keiko=8-9 years old
Naruto=5-6 years old
Itachi=10-11 years old
Shisui=14-15 years old
treavellergirl - Beautifully said! And also very true.
rebi (guest) - I hope you're okay and I'm glad my words reached you. Stay strong.
Another long chapter for you my dear readers, don't forget to place a review and answer my question at the bottom of the page!
Love,
Angelbloodlover
So not happening!
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By Angelbloodlover
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~ You can't be angsty all day or else it becomes a sort of pale angst.
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Jim Broadbent
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Chapter 13: Fear of Losing One's Precious
"For now, I kept giving and giving but I was sure that once this would be over I would be the one to receive." - Keiko
I sat on my bed, fidgeting as I felt the two approaching chakra walk towards my direction.
Ba-dump..
Heart you're going mad with all these bursts of beating. So be a dear and stop doing that, it'll be the end of both of us..
Ba-dump..Ba-dump..Ba-dump..
Ignorant fool. Be as you wish but don't come crying to me when you're too tired to keep moving on, I spat at it. How dare it defy my will? I was the Queen and that measly organ was but a peasant. I should crush you for your insolence.
..and yet I didn't.
Sighing, I decided to concentrate on something else-How bad could it be? I had faced much worse-killing, torture, death..
This was nothing. Nothing at all.
...and yet my heart was proving me wrong.
Closer..and closer..and closer..
I could feel the shaking of my hands, the sweat trickling down, drenching me completely, my heart beating like a mad-man ("You're going to be the death of me."), the tremor going from bone to bone, teeth chattering, and I felt so freezing cold. Blanket? Where was my blanket to hide me from this world like my Mother used to do... My Mother..how was she doing? I had not once thought of her. All thoughts of my sweet, kind Mother had left me the moment that vile snake had tainted my pure, innocent soul. Would she be disgusted to see me now? Would she view me as her daughter..?
..would she even recognize me?
I inhaled loudly, trying to suck as much air as I could.
No, she would not remember me. Who'd want a monster as a daughter?
None.
Closer..tooclose..
I pulled the blanket up and covered myself, whispering soothing words to my damaged soul, "Hush little baby, everything's going to be alright."
Nothing to fear of. They would accept me no matter what, I was sure of it.
..and yet, there was this treacherous, harsh whisper telling me otherwise.
"No!" I screamed roughly, coughing when I strained my vocal cords with the strain. I can't even remember the last time I had shouted. ...or laughing, or crying, ..or feeling anything remotely close as emotions.
Only loneliness and hate, and anger, disgust..
The door knob clicked loudly, echoing throughout the room and I steadied myself, knowing they deserved to know the truth. They were my best friends, my only best friends. To keep them out was like turning my back on them. They didn't deserve that.
They were pure and good, unlike me.
Untainted by the touch of Evil.
..all that I was not.
The door opened and two figures appeared, both looking very determined to get the needed answers.
"Tell me, Keiko.." Shisui whispered quietly, his voice shaking as his eyes looked at me. "..are you afraid of me?"
Ba-dump! Ba-dump!
"No!" came my quick reply, loud and undeniably truthful.
He looked relieved, the hurt diminishing but it was still there, "Then why did you attack me when I hugged you?"
Itachis quiet presence disturbed me-he still didn't say anything, apart from the slight nod of his head. I shuddered out a breath, wondering what I could say to that. "I-I..I..." Nothing came out my mouth, I couldn't think of anything to tell him. The shaking in my hands came back with a vengeance and I looked back down, not daring to look into his eyes for fear that he might find something.
"You can't even look us in the eye anymore.."
Clenching my fists, I gnashed my teeth together, wondering how I could get out of this one. When I looked up, his eyes were swirling with hurt-their eyes looked hurt.
"That's wrong..I care about you two, I really do." Couldn't they hear the truth from my words? Couldn't they hear that those words came right from my heart. I didn't utter those words, no, it was my heart. How could you heart lie?
Simple, it couldn't.
"But I do.."
Shisui looked away, and it hurt, Kamithispain.. "Prove it to me, Uzumaki Keiko, prove it to us."
I was panicking, Iwouldnotlosethem, and oh Kami, I don't want to lose them too, I had already lost too many thing, not them too, anything but them. "I care ab-out you, Shi-sui, and y-ou, Ita-chi, and Na-ruto. You thr-ee are the reason I still ex-ist and lo-ng to live." Stronger, louder, confident, "You three are the reason I push myself to wake up every morning and fight off another day, ..you three are the reason I'm still breathing and standing right now..." I exhaled loudly, cradling my hands close to my heart, shielding it for the incoming brutality. My eyes flickered back to Shisui, Itachi and then back to my trembling hands.
Soft footsteps perked up my attention and looking up, I noticed that Itachi was coming close to me (don't panic, there is nothing to panic for..)
"I believe you, Keiko." were his soft soothing words and right then and there, I sighed in relief, knowing that Itachi was at my side.
Startled, Shisui joined him too, (they are closing me in, tooclose..) "Correction, we believe you." His eyes became serious, "..but you need to tell us what had happened to you, Keiko. How can we help you if you do not let us?"
My eyes widened and breaths became ragged and quick. I couldn't speak, I couldn't look them in the eye anymore and my mind was screaming at me-demanding me-to run away as fast as possible. But then my heart joined the conversation and told me to say and trust Shisui and Itachi. It was sure that they wouldn't be repulsed by her presence, it was so sure that they wouldn't abandon me because of it.
Feeling my strength trickle back, I stuttered weakly, "I-I'm fi-" "Don't you dare to say that you feel fine because like Hell it seemed fine. You had a fucking panic attack, Keiko, a panic attack that ranged on eight on a scale of ten." Shisui gritted through his teeth and I flinched at his aggressiveness, forcing my breathing to remain calm and steady. Saying things and actually doing them were not as easy as they sounded. No matter how hard I tried to hide these trigger, I couldn't prevent them.
Their closeness were making my breathing extremely difficult-noescape! And the widening of my eyes did little to help.
In contrary to my mind, which was screaming at me that I would get hurt, my heart pleaded with me to understand that Shisui wouldn't do such thing. He wouldn't think of hurting me, nor would he be able to. I had grown strong, even stronger than Shisui, or Itachi-I was strong; I had trained and trained and did nothing other than training and killing, training, and endless cycle of Repeat. I had gotten my sweet revenge and soothed my violated, abused soul. I had gotten my satisfaction of the blood that I had spilled as repentance for the wrongdoing towards my innocence.
Suddenly, Itachi lifted his hands, and the sudden movement made my eyes go wide, accompanied by the persistent flinch. Instead of doing something as stupid as hurting me, which he wouldn't do, I was sure of it, he smoothed his hair, breaking the silence, "It's alright, Keiko, you don't need to tell us. But know that we will be here for you if the need arise." A beautiful, gentle smile was sent my way and I was baffled, my mind sizzling.
That wasn't all, the widening of my eyes had increased and I could only stare at him like a dumb, gaping fish.
Before Shisui could protest, Itachi silenced him with one look, which startled Shisui for his dear cousin had never looked at him like that. And whatever the reason was, it never was anything peachy. He nodded slowly, hesitant, "Okay, I was a bit too forcing of you-Fine, I was too forcing of you!" Shisui had corrected himself when Itachi kept staring at him with his deadpan look, which meant quite the opposite. Then, he tried to smile but it looked wrong and strained. And he scrunched his nose in annoyance, flailing his arms, "Great, I got Itachis Deadpan Syndrome! Where can I get a vaccinate for it?"
I giggled quietly, hiding my laughter as Itachi glared us to death. It didn't work out well for him.
"You're an idiot, Shisui." came Itachis irritated voice.
And Shisui openly laughed, his sound easing my heart and bones. I leaned against the fluffy pillow and admired this scene, imprinting it into my head.
These small moments were like a gift from God itself.
"You disgust me."
"You disgust me," it parroted.
I glared fiercely, "I'm not you and you're not me. You're a vile creature created by the Devil itself."
Again, "I'm not you and you're not me. You're a vile creature created by the Devi itself."
Angrily, with dark loathing, I punched this person, and instead of one, thousandth and thousandth of it manifested.
I had always covered the mirrors because I couldn't look at myself..
I looked at the Hokage and then to Jiraiya. I may feel uncomfortable in their presence but I repressed those feelings. There was nothing wrong, nothing at all.
"What do you propose, Hokage-sama?"
Jiraiya seemed to be deep in thought, his eyes glazed over as he thought of the many possibilities.
Hiruzen puffed out smoke from his pipe, sighing in tiredness, "The first time you had come here you had suggested that I should change the system of the mission ranks. That was two years ago. Till now the council is divided into two groups; one is supporting me fully, which are mostly the shinobi side, as for the opposite party, they are firmly against it, stating that Konoha wants to change their children into robotic fighters." He placed his ancient pipe down and intertwined his hands, "As long as there is a huge counterpart I can't do anything about it."
I frowned, Jiraiya scrunched his nose, crossing his arms. "Sensei, you're still the Hokage. You're letting them trample on you."
Said teacher closed his eyes and leaned his chin on his intertwined hands.
"With all due respect Hokage-sama, but Jiraiya is speaking the truth." I tried to think as to how I could voice my opinion without hurting anyone's feeling. "I have read about the different Hokages, and to be frank, you're not a Hokage made for peace-it makes you restless." I gauged his reaction for anything, but till now, he still had his eyes closed. Taking this as an invite to continue, "You're more suitable for times of war, you make wise decisions regarding which shinobi you should sent, which plan to make, and how to carry it out efficiently."
Jiraiyas eyes were pinned on me, and I fidgeted with my fingers. Scowling, I continued. "You have seen the First Shinobi World War, and had been promoted into the next Hokage, then you had frequent visits of War, the Second and the Third. Your mind is more adapted to times of War and not for times of Peace." I inhaled quietly, "No offense, but the perfect Hokage for times of peace the Yondaime."
Finally, he opened his eyes-they were stormy, dark and curious, "Why not the First?"
I mulled over that question, I was sure he was trying to get more out of me. "The Shodai Hokage was a great Hokage but even he wasn't a God. In times of peace, he had carried out many wrongful decisions. Take for example the fact that all the Tailed Beasts had been distributed equally under the Five Shinobi Nations. Instead of distributing them like goods, he should have sealed them for good. His longing for peace made him blind, and in the end he had only created a false sense of peace, one that was only temporary. Now, look which mess we have been put into. Everyone is after the power of a Bijuu. If the Shodai Hokage had been the Nidaime, then he wouldn't have made that decision. No, he would have done something else to increase Konohas strength, like finding a way to seal them, or use their power in the benefit of Konoha." That was long, "My conclusion is why I find that the Yondaime was perfect during times of Peace, and the Nidaime and you during times of War."
I was startled when Jiraiya clapped his hands, his impressed eyes locked with mine, "To have an intelligence like that on your age is impressive, Keiko."
"I agree, but I'm curious, how did you acquire such information?" Hiruzen added, his eyes glinting.
I touched my temple, ticking it twice, "Along with that, I had received giant, ancient History books from Orochimaru, and was forced to memorize them when I was four years old." Shrugging, "I don't know how he gets his filthy hands on books as rare as them, only that he does. Along with that, he uses his minions to collect every available jutsu scroll and store them in the different hideouts, which he would later sort out and only claim the ones that were worthy to be in his possession."
"Do you know where he keeps the important scrolls?"
Nodding, I smoothed my blue shirt, "It in the main base, the one in the Land by Sound."
"Yes, I remember that you had brought me two forbidden jutsu scrolls." This got Jiraiyas questioning gaze on the Hokage as the old man hummed quietly, rubbing his chin. "I wonder..." He started, "..do you perhaps have information regarding Orochimarus Juinjutsu?"
I ran my tongue over my dry lips, thinking about his question, "Well..I had studied the mechanics of the seal and I came to the conclusion that once the seal had been placed, it forcibly absorbs a user's chakra while giving Orochimarus own Senjutsu chakra into the user's body."
Jiraiya lifted his hand, stopping my explanation. "Wait, Senjutsu? What do you mean?"
"Orochimaru extracts the unrefined enzyme, which produces rage and madness to those exposed to it, from a certain boy called Jugo. He had lured the boy with sweet words and a promise to find a cure for him. But instead of doing that, Orochimaru is using his blood to create several different forms of the cursed seal. The one Anko had is the Cursed Seal of Heaven, there is also the Cursed Seal of Earth, the Animal Cursed Seal, and many more."
"I see.." Eyes widened slightly, "Can you perhaps bring Jugos blood sample?" Hiruzen asked with renewed energy seeping inside of his eyes.
I nodded in confirmation. Never did I think that another person asked me to fetch another blood sample. Till now I still didn't know what Orochimaru had done with the Uchihas blood, nor did I want to know it. Because knowing it would surely make me feel even more guilty...
Ignorance is bliss...
They didn't know how truthful those words were. If only..
Jiraiya shifted his feet, "Maybe we would find a cure for it."
"There is a possibility that we could find a cure for Jugo, or maybe even create a seal that keeps the Natural Chakra in order."
The master spy smirked, "Nothing that Jiraiya, the Toad Sage couldn't do."
Hiruzen chuckled warmly, shaking his head. "I'm sure you'll find a solution for I have faith in you, Jiraiya. Now, Keiko, my dear, for the blood sample. I'll lend you one of my summons who will come with you-Don't worry." He assured me down when I opened my mouth to refuse that offer for fear that Orochimaru might sense him. "This summon's special power is to stay hidden from any high-level shinobi. Not even Orochimaru would be able to sense him since not even I, nor Jiraiya could do it."
I shuddered out a breath and nodded-this was certainly interesting. Maybe I could keep him for a long time? "Maybe I could keep him until I come back to Konoha and send even more information through Hishu-san?"
Maybe it was the fear of being alone again, or the fact that I was helping out Konoha greatly but Hiruzen accepted my request. "That's not a bad idea. I shall create a temporary blood link between you and Hishu. The connection between you two will stay until I severe that bond." He bit his thumb and murmuring softly, he touched the oak table. It shook lightly and after the smoke dissipated, a small white monkey appeared. Hiruzen pointed towards me, "Hishu, this is Keiko, you'll have to stick with her until I summon you again. I hope that won't be a problem?"
The monkey bowed his tiny head, shaking, "Not at all, Hiruzen-sama." Turning towards me, he bowed politely, "Greetings Keiko-san, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise, Hishu-san."
Hiruzen took out a scroll and started scribbling. When he was finished he asked Hishu to sign the contract and then it was my turn to do the same. Biting my thumb, I pressed it on the neatly written document until my mark had glowed a soft, ethereal blue. "There, all is done."
"Hishu would you kindly suppress your chakra?" Hiruzen asked gently and said summon nodded in affirmation.
My eyes widened when I could not even feel a trickle of chakra coming from the monkey. This was.. "..unbelievable.." came my amazed murmur, my eyes fixed on the slightly proud monkey, who lifted his head even more at the praise.
"He is the only one in my summons who can delete his entire chakra identity. He is special, don't you think?"
I nodded dumbly, baffled that this small creature could do such an amazing feat. "Hishu-san, it will be an honor working with you." Accompanied by a polite bow.
"The pleasure will be all mine," was Hishus respectful reply, along with the bow.
With a nod from Hiruzen, the monkey evaporated into smoke, only coming back to the Human Realm when he would be summoned again, either by Hiruzen or me. "Now, let's continue on. You were explaining the workings of the Cursed Seal?"
Setting my thoughts in order, I continued. "Like I said, once the dark chakra infiltrates the body, it will grant inhumane powers, comparable to those who can access Sage Mode."
Jiraiyas eyes widened in horror, "What?!"
I nodded, "As implausible as it sounds, it's the naked truth. The powers they receive are from Mother Nature itself. And since Sage Mode is the equivalent of Nature Chakra, so is the Cursed Seal. But, and I say, but, the big difference between the two is that Sage Mode acquires a balance of Nature Chakra while the Cursed Seal is a overbalance of Nature Chakra. In the end, the are inferior to the powers of a real Sage. Control and balance is the key, but Orochimaru doesn't really care about those giant problems within the seal or his experiments."
A solemn Hiruzen sighed. "Yes, we have already established that. Jiraiya, are you writing what she is saying?" He looked over his student and nodded in approval, "Good, maybe we'll be able to find an antidote or cure?" Why did it sound more of a question than a statement?
"Certainly Hokage-sama."
He coughed loudly, "Now, is there anything else you'd like to add?"
His eyes flickered to me and then to Jiraiya. "Yes," I nodded, "As you're aware, the seal is like a parasite, it feeds on the user's chakra, which can even led to chakra exhaustion. Along with that fact, Orochimaru had found out that there is an average ten-percent success rate. And even if the user survives, their body will not be able to easily control the power of the seal given to them. To compensate for this, Orochimaru developed the Mind Awakening Pill. This drug forces a user's body to become accustomed to the unnatural increase in power, but also kills the one who takes it. So he uses the sealing technique Four Black Fogs Formation and Dark Sealing Method to keep the drug from killing the users by placing them in a temporary death state. Like I had said before, the seal is a parasite, which means that prolonged usage of it would also corrode both the body and mind of the users due to Orochimaru's chakra being present and makes it also easier for them to be susceptible to his influence and obey his every command."
Jiraiya stopped writing, frowning, "This may become a hassle if we wouldn't be able to find a cure for it. Who knows what he may plan to do with this."
"He is making an army for himself."
Hiruzen's eyes widened. "That is dangerous. Orochimaru had always good strategies, especially during war."
I nodded in agreement, "Which is why you have to stand up for yourself, Hokage-sama. This is and will stay foremost a shinobi village. You are the leader and your purpose is to lead while the Council's purpose is to advise. You need to strengthen the barriers around Konoha, and the patrol squads, along with checking who comes in and whatnot." Remembering an important thought, "Did you apply new seals to the underground tunnels of Konoha?"
He nodded, I smiled in relief. "Good, that's one way less for them to break in Konohas territory. How is the connection with the Uchiha and the Hyuuga?"
"They are not considering each other like friends but more of an ally. They respect each other enough to work together."
Good. Things were going surprisingly as planned, which Hiruzen noticed too, "But they are still looking for the anonymous Uchiha girl who had saved the Hyuuga heiress."
I chuckled in bemusement, "Let them search, they'll never find her, though it's good that they still keep contact."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, "What about Kabuto?"
"The double spy?" Jiraiya mused out loud, pocketing the notes inside his robes.
I smirked in amusement, "It'd be advisable if he couldn't contact Orochimaru, place him under subtle watch under the disguise of loyal shinobis. Shisui could be perfect for the job."
"Hmm..I'll see what I can do." Hiruzen rubbed his goatee, his eyes flickering to the door, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Jiraiya frowned in confusion, "Sensei had explained me the reason behind your deeds but what I don't get is why? Why are you doing this? You could achieve your dream by running away from here and never turn back. You could leave your past behind and start a clean slate."
Offended, "I'd never leave my precious people behind. Shisui, Itachi and Naruto are my world. If I couldn't share my happiness and dream with them, what's the point of having one?" I glared at him for even having the nerve of asking me such a question.
Instead that he would return the gesture, he smiled at me. I shook my head, wondering why people could disarm me with a single smile.
It'd be pitiful if all it took to defeat me would be a smile. What's even the use of training..?
Chuckling, Hiruzen smiled warmly. "Well, what are you planning on doing now, Keiko-chan?"
"First of all, I'll acquire blood samples. Second, I'll keep collecting jutsu scrolls, and if I can't take them, then I'll copy them. Third, I'll keep training under Orochimarus tutelage. Fourth, I'll keep contact between you and me through Hishu-san. Last but not least, I'll try to find more information on the Cursed Seal and how dsiable the effect." With each aspect, I ticked off my fingers, grimacing at the part 'under Orochimarus training'.
Just hold on a bit more.
Besides, with Hishu-san, I'll be able to send Shisui, Itachi and even Naruto presents and letters. That actually lifted the heavy burden in my heart. With that I could survive long enough to come back to Konoha.
"Meeting disclosed for now." Hiruzen finished, "You may go now, I'm sure Shisui and Itachi are getting restless about the fact that I'm taking you all for myself."
I blushed under Jiraiyas sly look. "It's not like that!" Ignoring the heat radiating from my cheeks, I glared at him, "Stop looking at me like that, there is nothing between us!"
"Two boyfriends and both of them from the famed Uchiha clan, one whom is the Uchiha heir. You can call yourself lucky with the catch, Keiko-chan."
I groaned in annoyance, "Stop thinking like that, you perv."
But he still didn't give up. "Mind if I use your situation for my newest Icha Icha series?"
An angry growl escaped my lips, and turning to him, I clenched my fist, enhancing it with flawless chakra control. "You're finished, old man."
Jiraiya let out a squeak and vanished, much to Hiruzen's amusement who ushered me out. "Go, have fun ..and thank you."
When I opened the door, I felt my heart melt at the sight of Shisui, Itachi and a disgruntled Naruto waiting for me. Sending Hiruzen one last glance, I nodded in gratitude, closing the door behind me. I would enjoy this moment, I would keep them close to my heart.
They'll be my shield in times of need,
They'll be my sword in times of need,
They'll be my Light through Darkness.
When we left the Hokage building, Naruto had glomped me, sticking to me like glue. I felt uncomfortable and my stomach churned painfully but I didn't dare to pry his hands off me and run away to hide in a cave.
I simply couldn't.
This was starting to become an issue that I loathed-couldn't I just be normal for once? Karma and Fate really were bitches to put me through this.
That was the least of my worries, no, Shisui and Itachi were stiff and kept their distance from me. I didn't know why they were doing that but a part of me was relieved while the other was wondering why? And Shisuis dark, tired eyes kept flickering towards me when he thought that I didn't look. He looked restless, his chakra felt restless and his body radiated tiredness. Even Itachi wasn't his usual self, normally he would have a calm, stoic face but now, there was a frown evident on his face.
I couldn't help but wonder..and wonder..and wonder.
"Onee-chan, I want you to meet my newest friend!" came his happy shout as we strolled through Konohas streets. The air, the people, the environment were all different from the dark, murky hideouts. It felt good-and the sun shining on my skin felt absolutely wonderful.
Suddenly, Shisui stopped, and I raised my eye brow, "Shisui-kun, is everything alright?"
He stiffened when I talked to him, and his wide eyes, oh Kami, was he going to cry? "Shisui?" I asked worriedly, even Itachi was staring at him, his eyes slightly wide.
"Shisui-nii?"
Said teenager's face became a ghostly white as he covered his mouth as if he would vomit anytime soon. "I-I'm n-not feeling w-well," then he turned around and flickered away.
I froze, my body feeling numb. That look... I shut my eyes, trying to keep the emotions at bay. No, Shisui wouldn't look at me like that-there was no way that he-"Keiko?" Itachi called out softly, his voice monotone but I could see that he was alarmed by Shisuis sudden disappearance. "Don't worry, I'll go look for him." He turned to Naruto, "Why don't you take her to your friend, I'm sure she would like to meet him." With a nod and an affectionate ruffle, he flickered towards Shisuis whereabouts.
Cold dread invaded my veins as I kept seeing Shisuis terrified disgusted eyes.
Naruto had noticed nothing amiss, though he kept sending me looks now and then. He took my hand and led me further, all the while Shisuis eyes kept haunting me.
All thoughts escaped my throbbing mind when I set foot in the Uchiha Compound. Were was Naruto taking me?
Sasuke?
Could it be that Naruto became friends with him..?
People stared curiously at the two of us, but what made me nervous and very self-conscious of my appearance was that their eyes lingered on my petite form. I didn't look like them, did I?
"Nee-chan, you really look like them," he tried to whisper but to the rest it was a shout. Naruto could not whisper, that was something that had to change, every ninja should be capable of keeping his voice down.
I gulped when some pointed at me, "Maybe."
Naruto started babbling about his friend and how he had met him, "Itachi-nii introduced us to each other and ever since then, we train together." And he continued talking about their recent match and how he had almost won from him. Abruptly, he stopped in front of a giant house, scratch that, it looked more like a villa. "We're here!" Naruto announced loudly, then he pulled me further, "Aunt Mikoto!"
A beautiful, black-haired woman appeared with a cloth in her hands, "Naruto-kun, what a pleasant surprise." Her eyes widened when they settled on my form but as quickly as it came, it was gone, "And who is your friend?"
"This is Uzumaki Keiko, my sister!" He corrected proudly, tightening his hold on my hand.
A soft, chiming sound escaped her lips and for a second I was jealous of her laughter. While her sounded like the rhyme of a gorgeous harp, mine sounded like the dying of a cat. Pushing those thoughts away, I bowed politely since she was the Matriarch of the Uchiha clan. "Uchiha-sama, it's an honor meeting you."
She waved her hands, "Child, no need to call me that, call me aunt Mikoto."
I frowned at that odd demand, I barely met her and she wants me to call her auntie? Deciding to go with the flow, I nodded hesitantly, "Hai, ..aunt Mikoto."
Her face became like the sun, she beamed at me. "Now," she swept her eyes over us, "Where is 'Tachi-kun and Shi-chan?"
"They will come later, auntie!" Naruto replied and I flinched slightly when I remembered the source of my headaches.
She narrowed her eyes and then she ushered us inside, saying, "Sasuke is inside." and then she left us to our device, but not before, "I'll be in the kitchen making chocolate cookies, your favorite, Naruto-kun."
"Yatta!" Excitement gleamed in his ocean-blue eyes, continuing with his aim quest, "Sasuke is a bastard," He widened his eyes, covering his mouth, "Don't tell Itachi-nii I said that, he'll poke my forehead again and I don't like his pokes, they hurt."
I was too baffled to say anything. Everything was changing, I had changed it.
How much did I alter the Time in this world?
I followed his lead, taking my sandals off and placed them neatly on the floor. My ears perked up when I heard pitter-patter from a certain raven-haired boy. "Aniki! You're fin-Oh, it's you." He lifted his nose up, "Where is my aniki?!" He asked with narrowed eyes, "Did you steal him, dobe?!"
Naruto bristled at that nickname, "Bastard! Itachi-nii is my brother too!"
"Is not!"
"Is too!"
"Is not!"
"Is-"Boys." came Mikotos warning when she appeared with a giant kitchen utensil in her hand and I could only watch it all happen in front of me. "Sasuke, we have a guest, why are you not greeting her?" She was disappointed and Sasuke noticed it. Quickly, he bowed politely and straightened his back to look at me. When he locked eyes with mines, they widened as saucers. Screaming, he pointed a finger at me. "It's you!"
I stiffened.
Mikoto frowned in confusion.
And Naruto scrunched his nose.
"Did you already met her before, Sasuke?"
I held in my breath, nervousness invading my bones...
A black mop of hair was running away from the shrieking fan girls.
Quickly, she took the left side of the road. Right. Then left. Another left. Straight forward and another left one.
I listened for any stomping coming my way, but relaxed when I didn't hear anything. "Stupid Shisui, stupid Itachi, using me as bait. How dare they?" I kicked at the ground, grumbling another string of curses that would make Hidan proud.
My eyes widened when a fantastic idea popped into my mind. "Puuuuurrfect," I purred in excitement, rubbing my hands together in the same manner as a fly would do like they're plotting for world domination. "They'll never see that one coming." Giggling like a mad man, I started walking towards the Uchiha compound. With black hair and onyx black eyes I should blend perfectly
When I arrived there, I started asking direction for their houses, a never-fading smile present on my face that made the woman coo at me, but the men were less inclined to do it.
"Excuse me, do you know where Shisui-kun lives, I have an important message to deliver."
"Of course, darling. Walk to the east side and the biggest house around that area is Shisui-kun's house."
Bowing, I thanked her, "Arigatou." and continued on my quest to find the other house.
"Excuse me mister…"
The man raised his eye brows, "Hn?"
I held in hitting him upside down, no time to be hitting older men Keiko, "Can you tell me where Itachi-kun lives?"
"It's in the middle of the compound, don't you know where your own clan head lives?" He shook his head in disbelief and disapproval as he walked away, "Kids these days…"
I ignored that statement and walked towards my destinations. How amusing, they thought I was a Uchiha.
Shisui's room was easy, there were no traps, this had to change.
Now, Itachis room was Hell.
The first problem was getting in since the window was at the front side of the house so I had to sneak in without people seeing me. I concentrated on a Genjutsu that I had used three years ago when I chased after Naruto. The Invisibility Cloak, a Genjutsu where my body becomes invisible (Duh! What else did you think? The title is the give-away…) but the trick in my position was that everyone would notice the chakra flare of the jutsu. So, with precise chakra control-something I was training since my three years and was still training it daily, although I hated it with a fever-I used a minimal amount of chakra. It was a good thing the jutsu didn't need a high amount of jutsu.
Then the next problem were the many traps in his room, one after one I avoided them but he had placed some of them in tricky places-mental note: put traps in my room-and caused some small scratches, nothing worse. Orochimaru sure drilled avoiding obstacles and sharp objects in my head, my body was moving with pure instinct alone.
Sighing in relief when it was done, I walked towards his dresser, pulling them open one by one until I found what I needed for my personal revenge. Grinning deviously, I picked them up and hid them in my kimono. Before I could leap away-Genjutsu firmly in place-I heard a gurgle of happiness, to be precise a baby boy's laughter, one I recognized immediately.
"Sasuke…" My curiosity piqued, I tip-toed towards that room, making sure there was no one there. What I saw made my eyes soften, accompanied by a gentle smile. There playing with a plush-stuffed kunai and shuriken was Sasuke, destroying the poor things in his hands by continuously crushing them. I sweat dropped and slowly walked towards him, crouching in front of him and putting the kunai and shuriken aside. Listening closely I heard Mikoto downstairs humming a gentle song as clatter of plates were heard. Dispelling the Genjutsu, I looked at a wide-eyed Sasuke, his mouth forming an O-shape, which made him even more adorable. "Hey Sasuke-kun. How are you?" I whispered softly, picking him up and placing him on my lap. "You'll have such a painful future…"
Sasuke kept looking at me, somehow quiet, with a soft smile on his face. He really was a smart boy, something that his parents will never see because by then they were both dead... A sad smile appeared on my face as I stroked his duck-butt-hair-in-growing. "But I promise you, Sasuke, I'll make sure your future will change. I will not watch my precious people dig their own grave when I had the ability to change it for the better."
Sasuke giggled softly, turning around to watch me with his big onyx eyes, "What awe you talkin' 'bout, nee-chan?"
So innocent..
"…Nothing. Nothing at all, Sasuke-kun."
Another giggle. "What's your name, pwetty nee-chan?"
So pure...
"Will you keep it a secret?" I asked him with a mischievous glint in my eyes.
He nodded hurriedly, his hair flying up and down. "I pwomise I won't tell anyone, not even aniki!" His voice getting a bit louder and I cursed as I heard Mikoto stop rumbling the plates, hurrying upstairs.
"Shit." I cursed softly. "Sasuke, don't tell your kaa-chan that I'm here."
He nodded again, a secretive smile on his face.
I quickly hid under the bed, Genjutsu back on as I watched with a bated breath Mikoto barging in Sasukes room, "Sasuke-chan, who were you talking to?"
"My fwiend, she is weally pwetty and smells like flowers." Sasuke answered with a childish innocence.
Mikoto giggled softly, thinking that it was all his imagination. "Oh really? Can I see your pretty friend?"
Sasuke shook his head, "No, pwetty nee-chan is mine." He crossed his arms stubbornly, cheeks puffed out in defiance.
"Fine, fine. I'll be downstairs, Sasuke." Mikoto walked out of the room, glancing one more time at Sasuke, the room and disappeared. I waited until I heard the sound of kitchen drawers being opened, of kitchen utensils clashing against each other. Rolling out of the bed, I dispersed the Genjutsu again and looked at the beaming eyes of Sasuke.
"Pwetty nee-chan!"
I face-palmed when his voice was a tad bit louder than necessary but thankfully Mikoto continued with her housework. "Shh. A bit quieter, Sasuke-kun."
He nodded vigorously. "Suwe thing, pwetty nee-chan." A frown marred his baby face, "What's your name, nee-chan?"
"…My name is Keiko."
"Keiko-nee-chan!"
I rolled my eyes in exasperation, "Remember that will remain our secret." I winked at him, making him giggle.
"Will you pway with me, nee-chan?"
I contemplated whether it was safe but those big, pleading onyx eyes made my defense crumble in thousands of pieces. I relented, "Fine."
Sasuke grinned widely as I joined him playing different set of games. All the while memorizing the sheer happiness that Sasuke was exuding, his cute giggles, his wide smiles but most off all the Sasuke before the Uchiha Massacre.
When i finally left Itachis house, I slid between the alleys and blended with the crowd, making sure I was skipping, looking like the perfect image of an innocent girl. Sasuke made sure that we had played every game I knew, for a child he sure was tiring but it was worth it. Looking around I locked my eyes on a group of girls, whom were shrieking and yelling like a crazy stampede.
"Hey! Girls! I have a present!" I called out, receiving many distasteful looks and angry snarls.
I took out the needed objects in the pockets of my kimono, rolling them open. The girls looked confused as they watched it, wondering why it was special.
"They are Shisui and Itachis boxers." I stated as a matter-of-fact.
The moment those names rolled of my tongue the girls were screaming in happiness, shrill voices destroying my poor ears.
"The one who gives me the highest price can have them. Let's start by fifty ryos."
"I'll give sixty!"
"Seventy!"
"Seventy-five!"
"Eighty!"
"Hundred ryos!"
As the bets were rising smoothly, I cackled in glee in the safety of my mind. Don't want to be labelled as crazy and locked up in a mental institute.
"Three hundred fifty ryos for the girl with pig-tails." I handed the hyper-active girl her treasure and watched as she cradled it close to her chest, murmuring like a crazed fanatic, "My precious, my precious…"
"…right. Isitthatlate?Ihavetogobye!" I spoke hurriedly, not caring that my words were not even properly formed and ran away from the deranged girl.
Suddenly, "Hey! Come back! We still need to defeat you!" One of the girls yelled, making all the girls murmur in agreement. "Let's get her!" She continued and the mob of fan girls chased me again, minus the crazy girl with the panties, whom was fighting with other equally deranged girls over said boxers.
Realization set in and Sasuke shook his head, "N-No, kaa-chan, I didn't."
"Oh. Okay." She raised her eye brows but didn't pry further. "Now, why don't you go to the back yard and play. I'll call when the cookies are done." With that, she left us once again.
I released the breath that I had held in. "Thank you."
He smiled, "Anytime, nee-chan!"
I was touched that he still remembered me-he must think that I'm a part of his clan, which is why he felt safe with me back then and still feels safe.
Naruto glared at Sasuke and jerked my hands towards himself, "She is my nee-chan!"
I flinched when Sasuke grabbed my free hand and pulled on it. "Mine!" snarled Sasuke in anger.
"No, she is mine!"
"Nu-uh!"
"Naruto! Whoa! Stop it!" I tried to calm them down, "I'm both your nee-chan's!" but that didn't calm them down in the slightest. Frustrated and feeling dizzy by being their rag doll, I substituted myself with a stone. Satisfaction curled inside of me when they bumped heads against each other and a chorus of moans rang clearly in my ears.
Creepily, they turned to look at me, and in unison screamed, "Teach us how to be a ninja!" like no head injuries were received.
I groaned, having a dreading feeling that they would be asking that... And their wide, doe-eyes.. "Fine.." came my annoyed grumble and they whooped in joy, running towards the yards, which soon turned into a competition between the two. Their laughter resonated throughout the house as the two children ran away, and for that moment I smiled softly, treasuring their childhood, their innocence.
Because old friends really were angels who lifted our feet when our wings had trouble remembering how to fly.
Now, I wonder, does anyone know what is going on between the trio? I'm curious for your answers.
