so I didn't like the way itachi had to hide his love for Sasuke, so it will be off by a lot. but what do I care? Sasuke will still want to find out who killed his clan, but wont find out until he is a lot older. anyway Carry on! - Jackie
The three of them gasped for air. Anko and "Dog" were ruthless with training. All of their muscles ached, and screamed for mercy. It didn't help that "dog's" eternal rival decided to show up and gave them a ruthless exercise routine that Anko just loved. Walking around the estate on their hands while the weights had been doubled, 400 jumping jacks, 200 squats, 150 pushups… the list went on. When they got used to the weight it was doubled again. The poor kids could barely walk with all the weight. Hinata was the first to sit up. "Father wants me to spar when I get home… maybe if he sees how torn up and bruised I am he will let me rest tonight." She highly doubted it, but her father was at least kind to her. Thanks to Ko explaining how well Hinata was improving with Anko and Naruto's help, she was able to train and play with Naruto almost every day.
"na, na, at least you don't have to wake up in the morning to repeat this." Naruto chipped in sighing heavily. Sasuke only grunted agreeing with Naruto since he knew he was sleeping over. "I could always come in the morning and train with you both. No way am I letting you two get better than me by a single day!" the three laughed.
Ko came about an hour after Anko had served dinner, and the three of them were asleep on the couch. Naruto was upright, Sasuke was leaning on the blonde's shoulder and Hinata was asleep in Naruto's lap. They tried watching some cartoons but ended up asleep. Ko smirked as he picked Hinata up. "her father will want her to rest tonight; she didn't even wake when I picked her up. Shall I drop her off around five then Anko? I know she won't let the boys get ahead by one day. And then they can all walk to the academy together." Anko smiled and nodded, allowing Ko to walk out before closing the door.
Dog helped carry the boys to the bedrooms Sasuke had an honorary room so he was placed there. Naruto once he touched the mattress reached for his fox plush and curled up with it.
"come on Kakashi I feel like Dango." With a smile hidden Kakashi left with Anko on another date.
Itachi frowned as he dropped off the duffel bag full of clan secrets into Anko's room. He let a single tear escape when he walked into Sasuke's room and brushed his bangs aside. "I am so proud of you Sasuke." He whispered softly. "I hope you have more of a home here than you did at the compound. With someone who cares how your day was besides me. I promise we will see each other again brother." With trembling lips he placed a small kiss on his forehead. A small smile came to Sasuke's lips and Itachi knew he would be just fine.
As he entered the compound, he looked at all the people he had known, all the people who smiled at him or said hello. The first thing he did was create a fake letter from his father about Sasuke's well being. Then, he began what his heart bled and told him not to do.
Anko was by Sasuke's bed first thing the next morning. Naruto sat on the edge tears in his eyes. Sasuke was woken gently and looked at the two not sure what was wrong. "Sasuke, something has happened. Now I know you won't understand and this will be very hard. But know Sasuke that we are here, and you can express anything you need to and in anyway." He cocked his head and was very confused. "Sasuke, last night the entire Uchiha clan was murdered. Itachi was sent on a mission last minute, so he was not there. He sent me word not to long ago saying it would be safer if he did not return for a while if ever. But he will let us know where he is at all times." Sasuke gripped the blanket on the bed and just stared into space. Tears fell from his eyes uncontrollably. Naruto was the first to pull him into a hug, followed by Anko. He sobbed then, letting out all of his sadness. Anko would have to work today, but told the boys to stay home. And that Hinata could stay as well. She had to go talk to the hokage and find out what to do next, if there was anything she could do. Before she left there was a knock at the door. Dog, as well as Hinata was there. Hinata ran for the bedroom and sat with her arms around the boy.
Dog handed her a paper, which she knew was the fake document saying Sasuke would be entrusted into her care. The signature was identical as if Itachi forced his father to sign it. With a sad smile she walked into the room to see the three still huddled together. "Sasuke honey." He looked up, tears still spilling from his eyes. "this is a document, one your father left in case something happened to him." Sasuke let his head fall more tears fell. "it says that you are to live here with me and Naruto." Her voice was soft as she crouched by the bed. Sasuke looked up, and then held onto his friends tighter. "I won't make you, but know that we would love to have you with us here." He only nodded but she knew that he wouldn't want to go back to the compound.
The three kids mostly stayed in Sasuke's room, staying close to him and keeping one hand with his at all times. He was doing a bit better by lunch When Naruto offered to go get ramen from Itchiraku's. it was indeed a gloomy day, the sky was dark and threatened rain, the wind was eerily calm. The villagers were talking in hushed whispers about the Uchihas, and Sasuke being the only one left. Naruto scoffed at these people who could talk so easily about it. They had no idea how bad the boy was hurting, how he was hurting for his best friend, how Hinata refused to let him cry alone.
he walked back into the house with two very full bags of ramen. A few for himself and Sasuke, and two for Hinata. They didn't speak much as they ate, but the warm food did make them feel better. "Sasuke… I know it would be early, but would you like your birthday present now?" Naruto asked suddenly throwing both of the friends off guard. Sasuke nodded only once, and Naruto left for his room. Coming back with a medium sized box with blue wrapping paper.
Sasuke with trembling hands took the box and began to open it. Inside was a small black cougar plush the same size as Naruto's fox. And a brand new duel set of kitanas. His eyes widened, he had seen these months ago in the store when they went to get gear for the academy. He had told Naruto how he would like to learn the art and dropped it at that. He didn't now that Naruto would remember and get them! Sasuke smiled for the first time that day and gave his brother a hug. "thank you Naruto." Hinata smiled and joined in causing the three to laugh when they fell to the floor. "oh! Hinata-chan, I have a plush for you too!" Naruto got up and ran for his room, coming back with a white lion. She squealed and picked it up hugging it close. "my favorite animal! How do you remember these things Naruto?" he smiled blushing lightly. "because you guys were my first friends, and the only kids who ever wanted to be."
Anko returned that night with Kakashi, who no longer wore the mask of the Dog. "I decided to go back to being a jonin. After what happened, I think I will just relax a while." Naruto looked between the two and gagged softly making Kakashi laugh. Hinata smiled when Ko picked her up and waved goodbye to the boys. By now Sasuke was a least moving around, and he sat for dinner with the others. He picked at the meat and spread around the weird white creamy stuff. "what is this mom?" Anko smiled and handed him a cook book. "I picked it up at that new trade market. It's an American dish. Something they eat on some weird holiday called thanksgiving. Turkey and mashed potatoes." She seemed proud of herself, and when Naruto took a bite his eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. "Sasuke! You got to try this! It's better than ramen!" with a statement like that from Naruto, Sasuke quickly took a bite. He hummed in delight and continued eating. "can we have this every Tuesday?" Sasuke quickly agreeing with Naruto, which Made Anko laugh and agree. "only if your grades stay up." That was all they needed to hear. The breads and ham, the stuffing stuff, the boys were in heaven. Kakashi will need to try it next time. She thought to herself making her smile. She wouldn't tell the silver haired man, but she liked him a lot.