We finally made it back to the house after our short shopping trip, and immediately sat down for dinner. The meal didn't take long to prepare as we had limited supplies, but I didn't mind too much, I was use to having limited rations. The sitting arrangement was Tazuna at the head of the table, next him on the right was his grandson Inari, on the left was Kakashi who was next to Naruto. I was the middle of Inari and Sasuke, and Sakura was at the other head of the table.

"This is really fun!" Tazuna gushed, "Its been a while since I ate with this many people." I'm surprised he still had an appetite, considering both Naruto and Sasuke were eating like pigs having their last meal.

No really… food was flying everywhere, the sound coming from their mouths made me want to gag and watching them was exhausting, not that I wasn't already.

The both of them stood up suddenly, both yelling "seconds please!", then glaring at each other before barfing everything on to the floor.

'lovely...'

Thankfully, Sasuke had the decency to puke on the corner of the table, only problem was it now was near Sakura. "If you're going to barf, DON'T EAT!" she screeched standing up. I played with my food, shifting it from side to side with my chopsticks "seriously guys, you're ruining my appetite." But our complaints fell on deaf ears. "No, I'll eat" spluttered Sasuke as he wiped his chin, followed closely by Naruto saying "I have to eat even if I have to force myself… I have to become strong quickly!"

Kakashi nodded in agreement, although he did add that being sick isn't good either.

Once again they took no notice and stared at my bowl like a pack of wolves.

I rolled my eyes "you two are disgusting" I groaned, I threw down my chopsticks and shoved my bowl to Naruto "here, lets not waste it."

"Ah thanks Tomoko-chan!" he cheered and grabbed the bowl faster than you could say ninja.

Sasuke glared at me "what if I wanted to eat that!?"

"Oh shut up! All of you!" I snapped, finally getting fed up…

Wow… I really need some sleep. For the rest of the meal, I was sort of in a daze, not really paying attention to what was happening. My vambraces came back into my head, how was it possible? To miss a object, to the point of were you feel like a massive part of you, was ripped from your hands and completely out of reach.

I admit, it wasn't just the exhaustion that was effecting me. It was also not knowing when I would get back what was rightfully mine. The vambrace was passed from my mother to my brother, who in turn passed it to me. It was frustrating, and I know deep down that it won't be long until I snap.

After everyone had finished, we all remained in the dining room to stay social. Myself, the boys, Kakashi, Inari and Tazuna remained at the table. Whilst Tsunami cleaned the dishes and Sakura was admiring photograph on the wall. At this point, I was completely shutting down, with my arms folded on the table and hiding my face in them.

"Um, why are you hanging a torn picture?" Sakura asked, I pulled my head up to see she was now turning slightly to face us. "Inari-kun was watching this during dinner the entire time."

I glance sideward at the small boy, who said nothing.

Sakura continued saying, that the torn part looked like someone had intentionally tore away the person who was there. Immediately the family tensed up and it was silent for a while… until Tsunami spoke up…

"It's my husband."

Now this caught my attention, slowly I sat up and listened to Tazuna.

"He was the man known as the hero of this town" he said softly. Straight away Inari stood up from his seat and walked out, not saying a single word.

After calling for him, Tsunami followed after him. "Father!" she scold "I told you not to talk about him in front of Inari!" and with that she left the room. Silence once again followed… well this was awkward.

"What's wrong with Inari-kun?" Sakura hesitantly asked.

Kakashi stared long and hard at the bridge builder "It seems there's a reason behind this."

Tazuna took a breath "Inari had a father that wasn't related to him" he explained, "they were very close, like father and son."

He then smiled slightly "Inari used to laugh a lot back then." However the smile soon faded, as the old man tried his hardest to hold back the sobs. "But… Inari changed… after the incident that happened to his father. The word 'courage' was forever taken away from the people on this island and Inari… After that day… and that incident."

Clearly confused, Kakashi asked for the old man to go into more detail about what exactly happened.

Tazuna managed to calm himself down and wipe the tears away "To explain the incident, I will need to talk about the man who was known as a hero on this island."

"A hero?" Naruto repeated.

Tazuna nodded "It was about three years ago when the man and Inari met each other…" he then proceeded to tell a story, where Inari was being bullied by three other boys by taking his dog. One of the kids decided to throw the dog into the sea and force Inari to jump in after it. Inari, was too afraid due to not being able to swim, and therefore hesitated. The boys then pushed him in anyway, leaving the him in a panic.

"This isn't very important" Tazuna added "but Pochi (the dog) learned how to dog paddle then".

I could tell from the expression on everyone's faces, that they weren't particularly sure where the old man was going with this. Me? I won't deny it, I expected it to be… well… less boring.

Tazuna told us that the dog and boys left Inari to drown. But luckily, the man in the picture managed to save him. It was then the man taught the boy about courage and strength, I think it went along the lines of, whatever is important to you, you must protect it with both arms, no matter how hard or sad it is, even if you lose your life.

A little corny I know, but I imagine Inari was only about four years old at the time, so in his eyes, it was probably the most awesome thing he could ever hear.

"His name was Kaiza" confirm Tazuna. "He was a fisherman who came to this island seeking his dream. Ever since that moment, Inari started becoming attached to him, which was probably due the fact he lost his father before he could remember anything. He followed him around all the time like a goldfish's feces… and they became like father and son."

Even though it was a little cheesy, I couldn't help but think how cute it was.

"He soon became a big part of our family, but Kaiza was also a guy that we needed in this town." He explained how Kaiza stopped a whole section of the village, from being flooded by diving in rapid waters to fixed the dam, this courageous act earned him the right to be called a hero, and a father that Inari could be proud of.

However, the story then took a very, very dark turn.

"Gatoh turned his eye on this town around that time, and one night…"

I froze on the spot as Tazuna told how Gatoh's men, brutally tortured Kaiza and broke both of this arms with giant hammers. And just to add salt to the wound, they not only crucified him in front of the whole town… and Inari, they beheaded him.

"Inari changed ever since that time, Tsunami and the people of this town as well" Tazuna concluded.

I couldn't help but clench my fists, "such barbarism!" I cursed under my breath. Suddenly, Naruto stood up and ran for the door, only to trip up due to exhaustion.

"What are you doing Naruto?" Sakura asked slowly.

Kakashi had already caught on to his intentions "if you're going to train, don't. You Molded too much Chakra. If you move any more, you're going to die".

"I'm going to prove to them!" announced Naruto as he pushed himself up "that there are heroes in this world."

Now grinning, I admired his determination.

"I'm going to prove it to him!" and with that he ran back outside. Kakashi tried to stop him, but it was no use, he was long gone.

"Well…" I spoke slowly standing up "I best get back to work." But as soon as I pushed my chair under, everything around began spinning and I lost my footing.

"Tomoko!?" Kakashi called in a panic.

Thankfully, Sasuke was quick enough to catch me by the shoulders. I looked up at his to see he was nothing but a massive blur.

"I'm alright…" I lied as I cradled my head.

"Clearly" mocked Sasuke which in turn made me glare at him.

Kakashi walked to check my vitals "considering how much chakra you've used I'm surprised you're still able stand, it's rather impressive" he stated.

"um… thank you?" I asked more than replied.

"Kakashi-sensei?" I heard Sakura speak "does Tomoko really need to carry on wind reading?"

Kakashi stood back "the wind reading was only a caution whilst I recovered, however, I think Tazuna-san would feel much safer if you continued Tomoko."

"Actually…" Tazuna cut in "I feel safe enough with you back to full health, besides… I think a good long rest is a little over due for Tomoko-san."

Kakashi raised his eyebrow at the bridge builder, not sure whether to fully believe him.

"Kakashi" Sasuke suddenly spoke, "you don't want to get in a situation where she'll throw a seizure."

"Okay" I finally spoke and nudged out of Sasuke's hold. "I know I've been a little difficult to be around, but I don't need to babied." I held my hand up with my index finger pointing up, "first of all, I will not have a seizure, that symptom has been and gone and my brain has adjusted to it."

I then put up my middle finger, "secondly, the worst symptom that I could get at my age is a nose bleed, the dizziness is purely from exhaustion."

Now the third finger "and finally, sensei… I really want my vambrace back!"

Everyone stared at me stunned at my little outburst. Kakashi remained silent for a while till he asked…

"Tomoko… do you even know what they are?"

He had me there… "well, no… but I trust my family enough to believe that they will help me in battle. I can't guarantee what will happen, but I'll never know unless you let me try."

Once again silence as Kakashi sighed "alright…" He muttered and with that he left the room. I waited in the kitchen, not sure whether he was coming back or not.

He did, and with my vambraces being carefully carried in his hands. I couldn't help but smile, it was like seeing them again for the first time. but as I went to grab them he pulled them away, causing me to throw him a confused glance.

"Don't make me regret this Tomoko" he told me sternly.

I straightened up slightly and nodded, slowly taking what belonged to me back in my arms "thank you Sensei, I won't, you can trust me."

Through his mask I could see a crease of a smile "I know, now go rest… you earned it."

It was the next day, after having a good nights rest, no bad dreams either, I was much more relaxed and happier.

After getting changed, I picked up one of my vambraces, "I don't know what you are, but I have faith that no matter what happens, you will help me". Slowly, I fastened each vambrace tightly on each arm, admiring the metal as I went along. It sounds strange, but now that I had them back, I felt complete… like I could take on the world.

"Hey…"

I looked up to the door to see Sasuke standing there "the dope didn't come back last night, Kakashi's worried, so he wants us to find him."

I talked towards him "is Sakura coming as well?"

Sasuke started walking down the hall "no she'll be staying with the old man."

I started following him down the hallway. Now that I think about it, this was our first time alone since he confronted me on the pier… so awkward was a real understatement. Is it strange that I find myself… not disliking Sasuke as much? Since starting this mission, I've seen signs of the old Sasuke come through. Like that eating competition? I remember him when he was younger, he would eat so much, then going out to train, only to barf it all up and have myself and Itachi to bail him out.

He's always been stubborn, brash and somewhat, dare I say it, over dramatic at times. However, was was never arrogant, well not to me of his family. In the academy, well... He was a little it, but that was mostly due to the fact there was so much pressure to live up to his brother.

Itachi, he was always the complete opposite, so quiet and collective. He never boasted, he was the kind were if you gave compliment, he wouldn't fully believe you. I remember when the Uchiha clan would speak on how reserved he could be, but I found that hard believe since whenever I saw him, he was always so gentle. Like the day he saved me from falling... And what happened after I saw the Sharingan for the first time.

"Itachi" called Fugaku through the house, I watched as the elder Uchiha entered the hallway with a stern expression. After my fall from the rock, Itachi stopped training to take me and Sasuke home. The whole way home Itachi carried me on his back, I'm guessing he felt I was still in shock from the fall.

To be honest, I think I was enjoying it a bit too much. Not that I'd ever admit it to anyone, but I really looked up to him, so being carried by him made me a little giddy.

"I thought you were training, and what is Sasuke and Tomoko doing with you?" he asked firmly. Itachi gently placed me back on the floor. Both me and Sasuke couldn't help but share nervous glances, we both knew that disturbing Itachi's training was a big no-no in Fugaku's eyes.

"I finished my training early, on the way home I ran into Sasuke and Tomoko-chan. Unfortunately Tomoko took a tumble so I wanted to bring her back immediately" Itachi casually explained, causing me and Sasuke to stare at him with wide eyes.

Fugaku narrowed his eyes at all of us, then stared down at me "are you alright Tomoko?" He asked me.

I nervously nodded "I'm okay, I'm just glad Itachi-sama was there."

Fugaku chuckled "still calling him sama huh?"

I blushed slightly. Ever since living here, I've been trying to pick up the different language. Well... The first word I learnt, surprise surprise, was Sama due to the fact it was the first word I had heard.

I learnt that it you gave it to someone that you held in high respect. So for example the Hokage was the most powerful shinobi in the village, so naturally the other ninjas called him Sama. In my eyes, Itachi was somone who I respected greatly, so it felt natural to do so. His parents found it cute, not understanding how serious I actually was.

it seemed he excepted it the excuse, but not before telling me to be more careful. As he walked further in the house he shouted back for Itachi not to be late for the meeting. This caused Sasuke to perk up.

"There's a meeting tonight nii-san?"

Itachi nodded, but didn't really say anything else on the matter. Once again I looked up at him, I know staring was rude, but... I wanted to see his eyes. not the black, charcoal ones… no… I wanted to see that flash of crimson.

Itachi noticed my burning gaze and stared right back at me "is something wrong?" he asked me. I narrowed my eyes at him, which I think made him a little uncomfortable. I finally motion my index my finger at him to come closer, which he did, by kneeling down at my level.

I continued to stare into his eyes, trying to find some hint of red…

"Tomoko-chan?"

But he was silenced as Placed both my tiny hands on either side of his face. Gently, I stretched the skin around his eyes, hoping to trigger something. I was surprised that he didn't stop me, he just stayed perfectly still.

Sasuke was watching us with great interest, in all honesty I forgot he was still here.

"Tomoko-chan" Itachi softly grabbed both of my hands, which in his were the size of cat paws compared to his. "I think I know what you're looking for…" He paused slightly, as he now placed his hand on the side of my face. For some reason, he looked incredibly sad. Like he was saying 'I wish you didn't have to see that'.

"Is there something wrong with your eyes Itachi-sama?" I asked innocently.

Itachi let out a chuckle, pacing his hand down on his lap, "no its nothing like that, its… its a special technique the Uchiha have…"

"It's called the Sharingan" Sasuke cut in proudly "all Uchiha have it!"

I blinked "does that mean… you have it as well Sasuke-chan?"

Sasuke nodded "I will eventually, its takes a lot of skill for it to be awakened within you."

Itachi glanced at this brother, than back to mewing a very serious expression. "High pressured situations and emotions often trigger the Sharingan" he elucidated, "it can be… hard to control at times."

I digested what they were telling me. Although I nearly got hurt, I wouldn't consider Itachi saving me a high pressured situation. Well, not for him anyway. So what could have triggered his Sharingan?

Itachi stood up, "I things to do" he told us abruptly, and left the hallway to his bedroom, leaving me and Sasuke standing there.

We were silence for a while, Itachi seemed really angry.

"Sasuke-chan?"

"Yeah?"

hesitated a little "Is... your brother mad at me?"

Sasuke blinked, and laughed a little. "No, he's mad at me for putting you in danger" he replied glumly.

"But I was just as much in the wrong as you were!" I tried to reason.

Sasuke shook his head, "no you not understanding me, he… I think he was scared."

"Scared? What was he scared of?"

"Why… scared that you'd get hurt of course!" he answered.

Now that surprised me, Itachi's Sharingan activated because he was afraid? This was the same Itachi, that hardly expressed his feelings to anyone, yet the thought of me injured terrified him?

"Why?"

"Why?" Sasuke repeated, clearly confused.

"Yes why? What reason does he have to be distressed over me?" I demanded.

Now Sasuke was howling with laughter, making me increasingly annoyed.

Finally, he calmed himself down. "It's not hard to figure out" he stressed. "He considers you family, just like I do!"

I was stunned, I was considered a part of the family? Of the Clan?

"Come on Tomoko-chan" spoke Sasuke grabbing my hand "lets go and play."

I decided to drop it, but I couldn't help but feel somewhat giddy.

Family... Yes I guess, I was a member now, and I wouldn't change that for the world.

"Tomoko?"

"Huh?"

Sasuke scoffed "pay attention will you! As I was saying, you take the left side of the forest, whilst I'll take the right."

"Right… okay" and without saying another word to each other, we both went in opposite directions.

As I continued, my mind wondered back to Itachi. The man that I looked up to, that respected... It was hard to believe he was the same man who murdered his whole clan. To this day, I find it so hard to believe.

I sometimes wonder, what would happen if I ever saw him again. Would I be angry for all the pain he caused? Would I be happy after so long? Or would I be scared... scared that he would kill me like he did his clan.

when it came to Itachi... I don't I'll ever truly know.