Hi guys! So I'm on fall break at the mo, if two days off actually counts as a break damn school, so I decided to start writing the next chapter. I don't know how good it's gonna be, seeing as I'm sorta half asleep even though I've had two cups of coffee. Who knows, I might just give up mid-chapter and start my yu yu rewatch. Out of all the anime I have ever seen, Yu Yu Hakusho is probably the easiest one to marathon for some reason. Maybe because it's actually pretty short for a shounen anime? Just a little bit over 110 episodes. Man, I wish it'd get a reboot like Hunter X Hunter did.

So you guys seemed to really like the last chapter! I'm glad, I worked really hard on it. This is probably one of my most popular stories ever, and y'all have no idea how happy that makes me. The sheer amount of favorites and reviews compared to the amount of chapters I've posted is astronomical! And I am suddenly using my large vocabulary. Good, that means my Nos is kicking in.

I actually have a favor to ask some of you, for those who might be artists. I would really, really, really love it if you could maybe do some fanart? I am rather proud of the cover image I made for my story, but I would love to see you guy's interpretations of what you think Misaki actually looks like. And I am not afraid to admit I would love to able to show it off. Misaki actually has a NarutoOriginalsWiki page and I would love to replace the picture with some legit fanart. You don't have to though, and I honestly feel a little guilty asking. Not guilty to where I won't ask, but enough to doubt y'all's reactions.

My cat is sitting on my mouse pad and trying to nap. STOP MOVING YOU LITTLE SHIT.

Disclaimer: I finally have a laptop of my own, but seeing as I'm not using it at the moment, that doesn't matter. Either way, still don't own Naruto.

I think I loved this feeling more than anything in the world. The rush of cold air past my ears, the wind in my face. The sudden, but somehow expected, sensation of the snow-covered ground rushing to meet me as I threw myself off the swing, trying to go farther than Sasuke. I never had, not yet, but I would one day. Winter was my favorite season, besides fall of course, simply because of this feeling. It was fun to dive headfirst into a pile of leaves come November, but winter brought hot chocolate and yummy soups that Misaki-nee always homemade.

Grinning from ear to ear, I turned to launch off the swing again. "NARUTO!" came the voice of Iruka-sensei. Nee-chan always said to give him a chance and that'd he'd come around, but I didn't believe her. He was almost as bad as the Cabbage Man! I mean yeah, he was starting to get a little better, but he was still a jerk!

"Whaaaaat?" I yelled back at my homeroom teacher. I tried not to snicker as the pulsing vein in his forehead grew larger.

The chunin stomped over and picked me up by the collar, ignoring my protests. "Naruto! Break ended half an hour ago, you dimwit! How do you expect to graduate at this rate if you never even bother to attend class!?" Iruka began walking back towards the Academy, somehow not losing his grip on my jacket. Curse nee-chan for making me where my button up today! It was too small! I couldn't slip out of it and escape!

I scowled at him. "So? I pay attention in the important classes, don't I? I know that stuff!"

He rolled his eyes, which only made me angrier. I hated when people did that, like they were just writing me off because I didn't have anything important to say. "They're all important Naruto. Besides, how do you expect to beat Sasuke if you're dead last and he's rookie of the year when you both graduate? If you graduate." The sensei gestured vaguely to the other kids in the classroom.

"I don't need good grades to beat the teme! Besides, I know the important stuff, while he's too busy stuffing his brain full of the useless crap you and the others teach!" I pointed angrily at my best friend and rival, who rolled his eyes with a smirk. The Uchiha was far too used to this by now. His fangirls, however, looked like they were about to start foaming at the mouth.

Iruka's vein grew three sizes that day. Growling, he began to fiercely grind his knuckles into the top of my head, "Oh really? I teach useless crap huh? Okay, smarty-pants, what exactly is it that's useless?" Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sasuke sigh and silently bang his down on his desk.

I grinned as the chunin finally pulled away. "Well, math for one!"

"Math?" Iruka's voice was deadpan and he looked suitably unimpressed.

"Yeah! I'm not talking about the basics, Iruka-sensei! I mean stuff like math for kunai and finding trajectories and speed and crap like that!" I ignored the surprised mutter about my vocabulary, but didn't hold back a snicker when I heard that same voice squeal in pain after having a sharpened pencil thrown at him. Good on Kiba, giving that jerk what for. "We won't need to know that kinda stuff when we graduate, unless we go into tracking or something!"

Iruka blinked at me in surprise, which I took as a sign to keep going. "History too! Why do we need to learn the village's history every year sensei? We all know it, even me! Why can't we learn something more interesting, like about other villages? We're allies with Suna right? Let's learn about them! I'm sure their weapons and jutsu are super cool!"

"A-Ano," came a shy voice from behind me. "I think that'd be a really good idea sensei," Sakura-chan put in. She was soooo pretty and nice and smart, but a little scary when you made her mad, kinda like Misaki-nee. But the pinkette had a thing for the teme, supposedly, so I left her alone. "I heard in Suna, they use what's called a 'battle puppet' for long distance fighting. Is that true?"

Iruka blinked down at her next, before nodding. "Yes, Sakura, it's true. They build a lot of traps and things into them, and use poisons as well. They're controlled with chakra strings. I've never had the pleasure of meeting a puppet user myself, but I've seen one in action, during my chunin exam. They are indeed quite cool to watch."

The room exploded with raised hands and questions, and I made my way back to the seat next to Sasuke. Most of the class thought I sat next to him so I could cheat. Obviously, this wasn't true. No one actually seemed to know we were friends, let alone actually share a room together. But that was okay, it was how we wanted it. I actually knew most of what was taught during the classes I skipped, and even did the homework on a separate piece of paper, checking the answers with Sasuke's graded work. Math was actually really easy though, and so was calligraphy. Our sensei in that class said I had a very steady hand.

The reason the teme and I faked our relationship, and I faked my grades, was simple. We wanted to be on the same team as genin. When nee-chan and Seitaro had explained that the rookie and deadlast were normally placed on the same team to balance it out, I had gotten an idea. A long term prank, years in the making. Fooling the whole of the village's officials, our classmates, even our potential jounin sensei. Sasuke had agreed to go along immediately. So, we staged a fight at the beginning of the year, surprising all of our peers. We were best friends after all, why were we fighting? And from then on, Sasuke and I 'hated' each other. Neither of us could wait until graduation and we could come clean. It was going to be glorious.

Iruka-sensei clapped his hands loudly, gaining my attention from where it had been focused elsewhere, specifically, out the window and in the snow. Beside me, Sasuke shifted and I knew it was the same for him.

"Okay class! Our time is almost up. A reminder to everyone's whose turn it is this week for a home visit. Please remember to meet with your assigned sensei before you leave so that they can escort you home!" The bell rang, loud and shrill, making me wince, and there was chaos. "Naruto! I'm with you, so stay behind!"

I scowled. "Hai, hai Iruka-sensei!" Sasuke was packing up his things. I leant forward and whispered, "Hurry on back home and have the camera ready. I wanna see his face when he realizes you live with me." Smirking, the Uchiha nodded and left. I finished packing my bag and grabbed my coat from the back of my chair. I wandered over to the teacher's desk.

The scarred chunin tugged on his coat and wrapped his scarf around his neck. By now, the classroom was empty, as were most of the halls. I shifted from foot to foot. Finally, he sighed. "Right. Come on Naruto, let's get this over with."

I stuck my arms behind my head. "For once, we're in agreement Iruka-sensei." I sighed in delight as my boots crunched in the crisp snow. "What am I supposed to do anyway? Go straight home?" I hadn't been paying attention during his explanation the first time.

Iruka shook his head and sighed. "Just follow your usual routine Naruto. Act like I'm not even here." Hmm… I could do that.

Stretching, I reached for the sky, a wide grin on my face. "Alright! Ichiraku ramen, here I come!" I could use some right now…. Of course, I could use some all the time.

"What? Wh- Hey! Wait for me!" Iruka shouted as I bolted down the street. Once we had reached the small stall, the teacher was breathing heavily and I wasn't even winded.

Waving at Teuchi in greeting, I plopped down on one of the stools. "One large miso ramen with extra roasted pork please!"

Teuchi raised his spoon in acknowledgement. "Sure thing Naruto-kun! What about your friend there?" I blinked at him before a smile broke across my face and I turned back to Iruka-sensei.

"Oh right! Iruka-sensei, do you want some ramen? Come on, my treat!"

Poor sensei, he looked way too surprised. After several moments, he finally managed a quick "Uh… medium beef? Thank you Naruto…." The last part was said very softly and when I turned back after ordering, there was a weird look in his eyes, like he didn't know what to think.

"No problem Sensei!" I grinned at him, before letting loose an excited shout as my order was placed in front of me.

Behind me, Iruka sighed. "Naruto, what are we doing now?" I turned to face him, pausing my haggling with the stall owner over a fish.

"Once a month, I go shopping for groceries Iruka-sensei. It just happens today is that day." He nodded in understanding and I returned back to arguing over a fish.

The woman running the stall sneered at me. "Listen brat, I won't sell to you! End of discussion! Who knows what selling to a freak like you would do for my reputation!" I didn't notice Iruka's eyes widening, before he too began to glare.

"Listen lady! I preordered a freaking salmon! I have the receipt! It's already paid for, so just give me the damn fish!"

"Sorry brat." Her voice took on a cruel tone, "We sold it anyway." And with that, she slammed down the divider, officially closing the stall.

I banged on the metal gate. "Open up, you stupid lady! That's STEALING! HEY!" I kept it up for a few more minutes. "Fine! Screw you! I'll just go to the Aburame stall! Their stuff is better anyway!" I began stomp away but turned around for one last shout. "And cheaper too!"

I was halfway across the market when Iruka-sensei finally caught up with me. "Naruto… do things like that happen often?"

"Hm? Yeah, I guess so. All my life really. Most of the time, I'm with my sister though, and most of the merchants are scared of her." I shrugged, scuffing my boots into the snow. He looked surprised for a second. "Man, she's gonna be so mad!"

"That's right, you have an older sister, don't you? Honestly, I almost forgot."

I jumped into a rather deep snow drift. "'s okay Iruka-sensei. I don't talk about her much at school."

He gave me a small smile as we walked up to the Aburame stall. "Well, what is she like? Your sister?"

"Hi Shibi-sama! Shino! Nee-chan's great, sensei! She's super smart and pretty too!" The clan head nodded silently, whether in greeting or agreement was unknown.

Shino looked up from where he was supposedly doing his homework. "Hello Naruto. I see it's your turn for a home visit. Why? Because Iruka-sensei is behind you and carrying what appears to be a notebook."

I grinned, "Yup! He gets to follow me around for awhile."

"I feel so sorry for you sensei."

"What'd you say bug-boy?" I narrowed my eyes in Shino's direction. Sighing, Iruka stepped in-between us, prepared to stop any potential fights.

Finally, Shibi spoke. "Usual order Naruto?"

Blinking, I faced the clan head again. "Yes please! And could you throw in a salmon? The fishmonger refused to give me the one I ordered!" He nodded towards his son, who stood and went to the back room.

"Naruto, go pick out a fish. I wish to talk to Umino-san for a moment." I raised an eyebrow but shrugged and followed Shino. It was best to just listen the Bug King, as Sasuke and I called him.

Iruka gulped as he sensed for than saw Shibi stare into him. This afternoon had not been going according to expectations at all. First, he had been treated to ramen by a boy he had thought to be one of the most selfish, inconsiderate people on the planet, and that was without throwing in the whole 'demon in the gut' factor. Naruto had always acted that way, not sharing his food, the few times he brought his lunch, when asked or willing to help pay for someone else's lunch. But… he had paid for his meal today anyway. And while Iruka had been vaguely aware that some of the villagers disliked Naruto, he hadn't been aware that some would go so far as practically steal from him, just for their own enjoyment. Iruka would have shouted up a storm until he got that damn fish, but Naruto had just yelled for a bit and moved on. He didn't even act surprised. And the way he just shrugged it off? It was…. Unsettling.

"You… You wished to speak with me, Aburame-sama?"

Shibi stood and went to the cash register, probably to ring up Naruto's order. Pausing for a second, he nodded to himself before pulling out a small bottle of honey and placing it on the counter. "You are to follow Naruto home today?"

Iruka startled, but nodded. "Hai. I'm supposed to observe his home life and make sure nothing needs to be corrected."

The Aburame nodded. "What do you know of Kishimoto Misaki, Umino-san?" The chunin gained a puzzled look and he elaborated. "Naruto's older sister. They are not related by blood."

"Oh, well, nothing really. Except for what Naruto just told me."

The clan head continued to ring up the purchase. "What he said is true. Misaki is wickedly intelligent, and rather good looking for her age group. You are the same age, so I assume you would know better than I. You are eighteen, are you not?"

His eyes wide, Iruka nodded, having not really processed the information. "W-Wait, Naruto's sister is only eighteen? But he's eight! Who took care of him before Kishimoto-san was granted custody?" Assuming his sister was a civilian, she would have been sixteen before being allowed to care for Naruto, as it was the age non-shinobi reached their majority.

"No one. She has taken care of Naruto since he was a babe, Umino-san."

The teacher's mouth was agape. "But that would have made her…"

"Ten when he was born, yes. If I remember correctly, she worked three jobs almost daily for his first few years."

"That's… that's... wow."

If Iruka could see behind the layers of fabric covering Shibi's face, he could have seen the small, proud smile gracing it. "Misaki has lived a hard life, Umino-san, for one her age. She was orphaned at six years old and saw her father die. Yet she smiles through it all. Life is looking up for her, Umino-san. Naruto is all she really has left. Don't take him away."

"B-But why would I have him taken away, Shibi-sama? If she's worked so hard to keep him, Kishimoto-san must really love Naruto." A frown had made its way onto the teacher's face.

"There are other factors that shall be revealed to you, but not by me. The children are returning after all." The Aburame leaned across the counter, the winter sun's light reflecting off both his glasses and the charm that decorated them. "But I will tell you this, Umino Iruka: Be kind to Kishimoto Misaki and her family, or you will find more than just a few spiders in your home come summer's return. She does not deserve mistreatment nor bigotry. Do we have an understanding?"

"Hey Iruka-sensei! Ready to go?" I shouted as I ran out of the backroom holding several bags of produce. He looked rather pale and I wondered what they had talked about. The chunin startled and nodded wordlessly. Okay, now I was super curious.

"Naruto, give my regards to your sister," said Shibi after I had handed over the money and he had wrapped up the salmon.

Quickly checking the bags, nee-chan had cuffed across me the head good the last time I had forgotten something, I gasped in delight as I saw the small jar of honey in the bottom of one. When the hell had he put that in there? Damn, Shibi was cool. "Thanks so much Shibi-sama! How'd you know nee-chan had a sore throat?" I didn't receive an answer from the kekkai-user, but it didn't matter. He probably wouldn't have told me anyway.

I went up the steep hill to the creepy house at a steady lope, not pausing for breath until I reached the top. It was part of our training, to be able to do it without stopping, no matter the weather. I was getting pretty good, even if the snow upped the difficulty by quite a bit. "Come on sensei! I'm cold!"

He groaned and grumbled as he crossed the hill's crest. "Oh now he's cold. Not two miles ago, not even the last five." Iruka finally managed to catch enough breath to glare at me. I grinned, he'd be fine. "NARUTO! I swear, if all you've been doing is randomly leading me around the village, you'll wish you'd never bothered applying for the academy entrance exam!"

My grin widened even more. "Just one problem with that Iruka-sensei!"

"Oh?"

"I never took the exam!" I cackled in delight at his dumbstruck face and slid open the door to my nice, warm house. "Tadaima! Nee-chan, I'm home." Soft footfalls began on the old hardwood and tatami. She'd been in her office, probably working on her new book. Something about a girl who could turn into a fish?

Iruka caught up with me, readjusting his grip on the paper bags he was carrying. "What do you mean you never took the ex-"

"Okaeri, Naruto-chan." And there she was, red hair down to her knees in thick waves and curls, loose for once, wrapped in a thick, soft sweater, her blue-gray eyes soft and full of love. Love for what? I didn't know, I'd like to think it was for me. But it seemed to fill her so much, surrounding her very aura, that I mostly thought I didn't deserve it.

Carefully, I put down my bags, slipped off my shoes, and immediately wrapped my arms around her middle. "Hi Nee-chan. How was your day?"

Her laugh echoed through my heart and I sighed happily. "It was fine Naruto, 'cept for my throat. But it seems you've brought home a stray."

Iruka stood staring, apparently dumbstruck, and I narrowed my eyes at him. After several moments, the teacher finally shook himself and bowed slightly. "Ma'am, my name is Umino Iruka, and I'm Naruto's homeroom teacher. The hokage has recently made it a requirement to do home visits every few years in the academy. Please, call me Iruka-sensei."

Nee-chan bowed back and laughed again. "I'd offer to shake your hand, but it seems your's are full and so is mine." She picked up a bag of groceries with her right arm, not wearing her sling for once. "My name is Kishimoto Misaki, Iruka-sensei. I'm Naruto-chan's sister and head of this household. Welcome to my home."

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed the bags of groceries and headed to the kitchen. I winked at Sasuke-teme as I passed the dining room. Scoffing, he rolled his eyes and continued working on his homework. "Nee-chan! Do you want your sling?" I called back down the hallway.

"Yes please! Thank you Naruto!" She and Iruka-sensei were still talking in the genkan*. "Please come this way Iruka-sensei. The kitchen is right down here." Quickly, I ran and got the faded, but still sturdy, burlap scarf from where it was laid to dry last night. Folding and tying the fabric with a practiced ease, I tossed it to the redhead on my way back into the rather cold kitchen.

"Hai..." I puttered around the kitchen, putting away the vegetables and the large salmon. Pausing momentarily, I took stock of who was in the house. My sense of smell was much better than my hearing, but you couldn't use smell to track someone in their own house. You'd just get confused. Let's see... Nee-chan, Sasuke, sensei, me...

Misaki walked through the shoji door and into the kitchen. "Hey, nee-chan, where's Sei?"

She placed the brown paper bag down on the counter and slipped on her sling. "Oh, he was sent on a last minute mission a few hours after you and Sasuke-chan left for school."

I grinned widely at her and nodded. "Ohhhh. Okay! Did he remember his cloak this time?"

My big sister winked at me and said, "I snuck it into his pack when he was rushing around, trying to find all the weapons you two hellions keep scattering everywhere." A muffled snort sounded from behind us. "Hey Sasuke-chan."

"You know, I think I understand what Hokage-sama meant when he said I wouldn't need to perform a visit at Sasuke's," whispered Iruka, staring intently at the Uchiha in question. The ebony haired child simply smirked and we shared a look.

"Naruto-chan, Sasuke-chan, how about you guys get some hot chocolate and head up to your room so that Iruka-sensei can ask me his questions." Shrugging, we did as told, making two piping hot mugs and heading up to the attic.

I made a pot of tea and led Iruka to the dining table. Sighing, I moved the stack of papers Sasuke had left to the side. "So Iruka-sensei. What would you like to know?"

Not wasting any time, he pulled out a notebook and pen. "Let's just start with the basics first. Obviously, I already have info on Sasuke and Naruto, but none on you, Kishimoto-san.

"Misaki, if you please, Iruka-sensei. And ask away." I took a sip from my cup, inhaling the sweet smell of black tea, lemon, and honey. I was honestly excited to meet Iruka. He was a good man, and teacher, who would potentially save my little brother's life.

He smiled at me. "H-Hai, Misaki-san. First question: How old are you?"

"I'm eighteen."

"Date of birth?"

"July 12th."

The teacher muttered to himself as he filled in the paperwork. "Hair? Red, shade four. Eyes..." He glanced up at me, widening my eyes so he could get a good look at the color, and tried to hold in a laugh. "Blue-gray, shade fourteen. Skin? Pale, two. Freckles, shades six and eleven, arms and face."

I took another sip of my tea and grinned at Iruka over the lip. "Enough detail for ya, sensei?"

He snorted. "Gomen, I hate having to be so thorough, but that's protocol for you. Okay, height?"

"177.8 centimeters*. And my weight is 72.9 kilograms*." He nodded and filled in both spots on the paper.

He flipped to another page. "Alright... How long have you been a resident of Konoha, Misaki-san?" He took a sip of tea from his own cup.

"Twelve years, since I was six years old."

He marked something down, "Which means you are not native to the village. Where were you born?"

I paused and thought for a second. It had been so long since I had been there, I couldn't remember the name of the small village I was born in. Did it even have a name?

"Misaki-san?"

I shook my head. "Gomen, Iruka-sensei. I was trying to remember. I didn't spend any more than a year in my village. I do know that it was a small one in the Land of Rivers, close to the border of Fire."

"It's quite alright. Father's name, occupation, and status?"

Sighing, I said, "Kishimoto Jinzaburo, carpenter, deceased."

Iruka wrote it down and looked at me. "My apologies, Misaki-san. I hope these next few questions don't stir up too many old wounds."

I shook my head. "It's alright Iruka-sensei. You're only doing your job. Besides, it was a long, long time ago." He nodded.

"That may be true, but it doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't mean it hurts any less. I lost my parents during the Kyuubi attack, and it still aches to this day."

He took another sip of tea and I poured the both of us some more. "That's... that's quite true."

Iruka thanked me and we continued. "Mother's name, occupation, and status please?"

"Kana, last name unknown, missing-nin from Iwa, status unknown but supposedly deceased."

"Is the Hokage aware you're the child of a missing nin, Misaki-san?"

I brushed my hair out of my face and smiled bitterly. "Hai, he is. She left when I little more than six months old. I have no loyalty to her, nor to her past village." Especially not when it was an Iwa nin that crippled me and killed Tou-san. I had no qualms against Iwagakure as a whole, only against those two. But they were dead, and so there was no reason to be angry. I still didn't like the village hidden in stone, but I held no ill will towards them either. My feelings on the matter were confusing, to say the least.

Iruka smiled back. "Okay then. Your classification, occupation, salary, and employer?"

"Civilian. I'm a writer, and make about 400,000 ryo excluding royalties. My contract is held by Drunken Toad Publishing." Why yes, it is owned Jiraiya, which means my children's books are published by a company famous for it's porn. I am surprisingly unbothered by this. Neither are my sales.

The teacher's eyebrows went up. "Drunken Toad Publishing? The company that distributes the Icha Icha series?" He coughed as I raised an eyebrow of my own, silently questioning his knowledge about such things. I couldn't care less actually, but he was fun to tease. "Not that I've read those books or anything." He coughed again. "Right. Besides yourself, are there anymore adults living in this house?"

A small smile made its way onto my face of its own volition. For some reason, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Seitaro. "Yes, my best friend lives with us. He's a jounin named Yokoyama Seitaro. Unfortunately, Iruka-sensei, you just missed him. He left for a mission a few hours ago."

"Right, well. I'm sure Hokage-sama will be able to provide most of the information I need. Though I'd prefer to get some of it from you."

I nodded in agreement. "I'll do what I can."

"Okay, how old is Yokoyama-san? His date of birth?"

"Seitaro turned twenty-three on December 11th."

The teacher wrote that down. "And his height and weight?"

"185 centimeters and 80 kilograms.*"

"How long have you known each other, Misaki-san?"

How to put this? I couldn't just tell him Sei was ex-anbu. But I told him from when he retired, a few months ago, that was bad too... Hm. I smiled widely. "I've known Sei for seven years. We met at Sasuke's first birthday party." Not a lie, but not really the truth either. Perfect.

Iruka smiled back, though less energetically. "I see. I guess it's understandable to have such a long time friend living with you, especially when you have two young boys to care for."

"Seitaro has always been a huge help. He thinks of Naruto as a little brother. I honestly don't know what I would've done without him." Probably would have been killed, to be honest. But now was not the time to be thinking about such things.

"I'm sure you would have done fine, Misaki-san. Now, I just have a few more questions, and then I'd like to be given a tour of the house. Just checking to make sure there isn't anything too dangerous laying around or potential hazards. Is that alright?"

"That's fine. However, I will go ahead and say that this house dates back to the founding of Konoha, and is thus very old. We only moved in a few months ago, so it's still not in the best of shape."

Iruka nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

We came to a stop in front of the attic door. "And up here, is where Naruto and Sasuke sleep."

Iruka looked a little confused. "Why don't they sleep down here, with you and Yokoyama-san?" He gestured back to the tatami-matted room we had just left.

"Well, mostly to preserve my sanity." I burst into giggles at the look on his face. "As much as both Sei and I love Naruto and Sasuke, we still need breaks from dealing with them. You see, apart, they're rather manageable. It's when they're together that makes you want to pull your hair out."

The teacher's voice was almost deadpan as he responded, "I don't know, Misaki-san. Naruto acts up quite a bit during class, while Sasuke rarely says a word, even when called on."

I smiled. "I assure you sensei, Naruto is quite well behaved at home. The academy simply doesn't provide him with enough stimulation to keep him interested for very long."

"What do you mean by that?" Iruka furrowed his eyebrows.

"Well..." I tapped my chin in thought. How to explain this? "The lessons are too long. Naruto's brain takes in and processes so many things in such a short amount of time that it's almost as if he never learns it all. He's not stupid, far from it actually. He's actually fascinated by math, for instance. He loves it, but he hates how you teach it at the academy. Naruto thinks you spend much too long explaining the steps. He doesn't understand that everyone else might not get it yet. Surely, you've noticed this?"

Poor Iruka, he looked a little shell-shocked. "Yes, actually. Depending on the lesson, he'll have either spaced out or be one of my most focused students. We had a similar conversation in class today, after break. He said he didn't need to be top in the class to beat Sasuke, as long as he knew the important stuff."

I laughed, "Yep, sounds like Naruto. Come on, let's make sure they haven't killed eachother or something. Those two have been far too quiet." Opening the door, I began to head up the stairs, Iruka following after me.

I smiled as I reached the top. The best friends were fast asleep at their kotatsu table, a plate of sliced tomato and a small bowl of orange peels beside their heads. The now empty mugs were balanced precariously on one corner of the table. Of course, the room was a mess already, most of said mess on Naruto's side. As long he picked up all his clothes before he went to sleep tonight, I wasn't gonna complain. I heard Iruka stifle a laugh behind me. There was a small piece of tomato in the uchiha's hair.

Naruto's side of the room was a little smaller than Sasuke's, having taken the area next to the stairs. There was just enough room to fit the blonde's 'kill me' orange and white futon and the old dresser we used to share. Well, and all of his plants. Over the years, Naruto had collected quite a few of them. And when I say a 'few,' I mean a few dozen. Since it was winter, every single one was inside.

On the other side of the room, directly underneath the window, was Sasuke's deep blue futon, along with his wardrobe. Both boys kept a small lamp and collapsible floor desk near their bed. Along with the kotatsu table the pair was sitting at, the only other furniture in the room was a bookcase, actually mostly filled on Naruto's side. It was rather cramped up here, but the two made it work. It had been rocky in the beginning, because Sasuke wasn't use to sharing a room. Luckily, he had adjusted during the month before we had moved in. One learned to share a space quickly in a crowded, one room apartment.

"Why is it so damp up here?" whispered Iruka.

"Naruto has to almost constantly mist his plants because of the dry heat the kotatsu causes." I said, pointing up at the half-empty spray bottle on one shelf, before tugging on his sleeve and leading him back downstairs. "He cares for them a lot."

Iruka rubbed the back of his head. "It's just... I never really pegged Naruto for the responsible type... But today, it seems as if all he ever does is be responsible. You trust him to buy groceries alone, for kami's sake. Half the time, I can't even trust myself to get groceries." I chuckled a little.

"Naruto... He had to learn to take care of himself from a very early age, Iruka-sensei." I plopped down on to a zabuton. "I was so busy working, trying to keep food on the table in those early years... I really wasn't there for him. It got a little better, when he was two and I began watching clan kids. But I was still concentrating more on them, then I was him." I sighed and rubbed at my forehead.

The brown haired chunin sat down, across from me, and smiled reassuredly. "But you did all of that, you worked so hard, for him, Misaki-san. And..." He leant forward and whispered, "I think he knows that." Sitting back, I let out a laugh.

"Ya think?"

Iruka nodded, "I really do. In school, Naruto gets into a lot of fights with a group of students in the year above him and Sasuke. He fights them because he always catches them bullying a certain student. This student has malformed chakra pathways and thus, can't perform ninjutsu and genjutsu."

Lee... "And he's bullied because of this?"

The teacher purposefully refused to look at my left arm. He had asked for the story behind it while he was questioning me. "Hai. Most people at the academy, students and teachers alike, believe he should just drop out..."

"And yourself?"

He sighed deeply before responding. "I'm... conflicted on the matter. I'm a teacher, of course I want him to succeed in his goals. And where he lacks in most shinobi arts, he absolutely excels in others. His taijutsu skills are nothing to sniff at, Misaki-san. He has wonderful potential, especially if he makes it to graduation and gets the right sort of sensei." Iruka paused and took a breath, as if overcome with a sudden realization, before smiling softly. "Sort of... sort of like Naruto, actually."

I smiled, "Well, no wonder Naruto feels as if he should protect this student, if they have such a disability. He's rather... sensitive about such things, as is Sasuke."

"Oh, I have noticed a few of his glares. I just thought he was angry at them for being loud..."

I burst into giggles. "Oh, I'm sure that wasn't helping!" He began to laugh as well. "Man, sometimes, I wish could go to the Academy and show them what a real disability looks like. I bet those bullies are civilian born aren't they?" He startled and looked at me as if I had just declared myself Queen of Pancakes and Tree bark. Laughing nervously, I asked, confused, "… W-What?"

He nodded enthusiastically to himself and shot out of his chair. "That's it, Misaki-san!"

"What's it?"

"That! You should go to the Academy and explain to the students what it's like living with a disability!" His grin was really starting to scare me a little. "It's perfect! You have an obvious injury, but it's not too gruesome either, like an amputation is..."

His idea hit me like a cannonball, and I loved it. I quickly stood as well and we shared identical smiles. I was really starting to like Iruka. "But it might as well be! And seeing as it happened when I was so young, they'll learn that a career-ending injury can occur before you've had a chance to start training!"

"You could go around, from classroom to classroom, so students can have a close look!" We high fived. Guys, I think I just made a new friend.

A loud, echoing thump from overhead interrupted our further planning/crowing, followed by irritable, unintelligible shouts from both boys. We burst into laughter. Oops...

Two Weeks Later...

"Good morning students. For those of you not in my class, my name is Umino Iruka." said Iruka as I followed him into the auditorium-style classroom, and immediately had a flashback to my years in University. The first group, at my erging, was a combination of Naruto's class and Lee's, the ones I was needed in most. I was wearing what I would classify as one of my more... conservative outfits. Not that one could really be conservative in the middle of winter. A simple black tanktop, over which I wore a wool coat, sweater, and orange scarf, long tan skirt, grey leggings, and boots. I had forgone my sling for the day, though I had brought one of my nicer ones for the children to look at if they wanted. It was a cute enough outfit for winter, but still warm. I never usually cared about this sort of thing, but Sarutobi himself was sitting in on this class, so I had put in a little effort.

"Good morning Iruka-sensei!" responded the class in a deadpan, very practiced tone. I held in a laugh when I witnessed Sasuke roll his eyes and Naruto make funny expressions while mouthing the words. He looked constipated.

Iruka clapped his hands, far too cheerful and awake this early in the morning. "Well everyone, as you can see, we have two special guests visiting us today. First is Kishimoto Misaki, who will be speaking with you today about some rather important issues. And the Hokage himself has found the time to come as well. Please give them a round of applause." The clapping was a little weak-willed, and half-ass, but it was nice just the same. It had been years since I had spoken to such a large crowd, and the last time hadn't ended very well for me, unless you counted dying as a positive, so I was a little nervous.

Beside me, the Hokage stood and walked to the podium. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei, for the warm welcome. Now, I won't be speaking for very long, myself being rather interested in what Kishimoto-san has to say. All I ask of you, dear students, future of Konohagakure no Sato, please give her your undivided attention and respect." A small smile made it's way onto my face as several members of the audience sat up at Sarutobi's words, my boys included. The aging Professor took a step back and I soon replaced him.

"Thank you Hokage-sama, Iruka-sensei, for your kind words." They nodded and I turned to fully face my audience, taking in a deep breath. Stand tall. Look them in the eye. Know what you're talking about. You are the one in charge. I'm in charge here. "Hello everyone. As you might have guess from the multiple times it's been repeated, my name is in fact Kishimoto Misaki and I'm here to speak with you about something rather important. Something that could end your career as a shinobi, possibly before it's even had a chance to begin." I paused to let the children twitter. "Now first, I'll need a volunteer. Any takers?" A few hands did go up, but only one really stood out. "Yes, you, in the orange coat, in the back." He really was the best one to do help me with what I needed to do.

The blonde practically ran up the stairs and on to the stage. Placing his hands behind his head, Naruto grinned up at me, "Whatcha want me to do?"

I smiled back and asked, "Well what's your name?"

"Uzumaki Naruto, and I'm gonna be Hokage! BELIEVE IT!"

"Well, good luck then! Now, to make things easier, just call me Misaki, alright Naruto-kun?" He already knew ahead of time I wouldn't be able to treat him like a little brother during my presentation, so the blonde wasn't hurt in anyway.

The brat didn't even blink, he was so looking forward to this. "Sure thing, Misaki-san!"

Tugging off my scarf, I draped it over the podium and began unbuttoning my coat. Taking it off, I now pretended to fail at removing my sweater. "Now Naruto-kun, it seems as if I'm stuck. Do you mind helping me out of it?" The whole auditorium was laughing, except for the Hokage, Iruka, and Sasuke, of course. Like I said, a lot of the kids I used to watch have forgotten me, except for Shino and Kiba. I spoke and visited regularly with both of their parents after all.

"Sure thing, Misaki-san!" The room quieted almost instantly as Naruto removed my sweater with practiced ease and my scarred arm was revealed. To most shinobi, it wasn't all that bad, but to a civilian or academy student, the blackened skin across my shoulder that spread like some sort of twisted lightning bolt, fading as it reached my fingertips could be horrifying. Because it was. Naruto and Sasuke's lips twisted in resigned disgust at the scar. Like me, they hated the sight, but had grown used to it over the years.

Almost every child's eyes were wide, and someone was actually gagging. I smiled grimly and thanked Naruto. He headed back to his seat next to the last Uchiha and I faced the gathered students, looking as many as I could in the eye. Most flinched or refused to meet my gaze, but some, like Neji, Lee, Shikamaru, and, surprisingly, Sakura did, eyes never wavering from my own. When I next spoke, my voice was not raised, nor did I bother to use the microphone. It was so silent, I had no need to. "I was six years old." I stepped back from the podium and walked to center stage, so all could have a good view.

It was only then, did I raise my voice. "I was six years old! Only a few years younger than any of you!" I gestured around the room. "We have all been told stories, stories of the Sannin, their teacher and our Hokage! Tales of old and powerful shinobi who will live on forever in the legends they leave behind! We tell ourselves 'One day, I'll be a Sannin! Just like Senju Tsunade, or Jiraiya, or hell, even Orochimaru!' But as young as you all are, you haven't learned quite yet. To be shinobi like them, to have the amount of potential they had at your age and to grow as old as they have, is not to be the rule. It's to be the exception." I paced a little and came to stop in front of the section holding Lee's class. "Most shinobi are lucky to make it to twenty years old without either a crippling injury or just plain dying."

I stormed back to center stage, taking in the shell-shocked faces in the crowd. Good, that meant they were listening. "I was six years old. It was in the middle of the Third Shinobi War, and I, along with my father, were being escorted to Konoha by a patrol team. They had caught us trying to illegally cross the border from the Land of Rivers, trying to find work. We were only a week out from the village when we were attacked by enemy shinobi. It was an ambush. During the resultant battle, I was stabbed in my left shoulder with a serrated kunai and my father was killed, leaving me orphaned and crippled. Only many months later, when I was still experiencing extreme pain and the minor necrosis surrounding my wound had begun to spread, was the truth discovered." I reached up and moved the sleeve of my top down so they could see the abscess that marked where the kunai had entered. "The kunai used to stab me not only ripped through any muscles it crossed, but had also been dipped in a poison. A poison combining the venom of both the brown recluse and wolf spiders, with minute traces of black widow as well."

If no one had been feeling queasy before, they certainly were now. I heard a sob. "It slowly dissolved the muscles in my arm and left me in such a state that near the end, I could not move a single finger without excruciating pain. It was at that point, my foster parents had a medic-nin at the hospital cut the nerves. Permanently."

"You're all probably asking yourselves, 'What does this have to do with being a shinobi? What does this have to do with me?' Am I right?" I asked, walking back to the podium. I fiddled with the microphone a bit, then slammed my hand down violently, sending a loud screech of feedback across the room. "IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH IT! I have been told time and time again that I would've been a good shinobi! You tease your classmates, tear them down for things they cannot help!" I looked Lee straight in the eye as I said this, and I could hear his small gasp of realization. "You call them broken, useless, dropouts!" I gestured widely, like a ringmaster preparing his audience for the finale, and felt alive. "WELL, NOW YOU KNOW WHAT A TRULY BROKEN PERSON LOOKS LIKE, CHILDREN! Because that's what you are. Children, who do not, cannot understand the hardships of others! To have a disability of any kind is to learn how to persevere."

I pulled my dark green, cotton scarf out of my bag, pre folded and tied, and put it on, the audience's eyes following my every move. "Eight years ago, my foster parents died, on the night of the Kyuubi attack. I was orphaned twice over, a crippled and homeless ten year old girl. Despite all against me, Hokage-sama gave me something that probably saved my life." Turning, I bowed deep and low in respect to the village leader, and received a smile and nod of the head in return. I faced the stands again and waved Naruto back down from his seat. I hadn't informed him of this part of my little speech, but for good reason. Blinking in surprise, the blonde eight year old made his to the stage. Gently, I placed my hand on his back and we bowed to the Hokage as one. "Eight years ago, I was granted custody of my foster parent's newborn son, Uzumaki Naruto." Gasps of surprise echoed across the auditorium. "And I don't think I will ever be able to truly thank you for that, Hokage-sama."

Sarutobi's eyes held a sort of softness to them, like a grandfather watching over his grandchildren as they played. "There is no need, Kishimoto-san, truly. I have done nothing but my duty as your kage." He bowed in return, not nearly so deep, but the fact he bowed at all was amazing.

"Thanks to the Konoha Orphans Act, I was provided a small, one room apartment on the west end of the village," I said, turning back to the room as a whole. Beside me, Naruto scowled at the reminder of our old place. I didn't blame him. It had been a shit apartment. "and I worked. I worked hard and long, three shifts a day, at three different part-time jobs. I wrote as well, long into the night, putting the ideas in my head down on paper. I am now a published author who owns a house to call home." Sighing, I hugged Naruto and sent him once again back to his seat. "I may not be a shinobi, and because of that, some of you might not care about me. But imagine this..." Slowly, I meandered back to the podium, leaving the children's thoughts to churn and stew. "Imagine..." I removed the scarf and placed my arm for them to see once more. Once Before, I had met an inmate who had survived being struck by lightning. Across his back and chest, a fractal burn scar spread, like frost on a window. The scarring across my own limb was much the same, except the raised lines had been blackened by the poison and decay. In my previous life, something like this was supposedly impossible, but it wasn't here. "… Imagine if such an injury were to happen to you? Or... to a loved one? Father? Mother? A sibling, or even a friend?"

"Would you be so cruel as to call them 'useless' or 'broken'? No! You would help them to the best of your ability, wouldn't you!? So... why would you treat a comrade that way? For something they can't help?" I sucked in a deep breath and I felt my shoulders finally relax. I had nothing more to say. I bowed once again, to both the children, Iruka, and Sarutobi, and gathered my things. I walked out without another word.

Not seconds after I made my leave, my chakra-enhanced hearing picked up the sudden explosion of whispers and I smiled, gently caressing Obito's pendant. It had felt good to make a speech like that again, after so long... I was making a difference again.

The boys and I waved Kakashi goodbye as he left our home, another successful dinner under my belt. It had been six months since I had finally managed to reconnect with the masked jounin and he came over about twice a month now, as long as he wasn't on a mission. Naruto and Sasuke had taken a liking to him within the first few visits and while they hadn't gotten along in the beginning, Kakashi and Seitaro were well on their way to being friends. I smiled brightly and skipped back into the house. It was late and there were dishes to clean up and children to stuff into their beds. Not to mention, a bottle of chilled mead to be finished up between Seitaro and I. A gift from Aburame Shibi for being one of his most loyal customers, perfect for a warm August evening. We, the adults, had opened it while the boys had gone to finish their homework, or in Naruto's case, half-ass it.

"Alright boys! Go wash up and get in bed, okay? You have school tomorrow," said Seitaro. The pair groaned but did as told.

Coming up behind the ex-anbu, I called after them. "And don't forget to brush your teeth!" Loud, put-upon sighs in response caused me to roll my eyes. Seitaro let out a low chuckle.

He began to pull out his hair tie. "Sometimes, it's easy to forget that they're so young and then they go and complain about brushing their teeth." Grunting, he struggled to pull it out of his hair. It had gotten caught amongst the strands of brown.

I bit back a laugh and lead him to sit at the couch. "Yeah, it's hard to believe. Some days, I wake up expecting to be back in the apartment and Naruto sound asleep in his crib." Seitaro's hair had grown longer since his retirement half-a-year ago, now touching his mid-back. Like my own red locks, his tended to eat things if it wasn't brushed regularly. This time, the victim was his poor hair tie. See, this is why I switched to hair pins.

"I hope you prefer it here?... Ow." He winced as I accidently pulled a little too hard at the stubborn elastic.

I smiled at the back of his head apologetically, even though he couldn't see me. "Well, of course I do. I love it." I paused in my attempt long enough that he could grab the bottle of mead off the coffee table and pour himself another glass.

"What do you like the most about living out here?" He took a sip and I finally freed his hair. Crowing in triumph, I took a swig of my own from the bottle before combing my rough fingers through his hair. It was so soft, I almost couldn't feel it because of my calluses. Seitaro sighed blissfully and leant into my touch, making me smile. Scenes such as this had become increasingly common over the last few months and we had both acknowledged we weren't exactly friends anymore, but somewhere in-between a romantic and platonic relationship. But we were taking it slow, both of us having priorities that were more important than the idea of taking on a partner. Whatever this was, it would develop on its own.

I smiled softly as I mulled over his question. "I like that Naruto and Sasuke have space to train and run around without having to go to the village, where they'd just get glared or stared at. Or even spit on. They're both happier and more relaxed here. I love having the space to have a proper garden now and not just Naruto's plants. I love the space, the distance from the Market and the village in general. It's quiet too, it's not as hard to sleep as it was in the slums. No vandalism on our door, and the smell of putrid piss is gone."

Seitaro's golden eyes gazed into my blue ones. "Is there nothing you dislike about living here?"

"Well, the wildlife can be a pain in the ass." We both burst into giggles, his a little more slurred than my own. I was simply relaxed from the alcohol, but Seitaro was certainly tipsy. We were both remembering the scare from a month ago, when I had found the largest paw print I have ever seen right outside my office. One of the tigers had escaped from the Forest of Death and I had gone on a rampage until the seals were replaced and the giant tiger was captured.

Seitaro began humming, his tipsy brain really not helping when it came to his tone-deafness. It sounded vaguely familiar, like a long forgotten favorite song. I couldn't quite place it though. It was a whimsical tune that held whisperings of magic and a familiar feeling of awe. My fingers began to follow along with the hum, beating it's rhythm into Seitaro's skull, not that he seemed to mind. He was half asleep.

"Seitaro?"

His voice was muffled, head in my lap as it was. "Hmm?"

"Where did you hear that song? It sounds really familiar for some reason."

"-movie…."

A movie? I don't recall a movie with a theme like that. "What movie?" He grumbled unintelligibly and nuzzled into my lap. "Sei? What movie?"

"L-Lap-"He paused to yawn, "Laputa: Castle in the Sky…." And with that, he fell asleep.

I stared down at him, eyes wide with shock. Laputa? As in Studio Ghibli's 'Laputa'? As in the anime movie from my world?! "Oh my god…" I muttered in english as I burst into sobs. No way.

1) Yes way. I just did that. Buwhahaha.

2) Shibi is a scary motherfucker and I absolutely love him for it. That scene came out of nowhere, like most of this chapter. I love Aburame.

3) I finally figured out just how Misaki lost use of her arm guys! Gross, I know. But I couldn't just let you guys guess as to why it happened forever. Well, I could have, but it was bothering me too.

4) We got to see a little into Naruto's brain this chapter and just how much he's changed because of Misaki. Which is, admittedly, not much... If you checked the tags for this story on Ao3, you'd see it's a 'smart!naruto' fic. I enjoy them, so I'm writing one. Not to worry though guys, it's not gonna be a 'God Like!Naruto' fic. He is going to be as believably badass in this story as he is in canon... *snort*

5) genkan: japanese entry way. Duh.

6) Y'all get an Omake this chapter as well!... Please don't be mad at me about the cliffhanger.

7) And why yes, I do indeed have Itachi's couple for this fic figured out, as you'll see below.

Fish are Friends, Not Food

Itachi pulled on his new Akatsuki cloak as he followed Konan down the dimly lit hallway. The second-in-command was pretty enough, he supposed. In a sophisticated, put-together way, quite the opposite of Inuzuka Hana. Internally, he winced. She'd be angry with him, for missing their anniversary dinner... And the whole, you know, 'genocidal traitor' thing as well. It was Hana, and the Uchiha had never been able to discern her moods in general, let alone what caused her anger. She was a lot like her mother that way... absolutely terrifying. Maybe he could pick up a gift for her here in Amegakure and have Misaki give it to her? He'd ask in his next letter to the redhead.

"These will be your quarters when you are not out on assignment. You share them with your partner, Hoshigaki Kisame, a missing-nin from Mist. He should have already returned from his training."

Giving the blue-haired woman a short "Hn," Itachi nodded and walked into the room. It was simple enough, with two double beds on either side, with only one having any sort of bed covers. Blue ones. Damn, he'd have to buy his own. There were also two averaged size wardrobes, Itachi's obviously empty, and the other standing wide open with clothes spilling out of it like a waterfall. Kisame liked blue, and deep purple, quite a lot, apparently. His akatsuki cloak lay draped across one of two uncomfortable looking chairs, looking more like a curtain then any kind of clothing. Raising an eyebrow at the mess, and at the deep humming coming from the open bathroom door, where a shower was running, he hoped his new partner wasn't too much of a slob. Naruto had been bad enough.

The shower turned off, but the humming continued, until cursing started instead. "Damn it, forgot my fuckin' towel." Itachi couldn't help himself at the reminder of Misaki's last words to him, before he left the village. He snorted. Oops, looks like his new partner had good hearing. Excellent.

A large shadow appeared in the open doorway and Itachi's eyes widened minutely. This missing-nin from the Land of Water was taller than Misaki and even Owl by at least two inches. And he was blue. And had gills. 'Fish are friends, not food Ita-chan.' "Oi! You my new partner?" Itachi raised an eyebrow at the tall, blue man's lack of modesty, but nodded. "Cool. Can you get me a towel? There's one on my bed." Through his fringe, the Uchiha rolled his black eyes but fetched it anyway. It wouldn't be beneficial to alienate his partner with seconds of meeting each other. Besides, kaa-san had made sure to teach him his manners, if nothing else. Kaa-san...

Itachi shook his head to clear it. Now was not the time for such thoughts. He quickly tossed the towel to Kisame and went about unpacking some of the many storage scrolls his rucksack contained. "Hn..." was his response to the mist-nin's mumbled thanks. He had brought along a futon, which he preferred over a sleeping bag while on missions, given the choice of course. They were far more comfortable. He sighed slightly as he spread it across the mattress, inhaling the pleasant scent of the fabric freshener both his mother and Misaki used on everything.

"So..." began Kisame as he pulled a large shirt over his head, "You're Uchiha Itachi eh?" He plopped down onto his bed, accidentally knocking the large bandaged sword leaning against the headboard to the ground. Both of the thirteen year old's eyebrows went up when said sword growled angrily. "Shiiiiit, sorry Samehada!" sputtered the shark-like man as he quickly corrected the sword and began channeling his chakra into the sword.

"Yes, I am Uchiha Itachi." While up there, he had seen stranger things happen around his older sister, and so Itachi just decided to go with the flow. "And you are Hoshigaki Kisame, previously of the Village Hidden in the Mist."

Kisame smiled, light from the ceiling fixture glinting off his sharpened teeth. "Hai, and also a member of the Seven Swordsmen as well." He patted the sword beside him, as if greeting an old friend. "This here is Samehada. I wouldn't recommend touching him unless you want all of your chakra siphoned out of your body."

Itachi nodded and reached into his pack, searching for something that had, of course, found its way to the bottom. "Noted."

"I never expected someone who killed their whole clan would own a futon that smelled like wildflowers and... " Kisame raised an eyebrow, amusement shining in his small eyes, "lemon? Some kind of citrus anyway."

"Hn... Ah." responded Itachi, having finally located the storage scroll full of food. He had sent Misaki a letter a month or so ago, requesting her assistance with such things. Itachi was good, possibly the best, at many things, but cooking was not one of them. Quickly unsealing two bento, he handed one to Kisame. It was getting late after all, and the thirteen year old hadn't eaten in several hours. If he had learned anything in the last twelve years since he had met Kishimoto Misaki, it was to never waste a good meal. And that it brought people together.

Kisame blinked, slightly confused, at the pale, slender hand holding out a bento box. He took it when said hand shook the box impatiently, and popped the seal. "Thanks Uchiha. I'm starving." The swordsman let his terror-inducing grin spread after sniffing and taking a small bite of rice. "This is really good..."

Itachi let a small smirk onto his face, hidden by his fringe though it was. "My... friend made it for me." He took a bite of his own food. "And you're welcome... fishface." He could hear his sister laughing in delight as the sound of Kisame's chopsticks snapping in half echoed around the room, and chuckled.