Hello! I hope you'll like this chapter!

Disclaimer: I own the OCs in this fic, the rest is Masashi Kishomoto's. Sorry for any spelling mistakes or any OCCness.

Character age:

Akane, Itachi: 23

Naruto, Sasuke: 17-18

Shisui: 26

Kakashi: 31

"Did I scare you?" I raised my head from the sink. I was washing the dishes quietly when Itachi appeared from the hallway next to me.

"What?"

"Against Shisui, did I scare you?" I pursed my lips and looked at the dirty plates.

"Oh, that." I went back to cleaning. "I'm aware you have a violent side. We all have a dark side after all, we're just more or less good a hiding it and accepting it."

"You didn't answer." I sighed a little.

"I don't like seeing you angry Itachi, and there...you were furious at him. You have your reasons but...Maybe I got a little scared when you started punching him and Sasuke and I had to stop you." I stared at the water. "I've been at the receiving end of your anger before, it's not something I wish to anybody." I looked at him with a small smile, my heart missing a beat at the guilty and ashamed look on his face. "It's the people we are the closest to who can elicit the strongest emotions out of us, so of course if a close one hurt you, you...get angry." He carefully slipped behind me and hugged me from behind, his chin on my shoulder.

It had been three days since he...got in a fight with Shisui. The progress he made completely disappeared on the first two days.

"He's going to leave the hospital today from what Sakura told me. He asked if his nose was bad enough to have a free rhinoplasty." I felt him smile a little. "Do you feel better now though?"

"...a little," he admitted, still ashamed. "What time is the party tomorrow?"

"Six. Mikoto-san asked me if I could pick up the dessert in town, so maybe I'll be there before."

"You're no longer engaged but still help her organize Sasuke's birthday?"

"I'm picking up food, it's not really organizing, and he's eighteen tomorrow."

"Are you wearing a dress?"

"Yes, and I've picked one already so you can relax." I shot him a quick look from the corner of my eyes. "You've asked me to wear dresses more often."

"You look stunning in a dress." Wait for it… "And when we're home, I have an easy access."

"Yeah, I figured that much." There was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it." Quickly, there were familiar voices.

"Hello!" Sensei said with a smile, Chojuro behind her. "My, it is a very cosy place you have and...well, hello there." She picked up Sushi, who touched her face with her paw.

The little one had been there for three weeks now and was already much bigger. Itachi was sure she was from a litter of ninneko as it was not rare for them to rampage the streets of Konoha. It actually was a problem to have half ninnekos running around without proper training.

Itachi wanted to take her to Nekoba to be sure.

"I'm sure this is not a courtesy visit."

"I'm afraid not senpai," Chojuro replied.

"I'll give you some privacy," Itachi stated, leaving the room.

"Thank you," I replied. Shortly after, I heard the front door closing.

"Would you be kind enough to make some tea Akane?" I nodded.

There were not many people who'd get to give me orders in my own home, but sensei would always be one of them, Mizukage or not.

We were quickly sitting around the table, Chojuro wary of Sushi, who'd stare at Hiramekarei against the wall.

"Your father is going to stay in Konoha, it has been decided yesterday. The Hokage will take care of the security personally. Now, as I'm sure you're aware, the Raikage was chosen as the Supreme Leader as no one from Kumo joined the Akatsuki."

"His hands are weirdly the cleanest," I commented idly.

"The Kazekage is going to be the Regimental Commander on the front line." I raised a brow. Gaara was on the front line before, sure, but they all ended up on the front line anyway. "I will be over-viewing the Daimyos' security."

"Nice job." She glared weakly at me.

I was sure it was because Gaara and sensei were the youngest Kages, with the least experience in war of that size, that they were sent out, leaving Tsunade-san, the Tsuchikage and the Raikage to give out orders.

"All the criteria that will send shinobis in the different divisions are not settled yet, but...you are going to be in charge of the Fifth one." I sighed.

"You know, I would have thought I'd be given a special division, like the medical one is apart from the five main ones."

"Well...your mother might be a part of that." I widened my eyes in shock and she smiled gently at me. "She's no longer an active kunoichi since Uzushio fell, but she told me there was too much at risks for her to stay back when you and Naruto would be risking your lives." I bit my bottom lip.

"I see...it sounds like her. Still, the Fifth Division? Isn't that mainly...samurais?"

"It is the Special Battle Division. There are mostly samurais, it is true, which is why Mifune-san is also a part of it. However, with the number of people with hidden jutsus or kekkai genkais, it was decided it would be better if you were to lead it as you...have made quite a reputation for yourself." I pursed my lips.

"I was abducted by Obito, I would have thought it would...make them change their minds."

"Well, the Tsuchikage was doubtful, in spite of you infiltrating Iwa and what...happened there." From the harsh glint in her eyes, she was thinking about Dai. "The Raikage already had an opinion of you, and the war and your new moniker only reinforced it. He asked me if I still trusted you. When I said yes, he agreed. The Hokage and Kazekage both agreed as well."

"I am...flattered."

"Don't lie, you think this is a hassle." Chojuro hid a chuckle behind his hand.

"So, if it's a special combat unity, does it mean I'll get like...Uchihas, and Hyuugas and…"

"Haku has already stated he'd prefer to be in your unit." I smiled a little. "But yes. Another reason why you are the leader and Mifune-san is also in the division is because you went against Obito several times now. If necessary, you can use the Hiraishin and leave the division to Mifune-san."

"I see, it makes more sense now. I get the information first and decide whether I should interfere because I'm quick." I leaned my elbows on the table, my chin on my crossed hands. "If I were to ask particular people, would I get them?"

"Depending on who they are and the reasons, I think. I'll back you up anyway."

On the bright side, if I were the leader of the Fifth Division...I could give orders and maybe defeat Kabuto and his Edo Tensei earlier this time. I needed to check a few things but…

"She's already planning, isn't she?" my ex-student asked sensei, who nodded.

"She is."

"Better now than on the battlefield," I said. "Who are the other commanders?"

"The First Division is the Mid-Range Battle Division led by Darui, from Kumo." I nodded. Yep, it added up, and then he'd be the Fifth Raikage and grow a bad mustache. "The Second Division is the Short-Range Battle Division led by Kitsuchi, the Tsuchikage's son. The Third Division is the Short-to-Mid Range Battle Division led by Kakashi-san. The Fourth Division is the Long-Range Battle Division under the Kazekage's orders." I pursed my lips.

I would have thought Itachi would...yet it was still Kakashi. A shinobi from each village was chosen, normal, but...well, Mifune would be my equal, almost, so the samurais were not entirely erased but…

Kakashi was a wonderful choice, but so was Itachi.

"I know what you are thinking. Why Kakashi instead of Itachi-kun, or his father even?" I nodded. "I am not going to lie to you, what some people from the Uchiha clan did in the previous war played a big part of it. It made everyone take a step back. And, in spite of no longer being in Konoha, Obito did identify himself as Uchiha Madara, so having an Uchiha as a commander...was not a popular option, as you can imagine." I looked in my cup.

"I understand, of course. It's just...frustrating, you know?" Well, it wasn't as if Kakashi would not pick an Uchiha if he thought it was the right thing of course but…

"Now, don't make this face, from what I heard, Itachi-kun fighting Pain made quite a lot of noise, even if Naruto beat him in the end."

"Well, Itachi told me when he realized Pain wouldn't be beat by chakra-based technique, he thought Naru would be a better strategy as he was off training for Sage Mode. He just turned himself into a distraction."

"And isn't that a nice thinking, Rokudaime?" I blinked.

"I'm sorry, where is the bathroom?" I told Chojuro and he went, leaving sensei and I alone.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you're my successor, and it made the Hokage think about hers. Two names are coming back."

"Itachi and Kakashi." She nodded and I took a deep breath. "Oh God, she's really thinking about him?"

"He proved himself. Personally, I know Kiri will keep having a good relationship with Konoha no matter who is chosen."

"Sure."

Itachi was…

I couldn't keep myself from grinning.

"However, I am sorry." I raised a brow at her. She looked around. "You clearly have built a life and a home here, I'm sorry you have to leave it."

"Oh. Well, we talked about it and he's...proud of me, actually. He...doesn't seem worried we're going to break up."

"I hope so, who would get her then?" Sushi purred as she was petted.

She was a cuddle-whore.

"And...well, I won't be the Mizukage forever either, I'll do my time and then...come back here."

"Yes, you have your shot at happiness, don't miss it." Her eyes were distant. "Anyway, the Hokage must be telling Kakashi-san the same thing I just told you."

They stayed for a little bit and when they left, I took off to find Shisui. I went to the hospital, where he no longer was, so I checked his place. He was there, with Itachi.

I took a deep breath once in front of the door. I knew they probably were having a serious question, but I needed to check if his Mangekyou…

"Come in Akane!" I blinked and Itachi opened the door, Shisui in the couch. He raised his hand at me. "What brings you here?"

"I have a question for you...are you okay?" He nodded and pointed at Itachi.

"He came to pick me up from the hospital." I shot my boyfriend a quick look and he averted his eyes. "So?"

"Right. Your Mangekyou...Kotoamatsukami...how well can it replace Izanami?" He frowned and Itachi was next to me in a second.

"Huh...I never really thought about it before, Izanami, like Izanagi are used against the eye that uses them so I never opted for them. Why the sudden interest?" I sighed and sat down on a chair at the table.

"I've officially been appointed Commander of the Fifth Division of the Allied Shinobi Forces." Shisui jumped to his feet.

"Congratulations!"

"Yeah, whatever, anyway. Before, it was you," I said, pointing at Itachi, "who broke out from the Edo Tensei control because you had a crow with his," I pointed at Shisui, "eye implanted in it. Then you used Izanami to make Kabuto stop the jutsu. I'd like to keep Izanami and Izanagi as real last resort though, and I don't know where Itachi will be put in, so I was wondering if your Mangekyou could replace the way Izanami was used."

"Makes sense. Well...in theory, yes."

"The whole dimension of learning from your mistakes to get out of the cycle would no longer be here though," Itachi commented before looking at me. "If it is something important, then it needs some thinking." I took my chin between my fingers.

"If Kotoamatsukami worked though, then I'd request Shisui to be put in my Division so that the moment Kabuto is noticed, then I'd send him to face him with Sasuke."

"Sasuke?" I raised a brow at Itachi.

"Oh yeah, the little shit's coming in my Division. I'll ask to have Kou as well." I pursed my lips in thoughts. "Kakashi's in charge of the Third Division, it's short to mid-range, maybe you're gonna be put in his division." I looked at them both. "Of course, you didn't hear any of this from me." They both gave me a nod. "Alright. Sorry to have interrupted your...whatever was happening. Shisui, if something pops up regarding your Mangekyou, can you tell me immediately?"

"Got it."

"Thanks. Sorry again, see you later guys." I left.

I went home and walked around the apartment, a notepad in my hand to write down what I'd need to take back to Kiri with me. Some of my research wasn't needed, but anything regarding Kamui would be, or my mark. Once that was done, I left to a training ground deep in the forest Hashirama indicated me. Once there, I summoned them all in Shadow Clones. I could feel my mark heating up, but I didn't go in Sage Mode.

"I think it's time for you to start get back into a fighting mode, soon you'll be solicited, especially if Madara comes back." Hashirama pursed his lips. "I need to get better at Sage Mode and...you do whatever you want." The First walked up to me before Minato even moved a foot.

"I'll keep helping you out." I nodded. "You can use the Claw without going into Sage Mode still, right?" I nodded.

"Just like I don't necessarily use the Claw in Sage Mode. The way the mark evolved balanced everything out and allows me to use the natural energy in it, the Claw is something separate." He nodded and sat down, his legs crossed.

"Sit down." I did. "Everything related to the Shinigami is Senjutsu, but you also can use it to make your negative mode easier to use, and without your weapon, correct?" I nodded. "I don't think you will have a lot of trouble finding a balance to use your regular jutsu, maybe your kekkai genkai but other than that, it should be fine. Now, close your eyes." I did. "Go in Sage Mode." I took a deep breath and focused on my mark. In a matter of seconds, I felt every living things around, fauna or flora. "The most complicated for you will be to incorporate Senjutsu in your Fuinjutsu."

"I'm going to need it though if Juubi found a jinchuriki," I said, opening my eyes. He nodded, in Sage Mode as well.

"I'm sure the Yondaime and my brother can help you with the Hiraishin, but I'll take care of helping you with Senjutsu."

We did. He made me draw seals before activating them with Senjutsu. They all turned to ash. The same went with those I could usually do with my bare hands. They were unstable like when I started using them. Even the first one I learned to use with my bare hands, the Explosive Seal, just wavered and blew up on its own.

Basically, it was like learning chakra control all over again. Maybe I'd need to change the formulas a little if it really was too hard, but other than that...the chakra control exercises Mom and Dad put me through since I knew how to walk would come in handy again.

The Uzumaki clan, because they were specialists of a field that required a very precise chakra control in spite of having large reserves, would put their kids to chakra control training the moment they knew how to walk. It was not the leaf sticking thing they'd do in school here. They had seals that would be activated depending on the chakra put in them, tree and water walking of course and other stuff.

Ultimately, oji-chan called the day off when the night had already fallen. The four of them when back in my seal. A few seconds later, someone landed in front of me. I looked up.

"So this is your Sage Mode?" Itachi asked me, crouching in front of me. "Your eyes are weird."

"They're the same as the Shinigami," I replied, panting as I deactivated Sage Mode. "Why are you here?"

"You weren't coming home, I got worried and looked for you." I smiled a little and accepted his hand, Itachi pulling me up easily in one quick move. "How long have you spent training with them?"

"I went home, made a list of what I'd need to take back to Kiri and came here. How long have you been watching?"

"Probably half an hour." I narrowed my eyes. "I wasn't stalking you, I was watching. You were focused, I didn't want to disturb you. And the Yondaime spotted me, he didn't seem to want me to come closer." I smirked and looked down.

"Oh, it does have an effect when I mess up," I noticed, seeing the circle of dead grass around where I was sitting. I picked up everything I used.

"Shall we go home now?" I nodded as my stomach rumbled. "Dinner's waiting for you." I grinned.

"What did you make?" I asked him as we were walking home.

"Cab…" I frowned and he smirked. "Okonomiyaki."

"Oh, that will do."

I ate quickly and joined Itachi in the bath once we were home. He was adamant on having one together at least once a week now.

I sunk in the water in front of him, my hair in a bun and sighed in relief as the hot water soothed my muscles. I tilted my head back. As my legs were on his, he started to distractedly massage my feet.

"That's good," I said, completely relaxed. "If I'm dozing off, leave me here."

"You'll be a prune," he reminded me in a light tone.

"That's a risk I'm willing to take."

"That won't do, I'll put you in bed." I hummed. "So I'm taking you don't want to have sex tonight?"

"I really don't. I'll hug my pillow and I'm a goner." I looked at him. "So, Shisui?" He pursed his lips, looking at the water.

"We talked, a lot, about what happened and what I was reproaching him. He...told me about a few things I did he did not appreciate either, mainly regarding you." I blinked. "I...may have seen you two kiss before Sasuke and you left for Kiri and...told him to back off." I raised a brow.

"Really now? Is that why the atmosphere was...so weird back then? I remember asking Shisui and he told me not to worry about it."

"Well, you were not...okay mentally speaking, I didn't want you guys to get involved like this...or ever, really." I smirked. "Ultimately, we both conceded we couldn't go back to how things were before like nothing happened. It will take time but...we agreed we didn't want our friendship to end, especially not like this, so we'll work on it. We have spars programmed at first so we don't have to...talk too much."

"Huh." He looked up at me.

"I'll be fine, I just...released a lot of anger a few days ago." He rubbed his forehead. "It was humiliating to be seen like this by you, and Sasuke, even Sakura and Naruto." I poked his nipple with my toe.

"Hey, if you can get angry this much it means you're not closed off, it's good." I sunk deeper until the water was just below my nose.

"I guess," he whispered.

I started to doze off maybe ten minutes later. Itachi noticed and emptied the tub as he left it. He put a towel around his waist and took my hand to pull me out as well, wrapping me in a towel. I let him do it without a word, struggling to fight my doziness.

"Hey." He snapped his fingers in front of me. I blinked slowly. "Come on, stay awake until you're in our room at least."

"You enjoy using 'ours' a lot," I mumbled. He raised a brow.

"So?"

"Did you just 'so' me?" He smirked.

"So?" I rolled my eyes and walked past him.

"You insolent youngster, respect your elders." I heard him laugh as I entered our room.

I put on panties and a camisole. I put my towel on the back of the chair and slipped in bed. I turned around when I felt something push me. It was the kitten, who meowed when I blinked at her. I ran my fingers in her fur, Itachi turning off the lights to join us.

"Sushi, no…" I whined as she pushed her nose in my cheek. Itachi smiled.

"Good night girls." I took one of Sushi's paw and waved it at him.

"Good night daddy," I replied in a high-pitch voice. He chuckled and kissed her on the head before leaving a loving kiss on my lips.

"Happy birthday," Itachi told his brother as he was already inside. I shut the door behind me.

"Happy birthday," I said as well, handing him my present.

"Thanks." Sasuke accepted my gift and shot Itachi a look. "Same as usual?" He nodded.

Since Sasuke became a genin, Itachi would spend a whole day with his brother for his birthday as they were both busy. It was a ritual by now. I mean, last year, to make up for the last three birthdays they couldn't celebrate together, they left for a four-day trip in the woods and mountains.

"Is it sea whiskey?" he asked me as if it was nothing. Itachi narrowed his eyes and slowly turned them to me.

"Why would I give you alcohol at a party where your parents and this one are at?" I replied with a roll of my eyes.

"He drank for the first time when he was sixteen for Shisui's twentieth birthday party." I raised my brows and looked at Itachi.

"He almost put the bottle in my mouth," Itachi corrected him. "And why would you want that when you still have two years to go before you're legal?" He shot me an accusing look.

"I didn't give him any!"

"Yeah, she really didn't." He smirked. "Dai did though." I sighed.

"I left the room to go to the bathroom and the deed was done when I came back. I yelled at Dai."

"Hn."

"Hey, it's legal in Kiri."

The party was smooth. Sasuke got weapons from Naru, a medic kit specially made by Sakura with plants grown at Mom's, who made him a Fuinjutsu essential. He got a brand new stack of ninja tools from his father and clothes from his mom. Kakashi got a really scary look from Mikoto-san and Itachi when his gift was revealed to be a book, but it was an old reading of his oji-chan had offered him. Yamato-senpai got him what he needed to sharpen his katana for at least three months and Sai had drawn the whole Team Kakashi and framed it. Sasuke seemed...particularly touched by this. I mean, going back to his team that was full had been complicated, I knew it, but now they were...comrades. Friends might still be a little bit strong.

I clasped my hands together on my lap as he took my present. He opened it and blinked, obviously taken back by what it was. It was a silver ring. On top, it was a circle barely bigger than the rest as it was quite a large ring. Three stones made a triangle, another one in the middle. The top of the triangle was a sapphire, which represented truth, wisdom, peace and fidelity. On the left, there was an emerald, for rebirth, fertility, love and wisdom. Then, on the right was a ruby for courage, bravery and love. In the middle was a jet stone to fight off negative energy and the evil eye.

Of course, I wrote down what each stone meant on a piece of paper. Once he read it, he raised his eyes to me. I winked at him.

"Thanks nee-san," he thanked me quietly, slipping the ring on his left middle finger.

"You're welcome, but...Kakashi kind of participated as well. He helped with finding the stones."

"You're welcome," his sensei said with an eye-smile.

What Sasuke told me when we were at his grandparents' house still...remained in a corner of my brain, so if I could give him a reminder, even a small one, he was not alone...then I would. In a way his ring represented his team.

"It is a beautiful ring, isn't it Sasuke?" his mother commented, leaning toward him. He nodded, flexing his fingers.

Itachi's fingers crawled on my thigh and slipped between mine under the table. I shot him a quick look from the corner of my eyes. He was watching his brother and mother with a soft smile.

"I didn't know you knew your way around gemstones nee-chan," Naru told me, surprised.

"I don't really, it's just something there is regarding them between Sasuke and I." It made Itachi squeeze my hand tighter.

Someone knocked on the door. Mikoto-san left to open it and came back with Shisui.

"I thought you couldn't come," Sasuke greeted him with a raised brow.

"I can't," he replied, out of breath. "I'm sorry for being a party pooper, but I'd need to talk to everyone having the same last name as mine." Fugaku-san sighed and stood up.

The five of them left to go to Fugaku-san's study.

"It's not good, is it?" Sakura wondered out loud.

"I heard Shisui-senpai was the Uchiha in charge of over viewing the traitors' sentence, maybe it was finally decided," Sai replied seriously.

"In any case, it is none of our business unless they talk to us about it," Mom stated firmly, shooting me a pointed look.

"Hey, I'm getting involved in spite of myself sometimes!" Naru scoffed and I elbowed him in the ribs, making him bend over.

"...I'm not sure of what to do now," Sakura told us, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Well...I'm not sure either."

They all came back maybe a dozen of minutes later. Shisui grinned, apologized once more and left saying he had more work to do. Mikoto-san still managed to make him take some food though.

They didn't explain the situation to us. The party continued, although it was...just calmer. Itachi and I were the last ones to leave. We weren't holding hands on anything, but it was obvious to me he was in a hurry to go home. When we did, Sushi didn't have the time to meow that he picked her up, burying his nose in her fur. I quietly locked the door behind me, a curious eye on him.

I frowned when I saw him smoking on the balcony, Sushi on his shoulder. Obviously, the decision regarding the Uchihas in custody had finally been reached but…

He shot me a glance above his shoulder. I just waved at him before leaving the room for the bedroom. I was just done with removing my dress for shorts and a shirt when Itachi appeared behind me.

"Wanna talk about it?" I asked him, putting my hair in a bun.

"Those who had a direct hand in the sabotage and assassination attempt on you will be judged as criminals of the Leaf. The Mizukage was clear that otherwise they'd be taken in by Kiri's forces."

"Logic. The rest?"

"They're kicked out of the village." I looked down. "They're kicked out of the clan already. The Hokage showed mercy by not executing them, but if they ever put a foot in Konoha again...they'll be seen as enemies and treated as such." I turned around.

"Are you okay?" He shrugged.

"I guess, it's...mild compared to the facts. It's just...the Compound will be quite empty."

The rest of the evening was quiet, Itachi deep in his thoughts, Sushi sticking to him like glue. I let them be though. Itachi obviously needed some time for him and his thoughts.

Let's hope it'd be okay.

Hey! Thanks for reading and leave a review to tell me what you thought of this chapter! Thanks to Masaya Daiji and Guest for the reviews!

Bye!