mocking

by Lazydaily

naru OC in root no mass

1. Chapter 1

The next few weeks were both interesting and mind numbingly boring.

I was called to a ridiculous amount of meetings with higher ups about ROOT. Despite my outburst to the Hokage (Shikaku was very unimpressed when he found out, "Filter, Erena...engage your filter!"), somehow I seemed to have inspired a certain amount of interest in my opinion on matters. Inoichi in particular took every opportunity to question me on matters - and even dropped by Shikaku's house a few times (although I feel this was more interest in my 'screwy brain', as he had hinted at least twice he would like to do a mind walk himself).

As they only had personnel reports to use, which were incredibly biased, they asked my opinion on the preliminary evaluations on ROOT members. It was easy with the Infiltration Corps, but main ROOT was a bit trickier. I had advised them Yumi and Kutsu would be of more assistance, but as they still had not managed to remove the curse seals yet, or execute Danzo (seriously, just get on with it), that would be impossible.

I also had to explain to Psyche my method of inspiring initial emotions in ROOT. They were less than impressed with my answer of: "puppies, dango and hugs." I think they were looking for some great psychological breakthrough...not just trying shit out until it gets a smile.

And finally, Danzo was executed in the evening of a very normal day. I knew immediately as the remaining presence of the cursed seal practically evaporated. I was eating dinner at the time and dropped my chopsticks. I looked to Shikaku with wide eyes in questioning...he just looked at me, grinned and nodded. We continued eating our food without saying anything more about it.

A part of me wished I had been given the opportunity to speak to him for closure, but I wasn't particular saddened by it. Shikaku guaranteed he knew I was behind everything, so that was enough for me.

ROOT integration was soon flying after that. About a quarter of the forces required more in depth psychological counselling and were admitted to the Psyche facility more long term (I was actually surprised it wasn't more). The younger ones, children under ten, were taken to the orphanage - however carefully managed (I reviewed the plans myself and was satisfied). Due to Danzo's 'Buddy system', some older ROOT members requested be become guardians for their 'little brothers or sisters' - I advised them to allow this, as breaking bonds could have disastrous set backs. The clan members (how Danzo managed to get a hold of Aburame, Yamanaka and a Nara I'll never know), were taken back into the fold.

Several members decided to pursue a civilian way of life, including a few members of the Corps. I was happy for them, and totally understood their choice.

Of the others, some wished to join ANBU, and others enter the main Shinobi forces. Everyone remaining was assessed on skills and given appropriate ranks - the majority were either Tokubetsu Jounin or Jounin, to no surprise. Yumi, the kindhearted soul he is, wished to become a medic nin. I couldn't think of anything more perfect. Kutsu was fervent about not joining ANBU, but couldn't decide on a role. Shikaku offered him a 'rotating internship' within the Jounin ranks, to help find his feet. Eventually he settled on a role in logistics, which suited his talent for organisation and paperwork (although I also think he chose a role that was primarily in village to stay close to Yumi and I).

And then there was me...no one had spoken to me or approached me yet about what I wanted, or where I fit in with the ranks. I suppose I had been kept busy with assisting in the assimilation of ROOT, but it made me feel uneasy. Before now, every choice had been made for me by Danzo, and I was afraid the same would happen again. I had pledged loyalty to the village, and knew that came with accepting whatever orders I was given. I guess I would just take it as it comes.

One of my main little rays of light through everything was Itachi. The day after my release, he came barrelling around to Shikaku's house, practically demanding to see me (in his own polite way). Yoshino had refused (I was taking a nap with Shikamaru at the time - he seemed to think he had a new napping ally, and as Yoshino didn't nag me to get up, he saw an opportunity and took it), but Itachi was relentless. He came over nearly every couple of hours for three days (didn't he have a job?), until Yoshino finally gave in, grabbed him by the collar and practically threw him into my room (Gremlin Itachi strikes again).

Now, I hadn't actually told her I didn't want to see him, but I was feeling a little nervous about our conversation and had wanted to leave it until things were more stable. But Itachi had zero patience and zero chill.

"Itachi? Wow, you're a brave man. I'm not sure I'd even want to piss Yoshino off...she's scary," I said quietly, a little anxious with his sudden presence. I had been sitting on the edge of my bed reading one of Yoshino's novels, and didn't expect an Uchiha to literally drop in.

Without saying anything, he walked over, sat beside me and wrapped me in a huge hug. "You are an absolute idiot, Erena," he whispered. A laugh erupted.

"You know, you're the only person to actually say that to me. Everyone else has been walking on hot coals around me," I leaned into him, smiling.

"In no world would I ever be afraid of you. Scared for you, yes, but I know you too well to think you would ever hurt me."

And just like that, it was like a weight had been lifted. I didn't deserve his level of trust, and had done nothing to warrant it.

I gave him a sly look. "I don't know, sometimes you need a good whack on the head- and you know I'm not exactly gentle."

He smirked. "We both know you couldn't hit me if I didn't want you to."

And just like that I pounced in faux attack, pining him down before attempting to throw him off the bed. It was all fun and games until he played dirty and kicked me in the shin. "Fucking Uchiha bastard!" I yelped, cradling my leg - that was going to bruise.

"You'll get over it," he said smugly. Oh you just wait...I gave him a scathing look before huffing and turning away from him.

He shuffled over to me and hugged me again, more gentle this time.

"Why didn't you tell us? We would have helped," he whispered.

I sighed, "I know...but that was the problem. It was bigger than us, and I couldn't get you two hurt. There's a lot I've done and a lot I regret, but I would have never forgiven myself if anything had ever happened to you."

"But that doesn't mean you take it all on yourself...I don't know everything, but I know you took on too many risks. And what about how we feel? If anything happened to you we would have been devastated."

"They were necessary risks. And it's fine. It all worked out."

"That's not the point, Erena, and you know it."

I shrugged. "It is what it is."

It was his turn to sigh now. "Okay, but in future, at least tell us if you are being held hostage by some sadistic underground operation? Or about to commit treason? Maybe we'll want to help out."

I snorted. "As if you'd willingly commit treason. You're such a goodie two shoes."

He looked pensive. "Maybe it was closer than you thought."

I looked at him strangely and tilted my head, and thought for a moment. "The coup?"

His eyebrows rose up. "How did you..? Why do I even bother asking." He seemed exasperated.

"What did your father tell you?"

He frowned. "Not much...just that you were involved in some way. But now, with Danzo's demise and schemes discovered, the clan is united with the village in a way we never have been."

"Nothing unites people more than a common enemy," I smiled.

"But it's more than that, isn't it? You became close to my father- he respects you. And he doesn't give respect easily. He told me we owed you more than he could give...but I don't even know what that means."

I could have deflected, and almost did. But if I was going to try and trust people more, Itachi was a good place to start.

I sat on the bed against the wall, and he followed suit. "I can't tell you much about my time with Danzo, I'm not allowed," I said. "But..." urgh this was hard! "With what you know about me, what do you think is my best skill?"

He considered. "Well...if the rumours are true, that would be Fuuinjutsu. So much for not practicing it any more?"

I waved my hand dismissively. "Fuuinjutsu is more of a hobby really...but no. My talent is people."

Itachi snorted. "You are about as good with people as my father, except you piss them off in different ways."

"Rude! But also not what I meant...my talent is manipulating people. Their thoughts, perceptions, opinions...and I don't need to be a Yamanaka with creepy mind control tricks to do it."

Itachi stilled. "What do you mean?"

I smiled. "Noticed any difference in the villages opinion of the Uchiha lately? Things maybe a bit friendlier? Less tension on both sides?"

"But how is that possible?" He seemed shocked.

"Words and simple actions can be more powerful than you can imagine."

"But if that's true...then the Uchiha Coup... you were the one to stop it?"

I shrugged. "The village just needed a nudge. I provided it."

I was smothered again. "I don't know how to thank you enough."

"Letting me breathe would be a good start!"

He released me. "But if that's true...god we were idiots. After the incident on the training grounds, I convinced Shisui we had to stop contact with you, in case you were caught in the crossfire, but you must have known about it?"

"Yup. The same day you spoke to me, I had already approached your father as his cooperation was vital. It's cool, though."

"But how did you know it would work?"

"Pfft. What do you take me for? It's not exactly my first time. If you even suspected foul play, then I'm doing my job wrong."

"But what do you have to gain from all of these games? I don't understand."

I poked him on the shoulder hard and grinned. "What happened to that little boy in the library, scurrying around trying to make sense of the violence he had witnessed on the fields of war? If he were here in front of me, what would he think? What was his dream?"

"He wanted a world without war. Peace, without fighting," Itachi whispered, and looked at me with big eyes.

"And wouldn't that be something?" I smiled.

After that, it was like when we were kids again. The jokes, the laughing. There weren't many secrets between us (I spilled the beans of a lot of things), and it was just nice.

After the investigations calmed down, and the ROOT integration was under way, the needs in my time settled and I found myself with too much time on my hands. Itachi still had his missions, so it's not like I could annoy him all the time. I still hadn't seen hide nor hair of Shisui, and when I questioned Itachi he would evade the question. I made it clear to him that I wasn't angry or upset at all, but he said he had already let him know and wouldn't discuss it any more.

I asked Shikaku if he had any idea about what the Hokages plans for me were. He seemed surprised it wasn't already sorted, as with everyone else. Sadly, he had no idea, and suspected he wouldn't be included in the discussions. He'd already made his preference known (Intelligence). It also confirmed my suspicions that I wasn't getting a choice, like everyone else.

So with nothing to do, I often found myself wandering around Konoha (people watching), going to the library and developing seals. I made sure not to practice fuuinjutsu in the open, as who knows who might be watching me. I would be a fool to think I wasn't being monitored.

Since the Time Bubble and Time Master seals, I also perfected the individual time speederuperer...I had always liked the idea of Minatos Hiraishin, and wanted something of my own. The Time Flicker seal (because it was kind of like the body flicker, but increasing time instead of speed) was placed at the crook of my other arm...I still couldn't figure out the whole aging thing, but I figured it would be useful to have-I just had to be careful how I used it.

I also produced some really fun seals too, but they were more for Shisui if he didn't take his head out of his ass soon. Even if he wanted to end our friendship fully, he would have at least told Itachi...and because he hadn't, I figured he just needed more time.

When in the library one day, I found a new addition to the regulars. He was holed up in the Jounin section, a pile of scrolls littered (thrown) around, mumbling to himself and constantly scratching his chin. He was a shinobi with wild white hair - you didn't need to be an intelligence expert to know this was Jiraiya of the Sannin. A renowned seal master and spy master...I was intrigued...

I considered my appearance for a moment...female, fourteen years old, and civilian clothing. Doable.

"Oh hi there mister! Watcha doing?" I squeaked, with a little shrill to my voice and a wide smile. "Sorry. I got bored doing homework! And you looked sad so I wanted to come cheer you up!What's that? That's pretty! Are you an artist? I'm pretty good too, want to see?" I started to fuss around my bag, looking for the non existent picture. From the corner of my eye, I could see a copy of the Time Bubble seal I had left in Kakashi's possession during the Tower incident. So I'm guess he was called in to decipher it...and judging by the subjects of the scrolls around him, he wasn't going to have much luck.

"Kid, scram! I'm a very busy and important shinobi. Take your games elsewhere!" he boomed at me. There were a hushing noise in the distance.

"Wow, no need to be so rude, Shinobi-san! I was just being nice."

"No, you were just being annoying. Shoo!" He didn't even look at me and focused on the work in front of him. I made a dramatic huff and stomped off. I made my way back to my usual table to find Itachi waiting for me.

"Why do you look so pleased with yourself? It worries me."

I grinned. "Want to get something to eat? I think I'm going to be busy later."

As I expected, I was summoned to the Hokage tower in the early evening. When I arrived, I was told to head straight through. From the outside of the doors, I could sense two people (plus ANBU) inside...and one of them was Jiraiya (I recognised his chakra signature, it was pretty distinctive).

Before opening doors, I channeled chakra into the Time Flicker seal on my arm to activate it (it would literally take me ten seconds, so it was worth the reaction). I entered the room, closed the door and sat down beside Jiraiya before deactivating.

"Oh hi there mister! Watcha doing here?" I grinned at him.

He jumped in the air, startled, while the Hokage just gave me an exasperated look. "I understand you've met then?"

I dropped the act, talking high pitched all the time hurt the throat. "Absolutely, Hiruzen, we go wayyyyyy back."

"What? How did you? When did you?" Jiraiya blinked. "You know Hiraishin no jutsu?"

"Do I look like I have a blade in my hand? How stupid do you think I'd be to bring a weapon in here?"

"Erena, don't provoke Jiraiya, please," the Hokage asked.

"But I haven't even started!" I whined. The Hokage had gotten used to my various methods of entertainment over the last few weeks, and had no appreciation. "You're no fun."

"I apologise. I would hate to be known as 'boring'...Maybe next time I'll let you loose on a foreign nobleman."

My eyes lit up. "You promise?"

He chuckled. "We'll see. Now, proper introduction I think? Jiraiya, this is Nakahara Erena." Jiraiyas eyebrows rose, I'm guessing he was already briefed. "And Erena, this is Jiraiya. I asked him to return, we required more information on the seal you produced...as you have not been very forthcoming." I could feel the subtle scolding from here.

"Her? She can't be the producer of this...she's must be like twelve!"

"Hey! I resemble that resemble that remark!" I said in faux annoyance...I was short so I couldn't really argue. "I did tell you I was an artist. Just because you old men can't figure it out, doesn't mean us little whipper snappers aren't capable. I'm a bad ass bitch."

"Then what does it do?"

"Seriously? You're a Master of Fuuinjutsu...what do you think it does?" He narrowed his eyes at me. "No, seriously...tell me what you think. If you're even a little bit close, I'll push you in the right direction. This is getting boring now."

Out of the corner of my eyes I could see the Hokage looking smug. He thought he has won...he really didn't understand the game.

"I'm guessing there's some kind of paralysis inducing jutsu...not unlike the Nara Shadow Bind, but for the mind as well as the body. There is some mention of velocity, so it increased your speed...almost like the body flicker."

I snorted. "Really? That's it? So basic."

"So what's incorrect?"

"There wasn't really a single incorrect thing," I replied, and he started to smile. "It's more that everything was an incorrect thing." The smile dropped. "Okay, I'll give you two clues, then come back to me. First: I didn't speed up at all. Second: check your clocks."

"Why speak in riddles? Why don't you just explain it?"

"I'm not speaking in riddles, but now you mention it I do know a good one! I am not alive, but I-"

"Erena, please stick to the topic at hand," the Hokage said. "While we have asked you here to explain the seal that was used, it is also an attempt to gauge your skill. While you claim to be the author, we require verification, You see, with Jiraiya travelling, we are in need of a Fuuinjutsu specialist within Konoha. And my hope of that would be you, should you prove yourself."

Oh hell, he had me there. It was one of the roles I had been hoping for, but also dreading. While it kept me away from combat, I could be pigeon holed and stuck in an office. And while fuuinjutsu was fun, there's only so many squiggles and swirls you can make before you get bored.

"Okay, fine. I'll explain it - but that doesn't mean that you will be able to, or even should, try to reproduce. And if you are still thinking of offering me the role, I also have a counter offer, if you're open to listening?"

"Very well."

It took about two hours to explain the seal in detail to Jiraiya. Every so often he would interject with questions, and once to explain my understanding of physics was incorrect (it's funny how old men who think they know better than young females act the same no matter what the universe), until I shot him down.

"But if it stills time, how did you move within? You should have been trapped within the field?"

I smiled. "Correct. And that's why reproducing it will help no one...unless you are willing to have a potentially unstable, body clock altering seal tattooed on your body, that is."

He turned to look me in the eyes, aghast. "But if something went wrong, the results would be catastrophic!"

I shrugged. "Desperate times. I was on a literal time crunch."

He shook his head. "I'm not sure what could have been worth that...you could have died...or worse."

"Like rapid aging and turning into a mummified corpse before crumbling into dust? I know...still beats letting the leather-faced cockwomble rip my best friends eyes from his head." I swear I heard a sharp intake of breath from the rafters. ANBU these days, show some decorum. "And anyway, getting rid of that weapons-grade mop-headed shit stain would have worth every wrinkle."

Jiraiya started laughing. "You're actually insane. Before I just thought you were a cocky teenager, but you're actually mentally unstable...Hiruzen, I like her. Let's keep her."

"...erm...thanks?" I'm sure that was actually an insult.

The Hokage chuckled. "Well, I think that's enough for the evening, don't you think? Let's recommence this tomorrow, shall we say noon? We still have a lot to discuss, and unfortunately I'm not as young as I once was."

"...you were young? When, prehistoric times?"

Jiraiya laughed again. "Come on, I'm exhausted after that. Let's go to the bar! I want to hear about your escapades in espionage, I'm sure you have stories to tell!"

"Jiraiya...I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm actually fourteen? I might be able to confound you in fuuinjutsu, but drinking is not exactly legal." I deadpanned.

"Ho! Don't be stupid! You could do with losing a few brain cells! And besides, how many people get to boast about drinking with the Legendary Jiraiya!"

"Not the sane ones," I muttered, as he practically pushed me out the door.

"Then it's a good think you don't fit into that category!"

Sake was disgusting. It was disgusting and burned and why did people touch the foul stuff? I had only had a three cups, or seven? Anyway, I didn't cope with alcohol well. I should have just said no, but my curiosity got the better of me, and you know the saying curiosity killed the cat? Well, I'm not a cat but the saying still holds.

I decided to call it a night when I sat down on the toilet and almost fell over. I was spinning even though I wasn't spinning and I think I felt sick? Or was that just the spinning? Either way, home was a good idea. Yoshino would shout at me, Shikaku would laugh and then I could sleep. It was a very good idea.

I walked out of the bathroom with as much poise as I could manage...Jiraiya talking to some woman at the bar...yea, not getting involved, not saying goodbye. I'd see him tomorrow.

The cold air hit me as I walked outside. Was it winter? I couldn't remember it being winter...or was it because I didn't have a coat? I didn't even remember taking a coat. Didn't matter - the quicker I walked the better. The bar was at least a thirty minute walk and I think it was that way? Yes, it's that way.

I started walking down the street, and seemed to be making good headway. I'd be home before I knew it. Putting feet one in front of the other was getting difficult and HOLY SHIT WAS THAT A RAT?

I jumped and fell over only my back. It didn't hurt, but getting straight back up seemed like a bad idea, so I lay on my back for a minute, closed my eyes and concentrated on trying to get the spinning to stop.

"Erena!" I heard a worried voice shout, then felt hand touching the pulse on my neck. I whacked them away.

"Stop. Not dead. Shhh!" I mumbled.

"Erena, did you just shush me?" the voice asked. I opened one eye and saw Shisui. SHISUI!

"Shisui!" I sat up quickly (too quickly) and grabbed him in a hug.

"Erena, what? Are you drunk?"

"I'm not drunk, you're drunk!" I argued, pulling back and looking at him properly for the first time in months. His hair was really quite pretty, especially for an Uchiha, I wanted to feel it.

He grabbed my hand before it made contact with the curls. "Are you okay? Are you sure you're just drunk? Could anyone have poisoned you? You don't seem yourself."

"I'm fine! Really fine. Jiraiyas just an irresponsible adult and I was stupid and now I want to go home. I think it's that way?" I pointed. "I'm going, let's go!" I stumbled on getting up, but thankfully he caught me by the arm to steady me. I beamed at him.

"Alright, let's get you home. Lean on me?" He grabbed me tightly at the waist. "You know, I always thought you'd be the one doing this for me first."

"Yea, well...my stupid decisions are way stupider than your stupid decisions. My life is the definition of stupid decisions. Maybe I should just stop making decisions? Like in ROOT, you couldn't make stupid decisions because you couldn't make decisions. Kinda makes sense now. Except the torture and the brainwashing and the evilness...no it actually makes no sense. I'm just being stupid again."

His grip tightened on me slightly, but I noticed it. "You're right, ROOT made no sense." He whispered.

"I mean, right? Like, who does that? I wish I had gone with my original plan, it would have crushed him. Did you know I was planning to take full control of ROOT? Turn all of of his little puppets against him then BAM. Screw you Danzo! It would have been so beautiful."

"I'm sure if would have been...listen, Erena...I know it's not the best time to say this, as you probably won't even remember it in the morning...maybe that's why I'm doing it? Anyway, I'm so sorry, for everything. I've been the worst friend. I abandoned you and hurt you. I feel stupid, I should have seen something sooner. When it were Hibari, you seemed so 'off', and there were so many hints but I didn't want to see them. I have never felt so disgusted in myself, and now I know everything you've done, I just don't think I have the right to be your friend anymore. I've let you down, and I don't deserve you."

I whipped around to look at him with a look of extreme confusion on my face. "No...no thank you. That's just silly."

"No thank you?" Now he seemed confused.

"No thank you." I nodded in agreement. "Everything there was just silly. You're not a bad friend, I am. I let you believe I was the worst...like actually the worst. You didn't see it because I didn't want you to, and I'm verrrryyyyy good at my job. Did you know the Raikage owes me money? And there's some missing nin out there that thinks I'm his illegitimate daughter? If they didn't stand a chance, what hope did you...and I'm really really sorry."

"What for?"

"I'm going to throw up." He grabbed me and directed me to the corner of the street, with perfect timing as I immediately emptied the contents of my stomach. As soon as I finished, I almost collapsed before he lifted me up. He seemed to be catching me a lot.

"Alright, let's get you home." He jostled me into a more secure position.

"No shunshin. Please no shunshin..."

He chuckled. "I've just seen you vomit once, I have no interest in seeing it again, thank you."

"Mmmm good...but Shisui? No more silly talk. We're gonna talk tomorrow properly. I'm gonna be hungover, and you're going to make fun of me and we'll leave this depressing shit at the door, okay?"

"Okay Erena. Whatever you want."

"...Does that mean if I want dango just now you'll get it for me?"

"Don't push it."

I woke up in the morning and I regretted every moment.

Why did people choose to drink?

I've had head injuries that were kinder than this. I hated Jiraiya so much.

Whilst my head hurt, it was only going to feel worse when Yoshino got a hold of me. I vaguely remembered her reaction when Shisui dropped me home and it wasn't pleasant. Mind made up, I quickly changed and stuck out my window. Childish, yes, but necessary.

I went to a nearby park and sat near the water against a shaded tree. I was supposed to meet Shisui there soon, as we were going to chat before my meeting with the Hokage and Jiraiya. Until he came, a quick nap sounded more than ideal. I had only just closed my eyes, when I felt a strange presence. I could feel the movement in the air as a hand came towards me, and even with my eyes clothes, I instinctively grabbed the wrist.

I opened my eyes to find a child with a pen in his hands...was he going to write on my face? The audacity... but then I look in a set of wide baby blue eyes and a horribly familiar shade of blond hair.

My face paled.

When the fuck had Minato reproduced?