mocking

by Lazydaily

naru OC in root no mass

9. Chapter 9

My name was Clare and I was a research scientist at a university. I had a joint degree in physics and engineering, a PhD that wasn't worth the time and money, and I was goddamn good at what I did. I was the only female on my team - considering my fields were very much male dominated, I had to battle egos and misogyny to get any kind of equal playing field. They called me a bitch, I laughed and told them I was the bitch. No one ever forgot it.

Then one day, some idiot didn't screw in a beam properly into the prototype we were building, and it fell and hit me on the head.

The next moment I was born as Nakahara Erena. And in a very different world.

Now, I was Clare and I wasn't - from the moment I was born I knew things, but nothing specific about her. Her mind and memories were there, but they weren't part of me. I had her soul, but I was very much Erena.

I recalled reading some books on spiritual energy and souls when I basically lived in the library as a child (I wanted to understand religion and it's impact on society), and could only now guess that I was Clare reincarnated. From my understanding, this was fairly frequent. Souls were commonly reincarnated, but that didn't necessarily mean their lives and memories were also passed on.

Nope, the fact it was now accessible was all because of me. My reincarnation had nothing to do with my freaky brain, it was just coincidence- and my ability to access Clare's memories was all to do with my minds way of processing information. Once I explained my theory to Inoichi, he agreed and suspected that my mind secured Clare's essence away when I was younger, as my brain wasn't developed enough to process it.

And then it realised something was hidden when it was focused on nothing but itself, and wanted access to it. It saw something wrong and was intent on fixing it. When I was in solitary, it noticed a little pocket hidden away - something a lot of people had but would never be able to access - and was determined to unravel it. Even if Itachi hadn't intervened (and we were going to discuss how he did that later), I would have gotten there eventually.

But the good news was, even though I had given Inoichi a sore head and a lot of research to do, he agreed I was free to go...except I had to report once a week for sessions with him...I probably would have managed a way to avoid this, but he said it when Itachi was still present.

He totally did that on purpose.

After I was free to go, and I felt pretty good. Probably the best I felt in a while. There was just something nice about having an epiphany that explains your existence.

Itachi was silent the whole time we walked, even if I felt like I was skipping on clouds.

Eventually I couldn't stand it anymore. Broody Itachi was not allowed. I forced him into a cafe, made a quick order then scribbled a privacy seal on a napkin before activating it (I was impressed it didn't set on fire, napkins were not built for Chakra conduction).

"Turn that frown upside down!"

"It's just a lot to take in."

"You're telling me? I've now got a whole set of other memories swirling around in my head, and a whole other world! They had chocolate ice cream with marshmallows and chocolate chips. I've never had chocolate ice cream with marshmallows and chocolate chips, but now I miss it. How fucked up is that?"

He gave me a strange look. "That's your biggest problem?"

"Well...I guess? It doesn't really change anything...does it?" I hadn't really considered that it would change thing. My knowledge didn't impact anything here, and I was still the same person.

"I don't know...maybe? It changes everything. Are you even the same person?"

I bristled at the question and straightened up. "Why would I not be?"

"You were someone else. Did you know?"

"I knew something, but I didn't know specifics. I didn't really care so didn't think about it."

"There's so much I don't know and understand about you..."

I reached out and tried to grasp his hands, but he pulled away. I frowned. "Don't be like that. You know me."

"Do I?"

My eyes widened and I couldn't think for a minute. "Yes. You've known me longer than anyone else. You know me better than anyone else. I don't keep anything from you on purpose...please believe that."

"And how much more are you keeping from me?"

I flinched. "I don't know. Some things?"

"Like?"

"I don't know..." I started to panic. Itachi has never been like this before, he'd never truly confronted me. I always thought our friendship was one of acceptance, but had I asked too much? "Tell me what you want to know, and if I can tell you, I will?"

He thought for a second, and his face was blank - typical Uchiha poker face. "There wasn't a genjutsu, was there? Or a mission? Why were you in solitary confinement?"

I sighed. "No...that lie was Inoichi's stupid idea. I was embarrassed about going to psyche, and I guess he thought it would make a plausible cover story...he should really pay more attention to his audience." I tried to smile as him. "As for solitary...that was the Hokage's way of punishing me."

"Why?"

I shrugged, defeated. "There is very little he has over me, it was one of his only cards. He can't bench me or demote me...When I was held in T and I after ROOT fell, I didn't cope very well with being alone...I let slip, and he took that and twisted it. I'm not even sure solitary was meant to be full sensory deprivation? But it was for me."

"No...I mean, why did the Hokage need to punish you? What did you do?"

"That, I'm not allowed to say. Pretty sure it's probably S-Rank? But I did something careless and didn't think. I was helping out a friend, and went for the easy option rather than the smart one."

He looked at me for a moment.

"Did anyone get hurt? Did you betray the village?"

I scoffed. "No, and no. Seriously?"

"I have to ask. But why such severe punishment?"

"I guess it was a long time coming? It's fine."

"And what's going to happen now?"

"I don't know...I guess I'll find out after Inoichi speaks to the Hokage? For now, I just wanted to go home and sleep. I haven't slept properly in over a week and I'm just over everything..."

I really was. Leaving Psyche, I felt elated it was over, but now with Itachi questioning our friendship and reminding me there were still things to come, I just wanted to forget about it.

Itachi looked concerned for a second before straightening up again. "I need to think about everything. I'll walk you home...does Shisui know about this?"

I went into my pocket to pull out bills to put on the table, Itachi beat me to it. "No...but feel free to tell him. I know you'll want to discuss things with him and it's fine." I was resigned. I was reminded of the last time they decided to cut ties with me. Was this going to be the same?

I felt deflated, tired, and felt like crying. I had never had such a conversation with Itachi before...he never treated me suspiciously or asked me such direct questions. With anyone else, I'd normally evade or sass back, but I didn't have the energy to do that with him.

He walked me back to the Nara's in silence, and gave me a curt nod instead of saying goodbye. I went to wave, but he already shun shinned away.

I headed inside and went straight to sleep

I was left to sleep until the morning. Yoshino woke me up at the normal time to invite me to breakfast with everyone else. I quickly got ready and met them at the table. Yoshino and Shikamaru seemed pleased I was back. Shikaku did too, but there was something tense about him.

"You've got a meeting with the Hokage at eight. We'll head there after breakfast."

"We?"

"We." Oh, I see. He wasn't uncomfortable with me, but more about where we were going.

"Inoichi spoke to me yesterday." He said as we walked. "You want to talk about anything?"

"Um...not really. How much did he tell you?"

"Everything. You should know it doesn't change anything. You're still my troublesome pain in the ass."

I smiled at him. "Good to know...what do you think mother and father would have thought?"

I didn't talk about them a lot, but I missed them so much. Considering everything I put them through, growing up too fast...I wondered how they would have taken it.

"Your dad would have laughed his head off, and your mother? She probably guessed already. Nothing got past that woman."

"I miss her."

"I know."

We reached the Hokage tower and stepped inside. They tried to stop Shikaku from entering, but he pulled the guardian card. I'm guessing he wasn't willing to leave me alone again in case something happened.

"Erena, welcome. Shikaku, this is a surprise." The Hokage sat behind his desk, small piles of papers at the side. I'm guessing they hadn't flooded him with his usual amount of work, yet.

"Not really. I'm here acting as Erena's guardian. As she should have had during your meeting last week."

Oh, he really was mad. The Hokages mouth frowned a little, but didn't say anything in retaliation. Probably a smart move.

"Then we should get underway. I understand your visit in T and I had less than favourable results?"

I snorted. "Understatement? It was a shit show."

"I am inclined to agree...certain events were indefensible, and procedures will be going into place to ensure they do not happen again."

"So your guards get a slap on the wrist, and it's all hunky dory? You can't blame everything on them."

I wasn't brave enough to accuse the Hokage of unjust behaviour straight off, but I could insinuate it.

"Even I could not predict your response to solitary-"

"Not solitary, sensory deprivation. Please use the right definition." The more I thought about it, the more I realised he knew exactly what he was doing, and it made me even more angry.

"Your response to solitary confinement was unanticipated. Thankfully Inoichi was at hand to resolve the situation. I'm sure we can agree this has been resolved satisfactorily?"

"Not even close...but I know you don't give a shit." I crossed my arms. "What do you want?"

I could see his jaw clench in irritation. "What can we gain from your status as a reincarnate?"

I had to laugh. "Really?"

"You are in a unique position that not many others can claim. Not only are you a reincarnate, but you hold your memories...and memories of another place. I'm sure it could be of benefit to Konoha somehow."

"Nice try. But unfortunately no. The other place- Earth - was as far removed from the Elemental nations as you could get. No Chakra, and the technology is too advanced to even dream of. I'm not even sure half of the things would be compatible. No...all you've got is little old me. Not someone you can manipulate and bleed dry."

He considered me for a moment. "You are certain?"

"Yes."

"I see...I had hoped, but I see that is not of any use. Now, I suppose we should talk about what we do with you ongoing."

I frowned. "But we had a plan...an agreement." What happened to the peace treaty situation?

"Yes, but with certain events, that is having to be reconsidered."

"You mean you don't trust me?" This guy was seriously doing my head in. I was also aware of Shikaku's presence beside me. He trusted me enough not to intervene, but he was not aware of the particulars of my previous discussions with the Hokage.

"It is not only a matter of trust, Erena," he sighed and rubbed his brow. "The treaty with Mist is all but assured. But with your injuries and carelessness, I cannot proceed further."

"Excuse me?"

"Currently, you do not have a place within our ranks, and we must discuss where to place you."

"No...hold up. You can't just quit while we're ahead. If you do, this could have more consequences than you could imagine. You need to secure Konoha's power status before others get fearful - nothing strikes harder than a frightened and cornered animal. And nothing unites those more than a powerful enemy."

I couldn't say it outright with Shikaku, but I referring to war. If there was a three-way alliance with Konoha, Mist and Kumo, then Iwa and Suna would feel vulnerable if left alone. They would unite, despite past grievances, and another Shinobi war would threaten. We had to secure Suna before this happened.

While the Hokage didn't trust me as a person, he at least had respect for my political understanding. And he understood was I was implying.

He frowned. "You are certain."

"I can all but guarantee it."

He looked concerned. "Then we are at an impasse. I cannot send you out, not in good conscience."

I thought for a minute and an idea formed. This could potentially get two birds with one stone. "Would you accept a recommendation then, to go in my place? Someone you know loyal to Konoha? I will need to teach them a few things, but I can guarantee they won't fail."

There was one person I could trust to send to Suna in my place. Right now I didn't need a soldier, I needed a politician, someone good with people, and someone who shared the same ideals as me. They might need a little brushing up on manipulation and handling high end political discussions, but that was easy.

"And who would you suggest?"

"Uchiha Itachi."

"I have no idea what just happened in there," Shikaku said as we left the Tower. "How long have you been scheming for?"

I laughed. "Since I could talk...so four months old?"

He gave me a startled look. "It's surprising you didn't turn your parents prematurely grey."

"No, just pink...and blue...and green."

He gave me a stern look. "Not in my house, do you understand?" I could imagine Shikaku with blue hair...it would probably suit him.

"Mmmmm hmmm!" I didn't give him a response either way. It was always better when they were afraid...

"And are you sure about ANBU? Are you ready?"

On discussing my next position, I suggested returning to ANBU. I was bored in village, and knew the Hokage wanted me out. In ANBU, I would be kept anonymous, so I couldn't gain any true political clout. Not that I needed it.

It was also familiar, and felt as close to comfortable as I could get. I didn't need to be Hibari anymore, but it was such a long period of my life I couldn't forget it.

Any my health was better. My muscles were now back to strength - and perhaps more so with Gais training. While my heart wasn't quite healed, I didn't doubt I could keep up with most of the assignments, and could remove myself from those what may get more intense.

"I think so. I can't sit down forever, and I need to be useful. This way I can use my full arsenal and keep off the Hokages radar."

He sighed. "If it gets too much, you'll tell me?"

I hugged him. "I promise."

He peeled me off, seeming embarrassed but I knew he was secretly please by my affection. "Now, go home. I've got things to do."

I saluted him and ran off.

Only I wasn't going home, I had something to do first.

I headed to the Uchiha district and went to Itachi's house. I knocked the door, only for Sasuke to answer.

"Hey, brat, your brother in?"

He huffed. "No, Erena. He's out. Don't know where, and wouldn't tell you if I did." He crossed his arms petulantly.

I loved and hated this kid at the same time. If he wasn't careful, he'd turn out like me. To the outsider, it looked like he didn't like me, but I knew he enjoyed our game too much. It started off as jealously for stealing Itachi's attention, but when Naruto came along and took some of the focus on his brother away, he started to see me like an annoying sister figure.

"And I take it if I asked you to tell him I was here, you'd somehow forget?"

He smirked. "Sometimes I'm not great at remembering stuff."

I screwed my eyes at him before ruffling his hair, he glared at me. "Poor boy, you might want to get that checked out. Going senile at your age?"

"I don't need checked out, you need checked out!"

I smirked. "Already have been...anyway. See you later pipsqueak!" I went to ruffle his hair again but he ducked and slammed the door. I laughed. He was so rude. I loved it.

Instead to trying to look for Itachi, which could take all day, I went to the Police station. I had a bone to pick with someone.

I greeted the receptionist and headed to Fugaku's office. While I didn't come here as often as I previously did, I still wasn't a rare sight.

His secretary waved me forward with a soft smile and I knocked on the door.

"Knock, knock, fancy a game?"

He glanced up at me, engrossed in files on his desk. "Erena. This is unexpected. Released from Inoichi's care already?" Ah, Itachi hadn't spoke to him about what happened. I was slightly pleased about that.

"I'm too crazy to be kept inside. Think he decided I'm more trouble than it's worth."

"You? Causing trouble? I've never heard such a thing," he said dryly, setting up the shogi board. I liked sarcastic Fugaku, he was fun. It's a pity he didn't come out to play more often.

"I know, right? He clearly must have low tolerance levels. I think it's his hairstyle - keeping it up like that must be giving him a sore head."

"I think you have more to do with it than you want to admit."

"What do you mean?"

"I've just started to get a headache, and it's nothing to do with my hair."

"Rude."

He smirked. We started the came and continued our banter for a bit longer.

"Now, what are you really here for, Erena? My son is in poor spirits, and you are here instead of with him? I am not blind."

"Technically I'm not here about that. I guess he'll speak to me when he's ready," He raised both of his eyebrows, I had definitely surprised him there. Me and Itachi didn't really fight, and the only disagreement we had was when Shisui and he decided to cut contact with me. And now, I practically admitted it was my fault. "But anyway, it is about him...He told me about the promotion and that you want him to step down from ANBU?"

He stiffened. "His career is of no concern you you, Erena."

I sighed. He really did get defensive too quick - someone was feeling insecure. "No, it's not...but he is. You should know that he doesn't enjoy having his life dictated to him."

"He said that?" He looked concerned. Despite Fugaku being a hard man, he truly did care about his son.

"No, not in so many words. But he implied it. You know, you don't need to always think about what is best for the clans status...look where that got you before." His face went blank, and I knew I had touched a sore subject. "Maybe think about what is best for Itachi?"

"If Itachi was truly against my wishes, he would tell me."

"No he wouldn't, he respects you too much."

"Even if what you say is true, I didn't think you would be against him leaving ANBU?"

"I'm not against ANBU, in fact you should know I'm going back." I definitely surprised him now. "Not that that has anything to do with it...I'd just wish the decision was Itachi's."

He sighed. "Then I will speak to my son. If he feels this strongly about my intervention, then I will stop. I will not hold back my advice, however."

I smiled at him. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Thank you."

"Hn."

"Now...what if I told you I did have an idea for Itachi?" I didn't want to say anything unless Fugaku passed my test - that he would put Itachi above his ideas of grandeur. It's all nice and well giving a power hungry man a taste of possible power, but it could also be dangerous.

"I thought you wanted Itachi to make up his own mind?"

"Oh, I do. And I will do nothing except open a door or two. It's up to him if he want's to step through."

"And what is this idea?"

"I plan to make Itachi Hokage."

Fugaku's eyes went wide, and he made a facial expression I didn't think was possible on him. Bafflement? I didn't know how to describe it. It was comical, really.

He didn't speak for several minutes. It was starting to feel awkward.

"Fugaku, are you okay? Did I break you?"

"...Am I correct in assuming you are not joking?"

"No joke. Deadly serious. I want Itachi in the Hat."

"There will never be an Uchiha as Hokage, it will never be allowed."

"As I said, I would open the doors."

"And Itachi has never shown any inclination for the post. My son is not ambitious, not in that sense."

"No, which is why he would be perfect."

He shook his head. "Hiruzen would never allow it."

"That's already taken care of. He has already assured Itachi's reputation in the correct circles, even if he doesn't understand it, or know it yet." I smirked. Itachi was already a clan heir, a prodigy, well respected in ANBU...he was already known to Yagura and would soon be the diplomat in charge of the future Suna treaty (he would accept it, there was no way he wouldn't), and I could all but guarantee support from Kumo (Killer B had more sway on A than people gave him credit for). All he needed was a little more political clout in Konoha, and he was a clear contender, even at his age.

"You've already started? When did you decide?"

"Huh? Oh, yesterday?"

"You did this in a day?"

I snorted. "No, Itachi did it all by himself. I'm just giving him a little helping hand."

"And why are you coming to me, if the proceedings are already underway?"

"Because you are his father and he will need your help. I wanted to make sure that you would help him for the right reasons...not because of how it would help the clan. I know you were overlooked for the position before, but it wouldn't be fair if you let jealousy in the way of your relationship."

"I care for Itachi more than you know. I have only wanted what is best for him...even if I have been wrong in my methods."

"Correct answer...Oh, by the way, Fugaku? I'm really sorry."

He frowned, concerned. "Why?"

"Checkmate!"

I spent the rest of the day sitting with Shikamaru with the deer. Yoshino had told him to help with chores and he was hiding. I offered to find him for her, but when I found him cuddled up with one of the fawns, I couldn't move him. I don't often get thrown by cute things, but this melted my heart a little - so instead, I carefully padded over and sat by the tree close by and doodled some seals. When he awoke a short time later, he came over and used my legs as a pillow.

"You know, if you weren't so cute you'd be doing the dishes right now?"

He smiled. "You were the one that taught me to use every skill available."

The little asshole knew what he was doing when he snuggled into the deer. "And if your mum had found you?"

"Then you'd probably be doing the dishes right now."

I blinked a few times. He was probably right. "Come to me after you beat your father in shogi."

"Why?"

"Because your mind works in mysterious ways and I want it."

There's no way I'd start now. I was too afraid of Yoshino.

After dinner, Shikaku took me aside to question me about ANBU again. He was concerned about my decision but I was steadfast. He was about to argue more, when Yoshino called me to the door.

Outside stood Itachi and Shisui, and I felt worried. Neither of them looked angry, which was a start, but Itachi looked nervous.

"Hello. Do you want to come in?" I gestured. They both nodded and entered. Itachi was holding a box, which he was gripping tightly. I was going to take them to my bedroom, but Shikaku offered his office for privacy.

"So...umm...I guess you have questions?" I asked, twiddling my fingers nervously.

They didn't answer immediately and shared a look. Itachi handed me the box, which i took frowning. I opened it up and my face went slack in surprise.

Inside, there was a bowl of chocolate ice cream, with pieces of chocolate and marshmallow.

"But...how?"

Itachi smiled. "You don't need to miss your old world. You have everything you need right here."

Shisui brought out three spoons he had in his back pocket.

"I hope it tastes as good as you said, because it was a pain in the ass to get."

It turned out Itachi was upset with himself, and regretted his reaction as soon as he got home. He then explained everything to Shisui, who thought it explained a lot ("Well, you've never been normal? Makes sense you're a foreigner." I hit him, hard), and then they spent the day trying to get everything together, calling in a few favours.

The next morning, I woke up happy, and proceeded to the ANBU base to report. I was given the option to change mask, but decided to stick with Hibari. I couldn't be bothered having another identity out there.

"When the rumours started circulating of your return to ANBU last night, I was inundated with requests for you."

"It's so hard being popular," I replied to the ANBU Commander.

He snorted. "Either way, you have options. Anything from Seduction to Assault. Team files are to your left."

"Seduction? Who the hell thought that was a good idea? I'm about as sexy as a sock."

"Even socks have their uses."

I paused. "Ew! Why would you...And they say ANBU doesn't have a sense of humour. No seduction. No."

I glanced through the files and stopped at the third one in. "Really? And you even bothered to put the others in there?"

"Your priorities may have changed."

"And he actually requested me?"

"No. He was one of the few who didn't. I'm not even sure he took the rumours seriously."

"He wouldn't. Anyway, lets crack on. No time like the present."

He took me down the corridors to one of the training rooms. On the way, we passed many people - some with masks and some without. I recognised a few faces from ROOT and Infiltration - when they saw me, they all looked elated and tried to greet me - even if only by a subtle hand sign.

When the Commander opened the door, everyone stopped and bowed at him.

"New addition to your team. I'd say look after her, but I don't think that would be a problem."

Weasel stopped and almost dropped his sword before running over to me, Tenzo gave me a soft wave in greeting (which was practically a cheer from him) and I swear I heard Kakashi curse under his breath. I smirked under my mask.

And I thought we were friends?