Happily Existing.
"Class, I want you to welcome our newest student, please be respectful.." The sensei announced to his student drawing their attention to a chubby-faced girl with bright red hair that reached the small of her back.
"I'm Uzumaki Kushina 'ttebane! And I'm gonna be the first female Hokage! " The girl announced loudly before covering her mouth with a squeak, a deep blush flaring on her cheeks as the class erupted with laughter.
"What kinda hair color is that? What a weirdo!" A couple of boys teased from the back, Kushina gave a tiny sneer before lowering her eyes to the ground.
"I'm Namikaze Minato and I too want to be Hokage." She looked up at the boy with messy yellow hair, a gentle smile on his face, she let a pout grace her face, eyeing him as he smiled at her.
'Girly weirdo…'
"Calm down, Kushina take an empty seat and we'll get you caught up." The sensei motioned for her to move along. She stepped up the stairs eyeing the desks noticing many didn't move to let her sit, she sighed as she climbed to the top row where a girl sat hunched over, she had ash blonde hair that was slicked back and held by a blue pin, she wore dark clothes that dwarfed her body.
"May I?" Kushina whispered, the girl looked up her orange eyes wide before she blinked rapidly.
"Y.. yes." She whispered, Kushina smiled sitting next to her. "I'm Akane." She whispered, Kushina smiled and nodded her head.
"You're not from here are you?"
"There's no way, not with that weird hair color."
Kushina let out a small grunt as three boys stood around her after sensei called for a break.
"This is an ugly color!" The clear ring leader announced grabbing a fistful of her hair and tugged, she whimpered in pain and glanced up to see a few others turn at the commotion staring at her, Minato followed their gaze and stared at her with an indiscernible look, Akane let out a breath but stared down wringing her hands together and gnawing on her bottom lip. "Hey! Pay attention when I'm talking!" He sneered, pulling Kushina's hair again. "Your hair reminds me of a tomato and I hate tomatoes, makes me wanna puke! Haha!"
She grunted as her cheeks turned a darker red. "Haha! Time to pluck the tomato!" Another teased yanking another chunk of her hair.
Kushina's hand shot out grabbing his wrist in an iron grip making him cry out in pain, she fixed him with a darkened look.
"Let my hair go 'ttebane!" She growled before latching her other hand on his wrist and spun around with him which made him knock into his friends and fall to the ground with a cry of pain, she flipped over pinning him to the ground, and began to punch his head over and over. "I hate you! You have dog shit hair!" She snarled and pulled his locks much in the same way he did, he screamed in fear trying to relieve the pressure of the hair-pulling.
"You keep calling me a tomato and you'll keep getting hit!" She yelled.
Minato laughed at the scene as Kushina fixed her sights on him. "What's so funny!?" She snarled, he gasped whipping back around, his back stiff and a bead of sweat slid down his face. "Jerks!" Kushina snarled, snapping back in her seat as the others scrambled away.
"How'd ya do that? No one has beaten up Akihiko.. Ever." Akane whispered.
"Well, it's long overdue!" Kushina huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, Akane let out a quiet giggle.
"Akihiko has ruled this school and no one has put him in his place."
"Until now!" Kushina growled holding up her fist and hissed dangerously at the boy who yelped in fear and scrambled out of her eyesight.
"You're a fiery pepper ya know…" Akane commented.
"Hm, what kind? I don't like all peppers." Akane snorted into a giggle.
"How's about habanero?"
"Ooh I like that."
-o0o-
Akane let out a deep sigh as she walked from the Hokage's residence, the snoozing child of her best friend secured in her arms. 'I guess I'm a parent now… who'd've thought .' she mused. She walked up the stairs to her apartment that was above her sweet shop and gently laid the diaper bag down and slowly sat on her couch. 'Kushina, I miss you…'
-o0o-
"Kushina! Oye where are you?" Akane called, running through the yard and entering her house. "Kushina?" Akane ran down the hall to Kushina's room giving a quick knock before entering to not find her. "Where are you?" She mumbled.
"Akane? What are you doing here?" She whirled around finding Kushina's uncle standing behind her.
"Sorry for disturbing," Akane bowed in respect. "I was looking for Kushina.."
"She had to go see Mito-sama, she should be done, check the cherry blossom grove, that's been her favorite place."
"Thank you, sir!" Akane rushed out heading to the grove that was located on the top of the Hokage mountain.
"I HATE THIS HAIR TOO!" Kushina's voice echoed through the trees leading Akane to the scene of Kushina sitting over Akihiko's big brother punching him repeatedly.
"The red hot habanero! Help!" Akihiko screamed running past Akane.
"Kushina…" She whispered.
"As if an outsider could ever be Hokage!" The older boy spat, throwing some of Kushina's locks at her before running away much like his brother.
Kushina let out a shaky growl before looking up into the trees and finding Minato who stood there watching.
"You won't help me 'cause I'm an outsider!?" Accusing the boy much to his confusion.
"No I-"
"Leave me alone then!" She screamed running away from him, he sighed quietly watching her go before locking eyes with Akane.
"Kushina.." Akane hesitantly called, finding the girl sitting at the trailhead sobbing into her knees.
"Leave me alone." She hiccupped.
"No."
"Why!? Why do you talk to me!? I'm nothing but an outsider! I'm nothing but a tool! I can't have friends or a life!" She screamed at her.
"Kushina, I'm an outsider too!" Akane protested, Kushina frowned at the girl. "My own parents didn't want me! I'm an outsider who was left at the door of the orphanage."
"Akane, I'm not safe to… to be around, they told me why I'm here and I want nothing more than to disappear." She found her voice quivering before she angrily wiped tears from her eyes.
"Then… let's run away!" Akane announced. "We'll go wherever you wanna go, but we go together. We'll look out for each other for life!"
Kushina broke into a giggle nodding her head.
"For life ttebane."
-o0o-
"'Ttebane why'd ya go and do this huh?!" Kushina snarled, jolting Akane from her slumber and causing her to wince in pain.
"Ya know people are supposed to have peace and quiet in a hospital, to ya know heal? Ya hot head."
"Maybe, but maybe some people shouldn't do stupid things and get put in here!" Kushina retorted, hopped on her bed, and leaned back. "Why'd ya go so far into enemy territory? You could have been killed.."
"It was my mission." Akane mumbled. "I don't want to say more."
"Come on Akane, we're sisters and we shouldn't be hiding anything from each other, Minato told me how dangerous even the front-line fights are, you went into Iwa-controlled land. And the war is just starting."
"I'm a ninja Kushina."
"No shit."
Akane laughed at Kushina's deadpan face. "You remember what happened when Kumo was allowed to do whatever, you were taken-"
"There will always be someone who wants more power, you can't take everything on yourself."
"I don't have a choice."
"Why? Huh? Sandaime-sama wouldn't be sending you on such dangerous missions, so why?"
"I… I can't say." Akane found her voice quivering. "I'm in trouble Kushina, big trouble I've messed up."
"Tell me who! I'll pummel them!" She grinned as she flexed her muscles.
"No! Kushina, stay out of this! I mean it! You stay out of it or we're not friends anymore!"
"Well, we're not friends." Kushina said with a low voice. "We're sisters dummy!" She punched Akane's head making her mumble a curse. "So, who am I beating up? And who is Minato beating up?"
"I said I can't say."
"Why!?"
"Because I really can't say." She opened her mouth showing her the seal placed on her tongue.
"Akane, what have you gotten yourself into?" Kushina whispered.
"I'm a part of Root, I did it to make a difference, to save people but… I was wrong and there is nothing I can do. So please Kushina, stay out of it!"
-o0o-
Akane groaned as Naru's cries pulled her from slumber, she shuffled to the crib Hiruzen had promptly delivered along with other newborn items the next morning she accepted the child.
"You're so fussy." Akane mumbled, lifting the now four-month-old from her crib. "Always hungry too, you got that from your mommy." Akane informed the baby as she walked to the kitchen and made her bottle.
"I bet once we start you on foods you're gonna be obsessed with ramen and chocolate, just like her." Naru blinked up at the woman as she gulped the milk down. "So long as you don't combine them we'll have no problems." She changed her voice making Naru let out a gurgled laugh and flex her hand toward her face. "But I'll still love you even if you do!"
-o0o-
"So, what exactly is so important you had me close the shop?" Akane questioned as Minato and Kushina sat at the table, Akane arched her eyebrow glancing between the two.
"We have really big news and Kushina wanted to tell you." Minato started.
"Are you leaving him Kushina, can't take any more of his snoring?" Akane teased as Minato let out a grumble.
"Akane!" Kushina cried out before hugging Minato's arm. "You do kinda snore loudly." Akane laughed loudly while holding her stomach. "We're pregnant." She froze, staring at the two in shock.
"What?!" She laughed covering her mouth. "Oh my gosh! Really?!" She squealed.
"Yes! I had it confirmed two days ago!"
"Congratulations! Minato, who knew you had it in ya!" Minato's face shot from tan to red in a second.
"Ya know I'm your Hokage right?" He grumbled.
"Really? Hadn't noticed after all you're the fastest man alive. Plus you love my chocolate cake, I can cut you off."
"I'm going before I get picked on anymore." He stood giving Kushina a kiss and smiled. "I'll see you tonight."
Akane looked at Kushina as he left. "You sure he's the one? I mean it's not too late."
"Akane! He's my husband, it's pretty solid."
"I know, I just love teasing him, he makes it easy. And who'd ever guess you'd be pregnant this soon."
"I'm excited, I don't care the sex, I just want a baby to snuggle and kiss!"
"But what about… I mean, Kyuubi… what will happen?"
"Mm. I trust Minato will have a plan, but that's nine months from now! We'll plan to make sure nothing happens! And the first place I'll bring the baby will be here!"
"You'll have to come get your chocolate turtle before you deliver, you know it always calms you down."
"And makes everything better, I could never forget my turtle." Kushina held her hand out and giggled as Akane placed a small dark chocolate turtle in her palm.
-o0o-
"Come again soon!" Akane called waving at the group as they left. A loud clatter sounded from the back making her jump, she watched as the blur that was Naru slid across the floors in her socks with a loud cheer.
"Naru, you could fall and hurt yourself." Akane chided as the child fixed her puppy dog pout.
"Aww Auntie!" She whined as Akane began to wipe the tables. "Can we play?"
"I only have a couple hours to prepare for the next rush." Naru kicked at the floor and puffed.
"But there's no harm in…. This!" Akane grabbed Naru's side causing an eruption of squeals and giggles explode. Akane spun Naru around quickly watching the grin on her face stretch bigger and bigger. Akane laughed as squirmed away from her tickling running around the tables and seats.
"I'm gonna getcha." She taunted wiggling her fingers.
Naru giggled, shooting past her quickly approaching the wall and skidded to the left hitting a table which exploded into splinters before Naru's ear-piercing scream and cries erupted. Akane watched in shock at the red chakra swirling around Naru's body before wisping away.
"Hey, it's okay, it's okay." She comforted scooping her up in her arms looking at the wounds as they slowly healed themselves. "Come on, let's put a bandage on that huh?"
"Sorry Aunty." Akane smiled, kissing her head gently carrying her to the backroom.
-o0o-
"I'm really not up to this… I just wanna stay home."
"Come on, this will cheer you right up! Dango is your favorite, I know for a fact!"
"Well yeah it is Izumi but I'm not up for …"
"Itachi, please," She pleaded, holding his hand tight, giving him a puppy dog pout, he groaned with a blush, turning away, mumbling an agreement. "Kame Sweets has the best! You'll like it." She chirped, opening the door dragging the ten year old along to the side table.
"Welcome!"
Itachi looked at the signs and decor before staring at the table, Izumi pouted slightly before standing up and walking to the counter ordering.
"Hey, talk to me. Please." She whispered, touching his hand as they waited. "I know what you went through-"
"No, no you don't." Itachi closed his eyes tight. "I froze, I froze while Tenma was… was slaughtered. All my training and I froze. I couldn't do anything while he slaughtered like nothing." He stared at his hands, closing his eyes. "And Shinko quit now. So It's just me and I'm supposed to be proud of these cursed things." He mumbled, Izumi looked at him and sighed.
"Your sharingan isn't a curse, it's horrid how they come awake," She slowly wrapped her hand in his. "But you're gonna change the world with those. I know it! You're brilliant and lots of people look up to you, especially a certain toddler." Itachi gave a laugh thinking about his little brother. "I think you'd make a great Hokage one day."
"Ya think?" He asked, she nodded her head rapidly. "I… -"
"Here ya go." Itachi blinked and found a young girl holding their tray with dango, she pushed it on the table that was only a few inches shorter than her, an obviously hand drawn name tag sporting Naru stuck out against her apron.. "Enjoy." She chirped and skipped back behind the counter loudly telling Akane that she did it.
"She's cute." Izumi gushed.
"That's Naru." Itachi whispered.
"Yeah, sometimes she'll serve the dango or greet the guests, she's so darn cute!"
Could she be the Yondaime's kid? Itachi wondered, staring at the spot hoping to steal another glance at her, he caught the eyes of Akane who returned his look fear prominent and a hint of anger. 'Has to be.'
"Itachi!" Izumi puffed, drawing him back. "You didn't hear a word I said did you?"
"Sorry." He murmured picking up a stick and tuned back into Izumi all while wondering if his hunch was right.
"I'll be right out." Itachi called as they prepared to leave, he walked up to Akane who smiled at him.
"Um, I…. I have a little brother… and - and um.. Would Naru like to maybe play sometime?" He watched Naru poke her messy haired head out from the back.
"Uh… we'll have to see, she's my little helper after all." Akane laughed.
"Okay, I just thought they may like each other, he doesn't have many friends yet, and it would be with just me."
Akane gave a tight lipped smile and nodded, wringing her apron. "Maybe."
"Aunty, why can't I play with his brother?" Naru asked for the umpteenth time as Akane closed up shop.
"I didn't say no , just well… I think you need to get control of that burst, so you don't hurt anyone." Naru's brows furrowed at the excuse.
"But my red chakra doesn't act out like it did! And I wanna meet this boy!"
Akane heaved a deep sigh leading her up the stairs in the back to the apartment, Naru whining as she cooked her dinner. "I'll tell you what, your Jiji is coming tomorrow and maybe if you're good we'll talk more about having a playdate."
"What's Jiji gotta do with it.." Naru grumbled.
-o0o-
Hiruzen took in a deep breath as Akane whispered about Itachi's offer. "I'm trying to work with their clan, but I fear a playdate wouldn't be the best." Hiruzen replied, making Akane nod.
"I don't want anything to happen to her." She glanced over at Naru who was busy playing with the new toys Hiruzen presented her at his arrival. "And her chakra reactivated violently when she was excited."
"She is almost to the age for the academy, and it may be smart to enroll her, she can learn chakra manipulation and control." Akane looked down. "You want her to be a civilian don't you?"
"Look at her parents, look at me! It's dangerous and so many people just want to use others… How can I send her into the fray like that?"
"I understand your concern, I will fill out the papers if you change your mind, maybe in a year or two she can…" Akane nodded her head glancing at the door, finding a line. "Time to get to work, Naru come say bye."
Naru jumped up and gave Hiruzen a hug and waved as she grabbed the small apron like Akane's and tied it on.
"Go on and open the door." Akane granted, Naru skipped over unlocking the door and pushed it open greeting everyone as they filed in.
-o0o-
"Please understand, I have no ill intention, my offer was simply in friendship, if I overstepped I apologize." Itachi explained to Hiruzen.
"Not an overstep, but I am aware of the clan's views-"
"Yes sir, their views, not all of us have the same, some of us wish for peace." He retorted.
"Itachi, I would love to get there, but your father won't."
"Leave my father to me, just be open to working with them, the clan is hurt from actions of this village and I know it will be a difficult process, but Shisui has the same opinions of me, we love our clan and our village, if we can do anything to keep the peace then we will. I won't lie, once long ago I heard a mention of using Kyuubi, but as you and I know, Kyuubi died." Itachi stared into his elder's eyes. "I'm interested in getting Naru and getting Sasuke friends as he doesn't like anyone else, so maybe Naru would be a good choice."
"Talk to Akane privately, and we'll go from there. Once you have an idea, come to me."
-o0o-
"Sasuke, she's your age and I thought you might like to play with her." Itachi explained walking toward the playground, Sasuke complaining about meeting someone new.
"Why can't you just be my friend?"
"You need friends Sasuke, and what happens if I'm on a mission, Dino can't be the only one you have fun with." Sasuke glared at his brother bringing up his favorite toy.
"Fine, doesn't mean I'll like her."
"All I ask is that you try."
Akane waved as they walked in, Itachi bumped him towards Naru who exited the slide and paused at him and waved.
"Thank you," Itachi whispered, staring at the two as they exchanged words before running to the spinner.
"If you are intent on helping Naru, know she's in need of serious training on chakra, I help when I'm not too busy, but it's advanced and sometimes she can't control it."
"I plan to let them have fun, I can oversee playdates and help when and where I can."
"Just…. Don't let her be used… I want her to have a normal life, to be happy."
"I have no intention of letting Naru be used. And for chakra training I think I have the perfect challenge that will teach them control." He smiled.
-o0o-
"Be careful Naru, and make sure you get the receipt, I know you're in a rush but please."
"No worries Aunty, Itachi-nii has taught me chakra control and I can use it if it starts to fall!" Naru chirped proudly, Akane sighed heavily.
"Just walk, how do you find Toji's masks?" Naru sighed heavily, hanging her head.
"Make a left walk to Sho way and make another left follow it for four blocks until I get to Tea Avenue and Toji's masks are across the street from Yakiniku Q." She recited in monotone. "I know." She crossed her arms over her chest puffing her cheeks.
"Hm, and yet last week you got lost."
"I got distracted!" She protested.
"That's why I said to walk, don't forget you have your special mission with Itachi, Sasuke and Shisui tonight, I'd hate to ground you for losing that order and you miss out." Akane threatened, Naru's jaw dropped before carefully taking the to-go containers and nodded.
"I'll be back!" Akane took in a deep breath clenching the pencil as she watched Naru disappear from the store front. 'Be careful,'
"Ohayō Toji-san." Naru greeted arriving at the man's stand where he sold masks of all shapes, sizes and colors, he fixed Naru with a grin.
"Welcome Naru-chan!"
"I have your delivery of sweets." She pushed the box on the counter before rifling through her pockets to pull out the folded receipt.
"Thank you, you're very helpful to your aunt." He replied by signing the paper.
"Yeah, she's been getting tired and the shop is really busy, so when I can!" She chirped looking at the shapes of the mask before her eyes locked on a fox mask painted red, black and gold.
"A fox!" She laughed, and Toji walked up pulling it down from the wall.
"You like this one? Just came in, here." He presented the mask to her, Naru gasped with a grin digging in her pockets. "No, no, just take it." He waved her off, she paused.
"Are you sure? I can pay." Naru began.
"No, you are more than welcome," He ruffled her hair making her smile before clutching the mask to her chest and grabbing the paper. "I'll be sure to order more."
"Thank you!" She called as she ran down the street.
"She's such a sweet girl." He commented before returning to his job.
"Come on Nii-san! Let's start without her!" Sasuke whined as Itachi and Shisui waited at the village gates.
"No Sasuke, just be patient."
"Yeah Sasuke!" Naru's voice appeared behind him nearly making him jump in surprise, he whirled around finding the fox mask on her face. "Boo!" Sasuke yelped and stumbled back against Itachi. He grumbled as his cheeks tinted pink and he kicked the dirt as Shisui's laughter erupted.
"Nice one!" Naru grinned, returning the awaiting high five.
"Alright, let's focus now. What I have for you today is a serious mission, this location is highly classified and has specially trained forces at every step. Our mission is to infiltrate and record their existence without blowing your cover of outsiders. Think you can handle it?" Itachi questioned, finding both children staring at him, eyes glittering and bodies stiff, giving him rapid head nods.
"Alright, here are your supplies young ninja!" Shisui addressed holding two bags out, Naru quickly snatched one and dumped the contents on the ground.
A black notebook, ink pad and pencil fell first followed by a pair of cat ear headbands. Sasuke sneered, dumping his out to find the same contents.
"If you haven't put it together, we are infiltrating the Neko fortress where all ninja cats reside and train. No humans are permitted, which is why you receive your ears, keep them on and they'll think you're one of them."
"Nii-san this is stupid!" Sasuke whined.
"Really, because guess what? Itachi never completed this mission, think you can beat him?" Shisui taunted, Sasuke looked at Itachi who rolled his eyes.
"Oh yeah! I'm beating you!" He proclaimed yanking the ears on his head.
"Let's do this!" Naru cheered, wrapping her arm in Sasuke's throwing her fists in the air.
"Excuse me Shisui and Itachi." Both teens looked to find an anbu behind them. "Hokage-sama wishes to speak."
Both kids began to protest. "No worries, Itachi got them handled?"
"Yep." He smiled, Shisui waved before disappearing from their spot.
"I wanna learn that next!" Naru exclaimed.
"Next mission, let's go." Itachi beckoned.