Chapter 10

Step on the path.

Shinobis do not allow for weakness. In the academy they taught us the rules of the Shinobi world. They were mostly there to prevent us getting a weakness. For instance the rule that says; "shinobis must, no matter what, never show emotions." To show what troubles you, is to so how to defeat you. I have several weaknesses, all of which are the people I've grown to care for. My family and friends. It was to be expected that I would get attached and would do what was necessary to preserve their happiness. That "love" was the reason I was going against "the plot" in the first place. It was a selfish desire to keep things as they are for his sake.

There was a plan in the works, my enemies would see in laws wiped off the face of the earth. Naruto's family were scattered to the wind, but at least they were alive, if they succeeded the Uchiha clan would be down to two. My minded went to Obito and Madara, four I conceded, even if they would not be counted among the living. The counter plan was simple, the Uzumaki got to survive so long as they were not spoken of. Perhaps the Uchihas could suffer the same faith? Even with the plan in mind there were many factors that stood in the way of it.

A forest covered in blood.

Danzo.

It was luck I suppose that he didn't send anbu after me. I had stretched my senses looking for the slightest movement out of place. There was none. Even so I wasn't dumb enough to believe my sensor abilities were a match for konoha's elite. There was something thrilling about the idea of being hunted, if only to lore them into a dark alley and spring a trap. A predatorial grin split my face, I couldn't wait to see their face once they've realize, they've lost.

The sent of lavender and the burning scent of alcohol, reach my nose bring me out of my musings. I looked down to the forgotten beaker, the liquids bubbling. I turned off the flames and allowed it to cool. My plan had many fazes, there was pissing of Danzo and saving the Uchiha. The liquid before me would be a stepping stone for the latter. It was a concoction for a "perfume", it smelt of lavender but that was only to hide it's true scent.

Shinobi's were very knowledgeable when it came to poison. Even if they do not specialize in it, the average shinobi is expected to at lease, be have to identify to unusual addition. Wine could only burn so badly before someone realize it's killing you. They are expected to know the smell of problematic herbs and poison. Kunoichi classes were already teaching us to identify poisons from medicinal plants. Since spiking someone drink was out I had too improvise.

The knock at the door was a welcome sound, I had been getting anxious, thinking they wouldn't come. And wasn't that an unusual feeling. I walked over to the door and pried it open. Rabenda stood in the rundown hall way, eyes shifting around, cautious of every thing. She looked like a drug dealer selling infront of a police station. I know what we're doing was a crime somewhere, but did she have to look so guilty.

Commissioning Rebe's help was simpler than I thought, I merely mentioned it was for Sasuke's and she gave in. I might have begged her in front of a lot of people, and she may have been embarrassed, if the blush was anything to go by, but that was neither here nor there. I smiled at her pout when she finally looked at me. I gestured for her to enter and she looked down to hall way again before doing so.

She looked about my 'lab', which was really just a rented apartment in the lower district of the village. It was cheap and spacious, not proper for living but enough for myself. It was a one room apartment, the kitchen area was marked by the island and the cupboards. I store my contained and ingredients there, the cooling beaker sat on the island. The scent of lavender fill this room which would otherwise smell like herbs. I remembered having to clean the entire space when I first arrived. Now the place was covered with a navy blue carpet, a bookshelve against the wall filled with scrolls; potted plants litter the floor. It was my replacement for the den in the forest. I wouldn't be able to use there forever, I would soon grew too big for the confined space.

The room was almost as comfortable and practical as the den, when I became a shinobi I would be able to upgrade but until then.

Rebe looked about as though a trap was about to be spring.

"You ready?" I asked startling her, she flinched and look back a me worried.

"You never said what you need from me," she said voice soft. "Only that the lord wouldn't like it."

"True enough, what you don't know can't hurt you." I said stepping forward. I hadn't bothered telling her of my plans, the less people know the better. "Shall we begin?" I placed a hand to her shoulder smiling in what I hoped was a calming gesture. She grimaced but nodded.

"Your doing this for love," she whispered. "I can respect that."

"Know that you have my eternal gratitude."

I squeezed a pressure point and she fell unconscious; gently i lowered her to the carpet. I tucked a pillow under her neck for her comfort and got to work.

I brushed back her bang to reveal her seal; a simple 'x' with two lines to its sides. It glowed green with chakra as I observed it. Placing a hand to her forehead I concentrated. I pulsed chakra into the seal and it began to grow and expand. Inked kanji replaced the simple design; spreading all over the room taking the carpet space. I looked around amazed with the new knowledge the seal provided.

The Hyuga curse mark was more like a self destruct seal than anything. It responded to a specific chakra of signal and the lack of life. The seal targeted the brain or at least the part of it responsible for sight. By disturbing the chakra flow through the coils behind the eye, they can cause great pain to the victim. A pain that attacks the chakra system itself. It wound be useful I would have to modify it greatly to make it not so permanent as the original. I took notes of it and returned to the primary objective.

The lost of their eyes after death.

The "bird cage seal" seals away the byakugan after its host has died, it is to keep the secrets of the kekkei genkai hidden. The seal can not be broken or if it can be they encrypted it beyond my understanding. I inscribed the information down making a copy of it. The easy part was over now I had to compose it into a simple seal and tag it on its victims. The seal is set to fade upon death taking the dojutsu with it; there would be no evidence if one didn't want the eyes. Even then what could they say, "what is this? Their eyes no longer have any abilities!" And just his would they know that, why would it matter if a death Uchiha did not have his sharingan. Its not like they have a use for it.

Check.

I would have him cornered, though lord hokage surely won't act on it. Such a shame.

Rebe awaken soon after, we had tea and wisely decided not be to talk about what happened during her nap. We instead takes about the Hyuga household and Hanabi, Hinata's younger sister. If memory served the child would become a prodigy and become the heir to the clan. She was able to match and surpass Hinata in combat. Where Hinata was soft and caring, Hanabi was determine and hard working.

Naruto acted as hinata's training partner on most days, Neji and I on others. The two Hyugas still spare but its rarer. Thinking back I don't believe the elder liked me very much, I suppose it was Naruto's presence around the heir. They didn't act hostile toward him; not anymore at least. Naruto's bright eyes and goffy grin had won their heart for the most part. Or at least proved he wasn't a danger. Rebe informed me the council had raised concern, having something so dangerous inside their home seemed to imply a rebellion. I snorted at that. I would be tragically hilarious if they decided to massacre the two dojutsu wielding family. They would cripple Konoha and start a civil war.

Next they would prosecute the Yamanaka for their mind reading abilities. The whole situation was ridiculous, more proof the Hokage was incompetent.

Dusk found me in front of the Uchiha shrine. The energy coming from it was unmistakable, it wasn't human. The Sage of Six Path, he wrote in a tablet residing under the shrine. His essence even now still clung to it; along with something else. From what I remember, the more developed the Sharingan the knowledge one received. Only a shame he had to go and ruin everything. I glared at the thought but ended up glaring at the shrine.

"As impressive as it would be to see you set fire to something with only a look," the voice came from above causing me to look up. "I'll thank you not set the shrine ablaze."

"Father!" I called out delighted. His scowl only made me more pleased. He hated when I called him that, he's convinced what I have is a childhood crush that will disappear over time. Boy is he wrong.

He leap down before me, his police uniform seemed to tant me. I liked his casual wear better, he seemed too official win Shinobi getup.

"What are you doing here?" He asked in a stern tone. "This is Uchiha sacred ground." There wasn't accusation in his tone more along the line of annoyance. I smiled as he signed and through myself at his legs.

"Father can I ask a favour?" I smiled up at him as he shoot daggers at me.

"What is it?" His tone was that of patience, good enough.

"Can Sasuke stay at my house tonight?" I asked, " I've never had a sleepover before and I believe it would be a great experience." He looked down at me with emotionless eyes.

"No"

The statement was accompanied with a kick of his leg throwing me off. I performed a tripe back flip to dispel the momentum. I stopped in a crouch a pout on my lips.

"Why not?" I said it like a question, my parents said it was fine and Sasuke would want to even Mother agrees, you're the only one to object." I knew why of course.

He was a doting father.

"Why would you want a sleep over now so suddenly?" He asked. He was too smart for his own good.

"Itachi isn't any about and I wanted to spend more thing with Sasuke and Naruto." It wasn't a lie, it just wasn't the whole truth. Fugaku knew that and he glared at me. His eyes seeming to search mine for deceit. I thought only of Sasuke's smile and gave him nothing. He sighed after failing to discover my motive.

"If Sasuke agrees then fine."

I leaped at him in pure joy, he caught the back of my neck and held me away. 'Such emotions are unbecoming of an Uchiha' is what he always said only proving he approved of Sasuke and I. Fugaku had his own ways of showing affection, you just need to know where to look.

We walked in comfortable silence down shrine steps. I could feel the presence of others watching us all around. Some were Uchiha others likely anbu, Fugaku must have too seen he was still on high alert.

"Does all Uchiha go to the shrine?" I asked absently.

"At least once in a while, yes."

"What about the priest and priestess?"

"We gave up that tradition a long time ago."

"Hmm." I hummed, "during the war?"

"Before that." He stated.

"The sengoku wars I mean."

Fugaku didn't pause in his step didn't change his expression, he did however look my way, his eyes glowing red.

"Yes" was all he said.

"We women and children allowed to fight back then?" Curiosity got the better of me.

"Women no, male children yes." He said. "Women were needed to ensure the bloodline didn't die out, we could afford for them to fight."

I had a though of Fugaku being a teacher and couldn't help but smile.

"It's not the same now is it?" I said acknowledging the difference. "Women can fight now, and a pretty strong." My mind went to Tsunade she was a legend.

"Mothers and untrained are not allowed to fight, along with the elderly. Those incapable of fighting are not required to."

I hadn't thought they would be so lenient. I thought of a new question and worded it carefully.

"So if another war broke out not all the Uchiha would be expected to fight?" I was close enough to draw parallel but far enough to be harmless. Fugaku looked at me with dark eyes he was trying to see into my soul again and once again I thought of Sasuke. My face transformed to one of true bliss my eyes hazy. He groaned at the look on my face and answered.

"No, only the able would be sent to fight" he looked to the sky, "the unable are to stay behind and preserve the bloodline."

"So mother would have to say behind?" I seemed unlikely since she was so badass but itachi would likely be expected to fight, leaving Sasuke alone if they didn't return.

"She wouldn't like it but she would have to be, someone had to take care if Sasuke." She stated his eyes distant.

"You could always leave him with me," i said trying to calm him. "I have no complaints about carrying on the bloodline." I grinned up at him completely serious, knowing thus Fugaku reacted. I say it coming, whether I could dodge it or not is debatable. The fist crashed into my head and I say stars, he didn't pull his punch, bastard.

When I woke it was to a familiar ceiling, the sounding noises was almost soothing. The clashing chakra was like a camp fire in the night, the woods and it's inhabitants resting for the night. I sat up looking about and the room. I smiled upon smelling the scent of lavender.I walked into the garden enjoying the fresh air while the scent if lavender was lovely, prolonged exposure to it causes effects. All of which I didn't want upon myself.

"Sakura-chan!" Sasuke rushed out of the house and slammed into me. We landed on the ground in a heep of limps. I smiled holding him while I still could, these moments I would cherish.

"Hey Sasuke-kun" I greeted once he was straddling me. "You ready for a epic sleep over?" I teased. His face lid up and my heart stopped.

"-can't wait Naruto is gonna come too right?" I could the tail end of his conversion still stunned.

"Yes of course." I replied "wouldn't be much fun without sunshine to brighten the night." I smiled though Sasuke frowned for a moment, it was gone before I could read into it.

"Alright you too let's get you going." Mikoto stepped out holding a small backpack. "Hello sleepy head." She smiled at me. Her cheeks for flushed and I felt satisfied seeing her shift uncomfortably.

"Broken brain is more like it." I stood ad Sasuke got off me. "Father is a dangerous man."

"I apologize on his behalf." She was too good for this world.

"Where is he anyway?" I asked looking about, I knew where he was and from his chakra exactly what he was doing. I fought the victorious smile that threatened.

"He's having a bath, his shift is down for the day so..." She explained.

"Aww baths" I hummed in pleasure. "Warm water licking your skin. Steams all around, hot and toasty." I watched as Mikoto crossed her legs. "Sasuke, we should have a bath together! I'll wash your back."

Sasuke looked my way oblivious to the world around him. "Yeah," he said "okay." Nodding I walked over to Mikoto and took the back from her.

"Maybe you could wash father's back too." I said innocently, "mom and dad are always doing it, though they take longer when they doing." I hummed "we might have to ho in before them."

I skipped away grabbing Sasuke's hand and making my escape. We waved saying our goodbyes and we left the property. Before we disappeared around the corner, Mikoto dashed back into the house. Her chakra a wild fire.

My plan was successful I seems, they would know someone did something but that couldn't be helped.

I listened to Sasuke rant about his big brother as we made our way to the park where dad and Naruto waited for us.

Shinobi are taught how to identity alien substances by taste smell and sight. What i did was disguise the alien substances as a perfume. The scent of lavender was so over whelming none would thing there to be another beneath it. If you smelt it for long enough you could figure out there was another scent below it, but by then its too late.

Sassafras was a plant used to make ecstasy in my old world. It has a sweet smell that I disguise with lavender, it works by both smell and touch. I spilled some on Fugaku when I hugged him, having some on my hands I was sure to touch his skin with it. When he touched the back of my neck he had it transfered to his palm. Fugaku doesn't make a habit of touching people so I didn't have to worry about casualties. He always touch Mikoto Mikoto on the shoulder when he returned from a long day, having to put up with me was hard enough. With me unconscious and the scent of lavender filling the house, it was only a matter of time before it took effect.

I won this round now all that was left was the waiting game, shame I wasn't done yet. I I'm gonna rip their plan apart on brick at a time.

Thoughts went back to what Fugaku said about war and some people not going. Those unable or unwilling, huh? I could work with that.

Naruto waved upon seeing us his smile as bright as the sun, and very contagious. This was a step in the right direction. I took Sasuke's and ran over to them.

This was a step to my happy ending.

Hello night walkers luna here.

It begins the "change the plot" arc, should by fun. Did a thin bit of research for that drug thing, could be wrong but hey. If it works it works. She say this is a Isekai, shojo battle story. Awesome fights romance and drama.

Next arc. "I will decide how I live!"

See you then until next time. Night song

Next chapter, April 17.