Chapter 18: Happy times

'Inner thoughts'

Shakko-kun

・

×#?!-x÷#=gakure

By now you must be wondering how I retained so much of my memory. The answer is simple I was made to not forget. For one purpose only to remember what I learned and seen. To retain that information for the future. It is great to have such an ability but at the same time it is a burden, you remember things other people may not which can get kind of lonely. There may be things that I wish to forget but I can't. I can seal them away but they will come back in time. Great memory comes at a price like anything else.

Yukino's POV

Sitting in the veranda of my second home I looked to my side to see a man with a fox mask on placing away his shogi pieces. While he was sitting there I sat in the fox form of my animal essence technique seeing how long I could keep the form as I was brushing my tail. "Hey, Kamen-san, where is Kuzunoha-san?" I asked my instructor in deception and tactics.

He stopped and looked up from the board to face me. "Like you, she still has a lot to learn." His soft voice came from the mask as he looked back down again. Unlike the other foxes I've seen, he didn't show his ears or tail when he transformed to look like a human, he even wore the same mask he was wearing.

"What am I going to learn today?" I asked placing my brush down and looked down at his shogi board.

"Nothing, you can do what you want today." Standing up I was about to run out of the house when he spoke up. "As long as it doesn't include leaving the village, entering the village, showing your dōjutsu to others, or practicing new techniques without supervision." He instructed clearly and once he finished I nodded running to the door. "Make sure to undo the jutsu before leaving." He called out as I was about to run out of the house.

Uchiha district

Running to the Uchiha home I entered saying hello to Mikoto-san on my way in. Finding a warm spot on the veranda I sat down enjoying the warmth. Hearing a cluck I turned to see the chicken tilting its head observing me, standing up I walked to it and leaned down to hold it in my arms. Holding the chicken closely I petted it enjoying the warm rays of the sun. At some point, my eyes felt heavy and I fell asleep. Click. The sound of the door clicking open surprised me as I sat up waking from the nap I took. With my sight still blurry I felt my feathery friend run away after hearing the click. Rubbing my eyes I stood up wobbly making my way to the front door to see who it was.

Peeking from around the corner I spotted Itachi and Sasuke taking off their shoes. 'Wait… now that I think about it I haven't seen Sasuke in Friday and Saturday…' I thought to myself drowsily "Hi?" I said from around the corner startling the younger boy.

"Yukino-chan, how are you?" Itachi asked stepping into the house.

"Being good," I responded noticing how he had a small bag with him.

"Like always I assume."

"Of course." I nod feeling grateful that someone verbally acknowledged it. "Mm. Where did you two go?" I asked slowly still showing signs that I've woken up.

"We went to Sora-Ku. Do you remember it?" He asked while placing his shoes away.

"I do," I responded feeling a pang in my chest. 'I really like that place.' "S-so" I cleared my throat, "how was it?" I asked wanting to know what I missed.

"It was fun!" Sasuke exclaimed running up to his brother.

"I tried finding you on Friday but I couldn't." Itachi included ruffling the hair of his little brother.

"It's my fault." I turned away sighing. 'I should spend more time with them…' Feeling bad about it I ran my hand through my hair.

"We got you something from Sora-Ku," Itachi said, turning around I saw how he pulled out a box from inside the bag. "An early birthday present." He placed the small black box on my hands carefully.

"But my birthday is months away," I said surprised looking at him and then at the box.

"Happy early birthday!" Sasuke said hugging me. 'Oh. Now he knows I exist.' I tried prying him off me while Itachi watched with a smile laughing lightly at the scene in front of him.

Pulling myself free I opened the box. Inside was a necklace with a bluish transparent stone. "It's an opalite necklace." Itachi said, "here let me." He took the box and clipped the necklace on. Holding the stone in my hands it sparkled as the light went through it.

"Thank you. This is now my new treasure." I said admiring my new gift.

Academy- next day

Listening to the lecture Iruka-sensei was giving I remembered today's date. 'June 8' "June eight" I whispered catching the attention of Sasuke next to me. "It's June eight," I said louder standing up and catching the attention of Iruka-sensei this time.

He raised his eyebrows, "Are you okay, Yukino-san?" He asked looking worried.

"No! I mean yes!" I exclaimed sitting back down, with an eyebrow raised he turned back to the blackboard and continued writing. Glaring at the table in front of me my mind ran through the different gifts I could get. 'Why is Hinata out sick today…' I groaned lifting my notebook to cover my face.

・Next day・

Running to school earlier than usual I spotted Naruto sitting alone in the class scribbling in his notebook while laughing. "Naruto!" I yelled making a beeline in his direction.

He jumped as he saw me approach quickly. "Yukino-chan… you're early!" He exclaimed surprised seeing me this early in school.

"Naruto! Do you know where I can find a jewelry store?" I asked quickly, slamming my hands on the table in front of him to stop myself from colliding into it.

"I do. Why?"

"I need to buy a gift."

"Really? For who?" He sat up straight smiling.

"For Itachi. It's his birthday today."

"Who?" he asked leaning against the table. "Oh, wait now I remember!" he exclaimed with a smile on his face. "Is today his birthday?"

"It is and I want to get him a gift since he's always been nice to me." I smiled before remembering my urgent quest. "Do you know where I can find a jewelry store?" I asked noting how limited my time was as I saw how another student come into the room.

"Yeah."

"Great." Taking out my notebook and a pencil I placed them in front of him. "Show me."

The boy leaned over the paper drawing out different squares ending with a line pointing to a single one. While he was drawing he was explaining what turns and streets I should take."Here." He said giving me the notebook back.

Looking at the drawing I nodded making sure to memorize it carefully. "Thanks." Stuffing the notebook back in my satchel I turned to leave.

"Wait." Turning back around I walked back to the table. "You're gonna have to avoid the teachers. So leave through a window and out of one of the side walls of the gate using the tree." Naruto whispered giving me the knowledge I didn't know. "You also have to be careful with the shinobi patrolling if they catch you, you could end up in trouble." he nodded seeming wiser than what I thought he was.

"It's fine I got good marks in my deception lessons." He looked at me confused as I took off my satchel and placed it on the seat next to him thanking him. I was about to leave when I remembered the important thing I forgot. Money. Going back to where my bag, I opened it and took out the little sack with money inside before running out.

・・・

Running out of the classroom I looked around the corners for any teachers before running to the side of the school making sure that no grownup would notice me. Arriving at a window I looked around noticing that the hallway was empty. Opening the window wide enough I looked out and judged what I would jump to land on to land safely on the ground below. Taking a quick sweep of the hallway to make sure there was no one around I jumped out the window landing on the ledge before jumping down to the ground.

Looking around I found the tree Naruto talking was talking about and ran to it. Climbing the tree as fast as I could I walked on the branch hanging off the wall I swung myself down to the other side. Making it out successfully from the school I hid in an alleyway to be out of sight of the people that were already up and walking around.

Doing half of the ram sign I focused on the creature that I wanted to transform into. A red tail popped out appeared along with two red ears with black tips on the end appeared on the top of my head. Shaking my head at the unusual feeling, even though I've done this many times I looked down and saw that my hands and part of my arms had become black and my nails became slightly longer. Looking down I noticed the same change in my legs.

Looking up and at the buildings, I bent down slightly before jumping. As I jumped I felt how light my body had become and how nimble I became as I started climbing the side of the building. Upon reaching the top of the building I looked around. With the map memorized I began to run. With every gap between buildings, I jumped over using the speed I had gained landing with a quiet thump. Arriving at the location I found a nearby alleyway for me to transform back by using the half ram sign again. Taking out a marble from my pocket I held it tightly in my fist hoping that it would work.

Exiting the alleyway I made my way quickly to the jewelry store using the shadows for cover. "Hello, how may I help you, dear?" The soft voice of the elderly owner greeted me as I entered. Walking past the glass cases with necklaces and jewels I headed to the owner. As I walked past I could see the image of myself, not as a child but as a young adult reflected on the glass cases. The marble had a genjutsu tied to it that only worked once before becoming useless.

"Hi, do you have necklaces that aren't… shiny," I asked noticing how many of them had big colorful gems. 'It would be bad if it becomes noticeable in a mission.' I thought while touching mine.

"Of course. For men or women?" She asked with a smile.

"Men," I responded trying to keep calm and hold onto the marble, feeling my heart rate increase the longer I stood standing there.

"For your boyfriend I assume." The owner chuckled grabbing a tray with all sorts of necklaces on it.

"Ha, ha… yes." I lied not knowing what the word meant and I swear I heard her say "ah, to be young again," as she was turned around. She came back with the tray and placed it on the glass case between us. Standing up on my toes I looked over each one quickly when one seemed to catch my eye, it was a necklace with three silver rings. 'It's perfect!' I thought to myself while still trying to hold onto the marble. "Can I see this one?" I asked pointing to the necklace I saw.

"Of course." The lady said holding the necklace carefully in her hands. Realizing that I was right I nodded in acceptance. 'It's perfect.' "Would you like to buy this one?" She asked to which I nodded once again. After finding out the price I took out my sack and paid. She placed the necklace in a box and gave it to me inside a small bag. "I'm sure he'll like it. Please, come again!" The old lady said waving as I left.

"Thank you!" I said leaving the store. Reaching the alleyway I let go of the marble placing it back in my pocket.

Sighing with relief that everything had gone well I was about to transform when someone yelled startling me. "Hey, you!" Turning around quickly I saw a shinobi at the other end of the alleyway. "Aren't you supposed to be at school?" he was one of the shinobi that usually stood by the school gates I realized.

Remembering my lessons I went into action. "I'm sorry… I got lost." I started to tear up for added effect. Looking conflicted he gave me instructions on the path back to the academy. "Thank you so much." I faked happily. Running back to the academy took longer without the transformation and with the delicate package I was holding, making sure the bag wouldn't become damaged.

・・・

By the time the lunch bell rang, I noticed Hinata I walked quickly in her direction with the bag carefully in hand. "Hinata!" I whispered.

"Yukino-chan, what's wrong?" She asked noticing my anxious state.

"S-so I got a gift for someone… At first, I thought it was perfect but now I don't know…" I showed her the bag I was holding.

"It's the thought that counts," she assured me. Shaking my head I pointed to the bag to look for herself. She took out the box and opened it giving a small wow. "It's beautiful I'm sure they will love it." She smiled closing the box and putting it back inside.

"Really?!" She nodded. Relieved I sighed taking the bag back. "Hey, wanna eat together today?" I smiled realizing how much I missed my friend.

・・・

Skipping back home with a huge grin on my face. I remembered the happy look on Itachi's face upon opening the gift I gave him. Stopping for a while I looked up at the setting sun with my smile still present. 'I'm glad he liked it. I hope I could do more for him.' I thought continuing on my way back to the house.

Placing my hands in my pockets I remembered that I left the keys inside. Shaking my head at my forgetfulness I went around the building to enter through the door leading to the veranda. Making my way around I froze upon seeing the figure of a woman sitting on the veranda. A straw hat with a white veil was seated upon her head obscuring the view of her face. Her kimono was a golden color with plum blossoms embroidered into it with a beautiful golden obi holding it together. The way she was sitting so still made me believe for a moment that she was a statue, the only thing alive from her that I could see was the movement of the veil that moved softly with the wind. The slight movement coming from her surprised me making me jump. 'Maybe it's someone new who will teach me?' I asked myself uncertain as I stood still. "Hi. Did Kuzunoha-san send you?" I asked from where I was standing. She lifted her hand and waved me over, her long sleeve swaying as she did. Looking around I walked and stopped until I was standing in front of her. Her straw hat moved slightly following me as I did.

"My… so this is what that child has been doing." Her soft voice reached my ears as she shook her head. "Dear, show me your hands." She raised her own hands once she finished. Believing this to be another fox thing, I placed my hands over her long sleeves. The fabric was soft and smooth unlike any I've felt before. Mesmerized by it I didn't notice her tilt her head slightly. "So you haven't made a contract with us."

"What?" I asked confused at this. Crash! I heard the sound of breaking glass coming from the side of the house. Running to investigate the cause I saw one of the windows were destroyed scattering broken shards of glass on the grass. Stepping back from the mess of glass I looked around quickly to see who did it but the culprit was long gone. Inspecting the pieces lying on the grass I spotted a short strand of brown hair. 'Kamen-san' I realized since he was the only one I knew with brown hair that would be inside the house. Sighing I went back around to see that the woman was still there.

"What was it?" She asked standing up.

"Someone broke the window," I grumbled, knowing that I would have to replace it before the Hokage came to check on me in a couple of weeks.

"Well dear, forget that and let me explain what the contract is." She took one of my hands and led me back to the veranda sitting me down. "We, foxes, are summoning animals," she sat down in the veranda right next to me still holding my hand, "in order to be summoned we need to make a contract with the person." She ended waiting for me to say something. "Mount Inari hasn't had a summoner in decades. That is because we aren't fighters so Shinobi don't take an interest in us. Our focus is to teach, deliver and strengthen…" She said letting go and placing her hands on her lap.

Up until now, I didn't know what a summoning animal was but what she was saying was true. The foxes I've met so far have been my teachers, foxes that Kuzunoha-san sent and have given me their time. "How do I make a contract?"

"I'm glad you've asked…" she extended her hands and from her sleeve fell a marble. Poof! After rolling to a stop it turned into a huge scroll. She walked over to it and unrolled it only showing four names on it. Two that I recognized. Tsukimi and Hoshi Uzumaki. The names that were in the scroll from the library. (Refer to chapter 7)

"What's your name?" I asked looking up and at the woman looking down on the scroll.

"What are you doing here?!" turning around I saw Kuzunoha-san gasping leaning against the door frame.

"Fix, your posture," She woman said walking over to the gasping vixen.

"She is under my watch," Kuzunoha-san said walking towards me but she was stopped by the other woman who held her arm.

"You know the rules." She said letting go and turned around to face me. "So. Choose. Do you sign it and form a contract or not?" She asked. Looking over at Kuzunoha-san I saw how she stayed still with her lips were tightly closed watching what I would do.

Thinking of this I came to the realization that this might've been a free trial thing to see if I wanted to form one. "Yes," I responded, and the moment I did Kuzunoha-san almost facepalmed but stopped noticing how the woman in front of her moved her head slightly in her direction.

"Great." The woman walked back to the scroll sitting across from me. "To form the contract you will need to sign it with your blood." I was about to laugh when she pointed to the other signatures. Looking closely I noticed that the signatures were a dark reddish brown instead of black, knowing that she was serious. From her sleeve, she took out a kunai and handed it to me. Taking it I placed it over my index finger, taking a deep breath I closed my eyes and made a light cut. Opening my eyes I looked at the blood starting to pool up. Leaning over the scroll I started to write my name as neat and clearly as I could, finishing by printing my fingertips on the scroll. Sucking my bleeding finger I saw the woman nod. "Great welcome to the family." She rolled up the scroll turning it back into a marble, walking over she hugged me tightly.

Kuzunoha-san sighed, "I guess I'll have to teach you the summoning signs" She sighed once again.

"Do so. I want to make sure nothing happens to this little kit." She hugged me tighter rubbing her veil covered face on mine. During this whole time, I didn't catch a glimpse of her face or her name. Seeming to read my mind she answered my question, "My name is Haruko. The previous great sage of Mount Inari," She said letting go.

"Previous? So who's the current one?"

"That would be me," Kuzunoha-san said. "There is so much to explain now…"

Kuzunoha POV

Watching the girl pack her things to exit school with a blond haired boy that looked like her if she was a boy without whiskers she thought. 'Why do they look similar…' She looked down from the tree grumpily as a fox, she did not want her previous predecessor to know about the child and take a potential summoner from her. She took the steps necessary to be discreet but she found out and went ahead to pull the summoner to her side.

"Is this what you do?" I heard a voice say next to me. Looking over my shoulder I saw the old vixen sitting on the tree with a veil still covering her face. "Have you tried finding her a potential mate?" The woman said getting the point of what she meant.

Seeing how she had time to ask this I guessed that she had already gone through the files of information that I had about the young girl. "She's too young for that, also I doubt she would understand the meaning." I brushed away the idea, "But it would create some drama if she makes it clear that she prefers a boy over the others." I told her looking for her reaction. "Thoughts?" I asked seeing how her tail started to sway slightly.

"Don't be too obvious about it." She said quietly observing the area below.

Smiling that she still had that side to her I jumped down the tree I was sitting on transforming as a young child on the way down. Spotting a couple of girls talking to each other by the door I casually walked up to them to overhear their conversation.

"So don't you think Sasuke-kun is so cool…" One of the girls said while smiling.

"Yeah! He looks like a prince doesn't he?" Another joined in sighing dreamily while closing her eyes.

Finding this perfect I joined in their conversation. "Hey what guys would you like to marry one day?" The faces of the girls went red for a second and yelled in unison. "I would marry Sasuke-kun of course!" At the same time, the girl exited school with her friend next to her and they both seemed to hear. The boy scowled and looked away while the girl tilted her head in confusion. Using that moment I turned away and walked casually away. Sitting back on the tree I watched and listened to what would unfold. "You still have it." I heard the old vixen next to me say.

"Marry? What's that?" I heard her ask the boy next to her as they continued making their way to the gate.

"It's when two people promise to be together." He answered simply. Looking at the gate ahead I motioned to Haruko the older boy standing by the gate. The one labeled as Shisui under the file. Focusing back on the younger boy as he asked, "So who would you marry?"

The girl looked up and seemed in thought, "Shisui," she answered.

"Huh? Who's that?" the boy asked placing his hands behind his head. At that moment the older boy looked into the school while still standing by the gates. The girl noticed him and with a smile ran up to him while yelling his name. "So this is the guy you will marry…" The young boy looked suspiciously at the older male placing a hand under his chin while the older boy lifted up in the air the girl.

"Marry?" The older boy asked placing the young girl down. The younger boy looked at him up and down saying that he was too old looking and crossed his arms.

The girl didn't seem to hear what the younger boy said and hugged the older boy tightly. "I choose you because you are so nice," she let go crossing her arms confidently.

"But Itachi is also nice to you. What about him?" The older boy asked amused knowing that she really didn't know exactly what marriage was.

The girl opened her mouth to speak but was stopped by one of her thoughts. "But… Izumi-chan likes Itachi so I think she will want to marry him." She explained simply giving a final nod.

"And Sasuke-chan?" The moment he said this the younger boy that has been silent exclaimed his name surprised.

The girl paid no mind to the younger boy's question and focused on how to put her thought into words "He's been mean to me lately," she answered simply looking up to the taller boy.

The boy looked surprised and bent down slightly to appear shorter. "Really? What happened?" He asked genuinely concerned.

The girl shook her head and gave him the answer, "If I tell you, you will tell Itachi." She said shrugging. At this point, she acknowledged the boy next to her who repeated the same question again. I laughed slightly at this but that small noise caught the attention of the older boy who looked in our direction. The girl noticing the change in her friend's behavior and looked at where he was looking. She spotted me in the shadows of the tree and waved with a smile.

"Do you know them?" the older boy asked surprised.

"Yeah, my guardian sent them," she answered with a smile while still waving. Giving a small wave with my paw she let down her arm and faced the boys again.

After waving I turned to my elder and jumped off the tree, "I found something," she said as we made our way back to the forest.

"What is it?" I asked her, hiding in the shadows every time a person passed by.

"One of my messengers found cameras in the district that the child frequently visits." My elder told me watching the area as well. "I advise that she is informed of this."

"I will tell her when she returns."

Yukino's POV

Walking all the way back to Mikoto-san's house with Shisui I was greeted with a rare sight. Itachi and Sasuke were together playing, the latter was laughing loudly as he did. "Oh, Yukino-chan you're back." I heard a familiar soft voice say. "Thank you Shisui for bringing her here," Mikoto-san said to the boy next to me.

"Ah, Yukino-chan told me something interesting today." He said loudly enough so the two boys that were in the garden could hear.

"Oh, and what could that be?" Mikoto-san asked amused.

"She said out of the three of us she would marry me." he pointed to himself giving a sheepish grin.

"No way!" Sasuke yelled from where he was.

Mikoto-san looked down and smiled, "really?" she asked interested as to how I came to my decision.

I nodded with a smile. "It's because Shisui is so nice."

She tilted her head, "What about Itachi?"

Shisui was about to respond when I shook my head. "It would embarrass Izumi-chan," I whispered so only he could hear. My attempt failed since Mikoto-san gave a small laugh, shocked I ran up to her grabbing her hand and shaking my head. "Don't mention it to her."

"I won't," she said rubbing my head. "Unless you choose who to marry when you're older." She patted my head giving me one of her signature smiles.

・・・

Finishing my homework I placed everything back in my satchel before jumping onto the bed rolling to my side. 'Hey… Shakko-kun…' I closed my eyes waiting for a response. What. 'Is marriage a good thing?' Depends on your view on it. 'What is marriage exactly?' I asked opening my eyes and looking out the window. From what I've seen it is like a binding between humans. To be together and have children. He explained grunting as I felt him trying to go to sleep again. 'Wait how are children made?' I sensed him go silent before sighing. Ask your guardian. 'But I want you to tell me…' hearing no response I sat up crossing my legs before closing my eyes to meditate.

Opening my eyes I was in the white room standing on a green grassy island, this time a sapling was growing in the center of it. Admiring the sapling I bent down and touched a leaf gently. Standing up I skipped over the water to reach the giant fox, he had his arms crossed in front of him as he lay on the ground with his eyes closed. "Shakko-kun?" I asked while standing a distance from him, hearing no response I walked closer and tapped his arms. "Shakko-kun?" Hearing no response again I climbed over his arm and made my way to the top of his head. Laying flat on his head with my stomach touching his head, I inched my way to his face. Leaning over one eye I pulled up his eyelid. "Shakko-kun?" Still no response I decided to give up and pull myself up when I started to feel myself fall forward. Sliding down I began to roll as I did I hit his snout on my way down and ended up falling with a hard thump on the floor below. As I groaned trying to sit up I saw him peek through his half-open eye and laugh quietly. Seeing him smile I began laughing too.

・

Everything is so happy lately. It makes me think.