Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ From Sunrise to Sunset ❯ Home ( Chapter 2 )

Dictionary:

Katon. Ryuuka no jutsu: Fire Element; Flame Dragon Jutsu

Sakura tree: Cherry tree

Ohayo- Morning

Okaa-san- Mother

2. Going home

“Well, well Itachi-kun, I've been looking everywhere for you and your new friend.”

“Ohayo, okaa-san.”

Mikoto's soft eyes were looking at Yahizui.

`Poor little girl. Urgh! Why do I have to tell her?'

“Yahizui-chan, could you I talk a little bit with you?”With a look in Itachi's direction, she made him understand that she needed privacy.

What surprised her was the small flicker of fear in his eyes.`Does he fear for her? Well Itachi, I see you found a new friend.'

Once her elder son had left, Mikoto started to gather courage for the upcoming discussion. How can you tell a four-year-old girl that all her family is gone?

“Well Yahizui-chan, I am Mikoto, Itachi's mother.”

“Uhm... I am very pleased to meet you Mikoto-san.” Her response was followed by a respectful bow.

“My, you are a very polite little girl. I am very pleased to meet you. Yahizui-chan…”

Her features suddenly saddened. “I…I spoke with Hokage-sama, and I…I have to tell you that mommy and daddy are…not with us any more.”

“Hizui-chan, be good while I'm gone alright?”

“Yes mommy. When will you be back?”

“When you'll miss me honey, then I'll be back. Now, remember, mommy loves you.”

“G-G-Gone? Where?” Crystal tears were already forming in her scarlet eyes.

“They…They went to Kami-sama…” She kept tumbling oh her own words.

`I'm sorry I had to tell you this…'

“But don't worry Yahizui-chan, they are happy there. And Hokage-sama said that you will stay with us.”

Mikoto's mother instinct screamed to take the little girl in her eyes, but her shinobi side said to leave her.

“Why…why didn't mommy take me with her? I wanted to be with her.”

The little girl's small body shacked with sobs, tears freely streaming on her face. Her eyes were pleading for an answer, something to make sense.

Seeing those big scarlet orbs filled with tears, Mikoto couldn't control herself anymore.

She gently pulled the little girl in an embrace, rocking her back and forward to sooth her tears. “Because Hizui-chan, Kami-sama wants you to stay here. He has other plans for you.”

“What do we know about Kami-sama so far, ne Hizui-chan?”

“Well, Kami-sama knows what is good for us, even if we don't realize it, and we must not judge his decisions.”

After she calmed down a bit, she spoke between hiccups

“M-Mikot-to-san, will… will I stay with your family?”

“Yes honey, you will stay with us. It's going to be okay. You will see. Sasuke is going to love you.”

Curiosity replaced the sadness in her eyes while she was trying to wipe her nose. “S-Sasuke?”

“Yes, he's Itachi's younger brother. You should see him, he's such a sweetie. Now, do you want to come?” She was happy that the little girl coped really well with the news. She was strong.

“Uhm. Will Ita-kun come too?” Her eyes were looking for him, but no sign.

`Ita-kun? Hehe! What a cute name she gave him. Well Itachi, maybe this little girl will do some good to you.'

“I think he's already home with Shisui dear.”

Her small shoulders slumped a bit. “Oh…”

But she took Mikoto's hand and they headed to the Uchiha compound.

The compound was large, encircled by brick walls that had the Uchiha emblem on them. In the main house, a man stood on the porch drinking his tea. His firm coal eyes seemed to criticize everything. Beneath his harsh features, the smooth line of youth seemed to lose a major battle and was now severely wounded. Shinobi life didn't keep you smooth and delicate. Nor did it need a soft heart.

Next to him, a six year old boy took in all the aspects of his father.

“I received news from the Hokage that you and Shisui fount a Shourai in the forest. She is the last one of them.” The man's eyes were harsh, no trace of pity in them.

“Father, with all the respect, you talk about her like she is some sort of animal.” All in all, Itachi didn't like neither the way he spoke of Yahizui, or his tone.

“Itachi, you are still a child. Do you know who the Shourai's are?”

A light summer breeze started to play with the grass.

“They are a neutral clan. They live at a day travel south to Konoha.”

Itachi knew that, but he also knew that that was general information. There had to be more.

“The Shourai clans are also called Seers due to their kekkei genkai. Like the Sharingan, their bloodline limit activates though the eyes. It is called Jisengan.”

Itachi's curiosity took lead. “What does it do?”

“It is said that the jisengan wielders can see into the future. Nobody knows for sure, how it works, but this is why the clan was neutral. They were forced to stay neutral due to their bloodline. We shall continue this talk another time. I see our new burden arrived.”

Indeed, entering his line of view, Yahizui and his mother were quietly stepping forward. When they reached them, the little girl gave a deep bow.

“Good day Uchiha-san, Itachi-san. I am honored to stay in your home, and I hope that I will not be a burden for you.” Her head was still bent.

`Well, at least the girl has manners. Impressive, at such a young age she can conduct herself properly.'

“Shourai Yahizui, you may rise. Make yourself comfortable. By the order of the Sandaime hokage, you are to stay here until you can manage on your own.”

Yahizui raised her head and straightened her small form. Even if she was so young, her aunt taught her that she had to be polite and never be a burden. If she wanted to be accepted she never had to be a burden.

“Thank you sir. I assure you I will work hard and release you of the burden of taking care of me as soon as I can. Until then I thank you for the hospitality.”

She nervously bit her cheek. `Did I do it well? Why is he so serious? Did I say something wrong?'

“You are not good enough! You still fidget; you still watch your feet. Sit straight, look forward! Weight your words and always be polite! Now, again. From the beginning!”

“B-But, aunt Harutobi, I'm hungry and tired…”

“Stop crying. A shinobi does not cry! You will not eat until you learn to conduct properly. Now, how do you say?”

“Yes Harutobi-san.”

Itachi watched the little girl in pure amazement. She was only four. A four year old girl that one hour earlier bugged him with a stupid nickname. That same girl seemed now at least five years older. She presented impeccable manners and a great deal of control in front of his father.

“Good girl. Itachi will show you your room. I expect improvement from you while you are here. If you stay in my house, you must lift up to the standards.”

“Yes sir, I understand.” With another deep bow, she retreated, following Itachi.

Mikoto slowly approached her husband. “Fugaku, you could have been a bit gentler with the girl. She just found out her family died.”

“Foolish woman. You will all be too nice to her. A shinobi must control their feelings. And she will become a great shinobi.”

They passed countless hallways. Silently she watched every painting and analyzed every decoration they passed.

Finally, after many turns, Itachi stopped in front of a sliding door.

“This will be your room from now on. If you need any help, my room is down the hall. The kitchen is downstairs and there is a bathroom on the other end of the hall.”

After he finished his little speech, Itachi swiftly turned on his heels and walked away.

He heard a soft “Goodbye Ita-kun…” and frowned a bit. `When will she stop calling me that annoying name?'

Of course, he didn't dwell on it for long. He had more important things to do.

Itachi reached his room, stopped for a moment, and then confidently opened the door.

“Shisui-san, I had no idea you wanted to train so badly.”

From his place on the bed, Shisui lifted his eyes from the scroll he was reading. “It ain't for me squirt; I'm just helping you impress your daddy.”A smirk graced his features.

Shisui loved to remember Itachi that he was younger. They were best friends and helped each other; yes a bit teasing didn't hurt.

Itachi's eyebrow was furiously twitching. `Squirt, another annoying name.'

“You shouldn't be the one to talk Shisui-san, after all, you aren't much older…”

“Yeah, yeah.” He stood up, heading toward the door.

“You know what Itachi…”

He slowly turned to look at the one in cause, sharingan blazing.

“Why won't we see what those idiots at the academy have been teaching you?”

`Sure, why don't we? Don't worry Shisui, I'll keep my promise, I'll become better than you.'

Perhaps his thoughts would have continued, if not interrupted by Shisui's bored voice.

“Ne, are you coming or do I have to drag you to the training ground?”

“Hn.” He slowly followed him until they reached the training ground.

He surveyed the battle area and the targets. They were all set.

Shisui turned toward the younger Uchiha. Even though he was only two years older than Itachi, Shisui was already a genin, priding himself with quite a few jutsus and great speed. He was called a prodigy, and the elders of the clan pushed him to become chuunin in two years time. Also, Shisui recently activated his bloodline limit, the Sharingan and was now teasing Itachi because of it with every opportunity he got.

“Okay Itachi, lets see what those clowns you call teachers, taught you. We'll start with weaponry. Hit all five targets. Do you think you reach up to it?” The teasing tone in witch he spoke the last sentence made Itachi's brow twitch a little.

“Hn…” He confidently walked to the target practice area and took five kunai out of his pouch.

He took a last glance at where the targets are, and then threw the first two kunai. They precisely hit their target. The third followed, being thrown high in the air.

With two kunai left in his hand, he made a quick turn and threw them. The last one hit the blade of the third, both going in different angular directions, stopping in the middle of other two targets.

In only ten seconds, all five kunai hit their targets. Bullseye.

Sharingan blazing, Shisui watched his every move. He saw it all. Every move of the muscle, the way he calculated it all.

”Very good, as expected from the little Uchiha prodigy.”

He walked away, heading to a wider area. “Now, let's see your ninjutsu.”

The boys continued with their training, unaware of the pair of scarlet eyes watching them. Sitting on a chair, Yahizui watched the two friends from the window of her room. `Wow, they are so good.'

“Yahizui-chan, do you know what it takes to be a shinobi?”

“A shinobi must have good mental, physical and chakra control. With those, a shinobi learns ninjutsu, taijutsu and genjutsu. A shinobi must know from every one of those three to be effective.”

“Well, you are good with theory. Today we will start practicing. A shinobi must train hard; otherwise they could be a burden. You don't want to be a burden, do you, Yahizui-chan?”

I will not be a burden for you Fugaku-san, Itachi, Shisui-san. I will train and be strong. Mommy wanted me strong, aunt Harutobi trained me to be strong ever since I could walk…Daddy, he wanted to make him proud and… and I know Kami-sama wants me to be strong, that is why he left me here.

Her resolve stronger than before, Yahizui started to run down the hallways and out to the training ground.

KATON: RYUUKA NO JUTSU!

The stream of fire coming from Itachi's mouth quickly formed a dragon, its gigantic jaws biting at the air around him.

Yahizui reached the training ground and watched the fire dragon with sparkling eyes. Her young mind didn't see it as a dangerous element, all she saw was something very pretty. `Amazing! I want one like that!'

She stretched her small hand toward the fire creature that she saw in the distance. To her amazement, the fire dragon started to come toward her. She didn't know if she should be frightened or not, but she quickly decided to be afraid when she heard Shisui scream.

“GET DOWN YAHIZUI!!”

She was trying, she really was, but her arms and legs wouldn't move. All she could do was watch with big scarlet eyes as the fire was heading toward her.

There weren't many were the occasions when the two Uchiha friends got frightened. This was one of those times.

Itachi's eyes held a terrified look. `She will die… she will die because of me and I can't even move.'

Out of the corner of her eye, Yahizui saw the fear in their eyes. Itachi's already held deep guilt witch was mixing with the intense fear he felt.

`No… Shisui-kun, Itachi-kun… you can't be afraid, I'm sorry…I wish it would just stop. Just Stop!'

“Just stop!!”

And it did. A grand fire dragon stood two meters in front of a blood haired, scarlet eyed little girl. Then it disappeared.

They were speechless. However, it seemed that Yahizui hadn't even noticed that she had been on death's doorstep.

She ran toward them with her tiny legs and dropped at their feet crying her heart off. They watched her in amazement, wondering if she was hurt.

Finally, she managed to find her voice and spoke between sobs

“I-I'm sorry I-Itachi-kun…Shi-Shisui-kun. I-I'm sorry for scaring y-you…I-I d-d-didn't mean to…”

“Hizui-chan…”

A hand was gently placed on her head.

“Don't cry Hizui-chan, Itachi and I, we're not mad at you. Just don't scare us like that again.”

He helped her up and dusted off her small frame. “Now tell me, what did…”

Just then, Fugaku entered the training ground.

“You boys go in the house while I talk with this young lady for a bit.” His voice was as strict as ever, not accepting any argument from the two young Uchihas.

He watched as the boys walked past him with shoulders slumped in defeat. His eyes slowly traveled to the young red head standing in front of him.

`It seems it is like lord Hokage had said…'

“Fugaku-san, take a seat. I have a few things to talk with you about the newest member of your home.” The Sandaime took another puff from his pipe, as if measuring his words, then continued with an aged voice.

“There is a legend that said that once at a thousand years, a…special child will be born among the `Seers'. There will be a child capable of controlling one of nature's elements without using any chakra. I assume that, judging by the difference in appearance between her and the other members of her clan, Yahizui might be that child.”

After letting the words sink in, Fugaku shifted a bit in his seat, understanding the weight of the situation.

”Does she know?”

The Hokage gave a disapproving sigh. “I doubt it. Though, it seems that she has received some ninja training. From this I can assume that her clan members knew about it.”

With another puff of the pipe, he took another moment to gather his thoughts.

“If you see any manifestation of her power, explain to her what she is and help her control it. Remember, to control such power you need great mental strength.”

“Yes Hokage-sama, I understand.”

`I didn't think it will be so soon. Or that I will be forced to deal with it.'

He walked past her and stopped for a moment, looking down at her red locks.

“Has Itachi showed you the garden?” He had to find a way to explain it to her, and he thought that the environment was a key solution to it.

“N-No sir…” She found it hard not to shutter. The imposing aura emanating from him demanded respect and the strict, sharp voice brought fear. Fugaku was not a kind man, he was a shinobi, and shinobi are not kind.

She obediently followed him, walking three steps behind him, as tradition demanded.

After a few moments of silent walking, they entered the garden. Yahizui was stunned. Never in her entire life did she see such a beautiful garden. Sun colored tulips reached to warm her soul while lily's tempted her eyes. She could have stayed all day there just smelling flowers and watching their breathtaking beauty.

She lifted her eyes and saw that Fugaku was sitting on a bench further down an alley.

Her little feet slowly carried her down the stone path. On each side she saw beautiful sakura trees, with astonishing pale pink flowers.

Finally she reached the bench and took a seat.

“Yahizui, do you know what you did earlier?”

She gasped, hearing him mention the previous events.

“I am sorry for the trouble caused.” she said, knowing she would be punished. She knew it and was ready to accept any punishment.

“Yahizui,” Fugaku continued as if he didn't hear her. “Today you controlled fire.”

“Nani?? I… how did I do it?” She never knew she could do something so cool.

“You were born different. Now, listen carefully…”

And Fugaku told her every aspect of her new power, the mental training she had to endure to be able to control the flames, and the progress she could make, from controlling to creating fire with no chakra.

They had a long talk. She found out things about her clan that she didn't know, as well as useful things about the Uchiha clan.

In the evening, they came back home, ate dinner then she retired in her room, to tired to stay for desert. Sitting in her room, Yahizui waited to be claimed by sleep, anxiously waiting for the next day. The beginning of her shinobi training.

“From tomorrow morning on, you will receive training. You will attend the ninja academy and become a Konoha shinobi. Do you agree?”

“Yes sir!”

“Good. Tomorrow you train with Itachi. He should be a good opponent. Remember Yahizui, Konoha expects great things from you.”