Someone you loved

Chapter 17

Sitting on the rooftop with her legs hanging over the edge, Chiasa gazed at the brilliant stars, that seemed to shine brighter ever since she had found Team 7, or rather, ever since Kakashi had whisked her away from the rundown house in between Uzushios ruins and thought back to the days spent on the small island. The days had passed in the blink of an eye, the children having grown immensely in the short time, breaking every expectation she had had for the trip.

Sakura, the sweet, frail civilian girl with a mind as sharp as the Kubikiribocho, turned out to be a little genjutsu genius and what she lacked in chakra or born talent, she made up with a terrifying stubbornness. It was fortunate that Chiasa carried a good portion of the Uchiha library in a seal on her back – the other part was hidden safely behind every protection seal and genjutsu known to the kunoichi – because the pink-haired girl went through scrolls and books like they were nothing. Thick scrolls that Chiasa wouldn't have given any child were done and understood within a day. At the same time, Kakashi and herself made sure that the girl didn't fixate on books alone but built up her stamina and physical prowess as well. And just to make sure that Sakura would be prepared for the worst, Kakashi had taught her an earth-style jutsu, multiplying her bare strength. All the girl had needed was a little push, a little love, and a little loyalty.

Meanwhile, her little brother seemed to have found a role model in the silver-haired Hatake and Chiasa awaited with baited breath the day her little precious Sasu would come in wearing a mask and carrying a small orange book from a certain Sannin. That would be the moment, she'd intervene. But all jokes aside, Kakashi's teaching seemed to be exactly what Sasuke had needed. She had rarely seen her brother as happy as when he was playing with lightning. It had been disheartening for him when the fire jutsu their father had taught him, hadn't come as easy to him as to any other Uchiha but now he had found something he excelled in.

And then there was the third member of Team 7, Naruto, the last prince of a fallen kingdom.

When the blond had returned with Kaya, Chiasa had been surprised by the tessen on his back. Neither she nor Kakashi knew how to wield the intimidating weapon, but that wouldn't stop either of them from doing their best for the blond child. However, not only had Naruto found a legendary weapon from his clan but also a teacher in the late Sandaime Uzukage.

The first time they met the dead Uzukage, Chiasa had gutted him with her katana at the same time Kakashi had let out a threatening snarl, aligning with something in her core. Now that she thought about it, Sakura and Sasuke had immediately watched each other's back, pulling Naruto behind them. At least, Sora-sama found it funny and didn't take offence, angering an Uzukage – although dead – wasn't something Chiasa ever wanted. Even though the man wouldn't be able to physically help her and Kakashi protecting the children, she was thankful that Naruto now had someone else caring about him.

Her mind wandered on its own accord to the conversation the day Naruto had returned. It had been a long time coming but Chiasa had still been unprepared.

*Flashback*

"I want to tell Naruto about Jiraiya."

Warily, Kakashi put down his book, watching the kunoichi carefully. Sasuke and Sakura went grocery shopping in the small fisher village, so it was only the two of them.

"We can't," he replied casually.

"We can. The laws only cover Kushina-oba-san and Minato-san. Jiraiya isn't included in them and you told me that he'll be back in Konoha for the Chunnin exams. Naruto has a right to know who he is, especially if Jiraiya tries to meet him," said Chiasa persuasive.

"You're biased, Hime. You despise Jiraiya-sama and that will be transferred to Naruto. Never mind that it is well known that Jiraiya-sama taught Minato-sensei and then it will only be a matter of putting the puzzle pieces together to figure out who his father is." Kakashi frowned heavily.