The Black Leaf (Part 2)

Chapter 32: The Truth

Two months later, Kaori and I were walking to the market after the academy. Kaori was now seven years old and and she was excited telling me all about the academy. She was the only one in her class to hit the bullseye during shuriken practice and got compliments form Shino-sensei.

I was so proud of her, she was just like her father, smart, resilient, strong and kind. It was funny to see her interact with others, she had the same relaxed expression on her face as Kakashi.

We did our shopping then I forgot I still needed some more vegetables, so I send Kaori to get them. I was waiting outside the market when I felt string grip on my shoulder and another one on my grocery bag. I turned around expecting to see Kakashi, but my heart skipped a beat and the air left my lungs when I saw him. 

"Let me help you with that mom," Ichiro said with a smile. I couldn't believe my eyes, it was almost a year since I last saw him. He was as tall as me now, his hair was longer, and his face features were sharp and just like his. His eyes, the stress lines on his cheeks, It was just like looking at him.

I dropped everything and hugged him. I couldn't believe he was back, I pulled away and stared at his face. I aways knew the resemblance was there, but now he looked exactly like Itachi. 

"You are back," I hugged him again, "I missed you so much, Ichi." 

"I missed you too, mom," he said in a deeper voice. 

"I brought your son back," Sasuke said from behind me. "Once he graduates and passes the Chunin exams, I'll come and get him back." 

I looked at him and smiled, "thank you for watching over him," I gave sasuke a hug. 

"More like he watched over me," he said with a smile. "He is great kid and even greater shinobi."

"Where is dad?" Ichiro asked looking around, "and Ori?"

"Kakashi is with Naruto, and Kaori is getting carrots." I pointed inside the the store and Ichiro ran inside the market to find his sister.

"Sasuke, how did he do?" I turned to face Sasuke.

"He is just like him, Izumi," Sasuke smiled, "it's like watching big brother all over again. He is skilled at everything and his genjutsu is better than mine or yours. If he awakes the Magenkyo, I'm sure he would inherit Itachi's tsukuyomi or something even stronger."

I turned to look at him, then looked inside where my two kids were hugging each other. "Even if he does, it comes with risks," I whispered and he nodded. 

"Well, I will go see my daughter now," Sasuke said looking at me. "I will leave first thing tomorrow morning, if you need me or if you want to tell him everything, send me an owl."

I nodded and gave him a hug, "thank you for everything."

After Ichiro walked me and Kaori home, he went to look for Kakashi and some of his friends. I was so happy to see that he was back and that he was safe, I just couldn't stop thinking about how the people of the village would react.

Looking at Ichiro was like looking at Itachi, and I knew people were going to notice and start talking again. I sighed deeply and then I heard the door open, both Ichiro and Kakashi walked in. I saw the happiness on Kakashi's eyes, I knew he was relieved to have his son back. 

"Did he tell you about his missions with Sasuke?" Kakashi asked looking at Ichiro, "he is full fledge shinobi now." 

"Dad, I don't want her to worry," Ichiro said giving Kakashi the shut up look.

"You are right," Kakashi said looking at me but I could tell he was proud.

"I knew you were going to be doing very dangerous mission Ichi, but tell us what you learned with Sasuke?" I asked and he sighed.