(Book the First) Crimson Light in the Uchiha

To Protect Another

Sarutobi Hiruzen's POV

Ten minutes later

Rin leans back against her pillows, "So Shisui told me about protecting those precious to me from other dangerous things like emotional pain and loss."

"Will you protect them?" I chuckle as I blew on my pipe. Smoke drifted peacefully out the open window.

"Of course!" Rin looked shocked at my answer and I couldn't help but smile more.

"How will you protect them?"

Rin looks blank for a second before she starts talking, "I-I, Shisui said to just love them and be willing to sacrifice anything for them. Guide those you love, be with those you love, and always try your best to understand those you love."

I puff on my pipe, "Uchiha Shisui is a very wise boy. Itachi and Shisui make a good pair of friends and partners in shinobi-hood. Have you heard of the will of fire?"

"Will... Of fire?"

"Yes," I confirm, "it's the strong will to protect those you love, because it's when you want I protect something...that is when you become truly strong."

Rin looks downcast, "Well.. I tried to protect Nii-san but..."

"And that is why it is called the Will of Fire," I say gently, "not te strength of fire. Will can apply to anyone, and when someone has it they will become very strong indeed. Do you have the Will of Fire?"

Rin nods fiercely, "Yes, Hokage-sama!"

I nod, satisfied. It greatly pleased me when I saw my village growing. Not in size, but in heart. More people with the will to protect those they love. It was important to have a village full of love and kindness. Shinobi were soldiers that protected the peace under all circumstances, to endure, to fight, to continue standing.

Rin had it, the will, if she didn't both Sasuke and her would be perished.

Orachimaru, I won't let you harm anyone.

I stand up and I walk to the window sill, I can feel Rin's curious gaze on me. "Remember this too, you are also an important key to the happiness of your precious ones. You should also take care of yourself for the sake of those people." I start to walk out of the door and I turn back smiling, "I'll make sure myself that you become a great shinobi, especially in the heart."

Rin's POV

Hokage-sama really is kind.

"I agree," says Ama softly.

So you finally appear, Ama. Where were you when I wanted to know what happened after I collapsed?

Ama doesnt answer and I sigh. I close my eyes and I fall asleep watching the white moon.

Sasuke's POV

Rin is back! She said that I fell from the branch and she jumped after me and got seriously injured, so she had to stay in the hospital. Seriously, Rin-chan could sometimes be so stupid! But I appreciate her efforts all the same.

Fugaku's POV

I really... Can't tolerate... The Hokage and the elders anymore. First the Hokage embarrasses me in front of my own son. Then suddenly he allows so many medics to know of Rin's existence, I can predict they all feel disgusted with me. Then Hokage commands Itachi to spill everything about Rin. Including Rin's seal. That was the most crucial thing that I needed to be kept secret. And now it was blown away. Damn Hokage.

And that little brat Rin, she asks so much out of me. First, release from the dark hold that she rightfully belongs in. Now, she wants to have friends out of the Uchiha. Can she not be grateful that I even let her outside? I could forcefully throw her in there any time. The only thing that keeps me from doing so is Mikoto and my two sons, and now, Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Shisui.