A flower by the flame (Self Insert)

6

"Alright boys. First name, Age, things you like and things you hate. I want no answers that state anything about a clan. We will not reveal our last names unless you trust the other person got it?" I point at the two boys on the couch.

They nod.

Good. "Now I'm Reika. I like my cats and friends. I dislike war. Alright, your turn."

"Kawarama. I'm seven. I like onigiri and I hate losing."

"Yatoka. Nine. Reading..." That's Uchiha speak for you. Short and not so sweet.

He didn't say anything about hate. I smile at that and stand up. "Well then. I have a proposal for the both of you. Stay with me here. It's your choice of course. Stay and help with my efforts on rescuing the young off the battlefield or return to your clans and face the possibility of dying just as soon as you would have without my intervention. And yes you would have, don't try to argue." Yatoka looked away at this and huffed. Silly Uchihas and their egos.

"You don't have to answer now but my ideal outcome is to have enough members to help me save children without having to being them here since it's dangerous to heal them on the field. Even with the cats protecting me, I'm still at risk. It's a simple trade really. I offer you protection if you do the same in return."

Their looks turn thoughtful. Yatoka was unconsciously petting Yuki's fur from where she laid at his feet. She sits up and rests her head on his lap. "It would be nice if Rei-sama had more friends here." I snicker as she pulls out her sad kitten face, green eyes getting a watery sheen to them. I didn't ask her to try manipulating him but I'm guessing she had grown attached to the Uchiha. Getting up, I grab my cloak and mask.

"Where are you going?" Kawa asks as I move about.

"Into town. I need to buy more bowls and some clothes for you guys. I can't exactly have you wearing distinctive clothes that some might connect dots to. Symbol or no symbol." Yatoka wasn't wearing his high collar when he met Kawa earlier but he will need to get something to replace it. The last thing I want is for them to be at each other's throats before they learned to trust each other as individuals instead of the labels of Senju and Uchiha.

I tap my chin and tilt my head to them. "Maybe... you two can come with me? I have spare cloaks and all sorts of masks... you might not wanna though." I go upstairs to get my fan and a sealing scroll. They were both wearing a cloak and mask. Yato chose the lion one and Kawa had chosen the dog.... I don't remember carving a scar into it... "What did you do to the puppy mask?"

"It was too cutesy."

"But why did you do something permanent if you don't plan on staying?"

"..."

"I see." A grin spread across my face. "Welcome aboard."

Yato raised his hand hesitantly. "I would not mind staying if it means I don't have to fight for a while." Yuki leapt to her feet when he said that and pounced on him. Now I've seen grown men hug grown lions with some difficulty. This was a full grown lion, yes, but he was a nine year old boy. So it made sense that he fell flat on his back instantly. Yuki looked really happy. The boy smiled! He was actually smiling at this. Hah! Uchiha are all stoic my ass.

We walked into town in a protective formation. Kialera is at my side the two boys behind me with Yuki and Kofu positioned on their outer side that would be exposed. People stared of course. Why wouldn't they? Here we are, three children in warring times, dressed alike with wild animals. Definitely not the norm for these people and even the shinobi. We stop at the clothing booth. Apparently they didn't have full out stores yet, just open stands that show all they have. "Pick what you need. Two outfits. One for that and the other casual. I don't have much money to spare." Just what Kikiyo left behind. We should take missions soon.