A flower by the flame (Self Insert)

7

I walk downstairs to cook some breakfast for the boys. Pancakes and eggs with bacon from the boar. I haven't made this type of breakfast for a long time. I'm going to be artistic and make the pancakes into clan symbols. Uzumaki, Senju, Uchiha, Nara, and for some randomness, Kurama's adorably furry face.

Yato walked downstairs since he had the room directly connected to this tree by a bridge. "What's that?" He points at the food.

"My artistic breakfast." I answer while setting the table. I give him the Uchiha and Nara pancakes while Kawa gets the Senju and Uzumaki ones. Wink wink. This is my very subtle sign to tell them I know exactly what their last names are. I wonder if they will catch on though. Of course I'm going to be eating my best friend... That sounded bad.

I sat down when the Senju boy arrived and watched as they took their respective seats. Both look at the pancakes and then at me while I smile at them. We eat in silence for a few minutes before I say anything. "Well boys, since you will be helping me from now on, let's get some things out of the way. I'm going on a mission today. A rescue. The rules if you are to come with me are simple."

They stop eating so I know they are listening. "One, no matter the attire or symbol, a child is in need so set your grudges aside. Two, whatever you see me do remains a secret at any point if you decide to leave. Three, once one offers you their name, no fighting. Think of the bond you formed and not previous acts of their family against yours. That's all." I smirk and hold out my hand out in a fist. "With that said. You better be prepared for who you might see." Yatoka places his fist against mine followed by Kawarama.

We wait in the trees, watching for the Uchiha team to come rushing through. I grip my kodachi, Taigaburedo, tightly in anticipation. After this, I will have all the people that connect Madara to the light. I hear them coming but it stops. The sounds of blades clashing is the answer to why. The Senju have intercepted the other team. I wave my hand to the left and right as a signal before jumping across the trees. I see the three Uchiha men on the ground while five Senju surround two smaller boys. My heart crumbles slightly at the sight of the oldest hugging his brother close.

The youngest had short straight hair like a young Itachi before he took to wearing a ponytail. His onyx eyes were large with innocence and fear. He was small for a six year old. The oldest looked like a cross between Obito and Izuna. His hair was in short spikes until the lower neck where a ponytail was tied by a red ribbon. His eyes had the same shape as his brother of not for the slight narrowness one naturally gets as they get older. Under his right eye was a red tattoo that looked like a jagged lightning bolt or fang.

I'm going to make a bet he's a rare lightning nature Uchiha. Like Sasuke. My thoughts are broken when a Senju takes a step forward. Time to give the signal. Cupping my hands over my mouth, I howl across the clearing and jump in between of the murderous blade with my own. My partners appear at my side with their kunai and sickle. Apparently while Madara knew how to wield a scythe, his brother had a similar weapon taste. "Pardon us Senju-san, but we can't let you slaughter these children."

"Who are you?" Oh, by the way, we have a script.

"The moon tiger who saves, Tsukitora."

"The lion who guards, Gadoraion."

"The fierce hound who fights. Higashi inu."

"We are the forest children that save the lives of innocents. If you wish not to be cut down..." I send out a wave of chakra. "I suggest you leave here." Yep. We are so awesome that they ran screaming. No, they ran silently but I bet our combined killer intent was enough to make at least one of them cry. Especially Yato's if the white knuckles on his sickle's handle was any indication on how pissed off he was. I turn around to look at the boys. The youngest clings tightly to his brother like a lifeline. Gosh he was so adorable. Like a panda. His round eyes look so much like a panda's. I better have a matching mask at home.