Kairos |An Itachi Uchiha Story|

i. little weasel butt

"Good morning, Aiko."

The girl smiled at the old man who greeted in a croaked voice, with a small grin.

"Please sit," He gestured at the seat on the other side of the table before taking the seat in front of it. The girl eyed the beautiful porcelain teapot with big amber eyes that glowed a color like caramel. The old man looked at her with dark eyes, amused at her fascination and obvious begging for tea.

"Go ahead, child." He sighed dramatically and watched as she busied herself with a matching cup of the teapot. Hiruzen was more than sure that she would like the tea set, it was both her favorite colors and had flower patterns.

Faint memories of the girl gasping in awe of flower beds and her apparel came to his mind. No matter when he saw her, she had at least one small blue flower in the body of her hair and at least one lilac one in her bangs that were tucked behind her right ear. He was well aware her favorite colors were lilac and white, but if you asked her, many pastel colors were also included.

"Did you want a reading?" She asked as she sipped the tea and felt the warmth radiate inside of her with sweet and spices.

"Actually no, I'm still rather disappointed about the first." His tone came off as joking but he wasn't joking necessarily.

"Well, you did ask a big question." She answered in a soft tone, yet her words were like a snap.

The old man knew better.

Criticizing her sights and answers about what she sees only pestered and aggravated her. If her vision was fuzzy, she would only upset herself and grow frustrated.

These reasons were why he did not allow her to do public readings, knowing it would only risk her emotional health. She was far too young for such damage.

"I want you to meet a young man I am rather worried about. I want you two to grow close and keep him from having a nervous breakdown." The Hokage admitted as he took his own drink of tea.

"You want me to pret-."

"No, in fact, I'm more than sure that you would actually like him. If anything, he might be overborne." The Hokage chuckled at the offended pout of the small girl.

"However, there is also more I have come to speak to you about. Orochimaru has been seen near the borders again and his goal has yet to stray. While we search for him, the young man will be protecting you." The Hokage finally admitted and he watched the girl's smile falter for a moment. She was well aware of Orochimaru and what he wanted with her.

So she had no questions about where he was now or why he was coming. She just kept pouring her tea...

~~

"You wanted to see me, Lord Hokage?" His voice came in an empty tone that echoed in the old man's mind as he turned from the window to look at the Uchiha.

"Get off your knees, do stand, Itachi." He waved his hand off at the dark haired boy who slowly stood with hands fallen to his sides.

Hiruzen stared at the boy with something akin to pity, noticing how broken down he was becoming.

Where is-

Knock knock knock

"Come in!" The Hokage called, well aware that it was the small girl being late. The door soon opened and a panting girl entered the room rather dramatically but she grinned at the Hokage.

"I made it!" She gave a mock salute as she finally entered the room before hesitating only a moment when she realized there was someone else there.

"You're late for your own mission briefing, Aiko." The old man scolded with a small chuckle and the girl's cheeks flushed a shade deeper.