Naruto- More than a Number-Part 1.

Chapter 3 Father?

(Itachi POV)

Arriving at the training grounds I watch Mio walk to the center of the green opening, tall trees circling around us. Three posts stand tall in a line with red targets painted on. The surrounding area is slightly damaged from previous training sessions. "You like training, huh?" Shisui asks, a hand on his hip and his regular smile plastered on his face as he stares over at Mio from beside me.

We watch her violet hair turn away from us as she looks at us. Her calculating eyes stare us down for a few moments as she checks weather it is safe or not to respond. We stay stone still and she looks back into our dark eyes giving us a simple nod after ensuring she can trust us. She reminds me of a rescue dog quiet and shy. You must be gentle when you try to engage it as to not scare it. You usually hold your hand out to its nose for it to sniff, allowing it to decide if it's safe to interact or not.

"This is where Itachi and I usually train. You can join us sometime if you want," Shisui explains and she nods stiffly still unsure. She keeps her distance and we keep ours. We don't know what's she's been through but whatever it was, it has left her wary and distrustful of others. "Your good at ninjutsu, right?" Shisui questions and she nods once again, her eyes watching us carefully. "Can you throw weapons?" Shisui inquires and she nods more fluently, her nerves settling. "How about you show us," Shisui suggests. She points to his leg where a weapon pouch is tied and he looks down and back up to her. "Oh, you don't have any weapons on you. Here borrow these," Shisui says and casually pulls out a number of kunai from his pouch.

I watch hesitantly, I doubt she could hurt us but if she's scared of us she could potentially attack to protect herself. She is different from us, she grew up without safety and care. She has been forced to grow up fast but non-like us, she has had to survive relying on herself. She probably learnt to fight to protect herself from dangers and to fend for food. We shouldn't rush her, just encase. Shisui senses my insecurities and gives me a firm nod, calming my nerves as I return the gesture.

Looking back up I see Mio wedging the kunai blades between her bent fingers, then she turns her head back towards us. Her eyes appear to be looking for permission, I give her a slow nod and her head turns back to the targets ahead. Her feet move apart setting a strong stance before she looks back at us just encase we changed our decisions. We both nod and she smiles, her feet moving out of the stance and her body turning to face us completely. I watch uncertainly, then abruptly her arm fires out to the side. The weapons propel with sharp precision through the air and impale the sturdy targets, directly in the center forcing small splinters to stick out of the wood.

My eyes widen, forcing my dark eyebrows to travel above resting height. I hear a unintended gasp escape Shisui's ajar lips as we stand still in shock by the sudden triumph. She didn't even look at the target, she didn't even stand in a proper stance, she didn't even make any indications that she was going to do that and yet she hit the target flawlessly. "That was good," Shisui smiles and she shrugs looking off into the distance. "How about we continue with our tour," Shisui advises and we nod, watching him remove the weapons from the logs and place them back in his pouch.

(Shisui POV)

I stare down at the smaller girl walking between Itachi and I, her violet locks tied neatly away from her face aside from her bangs and her deep red eyes taking in the unfamiliar streets. I couldn't believe the ninjutsu skills I was told she had but after that stunt on the training grounds I can see how the rumors are true. This girl has talent, in fact I think she might have more skill than Itachi at the moment and he's seen to be a prodigy. I know five year old's aren't usually this strong, meaning both Itachi and Mio are prodigies.

Itachi is still wary of her as am I but I'm trying to hide it. We may be slightly hesitant towards her but her hesitation towards us is a lot higher. I would be more worried if she wasn't wary of us, after being a mistreated slave, not being distrustful of people would mean she is simply a fool.