The meeting room appeared big when there was no one inside. Hanako could feel the leader's seriousness fill the empty space among them. She had no clue what the motive of their sudden reunion was, but her sixth sense told her it had nothing to do with Utah or the stone.

She remembered the detailed explanations their teacher would give them in the Academy about the wars between clans before the existence of hidden villages. And given the era she had been living in for the last couple of months, she expected the worst.

"A petition arrived this morning," said Tajima. Madara didn't say anything, but his lips curved up slightly. "The Land of That took over the Land of Ancestors shortly after Utah destroyed his castle. Upon his disappearance, the villagers had no other choice but to join their country, but they still aren't satisfied. They want us to take over the Land of This for them."

Hanako clicked her tongue. I knew it. They're going back to the battlefield.

"I totally understand if you're reluctant to join in, Amane, Hanako. However, I would like both of you to lend us your powers to fight this battle. The Land of This hired the Senju to protect them. You should begin a more rigorous training if you're concerned about your current abilities."

"The only thing I'm concerned about is someone actually naming two countries as 'This' and 'That'."

Amane snorted. Hanako didn't laugh at her own joke but looked at the leader in complete seriousness, as if she actually meant what she just said.

"Our enemy is the Senju Clan. Three months ago you trembled at my presence, but you still haven't actually faced a member of the Senju. Regardless, you haven't come across the Wood Release, Hashirama Senju's most feared chakra nature. If you don't feel like risking your life, I suggest you stay here." Tajima was very calm, but the tone in his voice reflected his seriousness.

Now it was Hanako's time to snort. You haven't come across the Wood Release, you say? If only you knew... Besides, why would I stand back if I'm given the opportunity to watch the abilities of the First and Second Hokage first hand?

"I'm in."

Amane shot her an incredulous look. "You're joking."

Hanako narrowed her eyes at the other woman. "Why would I joke about this?"

"Weren't you listening? This is a real battlefield, you must be willing to risk your life."

"So? I signed up for this when I became a ninja. I don't fear death." Hanako crossed her arms in front of her chest and huffed. "Moreover, Tajima-sama, I have faced members of the Senju Clan."

Madara remembered that time they had been attacked by the Senju and Hagoromo Clans. "Yeah, but those were the weaklings. The real deal is always in the battlefield." His expression was that of a little kid excited for a birthday party.

"Well you know Tobirama," Izuna smirked. "Although he kept his chakra low that time. He's also one you should be aware of, especially of his Flying Thunder Technique." Hanako could feel an intense glare directed towards her, but intended for someone else. "The moment he notices you in the battlefield, he will target you. I think you should sit this one out. You're not ready to fight him."

"Not to say, you have to stay alive if you want to go back home," Amane added innocently. "Just saying."

"What makes you think I'll die so easily?"

Madara was the one who replied. "Because you're a novice. You might be strong for an average girl your age, but you lack experience in battle. You're reckless when fighting; you attack upfront without assessing your opponents abilities. Taking you to the battlefield is like giving you a one-way ticket to hell. I agree with Izuna, you're staying here. Amane, you too. Someone has to make sure she doesn't follow us."

Amane wasn't intending to join the battlefield anyway, so she accepted without much trouble. Tajima smiled slightly at his son. Madara was blunt with his words, and probably the girl was hurt by them, but he knew that deep down his son actually cared for them and didn't want them to get involved. He wasn't being mean, he was protecting them.

Tajima huffed. "Well, the decision has been made. Get the preparations ready to leave in three days."

Hanako turned towards the door, muttering under her breath. "This was such a waste of time."

* * *

The announcement of the upcoming battle was made public later that afternoon. All men in the compound were sharpening their weapons, trying on their armors, and training their Sharingan in squads. The females would leave to pick out herbal plants and prepare some ointments for the warriors; food for the trips; and soldier pills for battle. The normal, boring days were substituted by everyone hurrying up and down, trying to get everything ready for departure.

The cry of a falcon called Hanako's attention when she was walking around the main house of the Uchiha Compound. It wasn't the first time she heard the sound of those furious birds, but it was the first time she was close enough to figure out from where it was coming from. Following another cry, Hanako found Madara, with heavy gauntlets on, petting a large falcon and feeding it small fish. She smiled at the sight.

"I never pictured you as the one to raise birds," she commented, eyeing the large bird carefully.

Madara looked at her briefly, before returning to the arduous task of feeding a fish to his bird. He had to be careful not to let him bite his finger while throwing the fish into the air, or else it would be as good as gone. "You could say it's my hobby. I would go crazy if I didn't have anything to do in this place besides training."

Hanako chuckled. "Well, I thought that was the only thing you would do when you disappeared without saying anything."

At this, he raised an eyebrow. "Really, you thought I didn't have a life? Do I look that boring to you?"

"You're so serious, and your expression always suggests something smells like crap."

Madara closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "That's not true."

"Yes it is. I have to check constantly to make sure I haven't stepped on poop or something. I finally concluded you just have a bitch face." Hanako grinned slightly when Madara turned to glare at her. This was definitely the same Madara-jii she met in that cave. Except, he couldn't attack her with a cane, but he had far more powerful weapons right now, and a murderous looking bird. "You should maybe try to smile a little more, like this." She smiled, cupping her face with her hands and turning slightly to the side.

For a second, Madara thought her expressions were cute, but then he remembered she had just called him a bitch. "Tachimaru, doesn't she look delicious?"

The falcon cried.

Hanako stopped smiling and looked at Madara with a serious expression, trying to conceal the sudden wave of fear that hit her. "He's been eating fish all this time. He wouldn't be that hungry."

"Don't underestimate his size. His stomach is like a bottomless pit."

Hanako could swear the falcon was looking right at her with his bright yellow eyes. "I'm not tasty, I swear." She giggled nervously, taking a step away from them.

Madara was having fun with her and his bird, but his father wouldn't be happy knowing that he had ordered Tachimaru to attack Hanako, even if it was just a prank. "Don't worry. He doesn't like bitter girls, like you."

"Bitter?" Hanako growled. "I was just trying to make conversation with you, and there you go and insult me. I was being nice, you know?"

"Calling me bitch face, you were being nice?" He grinned. "Now who's insulting who?"

"I wasn't insulting you. I was describing you."

Madara pushed his falcon into the air and watched him take flight towards the bright sky. "I only feed him occasionally, he has a home he belongs to," he explained with a smirk. "He's my summoning animal."

"You summon falcons?"

Madara looked at Hanako with a smile. "Yeah, I like them very much. They're lucky to be able to fly so high and watch the world as they soar across the land. It must be peaceful up there."

Hanako looked at the sky. "Yeah, surely..."

"Do you have a summoning animal?" He turned to look at her. Upon meeting his black eyes, Hanako shook her head. "Are you interested in falcons?"

A smile made its way into her features, and she nodded.

* * *

During their meeting that morning, Amane noticed that Izuna had been glancing frequently at Hanako, and she suspected something was up. Her female instincts kicked in when she first noticed how protective he had become towards her, but when he suggested for her to stay here it was just too obvious. They were all witnesses of her growth as a shinobi, and with the hitsurugi she was stronger than half of their ninja.

Even Amane agreed that Hanako wouldn't die so easily out there; but after Madara spoke, no one dared to refute. "She should be happy that Tajima-sama acknowledged her ability, but she's probably somewhere venting her rage right now." She chuckled, imagining the brunette burning tree tops and cutting down the trunks.

Izuna opened the door of his room right when Amane was passing by. Out of curiosity, she looked into the room and saw the draft of a drawing on the floor. When Izuna noticed, he closed the door. It was fast, but she could make out the silhouette of a woman before he shut the view.

Amane looked up at him with a sly grin. "Let me see it."

"No." He stood in front of the door.

"I already saw most of it. It doesn't hurt to show me."

Izuna remained unmoving. "I said no."

"Who did you draw?" She already had an idea, but she wanted to tease him. "I saw a girl, with long hair and Sharingan eyes..."

Izuna narrowed his eyes, wondering how much of the drawing Amane actually saw. "It's just a drawing, no big deal."

"Why are you so flustered?" Amane giggled. "If it's no big deal, let me see it."

"It's not finished."

"Don't worry, I won't tell Hanako you've been drawing her while she sleeps. That would be creepy."

Izuna visibly paled. "How did you...?"

She burst out laughing. "I was just speculating, but you just gave yourself away!"

The teenager quickly checked both sides of the hall before dragging Amane into his room. "If you tell her something, I swear I will kill you."

Amane grinned in his direction. "I won't, your secret's safe with me." Her eyes then fell over the drawing, and she picked it up. He said it wasn't finished, but it looked like he had spent several nights working on it, trying to finish it as soon as possible. The draft lines were still visible, but he had put so much effort into the details that anyone who knew Hanako would immediately know it's her. "You're really talented, Izuna."

Izuna looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed. Staring right at his face, Amane noticed that there were growing bags under his eyes.

She shook her head. "I think it's too sweet of you to do this, but you have to take care of yourself too. I know you're one of the strongest shinobi here, but how can you go into the battlefield without sleeping? You'll die out there."

Izuna huffed. "I don't need your patronizing."

"Then, I'll tell you this. If I help you  finish it today, you have to promise me you will rest until the departure time."

"Help me?" Izuna narrowed his eyes.

With a huge grin, Amane made a seal with her hands and transformed into Hanako. "I'll be your muse!"

Izuna smiled slightly, shaking his head. "Fine."

* * *

With the new information he had, Shisui headed towards Hikari's house the next morning, knowing that he would find the girl there. He had spent all night tossing around, trying to formulate a plan in which they could use Kira to open the portal; but first, they needed an anchor to come back.

"Ah! Shisui-san!"

It was Sasuke's voice. Shisui had never been too close to Itachi's brother, but he knew him well enough after training with the two brothers every once in a while. When Shisui turned around, he saw the little boy running to greet him. Itachi was close behind him, looking up at the older Uchiha with a tired expression.

Shisui knew that Itachi was probably getting as much sleep as Hikari. After all, he did care at least a bit for her, even if he pretended she was just a close friend. He knew better than that.

"Shisui-san!" When Sasuke got to his side, he shot him an angry look. "Why haven't you found Hanako?" He puffed his cheeks. "Is she in trouble?"

Shisui huffed shamefully, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, there were some complications." His eyes moved up to meet Itachi's. "But, I think we found her. We'll probably be leaving tomorrow."

Itachi widened his eyes.

Sasuke jumped happily. "Really? Can I come with you?! We have two weeks off the academy!"

Itachi put a hand on Sasuke's head, stopping his excitement. Sasuke looked at his older brother with puffed cheeks. "You will stay here," Itachi said softly. "You need to help mom and dad with chores, remember?"

"Huh?!" he exclaimed. "You avoid them and get away with it when you have missions. Why can't I do that?"

"Because you're not a ninja yet. Besides, I do them when I'm off duty." Itachi grinned. "Who did the dishes this morning?"

Sasuke huffed. "You did." His body deflated slightly, as he turned towards their house. "Fine..." he smirked.

Itachi narrowed his eyes, wondering what his brother was thinking.

"I will do the dishes tonight!" he announced. "Then, I will prepare myself to bring back Hanako tomorrow. Don't leave without me!" With that said, Sasuke hurried back home, running as fast as his two short legs let him.

Shisui bursted out laughing when Sasuke disappeared around the corner. "He's in a hurry to become a ninja, isn't he?"

"Yeah..."

Itachi kept staring at the place where his brother had disappeared. He was in a daze, when Shisui put a hand on his shoulder. "Let's go. You want to bring Hanako, don't you?"

Itachi sighed and looked sideways at his best friend.

* * *

Shisui didn't even knock anymore when walking into Hikari's house. He casually made his way in, followed by Itachi. Hikari was sitting at the kitchen table, playing with her bowl of rice and miso soup. They had already gotten cold. When she felt Shisui's presence, she looked up. She was surprised to find Itachi with him. "What are you two doing here?"

Shisui grinned. "Your mother was kind enough to guide us towards Hanako. We only need to find the way back."

Hikari moved back. "You mean, we're going to where Hanako is?"

Shisui gave a crisp nod. "Her sister is going to open the portal. We only need to sneak in with her, and find the way back ourselves. For some reason, she doesn't trust that woman."

The look in Hikari's eyes darkened. "Aunt Kira? She's here?"

Itachi looked at her with curiosity. He didn't know Hikari very well, but her expressions were easy to read. She despised this Kira, even if they were family.

"It's normal for mom to be aware of her, she is capable of putting a knife to our throats. If she is willing to help, mom probably made a deal with her."

Shisui looked at the ground. "She allowed her to have Amane's scroll."

Hikari never expected her mother to give that away. With a click of her tongue, she stood from her place and walked towards the living room. The two boys followed her. "And what do we need to come back?"

"An object that would link this timeline with the past, but it needs to exist in both times and be most relevant in this one." At Shisui's words, Hikari smiled and headed towards Hanako's room, knowing both boys would be close behind her.

"The stone Hanako had been working on before she disappeared," Hikari looked at the already deteriorated stone. The Uchiha had left it on her bedside table, but Hikari had moved it around for the last three months. "Ibiki Morino has an obsession with having this stone figured out, but Hanako disappeared right when he found something critical." Hikari grinned. "I have the suspicion it has to do with Hanako's visit to the past. I mean, we can't say it has nothing to do; but isn't it too coincidental that, after knowing absolutely nothing about this piece of rock, Hanako's disappearance enlightened us?"

Shisui understood absolutely nothing of Hikari's babbling, but Itachi did understand. Hanako was already having an impact on the present. "Ibiki told me they found a journal of a man named Kenji, that revealed his experience with this stone and the reason they had to keep it hidden. Their emperor, Utah, was possessed by some entity within the stone and massacred everyone in his homeland. Kenji was the only survivor, as well as Utah, who recovered consciousness roughly three months later. The Uchiha Clan was mentioned, but from there the material he worked on deteriorated enough that it couldn't be read."

Hikari enjoyed the looks of surprise in their faces. "So, what do you think? Isn't this a relatable object to know what Hanako's been doing back then?"

"Well, if Hanako had been searching for information on this stone, then she wouldn't miss the opportunity of finding something in the past. But, I don't think she searched for the stone, maybe it came to her," Itachi suggested.

"Right now, it looks like a normal crippled ancient rock. Whatever was sealed in it, I don't think it's in there anymore." Shisui scrunched his nose.

"I think it is, but it's asleep." Hikari picked the stone and turned it over. Her eyes blazed red. "I can see a faint sparkle of chakra right at its center. Maybe, in this incident 100 years ago, part of it escaped into Utah and used him as a vessel temporarily. When he wasted its power, it went back to sleep and recover itself. Maybe it will happen again, when enough chakra has been absorbed, or someone finally sets it free once and for all."

"Well, this stone caused the massacre of an entire hometown. Maybe you should all stop researching it and seal it away, never to be found again." Shisui was becoming impatient. "We should definitely not use that as an anchor. Isn't there another thing we can use, probably something with a deeper meaning."

Hikari smiled. "Yeah, you're right." She took a scroll from her pouch and rolled it open on the floor. There was a sealing jutsu written on it with black ink. Hikari placed the stone in the middle of a circle with sealing kanji on its borders and formed her hands into a seal. "Sealing Techinque: Eternal Transcript." The stone was absorbed into the paper, becoming a drawing and the kanji for "seal" appeared over it. The girl rolled the parchment closed, and tied it with a piece of fabric. "I'll give this to Ibiki."

"I didn't know you could perform sealing jutsu," Shisui grinned. Hikari looked away from him, feeling warmth on her cheeks.

"Well, I know a lot of techniques. I like to learn different things, focusing on only one area makes no sense to me."

"That works for us." Shisui nodded. "We still need to find an anchor, though."

"I already have something in mind," Hikari muttered, looking at Itachi from the tips of her eyes. When the youngest Uchiha noticed, he narrowed his eyes.

Hikari kneeled next to Hanako's bed, and pulled out a red hardcover book with a golden Konoha symbol. "Shiro-sensei gave this book to Hanako when she was still in the Academy. It contains the biography of some of the most relevant kunoichi of Konoha's time from the foundation of the village to the first years of the Third's ruling." Hikari had bookmarked a page that had called her attention, and when she opened it, the two boys stopped moving. "This is Amane's section, the picture is a drawing made by someone and pasted into the paper." She carefully pulled the upper corners of the drawing and detached it from the book. There was something written on the back. "Look, it has a signature and a quote."

Itachi knew, from the moment he looked at the picture, it was Hanako. The person who drew her, made sure to portray every single detail of her and record her picture. When he read the back, he was certain.

Memories fade, but what's portrayed on this paper will remain eternally.
-Izuna Uchiha

"When I saw it, I knew it was my sister." There were tears in Hikari's eyes. "I detached it, 'cause I wanted to keep it, and that's when I read the back."

Shisui reassured her with a hand on her shoulder, "We will bring her back."

Itachi folded the picture nicely into fourths and put it away in his pocket. "This will work as an anchor. Now we need the portal."

Shisui smirked. "Yeah, let's look for our ride."