Itachi and Shisui walked into the main house in the Uchiha Compound in the middle of the night. Fugaku had left a note saying that he was holding a clan meeting at the time and Hanako was there taking care of Sasuke in their absence. Itachi lifted an eyebrow at the note and checked once more the time on the clock. It was late, and he figure that they both should probably be asleep by now.

"I'll be right back," Itachi said to Shisui as he headed up towards the bedroom area. Shisui just nodded as he sat on the living room.

Itachi went into Sasuke's bedroom first and carefully opened his door. Sasuke was fast asleep and carefully tucked under the covers. He was sleeping with a smile on his face, which made Itachi smile at the sight. He closed the door carefully without making a sound, before walking to his room and repeating the procedure.

"Took you some time..." A female voice muttered softly to him as he entered the room. Hanako was wide awake, lying over his bed with her arms crossed under her head as a pillow. She was staring up into the ceiling but turned her head to look at him once he walked inside. "How was your mission?"

Itachi rose an eyebrow at her. "It's late. You should be sleeping." Hanako just shrugged.

"I guess I'm not tired." Itachi rested his side on the door frame as he crossed his arms in front of his chest to look at her.

"The mission was completed. That's all I can tell you." Hanako smirked and looked back at the ceiling.

"I'd better get going," she stood up from the bed.

Itachi straightened up. "I'll walk you home."

"No need. You shouldn't leave your brother alone," she said.

"He's not alone." Shisui suddenly came into the room. "I'm sorry, I was starting to get bored."

"Shisui," Hanako smiled slightly and bowed as a greeting.

"You guys go," Shisui said to Itachi. "I'll stay here with Sasuke, and get some rest in the meantime." Itachi nodded and motioned for the brunette to follow him as he exited the room. Hanako walked slowly after him, but when she was about go past Shisui, he placed a hand on her shoulder, making her stop.

"Did anything happen while we were away?" He looked at her with eyes full of concern. Hanako looked up at him and shrugged.

"I'll talk to you later," she said in a lower voice and pressed her lips into a thin line as Shisui's eyes widened. Shisui watched Hanako walk out of the house after Itachi and sighed.

* * *

Itachi was awfully quiet. Hanako studied him as they walked in a slow pace towards her house, which was far from his. She lived almost at the border of the compound, close to the forest and the Library.

Itachi could tell that Hanako had been staring at him, and when he went to meet her gaze she quickly looked away. "What's with you?"

Hanako slumped her shoulders. So cold.... What happened in that mission?

"You're unusually quiet, what happened?"

"I told you, I can't talk about it with you."

"Why not? It's over, isn't it?" Hanako looked at him. Itachi kept looking at her with firm eyes. "I know the type of missions we're assigned to for evaluation. I'm an Anbu myself."

Itachi sighed, looking away. "I just don't want to talk right now. I'm tired."

Hanako smiled slightly. I was fit for the Interrogation Department, so I was assigned to infiltrate into Orochimaru's hideout and get information out of him. That man was really dangerous...

Itachi was recommended for the Assassination Department under Kakashi, which means that he was probably sent to kill someone. That's why he is acting like this. After Tenma, he's not used to be the one holding the sword.

We jumped from Chuunin to Anbu, from normal escorting and protecting to the dirty killing, spying and manipulating each other.

Hanako closed her eyes. "I told your father that you weren't fit for the Anbu, but he didn't listen. I had to swallow my pride and listen to him telling me that if I was a member of this Clan I would have to do my best to help you in anything you needed. So, if you don't want to do anything dirty, tell me. I'll do it for you."

Itachi looked at her in surprise. "You know—the reason why my dad wanted me to be in the Anbu."

"Yes, you're a spy for the clan." Hanako searched his eyes. There was desperation in them, silently asking what to do. "But, there's a warning I'd like to give you." They stopped walking and just looked at each other. "My sister and I have a theory. I can't give you the details, but we are certain that there is someone among the elders that wants the Uchiha to perish." Itachi remained calm but was focused in every single word she was saying. "And we can safely assume it's Danzo Shimura. So, if you ever meet that man, you have to be careful around him."

"Danzo Shimura?"

"Yes, he controls the 'Root Anbu'. It's an unofficial division of the Anbu, different from those that work under the Hokage. I've heard they're the ones who do all the dirty job without asking the Hokage."

"It's hard to imagine that even the Third doesn't know everything that happens beneath the shadows."

"I know, but that's how it is. We might see bright colors on top, but it's at the cost of everything that happens underneath. If you're not ready to endure it, back off now, Itachi." Hanako's eyes were so serious. "I don't want to see you destroy yourself just because your father wants to have some sense of control by putting his own son at the core of the village."

"I didn't agree because of my father." Hanako took a step back. "I did it for myself." The fierceness in Itachi's eyes matched Hanako's. "I am going to become Hokage and I will erase all fighting from this world."

Hanako gulped and looked away. "That's such a childish dream..." she muttered in a low voice, walking past him towards her house. Itachi watched her close the door without sparing another glance at him.

He had never experienced this certain type of pain in his chest. It hurt, but there was no visible wound. He hadn't cried since Tenma's death, but a single tear escaped from his eye when Hanako closed that door. Why did it hurt so much?

* * *

At the library of the Anbu HQ, Hanako was looking through several book trying to learn something from the stone she recovered with Kakashi. Old books were scattered over the table, but there was nothing that could be considered useful. Not even in the slightest.

One thing Hanako had clear, was that ever since she had been close to that stone, she could her its senseless whispering, and whenever she came in contact with it, she felt different. She couldn't explain the feeling in human words, but it felt right. Like the stone was made for her.

Still, she couldn't figure out how to use its hidden powers. And she couldn't concentrate because of the fight she had with Itachi last night. Hanako groaned loudly.

"How the hell am I supposed to crack this thing?!" Hanako yelled before throwing it against the nearest wall. It bumped against the hard brick, but no damage could be noticeable.

"I was hoping you'd at least try that." Kakashi smirked from the door.

"I've tried everything..." Hanako stood from her seat and picked up the stone. "It's literally just a rock with a weird theme."

"Are you certain?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow as he approached her table. "Did we really recover just a stone?"

"I'd like to think otherwise, but everything points to that possibility."

Kakashi sighed and sat down next to her. "Let me help you."

* * *

Itachi was organizing his things in the new locker he had been assigned in the Assassination Department when someone approached him. He was a young man, probably in his teens, with the standard Anbu uniform and a tiger mask hanging from the side of his face. His sandy blond hair was disheveled, making him seem a carefree guy.

"May I ask how old are you?" Itachi tried to ignore the sneer in his voice as he dropped his weapons into a small box inside the locker.

"Eleven." Itachi replied curtly.

"Eleven, huh?" The Anbu chuckled. "Just like the other one, the girl. The Uchiha must be really promising to send kids into the Anbu."

"Nerumi, be careful with your words," said another one. Itachi looked over his shoulder at the owner of the new voice. This Anbu was a little older than Nerumi. He had dark brown hair and almond shaped eyes. He smiled at Itachi. "Please, don't mind him. He likes to bother the new ones."

Nerumi scoffed. "Always the friendly one, Tenzou. Are you enjoying being the one in charge while the captain isn't here?" He smiled. "I heard he comes back today, please don't be disappointed."

Itachi narrowed his eyes as he watched Nerumi walk out of the locker room. Tenzou looked at him. "That was Nerumi. He's a bit of an asshole, but try not to take it personally. I'm Tenzou, I'm the second one in command of Team Ro." Tenzou walked to the door and gave Itachi one last glance. "Meet us in five at the fourth training ground."

Itachi looked back at his things and picked up his uniform before closing the locker. In a moment, he felt a dangerous aura behind him and reached to grab a knife from his pouch. When he felt the aura getting closer, he turned around with the knife ready to attack.

Nerumi grabbed his wrist with a smirk on his face. "Not bad for a kid," he winked. "It's hard for most people to sense me near, but I guess you pretty much noticed me with ease." He let go, and Itachi put away the knife.

"I need to go change," Itachi was about to walk out but Nerumi placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Wait, how about I give you a small tour before practice?"

Itachi frowned. "We're supposed to meet in five. Some other time, maybe."

Nerumi shrugged. "I know captain Kakashi, he will be late anyways. Come on, I'll even take you to the Intelligence Division."

Itachi sighed. "Let me change first."

Nerumi smiled. "Of course."

* * *

"See? It's just a simple rock." Hanako sighed and rested her head on the table. Kakashi rolled his eyes and leaned against the chair.

"There has to be something we're missing."

Hanako lifted the stone and was looking it up close. The door suddenly opened and she looked up. Nerumi walked in with someone behind him. Hanako felt her heart sink when she saw Itachi dressed in full Anbu gear. What the hell is he doing here?!

"Oh Captain! There you are," Nerumi smiled and waved at him. "See, Itachi? There's nothing to worry about, he's always late."

Hanako side-glanced at the man beside her. Kakashi was looking at his subordinates with tired eyes. "Nerumi, training began fifteen minutes ago. What are you doing here?" His eyes then trained on Itachi. "And who are you?"

Itachi straightened and bowed slightly. "Itachi Uchiha, I'll be joining Team Ro. It's a pleasure to work with you."

Hanako pressed her lips into a line when she sensed Kakashi's chakra falter. "Nerumi, what kind of image are you giving the new member?"

"I just thought it would be nice to give him a tour the first day."

Hanako scoffed. Liar.

Kakashi sighed loudly before standing. The chair screeched as he pushed it back. "You shouldn't be here. Let's go." His eyes then focused on Hanako. She gave him a small smile.

"See you around?"

Kakashi nodded. "I'm sorry. Good luck with the stone."

"Oh! Hana-chan! I didn't see you there!" Nerumi's grin made her feel nauseous. She had known him for a few months, but she never liked him. There was something in her gut that tensed whenever he was around. "How are you? Are you free to grab lunch later?"

Hanako smiled. "I already ate lunch."

Nerumi's face fell. "But it's nine in the morning."

"I like to eat early," she replied curtly while focusing again on a book.

"How about a coffee? Do you like coffee?"

Kakashi put a hand over Nerumi's head and dragged him out of the room. "Let's go." Itachi followed them silently after looking intently at the girl. She had ignored him, like he wasn't even there. The pain in his chest only got stronger.

Once they were far enough, Hanako took a deep breath and leaned on the table. "Kakashi's team is fascinating."

She picked the stone and stared at the third eye on its forehead. Again she was able to hear whispering. With narrowed eyes, she focused on trying to understand the words coming out.

Otsutsuki...

Hanako placed the stone back on the table. With a sigh, she crossed her arms. "What to do with you?"

A soft knock made her look to the door. Ibiki was standing there. "I just thought you might need some motivation with that. Why don't you take a break? Let's go grab some dango."

Hanako smiled and nodded. She closed the books and followed Ibiki out of the building.