What do you call a group of Rooks?

A Building

Kick, swivel, punch, punch. Kick, swivel, punch, punch.

Sora was diligently practising the basic katas she was taught by her father while Umi supervised with a sharp eye.

Kick, swivel, punch, punch. Kick, swivel, punch, punch.

She has been attempting to drill the kata till it all became reflex. Muscle memory. It wasn't anything overly showy or dangerous but it will have to do for now. Sora had to build up muscle before moving on to anything harder.

Kick, swivel, punch, punch. Kick, swivel, punch, punch.

After the Kyūbi's attack, once the clan compound was built and their family moved into their new home, Sora firmly declared that she wanted to become a ninja. Much to her family's surprise. Though they tried not to question it too much. It was a relief in a way to them and her father was more than happy to start her training.

Kick, swivel, punch, punch. Kick, swivel, punch, punch.

The fact that she was also the first among the three siblings to awaken her sharingan was also another reason why her father was happy that she changed her mind. (Her siblings were beyond shocked to learn this and more than a tad jealous. Especially Riku.)

Kick, swivel, dodge.

However, the last one didn't work out properly and she landed on her arse. Scrunching up her face in displeasure, Sora turned towards her sister. Noticing for the first time that the older girl was now standing up. Twirling a kunai lazily between her fingers.

"A ninja should always be aware of their surroundings imōto," she chided, plunging the kunai she was twirling at the girl.

In a show of utter ungracefulness, Sora quickly rolled out of the (not blunt) projectile her sister casually tossed at her.

"Yes nēsan," she said once up, dropping into the basic stance she was taught and eyeing her sister warily.

"Hmm," was the older girl's only reply before attacking her sister. Toning down her power enough so she wouldn't hurt her sister too much but not so that the girl wouldn't feel it or be bruised later. If she didn't dodge that is.

A disadvantage of awakening one's sharingan so early was that the urge to use it was generally rather strong and without having trained properly first their bodies would not be able to keep up.

Which was something Umi was more than happy to reinforce if she so much as caught a hint of red.

Wasn't her sister delightful.

—.—.—.—

Uchiha Riku was most definitely not sulking. Nope. Not at all.

Ok, yes he was. but what else was he to do after being teased over his three-year-old sister awakening her sharingan before him. And he was ten damn it.

Signing he made his way back home, having successfully completed a C-rank mission, just outside the village borders, before running into Satoshi and his group.

"Tadaima," he greeted once he stepped inside the house, his mother's reply echoing from the kitchen, from which the delicious smells of home cooked food wafted out, causing his stomach to rumble.

Umi was easy to locate though moments like this made Riku wonder if maybe she was the oddest between his sisters. Siting lotus style on the ceiling, Umi was the epitome of calm. Her breathing deep but relaxed. It would of been all fine and dandy if her hair wasn't tickling his nose. (He could have simply walked around her as she later pointed out but Riku ignored her)

"Where's Sora?" he questioned when he didn't notice his youngest sister on the first floor of their house and he couldn't help but roll his eyes when Umi [serenely] pointed towards the backyard. Never once properly acknowledging his presence.

Seeing as he had nothing better to do the boy went out to see what Sora was up to. Not that he didn't already have a good idea what that was.

And as predicted she was outside, practising her kyūjutsu. Now that she decided to be a ninja (Like there was ever a question. Really, how did she ever expect not to be a shinobi?) Fumio-ojisan made her training even stricter. Though he had to admit it was paying off as Sora fired arrow after arrow and hit bullseye. Though, admittedly, she will have to work on her speed if she ever so much as wanted to attempt using it on the field.

Honestly, Riku was surrounded by odd women. Sora being the oddest of them all (Umi really seemed to be competing for that title recently as well). He didn't understand his baby sister. Never had if he were being honest.

He knew she was smart. Really smart. But she always seemed so distant. Like he couldn't reach her. Even when she was right next to him, laughing along at one of their father's terrible jokes.

There was always this look in her eyes. It looked haunted and sad and Riku never knew how to approach the subject with Sora. He loved his baby sister. He did.

And it pained him to not be able to anything. He was her older brother for crying out loud. It was his duty to protect her.

Of course when she said she didn't want to be a ninja he was confused. How could she not want to be a ninja. Then he got angry and the two had more than their fair share of arguments over the topic which only served to widen the chasm between them.

Nevertheless, he loved her still. No matter how annoying she could be at times.

Then, when the Kyūbi attacked and he learnt Sora wasn't at the shelters he got scared. Terrified even and he wanted to leave but was prevented by the chūnin who ordered him to help care for the civilians inside the shelters. He caught sight of Umi, even managed to talk with her. Not stopping the girl from tightly embracing him no matter how he would otherwise complain whenever she did it in public.

But she didn't see Sora either and Riku didn't know what to do. His mind conjured imaged of her death and all he could think of was that he never even got to be there for her.

He was never more relieved in his life than when he learnt she was safe.

Of course, he was shocked to learn she awakened the sharingan but that only made him more determined to awaken his own. He couldn't fall behind his baby sister now could he? He would lose any respect she had for him if he did.

Sora was hard at work. She has been this way ever since she declared her intent to become a kunoichi. Riku has never seen her more determined, more alive, in his life. And for all that the monster's attack on the village was a tragedy, for all that he would change if he could...Riku was so bloody grateful that it at least served to wake up his sister from whatever dream she had fallen into.

The way she was now. The light in her eyes. If there was only one good came out of that night this was it.

—.—.—.—

Sora meditated, a lot. The four year old has picked up this habit from Umi long before she decided to train in order to attain her new goal. 'I want to live.'

The activity not the most interesting one in the world, especially not with the newfound energy Sora found herself possessing, but it was an important activity.

Chakra was essential for life in this world and was an indispensable tool for a ninja. Being able to feel it, to manipulate it, to control it. That is what differentiated shinobi from civilians and then separated the good shinobi from the great shinobi.

And Sora will need to be great is she wanted to live. She will need to distinguish herself somehow is she wanted the Hokage to even pay her more than a glance.

She needed to be great is she wanted to survive Uchiha bloody Obito.

She started to really hate her cousin despite never meeting him and worried if the curse of hatred wasn't already taking roots inside of her.

'I need to control it. I need to be in complete control of my body and mind,' she repeated the words like a mantra. Over and over.

Eventually she was forced to give up on meditating as her brother and father's spar intensified. With Riku having used a doton jutsu that caused the ground of their backyard to split open. Unlike Umi, Sora had not mastered the ability to completely tune out the world so there really was no point in pretending to be able to do so.

Instead she chose to watch the fight and control the urge to frown at the two for interrupting her concentration.

Her father simply jumped into the tree behind him, throwing a volley of shuriken towards her brother before the boy had a chance to recover. However, Riku did reply rather impressively by doing a quick series of backflips before throwing a handful of kunai to stop the shuriken that weren't already lodged in the ground.

Both of them had their sharingan activated, the tomes rapidly rotating and Sora felt as her own sharingan activated almost unconsciously whilst watching them fight.

Maybe it was cheating maybe it wasn't. But Sora didn't have the luxury of time other people had to better themselves at their own pace. She had a limited time frame to work with.

So if her dōjutsu catalogued and safely stored their moves and techniques for later review who was she to complain?

Riku's hands quickly blurred through the hand signs for the great fireball technique and Sora had to admit. It was rather difficult to contain her expression of admiration. Really, it was a beautifully destructive technique. Though Takeo stole some of the spotlight off Riku as he combated the technique with a fireball of his own causing the clash between them to result in an epic wall of flame.

Sadly it was doused out by a rather annoyed Umi's suiton technique, that, before anyone had a chance to complain, was joined by an equally furious Kotori who silently pointed to what once used to be a small herb and vegetable garden.

Sora almost felt bad for the two males.

—.—.—.—

It was past noon by the time Sora arrived by the lake nearby their compound. Having spent all the previous time in the company of Fumio-sensei. Still dressed in her training clothes and with the yumi held firmly in her right hand while her quiver was attached to her hip.

She walked all the way to the water's edge where she gently placed both bow and quiver on the ground.

Turning to face the water, she performed a short series of stretches before focusing on the real reason she found herself here.

Sora felt...excitement building up in her at what she was about to attempt.

Snake, ram, monkey.

The hand signs were still felt rather foreign and were awkward to make. Taking it slowly also allowed Sora to feel the way her chakra was pulled and pushed through her coils.

Boar, horse, tiger, 'Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu,' she thought as she inhaled deeply.

Fire built in her mouth which she expelled in a continuous stream. Attempting to continuously feed it chakra to keep it going.

It wasn't nearly as impressive as her brother's, and she was rather annoyed with the width of the flames. Huffing in annoyance she crossed her arms across her chest attempting to figure out what she was doing wrong.

"You need to kneed more chakra for the initial release if you want to increase the size and power of the technique," a deep voice told her, startling Sora who released and embarrassing "eep!" sound.

The whole thing was made even more awkward when it was none other than her clan head, Uchiha Fugaku, staring at her contemplatively. She didn't dare break eye contact but Sora had a sneaking suspicion that if she only lowered her gaze slightly she would meet that of his eldest son. After all, why else would Fugaku be here? Dressed casually to boot.

"Fugaku-sama, I apologise, I didn't notice you approaching," the girl apologised, bowing before the man. Raising it as she heard the swishing sound of his kimono sleeve as he waved his hand dismissively.

"Who taught you the technique? They should have explained that before hand," he asked looking at Sora right in the eyes. Causing her to get the distinctive impression he was evaluating her. —Part of her mind wondered over her current appearance.

She was a bit sweaty from training previously, not to mention it was really hot outside and the clothes she was wearing were not suited for the weather, dark-blue hakama and a short, white kimono top, Fumio-sensei sometimes insisted on the outfit. He really could be rather old fashioned when he wanted to, she felt more Hyūga than Uchiha dressed like this is she were perfectly honest.

Her short brown hair —inherited from her father— fluttered lightly in the breeze and she really would appreciate if Fugaku toned down the scrutiny.

"I was not taught the technique...not properly anyway," she said, not quite knowing why she was being so evasive.

"You used your sharingan to copy it," he concluded easily and Sora really had to control the urge to blink stupidly up at the man. "You're Sora I believe, Takeo's daughter, activated your sharingan when you were two," he said, not a question. But a certain statement and it left the girl wondering if the entire clan was aware of this fact. 'Because why wouldn't people brag when their two year old was so traumatised that it forced their kekkei genkai to activate,' she thought sarcastically.

"Yes sir." She had to wonder why she even thought the man wouldn't have known about her sharingan. It was a thing of pride among the clan to awaken it. To do it at such a young age to boot...

"Hmm, this is my son Itachi," he introduced and for the first time Sora dared to look somewhere other than the man's calculating eyes.

She stared for maybe longer than was strictly polite at the boy, though, in all fairness, he was doing the same, before lightly bowing and murmuring a greeting. After returning the favour the trio found themselves basked in awkward silence.

"Perform the technique again but do as I instructed. After, I shall proceed training with Itachi. You may choose to stay and carry on with your own training or observe." And that was that. This time Sora really couldn't help the owlish look she must have given him but complied with his order all the same.

Going through the hand signs once again, Sora made sure to pay more attention to the amount of chakra she was kneading, being more generous with the amount than she was previously. Her reward were larger and hotter flames, making the water on the surface of the lake sizzle.

She didn't stop the excitement from showing on her face because 'that was awesome,' but she did look up in confusion as Fugaku chuckled in amusement.

"Looks like in time you might have someone to compete against Itachi," he said evenly, though a smirk was present on his face.

'What?' Now Sora was certain that the only expression she could be displaying now was one of surprised-stupidity. And the worst part? Itachi looked to be considering it. 'How did this happen? Why did this happen?'

"How is your taijutsu right now?" Fugaku dressed the still disorientated girl again.

"I have been trained only in the rudimentary forms," she replied, nearly taking a step back as the man frowned in displeasure.

"That will have to be rectified soon," 'come again?' "it would be a pity to let talent waste away." Sora was pretty certain her brain short-circuited.

She was average at best. Nothing that amazing about her unless you counted her intelligence (which she didn't as it wouldn't be fair to do so) and her awakened sharingan. But maybe that was what Fugaku was talking about. Maybe he took that as a sign of her potential. Sora sure as hell wasn't going to ask for clarification. Either way, she just nodded her agreement, more or less wanting this encounter to be over with.

As promised earlier, Fugaku and Itachi got to sparing and Sora truly couldn't help but admire Itachi's skill. 'He's only...what? Two years older than me?'

Itachi did a mid-air turn which landed him on the trunk of a tree. However, without missing a second, he launched himself from it, twisting in a rotating motion as he unleashed a barrage of kunai at Fugaku while simultaneously enhancing them with a katon jutsu.

Fugaku easily evaded or deflected the oncoming projectiles and the two engaged in a taijutsu spar. Since Itachi was the shorter of the two he would often jump before extending his leg outward to kick at his father.

The older male went to grab Itachi's leg at one such opportunity, with speed Sora was certain she wouldn't have seen clearly had it not been for her activated sharingan, before flinging the boy across the clearing. She really couldn't help but wince on his behalf.

Then it was Itachi who needed to go on the defensive as his father went on the offensive and while she thought Itachi wasn't faring that badly against the man...he wasn't exactly going to leave the field unscratched.

It dawned on Sora in that moment as she watched the fight. This was Itachi. Uchiha Itachi. The boy who would grow into a man shunned by all for murdering his clan. The boy who loved his little brother and village more than he loved himself. The prodigy. The genius.

The latter two being labels you already heard uttered alongside his name within the clan.

And yet, he wasn't perfect. He couldn't avoid all the hits his father delivered. Blocking more than he evaded.

He was...still learning. Itachi was roughly two years older and barely started at the academy; he was not the fearsome power she had in her head.

'He isn't terrifying.' Not in the way she imagined her would-be murderer to look like.

When the two males were done, Fugaku excused himself, shooting one last look in Sora's direction before disappearing.

Itachi was still here, resting on the ground, his breathing controlled but deeper.

For all that Sora realised he wasn't a monster (not yet) she still didn't approach him. Remaining sitting on the patch of grass by her gear. Looking at him with her large, doe eyes.

He knew she was still there. She was willing to bet he even knew she was watching him (not like she was actually attempting to hide the fact). But he didn't approach her either.

Instead they remained seated on the ground, the sun halfway through its descent. Eventually he did turn around and look at her dark eyes clashing with equally dark ones. It was the one, common feature every single one of their family possessed. Their hair colour varied from person to person, different shades of brown and black being the colour pool they could draw from.

Itachi's eyes lowered till they rested on her yumi, admiring it for a few moments, not saying anything. Biting the inside of her cheek lightly, Sora decided enough was enough. They were both being a tad ridiculous.

"Do you know how to use it?" she asked, nearing flinching at how loud her voice sounded in the quiet clearing. She must have startled even Itachi, if the way he ripped his head up was any indications.

For a second it looked as though he wasn't certain who she addressed. But seeing as it was only the two of them (from what she could tell) it didn't take a genius to figure out her question was dressed to him.

He didn't verbally reply, instead choosing to shake his head in negative. Sora was somewhat shocked. Part of her expected that he would confirm he did indeed know. Even say he master it.

Ridiculous if one thought logically about it because a six year old couldn't have mastered everything. Even if they were Uchiha Itachi.

Her tongue darted out quickly to lick her lips in uncertainty before finally getting off the ground. She dusted her clothing, grabbed her quiver and securely attached it on her right side, before grasping her yumi with her right hand.

She nearly marched up to Itachi, who didn't move from his spot and continued to stare at her curiously, before thrusting the bow in from of the bewildered boy when she was close enough.

"Would you like to try?" she asked, patiently waiting for a reply and mentally preventing herself from fidgeting.

A moment, Sora's face was turning a nice cherry red, then two passed, she was considering how fast she could run back home, when Itachi reached out to hold the bow. He easily got up and dusted himself with his free hand before lightly bowing his head.

"I would like for you to show me," his expression was completely serious and Sora finally lost it. The younger girl exploded in a fit of uncontrollable giggles. Enough to cause Itachi to release the bow and take a step back, looking lost, mainly confused, and a tad frightened.

Sora raised her left hand in the universal 'give me a moment sign' as she attempted to calm down. This was ridiculous. She was ridiculous. What did she expect to happen? She didn't know. However seeing Itachi look so serious allowed her to realise the silliness of her situation. After all, if there was one thing Uchiha Itachi was right now, it was a six year old with an adorable face that did not suit said expression.

"I-I'm sorry," she wheezed out, wiping the tears with the sleeve of her kimono. "Come with me, I'll show you if you want," she said, simultaneously motioning for the boy to follow her. He did. Therefore the two of them made their way together to one of target practice training grounds.

Once there, she picked a target took her stance and aimed. She didn't release the bowstring, which was causing her hand to slightly tremble. She waited a few more moments before releasing, watching as the arrow soared and landed in the innermost eye.

She still tsked in annoyance at seeing it was not dead centre, but that was to be expected, she would need to learn how to prevent the trembling from occurring if she ever needed to wait before firing.

Sora stepped aside and then handed the bow to Itachi. Who, for his part, took it out of her hand rather gingerly. She watched him get in position, and after nudging him a bit till she was satisfied, handed him an arrow.

She watched as he aimed, unconsciously closing his own eye before releasing. It was more than a tad annoying when it landed in the inner circle, though more on the outside than hers. She wasn't anywhere this good on her first try. 'Bloody prodigies.'

"It is much more difficult to aim with this than a kunai," he said, turning towards her in the process. 'Tell me about it,' she thought, outwardly nodding in understanding.

"You should resist the urge to close an eye when shooting and don't keep the arrow drawn for too long. It's why our hands start shaking," she instructed, while Itachi took her words to heart, nodding attentively. It was, admittedly, adorable.

"You can have more goes to familiarise yourself with it if you want," Sora offered, watching as the tiniest of smiles formed on his face, as he tackled the task before him. Enjoying the new challenge.

It was how the two children spent the rest of the day, taking turns with the yumi, explaining things to each other. When the bow got somewhat boring Itachi offered to help her with her shuriken jutsu if she needed it, seeing as they were in the target practice training ground anyway.

She took him up on his offer and Sora was left once again in awe —and slight envy— of his acrobatic skills. Twisting and turning as he let lose kunai after kunai, making them hit all the targets.

A/N: I don't even know anymore. Strangely enough, I am having a lot of fun writing the story for all that it is a hurt/comfort/angst? and scenes I imagined made me cry.

Either way, I do hope you found this worthwhile reading and thank you for reading! Here a kiss and a hug *invades personal spaces and makes you uncomfortable for 7 seconds*

Share with me your thoughts and I will give you a virtual cheesecake slice ;)

P.S: For those of you who read/are reading Uzushiogakure Reborn (hugs you all again) I have not forgotten about it. I just don't feel like writing the fight scenes for the chūnin exam I kinda feel that Kimimaro and Itachi's fight came out really well (for me) and that gave people the impression I can write fight scenes *gasps* Either way I'll try and write the Halloween Omake, I'm sorry for the wait