Previously on "Finding My Way":

"Yasuko, stay here."

"RU-KUN!"

'Gomen ne Papa... I failed you.'

Now [Chapter 2: Konoha] 

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Hokage's POV 

I sighed as I sat behind my desk, piles of paperwork stacked in front of me. I took my pipe from my mouth and puffed out a small cloud of smoke. As I read off a mission report, an ANBU transported himself into my office, kneeling before me. I nodded and the ANBU stood, clearing his throat.

"Hokage-sama, we have confirmed the infiltrators to be part of the Akastuki," I straightened, this fact peaking my interest, "Eight Chūnin, four Jōnin, and four ANBU including myself tailed them before we engaged in battle. As a result, one of the three Akatsuki members were captured. The kunoichi is now in the torture and interrogation building being interrogated by Morino Ibiki."

I smoked on my pipe in thought. From the information gathered, the Akatsuki was an organization of S Rank criminals who have grouped together for unknown reasons. They were said to be extremely impressive shinobi who should not be engaged in battle. From the reports, the Akatsuki was said to have been all male members, so hearings of a female member were surprising.

"Have you identified the member, Taka?" I asked the ANBU.

Behind his mask, I knew this specific shinobi was Senju Takeshi. Although all members of the ANBU black ops wore the same uniform, they each have their own distinct mask. Takeshi's was a white, hawk-shaped mask with eccentric red designs on the cheeks and three vertical lines on the forehead.

"No sir. The Akatsuki member has refused to give any information on herself or the organization." Takeshi reported. 

"Hm... Ibiki should be able to acquire information soon. Is there anything else I should be informed of, Taka?" I inquired.

"Well Hokage-sama," Takeshi was hesitant, which was strange as ANBU are experts at keeping their emotions in check, "She appears no older than 8 years old."

My pipe fell as I digested the information. I stood up immediately and transported both Takeshi and I in front of the torture and interrogation building. I ran through the halls towards the cells where the prisoners were questioned. I stopped when I saw a shinobi with long blond hair standing in front of a call with a pitiful expression.

"Inoichi, where is the Akatsuki member?" I asked quickly. 

Inoichi was one of the members of the Interrogation unit and was the head of the Yamanaka Clan. The clan specializes in mind-centred techniques, making them perfect for collecting and relaying information. Inoichi wore his long blond hair spiky on top and ending in a long ponytail. He had blue-green eyes and strong facial features. He wore the standard outfit of the Konoha Interrogation Unit, complete with a long black overcoat.

"Hokage-sama, she is currently being interrogated in this cell," Inoichi stated as he pointed to the cell that he was currently standing in front of. "Ibiki has not obtained any information about the Akatsuki member or of the organization."

My eyes widened when I opened the cell. Cabinets were thrown open displaying poisons and weapons, a cart was standing by the side carrying an assortment of torture devices, but what caught my attention was the child tied up in a chair in the centre of the room, chakra seals bounded her neck, wrists, and ankles. Her long raven hair was disheveled and her pale skin was masked with wounds, gashes, and bruises. Despite the damages, no signs of struggle or pain were expressed on her face.

Both Takeshi and Inoichi gasped behind me. Ibiki stood in front of the girl holding a kunai, ready to stab her.

"IBIKI, STOP!" I ordered. 

Ibiki stopped; the kunai only a centimetre away from the child's face. She didn't flinch as she glanced at me. My breath hitched when my eyes met hers. No words could describe the pain those eyes held. Her silver and gold flaked onyx eyes held all the pain and suffering her face would not express.

I made my way to the girl and removed her bindings and seals. The girl slumped forward as I caught her in my arms. Her breathing was hard as she took gulps of air, trying to regulate her heart rate.

"A-arigatō..." The child whispered hoarsely as she fell unconscious. 

Seeing her state, I laid the girl on the ground moving aside for Inoichi and Takeshi to heal the girl's wounds. But before they could, a golden like aura surrounded the girl. We watched as each wound began to heal itself instantly. Ibiki, Inoichi, Takeshi and I stared in awe at the phenomenon that was happening in front of us. As the glow faded away, we saw no injuries on the girl's person. Takeshi was the first to snap into action and lifted the girl into his arms. He turned towards me, awaiting further orders.

"Takeshi, take the girl to the hospital and keep watch on her until she awakens. Report to me when she does." I ordered.

Takeshi nodded and transported to the hospital with the child in his arms. I turned to the two interrogation members and told them to watch over the girl as well and to report to me about her condition every now and then. They nodded and proceeded with their orders. 

I sighed and walked out of the building and onto the streets of my beloved village. Villagers and ninja alike waved at me as they passed. I smiled and waved back as I thought of what has occurred. That girl went through a scarring experience at such a young age. Grown men would have yielded instantly and given information that was needed, but this girl didn't. She endured the torture and showed no pain as to not satisfy Ibiki.

I sighed and walked back to the Hokage tower to complete my unfinished paperwork. Hopefully, the child will wake soon. 

Yasuko's POV

Pain.

That's all I felt as I floated in the darkness.

'It hurts. I want Papa, Nii-san's, Oji-san's, and Oba-san. I want to go back home. Papa...'

I winced as I forced my eyes open only to be blinded by bright lights. I blinked, staring up at the white ceiling before sitting up. I bit my lip as a jolt of pain came from my abdomen where the interrogator stabbed me with a poisoned kunai. Placing a hand on my wound, I let green chakra envelope my hand. Closing my eyes I assessed myself.

'All flesh wounds healed, some poison has been left in my system but not enough to kill me, muscle strain, low chakra, but everything else seems to be fine. I should be okay after a day of rest and no strenuous activities.'

Opening my eyes, I let the green chakra dispel, mentally reminding myself not to use any chakra today to restore my chakra reservoirs. I took note of my surroundings, realizing that I must be in Konoha's hospital. I sighed. I never liked hospitals. They were always so boring or sad.

I tensed as I felt a chakra source coming towards my room. From the chakra, I could tell this person was a shinobi and an ANBU. I watched the handle of the door turn and open. The ANBU member stared at me as I gazed at him. He wore the standard uniform and a hawk shaped mask with strange designs on the cheeks and three vertical lines on the forehead. The only thing I could differentiate the ANBU from others was his light skin, light brown eyes, and messy blond hair.

"You're awake. I shall inform the Hokage. Do not attempt to escape; we have other ninja watching you. The Hokage will be coming to speak to you later on." The ANBU informed me. 

I nodded warily as I pressed myself into the pillows I was leaning against. The ANBU left, leaving me to the silence of the room. I stared down at my hands as I tried to recall who the Hokage was. If I remember correctly, Konoha was under the rule of the Third Hokage, after the Yondiame Hokage died in battle during the Nine-Tail's attack. I'm sure the Third descended from the Sarutobi Clan.

I glanced up when I heard the door open again. I stared at the old man as he took a seat by my bed. He was a light-skinned man of below average stature with grey hair. As Hokage he wore the official uniform, consisting of the customary hat and haori, along with a red-full length kimono that was tied using a white sash. A pipe was placed in his mouth as he puffed out small clouds of smoke.

"It is rude to smoke in the presence of a patient much less a child. It is also against the rules to smoke in the hospital, Hokage-sama." I reprimanded before I could think. My eyes widened as I covered my mouth from the outburst, blood rushing to my cheeks. 

The Hokage blinked at me before letting out a gruff laugh. I looked down, fiddling with the sheets on my lap in embarrassment. I blinked when I felt something being placed on my head and looked up in surprise and stared at the smiling man in front of me. I fiddled with the Hokage's hat he had placed on my head and stared at him curiously, the pipe now gone as he stood in front of me.

"My apologies young lady. My name is Sautobi Hiruzen the Third Hokage of Konoha. What is your name?" The Hokage asked.

I bit my lip and shifted uncomfortably on the bed. Seeing this the old man smiled as he took back the hat he had placed on my head. "It is alright child. We will not harm you."

I hesitated before whispering. "Yasuko."

"Hmm?" The Hokage raised an eyebrow. 

"My name is Yasuko, Hokage-sama." I spoke up as I fiddled with my hands.

He smiled at me as he gently took the hat off my head. "What a fitting name for a child like you. If you are okay, would it be alright to continue this conversation in my office?"

I nodded and swung my legs off the bed. I slowly got up, testing my balance. Seeing no problems I took a couple steps forward and nodded, deeming myself okay for a short walk. I grabbed my clothes that lay at the foot of my bed and changes in the washroom. Once done, I checked my appearance in the full-length mirror. 

I had slipped on the clothes that I wore for training and missions. The outfit consisted of a black, short-sleeved top, with a hoodie, a white tank top underneath, white shorts that stopped a few inches above my knees, black arm warmers with white lining, bandages covering my calves, black ninja sandals, and a black mask hanging loosely around my neck. I had bandages around my right upper thigh and lower left thigh, where I'd usually have my weapons pouches tied.

I frowned, remembering my katana, scrolls and weapons were taken from me. Hopefully, I'll be able to get them back. Remembering my young tiger friend, my frown deepened.

'Ru-kun... Please be okay.'

Grabbing a red ribbon from my pocket, I tied my hair in a low ponytail and brushed my bangs a bit, making sure they didn't get in the way. Glancing in the mirror again, a sad smile appeared on my face as I reached out for my reflection. With my hair like this, I looked a lot like Papa, especially with all my dark clothes. The only thing missing was the lines he had near his nose.

I smiled before stepping out of the washroom. The Hokage stared at me in surprise before composing himself, taking my hand in his.

"You look much like someone I once knew in that outfit and hair. The only difference is that you're a girl and he was a boy." I smiled slightly, knowing immediately whom he was talking about. 

As we made our way to his office, I glanced around the village curiously. I saw many villagers smile and wave at me. I smiled politely and gave a small wave as well. I gasped in surprise as a small body collided with my own. I fell on my bottom, the small body on top of me groaning. I blinked as I picked up the small girl making sure she wasn't injured.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

The little girl nodded.

"Thank you Onee-chan! Sorry for bumping into you." The little girl smiled brightly.

I smiled at her and stood up, patting her bright orange hair gently. I felt a sudden attachment to the girl, which confused me. There was just something that gave me the need to protect her. 

"It is okay," I reassured her, "You should go back to your mother. She must be worried, but before you leave, I have something to give you."

Taking a clear stone out of my pocket, I placed it on a chain and carefully added my chakra into the stone. Soon the clear stone turned red, the metal chain wrapping itself around it, tinting into a gold shade. The metal knotted on the top before I slipped it onto a leather cord. The stone itself now had a small light flickering from within, as if a fire was lit inside. I wouldn't normally give this to someone I had just met, but I felt that I would be seeing her more often.

"This is a chakra stone. If you are in trouble or need me, use this to call me. All you have to do is think of me while focusing on the stone, and say 'Hono' meaning blaze. Once you say that, I will be there. My name is Yasuko by the way." I explained.

The girl's eyes sparkled as she took the necklace in her hands. "Wow, thank you Yasu-nee!" I'm Amarante Kasai! Mama said it means fire flower that never fades." 

"Kasai huh? Then this necklace will suit you well."

Kasai nodded and waved goodbye as she ran to her mother. I waved back, a small smile on my face. A cough from behind caused me to blink in surprise as I turned to see the Hokage waiting for me.

"G-gomen'nasai Hokage-sama, for making you wait." I blushed as I bowed to him.

The Hokage chuckled and waved it off. He led me towards the Hokage building, holding my hand as we climbed the stairs to his office. The Hokage opened the door, pulling me alongside him. Upon entering, we came face to face with many ninja. I blushed at the attention and hid behind the Hokage. I heard him chuckle as he glanced over his shoulder to look at me. Taking a seat at his desk, the Hokage lifted me up to sit on his desk. I stared at him questionably.

"Now little one, please tell us about yourself and why you were with the Akatsuki." The Hokage said. 

Gasps and whispers erupted from around the room.

"May I ask where my weapons and scrolls are?" I inquired.

"Oi brat, don't talk to the Hokage like that." I winced, bowing my head, muttering a small apology.

The Hokage frowned as he patted my head. "It's fine child. Your weapons and scrolls are safe. You shall be given them back once our questions are answered and we deem you safe for the village."

I nodded but spoke up hesitantly, "I had a white tiger companion with me when we were attacked by your men. Is he safe?"

"So this little guy is yours huh?" I turned. My eyes brightening when I caught sight of a familiar tiger.

"Ru-kun!" I smiled as I jumped off the desk, wrapping around my tiger as he jumped into my open arms. Ru purred happily as he placed a paw on my shoulder and nuzzled my cheek. I smiled contently, burying my face in his fur. I remained on my knees and stared up at the lady.

The lady had an animalistic appearance, with her long, untamed brown hair, vertical slit-like pupils, elongated teeth and nails. He had markings over her eyes and a dark shade of purple lipstick. Se wore the standard Konoha nin outfit, consisting of a flak jacket. A black suit underneath with the sleeves rolled up and bandages around her legs. From the fang markings on her cheeks, I concluded that she was from the Inuzuka Clan.

"Thank you for taking care of my friend, Inuzuka-san." I bowed, thanking her sincerely.

She stared at me stunned before her eyes softened. "No problem kid." She spoke softly.

"He is a very stubborn one." The Hokage chuckled, "He growled whenever we were in the same room and wouldn't let us treat his wounds until we mentioned you. He truly is a loyal companion."

I smiled, nodding.

"Since his condition is known, will you answer our questions?" The Hokage questioned.

I bit my lip hesitantly, but I nodded nonetheless. "Then, what is your full name and what is the reason you were with the Akatsuki?"

"My Papa is part of the Akatsuki." I answered briefly.

"What kind of father brings their kid into a criminal organization?" I heard one of the ninja question, anger in his voice.

I winced slightly, wrapping my arms tighter around Ru. Feeling my throat tighten at the accusation, I spoke up for my Papa. "Papa told me that Mama passed when I was born. He said her body was too weak during my birth. He could not trust me with anyone so he brought me with him. I was safe and I grew with love. They are not all bad," I muttered loud enough for them to hear, "Just misunderstood. They are my family." 

Silence filled the room as the ninja stared at me. I felt uncomfortable under their gaze and buried my face into Ru's neck. Feeling this, Ru growled at the crowd warningly, causing the Hokage to clear his throat.

"Who is your father, Yasuko?" The Hokage asked.

I hesitated before I spoke. "Uchiha. Uchiha Itachi is my father."

Pause.

"UCHIHA ITACHI IS YOUR DAD?!"

I winced at the volume. I shook at the change of aura in the room. Anger, sadness, distrust, disgust, and pity waved off the ninja. A tear escaped me at the emotions knowing that these feelings came with the knowledge of my father being a known S-Rank rouge of Konoha. 

"Yasuko.... How is Itachi your father?" The Hokage questioned, his voice now serious.

"Papa.... Papa and Mama were both of the Uchiha Clan. They grew up together and eventually fell in love," I began, "Four years before the massacre, I was born. Mama died and I was raised in secret under the alias of being the daughter of a distant aunt. During the massacre, I was hidden away and soon after taken to the Akatsuki with my Papa."

The Hokage hummed, nodding his head as he took a puff from his pipe. "Are you willing to give any information on the Akatsuki, Yasuko?"

I didn't even hesitate to disagree. The Hokage and many of the ninja were surprised at the lack of thought but faltered seeing the determination in my eyes. I straightened myself as I spoke. 

"I am sorry but I must kindly decline that request. The Akatsuki may be a criminal organization but they still raised me for half of my life. They have killed, but they gave me love. I love them as much as they love me. They grew to become my family." I smiled, "You may use me as ransom, torture me, even kill me, but I will never betray those I love."

Shock echoed around the room but my gaze firmly remained on the Hokage, awaiting his final order.

"Such loyalty in one so young," The Hokage said with soft eyes, "Are you sure that that is your final decision?"

I nodded confidently, Ru following my actions. 

"Then I have a proposition for you." I raised an eyebrow, "We won't send you back to the interrogation chamber, keep you in a cell, use you as ransom, or kill you... if you take residence here in Konoha and become a ninja."

My eyes widened. I had always wished to be an official ninja to protect my village and it's people. I had always wished to be able to see Konoha, serving the village like my Mama and Papa once had. My lips quivered at the thought of accomplishing my dream of being just like my Mama and Papa.

"W-why?" I whispered. The Hokage raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so willing to accept me into your village when I could so easily escape after you have let your guard down? Why accept someone who can contact an S-Rank criminal organization? Why accept a child who could be the reason why your village could be attacked?" At this point tears of doubt began to rain down my cheeks, "Why would you accept the daughter of a murderer?"

I could not hold back the tears that have been building up in me. For years, I had seen mothers pulling their children away from me in Amegakure. Despite the other members trying to stop any gossip from spreading, I would hear the whispers and feel the fearful stares on my form as if with one wrong move, I would kill them. My father was after all the man who had murdered his family in cold blood. It's not a known fact outside Ame, as the Akatsuki had made sure I was protected but with the reactions of the citizens had for me, the Akatsuki, in turn, kept me away from the village unless it was necessary. The only thing that could be heard was my hiccups and sniffles as I wiped away the tears, trying to hold in a sob.

I flinched as a hand was placed on my shoulder. I nervously glanced over my shoulder; my onyx eyes meeting warm, pupil-less brown ones. I loosened my grip on Ru, enough for the woman to pull me into her arms. My eyes widened at a faint but familiar scent. Fear filled me before I felt the comforting aura around the woman. I slowly relaxed, my eyes drooping as I wrapped my arms around the woman. 

"We accept you for we see you as you. Not your father. You are a child, and we are willing to give you the chance to live the life of a regular child. To grow up in a village with love and friends, train to protect your loved ones, attend the Academy, everything you cannot do with the Akatsuki. Now gaki, are you willing to accept the request?" I bit my lip and glanced at Ru who made his way to me, rubbing his head into my side in reassurance.

Feeling a sudden calm surround me, I brushed away the tears and smiled softly at the Hokage and woman in front of me.

"Am I really allowed to stay?" I whispered. 

The Hokage smiled, "Of course. You are a child and we are willing to give you a chance. Of course you will have to follow certain rules for the time being."

I fiddled with the hem of my shirt before nodding.

"With your permission Hokage-sama, I would like to take residence here in Konoha."

The woman and the Hokage smiled at me. The Hokage called one of the shinobi to come forward and in response a tall man walked out of the crowd and bowed. 

The man was well built with high cheekbones; thick eyebrows and a black bowl cut hairstyle. He wore a green jumpsuit, orange striped leg warmers and the standard Konoha flak jacket. His forehead protector was on a red cloth and was worn around his waist like a belt.

"Gai, can you go and retrieve..." 

- - - - - - - - - -

Next time on "Finding My Way":

"He was a dear friend of mine."

"We have met before, Kakashi-oji."

'Welcome to your new home, Yasuko.'

[Chapter 3: New Home, New People]

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Hokage - fire shadow
Morino Ibiki - a snore in the forest
Kage - shadow
Takeshi - military, warrior
Senju - thousand-handed
Yamanaka - among the mountains
Inoichi - I don't really know but since "Ino" means boar and "Ichi" means one, I guess his name means "one boar"
Yondiame - I don't really know what it means but I suspect it means fourth as Yondiame Hokage means fourth fire shadow.
Sarutobi - monkey jump
Haori - a hip or thigh length kimono-like jacket, which adds formality to an outfit
Kimono - a long loose robe with wide sleeves and tied with a sash
Hiruzen - formed from two kanji characters, 蒜, meaning garlic, and 山, meaning "mountain"
Onee-san - big sister, or also young lady
Hōno - blaze
Amarante - flower that never fades
Kasai - fire
Gomen'nasai - proper and polite form of I am very sorry
Inuzuka - House of Dogs

So I know I'm a day late and I'm sorry. I'm really behind and I really wanna pass all my subjects this and I'm trying to get my hours done so I hope you all understand. I will be updating next week on Saturday. This chapter is dedicated to @nepetadavis8 who was the first to comment in my last chapter. So, please comment below, vote, follow or add to your lira ray if you haven't yet. Guess that's it's for now. Feel free to ask questions if you guys want.

This is Lala, over and out.

PS - who else hates the new updated wattpad? It's really annoying.