[EDITED]

Previously on Finding My Way

"Have you identified the member?"

"She's only 8-years-old."

"IBIKI, STOP!"

"A-arigato..."

"ITACHI'S YOUR FATHER!?"

Now [Chapter 3: New Home, Old Face]

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Yasuko's POV

"Gai, go and retrieve Hatake Kakashi. He is late for the meeting again." Hokage-sama instructed in an exasperated tone.

Gai nodded and transported away. I nervously played with Ru, aware of all the eyes watching me.

3rd Person's POV

Mitarashi Anko stared at the young girl with soft eyes. She understood what the girl was going through, being judged by the acts of others. Was it their fault that someone they looked up to and cared for had taken a dark path? Does that give people the reason to expect them to be evil and follow in their footsteps?

Anko sighed seeing the uneasiness in the girl's form. Walking forward, she smiled and crouched down to the girl's height.

"Hey kid, you need to relax," Anko reassured, "We aren't going to hurt you?"

Yasuko stared at the woman who comforted her. Despite the kind act and clear understanding of her feelings, Yasuko knew that as a ninja she must always be wary of whom to trust. "The trust of the innocent is the liar's most useful tool*." Yasuko mumbled to many shinobis' surprise, "As shinobi, we must learn to see through the deception. I do not know your motives. You have accepted me into your village, but that does not mean I should trust you nor for you to trust me."

Anko nodded in understanding. "Then why don't we get to know each other," Seeing the doubt in the girl's eyes, she continued, "I'll go first."

Yasuko nodded, wrapping her arms tighter around Ru. "Alright."

"My name is Mitarashi Anko, and I am a tokubetsu jōnin of Konohagakure along with being a member of the Torture and Interrogation unit. I like dango, sweet bean soup, blood and training. Spicy food, pink and girly things, in general, are avoided. I conduct tea ceremonies as a hobby along with sharpening and polishing my weapons. I wish to one day fight against my former sensei and bring him to justice using his jutsus against him." Anko introduced.

Yasuko nodded a flash of understanding appearing in her eyes before disappearing as Anko declared her wish. Seeing the reassuring look in her eyes, Yasuko spoke up, finding no harm in talking about herself.

"My name is Uchiha Yasuko," She started, "I like dango, tea, Ru-kun, Papa, Mama, and the rest of the Akatsuki along with swords, flowers and learning new ninjutsu and sealing techniques. I dislike spicy food, killing-" This caused many of the ninja to stare at the girl questionably.

"-and seeing my loved ones hurt. I fold origami, cook, arrange flowers, and sketch for my hobbies. Sometimes I sing and dance too. My dream is to become a kunoichi like Mama and bring peace to the Five Great Nations."

The shinobi paused in the conversations to hear the girl's introduction. Many were shocked as they realized that this girl had killed before, but it was a surprise to listen to her dream. Anko stared at the girl in front of her, slowly reaching out to pat her head, a small smile on her face.

"You truly live up to your name, Yasuko," Anko mumbled.

Yasuko blushed and turned away as she remembered her father explaining the reason she was named Yasuko. She felt great joy having a name derived from her parents greatest ambition. Peace.

The thought of her father saddened her causing Ru to lick her cheek to comfort her. Anko stared at the strange interaction before asking something that's been bothering her.

"Yasuko?"

The young Uchiha met her eyes before addressing her. "Hai, Mitarashi-san?"

"Just call me Anko." "Anko...-san?" Anko shrugged seeing as this was, as far the polite girl would go. "That's fine. But I was just wondering, we know your dad's Itachi, but who's your mom?"

This question caught the attention of many as they turned their gaze to the shy Uchiha. It was something that many wanted to know as the girl didn't act like regular Uchiha. Instead of the emotionless, aloof aura, the girl wore her heart on her sleeve and was much too pure and held no hatred in her being despite having been raised by the Akatsuki for most of her life.

"I never met Mama," Yasuko whispered, "But Papa talked about her a lot, saying I took after her personality. Papa said they were childhood friends along with his older cousin Shisui-oji. He told me that she was very kind and gave out flowers with various meanings to brighten people's days or to comfort them. Papa showed me pictures, and she was, and I wish I could have met her. Mama's name was Haruka."

Realization flashed across their faces at the name of Yasuko's mother. Inoichi smiled as he remembered the young girl who often visited his wife's flower shop, buying and giving out flowers to comfort others or to make them laugh.

"I see now," Inoichi muttered as he gazed at the Uchiha girl, a vision of another taking her place for a second, "She inherited her father's appearance, but adopted Hanakotoba Hime's personality."

Those who have met Haruka smiled as they reminisced the memories of the young girl who had comforted them in some way. Due to her acts of kindness and comforting others by presenting them with flowers, she entitled the nickname, Hanakotoba Hime. With the new information, everyone began to see Yasuko in a new light.

"But wow... I didn't think Itachi and Haruka were going out." Asuma smirked as he recalled the two denying their feelings for each other when they were genin.

"We all know the two loved each other," Inuzuka Tsume muttered, "I just never expected them to have a kid, much less when they were fourteen. I always thought the Uchiha boy was too self-absorbed in his duty as a shinobi to go out with girls. Then again this is Haruka we're talking about."

Many nodded their heads in agreement and chuckled as they thought of the times Haruka could be so stubborn.

Seeing the relaxed form of the lone Uchiha female, Tsume walked forward and crouched down beside Anko, who now sat crossed legged, playing with the tiger's ears. "Hey pup," Tsume said carefully, "My name is Inuzuka Tsume, the current clan head." Yasuko nodded in acknowledgment as she stared at the woman carefully. "Since we know who you are, can we get the name of your friend here?"

Yasuko nodded before running her fingers through Ru's hair. "This is my friend and partner Ru-kun."

"Is it short for something?" Tsume asked curiously.

"It is short for Mamoru," Yasuko muttered.

Tsume smiled in understanding. "That certainly does suit him, Mamoru meaning protector. Is there a reason for naming him that?"

Yasuko tensed before relaxing, which did not go unnoticed by the ninja. "Mamoru was the name of a dear friend of mine," Yasuko spoke softly, her eyes glazed, as she lost herself in thought.

The ninja stared at her sadly, knowing that despite her kind persona, she had already experienced the horrors of the shinobi world.

Tsume frowned before switching the topic. "Yasuko, you called me by my clan name despite me not introducing myself. How did you know?"

Yasuko smiled as she stood up, placing a hand atop Ru's head. "Your markings gave you away," Yasuko explained as she pointed to her cheeks, "Each clan has their unique characteristics, like how my clan has dark hair and onyx eyes and the man in the corner with dark hair and lavender eyes is part of the Hyūga Clan.

The Konoha Nin couldn't help but be in awe of the girl's knowledge. Though these characteristics were evident, a child her age would usually overlook the fact that it could be part of a clan trait.

'She certainly is an interesting girl.'

Yasuko's POV

I turned my attention to the door, blinking as a felt a familiar chakra. All conversations stopped as Gai came in with an unidentified shinobi. He was a relatively tall shinobi with fair skin. He had gravity-defying silver hair and a dark-coloured eye. His posture was lazy, but his tense shoulders and silent steps showed he was on guard.

The man wore the standard attire of a shinobi and wore metal-plated gloves and a mask which obscured the lower half of his face, only revealing his right eye. His forehead protector was worn on a simple blue band, tilted to cover his left eye.

I tilted my head as facts ran through my mind.

'Hatake Kakashi, also known as Kakashi of the Sharingan or the Copy Ninja in the bingo books; son of Hatake Sakumo, or Konoha's White Fang. His mother died when he was young leading his father into a state of depression. After his father fell into disgrace after prioritizing his teammates rather than the mission, he took his own life. Namikaze Minato or the Yellow Flash led the team that Kakashi was assigned. He teamed with Nohara Rin and Uchiha Obito.'

I hummed under my breath. If I remember correctly, I sealed all my gathered information on other ninjas in a summoning scroll. Maybe it is in one of the storage scrolls Papa had strapped onto me before we left for the mission. I never did check what he placed in them.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow when he saw me before addressing the Hokage.

"You summoned me Hokage-sama?" Kakashi asked.

"I summoned you to this meeting two hours ago, Kakashi," Hokage-sama sighed.

I blinked at this as I stared at the man. For someone with an impressive portfolio of mission completions, along with being a former ANBU captain, it's strange how he has a flaw of being late so often.

"Gomen," Kakashi rubbed the nape of his neck, "I got lost on the path of life."

"You need to come up with better excuses Kakashi. You've used that one over a million times now."

Kakashi laughed nervously before glancing my way. Seeing this, the Hokage introduced me. "Kakashi, this child is Uchiha Yasuko."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Uchiha?" Hokage-sama nodded. "Hai. She is Itachi's daughter and was the captured Akatsuki member. Under certain conditions, she shall be taking residence here in Konoha, along with attending to Academy to become a kunoichi of the village."

Kakashi nodded. "Is there a certain reason why I, in particular, was summoned?"

"You shall be Yasuko's guardian while she takes residence her in Konoha. For safety precaution, she shall be living with you. Is that fine Kakashi?"

Kakashi nodded in agreement before bending down my height. "Nice to meet you, Yasuko. As you know, my name is Hatake Kakashi. Kakashi is fine."

"I know. We have met before, Kakashi-oji." I mumbled, before blushing at the suffix and bowing. "Gomen'nasai."

Kakashi blinked before motioning me to calm me down. "It's fine Yasuko. I like that much better."

The Hokage stared at me questionably before signalling someone. Feeling a gentle hand on my arm, I looked up, meeting the red eyes of a beautiful kunoichi. I blinked as sudden drowsiness consumed me. I yawned, leaning against the woman as I kept eye contact.

"Are? Why do I feel...." I blinked as it came to me. My vision blurred as my eyes began to flutter shut. "Gen...jutsu?" I mumbled before the darkness consumed me. The last thing I could remember was warm arms lifting me and the growl of Ru.

Kakashi's POV

We watched as the young Uchiha fell into Kurenai's arms. Anko held down the tiger as he growled warningly at Kurenai who had gently picked up the girl into her arms. I saw Kurenai's eyes softened as Yasuko snuggled closer to her.

"Kakashi, do you know what Yasuko meant when she said that you'd met before?" Hokage-sama asked.

"Not that I could re-" I paused as I recalled a memory.

I sighed as I walked into the Uchiha compound reading my Icha Icha Paradise book. Glancing around I checked the address written on the sheet before making my way through the houses. I rubbed the back of my neck and sighed.

'Why did I agree to this again?'

I looked up when I came across the address. The house was a small one-story house. It seemed cozy and only fit about two people. Walking up to the door, I gently knocked against the wood, waiting for a response. Receiving none, I raised an eyebrow and rechecked the address.

'I'm sure this is the right house. Maybe Itachi wrote it wrong.'

As I was about to leave, the front door slid open, revealing an exhausted Uchiha Itachi. My eyes widened, as I looked him over. In my entire life of knowing this kid, I have never seen him like this, only seventeen and he already had white hair growing out of his messy hair and had bags under his eyes. Itachi yawned and glanced up at me.

"Oh, Kakashi-senpai, thank you for coming on such short notice. I hope it wasn't a bother." Itachi yawned.

"It wasn't a problem Itachi. Now, where's the kid you wanted me to watch?" I asked.

"She's inside painting."

I nodded and entered, slipping off my sandals. As I expected, the house was very cozy but didn't have many personal items, which I found strange. There were no pictures, only a couple of decors and furniture.

I turned my head to the side when I caught sight of movement. Walking towards the room, I came upon a small girl who was painting on a large canvas. I had to admit the child was adorable. She wore a simple blue kimono with the Uchiha crest on the back and a white obi.

Glancing at the canvas, I blinked at the talent of one so young. For a three-year-old, the kid painted like a pro and flowers she was painting were arranged very professionally.

"Yasuko, come and greet Kakashi-sempai. He'll be taking care of you for the next two weeks."

The girl –now known as Yasuko- jumped at the sudden order.

"Ah!" She dropped her brush as she spun in surprise. Picking it up, she placed it on the easel. "Go-gomen'nasai! I did not mean to be rude. It is a pleasure to meet you Hatake-san. I will be in your care." Yasuko bowed with a flustered blush across her cheeks.

I couldn't help but chuckle at how flustered she was, causing her rosy cheeks to turn a deep scarlet. But I was surprised by her mannerism. You wouldn't hear such sophisticated words coming from other 3-year-olds.

"It's fine. You seem pretty deep into that painting. It's nice to meet you kiddo, and please call me Kakashi. We'll be spending a lot of time together from now on, and I'd like to have formalities set aside." I said.

Yasuko nodded hesitantly, "Then... Kakashi-oji?"

I nodded and gave her my signature smile. "Even better."

Turning to Itachi, I gave him the same smile. "No need to worry Itachi, I'll take care of the kid for you. You should head home. You're exhausted, and you need your rest for the two-week mission you're going on tomorrow."

Itachi hesitated before complying. He walked passed me and kneeled to her height, placing a kiss on her forehead. I blinked in surprise at the Uchiha heir's affection towards the child. Uchiha were not the most expressive of folk, especially Itachi; I had never seen him to loving even towards his brother Sasuke.

"Be good, Yasuko, and don't give Kakashi-sempai and hard time okay? I'll see you tomorrow morning before I leave for my mission." Itachi informed.

Yasuko smiled and nodded. The next day we waved Itachi off with his ANBU squad, her hand in my own.

I snapped out of the memory when I felt someone shaking and yelling at me. I slapped the offending hands away, checking if Yasuko was still asleep.

"Baka, are you trying to wake Yasuko up?" I asked the green blob of so-called 'youth.'

"Of course not! That would ruin her youthfulness! I was making sure you're okay. You spaced out for a second." Gai said.

I sighed and nodded. "I'm fine. I just remembered where I met Yasuko before."

"So you have met her before," Hokage-sama stated.

I nodded, "Itachi asked me to babysit her when he went on a long-term mission. Everyone else in his family was busy, and at that time, I'm guessing that Yasuko was under the alias of being the daughter of one of his cousins. I accepted seeing no harm, plus Yasuko was very easy to take care of since she was so polite and understood what's wrong and right. When Itachi returned, he would ask me to babysit her when he went on missions. Seeing how good Yasuko was, I had no problems. Now that I think about it, that was his first long-term mission after Haruka died." I mumbled the last part to myself.

"She is extremely polite and stubborn, much like her mother," Hokage-sama said softly.

"Her mom?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, just like her mother, Uchiha Haruka."

My eyes widened at the name of my first student. I couldn't help but chuckle as I now saw the resemblance between Yasuko and my old friend's personality. "I can see where her personality comes from now."

I stood silently with the other Jōnin as we stared at the sleeping child. "So, what will happen to her?" I asked.

The Hokage sighed as he stared at Yasuko. "She has already agreed to take up residence here in Konoha and become one of our ninjas. There's no doubt that the Akatsuki may try and retrieve her. We will place a seal on her that will let us know her location. When the Akatsuki comes, the seal will hopefully lead us to their base. The seal must be redone every two weeks or so. For now, she will live with you Kakashi, as Sasuke has no idea of her existence, and being Itachi's daughter, we have no idea how he will react."

"Yes, Hokage-sama." I bowed before taking Yasuko from Kurenai.

Soon all the ninja were dismissed, some remaining close by to begin their watch on Yasuko. Wrapping an arm around Yasuko, I carried her carefully before placing a cautious hand on her tiger. Seeing no ill intent, I patted his head before transporting us into my house.

Sighing, I walked up the staircase to the guest room, which will now be Yasuko's room. I laid her in the bed and tucked her in like I remember doing when she was much smaller. I smiled under my mask as she snuggled up to her white tiger that had taken refuge at her side. I placed a kiss on her forehead before making my way out.

As I shut off the lights, I glanced at Yasuko before closing the door behind me.

'I think I may have gotten too attached. Hopefully, this ends well. But for now, welcome to your new home, Yasuko.'

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* "The trust of the innocent is the liar's most useful tool" - Stephan King

Honestly, these chapters are pretty boring. I don't really know how to make it interesting. The plot will probably pick up once she meets some of the Konoha Twelve.

Updated: 19/02/09

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Next time on Finding My Way

"I'll show you around the village."

"The name's Nara Shikamaru."

"Shika-nii then?"

"I am sorry Kakashi-oji."

'I wonder... will I meet him soon'

[Chapter 4: Colours and Shadows]Hatake – farmland

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SURPRISE! XD I updated early! A present from me to you! Cuz guess what? It's my birthday!!! Yeah, that's right! I'm another year older! A chapter has ended and a new one is beginning! This chapter is dedicated to Trufflerabbit13 who's the first comment in my last chapter. If you'd like a dedication please comment 'heads up, hearts down, steady as we go' below. So I guess that's all. Comment, vote, follow, or add to library. Ask questions if you want. That's it for now.

Lala <3