Previously on Finding My Way:

"She is Uchiha Haruka and Itachi's daughter. A captured ward of the Akatsuki."

"I-Itachi?! The Akatsuki?!"

"You'll be joining the graduating class."

"She was purposely holding herself back."

"Uchiha Yasuko... will you bring honour to your name or follow the path of your clansmen?"

Now [Chapter 7: The Academy]

- - - - - - - - -

Birds chirped happily as the sun shined upon the village of Konoha. The sky was clear, and civilians merry their way through familiar streets as their ninja counterparts jumped swiftly from roof to roof, casting blurs of shadows onto the streets below.

Just another peaceful day in the village.

Splash!

"EEEEK!"

A silver-haired jōnin smirked under his mask, glancing over at the clock. "Right on schedule." He mused.

"I'M LATE!"

The man snickered as the sounds of hurried feet and thuds sounded from the floor above. Whistling a happy tune, he placed a sandwich on the table, just as a raven blur passed him, followed by a white one. He blinked, seeing the sandwich now gone.

"Good morning, Kakashi-oji! Thank you, bye~"

The door slammed shut. Chuckling, Kakashi moved to make another sandwich. "Have a nice day, Yasuko." The jōnin smiled to himself.

* * * * *

Yasuko dashed down the streets, carefully to avoid bumping into any of the busy civilians. She paused in her steps in the middle of the market, frowning.

"Oh, no..."

"Excuse me, ojou-chan?"

Her wary eyes met with soft brown as they peered down at her curiously. "Are you alright? Where are your parents?" The civilian woman -from the state of her chakra- crouched down to her height, eyes glancing around for her guardians.

"I'm new, and I forgot to ask my guardian for directions." Yasuko shuffled on her feet, fighting with the ends of her shirt. "Can you please help me to the Academy, miss?"

The woman smiled and held out her hand. "Of course, it seems you've been rushing in the wrong direction." She hid a laugh behind her hand, seeing the blush growing on the child's face. "My name is Hatsu. What's yours, little one?"

Yasuko slowly placed her hand in hers, tilting her head, intrigued by the softness of the woman's skin compared to her calloused ones from years of training as a ninja.

"Yasuko."

* * * * *

Their walk towards the Academy was short but filled with warmth despite being strangers. With a glance at the kind woman, Yasuko wondered if this was what it would have been if her papa was given a better hand in life. Instead of this civilian, would it had been her mom walking her to her first day at the Academy?

"Well, here's your stop."

Yasuko stared up at the building, nerves building as she hesitated at the gates. As if sensing her inner turmoil, Hatsu placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay to be nervous. Just do your best and have fun. I'm sure your parents are proud of you as long as you're happy."

Yasuko bit her lip. "You really think so?" Her mind wandered to her papa, who was without a doubt worrying for her safety, not knowing if she was alive or not.

Hatsu had a particular look in her eyes, but it was gone as soon as it came as she squeezed Yasuko's shoulder in assurance. "Of course. Now go on, I know the Academy classes have already started. You don't want to be even later." She mused.

Yasuko smiled sheepishly and nodded. Taking a few steps past the gate, she paused. Hatsu watched her in confusion, gasping as the young girl turned on her heel to hug her around her waist. Her arms were frozen in the air as she stared at the child in confusion. Hesitantly she wrapped her arms around the young girl, smiling when she felt her relax in her hold.

"Thank you, Hatsu-san." Yasuko murmured, slowly pulling away. Scavenging through her pocket, she smiled shyly as she held out a pretty stone, strung up on a leather cord. Taking it into her hands, Hatsu stared at it quizzically. "A gift from me. It's a chakra stone, filled with my chakra for you to remember me by."

Before she could get a word in, Yasuko waved over her shoulder as she ran into the Academy. "Let's meet again, Hatsu-san!"

Hatsu blinked and smiled, placing the stone around her neck. Fingering the oddly warm accessory, she turned, walking away from the Academy. "Good luck, Yasuko."

* * * * *

After getting directions from the Academy's secretary, Yasuko shifted nervously in front of what was to be her class. She could hear the sounds of hushed whispers as friends tried to converse inconspicuously, only to be caught and scolded by their superior. Taking a deep breath, she nodded, and with the small amount of courage, she knocked.

The whispers shushed, and the sound of footsteps caused her hand to shake minutely, to which she immediately stuffed into her pocket to hide any weakness.

"Ah, Yasuko, I didn't think you'd be joining us today." Iruka blinked, surprised at the child's appearance. "Let me guess, Kakashi woke you up late?" He quirked a brow.

Yasuko felt her nerves disappear as she smiled. Kakashi's habits were quite known to the shinobi, so they didn't expect him to change with the responsibility of being the guardian to Konoha's newest resident.

"I'm sorry, Iruka-sensei, I would have shown up earlier, but I forgot to ask Kakashi-oji for directions."

The chūnin chuckled, reaching out to ruffle the girl's hair. "It's okay. Why don't you come in and introduce yourself? Did Kakashi or the Hokage give you any instructions."

Yasuko hummed and nodded, understanding the hidden orders on her identity.

It's dangerous both inside and out of the village if you're status as an Uchiha were to be revealed, Yasuko.

After receiving confirmation, Iruka moved back into the class with Yasuko on his tail. The once quiet class was now filled with whispers as they stared at her in confusion and curiosity.

"Hey, do you think she's joining the class?"

"Doubt it. She looks fragile and weak."

"Don't be so mean! You might make her cry."

Yasuko shifted from foot to foot, frowning slightly behind the collar of her shirt.

"Ne ne~ Doesn't she look familiar?"

"Dark hair and onyx eyes... She looks like Sasuke-kun!"

The last few comments caught the attention of the chūnin instructor and the last known survivor of the massacre. Onyx eyes narrowed as they surveyed the newest addition, noting that she indeed looks similar to him, however, her resemblance to him was uncanny.

"You're right! Maybe she's his cousin or something!"

"She is pretty cute. Like an angel! Good looks must run in the family!

Noticing the way Yasuko flinched at the scrutiny, especially from her fellow Uchiha, Iruka cleared his throat, gaining the attention of his class much to the young girl's relief.

"Due to circumstances, we will be having a new addition to the class."

Stepping forward, Yasuko smiled shyly and bowed. "My name is Yasuko. Please take care of me."

The room was silent before chatter erupted once again.

"Awww~ Look at her, she's so precious!"

"She's just a kid!"

"Another prodigy?"

"Troublesome."

Yasuko perked up, hearing the familiar catchphrase, her eyes catching on signature pineapple hair. With a lazy smirk, the Nara nodded in acknowledgement, making the hidden Uchiha beam as she tentatively waved at the older boy. Seeing the familiarity between the two, Iruka smiled, motioning Yasuko forward.

"Why don't you go sit beside Shikamaru? I'll speak with you at the end of the day to catch you up on what we're learning."

With a nod, Yasuko bound up the steps to her friend, taking a seat.

"Good morning Shika-nii." She whispered.

The boy grumbled under his breath, resting his chin on his arm as he glanced at her. Reaching up the pat her head, he hummed.

"Morning..." He drawled.

Yasuko giggled at his lazy response, but she didn't expect anything less from a Nara.

* * * * *

It was soon time to break for lunch. Yasuko watched as the students divided and called out to each other. She frowned, staring at the clock, forlornly patting her empty pockets. In her haste, she had forgotten to grab a bento or money to buy lunch.

Shikamaru quirked a brow, hiding his amusement as Yasuko puffed her cheeks, chin resting on the desk as she grumbled about annoying guardians and lazy old men.

Yawning, he stretched. "How troublesome. Yasuko, come on." He didn't bother to elaborate as he ambled out of the classroom, the pitter-pattering of footsteps trailing behind him before the child caught up to him. Glancing at Yasuko, he noted how she glanced every now and then to his hand that swung lazily at his side.

Hesitating at the thought of his next actions, he sighed.

Yasuko blinked as a larger hand, engulfed her own. Staring, she followed it up to its owners, watching as Shikamaru didn't even spare her a glance as she observed his actions. A gentle squeeze caused a smile to light upon her lips. Yasuko returned the gesture, a small skip in her step as she followed the older student.

How warm.

- - - - - - - - - -

Ojou - young lady / someone's daughter

Hatsu - firstborn

It's been a long time since I've updated. I'm surprised people still read this thing. I started it just as I was ending elementary, and now I'm in my first year of university and nowhere near Shiuppuden. Though I blame the fact that I'm a procrastinator and I hate how I used to write. Expect an update next week, and prepare to cry the week after.

UPDATED : 19/11/24

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Next time on Finding My Way:

"Your Shikamaru's friend!"

'Is this what feels like to have friends? It's so... warm and comforting.'

"H-hello, Uchiha-san."

"Who are you?"

[Chapter 8: Heartbreak]