Previously on Finding My Way:

"I will ask once. Where is Yasuko?"

"Yasuko was captured."

"SHE'S ONLY 8 YOU ASSHOLES! WHAT IS SHE'S DE-"

"SHUT UP, HIDAN!"

"I'll bring you home... I promise you, my little flower."

Now [Chapter 10: Maelstorm's Hidden Waves ]

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Iruka frowned as he was given a report of yesterday's incident. Truthfully, he had expected this as a possible outcome for when the two officially met, but he had hoped that the boy would be more welcoming to the idea of having a family.

As the only Academy teacher in the know of Yasuko's heritage, he had been ordered to run interference between the two living Uchiha's during Academy hours. Iruka was also to report any hostile activity on Sasuke's part and psychological affects the attack may have had on Yasuko.

"Is Yasuko okay?"

Iruka's mind was overtaken by the child's state of being after reading the report. Konoha prized teamwork; to be attacked by one of your own was nearly inconceivable and against the village's core values.

"...she's hanging in there, but she hasn't spoken a word since the attack."

Iruka winced. Yasuko was an ordinarily quiet child. Polite yes, but highly curious. She sought knowledge, and when something has caught her attention, she'd ask question after question until she was satisfied. It would be awful to see that spark fade.

"Kakashi, I accept this mission, but the psychological report on Yasuko... I don't think I'm qualified. A Yamanaka would be best to examine her for those effects." Iruka admitted with a frown.

Kakashi shrugged, eye looking past the chūnin's shoulder to the Academy grounds. Beneath a tree lay Yasuko, her ever protective companion curled around her protectively. The two were near motionless as they watched the leaves sway in the wind.

"Don't sell yourself short, Iruka," He sent the younger man a closed eye smile, "Just note down some trigger cues. You're a teacher, and from the reports, you've recorded on your students, highly observant as well."

Iruka blushed, scratching the bridge of his nose awkwardly at the sudden compliment.

"I-In that case, I'll be sure to send in a report once Yasuko rejoins class," He coughed lightly into his fist to regain his composure, "Will she be joining again soon?"

Kakashi nodded. "Yasuko won't let this stop her from becoming an official village ninja like her parents. Ru will be joining her from now on."

Iruka was slightly confused before he recalled Yasuko's shadow. "Ah, yes, her tiger friend. As long as no one is hurt, it's fine. Families might complain if the kids are scared, but the Academy has a policy for allowing in ninja companions with the Aburame and Inuzuka bringing their own."

"Yasuko mentioned that as long as she isn't threatened beyond spars, Ru will not hurt anyone." Kakashi informed, pausing before he shrugged, "He's more likely to just laze in a sunny spot."

Iruka chuckled and nodded, "Thank you. I'll be sure to warn the kids."

Seeing that the two were done, Kakashi nodded, moving towards the open window. With deft movements, he was soon hovering over Yasuko and Ru. The latter growled warningly at him, which had him stepping away slightly. He had already made an acquaintance with the predator's teeth and claws; he didn't want another meeting anytime soon.

Seeing how relaxed Yasuko was, Kakashi felt a twinge of guilt having to disturb her, but the lunch period was almost done, so the students would be returning soon.

"Ready?"

Yasuko sighed but nodded. As she was about to get up, she hesitated. For once, she decided to give in to her childish desires. Eyes wide, she bit her lip nervously as she held her hands up towards the jōnin. Kakashi's visible eye softened at the sight. Gently, he lifted his ward up, allowing her to rest her head on his shoulder as he kept a hand under his bottom as he carried her on his hip. His hold was light as if holding glass.

He's done babysitting jobs with his old team, but he left the child-rearing to his teammates. He never really had the chance to take care of such a delicate being, his hands used more for fighting and killing than caring for another.

Even after Yasuko was placed under his care, he never really had to look after her. She was mature for age and independent. She took after her father like that. This was the first time she's ever honestly asked for anything from him, and all it was, was to be carried like the child she was.

Staring at the girl in his arms, Kakashi could feel something he hadn't felt in a long time. Something he thought he lost entirely with the death of his sensei. The feeling of family and the need to protect. The embers within him grew, as his growing determination set forth the flames.

The shinobi world is cruel; It was harsh and unforgiving, but he'll protect Yasuko. For as long as he can, he wants to keep her the child her body appears. She doesn't have to be the next Itachi. She doesn't have to be like him. He'll do his best to keep this promise, for Konoha was never kind to prodigies.

With a glance at the tiger at his feet, he moved off the Academy grounds towards the shopping district. Maybe he'll cook a proper meal for the two for once.

| Time Skip - Next Day |

"Now Yasuko's companion is highly protective of her. Any signs of aggression towards her outside of spars could cause him to attack. Keep this in mind when you approach her from now on."

"Eh? Her ninja companion sounds dangerous. Is it even allowed?"

Iruka could understand the wariness behind the children's attitudes, but there wasn't much he could do. Plus, he's met Ru before, and besides his protectiveness, he was much too lazy. He reminded him much of a Nara in that way.

"Academy policies allow the presence of ninja companions as long as they aren't hostile. Ru is perfectly safe as long as Yasuko is."

Worried whispers echoed around him and with the warning given, it was time to allow Yasuko inside.

"Yasuko, you can come and introduce your friend now."

The children gasped, some screaming at the sight of the large tiger prowling into the classroom. Yasuko smiled nervously, staring between the class and her friend. Many were wary with the predator, while others were quite curious. Yasuko was rather amused to note that the latter consisted of all at the clan children.

Before she could properly introduce her friend, the sound of barking interrupted her.

"H-hey wait! Akamaru!"

Yasuko blinked as she watched a small white pup bound down the steps, before running around Ru. Despite the frantic whispers that resounded in the room, many worried the tiger would attack the puppy, Ru was still, yawning lazily as the pup poked and sniffed at him. Akamaru yipped as he sat in front of the tiger, the two staring one another down.

Ru blinked, and Yasuko could almost imagine him rolling his eyes as he bent down. Yasuko heard a rather unmanly squeak as Ru opened his mouth, but it was unfounded as the tiger licked the pup across the forehead before flopping down on his side. Lucky for him, the sun was shining directly on him, making it the perfect resting place for the big cat. Akamaru barked once before prowling up the tiger and following his lead, flopping down and cuddling into striped fur.

Yasuko giggled, listening to the quiet awes coming from her female classmates as they took in the adorable sight.

"This is Ru. He's my tiger friend. I met him when he was a cub, and we bonded. He's very much like ninken and quite protective of me. Besides that, you'd mainly find him laying around for a nap."

"So he's a tamed tiger?"

Yasuko shook her head in denial, and an amiable smile on her lips.

"Tamed? Never. Ru isn't one to be tamed," The students were slightly alarmed before she spoke her next words, "But he's a good tiger. He's just like you or me. The only difference is that he has fur, walks on two legs, and has a disposition towards meat, though fish is his favourite."

Iruka smiled, seeing the tension in the room begin to dissipate. It will take a while, but he could tell the kids will get along fine with Ru. He frowned slightly as his eyes strayed to glaring onyx that remained on the female Uchiha's form. That left them with only one problem.

* * * * *

"Eh? So Ru doesn't usually let anyone rest on him like Akamaru?"

Yasuko nodded in agreement as she took a bite of her onigiri. Shikamaru and Choji had once again led her out to share lunch together under the shade of a tree. Kiba had come out and followed them when he noticed Akamaru had once again slipped off his head to play around with his new friend.

"Ru doesn't get along well with new people, and he really doesn't like it when someone besides me is on his back. He usually growls when my guardian's ninken gets near him, but he seems to like Akamaru enough."

Kiba grinned, proud of his ninken for making a friend with the kid's tiger. Looking the kid over, he sniffed and nodded. Akamaru never took a liking to anyone that quickly before. But he immediately went bounding over to large predator despite it reeking of danger. When the kid first joined, he didn't expect to bond with her, but she was actually pretty cool. Plus, her scent was somewhat hard to describe, but it was familiar, almost homely. Sitting beside her, it was easy to slip off his jacket and cover the kid in it. Kiba gave her a wolfish smile when she sent him a questioning stare after lifting his hood from her eyes.

He snorted, seeing how the jacket practically drowned her.

"Looks good on you, kid," He ignored the gaze burning holes in the side of his head in favour of ruffling the kid's hair, "Hey, you're welcome to my place anytime, got it? I'm sure Akamaru would like to play around with Ru, and you could meet the new pups too! A litter was just born a few weeks ago!"

Seeing the way Yasuko's eyes brightened, Kiba couldn't help the way the alpha blood in him sang. It was subtle, but with the jacket on her, his scent would soon linger, marking her as part of his pack. This will be a warning for any Inuzuka and those with a sensitive enough nose. Of course, it wasn't a permanent solution, but that could wait until she visited the clan compound.

Inuzuka's worked mainly with their instincts, and right now, his was screaming to mark her. He knew it definitely wasn't because she was a potential mate. Yasuko was far too young for that, and he just couldn't see it ever happening. It felt more like a familial bond than anything. He'd have to ask his mom once he got home today, but one thing for sure is that Yasuko was his.

Hearing a growl, the two laughed when they saw Akamaru on top of Ru's head, poking him awake, much like what Choji was doing to Shikamaru right beside them. Hearing their laughter, Choji followed their gaze. Blinking, he stared at the two ninja companions before staring down at his childhood friend and sharing their laughter.

Yasuko blinked when a flash of yellow caught her eyes. Tilting her head, she frowned at the boy sitting on the swing by himself.

"Who's that?"

Choji blinked, squinting his eyes a bit.

"Oh? That's Naruto."

Kiba twisted his head and nodded. "Oh yeah! You probably don't know him yet, but he's in the same class as us. He usually skips pulling pranks and all that."

Yasuko hummed before standing up. His chakra... it felt familiar to her for some odd reason. She took some of her onigiri and moved towards the blond, ignoring the confused calls behind her.

"Hello."

The boy's head snapped up, and he frowned slightly at the small girl in front of him.

"My name's Yasuko."

He blinked before a blinding grin took up his face. Yasuko nearly faltered at the sight of it. It was so warm.

"I'm Uzumaki Naruto, and I'm going to be Hokage, one day, dattebayo!"

Yasuko giggled when she heard the boy's stomach growl after his proclamation. She held an onigiri out for him.

"Well, we can't have the future Hokage going hungry."

Naruto stared at the offered food in surprise and moved hesitantly as he took it.

"Thanks, I guess!" He took a bite, and he grinned, "This is great!"

Yasuko smiled before frowning slightly, brows furrowing in confusion.

"Uzumaki?"

"That's my name, dattebayo!" Naruto grinned as he finished the onigiri.

"You don't look like an Uzumaki..."

Naruto tensed, eyes blinking in confusion.

"... what's that supposed to mean?"

Yasuko tilted her head.

"You don't know?"

"Know what!"

(1-) Yasuko blinked. "About the Uzumaki Clan?" She saw the confusion in his eyes. "Uzushio?" Still, there was no recognition in his eyes. "The Uzumaki is a shinobi clan, Uzumaki-san. I thought you would know about the rich history of your heritage."

"I have a clan?!" Naruto said in shock, eyes wide in disbelief.

"The Uzumaki was one of the most revered clans in Uzushio, the sister village of Konoha," Yasuko explained. Why doesn't he know? Did no one tell him? "The Uzumaki were feared and respected throughout the Elemental Countries because of their fūinjutsu, not to mention their Kekkei Genkai."

"I- What." Naruto made a strangled sound in the back of his throat.

Yasuko frowned. "The Uzumaki Clan were wiped out in the Second Shinobi War, unfortunately. They were from Uzushiogakure, and they were very prominent there. They were to Uzushio as the Uchiha is to Konoha. It's because of the close ties that Konoha has with Uzushio that we wear their symbol." She said, pointing to a spiral on his clothes. "Uzushio is considered as Konoha's greatest mistake and failure. Konoha didn't arrive on time to help save the village, and it's not really talking about, but I think it's more like people have about them."

Naruto's mind raced at the information being given. He tried to understand, but there was one thought repeating itself. "I had a clan... family." He said, quiet and longing, tinged with sadness. "Why didn't I ever know? I don't even know who my parents were!" He pressed the palms of his heels harshly against his eyes, trying to stem the tears that threatened to fall. "I've been so alone-" (-1)

Yasuko's heart broke for him. She didn't know him, but it was apparent the boy grew alone, without family to support him. In a way, she could relate, for despite the family she had made with the Akatsuki, nothing could replace the love of a mother. There were days where even her Papa became distant with her. She could tell that when he looks at her, her Papa didn't see her. He was seeing her mother and daydreaming of a life that could have been.

Seeing Naruto struggle with his emotions, Yasuko hesitantly stepped forward, gently tugging on his jumpsuit's sleeve. Naruto sniffed, staring at the child with glassy eyes.

"If you want... we can go to the library one day and read about your clan. I can even lend you some scrolls I have about Uzushio too!" Yasuko smiled hesitantly. She was a child, after all. She wasn't very good at comforting others, considering how she grew so isolated.

"R-really? You'd do that?" Naruto's eyes were wide, some distrust in his eyes, but she could see a spark of hope as well, "Why?"

Yasuko shuffled on her feet. "That's what friends do, right?" Her head lowered, cheeks blooming in embarrassment.

Yasuko squeaked as a hand landed on her head. Peeking up, her eyes widened, cheeks darkening further at the bright grin on the blond's face.

"Yup! Friends, dattebayo!"

Yasuko's eyes sparkled, her smile widening as she took Naruto's hands in hers, pulling him towards the other boys.

"H-hey, wait! Where are you taking me?!"

Yasuko laughed, smiling at him over her shoulder.

"Let's eat together!"

Naruto's eyes widened before he grinned.

"Yeah! Let's go, dattebayo!"

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(1) This excerpt is from another fanfic under the title "Maiden of Chaos and Hope" found on by HALO-ODSTgirl104. You guys should definitely check it out if you like FairyTail x Naruto crossovers. It focuses on the rebirth of Wendy Marvel into the Naruto world and how her presence changes the original storyline.

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Aburame - literally means "oil woman" (油女), while it may also be a variation of "Aburamushi" which means "cockroach" (油虫)

Akamaru - 'Aka' in Akamaru's name means the colour 'red', and 'maru' meaning 'perfection' or 'full circle

onigiri - ricebal

Kiba - fang 

ninken - Ninja dogs

dattebayo - believe it

Uzushiogakure - Village Hidden by Whirling Tides

fūinjutsu - sealing techniques

A/N Happy New Year everyone! What's your new year's resolution for 2020?

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Next time on Finding My Way:

"Hokage-sama gave me permission to bring you here."

"Mama..."

"What is she doing here?"

"Haruka-nee?"

[Chapter 11: Finding Reason]