Emiko's POV

"I feel like I'm forgetting something..." I muttered to myself as I walked along the path towards the shopping district in Konoha.

Today was the weekend and I decided to sleep in late since the bell test was going to take place on Monday, but I woke up feeling that something important should be happening, but I couldn't remember what. It's been bothering me this entire time and was beginning to get on my nerves.

"Ugh... I give up. Maybe I'll remember later."

I continued my way to the shopping district and grinned as I saw a familiar duck ass haired boy. Jumping on the boy's back, I giggled as he stumbled forward from the sudden weight.

"Ohayo Sasu-oji!"

Sasuke glanced over his shoulder at me with an irritated expression. I saw that he tried to keep his annoyed expression but it immediately softened when he saw me. Sighing, Sasuke held my legs to hold me up and gave me a small smile.

"Ohayo Hime-chan." Sasuke muttered.

"What are you doing Sasu-oji?" I asked.

"I'm just going to do some shopping then I'll be heading to the training grounds to practice my ninjutsu. Do you want to come along?"

"Yeah! I want to come Sasu-oji. I was going to buy some groceries anyway. Can we practice our taijutsu at the training grounds too?"

"Sure."

I smiled and laid my chin on Sasu-oji's shoulder. I watched as villagers went by doing their usual routines. I waved at all the familiar faces with a smile on my face. My eyes brightened when I caught sight of a tuff of blond hair. Jumping off of Sasuke's back, I ran towards the knuckle headed shinobi.

"Naru-kun!" I yelled.

Naruto spun around on one the chairs of the Ichiraku Ramen stand. He grinned at me with a noodle hanging from his mouth. I giggled as he slurped the middle and waved at me with a sheepish grin.

"Hey Emi-chan!" Naruto greeted, "What's up?"

"I'm going to but some groceries with Sasu-oji then we'll be heading the training grounds to practice our ninjutsu and taijutsu. Do you want to come with us?" I asked.

"G-gomen Emi-chan. I actually promised Konohamaru that I would play with him today. I'll see you later though."

Naruto gave me a sheepish grin white running the back of his neck while I gave him a confused stare.

"Konohamaru? You mean the Hokage's grandson? He's a funny boy Naru-kun. But I'm worried that he's sick. Every time I'm around his face turns red. Is that normal?" I asked.

Naruto raised an eyebrow at me but his expression soon turned smug as my words dawned to him. He ruffled my hair with a smirk on his face.

"Don't worry about that Emi-chan. Konohamaru is fine, believe it!" Naruto chuckled.

I tilted my head but shrugged. My eyes widened when I heard a growl come from behind me. I turned slowly and gave Sasuke a sheepish grin. He was standing right behind me with a dark aura around him. Sasuke's hands were crossed over his chest and he was glaring at a shivering Naruto.

"A-ah, S-Sasuke, f-fancy s-seeing you h-here, ahaha." Naruto stuttered.

Sasuke growled and glared deadlier at Naruto. If looks could kill Naruto would have died and came back to life only to be sacrificed by Hidan. Feeling pity towards the blond headed shinobi, I grabbed Sasuke's hand and smiled up at him apologetically.

"Gomenasai Sasu-oji. I was just excited to see Naru-kun that I forgot to mention to you where I was going before I ran off." I said softly looking at him with big puppy dog eyes.

Sasuke turned his head away from me but I knew that he was already too late when he saw my eyes. I saw his shoulders slump as he breathed out an irritated sigh. Peaking at me he bowed his head and ruffled my hair.

"It's okay Hime-chan. Just don't go running off like that again. I don't want you getting hurt." Sasuke muttered.

My eyes sparkled and I jumped onto Sasuke, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"Yay! That means you forgive me! Aishteru Sasu-oji!" I smiled gleefully.

Sasuke smirked at me and wrapped his arms and pulled my up so he could carry me properly. As we walked off towards the market I waved at Naruto from over Sasuke's shoulders.

"Sayonara Naru-kun! Tell Konohamaru that I said hello too!" I yelled.

Naruto grinned and waved back.

"Sure thing Emi-chan! Bye!" Naruto yelled back.

Giggling I wrapped my arms around Sasuke's neck and looked up at him. His expression remained impassive like always but I could see the love and protectiveness that he held for me in his eyes. Many of his fangirls have come up to me and thanked me. I asked what for and they would always say that every since I came to Konoha, Sasuke seemed a bit more happier. They have never seen Sasuke act the way he does around me before and were happy that the old Sasuke that they have seen when they were little was returning, even if it was only a little.

"Hime-chan. Oi, Hime-chan."

I snapped my head up and saw that I was standing on the ground with Sasuke kneeling in front of me.

"Are you okay Hime-chan?" Sasuke asked, "I've been calling for you for a while now."

"I'm fine Sasu-oji, I was just lost in my thoughts." I smiled.

Sasuke nodded and took my hand and leading me through the market.

"Okay Hime-chan, you can go around and buy the things that you need. Meet me back here when you're done okay?" Sasuke instructed.

Nodding, I waved and walked through the market. Placing my hand in my kimono pocket, I took out a small list of all the things I needed to buy. Looking through the list, I walked towards a fruit stand and bought some apples, bananas, oranges, and a watermelon. I smiled at the fruit vendor as he handed all of the fruit to me. Thanking him, I bowed and carried the fruit with me to the meet area in the market.

When I was halfway through the list I struggled to carry all the groceries. I jumped when I felt some of the weight being lift off of my arms. I looked up questionably and smiled when I saw five familiar faces carrying some of my groceries.

"Oh, kon'nichiwa Shino-san, Hina-chan, Kiba-kun, Akamaru, and Kurenai-oba." I greeted with a small bow.

They all smiled at me.

"Hello to you too Emiko-chan. What are you doing carrying all these groceries? Don't tell me your lazy guardian told you to get these." Kurenai asked.

Shaking my head, I smiled up at Kurenai. "Nope. Kashi-oji is on a mission right now. He said he'd be back in the village later this evening. I wanted to surprise him by making him a dinner for when he gets back. Plus I saw that our refrigerator and pantry were low on food supply."

"I see your still as kind as can be Mi-chan!" Kiba grinned as he ruffled my hair.

"Mou, Kiba-kun. Stop ruffling my hair. It takes too long to fix it again." I pouted as I began to pat down my hair.

Everyone chuckled at me.

"W-we saw y-you walking w-with these load o-of g-groceries, and w-was w-wondering if you w-would like any h-help." Hinata stuttered out.

Giggling slightly I skipped in front of Hinata and grabbed one of her hands in two of mine.

"Thank you. You're help would make it much easier, but I have something that would be much more helpful, and Hina-chan, you don't have to be shy around me. I like you just the way you are." I smiled.

Placing the bag I was carrying on the ground, I took out a scroll from one of the hidden pockets in my kimono. Unraveling the scroll, I placed it on the ground and told everyone to place the groceries onto the centre of the scroll. Making a hand sign, the groceries poofed away into the scroll. Smiling, I rolled the scroll back up and placed it back into my pocket.

"Ah, a summoning scroll. Good idea Emiko-chan." Kuranai complimented.

I smiled up at her. "Kashi-oji bought them for me during the last time we went shopping together."

I watched questionably as Shino checked the watch on his wrist and whispered something into Kurenai's ear. I watched as Kurenai's eyes widened as she glanced at me.

"Gomen Emiko-chan. I just remembered that the Hokage asked to see us. Sorry that were not able to help you with the rest of your grocery shopping." Kurenai smiled apologetically.

"It's alright Kurenai-oba. I understand. Ja ne!" I waved at them.

"Ja ne!" I heard them yell as they waved at me, walking towards the Hokage's office.

When I could no longer see their figures, I turned and completed the rest of my shopping. When I finished placing everything into a summoning scroll, I walked back to where I was supposed to meet Sasuke. I smiled when I saw him standing there with a grocery bag by his side. Running towards him, I spread my arms as I jumped and wrapped my arms around his waist. He stumbled backwards a bit but wrapped his arms around my shoulders to steady himself.

"There you are Hime-chan. Where are all your groceries? Don't tell me you ate all of it on the way here." Sasuke muttered jokingly.

"You're mean Sasu-oji," I pouted at his joke, "And if you must know, they're all in some summoning scrolls.

I placed my head on Sasuke's shoulder and gazed down at the grocery bag in his hand. Feeling the curiosity get the best of me, I took a peek at what was inside the bag. I felt my eyebrows scrunch up as I saw a variety of ingredients used to make different sweets.

That's strange. Sasu-oji never did like sweets, so why does he have these ingredients?

Before I could have a better look, the bag was taken away from my point of view. I glanced up and saw Sasuke with his usual calm face, but when I looked into in his eyes, I saw that there was slight panic in them.

"Sasu-oji, what's wrong?" I asked.

"It's nothing Hime-chan." Sasuke muttered.

I starred at him quizzically at his strange behaviour but decided to ignore it. Sasuke lifted his head and squinted his eyes as he glanced at the sky to see the position of the sun to find out the time.

"Gomen Hime-chan, but I don't think we'll be having that training session today." Sasuke informed.

"Eh! Why?" I asked.

"I have something to take care of at home." Sasuke said as he gently lifted me off his back and placed me on the ground, "Sorry. I'll see you later."

I pouted up at him but sighed and waved goodbye as he slowly moved towards the Uchiha compound. I walked through the village and smiled as I saw Sakura and Ino together at one of the clothing shops. I walked closer to them but sweat dropped when I saw that they were arguing... again.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING INO-PIG, FOREHEAD!!!"

"DON'T MAKE FUN OF MY FOREHEAD YOU INO-PIG!!!"

"Ano..." I muttered as I stood behind them.

"WHAT!?" The two yelled.

I yelped and covered my head with my eyes shut tight.

"G-gomen Ino-nee, Saku-nee, I just wanted to ask if you could help me find some new clothes to buy." I muttered.

"Ah, I-it's okay Emiko-chan! We're sorry for yelling at you!" The two apologized.

I slowly let my arms fall back to my sides and took one of their hands in my own.

"So can you help me find some new clothes?" I asked.

"Sure!" The girls said enthusiastically.

The three of us walked hand in hand to one of the other clothing stores that sold kunoichi clothing. We were only there for 30 minutes when Sakura said that she had to go home and the Ino had to take care of the flower shop. I frowned a little but nodded nonetheless and waved as they left. Sighing, I looked down at the bags in my hands and walked back to the house.

Before Sakura and Ino left, we were able to find three new outfits for training and missions. The first outfit was made of some sketchy fabric allowing my movements to be less constricted as it was made for flexibility. It was a red sleeveless kimono shirt with purple and gold floral prints at the bottom. Around the waist was a black obi that tied in a small bow in the back and had extra material hanging loose up to my knees. Underneath was a netted shirt and black shorts that reached my mid thigh. The second outfit was a deep forest green kimono shirt. The sleeves past my fingers by a couple of centimetres and had hidden pockets inside. The kimono was held closed with a thin strip of black fabric. Underneath were a black tank top and a pair of black leggings that stopped at the top of my calf. It was the perfect outfit for stealth if I ever needed to hide in the forest.

The last outfit was one that the store clerk gave me. Apparently, the store used to sell clothes for the Uchiha clan. That was until the massacre a few years ago. The clerk didn't have the heart to sell or throw away the clothes so she kept them in the back storage but gave some of the male outfits to Sasuke. The outfit consisted of a long-sleeved navy blue blouse with a high collar and white fasteners and edges with the Uchiha Crest on the back. (A/N Think of Tenten's shirt in Shipudden) Underneath was a netted tank top and shorts that stopped at my mid thigh.

When I made it to Kakashi's house, I took out my key that he gave me a while back for whenever I went out without him. Slipping the key into the slot, I opened the door and walked inside slipping off my sandals.

"Tadaima!" I yelled.

I sighed when I heard no answer. Walking into my room, I placed my bags at the foot of my bed and headed towards the kitchen. There I took out the scroll that held all of the groceries and unravelled it on the kitchen table. Making a series of hand signs, I summoned all the food and placed them in their rightful place in the kitchen. When I placed the last item in the cabinet I found a note on the counter.

Picking it up I read:

Dear Emiko,

I'm sorry for leaving again without telling you. I was called for another mission just when I got back. I'll be home by tomorrow morning. Don't stay up late. Take care of the house okay? There's some more money on the coffee table if you need.

Love,
Kashi-oji

I pouted.

Everyone's been busy lately. All the teams have been going on missions and my team has been acting strange lately.

Sighing, I placed the note in the recycling bin and grabbed the pouch of money on the living room coffee table. Slipping on my sandals, I grabbed my keys and walked back out the house. After locking the door I strolled my way through the streets of Konoha. I froze when I noticed the lack of villagers. Narrowing my eyes, I saw that the once busy street of the shopping district has become eerily quiet.

Something's wrong. There should still be some stalls open. Why is it that all have been closed when it's only a few hours before closing time?

Running through the streets I found that like the shopping district, there were no shinobi or villagers. I stopped when I heard the sound of people from the distance. Closing my eyes I searched around for any chakra signatures. My eyes snapped open when I found a ton of chakra signatures on the opposite side if the village. My eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

Why would so many people be there? Were there signs of danger towards the village that I did not hear of, that caused the whole village to be evacuated? No. That doesn't seem right. I would have noticed.

Making my way to the southern part of the village, I quietly made my way into the plaza. I stared in wonder at the sudden decor. The plaza was filled with different kinds of balloons and streamers. Lanterns lit the area in different colours. I gasped as a sudden fall of confetti filled the air and everyone I knew popped out of their hiding places.

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMIKO-CHAN!"

Jumping, I moved backwards but tripped. Luckily I fell into the arms of a familiar man.

"Whoa there Emiko. No need to be jumpy." I looked up and hugged my saviour.

"Kashi-oji! You're back!" I yelled gleefully.

Kakashi chuckled and hugged me back. "I never left Emiko, and Happy Birthday."

I stared up at him confused.

"It's my what?" I asked.

"Don't tell me you forgot your own birthday Emi-chan!" I heard someone yell.

I turned and saw that it was Naruto. "It's my birthday today?" That must have been what I forgot today!

"It sure is kiddo." I felt Kakashi ruffle my hair.

Waving his hands off, I fixed my hair.

"Is that why most of you were busy today? And why all of you were kind of avoiding me?" My answer was some nods and some sheepish grins.

Sighing, I smiled up at everyone I bowed.

"Thank you minna for everything. I've never had a party like this before. You all make me feel like I'm actually family. I'm glad that I was accepted here by you all." I said.

Everyone smiled at me. I looked at my sides when I felt two people grab one of my hands each. Gazing at the two hands I looked up and found Naruto grinning at me as he held my left hand, and Sasuke smirking as he held my right.

"COME ON EMI-CHAN! IT'S TIME TO PARTY, BELIEVE IT!" Naruto yelled.

"Like what the dope said, let's go Hime-chan." Sasuke said as he gave me one of his rare smiles.

Grinning at the two, I let them pull me towards the party....

But I felt like I was being watched.

Time Skip

I flopped down on my bed as I rubbed my sore arms. After the party, everyone spent 2 hours cleaning up the mess. Since we all ended up partying in the southern part of the village there was a lot to clean up. Somehow, someone was able to get some cake on top of a lamppost. It was a good thing that most of the people at the party were ninja. Sadly, most of the adults were drunk and as some of their genin, we had to take them home. We were all very tired after the cleaning and getting people home.

Shifting onto my side, I heard a small sound of tinkling. Smiling gently, I lay back on my back and held my right arm above my head in the air. I shifted my wrist left and right and watched as small charms jingled against each other. As a gift for me to remember everyone by, all my close friends got me a small charm and another gifts from themselves. It was a cute charm bracelet that I placed on my right wrist. The bracelet itself was magnificent. It was a thin silver chain that wove itself around making a small pattern. It looked very fragile, but was in fact made with a very string metal that also didn't rust. Each charm was special, for each represented a person a held dear to myself. Many charms already dangled on the thin metal.

(A/N Go to "Sp #1 Giving is Better than Receiving to know her gifts. All those gifts in the special are her birthday gifts. If you are confused, this is chapter is part of the storyline.)

I sat up quickly when I felt a sudden draft enter my room. Getting up from my bed, I walked over to my window. Moving aside the blinds, I saw that the window was closed. I jumped when I felt a presence behind me. By pure reflex, I grabbed a kunai that I need under the windowsill and flung it towards the intruder. As the intruder was distracted, I ran towards my bed and took out the twin katanas I bought on my first day here. Taking them out of their sheath I turned and pointed them to the intruder.

I watched warily as the person hid their chakra and remained in the shadows. Due to them hiding their chakra I could not identify the person. My eyes widened as the person stepped out of the shadows.

"Papa." I whispered as I felt my eyes sting.

Dropping the katanas on the floor, I ran and jumped into the open arms of my father.

"Papa! I missed you so much." I whispered as to not wake up Kakashi who was only a few metres away sleeping in his own room.

"I miss you too my little Hime." He spoke gently into my ear.

I wrapped my arms around him when I heard him say the nickname he used for me.

"I'm sorry for not coming sooner but my time is short. There are ANBU scouring the village for me." Papa exclaimed.

"Wait Papa! Don't leave! I don't want to leave your side again!" I whisper yelled.

Sighing, Papa gently stroked some hair out of my face as he stared at my desperate eyes.

"I'm sorry my little Hime, but I cannot stay and you cannot come with me," Papa said when I tried to protest, "You are safer here in Konoha than with the Akatsuki. We all miss you dearly but Leader-sama has come to the conclusion that it would be better off for you to stay here. I am here one mission and that is to make sure you stay here. These are Leader-sama's orders Emiko. I love you dearly and I want you safe. It would kill me if you were hurt. Please understand."

I clenched my fists. I know that I would be in danger if I were to go to the Akatsuki. I am their weakness. There have already been several attempts for my capture by other rogue Nin and villages. I am safe in Konoha but I don't want to leave Papa's side again. I want to go back. I looked up at his eyes and saw all the love and protectiveness he had for me. Bowing my head, I felt my eyes prick with tears; I nodded slowly and wrapped my arms around Papa's waist.

"I understand Papa. I'll stay here in Konoha if that is your wish and Leader-sama's wishes." I said hoarsely.

I felt Papa shift as he kneeled in front of my so we were eye levelled. Placing both hands on my cheeks, he lifted my head so i was looking straight into his eyes. Sighing, Papa kissed my forehead and took out a scroll.

"This is from everyone back in the Akatsuki. We all miss and love you dearly. Now stay safe. I love you my little Hime."

After one more hug and a kiss on the forehead, Papa was gone.

Sniffling, i clutched the scroll to my chest and stared out the now open window. Walking slowly, I closed the window and placed all my weapons back where they belong. I stared at the small hole on the wall that I caused when I threw my kunai at Papa. Using one of my earth jutsus I made the wall look good as new. Quickly rushing to my bed, I opened the scroll and saw that I would only be able to summon whatever was in it if I used my blood, making it impossible for anyone besides myself and who sent it to open it. Taking out a kunai from my nightstand, I pricked my finger and let the blood drip onto the centre of the seal.

I gasp escaped my lips as I cloud of smoke blocked my vision. I coughed when it cleared. My eyes widened when I saw the pile of gifts in front of me. I smiled happily and sadly as I opened each gift. Everyone in the Akatsuki seemed to have the same idea as everyone here in Konoha. The Akatsuki members got me a small charm with a side gift of their own. Chuckling sadly, I clipped each charm onto my charm bracelet.

(A/N Once again look back to Special #1 to remember the gifts she received from them.)

I felt tears fall when I saw the gift that Papa gave me. Along with a Sharingan charm that showed the level of my Sharingan, papa gave me a bracelet that matched the necklace that the Hokage gave me. It was the Uchiha crest charm hanging off a simple silver chain. It was very simple but very beautiful and held a lot of sentimental value. What I loved most about the bracelet was that it used to belong to my mother along with the necklace, and that she casted a jutsu on it like on the necklace. But instead of showing a picture of a memory in the small locket like my necklace, whenever I opened the locket on the bracelet, it would light up and the soothing voice of my mother echoed through the air. It seems that Mama had a knack for casting jutsus and was able to record herself singing into the bracelet using a jutsu. I cried as I listened to the voice I was never able to hear.

(Play the video on the side ----->)

Haru ni saku hana
Natsu hirogaru sora yo
Kokoro no naka ni
Kizamarete kirameku

Asa ni furu ame
Mado wo tozasu hi ni mo
Mune ni afureru hikari wa
Kumo no ue

Yorokobi kanashimi
Subete daite aruiteiru
Watashi no te to
Kimi no te wo
Tsuyoku tsunagu mono

Aki wa mizube ni
Fuyu kozue ni hisomu
Sekai no oku no
Kagirinai yasashisa

Yoru ga kuru tabi
Inori wo sasageyou
Ashita kuru hi wo
Shizuka ni mukaeyou

Watashi wo michibiku
Tooi tooi yobigoe yo
Hohoemu youni
Utau youni
Hibiku kaze no oto

Yorokobi kanashimi
Subete daite aruiteiru
Watashi no te to...

Slowly I fell asleep to the sound of my Mama singing.

Kimi no te wo
Tsuyoku tsunagu mono

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ohayo - Good Morning
Gomen - Sorry
Gomenasai - Politor way of saying "Sorry"
Aishteru - I love you
Sayonara - Good bye
kon'nichiwa - Good afternoon / hello
Ja ne - see ya
Tadaima - I'm home
minna - everyone

I finally updated! I'm sooooo sorry! I know I promised to update once summer started but my damn summer school program for high school got in the way. Why'd I decided to go to a self directed school is just... I don't know. I really suck. Again I'm sorry. I'll try and update every weekend, but until I have a regular schedule the story will remain ON HOLD. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and yes it is part of the story line. This chapter is dedicated to jujuland for their comment on the last chapter. Thank you for that. It really motivated me to write this chapter. To know about the presents given to Emiko, look at the gifts she received in the first special. The song that was recorded into Emiko's bracelet is "Ashita Kuru Hi" from the anime Kobato. Well since I'm done I got only 2 more things to say. Please comment, follow, or vote.

Till next time,

🌸Saku/Cherry-chan🌸