Hi everyone. Sorry for a very late update. It's just I was having a real hard time writing it.

This chap is really really long with over 2k+ words. My way of apologizing for the late update.

Thank you all for reading,voting and commenting my fic. It means a lot to me.

A very special thank you to a very special someone KaguraTheMafiaBoss.

IMPORTANT NOTE:PLEASE READ THE A/N BELOW.

Alright, enough talking. Lets continue with the story.

Disclaimar: Let me check. Mmm no, I don't own Naruto.*sigh.
....

The dragon had given up on life.

He would just lay there, in his cave, waiting for death to take him. Looking up at the sky and thinking of his time in the sky kingdom with his family and friends was how he passed his time. It was on these days that he cursed dragon's long life.

No body bothered him. They would steer clear of his way lest get eaten by the ferocious beast or burnt to ashes.

And so, the dragon was left completely alone in the
world.

It was raining hard outside the first time the little girl stepped into his cave. She was either very brave or very stupid for no one dared approach the dragons.

"Get out." He had growled but the girl didn't give him any mind. She stared at him for a while before settling herself at a corner with her legs pressed to her chest. Than her eyes shut close.

The dragon was royally pissed off. He was processing what to do with her when he noticed the girl's shivering. The dragon walked up to her and realized that she was drenched to the bone. Her breath was comming out in short puffs. Come to think of it, the girl was stumbling when she came in, probably seaking shelter from the rain. She was feverish, obviously.

He didn't know what possesed him to pull her close to his form, to wrap his wing around the girl. He just thought that she needed to be kept warm.

The pitter patter of the rain outside lulled him to sleep. So this was what 'being nice' felt like.
___________________

Itachi couldn't remember the last time he smiled that much.

The evening breeze was cold against his face as he ran through the Uchiha coridoors, laughing all the way. It felt like he was flying, his hair tickling his neck. Breathing heavily, he made a sharp turn and almost fell but quickly regained his balance.

"This is unfair. You're more familiar with this place so you're at an advantage." He heard a voice behind him say.

"If you pay more attention to catching up to me instead of whining, than you might actually have a chance." Itachi replied without turning to look at him.

They've been running for some time now and Itachi could see the finish line. Finally, he stopped and smirked at the figure that arrived not very long afterwards. "I win." He said.

"Like I said, you had the upper hand because you are more familiar with this place." The other one replied.

"Just accept it Sai, I am faster than you are." Itachi said.

"How about we race around the city and than decide who's faster." Sai suggested.

"You're saying it because you know I can't leave the castle walls without my father's consant and he wont approve of it."

"Well, you'll always have my rags at you're service." Itachi smirked. He knew what he was implying. He looked at Sai wearing his clothing. Than he looked down at himself. Itachi and Sai had exchanged their clothes earlier. Ofcourse it was Itachi's idea and Sai had agreed to it, reluctantly. But he had to agree that Sai looked good in it. He could easily pass for a prince which he had earlier that evening. While he had conversed with the guests, posing to be royality; Itachi had twirled around the hall,passing drinks to the Uchihas without anyone knowing his true identity. It was rather surprising that a simple switch of clothes could make such a huge difference. It was fun while it lasted.

It's not much fun when you have a Uchiha king breathing down you're throat.

" How dare you belittle the name Uchiha. You have brought shame to us all. I am utterly disappointed in you." He than turned to the boy standing behind him." And you. You dare make fun of us. You shall be severly punished and I'll personally see to it." The pale boy turned even paler, if that was even possible.

Itachi sighed." If there is anyone you wish to punish, father, than punish me for I was the one who told him to do what he did. He was only following orders."

The King turned to his son and glared. Luckily, at the very moment, a guard walked in and informed him that his presence was required at the council room. The King left but not before sparing them one final look that yelled 'murder'.

" Thank you my prince, for standing up for me." Sai spoke and bowed his head.

" No need to thank me. Infact, I should apologize to you for all the trouble I caused you."

Sai shook his head." Please. Don't apologize to me for I too enjoyed what we did today." He stopped for a moment before continuing. "I must take my leave now, my prince. It's getting late and father is probably worried about me."

"Alright. You may leave."

Sai nodded and than bowed once again." Good night,my prince."

"Good night." Itachi watched him as he disapperd behind the door.
....

Itachi sat in the garden benches staring at the moon, reflecting on everything that occured today. He had a great time, though he knew he had a scolding waiting for him once he got back home.

He wished he could see him again. After Shisui, he never bonded this quickly with anyone. But he had, with him. Despite the formality, he knew Sai didn't see him just as a prince. There was something about him that drew him to that pale stable boy.

He heard some ruffling in the background and his head spun to look.

"Nii-san."

"Ahh, Sasuke." His baby brother was here. He patted the bench next to him, gesturing him to sit down. He complied. He always did.

There was a strech of silence but not the unpleasent kind. They were both quiet people who appreciated silence. The two stared at the moon.

"Nii-san, do you hate the clan?" The younger Uchiha asked.

Itach raised an eyebrow,"What makes you think that?"

"I heard from father what happened today. I know you don't like wearing our clan symbol. Is it because you hate the clan?"

Itachi shook his head." No, Sasuke. I don't hate the clan. It's just...no one sees me, Sasuke. As long as I am an Uchiha, I am invisible." He stopped for a moment before continuing." You might not understand it now but one day you will."

"I understand. And that's not all true. I see you Nii-san."

Itachi smiled down at his brother and ruffled his hair. "Ofcourse you do. You found me even without the clan symbol on my back." Just now did he realised that he was still in Sai's clothes.

Sasuke gave him his brightest smile." I didn't need it. Your colonge was enough to lead the way."
_________________

The sun hung over the horizon far in the east, it's rays tainting the sky in hues of red and pink. It reminded Naruto of Sakura's pink locks, fluttering in the air as she turned to him, smiling. Her emerald eyes sparkling as she talked. Oh how he wanted to see her. Any day now and he could be with her. With his Sakura-chan.

'That's princess Sakura to you.' A voice in his head said.

Naruto sighed.Who was he kidding? He could never have a claim over her. It's been ages the last time they saw each other and even than his existance didn't matter to her. She probably didn't remember him anymore.

No reason to think of these depressing thoughts. You're here. You've come to win her heart and you will not fail. Life has given you this chance so it must mean something. Right?

"Yeah. I will succeed. Believe it." He mumbled under his breath. That's when. Kurama walked upto him. "Hey buddy. You're awake." Naruto looked upto his furry friend who simply shrugged."We're here. Told ya we'll make it in time." Naruto continued. Kurama didn't reply to it either.

"What's wrong? You're awfully quiet today." He asked.

"Did we have to bring her with us? "Kurama finally spoke, turning his head in her direction. Naruto turned too, to look at the girl sleeping peacefully behind them a few feet away. Naruto had offered her his tent but she had refused being the polite and mannered person she was.

"Ofcourse. We couldn't just leave her there. She is just a girl." The blond reasoned.

"A girl who almost killed you not very long ago." It was almost impossible to believe that someone so shy could actually threaten the blond with that sorry excuse of a dagger. May be it was the adrenaline in her system talking. But Naruto didn't hold it against her. She was just looking after herself and her place. (though she didn't think twice about leaving the said place and tagging along with them.) Plus she was too cute for anyone to get angry over her.

"You're just complaining because she is not afraid of you." Metioned Naruto with a grin. It was true. While Naruto was being pushed back to the wall with a blade pressed to his throat, Kurama had stepped in to save his friend, with his claws out and his pointy teeth showing,doing his best to appear intimidating.(though he didn't even need to try for a single sight of him was enough to scare the crap out of people.) The beast had thought that the girl would run away screaming, but the reasponse he got out of the little bluenett was totally unbelieveable. The girl had looked up at him with hearts in her eyes. Appearently, she had a thing for furry creatures.

"G-good morning, Naruto sampai,K-kurama-san." A timid voice said. Naruto turned abruptly. The little blunett stood there with her head downcast.

Oh shit. Did she hear what we were talking about? He hoped not. But than the girl looked up and smiled her beautiful smile. Hmm, guess not.

"Oh hey Hinata, how did you sleep?" Naruto asked.

"Good."

"Good." The blonde smiled while Hinata played with her fingers. She's so cute!

"If you're done staring at her than can we go have breakfast?" The beast inquired. Hinata turned red while Naruto let out a "Kuramaaaaa."

"A-about t-that. I was w-wondering what would you two l-like for breakfast?"

"We can make our own breakfast. And in case you haven't noticed, we are running low on supplies and can't just have whatever we want." Kurama said. Hinata's head dipped lower with every word he let out and she mumbled a timid sorry. Naruto felt bad for her. He elbowed his friend a little too forcefully,making him look down." Can you at least try to be nice. She is already going through a lot." He wispered.

Kurama glared and than walked away. There was no point in arguing with him. The guy was clearly on her side and it made him jealous, though he would never admit it to himself,let alone anyone else. But he understood why he was doing it. Naruto was a kind hearted guy. He could never see anyone in pain. He almost cried hearing the girl tell them about her brother's sudden disappearence and how she had to fend for herself afterwards. Kurama felt pretty bad for her too. But the reason why he was so cold to her was because he found it suspecious for her to not know her brother's name. How in the world could one not know his brother's name!

"I-I don't know." She had said." He n-never told me."

"And you never asked him?"

"I d-did. B-but he said i-i-it didn't matter whether I k-knew it or n-not. And I t-think he wa-is right." She had stuttered out of nerveousness. The bijuu looked scary when angry.

"This is bullshit. Come on Naruto. We are leaving." This girl can not be trusted.

"Please Kurama-san. Take m-me with you. I have to go l-look for my brother. A-and I can't d-do it alone."She had begged.

But Kurama had kept marching towards the door until he realized that his blond friend wasn't following him.

"Naruto?"

"Kurama. We can't leave her here." Naruto had said without tearing his eyes off of the now teary eyed girl.

"Ofcourse we can."

"But she's alone. And God knows when her brother will be back." The blue eyed teenager had tried to reason.

"You can't seriously be buying this." But he was. The look on Naruto's face had said it all.

And that's how they ended up bringing her along. And would have to look after her until they found her brother. That is, if she even had one.

Now they were on their way to the capitol of Cherry Blossom Kingdom where Naruto and Kurama had a performance to attend to. Being the new member of the 'crew', Hinata too would have to help out.

"I would have that delicious ramen you make. Man, you're almost as good as old man Ichiraku." Hinata gave the blond a smile and went to prepare breakfast for him and herself all the while Kurama sat under a tree and ate something out of the bag he was always carrying around.

"Hey Hinata." Her chopsticks stopped a few inches away from her mouth and she looked up at Naruto.

"Don't mind Kurama. He acts all mean and harsh but he's really not that bad. You know being a bijuu and whatnot, he has an image to keep." He blurted out without taking his eyes off the ramen bowl. Hinata nodded and offered a 'thank you' before turning her attention back to her food.
....

It took them an entire day to reach the capitol. Hinata had never been this far away from home. Her brother made sure of it. She never knew why her brother was always hiding her from the world. He used to say, "There are really bad people out there, Nata. They will hurt you if you are not carefull." And she believed him. She believed every single word he said. She had no idea how the world worked. So she had to trust him. Why would he lie to her? He was her brother.

She never questioned him. Nii-san was smarter than her. He knew everything. Even when he didn't tell her his name, she never pressed him for it. She loved her brother and it was enough for her that he was by her side. It didn't matter what his name was. She never needed it anyway. To her, he was simply her Nii-san. She didn't understand why Kurama was making such a big deal out of it.

"Hey Hinata, are you listening?" She was brought out of her revire by Naruto's voice.

"Huh? Oh,gomen N-naruto sampai. W-what were you saying?" She asked.

"I said that we're here, the capitol. Now where in the world is that-"

"You're late." She heard someone say. That's when she turned around and looked at the tall newcomer. Her eyes widened.

"Dobe."
_____

A/n: Each chap of this fic is divided into three parts.

The first part tells the story of the nameless dragon. What does it mean and what's its link to the main plot? I am not going to reveal it any time soon. You'll have to read to find out.

The second part is about Itachi mostly although Sasuke might be mentioned at times. Itachi is young around 12. And Sasuke's 7.
There will be a timeskip in future chaps.

The third part revolves around Hinata and Sasuke around the age 16 or 17.

It might seen confusing at the moment but it will all link in future chaps so please bear with me. Read, vote and comment.

Love you all.

Until next time.

Tayyabalaraib.