Chapter 12: Another Step Closer to Fate

Fate doesn't wait for anyone.

In the blink of an eye, a year had rolled by, each day a testament to my hard work and determination not to be left behind as Itachi and Shisui grew stronger by the day.

I had mastered the basics of self-defense and first aid and improved my accuracy. Now, I could hit the bullseye when throwing my shurikens. However, I still struggled to hit the target while blindfolded, a challenge that nagged at me, reminding me how much further I had to go.

In addition to my throwing skills, I learned several essential jutsu, including the shadow clone jutsu and the substitution jutsu. Grandpa said that these jutsus are the foundation of a shinobi—the basic techniques that all shinobi must first master before advancing to more difficult jutsus. They were considered invaluable, providing shinobis with options to escape tricky situations or create diversions when needed.

Even though I couldn't spar with my friends in the traditional sense, as a cat, I found creative ways to train. I was able to evade most of Itachi and Shisui's attacks, darting and weaving with agility. On occasion, I even managed to deflect shurikens with a kunai that I gripped tightly in my mouth. Although, I had to point out that they were no doubt going easy on me.

Yet, despite my progress, I still felt an insatiable hunger for more—more strength, more skills, more power to protect those I cared about.

~~~

I sat perched on top of a railing, my feline form silhouetted against the vibrant backdrop of the Hidden Leaf Village. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the rooftops and filling the air with a sense of peace.

I could no longer deny the truth over the past year: I had become more familiar with the Hidden Leaf Village than my own home back in the Land of Frost. Each day, I experienced something new about the village—its story, its streets, scents, and sounds becoming a part of me. In stark contrast, the Land of Frost felt increasingly foreign to me by the day, like a distant memory that slowly slipped further from my grasp with every passing moment. The familiar landscape of snow-covered rooftops and the biting, icy winds that had once defined my existence now seemed like echoes of a life I could barely recall. The chill that had once been a comforting companion, a constant reminder of home, now felt like a stranger. With each recollection, I felt a pang of nostalgia mixed with a growing sense of disconnection.

Once, I had regarded the Land of Frost simply as the place where my Grandpa lived—a shelter from the winter storm, a foundation of stability in my life. I had accepted my existence there, despite often feeling overlooked, as if I were merely a shadow passing through the lives of those around me. Although my presence was often brushed aside, I did not mind it as much then.

But now, with every joyful moment spent in the company of my friends, the thought of returning to the frigid expanse of my former home filled me with dread. I feared the isolation that awaited me when my chakra inevitably ran out.

I could never tell Grandpa that.

On occasions, I had entertained the idea of dragging my grandpa here, imagining a life without snow where no one knew of my mother's legacy and this cursed gift. But deep down, I knew he would never agree to such a move. Grandpa cherished the village he had grown up in, even if it had ostracized my mother and me. For him, leaving the Land of Frost meant leaving behind the memories of Grandma and his people.

He had already sacrificed so much for me; the last thing I wanted was to take more from him and add to his worries. So, I kept those feelings locked away, hoping that one day I could find a way to reconcile my two worlds without sacrificing one or the other.

Sighing softly, I turned my gaze toward the staircase leading up to the summit where I waited. Itachi and Shisui had promised to meet me here on this day around this time, and I couldn't help but wonder what was taking them so long.

"Huh?"

My ears perked up at the sound of approaching footsteps and voices. One belonged to Itachi, and the other—a girl.

Peering down the staircase to the street below, I spotted Itachi walking alongside her. She was animated, smiling brightly as she spoke, and he listened intently, nodding along. The girl had long, straight dark brown hair that cascaded down her back, with bangs parted to the right framing her face. A small mole rested beneath her right eye, adding to her charm. She wore a dark purple sleeveless top, the unmistakable Uchiha symbol emblazoned on her back.

As I observed her, I could see she possessed a gentle and kind demeanor. The way she interacted with Itachi was warm and patient, a stark contrast to my own insecurities. I recognized her from the many times I had seen her around him over the past few months; she was one of his classmates.

Izumi Uchiha.

Now, that I was seeing her again, I wondered if she was more than just a classmate.

When Izumi smiled and blushed slightly, waving goodbye to Itachi, an unexpected pang of sadness struck me. I couldn't shake the feeling of worry that wrapped around my heart.

Despite what they had told me, I couldn't help but wonder if I would truly be forgotten someday.

Slowly but surely, Itachi climbed the staircase and greeted me at the top. He approached with a smile, his eyes lighting up as he stood beside me, gazing out over the village, trying to see as much as he could from behind the tall railing.

"Shisui isn't here yet?" he asked.

"No, I think he'll be late again," I disappointedly replied. "He did mention something about an upcoming mission."

An unexpected silence fell between us, and I glanced at him, noticing that he was sulking. I couldn't help but smile gently at his expression, knowing all too well how he felt. We hadn't seen Shisui in days, and his hectic schedule had meant we only caught glimpses of him before he had to rush off again on another mission.

From my elevated position on the railing, I could see his face clearly, and it tugged at my heartstrings. I decided to reach out to him with a soft tap of my paw on his forehead.

Taken aback, Itachi's eyes grew wide as he instinctively reached up to touch his forehead, a blend of confusion and curiosity flickering across his face. I even noticed a faint blush creeping into his ears.

"Don't look so upset," I reassured him displaying my biggest and brightest smile. "It's your big day! Shisui will definitely make it to your graduation!"

"You're right," he replied sincerely, but his expression quickly turned gloomy again. "I want you to know that I want you to be there too, ...but I understand that it's best if you stay hidden. There are too many eyes over there. Everyone is still on edge, despite the year that has passed."

"I understand, and I'm okay," I said, gesturing toward the academy's location. "I'll be safe from this distance. Besides, I can still see the academy from up here, so I'll be watching for you."

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His eyes softened, and a genuine smile broke through his earlier melancholy.

"Thank you, Aki."

"Now go on. You don't want to be late for your graduation," I urged, nudging him gently. "When Shisui arrives, I'll send him your way!"

With a determined nod, Itachi stepped back but hesitated. Worried, he reached up and gently patted my head, "I'll see you soon, Aki."

I watched as he hurried off, leaving me alone once more as the fear of being left behind and forgotten crept up on me again.

But as I stood there, lost in thought, another, more unsettling thought pressed down on me like an unwelcome weight. It was only a matter of time before Grandpa would join Grandma and Mother, and without my friends, where would I truly fit in? The question gnawed at me, a quiet but persistent ache in my chest.

What was my purpose in their absence?

As I sank deeper into a pit of despair, Shisui's face suddenly popped out before me, pulling me out of my brooding. I let out a startled yelp and nearly lost my balance on the railing, but he quickly placed a steadying hand on my back.

"Shisui!" I exclaimed in shock.

Standing beside me, Shisui was slightly taller than Itachi, and he leaned against the railing while scrutinizing me.

"Are you upset about not being able to see Itachi's graduation?" he asked.

I shook my head in response. "No."

"Then," he paused in thought, "are you upset that you won't see me for a few days?"

My head spun around to him, and with him close, I seized the opportunity. I reached out and playfully ruffled his hair with my paws.

"How do you like that?" I teased. "That's for all the times you toy with my head."

He didn't seem amused, but surprisingly he didn't resist. "So you're not sad, but angry? And you're taking it out on me because I'm always away?"

"Exactly!" I replied, becoming preoccupied with how his spiky hair refused to lie flat despite my attempts to tame it. "Why won't your hair stay down like Itachi's?" I groaned in frustration.

"Give it up, Aki. Even I can't fix it," he chuckled, tilting his head to get a better look at me. "Are you having fun?"

I licked one of my paws, trying to smooth his hair down.

"Hey! What are you doing?"

I patted his head and stepped back to admire my handiwork. The top of his head was flattened as much as I could manage, but the surrounding strands still stuck up, giving him a wild, unkempt look.

Looking at Shisui's outrageous hair and his unimpressed expression, I couldn't help but burst into laughter, my stomach aching from the hilarity.

"Oh, if only Itachi could see you like this!" I exclaimed, glancing toward the academy where teachers were gathered around a group of young shinobi. "I bet he'd laugh like there's no tomorrow!"

I spotted Itachi immediately and was surprised to see him already looking our way. The distance made it hard to read his expression, but I knew he could see us—and Shisui's ridiculous hair.

"Very funny," Shisui said, his lips curling into a smile as he began ruffling his hair back into place.

"Shisui, look! He's waiting for you. You should go!" I urged, shooing him away.

"Aki, shush." Shisui raised a finger to his lips to silence me.

I instantly understood. He was a more experienced shinobi, able to hear and sense things long before I could—even before Itachi. He always warned us if anyone was approaching.

Be a cat, I reminded myself, adjusting my posture and pretending to groom my paws while scratching behind my ears.

"Shisui?"

A feminine voice called out, and I sensed him turning to face the approaching girl, while I tried to maintain the nonchalant demeanor of a real cat.

"Oh, Mina. Hey," Shisui greeted her casually.

Mina?

It was that girl again—the pretty one with short brown hair who blushed furiously whenever she spoke to Shisui.

"I thought I saw you coming this way," she said, relief and excitement evident in her voice. "I wanted to catch you before you headed off on your mission again."

I hesitated, unsure if I should stay. Eavesdropping wasn't intentional, but it felt intrusive nonetheless.

"By the way, are you heading to the academy to see the new graduates?" she asked. "If you are, why don't we go together? I'm on my way there too."

"Why don't you go ahead, Mina? I still have something to take care of first. I'll meet you there," he replied with a friendly smile.

"Oh, okay." Disappointment tinged her voice, but she seemed to understand. "Take this."

I craned my neck to sneak a look at Shisui and Mina, noticing her pulling something from her pocket.

"What's this for?" Shisui asked, curiosity evident as he accepted the item and held it out to see that it was a paper charm.

"It's a charm for protection," Mina explained. "I found it while shopping, and I thought of you when I heard your team was getting a rank A mission. I wanted you to have it."

Shisui regarded the charm thoughtfully before nodding. "You didn't have to, but thank you, Mina."

She blushed as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I just hope it will keep you safe and ensure you return unharmed."

"I'll take good care of it," Shisui promised, tucking the charm into his pocket.

"See you at the academy," Mina said, waving goodbye as she headed down the stairs.

I should feel happy, I reminded myself. Itachi and Shisui had people who cared about them and looked out for them. I shouldn't be sad; that would make me a terrible friend.

"Why don't you go with her, Shisui?" I asked, forcing a smile with a burst of enthusiasm. "Itachi is waiting for you, remember?"

"I know," he calmly replied, walking closer to me.

I tilted my head, studying him with curiosity.

"I don't have much time," he explained. "After the graduation ceremony, my team and I will head out, so I won't be able to see you for a few days—maybe even a week." He paused, gazing toward the academy. "Besides, I'll see him soon enough."

I maintained my focus on him, my heart heavy with the knowledge that he would soon be departing once more.

However, my concentration was abruptly interrupted when I noticed Mina walking down the street by herself. As she neared the academy, I turned my gaze to the throng of people gathered there, a lively sea of faces animated by conversation and anticipation. My heart skipped a beat as my eyes swept over the crowd, a momentary jolt of recognition sending a shiver down my spine. My fur stood on end, a visceral reaction to the sudden realization that gripped me.

The air around me seemed to grow colder, a bone-chilling breeze cutting through the warmth of the afternoon and sending a wave of fear and dread coursing through my body. My eyes widened in shock as I stared at the familiar face in the crowd.

My visions were becoming reality before me.

It was him!

He was unmistakable, even from a distance. Clad in a traditional dark kimono, one sleeve tucked underneath his slash, hiding his right arm while his other hand gripped a wooden cane for support. Most striking of all was the bandage that wrapped his head, covering his right eye and part of his forehead, giving him an air of both mystery and foreboding.

"We...are another step closer to our fates," I whispered under my breath, the weight of my words hanging heavily in the air. It was as if speaking them aloud had solidified the reality I had been trying to avoid, the inevitability of the paths we were all destined to walk. My throat felt dry, constricted by the gravity of what lay ahead.

"Huh?" Shisui glanced at me.

"Do you see that man? The one in the dark kimono holding a cane?" I asked, my eyes glued to the figure, unwilling to look away.

Shisui squinted, straining to see where I was staring so intently. "Oh, I see him. He is Lord—"

Danzo Shimura.

At that moment, the world seemed to dim as the sun slipped behind a shroud of clouds, casting a somber shadow over the village. The vibrant hues of the afternoon sky were swallowed by a muted gray, and the bustling life around us seemed to quiet as if nature itself was holding its breath in anticipation. The sudden change felt almost surreal, as though the very atmosphere was thickening with the tangible presence of fate, wrapping us in its inevitable embrace.

Shisui continued to explain, "he is a respected elder of the Hidden Leaf and leader of Anbu."

Suddenly, a wave of rage surged within me, boiling and threatening to erupt. My claws instinctively flexed out, catching Shisui off guard as he turned all his attention to me, sensing the change.

Concerned, he called to me. "Aki, what's wrong?"

The sight of Danzo sickened me to my core. He stood so near, yet the chasm between us felt insurmountable, amplifying the deeply unsettling emotions he stirred within me. His presence ignited something primal, an instinctive revulsion that I was wholly unprepared for, especially at that moment when my mind was already burdened with uncertainty.

It was a dark, gnawing feeling that seemed to claw its way through my insides, making my heart race with an intensity that left me breathless. My stomach twisted into knots as if trying to reject the very sight of him.

My head snapped toward Shisui as I was jolted by the vision I had of him; one that had lingered in my mind like a broken record refusing to fade.

His gaze bore into me, a mixture of worry and horror flaring in his eyes, and I wondered what kind of expression I was wearing that could provoke such concern from him.

Swallowing down the bitterness that threatened to choke me, I urgently shouted, "You and Itachi!.. You two need to be careful of that... man! He is dangerous!" I couldn't bring myself to utter his name aloud; it felt too heavy. "Especially you, Shisui! You must not catch his attention! Stay away from him!"

"Aki, calm down and tell me what's wrong," he urged, his voice steady and soothing as if he were trying to anchor me in a storm. "Deep breath."

As I looked into his eyes, clarity washed over me. This wasn't how I wanted to be, frantic and overwhelmed. I didn't want to burden him with my fears; I wanted to shield him from worry, to protect his peace of mind for just a little while longer...

Taking a deep breath, I focused on calming my racing heart and steadying my thoughts. "I'm sorry..." I finally managed to say, the weight of my emotions lifting just slightly.

"Do you know something—"

"Not yet," I interrupted, urgency spilling from my lips. "Please, trust me. I'll explain when the time is right."

Slowly, Shisui relented, his breath escaping in a soft sigh. He nodded, his expression shifting from concern to a reluctant understanding.

"Just—" I hesitated, trying to gather my thoughts. "Promise me you will be careful of him, and don't trust him."

Despite the myriad questions swirling in his mind he wished for me to calm down so he nodded, and chose to trust me, a silent pact hanging between us. "I will. Don't worry, Aki."

"I'll train harder. When you return, I will be stronger than I am today," I vowed, fear and determination intermingling within me, igniting a fierce resolve.

He smiled at me, with a warm and reassuring expression, and gently patted my head in an effort to lighten the mood. "Alright. You better train and study hard, because when I come back, I'll give you a graduation exam of my own. If you pass, you can join Itachi as a genin."

"Thank you, Shisui," I replied, gratitude swelling in my chest. His unwavering faith in me, even in the face of uncertainty, felt like a beacon of hope, a light piercing through the darkness.

But, as I slowly shifted my gaze back to him—Danzo, and realized with a jolt of fear as I followed his gaze into the crowd of young shinobis.

He was staring directly at none other than Itachi Uchiha.