Narrated by Sumiko – Six years old – Konoha, Haruno Compound
My father's hand was big and warm, easily wrapping around mine as we walked through the halls of the Haruno house. Everything felt huge and strange. The walls were polished wood, with soft-glowing lamps. There was a faint scent of flowers in the air, but it didn't make me feel at home. This wasn't my home.
"Sumiko, this will be your new family," my father said in a calm voice.
My chest tightened. New family. I didn't understand why I needed another one when I already had one. But I nodded, even though I didn't know what to say. I just stayed quiet. I felt uncomfortable, like I didn't belong. I missed my home, my old life. Even though Mom and I were always moving from place to place, I liked the life we had. We were always surrounded by trees, streams, and fields... The nomadic life was really nice because every place we visited was a new experience.
Here, everything seemed peaceful. Like a pond where the water doesn't move, just sits still. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't my favorite either. Mom always said she felt sorry for not giving me a stable life like other kids, but I was grateful for the life we had. It was always fun.
The problems with my uncles got worse, and Mom had to bring me to my father. I don't really understand how things work, or why I won't be seeing her for a while, but I trust that we'll be together again soon… Maybe Dad will join us this time.
In the living room, a woman with short hair and a strict expression was waiting for us with a girl my age. The girl had pink hair and big, curious eyes. She looked at me like she was trying to figure out who I was and why I was there.
"This is Mebuki, Sakura's mother," my father said. "And this is Sakura, your new little sister."
Mebuki smiled, but it didn't feel warm. I could see irritation in her eyes. She seemed to hesitate, like she wanted to say something but held it back. In the end, she just gave a polite nod.
Sakura, on the other hand, looked more excited.
"Do you want to play with me?" she asked, stepping forward.
I didn't know what to say. I looked at my father for help, but he just ruffled my hair affectionately.
"Go to your room, Sumiko. Get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day."
I nodded, even though I wasn't tired. A maid led me to a room with a futon, spotless tatami mats, and a window that let in the moonlight. The air smelled like wood and candle wax, but there was no trace of the sweet scent from my old home. The house was quiet—too quiet for my liking. Back home, the wind would whistle through the trees and the sound of water would fill the night. Here, everything felt cold and strange.
I lay down, but I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned on the futon, feeling like the darkness was heavier than usual. The feeling of being in a strange place weighed on my chest.
Eventually, I gave up. I got out of bed barefoot, making sure not to make any noise. I wanted to see my dad. Maybe if I was with him, things would feel easier.
I walked through the dim hallways until I heard voices. I stopped and hid behind a wall. I recognized my father's voice.
"And Mushani?" he asked, sounding tense.
Another voice replied—deep and emotionless.
"The Hokage will keep his word."
I didn't understand what those words meant, but a shiver ran down my spine. I peeked around the corner and saw my father talking to a man dressed in black, wearing a strange mask. His eyes weren't visible—only the moonlight reflecting off the white porcelain.
Something inside me told me I shouldn't be there. That I shouldn't listen anymore.
I walked away quietly and went back to my room. I lay down again, but this time, I shut my eyes tightly, hoping that sleep would come and wash away the unease that had settled in my chest.
The next morning, Dad woke me up very early. He said we were going to visit a friend of his. Sakura would come with us too.
As we walked down the street, I kept looking at Dad. His hair was pink, but not as bright as Sakura's. It was more like old petals, when they start to dry out. His eyes were deep blue, different from mine, which were cherry red like Mom's.
I had lilac hair—a weird color that neither of them had. But I liked to think it was a mix of Dad's pink and Mom's blue. That way, I carried pieces of them both with me, even if we weren't together.
When we arrived, I saw a big house with a strange symbol at the entrance: a fan with a moon. Sakura said this was the Uchiha district and that we were going to visit the head of Konoha's police force. She told me she came here often with Dad because she liked playing with the chief's son. I just nodded and looked around.
Everything was new to me. The air felt different. The way people talked, how they walked... Kirigakure was nothing like this. Here, people looked calm, like nothing bad ever happened. Like everything was okay. Even though I knew it wasn't really true.
Dad greeted a man with a serious face and a strong voice very respectfully. His name was Fugaku Uchiha. His brow was furrowed, like he was thinking a thousand things at once. Sakura and I sat up straight at the table. We greeted everyone, including a boy who had the same dark hair and sharp eyes as Fugaku. His name was Sasuke.
Sakura looked at him like he was a piece of candy. She leaned toward him a little, smiling nervously, and said hello with a soft voice. I thought it was cute, and I smiled when I realized that was the real reason she liked coming here so much.
But then… he walked in.
A taller figure appeared in the room. He bowed gently, very polite. He introduced himself as Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke's older brother.
He had the prettiest face I had ever seen. His eyes were black, calm, but they said so many things. His hair was long, straight, and dark like a moonless sky. I didn't really understand what was happening to me, but suddenly I felt embarrassed when he looked at me. My cheeks felt hot.
I think that's what happens to Sakura when she looks at Sasuke… but in my case… it was because of Itachi.
I stayed still, watching him without wanting to watch him. My heart was beating fast, even though he hadn't said a single word to me. Just being there, so calm, so... pretty, left me not knowing what to do.
"I'm leaving on a mission later today, Father," he said softly, without rushing.
"You'll have breakfast with us first," Fugaku replied. It wasn't a suggestion—it was an order.
Itachi nodded and sat down at the table, just a few steps from me.
I swallowed hard.