12: The one who watches in the shadows.

Seiji had to admit that, in recent days, his life had taken a rather unexpected turn. His routine had been significantly disrupted, though, personally, he didn't mind it. From running into unpleasant people to interacting with individuals he never thought he'd meet, such as the Hokage and the Uchiha ANBU. Plus, he had gained the company of the Kyūbi's jinchūriki.

Even more, for the first time, he ignored one of his father's warnings by accepting the friendship of an Uchiha—and not just any Uchiha, but Satsuki, the daughter of the clan's patriarch.

Thinking about it calmly and from an outsider's perspective... Seiji seemed a bit suspicious.

Seiji, the future patriarch of a clan, surrounded by Konoha's jinchūriki and the daughter of a clan patriarch who is hated by everyone in the village. Not to mention being frequently visited by a highly capable Jōnin like Kurenai.

'If I weren't a child... I probably would've been questioned by Konoha's council of elders.'

Seiji recalled how his father described the council of elders: power-hungry relics.

"Alright, here's your food."

Kurenai's words brought Seiji's mind back to the situation he was trying to ignore.

Seiji looked at the scene in the dining room. Kurenai seemed to have given up and, as long as another Kyūbi awakening didn't happen, she didn't seem to want to intervene.

Satsuki and Naruko were both seated on either side of Seiji. Naruko had shamelessly moved her chair closer to Seiji, leaning toward him and asking to be fed.

Satsuki watched her with anger, though she didn't intervene. Her strong personality prevented her from being as bold and begging for affection. This caused an internal conflict: on one hand, her desire for closeness with Seiji, and on the other, she had to maintain her cool demeanor.

At least, Kay, the cat, seemed to have taken a liking to Satsuki. The arrogant animal enjoyed her company so much that he sat on her lap.

A rare occurrence, indeed, as the only people Kay allowed to touch him were Seiji and, now, Satsuki. As for the rest of the world, Kay simply ignored them. Moreover, Kay had a particular dislike for Naruko, as every time the girl tried to touch him, he would growl and walk away. Seiji attributed this to Kay somehow sensing the danger of the Kyūbi inside Naruko.

*Sigh.*

Seiji, feeling Naruko's gaze, decided to give in and feed the girl. He took his spoon, alternating between feeding her and himself.

Satsuki watched the interaction with envy, unable to muster the courage to ask for the same treatment.

"Seiji... tomorrow I'll be gone for a while. I have a couple of missions to complete. I probably won't make it back in time for your sixth birthday. I'm sorry."

Kurenai spoke as she saw they were almost done with dinner, looking a bit apologetic.

"It's fine, I understand your responsibilities as a Jōnin. Though I don't think I'll be alone. I already have Naruko here, and we'll probably have a small party."

"Yeah, I've always wanted to try cake..."

Naruko murmured upon hearing Seiji's words, drooling a little. Seiji, seeing this, smiled and took a napkin, wiping her lips.

Kurenai watched the happy interaction between Seiji and Naruko, smiling. But when she looked at Satsuki, her smile faltered.

Satsuki clenched her fists, watching the interaction, her eyes a bit teary. Seeing this, Kurenai decided to help the girl.

"Satsuki could come too. Since the three of you will be training together for a while, you should try to get to know each other better."

Satsuki's eyes widened, and she looked at Kurenai gratefully. Kurenai simply gave her a knowing smile.

"What are you talking about? Of course, Satsuki is invited. After all, we're friends now."

Seiji is a simple child. As long as you're kind to him, he'll be kind to you. Since Satsuki agreed to train with him, he already considers her a friend. Because Satsuki was kind to him, he'll be kind in return.

Seiji spoke his words genuinely... and sometimes being genuine is more impactful than trying to impress someone... though Seiji's face probably helped a lot.

Satsuki, hearing his simple declaration, blushed shyly. Comparing his genuine statement to the times people had approached her for her status... his selfless kindness struck the innocent girl's heart hard.

Kurenai's smile twisted, wondering when Seiji had managed to charm the girl even more.

After finishing dinner and cleaning the dining room, Kurenai ordered Seiji to walk Satsuki home.

"Walk Satsuki home... her parents must be worried."

Though Satsuki wanted to stay, she knew it was impossible due to her position.

Seiji accompanied her through the village. The night was calm and cozy. At some point, Satsuki had taken his hand, and they walked in silence.

Seiji, being the naive child he is, didn't think too much about it. After all, they were just kids being kids.

After a while, they reached the entrance of the Uchiha compound and said their goodbyes.

"Goodbye, Seiji..."

Satsuki seemed reluctant to part, hesitating a bit.

"Goodbye, Satsuki. See you tomorrow at training. Also, don't forget to play with Kay. Even though he's a bit arrogant, he enjoyed your company."

Satsuki nodded with a smile and ran into the Uchiha compound.

Seiji waited until Satsuki was inside before turning around.

As Seiji began his journey back, a shadow in the trees watched him with narrowed eyes.

"I don't know what Father is planning... she's still too young for these things... at least he doesn't seem like a jerk."

Itachi Uchiha watched the boy walk away. He turned his gaze and gritted his teeth as he saw his father waiting for Satsuki with a smile.

Itachi shook his head, tired. It seemed his father had some plans involving both children. And as long as his sister wasn't hurt, he wouldn't intervene personally.

After all, he couldn't protect his sister forever.

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