I don’t have a lot of fond memories of my parents. I’m sure Sayuri did; however, she rarely talked about the man and woman I should call “Mommy and Daddy.” What could be so wrong between my sister and my parents? The only way I know they’re still alive are the occasional letters and birthday cards. I only have one picture of my mother, none of my dad. I’ve never met them in person.

-

Sayuri and Sakura were in their apartment. Even though the eldest was only twelve, they were able to live by themselves and pay the rent via Sayuri’s missions and Sakura’s “job” at the Uchiha district.

It was kind of weird for her to be the only one in there without black hair and coal black eyes, but with the support of her older sister, her hard work, and her curiosity and intellect, she eventually gained respect of the clansmen. She was only seven, she got little tasks and time to play.

With that free time in the Uchiha district, she also liked to “follow” her fellow classmate, Uchiha Sasuke; she’s such a sneaky girl.

Riiight. Sasuke easily felt her presence…

-

… but he never told her off or looked behind him.

Today was Sakura’s day off, and one of Sayuri’s rare mission- free days. The mid-morning sun was still up high in the deep blue sky. Sayuri was lazily lounging on the enlarged window sill looking at the gray streets filling up with people. One leg was tucked under her, while the other leg dangled, making patterns in the air. Her arms were sprawled next to her wait, and her usually stiff body was relaxed, like she didn’t want her day off to end.

“Sayuri-Chan, can I tell you something?” asked a seven year old Sakura.

“Yes Sis?” Sayuri answered back. She made a mental note on how Sakura’s eyes were sparkling with wonder and curiosity.

“I met mommy today.”

Sayuri’s heart skipped a beat, and then started beating like she was running a race. Her whole body stiffened, even her foot froze in mid air.

“How would you know?” Sayuri asked, “It could have been any lady or your imagination.”

“But it was that lady in the picture you showed me. Green eyes, dark pink hair, her smile when she saw me- it was exactly the same as the picture.”

“How did you even see her? How come I didn’t see her?” Sayuri was a little frantic.

“You always let me go home from the academy by myself now, remember?” Sakura stated, a little shaken by her sister’s reaction to the news.

Sayuri, though it was barely noticeable to Sakura’s eyes, breathed heavily, worrying if she saw their father-

Of course not…

“Nee, Sayuri-Chan, do you love our mommy and daddy?”

“Of course, I do, Sakura. Oh, if I can only see them again… I want to talk to Mom again.”

Sayuri stared back to the panorama outside. She pressed her forehead to the cool glass. She soon relaxed and her original position returned.

There were many people walking by their apartment, not bothering to look up and wave hi. They were busy doing their daily rounds in the crisp air and golden leaves.

However, one passer- by, a young man all in black, stopped in front of their apartment and faced it. His ponytail swayed in the light breeze. Sayuri saw him look up to the window she was at; his onyx eyes bore into her emerald ones.

It was Itachi. Sayuri couldn’t help but smile at him. He nodded at her direction.

He smirked when their eyes’ connection wasn’t broken after a few seconds.

His smirk grew when he saw her face flush and turn away.

Sakura was as oblivious as a sleeping baby at the whole incident.

-

Then there was the time I met my mother. It was after Sayuri’s funeral, when the social officers brought me back to her. It wasthat lady I met in the market place. She had dark circles under her viridian eyes the day of the funeral and the days that came after. She had a few gray hairs in scattered in her magenta hair, but I still think she’s beautiful.

We hugged most of the time after the funeral. I couldn’t really call it a funeral, though; because there wasn’t a body found, but with possible signs of a murder, the ceremony was more of a memorial than a funeral.

Mom and I got to know each other more. She showed me a picture of her and Dad when they were sixteen. They were teenage sweethearts, and had to be married in secret because her parents wouldn’t approve of one of the geniuses of Konoha. They only thought of him as the orphaned freak, not the smartest ninja of his generation.

He has only returned in secret on a few occasions. It was under the average of once a year.

“If you weren’t my daughter I would have died once Sayuri died. I’m happy to have a purpose in life- you,” Mom said.

She started sobbing again, and all I could do was to cradle her head on my lap and embrace her, trying to comfort her.

-

Mom is really supportive of my shinobi career. You should’ve seen the tears coming down her eyes and the pearly white smile she had on during my graduation on becoming a genin. She’d given me one of the most bone-crushing hugs I’ve ever had.

You should have seen her face when I announced to her that I was going to be trained by the Gondaime, Tsunade, herself. Her eyes bulged so big and her jaw fell to the floor, she looked like a petrified fish. Then, once she got out of her shock, she embraced me again. This time it almost fractured my spine, but she didn’t let the bones crack.

I got the strength from my mom; however, I didn’t inherit her self control.

-

-

-

Now that I think about it, Team 7’s boys were parent-less.

Naruto Uzumaki. He was orphaned since birth, and was taken care of by Iruka- sensei. There are rumors flying around that he’s the son of the Yondaime Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki. The Yondaime’s looks with Kushina’s personality?!? What a dangerous combination! I feel sorry for Hinata…

Kakashi- sensei, son of the White Fang, received his morale and skill from his dad….

And, possibly, his perverted thoughts…

Sasuke Uchiha, I feel sad for him. Even though I don’t want to, I pityhim more than Naruto. It’s hard to imagine your, whole, entire family being slaughtered, and having it replayed…

Over…

And over…

And OVER…

Please don’t hate me.

Really, guys, please don’t. I know I’m taking forever to update, even though I’ve been reading fan fiction almost every day! This isn’t fair for you, guys.

Sorry.

Very, truly sorry. I’m mentally hitting myself. I’m also thanking the latest reviewer. That person was anonymous, but if lilykohfong is reading this, I thank you. *Gives cookies*

Please review! If I don't receive five reviews soon, I'll burst! First three gets a slice of pie of their choice!

~Sakura-Hime~