Every day had settled into a comforting rhythm-a quiet, predictable cycle that began precisely at 7 a.m. As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the bare trees, I would rise and head out to the forest, where frost clung to every branch, and the world felt quiet, untouched. Occasionally, I would hear the distant caw of crows beyond the throng of barren trees. There, I practiced throwing my shurikens and honed my jutsu, sharpening the skills I had acquired under the watchful eye of Grandpa and alongside my dearest friends.

  After training, I returned to help Grandpa with daily chores. Whether we were setting traps for small games or gathering bundles of firewood, I always felt a deep sense of connection to him and to our way of life. And then, with the chores behind me, I would transform into Whiskers and spend the whole afternoon in the company of my friends, Itachi and Shisui. Those afternoons were filled with nothing but lighthearted mischief and unspoken affection.

  The laughter we shared still echoed in my mind long after the sun dipped below the horizon and the years passed.

  By evening, I would be home again, nose buried in scrolls and textbooks, studying until the moon hung high and silver in the night sky. Often, I worked well past midnight, driven by a quiet fire that had begun to burn brighter each day.

  "Look, he's crawling!" Shisui suddenly cried out, springing from his seat on the porch with a childlike gleam in his eyes.

  His attention was fixed on baby Sasuke, who had begun to inch forward on tiny hands and wobbly knees. He was a determined little warrior setting out on his very first journey.

  Itachi and I rushed to join him, hearts swelling as we watched Sasuke take those precious, clumsy steps. It was a sight that felt like magic-pure, fleeting, and irreplaceable.

  "Come here, Sasuke," Itachi coaxed gently, crouching down and holding out his arms.

  Sasuke cooed in response and began his slow crawl toward his brother, swaying slightly with each movement, his eyes locked on Itachi's warm smile. When he finally reached him, Itachi scooped him up with tender arms, a look of unfiltered joy lighting up his face.

  Watching them, I felt both happiness and sorrow tug at my heart. I knew something neither of them did-Sasuke would grow up without that smile, without the warmth of his brother's arms. And the ache of that future lingered like a shadow behind my smile.

  "Aki." Shisui's voice pierced through my reverie and jolted me back to reality.

  "Yes?" I replied, blinking as I refocused on my friends.

  "What's on your mind?" he asked, his tone gentle but probing. "You've been zoning out a lot lately."

  Itachi's gaze joined his, calm but filled with concern. "Shisui is right. We've noticed that sometimes you space out like something is troubling you."

  I hesitated, surprised they had picked up on it so soon, but I expected nothing less from these perceptive boys. Nothing escaped their watchful eyes always attuned to the slightest shifts in energy.

  To be honest, I had spent countless hours pondering whether I should reveal my gift to them and forewarn them of their fate. But, the weight of my mother's final wish still bound me in silence and the last thing I wanted was to shatter the innocence of these two boys, robbing them of their peace of mind.

  Not yet.

  "One day," I said quietly, meeting their eyes with as much honesty as I could muster, "One day, I will tell both of you everything. Now isn't the right time."

  "If it's something that's troubling you, you can tell us," Shisui interjected, his tone earnest and inviting. "Share the burden, Aki. We can help you."

  "I know, ...but you both just have to trust me," I replied, forcing a smile for their sake, but the topic felt too heavy to discuss. Seeking a distraction, I quickly shifted gears. "So, you're starting at the academy soon, right, Itachi?"

  Itachi hesitated for a second but allowed the conversation to shift. Nodding, a glimmer of excitement sparked in his usually calm eye. "Yes, next Monday. I'll be busy from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., so I won't be able to hang out during those hours."

  Shisui chimed in, "Speaking of Monday, my team and I have a new mission so we won't be back for at least three days."

  "Be careful, Shisui," I said instinctively, concern creeping into my voice. I hated the thought of either of them being in danger. The prospect of a mission that would take him away for so long felt daunting.

  He flashed a grin, brushing aside my worries. "You don't have to worry about me; just focus on your studies. When I return, I'm going to give you a test to see how well you've been studying."

  I huffed in mock indignation and turned away dramatically-only to be ambushed a second later.

  "Wha-"

  I hadn't even noticed when baby Sasuke crawled his way over to me. Suddenly, I felt the grip of two tiny, squishy hands as he latched onto me, giggling with delight. Before I could react, he playfully bit down on one of my cat ears, eliciting a startled yelp from me.

  "Help! I'm being attacked by a baby!" I called out, struggling to free myself from his surprisingly strong grip. He giggled in delight, holding on like I was his favorite toy.

  I had never imagined I would be manhandled like this as a cat. Now I understood why my cat, Whiskers, often scratched me in play.

  In a flash, Itachi came to my rescue, pulling his baby brother away while Shisui practically fell over laughing.

  "Sorry about that," Itachi said with a chuckle. "He's got a strong grip."

  "I can't believe you didn't notice him sneaking up on you," Shisui teased. "Nice ambush, Sasuke! You've got the makings of a great shinobi."

  "Hmph!" I shot him a sharp look, claws twitching. But before I could pounce, he ruffled my head. "Don't be upset. With me as your mentor, you'll be immune to surprise attacks in no time."

  "Fine," I huffed, crossing my paws as defiantly as a cat could. "Just watch. One day, I'll catch you off guard. You won't even see me coming."

  Shisui retreated his hand, a grin spreading across his face at the challenge I had thrown down.

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  Itachi, meanwhile, continued to observe me, his gaze fixed more specifically on my head. Before I realized what he was doing, he too, reached out and patted my head, leaving both Shisui and me momentarily baffled.

  "Guys!" I groaned. "I'm not a real cat, remember?"

  They just laughed harder.

  ~~~

  They said that when you're having fun, time seems to go by faster.

  Sooner than expected, the week had rolled by and Itachi began attending the academy, taking his first step closer to the world of shinobis. At the same time, Shisui had set off on his mission with his team, leaving an undeniable void in my daily life.

  But, I had a purpose of my own.

  If I truly wished to protect my dear friends, I needed to grow stronger-both physically and mentally. The thought consumed me. I had to become more resilient, and more capable, not just for my own sake but for theirs.

  Protecting them had become a mantra in my mind, a mantra I repeated to myself as I trained.

  Grandpa, however, was adamant that I shouldn't push myself too hard. I could see the concern inscribed across his face, the lines of worry deepening as I explained my motivations. "I've seen a glimpse of the future of the path I'd chosen," I told him, my voice filled with urgency. "I need to get stronger to protect everyone I hold dear-especially since that future meant life or death."

  Having once walked the path of a shinobi himself, Grandpa understood the gravity of my words. His experience allowed him to see the truth in my eyes, and he placed his trust in me. It was then that he began to train me like a real shinobi. Despite his age, there was a spark of enthusiasm in him that reignited during our training sessions.

  This time, training was different. He pushed me, challenging me in ways I hadn't anticipated. He would hurl real shurikens at me, and I had to dodge and evade them as if my life depended on it. Each time I narrowly avoided a strike, the adrenaline surged through my veins, sharpening my reflexes and heightening my awareness. If I did happen to get hit, I would simply heal myself, a reminder that the pain was fleeting, but the lessons learned were invaluable.

  Our training sessions were grueling, each testing my limits and demanding every ounce of my focus. But with each drop of sweat and each bruise I earned, I felt myself transforming.

  I was no longer an ordinary girl.

  ~~~

  It was a bright afternoon when I transformed into Whiskers, the familiar sensation of my feline body settling around me like a second skin.

  As I stepped into the bustling streets of the Hidden Leaf Village once again, the sights and sounds washed over me like a comforting wave, filling me with a sense of belonging. The village was also transforming back to normalcy. The vibrant colors of the marketplace, the chatter of villagers, and the aroma of freshly prepared meals wafting through the air filled my senses with joy.

  Itachi had informed me that the academy was located near the center of the village, a place where young shinobi gathered to learn the basics and hone their skills. He had even taken the time to give me clear instructions on how to find it, ensuring I wouldn't get lost in the labyrinth of winding streets. With that knowledge tucked away in my mind, I bounded forward with purpose, my paws moving swiftly over the cobblestone paths.

  Today marked the third day since Itachi had started school and since Shisui had left for his mission. I had a good feeling that Shisui would be back around this time, adding to my excitement. Before that, however, I wanted to check in on Itachi and see how he was faring at the academy. I was eager to see how different an academy for shinobis was compared to normal schools.

  Finally, I approached the center of the village, where the academy stood proudly, its architecture a blend of tradition and modernity. The building was bustling with activity; students were coming and going, their laughter and chatter filling the air. I paused for a moment, taking in the scene, my heart swelling with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

  I needed to be careful.

  The last thing I wanted was for anyone to suspect that I was more than just a cat, especially in a place teeming with shinobi who could easily see through my transformation. The stakes were high, and I couldn't afford to let my guard down. With that in mind, I decided to stick close to the rooftops and high places, where I'd have a better vantage point while peeking through windows to catch a glimpse of Itachi.

  After about 15 minutes of searching, my patience finally paid off. I found Itachi.

  Perched on the edge of a rooftop on the third floor, I peered through a window and immediately spotted his dark hair and the familiar shirt he wore. He was seated near the front of the classroom, right in the second row, completely engrossed in what the teacher was writing on the chalkboard.

  As I scanned the room, curiosity piqued about his classmates, I noticed that several-if not all-of the girls were stealing shy glances at him. A wave of surprise washed over me as I realized how popular he seemed among them. I had never thought about Itachi in that light before, but it wasn't hard to understand the fascination he inspired. His quiet confidence and serious demeanor made him stand out, and anyone could easily be drawn to him.

  A smile crept across my feline face as I watched him, wondering if I stared hard enough, perhaps he might notice me too. Just as that thought crossed my mind, he turned his head in my direction.

  When his dark eyes locked onto mine, it felt as though the sun had broken through a cloudy sky. His face lit up with a warm smile, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

  However, the teacher seemed to notice the distraction, particularly the way the class-especially the girls-were gawking at Itachi. The teacher raised his voice, likely scolding the class to focus, although I couldn't hear the words from my perch outside.

  Satisfaction swelled within me as I continued to watch the classroom dynamics unfold, relishing the sight of Itachi immersed in his studies, even amidst the chaos of admiration surrounding him. After a while, I decided I had seen enough and quietly slipped away from the academy, making my way toward the entrance of the village.

  I was eager to welcome Shisui back from his three-day mission. I couldn't wait to hear about his adventures and share the day's happenings with him, excited for his company again.

  To remain undetected, I found a perch high above on the roof of a nearby building that overlooked the village's main gate. From this quiet vantage point, I had a clear view of the stone walls that stretched high and proud, broken only by the enormous green double doors that served as the entrance and exit to the Hidden Leaf Village. I lay on my stomach, elbows pressed to the roof tiles and settled in with the patience of a hunter.

  People came and went-ordinary civilians, shinobi in green vest jackets, vendors pulling carts, and even a few curious children sneaking peeks at the guards. I watched silently, letting time drift by, my gaze flicking from one figure to the next. Then, just as I was about to close my eyes and rest them for a moment, something caught my attention.

  I pushed myself up, no longer lying flat. My eyes narrowed.

  It was them.

  The same two teens from before-Kakashi and his bizarre friend in the green jumpsuit-returned to the village with the same casual energy, as if nothing in the world could faze them.

  A small smile tugged at my lips as I watched them.

  There was something about their easy stride, the way they talked and moved, that made me want to know them more. If fate ever crossed our paths, I hoped I'd get the chance to call them friends. They seemed like good people-strong, dependable... maybe even kind.

  Soon, they disappeared around a corner and vanished from sight.

  But, there was one man I couldn't stop watching-no matter how many times I tried to tear my gaze away, my eyes would inevitably drift back to him. There was something off about him. He gave off a strange, unsettling energy, the kind Grandpa used to warn me about.

  This man wore a green outfit beneath a deep crimson haori, and his feet were clad in old-fashioned wooden sandals. His limbs were protected by mesh armor that peeked out from beneath his sleeves and pant legs, and a large scroll was strapped across his back. His hair was long and spiky, pure white, like Kakashi's but more wild-almost untamed. Two bold red markings ran down his cheeks from beneath his eyes, giving him an animalistic, almost feral look.

  He looked like a warrior. Or maybe a sage. But something about him put me on edge.

  Still, I couldn't look away.

  He was tiptoeing behind two young, beautiful women as they exited the village, and my jaw dropped in disbelief. How could they not notice him?

  What a strange man, I thought.

  But, my attention quickly shifted as I spotted the person I had been eagerly waiting for-Shisui.

  I watched as he walked through the entrance, flanked by two fellow teammates who appeared to be around his age, along with a man in a green vest jacket whom I assumed was their sensei. There was a hint of fatigue in Shisui's posture, but thankfully, he looked unharmed.

  As they reached the inner gates, their sensei dismissed them, and Shisui began to walk away on his own.

  A wave of joy surged through me, and without a second thought, I leaped off the roof with ease, darting toward him. I wanted to call out his name, to express my excitement, but I hesitated. I knew that if I shouted, others would hear me, and the risk of exposing my transformation was absolutely terrifying. So I stifled the urge to yell and instead rushed forward in silence.

  In a moment of spontaneity, I leaped into his arms.

  "Whoa!" he caught me, surprised but smiling. "Only three days, and you missed me this much?"

  Flustered by my own impulsiveness, I quickly scrambled out of his embrace and turned away, trying to save face. "I think I slipped," I muttered, attempting to downplay my overwhelming excitement.

  He crouched beside me, ruffling my head affectionately, his warm gaze bringing comfort. "Been studying?"

  I nodded, my tail flicking proudly behind me. "Not just studying-I trained with Grandpa, too."

  His grin widened, genuine and encouraging. "Then I hope you're ready for your test."

  "I'll ace it," I said confidently, but then I hesitated. "Maybe just... go easy on the first few questions."

  Shisui's gaze softened, and at that moment, I sensed something unspoken lurking behind his smile.

  "Shisui," I asked carefully, "are you okay? How was the mission?"

  His smile returned widened, this time more genuine like his usual self. "It went well. Come on, let's go pick up Itachi. I'll tell you both about it on the way home."

  So I walked beside him, matching his pace, and I noticed how he deliberately slowed his steps just for me.

  At that moment, it hit me-I had missed him more than I realized.