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__ They left at exactly nine o’clock am every other Saturday; Haruki riding on her big brother’s back and their expressions filled with purpose. They walked a meandering path from one end of the village to the other, gathering friends and classmates as they went. Originally it had just been the two of them on these special days, but then Haruki got picked on by some neighborhood bullies and one of her classmates solved the problem sitting on them, so of course Akimichi Chouto had to join. He also always brought along treat-filled bento boxes, so sister and brother both agreed they’d made an excellent choice in companions. After swinging by the Akimichi restaurant, they’d stand outside the Inuzaku kennels and yell until the dogs threw up a racket and Kiba-sensei came out to shut them up. This usually created enough of a distraction that Inuzaku Kenshi, if he’d been grounded again, could sneak out the back window and meet up with them further down the road. Then it was off to the flower shop with more yelling, followed by considerable running, because there were some things you just shouldn’t call a girl. Especially one like Nara Shikami. Once she’d calmed down, she would walk with them, and though she complained enough that Kenshi and Chouto rolled their eyes, Haruki’s brother was insistent. Anyone who could talk circles around Sakura-sensei and get them out of trouble not once, but numerous times had to come along. The last person was hardest and involved Haruki waiting with Chouto while the other three invaded the Uchiha compound. Sometimes they returned empty handed, but usually they dragged a scowling and sulking Uchiha Sachio after them. When they finally reached their destination, Haruki and her brother would line everyone up and make them say something important. About themselves, or their families, it didn’t matter. “ – and there was five puppies that time and mother said that the little brown one was going to go to my second cousin on my dad’s side and –“ “ – just learning how to use the stove, so father was very proud of me when I didn’t burn the fish –“ “ – another girl. Dad was thrilled, of course. Whatever. I figure its better than a boy in the house –“ “—not saying anything and you can’t make me. Arghh!! Let go of my --” Haruki would go second to last, but she never said anything, only kissed the name carved into stone and pressed her cheek against it until her brother sat next to her. He always said the same thing. “See, papa,” Uzumaki Iruka would say, hand closed around the crystal hanging from his neck, “We’re all okay! Just like I promised, all our precious people are okay.” End.
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