With a clear mental map of where Itachi Uchiha lived, I had never felt more confident in an unfamiliar land. I didn't need anyone to guide me this time; as a nimble cat, I could navigate the village unnoticed. Below me, the village buzzed with life, the sounds of reconstruction echoing in the distance.

  I leaped gracefully from rooftop to rooftop, growing more attuned to my feline form with every jump and sprint. The cool air ruffled my fur, and I reveled in the crispness of summer brushing against my whiskers. It was exhilarating being in a land without snow for a change. I had never felt so confident and free, racing through the village, unfazed by the commotion of passengers.

  As a cat, I was free from the constraints of using the main entrance like everyone else. Especially, when I could vault over the walls like water slipping through cracks. I soared over the enclosure that marked the Uchiha residence and landed silently atop a tiled rooftop

  Technically, it was trespassing. But I convinced myself: if no one saw me, did it really count? Grandpa didn't need to hear that part of the story anyway.

  I scanned the compound until I found it-the gate Shisui had once shown me. Sturdy wooden double doors flanked by small, elegant trees. This was the place.

  Without another moment to lose, I dashed toward my destination, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. This time, I leaped over the gate, my pulse quickening at the thought of what lay beyond. I disliked the idea of simply waltzing into his home, but there was no other way; I had no hands to knock on the door, and these paws were far from capable of such human gestures.

  I desperately wanted to make a good first impression, but at that moment, it felt like a trivial concern.

  When I landed on the other side, my paws sank into the soft, lush green grass of the courtyard. I paused for a moment to take in my surroundings, my senses heightened.

  Before me stood a magnificent two-story mansion, its smooth white walls gleaming in the sunlight and its sloped tiled roof adding a touch of elegance. A stone pathway led to the entrance, flanked by meticulously trimmed bushes that enhanced the home's neat and sophisticated appearance.

  The mansion was a beautiful fusion of modern and traditional architecture, a sign of the Uchiha clan's rich heritage.

  Suddenly, a sound pricked at my ears, sharp and insistent, drawing my attention like a moth to a flame. I twitched, straining to discern its source. It was a soft thud-like something sharp striking its target-coming from the direction of the mansion. As I listened intently, I realized the noise was emanating from behind the building and not inside it.

  Without a second thought, I cautiously made my way to the side of the mansion, my heart racing with curiosity.

  As I rounded the corner, I stepped onto a traditional wooden porch that connected seamlessly to the house, its polished surface warm beneath my paws. In front of the porch lay a beautiful and spacious courtyard, complete with a natural-looking pond bordered by smooth rocks, creating a tranquil, Zen-like atmosphere that seemed to harmonize with the serene surroundings.

  But the sound continued to echo from further ahead, tugging at my instincts. I turned my attention toward the source of the noise, and my eyes widened in surprise.

  There, in the open space beyond the pond was what I believed to be the training yard, I saw two shurikens soaring through the air, glinting in the sunlight before striking with deadly precision into the center of a wooden target.

  The figure responsible was none other than Itachi Uchiha.

  With a fluid motion, he removed two more shurikens from his pouch, his movements graceful yet powerful. He threw them with one hand, and they flew out in opposing directions, striking their marks on other wooden targets set around the courtyard with remarkable accuracy.

  I couldn't believe my eyes-he was astonishingly skilled, hitting his targets perfectly no matter the angle or force with which he threw the shurikens. The confidence he exuded, coupled with his effortless precision, left me in awe. I felt a flutter of admiration mixed with a tinge of envy; it was no surprise, I knew he was no ordinary boy.

  Itachi paused as he felt for his pouch; he had run out of shurikens. Sighing, he made his way towards the wooden targets to retrieve the metal stars embedded in the wood.

  As he walked back to his original position, a sudden awareness flickered in his dark eyes, and he finally noticed me causing him to stop in his tracks. For a brief moment, our gazes locked, and I could see recognition dawning in his expression.

  "It's..you," he said, his voice steady, carrying a hint of surprise as he approached me, stopping just a few feet away.

  But as I stared into those innocent dark eyes, taking in his small form and soft features, the haunting vision flashed in my mind-an older version of him lying lifeless in my lap. My heart ached at the thought of this gentle boy, full of kindness and promise, facing such a grim fate.

  "You saved me that night," I murmured, forcing the words through the lump in my throat. "Do you remember?"

  Itachi didn't respond right away, but he continued to stare at me with those penetrating eyes. His stare was unreadable and I felt a rush of nerves.

  "...R-Regardless of your intent-intentions," I stumbled over my words, my nerves bubbling to the surface. But as I spoke, I found my rhythm, my anxiety melting away, allowing my gratitude to flow more freely. "Thank you. It was because of you carrying me through that night that I'm alive today."

  A small, soft smile graced his lips, and his eyes softened in response. "I remember you. I'm glad that you're safe."

  Emotion swelled in my chest-gratefulness, sorrow, and something heavier. Fate truly was a cruel force.

  Taking a step closer, I felt a surge of determination welling up inside me, so much that I was confident to loudly declare. "Since you saved my life... I owe you!" It was then that I finally made my decision, the weight of it settling firmly in my chest, grounding me to my choice. "I will live to protect you, just as you protected me, and I will not let you die!"

  Itachi blinked in surprise, his brow furrowing slightly as he processed my words. "You don't have to do that. I'm just glad to have helped you, so you don't owe me anything."

  I shook my head firmly, resolute in my choice. "No, I've already decided."

  As the words left my lips, doubt crept in.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  How could I possibly protect him while trapped in this cat form? What could a mere cat do in the face of danger? I stared at him, noting the confidence with which he carried himself, and I felt a pang of inadequacy. After all, I was the one who needed help. I could barely hit a target when practicing with my slingshot.

  Yet, despite my uncertainty, the conviction in my heart burned bright. I would find a way. I had to.

  Maybe Itachi realized that no matter what he said, he could never change my mind. With a resigned expression, he seemed to give in. "Well, ... okay. But then, why are you in a cat transformation?"

  I groaned, casting a dismayed glance at my two front paws, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. "I have no choice," I grumbled. "I'm actually still at home with my Grandpa. I can only be here when I use this cat transformation though I have no clue how."

  It was only then that I noticed the exquisite detail of his features-the long, dark eyelashes that framed his eyes, giving him an almost doll-like appearance. They fluttered slightly with each blink, enhancing the beauty of his gaze and softening the sharp edges of his serious yet gentle demeanor.

  "My name is Itachi Uchiha," he said. "What's yours?"

  A smile spread across my face as I proudly introduced myself. "I'm Aki Natsuri from the Land of Frost." But then, a thought hit me and my proud declaration took a sour turn. I quickly blurted out, "But, I'm not a spy!"

  Itachi tilted his head in confusion, a quizzical look crossing his features. "Spy?"

  Embarrassed, I scrambled to explain myself. "Even though I'm not from here, I'm not a spy... I'm more like a visitor." I looked at him earnestly, hoping he could see that I meant no harm.

  He smiled, the uncertainty in his expression dissipating. "I believe you."

  A rush of relief washed over me, and I felt my heart swell at his trust. It touched me deeply to see him smile so kindly and innocently that I wanted nothing more than to protect that smile, even at the cost of my own life.

  Just then, a voice rang out, breaking the moment. "Itachi!"

  Both Itachi and I turned our heads toward the mansion, where I figured the voice belonged to Itachi's mother, Mikoto.

  "Your friend is here to see you!" She called from inside, her tone warm and welcoming.

  As if on cue, Shisui Uchiha appeared from the back door, a broad grin on his face, as if he had known all along that he would find me there. Standing on the porch, he waved enthusiastically at us.

  "Hey, guys!"

  A bright light flashed suddenly, so swift and unexpected that I didn't have time to close my eyes. In that fleeting moment of a second, I caught a glimpse of him-not the boy, but the man he will become standing before me. He was much taller and broader than the boy I knew, but the sight was shocking. He was battered and bruised, his right eye swollen shut, blood trickling down his cheek. His left eye, though still the same, was filled with a poignant sorrow so raw it felt like a blade to my chest.

  What...was that?

  The image faded as quickly as it appeared, leaving me reeling and disoriented, questions swirling in my mind like a tempest.

  Itachi smiled and waved back. "I thought you were going to be busy?"

  Shisui shrugged as he approached. "Sensei let us out early. Figured I'd come check on you. And Aki." At the mention of my name, his gaze locked onto mine, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "I'm not surprised. I knew you would sneak your way here."

  I stared at him, momentarily speechless. The vision I had just witnessed gnawed at my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled in my chest. I was at a loss for words, caught in a whirlwind of confusion and anxiety.

  Why?

  No...it can't.

  My eyes began to sting, the threat of tears pressing against my resolve, but I fought to hold them back. I didn't want to mar this moment with my troubles. Instead, I plastered on a smile, desperate to project joy. "Shisui! I didn't think I would see you so soon! I'm glad you're here too!"

  As I shifted my gaze between Shisui and Itachi, a heavy weight settled in my chest, pressing down on me like an anchor pulling me into a dark abyss. The realization struck me with a crushing force, a revelation that sent shivers through my very core: the two people I had finally begun to connect with were entangled in a cruel fate, one that threatened to leave them marred by a trail of blood and sorrow.

  It felt unbearably unfair that these two boys full of kindness and warmth could be overshadowed by a fate so grim.

  "So, I suppose the two of you finished your introductions?" Shisui asked, stopping in front of me, his eyes sparkling with amusement, blissfully unaware of the turmoil brewing within me.

  It pained me greatly, yet I forced another smile, doing my best to conceal the sadness that existed just beneath the surface. I didn't want to ruin this moment, this precious time surrounded by my friends. I should be happy, I reminded myself, clinging to that thought like a lifeline.

  "Yup!" I exclaimed, my voice bright and proud, even as I battled against the negative thoughts threatening to overwhelm me. I refused to let darkness cloud the joy of this moment; I would savor it, even if just for a while longer.

  Shisui chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he turned his attention from me to Itachi, then to the courtyard where Itachi had been diligently practicing his shuriken throws. He scanned the wooden targets, noting the impressive marks that indicated perfect hits. "So you were practicing throwing shurikens, huh? Not bad! You hit them all perfectly."

  "Thank you," Itachi replied, a modest smile gracing his lips, clearly pleased with the acknowledgment.

  "This is too easy for you, Itachi. Here, let me show you something that will take your skills to a whole new level," Shisui said, his expression shifting to one of excitement. He closed his eyes in concentration, preparing himself for what was to come.

  With a swift motion, he leaped into the air, defying gravity as he floated mid-air.

  We watched in awe as he twisted his body in mid-air, positioning himself upside down with his head facing the ground. It was a breathtaking display of skill and agility. His eyes remained firmly shut, yet he seemed utterly confident as if he could feel the targets calling to him. With a flick of his wrist, he launched his shurikens into the air, executing this impressive feat while enveloped in darkness.

  Each shuriken flew with unwavering precision, piercing through the air and embedding itself into the targets with flawless accuracy. The sound of the metal striking wood was sharp and satisfying, echoing in the courtyard like a testament to his mastery.

  Then, as if the entire performance had been rehearsed to perfection, he landed softly on the ground, moving with the fluid grace of a true shinobi. There was no thud, no sound to betray the impact-just the serene silence that accompanied his skill.

  Both Itachi and I stared at him, awestruck by his display of skill and mastery.

  "I'm sure you'll be able to figure this out and get it in no time," Shisui grinning broadly as he retrieved his shurikens from the wooden targets.

  "Whoa!" I exclaimed, darting my head between the two boys in disbelief. "That was amazing!" Then, I added, "The both of you! How?! How are you both so good when you're both so young?"

  "I've been practicing since I was your age," Shisui replied, his tone encouraging. "Don't worry; you'll get here eventually."

  Inside, I felt a surge of doubt wash over me as I stared at my front paws. "No," I thought out loud, "you haven't seen me shoot my slingshot. If you had, you wouldn't be saying that to me right now."

  Shisui tilted his head thoughtfully as if sensing my internal struggle. "No one gets it right on the first try. Trust me. It takes diligence and consistency to improve at anything. You might think it looks easy, but I've put in countless hours to reach this level."

  Itachi nodded in agreement, his gaze softening as he sought to uplift my spirits. "More importantly, you have to have the courage to believe in yourself."

  I contemplated their words, letting them sink in. They were right. I needed to cultivate diligence and consistency, practicing every day while believing in myself. No one was without some potential.

  In that moment, I felt a surge of empowerment ignite within me-a determination to grow stronger so that I could protect the people dearest to me...so that I may be able to protect them from their inescapable fate. My heart ached at the thought.

  I had made myself known.

  I was no longer just a passive observer in their story-I was deeply invested in their lives, and the idea of being powerless to help them was a reality I could not accept.

  With newfound resolve, I clenched my paws and inhaled deeply. "Alright! I may be a cat here, but once I return home, I will dive headfirst into my training! I'll practice until I hit every target!"

  Itachi smiled at me, and at that moment, I sensed his belief in my abilities.

  "Huh?" Shisui crouched down to me, his expression curious as he processed my earlier statement. "I thought you weren't a shinobi?"

  "I'm not a shinobi," I confirmed, my voice steady. "But..." I paused, feeling the weight of my words. "I want to be able to...be of help and save my friends when they are in trouble."

  The two boys stared at me, their expressions contemplative as they absorbed my words. Understanding settled in their dark eyes, but I couldn't help but notice a flicker of sadness lingering behind Shisui's gaze, a glimpse into emotions that perhaps he didn't fully reveal.

  Then, to my surprise, Shisui raised a hand and reached out, gently patting my head in an affectionate gesture.

  "What can you do while stuck in this cat transformation?" he asked, a playful smile dancing on his lips. He then glanced back over his shoulder at Itachi, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "I guess I'll have another student to mentor."

  As Itachi walked toward us, his eyes softened, and a chuckle escaped his lips, warming the atmosphere.

  I felt a rush of gratitude as I looked at them-my dearest friends. A newfound hope blooming within me. I remembered that day like it was yesterday...

  The three of us laughed so much. Their laughter was like music to my ears.

  It was as you'd said, Grandpa...

  My fate had been written in blood.

  I will bleed.

  I will struggle.

  Again.

  And again.

  If it meant I could protect them.