Jump High to the Future

So when one spoke to him as warmly as she had, he could not help but enter a pause. It remained a foreign concept to him.

“It… It was. Thank you.” How very odd. 

However, the silence she had taken to to digest that piece of information had not escaped his notice. As an individual who lived to see the village recover after the fourth shinobi war, as well as one who remained close to team ten and their companions, she must have grown to see them settle down and have children of their own.

All, if not most, with partners different from the ones that existed here. Both Uchiha brothers, for example.

He had good reason to believe that Sasuke had already made his choice with a certain Shinigami.

Wasn’t this one a more reserved one? And to think at some point she did questioned her reasoning on Itachi and Sai being different. Mirai glanced at him over his last statement, her features slowly turning more serious.

“Yes. It actually is...” she said while looking away for a moment. “But questioning about how time and this world works, it’s just a waste of time and a real headache. Thinking too much of the past or the future won’t bring anyone here or make a difference... enjoying the little things that matter every day does.”

Eyeing back at the shinobi, who’s name was very well known in her timeline, she let go a low breath and offered a genuine gentle gaze and smile. The rash decisions and tragedies that were made in both of their pasts, because of their families actions -as a matter of fact- whether for good or bad, they were lessons, meant to teach not to repeat. 

To move on in peace, a new start was meant to begin, maybe this was part of it, and maybe this time things could get along better between the former shinobis of their world. Plus, she’d met a young Uchiha a while back who wasn’t close enough to be called evil, due this and more, it was why Mirai decided to give Itachi the benefit of doubt.

“So-- Prepare for a lot of mood swings from Ino-nee! Even without being pregnant she’s that unpredictable." she added with another and a bit brighter smile. “Also stop being so wary, yes I did wrong by bursting that question so loud in public, but I don’t bite, and so far you haven’t either so we should both try and be cool, don’t you think?”

There was… not a great deal that Itachi knew about her aside from the fact that she was one of the guests at their wedding. Daughter of Yuuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma; as a child who ought to be close to the Ino she had grown up to know, the idea of this one marrying a different man must have been a very strange concept for her indeed.

Itachi was only thankful that her apologies allowed him more time to recollect himself.

Nonetheless, a subtle wave of nerves still thrummed through his veins, the elder Uchiha not especially keen on approaching this subject with anyone else.

Least of all an individual he believed Ino ought to relay the news to. She was more or less like an aunt to Mirai, wasn’t she?

Or she should be.

“Ah…” He hesitated. What else was there to say? “,,, She is. She’s about three months along now. She just told me about it recently.”

Mirai’s heart was racing, the facts were obvious yet she just needed the reassurance. Waiting for it didn’t made it all better, the more seconds went by the hotter her ears turned, the less she breathed and the closer she was for another outburst.

“--!!”

Crimson eyes widened as the words sink in her brain, she turned slightly while lowering her head in thought. It truly was strange, a baby was on the way, a son or daughter from Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Ino... She couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to the young kids back in her time? A certain blond one specifically.

Aish...Was time and --well space such a weird thing.

A few chuckles escaped her lips, “Amazing!” she finally said while offering a smile at the ebony haired. “This only proves how much you truly love each other, I’m grateful and relieved.” she added with a genuine happiness for both, mainly Ino’s of course, but he as well. 

They chose each other for a reason, and each time she heard something from both it was more and more noticeable.

“I’m certain your childhood was very involved,” he said seriously, though he wasn’t really capable of picturing having so many people chase after you as a child. “And hot cocoa it is, I believe they sell it near the entrance, possibly to ruin parent’s day.”

He tucked his hands into his sleeves, regarding her curiously. It was very easy to see her parents in her, though she favoured Kurenai-san more obviously. “And yes, Neji is perfectly fine, or Neji-san if you prefer, not much Hyuuga about me anymore.”

“You know huh?” she said, a small gentle smile remained in her face, of course. He lived in the time her parents used to, according to many tales, father wasn’t as subtle and mysterious as he intended to do. Regarding the hot cocoa, she shrugged, “Well, business is business?”

Mikoto had the grace to look embarrassed.

“Oh dear– I’m sorry. I was just a little distracted. Please, carry on. How much will all of these books be?”

Time passed them by so quickly. So much that it seemed miraculous to him that a living, breathing human being was rapidly developing inside of his wife.

Even more so when one considered the amount of preparing that the couple had to do. They were still in the process of acquiring furniture and appliances for their new home- and now they had to take the arrival of their child into account. A nursery had to be set up; items such as a stroller, a cot and clothing had to be bought; parenting books and classes… Both he and Ino had to learn as much as they could about the baby.

Four to six months did not seem sufficient at all.

Sighing, Itachi was about to turn away from the display -and at the same time, ignore the too welcoming image in his mind of small infant fingers reaching for his hand- when an eardrum-shattering shout shot from across the street. 

“!!”

Goodness. Had that screaming been absolutely necessary?

Even the stray cat a few feet away from him jumped into the air, its tail and fur positively on end. Shocked. Who could that possibly—

–Mirai. A wave of discomfort washed over him, a prickling heat on his cheeks following suit. He had caught sight of Mirai, and she appeared just as stunned as he was. 

So were passersby, evidently. Surrounding conversations had stalled, and the majority of those around them were peering at both Itachi and the young woman, curious.

“--Aish.” she hurried to bow in forgiveness towards the other people in her way towards the eldest man.

Perhaps, if she would have time to analyse the situation in a more calmly way, or perhaps if Ino-nee would’ve mentioned something, perhaps...she wouldn’t scream that loud...But this was not this situation. Somehow when figuring it out for oneself made the news even more shocking. 

Not like she could blame either of the couple, they must be having a hard time trying to figure out what to do. One way or another, babies was the most important job to do, and no one really prepared you for it.

“Heh… you’re cute,” she couldn’t help but say in response to the girl’s smile.

Whilst she was panicking, Ino noted that she wouldn’t be alone. Kurenai had the support of the rookies and Asuma’s team behind her- but Ino also had Itachi. Her ears burned at the thought of telling him the precious cargo she had acquired.

…

“Huh?” Ino looked up, blinking rapidly since she had been coming up with creative ways to try and tell Itachi the news. She hadn’t been paying attention to what the Sarutobi was saying.

In fact, she was forced to shake her head to get back to her reality and formulate her question correctly. She kneed to be on same level with the blonde, biting her lower lip in thought for a moment.

Crimson eyes stared back at blue ones, Ino-nee truly seemed happy, and even warmer ever since she had the chance to witness the blonde alongside her current husband. It was in that moment that Mirai understood, that was all that matter.

“...” The young woman looked at a side for a moment, before facing Ino once again and eventually offering a bright almost guilty grin.

Kanae didn’t know what to do. What did one do when in her situation? Cry? Yell? Become violent from rage? Her whole being in what felt like; in a blink of an eye, was gone. How could someone be okay with taking a part of a person? Perhaps Pandora sought to see their reaction to losing a part of themselves…

If that were the case then Pandora would get no such joy. Not from herself at the very least. If there was ever a time to keep her cool it would be now. Becoming enraged (no matter how much rage she felt) would not be getting her powers back, her identity back.

And so she puttered her was through the city, trying to find any kind of clue as to what was going on. With her eyes reaming, she did not witness the human being that she had ran into. Shoulder checking the yound woman caused her to drop her belongings. “Oh dear!” She exclaimed as she rushed to help the other woman. “I am terribly sorry! I must have been further in the clouds than I thought.”

She’d seen some familiar faces, but no signs of neither her mother of father. Did something happened? Where they not sent to this world, and if so-- what would happen to her father? Did he like-- Died again? 

“Aish” she exclaimed before letting go a loud sigh while looking back at the sky. Even it, was foreign.

Following the same streets and paths only for mere routine to accomplished. So bumping with someone really worked as an awakening. Mirai blinked surprised, and didn’t hesitated to help the young woman.

Winter had arrived, and just like it ought to be at his previous home, Pendulum City was a vision with delicate details of powder white.

For snow had fallen upon the metropolitan city, and Itachi daresay that it was a condition that agreed with Pendulum- especially once the shadow of night makes an appearance. With the combination of the city’s bright lights, high-rise buildings and snow, the environment created would make quite a picture.

But apparently, there existed one other that managed to so effectively draw his attention away from the effects of the season’s embrace. A cheerful shop that boasted warmth and light-hearted colours.

Pausing, Itachi’s breath chilled in the air, the Uchiha momentarily contemplating, hesitating before he finally turned, his gloved hands tucked quietly in his black coat pockets.

Just behind the frosted display window sat a variety of soft toys and mannequins dressed in clothing designed for toddlers and infants. … And further behind stood a section dedicated solely to the latter. Small t-shirts, pacifiers and strollers… Itachi blinked.

After buying quickly a hot latte, the young crimson eyed walked around, despise everything, the snow did seemed to decorate well the city. Specially with all the past festivities, the lights were what usually catch all of her attention.

Except the moment her crimson eyes could find a-- somewhat familiar figure, she’d to approach a bit more to fully identify. Yes. That was undoubtedly Ino-nee’s husband, at least the one from this world-- worlds, place and time. Mirai blew her beverage before taking another sip, her eyes staring back at him. 

Anyone could believe that she was judging but in reality, she was merely wondering. Questions like, how those two happened? Why did Ino-nee seemed a bit...happier (and better dressed up even)? What sort of man he truly was to be with her? Because in the end, no matter the records, a shinobi’s life was full of secrets.

When she finished with her inner questionnaire she realised something, why would he be looking on the toddlers section? The clothes and toys were just way too tiny. It wasn’t like-- Wait. If she recalled...that one time she met with Ino-nee she seemed very anxious, more than usual-- or anyone. Her arms spoke too, they were “...Protective?”.

Sometimes Neji forgot people weren’t used to the whole walking dead ordeal.

“Neji’s fine,” he said, pretending he didn’t read the subtext to her tone. He mulled over her name for a short moment of his own, however. Sarutobi Mirai…well assumptions did not always make an ass of one after all.

The crimson eyed shook her head, offering a small smile, “The honour is mine.” she replied calmly, taking by surprise of him requesting to be addressed just by his name.

“Ah-- Hot cocoa sounds good.” The weather’s been changing a lot after all, it definitely was the best option. The young woman hurried to follow Neji’s side before adding a bit hesitant. 

She heaved a sigh of relief, still feeling queasy but considerably less so than she had been without Mirai. That girl’s looks were as elegant as Kurenai’s, but her warmth, her reassurance… it was all Asuma. Ino could feel the little pricks of tears stab the corners of her eyes. Asuma would have reassured her just like this if he saw her in distress. He was always so good at knowing Ino’s heart, even though he donned a mask of cool and collected calm. She swallowed the lump rising in her throat and drank in the sight of his king.

This was the future…

Mirai’s crimson eyes, her warm smile and sagacious words. They were all the comfort she needed in this world to get back up on her feet.

“Hehe, you’re right. I can’t let a little thing like lack of my powers stop me!”

There.

Just for an instant, Ino seemed to lightened a bit, such reaction made the crimson eyed let go a sigh of relief, her smile turning smaller, yet it remained warm. That was until she finally came up with such optimism and confidence, in where her smile just turned into a nervous one.

Definitely the same Ino-nee, no matter how much people will argue with me later on.

A baby? A baby in this world? What was she meant to do with it?

“Perhaps it’s all a lie…” Ino thought. Quite reasonably so. This entire world was all fabricated, so why not this, small truth? Why not mess with her like this? How many times had the headmaster of Iwakiri stolen their powers or brought deceased loved ones to life?

“It’s all a lie.”

That was decided then.

She looked up to see- Kurenai? No. It was Mirai. Her daughter. Those eyes were exactly like Kurenai’s, though. Exceptionaly pretty, even without the familiar eyeshadow.

“Mirai?” Ino blinked, then offered her a very weak smile. “Eugh… I think so? I feel sick.”

That was the truth. She was clearly just sick and weakened from her power loss.

“This world is so weird. I didn’t expect- never mind.” Ino knew she wasn’t making sense, and wouldn’t, for quite some time.

Either way, a familiar face was a slight comfort.

But this.

This amount of anxiety, worrisome and nervousness was beyond something like that, specially coming from someone who’ve gone through this once before. Taking in a deep breath, Mirai offered a small, yet gentle smile before she kneed to be on the same eye level of the blonde.”Yeah. This world is weird, and I do know who you’re married to..." Invited to the wedding as a matter of fact.

It was in that moment she placed her hands over Ino’s shoulders, her smile still on her features. “...In this world, on in the other, in your time or mine, it doesn’t matter. Ino-nee is still the same Ino-nee. Strong willed, dependable, and above all kind.” she began to say calmly, crimson eyes turned gentler, “You’ve always been very smart, and the choices you make while they are different, they’re yours to take. There might be many questions, but it’s none of our business to interfere with your life, and what your heart desires...Besides I really trust your judgement.”

It was strange, to explain what she always felt while growing and trusted that was well known and therefore no need to say, but this was different.

Completely deplorable!

The former Ghost Princess simply refused to believe that this bullshit was happening to her. She had had her powers since she was a little girl, a cute little princess who dragged her own teddy bear around with her practically everywhere she went. She had gone through scraps, stormy, insane weather and blasted through dozens of battles without so much as breaking a sweat.

How the fuck did she lose everything so easily?

It just didn’t make a lick of sense.

So occupied that she was in her despair, Perona did not hear the gentle voice that called to her, asking for her attention. Instead, her shoulders continued to shake and big, fat tears continued to roll down her cheeks, the young woman not caring about how she had already alarmed numerous passersby.

It was only when she felt someone place a hand on her shoulder– that she stiffened, vision blurred and a touch of snot dripping down her nose.

Was that…? Turning, she peered through her tears, her nose scrunched up unattractively.

Hoping to be of any help, yeah things might look bad, since they were taken off their worlds and times, literally into another dimension, had a strange tattoo on their necks and lost all their powers, but one should stay positive.

The brunette shook her head, good thing the other was crying and allowed her to think before talking until--

“Ah...” Seems like she found a certain doppelganger’s friend, a very affected one, “I’m not Shisui, I’m Sarutobi Mirai.”

He didn’t stand though she herself did. Instead, he shook his head as he studied her. Shinobi posture, quick reflexes, very familiar red eyes. Almost as telling as his own, really. Neji didn’t know many Yuuhis, just the one really though…she had been heavily pregnant when he last saw her at home. He gave the girl an apraising look, and then shrugged off the thought.

Best not to assume, there were other Yuuhis after all, illusive or not.

“No,” he said, “you aren’t bothering me.” Which was somewhat surprising, actually, but Neji hadn’t been meditating, so being jerked out of his trance was hardly the rude surprise it could have been. Finally, he stood and gave her a shallow bow.

Feeling the young man’s stare deeply ...analysing her? Did made her a bit wary, for some reasons she’s been having that strange reaction on some people recently. All she could hope was to not be compared to the young Uchiha who she resembled a bit, as much as she cared of him as a partner in crime, it would be just the cherry on the cake.

Well, at least she wasn’t bothering, as the other bowed, the young woman returned along with a small relieved chuckle. Once he introduced himself, her own crimson eyes widened in surprise, and like that her smile banished. In her awe, her gaze turned gentler the more she stared, there was no doubt this must be the things that red haired woman must’ve talked about,