Whispers In The Dark | Naruto

› 02

Sparrow didn't know the first thing about raising a child. What was he supposed to feed her? How did he change a diaper without touching anything disgusting? When was he supposed to put her to sleep? Could he take her on missions?

In essence, he was a train wreak when it came to parenting. Not that he was ever going to be an actual parent, he was more of a guardian if anything, but when Sparrow was given a mission he intended to fulfill it to his best ability. It was how he was trained.

Now with news of the mother in a coma, who knows how long he'll be taking care of the child. He sat with legs crossed and Akita swaddled perfectly in a blue woolen blanket resting within his arms. The two stared at each other as if it were a contest, but it was Akita who blinked first. "Ha!" Sparrow shouted. "I win! You creepy little kid, you didn't stand a chance. I'll have you know people say I have the best stare out there. They call me 'staring sparrow.' " He boasted.

The yellow eyed child said nothing per usual. She just...watched him. "Stop staring at me." He deadpanned. A sigh deflated his lungs as his back arched in defeat. "You don't speak a lot, do you? I guess that's a good trait to have if you're gonna be a ninja—which you aren't." He said. "But it's not my say whether or not you become one, it's up to Hokage-sama."

With the way things were heading, politically and generally, more and more children were going to be recruited as young soldiers. War was coming, it was clear to see. At least in Sparrow's eyes it was. Relations with other shinobi countries had always been delicate. With the Land of Fire blazing brightly, it was a matter of time before those who felt intimidated by the flame would try to snuff it out.

Every able body was to be a soldier dedicated to protecting the Village Hidden in Leaves. It didn't matter how old you were or what gender you were, it was to be a drafting on such a large scale that it seemed impossible. But faith was something to behold, if every single ninja felt the need to protect the village they would be a force unstoppable.

Sparrow lifted himself off the ground with a small huff and walked over to the kitchen. It was time to feed Akita—the one thing he was actually sure he could do without asking a local mom for help. Babies drink milk for months right? The male opened his refrigerator and grabbed a pre-prepared bottle. To warm it up he put it in the microwave, waiting patiently for it to finish.

For a moment, he wondered how Akita would grow as a citizen of the village. He hated to admit it, but her darker skin was going to be a topic of bullying sooner or later. The Village Hidden in Leaves was generally a safe and welcoming place, but when it came to people who were too different, it could become quite the opposite. Sparrow wouldn't allow that to happen but he had no power to stop an entire village. He could teach Akita to defend herself, though.

"Akita...you probably don't understand a single word I'm saying right now, but I'm going to say it anyways. Always be kind. Never, never hurt other people, even if they hurt you. Got it?"

He stared down at the child cradled in his arms intently, as if he were going to get an answer. She merely smiled and wiggled around. Sparrow shook his head and chuckled under his breath. "Right, you can't speak yet."

He carried on the normal tasks required to take care of a child until he was summoned to the Hokage's office. The male quickly slid on his mask and scooped the child in his arms, using a common transportation jutsu to appear in his office. " Hokage-sama, you requested me?" He asked from a kneeling position.

The young man that retained such a high title removed the brown and gold pipe from his mouth, parting his lips to let a cloud of smoke drift in the air. "Yes. How has Akita been doing, Sparrow? Anything odd popping up?" He inquired. Sparrow shook his head, "nothing too concerning, Hokage-sama. The child—"