Chapter 1: Blue Jay in the Blue Sky

The Blue Jay represents Clarity. When you dream of a blue jay flying
in a pure blue sky above you, you are deliberately letting something eat
away at your spirit and ultimately, your soul.

Thirteen years.

Thirteen years of nothing but pitch black nothingness. By now, he had forgotten what most colors looks like. All he remembered was red, yellow, blue, orange, black, white, gray and purple. But he managed to keep it a secret. He didn't want to be forced into retirement because of his handicap. It won't stop him—and it never will.

The only people who knew was the Sandaime, Itachi and Shikamaru. But he expected it to happen. The Nara was smart. But now, he was the only one who knew, because the Sandaime died almost three years ago to Orochimaru of the Sannin and Itachi left.

Turns out, Sasuke Uchiha sought power from Orochimaru to avenge his family while his loyalty and heart remained in the Konoha. He figured out Orochimaru had a relation to the massacre and ended up killing the Sannin. So he was back, and slowly all the pieces were being glued back together.

He felt like Sasuke was finally noticing his secret of blindness. He was bound to find out sooner or later—the Uchiha noticeably sharpened over the years and now he was the second sharpest pencil in the cup.

But he was the first, despite his "obliviousness"—or so people claimed. He wore a mask of emotions. He practiced and practiced and practiced his smile. But for thirteen years, he could never smile.

Not since he was blinded, anyway. He was only three when it had happened. It just brought shivers, and he would cast it away deep within his mind. After his eighth birthday, he could never truly smile.

His father-like figure...he turned traitor and he left Konoha...and Naruto all alone.

Looking up to the blue sky, the boy saw a blue jay soaring overhead. It's claws were clamping together. It was almost as if it was clawing away at something...

But what?

"Yes! Finally an A-rank mission!" Naruto exclaimed. He grinned and jumped from foot to foot in excitement as well as anticipation.

Tsunade inwardly smiled. It was hard to catch him in such a cheery mood. "Yup, all of Team 7 will be participating, including Sasuke."

"Even better..." he grinned. But it disappeared. "So, what's the mission?"

"You have to escort a B-rank missing shinobi from here to Sunagakure," she explained. "Normally, I would put this as a C-rank mission. But others are after him because of his kekkei genkai."

Naruto nodded. "Okay."

Inwardly, he was frowning. Tsunade called him individually. Something wasn't right, and it was starting to bother him. Not to mention, he felt four pairs of eyes observing him. Usually there were supposed to be only two ANBU in the office watching over the Hokage.

Wonder what she's trying...? Naruto wondered.

His thoughts were interrupted when Tsunade sighed. "Inform the rest of Team 7. You are dismissed."

Naruto nodded. "Sure thing." He disappeared in a blur, but he hid his presence and sharpened his hearing on eavesdropping. He listened as the 4 ANBU climbed out of the ceiling, landing in front of Tsunade's desk.

"So? What do you think?" she questioned. "You said something was bothering him—did that help figure it out, even if it was just a little?"

"Tsunade-sama, I thought you pieced it all together," a voice stated. It was Yamato's. "Out of all the documents you have ever handed to him, he didn't even spare a glance. Not to mention, his eyes stare at nothing when someone is right in front of him or having a conversation. I have witnessed it, and so has Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi."

"And you're implying that he could be blind?" she suggested.

"It's possible," Shikaku stated. "But seeing as he manages perfectly fine, I'd say he's been blind his whole life. You should probably look into his medical history records and discuss this matter."

Tsunade sighed. "I guess..." but her voice trailed off when she noticed something wince outside over her window. Once her eyes landed on the thing, it disappeared.

"Tsunade-sama?" Yamato said. "May I go on the mission he was assigned?"

She glanced at him. "What's your reason? Don't forget, five is a big group for shinobi."

He nodded his understanding. "I understand that, but I want to observe how he copes with his disability."

"I guess I can put Kakashi on another mission. You can take his place," the Hokage suggested. Her hazel eyes glanced at him. "You are all dismissed."

Review, please. Critics are welcome. :3